Smart, sleek and streamlined: Here’s how the latest wearable tech can help keep you healthy

By Jenni Binford, RN.

Stylish, flexible and washable, wearable tech can now track heart rate, breathing, temperature, sleep cycles, oxygen and activity levels.

This article is reprinted with permission from NextAvenue.org.

If you haven’t heard of wearable health technology, you’ll be surprised at how many body measurements can be recorded on a watch or ring. It started with the Fitbit, the well-known pioneering wearable band created in 2007 to track steps; In later years, new models integrated the body’s heart rate, sleep cycle, and stress responses.

These wearable devices aren’t getting “bigger and better” – they’re more stylish and discreet. As with the evolution of smartphones, next-generation wearable technology is about slimness and streamlining.

“For wearables, flexibility, stretchability and washability are key requirements,” says Dr. Veena Misra in a two-part article for WebMD. The current design for all wearables has a hard outer skin and doesn’t move seamlessly with the body.

The better the connection between skin and surface, the more accurate the readings. A wearable health monitor must move with the body and not create gaps or friction. Sweat and temperature changes can alter measurements; Some devices are less accurate than others.

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Trackers vs Smartwatches

A tracker like the Fitbit measures movement and activity levels. It measures speed, gait, and duration of exercise, and tracks various exercises such as running, cycling, yoga, and weightlifting.

A smartwatch connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and has all the tracking capabilities like the Fitbit does with smartphone apps and connections.

Text messaging and phone calls can be made up to 30 feet away using the dial with the phone. Additionally, some watches and Fitbit can measure and track blood pressure throughout the day.

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The latest wearable technology

Health and fitness tracking can now be done with a ring. The Oura Ring is a sophisticated vital sign tracking device with over 20 tracking functions.

The data collected with this ring creates a “readiness score” that indicates the general well-being of the wearer. The ring collects and sends data on heart rate, respiration, temperature, sleep cycles, oxygen and activity levels.

These advances in health technology allow the wearer to monitor the body’s overall health in real time by uploading it directly to an app on a smartphone. The readiness score is between 0-100 and is given every morning after measuring the sleep cycle.

The Oura Ring can distinguish between sleep patterns by noting REM sleep and time spent in restful sleep. With the Readiness Score you can better plan your day.

The ring sends messages to the app on your phone, e.g. B. “Looks like you got a good night’s sleep last night, try pushing yourself a little harder today” or “Your resting heart rate average shows you didn’t sleep well last night. take it easy today.”

Sleep quality, heart and breathing rates, temperature and oxygen levels are important factors when measuring the readiness score. In addition, the wearer can monitor their body’s response to exercise, set measurable goals, and be informed of success in achieving those goals.

When the Readiness stat is lower, rest periods and other adjustments can be made to maintain optimal health. The Oura ring claims it can “tell you when you might get sick, sometimes even before you start showing symptoms”.

Temperature monitoring is essential for women’s health to keep a close eye on their ovulation cycles. Kaylee, a woman in her early 30s, bought an Oura ring specifically for temperature reading when predicting ovulation.

“I found the Oura ring temperature more accurate to predict my cycles. When I check my temperature myself and record the daily readings, there are so many factors that can change the result.” She adds that it’s easy to see when ovulation is expected and helps with fertility issues and pregnancy planning.

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Who Wears Wearables?

A 2020 study in Pubmed showed that nearly 30% of US adults wear health tracking devices. The demographics of this group tended to be younger, tech-savvy, active, middle- and upper-class Americans.

Cost can be an issue; The best technology is expensive, and the latest Apple (AAPL) watch costs $400 to $800. In comparison, the latest Oura ring costs $350 to $550 depending on the material.

A study presented at the 2022 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions reported that people who need wearable health devices like smartwatches and resistance bands are using them less often.

“We must ensure wearable devices reach the people who need them most by improving equitable access and promoting wearables as health devices to improve health and reduce health disparities,” said study lead author Lovedeep S Dhingra, a postdoctoral fellow from the Yale School of Medicine.

See also: Are you fit for your age or are you frail? Here’s how to find out

The extensive capabilities of wearable technology help to monitor fitness levels and sleep cycle and provide important information about the cardiovascular system. For example, the ability to track blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and blood oxygen levels can provide early warning signs of an illness or chronic condition.

This technology reports physical well-being and responses, allowing people to better understand the complexities of the human body and the effects of exercise, sleep patterns, daily activities and life stressors.

Jenni Binford, RN, is a Nursing Author with over 30 years of patient care experience. She is passionate about writing health content that encourages readers to live their best life. Their website is JBinfordRNwriter.com

This article is reprinted with permission from NextAvenue.org, (c)2023 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. All rights reserved.

-Jenni Binford, RN

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3/28/23 0501ET

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