Farewell to 2014 and hello to 2015. The technology sector has had its ups and downs for the year. However, the health sector has capitalized on the ups to come out successful in the development of wearable health technology. These gadgets are known to perform a wide range of functions that would have earlier needed the expertise of a doctor. With these devices, you can personally monitor your own health at your own convenience. 2015 is bound to have a lot more to offer. This is due to the constant advancement in the technology sector. Below are just but a few of what you should expect to see.
As close as it gets to the brain
When it comes to wearable health technology, most devices are either worn on the wrist or clipped on to something. However, this is relatively far from the brain which just happens to be the receiver and the dispatcher of information. Advancement in the tech sector has seen the development of wearable that can be worn either on the earlobe or in the periphery of the ear. These wearables are said quite accurate in their data collection. This can be attributed to the fact that the ear is near the brain thus receiving precise data. Devices in this field are normally known to perform one if not all of the following functions, monitoring the blood pressure, respiration rate and heart rate amongst others. Good examples of such a gadget include the IriverOn and the FreeWavz.
Biosensor strip: the sweat sensor
Sweat is one of the ways in which the body talks. The amount of sweat produced, acidity of the test, frequency of the sweating and other aspects of sweat are all important factors that need to be considered when determining the health of a person. The use of biosensors will enable individuals to gain access to their internal body information. The sweat sensors are placed at the back of a wearable gadget allowing it to have direct contact with the skin. In turn, this enables the sensors to use the metabolism residue to analyze the wearer’s health. The sweat sensors go beyond the usual step counting to give detailed information on your body and how it relates to your workout routine.
Medical smartphone cases
Smartphones are a common sight. Due to their delicate nature, smartphone cases have also become equally popular amongst both smartphone and feature phone users. These mobile phone cases have a main objective of safeguarding the phone or tablet from damage such as during falls, bumps and in some cases, contact with water and dust. The question left to be asked now is, “Why protect your phone when you cannot protect yourself?”
Well, the health sector is seeking to venture into the smart gadget market to make smartphone cases that also perform medical tests. These cases should be able to monitor and measure numerous medical conditions that would in normal cases require a visit to the doctor. The first ever such like device is the iPhone case known as the AliveCor. Being FDA approved, they collect data about an individual’s heart rate.
Get it only by prescription
Smartphones are the in thing now and the App Stores are growing larger and larger. Of the apps in these stores, health apps have a significant number. In the near future, health apps may require a subscription before anyone can use them. Some of the health apps such as the WellDoc’s BlueStar have already begun rendering their services at a prescription fee. This app is used by individuals with type 2 diabetes. Individuals key in their data on various aspects of their condition such as diet and exercise and leave the analysis to the app. The app then displays its analysis to the user and gives guidelines based on the findings. Having a subscription only app is not as easy as it sounds. It must go through the FDA approval, clinical testing, and insurance amongst other aspects that may affect the client as well as the business. Many other health apps dealing with chronic condition therapy are expected to follow suit.
Light it up the healthier way
We have all at one point or another experienced that inability to look away from a shining object. In this case, our attention is always drawn to our televisions, smartphones, computers and tablets. We are just unable to turn away from the screen. So, why is this so? If you pay great attention to your screen, you will notice that the light produced is blue. This blue light which forms a section of the light spectrum was discovered to have an impact on the body. This impact is felt through the change in the internal circadian rhythm. The result of this is the disruption of the sleep pattern as well as negative health impacts such as heart conditions and stroke among others.
In 2015, it is anticipated that there will be more research carried out on the effects of artificial light on health. As a result, we should expect to see more innovative ideas directed towards combating these problems. These steps are aimed at improving the overall environment especially that of hospitals and other medical care institutions. The balance of lighting both during the day and at night is very important.
