Photo Credit: ShutterstockTaking care of our health has become more important and challenging than ever before. We are constantly exposed to various factors that can jeopardize our well-being, making it essential to have devices that can monitor our vital parameters. Fortunately, in this technologically advanced era, there is a wide range of wearable medical devices available to consumers. These devices offer a revolutionary solution, transforming the way we take care of ourselves. In fact, you might already own one of these devices without even realizing it.

Defining Wearable Medical Devices

Is an Apple Watch sitting on your wrist at all times? That is a prime example of a wearable medical device. Though your primary purpose of owning one might not be to track your heart rate or the calories you burn while on your daily run, it still encompasses all things that define a wearable medical device. A wearable medical device is defined as a small object that has sensors, software, and other technologies that connect to various devices and systems through the internet and communication networks.

These devices, including the Apple Watch, establish data exchange with relevant networks, facilitating the early identification of potentially life-threatening diseases. For instance, an Apple Watch tracks essential metrics such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, sleep duration, and respiratory rate. Other devices like the Fitbit Charge, VR headsets, and even smart jewelry serve similar roles in tracking and monitoring vital parameters. The choice of which device to wear ultimately depends on personal preferences.

The Health Benefits of Wearable Technology

1. Body temperature: Wearable devices can indicate changes in temperature beyond set levels, serving as an early warning sign for fever, infection, or other causes.
2. Calories: For fitness enthusiasts, wearable devices make it easier to monitor the number of calories burned by the body, aiding in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
3. Blood pressure: Monitoring both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels is crucial for maintaining heart health. Wearable devices can detect changes in blood pressure associated with conditions like angina, stroke, and high cholesterol, providing valuable insights to prevent life-threatening events.
4. Heart rate and breathing rate: Wearable devices allow you to track your heart and lung functions during exercise, ensuring these vital parameters remain within a safe zone and reducing the need for emergency hospital admissions.

By leveraging wearable technology, you can take a proactive approach to your health, gaining real-time insights and receiving timely interventions when necessary. Embracing these devices empowers you to manage your well-being more effectively and improve overall health outcomes.