Wearable Health Devices
A wearable health device is device
that someone puts on their body to record data. This device will monitor and collect
data as the person wears it throughout their day. These devices can track your
heart rate, sleep, blood pressure, oxygen, temperature and even your stress
level. Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, Owlet, Wearable ECGs and an Oura Ring is all
examples of a wearable health device.
In April of
2015, the Apple Watch officially came out. This was Apple’s best-selling
wearable device. This device you can track your steps, heart rate, sleep, blood
and oxygen levels. This device will check to see if you are having unusually high
or low heart rates. If you fall, and do not get back up, the watch will detect
it and will call for help. There is also a cycle tracking app that allows women
to track their menstrual cycles. Since the watch connects to your phone you can
also make or receive calls and text messages on it.
The
Samsung Galaxy Watch is similar to the Apple Watch. It tracks your heart rate,
sleep, activity and oxygen levels. I have a Samsung Galaxy Watch, and it will send
me a notification when I need to start moving. In February 2024, the Samsung
Galaxy Health Monitor app became the first app to detect sleep apnea. In order
for it to detect sleep apnea, you have to wear the watch to bed for two nights
in a row. When you are sleeping, it will
monitor your breathing patterns. It will use the sensors that are built into
the watch to look for breathing disruptions.
The first
wearable device for infants was the Owlet Smart Sock. It was released in
October 2015. This sock is designed for infants 0-18 months of age. This
wearable device can give parents a peace of mind by tracking different things
with their baby. It tracks heart rate, oxygen, noise, room temperatures, wakings,
and movements to determine if the baby is getting good quality sleep. This
device does require an app to view all of the data it collects. If the Owlet
Sock detects issues, it will notify you through the Owlet Dream App and the
Base Station.
A wearable
ECGs is a device that can measure the electrical activity of your heart. If any
abnormalities or defects are detected, it will notify you. This device can be a sensor that is part of
your smartwatch, clothing or a patch that sticks to your skin. People with
heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, athletes, and pregnant women are
just some of the few people that can use them.
Wearable health devices are
emerging fast by advancements in the sensors, and artificial intelligence. Some
of the emerging devices is smart clothing, smart contact lenses, and E-
tattoos. The monitoring is becoming more accurate, which will help healthcare
professions view real time data, help with early intervention and diagnosing.
They are improving the design and comfort of wearable health devices. They are
making them more discreet and comfortable for everyone.
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