Can smartwatches help improve your health? Find out how wearable devices are used to track health.
Every morning, Brandi Andrade puts on a device called OsteoBoost, which vibrates to simulate the effects of high-impact exercise and helps her bones grow and strengthen. She has osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. OsteoBoost is one of many wearable health devices designed to help people monitor and manage their health. Wearable health devices have been around for years, with eyeglasses and portable ECG devices being early examples. Today, thanks to technological advances, these devices have become smaller and smarter. For instance, smartwatches not only tell time but also count steps, monitor heart rate, track calories burned, and record sleep hours. Studies have shown that using these devices can help people achieve health and fitness goals. For example, one study found that participants who wore Fitbits took nearly 2,000 more steps per day and had lower blood pressure. Increasing evidence suggests that wearables have potential in detecting and managing health conditions. For instance, the Apple Watch can detect irregular heartbeats and alert users to see a doctor. While the accuracy and data privacy of these devices need further research, they have already shown positive effects in raising health awareness and encouraging active lifestyles.