Tech Notes: Have we Reached the Tipping Point?

 

 

We hear a lot about the dangers of technology and how it is responsible for us leading a more sedentary life.

But tech is also intersecting into many areas of our life in order to improve it.

Read on for some ways that technology is helping us improve our health and well-being.

 

Fitness trackers

There is an endless array of fitness trackers on the market now. They connect to your smart device, download your data into an app allowing you to track everything from your weight your food intake, to how many step you have walked in a day.

You can see this in graphical form, so it makes it even easy to judge how you are progressing with your fitness plan. The great thing about the trackers that they update you on your progress through the day and remind you to do more exercise if you need to.

My Garmin reminds me to move at preset increments and allows me to view a leaderboard to see how I’m measuring up against my friends (which is perfect as I’m pretty competitive.)

 

Calorie counter

You can also get separate food diaries and calorie counting apps for your phone/tablet. They help you track what you have consumed from one day to the next while still quickly being able to work out the calorific content of anything you are eating during that meal.

You can set a daily target and track whether you are meeting your goals. It can help with weight loss as it gives you a sense of accountability and makes you carefully consider what you’re about to eat (when you’re going to have to put it into the app!) 

 

Period Tracker

While some women are lucky and have very regular periods, those that don’t can benefit from a period tracking app. Here you can record your cycle and any symptoms you’re experiencing.

This allows you to track when you menstrual and ovulation cycles are next expected and plan accordingly. Its also an excellent way of being able to tell quickly if anything is off with your cycle, like it being late.

 

Doctors App

Another way tech can help to improve our health is the subscription private health services that are now available.

This means you can speak to a doctor by video call, instead of struggling to get an appointment at your local office during a more worrisome bout that doesn’t require an actual ER visit. 

Some services also offer confidential therapy session via video call. This is a great way for someone to have resources like these within the privacy of their own homes. 

 

Kegel Tracker

A slightly more unusual application for technology and health is the smart phone ready kegel exerciser. This device designed to exercise the pelvic muscles is able to sync with the app on your iPhone.

For all of the pregnant ladies (or those recovering) this means you can track your progress and make your that you are getting the most efficient workout possible as directed by your gynecologist. 

 

Mole checker

Lastly, a real technological life saver is the mole checker app. With this, you can use your smart device to take photos of your moles to log any changes that occur.

You can even send them to a qualified dermatologist for review and advice. This is one of the most intelligent and useful way of using technology to improve our health.

 

What are your thoughts, are we too dependent on technology?

 

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