Wearable Health Tech Part 2

Wearable technology such as FitBits and smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular in society and there is no sign that the trend of wearable health tech is going to slow down. The number of people that want to monitor their own health is growing with more than 80 percent of consumers willing to wear fitness or health technology. The demand has created a booming market and companies and insurers alike are beginning to understand the benefit of supplying wearable health technology.

Most wearable devices in health care collect the data of the users’ personal exercise and health. The sensors track physical health and heart rate and can be synced to various phone apps. Popular wearable tech has expanded into much more cutting edge consumer electronics in recent years with products that are much more capable than the original smartwatch.

There are a plethora of benefits that come with wearable healthcare technology. For instance, often, hospitals are charged penalty fees if there is an excess of readmissions for certain patients, such as people with heart failure. However, when providers begin utilizing these remote monitoring tools they can often reduce the cost of managing chronic conditions.

Here are a few of the new and emerging wearable medical devices.

WELT Smart Belt Pro

A fall is not dangerous for the average person, however, when an elderly person or someone with health problems falls they may not be able to get up on their own. The WELT Smart Belt Pro can help combat the dangers of a fall by analyzing the walking patterns of the wearer and detecting any risks before a fall actually takes place.

The belt has sensors built in to analyze a person’s gait. The technology measures the walking speed and can tell when it grows inconsistent or there is abnormal symmetry. The data can that is collected can then be shared through smartphones to the patient’s caretakers. Welt Smart Belts look like regular leather belts and can fit any outfit without even looking like a medical device. This product can help a wearer with an unstable gait who is at a heightened risk of a fall and warn those helping the patient.

Philips NightBalance

Sleep apnea is a very common condition that affects millions of people. It is linked to hypertension, memory problems, and heart disease. Royal Philips’ has a new alternative to the traditional CPAP mask. The NightBalance is a soft, wearable device that is worn across the chest of the user when they go to sleep.

The device is wireless and connects to an app that monitors use. NightBalance works by giving off a vibration that alerts the user when they should change their sleep position. It also gives both the patient and the provider access to the data through a cloud-based system.

Biosensors

Many companies are creating wearable biosensors, which provide health monitoring of patients, athletes, and anyone who needs long-term care. One of the most popular wearable biosensors is a self-adhesive patch by Philips’. It allows the wearer to move around normally while data such as their heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate are monitored. These devices can help with the prevention and control of one’s personal health.

This blog was originally published on Thomas Looby’s website.