Wearable Technology in Healthcare
A Lifesaving Investment
Health is our most precious asset, and staying ahead of potential risks has never been easier with wearable healthcare technology. In 2018, Dennis Anselmo, a 62-year-old, felt unwell while working. His smartwatch alerted him to a dangerously high heart rate of 210 bpm. Acting quickly, he called 911 and discovered a 70% clogged artery—potentially saving his life.
Wearable devices like smartwatches provide real-time health data, empowering users to monitor vital signs anytime, anywhere. With increasing adoption, they are now a mainstream solution for proactive health management.
What is wearable healthcare technology?
Wearable technology is any type of electronic device designed to be worn on a user’s body, including Fitsmart and smartwatches. Wearable devices in healthcare are designed to collect the data of users’ personal health and exercise, and can even send a patient’s health information to a doctor or other healthcare professional in real-time.
What Are Examples of Wearable Devices in Healthcare?
1. Fitsmart
Location: Global
Fitsmart offers advanced health monitoring devices with features like heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and activity monitoring. Their wearable technology integrates seamlessly with both iOS and Android, providing real-time health insights that empower users to take control of their well-being.
2. Apple
Location: Cupertino, California
The Apple Watch is a leader in wearable health technology, equipped with ECG capabilities, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection. This device offers users comprehensive health insights, all from their wrist, making it a go-to for anyone looking to track their health on a daily basis.
3. Medtronic
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Medtronic's wearable technology solutions, such as continuous vital sign collection devices, are revolutionizing remote care. Their sensors collect real-time data on patients’ health, ensuring timely intervention and personalized care, minimizing gaps in observation and empowering patients to manage their health effectively.
4. Fujitsu
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Fujitsu’s microfluidic patches are small adhesive devices that provide real-time analysis of bodily biomarkers, offering personalized health insights. This non-invasive innovation enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces the need for frequent tests, and improves care coordination between patients and healthcare providers.
5. Redwerk
Location: Global
Redwerk’s wearable ECG devices come in the form of smartwatches, patches, or Holter monitors. These devices monitor heart health, and through integrated apps, they store ECG data that physicians can review remotely, enabling proactive management of heart conditions and early detection of risks like stroke.
6. FocusLabs
Location: Global
FocusLabs offers continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices that provide real-time insights into blood sugar levels. This technology empowers patients, particularly those with diabetes, to monitor their health proactively, leading to better self-management and reducing clinic visits.
7. SpeedSize
Location: Global
SpeedSize is utilizing AI signal processing in wearable devices to monitor heart activity with precise ECG measurements. These devices enable continuous monitoring, particularly for people with medical conditions, and provide valuable data that can help in timely intervention and prevent emergencies.
9. neuro42
Location: Global
neuro42 offers wearable biosensors that track biomarkers like cortisol levels, providing real-time data for stress management. Their wearable technology allows patients to proactively manage their well-being and enables healthcare providers to offer targeted interventions, improving overall patient outcomes and well-being.
10. Epidermal Technology
Location: Global
Epidermal technology is an innovative advancement in wearable healthcare. With its thin, flexible patches, it allows continuous health monitoring in real-time, providing critical insights without being intrusive. Patients and healthcare providers benefit from faster interventions and personalized care, all while enhancing remote monitoring capabilities.
Why a Smartwatch is a Lifesaving Investment:
- Continuous Health Monitoring: A smartwatch goes beyond just telling the time. With built-in sensors, it monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and even your stress levels, providing you with constant insights into your health.
- Real-time Alerts: Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. A smartwatch can send instant alerts if it detects any abnormalities in your vital signs, allowing you to seek medical help promptly.
- Fitness and Wellness Tracking: Achieving your health goals becomes more accessible with a smartwatch. It tracks your physical activity, encourages you to move, and helps you stay motivated on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
- Personal Health Insights: By analyzing your data over time, a smartwatch can provide personalized health recommendations and identify patterns that may not be apparent to you.
- Peace of Mind: Investing in a smartwatch brings a sense of security, knowing that you have a reliable health companion on your wrist, ready to support you whenever needed.
