These devices are super helpful in identifying and alerting people of an impending medical problem, or in some cases identifying the current dire problem, bringing invaluable time to the person at risk.
Never before in human history has it been possible to self-track our bodies and their performance. When managed properly, it has the potential to provide some of the most valuable health information to each and every individual when it matters most.
These devices will provide the best method of aiding people in monitoring and recognizing what is going on inside our bodies, providing the much-needed window into our health. In the case of my uncle who almost lost his life, it could have not only given him notice about what he was experiencing, but also identified what issues were present so that he was able to seek for the appropriate help in a swift timeline which was impossible up until now.
Many people are familiar with ECG, which measures heart rate and function. Driven by soaring demand, the ability of wearable devices to detect and measure heart rate to provide reliable and accurate information has hit a new high. Initially these devices were largely inaccurate, and provided baseline information. Now, with better sensors and processing, these devices are capable of much more. This has led to more precise information concerning heart function which can be relayed to the device user, which can provide real time data information as well as recognize values outside the user’s typical range, thereby identifying the early onset of potentially numerous medical problems.
Not only can wearable devices like watches provide invaluable information about cardiac functioning, but they can also detect when the wearable user has fallen, and even call 911. Falling accidents by older people account for an increased number of medical problems resulting from concussions or bone fractures, and even in some cases, fatalities. Getting proper help swiftly and without relying on conscious decision-making can aid in reducing the risks of further medical decline as the result of an accidental fall.
I don’t think it is disputable that wearable technology devices such as these provide invaluable information which support good and sustained health. The trouble is that incredible technology like this is so powerful, but also difficult to use, let alone configure and maintain.
With excellent technology comes requirements to be provided by the user. If the user isn’t aware of how to enable these life-saving functions, from inputting certain criteria or setting up their device to call for help when they fall, or even monitoring their walking during certain times of the day in particular, what is the point? There is a point where the technology must rely on the user to establish the boundaries and use cases the user desires.
So, how are we going to bridge this gap?
This is where my nonprofit TechIT will provide the most value. By empowering users through informing them of valuable technology that is available today, and that they can use today to potentially save their lives – even today! – I can see the incredible void that underserved and under informed populations can derive from TechIT training. User training is the answer to the best success in device utility. Also, keeping your device functioning in the manner it is supposed to operate is no easy feat in itself! This includes keeping the device performing at its optimum, which also may involve periodic software updates. This is our new powerful tech world, and for us to take advantage of all of these incredible wonderful technologies, we will need to be informed about what tools are available to aid us to maximize the enjoyment of our lives.
Complex technology is here. We need it. And, we can definitely make it work for us, but the only way we can make this happen is not only to train the devices, but also to train the users. We will continually grow and will only become more functional and successful humans with the support of nonprofits like TechIT supporting users in their use cases.
I’m ready to help inform, fix, train, configure, and grow knowledge to all those who deserve and need to have it now for their best lives.
