When you think of technology, health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. After all, tech is all about gadgets and gizmos, right? But the truth is, there’s a strong relationship between tech and health; we will explore this relationship in this article.
Technology and health
For starters, technology can help us keep track of our health. Think about all the ways you use your smartphone to stay healthy: from tracking your steps to monitoring your heart rate to logging what you eat. All of this data can be really helpful in managing your health and keeping on track with your fitness goals.
But technology isn’t just helpful for individuals; it can also be used to improve public health on a larger scale. For example, big data analytics can be used to identify patterns in disease outbreaks or track the spread of infectious diseases. This information can then be used to develop better treatments and prevention strategies.
Technology can also be used to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. For instance, apps now allow you to consult with a doctor online or get prescriptions delivered to your door. And telemedicine is being used to provide care to rural communities that might not otherwise have access to it.
So, as you can see, the relationship between tech and health is vital. And it’s only going to become stronger in the years to come. So if you’re looking to improve your health, remember the role that technology can play.
Next, let’s discuss some specific ways that technology can be used to improve health.
6 Ways to use tech for good
Stimulating the vagus nerve with a handheld device
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a far more accessible and less invasive option than ever, thanks to handheld VNS devices, including Xen by Neuvana. These devices allow users to stimulate the vagus nerve through the ear with special headphones. As for why this is beneficial for health purposes? Well, the vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body and is responsible for a variety of functions, including heart rate, digestion, and mood!
Evidence suggests that VNS can help reduce inflammation, improve mental health, and even treat conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. In addition, many users report better sleep, a brighter mood, faster recovery, and a number of other wellness benefits.
So there’s no doubt VNS is a promising technology area with the potential to improve a wide range of health conditions or overall well-being.
Using tech to stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for all kinds of reasons – from maintaining energy levels to flushing out toxins. But let’s be honest, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day. That’s where technology comes in!
Now, many apps and devices can help you stay on top of your hydration. For example, there’s the Hidrate Spark 2.0 water bottle, which tracks how much water you’re drinking and syncs with your phone to give you reminders. There’s also the Plant Nanny app, which lets you track your water intake and even care for a virtual plant as motivation to drink up!
With all of these options, there’s no excuse not to stay hydrated. So if you want to improve your health, ensure you’re getting enough H2O.
Get active with a fitness tracker
Another way to use technology to improve your health is to get active with a fitness tracker. Fitness trackers are wearable devices that track your activity level and provide you with feedback on how many steps you’ve taken, how many calories you’ve burned, and so on. This information can be beneficial in motivating you to stay active and reach your daily step goals. And there are now various fitness trackers available, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs.
Monitor your heart rate with a wearable device
Many people also use technology to improve their health by monitoring their heart rate with a wearable device. Wearable devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit Charge 2 can track your heart rate 24/7 and send alerts if it detects something abnormal. This information can be really helpful in managing your cardiovascular health and spot potential problems early.
Log your food intake with an app
Another way to use technology to improve your health is to log your food intake with an app. There are a number of apps available that allow you to track what you eat, how many calories you’re consuming, and so on. This information can be really useful for managing your weight and ensuring you’re getting the nutrients you need.
Track your sleep with an app or wearable device
Finally, another way to use technology to improve your health is to track your sleep with an app or wearable device. Sleep is vital for overall health, but it can be challenging to get enough quality sleep. Several apps and devices are available that can help you track your sleep patterns and get better sleep. One common example is the Fitbit Charge 2. It tracks your sleep and provides feedback on how well you sleep. There’s also the Sleep Cycle app, which tracks your sleep and wakes you up at the best time based on your sleep cycle.
Final thoughts
As we’ve seen, technology can be an excellent tool for improving health. So whether you’re looking to stay hydrated, get active, or monitor your sleep, there’s a tool out there that can help. If you’re looking to live a healthier life, make sure to take advantage of all the tech tools available to you! Remember to use them in moderation. After all, too much of anything is never good.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
