Sleep tracking: more than just counting sheep
For most people, the mysteries of sleep remain just that – a mystery. However, for our lead researcher, Dr. Meskó, it was an enigma waiting to be solved. Read about our deep dive into sleep measurement here and how we analyzed sleep quality in detail here. Let me paint a picture for you:
Imagine a week where one morning you’re buzzing with energy after a mere 6-hour sleep, and then another day you’re dragging your feet despite getting a full 8 hours. Baffling, isn’t it? With the significance of sleep on our health, cognitive capabilities, and overall well-being, Dr. Meskó took it upon himself to embark on a six-month-long sleep experiment. This was complemented by a week-long exploration of various sleep tracking apps and sensors.
Now, having toyed with a myriad of devices, Dr. Meskó found his perfect sleep companions in a Withings watch and an under-mattress sensor from the same company. This combination offers detailed and cross-checked data, ensuring both accuracy and reliability.
However, the pièce de résistance, the feature that truly transforms your daily life, is the smart sleep alarm. Why, you ask? Well, as we’ve discussed in our deep dive into smart sleep alarms, it wakes you up during a light sleep phase. Over time, with consistent use, you’ll find yourself naturally waking up from this phase, leading to fresher mornings and more energized days.
Complex genetic counseling: more than just a test
When delving into the world of genetics, it’s not merely the test that’s the highlight. True, the rapid advancements in the realm of genome sequencing have garnered much excitement and attention (you can read about the potential of cheap genome sequencing here), but the real treasure lies in what follows: the insights garnered from genetic counseling.
Dr. Meskó’s exploration paints this vividly: “The results unraveled a wealth of knowledge about my physiology and tendencies. I discerned the medications that would cause side effects and was enlightened about certain behavioral quirks, like my penchant for constant novelty seeking. This knowledge not only helped me harness these tendencies for better outcomes but also to strategize and mitigate associated risks. More importantly, I was alerted to long-term health risks – such as a heightened risk of skin cancer – allowing me to fine-tune my preventive measures.”
With a booming number of companies offering genetic tests, there’s a plethora of options for the curious soul. However, a piece of advice from our experience: the heart of these services lies in robust counseling. As you embark on this genetic journey, invest ample time in verifying whether your chosen company offers counseling and scrutinize the reviews of their sessions.
The Medical Futurist’s testimony underscores its importance, “Even with a medical background and a Ph.D. in genomics, I grappled with deciphering the results. It was only through consultations with my general practitioner and a genetic counselor that I could truly harness the knowledge.”
Smartwatch with ECG – more than just a timepiece
Every day, as the modern world buzzes with notifications, emails, and calls, there’s a silent monitor that tags along with me, keenly observing every beat of my heart – my ECG smartwatch. It’s not just about tracking physical activity or gauging the efficiency of my workouts; occasionally, I indulge in an ECG measurement on the fly, too.
In this age, the market is teeming with smartwatch brands, and a plethora of them boast reliable ECG capabilities. As we’ve highlighted before, the quest isn’t for the universally “perfect watch,” but rather a personal journey to discover that one device tailored to your unique requirements, whims, and way of life. If you’re in the midst of this quest, our guide here might be the compass you need.
For some, it’s the flawless synchronization with their smartphones and the dazzling array of advanced smart features that win the day. For others, the longevity of battery life trumps even the chic convenience of answering calls with a wrist flick.
Whichever device you choose, continuous ECG monitoring potential is a game-changer in proactive health management. With the capacity to routinely screen for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other abnormal heart rhythms, these watches morph into a sentinel for our cardiovascular health. This consistent vigil can offer invaluable early warnings, essentially acting as our first line of defense against cardiovascular risks. After all, in the realm of heart health, it’s often the early bird that catches the worm — or in this case, potentially life-threatening conditions.
Continuous glucose monitoring: more than just carbohydrates
Venturing into the intricate world of glucose management, our team also embarked on an enlightening journey of continuous glucose monitoring. And if you’re wondering, it’s not merely the domain of diabetics. The revelations it holds can be profound for anyone keen to understand their body’s dance with sugars.
Before we dive into The Medical Futurist’s experience, let’s acknowledge a hiccup in this journey. Implementing this test was no cakewalk. Bureaucratic tangles, geographical app restrictions, and other regulatory mazes complicated what should have been a straightforward process. It’s truly regrettable. The ability to manage diabetes seamlessly, no matter where one is located, should be a fundamental right, not a luxury dictated by geography.
Curious about what one can unearth from a few dedicated weeks of continuous glucose monitoring? Dr. Meskó’s insights give a compelling answer. Even if you don’t battle diabetes, the narrative of your blood sugar can be illuminating.
Reflecting upon his test experience, Dr. Meskó observed, “Undoubtedly, this technology shines brightest in diabetes management, its primary domain. Let’s be clear: I’m not advocating for a permanent adoption among the non-diabetic populace. Tracking glucose shouldn’t morph into yet another daily metric like sleep or steps.”
So, what were the tales from Dr. Meskó’s sugar readings? “For a solid fortnight, I dwelt comfortably within the normal range – a reassuring nod to my current lifestyle. My long-held suspicion that glucose levels and cognitive functions might be intertwined was validated. Adherence to my 5-meal-a-day regimen resulted in impeccable readings and peak mental acuity. Any deviation – be it meal skips or a dalliance with high processed sugar – didn’t just make me feel sluggish, but also mirrored in the erratic blood sugar readings.”
Air quality monitoring: more than just a blinking box!
It’s a funny thing about the air we breathe: we don’t really notice it until it starts to impact our well-being. And sometimes, the signs are subtle. A nagging headache. A feeling of exhaustion that lingers longer than it should. A sense of unexplained malaise. If any of these sound familiar, there’s a potential culprit you might not have thought about: indoor air quality.
This revelation hit close to home for the team this summer. A hot spell in our region had us barricading ourselves indoors, windows tightly shut, while we basked in the cool relief of our air conditioner. What we hadn’t accounted for was the slow buildup of CO2, effectively making our sanctuary a breeding ground for poor air quality.
Enter Aranet4, an air quality monitoring marvel. For those unfamiliar, this handy device actively gauges the CO2 levels in your surroundings, providing intuitive feedback with a simple color-coding system. Green indicates that you’re in the clear. But when it shifts to red? It’s time to usher in some fresh air.
Our experiment with the Aranet4 was nothing short of enlightening. Whenever that ominous red light flared, it invariably matched with moments where our focus wavered or headaches loomed. Using the monitor as our cue to ventilate the space, we could feel our mental clarity return and the physical symptoms dissipate within minutes. To delve deeper into the potential health implications of indoor air pollution, you can explore this detailed analysis.
Indoor air quality monitors are for sure the most overlooked of the list, however, having enough oxygen can literally be the difference between a foggy day and one filled with crystal clear focus.
Conclusion
Navigating the labyrinth of digital health innovations is no small feat – not even for us, although we spend most of our days in the medical future. The vast expanse of technologies available can often overwhelm us, with each device bringing its own promise of enhancing our health and well-being. At The Medical Futurist, our endeavors into this space have been marked by a rich tapestry of learnings, a blend of skepticism, wonder, and revelation.
It’s evident that the future of health isn’t just in grand hospital machinery or cutting-edge surgical techniques. It’s also nestled in the very devices we wear, the apps we engage with daily, and the gadgets we keep in our homes. Health is multifaceted, and with the right tools, we have an unprecedented opportunity to understand, manage, and optimize it like never before.
The post Beyond The Hype: The Top 5 Digital Health Devices Making A Real Difference In My Life appeared first on The Medical Futurist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people with cancer use alternative methods?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Studies have shown that half of all cancer patients have tried alternative treatments at least once.
Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. It may be because it’s less expensive.
Other reasons include the following:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic doctor is one who treats patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.
They aim to treat an illness rather than just treat symptoms. The patient should feel better upon completion of treatment.
Doctors should not just focus on treating the disease, but also helping to prevent future ones.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine treats specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
Is holistic healing safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
However, holistic medicines have not been linked to any deaths.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative therapies are popular because they can be cheaper and more convenient than traditional treatment. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternate medicines can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know enough to choose the best ones. Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin pills, are not controlled like pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is possible to overdose. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
What is Alternative Medicine, and how can it help you?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? NCCIH
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
How To
How to deal with my girlfriend who believes in alternative medicine?
The internet advises those dealing with a loved one suffering from mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. There is a wide range of opinions on conventional medicine.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests she would rather eat glutenfree than take antidepressants.
Asking questions is crucial. It could save you lots of heartache later.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or, what if she tells you that she believes antidepressants don’t work? You can correct her.
This is where the conversation becomes tricky. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
Or, you can suggest she sees a psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. You might be trying to control your life, but she might get angry at you.
What should you do?
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Beyond The Hype: The Top 5 Digital Health Devices Making A Real Difference In My Life
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/beyond-the-hype-the-top-5-digital-health-devices-making-a-real-difference-in-my-life
Published Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people with cancer use alternative methods?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Studies have shown that half of all cancer patients have tried alternative treatments at least once.
Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. It may be because it’s less expensive.
Other reasons include the following:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic doctor is one who treats patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.
They aim to treat an illness rather than just treat symptoms. The patient should feel better upon completion of treatment.
Doctors should not just focus on treating the disease, but also helping to prevent future ones.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine treats specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
Is holistic healing safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
However, holistic medicines have not been linked to any deaths.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative therapies are popular because they can be cheaper and more convenient than traditional treatment. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternate medicines can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know enough to choose the best ones. Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin pills, are not controlled like pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is possible to overdose. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
What is Alternative Medicine, and how can it help you?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? NCCIH
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
How To
How to deal with my girlfriend who believes in alternative medicine?
The internet advises those dealing with a loved one suffering from mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. There is a wide range of opinions on conventional medicine.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests she would rather eat glutenfree than take antidepressants.
Asking questions is crucial. It could save you lots of heartache later.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or, what if she tells you that she believes antidepressants don’t work? You can correct her.
This is where the conversation becomes tricky. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
Or, you can suggest she sees a psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. You might be trying to control your life, but she might get angry at you.
What should you do?
Leave a Reply