Thursday, October 30, 2014

Health Technology That You Can Wear

This last week in class we discussed wearable technology and its pros and cons in the wake of Google Glass.  However, we also discussed the possible benefits of some types of wearable technology to a person’s health.  Below are some examples of this wearable technology as well as a description of what each device does.
1.       This one was mentioned in class and its contact lenses that Google is working on to check blood sugar levels of a person with diabetes.  The contact lenses measure blood sugar levels by using a small microchip embedded between two sheets of soft contact material.  The blood sugar can be measured by using tears instead of finger pricks.  The contact lenses measure blood sugar once per second and can give early warnings on blood sugar levels.  This can have a huge impact on the lives of diabetes patients as early warnings could save vital organs from being damaged when blood sugar drops.

2.       Next is an ECG armband being developed by a company called Nuubo.  This arm band uses electrodes within the armband so it’s noninvasive.  It’s wearable all the time and constantly records and transmits data on a patient’s heart


3.       The next product is made by a company called OM who is “weaving technology into life.”  The company has designed a biometric shirt that fits tightly to a person’s body and not only helps with posture and blood flow but measures a person’s stress levels, breathing rate, energy levels, and a whole bunch of other biometrics.  The shirt uses an integrated black box to send data to a person’s smartphone.  The shirt also can send alerts telling a consumer to breathe more or deeper as well as to relax.  Pre-order yours now for only $200!!!


4.       Next comes a shoe insole made by the company Moticon.  The insole is used for high profile athletes recovering from surgery.  It measures weight bearing, balance, temperature, and acceleration and can even generate 3D models of those measurements.  This can help with rehabilitating a patient to the highest level possible.  The insole is completely self-contained and extremely small.


No comments:

Post a Comment