Beyond Counting Steps
Health trackers have evolved beyond simply counting steps. Today, they offer a wealth of metrics that can provide valuable insights into your overall health and well-being.
Dr. Davin Lundquist, a family physician and chief medical officer at Augmedix, emphasizes the importance of awareness and how tracking health metrics can positively influence behavior.
Most healthy adults can benefit from sleep tracking. Dr. Carlos M. Nunez, chief medical officer at ResMed, advises focusing on establishing a consistent sleep-wake cycle for optimal quality sleep. This can lead to improved concentration, increased productivity, and overall well-being.
Tracking your heart rate provides insights into your heart health. Dr. Lundquist explains that a lower resting heart rate generally indicates a healthier heart. Additionally, tracking can reveal how your body responds to stress and exercise.
Respiratory rate can be an early indicator of potential health issues. Michael Snyder, a Stanford School of Medicine professor, experienced this firsthand when his smartwatch alerted him to changes in his breathing and heart rate, even before a COVID test confirmed his infection.
Tracking metrics like cardiac rhythm can help detect potentially serious problems. Dr. Lundquist cites a patient whose Apple Watch identified a run of atrial fibrillation, leading to timely diagnosis and treatment.
While health trackers have made significant strides in accuracy, doctors caution against relying solely on them for diagnosis. The FDA warns against devices claiming to measure blood sugar without needles due to potential inaccuracies.
Dr. Lundquist acknowledges that the accuracy of some smartwatches is still under scrutiny, but notes improvements with each generation. He emphasizes the importance of partnering with healthcare professionals for proper interpretation of data and diagnosis.
Health trackers can be valuable tools for monitoring various health metrics, promoting healthy habits, and empowering individuals to take an active role in their well-being. However, it's crucial to remember their limitations and seek professional medical guidance when necessary.