How Can Technology Improve Our Health?
Technology plays an increasingly influential role in the modern world. We only have to look around us to see the impact of technological advances. We are glued to screens and we rely on devices, systems and machines to work, communicate, get from A to B and run our households.
Author:Karan EmeryReviewer:Daniel JamesOct 21, 20223.9K Shares153.1K Views
Technology plays an increasingly influential role in the modern world. We only have to look around us to see the impact of technological advances. We are glued to screens and we rely on devices, systems and machines to work, communicate, get from A to B and run our households. There are downsides to living in a society dominated by tech, but there are also incredible benefits. Health is one area that is particularly interesting. In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of embracing technology for a healthier, happier life.
Understanding health better
Gaining access to health data and information is one of the most significant developments in recent years. Today, we have a better understanding of our bodies and minds than ever before. We can access information online and monitor our health using wearable devices and apps on our smartphones. We can track our heart rate, check our blood pressure and body weight and assess sleep qualityin a second. We can analyze our diet, learn more about our moods and follow menstrual cycles. Using devices and apps and utilizing the Internet for research purposes can help us to take control of our mental and physical health and make positive changes. If your food diary app shows that you’re not getting enough fiber, or you’re consuming too much sugar every day, for example, you can modify your eating habits.
Embracing physical activity
Physical activity offers a vast range of benefits for mental and physical health, yet research suggests that a quarter of adults are inactive. Technology cannot make people get off the couch or leave their desk to play sports or go to the gym, but it can have a positive influence on our activity levels.
Wearable devices have taken the world by storm. Around 20% of Americans use a fitness tracker. Activity trackers encourage you to move by monitoring the number of steps you take, measuring the distance you cover each day and prompting you to get up and stretch your legs when you’ve been sitting for long periods. A study published in The Lancet revealed that people who use wearable devicesare likely to move more than those who don’t have an activity tracker. On an average day, users took 1,800 extra steps and walked for 40 minutes more than those without a tracker. Regular exercise is beneficial for reducing stress levels, improving heart health and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease and it also triggers a natural high.
In addition to wearable devices, fitness apps and virtual workouts can help to make us more active. People no longer have to go to the gym to work out or benefit from having a trainer. They can work up a sweat at home or follow a fitness program online. This makes exercise more affordable and accessible.
Improving education
Developments in technology have contributed to amazing advances in medical research and treatments and they have also created opportunities for students and healthcare professionals to access innovative learning and training techniques. AI (artificial intelligence), VR (virtual reality), online learning and healthcare simulationare just some of the methods and concepts used to train and educate students and professionals working within the healthcare sector today. Students can gain confidence and hone their skills in virtual environments and practice on pretend patients before they work in real-life clinical settings. They also have an opportunity to learn how to react and respond to different situations and scenarios without putting patients at risk. Better education benefits professionals and patients.
Providing access to healthcare services
Healthcare was changing before the pandemic, but since 2020, there has been a seismic shift towards virtual consultations and telehealth appointments. When clinics and health centers closed and hospitals had to cancel non-urgent services during the early stages of Covid, technology provided a lifeline by connecting patients to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. Today, it’s possible to get help and advice from the comfort of your couch. Many patients find it less daunting and more convenient to speak to a doctor on the phone or set up a video call with a therapist or a nurse. Telehealth is more accessible for those who have limited mobility and people who struggle to get around and it also saves a huge amount of time and effort for the patient and the caregiver. There’s no need to drive or use public transport to get to the hospital or a clinic and there’s no waiting around for an appointment. Patients can access a huge range of services via their phones, tablets or computers, including general health advice, follow-up care after a procedure and mental health services, such as counseling.
Building social ties
When we talk about health, we tend to devote most of our time and energy to our bodies, but mental well-being is equally important. Building social ties is an integral component of happiness and contentment. Lonelinesscan have a negative impact on mental and physical health. Research indicates that loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, dementia and cognitive decline. Technology can help us to meet new people and strengthen the ties we already have with friends, colleagues and family members. You don’t have to see people in the flesh to establish or maintain relationships. Using email, video calls and social media can help to prevent isolation and loneliness in adults of all ages.
Technology is increasingly instrumental in the way we live our lives. Modern tech offers an array of benefits for our mental and physical health. We can use technology to gain a better understanding of our bodies and minds, access healthcare services and build social ties. Devices like fitness trackers and apps that monitor our diets encourage us to make healthy lifestyle choices and technology also plays a crucial role in developing education and learning. Advances in tech have also changed the way we access healthcare. We now have a broad spectrum of services at our fingertips and we don’t even have to leave home to get expert help and advice.
Karan Emery
Author
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Daniel James
Reviewer
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
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