Technology is helping people to make small changes that will lead to healthy habits

By Ethan Blake 5 min read

How technology is helping so many people take small steps to build healthier habits

Introduction

In today’s world, technology plays a pivotal role in helping individuals develop healthier habits. Smartphones, apps, wearable devices, and other technological advancements have transformed the landscape of health and wellness. Health-focused technology empowers people to take charge of their lifestyle habits and make informed health decisions.

With 24/7 access to comprehensive user-friendly resources, education has become instantly available, enabling easy comprehension of complex health concepts. Additionally, the integration of health-oriented technology into our daily lives contributes to improved self-awareness and accountability.

The accessibility of tech tools is another contributing factor to the digital health revolution. Be it tracking steps on a fitness band, monitoring heart rate on a smartwatch, or recording dietary information on a mobile app, technology continues to drive the paradigm shift towards proactive health management.

Wearable Fitness Devices

Wearable technology is undoubtedly at the forefront of this health-tech revolution. Fitness trackers and smartwatches not only monitor step count but also track calories burnt, sleep patterns, heart rate, and more. They allure users with functionality, design, and the opportunity for a healthier lifestyle.

Such devices are often paired with companion apps that provide detailed analyses of data collected, accompanied by personalised recommendations. This technological marvel facilitates real-time feedback encouraging users to achieve set fitness goals.

For instance, Fitbit, one of the leading manufacturers of these gadgets, offers users the ability to monitor their activity levels throughout the day. The tracker motivates users to move consistently and hit their daily goal of 10,000 steps, drives awareness towards sedentary behaviour, and informs about recognised active minutes.

Fitbit tracks daily steps and encourages movement.
It monitors sleeping patterns to ensure adequate rest.
The device tracks heart rate and provides insights into cardiovascular health.
Calories burnt during the day are quantified and analysed.
Fitbit’s companion app offers personalised advice based on tracked data.
The tracker devices create awareness about sedentary behaviour.

Health and Wellness Apps

Next in their impacts and popularity are Health and Wellness apps. These digital platforms provide a broad range of facilities including customised workout routines, guided meditations, meal planning, symptom checkers and more. Users can tailor these apps to their personal health goals, making it easier to stay on track.

These applications also come with features that promote self-accountability, like reminders for workouts and healthy meals, progress updates, and sharing achievements on social media. The gamification of health concept taken in by some apps increases user engagement, making the practice enjoyable and encouraging adherence.

An excellent illustration is MyFitnessPal. This comprehensive health and wellness app is equipped with a massive food database, offering nutrition information for over five million food items. The app allows users to log daily meals and physical activity, and it also offers insights towards meeting nutritional goals.

MyFitnessPal has a vast food database for tracking nutrition intake.
It enables users to log in their daily meals and exercise regimen.
Users can set their weight loss or fitness goals in the app.
Daily-calorie requirements based on individual weight and health goals are calculated automatically.
Coupled with a fun environment, MyFitnessPal encourages goal achievement by celebrating milestones.
Interactive graphs and charts make it easy to visualise progress over time.

Telehealth Services

Another technology-based health solution is Telehealth services, offering virtual medical consultations. Telehealth overcomes geographical barriers and schedule constraints by permitting patients to see a healthcare professional whenever needed.

Access to healthcare was once limited by factors such as distance and time. Still, telehealth platforms have revolutionized access to healthcare professionals from the comfort of our homes, promoting regular check-ups and proactive health management.

A great example is the telehealth platform Teladoc. This service offers 24/7 access to certified doctors who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for non-emergency health issues via phone calls or video consultations.

Teladoc evens out disparities in healthcare access through technology.
Patients can consult with a doctor at any time and from anywhere.
The platform caters to non-emergency medical conditions like allergies, flu, skin problems etc.
Teladoc also provides mental health counselling sessions.
Prescriptions are sent directly to the patient’s chosen pharmacy.
The service reduces the need for unnecessary visits to medical clinics.

Health-focused Social Media Channels

Health-focused social media channels act as influential platforms dedicated to spreading awareness about healthy living and fostering communities of individuals with similar wellbeing goals.

Whether they’re influencer-led fitness channels on YouTube, health-based Instagram profiles or Facebook community groups, these platforms offer expert advice, workout plans, diet suggestions, motivational tips and more.

Joe Wicks’ YouTube channel, ‘The Body Coach TV,’ is a popular online fitness platform with fun and free workout videos for all fitness levels. The channel promotes health-conscious living that extends beyond workouts to include recipes and lifestyle advice.

Joe Wicks’ channel offers diverse choices, including HIIT, low-impact workouts, exercises for seniors, kids’ workouts, and more.
It fosters a sense of community and encourages members to keep moving, irrespective of their fitness levels.
The channel provides healthy recipe ideas aimed at supporting workout efficiency.
Through his videos, Joe reaches out internationally, making global fitness accessible.
‘The Body Coach TV’ offers motivation and accountability, helping people stay on track with their health goals.
Different categories and series of workouts keep people engaged and prevent monotony.

Conclusion

Technology has undeniably altered the world’s health landscape by offering innovative tools that help individuals lead healthier lives. From wearable technology to telehealth services, we are experiencing an invigorating era where health and technology synergise efficiently.

We must utilise these various tech aids effectively to promote our holistic wellness. By understanding our individual health needs and pairing them appropriately with the right technology, one can journey smoothly towards overall wellness.

In conclusion, the practice of healthy habits has become more dynamic, engaging and effective, all thanks to technology. As healthcare continues its digital transformation, more advances will come, and existing technologies will continue to evolve and reinvent the landscape of personal health management.

Summary Table

Ethan Blake Visual Storyteller, Photo Curator

Ethan believes every viral image has a story to tell. From jaw-dropping paparazzi shots to hilarious memes, he’s here to curate the pictures that make headlines and capture the world’s attention.