It is always a good idea to track your health, and smart trackers make it extra easy by transferring data and readings directly to your phone or even your doctor. I have really enjoyed using the latest technological advances to my advantage—replacing old-fashioned medical devices with more modern alternatives that do more than just report the readings. The biggest benefit of smart medical gear is how easy it is to track your wellbeing in the moment and in the long run, helping you catch any concerns before they balloon into something more serious. Here is the top gear to keep you healthy, comfortable, and well-informed about what is going on inside and outside your amazing body.
Evie Ring ($269.00)
In the world of smart wearable devices, bigger is not always better. The small but mighty Evie Ring by Movano can track vitals such as heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, skin temperature, steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. In addition to these metrics, users can use the free Evie Ring app to self-report their mood and various symptoms that can be analyzed alongside the gathered data to help them understand how the choices they make throughout the day impact their overall health! While the Evie Ring is not the first smart ring on the market, it truly stands out from its competitors.
My favorite thing about it is that there is no monthly subscription, which means that the cost of the device is all you’ll have to pay to reap the rewards. Another plus is the open design, creating a little gap in the ring that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also ensures the perfect fit on your finger, despite weight fluctuations and potential swelling. Between the unique design and four-day-plus battery life, you will never have to worry about being unable to wear the ring to track your vitals. I really love how discreet and easily accessible my Evie Ring is when I’m wearing it, and that it allows me to give my wrist a much-needed break from my Apple Watch.
Withings BPM Connect Wi-Fi Smart Blood Pressure Monitor ($129.95)
When I was prescribed a medication that could have an impact on my blood pressure, I bought this handy device. The Withings BPM Connect Wi-Fi Smart Blood Pressure Monitor became an instant game-changer in my life for several reasons. One, it is actually reliable and gives you a reading when you need it, while lower-quality monitors give frequent error messages. It also feels more comfortable, like an accessory rather than a medical device.
You’ll get results on the device via color-coded feedback and via the automatically syncing Withings app (free), and you don’t need to worry about constantly charging your Smart Blood Pressure Monitor as it boasts a six-month battery life. I really like that I can see the results at a glance but can open the app to see a more detailed reading and how the results compare to previous days, months, and even years.
iHealth Air Pulse Oximeter ($39.99)
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how important monitoring blood oxygen levels can be when deciding when to seek medical help. Unfortunately, the Apple Watch no longer offers this feature on newer models due to patent issues. You can fill the gap with this pulse oximeter, which offers easy-toread oxygen monitoring and helpful context provided in the accompanying app. While there are many versions available, iHealth offers an affordable FDA-approved option. It has a comfortable fit that slips on your finger and reads your blood oxygen levels in seconds. The free iHealth app lets you easily see whether the results are within normal levels. Whether you’re trying to monitor your blood oxygen levels regularly or just want to have it on hand (so to speak) for emergency screenings, you’ll be glad to have this comfortable, portable device. Oxygen monitoring is an essential for any at-home health kit, and iHealth provides an easy, comfortable, and affordable option.
Apollo Neuro Wearable ($349.00)
Maintaining a healthy nervous system is important for overall wellness, but having an active lifestyle, good sleep, and a balanced diet isn’t always enough. The Apollo NeuroWearable is a nifty device that can help stimulate your vagus nerve, which helps regulate bodily functions such as digestion, heart rate, breathing, and more, via vibrations. The Apollo Neuro app (free) lets you choose vibration sessions and even schedule them. If you get the paid feature called Apollo Pro ($159.99/year), you can even combine vibrations based on your unique needs.
While the wearable only has eight hours of continuous battery life, even with a full schedule including nighttime use, it lasts up to two days and charges fully in under an hour. I’ve really enjoyed all the sessions offered, and I love that the intensity can be customized based on sensitivity.
When I actively use Apollo, I find myself having more energy and better focus despite struggling with ADHD. My absolute favorite features have been the sleep features, which have doubled my Deep Sleep minutes from the first time I wore Apollo. Even though I was skeptical before trying a vagus nerve-stimulating device, my personal experience as well as official studies are a testament that it really works.
The smart medical gear market is quickly growing, and there are lots of new devices to try out. The best way to make the most of them is to stay consistent, maybe even set alarms or reminders to help incorporate using them into a sustainable routine. After that, it is important to bring up any concerns or unusual readings with your doctor, because no matter how high-tech these trackers get, they cannot replace a real-life medical professional.
Top image credit: Irina Bg / Shutterstock.com
