If you’re old enough – like me – you probably remember the days of having to look up odd symptoms in medical magazines or books that you found at the library. A trip to the doctor meant long waits, bored doctors, and, usually, an ‘it’ll go away on its own diagnosis’. Smart tech has really helped to move the health industry in a new, well, healthier direction. How? Let’s take a look!
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At-Home Care Tests
Perhaps nothing has changed up the industry quite like at-home tests that you take in the privacy of your own home and send away for the results. You can now have your results sent directly to your smartphone.Â
This has been hugely helpful for everything from shy adults who don’t want to be embarrassed, to teens who are afraid to talk to their parents about a potential problem. For example, the stigma attached to STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea makes at-home testing a popular option. Doing so provides the individual with an extra layer of discretion and privacy.
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DNA Tests
DNA tests have also helped to keep people healthier. This is because more and more DNA/genealogy tests include genetic testing that can tell you what you’re high-risk for, and what you may not even know you already have. They can also help you to understand what sort of vitamin regimen you should undertake, figure out what your parents passed to you, and even help you to lose weight! Definitely not something you might get from your average mid-90s doctor’s appointment.
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Telemedicine
Back in the day, having an on-call doctor was a sign of extravagance and wealth. Now, it’s literally at your fingertips. Telemedicine is a great alternative to having to take time off from work to schedule an appointment full of plenty of driving, waiting, and frustration.
If you’re not having an emergency, but aren’t feeling 100%, you can use your phone or computer to see a doctor right away. These doctors are usually allowed to prescribe non-controlled medication and can recommend you go to the ER, urgent care, or see your primary care physician if it’s something ‘too serious’ for telemedicine.
This is amazing for busy families who don’t want to have to reschedule their whole lives just to fit in a trip to the doctor, people who are struggling to make ends meet, and those with no insurance.
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Fitness Trackers
Tracking your weight, what foods work for your body, progress beyond the scale (as in – inches lost, sizes lost, bust gained, etc.) has never been easier. Whether you choose to use group-based or app-based fitness trackers, you can hold yourself accountable with precision and pride.
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Mental Wellness
Thanks to advances in the industry, you can now reach out for help anonymously anytime you need it. Whether you want to talk to a licensed therapist or just a listening ear, there are apps, groups, on-call therapists – anything and everything you need to ensure that your mental wellness is at its peak.
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Support Groups
Likewise, smart tech makes it easier than ever to connect to those who have shared experiences. Whether you’re still overcoming childhood trauma, have lost a child, are experiencing infertility issues, found out your spouse is cheating on you or discovered you have cancer – and anything in between, there’s a support group you can join.
These groups often give advice, offer hope, and make for a wonderful ‘safety net’ for your turbulent emotions and fragile resolve. Sometimes all you need is to know that you aren’t the only one that is or has faced what you’re facing.
It’s easy to see how smart technology has made getting, staying, and just being healthier easy. It’s allowing more access for more people than ever before and is giving people hope as well as good health. Personally, I look forward to seeing what the next few years will bring us in this booming industry.
