Quell wearable device. (Quell)
The wearable market is exploding. According to Juniper Research, revenue from gadgets you wear on your body will hit $53 billion dollars by 2019. Of course, the idea of wearing a glucose monitor or even a pair of prescription eyeglasses is nothing new, but several innovative devices are on the horizon. Want help with back problems, asthma, and even anxiety? Technology may provide the answer.
1. ADAMM (Pricing not yet announced)
It won’t be available until later this year, but the ADAMM (Automated Device for Asthma Monitoring and Management) could be a life-saver for asthma sufferers. The wearable -- which looks like a patch and connects to your smartphone -- monitors wheezing, coughing, breathing, and other early warning signs. An app lets parents and caregivers track whether the asthma patient has an inhaler and review their history. If the device detects issues, you can be ready with a backup inhaler or provide other emergency aid.
2. Valedo ($359)
This product helps those who suffer from serious back pain. The device includes two sensors, one that you place on your lower back and one that you wear just below your chin. The company provides games you can play at home or on a computer at work - the idea is to promote good posture. The sensors tell you exactly how you should adjust. Over time, the devices help strengthen your back muscles, gain better balance, and reduce chronic pain.
3. Quell ($250)
Nerve stimulation is not a new medical practice -- doctors routinely check your muscle reflexes and nerve responses during a medical visit. However, the Quell is the first wearable to use nerve stimulation to reduce chronic pain, not just at the clinic but during the day as you go about your normal routine. It helps those suffering from diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, fibromyalgia and sciatica, and other serious ailments. The patch-like wearable lasts 40 hours per charge; using an app, you can track pain levels and sleep patterns.
4. HealthPatch MD (Pricing not yet announced)
Wearing a patch to help you conquer a smoking habit or lose weight is nothing new. However, most of them use a medicinal approach. The HealthPatch MD is an electronic biosensor you wear on your chest. It detects heart rate, heart rate patterns, breathing problems, skin temperature, and other signs of medical issues for those with heart disease and other serious medical conditions. The patch lasts 2-3 days per charge and connects to a smartphone app.
5. Agamatrix Blood Glucose Meter (Pricing varies)
Most glucose meters for managing diabetes are not that high tech. However, the Agamatrix Blood Glucose meter connects to a smartphone so you can constantly see readings and track glucose in an app. On an iPhone, you can also store this data in the cloud and let others monitor the blood sugar levels as well.
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