Enhancing Women's Health: The Role of Wearable Technology

Women at every stage of life—whether teenage girls, homemakers, or working professionals—face unique health challenges. According to the WHO, nearly 28% of the global adult population is physically inactive, with most women being less active than men.[1] This could be responsible for the major risk factor for developing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers, which are leading causes of death among women worldwide. This link between physical inactivity and health risks highlights the need for effective solutions to help women add more movement to their daily routines.

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that nearly half of Indian adults fail to meet the WHO’s recommended physical activity levels, underscoring a troubling rise in sedentary behavior. The research, which spanned 197 countries from 2000 to 2022, highlights a significant increase in physical inactivity among Indian adults. In 2022, 45.4% of Indian adults were inactive, a sharp rise from 22.4% in 2000. The study also notes a notable gender disparity, with 52.6% of women and 38.4% of men being physically inactive. If current trends persist, inactivity rates could reach 55% by 2030.

How Physical Activity Can Mitigate Key Risk Factors When we think about healthcare, we often focus on doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, and immunizations. However, there are other personal factors within our control, such as enhancing our diets, managing stress, and incorporating enjoyable activities into our lives. Exercise is one such controllable factor and is highly effective at boosting overall health. The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights that regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease, preventing diabetes, enhancing mood and cognitive function, and decreasing mortality rates.

How Smart Wearables are Empowering Women’s Health Technology like Garmin wearable devices have become a powerful ally for women managing their health amidst busy schedules. Wearable technology, in particular, simplifies the process of monitoring health metrics, setting fitness goals, and staying motivated. These devices offer a range of features tailored to women’s health needs, making it easier to integrate health management into daily life.

Smart wearables offer comprehensive health monitoring, making it easier for women to take control of their well-being. Here’s how:

● Fitness Tracking: These devices monitor physical activity by tracking steps, calories burned, and heart rate. This real-time data helps women understand their fitness levels and motivates them to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines.

● Menstrual Cycle Monitoring: Understanding menstrual health is crucial for overall well-being. Wearables with menstrual cycle tracking features allow women to log their periods, symptoms, and moods, providing insights into hormonal health. This information helps manage menstrual symptoms and plan around cycles, including making lifestyle adjustments and scheduling activities.

● Stress Management: Given that stress significantly impacts health, stress-tracking features on wearables are invaluable. These devices monitor stress levels and offer guided breathing exercises to help manage stress effectively.

● Sleep Tracking: Quality sleep is vital for both physical and mental health. Wearables track sleep patterns, providing detailed reports on sleep quality and offering tips to enhance sleep hygiene.

● Guided Workouts: For those struggling to find time for exercise, smart wearables offer guided workouts that can be done at home. These efficient workouts are designed to be effective yet time-saving, making it easier to stay fit without needing a gym membership or extensive time commitments.

Health Perspectives: Maternity, Period Health, and Hormonal Balance

Maternity health, menstrual health, and hormonal balance are essential aspects of women’s overall well-being, each requiring special attention. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, monitoring physical activity is crucial to ensure appropriate exercise levels and a safe transition back to fitness routines while keeping an eye on heart rate. Menstrual health also plays a significant role in daily life, with irregular periods, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and other issues impacting well-being. Tracking menstrual cycles helps women understand patterns, predict periods, and manage symptoms more effectively. Additionally, hormonal imbalances, which can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue, benefit from comprehensive health monitoring. By tracking sleep, stress, and physical activity, women can make informed decisions about lifestyle changes needed to maintain hormonal balance and overall health.

Takeaway

  In the hustle and bustle of modern life, women often put their health on the back burner while juggling various responsibilities. However, technology can offer valuable support in taking charge of their well-being. With comprehensive health monitoring and personalized insights, women can overcome health challenges and work towards a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Embracing these smart tools can lead to better health outcomes, an improved quality of life, and a stronger, more resilient self.