The Data-Driven Healthcare Revolution
Longevity and Aging Part 2:
Data Driven Health Care Revolution
In our last blog post, we discussed the exciting new developments in aging science. These developments have signaled the end of aging within the next ten years. The idea that we no longer have to "grow old" fills many people with hope, but leaves us wondering, "HOW do we even begin to go about this?". As we factor in the new developments from the scientific community, the question becomes: what, if anything, can be leveraged, in order to move towards the anti-aging revolution.
The answer? Increasing your health span will require the assistance of sophisticated data. This data will allow for you to make realtime decisions on when to make certain lifestyle changes. While this may seem far fetched to some, this technology is now within reach, and a new slew of wearables have been made available to virtually anyone looking to track and manage their health data. The most exciting part? This technology has the ability to massively transform our approach to healthcare.
In today's blog post, we will be discussing the:
Benefits of wearables
What to track with your sensors
Types of sensors and wearables
Data-Driven Health
Benefits of Sensors and Wearables
For those who aren't familiar with the term, wearables are electronic devices that can be incorporated into clothing, jewelry, and fashion accessories. These devices possess the ability to track our exercise, vitals, sleep, and other key aspects of health through data-collecting sensors. They enable us to collect an enormous amount of health-related information, along with the ability to track data trends over various periods of time. This allows us to spot an ailment or impending health issue before it materializes. Additionally, wearables have been found to help us be more accountable with our healthy living routines. In fact, a recent study found that having a wearable activity tracker reduced sedentary activity by up to 17%.
HRV
When our bodies and minds are balanced, this is known as homeostasis. A body in homeostasis keeps tight control of conditions like body temperature, glucose, inflammation, and hydration. The best way to check the status of your body's homeostasis is to look at your Heart Rate Variability (HRV). When HRV is low or out of stable range, we need to reassess the amount of stress that is being applied to our body's systems. This means looking to modalities that facilitate in the recovery process, along with an overall reduction in both internal and external stressors (think: work, family, physical, emotional). For more information regarding HRV, head to our previous blog post here.
Sleep
Another critical metric to track is sleeping. Sleep is probably one of the most (if not the most) important things that you can do for performance enhancement and overall health. There are four stages of sleep, and missing any of these stages may be linked to cognitive decline and dementia; read more here. This is why maintaining excellent sleep hygiene, and holding yourself accountable to getting good quality zzz's could be one of the most profound ways to improve your health.
Resting Heart Rate
Resting heart rate is inextricably linked to the status of your health. Where resting heart rate goes, your health follows. A new study found that older men with a resting HR of 75 beats per minute had double the risk of early death; therefore, a simple tracking of this metric can lead to better habits and health outcomes.
SPO2
Low SpO2 levels are known as hypoxia, and can be a sign of lung disease or sleep apnea. Low SpO2 levels may necessitate supplemental oxygen to maintain healthy functioning and prevent long-term damage to the cells. Other potential causes of hypoxia include: asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, heart problems, and anemia. Tracking this metric is extremely valuable to catching conditions before they become life-threatening.
Biostrap:
Biostrap takes a data-driven approach to health insights. This clinical-quality hardware allows users to accurately track SpO2, HRV, RHR, and a suite of other biometrics. It also accurately measures sleep, recovery, and performance. They have several accessories, including: straps, shoeclips, wristband, chest straps, and shoepods.
Oura Ring:
The Oura Ring is one of the best sleep, body temperature, and HRV tracking devices on the market. It is small and discreet, making it less likely to interfere with your activities; therefore, you can wear it around the clock. Oura tracks your data in an easy to use phone application, and it even gives users a daily readiness score based on your recovery.
Whoop:
Whoop is leading the pack when it comes to wearables for athletes. By wearing their tracking tools, Whoop has seen users improve upon their Resting Heart Rate and HRV. Additionally, Whoop users saw a reduction in both injuries and alcohol consumption, along with improved sleeping habits. Whoop is a subscription service and is available for as little as $30/month.
Fitbit Alta HR:
With sleep stages powered by PurePulse heart rate, the Fitbit Alta HR automatically tracks your time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep stages, and helps you to take steps towards a better night's rest.
Chest Strap and App:
The cheapest option for tracking HRV is downloading a free app, (we like Elite HRV) and connect your heart rate with a chest strap. The best time to complete your heart rate measurement is the first thing in the morning before you start your day.
If you are wondering how wearables and Data Driven Health fit into Cryo Recovery's model, you will be excited to know that we are working with a new and innovative platform, Heads up Health. This platform will allow you to integrate your health data with your recovery sessions at Cryo Recovery. This new feature goes hand in hand with our mission to bring the latest, cutting-edge technology to our members, in order for them to optimize their health. In the months ahead, we will be rolling out this platform, and from your personalized dashboard, you will be able to track how Whole Body Cryotherapy, Photobiomodulation, Lymphatic Drainage, and Oxygen Training are impacting your sleep, HRV, RHR, and more!
There’s More!
In addition to tracking your recovery and lifestyle metrics, our new platform will allow you to consolidate your medical history into one secure location. Currently, there is no way to access your entire medical history in one place. You must piece together all of the doctors that you have seen, and compile the list of records manually. This tedious process can be frustrating, especially considering how simple it will be with our new portal. Similar to the way that you would link your bank account to Quickbooks, this dashboard will give you and your doctor the power to make insightful and critical decisions, before issues become more significant.
This will work by linking your account to platforms such as: Kelsey Seybold, Quest Diagnostics, and Labcorp. The dashboard will then compile a series of graphs and charts that provide key insights into your health. Plus, you don't have to have a medical degree to observe these trends!
With these DIY health trackers, you will not only be able to manage your personal health data, but you will also be able to see the things that pose an impact on your health. These new insights will enable you to maintain the healthy lifestyle that you desire, while giving you access to actual medical evidence regarding HOW your lifestyle is benefitting your overall health. Sound amazing? That's because it is!
Our platform will be the first platform to link lifestyle and health data together in one place. As of right now, we are the first location in the United States that provides members with these tools to become the "CEO of your health". As discussed above, our mission is to disrupt the current paradigm of health, and give the power back to the client. After all, no one cares more about your health more than you do!