Techventure 2013: Wearable Technology To Boost Health & Fitness

Chikodi Chima, vice president of business development at Cleantech Law Partners, highlighted at Techventure 2013 how wearable technology can be used to promote a healthier lifestyle.

AsianScientist (Sep. 26, 2013) – Falling ill is inevitable, but what might be able to save you is technology. That’s right, we’re not talking about computers and phones, but tech-enabled devices that you can use to monitor your health.

And that’s what Chikodi Chima, vice president of business development at Cleantech Law Partners, discussed at Techventure 2013, a two-day conference taking place at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center.

So what is the big deal with wearable technology?

Chima highlighted three of the latest inventions in wearable technology: the Nike+ FuelBand, Google Glass spectacles and the Samsung Galaxy Gear watch.

He described the Nike+ FuelBand, a thin rubber wrist bracelet that can track user physical activity from the number of steps taken to the amount of calories burned. The bracelet allows users to set their fitness goals and share their achievements with family and friends, he said.

Next, the Samsung Galaxy Gear incorporates smartphone technology into a smartwatch, which helps users monitor their progress when they go on a run or engage in physical activity, he said. In his third example, he noted how Google Glass removed the need for a phone or handheld device to track one’s fitness status.

Although these devices have not become ubiquitous, more people are purchasing them for use on a daily basis, said Chima, who added that investing in wearable technology is beneficial as the devices “give your body a voice.”

There may be some hurdles to widespread use, he said, due to the potential for the devices to report inaccurate information and their prohibitive cost. But investing in something that could improve one’s health is much better than purchasing an expensive gaming console, he said.

“The fun aspect of wearable technology is important because people want to tell stories about their bodies and health,” said Chima, who told the audience that he is a fan of wearable technology.

Chima introduced the Bandu – a wrist device that warns you when you are stressed out by tracking perspiration, respiration and heart beat rates. To calm you down, the Bandu will play a soothing song you are familiar with or even suggest that you phone a friend, he said.

“Any device that can intervene or improve your mental state is very important,” Chima said.

As he paced the stage, the tall speaker revealed that he was wearing a belt-like monitoring device called the LUMOback, which vibrates whenever he assumes a slouching posture.

“Sitting is the new smoking,” Chima said.

Lastly, Chima described a futuristic scenario where, during a medical appointment, the doctor uses an iPad to pull up all of your health records and vital information. And maybe, instead of prescribing medication, the doctor might just prescribe an app or wearable device to monitor your health or change your behavioral habits, he said.

The audience at the medical technology session was comprised of researchers, innovators, business executives and media representatives. The two-day conference and exhibition was launched on Wednesday by Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation of Singapore.

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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

Kavitha received a BA in journalism and mass communication from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University in the US.

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