How Wearable Technology is Transforming Wellness

In recent years, wearable technology has rapidly evolved from basic step counters to sophisticated health monitoring systems. These devices, ranging from smartwatches and fitness trackers to smart rings and biosensors, offer users real-time insights into their physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and even stress levels. With rising interest in preventative health and personalized medicine, wearables have become powerful tools in empowering individuals to take control of their health, especially when paired with health platforms like VELL Health.

The global wearable technology market was valued at over $60 billion in 2022 and is projected to continue growing steadily over the next decade. This growth is driven by advancements in sensor technology, increasing consumer interest in health and fitness, and the integration of wearables into digital health platforms. Popular devices include the Apple Watch, Fitbit, Oura Ring, and newer medical-grade wearables like the BioButton and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

These devices collect a wide range of health data, including:

Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV)

Activity levels and step counts

Sleep quality and duration

Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)

Skin temperature and stress indicators

By passively collecting this data throughout the day and night, wearables provide users with an ongoing picture of their physical well-being, helping them make informed lifestyle decisions.

Preventative Health and Wellness: 

Wearables excel at encouraging healthy habits. One of their primary benefits is increasing awareness. Research shows that simply wearing a fitness tracker can boost activity levels, as people become more conscious of their daily movement. For example, a 2022 meta-analysis in The Lancet Digital Health found that wearable activity trackers were linked to increased physical activity, weight loss, and reduced blood pressure over time.

These devices can also provide early warnings of potential health issues. For instance, a drop in blood oxygen levels or an unusual increase in resting heart rate might signal an oncoming illness, prompting users to seek medical advice earlier. This is where VELL Health comes in. VELL is a wellness app designed to sync with wearable devices and translate complex biometric data into meaningful, personalized health guidance. Rather than simply displaying raw numbers, VELL analyzes data trends and offers actionable suggestions tailored to users’ goals, whether that’s improving sleep, reducing stress, or optimizing exercise routines. It functions as a digital health coach, helping users interpret wearable data in a way that directly improves health outcomes.

Chronic Disease Management:

Wearables are frequently used in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Continuous glucose monitors allow diabetics to track blood sugar in real time and make immediate adjustments to diet, insulin dosage, or activity levels. This real-time feedback improves glycemic control and can reduce the risk of complications.

For people with heart conditions, smartwatches with electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities can detect irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. These features enable earlier detection and intervention, potentially preventing strokes or other severe outcomes.

Additionally, wearable blood pressure monitors and smart rings with temperature tracking are being used to manage hypertension and monitor early signs of infection or inflammation in patients with autoimmune diseases.

VELL can support users with chronic conditions by helping them monitor trends, set health milestones, and integrate data across different devices into a single, easy-to-understand dashboard. VELL also facilitates proactive care by alerting users when their metrics shift outside healthy ranges, empowering them to proactively manage their health by taking appropriate action or consulting healthcare providers.

Integration With Healthcare Systems:

One of the most promising aspects of wearables is their integration into digital health platforms and telemedicine. Many devices allow users to share their health data directly with physicians through apps and cloud-based platforms. This enables remote patient monitoring, which has become increasingly valuable.

VELL takes this integration further by serving as a central hub that connects patients and healthcare providers. Users can securely share insights with clinicians, allowing for more personalized and continuous care. The app’s ability to track and visualize long-term trends makes it easier for providers to adjust treatments and support patient self-management.

Challenges and Considerations:

While wearables offer many benefits, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Data privacy is a major concern, as the sensitive health information collected by wearables may not always be protected under healthcare privacy laws like HIPAA, depending on the device and platform. VELL Health addresses this by prioritizing robust data security and adherence to relevant privacy regulations, ensuring users’ personal health information is protected through encryption and secure protocols.

Additionally, not all wearables are medically validated, and users may misinterpret or over-rely on the raw data without professional guidance. This is where the intelligent interpretation offered by a platform like VELL becomes crucial. VELL aims to mitigate this by translating complex biometric data into actionable insights and personalized guidance, reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation. While VELL is not a substitute for professional medical advice, it empowers users with a clearer understanding of their health trends, encouraging them to seek professional consultation when necessary, rather than solely relying on raw device readings.

Ultimately, when intelligently combined with platforms like VELL, wearable technology represents a profound shift in how we approach personal well-being, fostering a more informed and proactive relationship with our health.

Sources:

  • The Lancet Digital Health (2022). Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health outcomes.
  • Perez, M. V., et al. (2019). Large-Scale Assessment of a Smartwatch to Identify Atrial Fibrillation. nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1901183
  • Piwek, L., Ellis, D. A., Andrews, S., & Joinson, A. (2016). The rise of consumer health wearables: Promises and barriers. PLOS Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001953

 

 

 

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Sylvia Zuniga-Barboni, MD, FAAN
Cleveland Clinic Florida
With an esteemed background including fellowships at Cleveland Clinic Florida and expertise in neurology, electrodiagnostic medicine, and botulinum toxin chemodenervation, Dr. Zuniga-Barboni brings a wealth of knowledge to our mission of holistic well-being. Board-certified and re-certified, her commitment to neurological health adds valuable perspectives to our efforts.
Michael Solomon, MD
St. Lucie Surgery Center
Received his Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University in 1988. After receiving his BS degree, he studied at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1992. Dr. Solomon performed his post graduate training in Urology and General Surgery from 1992-1999 at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn where he served as a Chief Resident in Urology. In addition, he completed a 1 year Urological Oncology Research Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC from 1995-1996.
Dr. Jordan Zabriskie
Clinic Director at Elite Therapy and Wellness
“Dr Z” graduated from the University of Florida and Palmer College of Chiropractic, with a focus in Sports Medicine . He has successfully treated thousands of patients with a multifaceted approach. Using physical therapy , movement correction , and chiropractic medicine to provide long lasting solutions to their conditions . Dr Z believes educating a patient and empowering them to “ fix “ their own dysfunction is an integral part of their recovery .
Dr. Richard A. DeLucia, Jr., MD, MBA
Board Certified Family Physician
Dr. Richard DeLucia is a Board Certified Family Practice Physician who began his practice in Jupiter in 2000 and is the founder of Jupiter Family Healthcare. He graduated from of the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed his residency training at Carolina’s Medical Center Family Practice Program, in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1998. Dr. DeLucia was the Chief of Family Medicine at Jupiter Medical Center from 2004-2008.
Linda Kiley, MD
Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health
Linda A. Kiley, MD, is a graduate of University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is a Board Certified physician and subspecialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Matthew Harris, MD
Medical Director of Pediatric Orthopedics and Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Jupiter Medical Center
Dr. Matthew Harris, MD works in Jupiter, FL as an orthopedic surgery specialist. He is board certified in orthopedic surgeryand graduated from STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO / SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE. Dr. Harris has has worked on more claims relating to femur fracture than other providers.
Zachary McVicker
Fellowship-trained sports medicine physician
Dr. McVicker has served as an assistant team physician for the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Galaxy, LA Football Club (LAFC), as well as the University of Southern California (USC) football team and the Miami Marlins. Dr. McVicker currently practices at the world renowned Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. He helped to create and direct the Sports Medicine program at the Paley Institute. Dr. McVicker prides himself on treating the entire patient to facilitate the physical and mental well-being required to return to an active lifestyle.
Dr. Ari Yoder
Licensed Optometrist
Dr. Yoder graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2012. He currently is a partner and practices in a multi location optometry practice in the middle of Amish country Ohio. Implementation of a proactive approach to eye health has been essential for Dr. Yoder in serving his patients, specifically those with diabetes.
Dr. Shahnoz Rustamova
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Rustamova graduated from the Samarkand State Medical Institute in 1995. She works in New York, NY and Jupiter, Fl, and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Rustamova is affiliated with Mount Sinai St Luke’s Hospital.
Dr. Ronald Gazze
Executive Medical Director NextEra Energy/ FPL
Where he is responsible for providing primary care and coordinating other medical care for many of the corporation’s leaders and other team members with complex cases. He is also the corporate medical subject matter expert, including for the pandemic team.
Townley Peters, Psy.D, RYT
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Florida and Bermuda
Townley Peters brings a wealth of expertise to Vell Health’s Mind/Body program, drawing from her extensive background as a psychologist committed to empowering individuals. Grounded in the belief that every person is inherently complex, Townley’s approach emphasizes collaboration and genuine care. Her professional demeanor is complemented by a human touch, ensuring a supportive and comfortable environment for those seeking growth and change.
Dr. Richard Zonderman
Licensed Psychologist
Associate Professor at Albizu University- Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Counseling programs.

Candidate screening for the Miami Dade College School of Justice Police Academy and local police departments.

Member of the Florida Psychological Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Psychological Services section.
Russell Bourne, Jr., Ph.d.
(University of Virginia) Clinical psychologist on staff at Jupiter Medical Center
Former President Florida Psychological Association, Currently on the Legislative Affairs and Public Policy Board.

Former associate Dean Randolph-Macon College and The University of Virginia.

Former President of the Virginia Ericksonian Institute, Consultant to the Florida and Virginia Judicial Systems, municipal law enforcement departments as well as to various businesses and the media. Central Intelligence Agency for 24 years.
Bill Reichel
President at Reichel Realty & Investments, Inc.
Bill has deep expertise and a proven track record in virtually every facet of Florida commercial real estate — leasing, management, brokerage, receivership and workout of commercial properties throughout the state. He also has extensive experience in construction, development management services and real estate tax appeal work.

Since its inception in 1987, Reichel Realty has facilitated thousands of commercial transactions totaling over $2 billion of gross business volume.
John Mattessich
Chief Financial Officer Maroone USA
With over 20 years of extensive experience in procurement and purchasing, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Executive Advisory Board.

John’s impressive journey began in 1996 at Mars Snackfoods, USA, where he served as a Commodity Manager. His dedication and passion for the field led him to Florida Crystals, where he took on roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately becoming the Vice President of Procurement in 2015.

We’re excited to have John on board as we continue our mission to elevate and innovate in the world of holistic health and wellness. Join us in welcoming John Mattessich to the Vell team!
John Hoctor
Chief Financial Officer Maroone USA
John Hoctor, the Chief Financial Officer at Maroone USA, has consistently demonstrated remarkable financial expertise and leadership skills. His extensive experience in financial management contributes significantly to Vell Health’s strategic development, showcasing a proven track record of driving financial success in his role as CFO.
Art Mandell
Director, MaxCyte Inc. Former Pharmaceutical & Biotech CEO
Art Mandell, serving as Director at MaxCyte Inc., is a distinguished figure with a rich background in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. As a former CEO in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector, Art has showcased outstanding leadership acumen and strategic brilliance.

His contributions to the field have been marked by a commitment to innovation, driving growth, and ensuring the advancement of cutting-edge technologies. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of the pharmaceutical and biotech landscapes, Art Mandell continues to play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of VELL Health.
Marshall Warner
VP Chesapeake Bank
Marshall Warner, a seasoned banking professional, has made significant contributions during his tenure as Executive Vice President at Chesapeake Bank. With a wealth of experience in the financial sector, Marshall demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence.

His role involved overseeing critical aspects of the bank’s operations, contributing to its growth, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services to clients. Marshall’s dedication to the banking industry has left a lasting impact on Chesapeake Bank and the broader financial community.
Ann Pace

Head of Legal, USA, World Gold Council

Ann Pace serves as the Head of Legal, USA at the World Gold Council, bringing extensive legal expertise to the organization. With a robust background in legal affairs, she plays a pivotal role in navigating the legal landscape for the World Gold Council in the United States. Ann’s leadership and legal acumen contribute significantly to the organization’s success in the dynamic gold industry.
Russell Bourne, Jr., Ph.d.
Clinical Psychologist
Since 2006, Dr. Bourne has played a crucial role at Jupiter Medical Center, contributing to the Medical Ethics Committee. As a licensed psychologist in Florida and Virginia, he brings a wealth of experience to Vell Health.

Dr. Bourne’s leadership goes beyond clinical practice; he was President of the Florida Psychological Association, Palm Chapter, and actively engages in legislative affairs. With a rich academic background and extensive consultancy work, including 24 years with the CIA, Dr. Bourne’s knowledge is a driving force in shaping Vell Health’s future.
Robecca Quammen
2nd Founder, HealthITq and Quammen Group
Robecca is a forward-thinking industry leader with a results-oriented approach, acknowledged as a champion for healthcare transformation through innovative information technology solutions. With a 30-year career in healthcare, she has held senior management roles in large provider organizations, the nation’s largest healthcare software vendor, and prominent healthcare consulting practices.

Renowned for spearheading organizational change initiatives, Robecca is committed to enhancing clinical care delivery and improving the bottom line in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Michael Viola

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Congruity HR

After more than 25 years in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) space, Mike brings deep domain expertise and a proven track record to his role as CEO of Congruity HR.

As co-founder and Chief Sales Officer for Oasis Outsourcing, Mike and his team quickly grew Oasis into the largest privately held PEO in the United States, ultimately serving 9,000 clients and 300,000 worksite employees across all 50 states.

After Paychex acquired Oasis in 2018, Mike was an Advisory Partner in the Private Equity space and served on several boards until joining Congruity as its CEO.
Dave Frisbie
MBA from Harvard
As a Vice President of Hines Interests during the 1980’s he managed major downtown revitalization projects including I. M. Pei’s JP Morgan Chase Tower (the tallest 5-sided building in the world), Cesar Pelli’s Wells Fargo Center, and Philip Johnson’s One Detroit Center (the tallest office building in Michigan). He was also one of the leading visionaries to participate in the redevelopment of downtown West Palm Beach.