Symptom tracking comes with downfalls
Electronic wearables that can monitor heart rates, steps and more vital signs are becoming more prevalent across the healthcare space, but the use of these devices is not all on the up and up. Instead of helping people stay on track with their health goals, meticulously tracking symptoms can actually sometimes make them feel worse, Wired reported.
That’s because taking stock of feelings and symptoms consistently can lead to dwelling on problems, such as insomnia, and increase the likelihood of continued occurrences. For some, symptom trackers can produce a “state of anxiety,” Wired reported, and oftentimes expectations can shape how people feel.
Other minor symptoms, like small aches, would normally hardly be noticed. But with a symptom tracker, these minor discomforts are more prominent and noticeable by bringing them to the attention of those tracking.
See the full story below:
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."