Wearables for health: What do you do with the data from wearables?

Good question, @tamp. This is an especially notable question for people tracking insulin levels and date related to diabetes. The biggest complaints I've heard from the diabetes community about data sharing are 1) data downloads are not compatible with software that their doctor uses and/or 2) doctor consults not long enough or doctor unwilling to review self-tracking data.

What data do you share with your doctor? Is she or he willing and able to review the data with you to start a meaningful health discussion?

Hi @tamp, I share my CPAP data with my sleep medicine doctor although they only download it from my machine when I go in for an appointment which I haven't done in more than a year. I also have an iWatch and I'm in a 2 year Mayo Clinic study on the ECG. I have a Mayo Clinic app on my iPhone that sends the ECG data to Mayo. I have to open the app before it sends the data so it doesn't run in the background. I'm pretty comfortable sharing my health data with Mayo since they are good at protecting patient information.

Do you mind sharing what your interest is in health application data sharing with doctors? Just wondering if you are involved in a research project.

I was just curious who are using "wearables" (e.g. fitbit, apple etc) and what they are using them for? What you do with the health info you collect? Are you using it to better manage your own health, wellness & well-being? If so how? I read some doctors are gaining more digital skills in this area and also some healthcare institutions are setting up ways to integrate all that medical information into your medical records so the doctors can get a holistic view of your health. Together some doctor and patients are using this new health information to co-create better health, wellness. I would welcome your feedback, suggestions and comments. Thank you David

This is a good question for seniors, no matter what your level of activity and state of health. I plan to purchase one myself in the next 60 days. I had a family member who had an apple watch and he rated it poorly for his needs. I exercise vigerously, and would like to have access to my EKG patterns, because I am memorizing EKG strips patterns for nursing.

It can be potentially risky for an invasion of privacy, or it could be a life saving device depending on your situation. I would suggest weigh the benefits along with the risks to make your decision to determine if these products are right for you.

I use an Apple Watch to keep track of my daily walks ( mon. - fri. 2 miles) a day. I also use the ecg whenever I experience unusual flutters etc . I tag them as other in symptoms because they are angina related. The watch reminds me to stand each hour and to move when I’m not moving enough.

I try to keep track of my steps, sleep, weight, pulse..that's it

The screen on my Apple watch popped off so I replaced with a Fitbit Inspire 2 through OTC benefits. I like it better than the Apple Watch which felt like I was wearing an alarm clock on my wrist. Fitbit is smaller. It helps me to keep up with my walking, steps count, workout, BPM, reminds me to relax and allows me to log how many glasses of water I drink. It’s like having a trainer nudging me. If you haven’t used wearable before, it takes a little time to figure out all the features. So far my doctors not interested in info. ❤️ love my Fitbit.

I wear an apple watch because I have AFIB. I use the to watch to record exercise, steps, and any heart events that I may have. It's easy to export the data and print the spreadsheet.I take the information to my Cardiology appointments along with ECG's recorded and printed. My doctor looks at them every visit and comments that I keep good records. Our clinic does not allow documents attached to messages yet, but when that begins, I would be able to message the ECG results to the office for a quick opinion.