When it comes to wellness, we often talk about the importance about taking a break from technology. While that is certainly true when it comes to time spent behind the computer or time-suckers like games, there are many exciting ways that technology can help us stay on the wellness track.
Robin Berzin MD
We asked Robin Berzin MD, who is a NYC-based integrative physician and also heads up even production for Health Interactive, to tell us about some her favorites. Just like Berzin, her suggestions marry the best of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, nutrition science, and western medicine to help people get to the root of their imbalances and find optimum health.
1. Activity Trackers
The Fuelband, the UP, the Fitbug Orb, the Spark, the Fitbit, or your personal favorite souped up pedometer! I love activity trackers because they chance your relationship to the way you move in a day. More and more research is showing that it’s not just about 30 minutes at the gym, its about moving and standing throughout the day. Sitting too much literally takes years off your life — these trackers are a kick in the proverbial pants if you’re not getting out of your seat!
2. MyBreath App
Meditation for a lot of people seems really out there, but at the end of the day it’s really powerful. It can improve your sleep, decrease the level of stress hormones in your body and also increase the level of your rest and relax hormones — the ones that promote healing. BreathResearch‘s MyBreath app lets you breathe along with it and shows people that meditation is as simple as breathing with focus. It’s a great gateway! Download for iPhone
3. Charity Miles
I love the Charity Miles app because you can raise money for the charity of your choice any time you move forward in space, whether you are running, walking or biking. It’s good for you, and it’s good for a good cause. Doing something good for someone else has time and again proven to have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Download for iPhone or Android here
4. Zipongo
It’s hard to make an app that’s genuinely helpful when it comes to eating better, but Zipongo has done it. One of the major barriers to cooking more often and using healthier ingredients like fruits and vegetables is cost. Zipongo helps you find healthy food at the best prices, helps you build meal plans, and gives you relevant recipes. They lower the hurdle to preparing a genuinely nourishing meal. Download for iPhone
5. Om Signal
Om Signal takes tracking one step further and embedding it in your clothing. Forget a wristband, this is the future, and it’s fascinating. The company won a huge award at this year’s Health 2.0 Conference for their shirt that tracks your heart rate, breathing and activity. Om Signal will be showcasing their bio-sensing apparel at Health Interactive in Santa Monica this Saturday November 2, as part of a session on the future of medicine. It’s very cool.
The Health Interactive event — showcasing delicious food, yoga, boot camp, resistance training, juice bars, vegan cooking, and the latest tech and cool apps that are revolutionizing wellness — is happening from 10am-6pm, Saturday, November 2, in Santa Monica, CA. Use the code HI13MK to get a discounted $10 ticket here. Tickets include every class, panel, demo, and the exhibit hall.
Top photo: Nike’s Fuelband
