By Tai of Allsup
I recently read an exposé on “fitness tracker cheats.” These are people who attached their personal body monitoring devices, such as a Fitbit or Jawbone to their pets, fans, and other moving objects to inflate the amount of physical activity their devices reported.
Really. The perpetrators were usually trying to win an employer-sponsored contest, and others wanted bragging rights.
However, most people use the wearable monitors in earnest efforts to improve their physical health. Rates of obesity, heart disease and other chronic conditions keep rising, and physical activity is one way to stem the tide.
But what about a fitness tracker for mental health? Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to monitor your moods, thoughts and emotions to improve your mental wellness? Imagine being part of a supportive community that gives you feedback and encouragement.
If the idea intrigues you, join me this Thursday, June 16, for “True Help Claiming Power to Improve Your Mental Health.” Register here.
You’ll learn about tools you can use as fitness trackers for your brain. There also will be information on how you could receive a Fitbit for participating in a mental health and cardiovascular disease study.
Researchers are learning more about the biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health and their effects on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) mental illness is associated with increased occurrence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, epilepsy and cancer.
What’s good for the body is good for the mind, and vice versa.
