Regardless of all the technologies out there that have helped us advance as societies, we are still human beings at the core with vulnerabilities, fears, imperfections, hope, insecurities, and incredible potential.
In medical terms, curing and managing it are two completely different concepts. A cure is something that completely eliminates an ailment. On the other hand, managing an ailment entails diminishing its symptoms, preventing it from getting worse, and diminishing stress that may be associated with it
Chronic diseases, however, cannot be cured, even with sweeping changes in one’s lifestyle, medication, and treatments. However, a patient can successfully manage their chronic illness and have the symptoms be reduced through holistic care.
Holistic care aims at a well-rounded treatment of the patient. It involves treating their mind, body, and spirit to address the root causes and symptoms of the illness. The goal is to use practices that help patients lead healthier, happier lives.
This approach to treatment emboldens patients to be more in control of their health and wellbeing. Everyone knows that they should eat healthy, exercise regularly, and adopt better sleeping habits but actually committing to a wellness plan is difficult. Instead of listing off recommendations, the preferred approach is to include the patient in a conversation (physical or virtual) to find out what lifestyle changes work best for them. Many times, it is incremental improvements that can make a significant difference.
Wellness is an effort that is as mentally taxing as it is physically demanding. Various surveys have suggested that a lack of willpower prevents people from making the lifestyle changes they need to make. Our mind compels us to do the right thing for our bodies. Our thought patterns, fears, worries, and anxieties tend to deviate us from the path of wellness.
While wellness and healthy lifestyles have become mainstream today, each individual may approach the path to wellness a bit differently. However, it starts with getting in touch with your mind and body in a kind and meaningful way. The process leads to self-awareness and an understanding that we are unique.
Over the past few years, with the advancement in technology, there has been a definite awakening in those who are working towards enhancing human potential and well-being.
Transformative Technology is any hardware and software that can make reliable and positive changes in the human psychological experience. In other words, this technology can improve one’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, and enhance the flourishing of humans.
Regardless of all the technologies out there that have helped us advance as societies, we are still human beings at the core with vulnerabilities, fears, imperfections, hope, insecurities, and incredible potential. Intrinsically humans still crave wellness which is the source of true happiness and fulfillment.
The biggest challenge faced by Wellness Apps today is validation and the ability to transform Data into Actionable Insights that can be measured with respect to change in outcomes and ultimately help people make material decisions using this information.
While wellness apps have not matured enough to demonstrate evidence that they are improving an endpoint, they are definitely making a significant impact in the prevention space. Wellness App can help track and monitor health and fitness parameters and advise on lifestyle improvements that can over a period of time positively impact health.
The next frontier in Wellness Apps will be in the realm of personalized and integrated platforms that simplify access to self-care programs. More efforts should be made to equip users with evidence-based nutritional knowledge, comprehensive and personalized guidance, and innovative technology.
In the backdrop of the grueling concerns of overweight/obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular ailment in our country, it becomes imperative for consumers to be able to trust the platform as a safe space. It’s future adoption heavily depends on its ability to support a trusting relationship environment for users. As we choose virtual technologies and develop new tools, we must keep the core human needs of users front and center.
App-based therapies are proven to be helpful in improving one’s dietary consumption, nutritional awareness, and self-efficacy. There is a lot of research that suggests also that patients’ adoption and use of health and nutrition apps is associated with significant steps towards a healthier diet & lifestyle and this increasing inherent motivation helps them become more engaged, persistent, and stable in their behavior, which leads to improved health outcomes.
Wellness/health promotion interventions are resources that allow the person to choose behaviors to sustain and enhance the quality of life within the context of living with a chronic disabling condition. Although there is a significant level of interest in wellness and health promotion interventions among consumers, health care practitioners, and policymakers, there lacks a comprehensive examination body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these interventions.
Source: Business World
