For many of us Baby-boomers, the notion of high tech wellness begins with memories of the first time a nurse placed an automatic thermometer in our ear. We were surprised by the beep sound and amazed at the quickness and accuracy of our temperature reading.
Today the definition of wellness has changed. No longer does it only mean the absence of good health. Its modern definition is the proactive process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Wellness technology has advanced far beyond mere temperature readings. We now have the ability to control, track, measure and monitor body functions and actions where we could never do so before. We can receive real time feedback to help us make informed decisions about our food intake, sun exposure and stress levels. And we can vacation or even live day to day in dwellings that are designed to assist us in realizing our quest for a healthier life.
The following are just a small representation of wellness initiatives.
Wellness Living
Las Vegas is no longer just about gambling and entertainment. A well-known property on the strip offers a wellness upgrade for an additional $30 dollars per night. Amenities such as a Vitamin C infused shower, Dawn Simulation to help you awaken and Energizing Light to reset your sleep cycle are just a few of the offerings.
If you need something a bit more permanent, wellness homes are available around the U.S. One builder incorporates as many as 75 features into his properties which range from condos to single family homes.
Sensor Gear
Using a mirror at the gym to check your form is so old school. Now you just put on your sensor loaded athletic apparel and monitor your progress on your mobile device. Other variations include moisture wicking gear that uses a Siri style assistant to record and inform in real time on your oxygen intake during workouts.
Have insomnia? Athletic gear that is comfortable enough for bedtime while measuring sleep quality is now available.
And new moms can rest easier when their baby is in a onesie type outfit that tracks sleep status, breathing, body position while allowing them to also listen in.
Medical Wearables
Technological advances are changing the way that medicine will be applied in the future. Dermo patches have evolved to electronically controlled medical devices designed to diffuse drugs through the skin.
This award winning innovation could be used with a wide variety of drugs to administer needleless vaccines and treat issues such as skin cancer, arthritis pain, diabetes, bedsores and a range of others.
In 2015 an estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia. Medical wearables may give caretakers much needed help in caring for the victims of this debilitating problem.
Socks with sensors can provide an instant smartphone alert if a patient has left a predetermined safe area.
A smartwatch app defines danger or safety zones and notifies caretakers immediately if their charge leaves or enters them.
Take a look at the following infographic. It further illustrates how wellness is constantly being impacted by technology at home and at work.
This post is part of an editorial series produced by The Huffington Post as part of our monthlong "Work Well" initiative, which focuses on thriving in the workplace. The goal of the series -- which will feature blogs, reported features, videos, and more -- is to present creative solutions you can use to take care of yourself as you take care of business. The effort is also part of The Huffington Post's "What's Working" solutions-oriented journalism initiative. To see all the content in the "Work Well" series, visit here.