Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) Into Your Health Journey
While it may seem relatively new, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the simulation of intelligent behavior using computer systems, is fast becoming prominent in health and wellness sectors to transform daily living. We interact with AI through smartphone apps, watches, in-home devices, and web surfing, but what about incorporating AI to achieve healthier lifestyle wellness goals? Let’s explore how.
Wearables and Fitness Tracking
AI assisted wearable devices can analyze activity, nutrition, heart rate, your sleep patterns, and then personalize tips to increase activity, monitor food and water intake, and improve sleep hygiene. The benefits are tailored routines to establish healthier habits that fit seamlessly into your life. AI-powered devices can send alerts to your phone and help your health team monitor for elevated blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, and irregular heart rate.
Mental Health Monitoring
Mind-body connection is essential for total wellbeing. Yet according to Mental Health America, around 22% of adults report having 14 or more mentally unhealthy days monthly with cost being a barrier to seeking care (MHA, 2023). AI app technology can bridge the gap to affordable mental health specialists, recommend stress reduction techniques and monitor social media activity to bring awareness to excessive screen time.
Telemedicine and Health Coaching
AI-powered health and wellness technology makes telehealth and virtual appointment access to doctors, nurses and health coaches accessible without having to leave home. This is especially beneficial for Communities of Color, rural and underserved areas, and those with travel limitations due to mobility or transportation issues. Artificial Intelligence also supports medical imaging advancement, medical education and research, and virtual training of healthcare professionals.
Better Health and Wellness Care
This transformational technology is already enhancing health behavior and improving motivation for a better health journey. AI potential to significantly improve access to health and wellness modalities is promising, but access must also be equitable (Gurevich et al., 2023). Key indicators must be addressed with full transparency as the technology evolves in order to:
- Eliminate Health Disparities by ensuring any potential racial bias in AI algorithms that draw data from underlying structural inequalities is eradicated.
- Improve Access to Healthcare by putting wellness into the hands of the end user (you) through equitable access to internet connectivity and online wellness tools.
- Provide Creative Strategies to make wearable wellness devices and other health-centric technologies affordable.
Ongoing Development and Support
AI supported initiatives work to reshape health benefits and reimagine how AI technology will enhance health access and delivery (Working Group, 2020). At the grassroots level we add to these efforts by continuing to bring awareness to the role of AI in helping individuals thrive and our communities flourish.
Sources:
- Gurevich, E., El Hassan, B., & El Morr, C. (2023). Equity within AI systems: What can health leaders expect? Healthcare Management Forum, 36(2), 119–124. https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704221125368
- The State of Mental Health in America. (n.d.). Mental Health America. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america
- Working Group on Data, Digital, and AI in Health. (n.d.). Broadband Commission. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://broadbandcommission.org/working-groups/digital-and-artificial-intelligence-in-health-2020/
