Doctors say wearable smart tech can be helpful, but also has downsides

A new medical report is raising important questions about the tradeoffs of wearable technology—questions that health-conscious families should consider alongside concerns about EMF exposure in the home.

Dr. Sarah Benish of the University of Minnesota, lead author of a report published in Neurology, the Medical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, explains that smartwatches and fitness trackers can be useful tools for monitoring health factors like sleep, activity, and heart rate. The data can help doctors better understand conditions such as epilepsy, migraines, and sleep disorders. "There's so much information out there that we've never before been able to process," Dr. Benish said.

The Downsides You Need to Know

But Dr. Benish emphasizes that wearable tech should never replace doctor visits or standard medical tests. More concerning for many parents: one significant downside is anxiety. If you find yourself "thinking about it all the time or checking the app" constantly, or having repetitive conversations with your physician about the data, that may be a warning sign, according to Dr. Benish.

Another critical issue: most consumer wearables are not FDA-approved medical devices and may provide inaccurate information. Scientists advise proceeding with caution.

What This Means for EMF-Conscious Families

For families already taking steps to reduce EMF exposure—whether through choices like low-EMF air purifiers or low-EMF hair dryers—wearable devices present another layer of consideration. These devices use Bluetooth and often cellular connectivity, placing them in direct contact with your body for extended periods.

Just as you might research EMF shielding paint when evaluating a home near cell towers, it's worth considering whether continuous wearable tech exposure aligns with your family's health priorities. Dr. Benish's advice to "proceed with caution" takes on additional meaning when you're already minimizing EMF sources in your environment.

The bottom line: wearable technology may offer benefits, but weigh those against both the psychological downsides and your family's overall approach to electromagnetic exposure.

Originally reported by ABC7 New York