Here’s how to make the most of patients’ wearable data

The American Medical Association is promoting greater use of wearable health devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers in medical care, with physicians increasingly interested in collecting this data from patients. But for families concerned about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, this push toward constant wearable monitoring raises important questions about the cumulative effects of these always-on wireless devices.

What the Medical Community Is Planning

According to cardiologist Dr. Steven R. Steinhubl, who practices in Alaska and Indiana and serves as chief medical officer for AI health company Eko Health, healthcare systems are working to create standardized ways to collect wearable data from patients and integrate it into medical records. A recent AMA study surveying over 2,200 physicians across six countries found that doctors are generally interested in using wearable data to help manage patient care.

Dr. Steinhubl noted that for this to work broadly, clinics need systems to collect reliable data from devices that meet federal standards, and physicians need financial incentives to adopt these systems. The AMA study recommends building evidence for wearables' effectiveness and reducing workflow friction for doctors.

The EMF Consideration for Families

What's missing from this medical conversation is any discussion of the EMF exposure that comes with wearing Bluetooth-enabled devices against your skin for extended periods. While doctors focus on data quality and workflow, health-conscious parents should consider that these devices emit radiofrequency radiation throughout the day and night—often positioned directly over the heart or wrist.

Just as many families are now choosing low-EMF air purifiers and low-EMF hair dryers to reduce daily exposure, the same consideration applies to wearables. If your doctor recommends continuous health monitoring, ask about wired alternatives or devices that sync data periodically rather than maintaining constant wireless connections. Some families have found that understanding EMF shielding principles helps them make more informed decisions about when wireless health monitoring is truly necessary versus when it's simply convenient.

The takeaway: medical benefits should be weighed against exposure risks, especially for children and pregnant women.

Originally reported by American Medical Association | AMA