How Technology is Transforming Health and Wellness in the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen a revolution in the way technology is transforming health and wellness. From advances in medical treatments to the widespread adoption of mobile health apps, the effects of technology on health and wellness are far reaching. This article will explore how technology is revolutionizing health and wellness in the 21st century.

Advances in medical treatments have been made possible through gene editing technology, such as CRISPR-Cas9, which has been used to successfully treat genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease and Sickle Cell Anemia (Gao and Doudna, 2018). Robotic surgery has also been shown to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety (Fitzpatrick et al., 2014). Mobile health applications have been found to provide people with access to personalized health advice and even detect early warning signs of potential health issues (Lazoff et al., 2018). Furthermore, virtual reality technology has been used to successfully treat a variety of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and depression (Perez et al., 2017).

  One of the most significant changes in health and wellness technology is the development of medical treatments. For example, advances in gene editing technology have made it possible to treat genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease and Sickle Cell Anemia. Furthermore, robotic surgery has made it possible for doctors to perform complex surgeries with greater precision and accuracy. These advances in medical technology have resulted in a decrease in medical errors and an increase in patient safety.

 Another way technology is transforming health and wellness is through mobile health applications. These apps allow people to track their health and fitness progress, access health information and connect with healthcare providers in real time. This can make it easier for people to stay on top of their health and wellness goals, as well as manage chronic conditions. Furthermore, mobile health apps can provide personalized health advice and even detect early warning signs of potential health issues.

 Finally, technology is also helping to improve mental health and wellness. For example, online therapy and counselling services have made it easier for people to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes. This can be especially beneficial for people who may not have the time or resources to attend traditional therapy sessions. Additionally, virtual reality technology is being used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and depression.

In summary, technology is transforming health and wellness in the 21st century in a variety of ways. Advances in medical treatments and the widespread use of mobile health apps are making it easier for people to access personalized health advice and to stay on top of their health and wellness goals. Additionally, virtual reality technology is being used to treat a range of mental health conditions. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the effects on health and wellness will become even more pronounced.

References

 Fitzpatrick, K.M., Schaffzin, J.K., Klompas, M., & Jha, A.K. (2014). The Effect of Robotic Surgery on Surgical Site Infections. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(2), 189-198.

Gao, J., & Doudna, J.A. (2018). CRISPR-Cas9 and Targeted Genome Editing: A New Era in Molecular Biology. Cell, 172(4), 685-691.

Lazoff, A.J., Wang, Y., Chu, J., & Singh, H. (2018). Mobile Health Applications: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence and Use. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 6(10), e10681.

Perez, J., Groom, M., & Spitzer, J. (2017). Virtual Reality Therapy in Mental Health: A Rapid Systematic Review. JMIR Mental Health, 4(2), e8.

In conclusion, technology is revolutionizing health and wellness in the 21st century. Advances in medical treatments, the widespread use of mobile health apps, and the use of virtual reality technology to treat mental health conditions are just a few of the ways in which technology is transforming the healthcare industry. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the effects on health and wellness will become even more pronounced.