It's important to stay safe and healthy that's something never in dispute. While that involves getting enough sleep, exercise, eating healthy, and adopting safe habits, there are plenty of tech products that can help. From devices that help clean the air of harmful bacteria to ones that ensure emergency services can be contacted in the event of a mishap, these tech wonders run the gamut.
Whether it's for an adventurer, while working at the office, or staying safe at home, there's a variety from which to choose. Many of the items are great personal buys while others would make thoughtful gifts.
Portable UV Sanitizer
Cell phones can be among the dirtiest devices since they are often plopped down on public surfaces and touched and tapped constantly. That's why it's important to keep them clean.
Portable UV sanitizers from brands like Phonesoap aren't just designed for cell phones – many of them can also accommodate other small items that are often used while out and about, like car keys, credit cards, and wireless earbuds. Using UV rays, they run a cycle to eliminate germs and bacteria from the surface of the device.
Screen Cleaners
For cell phones as well as other touch-enabled, and non-touch-enabled devices, a screen cleaner not only makes the experience more pleasurable, getting rid of smudges and fingerprints, they also keep them clean from bacteria and germs.
Usually available in spray form, like the popular Whoosh! screen cleaners, spray a small amount on the screen, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface. It keeps devices not only in pristine condition but helps get rid of germs as well. There are screen cleaners designed specifically for electronic devices without any harmful chemicals that can ruin the protective coating.
Webcam Privacy Cover
Privacy is of the utmost concern when it comes to connecting online, especially with devices that have cameras. While the best webcams are popular choices for Zoom calls, there's a webcam built right into most laptops. So, the person on the other end is viewable at any time should someone manage to hack into the computer. It's simple enough to stick a piece of paper overtop a webcam to ensure there are no prying eyes hacking into the devices and looking in. But there are webcam privacy covers that make it easy.
They sit overtop the webcam and slide open and close as needed to keep the camera covered when it's not being used for a video call, then reveal it when needed. There are tons of options, from basic black and white to adorable animal-themed ones for kids. Targus has the neat Spy Guard Webcam Cover, which comes in a three-pack.
High-Tech Face Mask
A high-tech mask like the Airpop Active+ Halo Smart Mask goes beyond the usual face protection. It also uses a built-in sensor to advise on breathing rate and protection level against harmful airborne bacteria in real-time. It works with an iOS or Android app where the data can be viewed at any time.
Learn about the local air quality, whether in a local park or at the grocery store and find out how many particles the mask has prevented from entering. It uses replaceable filters and comes with four.
Portable Air Purifier
The best air purifiers are often used in the home to keep the air clean of dust, dander, and other harmful airborne pollutants. But there are also portable personal air purifiers that can come in handy while out and about. Use one on the patio at a restaurant, for example, or even at a desk at the office.
LG's PuriCare Mini Air Purifier, for example, is small enough to pop into a purse or backpack and has dual fans. Use the app to learn more about the air quality and find out when the filter needs to be replaced.
Satellite GPS Messenger
For adventurers, devices like the SPOT Gen4 satellite GPS messenger can provide peace of mind that someone is okay while they are out in the wilderness. If there's no cellular service, the handy device can reach out using the Globalstar satellite network, advising of the location or if help is needed.
In addition to check-in features, there's also GPS location tracking, SOS features, and more. A subscription is required, but for hiking, mountain climbing, and other adventurous activities, it might be worth it for keeping safe.
Smartwatch Or Fitness Tracker
Many smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 7, which has some great features upgrades, include features like fall detection. If it detects a fall by the wearer, it will automatically contact pre-defined numbers on a contact list or emergency services.
Watches like this one, and ones from other brands like Fitbit and Garmin, also have health-related features like the ability to take an ECG, check blood oxygen saturation and breathing rate, use mindfulness activities to focus on mental health, and get other detailed health insights.
Blood Pressure Monitor
Chances are every doctor's visit includes a check of blood pressure and having one at home can come in handy. This allows for checking blood pressure to ensure that it isn't rising too high or dropping too low for unexplained reasons. When considering a high-tech smart option, like the Withings BPM Connect, all this data can be captured in an app and stored for reference.
The information can indicate patterns and give a doctor an indication about readings overall, not just at the time of the visit. It could also potentially help detect issues or risk factors based on historical data that can be used when in consultation with a medical professional.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
In addition to a smoke detector and one of the best smart thermostats, a carbon monoxide detector is a useful device to have in the home. And smart ones like the Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm will alert via phone when something is wrong. If it's just burnt toast, the alarm can be silenced right from the phone versus finding a book or other object to wave frantically over the sensor as with traditional models.
It not only sounds an alarm but uses a human voice to advise what is wrong like smoke is detected downstairs. It can detect smoke and whether it's coming from fast-burning or smoldering fires.
Sleep Headphones
A huge part of healthy living is getting enough sleep, but that is easier said than done for some. A good pair of earplugs might help, but sometimes, soothing sounds are what can do the trick. That is where sleep headphones come in handy. There are options like the SleepPhones, which come built into a comfortable fabric headband, playing tunes from a Bluetooth-connected phone.
There are also products like the Bose SleepBuds II, which pop into your ears, fitting securely while playing white noise or other sounds, from rustling leaves to a crackling fire, to help with falling asleep and getting much-needed quality rest.