When I was traveling out west a couple of weeks ago, I suddenly got the urge to do some research about the Fitbit that’s been on my wrist 23.5 hours a day for the past 3 years.
I read a few articles that talked about negligible radiation associated with the Bluetooth elements of it. Some people dismiss this impact (due to its negligible-ness) but others suggest that even though the amount is small, it can add up over years of being in regular contact with your skin.
I also wondered how my data-and-trend-infatuated brain had been impacted by the daily and hourly reminders to get more steps.
So I took it off a couple of weeks ago to see how my behaviors might change. Also, over the past 3 years, my resting heart rate has steadily been about 55 BPM so I have a pretty good handle on that.
Anyway, so far I’ve been taking fewer regular walks, but still getting plenty of exercise – and maybe even relaxing a little more than usual. So I’m going to keep it up (or keep it off) for a while. I told my son I might put the Fitbit on every 6 months or something to check on my heartrate as a health barometer.
My step-nemesis Lindsay noticed my drop in stats right away and asked if I was okay (we share weekly numbers) and I told her I’m ready to race her in the streets any day.
I do miss wearing a watch/timepiece though. So… I might look for something else to wear on my body before long.
