Health awareness is growing. From young to old, all ages have seen how taking care of their diet, lack of sport or an active lifestyle or exposure to the sun can affect their health. And the latter, for example, is particularly important in Europe, a country with many hours of sunshine that allow it to have a large capacity for solar energy production, but which also means that its citizens are very exposed.
That’s why on the beaches It is always recommended to use sun protection in the form of cream or spray.as well as using an umbrella, taking frequent baths or not sunbathing during the central hours of the day. But sometimes many people forget that This is something that should not only be done on the beach, but whenever the sun shines directly on us.. When doing outdoor work, during walks in the countryside and even in the park when the little ones are playing.
In order to know if solar radiation is or could be a problem, there are devices that measure it, but they are generally not within the reach of the average citizen. One exception is Sun-a-wear, a Swiss company that has created a device that can inform about exposure to solar radiation as long as we carry it with us.
UV tracking
The play on words in the company’s name itself emphasizes the importance of being aware of what the sun can do. It’s a play on words with Sun Aware, which could be translated as “being aware of the sun,” as well as “Wearable Device for the Sun” since it’s a device similar to smart bracelets, but focused on a single task.
The UV Tracker, as the device is called, costs 89 dollars and includes all shipping and customs fees, at least within the European Union and the United States. Also, although it has an app, it does not use monthly subscriptionswhich is common in some medical devices used as accessories for cell phones.
UV Tracker on wrist and in hair
Free Android
When purchased, it comes with a bracelet so you can wear it comfortably, but it also has a clip that can be used as a hairpin, pinned to clothing, used as a pendant, etc. The only condition is to take it in an area where the light reaches it.
This also eliminates the need to use an external charger since The device itself has a small solar panel which means it charges continuously, without having to remember to plug it in. It is water-resistant, although the company has not confirmed any specific type of IP certification. It is assumed to be splash-proof as well as submersible, based on the images on its website. This would allow it to be worn at all times on the beach, even when swimming.
Sensor clip
Free Android
The radiation measurement system varies depending on whether the device is exposed to direct sunlight or shade. In the first case, it is measured every 5 seconds, to be able to warn of rapid increases. In the second case, it is measured every 10 seconds. If we do not wear it or want to store it, it has a cover.
Tracking application
In addition to the hardware device, the product It comes with an app that allows you to read the data captured by the device. In this way, it is possible to know the solar radiation at any time. But not only that. The application also indicates which protection factor is good to use and sets reminders to do so from time to time, something that many people forget.
UV Tracker App Interface
Free Android
This app also serves the opposite purpose, which is to increase sun exposure if you so desire. Lack of solar radiation can also be a problem for health, especially because it can lead to a lack of vitamin D, which can cause osteoporosis in adults or rickets in children. This way, if the device detects that you have not sunbathed for a while, it will remind you with a notification.
The app allows you to control up to four UV Trackers at the same timesetting different limits for each one. This allows us to differentiate the use in children and adults, in order to be aware of the needs or exposure of each member of the family. In addition, each person must answer some questions before using the device, establishing data such as skin color. This makes the use of this device quite personal. In addition, this type of sensor has a usage range of 10-15%, so the application allows you to slightly modify the recommended exposure times to always stay on the safe side.
UV trackers in the sun
Free Android
The best thing is that this app is free to use.without requiring a subscription, although the device and the application itself may receive updates to improve performance. To use it, you simply need an Android smartphone or an iPhone.
These types of medical-functional cell phone accessories are becoming more and more common. Some allow you to turn your cell phone into an electrocardiogram machine, others turn any cell phone into a medical test machine, and still others even serve as a breathalyzer.
