YORK, Pa. — Dr. Peter Barclay is a cardiologist for Wellspan Health. That's why when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, he has plenty of suggestions.
"I like any type of device that encourages people to be active," Dr. Barclay said.
That includes fitness trackers. These "smart" devices come in all shapes, sizes and prices.
The items themselves have been around for a while, but the technology is constantly improving, and Dr. Barclay says they do work.
"In general, they are pretty accurate," he said.
In addition to counting things like steps and activity, they can help people understand how their body reacts to different factors like drinking alcohol or a new diet they're on.
"We can see variations of their heart rate, oxygen levels, their movement on a regular basis," Dr. Barclay said.
He also said the tiny devices offer a big reward--information that could help you avoid a serious health problem.
February is heart month--the perfect time to zoom in on your health! Economists say the global fitness tracking industry is estimated to be worth over $74 billion this year.
That being said, "The devices aren't available for everyone, but the activity is," Dr. Barclay said about walking. "The American Heart Association likes people to do 150--which sounds like a lot--but 150 minutes of moderate level of activity per week."
That breaks down to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Dr. Barclay assures you don't need a fitness tracker to better your health, but as they say, knowledge is power.
The cardiologist not only encourages his patients to exercise, but he's actually doing it with them. As part of WellSpan's "Walk and Talk with a WellSpan Doc" program, once a month, he meets with patients and community members to go on a walk.
If you'd like to join, it is free to the public. They'll meet at the York Galleria on Whiteford Road (lower level near Boscov's) on Feb. 29 at 9:30 a.m., and the walk is scheduled to last until 10:30 a.m.