### The Life-Saving Capabilities of the Apple Watch: A Case Study from New Zealand
In recent times, wearable technology has revolutionized personal health monitoring, positioning the Apple Watch at the forefront of this industry. Thanks to its sophisticated health tracking functionalities, the device has been recognized for alerting users to critical health issues. A striking account from New Zealand demonstrates the vital nature of these features.
#### A New Advancement: The Apple Watch Series 10
Amanda Faulkner, a consultant psychiatrist hailing from Napier, New Zealand, upgraded to the Apple Watch Series 10 last year after years of relying on her husband’s previous model. One prominent feature of the Series 10 is the Vitals app, which tracks various health indicators overnight, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, and sleep quality. Every morning, users receive a summary of any irregularities detected overnight.
#### The Alerts That Preserved a Life
In a conversation with *The New Zealand Herald*, Faulkner shared how her Apple Watch started sending her several alerts that indicated her resting heart rate had surged from her typical 55 beats per minute to the 90s. Initially doubtful, she considered the alerts to be possible errors of the device. However, as the notifications continued, she opted to consult her physician and provide the data gathered by her watch.
Her general practitioner took the matter seriously and referred her to the emergency department for an in-depth assessment. There, comprehensive testing revealed that Faulkner had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer. Doctors informed her that had she delayed seeking medical attention even for a few more days, she might have encountered life-threatening complications due to the untreated cancer.
#### Continuing Treatment and the Journey Ahead
Following her diagnosis, Faulkner was moved to Palmerston North Hospital, where she has been undergoing chemotherapy. In July, she is set to have a stem cell transplant in Wellington, a procedure that will replace her bone marrow with that of a donor from Europe. Although this treatment presents hope, it also carries considerable risk, with a 20% chance of mortality.
Reflecting on her journey, Faulkner remarked, “Hand on heart, if it wasn’t for my smartwatch constantly nagging me, I wouldn’t have even noticed something was wrong.” Her husband, Mike Faulkner, echoed her feelings, stressing that the Apple Watch had made a transformative difference in Amanda’s health journey and greatly enhanced her chances of overcoming cancer.
#### The Broader Significance of Wearable Technology
Faulkner’s narrative underscores the potential of wearable technology to function as an essential tool in preventive healthcare. The capacity to continuously track vital signs and receive real-time alerts can empower individuals to take proactive measures in managing their health. As technology continues to advance, the incorporation of sophisticated health monitoring features in devices like the Apple Watch could facilitate earlier identification of health concerns, ultimately preserving lives.
In conclusion, Amanda Faulkner’s experience stands as a poignant reminder of the importance of being attentive to our bodies and the potential of technology to support that vigilance. As wearable devices grow more sophisticated, they may assume an even more critical role in the future of healthcare, equipping users with the insights necessary to make informed choices about their health and wellness.
