The Story Behind the Black Band on Mayor Balen Shah’s Hand During National Address

15 Shrawan, Kathmandu – On Thursday, the black band on Prime Minister Balen Shah’s left hand during his address to the nation caught the public’s attention.

On social media, some interpreted the band as a symbol of mourning for incidents in the Terai region, while others thought it was a black armband worn as a form of protest.

However, the band is in fact a state-of-the-art smart health monitoring device called Hoop (Fitbit brand). It continuously measures the user’s biological signals 24 hours a day and provides ongoing information about health, exercise, sleep, stress levels, and physical recovery status.

With the rapid advancement of technology, methods for monitoring human health have also changed. Until a few years ago, people had to visit hospitals to check blood pressure, heart rate, or undergo health tests. Now, small wearable devices collect biological data throughout the day to provide users with detailed information about their health. These devices are known as ‘smart wearables.’

Among smartwatches, fitness bands, and health trackers, Hoop and Fitbit are the most renowned globally. These devices gather health-related data and analyze it using artificial intelligence to offer personalized health recommendations. Consequently, many consider them ‘digital health coaches.’

What is Hoop?

Hoop is a health and fitness monitoring smart device without a screen. It cannot be used to check the time, answer phone calls, or read messages. Its primary purpose is to assess the body’s condition and help the wearer adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Typically worn on the wrist, it can also be used under specific clothing as required.

Currently, Hoop is used by professional athletes worldwide, including Olympians, runners, cyclists, gym instructors, and health-conscious individuals. It has proven helpful in managing training schedules, rest periods, and physical capabilities.

How does Hoop work?

There are four main stages:

First stage: Continuous health monitoring

Hoop is worn continuously, 24/7, measuring the user’s physical condition. Whether the user is walking, running, sitting in an office, or sleeping, it collects data without interruption.

Second stage: Collection of biological signals

Equipped with advanced optical sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and temperature sensors, the device measures various biological parameters.

Main indicators measured include:

• Heart rate
• Heart rate variability
• Resting heart rate
• Respiration rate
• Body temperature
• Sleep duration and quality
• Daily physical activity
• Exercise intensity
• Stress levels

Third stage: Artificial intelligence analysis

The collected data is analyzed using AI, which provides personalized recommendations based on the user’s physical condition.

For example:

• How much exercise is appropriate today?
• Does the body need rest?
• How many hours of sleep are required today?
• Has the body fully recovered?

It also studies long-term health trends and gradually offers more tailored advice.

Fourth stage: Building a healthy lifestyle

Hoop’s goal is not only to display data but also to encourage behavioral changes. For example, if sleep is insufficient, it suggests more rest; if the user is exhausted from excessive exercise, it recommends recovery. Generally, it offers advice based on resting heart rate and sleep quality.

What is Fitbit?

Fitbit is among the world’s most popular health monitoring brands, offering various models that function as smartwatches and health trackers. Unlike Hoop, Fitbit devices have screens for checking time, receiving notifications, and managing phone calls.

Fitbit’s features include:

• Daily step counting
• Calorie expenditure tracking
• Heart rate measurement
• Sleep quality monitoring
• Blood oxygen saturation levels
• ECG monitoring in some models

Some Fitbit models can alert users immediately if abnormal heart rhythms are detected.

How do these devices monitor health?

Hoop and Fitbit both use advanced optical sensors. They emit green or infrared light onto the skin, and the light’s reflection changes with blood flow. By analyzing these changes, they estimate heart rate, blood flow, oxygen levels, and other biological signals.

Additionally, accelerometers and gyroscopes detect movement such as walking, running, or sleeping, while temperature sensors measure changes in body temperature.

Health benefits

These smart wearables offer many potential benefits:

• Improving sleep quality
• Encouraging regular exercise habits
• Assisting with weight management
• Continuous heart rate monitoring
• Stress management
• Identifying excessive fatigue timely
• Understanding physical recovery status
• Analyzing long-term health trends

In some cases, changes in heart rate, temperature, or breathing can provide early warning signs of infections or health issues before symptoms appear.

Therefore, these devices should be viewed as tools to increase health awareness. If any abnormal symptoms arise, consulting a healthcare professional is essential.