Can a Piece of Jewelry Really Help My Health Journey?
I Never Even Heard of the Oura Ring Until Its Fourth Generation
Embarrassingly, I had been wearing the same FitBit Versa 2 watch for more than six years. So, while health-related jewelry has taken health monitoring to the next level, I remained content tracking my steps and heart rate on my FitBit watch.
Then, I started reading about how the Oura Ring was credited for alerting wearers about some serious health issues. A piece of jewelry that could actually save someone’s life is something we should all consider, right?
I answered that question with a “YES” but then I noticed the high price of an Oura Ring and thought perhaps I should stick to my trusty FitBit. However, knowing that an Oura Ring 4 could be beneficial to my health, I decided to at least consider purchasing the ring.
Following Doctor’s Orders: Can the Oura Ring 4 Help Me?
You know the drill. The medical doctor tells you to lose weight, add a fitness regime and eat healthier to lower your cholesterol, sugar, and blood pressure. You start off with a bang, proud of your accomplishments. Then, after eating just one cookie, one potato chip, or one slice of bread, you switch from a low sugar, low sodium and low carb food plan to a hot mess of a food plan.
I won’t candy coat it. I’ve been concerned about my health for quite some time. One day, a friend showed me her new Oura Ring that she purchased on her health journey. So, off I went to learn more about smart rings and in doing so, I excitedly placed my order for an Oura Ring 4.
Wow! The Oura Ring 4 Provides Data for 50+ Health Metrics
The Oura Ring 4 is one of the most personal, accurate, and comfortable smart rings available. As the latest version of the Oura brand, many features have been modified and improved upon. It provides valuable insights into your holistic health, providing detailed data of more than 50 health metrics including:
:: Stress
:: Heart health
:: Sleep
:: Activity
:: Cycle insights
Based on the user’s metrics picked up by wearing the ring, the Oura app captures, displays and tracks the information that the user is interested in monitoring. I found it interesting that the app could inform me about my daily readiness, previous night’s sleep, and recent activities. I appreciate receiving a holistic overview of my health and the ability to access reports showing my progress (or lack of progress) at a glance. Monitoring daily stress is important since typically, stress is a key contributor to underlying health conditions.
This ring presents me with tracked data but I still need to see a doctor to get medically validated opinions and diagnoses. However, the Oura Ring 4 can contribute to better health by providing critical base lines for one’s health.
Inquiring Minds Want to Know: How Does a Ring Interpret Health Metrics?
The Oura Ring 4 measures your health data using a breakthrough technology called Smart Sensing, which forms beams between the different sensors to collect accurate data when a user wears the ring. In other words, Smart Sensing adapts to the physiology of the wearer to provide accurate and continuous data. There’s a range of recessed sensors that measure core health metrics. It uses red and infrared LEDs that measure blood oxygen while you sleep, green and infrared PPG sensors that measure vital heart metrics, and a digital temperature sensor that measures variations in your core body temperature. These are metrics you can track in the Oura app.
Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:
:: During sleep, red and infrared LEDs measure blood oxygen levels
:: Green and infrared LEDs alternate to measure heart rate and heart rate variability 24/7 and respiration rate during sleep
:: Digital sensor accurately measures temperature
:: Accelerometer tracks movement/activity 24/7
:: Automatic Activity Detection (AAD) includes average heart rate and heart rate zones for 40+ activities
:: Cycle insights provide women with a fertile window for those trying to conceive
:: Daytime stress levels track tags, movement, and activities to show how habits affect stress and recovery
The technology is a bit difficult to explain in terms we can all understand but somehow it works!
Oura Ring 4 Battery Life
Your Oura Ring comes with one charger and USB-C cable. Enjoy up to eight days of battery life on a single charge, but as you’ve noticed on other smart devices, battery life can vary at times. Depending on the current battery level, it could take up to two hours to fully charge your Oura Ring 4.
What Material is the Oura Ring 4 Made From?
The ring is made of non-allergenic titanium on both the inner and outer ring surfaces. It features a level of water resistance. The thickness can be compared to a traditional wedding band. Full titanium coating inside and out, it’s even okay for wearers with sensitive skin. Slips on and off your finger with ease.
Selecting a Color Finish and Size of your Oura Ring
Decisions, decisions. It took me some time to contemplate which finish of the Oura Ring to select from: silver, black, brushed silver, stealth gold or rose gold.
And the winner is? I chose the rose gold.
As for the size, the Oura Ring 4 sizing is unique from other rings. Not to worry. You can order a free sizing kit to ensure an accurate fit. Sleeker and smarter, the Oura Ring 4 highlights a dome-less, flush design making it more comfortable than previous versions.
Life-Saving Potential Makes the Price Tag of the Oura Ring 4 Worth the Reward
The Oura Ring 4, the newest generation of the highly popular smart ring comes with a price tag starting around $350.00. I also want to give you a heads up. The required Oura Membership pricing is $5.99 per month or pay $69.99 annually. Compared to the high cost of healthcare, the cost of the Oura Ring 4 and its membership fee is cost-justified if it contributes to your overall improved health.
Wearing an Oura Ring 4 Provides Me a Level of Health Peace
I may not always follow the doctor’s orders, but I do acknowledge that many health problems are a direct result of issues with stress, activity, sleep, heart health, and other manageable factors. So, wearing my Oura Ring 4 provides me with a sense of peace knowing that I could be alerted to a potential health issue while wearing my ring. I look at the Oura Ring like having a personal health companion 24-7 that can keep me accountable while motivating me to make long-term health changes.
Since my health journey is a work in progress, I have only achieved a few measurable successes to date. However, my medical doctor was pleased to see that I’m headed in the right direction and with help from wearing the Oura Smart Ring 4, the major health milestones are in my future.
