Health & Fitness

The ReLax Kit – OP Innovations Introduces Easy-to-Use Bio-Sensor to Help Manage Stress

2013-08-05

OP Innovations has just introduced their ReLax Kit. It takes measurements of multiple factors that can reveal the stress level of the wearers, monitoring users’ brain waves, body posture and more. The ReLax Kit uses advanced bio-signal tracking, allowing users to monitor and manage their stress levels. The ultra-compact bio-sensor and easy-to-use app empowers users to gain control over stress.

The ReLax Kit is perfect for anyone who is trying to gain control over their stress levels by letting them see an easy to understand graphical representation. This can be great for just about anyone: students, office workers, athletes, yoga and meditation enthusiasts or those with stress-induced health issues, the leading cause of almost all health issues. The ReLax Kit’s versatile bio-sensor can monitor facial muscle tension, body posture, and brain waves throughout a variety of activities at any time, day or night. So whether exercising, working, sleeping or meditating you can get feedback about your overall stress level versus while engaged in a specific activity. Meanwhile, the kit’s app can display your compiled brain wave and facial muscle wave data in an easy-to-read color-coded graph and quickly determine your level of stress. Over time, you can learn to control or influence the output toward a desired direction. Spend too much time at your desk? Or, heaven forbid, your couch? The ReLax Kit’s app can raise poor posture awareness by also displaying a visual history of your body posture.

Included in the kit is the advanced TrueSense bio-sensor. Weighing approximately the same as a penny (3g), users will most likely forget they are even wearing it. Unlike many competitors’ devices, the TrueSense bio-sensor can distinguish brain waves from muscle waves, and is even able to individually track the different classifications of brain waves – from super beta to delta waves – giving users an in-depth look at their mental state. A single charge of the TrueSense bio-sensor can provide over 16 hours of real-time wireless bio-feedback tracking.

It includes the ReLax App, a TrueSense bio-sensor, and accompanying accessories, and is capable of monitoring brain wave and posture data in real time. OP Innovations has also developed two additional kits that utilize the remarkable capabilities of the TrueSense bio-sensor:

The Special Edition ReLax Science Kit is designed for science education, and is perfect for high school and college students conducting experiments regarding brain waves. Thanks to the downloadable ReLax App and the Science Learning Booklet, users can conduct science experiments and begin understanding data within minutes. The ReLax Science Kit is available for preorder at www.taipeitrading.com.

The TrueSense Exploration Kit is the most advanced and versatile of the kits, and can be used for research and in-depth tracking. To encourage independent development, data streams and data sets are available in Open Format, and the OPI console and SDK (software development kit) are available with open source licenses. The TrueSense Exploration Kit is now available at www.taipeitrading.com.

Exploration Kit Technical Specifications:

2-electrode (bipolar) signal acquisition, 2000X high gain amplifier
512Hz sampling rate, 13bit effective dynamic range
Built-in 3D (XYZ) accelerometer for motion and posture capturing
Rechargeable LIR1220 button cell
Support for multiple sensors, multiple controllers, and time synchronized operations

Available now on www.op-innovation.com ($47) with more product photos and detailed specs. Hopefully coming to other retailers soon. In the meantime check out the other well-reviewed versions already on the market:

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B000E22DFE’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B004YHKUX2′]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B001B8PIIE’]

Polar Stride Sensor Bluetooth Smart for iPhone 5 and 4S

2013-07-13

One of the the world’s first, the Polar Stride Sensor Bluetooth Smart connects directly to iPhone 5 or 4S to deliver speed, distance and run cadence. The sensor provides all the data needed for running with the exception of heart rate and you can add a Polar H7 heart rate monitor to receive that data. A great way to realize the full potential of the Smart Stride Sensor is to pair it with the Polar H7 Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Sensor, an armband for iPhone and a tube of heart rate monitor electrode cream.

The Polar Stride Sensor Bluetooth Smart comes with a Polar S3+ Stride Holder that threads directly into the show laces. It is worth having a couple of these if you have more than one pair of running shoes so you don’t have to re-thread the pod, simply move it from holder to holder.

The Polar Bluetooth Stride Sensor also has a user changeable battery and complete stride sensor calibration instructions are available on the Polar website.

For folks that bring an iPhone 5 or 4S with them for exercise, or have to have it for work, this is a good solution. Competitive runners will be much more apt to stick with GPS watches.

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00CCASIMS’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B007S088F4′]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00CELI5HI’]

7 Tips for Using EMF Protection to Lower Cell Phone Radiation Exposure

2013-07-11

Here are 7 Tips for Lowering Cell Phone EMF Radiation Exposure. Why? Because modern electronic devices are an integral part of human life. These products release EMF pollution in the form of undesired and harmful electromagnetic waves that create numerous potential health risks. This “electro-smog” pollution emitted, especially from cell phones, may affect the functionality of various body organs, the immune system, energy and vitality. Moreover, EMF radiation exposure may also cause a number of illnesses including high blood pressure, unexplained headaches, electo sensitivity disorder, diabetes, lower vitality and even cancer. That’s why proven cell phone radiation protection products are becoming more and more important.

There are many products on the market that promise varieties of solutions and remedies to EMF and cell phone radiation exposure. In fact most of them rely mainly on graphics, marketing and sales techniques. In this current situation, a common sense approach for most consumers seems to be appropriate. Here is a list of most common steps for EMF and cell phone radiation protection.

7 cell phone tips for lowering EMF radiation exposure:

1: Keep your your cell phone from directly touching your head during phone conversations.

2: Use speaker phone while talking on the phone.

3: If possible limit the amount of talk time to 10 minutes.

4: Use Blue-tooth for longer conversations.

5: Keep your phone in your purse or cell phone case when not used to limit direct contact between the body and cell phone.

6: Try to only use your cell phone when the signal reception is strong (at least three bars) – the weaker the signal reception the stronger cell phone antenna has to work to maintain connectivity.

7: Use only credible EMF protection and cell phone radiation protection products.

According to World Health Organization reports cell phone radiation may deliver a negative impact on the human brain. ADR-Protect by AdrProVita is a registered medical device in the European Union and is supported by clinical and lab research results and international awards (Golden Medal Eureka Inventions, Brussels and Golden Medal INPEX Therapeutics, Pittsburgh).Although results from studies on the true level of impact on health vary, using EMF protection might be smart to do what we can to make the risk a non-issue.

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00D8ADGTQ’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00CNO82FQ’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B0006GRNGW’]

Lapka — Personal Environment Monitors for iOS

2013-07-08

Here’s a quick look at the LAPKA Personal Environmental Monitor for your iOS powered devices. We’re stepping out a little bit on this product by covering something that is not wireless, per se, but works with a wireless device, namely the iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch.What does it do exactly? Well, it monitors your environment on key factors like temperature, humidity, electromagnetic fields, radiation, and even the conductivity of nitrate ions left behind in fruits and vegetables by the use of fertilizers to give you a quick gauge of just how “organic” that food really is.

Here’s a look at each sensor and what it does:

Lapka Radiation

Professionally precise. Lapka Radiation reveals highly accurate information about the radioactive particles around you and how they might be affecting you.

Method and Process

Сonnect Lapka Radiation to your iOS device usingthe cable from the box. Lapka Radiation averages the number of particles it detects over time, so running the test for longer than two minutes will yield more accurate results. Just wait until the indicator turns black before completing the test.Lapka Radiation is sensitive to low levels of hard beta and gamma particles. Use it to measure the background radiation level wherever you go, or to detect increased levels of radioactive particles in certain scenarios (like on a flight). After testing, you’ll get a personal report comparing the final results with established guidelines, which you can save to your diary box or share with the world.

Lapka Organic

Designed to detect significant quantities of nitrates in raw produce left behind by the use of synthetic fertilizers.

Method and Process

Сonnect Lapka Organic to your iOS device using the cable from the box. Remove the cap from Lapka Organic and insert the stainless steel probe into any fruit or vegetable included on the preset list.Lapka Organic simply measures conductivity, which correlates to the relative concentration of nitrate ions left behind from nitrogen-based fertilizers. In other words, the less electricity a fruit or vegetable conducts, the more likely it is to be free of impurities (distilled water, for example, is nonconductive). Each fruit and vegetable has a defined limit for nitrate concentration, and conductivity that significantly exceeds these limits suggests the use of non-organic farming practices.Be sure to clean the probe after every use.

Lapka EMF	Detects electromagnetic fields (EMF), which can be caused by electronic devices, wireless transmitters, or nearby power lines. Lapka EMF can be used to help find a spot in your home with the least electromagnetic pollution — perfect for your bed, desk, or yoga mat.
Method and Process	Сonnect Lapka EMF to your iOS device using the cable from the box.Lapka EMF can measure both High Frequency (HF) Low Frequency (LF) fields. Depending on the preset, Lapka EMF can be used to detect cell phone antenna activity, microwaves, or exposed wires. Move around, discover, and investigate new places. Or try wearing Lapka throughout the day.

Lapka Humidity

The temperature and relative humidity of your environment are measured, combined, and compared with our knowledge base of comfort standards to help you better understand your personal climate at any moment.

Method and Process

Give Lapka Humidity 10 minutes to fully acclimate to a new environment before use. Once acclimated, connect Lapka Humidity to your iOS device using the cable from the box.Lapka Humidity will measure the temperature and relative humidity simultaneously. After measuring, you’ll get a personal report comparing the results with established guidelines. Don’t forget to store the results in your diary box!

These monitors are great for those of us who really want to know what goes on around our bodies and for determining where we want make changes to improve our immediate surroundings and what we choose to put inside of us. The next two images show how the accompanying apps can make suggestions as to how make those changes and give us statistics over time as to whether or not we are headed in the right direction.

So far the LAPKA system only seems to be available on their own website. But check it out if you, or someone you love, fits the profile of someone who just “wants to know”.

via Lapka — Personal Environment Monitor.

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00BSZCT5A’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00B1TLQY8′]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00BNXISL6′]

Fitbit Flex vs Jawbone Up

2013-07-06

Fitbit Flex vs. Jawbone Up

The race to be the best in wearable fitness technology is heating up. Check out this comparison of the Fitbit Flex vs Jawbone Up:

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B0095PZHPE’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00BGO0Q9O’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B00CIX260Y’]

DIY Headphone Implant – Yes, Implant

2013-06-23

So here’s a bit of news from the human evolution frontier. Grinders, also known as biohackers, are people who identify with transhumanist and biopunk ideologies. Transhumanism is the belief that it is both possible and desirable to so fundamentally alter the human condition through the use of technologies as to inaugurate a superior post-human being. Sounds extreme? Maybe, maybe not. Think heart pacemakers or sub-dermal blood sugar management for diabetics. There are many examples of where modifying the human body is already routine. However, it is probably the DIY aspect of this following story that may make people ask, “Really?” Enjoy!

DIY Headphone Implant

By: Rich Lee
Published: June 24, 2013

This idea was completely inspired by @Saumanahaii ’s thread here:
http://discuss.biohack.me/discussion/252/subdermal-bone-conduction-headphoness#Item_32

First, the idea is based on this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Your-Invisible-Earphones/

The project is set up like this:
1. implant magnets
2. test implants with coil to make sure audio is picked up
3. implant coil/other parts w/transdermal jack & power charger

Having stuff like this done isn’t really the realm of doctors. Most Grinders rely on body modification artists to install their implants. I’ve had work done by the body modification master Steve Haworth in the past and have relied on him for advice on several project ideas. Steve instinctively knew the best way to go about the implantation in a way that would minimize chances for infection and would leave no scarring. The implant procedure itself went very smoothly and the pain was surprisingly minimal.

The first thing everyone asks is “why would you do this?” Honestly, I don’t feel the need to answer this question. People either get it or they don’t. I’m a Grinder, and we are notorious for getting it.

The second question is usually “what are you going to do with it?”

Listening to music is nice and probably the most obvious answer, but I intend to do some very creative things with it. The implant itself is completely undetectable to the naked eye. The device & coil necklace are are easily concealed under my shirt so nobody can really see it. I can see myself using it with the gps on my smartphone to navigate city streets on foot. I plan to hook it up to a directional mic of some sort (possibly disguised as a shirt button or something) so I can hear conversations across a room. Having a mic hooked up to it and routed through my phone would be handy. You could use a simple voice stress analysis app to detect when people might be lying to you. Not to say that is a hard science, but I’m sure it could come in handy at the poker table or to pre-screen business clients. I have a contact mic that allows you to hear through walls. That might be my next implant actually.

I plan to hook this thing up to an ultrasonic rangefinder so that hums can be heard when objects get closer or further away. This will basically give you a sense of echolocation like a bat has. This could be really handy for blind people (many of whom use echolocation for navigation) since it will be audible only to them and doesn’t require making clicking noises with your mouth or using some other manual noisemaker. Echolocation is something I want to start practicing with now because I might be legally blind soon. I lost much of vision in my right eye overnight a few years back. I just woke up and couldn’t see well up close or far away. My other eye has compensated for the vision loss but the doc says the good eye can go at any time and when it does it will be very rapid. I’ll lose my drivers license, won’t be able to read, and glasses won’t correct the problem. Making money will be harder. A cornea transplant will be my only option and that is a bit out of my budget at the moment. So I figure learning to navigate with echolocation is a good thing to develop now, not that I’ve resigned myself to blindness or anything.

Beyond that, I’d love to hook a geiger counter up to it and experience the world or radiation. Living near the old Nevada nuclear testing grounds provides a lot of opportunity for this. I wouldn’t mind finding some yellow cake uranium while on a hike because that stuff is expensive. Hearing a gentle hiss around warm objects might be a novel way to experience the thermal realm. The implant is going to allow for a lot of new senses. Plugging new sensors into the jack will allow me to experience a lot of the world that is normally invisible. Well, it still might be invisible but now it will be audible. This new synesthesia of sorts is an exciting way to explore the world and develop new instincts about the way the world works around you.

I still have a lot of experimenting to do and a lot of things to troubleshoot. Several things impact sound quality and volume. First, the closer the coils move toward the implant, the louder the sound becomes. Pressing on my tragus and moving the implant closer to the eardrum likewise increases volume. A future implant will definitely be a coil very close to the existing implant. This should reduce my power consumption (I think). I’m also considering adding more magnets in other parts of the outer ear to see if that enhances the effects. It should. Bluetooth will be in a future version as well.

I have a hundred project ideas as well as plans for future implants. I can only do so many at once, but if people are welcome to design and ship me implants if they need a lab rat. I know a lot of hopeful lab rats actually.

###

Rich Lee is a Space Gangster, businessman, Grinder, and black hat transhumanist; he promotes tech piracy, biohacking, and committing Grand Theft Future. Contact Rich at megalorich @ gmail .com

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B0087RF5RG’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B003EM6AOG’]

[amzn_product_inline asin=’B003XU6H8I’]