As a parent to teenagers I often find myself saying that my blood pressure is “through the roof”. That is because my kids have a not-so-wonderful way of stepping on all my “buttons”. If you are a parent I’m sure you can relate.
I see those blood pressure cuffs at the pharmacy, but I’m embarrassed to use it. I would rather use it where no one can watch me, ideally in the comfort of my own home.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could do a health check on yourself from the convenience of your own home, or even on-the-go? You can with a nifty little device called Tinké. It’s made by the company Zensorium.
Tinké is a small device that resembles a USB. Instead of being inserted into your computer you insert it into your iPhone, iPad or iPod.
Tinké helps you to check and monitor your vitals including your heart rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory rate and even your stress levels that are derived from your heart rate variability.
Here is a little more information about Tinké;
- Technology: Using optical sensing technologies, Tinké captures blood volume changes and quantifies your cardio-respiratory fitness and stress levels.
- Vita Index: A personalized cardiorespiratory score that is created by piecing data collected from heart rate, blood oxygen level and respiratory rate.
- Zen Index: Using heart rate variability as a basis, a personalized score for your stress levels is determined from analyzing the rhythm of your heart rate.
- Mobile Powered: Directly powered by your iOS devices. Tinké also works with the iPhone 5 using Apple’s Lightning to 30 pin adaptor.
- Social Network: Share your health status on Facebook, Add family and friends to your Tinké network and Compare your scores with other Tinké users globally.
- Unique Design: Innovative, simple and modern design that is small and compact (42mm x 32mm x 7mm). Available in blue, pink, grey and white.
- Tinké App and Compatibility: Available as a free download on the iTunes App Store and made to work with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
I have no interest in sharing my health with people I know on Facebook, or strangers on the Tinké network. That is the only feature that I really have no use for.
Tinké is super easy to use. Open the application and tell it that you want to do a reading. Then plug Tinké into your Apple device (the same port where you charge it). Once it’s ready gently, but steadily, place your thumb over the two red lights on the Tinké and follow the on screen instructions. It will tell you when you can remove your thumb.
While it’s gathering information you are able to see what looks like a heart scan with a lot of peaks and valleys. Ideally each peak and valley should look identical. If you happen to notice a few that look “off” and unlike the others, you might want to have that checked out by your doctor.
Within about a minute you’ll know what your blood oxygen level is, heart rate (BPM) and respiratory rate. Tinké also gives you an overall score. The higher the score the better. My kids have used Tinké and been in the high 80’s to low 90’s range. I’m usually around a 55 but once I had a 62.
Here is an example of my readings. I’m not proud of it. Especially knowing that I SHOULD be in the high 90’s.
I like how the app gives me suggestions on what I can do to improve my score. Here is tells me to get some fresh air.
Check out this brief video that tells you more about Tinké.
You can also keep track of your daily, weekly and monthly readings. You can even earn badges (I have three so far. :-)).
I don’t know if the reading are 100% accurate, but they do give you a good foundation to improve your health. You can also show your readings to your doctor and get their feedback.
When it comes to your health you should have a good idea of how you are doing. You DON’T want to be “in the dark” when it comes to your health. With Tinké you’ll be able to monitor and track your vitals to help steer you in the right direction.
For more information about Tinké or to place an order visit www.Zensorium.com or www.Shop.Zensorium.com.
Tinké has an introductory price of $119. The Apple app is FREE.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Starr Greenwell says
This is a really neat tool. I had no idea it even existed, thanks for all the great information.