What wearables can (and cant) tell you about your health and when its time to see a doctor

• Not all smartwatch health data is created equal. Wearables are great at showing trends like steps and activity, but many popular metrics can be inconsistent and easily affected by everyday factors.

• Consumer wearables arent medical-grade devices. Unlike clinical equipment, smartwatches arent built or tested to meet strict medical standards, which means their readings shouldnt be used to diagnose health conditions.

• Use wearables as a signal, not a verdict. Sudden or unusual changes in your data are a reason to talk to a doctor not to self-diagnose since smartwatch metrics are meant to inform, not replace, professional care.

January is prime time for health resets. New routines, new goals, and for many people, a new wearable device promising deeper insight into everything from heart rate to sleep quality.

These devices can be motivating and informative but experts say theyre often misunderstood, especially when it comes to how much trust consumers place in the numbers on their screens.

To better understand where smartwatch health data shines and where it falls short ConsumerAffairs spoke with two experts who work behind the scenes of medical and electronic devices Leon Huang, CEO of RapidDirect, a company that supports medical device manufacturing and validation, and Hommer Zhao, founder of WellPCB and an expert in medical electronics production.

Consumer smartwatches and medical-grade devices

One of the biggest things that the experts are encouraging consumers to recognize is that there is a big difference between consumer smartwatches or rings and medical-grade devices.

"The biggest difference between these devices is how they are designed, tested and validated, Zhao said.

Medical-grade devices are built to operate within strict accuracy tolerances under a wide range of conditions, with documented testing, traceability, and regulatory oversight. Consumer smartwatches use simplified sensors and algorithms optimized for comfort, battery life, and cost. Theyre very good at showing trends; however, theyre not designed to meet the same consistency or verification standards required in clinical settings.

The metrics to track

While your wearable device of choice may inundate you with tons of personal health information, the experts warn that not every stat is as accurate as it seems.

Step counts and general activity tracking tend to be the most reliable because motion sensing is a mature technology, Zhao said. Resting heart rate trends can also be useful when viewed over time.

On the other side, metrics like sleep stages, blood oxygen, and stress scores are far more variable, as theyre heavily affected by movement, fit, skin temperature, and signal noise. People often assume all metrics are equally accurate, which isnt always the case.

Additionally, certain factors can make readings more or less accurate.

Cold weather, loose fit, excessive movement, darker tattoos under sensors, dehydration, and even sleeping position can all interfere with readings, Zhao said. These factors are common in everyday life, which is why consumer wearables struggle to deliver consistent accuracy across users and conditions.

When is it time for a doctors visit?

So, if you regularly wear a smartwatch or ring, how do you know when your metrics indicate a problem that should be checked out by a medical professional?

If your wearable highlights a sudden or persistent change, examples like irregular heart rhythms, unusual fatigue or breathing issues, thats a prompt to see a professional already, and not to self-diagnose, Huang said. Our smartwatches are good at raising flags, but interpretation and diagnosis should still belong in a clinical setting.

Huang also explained that these readings have been found to impact when consumers seek professional medical care.

False reassurance can delay people from seeking care, while false alarms can cause unnecessary anxiety, he said. These metrics should always be treated as informational, and not diagnostic.

Health support

The experts encourage consumers not to get rid of their smart devices. Instead, focus on the ways that they can support your healthy habits.

Smartwatches are useful tools when people understand their limits, Zhao said. The problem is the assumption that consumer devices offer clinical certainty.

When used correctly, wearables can support healthier habits and awareness, but they should never replace professional medical advice.

From frozen pipes to roof damage, insurance experts explain what winter storms break most and what homeowners can do now to reduce losses

• Winter storms can cause costly home damage, with frozen pipes, roof issues, fires, and personal injury liability among the most common insurance claims.

• Many winter losses are preventable, and taking proactive steps like insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and maintaining your roof can reduce damage and help protect your coverage.

• What you do before and after a storm matters, since neglect or lack of documentation can lead to denied claims, while photos, receipts, and quick action can smooth the claims process.

When winter storms roll in, they dont just bring snow days and icy roads they can also bring expensive surprises for homeowners.

With large winter systems planned to impact much of the U.S., understanding the most common winter home insurance claims is more important than ever. Some losses are unavoidable, but many are preventable with a little preparation and know-how.

To help homeowners stay ahead of costly repairs, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Beth Swanson, a licensed insurance agent and insurance analyst at TheZebra.com. She broke down the winter-related claims insurers see most often, explains where coverage usually applies, and shares practical tips homeowners can use to reduce damage and avoid filing a claim in the first place.

Being proactive

If youre at home waiting for the storm to hit, there are ways to be proactive ahead of any snow or ice.

Swanson shared some of her best tips to properly prepare ahead of the storm:

• Run warm and cold water on a slow drip and keep your home at a consistent temperature of at least 55 to 65 Fahrenheit to prevent frozen/burst pipes.

• Open under-sink cabinets to help circulate warm air, especially for sinks on exterior walls.

• If you plan to use a fireplace, have a chimney sweep or another expert check it for damage or debris to avoid smoke backup and other potential dangers.

• Prevent warm air leaks. Ensure windows and doors are sealed to keep warm air in and reduce ice buildup that results in quick thaw cycles on roofs.

• To pull cool air upward, rotate ceiling fans so they run clockwise in winter and keep them on the lowest setting.

• When a storm hits, ensure three feet of distance between flammable objects and heat sources to reduce the chance of a house fire

• Disconnect outdoor garden hoses and insulate exposed pipes.

• Routinely check your roof and consider installing hail-resistant asphalt shingles.

• To prevent ice buildup and property damage, clean out your gutters and trim your tree branches.

• Remember to also protect yourself from personal injury cases by keeping walkways clear of ice and snow (shovel your sidewalk).

The most common insurance claims after a storm

Swanson said that the top five most common insurance claims following a storm are: frozen pipes, snow and ice damage, house fires, wind and hail damage, and personal injury liability.

However, if you neglect certain tasks around your home, you may be more susceptible to damages that arent covered by your insurance.

Damage that occurs due to homeowner negligence or failure of the homeowner to properly maintain or protect their property is never covered under your home insurance, Swanson said. Claims may be denied if you werent living at the property when the damage occurred, or if you didnt exercise reasonable care to prevent the damage in the first place.

So, skipping tasks like insulating pipes, cleaning gutters, keeping the heat on in the home, or weatherproofing might not only increase risk, it can affect your coverage.

Document the damage

If you find yourself with some house damage after the storm, Swanson encourages homeowners to do their due diligence and document everything.

Its important for homeowners to take photos of the damage immediately to provide a timestamp in order to accurately report damage in a claim, she said. Most insurers have apps or websites to submit a claim any time of day, so you dont need to wait until Monday if something happens over the weekend.

If its safe to do so, its a good idea to attempt a temporary repair, as this can help prevent further damage from occurring. If doing so, make sure to keep receipts from supplies or services purchased to submit with the claim.

Another key piece of advice from Swanson: check your house throughout the storm dont wait for something to happen.