Destroying the Myth of 98.6: The Importance of Temperature Curve
Summary
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of managing health data, specifically temperature, and why destroying the commonly held belief of 98.6 as the normal human body temperature is critical in making informed decisions. We will go through the history of this myth and explore why the idea of a point in time being normal is not accurate. We will also introduce Scanad’s educational device, Scout, that demonstrates the importance of understanding a person’s health curve and not simply the number on the thermometer.
Table of Contents
- Why is managing health data critical?
- The History of 98.6
- Why 98.6 as the Normal Human Body Temperature is a Myth
- Introducing Scout: Understanding the Importance of Health Curve
- Living by the Number vs. Living by Calculus
- Conclusion
Why is managing health data critical?
Managing health data is critical to making informed decisions about our health. By having access to our personal health data, we can better understand how our body is functioning and make necessary changes to improve our health. This is especially true when it comes to temperature, as understanding our temperature curve can alert us to potential health issues and help us make informed decisions about our health.
The History of 98.6
The commonly held belief that 98.6 is the normal human body temperature originated from a paper in 1868 by Karl Reinhold August Wunderlich. In his paper, Wunderlich declared 98.6 as the average temperature of the human body and recognized that fever is a symptom or sign of illness. Prior to this, fever was considered an illness in itself.
Why 98.6 as the Normal Human Body Temperature is a Myth
While Wunderlich’s paper was groundbreaking in recognizing the importance of fever as a symptom of illness, it also created a commonly held myth that 98.6 is the normal human body temperature. However, this notion fails to recognize that temperature is not a point or even a line, but a curve that changes throughout the day and throughout our lives. A person’s temperature curve can vary based on age, sex, medication, and athletic activity, among other factors.
When we understand that temperature is a curve, not simply a number, we can better interpret what the curve is telling us. For instance, a temperature that may be considered normal in the morning may be indicative of a fever later in the day.
Introducing Scout: Understanding the Importance of Health Curve
Scanad’s Scout is an example of a device that helps individuals better understand their temperature curve. The device is equipped with a plasma plethysmograph that measures fluctuations in blood vessels, as well as an electrocardiogram that monitors heart rate. By measuring these factors and understanding their changes over time, individuals can better understand their personal health curve and make informed decisions about their health.
Living by the Number vs. Living by Calculus
Understanding health curve extends beyond just temperature. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels also fluctuate throughout the day and can vary based on lifestyle factors. By understanding our personal health curve, we can make informed decisions about our health and make necessary changes to improve our overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the myth of 98.6 as the normal human body temperature fails to recognize the importance of temperature curve in understanding our health. By managing our health data and understanding our personal health curve, we can make informed decisions about our wellbeing and live healthier lives.
