Ep 17. Stress Wrist Bands

Innovation Nation season 4 episode 17, titled "Stress Wrist Bands," showcases a device that aims to help individuals combat stress in their daily lives. The episode begins by introducing the concept of stress and how it affects people differently. Host Mo Rocca explains that the device being featured in the episode, called the Touchpoints, is designed to reduce stress and anxiety levels through the use of pulsing waves.

To demonstrate how the device works, Mo visits the headquarters of Touchpoint Solution, the company that created the Touchpoints. He meets with co-founders Dr. Amy Serin and Vicki Mayo and learns about the science behind their product. The Touchpoints are designed to stimulate the bilateral alternating tactile stimulation (BATS) effect, which is known to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. The device consists of two small wristbands that transmit pulsing waves to the user's nervous system, providing a calming effect that helps to reduce stress levels.

Mo gets to try out the Touchpoints for himself by taking part in a stress-test, which measures his heart rate while he tries to solve a series of puzzles under time pressure. The results show that Mo's stress levels increased as he struggled to solve the puzzles. However, when he wears the Touchpoints during a second stress-test, Mo's stress levels are significantly reduced, and he is able to complete the puzzles more easily.

In addition to its stress-reducing benefits, the Touchpoints can also be useful in other situations, such as helping individuals with ADHD to focus better. Mo meets with a couple whose son has ADHD and learns how the Touchpoints have helped their son to concentrate in school. The couple explains that their son wears the Touchpoints during class, and they have noticed a significant improvement in his ability to pay attention and absorb information.

The episode also covers the history of stress and how it has been seen and treated throughout the years. Mo visits a museum exhibit that showcases how stress was considered a medical condition back in the 19th century, and how it has been portrayed in popular culture over the years.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn how the Touchpoints came to be, and the challenges the creators faced in developing the product. The episode also includes interviews with people who have used the Touchpoints and have seen positive results, including a woman who uses the device to help her manage chronic pain, and a college student who uses the Touchpoints to reduce stress during exams.

Overall, "Stress Wrist Bands" is an informative and engaging episode that explores the impact of stress on our daily lives and introduces a new solution designed to help individuals cope with stress and anxiety. The Touchpoints are a fascinating product that has the potential to improve the lives of many people. The episode provides viewers with a deeper understanding of how the device works and showcases its many benefits.