Why every woman should start health tracking
An interview with Kim Parsons
Kim Parsons, a health tech expert and advocate for user-centered design, has dedicated her career to integrating health tracking into personalized care. In this interview, she shares her insights on the transformative impact of health tracking and how it empowers women in their daily lives.
Kim, we are happy that you support hermaid with your expertise in this field. Why do you believe health tracking is so important for women?
K: Health tracking empowers women to take control of their well-being. By monitoring factors like sleep, stress, and activity levels, women can identify patterns and make informed decisions about their health. It’s about turning abstract data into actionable insights—whether that’s realizing you need more sleep, recognizing how stress impacts your energy, or noticing how small lifestyle changes improve your overall wellness.
How can tracking benefit women in their daily lives?
K: Awareness is one of the biggest benefits. Many women don’t realize how their habits—like inconsistent sleep or lack of exercise—affect their health until they see it reflected in data. For instance, I’ve heard stories of women who tracked their sleep and discovered they were getting far less rest than they thought. By going to bed earlier, they experienced significant improvements in mood and energy levels.
Tracking also makes it easier to set and achieve goals, whether it’s increasing daily steps, managing stress, or improving hydration. Small, measurable changes can have a big impact when supported by consistent tracking.
What’s the connection between tracking and personalization in health care?
K: Health tracking creates a clearer picture of an individual’s needs. At hermaid, for example, we’ve found that women who track their symptoms are more likely to engage with the platform—whether by signing up for mindfulness sessions or using resources to manage stress. This level of engagement improves health outcomes and ensures that care plans are tailored to each individual’s unique patterns and preferences.
What should we expect to see in the hermaid app in the coming month? What have you worked on?
K: We’ve been focused on making health tracking even more interactive and user-driven. One of the biggest updates will be an improved symptom tracking feature, allowing women to log their experiences in a way that provides more personalized insights. We’re also enhancing the community space, making it easier for women to connect over shared experiences and find expert-backed resources tailored to their needs. Our goal is to bridge the gap between tracking and meaningful support, helping women feel more in control of their health journey.
Some women might be hesitant to start tracking. What would you say to them?
K: I’d say start small. You don’t need to track everything at once. Focus on one area that matters to you, like sleep or stress, and see how it feels. Modern wearables and apps are designed to make tracking simple and intuitive, so it doesn’t feel like a burden.
Also, remember that tracking isn’t about perfection—it’s about understanding your habits and making gradual improvements. Small steps lead to meaningful progress.
How to start tracking your health today
1. Choose your tracking method
- Apps: Use apps like MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, WHOOP, or Clue (for menstrual tracking) to monitor areas like sleep, activity, nutrition, or your cycle.
- Wearables: Devices like Fitbit, Apple Watch, WHOOP, or Oura Ring can track sleep, activity, and vital metrics like temperature and heart rate.
- Manual Journaling: Use a notebook or digital note-taking app to log daily habits like meals, water intake, sleep, or mood.
2. Set simple goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
- Walk 5,000–10,000 steps per day.
- Sleep at least 7 hours each night.
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation for 5–10 minutes daily.
3. Track consistently
- Log data at the same time each day (e.g., track water intake after meals or record sleep each morning).
- Wear your tracking device consistently to gather accurate insights.
4. Reflect and adjust weekly
- Review your progress weekly.
- Identify patterns or areas for improvement, such as consistent late bedtimes or insufficient hydration.
- Make small adjustments, like going to bed earlier or adding an extra glass of water to your daily routine.
5. Start small and stay focused
- Begin with one or two habits to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Gradually add more areas of focus as tracking becomes part of your routine.
6. Celebrate your wins
- Acknowledge progress, no matter how small.
- Reward yourself for meeting goals—whether it’s a new fitness app, a relaxing day off, or a fun activity.
Thank you Kim for all your insights and research!
By starting with small, achievable steps, health tracking can become a sustainable habit that transforms your well-being. With the right tools and mindset, every woman can take control of her health, one step at a time.
