This is a graph of aggregate data from Jawbone,a wristband that people wear that tracks their steps throughout the day and their sleep patterns during the night. (h/t Robert Scoble)   This aggregate data shows exactly when and how many people in the San Francisco were bolted awake by the recent Napa Valley earthquake.   This is one of the first reports using "Personal Health Data" in aggregate, using data points around sleep tracking to look at a natural disaster.    As Jacob … [Read more...]

I first put a fitbit, a digital pedometer that tracks steps, calories burned, food intake, and other personal analytics data,  on my wrist back in October. After some results from routine tests during my annual physical,  my doctor informed me that my cholesterol was high.    "Start exercising more and stop eating bacon cheese burgers " were the doctor's orders and we'll retest in 6 months.  Otherwise, I would need to go on statins. As a data nerd, I couldn't resist the fitbit and its ability to … [Read more...]

[slideshare id=35974989&doc=letsstoptheglorificationofbusy-140617105543-phpapp02] I just returned last week from vacation with my husband and children at the Jersey Shore where I grew up.   It was great to sit on the beach and do nothing, get lots of walking in, and hang out with family.    Above all, it is a great escape from your never ending to do list.   I did take along a few books, including Ariana Huffington's Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of … [Read more...]

[slideshare id=35706500&doc=walkingisthework-140610120851-phpapp02] Yesterday, I had the honor of doing a closing keynote at the Nonprofit Bootcamp in Silicon Valley on bringing activity and mindfulness into your work day.    If you have been reading this blog, you know that I've been very interested in the health and productivity impact of walking as work.    There is documented research that it not only helps you become more fit, but can also help with leadership development, team … [Read more...]

@kanter A walking meeting in progress. Gotta take advantage of these #nyc streets + great weather! cc @ynpnnyc pic.twitter.com/RkZDLoG77T — Christopher Chavez (@mr_tumnus) May 2, 2014 Last week, I wrote a blog post called "Walking for Work" about the benefits of incorporating walking into your work day, not as a break, but to help you do your work. I ended the post with a question, "Does your nonprofit do walking meetings?" The conversation that ensued was great, so I thought I'd share a … [Read more...]