5 digital health trends for the New Year

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The investment and growth of health IT and digital health is only expected to continue into 2015.

Here are five trends to watch in the upcoming year, according to Mashable.

1. Wearables worn on the ear. Ear-based devices may be the next emerging wearable technology for consumers, according to the report. The key is the ear's location to the temporal artery, the major artery in the head which may provide more accurate and precise measurements, including blood pressure, respiration rate and oxygen saturation, according to the report.

2. Sweat sensors. Strips that analyze the metabolic substances in sweat can help consumers track their internal biochemistry. Such information surpasses points such as steps and heart rate and offers consumers information on electrolyte balance, hydration level and muscle exertion.

3. Phone cases-turned-medical devices. Companies are beginning to release phone cases that double as medical devices, such as ECGs and heart monitors. For example, some cases allow the user to rest their finger on the case, which will then measure heart rate or alert the user if atrial fibrillation is detected, according to the report.

4. Prescription-only apps. Physicians have started talking about prescribing certain apps for patients, but some suggest certain apps will only be available with a prescription from a physician. Subject to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it may be a while until high volumes of these apps are available.

5. Artificial lighting. The blue light emitted from mobile devices can disrupt peoples' circadian rhythm, and some experts suggest new developments to address this lighting will grow, either to eliminate or reduce blue light.

More articles on digital health:

Texas Medical Center launches digital health startup program
Samsung announces 24 health IT partners
23 states with the most digital health accelerators

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