Visionbody by VB TECH: Engineering Strength for Longevity

A Technology Report Based on the Founders’ Vision of Wireless EMS/EMA Wellness Systems

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D (HealthTech Reporter)

Visionbody by VB TECH was not conceived as a fitness shortcut. It emerged from a long-standing frustration with how electrostimulation had been commercialized—bulky wired systems, awkward studio setups, and a narrative that reduced EMS to a novelty for people who “don’t want to go to the gym.” Krisztina Schmidt, co-founder of VB TECH, describes their original motivation plainly: “We just simply believed in EMS on a higher level than the others using it… it shouldn’t be like this.”

That belief pushed Krisztina and her husband, Henri Schmidt, to pursue a wireless, intelligent, full-body system that could deliver serious neuromuscular stimulation without the friction of wires, bulky hardware, or narrow use cases. Their goal was not to invent electrotherapy from scratch, but to elevate it through engineering. As Krisztina notes, “We didn’t invent low- and middle-frequency modulated electrotherapy… this is used in rehab for a long time, especially in Europe.”

The innovation, in their view, was building a platform that could translate clinical-grade principles into a consumer-accessible, safety-validated system.

 

From Clinical Roots to Consumer Engineering

Krisztina’s background working alongside rehabilitation specialists—and even veterinary clinicians using frequency protocols for horses and dogs—shaped Visionbody’s early design logic. The founders learned that outcomes depend less on the presence of electricity and more on how intelligently frequencies are modulated and applied. Over a decade of development culminated in Visionbody’s first commercial release in 2014. Regulatory milestones followed, including FDA clearance and TÜV safety certification. Krisztina underscores the rigor of their quality standards: “They really take the product into tiny pieces and check every component… it’s protecting the consumers.”

From the outset, VB TECH chose to position Visionbody as a fitness-cleared platform rather than a prescription-only medical device, to avoid limiting access while still operating within regulatory guardrails. The founders’ strategy reflects a pragmatic balance: build with clinical seriousness, deploy with consumer usability.

The Technology: Intelligent Muscle Activation at Scale

Visionbody is a multi-channel EMS/EMA wearable designed to stimulate most major muscle groups simultaneously through an integrated suit. The system uses programmable “frequency cocktails”—software-defined modulation patterns that target different neuromuscular responses. As Krisztina explains, protocols can be saved in the app so users don’t have to guess: “People don’t have to search for the right frequency. They just simply hit the right program and play the matching program.”

This approach reframes electrostimulation as engineered stimulus delivery rather than a one-size-fits-all shock. The founders emphasize whole-body coordination: strength, posture, and movement are not isolated muscle events, but networked neuromuscular outputs. The latest full-body suit is designed to activate up to 98% of major muscle groups, with coverage that supports both upper and lower body engagement in a single session. The company’s earlier iterations included modular options (e.g., lower-body-focused configurations), but engineering advances consolidated these into a unified platform.

Strength Training as Longevity Infrastructure

A core thesis of Visionbody is that muscle is the currency of longevity. Krisztina frames strength not as aesthetic fitness but as functional biology: “Muscle is the key to longevity. Without muscle… you’re not able to speak, breathe, eat, because these are all muscles.” The founders argue that muscle integrity supports balance, metabolic health, bone density, and recovery capacity—factors that determine whether longer life is lived with independence or decline.

This philosophy is embedded in Visionbody’s design goals: compress meaningful strength stimulus into shorter, repeatable sessions to improve adherence over time. For users constrained by schedules, joint discomfort, or motivation, the system aims to reduce friction while maintaining intensity. The founders are careful to position Visionbody as a complement to movement and lifestyle habits, not a replacement for all exercise, but they contend that neuromuscular activation is foundational—especially as people age.

Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Non-Invasive Wellness

Beyond performance and wellness, VB TECH has invested in rehabilitation-oriented configurations and protocols in collaboration with clinicians. Krisztina points to partnerships with physicians developing programs for pain management and neuropathy, noting that these protocols are stored within the app for ease of use.

The company is also developing adaptations for limited-mobility users, including wraparound suit designs for individuals unable to wear compression garments. Krisztina’s philosophy reflects a broader non-invasive care ethic: “Don’t run immediately to surgery—you can fix so many issues with non-invasive solutions.”

While the company avoids medical claims beyond regulatory scope, their design intent centers on supporting tissue reactivation, neuromuscular engagement, and functional recovery pathways that can complement clinical care.

 

Resilience Through Mission: Personal Stories Inform the Platform

The founders’ commitment to neuromuscular resilience is not abstract. Krisztina recounts how Visionbody-based rehabilitation supported recovery after injury in her own family, reinforcing their belief that structured muscle activation can accelerate functional return. She also shares the emotional weight of building the company through personal health crises, including her husband’s cancer journey and their determination to rebuild strength after aggressive treatments. Visionbody’s rehabilitation edition, she notes, played a role in restoring functional capacity during recovery.

These experiences shape the company’s roadmap toward broader rehab versions and protocols for limited-mobility patients. The founders view neuromuscular stimulation not merely as performance tech, but as infrastructure for resilience when voluntary movement is compromised.

The Future of Wellness: Engineered Adherence, Not Willpower

Looking forward, VB TECH frames the next era of wellness as engineered adherence—systems that make beneficial behaviors easier to sustain. Visionbody’s software-defined protocols, short high-density sessions, and whole-body coverage are designed to lower the activation energy of strength training. In this future, strength becomes a scheduled physiological input rather than a sporadic lifestyle aspiration.

Krisztina is also vocal about the risks of low-quality copycat devices entering the market, warning that poorly engineered electrostimulation can harm users. Her stance is unequivocal: “I would never put a cheap product with electrostimulation on my body because I know how it can hurt.”

This emphasis on certification and protocol integrity is central to VB TECH’s brand positioning: wellness technology should be treated with the seriousness of medical engineering, even when deployed for fitness.

 

Conclusion: Strength as Preventive Medicine

Visionbody’s long-term trajectory is not framed as gadget evolution, but as a shift in how strength is delivered across the lifespan. The founders situate neuromuscular activation within preventive health infrastructure—supporting mobility, metabolic stability, bone density maintenance, and recovery capacity over decades. Their vision is pragmatic and human-centered: longevity without strength is fragile longevity.

As Krisztina summarizes the ethos behind their work, “It’s not just a fancy suit… muscle is the key to longevity.” Visionbody is their attempt to engineer that principle into a scalable, non-invasive platform—bringing strength training closer to where modern wellness is headed: measurable, accessible, and designed for long-range resilience.

 

Presenting Thermidas™

Why the Foot Is the Front Line of Early Detection

A HealthTech Reporter educational report featuring Thermidas Oy and Jouni Kyllönen

In collaboration with imaging research specialist Dr. Robert Bard

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When HealthTech Reporter and imaging research specialist Dr. Robert Bard met with Jouni Kyllönen, the conversation quickly moved beyond devices and specifications into a deeper discussion about prevention, workflow efficiency, and one deceptively simple question: why the feet?  As CEO of Thermidas Oy, Kyllönen brings more than two decades of experience in industrial automation, software integration, and data-driven systems design. That background is evident in Thermidas’ flagship thermal imaging solution—an all-in-one, AI-assisted platform purpose-built for medical professionals to identify early physiological changes in the foot before irreversible damage occurs. This report presents Thermidas not as a single product, but as a new category of clinical insight—one that reframes the foot as an informative organ for early detection, prevention, and longitudinal monitoring across diabetes, vascular disease, neuropathy, pressure injury risk, and beyond.

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Why the Foot Matters: The “Informative Foot” Concept

The foot is one of the most metabolically and neurologically demanding structures in the body. It is rich in microvasculature, dense with nerve endings, and continuously exposed to mechanical stress. For clinicians, this makes it an early warning system—particularly for systemic disorders that compromise circulation, nerve signaling, or tissue oxygenation.

According to international diabetic foot guidelines referenced by Thermidas, regular thermal imaging can help prevent up to 75% of diabetic foot ulcers by identifying abnormal temperature asymmetries between contralateral regions of the feet. A temperature difference of approximately 4°F (≈2°C)—either hotter or colder—often precedes visible tissue breakdown. Elevated temperature may indicate inflammation or ulcer formation; reduc

In older adults and immobile patients, similar thermal signatures precede pressure ulcers—injuries that remain among the most costly and preventable complications in long-term care. Nearly all pressure ulcers, Kyllönen notes, are preventable when early physiological changes are detected and acted upon.

 

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From Industrial Automation to Medical Insight

Kyllönen’s career has been defined by one recurring challenge: optimizing data flow. Whether synchronizing architectural drawings with automated manufacturing systems or integrating software into logistics networks, his work focused on eliminating inefficiencies between data capture and decision-making.

When he joined Thermidas, there was already a working prototype. What followed was a multi-year process of refinement—placing the device into real clinical environments, gathering user feedback, and identifying friction points in adoption. Clinicians, he learned, were not asking for more data; they were asking for clarity, standardization, and confidence.  Thermidas was redesigned accordingly.

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The Thermidas System: Guided, Standardized, and Clinically Practical

Thermidas is a portable, medical-grade thermal imaging device with embedded AI designed to assist—not replace—clinical judgment. The system guides the user step-by-step through a standardized imaging protocol, beginning with plantar (sole) views and followed by dorsal (top-of-foot) imaging.

A visual interface confirms when AI assistance is active, evaluates image quality in real time, and ensures consistent positioning and capture. Once images are acquired, the system instantly analyzes temperature differentials across predefined regions of interest. Clinician-defined thresholds trigger visual flags:

• Yellow for moderate asymmetry
• Red for clinically significant temperature differences

With a single click, practitioners can isolate and visualize areas exceeding those thresholds, dramatically reducing interpretation time and cognitive load.

Importantly, Thermidas’ AI is not trained to diagnose disease. Instead, it is trained to recognize feet—across shapes, positions, and capture conditions—and to reliably detect thermal variation. This design choice preserves clinical autonomy while removing technical barriers to consistent use.

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Workflow Integration: Built for Real-World Care

One of Thermidas’ strongest advantages is its compatibility with existing clinical ecosystems. The platform includes a web-based thermal viewer for formal reporting, allowing images to be exported as PDFs, PNGs, or JPEGs and uploaded into PACS systems or shared securely with patients and care teams.

From capture to review, the process takes approximately 10 minutes, making it feasible for outpatient clinics, podiatry practices, endocrinology offices, home-care providers, and screening programs.  This portability and speed support a broader shift in healthcare: moving meaningful diagnostics closer to the point of care.

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Diabetes, Neuropathy, and Beyond

In diabetic patients, neuropathy disrupts the feedback loop between the feet and the brain. Without pain signaling or vascular regulation, blood flow becomes erratic. Thermally, this appears not as the balanced “butterfly” pattern of a healthy foot, but as a mottled “leopard skin” distribution—hot spots scattered without normal cooling zones.

These patterns are not limited to diabetes. Similar thermal disruptions may appear in:

• Peripheral vascular disease
• Chronic inflammation
• Pressure injury risk
• Post-surgical monitoring
• Prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation

Thermidas devices are currently used in military and humanitarian settings, including limb-loss rehabilitation, where thermal imaging helps guide skin graft selection, monitor healing, and optimize prosthetic fitting—reducing painful trial-and-error cycles from eight or more fittings to just one or two.

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An All-in-One Solution for Modern Healthcare

For healthcare professionals, Thermidas represents a convergence of needs:

• Non-invasive screening without radiation
• Standardized protocols that reduce user variability
• AI-assisted interpretation that saves time
• Portable deployment across clinical and community settings
• Longitudinal tracking for prevention and follow-up

At a systems level, this translates into earlier intervention, reduced complications, lower long-term costs, and improved patient outcomes—particularly in populations at risk for silent progression.

Prevention as a Strategy, Not a Slogan

In discussions with HealthTech Reporter and Dr. Bard, Kyllönen emphasized that prevention only works when tools are practical enough to be used consistently. Thermidas was engineered around that philosophy: make early detection fast, repeatable, and clinically meaningful.

By focusing on the foot—a structure that quietly reflects systemic stress long before crisis—Thermidas reframes screening as an everyday practice rather than a last-resort response.

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Looking Ahead

As healthcare systems worldwide shift toward value-based care, remote monitoring, and early intervention, technologies like Thermidas illustrate how thoughtful design can bridge innovation and usability. The “informative foot” is no longer a metaphor; it is a measurable, visual dataset that can guide care decisions before damage becomes disease.

For the diabetes community, long-term care providers, and clinicians seeking smarter prevention tools, Thermidas offers a compelling example of how advanced imaging can be simplified—without being oversimplified.  ¢

*All images in this segment are courtesy of THERMIDAS OY

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This article is part of HealthTech Reporter’s ongoing coverage of emerging diagnostic technologies and preventive care innovations, developed in collaboration with clinical imaging experts and global technology leaders. For additional information or our complete e-magazine, visit: www.HEALTHTECHREPORTER.com

 

 

PART 2 —

Pre-Test Review and Clinical Perspective

A correspondence and industry analysis by imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard

In advance of any hands-on testing, imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard conducted a comprehensive pre-test review of Thermidas’ published materials, technical documentation, and workflow demonstrations. His assessment, grounded in decades of experience evaluating non-invasive imaging platforms, frames Thermidas as a thoughtfully engineered system that reflects both technological maturity and clinical foresight.

From a design and usability standpoint, Dr. Bard notes that Thermidas distinguishes itself by addressing one of the most persistent challenges in imaging innovation: consistency. Many promising technologies fail not because of poor science, but because they are difficult to standardize in real-world clinical environments. The Thermidas platform, as presented thus far, appears intentionally built to solve that problem—integrating guided capture, automated quality checks, and AI-assisted visualization to reduce operator variability while preserving physician authority. “The emphasis on workflow intelligence is telling,” Bard observes. “This is not a device that overwhelms clinicians with raw data. It filters complexity in a way that respects time, training, and clinical judgment.”

From an industry perspective, Bard views Thermidas as a logical evolution within thermology rather than a reinvention. Thermal imaging has long demonstrated value in detecting physiological change, yet its adoption has been limited by inconsistent protocols, interpretive subjectivity, and legacy misconceptions. Thermidas’ approach—focusing on temperature differentials rather than disease labeling—represents a pragmatic recalibration that aligns with modern evidence-based imaging standards.

The data presented to date, including referenced diabetic foot and pressure-injury research, supports the platform’s preventive orientation. Bard highlights the importance of contralateral comparison and threshold-based flagging as a clinically sound method for identifying early pathological stress—particularly in tissues vulnerable to ischemia, neuropathy, and microvascular compromise. By embedding these principles directly into the device logic, Thermidas reduces dependence on post-hoc interpretation and reinforces reproducibility.

Central to Bard’s interest is the decision to target the foot as a primary screening site. From a pathological standpoint, he describes this as “strategically elegant.” The foot is often where systemic disease declares itself first—especially in diabetes, vascular disorders, inflammatory states, and mobility-limited populations. Long before symptoms escalate, thermal asymmetries can reveal disrupted perfusion, inflammatory burden, or loss of neurovascular regulation. “In imaging, the smartest solutions are often anatomical,” Bard explains. “The foot is distal, vascularly complex, neurologically sensitive, and mechanically stressed. If something is going wrong systemically, it frequently shows up there.”

While careful not to overstate conclusions prior to live testing, Bard acknowledges that Thermidas reflects a maturity he has witnessed only after years of iteration in other modalities. Having observed the evolution of ultrasound, Doppler flow analysis, and thermology from experimental tools to clinically indispensable assets, he recognizes familiar markers of readiness: disciplined scope, respect for clinical boundaries, and a clear understanding of where technology should assist rather than dictate.

Bard also underscores the broader implication of positioning thermal imaging as an early-detection and prevention strategy rather than a diagnostic endpoint. In an era increasingly defined by proactive care, technologies that visualize risk before irreversible damage occurs are essential. Thermidas, in his view, aligns with that trajectory by offering a non-invasive, repeatable, and patient-friendly method for monitoring physiological change over time. “Prevention only works when detection is practical,” Bard concludes. “Thermal imaging—applied intelligently—has the potential to shift care upstream. What Thermidas appears to be doing is making that shift clinically usable.”

 

Chasing Neuropathy: Imaging the Silent Breakdown

A particularly compelling aspect of Thermidas, in Dr. Bard’s view, is its potential relevance to one of medicine’s most elusive challenges: neuropathy. Neuropathy is not a single disease but a progressive breakdown of nerve signaling that quietly dismantles protective feedback between tissue and brain. Clinically, it is often diagnosed late—after sensation is lost, injuries go unnoticed, and secondary damage has already begun.

From an imaging standpoint, Bard describes neuropathy as a condition that must be chased upstream. Long before patients report numbness or pain, thermophysiologic disruption begins to surface. Altered blood-flow regulation, asymmetric heat distribution, and the loss of normal thermal gradients reflect a nervous system that is no longer governing microcirculation effectively. “The foot becomes a living map of neurological compromise,” Bard notes. “When neural control fades, thermal chaos replaces symmetry.”

By focusing on temperature differentials rather than subjective symptoms, Thermidas introduces a non-invasive way to visualize this breakdown earlier—offering clinicians a tool to monitor neuropathic progression, stratify risk, and intervene before irreversible consequences take hold.

This pre-test assessment sets the stage for formal evaluation, where real-world performance will ultimately determine impact. For now, Bard’s review positions Thermidas as a promising, well-reasoned entrant in the next chapter of preventive medical imaging. ¢

 

© Copyright 2026 – Intermedia Worx Inc. and the AngioInstitute. All Rights Reserved. This article and its contents are the intellectual property of Intermedia Worx Inc. and the AngioInstitute and are protected under United States and international copyright laws. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, stored, or utilized in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the copyright holders, except for brief quotations used for editorial review, educational reference, or non-commercial citation with proper attribution. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Clinical decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances. Any reference to medical technologies, devices, or methodologies is provided  journalistic and educational discussion and does not imply regulatory approval, endorsement, or guaranteed clinical outcomes. All trademarks, service marks, product names, and logos referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Dr. Haas on CyberKnife and the Future of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Unofficial- For internal use only /do not distribute

PRECISION, PREVENTION AND PERSONALIZED CARE

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D – HealthTechReporter.com

Editor's Note: This interview was originally conducted on June 28, 2024, by HealthTech Reporter as part of our ongoing series highlighting breakthroughs in non-invasive cancer care. As a publication dedicated to medical innovation and diagnostic advancement, we proudly support the pioneers leading safer, smarter, and patient-focused alternatives to traditional treatment. Dr. Jonathan Haas stands at the forefront of this movement, championing the evolution of precision radiation through CyberKnife technology. His work reflects the continued momentum in redefining survivorship, reducing side effects, and tailoring treatment to the individual—hallmarks of the next generation in cancer therapy.

In the ever-evolving world of cancer care, few voices resonate with the clarity and compassion of Dr. Jonathan Haas, a leading radiation oncologist at NYU Langone Health. With thousands of successful patient outcomes under his care, Dr. Haas is a national advocate for innovative, patient-centered therapies—particularly CyberKnife®, a cutting-edge stereotactic radiation system transforming how prostate cancer is treated.

In a recent interview, Dr. Haas offered a detailed, deeply human perspective on cancer survivorship, clinical innovation, and the enduring power of tailored medicine. This article captures Dr. Haas’ insights, drawing from decades of clinical practice and his unwavering belief that the best outcomes arise from treating the whole patient—not just the disease.

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Prostate Cancer in Context: Risk, Reality, and Readiness

“Being a man is the biggest risk factor,” Dr. Haas states plainly, pointing out that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with its incidence increasing with age. Yet, not all diagnoses demand action. “Many men die with prostate cancer—not from it.” His approach starts with evaluating whether treatment is necessary at all. For many, active surveillance may be more appropriate than aggressive intervention.

When intervention is required, Dr. Haas emphasizes a data-rich, individualized strategy. “We look at the Gleason score, PSA levels, imaging studies like MRI or PET scans, and now we integrate genomics—studying the RNA profile of the cancer cells themselves.” This molecular profiling allows clinicians to tailor treatment with the precision of an Armani suit, as he puts it, ensuring that no two patients are treated the same.

Genetic predisposition, family history, and ethnicity—particularly among African American men—can increase risk. Diet also plays a role. Dr. Haas recommends the Mediterranean diet for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, highlighting a holistic view of patient health.

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From Nine Weeks to Five Days: The CyberKnife Revolution

Dr. Haas provided a detailed breakdown of the evolution of prostate cancer treatment, tracing it from invasive surgeries to the modern era of intelligent radiation systems like CyberKnife. Originally developed in the 1990s by Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. John Adler, CyberKnife was first used to treat brain tumors. By mounting a miniaturized radiation beam on a robotic arm, the system could deliver ultra-targeted doses without invasive head fixation—a revolutionary advancement at the time.

CyberKnife’s precision has since been expanded to treat tumors throughout the body, including the prostate. “We’ve gone from nine weeks of radiation to five days,” said Dr. Haas. “And we’re testing protocols that could bring it down to just two days.”

What sets CyberKnife apart is its ability to track the prostate’s movement—often less than a millimeter—with real-time adjustments, thereby minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This level of control dramatically reduces side effects and increases the precision of treatment. “We deliver a high dose to the cancer and a very low dose to everything else,” he emphasized.

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WHO’s a Candidate, and WHY Some Patients Say It’s ‘A Walk in the Park’

While every patient experience is unique, Dr. Haas acknowledges that some, like Barrie Kolstein—whose case was previously profiled—describe their treatment as easy or even effortless. “That’s not everyone,” Dr. Haas clarifies, noting that anatomy, gland size, and baseline symptoms can influence outcomes.

Patients with urinary symptoms or gastrointestinal issues may require more nuanced management during treatment. Still, the flexibility of CyberKnife allows for adaptive planning and real-time modifications, ensuring that each patient receives a regimen tailored specifically to their needs. And this is where Dr. Haas’s practice shines—not only in delivering world-class care, but in ensuring patients are never alone in the journey. “We take your hand—and we don’t let go,” he says, echoing his philosophy of long-term, compassionate follow-up. Patients are followed closely for up to five years post-treatment, with PSA monitoring and collaborative care alongside trusted urologists.

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Empowering the Patient: Informed Choices, Not Pressured Decisions

In the age of Google diagnoses and a flood of online cancer cures, Dr. Haas urges patients to pause and breathe. “Almost never is prostate cancer a fatal diagnosis at the start,” he says. “You have time. Get multiple opinions. Go to a National Cancer Institute–designated center. And make your decision with a team.”

He takes pride in offering more than just medical advice—he offers mentorship. His clinic keeps a list of former patients willing to speak to newly diagnosed individuals, helping them navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of treatment. “We don’t tell them what to say. They just share their stories,” he says. “Sometimes, hearing from someone who’s been through it makes all the difference.”

Every patient he sees is also evaluated by a urologist. “We don’t operate in silos. The patient, the radiation oncologist, and the urologist form a three-part team. It’s shared decision-making from start to finish.”

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A Word to Firefighters and First Responders

Dr. Haas has treated hundreds of 9/11 first responders, including many from the firefighting community. “They’re some of my favorite patients,” he said with affection. “If I told a 70-year-old firefighter he could go back to work tomorrow, every single one of them would jump at the chance.” Yet, he warns, that same dedication can sometimes lead to neglect. “They think they’re invincible,” he says. His advice is simple: get a PSA test. “It’s a single blood test. If you don’t have a strong family history, get one at 50. If you do, start earlier—maybe 40 or 45.”

Early detection, he emphasizes, is not just about survival; it’s about options. “Even if the first treatment doesn’t work—which is rare—you get a second swing at it. You can back up surgery with radiation or radiation with freezing. It’s one of the few cancers where there’s a Plan B.”

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CONCLUSION: Precision, Partnership, and a Path Forward

Dr. Haas’ work with CyberKnife is a powerful reflection of where modern oncology is heading—toward precision-based, non-invasive treatments that prioritize both physical and emotional well-being. But beyond the technology lies a philosophy: that no patient should walk alone, and no diagnosis should be a sentence.

From his integration of genomics and imaging to his advocacy for collaborative care, Dr. Haas represents a model of cancer care that is both deeply personal and scientifically advanced. Whether treating lifelong firefighters, newly diagnosed patients, or simply guiding families through difficult choices, his message remains clear: “You are not alone. You have options. And we are here to guide you every step of the way.”

 

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Part 2:

Prostate Scan Now with Host: "Cousin Sal "Banchitta - Ret FDNY FF- presents BARRIE KOLSTEIN, PC Survivor 

 

My name is Sal Banchitta- aka- Cousin Sal. I've had an incredible 30+ year career in the NY Fire Department, what so many of considered to be the best job in the world. There is no other profession that even comes close to the rewards of being a city firefighter. We were the first and last line of defense to protect this great city from any catastrophe and aligned with a special family of the most unique and remarkable men and women is truly the ultimate blessing.  PROSTATE SCAN NOW: I welcome you to view our pilot episode in support of proactive checkups and Prostate Health!  I'm speaking to all my dude-friends in their 50's who need to start taking their health more seriously, while applauding those who have stayed on top of early detection and prevention. One such person is my latest hero in this- Mr. Barrie Kolstein. Check out our feature on this great motivator and role model!

STATS ABOUT PC:

"Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer."  (Source- American Cancer Assoc)

"...leading cause of cancer death among men in the US, with 94 men dying from it every day." (Source: pcf.org)

"More than 3.3 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today". (Source- American Cancer Assoc)

SEE COMPLETE FEATURE ON "THE COUSIN SAL MINUTE"

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For inquiries regarding usage, permissions, or content licensing, please contact the AngioInstitute directly.

 

Digital Eye Strain; a Whole-Brain Energy Issue

THE HIDDEN ENERGY TAX OF SCREENS:

How Digital Light Drains the Modern Mind and Body

By Lennard Goetze, Ed.D / Roberta Kline, MD & Adam Karp

 

Imagine staring into a computer screen that pulses light into your eyes 60 times per second (60 Hz). This is the unseen reality of modern digital work: a constant rhythmic assault of light signals entering the visual system and taxing the brain. Over time, this continuous stimulation contributes to mental fatigue, visual strain, and a cascade of downstream health effects. Like a deer frozen in headlights, we remain largely unaware of how prolonged screen exposure quietly undermines our energy and well-being.

The Quiet Fatigue No One Talks About

By the end of a long workday, many people feel an exhaustion that sleep alone does not seem to fix. The body hasn’t lifted heavy objects or run miles, yet the fatigue is real—often accompanied by headaches, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, or a vague sense of being “fried.” In the digital era, this exhaustion is increasingly linked not to physical labor, but to prolonged exposure to screens: computers, tablets, and—most relentlessly—smartphones.

What makes this form of fatigue particularly insidious is that it feels invisible. Light has no weight, screens don’t hum loudly, and the eyes appear passive. Yet behind the scenes, the visual system and nervous system are working continuously to interpret millions of rapid light pulses, stabilize images, suppress motion conflicts, and maintain focus. This process consumes energy—neurological, muscular, and metabolic. Over time, that demand adds up. This article explores how digital light interacts with the eye and brain, why certain screen characteristics quietly drain energy, and how modern screen habits create a form of chronic neurological fatigue that is only now being fully appreciated.

 

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THE EYE IS NOT A CAMERA: IT IS AN ENERGY-CONSUMING ORGAN

The human eye is an extension of the brain. The retina alone contains over 120 million photoreceptors and a dense network of neurons that begin visual processing before information ever reaches the visual cortex. Unlike a camera sensor that passively records light, the retina is metabolically active tissue with one of the highest oxygen demands in the body.

Every time light strikes the retina, photoreceptors convert photons into electrical signals through a process called phototransduction. This biochemical cascade requires energy. When light input is natural and variable—as with sunlight reflected from real-world objects—the system evolved to handle it efficiently. Screens, however, present a very different stimulus.

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THE “BEATS” OF DIGITAL LIGHT: FLICKER, REFRESH, AND NEURAL LOAD

Most digital displays do not emit steady light. Instead, they refresh images many times per second, measured in hertz (Hz). Common refresh rates include 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz, and higher. Additionally, many screens regulate brightness using pulse-width modulation (PWM), rapidly turning light on and off—sometimes hundreds or even thousands of times per second.

Although these fluctuations are often too fast to be consciously perceived, the retina and visual pathways still register them. Some displays flicker in the range of roughly 200–1,000 cycles per second, depending on hardware and brightness settings. This creates what some researchers describe as a “temporal noise” signal—constant micro-adjustments that the visual system must process and stabilize. The result is subtle but cumulative strain. Eye muscles work continuously to maintain fixation. Retinal neurons fire repeatedly. The brain expends energy filtering out instability that never fully resolves into rest. Over hours, this effort translates into fatigue, reduced concentration, and mental depletion.

 

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WHY THE BRAIN GETS TIRED BEFORE THE EYES

Many people assume eye strain is purely a muscular problem. In reality, the deeper issue is neurological. The brain must integrate visual input with balance (vestibular signals), proprioception, and cognitive context. Screens—especially scrolling feeds, fast-cut videos, or virtual environments—often signal motion without corresponding physical movement.

This mismatch can create a phenomenon known as cybersickness, a digital cousin of motion sickness. The eyes report movement; the inner ear reports stillness. The brain attempts to reconcile conflicting information, activating stress and nausea pathways originally designed as evolutionary defenses. Even mild versions of this conflict consume energy and increase cognitive load.  Over time, the nervous system responds with symptoms such as dizziness, mental fog, irritability, and profound tiredness—despite minimal physical effort.

Fixed Distance, Fixed Focus, and Muscle Fatigue

Another overlooked factor is distance fixation. When working on a computer or phone, the eyes often remain focused at a single near distance for hours. The ciliary muscles responsible for lens accommodation stay contracted, rarely relaxing.

In natural environments, vision constantly shifts—near to far, wide to narrow. Screens collapse this dynamic range into a single focal plane. Prolonged contraction leads to muscular fatigue and discomfort, but more importantly, it deprives the visual system of its natural rhythm. The absence of visual variability contributes to a sense of stagnation and exhaustion.

 

 

BLINKING LESS, WORKING MORE

Humans blink approximately 15–20 times per minute under normal conditions. During screen use, that rate can drop by as much as 50%. Reduced blinking destabilizes the tear film, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

Dry eyes force the visual system to work harder to maintain clarity. The brain compensates by increasing attentional effort, which further drains energy. What begins as eye discomfort often escalates into full-body fatigue because the nervous system is continuously compensating for degraded visual input.

 

BLUE LIGHT AND CIRCADIAN DISRUPTION

Screens emit a high proportion of short-wavelength blue light. While blue light is not inherently harmful and plays a role in alertness, excessive exposure—especially in the evening—can disrupt circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin production.

Disrupted sleep compounds daytime fatigue, creating a feedback loop: tired individuals rely more on screens, which further impair sleep, which then worsens energy depletion. Over weeks or months, this cycle contributes to chronic exhaustion that feels disproportionate to daily activity.

Energy Drain as a Systemic Issue: What emerges is a broader picture: screen-related fatigue is not just an eye problem. It is a whole-system energy drain involving visual processing, muscle tension, neural integration, hormonal rhythms, and posture. Poor ergonomics amplify the problem by adding neck and shoulder strain, further taxing the nervous system. The cumulative effect is subtle but powerful. Digital work environments demand constant vigilance from systems that evolved for intermittent, varied sensory input—not unbroken streams of artificial light.

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Practical Strategies to Reduce the Energy Cost

While screens are unavoidable, their energetic toll can be reduced:

·   Adopt visual breaks: The 20-20-20 rule helps reset accommodation and reduce neural load.

·   Increase refresh rates: Higher refresh rates and flicker-free displays reduce retinal stress.

·   Optimize lighting: Match screen brightness to ambient light; avoid harsh contrast.

·   Encourage blinking: Conscious blinking or lubricating eye drops can restore tear stability.

·   Limit evening exposure: Blue-light filters and screen curfews protect circadian health.

·   Vary visual distance: Regularly look out windows or across rooms to restore depth variation.

These interventions don’t eliminate digital fatigue, but they meaningfully reduce its energetic cost.

 

 

 

Part 2:

Cognitive Fatigue and the Brain Cost of Digital Eye Strain

 

Beyond dry eyes and headaches, prolonged screen exposure is increasingly associated with cognitive symptoms—including mental fatigue, slowed thinking, reduced attention span, irritability, and what many describe as “brain fog.” Importantly, these effects are not best understood as isolated eye problems, but as the downstream consequence of sustained visual–neurological overload.

 

The visual system is one of the brain’s most energy-intensive networks. When screens create suboptimal viewing conditions—such as prolonged near focus, reduced blinking, glare, low contrast, motion-heavy content, or temporal light modulation—the brain must allocate additional resources simply to maintain stable perception. This phenomenon is often described as increased cognitive load: mental energy is diverted from higher-order tasks (decision-making, memory, creativity) toward the basic act of seeing clearly.

 

Research on Digital Eye Strain (DES) and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) consistently reports not only ocular discomfort, but also reduced work efficiency, attentional fatigue, and difficulty sustaining concentration over time. In practical terms, the brain is forced to “work overtime” to compensate for degraded or uncomfortable visual input, accelerating mental exhaustion even in the absence of physical effort.

 

Another contributor is visual–vestibular mismatch, particularly during scrolling, rapid video playback, gaming, or immersive digital environments. When the eyes signal motion while the body remains still, the brain must resolve conflicting sensory information. This mismatch—well documented in studies of cybersickness and visually induced motion sickness—can produce cognitive aftereffects such as slowed reaction time, impaired focus, and lingering mental fatigue long after screen exposure ends.

 

Sleep disruption further compounds these effects. Evening exposure to light-emitting screens can delay circadian rhythms and suppress melatonin, resulting in shorter or poorer-quality sleep. Even modest sleep impairment has been shown to degrade executive function, working memory, and emotional regulation the following day—amplifying the cognitive toll of visual strain.

 

Crucially, these cognitive symptoms are often reversible, but only when visual stressors are reduced. Persistent exposure without mitigation may create a chronic state of low-grade neurological fatigue, where individuals feel mentally depleted yet struggle to identify a clear cause. Recognizing digital eye strain as a whole-brain energy issue, rather than merely an eye complaint, reframes prevention strategies toward protecting cognitive performance—not just visual comfort.

 

Conclusion: Seeing Fatigue Clearly

In a world where productivity is increasingly measured in screen hours, digital fatigue has become normalized. Yet this exhaustion is not a personal failure or lack of resilience—it is a physiological response to sustained, unnatural visual demands.

Understanding the relationship between digital light, the retina, and the brain reframes fatigue as a signal, not a weakness. Screens extract energy not through effort, but through constant stimulation. Awareness is the first step toward reclaiming that energy. By respecting the limits of our visual and neurological systems, we can work with technology—rather than quietly burning out under its glow.

 

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References

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4.      Coles-Brennan, C., Sulley, A., & Young, G. (2019). Management of digital eye strain. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 102(1), 18–29.

5.      Hecht, S. (2018). Phototransduction and retinal energy demand. Progress in Retinal Research, 62, 1–24.

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10.  Wilkins, A. J., et al. (2010). Flicker and visual discomfort. Vision Research, 50(23), 2381–2387.

11.  Benedetto, S., Carbone, A., Drai-Zerbib, V., Pedrotti, M., & Baccino, T. (2014). Effects of luminance and illuminance on visual fatigue and arousal during digital reading. Computers in Human Behavior, 41, 112–119.

12.  Kennedy, R. S., Lane, N. E., Berbaum, K. S., & Lilienthal, M. G. (1993). Simulator sickness questionnaire: An enhanced method for quantifying simulator sickness. The International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 3(3), 203–220.

13.  Lim, J., & Dinges, D. F. (2010). A meta-analysis of the impact of short-term sleep deprivation on cognitive variables. Psychological Bulletin, 136(3), 375–389.

14.  Lleras, A., & Enns, J. T. (2004). Negative aftereffects of attentional set: Evidence for flexible cognitive control. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 133(3), 342–371.

15.  Reimer, B., Mehler, B., Wang, Y., & Coughlin, J. F. (2014). A field study on the impact of visual and cognitive demands on driver fatigue. Human Factors, 56(7), 1222–1236.

 

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