Summer provides most people with time for fun, travel, and relaxation, but for people managing chronic health conditions, it can also be a season filled with stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. Whether they are headed to the beach, traveling across the country, or just dealing with the heat at home, managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease doesn’t take a vacation. According to a recent AARP poll, 70% of adults aged 50 and older plan to travel in 2025, up from 65% in 2024, a clear indication that more individuals will require dependable solutions to manage their health while they are away from home¹. That’s where cellular remote patient monitoring (RPM) becomes a powerful ally.
Unlike some RPM solutions that require internet access or syncing through apps and Bluetooth®, cellular RPM devices transmit health data automatically via secure cellular networks. This means patients can stay connected to their healthcare providers even when traveling during the summer months. The convenience, portability, and reliability of cellular RPM make it an ideal solution for managing health during the busy, and sometimes unpredictable, summer season.
The Unique Challenges of Summer for Patients
The summer months can pose a variety of health challenges, especially for seniors and people with chronic illnesses. Long periods of hot temperatures can lead to dehydration, spikes in blood pressure, and worsening symptoms of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. In addition, traveling can disrupt health routines, making it more difficult to monitor important health data, and possibly reducing access to healthcare.
Some patients may also become less consistent with self-monitoring during the summer due to traveling or just being more active outside the home. In addition, they could miss scheduled medication doses, eat irregular meals, or have interrupted sleep patterns, all of which can affect health status.
Cellular RPM offers a seamless way to maintain health monitoring and communication with care teams, so small issues don’t turn into serious emergencies.
Stay Connected to Care—From Anywhere
The biggest advantage of cellular RPM during summer is its portability because it does not require synching and pairing with Wi-Fi and smartphone apps. Devices like cellular-connected blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters immediately automatically transmit results of a test to a patient’s care team with no additional action by the patient.
This is particularly beneficial for:
- Vacation travelers: Whether you're in a hotel, a cabin in the woods, or visiting family out of state, cellular RPM works without requiring you to set up internet connections or rely on your phone’s Bluetooth syncing.
- Rural or remote locations: Summer trips often take people to areas with limited broadband or cell service. Cellular RPM devices are designed to work on nationwide networks and can still transmit data reliably—even in lower signal areas.
- Busy caregivers: Families managing care for aging parents or chronically ill loved ones can travel with more peace of mind knowing real-time health data is being tracked and shared with providers, even while they’re away.
Preventing Health Emergencies in Hot Weather
High temperatures during summer months is one of the most dangerous weather-related threats, especially for people over 65 or those with cardiovascular, respiratory, or kidney conditions. Cellular RPM can provide early warnings and continuous monitoring to catch signs that could indicate a worsening condition.
For example:
- Blood pressure monitoring: High temperatures can cause dehydration or lower blood pressure in some patients and raise it in others. RPM devices can detect abnormal readings quickly, which could allow for interventions before hospitalization becomes necessary.
- Glucose monitoring: Summer activities and inconsistent eating schedules can impact blood sugar levels. Cellular-connected glucometers ensure that patients with diabetes stay within safe ranges and avoid dangerous spikes or crashes.
- Weight monitoring for CHF patients: For those with congestive heart failure, weight gain from fluid retention can be an early sign of a problem. Daily weight monitoring with cellular-enabled scales can alert care teams before symptoms worsen.
This level of real-time monitoring helps providers detect issues early and recommend adjustments in medications or behavior to prevent complications.
Supporting Independence and Quality of Life
Summer is a time for people to participate in enjoyable activities, and cellular RPM empowers people with chronic conditions to do just that, without feeling tied down by Wi-Fi access or being worried about their health. Knowing that their vital health data health is being monitored provides assurance for both patients and families.
For older adults, this is especially valuable. They can participate in activities, attend family gatherings, and travel without feeling left out or alone. Care teams can also use cellular RPM data to tailor recommendations for seasonal challenges, such as increasing hydration, adjusting medications based on heat exposure, or reminding patients to avoid mid-day outdoor activities.
Moreover, cellular RPM supports mental well-being. Patients who feel more in control of their health are less anxious, more apt to comply with testing and treatment plans, and more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the summer.
A Smarter Way to Travel with Chronic Conditions
Traditional medical travel procedures for people with chronic conditions may include packing medication, carrying paper records, or bringing bulky equipment. With cellular RPM, much of this burden is reduced. Providers can continue to monitor patient progress, issue alerts, and make informed decisions based on up-to-date data, just as they would if the patient were at home. In addition, patients are much more likely to avoid urgent care or ER visits in unfamiliar places if cellular RPM is a part of their everyday care routine.
Conclusion: A Healthier Summer, Thanks to Cellular RPM
The freedom of summer doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. Cellular RPM bridges the gap between daily life and dependable care, keeping patients connected, safe, and informed, no matter where they go. Whether it’s sticking to care and testing plans, or supporting elderly loved ones on vacation, cellular RPM offers a simple and effective way to enjoy summer while staying on top of your health.
This season, let technology do the work of health monitoring, so you can focus on making memories.
¹https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/social-leisure/travel/2025-travel-trends/
