A monitoring device (20) for monitoring the vital signs of a user is
disclosed herein. The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article
(25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35). The
monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the
following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation
levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target
zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood
pressure. The article (25) is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist,
arm or ankle.