in which your medicine texts you a reminder

This just about blew my mind. In an interesting Newsweek article by Daniel Gross, he discusses how most text messages from companies are ignored and ineffective, but those that correspond with a receivers wishes (like wanting to save money) can be useful.

In the article he mentions a test underway by pharmaceutical company Novartis. In the study, patients are implanted with a receiver in their shoulder and then they take pills for their medical condition that are embedded with tiny chips. When the patient takes the pill it sends out a signal that texts the patient to remind him or her to take the next one.In the small study, it has boosted compliance from 30% to 80%.

Other companies such as MedPrompt and iReminder have reminder systems using phone, text or email.

As someone who is supposed to take medication daily for a chronic condition, I think this could be helpful for me. Unfortunately with time I would probably just ignore them. What do you think?

CPR–there’s an app for that

There is a new PocketCPR for iPhone app from ZOLL Medical Corporation that can help prepare you to perform CPR. Using Real CPR Help, a technology used in ZOLL’s debrillators and AEDs, the app coaches you through realtime feedback on the rate and depth of compressions. The app provides clear visual and audio step-by-step instructions and feedback.

With practice on a manikin or resilient foam cushion, the iPhone internal accelerometer measures the movement of your hands as you simulate compressions, giving feedback to guide the usuer to the recommneded rate of 100 compressions per minute and depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches.

Note: the training app is not cleared by the FDA for rescue use, but the company hopes that  in the future a similar application can be.

Over 325,000 Americans die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, and it is believed that over 70 percent of the time the arrest occurs in the presence of a family member or acquaintence. High quality chest compression can mean the difference between life and death.

iPhone App $5.99

HealthSync helps you keep track of your medical records

HealthSync, a new iPhone app, helps you keep track of your health records and those of your family.

Especially if you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease or allergies, the application helps users keep track of frequent tests and monitoring.  The information is input by the user and stored locally on the device.  Future version will support data sharing to enable users to manage data via Google Health’s web-based interface.

The app is $2.99 via the iTune App Store.

For the ultra-germaphobe

Vioguard has released its new self-sanitizing keyboard just in time for flu season.

The keyboard uses UV light to destroy germs that cause H1N1, MRSA, and more.

Vioguard’s product incorporates a standard keyboard and touchpad and requires no software or special hardware to function. The Vioguard system automatically retracts the keyboard and touchpad into its clean, light tight enclosure where it is flooded with germicidal ultraviolet light to safely disinfect the keyboard and touchpad surfaces after every use.

This would be a really great idea for businesses where multiple people use the same keyboard or public areas such as libraries where lots of people are touching the keyboard througout the day.

The system is $899 and will be available via Amazon.

Walking Warrior

So, we techies are not known (stereotypically) for our outdoorsiness, health, or our exercise. Badai is hoping to change all that.

Badai has created a new pedometer and calorie counter set to entice the nerdiest among us. Basically the pedometer casts you as a Samurai and the more you walk the closer you get to conquering Japan. I think it’s more interesting than just a number counter for sure. I just don’t know how motivated one will be after they’ve conquered Japan once to reset and do it all over again.

Computer Health

Computer keyboards are less than the cleanest surfaces in your home, or anywhere for that matter.  Well, it looks like someone has finally started down the road to a solution.

Vioguard (though aimed at hospitals inparticular) is designed to douse a keyboard with UV rays to kill germs.  The keyboard retracts, gets zapped, and is ready to go.  Hospitals definitely seem like the best starting place but I would definitely also suggest colleges and public libraries as a great ground for change as well.

Salute to the Science Convention

The 26th Army Science Convention took place this past month showcasing research and projects meant to make soldiers both more effective as well as safer.

Some of the most interesting projects included Extracellular Matrix or “magic dust” that could help the body regenerate digits or limbs.  Rebuilding missing or damaged bone was also a focus at the conference.

Robots were also displayed in great numbers at the convention.  The BEAR robot, for example, could assist in removing injured soldiers from battle zones.

It’s great to own a faster laptop or being able to prevent the flu, but beyond civilian applications science makes more sense than anything when applied to army initiatives and needs.

Google Flu Trends

I think we are just beginning to touch the power of Google. I heard a report on the radio a few months ago about the massive amounts of data that Google processes daily and what could be learned from it. Now it is starting to make small steps into reality. 

Enter Google Flu Trends. Google did an experiment tracking the rise in flu-related search terms and compared to it to CDC tracking reports. The results were strikingly accurate. Not only that–they were 2 weeks ahead of CDC reporting.  The idea is that the number of people searching for flu-related articles and information correlates with people who actually have flu or flu-like illness.

Flu Trends is part of Google.org’s Predict and Prevent initiative to support efforts to :

“identify hotspots where new infectious diseases may emerge, detect new pathogens and outbreaks earlier, and respond quickly to prevent local threats from becoming global crises. “

Now you can use Google’s power to keep an eye on flu trends in your state so you can keep you and your family healthier.

Help Kids Keep Fit and Healthy With BAM

Body and Mind or BAM.gov is a site from the Centers for Disease Control that is designed to get tweens and teens (ages 9-13) interested in topics like healthy eating, disease preventions and even standing up to bullies–but seriously it’s really cool.

Designed with a graphic novel or comic book style, it addresses topics kids need to think about, but in engaging and creative ways.  For example, there are a variety of games such as

•  Ad Decoder (flip through magazine pages and see how advertisers try to get your attention),
•  Bully Roundup (tests your bullying smarts)
• Stress-o-meter (helps kids measure and manage their stress levels)

Other features include creating a customized fitness schedule, an exercise personality quiz, and tips on puberty and peer pressure.

It’s like health class, but more interesting.

Getting Fit Just Got More High Tech

It doesn’t actually come out for a few months, but this device looks like something I might have to get. It’s called Fitbit and its like a 21st century pedometer that might actually help you lose weight and get healthier.

The device itself looks really small and supposedly can be worn easily on clothing (even your bra) or in your pocket to monitor your activity throughout the day. Like a traditional pedometer, it measure your distance traveled through the day, but even better, it measures:

 ”the intensity and duration of your physical activities, calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, how long it took you to fall asleep, the number of times you woke up throughout the night and how long you were actually asleep vs just lying in bed.”

In addition, the device transmits data wirelessly to its base and your computer and can be evaluated through the company’s website. You can track your progress and even work on goals with family, friends or co-workers.

I think it sounds like a great idea, if it actually works. At only $99, it could be a easy way to get a clear picture of how what you do affects your health.  It comes out around Christmas. It may make my wishlist.