Tech Talk

Tech Talk

Observations from Jamie DeLoma, journalist and computer nerd

Category: Medical

Keep an eye on the swine flu

Concerned about the potential for a swine flu epidemic?

The Internet offers everything you need to know about the spread of the virus and how to stay healthy.

For general information about H1N1, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  They have a microsite dedicated to:

  • Basic information about H1N1
  • Taking care of sick loved ones
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Background information
  • What to do if you come down with H1N1 symptoms
  • Information about antiviral drugs

To see where H1N1 is now, check out HealthMap. This dynamic site allows users to:

  • Track H1N1 around the world
  • Zoom down to the continental and state level
  • Determine what specific points in a community have been impacted
  • Check out the site’s reporting sources

Are you looking to get the H1N1 shot? Flu.gov offers all the information you will need, including:

  • State-by-state flu shot locator
  • Vaccine information
  • Relevant social media links
  • H1N1 self-evaluation
  • Pandemic plans for each state, including Connecticut
  • Flu prevention and treatment information

And you could always set up an RSS feed dedicated to H1n1 by clicking here.

While the Internet offers a great multitude of information about the spread of the potentially fatally virus, good old soap, water and common sense may be your best bet.

Be well.

Posted in Google, Interactive Media, Internet, Medical, coverage | Add a comment

A microchip a day could one day keep the doctor away

Technology is being developed that could reduce one’s time in the hospital — and prevent a visit entirely.

One company, Proteus Biomedical Inc., is testing a digestible chip that could be attached to medication would allow doctors to determine if their patients are taking their prescribed medications, the Wall Street Journal reports.  The device would also wirelessly transmit patients’ vital signs.

Andrew Thompson predicted his company’s technology will generate new information giving doctors more choices to intervene when they notice a heart patient isn’t sleeping well, or is taking incorrect dosages of prescription medication, which could lead to congestive heart failure.

The Journal reports that dozens of companies are hoping that wireless technology will create a health care system that keeps folks healthier for less money.

Triage Wireless Inc. is now testing a device that would wirelessly measure vital signs of patients in their hospital rooms.  Meanwhile, Corventis Inc. is developing a bandage-style senor that would measure one’s respiration, fluid status and physical movements, the Journal reports.

Intel Corp. is hoping to develop a mat to track a patient’s movements in an attempt to prevent falls.

To check out more technological advancements in health care, please click here.

Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and genomics professor at Scripps Research Institute, said annual savings from remote monitoring could be as much as $10.1 billion for American sufferers of congestive heart failure, $6.1 billion for diabetes and $4.9 billion for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

However, not everyone is sold on the claims new technology could save money.

Mark Holland, managing director of System Research Services, told the Journal there are “precious few” studies that back up such promises.  He said if the costs associated with the new approaches are not covered, doctors and hospitals will not want to use them.

AND IN OTHER NEWS…

The Connecticut Hearst dailies featured a Web site today created by Benito Vazquez, of Greenwich, and Bryan King, of West Haven, that allows newlyweds to sell items they no longer want after getting married.

The site, MyWeddingIsOver.com, is designed to allow folks around the world to buy or sell items related to the wedding industry — including wedding gowns and contracts for wedding services never used.

Vazquez told the papers that while “a few other sites did this… they just focused on jewelry from American weddings.”

The site also serves as a place where people looking to start a business can sell their wares.

However, Vazquez said the site isn’t limited to those who were just — or are about to – get married.  A clothing retailer from India has put a collection of saris on the site, he said.

The business duo hopes to eventually get on Oprah, King said.

Posted in General, Medical, controversy, development, historic, research, tools | Add a comment

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