Smaller than a cellphone, futuristic systems will serve as digital coaches and guardians
Consumers have a growing appetite for health and wellness devices, and this represents a burgeoning market opportunity for device manufacturers that has barely been tapped, according to a study from IBM. The company also unveiled a list of possible wellness device innovations of the future, which have the potential to change how people live, exercise and interact with their healthcare provider over the next five years.
Increasingly, wellness devices will be used to fill the information gap for consumers that are relatively healthy, but need devices that provide information to help them gain greater control over their conditions and lead healthier lives. These devices will plan, predict and monitor information, feeding it directly to caregivers and clinicians as well as support networks. Users will interact with devices on their own terms, and connect them via broadband, wireless and wireline connections. Read the rest of this entry »
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Dr. Michael Feiz provides patients with 3-D computer images of the digestive system in order to help patients understand weight loss surgery and make a more informed decision
Within the last few years, Lap Band surgery has rapidly become the most popular weight loss surgery available today, with thousands of individuals undergoing the procedure every year.
While many are thrilled to quickly shed their excess weight, some patients are reticent to undergo any surgical procedure out of fear.
However with innovative 3-D imaging software, patients are able to see exactly how the surgeon will approach the surgery, allowing them to better understand how the surgery is performed and relieve their nerves in the process. Dr. Michael Feiz is one of the many surgeons who uses this innovative software to help his patients understand the risks and benefits of the Lap Band in Los Angeles. Read the rest of this entry »
Agency outlines roadmap for discussion on nanotechnology in regulated products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released draft guidance to provide regulated industries with greater certainty about the use of nanotechnology, which generally involves materials made up of particles that are at least one billionth of a meter in size. The guidance outlines the agency’s view on whether regulated products contain nanomaterials or involve the application of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology, the science involving manipulation of materials on an atomic or molecular scale, is an emerging technology with a broad range of potential applications, such as increasing bioavailability of a drug, improving food packaging and in cosmetics.
The draft guidance, “Considering Whether an FDA-Regulated Product Involves the Application of Nanotechnology,” is available online and open for public comment. It represents the first step toward providing regulatory clarity on the FDA’s approach to nanotechnology.
Specifically, the agency named certain characteristics – such as the size of nanomaterials used and the exhibited properties of those materials – that may be considered when attempting to identify applications of nanotechnology in regulated products. Read the rest of this entry »
Website Offers New Resources for Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and Beyond
Understanding and keeping on top of what’s new in Medicare can be challenging–even for those who know the program best.
NCOA’s My Medicare Community is an important resource that can help. Since it launched in 2007, the online community has helped more than 2,400 benefits counseling professionals including volunteers get the information and news they need to assist Medicare beneficiaries in making the most of their Medicare coverage. MyMedicareCommunity.org is funded in part by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
On the site, benefits counselors can find the latest news and developments in Medicare and participate in an online forum to learn and share with others working in the community. New resources are available to help counselors prepare now for the 2012 Part D and Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, which begins earlier this year on Oct. 15. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their Medicare coverage. Read the rest of this entry »