Ready, set, health apps!

Today, in the World of technology it is almost inevitable to use a smartphone. And once one is using a smartphone it is almost guaranteed that he/she downloads some health apps as well. For example, a calorie counter, or a sleeping analyzer app. Some advanced ones are given as well: nowadays we are able to measure our blood pressure just with our phone. These were only some basic examples from our everyday lives. We are in the middle of an innovation of technology. Many exciting items are coming out which are not only (going to be) useful, but also easy to use for any ordinary people. The analysis of the date that these items are measuring are going to conform the 21st century kind of lifestyle. Let’s check out some examples for that!

Life with diabetics needs a lot of attention. For them it is indispensable to check frequently their blood sugar. When people think about this most of the time they remember how diabetics prick themselves for a drop of blood onto a dipstick that they insert into a phone sized machine. The machine measures their blood sugar and shows it on a screen. Thanks to scientific developments we are far ahead if this method for home blood sugar test routine. First of all, we

can already connect this device to our smartphone with an app. Which not only shows more information, but beneficial in many more ways. For example, the app can be used for parents and guardians with young children with diabetes, so they can check on the child’s blood sugar when he/she is not right there with them. Also this way diabetics’ doctors can receive their patients’ latest results. https://www.accu-chek.com/us/data-management/connect-app.html

Google is currently working on a device which is going to be even more comfortable than the

previous ones. Imagine a special contact lens. The two layers of soft lenses include a tiny sensor is embedded and a pinhole allows fluid to seep into the sensor, and measure the blood sugar level. An antenna that is thinner than human hair transmits the information to the wireless device. The lens analyzes the person’s blood sugar in every second and sends it to an app on his/her smartphone. The detailed analysis is available with a tap. When one’s blood sugar reaches a certain level the app doesn’t stop notifying its owner until the proper steps were taken or until the person contacts his/her doctor depending on the severity of the case. Keeping a normal blood sugar won’t depend on luck anymore. This new technology is going to open new doors and end the “pricking era”. http://medicalfuturist.com/2016/04/07/googles-amazing-digital-contact-lens-can-transform-diabetes-care/

Similar developments, and applications are the key to this technology that is about to change the face of medicine. The doctor of the future will not only be able to keep track of patient’s medical condition by being physically there with him/her, but also virtual ways. Of course, this does not mean that from now on there will be no need for the patient and doctor meet face to face for the successful treatment. But the number of personal meetings be reduced significantly for simple, routine tests that can be performed reliably and easily at home.

Today there is a device which measure our brain activity at home. Only a special "head band" and an application. (http://www.choosemuse.com/) Today, you can check your vascular conditioning at home, with a device the size that fits easily in your hand. (Zensorium.com) Let's

look an example of a commonly known medical examination. Recall the last occasion when you were at ECG. A lot of wires, clamp here, patches there, and we haven’t even talked about the jelly… Now imagine sitting at home on our sofa holding our cellphone for a short time, then with a few simple taps we can send the finished ECG to our doctor. It might seem a little bit easier, doesn’t it? The good news is that this is not only a dream anymore, because the technology exists. A tiny device on your phone, the app and you’re good to go. (http://www.alivecor.com/en/)

However, there is something very important for us to understand in the changes related to the use of medicine. They do not mean that everyone will have to become a "little doctor" who can

easily read ECGs or analyze a similar set of information. First of all, this won’t be necessary because the applications are formulated to be safe for the use of people who has the least to do with medicine. I mean by that the clear instructions when it’s needed. For example, “Eat some carbon- hydrates” or “Call Dr. White ASAP”. Other than that these developments are speeding up the data flowing between doctor and patients. It is still going to be the doctor who reads the ECG, who we have met in person of course and has examined by him-/herself. Just like if we would lie there with all the patches just this time there is no need for that uncomfortable torture.

Exciting innovations coming towards us, and there is little reason to concern them welcome!

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