The iPhone can do a lot more than make calls. From checking email and surfing the web to finding a good restaurant, built-in features and thousands of downloadable apps have transformed the cell phone. In fact, the potential exists for the iPhone to save a life — your life.
Heart Attack: iPhone Recognition
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year. Heart disease affects 82 million Americans, and each year over 1 million people in the United States have a heart attack. About half of them will die before they even reach the hospital. Perhaps even more shocking, a third of people who have heart disease aren’t even aware of the risks to their health.
More people could survive a heart attack, however, if they received help sooner.
A new mobile app compatible with the iPhone has been developed that can immediately alert doctors, friends, and loved ones when an unexpected health event — such as a heart attack or fall — occurs.
California-based SecuraTrac based the new technology on its safety app, SecuraFone, which uses GPS technology to help families monitor the whereabouts of teens and seniors. With the help of another company called Vital Connect, SecuraTrac developed SecuraFone Health. The mobile appcombines GPS services with real-time wireless health monitoring.
How can the iPhone detect heart attack? The app works with a sensor worn on the chest or back. Using Bluetooth low energy technology, SecuraFone Health can identify activity steps and calories burned. It can also detect potentially dangerous changes in heart rate, respiration rate, body position as in the case of a fall, and skin temperature.
"Users set individual preferences on what they consider to be normal levels of each criteria. If the sensor detects a change outside of these limits, a real-time alert is sent to designated caregivers, family members, or other contacts with information about the user's location and condition," explained Chris Holbert, CEO of SecuraTrac.
The signal that is sent to your iPhone could automatically notify up to 200 people, via text or email. Holbert added the app can also be set up to connect to a 24-hour call center and offers security and piece of mind. "It can watch over you and help when you need it. Seniors can live at home and feel safe at the fraction of the costs of home care," he said.
(Source: everydayhealth.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment