by Bob | Dec 25, 2022 | Health, Life notes
A few weeks ago, after I complained to my primary physician that I had trouble memorizing lines for some scenes I was rehearsing for a benefit performance, he referred me to a neurologist. After taking a battery of verbal/written tests, the neurologist determined I was suffering from “Mild Cognitive Impairment” (MCI).
I’ve been doing some reading about this condition, which is not the same as what happens with normal ageing. I’ll be 71 in two weeks. The week before that I am scheduled for a a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test which will tell us if there is something more structural going on in my brain.
The thing is, except for my complaint about having trouble with memorizing lines, I don’t seem to be suffering much from the typical symptoms described in the sites I’ve reviewed. Of course, I forget some things. But not enough to interfere with most normal functioning. In any case, I am taking a drug that’s supposed slow or even halt the progression of the condition. Currently, like for Alzheimer’s Disease there is no cure.
Losing further cognitive ability is a scary prospect. I am hopeful the medicine, good diet and exercise will help. Though I’ve been pretty good on the latter two for many years. One thing, that’s been recommended is that I quit drinking all alcohol. That’s a tough one. I like an occasional small glass of Irish Whiskey and love red wine. I have managed to cut back to one glass of wine with dinner. After all, the benefits of moderate consumption of that beverage has been proven to have many benefits. So, there’s a balance to be found. Such is my rationalization.
Wish me luck.
by Bob | Jan 14, 2012 | Life notes, Local Tech Notes
This is a slightly edited and enhanced version of an article that appeared November, 2011 as part of the Times-Standard/Redwood Technology Consortium Tech Beat series.
The health industry in slowly adopting technology on a large scale, moving to electronic documents, computer generated prescriptions and information sharing. It’s been a rough road as standards and privacy issues have to be grappled with beyond the sheer technical problems. But the trade-offs in efficiency, accuracy and data gathering will be well worth the struggle. Mobile technology will play an increasing role in both institutional and personal health care advances.
An example of the convergence of data and mobile applications is the recent release of an IPad app for health practitioners by Practice Fusion a leader in electronic health records. The app allows doctors instant access to patient records in a secure environment from wherever they are as long as they are connected to the Internet.
While institutional adoption of mobile technology is starting to happen, another revolution in personal health monitoring is also taking place. An explosion of apps and add-on devices for mobile devices are putting a wealth of data gathering, sharing and eventually diagnosis in to the hands of ordinary people and health care workers in the field.
There are quite a few tools already, though in many cases they are still rather basic. Most of the consumer apps and devices focus on diet and exercise monitoring. However, the future is bright as developers begin to understand the mobile platform and stretch its capabilities At the same time mobile systems continue to become more powerful and flexible. Additionally part of the delay of the release of more serious apps and devices has been the long approval process required by the Food and Drug Administration. However, according to a recent article in Business Week that process should soon be streamlined allowing for a flood of new advances for both health care workers and individuals.
A Few Current Applications and Devices
An example of the type of advanced app that can improve health care is described in an article on GigaOm. The app was developed by Dr. John Moore at the MIT Media Group:
One such app enables HIV patients at Boston Medical Center to visualize how HIV develops into AIDs, how the virus attacks their T cells and what happens if they do or do not take their cells. Using that app, he saw the percentage of patients sticking to their drug regime soar from 25 percent to 95 percent, Moss said.
Another application recently released is an ultrasound device that plugs in to a smartphone and allows a health worker to perform an on site scan.
My Medications, provided by the American Medical Association provides a convenient way for individuals to enter medical information such as allergies, prescriptions, and immunizations and to share that with primary care physicians.
AT&T recently released WellDoc Diabetes Manager that allows patients to monitor glucose levels and receive advice base on the input.
IBGStar is a blood glucose meter plug-in for the iPhone iPhone BGM plug-in will interact with a not yet Apple-approved iBGStar Diabetes Manager App that will help users track blood glucose, carbs intake and insulin dose.
In a more general consumer market, bluetooth phone device maker, Jawbone just came out with the UP, a wristband that monitors walking exercise, provides alerts for prolonged sedentary behavior (like sitting at your computer), monitors sleep habits and diet. The wristband is plugged in to the iPhone sound jack and the data is off-loaded to a free web app and can be shared on a social website.
ITriage is an iPhone/Android app that helps you answer the questions, “What medical condition could I have?” and “Where should I go for treatment?”
The Future is Near
It’s clear that we’re just at the beginning of this mobile revolution. In the next few years expect to see devices and apps become much
Live Long and Prosper
more sophisticated. Researchers are testing an MRI scanner attached to a smartphone that can detect cancer. And there is a 10 million dollar prize being offered for the development of a device that can scan a body and diagnose a variety of ailments. It’s called the Tricorder Prize, named after the device that Spock used in Star Trek. The future is coming fast. (FastCompany also has a good article on mobile health in the February print issue which I’ll link to if they put it online)
More Links
by Bob | Mar 30, 2008 | Life notes
Cancer is a scary disease. It can lie hidden for years and suddenly a test reveals your bones/lungs/liver/brain/colon is riddled with it. But I have been fighting the good fight. I have been fending off cancer by drinking red wine. Not only that, but the same cancer fighting ingredient, resveratrol, is also helpful in staving off some of the effects of diabetes. And there is some indication that red wine could be good for the heart.
I just got done hauling and stacking wood. I think I will have a nice glass of red wine and little nap. I’m such a health nut!
by Bob | Mar 27, 2008 | Life notes
Well, after strutting around all winter with nary sniffle I came down with one of this year’s versions of the crud. Really, just a cold. But a mean one with a debilitating dry cough that caused my entire torso to ache and found me spending two nights in the living room chair trying to sleep in a semi-upright position.
I tried to work, off and on, at home. I tried to read when I could concentrate or focus my eyes. But really, I spent a lot of time just sitting and trying not to disturb whatever it was that my lungs were trying to expel.
I know I am not alone. I’ve had many friends tell me their horror stories. I’ve read about the losses in school income due to high absentee rates. I’d felt so fortunate, even a little superior having gotten to Spring in such a healthy fashion. Now I have joined the many weak of soul and body. I have succumbed to the viral menace.
But things are better today. I can walk through the house without collapsing in to a hacking fit. I can talk for more that a few minutes without my voice devolving in to an incoherent whisper. Tomorrow is a new day. And hey! It’s Friday already!
