Study finds text messaging effective for weight loss

People in a Weight Watchers program who received motivational and reminder text messages lost an average of 4.5 pounds more in a 12-week period than those who were left to their own volition, a newly published study found. Text messaging also showed promise for increasing exercise and promoting other healthy behaviors, according to researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Va.  More

95M U.S. Adults Using Mobile Health Technology

A Manhattan Research Cybercitizen Health study finds that 95 million U.S. residents are using mobile health applications, representing a 27% increase from the number of people using such apps last year. In addition, the study found that mobile health IT adoption varies among patient audiences. Healthcare IT News. More

Most Parents Want Option To Email Child's Physician

A new University of Michigan poll finds that most parents want the option to email their child's physician regarding minor illnesses. Forty-eight percent of parents say that such online consultations should have no cost, while 50% say they should cost less than an office visit. News Medical et al

Infographic with some useful statistics about mobile health

 

Study shows FaceTime with iPhone is successful in teaching Cardiac Ultrasound remotely

Pocket sized ultrasound devices (PUDs) have  potential to  improve global health care delivery due  to their potential role in areas with limited resources.   Although theoretically  they have much promise, their use has been limited due to a lack of imaging protocol and trained users.

This particular study, titled — “Feasibility of remote real-time guidance of a cardiac examination performed by novices using a pocket-sized ultrasound device” looked at the cardiac limited ultrasound exam (CLUE)  to screen for  left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, left atrial (LA) enlargement, ultrasound lung comets, and elevated central venous pressure (CVP).   More

Best Hospitals 2013–14: Overview and Honor Roll

U.S. News & World Report publishes annual rankings of the nation's Best Hospitals. The rankings, now in their 24th year, cover nearly 5,000 medical centers across the country and span 16 medical specialties, from cancer to neurology & neurosurgery. Hospitals that rank near the top of at least six specialties earn a spot on the Honor Roll. More

"Note bloat" putting patients at risk

Healthcare IT News, 10/14/2013

Healthcare organizations with long–established electronic health records run the risk of "note bloat" and compromised patient safety unless they standardize physician documentation procedures and limit the amount of cutting–and–pasting doctors have to do...More

HDM Readers React to New Blog on Mobile Medical Apps

With the industry generally supporting recent Food and Drug Administration guidance on medical mobile applications, an HDM blogger warns that the guidance carries some consequences and could unlevel the playing field.  More

Marketplace Health Plans for Florida

By Health News Florida Staff
Floridians don’t have to wait until the crowds and glitches diminish on the federal website to see which local plans are available. They can view a PDF with all of the plans available in Florida and can also download information about the plans and prices for Florida and other states at this site.
The data don’t include information about premium subsidies. To get a better idea on the actual price,  use this calculator. 

Research in Action: EHC Program Tools Help NYC Clinicians, Patients Review Treatment Options

Urban Health Plan (UHP), a network of New York City health centers that serves more than 54,000 patients in the Bronx and Queens, is a leader among the many organizations that have partnered with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care (EHC) Program. Learn how UHP uses plain-language EHC Program publications to help patients and their families explore the benefits and risks of treatment options for various health conditions.  More

4 apps for better personal safety

If you go walking/jogging most mornings. . You can never be too careful,  you need to protect yourself just in case... Here are some personal safety apps to give you and others peace of mind.

System: Android, iOS

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Long-term Care for You or your Love Ones Information from DHHS

Long-term care for your loved ones

If you have aging parents or grandparents, then you probably worry about them. Even independent people need a hand now and then.

You might be planning for the future, and what kind of care they may need. But if you haven't, then I recommend this site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a great place to start.

Click Here to Learn More >>