If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles per gallon.
-- Bill Gates
I am not a technology person.
I'm not into social media other than checking Facebook to see what my friends who actually have lives are up to. And unless something earth-shattering happens, I will never use Snapchat or Instagram, or follow anyone on Twitter.
I guess that's why I like to watch television. The only buttons I have to push are to change the channel, or raise and lower the volume.
But I do understand the value of technology. And while some of the stuff technology has birthed is questionable, there is an amazing amount of good stuff out there. But how much good can this good stuff do?
For instance, could it help someone with diabetes avoid complications? Could it reduce risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose by increasing the patients' knowledge of their disease?
The Verizon Foundation and Baptist Health have a new program that will try to answer those questions. They are looking for low-income people with Type 2 diabetes to participate in a year-long tele-health pilot program designed to:
• Help patients in central Arkansas better manage their diabetes
• Increase understanding of the disease
• Teach self-management techniques that include exercise and nutrition.
In a news release, program organizers said that, nationally, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma contribute to one in seven deaths. In part, that is due to poor management of the individual's disease.
"Diabetes is a serious health threat to Arkansans of all ages," said Troy Wells, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. "But consistent management of this disease can help patients young and old to lead a healthier life, potentially eliminating long-term health complications."
This program is designed to test the effectiveness of mobile technology (cellphones and such) in improving disease management for patients in Pulaski County. The year-long self-management program will evaluate two groups of medically underserved people who have Type 2 diabetes and manage their disease at home.
The goal of the program is to see how the use of technology affects their health.
One group of 125 participants will receive smartphones with relevant apps and monitoring devices such as glucometers and Fitbit pedometers to keep track of their glucose, blood pressure and weight.
A second group of 125 will use standard diabetes-monitoring devices such as blood pressure machines, test strips and exercise logs.
Both groups will set goals and have access to a support team consisting of a certified diabetes educator, dietitian and exercise specialist to help them meet their goals.
At the end of the year, Baptist Health program coordinators will analyze and compare data from each group to see what really works. And to see if the group with all the technological bells and whistles did better or worse than their low-tech counterparts.
Many Arkansans have limited resources and access to care, and that can lead to poor health. But these days, with the price of insurance and health care going through the roof, even people who have a few more resources seem to be struggling as well.
For more information call (501) 202-2815.
Email me at:
rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 06/08/2015