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Ford's Health-Monitoring Car Gains Partners

Posted on Feb 03, 2012

Ford has unveiled a new partnership on its way to developing a car that manages its owner's health status.

The project, known as "The Prototype Mobile Health Management System," uses various monitors and meters, as well as user-generated behavioral health data to give real-time health advice.

In the works are at least 3 applications. First is glucose monitoring, which displays glucose levels on the dashboard and alerts the driver when levels become abnormal. Second is an allergy program, which acts as a voice-activated allergy news service and a four-day weather guide. Third is a coaching system for asthmatic and diabetic drivers. This application is basically a medication reminder system. Still in the hoping-and-planning stage is a heart monitor, which manufacturers hope will alert the driver of an impending heart attack -- a leading cause of crashes.

The software begins with user-provided voice inputs, detailing the health and behavior of the driver, including gym and medication schedules. The information goes through a Microsoft program, which connects the user's various devices on a centralized internet "cloud" format, so one can access the data from a phone or laptop. Microsoft also provides the technology to translate sensory information into electronic data. Ford provided SYNC technology to allow hands-free access.

Other companies working on the project are SDI Health, WellDoc, Medtronic, and the software firm Healthrageous and Blue Metal Architects.

COMMENT:
Imagine driving on the way to work and your car is telling you that your glucose level is low and you need to stop and get a bite to eat. Then, imagine driving in bumper to bumper traffic and someone cuts you off. Your heart-rate monitor rises dramatically and you are immediately warned...by your car...to take your foot off the pedal and slow down. That sounds incredible and could possibly save lives!

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Gerry practices law exclusively in the State of New York. Within New York he practices primarily in the following counties: New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk. Technically, Brooklyn is known as "Kings County," and Manhattan and New York City are known as "New York County." Staten Island is known as "Richmond County." These counties make up the New York metropolitan area.