Category Archives: health

Episode 136, AliveCor Kardia receives FDA clearance for personal ECG device for measurement of QTc Interval, a critical marker for heart safety



In this episode we will discuss AliveCor announced Thursday, July 8 it received 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals to use the KardiaMobile 6L device to calculate patients’ QTc interval.  We will talk about the Kardia device and explain why this new announcement is important to those who have an interest in their heart health. More info on the device is at https://alivecor.com.

Six leads, six times the heart data of its competitors. Record an EKG anytime, anywhere. KardiaMobile 6L is portable and works wherever you are and get results in just 30 seconds. It is FDA-cleared and doctor recommended. The clinically validated 6-lead personal EKG, FDA-cleared to detect AFib, Bradycardia, and Tachycardia. Save your EKGs on your phone or send them to your doctor for review remotely. Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.  

Episode 135, Colorful Apple Watch International Collection bands and watch faces show patriotism for upcoming Olympic Games; Apple launches public OS Beta program



In this episode, we will discuss the Apple’s launching this week of New Sport Loop bands and matching downloadable watch faces feature bold designs that represent 22 nations around the world. These bands are just in time to show your support for your summer Olympic teams taking place July 23 through August 8. Additionally, we will briefly talk about Apple launching the public beta operating systems.

Australia, Belgium, and Brazil International Collection Sport Loop bands and matching Stripes watch faces
The US International Collection Sport Loop and Stripes watch face.

Episode 134, Using Spatial Audio on Apple Music; Apple Fitness+ releases new episodes of ‘Time to Walk’ starting Monday, June 28



In this episode, we will discuss the Apple Music launching industry-leading sound quality to subscribers with the addition of spatial audio from some of your favorite artists with support for Dolby Atmos.  Additionally, new episodes of ‘Time to Walk’ are available for Fitness+ users on Apple Watch starting on Monday, June 28, with a whole new group of guests covering a wide spectrum of interesting topics.

New episodes of ‘Time to Walk’ are available for Fitness+ users on Apple Watch starting June 28, with guests including Randall Park, Michaela Jaé “MJ” Rodriguez, Anthony Joshua, and more.
Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio has arrived for Apple Music subscribers. First there was mono, then stereo, and now there’s Spatial Audio. Spatial is an immersive experience with sound moving around you in different directions.

Episode 133, Apple advances personal health by introducing secure sharing and new insights



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2021) that with iOS 15, iPhone and Apple Watch users will now have the ability to share health data with loved ones or a care network, view Trends, and measure their Walking Steadiness.

iOS 15 brings secure sharing and new insights for users within the Health application.
Users can choose to share their health and wellness data with loved ones or caregivers for more meaningful conversations and support, even from afar.
Users have granular control over which health data types they choose to share and with whom.

 


Episode 123, Apple’s announces new Fitness + workouts, Apple Watch Activity Challenges and Apple launch event scheduled



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s announcement of new activity challenges for Earth Day and International Dance Day occurring soon and specialized workouts added to Fitness +. We will also talk about Apple’s event scheduled for Tuesday, April 20th at 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.  More information about Mac Minutes is at the following website link.

Apple sets new Apple Watch Activity Challenges for Earth Day and International Dance Day.
New Workouts for Pregnancy, Workouts for Older Adults, and Workouts for Beginners will be available in Apple Fitness+ on Monday, April 19.

Episode 121, Apple announces Worldwide Developer’s Conference; and a review of KeySmart’s CleanLight, portable ionic UV air purifier



In this episode, we discuss Apple’s announcement this week of the Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) and a product review of the CleanLight, a portable ionic UV air purifier manufactured by KeySmart. More information about the Mac Minutes Podcast can be found at the podcast’s website. (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc. and KeySmart)

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off online beginning June 7, 2021
The CleanLight Air Pro is a portable ionic UV air purifier.

Episode 120, Stanford Study finds AppleWatch can accurately assess frailty; Apple updates mobile device operating systems



In this episode, we discuss how a Stanford Study found the AppleWatch can predict frailty in Veteran’s Health Administration patients, proving once again how important the AppleWatch when combined with an iPhone can be in a health program.  We will finish the podcast covering Apple’s recent updates of various mobile device operating systems, including iOS 14.4.2, iPad OS 14.2.2 and WatchOS 7.3.3. You can read the Stanford Study and find out more information at the Mac Minutes Podcast website. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)

An Apple Watch, such as the Series 4, which monitors ECG functions, is one such device that can augment your home healthcare program.

Episode 119, Apple Maps now displays COVID-19 vaccination locations; testing; and using location tracking



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s recent announcement on new COVID features in the maps application.  You can now ask the Siri or search within Apple Maps to find nearby COVID-19 vaccine providers throughout the US, with operating hours and links to important information. We will cover how these tips work and talk about other features for finding COVID testing and using location tracking. Click on COVID mobility data and trends for the past year.  More information is at the Mac Minutes Podcast website.(Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Apple Maps users can now quickly find the closest pharmacies and healthcare providers offering COVID-19 vaccines.
Information including address, operating hours, contact information, and more can be found on the provider’s placecard in Apple Maps.

Episode 118, AirPop launches first smart air wearable, Active + with Halo Sensor; and Apple updates operating systems



In this episode, we discuss the launch of the AirPop Active + Smart Mask with Halo Sensor which tracks a combination of air quality data and information about your breathing rate, helping users take control of their respiratory health.  We will finish the podcast talking about the sweeping updates this week to Apple’s operating systems  More information for the mask are at AirPop and the Mac Minutes Podcast websites. (Graphics courtesy of AirPopHealth)

Halo’s discreet sensor array automatically detects when you start breathing and then syncs your breathing data with the app. An inhale/exhale LED ring indicates breath rate while its intelligent capture supports real-time or background passive modes. The personal dashboard shows real-time protection levels and tracks breathing by activity and location. The device works with Apple HealthKit, so you can track your breathing in iOS.
With its patented 360 degrees sealing, medical-grade soft touch membrane, and super light construction the Active mask filters adaptively seal to the contours of your face. The design maintains its shape and fit when snapped into the Airknit pre-formed shell. Paired with adjustable earloops to create the ideal fit for every face.

Episode 116, eero 6 Pro Mesh hands-on review; Apple Watch users can earn a limited-edition fitness award with the International Women’s Day Activity Challenge



In this episode I will be giving a hands-on review of the eero Pro 6 mesh system and share Apple’s fitness activity award celebrating International Women’s Day.  You can find a comprehensive list of Apple’s events celebrating Women’s History Month at the attached link.  More information for the eero Pro 6 is at eero and the podcast at  Mac Minutes Podcast.

eero Pro 6 covers up to: 2,000 sq. ft and is tri-band with enough bandwidth to deliver high speeds to over 75+ connected devices. One device costs around $229 US.
eero Beacon adds up to 1,500 sq. ft. of coverage to your existing eero and extends your eero network with speeds
up to 350 Mbps. Price is about $119 US.
Apple Watch users can earn a limited-edition award with the International Women’s Day Activity Challenge on March 8.