Category Archives: medical

Episode 144, Apple’s Sept. 14 Keynote announced; RECCO, ‘twICEme’ iPhone App uses technology to bring bike helmets to a digital level of safety



In this episode, we will bypass the speculation nonsense, other than making sure you know about the Tuesday, September 14 Apple Keynote.  It’s at 10 am PDT streaming live, and will be available later.   We are expecting to see several new models of the iPhone, an AppleWatch and other hardware and software announcements.  There are plenty of stories already out there, but I’d rather spend the time on a topic more meaningful.   We will save that coverage for a Tuesday evening special Mac Minutes Podcast when we know the facts.  I’d encourage you to tune into the keynote and come back for our analysis.  This week I want to talk about a major step forward for biking safety, especially for those of us who venture out alone. I purchased this new bike helmet which came out this year, specifically the POC Kortal Race MIPS Bike Helmet. It has tons of structural safety features but the technology is what sold me.

The RECCO Search and Rescue (SAR ) detector can overlarge areas fast. From a height of 100 meters covering a search area of approx. 100 meters wide, the SAR enables rescuers to search 1 square kilometer within 6 minutes.
Mountain-biking wearing the POC Kortal MIPS Race helmet.
Photo of the Kortal Race MIPS helmet equipped with RECCO rescue reflector. The helmet retails for $250.  a 10% discount is available on their website
twICEme is the digital application on the Apple App Store that integrates vital ICE information into equipment, such as an equipped bike helmet.

Mac Minutes Podcast, Episode 141, UV Light sterilization explained; Review of the versatile Ampere Cell to clean your tech devices



In this episode we will continue our emphasis on health with a review of the versatile Ampere Cell, which uses UV light to clean your tech devices.  We will also explain how UV light appears to kill the deadly COVID virus and other harmful organisms.

When you’re not sanitizing your smartphone, power it up. Ampere Cell’s charging surface contains two 15W wireless charging coils to fast-charge any Qi-enabled device. More information is at their website ampere.shop

Episode 140, HeartWatch App adds features; Student IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch expand to Canada & more US universities



In this episode we will continue our emphasis on health with a review on a health application for the AppleWatch, named the HeartWatch.  It has recently added several new news and diagnostic features, including a partnership with the heart foundation, and personalized heart news.  This is definitely an interesting story for those who are heart conscious.  In the second half of the podcast, we will discuss the tens of thousands of students who will be returning to school this year and will be able to use mobile student IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch to get around campus and make purchases.

If you’re wanting to better understand your health, HeartWatch should be on the top of your list. It takes the information captured by the Apple Watch and gives you actionable way to improve your health.

 

With their student IDs in Wallet, university students and faculty can simply tap their iPhone to access campus buildings and make purchases.

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 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 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 113, AliveCor KardiaMobile devices expand range of ECG determinations; Apple updates macOS with Big Sur 11.2



In this episode we will discuss AliveCor expanding the range of electrocardiogram or ECG determinations for their KardiaMobile devices used with the iPhone; and Apple updates macOS with Big Sur 11.2. More information can be found https://alivecor.com and podcast information at https://macminutespodcast.com (Graphics courtesy of AliveCor Inc.)

Using an AliveCor KardiaMobile device with your iPhone, you can detect more arrhythmias than any other personal EKG. AliveCor introduced three new medical determinations on Monday, Feb. 1.
KardiaMobile 6L gives six views of the heart six times the data.