Helping Manage Chronic Illness on the Go

With SYNC, those with asthma and allergies can receive a clear understanding of their environment and potential symptom triggers – such as pollen levels in the air – that can quickly lead to an attack.As Americans take a more active role in managing their health and well-being, Ford researchers are taking a leading role in developing a series of health and wellness in-car connectivity solutions designed to empower people with self-help information while they drive.

Leveraging Ford SYNC – and its ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, access cloud-based internet services, and control smartphone apps – Ford is taking charge in this automotive whitespace area. The researchers are developing industry-first voice-controlled in-car connections to an array of health aids from glucose monitoring devices, diabetes management services, and asthma management tools to web-based allergen alert solutions.

Healthy Statistics
Health of mind, body, and spirit is a significant slice of a larger global health and wellness trend that is transcending multiple generations, spectrums, and industries. So-called healthy homes, allergen-free cleaners and products, and the cosmetic and bariatric surgery boon, for example, are all converging to create an eclectic mash-up that is redefining health and wellness for today's consumer.

An underlying consumer demand for knowing about one's health while on the go also continues to rise, fueling the growing number and breadth of mobile healthcare devices and health- and fitness-related software and smartphone applications hitting the market today.

According to a recent survey conducted by CTIA-The Wireless Association and Harris Interactive, for example, some 78% of U.S. consumers expressed interest in mobile health solutions. A recent study by digital messaging powerhouse MobileStorm further confirmed this phenomenon, indicating that medical and healthcare apps was the third fastest-growing category of smartphone applications in early 2010. The major app stores, such as the Apple App Store, are now housing upward of 17,000 available health apps for download, with nearly 60% of those aimed at consumers rather than healthcare professionals, reports mobile research specialist Research2Guidance.

Constant Connections
Taking a smart, high-volume approach to bringing mobile health and wellness solutions inside the car, Ford researchers are first looking at two populations with the most need for a constant connection to potentially life-saving medical information – people with diabetes and those with asthma and/or allergies.

"Ford's approach to health and wellness in the vehicle is not about trying to take on the role of a healthcare or medical provider, we are a car company," says Gary Strumolo, global manager, interiors, infotainment, health & wellness research, Ford research and innovation. "Our goal is not to interpret the data offered by the experts, but to work with them to develop intelligent ways for Ford vehicles using the power of SYNC."

For people with diabetes and their caregivers, constant knowledge and control of glucose levels is critical to avoiding hypoglycemia or low glucose, which can cause confusion, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and a host of other symptoms that could be dangerous while driving. Many now depend on a portable continuous glucose-monitoring device to track their levels.

Likewise, those with asthma and allergies need to have a clear understanding of their environment and potential symptom triggers – such as pollen levels in the air – that can quickly lead to an attack. Growing in popularity among this group are Web-based alert services and smartphone apps that can help flag dangerous pollen levels based on location.

Ford Motor Company
Dearborn, MI
ford.com