Social Innovation: Digital Health is Our Future

Feb 3, 2012 9:21 AM ET
Campaign: CSR Blogs

Posted by Sangeeta Haindl

Digital health is the hottest growth area in technology and social innovation. According to a study by Pew Research, medical and healthcare was the third-fastest-growing category of Smartphone apps and by 2015 nearly 500 million people are expected to be using mobile healthcare apps.This year's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debuted products that address the needs of health-conscious populations, particularly advances in medical science targeted at the world's ageing population. The growth in mobile healthcare devices and applications has also inspired Ford, the automobile manufacturer, to integrate healthcare into its vehicles. As being informed about our health while on the go has become a real need.

The "Doctor in Your Car" keynote social innovation address at CES delivered by Gary Strumolo, Global Manager of Health, Wellness, Interiors and Infotainment for Ford Research and Innovation, shed light on several research projects that Ford is working on. The car maker is developing a series of health and wellness in-car connectivity designed to empower people with self-help information while they drive. Strumolo says, "Ford has been working with leading healthcare industry partners to explore what's possible to help consumers monitor diabetes and asthma symptoms while in the car... showing that managing your well-being doesn't have to stop once you step inside your car".

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Sangeeta Haindl is a staff writer for Justmeans on Social Enterprise. When not writing for Justmeans, Sangeeta wears her other hat as a PR professional. Over the years, she has worked with high-profile organizations within the public, not-for-profit and corporate sectors; and won awards from her industry. She now runs her own UK consultancy: Serendipity PR & Media.