Aetna Foundation Digital Health Initiative

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Aetna Foundation.

Have you ever used your phone to look up symptoms you or your family may be having because you are worried about them?

My family are googling fools when it comes to illnesses or pains and aches. When we don’t have direct access to a doctor because it’s the weekend, late at night, or let’s be honest because our doctor is so hard to get a hold of (sometimes not calling back until the next day) we take matters into our own hands and try to decide whats wrong with us. Is it serious? Do I need to go to the emergency room? Make an appointment with a specialist? Or is it something I can take care of at home? There are apps, websites, and even sometimes online doctor’s who can help ease your mind and give you the steps you need to take to get better.

Not only can we look up our symptoms, and remedies for certain ailments, but the world of fitness is at our fingertips. Need a work out to tone your arms? Want to know how many calories you should be eating a day? Glasses of water? There is a plethora of sites and apps that offer you all the information you need to lose weight, train, or just get fit.

The #digitalhealth world is alive and well on the internet – some great info, some well, not so great.

 The Aetna Foundations Digital Health Initiative  supports the use of digital health technology for vulnerable and minority populations and to address public health concerns. They announced last month more than $1.2 million dollars in grants to support the use of digital health technology including mobile health for vulnerable and minority populations!

This is part of a larger $4 million dollar, three year digital health commitment from the Aetna Foundation.They are working to implement and evaluate technology innovations that help address public health concerns. The health initiative supports projects that help promote healthy choices in vulnerable and minority communities. Currently 1 in 3 cell phone owners have used their phones to access health information – and I’m sure the other 2 would if they knew how!

With advances in technology the foundation can reach millions – many who have no other access to information when they need it. Since they know that many people use their phones for a way to connect, search and access information, they want to make sure that the technology is available to everyone – especially those vulnerable and in minority populations.

I want to know – have you ever used your phone or other mobile device to look up health related information? If so, for what, and what did you find?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Aetna Foundation.