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June 19, 2013

Americans want health via smart phones

By Matt Mattox

At Axial, we have a good perspective on the mobile health revolution. Everyday people use our smartphone and tablet apps to manage their health, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, CHF, and heart disease. It is encouraging, but not suprising, to see data published on broader mobile health adoption. Harris Interactive / Health Day released the results of a poll that underscores the growing demand for mobile health. The poll results are based on an online survey of 2,050 Americans aged 18 and older, conducted between May 22-24, 2013. Some highlights:

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June 18, 2013

What health systems can learn from Weight Watchers

By Matt Mattox

Most people can stand to lose some weight. And physicians will often point out the health benefits of losing weight to patients. This advice can be helpful, but when you leave the exam room you are on your own. The reality is that sustained behavior change is hard. Historically, health systems have invested relatively little in keeping patients well. After all, when patients got sick and ended up in the hospital, revenues increased. With health reform, healthcare organizations are increasingly waking up to the notion that their future success hinges on supporting behavior change so that patients stay well -- and out of the hospital and ER.

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June 14, 2013

Design, psychology, and behavior change

By Matt Mattox

In order to change behavior you need to put triggers in the path of motivated people. According to BJ Fogg, the head of Stanford's Persuasive Technology Lab, you just need to remind people of their goals and make it easy for them to act. But what about those that lack motivation? Specifically, what if there is little physical or financial cost to not chaning? In The Innovator's Prescription, Clayton Christensen provides a framework for illustrating this dynamic. Take back pain. You skip taking your meds and your back hurts. You take your meds and the pain goes away. For many chronic diseases, the consequences of nonadherence are deferred.

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June 10, 2013

4 jaw-dropping stats about obesity

By Matt Mattox

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a BMI of 30 or higher classifies someone as obese. An obese man of average height weighs 220 pounds or more. An obese woman of average height weighs 180 pounds or more. About one-third of US adults are obese. Most people have heard that statistic already; but these four lesser-known statistics are astonishing.

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June 05, 2013

Diabetes by the numbers

By Matt Mattox

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood glucose. Your body's cells need glucose for energy. It's also your brain's main source of fuel. Out-of-control glucose can lead to hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Longer term, excess glucose can damage the vessels that supply blood to important organs. As a result, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve problems can impact people with diabetes.

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