This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Aetna Foundation.
We live in a technology-driven society, there's no doubt about it. I personally think that I use my cell phone more than I use my computer or tablet; it's just so easy to whip out the smartphone to do banking, chat on social media, send a quick email or take and share photos. I even use my smartphone for health-related things now! Thanks to Aetna Foundation’s Digital Health Initiative, using our smartphones as part of our health management is easier than ever! The Aetna Foundation's Digital Health Initiative realizes how important mobile technology is, and has begun using that technology to reach people with real-time health solutions that fit easily into their daily lives.
In February, The Aetna Foundation announced that it was designating over a $1 million in grants to support digital health technology among vulnerable and minority populations. These funds are part of a $4 million, three-year digital health commitment made by the Aetna Foundation, geared towards the implementation of technology innovations to help address important public health concerns.
When trying to find the best technology, people need to choose something that fits easily into their lives—whether it is starting to email with a physician or using a fitness app that tracks workouts, technology can be a great and convenient motivator. Smartphones allow patients to access apps which can help track their fitness routines and their insurance information as well.
The Aetna Foundation's Digital Health Initiative supports the digital health initiative in multiple ways.
- A two-way faith-based text messaging program specifically targeting African-American women between the ages of 19 and 55 that is managed by local health ministers. Exercise, wellness, and disease prevention messaging is tailored to the unique needs of the local African-American faith community.
- A K-12 digital health curriculum that covers things like exercise, diet and nutrition, as well as disease prevention and management. Students can even use their smartphones or tablets to collaborate on projects using social media and have access to their curriculum outside of school!
When trying to find the best technology, people need to choose something that fits easily into their lives—whether it is starting to email with a physician or using a fitness app that tracks workouts, technology can be a great and convenient motivator. From neighborhood churches and community center programs to on-the-go apps for personalized disease management, technology is central to how patients track and monitor their health and wellness today.
I asked my friend Monique, who has two daughter with health conditions, a little about her situation, as I know that this kind of technology is right up her alley! Being a work at home mom with two daughters, I know that she is always busy and being able to use her cell phone to stay on track of their healthcare is a huge time-saver.
Both of my daughters have endocrine disorders. For our family, the diagnoses mean quarterly specialist visits and quarterly blood draws for each of the girls. And for my oldest daughter, it also means an annual surgery. Trying to keep their medical records organized can be trying at the best of times.
Making sure that bills are paid, the medicines are compounded and filled before the current ones run out, and keeping them healthy is a full-time job. I haven’t even mentioned the emergency medication, the medical ID bracelet, and explaining how their illnesses affect their everyday life and I get tired. And I’m just the mom. The girls are the ones with the medical disabilities. Being able to make payments online, after hours, is a huge convenience. Verifying appointments and procedures electronically is a lifesaver.
Do you use mobile technology to help you with healthcare concerns? I would love to hear about it if you do!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Aetna Foundation.
Erika Bragdon
That's good to see big companies like Aetna helping out around the community.
Tammi
I love seeing companies do things like this, and what a great resource! Heading to the site to read more, thanks!
Jennifer Soltys
Oh wow, so much available!!! I have used my phone to look up certain symptoms before, but haven't done much other than that. Good to know this is out there!!
Kelsey Apley
This sounds like a neat site for sure! I do use my phone to search symptoms and such or to read up on an illness!! I am gonna check the site out, thanks for sharing it! Never heard of them before!
Amber Edwards
How inspiring to see Aetna stepping forward to help those who are unable to do everything on their own. A great resource for knowledge and help for health.
Jennifer Medeiros
It is great to see such a large company helping users to make their life easier!
susan
I love to see that Aetna is helping out the community... We have had them for years, and love them ,.
Grace Hodgin
This is a lot of great information and very valuable to have. I've heard a lot of great things about Atena and will share this site with my daughter.
Marysa
This looks like such a great resource! Thanks for sharing. With so much technology, I love seeing it put to good use.
Little Miss Kate
Technology is just a way of life now, people are connected 24/7. It is great to see initiatives that leverage this change in our society for the better.
kristin
When I went to college I had Atena through PSU. It's so nice to see companies giving back to communities they serve in. It's so important that we all pitch in.
MJ
Technology innovations are so important to help health concerns. Way to go!
brett
this is a great resource- and a very important one. everyone needs access!
OurFamilyWorld
I love this initiative. I think it's going to make it so much easier to keep all the doctors on the same page with patients.
valmg
I've never used my phone to find health information. I'm a little surprised the percentage was as high as it was. It's good to see Aetna trying to make a difference.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I haven't used my phone to look up health information, but mostly because it hasn't been necessary. I totally would and I am all for being able to access information easily on my phone!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim)
So awesome that they are doing this! Wish more companies would. I also love the infographic, puts it all in perspective.
Dominique Cloutier
It's always great to see big companies like this do such great things!
Lindsey
technology has always been the future. Glad to see one of my old health ins. companies stepping forward where they are needed.
Debra
Technology is totally our way of life now -so this totally makes sense. I wasn't aware that Aetna did this....
Terin Garrett
It's great to see big companies helping in the community! My employer does that a lot too! 🙂
Debbie L.
I think it is great that companies design used ways to help people be healthy. Phone apps are so easy for people to use
Isabella Grey
I've never heard of this company. It's good to see someone helping out though!
Nicole B
I have used the Lowest Med app to find the lowest prescription costs from my phone. And I have WebMD to look up symptoms. That is great AETNA is taking such good care of their customers.
Shell
It's smart to bring in technology. I use my smartphone to do so much!
Jessica
This is a great initiative. I am a mom who ALWAYS use Google to search for healthcare information. Whether it's symptoms, medications, or doctor locations- my phone is my go-to source.
Karen
This is really interesting, I had no idea that Aetna offered something like this. Great to know that they are doing this!
Beth
I have not used my cell/smartphone to look up health concerns as I don't have the additional money to do so. It does bother me when people complain about having no money but they have the most expensive phone with unlimited texting, talking, and data. That's my opinion.
Kecia
My phone is the first thing I grab when I want to know more about symptoms or have a health question. I can google like nobody's business, especially with two boys that often seem to be doing something I want to know more about.
Mama to 5 Blessings
Aetna is our provider, this sounds like a great foundation!
Jen Temcio
It means a lot to me that aetna is doing so much to help our people! Technology is a good way to reach people - I use my phone to manage my prescriptions!
Mandy
Sounds like a great resource. I love when big companies take part in or lead a positive campaign that helps the public.
Melissa
I definitely use my phone whenever I can. So smart of them to invest more into technology.
Melissa
I always use my cell phone to search my health questions.
Pauline Cabrera
Technology is really something! Imagine, things like these are something inconceivable 10 or 20 years ago, but here we are, enjoying the convenience that technology has brought. I am health conscious myself and I often use my smartphone to get information about my health. So this app is truly an amazing addition to my phone. 🙂
Autumn Reo
I have an app on my phone to manage our insurance and some symptoms. It does make things so much easier having things at your fingertips!
Virginia
What a great resource. I've used my phone to look up symptoms several times.
Cassie
My mother-in-law had Aetna when she was working and LOVED them. It doesn't surprise me that they're active in the community 🙂
Ashley M
My favorite feature is that they offer actual communication with a physician because, OMG have you ever googled your symptoms? I always ended up convinced I'm dying from some horrible disease that 1% of the population has. lol
Chrysa
This is such a great initiative. I recently heard a news story about cell-phone based programs for women who usually don't have access to a lot of prenatal care. Any help can make such a big difference!
Tracey
Love seeing companies do things like this, and what a great resource!
Toni
What a great thing they are doing! I love to see big companies doing things like this.
krystal
I'm a member of a text msg program for health reminders, and I love it. It's a great way to reach the community quickly.
Tammilee Tillison
I def use my phone to search for symptoms. It can take a bit to get into our dr office so i try to make sure if we really need an appt. I am so excited to see what Aetna does with this campaign.
Melinda Babiak
this sounds like a great initiative. I like when big brands step in to offer answers and help to issues that we all face
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie
Great post.. I had no idea Aetna was doing this.. I just love when companies help out and give back.. thanks for sharing this wonderful campaign, can't wait to hear more about it
Amanda Love
I'm all for having things especially healthcare accessible and using my cell phone to find out stuff is sure a great way to do it. It's good to see Aetna getting with the program.
Janel
I use my phone quite often to look for symptoms, too. So nice to have this info easy to access.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I use my phone to look up everything, even health care things!
Brandy
Oh this is such a great initiative. I know I use my smart phone for everything, it's quicker than getting out my laptop!
Pup
I do that too!!! Ha, every time I go to my doctor I have to look up the address on my phone. I don't go enough to remember where it is. I have a horrible memory!
Paige
We have Aetna. I use their mobile app all the time!