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First there was telecommuting, now there's telemedicine.  In this article, Google glass is being utilized to determine whether an in-person consult with a doctor is necessary to treat a wound by sending video and audio of patient to doctors and nurses.  While telemedicine seems like a practical way of linking up doctors with patients who really need legitimate medical consult, could we be compromising quality of care in the process?

This article talks about the FDA providing guidelines to developers of mobile apps that can potentially carry more than minimal risks for its end users. App examples provided on the article include those that can diagnose arrhythmia or mobile devices that can be utilized as an ultrasound.  I think this article would be a good read for anyone who have purchased any health/medical related up on Google Play or the iTunes store.  It's good to know that the FDA recognizes the importance of putting some regulations in place in terms of these apps knowing that some individuals have a tendency of doing self-diagnosis using these apps prior to paying their doctors a visit.  

Google/Alphabet's health venture Verily just got a nice shot in the arm. I'm excited to see what kinds of innovations this group introduces to the world.

The Insight Timer app is available in the iTunes and Google app stores. This app isn't just a timer - you can join in with other meditators in real time, all around the world. There are guided meditations and several different bells, chimes, and gongs you can preprogram to signal the beginning, middle, or end of your meditation. There are several languages for the guided meditations, some have music soundtracks, and there are over 3,000 to choose from so if one teacher or method doesn't resonate, another might. It's a great way to connect with other meditators, try a new style, or just get started with the practice.

Times are changing right before our eyes. Think Fitbits are all the rage? How about a pair of contact lenses that can track your blood sugar level? Google is working on it right now! A new world of "wearables" is on its way and they are looking to do far more than simply record and aggregate our behaviors. Check out this article for more detail.

I have heard many opinions about refined sugars. I try to stay away from such sugars and I am personally terrified of artificial sweeteners. I prefer organic sugars which are brown in color. This article provides some good evidence that refined sugars are not major toxins ready to kill us. Refined sugars are in soooo much or what we eat, and the amount of sugars in certain things such as soda will shock you (just google ("demonstration measuring cup of sugar in soda"). The basic rule for all things is to use everything in moderation. Of course too much of one thing is bad. But I can't help but think of the times when I would literally craze for something sweet.... to the point when I would feel anxious and slightly crazed.

The CMS website provides information as it pertains to the new Sunshine Act that went into effect in 2013. The law requires certain industries to report payments made to physicians and encourage transparency. Data gathered by the CMS will be published on the website and can be accessed by the public.