THE GOODS : Putting a Cap on Medicine Consumption
A new concept in telemedicine was launched this week by a Silicon Valley firm that has invented SmartCap, a medicine bottle with a tiny computer in the top to monitor how people take their medicine.
Aprex Corp., a small firm based in Fremont, introduced the technology as part of its new Dosing Partners program, in which SmartCap is combined with a HomeLink computer modem attached to the patient’s phone.
SmartCap beeps when it is time to take medication and counts how many times a day and at what times the user removes the cap. The system can accommodate four separate bottles.
The patient places the SmartCap bottle or bottles on the modem at night, and the system dials Aprex to report the day’s medication use. If the information indicates that the medicine is not being taken as prescribed, an Aprex health-care professional--nurse practitioner, registered nurse, pharmacist or physician--will call.
According to Aprex Chairman and CEO Janice Wohltmann, Dosing Partners is aimed at patients on medications that are critical: those with transplants, high-risk pregnancies, epilepsy, congestive heart failure, asthma--”people who are on medications that if not taken correctly can cause them to end up in the hospital and run up big health-care bills.”
National pharmaceutical studies have shown that patient noncompliance in taking medicines results in more than 10% of hospital admissions.
Wohltmann says Aprex is in discussions with insurance companies and health management organizations to provide the Dosing Partners program “to the top 5% of their patients who have the biggest health-care bills.”
The program costs $250 for start-up fee and equipment and $50 a month. There are no telephone charges because the modem dials Aprex’s 800 number. The service includes a monthly written report on how you are doing in regulating your medication properly. A separate report will be sent to your physician if you wish. For additional information, call (800) 916-3535.
A Lotion That Really Babies Your Hands
Skin Pro-Tec is a new high-tech lotion that acts like a rubber glove to protect your hands from skin irritants, even industrial strength caustics and acids.
The lotion is nontoxic, non-greasy and will last five to six hours without washing off, say representatives of Horizons Marketing in Cedarburg, Wis.
Applied like hand cream, Skin Pro-Tec bonds to the top layer of skin, but lets skin breathe and perspire normally. It also contains aloe vera and lanolin to help keep hands soft.
Skin Pro-Tec and Skin Pro-Tec II (which includes sunscreen) are available in 8-ounce bottles at $14.50 and $17.50. The gallon industrial size costs $197.20. To order, contact Horizons Marketing Group, N19 W6723 Commerce Court, Cedarburg, Wis. 53012; (414) 375-1140.
Making the Art of Cooking Measure Up
KitchenArt has come up with a way to apply mathematical principles to cooking tools by inventing Adjust-A-Measure--measuring tools that work like a slide rule.
A set of three can eliminate 14 traditional measuring spoons and cups. Each tool slides and locks securely into place to accurately dispense liquids and powders. The tools, constructed of heavy plastic, are dishwasher safe.
The Adjust-A-Teaspoon ($1.95) expands and contracts to increments of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 teaspoon. And it fits easily into most brands of spice bottles and tins.
Adjust-A-Tablespoon ($1.95) measures from 1 teaspoon to a tablespoon, and Adjust-A-Scoop ($6) expands from 1/8 cup to 1/2 cup.
They are available nationwide at selected kitchenware and department stores and specialty gift stores, including Lechter’s, Mrs. Gooch’s, Utensils, Kitchen World and Cookworks. To locate a store in your area, call KitchenArt at (800) 239-8090.
