Always-On makes another advance in Canada

What I call Always-On technologies, the use of monitors and wireless networks to warn of coming health disasters, took another step forward this week in Alberta, Canada.

University of Alberta scientists, in conjunction with LG Electronics of Korea, unveiled a prototype they call the Home Health Monitoring Solution, a set of sensors tied to the cellular network.

(Did you know Alberta has a coat of arms? Neither did I.)

Those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease will use the monitors over the next three years, enabling those in rural areas to get the same level of care those in cities now get.

The project is budgeted at $4 million, but that doesn't include the in-kind costs of time being donated by Capitol Health in Edmonton and other staff.

Alberta is one of Canada's fastest-growing areas, and health care workers are stretched thin. It's hoped the system can cut costs while improving care.

I have another name for it, however. If your doctor is alerted to your coming heart attack hours before it happens, or your sugar crash is detected in time, this is a killer app.