HEALTH & TECHNOLOGY
Schools Get Medical Advice on Internet
Using Cell Phones to Fight TB
DIGITAL DIVIDE
Another Push for the Internet
WIRELESS
Carriers to Appeal Phone-Number Ruling
HEALTH & TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOLS GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON INTERNET
Thanks to Dr. Keith Vrbicky, students in rural Nebraska schools receive
prompt medical attention -- despite not having a nurse on-site. American
Educational Telecommunications LLC, a company started by Vrbicky, provides
medical advice to schools from nurses or doctors using telemedicine. School
health assistants can receive information on several illnesses using a
broadband Internet connection and video conferencing technology. "It is a
good way to level the playing field for rural areas in getting good health
care," said Vrbicky.
[SOURCE: Newsday, AUTHOR: Joe Ruff, Associated Press]
(http://www.newsday.com/news/health/wire/sns-ap-exp-internet-nurses,0,255527
3.story)
USING CELL PHONES TO FIGHT TB
Facing one of the worst tuberculosis epidemics in the world, South Africa
has employed a formidable ally in its fight -- an army of cell phones. In a
pilot project in Cape Town, roughly 300 patients were given cell phones to
remind them to take their medication. The plan was devised in an effort to
prevent missed doses or early abandonment of the treatment, which can lead
to a more resistant form of TB and a strain on public health resources. So
far, the project reports only one treatment interruption.
[SOURCE: AllAfrica.net, AUTHOR: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks]
(http://allafrica.com/stories/200304140660.html)
DIGITAL DIVIDE
ANOTHER PUSH FOR THE INTERNET
Only 17 percent of UK citizens over the age of 65 have ever used the
Internet, according EU e-commerce minister Stephen Timms at Friday's
e-inclusion meeting in Crete. Timms made his remarks while urging member
states to increase use among elderly citizens. The Department of Trade and
Industry reports that motivation is the primary barrier to use, as 49
percent of people who do not have Internet access fail to see the value. The
EU plans to launch a public awareness campaign in May to raise awareness of
the UK's 6,000 public computing centers.
[SOURCE: PC Advisor, AUTHOR: Wendy Brewer]
(http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/index.cfm/go/news.view/News/3223)
WIRELESS
CARRIERS TO APPEAL PHONE-NUMBER RULING
In a hearing today before the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit,
cellular phone service providers will argue against an FCC mandate that
customers be able to maintain their phone numbers when switching providers.
Companies claim that the concept, know as number portability, will result in
higher turnover rates. The Commission believes that its measure, due to take
effect in late November, will spur increased competition in both prices and
service offerings while also limiting the number of 10-digit cell phone
numbers in use. Under existing use rates, the pool of cell phone numbers
would be used up by 2012.
[SOURCE: CNET News, AUTHOR: Ben Charny]
(http://news.com.com/2100-1039-996871.html)
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