Inc. (USA)

Healthcare For the Better

Technology advances empower consumers and lead the way to better health

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Innovation has advanced healthcare in ways that we might only have dreamed of a few years ago. From wearable tech that gives us realtime wellness data, to personal genetic testing, millions of Americans are getting on board.

Innovation­s like these can empower us to be more proactive in our healthcare decisions, and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re an individual or a small business owner looking to control healthcare costs, here’s how the future of healthcare innovation can work for you.

Access to Expert Advice:

Cloud computing is making informatio­n sharing easier and giving people access to medical care around the globe. “A medical diagnosis in Shanghai today can be seen in Chicago tonight. Hospitals, doctors and physicians can instantly share informatio­n. This will change medicine forever,” says Keith Farley, director of innovation and customer experience at Aflac.

Small Business Benefits:

Expert diagnoses—available wherever your employees work—can help your team get well faster, and in some cases, even avoid more serious complicati­ons.

The Sci-Fi Factor:

3D printing is a cuttingedg­e innovation in health care today. Aflac’s 'arley points out that 3D printing can be used to create prosthetic­s, casts for broken limbs, and some scientists

are now experiment­ing with 3D-printing organs.

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Let’s say an employee’s child needs a prosthetic hand— printing it at home could drasticall­y lower the cost. The Internet of Things

has ushered in access to real-time sensor data. Wearable tech makes it possible to monitor health factors such as our blood pressure and the amount of exercise we get. This helps consumers manage health decisions proactivel­y.

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Wearables can motivate employees to make positive lifestyle choices—a friendly PGmDF DPNQFUJUJP­O DBO IFMQ ZPVS UFBN reach their daily step goals—leading to more productive and healthier people.

ADVANCES FROM SURPRISING PLACES

Some of the biggest advances may come from innovation­s unrelated to healthcare. For example, smarter cars can help prevent accidents and the resulting broken bones and injuries. i" TJHOJmDBOU BNPVOU PG "nBD T BDDJEFOU and hospital claims come from car accidents,” says Farley. “Innovation­s JO DBST USBGmD TBGFUZ BOE FWFO IBOET free driving laws can go a long way in preventing accidents and injuries from happening.”

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Accident-free employees are a win-win for everyone!

Innovating to make your small business better, today:

From a SmartClaim ® app to integrated FOSPMMNFOU UFDIOPMPHZ "nBD PGGFST PVS small business clients tools to make work easier, today.

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 ??  ?? Anita Campbell CEO, Small Business Trends LLC
Anita Campbell CEO, Small Business Trends LLC

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