21 November 2012

Day 21: I really love technology

Day 21 – Wednesday, Nov. 21
Create a new technology related to health
OR
Write about mental health

New technology is great, don't get me wrong. But what about more uptake of the technology that already exists?

Why should a person as feeble as I am have to go out to the doctor? Why can't I do a consultation via skype? Why weren't my NHS medical records transmitted electronically to my new GP when I moved cities, instead of it taking six months? At least the NHS is in the process of enabling electronic prescription management, though that hasn't happened yet where I am. How about text messages reminding me that my prescription is about to run out and offering me the option to text back 'repeat' or 'cancel' depending on whether I want to continue taking that medication?

But okay... let's work with the theme and see where we can go. But not with any new ideas. I read a lot of science fiction, so there are plenty of wonderful things that other writers have thought of. We just need someone now to invent them.
  • Memory chairs that mold to the form of the person who sits in them. Especially for doctor's waiting rooms!
  • Beds with low-gravity (or zero gravity) so you don't have achy places on whatever side you sleep on. (Larry Niven: The Ringworld Engineers)
  • The ability to transfer my entire consciousness to a young, beautiful, strong body with SmartBlood and other enhancements. (John Scalzi: Old Man's War)
  • The ability to 'gland' various chemicals to keep my neurotransmitters perfectly in balance. (Iain M. Banks Culture series)
  • Teleporters, so I can go places without the pain and fatigue of travel.
  • Hoverchairs instead of wheelchairs - that would make it much easier to get places that claim to be accessible because they "just" have one or two steps.
  • Household robots that can do the chores.
  • Vulcan mind-meld to allow my doctor to UNDERSTAND MY PAIN! 
#NHBPM

2 comments:

  1. Vulcan doctors now there's an idea :)
    We are lucky that we can order repeat prescriptions online and get an email reminder and even get a txt message reminder the day before a pre-booked appointment.

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  2. Those are some really good ideas.
    I would love the new body from "The Old Man's War" but I really don't think I would look good green...even Kermit knows it's not easy being green...plus there is the whole Warrior of the Universe thing..*chuckles*
    Teleporting would be AWESOME, we could visit way more often. Robotic housekeeper? Waaant one. A chair for a hurting hiney, for sure could use one of those. A Vulcan "Vampire" could be most helpful.
    Yeah. Good ideas, for sure. :)

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