A new track for technology: Can ICT take care for healthier lifestyles?

The paper takes a look on potential contribution of Information and Communication Technologies to abate public health challenges caused by demographics and lifestyle. From the current convergence of mhealth, and sport market products emerge targeting normal athletes to control their training in a quantified manner. The resulting feedback and transparency foster a healthier lifestyle. These products and services help overcome limitations to innovation typical to the health care market. The paper is based on research by the European Commission's Institute for Prospective Technological Studies on Integrated Personal Health/Care services. --eHealth,Integrated Personal Health/Care services,sport,training,lifestyle related disease,innovation

AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS: A STEP TOWARD PREVENTION

The purpose of this project was to develop a group protocol that addresses the primary prevention of obesity through an occupational therapy lens within a community setting

A Literature Review on the Risks and Potentials of Tracking and Monitoring eHealth Technologies in the Context of Occupational Health Management

Employee health is increasingly important, as is the use of eHealth technologies in the private and the organizational context. This paper examines which existing eHealth technologies that support monitoring and tracking of health are applied in occupational health management (OHM) and investigates the advantages and disadvantages of their application. To pursue this intention, we analyze the current state of research with a structured literature review and provide a comprehensive overview of relevant works. The results point out advantages and disadvantages that provide the groundwork to discuss success factors for tracking and monitoring eHealth technologies in OHM. The derived success factors aim at operational, technological, operational/technological aspects of eHealth tracking and monitoring usage. Thereby, favorable outcomes such as an increase in employee health can be achieved, and participation in OHM measures can be increased. However, it can also lead to adverse outcomes such as a reduced work-life balance

Inspire Consulting, LLC A Worksite Wellness Company

Currently our nation is facing skyrocketing healthcare costs, near-epidemic obesity levels, and debilitating chronic disease prevalence. The impact of obesity and affiliated chronic diseases is a major burden on our healthcare system and economy, and are of extreme public health significance. Inspire Consulting, LLC is a Pittsburgh-area health and wellness consulting firm focused on leveraging the worksite to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. The mission of this company will be to determine the health and wellness needs of a client’s employees and address them through programs and resources necessary to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. In doing so, the company will lessen the prevalence and burden of many chronic diseases, enhancing not only the client’s economic wellbeing but overall public health as well

Promoting Healthy Communities and Reducing Childhood Obesity: Legislative Options

Summarizes legislation proposed or enacted in 2007-08 in the areas of healthy eating and physical activity such as nutrition, physical education, and obesity prevention and treatment, as well as healthy community design and access to healthy food

Co-creation Model to Design Wearables for Emotional Wellness of Elderly

Ways to influence emotions have always been an area of interest within the scientific community. The objective of this research is to find the role of technology in order to improve emotional wellness for the elderly population. We conducted a qualitative and quantitative study with the help of interviews and a survey. A sample of 24 respondents is selected randomly from the elderly population. The results showed a strong correlation between emotional, psychological and social wellness dimensions and elders comfort with the use of technology. Based on our study, we present a co-creation model to design wearables for monitoring and improving emotional wellness for elderly. There is a need for focused efforts to develop digital interventions for emotional wellness for elderly. It is important to include elders as co-designers to form effective solutions for elderly through a co-creation process

Early Market Entry Strategies for Commercialization of Digital Innovation in the Welfare Sector: A Case of Smart Nutritional Bottle “FitPot”

This thesis embarks on a journey that began in May 2022, a semester before our thesis period, with the ideation stage of FitPot, a promising start-up aimed at revolutionizing hydration practices. This study examines the convergence of hydration, well-being, and technology through the innovative product design of FitPot—a technologically advanced water bottle that incorporates nutritional flavors—with the aim of helping FitPot validate its idea and advance toward the commercialization phase. The research conducted in this thesis involves a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape, including competitor assessment and an exploration of consumer preferences. By employing both primary and secondary data collection methods, this study provides a thorough evaluation of FitPot's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats present within the industry. The thesis encompasses a combination of face-to-face and online surveys, with a sample size of 89 and 214 respondents, respectively. The face-to-face surveys have been conducted in Stavanger, Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. The investigation extends further to explore potential growth strategies and market positioning for FitPot, including collaborations with fitness influencers, expansion into new markets, diversification of product offerings, and integration with popular fitness and health-tracking apps. The research outcomes offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of hydration and wellness, shedding light on the important role technology plays in enhancing consumer well-being. The findings of this thesis not only provide strategic recommendations but also serve as a roadmap for FitPot's progression toward product commercialization and expansion. With the support of innovation studies, FitPot is equipped with the necessary insights and guidance to navigate the remaining stages of its journey. By adopting these proposed suggestions, FitPot can effectively move towards a successful market launch, capturing significant market share and maximizing its potential for long-term success. In essence, this thesis represents a collaborative effort to support FitPot in transforming its innovative idea into a tangible reality, creating a lasting impact on hydration and well-being

Early Market Entry Strategies for Commercialization of Digital Innovation in the Welfare Sector: A Case of Smart Nutritional Bottle “FitPot”

This thesis embarks on a journey that began in May 2022, a semester before our thesis period, with the ideation stage of FitPot, a promising start-up aimed at revolutionizing hydration practices. This study examines the convergence of hydration, well-being, and technology through the innovative product design of FitPot—a technologically advanced water bottle that incorporates nutritional flavors—with the aim of helping FitPot validate its idea and advance toward the commercialization phase. The research conducted in this thesis involves a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape, including competitor assessment and an exploration of consumer preferences. By employing both primary and secondary data collection methods, this study provides a thorough evaluation of FitPot's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats present within the industry. The thesis encompasses a combination of face-to-face and online surveys, with a sample size of 89 and 214 respondents, respectively. The face-to-face surveys have been conducted in Stavanger, Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. The investigation extends further to explore potential growth strategies and market positioning for FitPot, including collaborations with fitness influencers, expansion into new markets, diversification of product offerings, and integration with popular fitness and health-tracking apps. The research outcomes offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of hydration and wellness, shedding light on the important role technology plays in enhancing consumer wellbeing. The findings of this thesis not only provide strategic recommendations but also serve as a roadmap for FitPot's progression toward product commercialization and expansion. With the support of innovation studies, FitPot is equipped with the necessary insights and guidance to navigate the remaining stages of its journey. By adopting these proposed suggestions, FitPot can effectively move towards a successful market launch, capturing significant market share and maximizing its potential for long-term success. In essence, this thesis represents a collaborative effort to support FitPot in transforming its innovative idea into a tangible reality, creating a lasting impact on hydration and well-being