Original version

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

Health Check

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service South Asia

Health Check: A Text a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Magazines & Reviews

A Text a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2016/11/16 GMT

BBC World Service - Health Check, A Text a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Text alerts sent to heart attack and stroke patients reduce the risk of death

Text alerts sent to heart attack and stroke patients help encourage them to exercise and take their pills.

Researchers in Sydney are using all sorts of innovations to improve the health of Australians. Prevention is better - and cheaper - than a cure. But only half of patients who have had heart attacks and strokes actually take their medication which is prescribed to reduce their risk of further attacks. By sending four SMS/text messages a week to patients, public health experts have dramatically reduced their risk of dying. One patient Graeme Wilson now keeps a close eye on his diet, especially the salt content, thanks to the reminders he receives on his mobile phone. 

Preventing falls in the elderly is the goal of special exercise classes in Sydney. Researchers found that just 25 minutes of exercise a day to improve balance and stability, reduces the number of falls by nearly 40%.

Aboriginal children used to have the best teeth – but sugary drinks are now causing decay. Researchers at the Poche Centre for Aboriginal Health at the University of Sydney found that they were reluctant to drink tap water instead because it was smelly and looked a strange colour. It iss hoped that cool, clean water provided in schools and biodegradable toothbrushes will help to reduce decay.

(Photo: An Indian man checks his mobile phone. Credit: Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Health Check

A Text a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

About BBC World Service