Cholesterol

But it's easy to forget to take a pill if you feel fine."Fifty percent of the time actually, people do not take their medications properly.

And about a quarter of the time it's because they simply forgot," said Dr.

Kvedar.Now, a new device helps them remember.

When you take off the pill bottle cap, a lever goes up, triggering a cell phone to send out a text message.

That makes a glowing globe inside your home change from red to green."I can just go check the globe, and the globe will confirm whether in fact I took it or forgot to that morning," said Crawford.The idea is a constant, but not annoying, reminder that fits into the décor of your home."It's an instant reminder as I look at it, and it works pretty well," said Crawford.And when he comes home from his day in court, Crawford will have all the evidence he needs before he pops a pill.The globe automatically re-sets itself back to red at 3:00am.Right now the smart pillbox is still in the study phase.Crawford is one of about 50 patients testing it.

Copyright 2007 by wftv.com.

All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Email This Story Print This Story Market Place Sponsor Links Health Headlines Arthritis Spending Doubles Over 6 YearsWill Pain Pills Stop Alzheimer's?

Report Denies Depression, Scales LinkRequired HPV Vaccine Nixed By Texas Law...

Usually a para-medical examiner visits the applicant to obtain the blood and urine specimen, and measure his or her height, weight, blood pressure and pulse.

The examiner also uses a health questionnaire for additional information.

When the questionnaire or results of the blood or urine tests requires further investigation an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) may be required.

The cost of underwriting eats up a large share of the premium and insurance companies have been trying to reduce the price of the application process.

But overall, underwriting costs is still seen as justifiable.

The underwriting processing time is another issue carriers are trying to cut down.

Some insurance providers are dropping the APS not only because of the expenses but the delays they cause.

According to an informal survey of approximately sixty chief underwriters, it takes 22 to 26 days to complete it.

Some observers say eliminating some tests, which may no longer necessary to establish the insurability of an applicant can shorten this processing period.

Other medical exams could also be replaced by faster methods.

Among the candidates for exclusion is the chest x-ray.

The usefulness of chest x-rays as part of a medical routine is currently under study.

In fact, many insurance companies no longer pay for chest x-rays if there are no specific signs, symptoms or medical conditions that justify it.

Blood scre...