Now Big Brother watches our PILL TAKING???

[Guest guest]

Is this a new way to track us???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSI

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....and another thing

 

Gulp!

 

This one is going to be hard to swallow.

 

Engineering researchers at the University of Florida

have developed a pill that contains a tiny microchip and a "digestible

antenna."

 

Those are two words I never imagined seeing together: digestible

antenna.

 

It's also something I never imagined washing down with a glass of

water. So I hope the UF engineers won't be offended if I just say

thanks but no thanks.

 

Once swallowed, the microchip in the pill sends a signal to an

electronic device. The device then sends a message to a computer that

keeps tabs on how often an individual pill from a bottle of

transmitting pills has been taken.

 

So...why put a microchip and an antenna in a pill anyway?

 

Two reasons: 1) To make sure subjects in clinical trials are taking

their meds (or placebos) when they're supposed to, and 2) To make sure

patients are following doctors' orders.

 

According to the American Heart Association, the "number one problem in

treating illness today" is patients' failure to follow prescription

regimens.

 

Really? That's the NUMBER ONE problem in treating illness? It's not the

illnesses. Not the drugs. Not the doctors. It's those pesky patients!

They just won't follow orders!

 

So imagine getting this call from your doctor...

 

Doctor: You didn't take your pill.

 

You: How did you know?

 

Doctor: I just know. I'll stay on the line while you go take it.

 

You: Okay...there. I took it.

 

Doctor: No you didn't.

 

You: How did you KNOW?

 

Doctor: Just take it.

 

I don't know what's worse--swallowing a microchip and digestible

antenna, or Big Brother Doctor keeping track of my pill taking.

 

To Your Good Health,

 

Jenny Thompson

 

"Tattletale Pills:

Engineers Design Pill That Signals It Has Been Swallowed" Science

Daily, 3/31/10, sciencedaily.com

 

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