Ford Develops Technologies to Help Drivers Control Chronic Illnesses

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- These days, people are taking a more active role in managing their well-being, and Ford has joined the bandwagon.  Recently, the automaker has revealed plans for health-based services through Ford’s SYNC® in-car connectivity system.

To launch this program, Ford is making its vehicles allergy friendly.  The company is doing this in several ways, starting with TÜV Rheinland “Allergy Tested Interiors.” TÜV Rheinland is a world-renowned testing authority, and Ford is the first automaker in the world to offer cars that are certified by the German company.  This means that the vehicles are using dermatologically-tested materials on high-contact components, such as seat covers and the steering wheel.  They also feature high-performance pollen filters that prevent pollens from entering the vehicle.

Ford also plans to integrate SYNC technology into their vehicles to improve their allergy-friendly status even more.  The technology will monitor pollen alerts and weather forecasts, which will help seasonal sufferers plan their route to avoid allergy triggers.  In the future, SYNC may even be capable of reminding drivers to take their allergy medication.

Another area of health the automaker is focusing on is diabetes.  Ford is working with experts in the fields of medical device manufacturing, web-based medical alert services, and healthcare management services.  Together, they have developed a prototype system that will allow SYNC to monitor the glucose levels of the driver by connecting to a Medtronic continuous glucose monitoring device via Bluetooth.  SYNC will then share the levels and trends through audio and a center stack display, and will provide alerts if necessary.

While Ford vehicles will certainly not take the place of a healthcare or medical provider, the vehicle manufacturer hopes that these technologies will help drivers by creating a secondary alert system.  Ford also hopes that the power of SYNC will help drivers avoid conditions such as hypoglycemia, low glucose levels, and allergy attacks, which can cause symptoms that are dangerous while driving.

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Sanderson Ford is located in Glendale, Arizona and sells new and used Ford vehicles. The Ford dealer also provide service, parts, and financing, and strives for 100% customer satisfaction every time.