REDMOND, WA (ASRN.ORG)- Mayo Clinic announced the launch of Mayo Clinic Health Manager, a privacy- and security-enhanced free online application that provides people with a place to store medical information and receive real-time individualized health guidance and recommendations. This interactive functionality extends the capabilities of traditional personal health records, using an individual's health information to generate customized recommendations on which they can act to help them better manage their health and the health of their families.

People can organize their own and loved ones' health information, access the information from a single location, and proactively manage their health with the individualized guidance. Powered by Microsoft HealthVault, Health Manager allows users to store copies of their health records obtained from providers, health plans, pharmacies, schools, government, or employers; upload information from home health devices such as blood glucose monitors and digital scales; and share information with caregivers. The service provides access to products and services that help improve their health. It uses this information to deliver reminders and recommendations specific to each family member's life stage and health status. As users enter more personal health information, Mayo Clinic Health Manager delivers more specific and customized recommendations.

"As a physician, I truly appreciate when my patients are actively engaged and informed about their health," says Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, M.D., a primary care physician and medical director. " Health Manager can help patients share information more easily with their doctors and manage their own health better between office visits."

Health Manager is easy to use, with features designed for busy parents, adults who are managing the health concerns of aging parents, and patients managing chronic conditions and multiple medications. Since the data is stored in Microsoft HealthVault, people can access their information whenever they need it - regardless of whether they change doctors, clinics, jobs or insurance plans.

In its initial offering, Health Manager will include tools and features that help manage: pediatric wellness, including immunizations; adult wellness; pregnancy and asthma. Additional features will be incorporated in the upcoming months that will help users manage Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In addition, Mayo Clinic and Microsoft will work to add new functionality and health guidance.

The health guidance is developed, reviewed and approved by a team of health care experts at Mayo Clinic and will be updated regularly to reflect best practices in health care. The technology was built on a security-enhanced online environment.

"Microsoft and Mayo Clinic came together because of our shared vision to help families take better care of their health," says David Cerino, general manager of the Consumer Health Solutions Group. "With Mayo Clinic Health Manager, we've combined the capabilities of Microsoft HealthVault with clinical leadership and health guidance from Mayo Clinic's vast body of medical knowledge to develop an interactive and customized health solution. It's a great match of technological innovation and health expertise that will help people live healthier lives."

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