Turn Your Mobile into a First Aid Kit

Digital Cyclone, a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd., and Mayo Clinic have launched a software application that delivers an array of health information and tools directly to cellular phones. The Mayo Clinic InTouch wireless health program will be available in February on Alltel Wireless, Sprint, and other major carriers' wireless phones.

"The Mayo Clinic InTouch program lets cell phone users tap into the expertise of

Mayo Clinic at nearly all times, at home, in the office, at a park or in the car," said Craig Burfeind, president of Garmin's subsidiary Digital Cyclone. "This service provides tremendous peace-of-mind and possibly life saving assistance when health concerns arise."

Using Mayo Clinic InTouch, wireless phone subscribers have a rich health resource directly on their phone. A few keystrokes give consumers immediate access to: step-by-step first aid tips; a symptom checker that provides self-care guidelines or advises; emergency care for more than 45 common symptoms in adults and children; more than 100 short health news videos; timely health alerts and drug watches.

In addition, subscribers may enter their city or zip code to search for nearby emergency and urgent care facilities from a list of over 3,800 accredited providers. If the cell phone has global positioning system (GPS) capability, it automatically finds the nearest accredited facility without typing the city or zip code. The care center's information is displayed in list format and shows the facility's name, address and estimated distance.

Customers can subscribe to the Mayo Clinic InTouch program for $2.99 per month. A list of wireless carriers and phones supported is available here.