When you think about the companies shaping Americans’ health, big pharma and hospitals might come to mind. But what about mcdonald’s, Netflix, or even Facebook? The truth is, the products and services we use daily—whether it’s fast food, streaming platforms, or social media—play a significant role in behaviors linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. From what we eat to how we move, sleep, and interact, these habits are deeply influenced by the companies we engage with.So, which businesses are helping, and which are harming? The 2024 Building H Index, developed by the nonprofit Public Health institute, sought to answer this by evaluating over 75 products and services across four industries.
Right now, companies aren’t incentivized to design products that promote health. Regulatory frameworks focus on safety—banning toxic or risky items—but this approach falls short when addressing chronic diseases. These illnesses don’t stem from a single product but from the cumulative effects of long-term use. For example,one fast-food meal won’t cause diabetes,but a diet where 25% of calories come from fast food over a decade might. To drive change, we need policies that hold companies accountable for their collective impact on public health.
understanding the 2024 Building H Index
The Building H Index assesses products and services in entertainment, food, housing, and transportation based on their influence on five key health behaviors: eating, physical activity, sleep, social engagement, and time spent outdoors. Companies like Apple, DoorDash, TikTok, GM, Uber, Burger King, and Nintendo were included in the study. Researchers analyzed scientific literature, conducted consumer surveys, and examined how these products connect to health behaviors.
Nearly 200 volunteers from public health, healthcare, and policy backgrounds scored each product on a scale from 0 to 100, with 50 representing a neutral impact. Culdesac, a real estate developer that created a car-free community in Arizona, scored the highest at 82, thanks to its emphasis on outdoor spaces and recreation. On the flip side, Netflix scored the lowest at 18, with negative impacts across all behaviors. The findings revealed that most products influence multiple behaviors, and while many effects were negative, some companies stood out for their positive contributions.
While it’s no shock that fast-food chains and delivery services scored poorly, the results for entertainment platforms were particularly concerning. Nearly all streaming services, social media apps, and gaming consoles had negative impacts. The role of technology, especially AI, was another red flag. Instead of promoting healthy habits, cutting-edge tech is often used to encourage overconsumption and sedentary lifestyles. If we don’t steer these innovations toward supporting well-being, they could further entrench unhealthy habits in society.
How does Dr. Harper’s focus on prevention and early detection differ from customary healthcare’s approach?
Interview with Dr. Evelyn Harper, Fictional Innovator in Consumer Health Technology
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Good afternoon, Dr. Harper. Thank you for joining us today. As a pioneer in consumer health technology, you’ve been described as someone who’s redefining how Americans approach their health. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into this field?
Dr. Harper: Thank you for having me! my journey began in medical engineering, where I noticed a important gap between the advancements in healthcare technology and how accessible they were to the average person. Big pharma and hospitals often dominate the conversation, but I saw an opportunity to empower individuals through everyday tools. That’s what led me to develop devices and apps that put health monitoring and management directly into people’s hands.
Archyde: That’s interesting. What sets your approach apart from traditional healthcare companies?
Dr. Harper: Traditional healthcare often focuses on treatment after a problem arises. my approach is about prevention and early detection. For example, we’ve created wearable devices that not only track vitals but also provide personalized insights. Imagine a smartwatch that detects irregular heart rhythms before they become critical or an app that suggests lifestyle changes based on real-time data. It’s about making health management proactive rather than reactive.
Archyde: That sounds incredibly impactful. What challenges have you faced in bringing these innovations to market?
Dr. Harper: The biggest challenge has been regulatory hurdles and skepticism from traditional healthcare providers.Convincing people that technology can be a reliable partner in their health journey isn’t always easy. But with rigorous testing and clear evidence of effectiveness, we’ve been able to build trust. Another challenge is ensuring these technologies are affordable and accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford premium healthcare.
Archyde: Speaking of accessibility, how do you ensure your products reach a diverse audience?
Dr. Harper: Accessibility is a core value for us. We’ve partnered with community organizations to distribute devices in underserved areas. Additionally, we’ve designed our apps to be user-amiable, with multiple language options and features for people with disabilities. It’s not just about creating cutting-edge technology—it’s about making sure it can truly benefit everyone.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what’s next for you and your team?
Dr. Harper: We’re currently working on integrating AI to make our devices even smarter. For instance, we’re developing algorithms that can predict health risks based on patterns in a user’s data. We’re also exploring partnerships with employers to bring these tools into workplaces, creating healthier environments for employees.
Archyde: That’s exciting.any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr.Harper: I’d just like to emphasize that health is a personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Technology can be a powerful ally, but it’s up to us to use it wisely. My hope is that our innovations inspire people to take charge of their health and make informed decisions every day.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Harper, for sharing your insights and vision.We look forward to seeing how your work continues to shape the future of health.
Dr. Harper: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
This interview highlights Dr. Evelyn Harper’s contributions to the intersection of technology and healthcare, offering a fresh perspective on how innovation can empower individuals to take control of their health.
