WebProNews

Microsoft has introduced a new service in beta on MSN called "My Health Info" that helps people manage their health information on the Web.

My Health Info offers users a number of tools and widgets to upload, organize and monitor health information stored in their personal Microsoft HealthVault accounts. The service allows users to research medical issues, read health news, receive advice from medical experts, learn about nutrition, and monitor health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

MSN has also launched a swine flu information center on its health and fitness homepage. Microsoft says it is working with health information providers such as Harvard Medical School and the MayoClinic.com to offer people data about prevention from getting the virus, access risk factors, and find out where to get vaccinations in their local area when they become available.

Other highlights of My Health Info include:

• Customize their page with tools such as allergy, medicine and blood pressure trackers, a lab results bank, body mass index calculators, vaccination information and more
• Use information from personal health devices such as heart-rate monitors and pedometers
• Access profiles of multiple family members at one time, allowing caregivers to more easily manage not only their information, but their family's as well
• Stay informed by receiving the latest in health news from sources they trust

It's worth noting that Google has similar service in beta called Google Health. Getting consumers to look for information on such services will not be the challenge, convincing them to put their personal health information online is another matter.