Most of us would agree that we want to be healthy. However, going to the doctor costs money. It also takes time to do the things that we need to do to track our health. This is where many of the new health apps come in handy. This is also why there was recently a segment devoted to health apps that one could easily download for free or for a low cost on the Dr. Oz television show.
The segment was co-hosted by tech expert, Steve Greenberg, who wrote “Gadget Nation.” Steve tried to come up with some of the top health apps that would appeal to health professionals and regular people. The ones that were discussed included the following:
The Instant Heart Rate:
Steve said that this was a free app that could be downloaded onto one’s smart phone. It worked in conjunction with one’s camera. Dr. Oz then demonstrated how the app worked. He placed his thumb over the camera and the app could read his heart rate. It read 54, which was a great reading. Dr. Oz then suggested that if one continued to get a reading of 90 or above, they needed to visit their doctor.
Map My Walk App:
Map My Walk App is a GPS and pedometer in one. This is another free app. It can track one’s steps, track how fast you walked and count the calories you burned. It can also remind you to walk if you aren’t keeping up with your goals. This means that this free tool can be a motivational tool for many.
Mole Detective App
No, this is not a free app. It costs $4.99. However, it was being compared as having a miniature dermatologist in your phone. The app works fairly simply. Once it is downloaded one can take a picture of their mole with their camera. Then they pinpoint on a picture where the mole is located on their body. The app will then examine the mole. It will examine its color, shape and size. Then it will determine if it thinks it is a worrisome mole, even cancerous. The app will then set up an appointment for you to do this next month. Then it will tell you if the mole has changed any from month. If it notices any growth, this can signal that you need to set an appointment with a dermatologist. The bottom line is that this could be a life saving app and a great way to monitor a mole you may overlook.
Epocrates RX App
Epocrates Rx is another free app. This was also the app that caught this writer’s attention. This app will allow one to check their new and current medications with drug interactions with other medications, including over the counter medicines. This is an app that can be very useful. You can’t always count on your doctor or even your pharmacist catching these interactions, especially if you take an over the counter medication. Since this writer’s mother is beginning to take more medication, this is an app she will be downloading and using.
Yes, Smartphones and devices such as iPods and tablets are making it easier for us to take charge of our health, especially since many of the apps are free
