Top 5 Apple Apps to Improve Your Health
It’s a new year and that means a lot of people will once again resolve to address the issue of their health. But whether you’re dieting to lose weight, working out to get fit (and fit into your jeans), or simply trying to figure out why you feel so awful lately, you might wind up needing some help to reach your goals and get back to a better state of health. So here are a few iPad apps that you’ll definitely want to look into.
iTriage. Have you ever wished you had the expertise of ER docs at your disposal without the hefty medical bills that accompany an actual trip to the emergency room? Well, this app is probably as close as you’re going to get. You can use it to identify health issues (based on symptoms), learn about diseases, and find suitable doctors and facilities in your area, as well as information pertinent to procedures related to your condition (including descriptions, costs, and complications). They even offer a list of health-related hotlines. In short, it provides the average Joe with the comprehensive information that would normally require a bevy of health-care professionals to impart.
Lose It!. This freebie is a must for anyone looking to lose a few pounds. The program is pretty basic; you simply enter meals and exercise in order to track calories in, calories out, and extras like carbs, fat, protein, and more. But you also get access to a database of foods, healthy recipes (you can save your faves), and an online community for sharing and support. There’s no better way to weight-loss success (except perhaps spending beaucoup bucks to join a program).
Zombies, Run!. Although this clever game won’t be available until February, it’s bound to be on the watch list for gamers looking to get in shape in 2012 because it basically brings exercise into the gaming experience. All you have to do is select a mission and put in your ear buds to get the feel of being chased by zombies (what better motivation to run than the prospect of losing your brains to a shuffling mob?). Best of all, the GPS in your favorite iDevice will tell you how far you’ve gone and how many calories you’ve burned while escaping from zombies. For those that want a more serious jogging app, try RunKeeper, which has been cited by users as one of the best health apps for runners.
Walgreen’s for iPad. Many people have to rely on prescription pharmaceuticals in order to remain healthy, and this handy app can help. You can scan prescription barcodes (or access your account) to order refills and peruse weekly ads to find OTC medications on sale. Both will ensure that you have the treatments you need on hand and that you never overpay.
Dental Expert. One part of a comprehensive healthcare plan that many people neglect is their oral health. Even those with benefits through their work or discount insurance (such as a Careington dental plan) may neglect their teeth, gums, and preventive care. But this app will help you to see the error of your ways and give you great information on how to improve your smile, sustain oral health, and understand your treatment options.
Editor’s Note
Thanks to Evan Fischer for this quest post. He is a freelance writer and part-time student at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.