The smartphone in your pocket, purse, or backpack is an incredible tool. On it, you can read a book, play a game, track your steps, and monitor your calendar. Of course, you can also talk to loved ones or send a text!
Health apps on smartphones provide a simple way to both connect with your care team and participate in supportive groups. Whether you’re under the care of a doctor for a particular condition or are dealing with a chronic health issue, your phone can make it easier to find the community you need.
Benefits of smartphones for everyone
A simple smartphone can be enjoyed at a very low cost for nearly all citizens. Depending on your location, your network options may vary. However, you can easily increase your minutes or service by buying into mobile support features.
Even if you prefer not to talk or text, a mobile smartphone can be very helpful in an emergency. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can notify a friend of your location before you start your hike and check in when you return. Safety is just one of the many benefits of having a smartphone at hand.
How health apps can help you share with your doctors
The first benefit of a smartphone is that you can organize appointments and track daily activity. By syncing your medical apps with your physician’s office, you can transmit information about daily measurements, from weight or blood sugar to blood pressure and pulse.
No matter what you’re being treated for, you can apps to help you stay on top of your current health challenges. You can get notifications and updates on the best way to help manage pain medications.
You can also learn to watch patterns in your activity and diet. If you struggle with Crohn’s or IBS, a food tracker may be the best way to find hidden triggers that make your condition worse. You may also note factors such as the timing of your meals, which can help or hurt your condition.
How smartphones are keeping us connected with family and friends
Daily connection is critical to prevent isolation and loneliness, especially among seniors. The ability to send a text, email, or Facetime video over a smartphone can be the simplest way to support a loved one who is retired or who works from home.
Include safety features and supporting tools when setting up a smartphone for an older loved one, particularly an older loved one who has health challenges such as
- Limited vision
- Reduced hearing
- Failing cognitive abilities
Text-to-voice tools can help a loved one understand a message or post. Earbuds or paired hearing aids can make it easier to have conversations or listen to an audiobook. If your loved one is struggling with memory issues, take care to install a tracking tool on their phone so they don’t become the victim of a scammer.
Nearly every citizen is looking for a way to improve their health. A quality smartphone, loaded with apps that allow you to report to your doctor or push yourself to make healthier choices, can be a terrific addition to your routine. If you are working with limited data to keep costs low, know that you can purchase more data on an as-needed basis.
Author Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, Team iPain, iPain Blog
