Smart phone apps can help you improve your health and fitness, but what are the best ones and how do they work?
IF YOU use your smart phone to download everything from the Dart timetable to The Irish Times, it may be time to start putting it to an alternative use by helping you improve your health and fitness.
However, given the sheer volume of apps now available in this area, it can be overwhelming, particularly for iPhones, so try not to get carried away when selecting the appropriate ones for you.
While keeping track of your weight or overall fitness levels might be helpful, some apps might just end up wasting your time. So, to get you started, here are some of the most popular apps:
Fitness
* Couch to 5k
This workout programme will help you get fit enough to run five kilometres, without stopping or walking, within nine weeks. For the more ambitious, a Couch to 10k app is also available.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and by downloading a podcast with any MP3 player.
Cost: €2.39
Pros: It’s great for beginner runners as you slowly build up your fitness, and therefore are less likely to quit.
* Daily Ab Workout
This app guides you through 10 ab-sculpting exercises which can be done over five to 10 minutes.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and androids.
Cost: Free.
Pros: The exercises are demonstrated by a personal trainer, making them easier to copy.
* Aviva Health Mate
This helps you keep track of your body mass index (BMI), pace and calories burned when exercising, and allows you to measure your distance and track fitness goals.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
Pros: It comes pre-loaded with 100 popular walking and running trails across Ireland, such as the Donabate Cliff Walk.
Cons: It also calculates the amount of calories you burn, which might take the enjoyment out of eating that muffin when you realise how much you’ll have to walk to work it off.
Fertility/pregnancy
* FertilityFriend
This free menstrual calendar helps you track your cycle and optimise your chances of getting pregnant.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
Pros: It’s fully integrated with the FertilityFriend website.
* What to Expect
If you read the book, What to Expect When You're Expecting, and are getting ready to see the movie, then it's time to get the app.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and androids.
Cost: Free
Pros: It includes a tracker which will keep you up to date with how your pregnancy is progressing and how big the baby is getting, updates on how your body may be changing, as well as a countdown to your due date.
Cons: The option of taking a picture of your belly each week to monitor how big you’re getting may not appeal to all.
Diagnostic
* Vision Test
This app promises to test your visual acuity and for a range of eyesight disorders such as astigmatism and colour blindness.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
Pros: What’s not to like about an eye test from the comfort of your own home?
Cons: Depending on your result, it may just refer you to a trained optician.
* WebMD
Type your symptoms in to this application and you will be given a diagnosis as to what might be troubling you.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and android.
Cost: Free.
Pros: You can personalise it to store your own lists of drugs, conditions and first aid procedures.
Cons: It’s an American app, so additional services such as local health listings won’t be of help.
Preventative
* Pollen Alert Ireland
If you suffer from hay fever during the summer months, this app provides a daily pollen and airborne allergen alert and forecasting service from April to November, giving you time to take precautions.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
* Meningitis Signs and Symptoms
For nervous parents, this app can be a lifeline, including as it does the common signs and symptoms of meningitis, what to do if you suspect meningitis and a test-your-knowledge quiz. It is developed and supported by the Meningitis Trust in the UK.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
Pros: Each sign and symptom is illustrated with a descriptive picture.
Cons: If you fear that someone in your care has meningitis, checking the symptoms on your iPhone may be the last thing you think of as you rush to hospital.
* Glucose Buddy
Keep your diabetes in check with this tool, which allows you to store your daily glucose readings on your phone.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
Pros: It allows you to add notes which might explain certain readings, ie blood sugar elevated because of a high carb lunch.
Cons: It shouldn’t replace regular medical checks.
* St John Ambulance First Aid
This app, devised by the first aid organisation, includes the latest advice and protocols for dealing with emergency situations. It is simple to follow with illustrated guides and voiced instructions.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: €2.39.
Pros: It gives clear guidelines on how to carry out CPR, what to do if someone suffers from an allergic reaction, and dealing with hyperventilation.
Children
* Child Immunisation Tracker
Developed by Irishhealth.com, this app allows parents to keep track of their infant’s vaccination schedule. So no more excuses for forgetting to make that appointment!
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Cost: Free.
Pros: It also includes a reminder for the cervical cancer vaccine, which is now given to girls at the age of 12-13.
