Using technology to help keep track of your health
Our online world has made it easier and easier for us to track information that is important to us - whether that be music, news, favourite trends or what our friends are up to, the list is endless. Our health should not be any different. Long gone are the days when we relied solely on medical professionals to maintain and track our health records. We are now able to record and track issues related to our health like never before, and to be active participants in our own well-being: using information we collect ourselves partnered with information collected by health professionals we can develop robust personal health profiles.
Below are just a few of the great options out there to help us do this:
This popular site is a user-friendly way to track calories and fitness goals. MyFitness Pal also hosts a huge nutrition and food database - great when you're counting calories or trying to avoid foods high in sodium or sugar. It also has an app available on Apple and Android devices.
In a time crunch and can't make it to the gym? Or maybe you find that the gym just isn't your thing. Seven (an Apple and Android App) gives you a total body workout in, you guessed it, seven minutes. From jumping jacks to push ups, crunches and lunges, you can easily break a sweat in no time in the comfort of your own home (but you may want to close the curtains, unless you also want to entertain the neighbourhood!). With no need for equipment or booking off an hour of your time, there's no reason not to stay active. You can even set the App to remind you to complete your workout (if you need that extra boost!)
We've probably all heard of this one and have visited the WebMD website at one point in time or another. While our other two suggestions lean more toward exercise and healthy eating, WebMD provides a host of information regarding all aspects of health. From information about medications, to first aid information, to a dictionary of medical terminology, WebMD is a great source to connecting with your health. Like My Fitness Pay and Seven, WebMD also has an App for Apple and Android devices. **We should note, WebMD should never replace seeking in-person medical information if you are concerned about your health and need to see a doctor**
Best of all, everything listed above is free. And speaking of using technology to help users track and record their health information, we would be remiss if we didn't mention how we can help out too. At Emergency ID, we have made it possible for all of our customers (and non-customers too!) to have an Online Datafile absolutely free. This is a place where you can enter health information that you would want someone to have in an emergency situation. It can be as detailed as you choose and is mobile-friendly which means that it is just as accessible on your smartphone or tablet as it is on your computer. Your Online Datafile can correspond to your Medical ID Bracelet or Necklace (or wallet card or shoetag), or if you have not purchased one from us, you can still create and have access to a Datafile absolutely free. Your Datafile is an excellent way of giving first responders a full picture of your health so you can receive the most appropriate care given your medical history, conditions and medication.