New Mobile Apps That Boost Health

It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago, apps didn’t exist. The iPhone was barely an idea, and text messages cost 10 cents a piece. Today, more than half of U.S. adults own a smartphone, says the Pew Center. According to some analysts, the app economy is now worth more than $25 billion.

Source: http://blogs.sap.com/innovation/industries/new-mobile-apps-that-boost-health-0409553

5 mobile apps that are leading the way

1. WhatsMyM3
This mobile app provides a screening tool for mood disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Through a free and anonymous online tool, patients can complete the screener to receive a mental health number.
“It helps primary care physicians better diagnose mental illness and accurately assess progress,” says the company’s chief medical officer, Dr. Gerald Hurowitz. “If a patient’s mental health number goes down, then the medicine or therapy is likely to be working.”
2. MyChart (Epic Systems)
Health records are invaluable for effective patient care. As medical consumers shop around for doctors and care, they’ll need their health histories readily available. The problem is, electronic health systems are not always connected between physician providers.
Epic created MyChart to help patients stay connected with their health records. In an emergency or during routine care, patients can quickly view test results, view upcoming appointments, upload photos, pay bills online, update medications and allergies, connect to home devices, refill prescriptions, message providers, view their dependents’ health records, and more. At any given moment, you’ll have access to information that could save your life.
3. SkinMD
Doctor’s appointments can sometimes take weeks to schedule, causing stress and frustration for people who need advice immediately. One option is for patients to hop online for advice. The problem is, medicine isn’t a cookie cutter. People need personalized advice based on their own health histories.

4. Fooducate
Good health starts with healthy eating. And healthy eating starts with education. Most consumers aren’t dietary experts – and aren’t fully trained in the science of eating right.
Fooducate leverages algorithms to score different food items from A to D. The app also helps users weigh the pros and cons of their food choices to compare with healthier options.
5. Sleep Cycle
A poor night’s sleep can make you feel terrible the next day. Sleep Cycle is a bio-alarm clock that monitors your sleeping patterns and wakes you up when you’re in the lightest sleep phase. You can even use the accelerometer in your iPhone to monitor your movement. You wake up feeling well-rested, relaxed, and ready for your day.

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