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DO feature

HEALTH

APPS

REALLY

WORK?

By Anja Springthorpe

More than 100,000 health not sufficient weight-loss are not required by law uling, reminding or logging
applications are available on tools; however, in com- to engage medical pro- can successfully be done
iTunes and Google Play. Some bination with behavioral fessionals when designing via apps. Tracking apps, in
are free, some require pur- change and exercise, apps software. This may result in combination with a healthy,
chase, but all claim to improve may be helpful. unreliable diagnostic criteria. active lifestyle, certainly
the users’ wellness, health or Our phones are always According to research from support well-being and
fitness. But do these claims at our fingertips, making the University of Massachu- overall health. However,
stack up? apps a convenient way setts Medical School, apps more complex health
to track, log or evaluate designed to detect skin issues, such as weight loss
study explor- activity levels and calorie cancer missed around 30% or the management of
ing whether consumption. Pedometer of melanomas. medical conditions, should
or not health apps, for example, are an So, do health apps not be left to apps without
apps are effec- easy way to monitor if we work? Yes and no. Simple the guidance of health care
A tive scrutinized reach our goal of 10,000 tasks like tracking, sched- professionals.
a number of apps from the steps per day. 10,000
most popular health category steps per day improves
– diet and weight loss. More both cardiovascular health
than 80 percent of these and weight loss. Ac-
did not include strategies to cording to surveys, there
support realistic weight loss. is evidence that these
The study concluded that the specific step-tracking apps Providing training in
majority of mobile apps are motivate people to get up Healthcare professions:
Step-tracking apps and get moving. • Licensed Practical Nursing
There are other health
motivate people to get apps designed to monitor, • Patient Care Technician/Medical Assistant
up and get moving. schedule and remind you
to take medications, fill
prescriptions, get vacci-
nated or attend upcoming
visits with your physician.
Depending on how or-
ganized you are, apps can
help keep your well-being
needs on track. Apps
may be particularly useful
if you manage the health
requirements of kids or
other family members.
Be cautious with apps
that claim to diagnose or For more information or a campus visit,
treat medical conditions. call (931) 685-5013
Health app developers
1405 Madison Street, Shelbyville, TN 37160
www.tcatshelbyville.edu