Manisha Mahajan, a self-proclaimed technologically-challenged homemaker was in for a surprise when her doctor recommended a mobile application that could track her unborn child’s growth. Apprehensive at first, Mahajan got hooked to her phone by the seventh day, tracking every movement of her child’s growth and her own. She is part of the population that has given in to the practical uses of a smartphone including mHealth.
According to a study by research2guidance, mobile researchers and consultants, the number of mHealth application users across the globe (those who download mHealth app at least once) touched 247 million by the end of 2012. Experts say the numbers are going to swell, given the current rate at which smartphones are sold. We take a look at the top five smartphone apps to watch out for in 2013.
PILLBOXIE: REMEMBER YOUR MEDICINE
(iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch) PRICE: $0.99
Designed by a registered nurse, Pillboxie app lets its users visually manage their medications. Scheduling a reminder is as easy as dropping a pill into a pillbox. The app reminds its users on time, even if the device is asleep. Users can also see a list of what meds are ‘due today’ and check them off as they go. No Internet connection is required. The app can be used on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The application costs $0.99 and is available in four languages including English.
SPROUT: TRACK YOUR BABY
(iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch) PRICE: $3.99
This app is a baby tracker and gives the users an interactive 3D model of what the baby looks like in certain weeks. It has a tracker for countdown of the due date, a recorder to track the mother’s weight and suggestions on what to bring to the hospital. The 59.4 MB app is available in English, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, and requires iOS 3.2 or later.
iCancer: Tracking cancer
(iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch) PRICE: $2.99
It is the first iPhone application designed to help cancer patients, caregivers and survivors manage their cancer journey. Developed by a two-time cancer survivor, Naomi R Bartley, the application allows one to graph lab results, log treatments and side effects, sync doctor appointment information with calendar and access cancer resources. Users can download the 2.1 version of the application for $2.99. The app requires an iOS 4.0 or later.
CARB COUNTING WITH LENNY : CHECK SUGAr level (Android 2.2) PRICE: FREE
This colourful application is for Carbohydrate (Carb) counting and manages diabetes. It allows children with diabetes to eat a variety of foods, just like other children. Parents and caregivers can plan meals and maintain blood sugar levels. The application has two main sections; Lenny’s Food Guide and Lenny’s Carb Games. The former helps users learn carb values for many food items. The app is free and requires Android 2.2 and above.
Emergency FIRST AID HD: MULTIPLE TOPICS (iPad)
Emergency First Aid HD application offers clear, concise and well-organised information during medical emergencies. The information is based on guidelines provided by the American Red Cross and other health organisations, with topics including jellyfish stings, tick bites, heart attacks and more. The app includes illustrated guides. It allows users to review first-aid information anywhere, without any Internet connection. They can also store and access medical and emergency contact information. The app also provides up-to-date information from the American Red Cross and other health organisations. It guides users for choking, CPR, wound cleaning, and germ prevention. That’s not all, the app also teaches its users to build a first-aid kit of their own. The 48.4 MB app is compatible with iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.