Summer is in the air, the weather is delightful, and I can’t help but share the healthiest, the most effective, must have iPhone apps with you :). Summer is a great season to start watching your health (but it doesn’t mean you should cease the process when the autumn comes :)). So, down the page I’m going to list and describe some of the best health-oriented tools to help you get in shape and improve your overall health state. Remember to get a professional’s consultation prior to starting any serious trainings and changing nutrition habits radically.
#1 MapMyRun
This is the optimal choice for those who’re keen on distance-based sports like running, walking, hiking and alike. By the way, this is the best running app of 2012 according to the About.com readers’ choice. MapMyRun offers everything you need to organize your runs, track your progress and even entertain yourself:
- GPS route mapping
- Distance + route navigation
- Pace counter
- Calorie counter
- Real time statistics (average, minimum, maximum,etc.)
- In-built coaching programs.
- Weight tracking (includes food, nutrition and diet counters)
- Ability to share your accomplishments through your social accounts (Twitter, FB).
With MapMyRun you can listen to music, take calls, make snapshots and use other features of your iPhone – it doesn’t interfere any. All these options you get for free. To get access to even more advanced tools you have to upgrade.
#2 Instant Heart Rate
Heart rate is probably the most important health measure. And it’s great to have a mobile tool that allows you to track this measure anytime. One of such tools is Instant Heart Rate app. It allows you to see your every heartbeat directly on your iPhone screen, just like in the emergency rooms. The app uses the same technique as pulse oximeters – just place your fingertip (index finger) on your device’s camera and get the instant results! Other features include:
- Real time PPG graph
- Heart Rate Zones
- Data export (for registered users) and many others.
I think apps like this is a must-have, especially for those who have elderly parents who may have heart issues. To find other recommendations on caregiving tools and advice, please visit http://www.parentgiving.com/.
#3 Health Tips 1000
The name of this app is quite self-explaining. This amazing, popular, absolutely free application is a database of 1000+ surefire health tips covering the most different topics. They are all presented in a very concise form for your convenience. Their rich collection contains helpful advice on:
- Weight loss, diets and exercise
- Coping with stress
- Cardio tips
- Muscle building
- Aerobics
- Healthy foods ideas
- Food and fitness safety tips
You can find more healthy tips on Parentgiving Inc (a web resource offering in-depth articles and helpful checklists about caregiving).
Final Thoughts
You should definitely enrich your apps collection with a few health tools to help you watch your health state and track your sports/ weight loss accomplishments. Remember that it’s impossible to change your lifestyle overnight. Take small steps in improving your nutrition, trainings and other health aspects and you will definitely see the results! Good luck!
Aleksey is a skilled caregiver, a freelance author cooperating with numerous caregiving organizations, one of which is Parentgiving Inc. This web resource (http://www.parentgiving.com/) offers the most exhaustive information on taking care of elderly people.
