Life with Chronic Conditions in the Time of Covid: Use your Smart Phone for Better Health

Before launching into all the ways a smart phone can be a good asset in helping you manage a chronic condition(s) a few caveats:

-       Recently, some doctors have issued a warning, saying the new iPhone 12 series contains stronger magnets that could disrupt the functioning of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). They also warn that other devices such as iPods or MP3 players can be problematic if held too close to pacemakers or ICDs. The recommendation is that electronic devices not be stored in shirt pockets, over-the-shoulder bags, or other items close to a person’s heart. a letter to the editor in Heart Rhythm.

-       The American Heart Association has long since advised people with ICDs to be aware of their surroundings and that devices with strong magnetic fields can disrupt their functioning.

 

That noted, many doctors are recommending health management Apps on smartphones to help patients monitor blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm detection, weight etc. There are something like 318,000 health apps, with more being added daily,  so please talk to your medical provider about the ones most appropriate for you.

 

Thanks to Covid, providers are offering telemedicine at a much higher rate using a smart phone or other mobile device. It’s not surprising than that the “flip phone” users are wanting to upgrade for better health. If you fall into this category, check out the following:

 

-       Wired’s The Best Cheap Phones for Almost Every Budget

-       The 9 Best Places to Buy Phones in 2021 from Lifewire

-       The Jitterbug Smart2, regardless of your age, may be an option to consider as it has a wide array of health and safety services. However, it doesn’t have apps and the add ons can be expensive. Jitterbug Smart2 Cell Phone Review

 

ICE your phone. Under “contacts” include In Case of Emergency (ICE) information. Add more than one person in case the initial person listed isn’t available. Choose contacts that know your medical history, what your allergic to, medications you might be taken etc. If you have an iPhone, in addition to adding ICE to your phone’s address book, you will want to add this information into your Health app which comes automatically downloaded onto every iPhone. If you have an Android phone, you can download an app called QuickIce. This ICE app helps Android cell phone users quickly access their ICE information even if the phone is locked.

 

Check how your phone operates it’s “Emergency Call” feature as it differs from phone to phone. This allows you to get help if you need it. Check to see if your phone uses voice activation so you can yell at your phone for help. Other phones have a built-in SOS. On certain phones, rapidly pressing the power key three times records a photo, audio clip and sends a Google Maps link of your location to any contact you’ve instructed it to.

 

The Health App: Most phones come preloaded with a health app. It will appear as a red heart. Among the features offered include the following:

• Medical ID: While a medic alert bracelet or tag will immediately alert someone if you are unable to respond, your phone can include: medical conditions, allergies, emergency contacts and blood type. In case of an emergency, physicians and emergency personnel can access your information through your phone’s emergency button, even if it’s locked.

• Fitness Tracker: Most smartphones are equipped with motion sensors that measure steps, distance traveled and even stairs climbed. It shows your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly totals etc. Your phone can link to other devices you may be using, such as a Fitbit.

 

Apps: There are incredible apps to help with all sorts of things. Check out some of the following:

-       Apple Covid 19 (Free): Developed by Apple in tandem with the CDC to track symptoms, whether to self-isolate etc.

-       ibluebutton – Blue Button is a federal initiative that aims to make it easier for consumers to access their health records online. The iBlueButton app allows you to securely access and exchange electronic health records, including X-ray images and reports, lab results and visit summaries, with health care providers—health care providers have access to the iBlueButton Professional version. There is also a veteran-specific version called iBlueButton Veterans. You may also use iBlueButton to store health information such as medications, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contact information and more. Blue Button records may be accessed and downloaded from the following portals:MyMedicare.gov, TRICARE online, Aetna and RelayHealth. You can import and export files by e-mail as well as with cloud services such as Dropbox and apps such as Adobe PDF. Cost: Free download, but additional charges may apply Devices: Android and iOS

-       My Medical – is a comprehensive medical  app that allows you to keep records for yourself, family members and others in your care. You can track lab and test results using the app’s charting feature, which allows you to use multiple graphs at once. It meets the industry standard Continuity of Care Record format, which makes it easy to transfer records from one system to another. For extra security, data is stored directly to your device and not on a remote server. Cost: Free Trial  Full version for a fee Device: iOS and Android

-       GoodRX: Excellent for Prescription Discounts 

-       Best online Medical Apps that Make Personal Health Easier in 2021 from the Online Doctor