Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side: 2013-09-08

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

by Martine G. Brousse,

Healthcare Specialist, Patient Advocate, Certified Mediator

ADVIMEDPRO

Five Useful Apps to help

manage your Health.. and they're free!

In these days of financial cutbacks, growing limitations of services, and talks of deficit and doom, isn't it refreshing to see that the US Government, and its health-related agencies, have been hard at work creating apps that benefit our lives, enhance our well-being, help manage our health, and educate us at the touch of a screen, and at no cost?

Here are five favorites:

52 Weeks for Women’s Health

By: National Institutes of Health
Platforms: Android, iPhone

http://52weeks4women.nih.gov/

The info and content of the 52 weekly topics offered in this app relate to women's health, ranging from contraception to arthritis, from depression to hormones, and much more. Make a list of favorite items for easy reference, and keep track of your personal health data including storing a list of Rx or detailing allergies. Each topic is enhanced by lifestyle tips to help you achieve greater wellness.

MyMedList (MML) By: National Library of Health

Platforms: IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mobile/index.html

This app is invaluable to help you record, track, and manage your current medications. It allows you to keep reference of past Rx and to set reminders to take ones now. You can print or share the list with your pharmacist and medical providers, to avoid duplication and counteractions.

MyFamily By: Healthfinders.gov

Platforms: IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mobile/index.html

Use this app to create a family wellness plan, and get information of the preventive and wellness services covered under the ACA health laws. Input each family member's history and health records, list of Rx, health-related activities and priorities. Get personalized information on prevention and wellness, access the glossary of medical terms, or use the service locator.

My Dietary Supplements (MyDS)

By: National Institutes of Health

Platforms: Android, Andoid Tablet, Blackberry Touch,

IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch, Kindle Fire http://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/mobile/aboutmyds.aspx

Store the name and dosages of supplements, vitamins, herbs you currently take, and use as a reference at your next Doctor visit. This list can be printed or emailed. Research the extensive scientific database for other dietary supplements.

Health Hotlines By: National Library of Medicine

Platforms: IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch

https://itunes.apple.com/app/healthhotlines/id376404746

This app lists over 9,000 names and numbers of private and governmental organizations, professional societies, referral centers, support groups, volunteer and advocate groups. While no recommendations are made by the NLM, this is the place to find information and access to assistance.

More apps are available at: http://www.hhs.gov/digitalstrategy/mobile/mobile-apps.html?goback=%2Eanb_3106684_*2_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1#%21.

I encourage you to explore them. Flu tracking, pregnancy advice, smoking cessation and access to an extensive medical library of journals and articles are among those listed there. There are even a couple of games your teens, or yourself, might find fun and educational.

My objective is to offer you, the patient, concrete and beneficial information, useful tips, proven and efficient tools as well as trustworthy supportive advice as you deal with a system in the midst of sweeping adjustments, widespread misunderstandings and complex requirements.

AdvimedPro (424) 999 4705 or (877) 658 9446 fax (424) 226 1330

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your Side