Technology is often given a bad rap when the country discusses its impact on our collective health. Stories reach the tabloid front pages of brains not yet fully formed being warped by excessive gaming, Instagramming and swiping.
Public health warnings discourage staring into a screen for too long, and online safety experts implore us to insert symbols and numbers into our passwords or else risk our identity being stolen. Well, we’ve taken selfies and our sense of self remains intact.
We’ve stared at our screen with eyes resolutely 20/20. And our bank balance remains untouched and untampered with (to be honest, any thief is welcome to our overdraft). Nope, advances in technology have largely spelt good news in the public health sphere, and here’s why; our 4 IDEAL ways to use technology to keep on top of your health.
MAKE THE MOST OF A WEALTH OF ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION
Where once we would have to go to the local library and thumb through outdated literature to learn about our health, or rely on gossip and hearsay to choose our G.P, now the internet provides a huge resource of invaluable health information. Be sure it’s reliable; obviously the NHS website the perfect place to start. Here you can check symptoms against possible causes; locate your nearest walk in clinic and even check reviews of G.Ps to find the perfect fit when registering.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR FITNESS
Knowledge is power, and with the help of a fitness tracker you can monitor the amount of steps you take in a day, your heart rate, sleep cycles and much more. All of the information will help you remain informed about your physical wellbeing, as well as offering fixes for things that aren’t quite right. If you’re not sleeping well, for instance, apps are available which will suggest optimum times for going to bed and waking up.
You can also use apps to help you get the most out of your workout regime. These include services which offer advice on the best lifting routines, trackers which show you how fast and hard you have trained on the treadmill, and even messaging services which send you motivational words when you’re in need of that extra push.
DOCUMENT YOUR VICES
Equally as important as keeping on top of your health is keeping on top of your vices. There are a whole host of apps out there which can help you be aware of harmful behaviours such as drinking, smoking and gambling, offering support and guidance on how to cut down, too.
If you’re keen on cutting down the amount of time you spend on your phone, aimlessly scrolling and liking, there’s even an app available to shame you into a digital detox. Be warned; self awareness of instagram habits does not make for pretty reading!
ARRANGE APPOINTMENTS ONLINE
Sometimes it’s something so small that prevents us arranging a doctor’s appointment to get a niggling worry checked out. Maybe we don’t have the patience to be put on hold, maybe we suffer from social anxiety when talking to strangers, maybe we’re too busy at work to call during the suggested hours. Now, the lovely NHS have got you covered, with a wide range of online G.P services at your fingertips.
