Guide to Smart Health Devices & Apps
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It can be hard to stick to health goals, especially if you’re unable to keep track of them. Thankfully, there are plenty of smart devices and phone apps to help monitor your health. Whether you’re planning your workouts or setting your nutrition goals, you can keep track of it all through your devices. If you’re taking charge of your physical health, Optimum has a round-up of the best smart health devices and apps to keep you on track this month and beyond. Read on to find the one that fits you best.
Smart health devices
FoodMarble
Your digestive health no longer needs to take a back seat, so it’s finally time to find what may be causing you discomfort. FoodMarble helps you to find the foods that are most compatible with your digestive system to eliminate the guesswork. The device, which works with a simple breath test, and the connected app use the measurement of hydrogen levels in your breath. When food isn’t fully digested, bacteria in your stomach breaks down and releases hydrogen. The hydrogen is transferred to your lungs, so the breath your FoodMarble registers will help identify food that causes indigestion, so you can focus on food that works for you. The FoodMarble AIRE is available for purchase starting at $179.
AliveCor KardiaMobile EKG Monitor
Keeping an eye on your health doesn't mean you have to head back and forth to the doctor every time you feel like something could be wrong. With the AliveCor KardiaMobile EKG Monitor, you can accurately check your heart rhythm in only 30 seconds. It's small enough to fit in your pocket so you can check anytime, anywhere. Connecting the monitor to your phone allows you to send your doctor emails with your EKG results. The EKG Monitor is available for purchase starting at $63.
Oura Ring
Oura Ring is designed to "improve the way we live our lives," the device monitors different body functions using infrared sensors. The Oura Ring has a 24/7 heart rate monitor, sleep analysis, body temperature sensor, and guided sessions to walk you through interpreting your body's signals. The wearable ring is waterproof and lightweight, so you can wear it all the time. Connect the ring to your phone and keep track of your vitals wherever you go. Purchase the Oura Ring starting at $299 or $25 a month.
Smart health apps
ShopWell
Reading food labels can be a bit complicated as you need to take into account serving sizes, nutritional information, and the extra-long ingredients that make it difficult to decipher. The ShopWell app makes it easier by simplifying labels so you can find foods to fit your nutrition plan. Create a food profile with goals, allergies, dislikes, and get food recommendations and where to find specific foods at grocery stores near you.
Best of all, the ShopWell app is free to download.
MapMyFitness by Under Armour
Looking to train heavily or just to refine your skills? The MapMyFitness app by Under Armour can help you track your workouts with easy-to-read charts, audio running coaches, and training plans. Track your running routes and discover new ones while communicating with a community of MapMyFitness users. And, as a bonus, you can pair your Under Armour running shoes with the app to monitor your pace, strides, cadence, and receive personalized coaching tips along the way. MapMyFitness by Under Armour is free, and contains some in-app purchases for extra goodies.
Pacer Pedometer and Step Tracker
Whether you’re on a quick run, long walk, or vigorous bike ride, the Pacer Pedometer and Step Tracker app can keep track of your mileage, the amount of time you're active, and calories burned. Create a fitness plan that will help you achieve your goals; choose between losing weight, getting toned, or getting active to receive a personalized 12-week fitness plan with guided audio and video workouts. Join a community of Pacer users just like you to get motivation and support, as well as take part in fun challenges. The Pacer app is free with in-app purchases.
Apple Health app
If you have an Apple Watch, you'll be able to check your health while on the go. Whether you're in the grocery store or on a run, you can keep track of your progress with the many functionalities of the Apple Watch, included below.
Blood Oxygen app
Blood oxygen levels represent the percentage of oxygen your red blood cells carry from your lungs to the rest of your body. The Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 Blood Oxygen app allows you to measure the oxygen level of your blood directly from your wrist. The app gives you insights into your overall health and wellness. The Blood Oxygen app is installed during the setup of your Health app.
Heart Rate app
Get notifications about your heart rate to your Apple Watch with the Heart Rate app. The app sends a message if you're having irregular heart rhythms, and can alert you if an irregular rhythm of atrial fibrillation is identified. Set up the app through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and start watching your heart health.
Stay healthy this year and take your health into your own hands with Optimum’s list of smart health devices and apps.
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