According to reports published today, doctors are to start encouraging patients in theUK to use mobile phone apps to monitor their health at home.
There are millions of apps available to download to your smartphone, many that offer health and fitness advice. But can we always trust what we read?
Dr Sneh Khemka, director of healthcare development, Bupa, commented:Apps can be fantastic tools to learn more about your personal health and general healthcare. They can give you a vast amount of information about health topics, or encourage you to seek further medical advice. Most importantly, having that wealth of knowledge at your finger tips can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare alongside your doctor. This not only means you'll be more in the know about your condition or treatment options, but you'll get more out of your doctor appointments.
However, be careful which apps you use and what information you trust. Many apps can be gimmicky and won't have been developed by medical professionals. Choose apps from recognised, reputable healthcare companies and sources. Also, don't replace your doctor appointments with healthcare apps; it's important to see your doctor or speak to a medical professional if you're worried about your health. Instead, use your app to prepare you for your appointment, thinking of questions you can ask your doctor before you go. Bupa has a wide range of health and fitness apps that are medically certified, free to download and easy to use.
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