An App a Day?
Did you ever think your next app download would be at the recommendation of your doctor? It could happen sooner than you think.
Health apps are on the rise: Calorie counters, workout guides, pregnancy trackers – you name it. Now the healthcare community is trying to figure out how to utilize them even more. An app that helps you count calories might also help you deal with a more serious and chronic health condition like diabetes – and its prevention. In addition to tracking your food, for example, an app might also track your blood sugar, then send regular reports back to your doctor.
To address quality and safety standards, the Food and Drug Administration plans to release guidelines this year on the use of apps in monitoring medical care. Until then, we can continue to explore health and wellness on our own.