by Dr. Karl Nadolsky
As we all know, technology is making everyday tasks easier and easier. With the rise of smartphones and apps, particularly with the iPhone and Android phones, there seems to be an app for EVERYTHING under the sun – hence the famous phrase – “There’s an app for that.” As a physician, I am constantly trying to find ways to help my patients better their lifestyles so I figured I would search for apps that do just that. I found 5 apps that have definitely helped with improving my care and here they are:
5. WellnessFX (iPhone)
Wellness FX is a new company that does direct access lab testing. It is only available in a few states right not but it has the potential to become the go-to app for following your “internal” health. When you sign up with Wellness FX, you will be able to go to the nearest Labcorp and get very helpful lab tests at likely a lower cost than what you can get at your doctor’s! What’s even better is that afterwards you get a short consult to talk about your lab testing with one of their in-house practitioners to help you better understand your numbers. This app will then track your numbers so you don’t have to remember with a bunch of neat graphs and whatnot. I highly recommend their service. www.wellnessfx.com
4. BodyShot (iPhone)
The BodyShot app has nothing to do with tequila, but nonetheless it is pretty nifty. It is a tracking app that allows you to track your body measurements along with progress photos. This is especially good when combining with apps #2 and #1 since those don’t have body trackers yet. Check it out at www.motivatedapps.com
3. MyNetDiary (iPhone, Android, Blackberry)
This app could possibly be ranked #1 but I actually like the other apps separately when combined better than this one. However, this app has everything you need from food/calorie tracking to body tracking to even blood sugar tracking. It is an all-in-one app that is pretty easy to use. It also has a nice online community to go with it. You can check it out at www.mynetdiary.com
2. Fitocracy (iPhone)
Ah this app is addicting, which is a good thing since it promotes working out. Based on a video game interface, you get points for working out and can level up depending on your points. You also get “props” from others in the community for doing your workouts, which is also motivating. You can get an account even if you don’t have an iPhone and track your workouts with your computer. I highly recommend this one. They are in the middle of hopefully creating a tracker like BodyShots, which would be a nice addition. In the meantime, you could combine this with #1 and #4. Check it out at www.fitocracy.com
1. Way of Life (iPhone)
As a disciple of Precision Nutrition, I have started having my patients follow habits rather than set diets. This has not only increased my efficiency in the clinic, but also my effectiveness. I usually give out my customized business cards that have the Lean Habits and a place to track them, but when I get a patient who uses an iPhone, I use this app. This is hands down the best habit tracking app out there. You can track any habit you wish and look at your progress with really pretty graphs etc. For android users, I recommend Habit Streak or Habit Factor. These apps go really well with Fitocracy and also BodyShots. Check it out at www.wayoflifeapp.com
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