Mathews McGarry is passionate about many forms of strength training, and has spent years lifting, dragging and flipping all manner of heavy objects. After graduating from the Faculty of Health Sciences, he started writing about his experiences, and sharing tips for a better life. He is an all-around fitness adviser and his words are strong as an Australian Bull.  Follow Mathews on Twitter and Facebook!

Guest Post by Mathews McGarry for Anna Susanne * The Travelling Pixie

 

Technology is almost always put in a negative context when discussed in terms of the effects it has on people’s health. Experts believe that it plays a part in the rise of mental health problems, but there is evidence that it can also do good for our mental health. What is the positive potential of everyday smartphone use? The device can be used as a tool for treating various health issues through various apps and programs. Here is how smartphones can be used to boost our health.

 

Fitness Tracking

The newer versions of smartphones come equipped with motion sensors that measure running and walking distance, or flights climbed, and all that just by carrying your phone in your pockets or hand. There are various health and fitness apps that are quite easy to set up and use, which show your yearly, monthly, weekly and daily fitness-related data.

 

Medical ID

This feature can turn your iPhone into a medical alert device. You can find it by tapping on the Health app icon and set up your medical ID by entering important information like blood type, allergies, medical conditions and emergency contacts. It can be a real lifesaver because it enables emergency workers or doctors to access this information by simply tapping and holding the Emergency button on your phone’s home screen.

 

911 Call – Voice Activated

Some smartphones offer the possibility of voice dial. The feature is activated by simply yelling at the device. It is designed for emergency situations when you cannot reach your phone, but need it desperately to call help. Voice activation needs to be set up first. Just say how you want it to be activated (for example, “dial 911” or “call for help”). Samsung’s S6 Edge+ has a great feature, although it is not voice activated: by pressing the power key 3 times, it takes both front and back camera pictures, records a short audio clip, and sends a link of your exact location to a previously programmed contact.

 

Mood Lifting

Apps designed for mood lifting are designed for those who suffer from depression. They help by showing pleasing audio and video files, or pleasing pictures (for example, their partners, family members or other loved ones). These smartphone apps have been proven to be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress by playing relaxing music that helps distract from everyday worries. You can take photos of things you find relaxing (such as beautiful sceneries), upload and monetize them through services like Eyeem.

 

Telemedicine

People suffering from various kinds of illnesses can contact a medical professional via smartphone devices (video calls, online chats, or email). Conditions such as social anxiety can stop people from even seeking treatment, while they feel safer contacting mental health professionals and start battling their illnesses much earlier. Also, it is useful for those who cannot meet with healthcare professionals regularly. If people feel that a certain stigma is attached to the illness they are suffering from, the internet can provide a gateway to asking. People can access information and watch videos of people with the same issues talking about it. It helps to normalize conditions that are not usually talked about.

Self-Education

There are various ways you can work towards getting more educated, and learning and developing skills in higher education. There are hundreds of programs and apps that offer a wide range of courses and tutorials. Read books via ebook platforms, read news, learn to code, learn foreign languages, science, math, astronomy, watch inspirational videos, or train your brain by improving problem solving skills and processing speed.

We should all learn about all the potential effects of technological advancements. When not used properly, smartphones can surely bring us more harm than good. On the other hand, they offers lots of innovative ways for promoting health and overall well-being.

 

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