HEALTH / APPS SPECIAL...APPS FOR YOUR DAY TO KEEP THE DOC AWAY

APPS FOR YOUR DAY TO KEEP THE DOC AWAY 

    REGARDLESS of where you go, your cell phone is always with you – whether it’s on your morning walk, to the office, out lunching with colleagues, an evening with friends, or a workout session at the gym. Why, you probably sleep with the device besides you too. Given that it’s something that’s always at hand, your smartphone becomes the ideal gadget to help you keep tabs on your health. 

    To that effect, here are a few apps that will help you monitor your lifestyle so you can make positive changes to your daily regime.

START YOUR DAY
MyFitnessPal:

  You are what you eat. That extra samosa, the peanuts you munch, or even that slice of cake at the office party – all of it adds to your calorie intake. MyFitnessPal has a handy Calorie Counter to remember what you consume.
    First, key in basic information like age, height and weight. The app then asks if you want to maintain your present weight, decrease or increase it. It also asks you about your lifestyle habits: Do you spend the whole day sitting in an office, or if you have a more active schedule that involves moving about. Depending on the data, it sets a daily calorie intake for you.
    After that, regularly update the app with the food you have eaten, and it automatically adds up the calories. You can also add your exercises, so MyFitnessPal can reduce the amount of calories you’ve burned from your daily total.
    The only issue is that many Indian food items might not have a comprehensive profile. Still, we found common dishes like aloo paratha, chole bhature, medu wada, and even Maggi noodles. Besides, you can always add items manually.
    Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Phone | Free

RunKeeper:

   Whenever you step out for a morning walk or a quick jog, RunKeeper keeps track of your activity with the help of the GPS function on your phone. It tracks how much distance you’ve covered, your walking/running pace and how many calories you burned. The last bit is important because you can feed that information into MyFitnessPal.
    Android, iOS | Free

Instant Heart Rate:

   While you are running, jogging, or exercising, it is important that you don’t stress your heart. But how do you monitor your heart rate when outdoors? Well, use Instant Heart Rate. The app uses your smartphone’s camera and flash to measure how fast your heart is beating.
    The process behind the app is seemingly simple: With the flash focusing on your finger, Instant Heart Rate uses the camera to record subtle changes in the blood colour of your fingertips. This gives it a way to measure your heart beats. It seems almost magical, but this app works and is pretty accurate. It also informs you about safe heart rate zones so that you don’t go overboard during exercise.
    However, this is a broad idea of your heart-health – it is no match for a proper electrocardiogram/heart-rate monitor.
Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Free, Pro version costs 55 on iOS and 110 on the others

Zombies, Run:

  This one is actually a game that encourages you to run. Put on your headphones and turn on the app – and before you know it you’re right in the middle of a zombie attack. Audio narrations being piped in your ears give you the impression that you are being chased by the undead, and the more you run, the more supplies you can collect in the form of ammunition, medicines, etc.
    The app records distance, pace and even calories burned using the phone’s GPS and accelerometer – and players can play 33 missions and over 45 runs worth of gameplay.
    In short, the faster you run in real life, the better you perform in the game.
    Android, iOS, Windows Phone | 220 (discounted price)

Pocket Yoga:

  If running and jogging is not your thing, you might want to consider Pocket Yoga – an app that comes with voice instructions as well as illustrations to help you through meticulously-planned yoga sessions.
    Each asana is accompanied with details of its potential health benefits. Also, you have the option to choose from three levels of difficulties; so whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, there’s a yoga session that’s just right for you.
    Android, iOS | 170 approx

APPS WHILE YOU WORK
Stress Check:

   Offices can be stressful places. And you may not realize it, but that looming deadline might be playing havoc with your health. Made by the same developer that created Instant Heart Rate, Stress Check also uses your phone’s flash and camera. But instead of measuring your heart rate, it focuses on the duration between heart beats – and using that information, tells you whether you are stressed or not.
    Use the app to measure your stress and if it constantly gives you high readings, see your doctor immediately.     Android, iOS | Free

Stretching & Eye Exercises:

  When you’re drowned in work, it’s easy to forget that taking a small break at regular intervals is really important. Stretching and Eye Exercises (the pro version) reminds you when it’s time, and also gives you 13 stretching and eye exercises to do, complete with illustrations and instructions.
    Android | 115 (Free version can’t set reminders)

APPS FOR THE GYM
Workout Trainer:

 This app helps you draw maximum benefits from your time at the gym, especially if you’re exercising without the help of a professional trainer. Workout Trainer is packed with hundreds of routines that can help tone muscles, build strength and burn calories.
    You can set the level of exercise you want – casual, moderate or intense – and the app suggests an appropriate programme. Alternatively, you could choose individual exercises depending on your needs.
    All exercises have a voice guide, as well as illustrations that will help you maintain the right posture while performing them. The only issue with Workout Trainer is that many of its programs come at a fee – or you may have to shell out money for an annual subscription.
    Android, iOS | Free
JEFIT:

  Similar to Workout Trainer, this app actually has some better weight training modules. We suggest that you try both apps and then decide which one you want.
    Android, iOS | Free, Pro version costs 270

APPS WHILE YOU SLEEP
Do Not Disturb:

  Sleep plays an important role in your physical and mental well-being. Yet, it is something we often ignore. If you have an iPhone, turn on the Do Not Disturb feature from Settings before you go to bed. This will ensure that you’re not woken by unwanted calls or messages. But what in the case of emergencies? Don’t worry. Do Not Disturb allows you to set a few contacts as exceptions so you won’t miss the calls that are important, and from people that really matter.     iOS | Free

The free I’m Sleeping app for Android offers similar functionality.

 
Sleep Time:

  Sleep Time monitors your sleep patterns using the accelerometer (the same tech most professional sleep monitors use). Switch on the app and keep your phone close to you on your bed. While you sleep, the app monitors your movements. Depending on how relaxed your body is, it will determine the kind of sleep you are getting.
    The app also lets you set up a smart alarm that will ring only when it senses you are sleeping lightly.     Android, iOS | Free

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