Health-conscious? App-solut!
Tens of thousands of health apps can be found in the Android and Apple stores. Tempting. But apps can only provide support, not a clear diagnosis. I have picked out some useful apps for parents, children and teenagers and at the end of the article I will give you three test criteria for apps.
Two-piece set for young families
The «Baby & Food" app offers parents a meal plan and lists the developmental stages in the first year of life with tips for everyday life. Breastfeeding mothers receive nutrition tips and information on allergy prevention. The sequel "Child & Food» provides advice on healthy eating and growing up from one to three. The two-part app is available free of charge for iOS and Android.
Medical guide
The «Homeopathy for children » app is a reference work. The quick diagnosis helps to make a suitable homeopathic selection. The medicine app takes into account typical children's complaints such as colds, coughs or fever. It also offers first aid information for infectious paediatric illnesses and injuries as well as a globule glossary. The app is available for iOS as a free lite version and the full version for four francs.
Anatomy learning app
The award-winning app "The Human Body" uses simple, animated images to provide anatomical insights into six subject areas: Skeleton, muscles, nerves, circulation, respiration and digestion. Text fields with relevant information can be displayed. There are also interactive modules on the heart, brain and eye. The app is available for iOS, as a free lite version and as a full version for four francs.
Exercise and nutrition
The "Gorilla Switzerland" app gives young people tips for more exercise, a balanced diet and sustainable consumption. Freestyle pros show basics and tricks in the sports of slalom boarding, street skating, breakdancing, biking, frisbee, freeskiing and footbag in short films. And cookery videos help teenagers prepare delicious dishes. The app is available free of charge for iOS and Android.
Navigation in the app forest
Media literacy helps when deciding whether an app is any good. And this is where parents are once again needed as role models and trailblazers. Not all health apps have been created by experts. That's why I recommend doing a little research before downloading. Here's how: In the Android or Apple app stores, you and your teenager will find brief details about the app and a link to the provider's website. Check the following three features here.
- Klicken Sie ins Impressum: Wer steckt hinter der App?
- Suchen Sie die Quellenangaben: Von welcher Organisation oder aus welchem Kreis von Fachleuten stammen die Informationen und Empfehlungen?
- Datenschutz: Welche persönlichen Daten von Ihnen werden gespeichert?
On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life.
swisscom.ch/mediensta
