In an age when almost everyone is a smartphone user, a new trend has emerged
among health care providers: prescribing patients useful phone apps that are
worth their weight in wellness results.
“We’ve seen some great results with MapMyFitness
and MyFitnessPal,” says Denise Russell, RN, FNP, at
Methodist Richardson Family Medical Group.
“I personally use MyFitnessPal to keep up with my
running routine, and it’s been such a nice tracker to
see where I am during my run as well as log my overall goal,” Russell says.
“In order for someone to use a tool, it has to be easily accessible and
made for our modern technology. Everyone likes the ease of an app,
and it can be used in any setting.”
Apps can help with other health goals besides weight loss, too.
Your provider might prescribe an app to help you manage medications,
track diabetes, break the tobacco habit, or cope with menopause,
for example.
Rx for your smartphone
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
If your physician is a MedHealth provider, you have access to Methodist Health Connect, an online patient portal.
Learn more about this interactive site at
r through your provider’s office. To
find a provider on our medical staff, visit
MyFitnessPal
MapMyFitness
Dust mites.
These creatures can settle in bedding and
pillows quickly. To avoid these critters, make sure to replace
pillows every one or two years and keep a regular cleaning
schedule for bedding, washing on a hot rinse cycle about
once a week.
NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT
If you’re having allergy
symptoms for more than
7 to 10 days, you may want
to make an appointment
for allergy testing. Visit
today
to find a physician who
can help.
Pets.
Pet dander is one of the top sources of in-home allergens.
Make sure to sweep and disinfect pet cages and beds, which
can easily storemold. To helpmanage allergy symptoms, daily
over-the-counter medications can keep symptoms at bay, while
amore targeted allergen testing fromyour family physician can
pinpoint your pet allergy and treat it more directly.
Indoor plants.
Allergens occur in flowering plants and
mold in the soil used by the plant. If they’re the cause of
your symptoms, it might be best to move the plants outside.
Methodist Richardson Medical Center
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Spring 2014
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