Variety of apps will help organize medical details
A big challenge for families is keeping track of medical appointments, vaccinations and medications. Dr. Philip J. Aponte, vice president of informatics at HealthTexas Provider Network in Dallas, says there are lots of good apps that can help. He relies on Microsoft Health Vault.
“Inevitably, whether you’re going to a different physician or filling out a life insurance policy, you’re someplace where you need to recall information, and it seemed silly that I had to find a paper folder and search for it. Now I have the app on my iPhone and I can show the doctor all my medications and my laboratory data. I can track my weight and set goals, see if there might be any problems with drug interactions. When I had to register my daughter for kindergarten, it was easy because I had all her medical information there.”
An app can simplify your life, but only if you commit to diligently updating it. Consider your goals when you decide what medical app is right for you. Some will help you track glucose levels or can be connected with other devices, including scales.
— Dallas Morning News
Hints from Heloise:
Some things to consider for childproofing at hotel
Traveling with a toddler can be stressful without having to worry about your hotel room! Here is some advice on childproofing while traveling:
• Pack outlet plugs.
• If there is a window or sliding door, make sure it locks securely.
• Tie up loose cords, such as curtain pulls. Hair ties work well for this.
• Unplug and store electrical appliances. Most hotels provide hair dryers and coffee makers. Store them out of reach when not in use.
• Cover sharp edges with washcloths and tape.
Children are curious, and a hotel room is a new place to explore!
Get down on their level to scope out any other potential hazards.
Some hotels offer childproofing kits for use while there.
— King Features
Survey predicts trends for 2013 health, fitness
Strength training is in. Pilates are out. Those are the findings of a survey by the American College of Sports Medicine that predicts major health and fitness trends for the coming year. A quick rundown:
1. Educated and certified fitness pros: More fitness programs tied to businesses and organizations mean more jobs for fitness experts.
2. Strength training: Regular folk, in increasing numbers, rely on weights to improve or maintain strength, and rehabilitate injuries.
3. Body weight training: This back-to-basics approach, which requires only a minimum amount of equipment, is all the rage in gyms.
4. Obesity programs for children: This chronic health issue demands more specialized physical activities for those in need.
5. Exercise and weight loss: More people are realizing that incorporating exercise into their daily diet routine is essential for weight-loss maintenance.
— Contra Costa Times