It’s the holiday season — a time that can create more stress and sickness than usual. Remaining healthy in a culture of technology-induced convenience, fast food and minimal physical activity is essential to our prosperity as a community. Technology, if used responsibly, can change the health statistics of our community by fighting stigmas, providing resources and educating. Here are seven apps that could help you stay healthier during the holidays.
#1 Smoke-Free
The prevalence of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) in Black Americans is among the highest in the world. While smoking is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Smoke-Free has more than 20 techniques to help smokers quit. The app shows how much money you saved by not smoking, how many cigarettes you have not smoked and the amount of time you have been smoke-free. If you’re ready to give up smoking, try this app on iOS or Android.
#2 E Meals
During the holidays eating healthy meals can be a bit harder with more temptations around. E Meals — a meal-planning and shopping service — allows you to pick plans based on your eating style, family size or choice of grocery store. Eating styles include Classic, Clean Eating, Paleo, Slow Cooker, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Simple Gourmet, Low Carb, Low Fat, Portion Control, and Natural and Organic. You can make lists for whatever you want and collect lists from friends and family. Download E Meals on iOS and Android.
#3 iHydrate
Increasing your water intake level has been proven to have great physical and mental health benefits. With this No. 1 hydration tracking app, you can enter all types of drinks that contain water. You can know exactly how much water you are drinking minus the extra fluff you’ve consumed. Download iHydrate now on iOS. No worries, Androids Drink Water is for you.
#4 Candy Crush
I know what your thinking: How is candy going to help me stay healthy this holiday season? Simply taking time for yourself in moments of increased activity or stress can help your body steer clear of many diseases that target the Black community. Candy Crush is one of the most popular, free, social engaging games of our time. Enjoy hours of solo fun this holiday without all the actual sugar intake. Download Candy Crush now on iOS and Android.
#5 BlueStar
Diabetes is another disease that has hit the Black community harder than others. With the advancement of technology, the Federal Drug Administration cleared Blue Star — an award-winning, in-app diabetes coach — for all platforms. This app to stay healthy can help you lower your A1C levels and achieve your blood sugar health goals. Download Blue Star free on iOS and Android.
#6 Fooducate
Want to eat better, lose weight and get healthy? Fooducate empowers you to achieve your diet, health, and fitness goals all in one spot. Track what you eat and your activities to see your progress and achieve your goals this holiday season. With their letter food rating system, you will learn quickly to not eat below a C! What does your food report card look like? Find out by downloading Fooducate now on iOS and Android.
#7 Sweat Coin
This tech-savvy app is a great way to earn rewards for moving your body. While also introducing many to the fabulous world of cryptocurrency, Sweat Coin pays its users in digital currency for exercising and staying active. Any time you walk or run, it tracks your steps and pays you in sweat coins (SWC). You can redeem sweat coins for items such as sports watches, Amazon credits, music downloads, e-Books, airline miles and gift certificates to various retailers. Download Sweat Coin now for iOS and Android.
Be sure to watch Tech Tuesdays with Randy Fling and visit us every Tuesday at rollingout.com for the latest in technology for our culture from Beautiful Tech.
