Fertility calendars, migraine diaries, pharmacy finders, sports companions and much more – you can already find lots of little helpers in the “Fitness and Health” section in the app stores. Tolfioow wanted to know: who needs such mini-programs? Are they just fun for tech geeks or are they really helping us stay fit and healthy? We took a closer look at ten offers.
How we tested: We tried the so-called apps on an Apple iPad. With the exception of two programs, they are also available for mobile phones (smartphones) or screen-only computers (tablets) with the Android operating system.
It was important to us: Is the software based on current medical facts? Does it clearly state in which cases the user should see a doctor? Does it provide added value that other sources (e.g. internet, books) do not offer? Can the app be uploaded, operated and deleted in a user-friendly manner? Does it have hidden costs? Is data protection guaranteed?
Table of Contents
The way to the app
Technology: You need a smartphone or a tablet computer on which the operating system iOS from Apple or Android from Google is installed.
Download: Mini helpers for iOS devices are available in the App Store, which you can browse with the iTunes software. Apps for Android devices are available at https://market.android.com .
Caution: Free programs often have a very limited range of functions. If you want more, you have to pay. Other apps only run when a paid Internet connection is active, or transmit the user’s current location to the manufacturer.
Tip: Always pay attention to the settings that an app makes on the device.
Ten apps in the test
vaccination calendar
Good idea – bad implementation
The Robert Koch Institute in Berlin regularly criticizes vaccination fatigue in Germany. Diphtheria, tetanus, flu – an app that keeps track of all of that would be great. But this is a boring and confusing minimal solution. It includes only the standard vaccinations. Yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis A or TBE must be entered by the user himself. And although the app claims to be gender sensitive, it reminds 12- to 17-year-old boys to get an HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer. Weak. The information about the vaccines is also rather sparse and partly outdated.
Evaluation: mediocre and not very suitable for increasing vaccination zeal. free – one of six possible points
medicine fox
Pharmacy for bargain hunters
If you have acute symptoms, you need help immediately and don’t have to look far for the cheapest pharmacy. The situation is different for patients who constantly have to take medication. You can save money with this app. According to the manufacturer, it compares the prices of over 350,000 over-the-counter and prescription products. Mail-order pharmacies that use the Medizinfuchs portal for their marketing enter their offers into the system. It can be searched for almost 30 areas of application, the product name or the pharmaceutical central number. Is the app allowed to determine the location of the user and the iPhone or iPad is “online” – only then! –, it provides extensive information and favorable ordering options.
Rating:Nothing for acute or emergencies, but a help for bargain hunters who need medicines permanently. free – three out of six possible points
TK clinic guide
Find the best hospital in a flash
For its clinic guide, available as an app and on the Internet, the Techniker Krankenkasse in Hamburg evaluates quality reports from more than 2000 clinics in Germany, which they submit every two years. There is also information from around 300,000 questionnaires per year that TK policyholders fill out and send in voluntarily after a stay in the clinic. A massive amount of data that can be easily searched with the app. Which hospitals near me are good? Which ones have the most experience with certain diagnoses or surgical procedures? The program can answer these questions. The results are clearly displayed and sorted according to the overall satisfaction of the patients.
Rating:Where am I best treated? Every patient asks this question. This app answers them well-founded and quickly. free – five out of six possible points
LärmApp
A good reminder for the ears
Developed in Munich, published by the Professional Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors in Neumünster: The “Lärm App” continuously measures the current noise level in the area using the built-in microphone of the iPhone or iPad and displays it in decibels, dB for short, on the screen . Directly below it is displayed whether there is a danger to the user’s ears. A “Comparative values” button opens a short table that shows how quickly noise damages hearing. The app explains what it does in the ear and how everyone can protect themselves in the info section. The only disadvantage: the measuring range unfortunately ends at 105 dB (about disco volume).
Rating:Many people no longer notice the constant noise in the background. But hearing needs regular rest to recover. The noise app helps. Great idea! free – five out of six possible points
Homoe1aid
Fatal First Responder
Imagine you come to an accident scene. You use your iPhone to call the emergency doctor and then first type in all of the injured person’s symptoms in order to find a suitable homeopathic remedy for him. Absurd? This is exactly what this app wants – and then always recommends the same three preparations. According to the developers, they belong “on every key fob”. Unbelievable! Only the good tips and instructions for the right one – not homeopathic! – Behavior in an emergency prevent you from immediately deleting the app again.
Evaluation: Homeopathy for accidents – a dangerous idea! free, only for iOS operating system !!!!!! – zero out of six possible points
MedMerker
Passable health manager
How long has your son had hay fever? Was the daughter at the cancer check-up? When should grandpa have a colonoscopy? The DAK’s MedMerker has everything under control – provided the user feeds it with various data beforehand. Personal profiles, medical histories, lists of doctors, emergency contacts have to be laboriously typed in. After that, the app reliably reminds you of all appointments. Unfortunately, the information on the individual check-ups is limited to the essentials; you don’t get to know exactly what the doctor should examine. Too bad.
Rating: After extensive preparatory work, this app becomes a useful helper. The info part is too sparse. free – three out of six possible points
FoodCheck
For better eaters
Of course, when it comes to ready-made and frozen meals, nutrition experts tear their hair out. FoodCheck mercilessly shows why and in such a way that every layperson can understand. Simply type in the product name and you can see how much fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories are in the dish. The results are highlighted in red, yellow or green. If you turn the device 90 degrees, you will find out how much of the average daily requirement is already covered – unpleasant aha moments included. The software also creates meal plans and can calculate BMI, ideal weight and personal daily calorie requirements.
Rating: This app opens your eyes! Eating mindfully has never been easier. Price: 1.59 euros, only for the iOS operating system – five out of six possible points
BackDoc HD
A very good investment for a healthy spine
With its price, the app is clearly one of the high-priced ones. Accordingly, users can expect a lot – and they will not be disappointed. With neurosurgeon Dr. Philipp Tanner, the programmers have developed a great back school. The 26 exercises are explained very well with photos and videos. In addition, you get a ten-minute quick program for those in a hurry and three informative short films about the spine, torso muscles and herniated discs. Comprehensible basic rules and a calendar with a reminder function complete the app.
Rating: is worth the money. Behind back pain is usually a lack of exercise – this is where the app comes in. Price: 9.99 euros – five out of six possible points
Autogenes Training
Seven week relaxation course with acoustic hook
Practical: With this app, stressed people always have their relaxation trainer with them. Seven training programs are offered, nine to eleven minutes long, with different focal points. Each is intended for one week. A 27-minute meditation concludes the seven-week course. It was compiled by the yoga and Pilates teacher Iris Bellinger-Biehl from Geisenhausen near Munich. The information section clearly explains how autogenic training works and how it works best. The only catch: the woman’s voice, which speaks all the instructions in the programs, is annoying and pulls you out of your relaxation again. The beautiful music in the background is way too quiet.
Rating: Could be a relaxing companion – if the voice was more caressing. Please fix!Price: 2.99 euros – four out of six possible points
Office-Fitness
“No time” does not apply
Sports in the office? This app makes it possible. Daniela Vogeley, an osteopath in Bonn, has put together an amazing number of exercises that all last little more than two minutes and can easily be done in a business suit or suit. They strengthen, relax, strengthen the circulation or provide new motivation. Funny names (“The painting elephant”, “Office tarantella”) and the option to train standing or sitting make it even easier. A planner reliably reminds you of the next mini break.
Rating: is fun! Too bad there are no videos of the great exercises. free – five out of six possible points
Identify good apps
3 questions for Christoph Dirkes, author and media designer from Neuenkirchen
What distinguishes a good app?
An attractive graphic. And a well-structured menu that allows intuitive operation and quick reactions to user input. And of course the added value for the user.
book tip
“What’s App” by Christoph Dirkes and Alexander Schütte, Südwest, 112 pages, 7.95 euros
And what are absolute no-gos?
Unnecessary waiting times, program crashes and the lack of strict operation. The worst are apps that unknowingly collect data from the user and e.g. B. Create movement profiles to use them elsewhere. By locating the user, these programs z. B. Send personalized advertising from providers in the immediate vicinity.
Do free apps offer less than the paid ones?
No, they can often be compared to paid ones in terms of functionality and user-friendliness or are even better. But be careful with free apps that are overloaded with advertising and only reveal their added value when you are asked to pay for overpriced additional purchases.
What should we look out for in health apps?
Such apps have a direct influence on the user. They should therefore be discussed with a competent person beforehand. Health apps are mostly based on benchmarks. Therefore they cannot replace the analysis of the individual physical constitution – and certainly not a doctor.
