Healthful App of the Month - March 2010

Alzheimer’s Cards

Hats off to Dan Koffman, the author of Alzheimer’s Cards, to be the first to bring to the iPhone/iPad a proven resource to elicit memories, engagement and conversation for persons with dementia.  If you know someone with mid or late-stage Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Cards will help “spark life, recognition and memories in them.”  Alzheimer’s Cards is based on his book series, “Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors.”

In a web site video, Dan Koffman observes “while brilliant researchers are hard at work searching for cures, “Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors” books are here right now to create new times to treasure and help take full advantage of every precious moment between caregivers and their special seniors.”

By migrating this highly-acclaimed book series to the iPhone/iPad, Dan sets the pace for the rest of the Alzheimer’s community to not only migrate their existing books and training materials, but also to leverage this powerful platform to create new approaches that improve the quality of life for those with dementia and their caregivers.

Imagine an easily-accessed anywhere, anytime multimedia library of how-to guides and best practice training for families and professionals. It won’t be long before the Alzheimer’s community, which is so focused on improving the caregiver experience, embraces this emerging standard.   Alzheimer’s Cards is a pivotal first step in that direction.

Healthful App of the Month  - April, 2010

Panic and Anxiety Sufferers Benefit from Psychiatrist-Designed iPhone App

The Panic Control iPhone app takes a unique approach to help those who experience sudden and severe anxiety attacks.  A panic attack can happen anywhere, anytime, and Panic Control builds on the iPhone’s constant presence allowing immediate app access to its tailored routines. 

Dr. Laurie Richer, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine has many years of experience treating clients with panic attacks and other anxiety disorders.  “My goal in co-creating Panic Control,” says Dr. Richer, “is to provide, with the touch of a screen, immediate access to relaxation and cognitive-behavioral techniques proven to help reduce the symptoms of a panic attack.”

The intense fear or discomfort of a panic attack, can reach a peak in only 10 minutes.  Dr. Richer states, “The attack is always accompanied by physical symptoms caused by sympathetic nervous system hyper-arousal such as tremors, chest discomfort, sweating, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or nausea as well as irrational thoughts such as fear of imminent death or loss of control.”

“The Panic Control App,” explains Dr. Richer, “serves to immediately remind sufferers of the medical and psychiatric facts about panic attacks and help alleviate some of their worst fears. It then provides guided instructions on how to relax (decrease heart rate and other physiological responses) and reframe thoughts via psychologically insightful mantras. The app also provides the option to immediately view soothing images or listen to relaxing music, sounds or therapeutic mantras.”

This clever connection leveraging one psychiatrist’s therapeutic approach with the “always available” iPhone, gives individuals with panic disorders instant access to a proven and timely therapeutic resource.

Medical professionals are increasingly looking to the iPhone platform to creatively leverage their expertise to improve the health and well-being of the general population.  Panic Control is a solid early step in that direction.

Healthful App of the Month - June 2010

Oprah Mobile

You know the iPhone is hitting its stride when the best of Oprah is put in the palm of your hand 24/7.   Although Oprah (and her app) covers many subjects, our interest is her focus on health and well-being.

Some of the best minds tackle topics that “hit the spot” of most anyone’s interest often touching one’s soul and lifting one’s spirits.

Spirit, Health, and Relationships videos are offered under the “Teachable Moments” banner.   “Expert Minutes” give us a selection of topics covered by Oprah’s regulars, Dr. Mehmet Oz and Bob Greene.

What’s special is having these “experts” there on your iphone ready to inspire on your time frame, wherever you are.   Yes, this gives Oprah an anywhere, anytime impact, but what’s so bad about that.  Videos are quick, less than three minutes.

As good as it is, it’s only a start.  Hopefully, Oprah will build this into a more comprehensive resource.  There are not many places we can turn nowadays for instant inspiration, and Oprah Mobile gives us that option.

Healthful App of the Month - February 2010

Elder411

Each month we will select one app that will change the face of health in some significant respect.  This month we recognize Elder411 for its uniqueness and its potential value for caregivers.

Just because we have access to unlimited information, does not necessarily mean we are able to obtain just the right information when we need to make critical decisions about our aging relatives.  As family members age, they face situations that can be challenging both to themselves and to their loved ones.  Geriatric Care Managers are specialists in guiding families through the physical, emotional and psychological conditions that need to be addressed.  By the time we identify who the "right" professional is who can help, we might think, if I only had this help sooner.  Geriatric Care Managers possess a great deal of knowledge that can be helpful.

One such veteran Geriatric Care Manager is sharing her expertise in an iPhone app, Elder411.  This app encapsulates 500 pieces of advice in a well-organized, succinct, multimedia fashion.  It is a must-have for those with aging relatives.