Health Apps

Written by Christopher Davies

1 - Nike+ GPS

A must-have app for all fitness enthusiasts - Nike+ GPS for the Apple iPhone maps your runs, enables you to track your progress and get the motivation you need to go even further. Nike+ GPS records pace, distance and run route using the iPhone's GPS and accelerometer technology so the runner can document progress over time and constantly create new goals. This truly interactive app enables the user to celebrate their best runs with fun, motivational messages from Nike's top athletes as well as hearing mid-run cheers every time a friend likes or comments on your status. Each run can be sent to Nikeplus.com where you can communicate with friends, join challenges, set goals or connect with a wider Nike+ community. Activate personalised PowerSongs and broadcast your accomplishments to the world via Facebook and Twitter.

Platform: iPhone

Price: £1.19

Website: http://www.nike.com

 2 - Medscape

Medscape is the fastest and most comprehensive app for healthcare professionals on the market. A drug reference function can search prescription and safety information for over 8,000 different drugs and supplements. Other features include drug interaction checker, disease and condition reference, procedures and protocols and speciality-focused medical news.

Platform: iPhone and iPod, iPad, Blackberry, Android

Price: Free

Website: http://www.medscape.com/public/mobileapp

3 - Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia includes 50,000 pages of regularly updated medically reviewed information. Available in both English and Spanish, pages are organised according to symptoms, injury, disease, surgery, nutrition, special topics, poison, tests and a YouTube category. Users also have the ability to ask questions directly to physicians on specialised topics.

Platform: iPhone and iPod

Price: Free

Website: http://www.umm.edu/iphone/

4 - Sleep Cycle alarm clock

Sleep Cycle alarm clock analyses sleep patterns and wakes the user up in their lightest sleep phase during an optimal 30 minute window. The app, which monitors movement using the iPhone's sensitive accelerometer, claims the experience is a natural way to wake up where you feel rested and relaxed.

Platform: iPhone and iPod

Price: £0.59

Website: http://mdlabs.se/sleepcycle/index.html

5 - Instant Heart Rate

Instant Heart Rate is one of the most accurate heart rate monitor apps around and doesn't even require any external hardware. Independently tested by healthcare professionals, place your finger gently over the camera and within 10 seconds your current heart rate will be shown on screen.

Platform: iPhone and Android

Price: Free (£0.59 for full version)

Website: http://www.instantheartrate.com/

6 - MedCalc

MedCalc Pro is a medical calculator that gives the user easy access to complicated medical formulas, scores, scales and classifications. The Pro version offers premium features such as native iPad support, a patient database to store results and many ways to export results (email, airprint, and copy to clipboard).

Platform: iPhone, iPod and iPad

Price: £0.59 (Pro Version £2.99)

Website: http://medcalc.medserver.be/

7 - Hearing Check

RNID’s Hearing Check app is a quick, simple and confidential way to check your hearing, without having to consult a doctor or professional. Scientifically verified, all you need is a pair of headphones in order to listen to a series of numbers and then enter them on the screen’s keypad.

Platform: iPhone, iPod and iPad

Price: Free

Website: http://www.rnid.org.uk/

8 - Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal

By setting a daily calorie goal, the user can record their daily food intake and exercise regime in order to lose weight fast. With a database available offline of over 600,000 foods, the user can easily input their data as well as track cardio exercises, connect with friends, customise goals and receive daily nutritional reports.

Platform: iPhone, Android and Blackberry (in progress)

Price: Free

Website: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile

9 - Vision Test

This app is perfect if you need an eye check but don't have time to visit the opticians. Features include a number of vision tests and eye related questions, locates nearest opticians in your area, and provides the user with information on HD TV and other eye related topics.

Platform: iPhone

Price: Free

Website: http://www.3sidedcube.com/

10 - Pedometer™ for FREE

Features include a distance metre measuring steps taken, a sophisticated automated time which is fine-tuned to stop counting steps the second you stop, a super-accurate calorie counter which calculates the amount of calories burned and a simple yet intricate user interface designed specifically for the app.

Platform: iPhone

Price: Free (£0.59 for full version)

Website: http://maxcaapps.com/