iOS 746: Managing Health & Illness - Visible, Plume Labs, Pedometer++
Digest
This podcast episode focuses on leveraging iOS devices and apps for better health management. It begins by introducing the Apple Health app's robust symptom tracking features, including its extensive symptom list and integration with the Apple Watch ECG app. The episode then explores the Peak app and its widget functionality for displaying key fitness metrics on the iPhone home screen. Next, it discusses apps like My Pollen Forecast Pro (for allergy tracking) and Plume Labs (for air quality monitoring), highlighting their importance in understanding environmental health factors. The podcast also features Pedometer++ and Sleep++, emphasizing their integration with Apple Health and optional subscription features. For managing long-term illnesses, the Visible app is introduced, showcasing its use of a Polar arm band for activity and energy level tracking. The episode concludes by addressing user feedback on iOS volume control issues and demonstrating a shortcut for automating symptom logging in the Health app.
Outlines
Managing Health and Illness with iOS Apps
This episode introduces various iOS apps and features designed to help users manage their health and illness, from symptom tracking to long-term condition management and environmental monitoring. It also addresses user feedback and provides automation tips.
Symptom Tracking and Fitness Monitoring
Details the Apple Health app's symptom tracking capabilities, including data logging and Apple Watch integration, and introduces the Peak app for fitness metric tracking via widgets.
Allergy, Air Quality, and Activity Tracking
Covers apps for monitoring pollen counts (My Pollen Forecast Pro), air quality (Plume Labs), and activity levels (Pedometer++, Sleep++), emphasizing their integration with Apple Health.
Long-Term Illness Management and iOS Tips
Introduces the Visible app for managing long-term illnesses, focusing on its activity tracking and energy management features. Also addresses user feedback on iOS volume control issues and provides shortcut solutions for symptom logging.
Keywords
iOS Health App
Apple's built-in health and fitness tracking app; allows users to log various health data, including symptoms, activity, sleep, and more. Integrates with Apple Watch.
Symptom Tracking Apps
Mobile applications designed to help users monitor and record their symptoms, aiding in self-management of health conditions and providing data for medical professionals.
Air Quality Monitoring Apps
Apps that provide real-time and forecast data on air quality, including pollen counts and pollution levels, helping users make informed decisions about outdoor activities and allergy management.
Health Data Visualization
Techniques and tools used to represent health data in a clear and understandable way, facilitating better understanding of health trends and patterns.
Invisible Illness Management
Strategies and tools for managing chronic conditions with fluctuating symptoms that are not easily visible. Apps and trackers can help monitor energy levels and activity.
Apple Watch Integration
The ability of iOS apps to connect and share data with the Apple Watch, enhancing functionality and providing more comprehensive health tracking capabilities.
Peak App
Fitness and health app with widget functionality for displaying key metrics on the iPhone home screen.
My Pollen Forecast Pro
App for tracking pollen counts and allergy forecasts.
Plume Labs
App for monitoring overall air quality.
Visible App
App designed for managing long-term illnesses by tracking activity and energy levels.
Q&A
How can I effectively track my symptoms on my iPhone?
Use the built-in Health app or create a simple shortcut to streamline the process. Third-party apps offer additional features.
What apps can help manage allergies and air quality concerns?
My Pollen Forecast Pro and Plume Labs provide pollen counts and broader air quality information.
Are there apps to help manage long-term or invisible illnesses?
Yes, Visible helps manage fluctuating energy levels and activity in individuals with long-term conditions.
How can I improve the accessibility of symptom logging on my iOS device?
Create a custom shortcut with a menu of common symptoms for quick and easy logging.
What are some ways to address the separate volume controls for Siri/navigation and media in iOS and CarPlay?
Be mindful of accidentally adjusting the wrong volume; some car systems have separate controls; use Siri to adjust volume during playback; shortcuts can help manage volumes.
Show Notes
Struggling with allergies, symptoms, or invisible illnesses? Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a range of iOS apps and features designed to help you track your health, monitor symptoms, and manage illness right from your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Built-in Health app features - Apple has added an extensive list of symptoms you can track directly in the Health app, from abdominal cramps to sore throat, allowing users to log severity and duration.
- Peak app - A widget-focused app that displays your health metrics on your home screen, with options to track heart rate, blood oxygen, time in daylight, and other metrics related to health conditions.
- My Pollen Forecast Pro - A $4.99 app that shows local pollen counts with color-coded indicators and forecasts, plus a diary feature to help correlate symptoms with specific pollens.
- Plume Labs - Free air quality tracking app that provides localized air quality index measurements, pollution maps, and recommendations for outdoor activities based on current conditions.
- Pedometer++ and Sleep++ - This pair of David Smith apps track your steps and sleep patterns, with badges for achievements and integration with Apple Health data to monitor trends and potential health indicators.
- Visible - A subscription service using a Polar armband to track heart rate and daily exertion, designed for people with long COVID or invisible illnesses, providing "pace points" to help manage energy throughout the day.
Feedback
- Separate volume controls - Robert shared a tip about iOS having separate volume channels for Siri/navigation and media, explaining how to adjust the Siri volume by asking Siri to read a message and then changing the volume while it's speaking.
Shortcuts Corner
- Symptom logging shortcut - Rosemary created a simple one-action shortcut to log health symptoms directly from your home screen, using the "Log Health Sample" action with customizable options for tracking different symptoms.
Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard
Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.
Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today
Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
Table of contents
United States
