A great combination: health management apps & health management classes

Smart phone Apps have become the latest trend for Health management and weight loss firms to reach the public. As many of us are ‘addicted’ to our phones, it only makes sense to provide advice, information and tools for improving personal health via this platform.

Being able to manage your own health via smartphone apps was originally a key selling point but if the apps aren’t built properly, they may become the service provider’s downfall. Many health management apps are seen not to provide enough scientific information to help users understand the need for change, or enough quantifiable support to aid real behavioral changes.

One study showed that combined with twice monthly health management classes, a health management app can assist two thirds of ‘weight watchers’ lose an average of 15 pounds and maintain this loss for a year. However those that attended the classes but did not use the app, lost nothing.

Apps attached to real world or ‘real time’ help are seen as the most useful by health practitioners. Some apps allow your exercise logs to be reviewed by practitioners who then send you advice and encouragement. Some are based on proven public health guidelines that help to maintain motivation and are seen as reliable evidence of the effectiveness of the achieved changes.

Health management classes can take also place in the workplace as part of an overarching wellbeing plan or as a stand-alone programme. Many topics can be covered such as smoking cessation, weight loss, daily health management and even exercise advice: C3 has published a guide on the types of health management plans than can be run and how to achieve success.

In addition, depending on the type of workplace scheme, CNCA health provide the 21 best online tools and apps to help manage your health that can help make the scheme a success.