The built-in Health App of Apple seems very basic at first glance, but it hides plenty of data and cutting-edge features. The app is the user-visible face of HealthKit, which realizes the company’s endeavor to place all users health information in a single location. Let’s take a look at how to effectively use this wellness application.
The Dashboard
Launch Apple’s Health app and you will promptly be directed to the Dashboard. If you’re using an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, the smartphone’s built-in, low-power step tracking alarm will instantaneously fill this data with specifics of your physical activity. The sensor keeps track of the steps you make, the distance you take (walking and running), and the flights of stairs you climb.
Once the data is entered, you can see how active you had been over the last day, week, month, or year. You may also use the Health app as an instant tracker to measure how much you’ve walked or run. This means you don’t need a separate pedometer or step-tracking gadget anymore.
The Medical ID
As the name implies, the Medical ID tab enables you to create your Medical ID. This is the data that can be shown on your lock screen without having to unlock your smartphone. The objective of the ID is so you can input your health information that can be useful in times of a medical emergency. These include health concerns, allergies, blood type, organ donor position, emergency contacts, and more. These critical data can be accessed from your iPhones lock screen during an urgent health situation.
This is somewhat the digital version of a medical ID wristband. However, it relies on someone examining your iPhone during an emergency. For people who are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of an iPhone, finding the Medical ID can be tricky. If you’re unable to use your phone during an emergency, someone must tap the phone’s Emergency button on the lock screen to launch the emergency dialer. From there, the Medical ID can be accessed. Experts who sell electronics believe that if more iPhone owners use the Medical ID, perhaps it will be frequently reviewed in the future.
The Health Data
The Health Data tab is a substantial list of various kinds of health information. This is a directory of all the different types of data Apples HealthKit program can record and monitor. This program enables third-party health-tracking devices and applications to share their medical data with Apples Health app and obtain the information you’ve stored as long as permission is given.
The Health app is said to be a big vault where your entire medical data and health information are kept. If you have other apps or gadgets that incorporate with HealthKit, they can instantly input datato the various types of Health Data. For instance, the Apple Watch includes a fitness-tracking feature that integrates with the HealthKit.
Even with its valuable features, the Health app remains to be one of Apples overlooked apps. Experts hope this will change soon.
Cesar is a Product Manager at Gadget Salvation, a leader in the refurbished electronics industry. An avid technology enthusiast, he’s always on top of the latest tech trends and applies that knowledge to drive product innovation.
