It’s well into 2020 and a New
Year’s Resolution was to focus on
healthy living, so it’s time to get
some serious assistance – in
Android form!
The range of health advice,
websites and apps available is
huge (and we’re starting to dive
into that with new Help section
this issue!), and that is part of the
problem. Who has time to
investigate and evaluate all of the
possibilities? Fortunately, we
decided it was worth the slog and
tested a large number of different
options - so you don’t have to.
Android has some health related
aspects built in, but we are mainly
relying on third party apps in this
space. We split the search into
different health-related
categories, and attempted to find
at least one top-performing app
for each category.
But first, devices that shipped
with Android 9 or 10 generally
include software to help you
manage your device usage and
screen time:
BLUE LIGHT
Light from electronic screens
tends to have a blue tinge, and can
disrupt your sleep if viewed before
bed. Check your device’s Display
settings and you will find a Night
Light or Night Mode, and maybe a
Blue Light Filter. Switch them on
to have warmer hues from your
screen if you use it at night.
DIGITAL WELLBEING
Digital Wellbeing is a new feature
in Android 9 and 10, and it is
changing how people use their
devices. Essentially, Digital
Wellbeing tracks and analyses
your device usage then provides
you with information and options
related to it. The idea is to improve
the balance between your digital
and real world time and activity.
Check your device to see if it is
already installed – and explore
the options.DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR
EARLIER VERSIONS OF
ANDROID
Want to monitor your Digital
Wellbeing but don’t have one of
the latest Android 9 or 10 devices?
Fortunately, there are third party
apps such as ActionDash or
Screen Time – which are
designed to provide similar
functionality on any device
running Android 5.0 or later. You
can download them for free from
the Google Play Store.
The free version of ActionDash
covers most functions and only
seems to have ads suggesting you
upgrade to the paid version,
which costs $5.99, while Screen
Time is free and does not run ads.Firstaidapps
There are many apps offering
first aid information and
resources, but quality is variable,
plus many are country-specific.
From the Google Play Store,
we liked:FIRST AID-AUSTRALIAN
RED CROSS
The Australian Red Cross app
includes extensive information as
well as guides for emergency
situations. It is easy to navigate and
use, includes a learning module,
and is a great addition to every
smartphone – this app could save
lives. It is free and does not run ads,
so we suggest heading for the Play
Store and getting yours.FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY
TECHNIQUES
If you would like a veritable library
of emergency situation information
on your device this app delivers.
Only problem is that the ads are
intrusive and annoying.Exercise
Now we are ready to get some
exercise, but how to plan and
track it?STEP TRACKER - PEDOMETER
FREE & CALORIE TRACKER
This minimalist step counter app is
very easy to use. Simply install, set
your personal profile and
preferences, leave your phone in
your pocket and it will automaticallyHow to boost your
health and fitness with Android
Dr Android will see you now.
H E LP STATION
AndroidABOVE:An
ActionDash
digital wellbeing
screen.
MIDDLE:The
Australian Red
Cross First Aid
app is a
must-have.
ABOVE RIGHT:
Step Tracker
tracks your
physical activity
in the
background, so
easy.Many health and
fitness apps can
connect to smart
devices and
wearables.