The Benefits and Cons of Health-Tracking Apps

As technological advancements continue to emerge, the ways in which we live our lives on a daily basis are constantly altered. This is especially the case when it comes to health-tracking apps or, put simply, apps that allow us to monitor our health by inputting data. If you have used a health-tracking app in the past or have only considered it, continue reading to familiarise yourself with the various benefits and cons of doing so.

They are convenient 

If you have dabbled in health-tracking apps in the past, you will be aware of how convenient they can be. If you own a smartphone or smart device, the number of steps you took or number of calories consumed can be tracked and inputted automatically within a matter of seconds. This can allow you to monitor your general health and wellbeing on an ongoing basis with little manual intervention on your part. 

They can improve your health

If you are looking to improve your health but don’t know where to start, health-tracking apps can provide you with a comprehensive outlook of your diet and exercise routine and allow you to make any changes as necessary going forward. If you are suffering from poor dental health from eating too many sweets, for example, a health-tracking app can help you get to the root of the problem with an Oakville dentist, or dentist in your local area, able to fix the shape, colour, size, and alignment of your smile through cosmetic dentistry.

They can risk data privacy 

If you have yet to download a health-tracking app, it may benefit you to know that they can also risk data privacy. This is the case for any app that requires you to enter sensitive information but especially when it comes to health-tracking apps where your name, details, body measurements, medical records, contact information, and sometimes even images are readily available. If you are still interested in downloading a health-tracking app, you must read the privacy policy and exercise caution.

They can lack regulation and approval

In recent years, it has been brought to light that a number of health-tracking apps lack regulation and approval from relevant bodies. In order to provide expert medical advice and guidance to everyday consumers, this information must be backed up or, at the very least, medically proven. This highlights an urgent need for greater regulation and approval when it comes to health-tracking apps that currently exist or are in the developing stage. If you are unsure, you must do your research before making a final decision. 

If you are committed to prioritising your health and living a healthy lifestyle, you may have heard of health-tracking apps. If you have nothing but good things to say about them, you may agree that they are convenient and can improve your health. If you are wary of them, on the other hand, you may believe they can also risk data privacy and lack regulation and approval.