Over 1,000 health apps available to support well-being this winter
Gone are the days when your grannie spooned a tablespoon of cod liver oil down your throat as the be-all and end-all of health issues.
Technology has moved on and now today the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is encouraging people to use the Health and Social Care (HSC) App Library this Festive period.
There are over 1,000 HSC endorsed apps that can provide trusted information and guidance across various areas, including mental health, healthy ageing, general well-being and how to stay well this winter.
The apps can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet and accessed anywhere, at any time.
The Health Minister said: “It is really important that we all look after ourselves and each other over the holiday period.
“Winter can be a difficult time and can present additional challenges in managing health conditions, particularly those affected by the cold weather, loneliness and stress.
“I encourage everyone to go to the HSC App library, where there are a wide range of safe and trusted apps, for both adults and children, which can help to support the management of a variety of conditions.
“This winter, HSC services are under severe additional pressure. You can play your part and take small steps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
“The HSC approved apps are a great way to look after yourself, there really is something for everyone.”
Dr Paul Rice, Chief Digital Information Officer in the Department of Health, said: “Digital tools give people information at their fingertips, helping them understand their conditions better, which can help them take greater control of their health and take steps to find tailored solutions and practice preventative habits.
“The HSC Apps library is a great resource for the public with a wide selection of trusted apps providing information and tips to help manage their health.
“Whether it’s coping with additional stress during the festive season, motional apps to encourage us to keep active during the colder months, or tips to help stop smoking, you can be assured an app from the apps library will provide good quality, easy to understand information at your fingertips.”
The HSC App library is managed by Digital Health and Care Northern Ireland (DHCNI) in partnership with ORCHA (Organisation for Review of Care and Health Apps).
The library provides a single source of health apps which are continuously assessed by ORCHA against standards and regulations in clinical and professional assurance, data and privacy and usability and accessibility.
They are available to download 24 hours a day across 365 days of the year.
You can search for key terms here:
apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/en-GB
or browse through all of the apps here:
dhcni.hscni.net/hsc-apps-library/
LIFELINE, Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The number is 0808 808 8000.
