Community Voices for Health

By: Janice Johnson-Plumer

It seems like everyone has a smartphone. I can’t get enough of the latest gadgets and apps. But what is so smart about it? Do you really utilize your smartphone the way you should?

I am always on the go as I am sure as most mothers are. Here are some of my favorite apps that assist me in my crazy hectic world:

DD-Dunkin Donuts:  I love this app! Once you download the app you can receive offers that come right to your phone. I have an offer for $12.99 for 2 lbs. of coffee. I also am due for that .99 latte!

Simple Tip:  I love going out to eat. With this app, I don’t have to be a math whiz to figure out the tip. I just plug in the bill and voilà! The amount of the tip is calculated for you. While some people are stuck there adding up numbers, I am out the door on my way to Dunkin Donuts to pick up my coffee.

Discover, AMEX: With so much to do and so little time, who can remember to pay a bill the old fashioned way? I love the fact I can click and my payment is made in seconds!

Twitter and Facebook: These are must-have’s. I post on Facebook every now and then, but if I really want to know what’s going on, I check Twitter. You can just take a quick glance and see what everyone is talking about, from Miley Cyrus acting crazy at the MTV VMA awards to what’s going on in Syria.

CNET: If I am looking to get a new gadget (a habit that my husband just doesn’t understand), I always check out CNET for the latest reviews of new products. YouTube is also a great source if you want to know what “everyday” people have to say.

Pages: As a realtor, I love to create crisp and unique flyers to post. This app allows you to take photos from your iPhone and insert them right into templates for flyers. It makes your flyer look effortless and quite professional. I can print them right from my iPad or email PDF’s or Word documents to my distribution list.

Groupon: If you’re like me and you like to try new things but are afraid you will not like it, Groupon is the way to go. I have used Groupon when my son is home on school vacation and I can take up to six kids bowling at Westgate Lanes for $45.00! My husband and I can go to McMenamy’s in Brockton and pay $15.00 for $30.00 worth of food. It’s a nice way to have a good time without breaking the bank.

Right now I am on an exercise kick. Here are a couple of apps that offer motivation and new ideas:

7 min workout: Raise your hand if you have a gym membership and never go? That would be me. This app has exercises that can be done in 7 minutes and let me tell you something you will feel it!  You can pause it if you need to catch your breath.

SparkPeople: In the beginning this app was free. Now you have to pay 3.99, but it is well worth it. You record the food you ate for the day plus any exercises you have done and your target weight. It also includes a recipe finder, so you can look up healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas that take only minutes to prepare.

WebMD: Is there a doctor in the house? Want to diagnose something quickly? This app features a symptom checker if you need to get an idea of what you may have. It also features first aid information and popular treatments.  However, you should contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

What are some your favorite apps that get you through your world? Let me know. I love gadgets and anything tech-y, and I would love to hear from you!