Maintaining wellness during the “stay at home” in the times of COVID-19 has been a challenge for all of us in general but more specifically for the aging population. It can be hard to remember to take your pills throughout the day or notice patterns in your overall health and wellness, especially if you live alone.

 Wouldn’t it be handy if someone or something would track your health? Technology can help you maintain your health and well-being, and health tracking apps on your smartphone make it easy to monitor your health.

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So what is an app?

You might have heard the expression “there is an app for that.” An app, also referred to as a mobile app, is a software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. It’s a tool, a piece of software that helps you with a specific function, such as taking a picture, speaking with family over Internet, watching movies and much, much more, so that there are now millions of apps available.

Some are free and some are paid, and you need to download them to your mobile phone from specific “app stores” such as the App Store -in the case of iPhones- or Google Play if you have an Android phone, a different operation system that is used by brands like Samsung, LG, Nokia and others.

There is a myriad of apps for health and wellness in the market and most companies now have a version of an app for their websites that is a “simpler” version of your computer desktop application. You will find some functions on your app but not all you might need if you are looking for some specific information. So keep this in mind!

The best technology for your health

Have you decided to get a new phone? Phone are now “smartphones” because they are more than just phones but devices that can help us with a number of useful activities. You want a phone within budget that still has all the features you need to get the best functionality from your new technology. The iPhone 11 is a dynamic phone with enough power to run health-tracking apps. If you love Android technology, the Samsung Galaxy S10 has a long battery life, Gorilla Glass for the best protection, and a speedy processor that will run all your apps with ease.

Reviewing your medicare coverage

During the quarantine, it has become more difficult to stay active and keep up with our exercises or health routines. Maybe we used to walk with a friend or go to yoga at the gym. Women have some special health concerns, such as a higher risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis, which are important to keep in mind in times of COVID-19.

Latina women face even more challenges when it comes to maintaining health and wellness. Linguistic and cultural barriers can prevent Latina women, or other minority women, from accessing health care, and finances often stand in the way of getting the best health insurance. That is why learning to use technology is so important to keep up with your health.

Think carefully about your current healthcare needs and determine if your current coverage is adequate. If you’ve been taking more medications than last year or are worried about your heart health, you may need more comprehensive coverage. Technology can help you find the information you need to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. Use your smartphone to learn about Medicare Advantage plans and get all the answers you need from the comfort of your living room.

Carefully research Medicare Coverage on your smartphone, and read the Medicare site in your language to find the plan that will help you maintain your health. Investing in health coverage will save you money, and you’ll access the services you need as soon as you need them, leading to better health and wellness.

Changing your coverage

Once you’ve decided on the changes you want to make to your coverage, you’ll need to prepare for the switch. This can be a complicated process, but with a little research, you’ll know what to do. Start by learning more about the different types of Medicare Advantage plans that are available in your area, and find the best service provider in your city.

Next, gather your recent medical bills to show your current medical spending, write a list of all your current medications, and jot down the names of all the doctors and specialists that you see. Although enrollment period is over, if you circumstances changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should check your coverage. 

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Maintaining wellness with technology

Once you’re switched your coverage plan, you can work toward maintaining your health and wellness in a whole new way. Did you know that health-tracking apps on your smartphone can monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, sleeping patterns, and activity levels?

If you need to upgrade your current phone to run a health-tracking app, look for a newer device that can fit your current phone and data plan, and won’t break the bank. Check when your phone plan expires, and consider switching providers for better rates. Look for providers that offer a discount on the purchase of a new Android phone, or have promotions on unlimited plans.

Technology can help you maintain your health, and you can use your smartphone to research health coverage, connect with a provider, and even track your medication, health and wellness activity through apps.