References:

• https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/what-personal-health-record
• www.betterhelp.com/- Help with overcoming depression, talking to a therapist.
• www.intherooms.org/- Online alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous support group meetings and online streaming.
• www.supportgroupproject.org/- Online support for parents of teenager using drugs or alcohol.
• www.mentalhealthamerica.net- Online support for mental health issues needing counseling or treatment as well as support.
• https://www.dailystrength.org/- Help with positive thinking, and support while battling depression. 
• https://adaa.org/supportgroups- Support online for depression and anxiety.
• https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/16-best-health-and-fitness-apps-of-201
•  https://nccih.nih.gov/health/webresources
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/
  
  
  https://www.cdc.gov/
  
  
  https://www.nih.gov/
  
  
  https://medlineplus.gov/
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• 
  

Basic Computer Information

   

Not up-to-date with technology?

Don't worry. Here you will find tips and tricks for using computers and other technology to gain access to medical help and improve your health.

Things you will need to get started:

-Get a computer or other device such as a smart phone, ipad, tablet, or laptop. 

-You must have the internet. There are public places that offer WiFi (a wireless internet) that can be accessed through your device, or if you want to always have access to the internet at home, you will need to set up internet support with an Internet Service Provider in your area. Examples of providers would be: Century Link, Broadband, or Veractiy.

-You will need a modem and router to gain access using an Internet Service Provider. These devices help to stream the internet from the original source. This will be an additional cost to the internet and will be installed, usually requiring an installation fee.

Now that you are set up, get ready to access all your health questions and needs! 

• Use web browsers to search for specific health questions, concerns, or needs.

• Type key words, website addresses, or questions into the search bar and hit enter, you will get many options for helpful information. 

• Don't forget to refer back to the credible websites offered in this blog for helpful information and guidance.

• Remember to be careful and protect your personal health information and financial information when using technology. 

• Keep in mind that the information you give is stored somewhere and is never deleted. Use caution and always stop and think before typing personal identifying information.

• Use "the cloud" to as a virtual storage device that can be accessed through multiple other technology and devices. 

Personal Health Records

A personal health record is an electronic application used by patients to maintain and manage their health information in a private, secure, and confidential environment. 

                         Personal Health Records are:                         

    ~Are managed by patients

• ~Can include information from a variety of sources, including health care providers and patients themselves.
• ~Can help patients securely and confidentially store and monitor health information, such as diet plans or data from home monitoring systems, as well as patient contact information, diagnosis lists, medication lists, allergy lists, immunization histories, and much more.
• ~Are separate from, and do not replace, the legal record of any health care provider
• Are distinct from portals that simply allow patients to view provider information or communicate with providers.
• Great uses for personal health records:
• *Keep an updated medication list on hand
• * Input daily vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, temperature) to maintain easy access for monitoring trends.
• * Keep record of diet and report changes based on food/drink intake.
• *Track activity. 
• *Keep a copy of your advanced directive, living will, or other wishes in case of an emergency.

*Stay organized and have a list of all healthcare providers with their contact information.

*Keep important results in one place, including labs (blood test), X-rays, and other tests to make communication with providers at appointments easier.

•  
• If used properly personal health records help patients manage their health information and become full partners in the quest for good health! 
• 
• Use caution when using personal health records. Make sure the application being used is safe and secure, and that confidentiality and privacy concerns are protected! 
• 
  
• https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/what-personal-health-record

Virtual Support Groups

How to gain support online

Do you wish you had somewhere to turn for support for your health and wellness?

There are many options for online support. Caution is suggested when providing private, or identifying information through internet resources.

There is help available online for almost any type of health concern out there. When joining a support group, be aware of scams and fakes. Make sure the online source for support is credible. Research the support resource thoroughly for access to privacy and confidentiality disclosures and protect your financial information. Use online resources for peer support, counseling, tips, gain coping skills, and even uplifting quotes to improve your mood. 

Credible online support resources:

• www.betterhelp.com/- Help with overcoming depression, talking to a therapist.
• www.intherooms.org/- Online alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous support group meetings and online streaming.
• www.supportgroupproject.org/- Online support for parents of teenager using drugs or alcohol.
• www.mentalhealthamerica.net- Online support for mental health issues needing counseling or treatment as well as support.
• https://www.dailystrength.org/- Help with positive thinking, and support while battling depression. 
• https://adaa.org/supportgroups- Support online for depression and anxiety. 

Selecting Health Apps

How to maintain security and confidentiality using health apps 

Health apps increase motivation for healthy living by tracking information about diet, activity, vital signs and so much more and let the app user view and analyze the data at a later date.

Keeping information secure and private is important for safety. Make sure the app allows for these provisions. Before using the application, activate the privacy settings and security and become familiar with what your new app offers to keep you safe. Be aware of risks of publicly posting running routes, locations, favorite restaurants or workout sites. 

Using mobile apps for health and fitness makes it easy to connect with others, but always remember there are risks to sharing information!  

According to a RECENT STUDY, participants who used fitness apps were much more active compared to nonusers and even had a lower body mass index.

Apps can help people overcome barriers like a lack of understanding or organization, which leads to better exercise habits. Over time, these improved habits can mean big changes.

Here are a list of the top 16 fitness and health apps available:

* Couch to 5k                                        * Myfitnesspal              * ACTIVEx                                            * Sworkit

* Charity Miles                                     * Pear Personal Coach

* Strava                                                  * Fit Radio

* MapMyRun                                        * Lose It

* Cycle Cast                                           * RunKeeper

* Fit Star Personal Trainer                  * Pocket Yoga

* Dietbet                                                 * Calm

https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/16-best-health-and-fitness-apps-of-2017

Quality Health Websites

Basic criteria for selecting accurate and up-to-date websites

All websites are not created equal. Keep in mind that websites need to meet certain criteria for good quality.

Tips to consider for website quality:

• Look for credentials. Who is responsible for the information posted? 
• Has the website been certified or accredited or is it just opinion-based?
• Is the website trying to sell you something?
• Is the website up to date?
• Is the content of the website providing the purpose that it says it will provide?
• How is the content reviewed for accuracy?
• Is there bias and only one side being represented on the website?
• Is there a privacy policy?

Credible websites for easy access to health questions

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.nih.gov/

https://medlineplus.gov/

Reference: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/webresources