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Science Scoop
Never
a
Miss
Dose:
Medication Apps
M
obile phones, especially smartphones, are doing
more than what they were intended to do.
Thanks to all the apps that developers around
the world are busy making to simplify the lives. These
mobile apps come in all shapes and sizes and do a myriad
of things for smartphone users. While gaming, social media,
and retail apps continue to rule the charts, health apps are
surely catching up. With people becoming more health
conscious than ever, these apps are also making their mark.
Good health is attributed to many factors. One needs to
have a proper diet, exercise, routine checkups, and the likes.
What most people tend to neglect intentionally or
unintentionally is the medication routine. Medicines, be it a
lifesaving drug or just a vitamin pill, is also essential for
good health. Unfortunately, most people tend to forget
taking their pills on time. Some blame it on their schedule,
some don’t find the time, some are too busy to remember,
and some, like the elderly, just forget to take it. According
to a report published in Annals of Internal Medicine,
September 2012, America loses $100 – $289 billion in a
year due to medication non-adherence. The situation is
graver in case of chronic illnesses. Treatment of such
disease requires long-term use of medicines. But patients
are seen not adhering to it due to various reasons. A study
from Mayo Clinic states “approximately 50% of patients do
not take their medications as prescribed.” This amounts to
not only monetary loss but also health issues. Some patients
end up in emergency rooms because they did take
medicines on time. Even small issues turn into serious ones
if not treated properly. Doctors have long been advising
people to take their medicines as prescribed. But the results
just don’t match up.
Keeping a digital eye on health
Mobile apps are now being used to fight this underrated
health concern. A huge population of these patients uses
smartphones. Mobile apps are now being recommended by
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