In the ever-evolving world of digital technology, new tools to track and map our health appear on a daily basis. But how many of these apps are designed to improve the health and wellness of kids?
A recent talk at HIMSS 2015, Using Technology to Enhance Pediatric Care in Rural Areas, several kid-centered healthcare apps were mentioned. And First Lady Michelle Obama’s Apps for Healthy Kids recently awarded over $60,000 to winning apps designed to help kids eat healthy and increase their activity.
So, what apps out there encourage kids to be healthy? We decided to do a little research of our own and here’s what we found. What are your favorite health apps designed for kids?
Caillou Check Up - Doctor’s Office
Learn about the human body by going to the doctor’s office with Caillou. Supported in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish and German, this app features 11 mini games designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. This Budge Studios app covers the basics of a complete well visits, players learn about eye tests, reflex checks, and even shots. (Available on iTunes or Google Play)
Managing Type 1 Diabetes: A guide for kids and their families
This educational app by Nearpod LLC uses interactive screens to help children and their families learn about Type 1 diabetes. Following the story of 8-year-old Max, children learn strategies to monitor and manage their condition. (Available on iTunes)
My First Yoga - Animal Poses For Kids
Developed by Atom Group, My First Yoga - Animal Poses for Kids uses narration and illustration to guide children verbally and visually through basic yoga poses. Focusing on strength, balance and flexibility, the poses in this app are designed accessible at any age or level. (Available on iTunes)
NFL PLAY 60
Created by the American Heart Association and the National Football League, game-based PLAY 60 helps players get 60 minutes of activity in and uses coins, power-ups and other traditional game-based motivators to encourage play. Movement-based sensors in the phone or device mirror the player’s activity, moving the character onscreen through challenges (games and apps on nflrush.com/play60/)
Eat & Move-O-Matic
With both English and Spanish language support, Eat & Move-O-Matic is designed to help children ages 9-11 understand the relationship between food and activity. Developed by the Learning Games Lab at New Mexico State University, the game visually compares the calories in different foods to the number of minutes it takes to burn those calories. Includes 80 foods and 35 different activities. (Available on iTunes)
Happy Teeth, Healthy Kids - Tooth Brushing Fun
This TabTale app was developed with help from certified pediatric dentists. Role-playing activities teach kids to brush their teeth and learn about snacks that support dental health. Players also get to meet the game’s tooth fairy and learn about visits to the dentist. (Available on iTunes)
