Did you miss our Virtually Monthly Meetup last week where we shared about tech tips? McKenna Fulton, our Community Program Coordinator has provided a recap.
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, technology plays a key role in empowering individuals to manage their chronic diseases effectively. Recently, the Myasthenia Gravis Association hosted a Virtual Monthly Meeting that explored into the world of smartphone apps and tools designed to assist those living with Myasthenia Gravis. Attendees shared valuable insights on various applications and devices that have become essential allies in their daily health journey.
This is what some shared:
Apple Watch & Phone:
● Tracking Activity: The Apple Watch has sensors to track physical activity, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. This can be particularly useful for individuals with MG to monitor their activity levels and ensure they strike a balance between staying active and avoiding overexertion.
● Walking Speed, Heart Rate, and Balance: The Apple Watch and Phone combo is popular for monitoring walking speed, heart rate, and balance. These features are especially beneficial for individuals with MG, helping them closely monitor their physical well-being.
● Sleep Patterns: Quality sleep is crucial for managing chronic conditions like Myasthenia Gravis. The Apple Watch doesn't just track sleep duration; it provides detailed insights into sleep patterns, helping users make informed decisions about their nightly routines for better overall health.
● Balance & Fall Detection: For those with MG who may experience balance issues, the fall detection feature on the Apple Watch can be a valuable safety tool. If the watch detects a hard fall, it can automatically initiate an emergency call and share the user's location with emergency contacts.
Alexa:
● Alexa's Medication Management Support: Participants emphasized the convenience of Alexa for medication reminders during the discussion. This voice-activated assistant ensures individuals never miss a dose and sends timely reminders to their phones, fostering adherence to treatment plans and improving overall health outcomes.
● Enhancing Home Comfort: Alexa makes life easier for individuals with Myasthenia Gravis by helping them control lights with voice commands. This simple feature reduces strain on muscles affected by MG, offering added convenience and creating a more accessible living space.
MYMG Mobile App:
● Empower Your MG Journey: The MyMG Mobile App is a user-friendly tool for accessing Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) resources and overseeing your MG journey directly from your smartphone. This mobile app empowers patients to monitor and manage their myasthenia symptoms and treatments efficiently. It opens doors for the entire MG community to important MGFA resources, encompassing webinars, brochures, research updates, event details, insightful blog posts, and comprehensive MG assistance and guidance.
Sanvello:
● Nurturing Mental Health Alongside Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia Gravis not only affects the body but also has an impact on mental health. The app Sanvello was recommended for its support in managing mental well-being. From mood tracking to guided meditations, Sanvello provides a holistic approach to health by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition.
YouTube:
● Nutritional Resource: Utilize YouTube as a valuable resource for Myasthenia Gravis-friendly healthy eating tips. From recipes to informative videos, it offers a visual guide for nutritious meals, aiding those with MG in making informed dietary choices for overall well-being.
● MG-Friendly Physical Exercises: Dive into YouTube for many MG-friendly physical exercises. From gentle routines to targeted workouts, the platform provides diverse videos to support MG management in a home-friendly environment.
Integrating smartphone apps and devices into the daily lives of those managing Myasthenia Gravis has proven to be a game-changer. From physical health metrics to mental well-being support, these tools offer a holistic approach to managing the challenges of a chronic condition. As technology advances, the possibilities for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with Myasthenia Gravis through smart solutions are limitless.