Keeping track of medications and medical histories can be quite daunting, especially when you’re managing your own health alongside that of a partner. Take Olaf from Valley Stream, New York. He expresses this common struggle, saying, “I’m 86. I just switched to an iPhone. I have a hard time finding a system to maintain my own and my wife’s medications and medical history. It seems necessary for every wellness visit. Thank you for your simple suggestion.”
Olaf’s experience isn’t unique. Many face similar challenges when it comes to organizing health-related details, particularly when multiple doctors are involved. Fortunately, both iPhone and Android devices come equipped with user-friendly and secure tools to help track prescriptions, send reminders, and hold vital health information.
Using the Built-In Health App
iPhone Health App
For iPhone users, a health app is already available, providing multiple ways to manage critical health information.
Medical ID (Emergency Information Only)
This feature is set up so that first responders and doctors can access vital health information directly from the lock screen when needed. While you can add medication information here, you can’t create reminders within this section. It’s perfect for storing:
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Health conditions
- Emergency contacts
- Doctor’s information
To set up a medical ID:
- Open the Health App (red heart icon).
- Tap your Profile photo in the top right corner.
- Select Medical ID.
- Scroll down to add medications, allergies, emergency contacts, conditions, etc.
- Tap Done in the top right corner.
- Enable Show When Locked so this information is accessible in emergencies.
All added information is encrypted, but you can choose to share it with family or doctors if needed.
iPhone Medication Features
If you want to set reminders for medication and track doses, you can use the dedicated medication feature introduced in iOS 16.
- Open the Health App.
- Tap Browse.
- Select Medications.
- Scroll and tap Add Medication.
- Input details by searching or scanning the pill bottle using the camera.
- Choose medication type and tap Next.
- Input dosage strength and select a unit, then tap Next.
- Set the schedule by specifying when you’ll take the medication.
- Select medication shape and color, and tap Next.
- Review the details and then tap Done.
You’ll now receive notifications reminding you to take your medications and you can log whether you’ve done so by selecting either “taken” or “skipped”.
Android: Samsung Health App
For those using Samsung devices, the Samsung Health app typically comes pre-installed. It serves as a comprehensive tracker for fitness, sleep, and medications without needing additional software.
Setting Up the Samsung Health App
The setup can slightly vary by manufacturer:
- Open the Samsung Health app.
- Tap Let’s get started and allow necessary permissions.
- Select Medications.
- Begin adding by inputting the medication name.
- Specify medication type and strength.
- Choose an icon or upload an image for the medication.
- Set a schedule (daily, weekly, etc.) and click Done.
After setting everything up, you can track potential interactions with other medications and allergens, depending on the settings you choose.
Medication Reminder Apps
If you’re not using a Samsung device, there are third-party apps that can help track medications, such as:
- Medisafe (popular and integrates with Wear OS).
- Neurotherapy (a straightforward reminder app).
1) Medisafe Pill Reminder
This app allows you to add medications, dosages, and schedules while sending you reminders. You can manage medications for multiple family members as well.
2) Neurotherapy
This app also provides a user-friendly interface for tracking medications. You can input necessary details and set reminders.
Smart Pill Dispensers: Alternatives
Some prefer physical solutions, like smart pill dispensers, which automate dose administration, reducing the risk of mistakes. This can be particularly helpful for older adults and provides additional peace of mind for caregivers.
When looking for a smart dispenser, consider features like:
- Built-in reminders
- Dosage tracking
- Notifications for missed doses
While these dispensers tend to cost more than app solutions, they can offer a much-needed layer of safety for those managing multiple prescriptions.
Keeping up with medications doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. With built-in tools and user-friendly apps available on both iPhone and Android, managing your health is just a few taps away. These resources can help relieve stress and maintain consistency during doctor visits. For those needing extra support, smart pill dispensers offer an added sense of security, allowing for a well-organized health management system.
What do you rely on most for medication management? Would you choose your phone’s built-in health app or a dedicated reminder application? Feel free to share your thoughts.
