Health matters
Discover a range of websites and apps to keep you in good health.
Technology can have great benefits on our health, with small wearable gadgets like FitBit and Apple Watch which can measure our pulse, track the number of steps we take in a day and the distance we've travelled, and lots more.
Websites can also help to keep us healthy. They can connect us with doctors, specialists and therapists via telehealth - a video call which means you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home to make your appointment. They can also provide trusted advice and important health information.
It's important that you always consider who is providing health information online, which is why it's best to stick with government and well-known organisations like the Heart Foundation and Cancer Council.
Here are some of the most helpful and popular health-based websites and apps for you to explore, but remember in an emergency always dial 000.
HealthDirect
HealthDirect is a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice that is free, easy access and available online or over the phone. The program provides 24-hour health advice you can count on, you can use the website or call 1800 022 222.
The website includes a symptom checker, lets you search for your nearest health service and lets you find important health information and advice that you can trust.
Visit www.healthdirect.gov.au
NSW Health
This website from the NSW Government provides important information and advice for the community and businesses, including information about COVID-19 and other important health matters. And initiatives in NSW
Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au
My Health Record
My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information, created by the Australian Government. It gives doctors secure access to important health information about you, like medicines, allergies or past surgery and illness information so that they can make informed decision about your health.
This can help you get the right treatment. You don't need to be sick to benefit from having a My Health Record. It's a convenient way to record and track your health information over time and you can choose what health information to share with the healthcare providers involved in your care.
Visit www.myhealthrecord.gov.au
Heart Foundation
The Heart Foundation fights for an Australia free of heart disease. The organisation's work focuses on prevention, support and research to improve the heart health and quality of life of all Australians.
The Heart Foundation has a wide number of digital programs, apps and tool that can help you keep healthy:
The Heart Foundations Helpline is also available for you to call and speak with a qualified health professional and to access free, personalised information and support across living with heart disease, reducing heart disease risk, caring for someone with heart disease and more.
Call 131112 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST
visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/
Cancer Council
Cancer Council Australia is the nation's leading non-government cancer charity, and the only charity that works across every aspect of every cancer, from research to prevention and support.
Their website provides a raft of information and advice, as well as the following online programs, apps and tools:
The Cancer Council Information Line is a free, confidential telephone information and support service provided by nurses and other health professionals, for people affected by cancer.
Get the trusted professional advice and support you need:
Call 13 11 20
visit www.cancer.org.au
FitBit health tracker
Fitbit is a device that looks like a watch, but it does so much more - it motivates you to reach your health and fitness goals by tracking your activity, exercise, sleep, weight and more. It does this by connecting the device you wear to your smartphone or computer, allowing you to receive health notifications and track your progress.
Visit www.fitbit.com/au
Apple Watch
Apple Watch is a watch device that connects to other apple products like the iPhone and iPad. It features apps that can track your health, sending you notifications about important information concerning heart health, as well as being able to detect falls, provide essential medical information to first responders, and track exercise, sleep and eating.
Find out more at www.apple.com
Samsung Galaxy Watch
The watch that watches out for you. The Galaxy Watch 3 combines smartphone-level productivity and leading health technology in one classic device. The watch uses red LED and infrared rays to estimate your SpO2 levels, or the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. It is also designed to automatically detect hard falls with its enhanced accelerometer, sending an SOS to your emergency contact with your location. This watch has a world of impressive health features.
Find out more at www.samsung.com