Kim Komando - Daily Download

Freebies to keep you healthy

There's nothing more important than your health. But it can sometimes feel out of your control. Maybe you don't have all the information you need. Or, maybe you're struggling to control your health records.
Whatever the issue, there are resources that can help. I've found some great ones. They'll help you stay on top of your health care. You'll be more informed and empowered.

Google Health—Your health records contain very specific and important information. But you probably don't have them. They're probably stored in manila folders at various doctor's offices. You don't have direct control over your personal health records.

But it doesn't have to be that way. You can maintain and organize your health records at Google Health. You'll also be able to share them with family or other doctors. It's much easier than requesting records from multiple doctors or hospitals. You decide where your health records go.

HealthVault—This is another site for storing, managing and sharing your health records. As with Google Health, you'll compile and enter your information. Then you get to decide how it's used and distributed.

You can quickly share your information with new doctors. You can store and access children's immunization records. You can also find health advice Web sites staffed by real doctors. Sharing specific information can help them give you the best advice.

CareLogger—Nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes. It's a condition that can be managed. But it also has to be monitored. Many diabetics must log their glucose levels, heart rate and medications daily.

This site makes that process much simpler. You'll create an online logbook that you can access from anywhere. Adding new entries takes just a few seconds. It also helps you make use of the data. Review your progress with handy graphs and charts. Then, share this information with your doctors.

Heart Profilers—Heart conditions are complicated. But the more you understand, the better off you'll be. And you'll be better able to work with your doctors. Getting that information isn't always easy. But the American Heart Association has tools that can help.

You'll find separate tools for different conditions. These include heart failure, high blood pressure, cholesterol and more. In each, enter as much information about your condition as possible. You'll get treatment options and research tailored to you.

PDRhealth—The Physicians' Desktop Reference contains a wealth of medical information. But it's best known as a resource for detailed information on prescription drugs. This site catalogs any drug your doctor is likely to prescribe.

You can learn about the proper dosage for each drug. You'll see what you should avoid while on the drug. You can read about possible side effects. And you'll find advice on what to discuss with your doctor.

ClinicalTrials.gov—The medical field is always getting better. New drugs, technology and procedures are being invented. But each has to be tested before becoming available to the public. This testing happens in carefully monitored clinical trials.

This site catalogs the progress of more than 80,000 such trials. You can learn what research is being done. And you can see which trials are looking for participants. At the least, you may find things to discuss with your doctors.

World Community Grid—Your computer can connect you to many health resources. But it can also be a resource for others. Distributed computing programs allow researchers to use your computer. You can help them make amazing breakthroughs. 

This is one such program. It helps researchers work on cures for HIV and cancer. It allows them to access your idle computer time. When you step out for coffee, you're really helping to cure diseases.

Life-saving iPhone apps—Medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Knowing how to handle them can save your life. Or, you may be able to save the life of someone else. But where do you get the knowledge? 
With these iPhone apps, you'll find it right in your pocket. You'll get step-by-step instructions for various first aid situations. They can also help you get emergency information from official sources.

Cost: Free
System: Windows XP, Vista and 7, Mac OS X
Download HERE