News You Can Use: Smartphone technology may be wisest wellness approach

From booking flights to buying flowers, tax filing tips to TV favorites – there’s an app for that. Smartphone technology is quickly reaching a tipping point, now that users can get tunes, TV and text messages (simultaneously) on their cellphones.

Benefits service-providers are getting in on the act as well – several life insurers, health insurers, wellness and work-life benefits providers boast smartphone applications.

While cash still is the clear winner among wellness incentives, I think employers should consider changing, or at least expanding, the way wellness information is delivered. An article in the December 2009 EBN reported the growth in online and smartphone technologies employers are adding to wellness efforts.

In just in the month since the article was published, I’ve received five press releases offering new smartphone apps for wellness – the latest from icyou, a provider of health-related videos. The company’s new iPhone app, lets users download videos on healthful diets and recipes, health care reform and specific medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy. In addition, users can view individuals talking about their health-related journeys and health care experts sharing the latest health news and insights. 

At the whopping price of $0 (that’s free, people), it’s a pretty cost-effective tool to add to your wellness kit, no?