What Is Digital Health and the Tools You Can Use to Monitor Your Health

Many of us already use technology in daily life, to pay bills, stay in touch, or order groceries. But what if that same technology could also help you take better care of your health?

That’s what digital health is all about. It’s making healthcare easier to reach and more personal, using simple tools that many of us already have.

In this guide, you’ll learn what digital health means, the tools you can use to monitor your health, and tips to make the most of them.

What Is Digital Health?

Digital health refers to the use of technology, such as smartphones, computers, or wearable devices, to manage your health. It connects you with doctors, helps track how you’re doing, and makes health information easier to understand.

It’s not about replacing your doctor. It’s about making healthcare better and more convenient for you.

Here’s how digital health helps:

• Better information: Your health records and personal data are organised and easy to access.
• More access: You can speak with a doctor from anywhere, not just in a clinic.
• Personal care: Health tools can be customised to meet your unique needs.
• More control: You get tools and information to help manage your health day by day.

Quick Look: What Digital Health Can Do for You

Tools You Can Use in Digital Health

Now that you know what digital health is, here are some tools you can start using today.

1. Telehealth (Online Doctor Visits)

Telehealth lets you speak with a doctor through video or phone calls. You don’t need to travel or sit in a waiting room.

You can use telehealth for:

• Follow-up appointments
• Test results
• Common illnesses (like colds or skin issues)
• Mental health support
• Specialist consultations

It saves time and makes it easier to get care when you need it.

2. Wearable Devices

Smartwatches and fitness trackers can help you monitor your health every day.

They can track:

• Steps
• Heart rate
• Sleep
• Calories burned
• Blood oxygen levels
• ECG (electrocardiogram)

This data helps you understand your body better and can even identify early signs of potential health issues.

3. Health Apps on Your Phone (mHealth)

You can turn your phone into a helpful health tool with apps that:

• Remind you to take medicine
• Track symptoms
• Guide you through meditation
• Offer fitness and nutrition advice
• Help manage conditions like diabetes or hypertension

Some of these apps are so advanced that they can even provide treatments for certain conditions under medical supervision.

4. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Remote patient monitoring means using devices at home that send your health data directly to your doctor.

For example:

• A blood pressure monitor that shares readings with your care team
• A glucose monitor that tracks blood sugar
• A weight scale for patients with heart conditions

RPM helps your doctor keep a close eye on your health without the need for constant clinic visits. This is especially helpful for managing long-term conditions.

5. Access to Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Many hospitals and clinics now use Electronic Health Records to store your information digitally.

You may have access to these records through a secure portal where you can:

• See test results
• View visit summaries
• Track medications
• Share information with different doctors

This gives you a clearer picture of your health and makes it easier to manage your care.

6. AI-Powered Health Tools

More digital health tools are beginning to utilise AI (Artificial Intelligence) to offer support.

AI can:

• Help doctors analyse test results faster
• Power chatbots to answer your basic health questions
• Track your health data and spot patterns

AI doesn’t replace your doctor, but it can make care quicker and more efficient behind the scenes.

How Digital Health Can Improve Your Life

Digital health can make a big difference in how you manage your well-being:

1. Be More Proactive: You can spot issues early. If your sleep tracker shows poor sleep over time, you can bring it up with your doctor before it affects your health.
2. Manage Chronic Conditions Better: If you live with diabetes or high blood pressure, tools like apps and remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices help you keep track of your numbers. You can adjust your care between doctor visits.
3. Get Care Faster: You can speak with a doctor through telehealth without waiting weeks for an in-person appointment.
4. Convenience: You can manage your health from the comfort of your own home and fit it into your schedule.
5. Feel More in Control: Having access to your health data and easy ways to connect with care gives you more confidence in managing your health.
6. Peace of Mind: Knowing you can reach a provider or monitor key health stats can give you reassurance and help reduce stress.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Digital Health Tools

1. Choose trusted tools: Stick to apps and devices recommended by your doctor or reputable sources.
2. Protect your privacy: Use apps and services with clear privacy policies.
3. Work with your doctor: Digital tools are helpful, but they don’t replace professional medical advice.

Challenges to Be Aware Of

While digital health has many benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Not everyone has internet access or feels comfortable using new technology.
2. Not all health concerns can be handled remotely. Sometimes an in-person exam is needed.
3. Data privacy is important. Make sure your information is secure.
4. Tech can’t replace human care. Tools can support, but not replace, a personal connection with your healthcare team.

How Ilera Health Makes Digital Health Simple

At Ilera Health, we help you make the most of digital health tools. You can connect with a doctor through our app anytime, from the comfort of your home. We believe healthcare should be simple, quick, and built around your needs.

You can:

• Skip long queues
• Book a doctor visit through your phone
• Access care easily and securely

Ready to take control of your health with digital tools? Visit Ilera Health to get started or download the Ilera Health app today on iOS or Android.

Final thoughts

Digital health is here to help you stay involved in your care and get support when you need it. Simple tools, like telehealth, apps, wearables, and remote monitoring, can help you feel more in charge of your well-being.

Remember: it’s not about replacing your doctor, it’s about working together to help you live healthier, day by day.

Read more:

• Medical Report Sample Nigeria: What It Looks Like and How to Get One