10 Foreign Wellness Apps to Beat the Heat: Summer Health Tech Gains Traction Amid Surge in Digital Health IPO Filings

Although the scorching summer is already halfway through, the intense heat has yet to subside. How to maintain good health in such sweltering weather has become a new focus for many internet healthcare companies. Below are 10 summer wellness apps recommended by foreign media, featuring functions such as sunburn and radiation protection, emergency first-aid support, allergy detection, and localization services. All of them are available for download on the Apple App Store and major Android app markets, helping you easily stay healthy this summer.Wolfram Sun Exposure Reference App (iOS): Sun protection is the top priority in summer, with shielding against ultraviolet (UV) radiation being of utmost importance. The UV index in sunlight ranges from 1 to 11+; protective measures are recommended when the index exceeds 3, and conditions are considered highly dangerous when it surpasses 6. This app enables users to check their local UV index, recommends appropriate protective measures based on the user’s skin type, and advises on the safe duration for sun exposure. As this highly practical app is currently available only on iOS, Android users may consider alternative options:EPA's SunWise UV Index (iOS, Android), this app was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is highly practical, but its drawback is that it only covers U.S. territory;Shield (iOS, Android) includes the global UV index, but its drawback is that the user interface is not intuitive;InfoSun (iOS,Android) It is simple and easy to use, but its drawback is that the functionality is somewhat limited. Additionally, there are websitesSunburn map, providing the hourly maximum UV index for cities across China.

Sunburn map

SkinVision (iOS, Android): This app detects melanoma with an accuracy of up to 81% for skin spots. It claims that its assessment accuracy is higher than that of general practitioners (GPs) but lower than that of dermatologists. Additionally, it helps users track the formation and development of skin spots. The app has obtained CE marking certification.

SkinVision

Water Your Body (Android): In summer, hydration is particularly important, making proper water intake one of the primary concerns of the season. This app helps users calculate their daily water intake goals and supports them in achieving these targets. Users simply need to manually log the amount of water consumed each time they drink; the app will send reminders if they have not yet met their adequate hydration needs. Additionally, it monitors users’ drinking habits.My Travel Health (iOS): This app is built on technology licensed from the Mayo Clinic, providing users with practical tips for preventing or managing illnesses while traveling. Users can select from over 200 countries within the app to access destination-specific health information. It also stores users’ personal health data, including immunization records, medications, allergies, and their physicians’ contact information.

My Travel Health

TravelSmart (iOS, Android): This app was developed by Allianz Global Assistance, a global travel assistance and insurance company. In the event of an emergency during travel, it provides users with emergency service numbers for their destination, as well as information on hospitals and medical centers in 129 countries. It can also translate first aid instructions and basic medical terminology into multiple languages.UniversalDoctor Speaker (iOS, Android): This app is a renowned medical translation application, particularly useful for travelers. Universal Doctor Speaker provides users with translations of specific medical terms, helping patients and doctors understand each other and communicate effectively in hospitals abroad. It has 13 built-in languages, including English, Spanish, French, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Moroccan Arabic, and Russian.Vaccine Record for Travellers (iOS): This app is the internet version of international vaccination records, allowing users to track their vaccination status. It can inform users which vaccines are required based on their different travel destinations; it also evaluates the validity period of administered vaccines and reminds users when booster doses are needed.Find Me Gluten Free (iOS, Android): This app makes travel more convenient for individuals with gluten intolerance, although its current availability is limited to the United States. It maintains an extensive database of gluten-free restaurants and businesses across the U.S., which is also accessible via the company’s website. Another notable option is CeliCity (iOS, Android), which originated in Spain and now covers information in 15 countries. This app helps users locate gluten-free restaurants, share known gluten-free venues, and rate them. An alternative choice is Coeliac Map (iOS, Android).Food Allergy Translate (iOS, Android): For individuals with food allergies, this app provides a greater sense of security when traveling abroad. Users can customize their preferred language, specify their food allergens, and select the language used by the restaurant. The app generates allergy alerts in the restaurant’s local language, which users can show to staff to ensure that their meals do not contain any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction.First Aid by American Red Cross (iOS, Android): It is essential to have a basic understanding of first aid, especially when you are in an unfamiliar environment and do not speak the local language. This app is the official application of the American Red Cross, providing users with information on how to handle the most common first aid emergencies through videos, quizzes, and step-by-step guides.Compiled by Chen Xin | Edited by Mo Renying