Text messaging. Love it…or hate it? I guess it depends on who you are. I feel like I have heard lots of downsides to text messaging (causes fights, makes people anti-social, trigger thumb…the list goes on), but there definitely are some benefits, if used in the right way. I recently talked about a texting program to rate a hospital stay, and have read about texting programs, such as one that reminds diabetics to take medication or SmokeFreeTxt, a smoking cessation program that was launched in December and recently expanded to teens. So when I saw this infographic over at His Talk Mobile, I thought I’d share it:
Well, one thing I thought was pretty crazy is that 82 percent of American adults have cell phones. To think just 10 years ago, having a cell phone was not common at all. But the part of this infograph I thought was most interesting were the texting studies. I found the “social therapy” study to be particularly interesting. I mean, none of these text messaging services should replace visiting with a physician for depression, prenatal care, etc., but since it’s not really possible to be constantly connected to the doctors, and sometimes it is easy to forget things (like putting on sunscreen), it’s neat that there are supplemental programs available through text. I’m currently subscribed to a text messaging service for post-partum mothers. It sends three texts a week with different topics, such as reminding me to take time to take care of myself, information about different milestones my son should be reaching, and reminders to put sunscreen on, what foods to avoid, etc. It’s simple, but a few times the texts have given be some great reminders and tips.
Are you subscribed to any health text programs? I’m always looking for new ones to subscribe to. Texting, as with most things, can be a great resource as long as it isn’t overused. It’s great that there are actual results coming from some of the texting programs out there, and I’m interested in finding out if doctor’s will try implementing some in their practices.
