Irish students can now access safe, evidence based and reliable health information instantly at the touch of a button. The Irish Student Health Association (ISHA) has launched the 'Student Health Matters' App, providing students with easy, quick and convenient access to reliable and relevant health information, all in one place. The App was developed by Expert Self Care and the content produced by Dr Knut Schroeder-Expert Self Care, and Nurse Theresa Lowry Lehnen - Project Lead and Lead Author, SETU Carlow.
The beginning of college marks a transition period for many young people and often represents the exciting – but also challenging - beginning of adult life. These new resources were developed because many students struggle with looking after their health. Mental health problems among students for example are increasingly common, and students often don't know where to turn to for further information and support. Rather than googling their health questions, which can be unreliable and confusing, students can now access trusted health information and links to many useful websites in seconds.
The content, which is regularly updated, is based on Irish healthcare information and services. It has been specially created by the Irish Student Health Association and Expert Self Care Ltd, a specialist mobile health information app developer. The "Student Health Matters" App and Interactive Health Guide provide students with easy access to information on how to stay healthy during their college years and where to get support when they need it.
The ISHA App and eBook provide:
· Information and advice on healthy lifestyles - including education and health promotion advice on healthy lifestyles, diet, nutrition, exercise, dangers of drugs, alcohol and smoking, and the importance of vaccination and screening
· Health A-Z - links to the HSE database of over 600 medical conditions and treatments
· General health advice - how to spot and manage common physical and mental health problems
· Key information – on sexual health, contraception, my options and consent
· Self-care with confidence - how to look after your health, respond to emergencies and self-care for minor illnesses
· National and local support– useful info and links on where to get medical help and advice, all in one place
· Local support – information, contact details and links to the specific health and medical services available at your College
The App is available for iPhone and Android devices and is free to download through the App Store and Google Play.
Apple: iPhone App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1477636661
Google Play Store Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.expertselfcare.studenthealthmatters
The interactive eBook is available to access from the ISHA website, and has also been shared with all College Health Centre websites, the USI and Student Unions.
Read the article on the website about the updated app
For further information please contact the Irish Student Health Association.