7 apps to keep track of your health

Published Feb 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributor Dr Kylie Henderson, clinical psychologist and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health
Words by Alana Wulff

Whether you’re looking to eat healthier, track symptoms, monitor your workouts or boost your motivation, these expert-led apps can help.

With more of our day-to-day activities moving online, it comes as no surprise our approach to health has also taken a digital turn. Health apps are changing the way people of all ages track and engage with exercise, sleep, meditation and various other health-related habits, and importantly, they’re also helping us stay accountable.

But do they work? Well, a 2022 study revealed those who used mobile health apps and fitness trackers during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to be physically active in their daily lives.

“Being able to be more proactive about your healthcare is what these apps do as well,” says Dr Kylie Henderson, clinical psychologist and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health. “All of this data across exercise, sleep and nutrition is quite holistic, so when put together, it can be really valuable to your treating doctor.”

The benefits of health apps

With more than 300,000 mobile health apps currently available, it’s clear our growing interest shows no signs of slowing down. One of the biggest benefits of these kinds of apps is their ability to track our daily habits, says Dr Henderson.

“When you see how many steps you’ve done in a day or how much time you’ve spent on your phone, it’s difficult to ignore the accountability associated with that,” she says.

As well as encouraging us to move more and eat healthier, apps might also have the potential to boost our motivation and encourage us to set more goals.

“Sometimes, the benefits lie in showing you the distance you’ve travelled towards your end goal,” explains Dr Henderson. “Depending on your life stage or where you’re at with your health journey, a change in your health status might not feel immediate, but a health app can show you that you’ve actually made progress.”

This is particularly important for those who struggle to maintain consistent routines or habits over longer periods of time, she adds.

Supporting your health management

The tracking and habit logging of some health apps can also help our GPs when it comes to maintaining our general health.

“If a GP can see that on certain days there’s a slight pattern in terms of symptoms or how you’re feeling, this helps us work out when we might want to see you next,” says Dr Henderson. “Ultimately, we get better health outcomes, which is so important for early intervention.”

When considering a new health app, Dr Henderson suggests using it for a number of weeks to get used to it before you decide if it’s right for you.

“Try to commit to a new app for at least a 30-day period even when you feel like you might not be progressing, because most change takes at least 30 days,” she says.

Dr Henderson also recommends speaking to your doctor about which health apps may be best for you and which have the most trusted digital safety features.

“Ask them which apps they recommend and make sure the apps you end up using are secure and evidence-based,” she adds.

And while many apps can offer numerous benefits, Dr Henderson says it’s important to remember they should never be a substitute for consulting with an expert.

“Good digital health means maintaining a balance between real-life contact and digital engagement,” she says. “Research indicates that digital engagement cannot replace all the benefits we get from face-to-face contact with health professionals.”

It’s also important you consider apps that are evidence-based from reliable organisations and to make sure you look after your digital privacy. You can do this by only downloading apps from reputable sources like Apple’s App Store and Google Play, creating secure passwords, looking closely at terms and conditions and data sharing guidelines, and logging out of apps when you’re not using them.    

7 apps to help support your health and wellbeing

1. BrainTrack

A free medical health app from the team at Dementia Australia, BrainTrack helps you monitor and understand changes – or any suspected changes – in cognition through fun games and challenges. You can use the insights from the app to start a conversation with your GP about any concerns you may have regarding your thinking or memory.

First-timer tip: If you’re not familiar with playing games on your phone, it may take you some time to get used to this app.

2. FoodSwitch

The free FoodSwitch app created by The George Institute of Global Health provides simple health and nutrition information just by scanning almost any product’s barcode. It will display a ‘traffic light’ rating for the product’s total fat, sugar and salt content, with low being green, medium showing as amber and high being red. This app can also suggest healthier alternatives you may wish to switch to.

First-timer tip: If you’re not sure about the nutrient ratings system or making the switch to different products, speak to your GP or dietitian.

3. CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet

This popular app is a handy companion to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. From menu planning to logging your weight, it makes it easier than ever to stick to this well-known eating plan, improve habits and create lifelong positive behaviours.

First-timer tip: HCF will cover the cost (or part of the cost) of the program for eligible members^*. Check your cover to see if you're eligible.

4. Healthy Habits

Small changes can lead to big results, which is why the Healthy Habits app from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) aims to make overwhelming lifestyle changes feel easy. Sign up to set personalised goals to move or eat better and get access to an educational resource hub.

First-timer tip: You can connect this app with your GP, so you can create goals together and share your results.

5. HCF Healthful

Our new app, HCF Healthful, helps eligible members^{^} keep track of their health and wellbeing in real time by completing activities, goals and achievements customised to their key improvement areas with the guidance of a 24/7 smart coach. You can also get a personalised Health Score – a real-time snapshot of your health – so you can see how you're tracking against your goals and identify areas to focus on with the support of HCF’s evidence-based programs and services.

First-timer tip: You can connect your Fitbit, Strava app, Apple Health app and Garmin smartwatch to this app to help track your workouts.  

6. Sleepfit

Sleepfit helps you to identify sleep issues and then suggests improvements you can make to help boost sleep hygiene and quality of sleep. Through personalised tools, you’ll be closer to getting quality sleep and improving energy levels and focus. The app has tailored programs, expert content and can generate a detailed sleep report for you. Eligible HCF members can access a 12-month subscription⁺ for free.

First-timer tip: Don’t forget to try the app’s library of guided meditations and soothing music before bed.

7. Daybreak

If you’re looking to improve your relationship with alcohol or reconsider your drinking habits, the Daybreak app can help. All Australians have free access to 24/7 digital support and a chance to connect with a like-minded online community. You can also track your drinking behaviour, create new health goals and measure your progress against new health habits. HCF members may also have access to additional mental health support. 

First-timer tip: This app works on the basis of anonymity, so it’s easier to share personal experiences, feelings and progress. The more energy you put in to engaging with this community, the more you’ll get out of it.

Before you start

Interested in using one of these apps to help manage or track your wellbeing? Dr Henderson advises speaking to your GP first before changing your health habits advised by any health app you may be using.

HCF have partnered with GP2U to offer digital consultations you can do from anywhere. All members with health cover can access a standard GP consultation (up to 10 minutes) for a fee of $50.

Helping you on your health journey

We want to give you and your family the support you need at all stages of your health. That's why we've developed a range of programs that provide choice when you need it most. Our health and wellbeing programs are designed to give eligible members quicker and easier access to the support and treatment that’s right for you and your family.