Pfizer has recently launched a free mobile application, “Smidge“, to motivate and encourage users to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The app focuses on small changes to improve the body, mind and spirit in six areas: be more positive, eat more fruits and veggies, train your brain, take stairs, deep breathing and drink more water. This app was developed based on research that showed people need motivation to stay on track with health goals, therefore, it tracks users progress and allows them to share it on facebook, twitter or via email.
I find this app interesting because it acts as a personal trainer that constantly reminds people of the basics of how to maintain a healthy body. Living in a fast pace environment like today, people tend to neglect small details in life, such as, maintain a healthy diet, take stairs instead of elevator, or simply drink water instead of pops. Another interesting fact about “Smidge” is that most health applications focus on one area, but “Smidge” focuses on the mind and body. The mind has a major impact on a person’s overall health because negative thoughts often constitute to negative behaviour while positive thoughts will lead to healthier behaviour.