52 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com In light of the co-occurring epidemics of addiction, mental illness and suicide, the founders of SuperBetter are bringing gameplay and healing to life. As an extension of Jane McGonigal’s work in her book “SuperBetter,” the game-science backed app blends video-game culture and happiness research to encourage recovery and forge resiliency. Gaming is typically used as an escape; however, this app allows users to work on their real-world goals and cultivate a gameful mind-set off the screen. The appearance and engagement of game structure motivates users to work toward their mental health goals and enjoy playing along the way. Get it on Google Play or download it at the Apple App Store. Visit superbetter.com for more information. Young people experiencing symptoms of depression are more at risk to start and continue vaping and are finding it more difficult to quit. Fortunately, Jennifer Dahne, Ph.D., at the Medical University of South Carolina, and her team are developing an app to help older adolescents quit vaping. VapeX targets symptoms of low mood and makes it easier to become vape-free by employing behavioral activation to help individuals with symptoms of depression quit smoking. The app rewards progress and the interface reflects popular aesthetics and e-cigarette device terminology. For more information and to take the eligibility screen, visit hollingscancercenter.musc.edu. Sleep influences all parts of life and prepares the body and mind to take on the world’s stressors, according to sleep expert Li Åslund, Ph.D. Sleep Cycle is a sleep tracking tool that helps users fall asleep more easily, improve their sleep quality and wake up feeling rested. In addition to an extensive music, meditation and story library, the app’s primary function is tracking sleep patterns by observing nightly sleep cycles. Using the device’s microphone, it listens and analyzes sounds, then it presents an idea of the quality of rest experience and what might have influenced that quality. The app is also able to wake users during their lightest sleep phase, easing them out of slumber. The combination of sleep transition aids and regular tracking helps users rest better. Download Sleep Cycle for iOS and Android. For more information, visit sleepcycle.com. BETTER HEALTH? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!
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