Category Archives: Cell Phones

APPS for Monitoring and Protecting Your Child (and yourself) on the Web

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I am happy to share with you that there are FREE parental control apps available. As we watch our budget, we still may want to monitor the activities our young people returning to school are engaging in on their phones, particularly in this digital age where smartphones have become such a dominant part of our lives. In addition to this, monitoring how much time they spend on their devices can help foster a healthier balance between their online and offline activities. Setting daily device time limits not only aids in managing their screen time but can also positively influence our own device usage as adults.

These parental control apps can provide peace of mind by allowing you to oversee app usage, track screen time, and even filter inappropriate content. This is essential, especially as children navigate the vast and sometimes risky online environments. Furthermore, the availability of these resources at no cost means that budget constraints do not have to compromise the safety and well-being of our young people.

To assist you in making an informed choice, I have compiled a list of some effective and user-friendly free parental control apps. Below are some useful links, which will give you a detailed description of the features available, how to set them up, and what options are best suited for your family’s needs. Feel free to explore these resources to find the perfect solution for monitoring device usage and ensuring a safe digital experience for your children.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Google Family Link is simple to set up and use. Parents can manage their child’s devices, check privacy settings, block apps, track their location, set daily time limits, monitor usage, lock devices from afar, and filter web content on Google Chrome.

Over the years I have often checked PC Magazine for technical advice and best deals. I was happy to see that they remain a useful resource. This post includes a link to an article featuring several free parental control apps from PC Magazine. As your kids go back to school, these options can help them use their phones safely. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/apple-vs-google-vs-microsoft-who-has-the-best-free-parental-controls
Mashable has some suggestions and describes parental control apps, some of which are free. No worries, these are listed as a convenient compromise. Read the link below about parental control apps for the iPhone. https://mashable.com/roundup/best-parental-control-apps-for-iphone

It doesn’t matter what age your kid is: Whether it’s their very first phone or their fifth, parents are going to worry about what’s behind that scrolling and tapping. Parental control apps have come to be a convenient compromise between kids who really don’t want to hand over their phone and parents who really don’t want to have to confiscate it.

BEST WEATHER APP and More

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News you can use 🙂

If you haven’t already signed up for the How-To Geek Newsletter, my advice is that you should. It’s a fantastic resource that provides insightful updates and valuable tips on technology that can enhance your daily life.

I recently received my Newsletter and learned about two apps that you may find exceptionally useful. The first is a remarkable weather application, as reported by How-To Geek. You can explore it further at this link: AccuWeather. This app offers detailed weather forecasts, real-time alerts, and interactive maps, making it easier for you to plan your day based on the latest weather conditions. Whether you’re planning a trip, going for a run, or just want to stay informed about any changes in the weather, this app can help keep you prepared.

Staying updated with weather changes is crucial, and having a reliable tool at your disposal can make a significant difference in how you manage your activities. So, if you haven’t checked out AccuWeather yet, I highly recommend that you take a look!

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Then there is the UV Lens app. Why is UV Index Important?

Understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are a leading cause of skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Overexposure can also harm your eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts or photokeratitis.
Source: https://www.secondmedic.com/blogs/understanding-uv-index-and-skin-protection-a-complete-guide

All the best in Wellness!

Stretching Anyone?

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News you can use 🙂

Do you stretch? You may find the BEND APP helpful. Learn more at the links below.

List of Best Stretching Apps
The 9 best stretching apps for loosening up muscles in 2025 | Woman & Home

Use the links below for detailed information about the Bend APP.

APPLE
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stretching-flexibility-bend/id1513988468

GOOGLE
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bowerydigital.bend

All the best in Wellness!

FYI – May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

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News you can USE 🙂

Did you know that your smartphone can help to detect skin cancer?

Click the link below to learn more:

https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/how-to-use-your-smartphone-to-detect-skin-cancer

All the best in Wellness!

Blue Light: What You Should Know

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Always “news you can use” 🙂

In a recent Wirecutter Newsletter, I read “Staring at a device that emits blue light for too long at night might cause your body to suppress melatonin production, keeping you alert for longer.”

These topics can get pretty “nerdy“, so I am just going to give you some bullet points about Blue Light.

According to the website source, blue light is everywhere. For example, Sun, Cell phones, TV’s Tablets etc.

However, using these devices in the evening before bed, is not helpful for a restful night sleep because they might suppress melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep. It increases when it is dark and decreases when it is light.

Continue reading →

Using the Safety Apps on Your Mobile Phone

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This post is for your information and safety. You may be surprised by how easy it is to set-up your “In Case of Emergency” – ICE contacts on your mobile phones. This critical information could possibly save your life or get you expedited help on your way to the hospital. For example, in the free apps on your mobile phone, you can provide your blood type. In addition, it helps emergency personnel know whom to contact on your behalf in the event of an emergency.

When you have a moment, listen to my podcast on why you may want to consider using these free apps, which are available on your mobile phone. Then use the support links below to read and use the guidelines setting up your emergency contact information.

This podcast is available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, and other platforms of your choice. 
Just click this link to select:
https://anchor.fm/judith-guerra7.

Find detailed information and resources about emergency cell phone apps at the Medical Alert Advice website by clicking the 911 icon.

ICE Your Cell Phone

Android users can find assistance with filling out the Medical ID information using the links below.

 android-app—medical-id-instructions.pdf (jointcommission.org)

https://medicalid.app/

Apple has various ways to use emergency features on the iPhone. Click the link below to learn more and to setup your medical ID on the Apple phone using the Health App.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207021

Sources:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-add-emergency-info-to-your-phones-lock-screen
https://freeappsforme.com/medical-id-apps/
bSafe – Never Walk Alone on the App Store (apple.com)

Smartphone Security Apps

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mobile securityMore and more these days smartphones have become our way to conduct personal business. Passwords are keyed into these devices to purchase items, conduct bank business, and order lunch.  Credit card information is stored. It’s a convenient way to get things done not just quickly, but also expeditiously.

We also rely on these devices to be a safe way for conducting all manner of other business.  So, the question is what have you done lately to make sure that your mobile device is protected from hackers? Continue reading →

Job APPS Savvy

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mobile productivityThere is no longer any doubt that in today’s world often we use technology to help us with our lives. As a matter of fact, JOB HUNTING is no longer done in the old-fashioned way, and I don’t mean newspapers. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the on-line application process.  Making your way through the many application requirements, and then hoping that you will be among the very lucky prospective candidates to get a response can be frustrating, to say the least. Continue reading →

Brrrr It’s Cold…Protect Your Cell Phone !

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Photo Jarobin Guerra Gilbert

Photo
Jarobin Guerra Gilbert

Prevent phone freeze

♦ To keep phones from getting too chilly, don’t leave them alone in the elements, like in a parked car. Stashing your phone inside pockets closest to your person, where they can absorb some of your body heat, is best.  If you do need to leave it behind, turn the phone off instead of just putting it to sleep. Continue reading →

Privacy On-line.. Should We Surrender?

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surrender privacyHow many of you are wondering if your attempts to control your privacy on-line is probably going to be one of the most challenging tasks before you?

In recent weeks there have been so many news articles headlining breaches in security safety for people as well as for government information!  Just when we think we have it under control they pull us right back in with stories that suggest there is no sure-fire way to secure our information.  How can we not feel vulnerable?

So are you planning to surrender?

eyespy

For those of you who believe you want to continue the challenge of protecting your digital identity, below are some guidelines that have been suggested from various professionals.  As always, click the link provided at the end of the summary for a more detailed description.

  1. Use Adblock Plus:  Adblock Plus (ABP) is an open-source content-filtering and ad blocking extension for Mozilla Firefox (including Firefox for mobile, Google Chrome and Opera web browsers. In November 2012, Adblock Plus was also released as an app for Android devices. ABP, a forked version of Adblock, allows users to prevent page elements, such as advertisements, from being downloaded and displayed. via Adblock Plus – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
  2. Adblock is free:  Click this link to learn more: Adblock Plus – Surf the web without annoying ads!.
  3. Use Ghost E-Mail: Create various e-mail addresses. Companies often share your email address. Using the same email address across various sites may allow companies to connect those address with your identity. When using sign-up forms it may be wise to withhold some of your personal information.
  4. Use a “dumb phone“:  Low tech phones can only make calls and send text messages. Smartphones are designed to track everything you are doing on the Internet. You can use this link to check what services are available for this type of equipment. http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/12/verizon-new-prepaid-basic-plan/
  5. Use Multiple Browsers:  Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox. Use one browser for email, one for social networking, and another one for general browsing.
  6. Pay Cash.  All credit cards leave digital trails and are used for tracking purposes.  Pay cash for items you want to keep private (such as, health items).  Pay cash for alcohol, cigarettes and other personal items.   via Ways to Make Your Online Tracks Harder to Follow – NYTimes.com.

Twitter Privacy

twitter_mannersTwitter users will want to read this post about Online Privacy Settings, by Susan Wright-Boucher in Communications, Social Media .  Click the link for details.  3 Steps to Better Online Privacy on Twitter | Susan Wright-Boucher.

I hope this is helpful!  🙂