Mobile App Aims to Help Tampa Residents Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
One mobile app is helping Tampa Bay residents achieve their fitness goals while prioritizing mental health.
TampaWell, a mobile application developed by Tampa General Hospital, provides residents with access to mental health resources and fitness tracking. The app was designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of fitness level. In addition to a race calendar, the app includes healthcare news, fitness motivation tips and other wellness-based articles. A “Task of the Day” feature guides users in achieving fitness goals, such as hitting a goal of 2,500 steps. Through its events calendar, the TampaWell app serves as a platform to connect with others in the region who share similar wellness goals. People can find fitness and other health and wellness group meetups in the area, such as yoga and running events.
The app also integrates with fitness trackers like Google Fit and Apple Health so users can track their daily steps, distances and other exercises. Users can earn two types of rewards based on their activity levels from the app’s marketplace, which include Status Points and Wellness Coins.
Developed in collaboration with the City of Tampa, it is part of the hospital’s more extensive TampaWell program. This includes educating the public about preventative health measures and making Tampa a top wellness destination in the country. According to TampaWell’s website, this program will take place over the coming years and focus on “regular movement, healthy eating and access to healthy food, and positive mental health.” Additionally, the program aims to focus on preventative health initiatives to reduce chronic disease while preventing individuals from experiencing repeated hospitalizations.
According to Tampa Well, community partnerships along with TampaWell’s new fitness app will play a crucial role in accelerating Tampa General Hospital’s wellness plans, which include supporting Tampa Bay communities. In a statement emailed to Tampa Bay Living Magazine, TampaWell partnered with the City of Tampa to work on this program and is looking to expand its partnerships to increase the program’s reach across the Tampa Bay region: “TampaWell community partners are at the heart of everything we do. The City of Tampa has joined Tampa General Hospital as a lead partner in this transformational mission. We seek to engage a broad spectrum of community partners so we can extend our wellness revolution to every neighborhood across our city.”
For those interested in becoming a TampaWell community partner, call 813-844-7349, email TampaWell@tgh.org or visit the program’s website.
Developing a regular exercise routine can help reduce stress and improve mental health, according to experts.
According to the American Hospital Association, 1 in 6 people live with clinical depression in the Tampa Bay area. Experts say stress is inevitable, but too much of it can adversely affect people’s physical and mental health. Fortunately, many ways exist to reduce stress, even in a busy city like Tampa.
1. Spend time outdoors.
Tampa has beautiful parks, beaches and nature trails that reduce stress. Spending time outdoors decreases stress and anxiety levels and improves mood. Take a walk in a park, swim at the beach or explore a nature trail. Fresh air and natural surroundings can clear the mind and reduce stress.
2. Practice mindfulness.
Research has shown mindfulness reduces stress by promoting relaxation and reducing negative thoughts. There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises. Tampa has many yoga studios and meditation centers, making it easy to find a class or group to engage with.
3. Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise reduces stress and improves overall health. Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood boosters, and enhances sleep quality. Tampa has many gyms, fitness studios and outdoor activities that can get people moving and reduce stress.
4. Connect with others.
Social support is essential for stress reduction. Connecting with others can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging. There are many ways to communicate with others in Tampa, including joining a club or organization, attending community events or volunteering. Connecting with others can also provide a different perspective on stressful situations and offer support and encouragement.
5. Take personal time.
Personal time is an integral part of stress reduction. This can include reading a book, taking a warm bath or doing something enjoyable. It’s imperative to schedule self-care time and prioritize needs. Spas, wellness centers and other places in Tampa offer relaxation and self-care services and activities.
If you are in crisis or know someone who is, there are resources to help.
For suicide prevention:
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
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