GOES: Outdoor Health & Safety

There is something wrong with this app on many levels. The built-in medical advice is surprisingly limited. For example, look up bug bites and you'll find it very lacking. No info on chiggers for example, a common concern for those spending a lot of time outdoors. Overall, it is a pretty app but has very limited useful medical information. The app claims it does not collect any data that is tied to the user. However, their privacy policy seems to say otherwise. The app has features that only work if you provide precise location tracking. I do not have confidence that this location data isn't stored and shared with third-party companies. A medical app like this should have a simple privacy policy -- that NO personal data is stored or used in any manner (outside of things like contacting support about app issues). The hazards info (bears, ticks, etc) seems compelling, but in my use of it I found it inaccurate and therefore sort of useless. There are many new articles that are online only. Why would anything in this app be online only? It is VERY likely that anyone who actually needs the info this app offers would be out of cell range. The bottom line is that the CONCEPT of this app is compelling, but the implementation is lacking.

This app did me a solid when I recently rolled my ankle while out. Within two days my ankle was feeling extremely painful, though only under certain conditions. Using the app I was able to get an understanding of what I most likely had (mild sprain) and some tips on how to treat it since I was able to walk and stand on it normally. Really great companion to have when you’re out and can’t necessarily get to anyone quickly!

So I have a lot of fear when camping especially in areas where I know there are snakes and/or bears. I’ve done all the research to stay safe and avoid them, but you never know, ya know? Anyway, I downloaded GOES and it was the first time I was able to sleep through the night since I at least had the information I needed in case I unexpectedly encountered a woodland critter. The weather feature is pretty cool, too! I’m not really a sunscreen person, but when GOES tells me my area has a UV of 6 and I’ve got a high sunburn risk, you know I’m boutta slather up. This app is definitely a keeper.