By Tracey Dowdy

Summer is almost over and we’ll soon be enjoying Fall, my favorite season of the year. For me, Fall means trips to the orchard, pumpkin patches, sweater weather, and better hair days since we get to say good bye to humidity. Unfortunately, for me it also means seasonal allergies. Some days aren’t so bad, but at other times my eyes are bloodshot and irritated and my throat feels as though I’ve been snacking on fiberglass.

The good news is that having a heads up on what to expect goes a long way in trying to manage those symptoms. And, as always, our smartphones can help. Here are a few apps that can make stepping outside your front door a lot less miserable.

AllergyCast

Sponsored by Zyrtec, AllergyCast sends you a daily weather forecast and pollen count based on your GPS location, so you know what the local conditions will be like and can plan your day. AllergyCast helps you track your symptoms, sends alerts and notifications when the count is high, and provides handy tips on how to manage your symptoms.

Platform:iOS and Android
Price: Free

WebMD Allergy

With so many over-the-counter, prescription and home remedies out there, figuring out exactly what is causing your allergies and how best to treat them can be daunting. WebMD Allergy offers personalized allergy and weather forecasts, plus doctor recommended tips on how best to fight your symptoms. You can even create reports for your doctor to improve your overall level of care.

Platform:iOS
Price: Free

RxmindMe

RxmindMe is a comprehensive prescription medication tracking app, which can be used for more than just allergy management. Enter your prescription information, set dosage reminders, take pictures of your prescriptions, and track your prescription history for yourself and your entire family. You can download or e-mail your prescription history, and everything is password protected to keep your information secure.

Platform:iOS
Price: Free

AroundMe

On your way to a crazy cat lady’s house and forgot your Benadryl? No worries – AroundMe uses your phone’s GPS to provide a list of businesses nearby, including pharmacies and supermarkets. No need to wheeze your way through another visit. From within the app you can see the location on a map, the most direct route, add it to your contact list or email the information to a friend.

Platform:iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Price: Free

Allergies can be annoying at best and life threatening at their worst. The good news is that help is in the palm of your hand.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology.

On the anniversary of 9/11, it’s hard not to recall the images of destruction and chaos that stunned the nation just 13 short years ago. While we have been spared another terrorist attack on the scale of 9/11, there have been plenty of natural disasters that have had a devastating impact on local communities, including hurricanes in the East, tornados and floods in the heartlands, and fires and continuing drought conditions in the West.

While it’s impossible for anyone to prevent these  disasters from occurring, there are plenty of things we can do to better handle the impact of such events. Organizations both large and small have embraced mobile platforms as vital tools for disseminating important information during a crisis. This includes advice on how to prepare for an emergency, what to do once that emergency arrives, and how to cope with the aftermath.

Here are just a few of the many emergency preparedness apps that can make a difference in these challenging situations:

• Red Cross

  Rather than just one app, the Red Cross offers a whole series of apps, including a Hurricane App, a Shelter Finder App, a First Aid App, an Earthquake App, a Wildfire App, and even a Pet First Aid App. Each app includes emergency notifications; step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your family and your home; how to help friends and neighbors; and hints on how to handle food and water during power outages. There are even interactive quizzes to help you prepare for the real thing.

  Platform: iOS, Android
  Price: Free

• FEMA

  The FEMA app features preparedness information for all different types of disasters, an interactive checklist for emergency kits, and information on how to stay safe and recover after a disaster. There is also information on how to plan an emergency meeting location for family and friends, and a map of FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations for accessing supplies and emergency aid.

  Platform: iOS, Android, BlackBerry
  Price: Free

• HurricaneSoftware.com’s iHurricane Free

  The iHurricane app brings HurricaneSoftware.com’s award winning hurricane tracking software to smartphones and tablets. You can get the latest real-time satellite data, the predicted hurricane path, strike possibilities, wind speeds, and more. iHurricane allows you to track multiple hurricanes at one time, as well as access historical data for past seasons and individual locations.

  Platform: iOS, Android
  Price: Free

• Pocket First Aid & CPR

  Developed by the American Heart Association, Pocket First Aid & CPR includes hundreds of pages of instructions on what to do in emergency situations, including dealing with choking, burns, CPR, seizures, diabetic emergencies, and more. A first aid checklist makes sure you have what you need in the event of an emergency, and the emergency contacts screen allows one-click dialing to reach your doctor and other essential services.

  Platform: iOS, Android
  Price: Free

• WISER

  First responders and others exposed to emergency situations often have to deal with hazardous material. WISER helps those individuals by providing important information about hazardous substances and guidelines on what to do if you come into contact with such material. Various User Profiles allow users to specify what role they are playing at the scene of an incident, so the information presented can be customized to suit the individual.

  Platform: iOS, Android, BlackBerry
  Price: Free

• ICE Standard

  Developed by About the Kids Foundation, ICE Standard (ICE stands for In Case of Emergency) is an emergency card app, which lists an individual’s complete medical history, emergency contacts, insurance details, blood type, and more. ICE Standard features a unique color-coding plan to quickly allow first responders to determine if there are any serious medical issues. For example, red indicates severe allergies, heart conditions, etc., yellow indicates the individual is taking medication, while green suggests no complications. The ICE Standard is regarded as an excellent back up to a normal emergency medical card.

  Platform: iOS, Android
  Price: Free

• Disaster Alert

  The Disaster Alert app is a listing of ‘Active Hazards’ occurring around the globe. By Active Hazards the developers mean current and real-time incidents that could be “potentially hazardous to people, property or assets.” This includes everything from hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis to areas of drought or serious health risk. The app includes alerts, notifications, and interactive maps.

  Platform: iOS, Android
  Price: Free

Homeschooling has never been more popular. Unofficial estimates put the total of homeschooled children at close to 2 million, and that number continues to grow even while the overall total of school-age children is in decline. While some parents cite moral and religious reasons as factors in their decision to homeschool, others are just dissatisfied with what schools have to offer, preferring a non-traditionalist approach where children can learn at their own pace.

While previous generations may have struggled to find resources for effective homeschooling, today’s parents are supported by a vast array of digital devices and online services. At the forefront of this tech-driven revolution is a huge treasure-trove of educational apps. Whether it’s English, the arts, geography, history, math, music or science, there is literally “an app for that.”

The following is just a tiny sample of the many great apps that are available for kids of all ages and abilities:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary

  Includes all the definitions from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Offers voice-activated word search, an integrated Thesaurus, Word of the Day, and other great vocabulary-building tools.

  Platform: iPhone/iPod, iPad, Android
  Price: Free

• World Atlas by National Geographic

  The same wonderful detail that you are used to seeing on National Geographic’s award-winning wall maps. Includes 3 different styles of maps. Synced with Microsoft Bing maps to zoom down to street level. Includes the Flags and Facts database for up-to-date geographic and socio-economic data.

  Platform: iPhone/iPod
  Price: $1.99

• Fishtropolis

  This free Scrabble-like app helps kids develop world building and vocabulary skills. 15 different levels with over 2,500 hidden words. Stuck on a word? Just shake to scramble the keyboard and start over. Includes word definitions and iPod music support.

  Platform: iPhone/iPod
  Price: Free

• Simplex Spelling HD

  For first and second graders. Improves spelling and reading skills in a fun and interactive way by using a “reverse phonics” approach to learning. Over 220 of the most common English words. Can also help remedial students or students learning English as a second language.

  Platform: iPhone/iPod, iPad
  Price: $2.99

• Shake the States

  A simple app puzzle of the US that helps children – and parents – learn the location of all the states. Touch and drag 1 of the 50 states to its proper position on the map and it will stick; make a mistake and it will fall away! Also teaches the proper pronunciation of the states’ names.

  Platform:iPhone/iPod, iPad
  Price: $1.99

• Presidents vs. Aliens

  Learning presidential details has never been easier, faster, or more fun! As you learn all the presidential facts, including quotes, nicknames and historical events, you use your knowledge to help the presidents defeat the aliens. As you collect presidents, you unlock bonus games, including Heads of State!

  Platform:iPhone/Pod
  Price: $1.99 (“Lite” version: free)

• Tam & Tao in Numberland

  Every homeschooler of young children needs a good ‘learn your numbers’ app – this award-winning Montessori Method app is our favorite. See how to write a number, hear its name, and count objects to reinforce the learning. Practice writing numbers using a digital notebook. Learn numbers in another language by switching between English, Spanish and French.

  Platform:iPhone/iPod, iPad
  Price: $1.99

• Zaner-Bloser Handwriting

  Two different apps here: Zaner-Bloser Manuscript and Zaner-Bloser Cursive. Pick the one your child needs. Includes video animations to show the correct formation of all letter and numbers. Shaded and blank tracing screens are used to help kids practice. Built-in “reward” system to celebrate success.

  Platform:iPhone/iPod
  Price: $1.99 each

• Jungle Time

  An easy-to-use, intuitive app which helps kids learn how to tell the time. Shake or tap the device to pose a new problem and drag the clock hands to show the correct time. A talking clock reads the question aloud and confirms the time when you set the clock.

  Platform:iPhone/iPod
  Price: $0.99

• Chore Pad

  And one to help you run your homeschool more smoothly! Chore Pad lets you allocate tasks and chores to every member of the family. Set up rewards to keep your kids on track and motivated. Simple charts show what has been accomplished by each user on a daily and weekly basis.

  Platform:iPhone/iPod
  Price: $2.99 (iPhone/iPod); $4.99 (iPad)

The kids may just be getting back from camp but it’s never too early to start thinking about what they will need for back to school. Being organized and having the right study tools at their disposal will be half the battle. That’s when smartphones and tablets can stop being a distraction and start being a 24/7 study aid.

Today’s mobile devices can help students by providing everything from a quick dictionary definition to an in-depth math tutorial. There are dozens of apps that will help your student get organized for the new school year, and hundreds more that cover everything from chemistry to calculus. Here are 7 of our favorite back-to-school apps for high-schoolers:

• myHomework

  A must for every student, myHomework allows them to quickly organize and access homework assignments and classes with a simple touch. Includes calendar, reminders and the ability to sync to your student’s home computer and other devices. Students can see what classes they have each day and what assignments are late, complete or coming up. They can even add after-hours activities for a complete picture of the entire school day.

  Platform:iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android
  Price: Free

• iStudiez Pro

  It’s hard enough to remember all those tangents and cosines without worrying about where and when the calculus class actually is! iStudiez’ powerful calendars and schedules will do all the heavy lifting for students, simplifying the school day with notifications and alarms so they’ll never miss a class. It’ll even track grades, so if they start slipping, iStudiez Pro can remind your student to start polishing a few apples!

  Platform:iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
  Price: $0.99

• Dictionary.com

  One of the most overlooked weapons in a student’s arsenal, a proper dictionary is absolutely essential for any serious student. Featuring over 2 million definitions, synonyms and antonyms in the dictionary and built-in Thesaurus, Dictionary.com includes audio search and pronunciation, and example sentences for a precise understanding. Dictionary.com also works off line when searching words, so no Internet connection is needed.

  Platform:iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android
  Price: Free

• FlashCards Deluxe

  Although index cards can still be helpful in committing important facts to memory, today’s students shouldn’t have to suffer a messy pile of 3 x 5 notes when they can swipe through virtual cards on their iPad or iPhone. Not only will Flashcards Deluxe save precious room in backpacks everywhere, it will help students learn in ways index cards never could, with intuitive study modes, pictures and audio recordings.

  Platform:iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
  Price: $3.99

• Khan Academy

  This award-winning app for the iPad gives students access to a library of over 3,200 videos explaining and illustrating everything from advanced mathematical problems to straightforward historical events. All the short lessons are conducted in the Khan Academy’s trademark style, with simple steps and a clear narration. A log allows students to record the videos they have seen and track their progress. Khan Academy is a great teaching aid, as well as a study

  Platform:iPad
  Price: Free

• iTunes U

  iTunes U consists of a more than 500,000 free lectures, videos, books and other resources on subjects from algebra to zoology. Courses are created and taught by instructors from leading universities and other schools, including Stanford, Yale, MIT, Oxford, UC Berkeley and more. Students can take notes and highlight text in iBooks, as well as share favorite courses with friends using Twitter, Mail and more. Despite the higher education feel, iTunes U is designed to assist both high schoolers and college undergraduates.

  Platform:iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
  Price: Free

• Free Graphing Calculator

  The graphing calculator has long been a staple of every high-schooler’s backpack but at $100 and up, the Texas Instruments version can make a dent in any household budget. Instead iPhone and iPad owners can turn to the Free Graphing Calculator app from William Jockusch. Covering all the usual math topics such as algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry and vectors, the Graphic Calculator also helps with scientific calculations.

  Platform:iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
  Price: Free

Most everyone wants to lead a frugal life these days, however, it’s something that’s easier said than done. Managing money often becomes a full-time task, and just doesn’t seem worth the pennies saved if it’s eating up every spare moment of your time.

Thankfully, leading iPhone developers have created some great apps to help you reduce your spending. These ten entries are a mix of saving and budgeting apps guaranteed to help you achieve the frugal life that you’ve always dreamed of while making your expensive mobile device help to pay for itself along the way.

• Mint.com Personal Finance

  The Mint.com personal finance tracking app is listed as one of the best apps by a number of media outlets, including CNN, MacWorld and the Wired App Guide. You can create an account and add all your personal financial accounts, allowing you to aggregate your transactions to track where you are spending the most. The free app also creates a budget, which will tell you exactly how much you have left and where you can make savings.

• The Coupons App

  
  As well as helping you find the best coupon deals, The Coupon App lists comparative gas prices, has a barcode scanner and delivers alerts directly to your iPhone. You can create a calendar that will list coupons in order of relevance and expiration date, so that you never miss out on the best deals available. All you need to do to redeem a coupon is display it to the cashier at a participating store.

• RedLaser – Barcode Scanner

  One of the best barcode scanning apps around, RedLaser is never off duty. If you’re in a listed store, the app will identify all relevant deals, discounts and sales available. You can find alternatives and cheaper options, too, simply by scanning a product that you wish to purchase. There are thousands of listed stores, for both online and brick and mortar retailers. You pay nothing for the app, while making big savings most everywhere that you shop.

• Coupon Sherpa Mobile Coupons

  Another great shopping app, Coupon Sherpa makes redeeming coupons easy as pie. Simply present your on-screen coupon to the cashier and he can scan it right from your iPhone. The app has a built-in GPS store tracker, making it easy for you to find participating outlets. A “nearest store” feature won’t leave you tracking for miles to find a deal, and with money saving suggestions delivered to your phone, you can learn how to save even more each day.

• Shopper Pro

  This is a grocery shopping list app with one big difference. Shopper Pro lets you create recipes and shopping lists and categorizes all your product searches for easy reference. This version of the app costs $0.99, however, Shopper Pro is packed full of useful features for living a frugal life. A barcode scanner will help you make more informed decisions, and the budgeting and planning feature automatically works out your spending both with and without coupons savings.

• Daily Shopper

  With Daily Shopper you get a database of top saving sites that are categorized by name, category or popularity. So that you’re not being swamped by irrelevant search results, you can also edit and refine your lists to create a database of savings that are unique to your purchasing habits. This free app refreshes available deals as soon as data is updated by the vendor, which means you’re always kept in the loop.

• Pocket Expense Personal Finance

  One of the most customizable budgeting apps on the market,Pocket Expense Personal Finance gives you total freedom over your spending. You can set budgets for multiple accounts, as well as easily transfer funds between budgets. Charts and customizable icons make it simple to personalize how your budget and finance records display, so that you never find yourself over spending.

• Spending Tracker

  Sometimes simplicity is the key to a more frugal life. Spending Tracker will help you maintain a budget with spending trackers, weekly, monthly or yearly budget settings and editable spending and income categories. The interface on this free application is clean and simple to use, making this a great financing app to install on your iPhone.

• Unsplurge

  The novel idea with this app is that community and support are essential elements to living a frugal life. Unsplurge relies on the participation of community members, who all share the common goal of shedding the shackles of overspending. The concept is simple: you set your saving goals and record your progress and the results are shared among the community. Everyone benefits from the experiences of the collective with this app.

• Saver ~ Control your Expenses

  The problem with a lot of finance apps is that they’re time-consuming and overly complicated. Saver was designed specifically to work for people who want to track spending no matter where they are. For that reason, this free app works on a simple entry and quick tap system, allowing you to manage your spending without too much hassle.

The above article first appeared in HouseSittingJobs.com.