Demo Mode

No student ID available

Concept 9 of 17

Concept 9: Health Connect Integration

Concept 09: Health Connect Integration

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

Understand Health Connect architecture and permissions
Request and manage health data permissions
Read various health data types (steps, heart rate, sleep)
Handle data aggregation and time ranges
Implement privacy-first health data practices
Build motivational UIs with health data

Health and fitness apps create daily engagement loops. Apps like Strava, MyFitnessPal, and Peloton turn workouts into social experiences users share. When friends see your run streak, gym progress, or step count, it creates accountability and motivation.

Health Connect is Android's unified health platform, connecting apps to data from Fitbit, Samsung Health, Google Fit, and more. In this lesson, we'll build features that inspire users to move, track progress, and share achievements.

Core Concepts

What is Health Connect?

Health Connect is Android's centralized health and fitness data platform. It provides:

Unified API: One interface for all health data sources
Privacy Controls: Users control what data apps can access
Data Types: 50+ health metrics (steps, heart rate, sleep, nutrition)
Automatic Sync: Data from watches, phones, and apps
Historical Data: Access past records for trends

Key Benefits:

No need to integrate with multiple fitness devices
Users trust Android's privacy controls
Rich data for personalization
Compete with friends using standardized metrics

Installing Health Connect

Install the React Native Health Connect library:

bash

npm install react-native-health-connect

Configure Android permissions in AndroidManifest.xml:

xml

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.health.READ_STEPS" />
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.health.READ_HEART_RATE" />
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.health.READ_SLEEP" />

  <application>
    <!-- Health Connect Activity -->
    <activity
      android:name="androidx.health.connect.client.PermissionController"
      android:exported="true">
      <intent-filter>
        <action android:name="androidx.health.ACTION_SHOW_PERMISSIONS_RATIONALE" />
      </intent-filter>
    </activity>
  </application>
</manifest>

💡 Tip: Health Connect requires Android 9 (API 28) or higher. Gracefully handle unsupported devices.

Checking Health Connect Availability

Verify Health Connect is installed:

javascript

import {
  initialize,
  getSdkStatus,
  SdkAvailabilityStatus,
} from 'react-native-health-connect';
import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
import { Alert, Linking } from 'react-native';

export default function HealthConnectSetup() {
  const [isAvailable, setIsAvailable] = useState(false);

  useEffect(() => {
    checkAvailability();
  }, []);

  const checkAvailability = async () => {
    const status = await getSdkStatus();

    switch (status) {
      case SdkAvailabilityStatus.SDK_AVAILABLE:
        await initialize();
        setIsAvailable(true);
        break;

      case SdkAvailabilityStatus.SDK_UNAVAILABLE:
        Alert.alert(
          'Health Connect Required',
          'Please install Health Connect from the Play Store',
          [
            {
              text: 'Install',
              onPress: () => {
                Linking.openURL(
                  'https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.healthdata'
                );
              },
            },
            { text: 'Cancel', style: 'cancel' },
          ]
        );
        break;

      case SdkAvailabilityStatus.SDK_UNAVAILABLE_PROVIDER_UPDATE_REQUIRED:
        Alert.alert(
          'Update Required',
          'Health Connect needs to be updated'
        );
        break;

      default:
        console.log('Unknown Health Connect status');
    }
  };

  return isAvailable;
}

Requesting Permissions

Health data requires explicit user permission:

javascript

import { requestPermission, Permission } from 'react-native-health-connect';
import { Alert } from 'react-native';

export const requestHealthPermissions = async () => {
  const permissions = [
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Steps' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'HeartRate' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Distance' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'TotalCaloriesBurned' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'SleepSession' },
  ];

  try {
    const granted = await requestPermission(permissions);

    if (granted) {
      console.log('Health permissions granted');
      return true;
    } else {
      Alert.alert(
        'Permissions Needed',
        'Health data access is required to track your fitness progress'
      );
      return false;
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Permission request error:', error);
    return false;
  }
};

Available Data Types:

Activity: Steps, Distance, Calories, Exercise
Body: Weight, Height, BMI, Body Fat
Vitals: Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Oxygen Saturation
Sleep: Sleep Sessions, Sleep Stages
Nutrition: Meals, Hydration, Macros

Reading Step Count

Fetch daily step data:

javascript

import { readRecords } from 'react-native-health-connect';

export const getTodaySteps = async () => {
  const today = new Date();
  today.setHours(0, 0, 0, 0); // Start of day

  const now = new Date();

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('Steps', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: today.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    // Sum all step records
    const totalSteps = result.records.reduce(
      (sum, record) => sum + record.count,
      0
    );

    console.log(`Today's steps: ${totalSteps}`);
    return totalSteps;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read steps error:', error);
    return 0;
  }
};

Aggregating Data Over Time

Calculate weekly stats:

javascript

export const getWeeklySteps = async () => {
  const now = new Date();
  const weekAgo = new Date(now.getTime() - 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000);

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('Steps', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: weekAgo.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    // Group by day
    const dailySteps = {};

    result.records.forEach((record) => {
      const date = new Date(record.startTime).toLocaleDateString();
      dailySteps[date] = (dailySteps[date] || 0) + record.count;
    });

    // Convert to array for charting
    const weekData = Object.entries(dailySteps).map(([date, steps]) => ({
      date,
      steps,
    }));

    return weekData;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read weekly steps error:', error);
    return [];
  }
};

Reading Heart Rate Data

Access heart rate measurements:

javascript

export const getRecentHeartRate = async () => {
  const now = new Date();
  const oneHourAgo = new Date(now.getTime() - 60 * 60 * 1000);

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('HeartRate', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: oneHourAgo.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    if (result.records.length === 0) {
      return null;
    }

    // Get latest measurement
    const latest = result.records[result.records.length - 1];

    return {
      bpm: latest.beatsPerMinute,
      time: new Date(latest.time),
    };
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read heart rate error:', error);
    return null;
  }
};

Reading Sleep Data

Fetch sleep sessions:

javascript

export const getLastNightSleep = async () => {
  const now = new Date();
  now.setHours(12, 0, 0, 0); // Noon today

  const yesterday = new Date(now);
  yesterday.setDate(yesterday.getDate() - 1);
  yesterday.setHours(12, 0, 0, 0); // Noon yesterday

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('SleepSession', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: yesterday.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    if (result.records.length === 0) {
      return null;
    }

    const sleepSession = result.records[0];

    const startTime = new Date(sleepSession.startTime);
    const endTime = new Date(sleepSession.endTime);
    const duration = (endTime - startTime) / (1000 * 60 * 60); // Hours

    return {
      startTime,
      endTime,
      duration: duration.toFixed(1),
      stages: sleepSession.stages, // Deep, Light, REM, Awake
    };
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read sleep error:', error);
    return null;
  }
};

Building a Health Dashboard

Display comprehensive health metrics:

javascript

import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import { View, Text, StyleSheet, ScrollView, RefreshControl } from 'react-native';

export default function HealthDashboard() {
  const [steps, setSteps] = useState(0);
  const [heartRate, setHeartRate] = useState(null);
  const [sleep, setSleep] = useState(null);
  const [refreshing, setRefreshing] = useState(false);

  useEffect(() => {
    loadHealthData();
  }, []);

  const loadHealthData = async () => {
    setRefreshing(true);

    // Request permissions first
    const hasPermission = await requestHealthPermissions();
    if (!hasPermission) {
      setRefreshing(false);
      return;
    }

    // Load all data
    const [stepsData, hrData, sleepData] = await Promise.all([
      getTodaySteps(),
      getRecentHeartRate(),
      getLastNightSleep(),
    ]);

    setSteps(stepsData);
    setHeartRate(hrData);
    setSleep(sleepData);

    setRefreshing(false);
  };

  return (
    <ScrollView
      style={styles.container}
      refreshControl={
        <RefreshControl refreshing={refreshing} onRefresh={loadHealthData} />
      }
    >
      <Text style={styles.title}>Health Dashboard</Text>

      {/* Steps Card */}
      <View style={styles.card}>
        <Text style={styles.cardTitle}>Steps Today</Text>
        <Text style={styles.cardValue}>{steps.toLocaleString()}</Text>
        <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>
          Goal: 10,000 ({Math.round((steps / 10000) * 100)}%)
        </Text>
      </View>

      {/* Heart Rate Card */}
      <View style={styles.card}>
        <Text style={styles.cardTitle}>Heart Rate</Text>
        {heartRate ? (
          <>
            <Text style={styles.cardValue}>{heartRate.bpm} bpm</Text>
            <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>
              Updated {heartRate.time.toLocaleTimeString()}
            </Text>
          </>
        ) : (
          <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>No recent data</Text>
        )}
      </View>

      {/* Sleep Card */}
      <View style={styles.card}>
        <Text style={styles.cardTitle}>Last Night's Sleep</Text>
        {sleep ? (
          <>
            <Text style={styles.cardValue}>{sleep.duration} hours</Text>
            <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>
              {sleep.startTime.toLocaleTimeString()} -{' '}
              {sleep.endTime.toLocaleTimeString()}
            </Text>
          </>
        ) : (
          <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>No sleep data</Text>
        )}
      </View>
    </ScrollView>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#f5f5f5',
    padding: 16,
  },
  title: {
    fontSize: 28,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  card: {
    backgroundColor: '#fff',
    borderRadius: 12,
    padding: 20,
    marginBottom: 16,
    shadowColor: '#000',
    shadowOffset: { width: 0, height: 2 },
    shadowOpacity: 0.1,
    shadowRadius: 4,
    elevation: 3,
  },
  cardTitle: {
    fontSize: 16,
    color: '#666',
    marginBottom: 8,
  },
  cardValue: {
    fontSize: 36,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 4,
  },
  cardSubtitle: {
    fontSize: 14,
    color: '#999',
  },
});

Privacy Best Practices

Handle health data responsibly:

javascript

export const HealthPrivacyGuidelines = {
  // 1. Request only needed permissions
  requestMinimalPermissions: () => {
    // Only request data types you actually use
    // Don't request "read all" permissions
  },

  // 2. Explain why you need data
  showPermissionRationale: () => {
    Alert.alert(
      'Health Data Access',
      'We use your step count to track daily goals and celebrate milestones. Your data stays private and is never shared without permission.'
    );
  },

  // 3. Store health data securely
  secureStorage: async (data) => {
    // Use encrypted storage for sensitive health data
    // await SecureStore.setItemAsync('health_data', JSON.stringify(data));
  },

  // 4. Never share without consent
  shareData: async (data, recipient) => {
    Alert.alert(
      'Share Health Data?',
      `Do you want to share your ${data.type} with ${recipient}?`,
      [
        { text: 'Cancel', style: 'cancel' },
        {
          text: 'Share',
          onPress: () => {
            // Proceed with sharing
          },
        },
      ]
    );
  },

  // 5. Provide data deletion
  deleteUserData: async () => {
    // Delete all cached health data
    // await AsyncStorage.removeItem('health_cache');
  },
};

Practical Example

Fitness tracking app with goal setting:

javascript

import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import {
  View,
  Text,
  StyleSheet,
  TouchableOpacity,
  ProgressBarAndroid,
} from 'react-native';
import { readRecords, requestPermission } from 'react-native-health-connect';

export default function FitnessTrackerScreen() {
  const [steps, setSteps] = useState(0);
  const [goal, setGoal] = useState(10000);
  const [calories, setCalories] = useState(0);
  const [distance, setDistance] = useState(0);

  useEffect(() => {
    setupHealthTracking();
  }, []);

  const setupHealthTracking = async () => {
    const permissions = [
      { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Steps' },
      { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Distance' },
      { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'TotalCaloriesBurned' },
    ];

    const granted = await requestPermission(permissions);
    if (granted) {
      loadTodayData();
    }
  };

  const loadTodayData = async () => {
    const today = new Date();
    today.setHours(0, 0, 0, 0);

    const now = new Date();

    try {
      // Load steps
      const stepsResult = await readRecords('Steps', {
        timeRangeFilter: {
          operator: 'between',
          startTime: today.toISOString(),
          endTime: now.toISOString(),
        },
      });

      const totalSteps = stepsResult.records.reduce(
        (sum, record) => sum + record.count,
        0
      );
      setSteps(totalSteps);

      // Load distance
      const distanceResult = await readRecords('Distance', {
        timeRangeFilter: {
          operator: 'between',
          startTime: today.toISOString(),
          endTime: now.toISOString(),
        },
      });

      const totalDistance = distanceResult.records.reduce(
        (sum, record) => sum + record.distance.inMeters,
        0
      );
      setDistance((totalDistance / 1000).toFixed(2)); // Convert to km

      // Load calories
      const caloriesResult = await readRecords('TotalCaloriesBurned', {
        timeRangeFilter: {
          operator: 'between',
          startTime: today.toISOString(),
          endTime: now.toISOString(),
        },
      });

      const totalCalories = caloriesResult.records.reduce(
        (sum, record) => sum + record.energy.inKilocalories,
        0
      );
      setCalories(Math.round(totalCalories));
    } catch (error) {
      console.error('Load data error:', error);
    }
  };

  const progress = Math.min((steps / goal) * 100, 100);
  const isGoalReached = steps >= goal;

  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <Text style={styles.title}>Today's Activity</Text>

      {/* Steps Progress */}
      <View style={styles.mainCard}>
        <Text style={styles.mainValue}>{steps.toLocaleString()}</Text>
        <Text style={styles.mainLabel}>steps</Text>

        <ProgressBarAndroid
          styleAttr="Horizontal"
          indeterminate={false}
          progress={progress / 100}
          color="#4CAF50"
          style={styles.progressBar}
        />

        <Text style={styles.goalText}>
          {isGoalReached
            ? `Goal Reached! 🎉`
            : `${(goal - steps).toLocaleString()} steps to goal`}
        </Text>
      </View>

      {/* Stats Grid */}
      <View style={styles.statsGrid}>
        <View style={styles.statCard}>
          <Text style={styles.statValue}>{distance}</Text>
          <Text style={styles.statLabel}>km</Text>
        </View>

        <View style={styles.statCard}>
          <Text style={styles.statValue}>{calories}</Text>
          <Text style={styles.statLabel}>calories</Text>
        </View>
      </View>

      <TouchableOpacity style={styles.refreshButton} onPress={loadTodayData}>
        <Text style={styles.refreshButtonText}>Refresh Data</Text>
      </TouchableOpacity>
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#f5f5f5',
    padding: 20,
  },
  title: {
    fontSize: 28,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  mainCard: {
    backgroundColor: '#fff',
    borderRadius: 16,
    padding: 30,
    alignItems: 'center',
    marginBottom: 20,
    shadowColor: '#000',
    shadowOffset: { width: 0, height: 2 },
    shadowOpacity: 0.1,
    shadowRadius: 8,
    elevation: 5,
  },
  mainValue: {
    fontSize: 56,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    color: '#4CAF50',
  },
  mainLabel: {
    fontSize: 20,
    color: '#666',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  progressBar: {
    width: '100%',
    height: 8,
    marginVertical: 20,
  },
  goalText: {
    fontSize: 16,
    color: '#666',
  },
  statsGrid: {
    flexDirection: 'row',
    justifyContent: 'space-between',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  statCard: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#fff',
    borderRadius: 12,
    padding: 20,
    alignItems: 'center',
    marginHorizontal: 6,
  },
  statValue: {
    fontSize: 32,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 4,
  },
  statLabel: {
    fontSize: 14,
    color: '#666',
  },
  refreshButton: {
    backgroundColor: '#007AFF',
    borderRadius: 12,
    padding: 16,
    alignItems: 'center',
  },
  refreshButtonText: {
    color: '#fff',
    fontSize: 16,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
  },
});

Common Pitfalls

Pitfall	Solution
Health Connect not installed	Check availability, prompt user to install from Play Store
Permissions denied	Explain value clearly, allow app to work with limited data
Empty data	Handle gracefully, show onboarding for new users
Battery drain	Minimize read frequency, cache data, use aggregated queries
Privacy concerns	Be transparent, only request needed data, provide deletion option

Summary

Health Connect provides unified access to health and fitness data
Request only necessary permissions with clear explanations
Read various data types: steps, heart rate, sleep, calories
Aggregate data over time for trends and insights
Build motivational UIs that celebrate progress
Follow privacy best practices: minimal data, secure storage, user control
Handle missing data and unavailable devices gracefully

Next Steps

In the next lesson, we'll explore Step Tracking and Goals, building features that gamify fitness with daily challenges, streaks, and social competition.

Concept 9 of 17

Concept 9: Health Connect Integration

Concept 09: Health Connect Integration

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

Understand Health Connect architecture and permissions
Request and manage health data permissions
Read various health data types (steps, heart rate, sleep)
Handle data aggregation and time ranges
Implement privacy-first health data practices
Build motivational UIs with health data

Unified API: One interface for all health data sources
Privacy Controls: Users control what data apps can access
Data Types: 50+ health metrics (steps, heart rate, sleep, nutrition)
Automatic Sync: Data from watches, phones, and apps
Historical Data: Access past records for trends

Key Benefits:

No need to integrate with multiple fitness devices
Users trust Android's privacy controls
Rich data for personalization
Compete with friends using standardized metrics

Installing Health Connect

Install the React Native Health Connect library:

bash

npm install react-native-health-connect

Configure Android permissions in AndroidManifest.xml:

xml

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.health.READ_STEPS" />
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.health.READ_HEART_RATE" />
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.health.READ_SLEEP" />

  <application>
    <!-- Health Connect Activity -->
    <activity
      android:name="androidx.health.connect.client.PermissionController"
      android:exported="true">
      <intent-filter>
        <action android:name="androidx.health.ACTION_SHOW_PERMISSIONS_RATIONALE" />
      </intent-filter>
    </activity>
  </application>
</manifest>

💡 Tip: Health Connect requires Android 9 (API 28) or higher. Gracefully handle unsupported devices.

Checking Health Connect Availability

Verify Health Connect is installed:

javascript

import {
  initialize,
  getSdkStatus,
  SdkAvailabilityStatus,
} from 'react-native-health-connect';
import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
import { Alert, Linking } from 'react-native';

export default function HealthConnectSetup() {
  const [isAvailable, setIsAvailable] = useState(false);

  useEffect(() => {
    checkAvailability();
  }, []);

  const checkAvailability = async () => {
    const status = await getSdkStatus();

    switch (status) {
      case SdkAvailabilityStatus.SDK_AVAILABLE:
        await initialize();
        setIsAvailable(true);
        break;

      case SdkAvailabilityStatus.SDK_UNAVAILABLE:
        Alert.alert(
          'Health Connect Required',
          'Please install Health Connect from the Play Store',
          [
            {
              text: 'Install',
              onPress: () => {
                Linking.openURL(
                  'https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.healthdata'
                );
              },
            },
            { text: 'Cancel', style: 'cancel' },
          ]
        );
        break;

      case SdkAvailabilityStatus.SDK_UNAVAILABLE_PROVIDER_UPDATE_REQUIRED:
        Alert.alert(
          'Update Required',
          'Health Connect needs to be updated'
        );
        break;

      default:
        console.log('Unknown Health Connect status');
    }
  };

  return isAvailable;
}

Requesting Permissions

Health data requires explicit user permission:

javascript

import { requestPermission, Permission } from 'react-native-health-connect';
import { Alert } from 'react-native';

export const requestHealthPermissions = async () => {
  const permissions = [
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Steps' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'HeartRate' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Distance' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'TotalCaloriesBurned' },
    { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'SleepSession' },
  ];

  try {
    const granted = await requestPermission(permissions);

    if (granted) {
      console.log('Health permissions granted');
      return true;
    } else {
      Alert.alert(
        'Permissions Needed',
        'Health data access is required to track your fitness progress'
      );
      return false;
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Permission request error:', error);
    return false;
  }
};

Available Data Types:

Activity: Steps, Distance, Calories, Exercise
Body: Weight, Height, BMI, Body Fat
Vitals: Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Oxygen Saturation
Sleep: Sleep Sessions, Sleep Stages
Nutrition: Meals, Hydration, Macros

Reading Step Count

Fetch daily step data:

javascript

import { readRecords } from 'react-native-health-connect';

export const getTodaySteps = async () => {
  const today = new Date();
  today.setHours(0, 0, 0, 0); // Start of day

  const now = new Date();

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('Steps', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: today.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    // Sum all step records
    const totalSteps = result.records.reduce(
      (sum, record) => sum + record.count,
      0
    );

    console.log(`Today's steps: ${totalSteps}`);
    return totalSteps;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read steps error:', error);
    return 0;
  }
};

Aggregating Data Over Time

Calculate weekly stats:

javascript

export const getWeeklySteps = async () => {
  const now = new Date();
  const weekAgo = new Date(now.getTime() - 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000);

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('Steps', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: weekAgo.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    // Group by day
    const dailySteps = {};

    result.records.forEach((record) => {
      const date = new Date(record.startTime).toLocaleDateString();
      dailySteps[date] = (dailySteps[date] || 0) + record.count;
    });

    // Convert to array for charting
    const weekData = Object.entries(dailySteps).map(([date, steps]) => ({
      date,
      steps,
    }));

    return weekData;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read weekly steps error:', error);
    return [];
  }
};

Reading Heart Rate Data

Access heart rate measurements:

javascript

export const getRecentHeartRate = async () => {
  const now = new Date();
  const oneHourAgo = new Date(now.getTime() - 60 * 60 * 1000);

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('HeartRate', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: oneHourAgo.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    if (result.records.length === 0) {
      return null;
    }

    // Get latest measurement
    const latest = result.records[result.records.length - 1];

    return {
      bpm: latest.beatsPerMinute,
      time: new Date(latest.time),
    };
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read heart rate error:', error);
    return null;
  }
};

Reading Sleep Data

Fetch sleep sessions:

javascript

export const getLastNightSleep = async () => {
  const now = new Date();
  now.setHours(12, 0, 0, 0); // Noon today

  const yesterday = new Date(now);
  yesterday.setDate(yesterday.getDate() - 1);
  yesterday.setHours(12, 0, 0, 0); // Noon yesterday

  try {
    const result = await readRecords('SleepSession', {
      timeRangeFilter: {
        operator: 'between',
        startTime: yesterday.toISOString(),
        endTime: now.toISOString(),
      },
    });

    if (result.records.length === 0) {
      return null;
    }

    const sleepSession = result.records[0];

    const startTime = new Date(sleepSession.startTime);
    const endTime = new Date(sleepSession.endTime);
    const duration = (endTime - startTime) / (1000 * 60 * 60); // Hours

    return {
      startTime,
      endTime,
      duration: duration.toFixed(1),
      stages: sleepSession.stages, // Deep, Light, REM, Awake
    };
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Read sleep error:', error);
    return null;
  }
};

Building a Health Dashboard

Display comprehensive health metrics:

javascript

import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import { View, Text, StyleSheet, ScrollView, RefreshControl } from 'react-native';

export default function HealthDashboard() {
  const [steps, setSteps] = useState(0);
  const [heartRate, setHeartRate] = useState(null);
  const [sleep, setSleep] = useState(null);
  const [refreshing, setRefreshing] = useState(false);

  useEffect(() => {
    loadHealthData();
  }, []);

  const loadHealthData = async () => {
    setRefreshing(true);

    // Request permissions first
    const hasPermission = await requestHealthPermissions();
    if (!hasPermission) {
      setRefreshing(false);
      return;
    }

    // Load all data
    const [stepsData, hrData, sleepData] = await Promise.all([
      getTodaySteps(),
      getRecentHeartRate(),
      getLastNightSleep(),
    ]);

    setSteps(stepsData);
    setHeartRate(hrData);
    setSleep(sleepData);

    setRefreshing(false);
  };

  return (
    <ScrollView
      style={styles.container}
      refreshControl={
        <RefreshControl refreshing={refreshing} onRefresh={loadHealthData} />
      }
    >
      <Text style={styles.title}>Health Dashboard</Text>

      {/* Steps Card */}
      <View style={styles.card}>
        <Text style={styles.cardTitle}>Steps Today</Text>
        <Text style={styles.cardValue}>{steps.toLocaleString()}</Text>
        <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>
          Goal: 10,000 ({Math.round((steps / 10000) * 100)}%)
        </Text>
      </View>

      {/* Heart Rate Card */}
      <View style={styles.card}>
        <Text style={styles.cardTitle}>Heart Rate</Text>
        {heartRate ? (
          <>
            <Text style={styles.cardValue}>{heartRate.bpm} bpm</Text>
            <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>
              Updated {heartRate.time.toLocaleTimeString()}
            </Text>
          </>
        ) : (
          <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>No recent data</Text>
        )}
      </View>

      {/* Sleep Card */}
      <View style={styles.card}>
        <Text style={styles.cardTitle}>Last Night's Sleep</Text>
        {sleep ? (
          <>
            <Text style={styles.cardValue}>{sleep.duration} hours</Text>
            <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>
              {sleep.startTime.toLocaleTimeString()} -{' '}
              {sleep.endTime.toLocaleTimeString()}
            </Text>
          </>
        ) : (
          <Text style={styles.cardSubtitle}>No sleep data</Text>
        )}
      </View>
    </ScrollView>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#f5f5f5',
    padding: 16,
  },
  title: {
    fontSize: 28,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  card: {
    backgroundColor: '#fff',
    borderRadius: 12,
    padding: 20,
    marginBottom: 16,
    shadowColor: '#000',
    shadowOffset: { width: 0, height: 2 },
    shadowOpacity: 0.1,
    shadowRadius: 4,
    elevation: 3,
  },
  cardTitle: {
    fontSize: 16,
    color: '#666',
    marginBottom: 8,
  },
  cardValue: {
    fontSize: 36,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 4,
  },
  cardSubtitle: {
    fontSize: 14,
    color: '#999',
  },
});

Privacy Best Practices

Handle health data responsibly:

javascript

export const HealthPrivacyGuidelines = {
  // 1. Request only needed permissions
  requestMinimalPermissions: () => {
    // Only request data types you actually use
    // Don't request "read all" permissions
  },

  // 2. Explain why you need data
  showPermissionRationale: () => {
    Alert.alert(
      'Health Data Access',
      'We use your step count to track daily goals and celebrate milestones. Your data stays private and is never shared without permission.'
    );
  },

  // 3. Store health data securely
  secureStorage: async (data) => {
    // Use encrypted storage for sensitive health data
    // await SecureStore.setItemAsync('health_data', JSON.stringify(data));
  },

  // 4. Never share without consent
  shareData: async (data, recipient) => {
    Alert.alert(
      'Share Health Data?',
      `Do you want to share your ${data.type} with ${recipient}?`,
      [
        { text: 'Cancel', style: 'cancel' },
        {
          text: 'Share',
          onPress: () => {
            // Proceed with sharing
          },
        },
      ]
    );
  },

  // 5. Provide data deletion
  deleteUserData: async () => {
    // Delete all cached health data
    // await AsyncStorage.removeItem('health_cache');
  },
};

Practical Example

Fitness tracking app with goal setting:

javascript

import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import {
  View,
  Text,
  StyleSheet,
  TouchableOpacity,
  ProgressBarAndroid,
} from 'react-native';
import { readRecords, requestPermission } from 'react-native-health-connect';

export default function FitnessTrackerScreen() {
  const [steps, setSteps] = useState(0);
  const [goal, setGoal] = useState(10000);
  const [calories, setCalories] = useState(0);
  const [distance, setDistance] = useState(0);

  useEffect(() => {
    setupHealthTracking();
  }, []);

  const setupHealthTracking = async () => {
    const permissions = [
      { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Steps' },
      { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'Distance' },
      { accessType: 'read', recordType: 'TotalCaloriesBurned' },
    ];

    const granted = await requestPermission(permissions);
    if (granted) {
      loadTodayData();
    }
  };

  const loadTodayData = async () => {
    const today = new Date();
    today.setHours(0, 0, 0, 0);

    const now = new Date();

    try {
      // Load steps
      const stepsResult = await readRecords('Steps', {
        timeRangeFilter: {
          operator: 'between',
          startTime: today.toISOString(),
          endTime: now.toISOString(),
        },
      });

      const totalSteps = stepsResult.records.reduce(
        (sum, record) => sum + record.count,
        0
      );
      setSteps(totalSteps);

      // Load distance
      const distanceResult = await readRecords('Distance', {
        timeRangeFilter: {
          operator: 'between',
          startTime: today.toISOString(),
          endTime: now.toISOString(),
        },
      });

      const totalDistance = distanceResult.records.reduce(
        (sum, record) => sum + record.distance.inMeters,
        0
      );
      setDistance((totalDistance / 1000).toFixed(2)); // Convert to km

      // Load calories
      const caloriesResult = await readRecords('TotalCaloriesBurned', {
        timeRangeFilter: {
          operator: 'between',
          startTime: today.toISOString(),
          endTime: now.toISOString(),
        },
      });

      const totalCalories = caloriesResult.records.reduce(
        (sum, record) => sum + record.energy.inKilocalories,
        0
      );
      setCalories(Math.round(totalCalories));
    } catch (error) {
      console.error('Load data error:', error);
    }
  };

  const progress = Math.min((steps / goal) * 100, 100);
  const isGoalReached = steps >= goal;

  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <Text style={styles.title}>Today's Activity</Text>

      {/* Steps Progress */}
      <View style={styles.mainCard}>
        <Text style={styles.mainValue}>{steps.toLocaleString()}</Text>
        <Text style={styles.mainLabel}>steps</Text>

        <ProgressBarAndroid
          styleAttr="Horizontal"
          indeterminate={false}
          progress={progress / 100}
          color="#4CAF50"
          style={styles.progressBar}
        />

        <Text style={styles.goalText}>
          {isGoalReached
            ? `Goal Reached! 🎉`
            : `${(goal - steps).toLocaleString()} steps to goal`}
        </Text>
      </View>

      {/* Stats Grid */}
      <View style={styles.statsGrid}>
        <View style={styles.statCard}>
          <Text style={styles.statValue}>{distance}</Text>
          <Text style={styles.statLabel}>km</Text>
        </View>

        <View style={styles.statCard}>
          <Text style={styles.statValue}>{calories}</Text>
          <Text style={styles.statLabel}>calories</Text>
        </View>
      </View>

      <TouchableOpacity style={styles.refreshButton} onPress={loadTodayData}>
        <Text style={styles.refreshButtonText}>Refresh Data</Text>
      </TouchableOpacity>
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#f5f5f5',
    padding: 20,
  },
  title: {
    fontSize: 28,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  mainCard: {
    backgroundColor: '#fff',
    borderRadius: 16,
    padding: 30,
    alignItems: 'center',
    marginBottom: 20,
    shadowColor: '#000',
    shadowOffset: { width: 0, height: 2 },
    shadowOpacity: 0.1,
    shadowRadius: 8,
    elevation: 5,
  },
  mainValue: {
    fontSize: 56,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    color: '#4CAF50',
  },
  mainLabel: {
    fontSize: 20,
    color: '#666',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  progressBar: {
    width: '100%',
    height: 8,
    marginVertical: 20,
  },
  goalText: {
    fontSize: 16,
    color: '#666',
  },
  statsGrid: {
    flexDirection: 'row',
    justifyContent: 'space-between',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  statCard: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#fff',
    borderRadius: 12,
    padding: 20,
    alignItems: 'center',
    marginHorizontal: 6,
  },
  statValue: {
    fontSize: 32,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 4,
  },
  statLabel: {
    fontSize: 14,
    color: '#666',
  },
  refreshButton: {
    backgroundColor: '#007AFF',
    borderRadius: 12,
    padding: 16,
    alignItems: 'center',
  },
  refreshButtonText: {
    color: '#fff',
    fontSize: 16,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
  },
});

Common Pitfalls

Pitfall	Solution
Health Connect not installed	Check availability, prompt user to install from Play Store
Permissions denied	Explain value clearly, allow app to work with limited data
Empty data	Handle gracefully, show onboarding for new users
Battery drain	Minimize read frequency, cache data, use aggregated queries
Privacy concerns	Be transparent, only request needed data, provide deletion option

Summary

Health Connect provides unified access to health and fitness data
Request only necessary permissions with clear explanations
Read various data types: steps, heart rate, sleep, calories
Aggregate data over time for trends and insights
Build motivational UIs that celebrate progress
Follow privacy best practices: minimal data, secure storage, user control
Handle missing data and unavailable devices gracefully

Next Steps

In the next lesson, we'll explore Step Tracking and Goals, building features that gamify fitness with daily challenges, streaks, and social competition.

Concept 9: Health Connect Integration

Concept 09: Health Connect Integration

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Core Concepts

What is Health Connect?

Installing Health Connect

Checking Health Connect Availability

Requesting Permissions

Reading Step Count

Aggregating Data Over Time

Reading Heart Rate Data

Reading Sleep Data

Building a Health Dashboard

Privacy Best Practices

Practical Example

Common Pitfalls

Summary

Next Steps

Concept 9: Health Connect Integration

Concept 09: Health Connect Integration

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Core Concepts

What is Health Connect?

Installing Health Connect

Checking Health Connect Availability

Requesting Permissions

Reading Step Count

Aggregating Data Over Time

Reading Heart Rate Data

Reading Sleep Data

Building a Health Dashboard

Privacy Best Practices

Practical Example

Common Pitfalls

Summary

Next Steps