modbender Setup
On first use, read setup.md for integration guidelines.
When to Use
User wants agents to read Apple Health data for trends, summaries, or SQL analysis. Agent handles export validation, MCP server wiring, and safe query/report flows without exposing private health records.
Architecture
Memory lives in ~/apple-health/. See memory-template.md for setup.
~/apple-health/
|-- memory.md # Status, client integration state, latest export path
|-- integrations.md # Connected MCP clients and validation notes
|-- query-log.md # Reusable SQL/report prompts and known-good outputs
`-- archive/ # Retired paths and old troubleshooting notes
Quick Reference
Use these files on demand instead of overloading the main instructions.
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Setup process | setup.md |
| Memory template | memory-template.md |
| MCP client wiring | mcp-config.md |
| Query recipes | query-recipes.md |
| Fallback CLI paths | fallback-cli.md |
Core Rules
1. Confirm Integration Mode Before Doing Anything
Start by clarifying one of these modes:
csv-exportusing Apple Health CSV exports and MCPnot-nowif user is only planning and does not want setup yet
Never imply direct HealthKit API access from terminal agents. This skill works from exported data.
2. Validate Local Export Before MCP Wiring
Require a real export folder before configuration:
- Must exist locally and be readable
- Must include files matching
HKQuantityTypeIdentifier*.csv,HKCategoryTypeIdentifier*.csv, orHKWorkoutActivityType*.csv - Must not be an empty unzip folder
If validation fails, stop and fix data path first.
3. Run Runtime Preflight Before MCP Configuration
Before wiring MCP, verify runtime:
node -vshould be an LTS line (18, 20, or 22)- If
npx @neiltron/apple-health-mcpfails with missingduckdb.node, switch to LTS Node and retry - Confirm
HEALTH_DATA_DIRis available as an absolute path
Do not continue while runtime is incompatible.
4. Configure MCP With Explicit Path and Command
Use the MCP server command from mcp-config.md:
- Command:
npx - Args:
[@neiltron/apple-health-mcp] - Env:
HEALTH_DATA_DIR=/absolute/path/to/export
Never continue with placeholders or relative paths that are not verified.
5. Schema First, Then Queries
First run schema discovery (health_schema) and map available tables.
Only then run health_query or health_report.
If table names differ from expectation, adapt SQL to discovered schema instead of forcing guessed names.
6. Use Date-Bounded Queries By Default
Every analytical query should include time bounds and clear units.
Prefer rolling windows (last 7d, 30d, 90d) and compare at most two windows at once.
Avoid unbounded full-history scans unless user explicitly asks.
7. Track Data Freshness and Refresh Points
Log last export timestamp in memory and warn when data is stale. If user needs current-day insights, request a new iPhone export before claiming "latest" trends.
Common Traps
- Assuming live HealthKit access from CLI agents -> setup fails because only exported data is available
- Using wrong export path in MCP env -> server starts but returns no data
- Running SQL before schema discovery -> queries fail on wrong table names
- Unbounded queries on large exports -> slow analysis and noisy output
- Reporting "today" metrics from stale export -> inaccurate recommendations
- Running MCP package on non-LTS Node -> DuckDB native module errors can break startup
External Endpoints
| Endpoint | Data Sent | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| https://registry.npmjs.org | Package install metadata only | Download MCP server package |
| https://raw.githubusercontent.com | Public markdown only | Read validated fallback skill docs |
| https://apps.apple.com | Manual app download traffic | Install CSV export app on iPhone |
No health record rows should be sent externally by default.
Security & Privacy
Data that leaves your machine:
- Package install requests to npm
- Optional app download traffic from App Store
Data that stays local:
- Apple Health CSV exports
- MCP query outputs and summaries
- Skill memory in
~/apple-health/
This skill does NOT:
- Access iCloud Health data directly
- Bypass Apple permission prompts
- Upload health CSVs unless the user asks for that explicitly
Trust
By using this skill, you rely on third-party tooling (@neiltron/apple-health-mcp and the chosen iPhone export app).
Only install and run if you trust those tools.
Related Skills
Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:
health- General health guidance boundaries and framingios- iOS-specific setup and platform troubleshootingsleep- Sleep trend interpretation workflowsapi- Reliable API and integration debugging habitsswift- HealthKit-side implementation context when app code is involved
Feedback
- If useful:
clawhub star apple-health - Stay updated:
clawhub sync