Boosting your health? There’s an app for that

Keep track of your vital numbers, food intake, and much more with these handy tools.

techWish you had a health mentor? You’ve already got one right in your pocket: Your smartphone. 

“Your smartphone is more powerful than the computer used on the space journey to put the man on the moon,” says Ted Vickey, professor of kinesiology at Point Loma University and senior adviser on fitness technology for the American Council on Exercise. 

Here, Vickey recommends his favorite health-related apps.

I WANT TO...Watch my food intake
THE APP FOR THAT: 
MyFitnessPal
Find support and motivation for exercise and healthy eating, plus a searchable food database of 300 million items. Free for Android and iOS.
 

I WANT TO...Turn my daily walk into a workout
THE APP FOR THAT: 
Map My Walk
Map out your route and discover new routes. There are versions for 600 activities, like running and biking. Free for Android and iOS.
 

I WANT TO...De-stress
THE APP FOR THAT: 
Happify
This app trains your brain to overcome negative thoughts and replace them with a positive mindset. Free for Android and iOS.

I WANT TO...Fall asleep faster
THE APP FOR THAT: 
Relax Melodies 
The American Sleep Association recommends this app for a relaxing bedtime. Choose from nature sounds, white noise, or bedtime stories. Free for Android and iOS.