Nancy Kalish

It's easier than ever to use your phone to help your health -- and a lot of the time, the best resources are even free. Here are 10 must-have Android apps that will help keep your eating and exercise on track, soothe you when you're stressed, help your child brush his teeth better, even guide you through an emergency. So what are you waiting for? Start downloading!

Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal:

With a nutritional database of almost 600,000 foods, 350 different exercises, multiple trackers and daily reports, this app gives you essential tools for sticking to a healthy eating and exercise plan. It's also linked to a great website and community where you can get support from fellow dieters.

Cost: Free

Digital 3D Yoga:

Bored with your current yoga routine? Traveling and can't hit up your usual yoga studio? Take your practice to the next level -- and on the go -- with more than 1,500 images and descriptions of different positions, along with each move's health benefits. Best for those who are already familiar with yoga basics.

Cost: Free

Daily Ab Workout:

Five minutes is all it takes to get firmer abs, featuring a routine led by a certified personal trainer that targets all the major muscles. If you like the results, the same company makes daily arm and butt workouts as well -- all gratis.

Cost: Free

CrossFit Travel:

Take your workout on the road with 120 exercise routines -- from squats to planks to running -- that can be done in a hotel room, no equipment needed. Of course, they're great at home too.

Cost: $1.99

Toothbrush Helper:

Want your kids to brush for the two minutes recommended for optimal dental health? Just hand them your phone. Silly smiley-face characters make brushing seem like a game. They'll be done before they even think of complaining.

Cost: Free

5-minute Meditation:

The next time your boss yells at you or you're stuck waiting in a long line, start up this app. In just five minutes, its structured breathing exercises will help you relieve anxiety and stress.

Cost: Free

Lightning Bug Sleep Clock:

This app is a sound machine, relaxation device and alarm all in one. Soothe yourself to sleep with the soft sounds of rain, ocean waves or white noise.

Cost: Free

iMeds - Medication Reference:

Check this app whenever you get a new prescription or before taking OTC meds. It contains a database of key information on more than 7,000 FDA-approved drugs, including the proper dosage, side effects and interactions.

Cost: $0.99

LearnCPR CPR/Choking:

Developed by doctors at the University of Washington, this app offers instructional videos on how to correctly perform CPR and aid to someone who's choking, whether it is an infant, a child or an adult.

Cost: Free

ICE: In Case of Emergency:

This app could save your life! In the case you can't communicate, it will alert first responders to your medical conditions, prescriptions and other essential info. It also lists your emergency contacts and doctors.

Cost: $3.99

 

Nancy Kalish is the managing editor of this website. She is also a certified health coach who works with clients one-on-one and in groups