We hear so much about the downsides of smartphones for our mental and physical health . But exciting research finds that when used in the right way , they can actually make you feel better and improve everything from your heart health to your memory

Never forget a pill Ever have that “ Did I or didn ’ t I ?” moment with your medication ? Pill amnesia happens to 75 % of us . Luckily , medicationreminder apps such as Medisafe Medication Management ( for iOS or Android ) prompt you to take your Rx and log that you completed the task . It ’ s so effective , research in JAMA Internal Medicine found digital medication reminders doubled the chance people took their meds .

Help your heart Australian research suggests that once you begin tracking your steps on your smartphone , you ’ ll increase your daily average by 1,850 steps . And that ’ s important since a study in the

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found taking just 2,337 steps a day begins to cut heart attack and stroke risk . The free pedometer feature on your iPhone or Android tracks your steps as long as you keep your phone in your hand , pocket or purse you ’ re carrying .

Cut glucose spikes Enter your blood-glucose reading in the BlueStar Diabetes app ( for iPhone and Android ) and it will give you real-time guidance , such as how to get your blood sugar back into a safe reading , while logging your progress over time to share with your doctor . It even helps you plan meals using AI coaching . Ask your doctor for a code to access the free app .

Soothe pain Use your smartphone to cue up a playlist of gentle music on Spotify and play it at low volume when you ’ re achy . Soothing music with a volume of 50 to 60 decibels ( or “ elevator music ”) muffles the brain ’ s transmission of pain signals , suggests an animal study in Science , notably lowering pain perception . — Ann Green

Easy remedies beautify legs so you look and feel confident this shorts season

Spider veins ? Swipe on witch hazel . The natural astringent , rich in tannins , tightens up swollen blood vessels when applied topically to diminish the puffy , blue-purple veins on legs . To do : Smooth a witch hazel – soaked cotton ball over visible veins twice daily .

Playing a video game like Words with Friends or Candy Crush distracts the brain , reducing cravings in 3 minutes , suggests U . K . research .

Cellulite ? Try dry brushing with coconut oil . The oil ’ s fatty acids “ fill in ” dimples , while brushing helps flush toxins that contribute to orange-peel skin . To do : Rub 1 ⁄ 2 Tbs . of coconut oil on legs , then use a firmbristled body brush to swipe skin in upward strokes for 2 minutes .

Find your ‘ sweet spot ’

Most of us spend 5 to 6 hours a day on our phone . And no matter how uplifting the content is , too much screen time can leave us feeling a little down . But German scientists found that when people spent 1 hour less on their phones daily , they reached a “ sweet spot ” that left them happier within a week .

Parched patches ? Choose an Epsom salts scrub . Mineralrich salts buff away rough patches on knees without irritation while also moisturizing . To do : Massage a salt-infused scrub ( like Dr Teal ’ s Pure Epsom Salt Body Scrub , Amazon . com ) on damp skin for 1 minute ; rinse .

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