The best smart rings are highly capable wearable devices that are packed with sensors and yet small and light enough to be worn on one of your fingers. The quest to make the perfect smart ring has been a tricky one – many companies have tried and failed. But 2024 could be the year of the smart ring with Samsung's on the way and even Apple is rumored to be working on one. 

But which is the best smart ring to buy right now? Over the past few years there's been a big influx in new smart rings. However, they're not all created equal. Some smart rings have a poor battery life, aren't accurate and come with confusing apps. We're here to help. In our guide below, we've included the best smart rings you can buy now. We've included what we think each device is best for, as well as our first-hand experiences of trying them. Read on to find the best smart ring for you. 

The quick list

The best smart ring for most people

The Oura Ring (Gen 3) is our favorite smart ring and the one we recommend for most people. That's because this smart ring ticks all of the boxes. It looks good, coming in a range of shades and a few different styles. It's also comfortable and lightweight, weighing in at 4-6g depending on which size you opt for.

But it's the wealth of data it collects that makes it an excellent smart ring – and a solid upgrade over the original Oura and the Gen 2 ring that came before it. New sensors allow it to measure your blood oxygen (SpO2) levels, 24/7 daytime heart rate (previously it was only at night), workout heart rate, restorative time, Period Prediction, improved temperature sensing, and so much more. The companion app has also been beefed up with new content, women's and reproductive health, and improved sleep algorithms.

The only notable downside of the Oura Ring (Gen 3) is it's a little pricier than some of the competition. It's also only available as part of a subscription fee. It's worth pointing out we still think the Oura ring is good value for what it offers, but if you're on a budget or don't like the idea of subscribing there are other options that will bring you a similar experience. 

Read our full Oura Ring (Gen 3) review

The best smart ring for comfort

The Ultrahuman Ring Air is packed with sensors to track data about your health, fitness and sleep. It does this well, feeding back information via an insightful app that allows you to see trends, progress and even recommendations. There's a big focus on sleep and energy levels – great news for anyone who leads an active lifestyle and wants more guidance about rest and recovery.

Design-wise, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is very light, weighing in at only 2.4g to 3.6g (depending on the size you need) and comfortable enough to wear 24/7. The only downside is it did get a little scratched during testing, which I think was due to the matte black finish.

The biggest competitor to the Ultrahuman Ring Air is undoubtedly the Oura Ring (Gen 3) above, the rings look similar and offer a lot of the same features. Oura just about beats Ultrahuman to the top spot. But if you don't like the idea of a subscription and want the comfiest option, Ultrahuman is better. 

Read our full Ultrahuman Ring Air review

The best budget smart ring

The RingConn is one of the best smart rings you can buy. Unlike its rivals, it has an unusual design. Yes, it's definitely a ring. But it has subtle squared edges, which makes it stand out. It's one of our favorites for looks, and not only is it stylish, subtle and less prone to scratches than the Ultrahuman Ring Air, it's incredibly comfortable too.

It's also more affordable than both the Oura Gen 3 smart ring and the Ultrahuman Ring Air. Its app and performance aren't quite as slick as Oura's. But it does come close in most respects. It offers reliable data tracking, and an app that performs well despite feeling a little busy and slow to sync at times.

So the RingConn smart ring isn't the best one in this list, but it's still refreshing to discover it's a solid alternative to the Oura (Gen 3) smart ring and it's cheaper without the commitment of a subscription, too. 

The best smart ring for payments

The McLear RingPay 2 is the only smart ring in our guide that we haven't had chance to test ourselves yet. But we really wanted to include it to show that, for the most part, smart rings are highly-advanced devices packed with sensors. But there are some outliers, like the McLear RingPay 2 which is still smart but in a very different way. 

The McLear RingPay 2 is designed to help you make payments, there's no health tracking here. Thanks to NFC tech fitted into the ring, it works like a contactless card does. Add a card to your RingPay wallet, then place your hand over a payment terminal. Because its features are fairly basic, no charging is required.

You're able to track your spending in the app, set funds to top-up automatically at a certain point, add up to four rings to an account, transfer funds between rings, suspend your account if you lose it, and more. As you'd expect from a device designed to be worn often, it's scratch-resistant, waterproof and hypoallergenic. 

The best lightweight smart ring

Like its rivals, the Circular Ring Slim continuously monitors essential health metrics directly from your finger, including heart rate and sleep duration. The accompanying app becomes more intuitive and useful over time, delivering tailored health insights and lifestyle recommendations.

In this way, it's similar to the competition. But it does fall short in a few key areas. Most notably, it has a disappointing battery life. If you use all of the features (because why wouldn't you?), it'll only last two days, which is a lot less than the likes of the Oura ring (Gen 3) and Ultrahuman Ring Air. 

But during testing we did like that it's comfortable to wear with a stylish design and an incredibly lightweight build. This is the cheaper version of the brand’s Ring Pro model, which explains why it falls short against its more polished competitors but is more affordable.

How to choose the best smart ring for you

Although plenty of new smart rings are entering the market, right now there isn't a huge amount of choice. So bear that in mind when you're weighing up your options. 

The first thing to consider is: what do you want a smart ring for? Some more basic options, like the McLear RingPay 2 above, are for NFC tasks and payments. Whereas all the others in this list are smart rings with sensors in them for tracking your health and sleep. 

It's also important to think about your priorities. If you want the best of the best smart ring, we'd recommend trying the Oura ring (Gen 3), but the Ultrahuman and RingConn options are more affordable and very similar in terms of performance and features. 

Finally, do you really need a smart ring? I know that might seem like an odd question. But although smart rings are innovative and exciting, they're not for everyone. For example, if fitness tracking is your number one priority, you might be best off with a sports-focused smartwatch. And if you're on a budget, you may want to try a cheaper activity tracker instead. 

Blood glucose monitoring technology is essential for people living with diabetes and can be life-saving. There are currently several different methods and devices that will measure blood glucose levels. Some of these are also marketed at people who don’t have diabetes but can gain other insights from blood glucose readings that might help with diet and lifestyle changes. But will a glucose monitor soon be available on the Apple Watch? 

Apple has consistently added new health sensors and features to its wearables, like heart rate monitoring and atrial fibrillation (AF) detection, and reports suggest Apple has long been interested in blood glucose monitoring. There were even hints it would be coming to the Apple Watch Series 9, but that didn't happen.

However, measuring glucose levels accurately and non-invasively presents significant challenges compared to simpler metrics, like heart rate. Experts also warn that third-party devices shouldn’t be relied on unless they’ve been rigorously tested. Let’s look at what blood glucose monitoring is and what the future holds for the Apple Watch and beyond. 

What is blood glucose tracking?

Blood glucose monitoring is critical for managing diabetes, a condition that means someone cannot regulate their blood sugar on their own. Traditionally, monitoring involves drawing blood through a finger prick and testing that blood on a glucose meter. Although this method is effective, it can be painful and inconvenient, especially for those who need to monitor their glucose levels multiple times throughout the day.

Advancements in technology have introduced continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which stick to the skin and measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid. Although these devices provide more convenience and less discomfort, they still require you to insert a sensor under the skin and can lag in real-time accuracy by about 15 minutes – a significant delay for someone with diabetes.

The quest for non-invasive monitoring

Non-invasive glucose monitoring has been a "holy grail" in medical technology. Non-invasive methods would eliminate the discomfort of pricking and the hassle of managing tricky sensors. Companies like Apple are rumored to be developing technologies that could monitor glucose without breaking the skin, using advanced methods like optical sensors or even laser technology.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant challenges that non-invasive techniques face. The accuracy of these methods must match traditional ones to ensure their reliability for medical use. What's more, any new technology, no matter how promising, must navigate the complex landscape of regulatory approval, including the FDA in the US, which has expressed caution in the past about non-invasive devices.

Continuous glucose monitoring for everyone?

Glucose monitoring is also gaining popularity beyond the diabetic community. Athletes and people interested in improving their lifestyles are starting to use CGMs to optimize their wellness and performance. Some of the most notable brands in this space that have made headlines recently are Zoe and Nutrisense, which use the same kind of tech aimed at those with diabetes but the data really simply syncs up with your iPhone – making it super accessible to get started.

• Best continuous glucose monitor for Apple devices

For people who do not have diabetes, glucose monitoring offers insights into how diet and lifestyle choices can affect your body, potentially leading to better nutritional choices and improved health. However, there's ongoing debate about the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring for people without diabetes, with some experts suggesting it might lead to unnecessary health anxiety and not to mention unnecessary expense – many of the devices aimed at consumers come with hefty subscription plans.

Which blood glucose monitors currently exist? 

Right now a lot of different devices and methods exist. Some of the most popular include connected devices that require you to take a reading directly from your blood, like the One Drop. But there are many CGMs that can be worn on your arm —take a look at our Dexcom G7 vs Freestyle Libre 3 guide to see how two of the top devices for people with diabetes compare.

We know that, in the past, the FDA has been very vocal about how unreliable some CGM wearables can be at measuring blood glucose, as Reuters reported back in February. The health regulator said that it was busy "working to ensure that manufacturers, distributors, and sellers do not illegally market unauthorized gadgets that claim to measure blood glucose levels."

But since then the FDA has approved one notable device, the Dexcom's Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, one of the first of its kind that's being offered without a prescription. The product is able to connect to an iPhone with Bluetooth. The FDA originally said that it shouldn't be used for anyone diagnosed with low blood sugar, but now it's being explicitly aimed at those with type 2 diabetes.

As mentioned above, plenty of devices also exist that are aimed at those wanting to make lifestyle adjustments. For example, Zoe promises to "optimize your energy, mood, and metabolism with unique insights into your glucose levels in real-time", like CGMs that have been around for years, it attaches to the back of your arm with a needle-like sensor. 

Although these devices have come a long way and are much more convenient than using a lancet to manually test your blood, will this kind of measurement ever come to the Apple Watch? 

Can the Apple Watch track blood glucose levels?

At the time of writing, the latest Apple Watch Series 9, and nor does the higher-end Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn't feature built-in glucose monitoring. Instead, users with diabetes or those interested in tracking their glucose levels must rely on one of the separate CGMs above, and some can actually integrate with your Apple Watch via their apps. This brings you convenient access to glucose data directly on your wrist, alerting you to significant changes in your glucose levels in real-time.

However, we know from Bloomberg reports over the past few years that Apple is actively working on ways to add all-important glucose monitoring to the Apple Watch. It's backed investments and filed patents hinting at ongoing research in this area. So how would it work? 

Apple has acquired companies specializing in health sensor technology, like RareLight, and it’s been reportedly developing a non-intrusive monitoring solution that could use what's known as a silicon photonics chip. This would shine a light on your skin in order to identify the glucose there without the need for a sensor under it. 

However, these innovations are still in the early stages of development. Even when they’re finalized, regulatory bodies will need to approve of them and they’ll have to fit inside the tiny Apple Watch. There's work to be done then, but there are many wrists waiting for the innovation to finally break through.

There are thousands of blood pressure monitors available online, and some doctors even give them away for free to those who need constant monitoring. Enter the Withings BPM Core, a smart blood pressure monitor that also records heart rate, an accurate ECG, and has a digital stethoscope built in. But does the Withings BPM Core do enough to warrant a purchase over more basic blood pressure monitors? And does recording your blood pressure with an app really make all that much of a difference? Let’s find out.

Withings BPM Core: Price and availability

At the time of writing, the Withings BPM Core is listed as coming soon in the United States. You can head to the Withings website and register your interest for when the product becomes available. Priced at $249.95/£229.95, the BPM Core is currently available for purchase in the UK from Amazon and the Withings website. 

The BPM Core comes in a grey and white colorway, and there are additional accessories like a travel carry case that you can to your order for £29.95 (US pricing TBD). Purchasing directly from Withings also gives you a 30-day trial, so if you’re not happy with the heart monitoring on offer, you can get your money back.

Withings BPM Core: What’s good?

I’m seriously impressed with the Withings BPM Core. As someone who suffers from hypertension, it just so happened that my Withings BPM Core arrived the week before I needed to do thorough blood pressure monitoring for my doctor. Normally, I would use a standard blood pressure cuff and need to write down four results a day throughout a seven-day period. With the BPM Core, everything was easier.

The first thing you’ll notice when unboxing the BPM Core is the premium look and feel that differentiates the Core from any other blood pressure cuff on the market. It’s made with rugged grey material with a weighty tube on the front, which is used to power the device, select between different modes, including a blood pressure reading with an ECG and heart monitoring, and the very useful option to record three times and get an average. This touch-sensitive tube allows you to swipe between modes and then select by pressing the button on the top. The bottom side is metal, allowing you to complete the circuit when taking an ECG.

The cuff also has a metal disk on the outside, which is the stethoscope that listens to your heartbeat and determines if you have a risk of Valvular heart disease (VHD).

The 3-in-1 device is an incredible heart monitor for your home that allows you to monitor blood pressure and detect silent heart conditions. My favorite aspect of the BPM Core is just how seamless the whole package works. Every measurement is synced with the Withings app, and that data can also be incorporated into Apple Health. After using the BPM Core four times a day for the last week, I have truly fallen in love with the ease of use of recording my blood pressure without the extra friction that comes with manual recording. 

The app is so easy to use and read that it becomes slightly addictive to take your measurements. I’m supposed to take my blood pressure daily, yet most of the time, I forget. With the BPM Core, you can get daily reminders to make sure you never miss a reading, and that’s important for heart health monitoring, especially when you’ve got hypertension.

In my testing, I found that the BPM Core was as accurate as my other blood pressure monitors provided by my doctor, and that made me feel at ease with the device from the get-go. I also loved that the blood pressure readings were incorporated into the ECG and stethoscope reading, so you get all three in one reading rather than opting never to use some of the cuff’s functionality.

I was also worried about battery life and having to think about yet another device to charge. Brilliantly, the BPM Core has a very long battery life, and Withings claims the battery will last up to 6 months on a single charge. In my testing, I have not needed to charge once, but I’ll update this review in the future when the time comes for some juice.

As someone who worries quite a bit about my heart due to family history and personal health conditions, the BPM Core has made me feel on top of my health and in control of my condition like no previous blood pressure monitor has.

Withings BPM Core: What’s not so good?

There is very little not to like in this heart monitoring package. I wish Withings included the travel case with the purchase because it’s an expensive piece of kit, and you don’t get any storage in the box.

The main thing I don’t like with the BPM Core is the Micro USB charging port. Since purchasing my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I only have USB-C cables in the house, so please, Withings, make another BPM Core with USB-C.

While you can dismiss the ECG after your blood pressure reading with a simple button press, I would like more settings to be able only to do blood pressure by default. That said, a lot of the benefits of the Core BPM over Withings BPM Connect blood pressure cuff is the fact that you get constant heart checks for issues that can end up being silent killers. I also wish the magnetic attachment for the end of the cuff was a little stronger, but I understand that it needs to be easy to open, so that’s just a personal qualm.

While the Withings app is fantastic, the reminder options aren’t as customizable as I would’ve hoped. You can pick the day and time you want the app to remind you to take a reading, but I would love to opt for a random option that picks a different time each day just to help with variation in readings.

Withings BPM Core: Competition

Withings says the BPM Core is the first blood pressure monitor with an ECG and digital stethoscope in one package. If you only want a smart blood pressure monitor, the Withings BPM Connect is much cheaper at $129.95/£119.95, and it has all the blood pressure functionality of the BPM Core without any of the added benefits from the ECG and digital stethoscope.

There are also plenty of smart blood pressure monitors available on Amazon, but Withings is a recognized brand that you can trust with your health, and I’ve never tried the other brands to know if they should be recommended.

Withings BPM Core: Should you buy it?

Buy the Withings BPM Core if…

• You want the best of the best smart blood pressure monitor
• You want to be able to record ECGs and use a digital stethoscope at home
• You need help to record your blood pressure readings and want to record the data in your iPhone

Don’t buy the Withings BPM Core if…

• You don’t need to take regular blood pressure readings
• You don’t care about extra heart monitoring
• You don’t want to spend a huge amount of money on a blood pressure monitor

Withings BPM Core: Verdict

The Withings BPM Core might be one of the best pieces of technology I have ever used. As someone who suffers from hypertension, using this product has changed the way I think about my blood pressure readings and made my life a whole lot easier in the process. With added heart monitoring technology, the BPM Core is the ultimate at-home blood pressure cuff and one I’d highly recommend for anyone looking to take their blood pressure seriously.

Do you want to know how to calculate BMI on iPhone? Well, it’s incredibly easy to figure out your Body Mass Index in just a few taps, and we’re here to show you how.

For those unaware, BMI is a tool used to determine if your weight is healthy for your height. It’s a great way to know if you’re in the realm of a healthy body.

Knowing your BMI is a handy tool to help keep you healthy and ensure your body is in the best state it can be. With the Health app on your iPhone, you can easily calculate your BMI and keep track of your progress as you aim for a healthier life.

Here’s how to calculate BMI on iPhone using the Health app.

How to calculate BMI on iPhone

1. Open Health
2. Tap Body Measurements
3. Enter your Weight measurements by clicking + on the Weight tab
4. Enter your Height measurements by clicking + on the Height tab

• Tap Body Mass Index followed by Add Data in the top right-hand corner
• Your iPhone will automatically calculate your BMI

It’s as simple as that if you update your measurements regularly, then you can return to the Health app and see trends by quickly calculating your BMI.

Calculate BMI to live a healthier life

Now that you know how to calculate BMI on your iPhone, you can use this metric to live a healthier life. It’s a straightforward tool to use as long as you weigh yourself semi-regularly, and thanks to Health app integration, it’s very simple to update your weight using smart scales.

Once you start calculating your BMI, you’ll see how easy it is and hopefully see some health benefits from keeping up to date with it too. If you've got one of the best Apple Watches, you won't be able to view your BMI there, but hopefully, Apple adds the ability to do so with watchOS 10.

Apple's Health app could finally be making the move to iPad soon, alongside a new app that may be powered by AI that's not expected to arrive for a while.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Health app, which debuted back in 2014 with iOS 8, is finally appearing on iPadOS 17 soon, which could be announced at WWDC 2023, and may also add other health features, such as managing visual and emotional conditions.

But that's not all - Apple wants to use AI for a future app to help users figure out how they're feeling, and what could be done to help them. Allegedly this is done by having them answer questions about their day, and the AI will help determine how they're feeling after a period of time. However, the report emphasizes that this won't arrive for a while.

All of these features feel like an extension of the Mindfulness app on Apple Watch, which prompts you to take deep breaths and reflect on the day just gone. However, these efforts make even more sense when you factor in the iPad.

Health on iPad has been long overdue

The absence of the Health app on iPad has always felt like a swing and a miss from Apple - especially since it debuted back in 2014, almost ten years ago.

Most of us have seen the Star Trek series in some way over the years, with scenes that feature Doctors holding what could now be seen as iPad mini devices, monitoring their patients.

Yet it's not possible as these Health features have always been exclusively for iPhone and Apple Watch. Having this on iPad could mean that you can see, not just more content about your health, but more detail on a bigger screen - and that's not even touching on the surface of Health widgets on the iPad's home screen.

But with rumors that you'll be able to use iPad apps on Apple's rumored Reality Pro VR headset, it makes sense that we see Health arrive on the tablet this year, as seeing your heartrate information and more on this device could be helpful for many.

Regardless, we could about to see Apple give an even greater push into healthcare for users, and with what's rumored to be coming this year, it's a perfect time to see what it has up its sleeve to help you and others learn how to take better care of yourself.

Kokoon is revolutionizing sleep technology one product at a time. First, they came out with Relax Headphones and the Nest Pillow, and now they've introduced a pair of small, sleep-monitoring earbuds that come with an entire suite of sleep-enhancing features. The earbuds are connected by a thin wire that houses a sleep sensor that rests on the back of your neck. This sensor monitors your sleep and creates reports that you can analyze using the Kokoon app.

Within the Kokoon app, you'll find a range of features like sleep meditations, white noise, and relaxing music settings. These can be adjusted to your sleep cycles so that they turn on or off automatically when you fall asleep. Although I've used sleep trackers before, this is the first time I've come across a product so immersive. It's truly a sleep experience.

Kokoon Nightbuds: Price and availability

Although Kokoon's over-ear headphones have been out for a while, the NightBuds edition is a relatively new product. For now, these earbuds are only available on the Kokoon official website and Amazon. On the official website, you can buy them without the app subscription package for $136. If you purchase them on Amazon, however, you will need to purchase the package that includes a two-year subscription to the Kokoon app. Altogether that's $284, but it's a pretty good deal in my opinion. I'll go into why below.

Kokoon Nightbuds: Smart sleep support

As a package, the Kokoon Nightbuds combined with the Kokoon app create a stellar system for anyone who struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep. The app includes meditations, white noise, relaxing music, stories, and sleep coaching. What's really neat about the app is how it works with the sensors on the earbuds to adapt to your sleep cycle.

Sleep sensors are built into the Nightbuds so that the app can track exactly when your body relaxes into sleep. At this point, you can set the app to slowly fade out playback or to slowly switch to white noise to block out sleep-disrupting sounds. Not only does this work with the app's audio programs, but it will also work to fade out other audio inputs like podcasts or music streaming, as long as the Kokoon app remains running in the background.

Although the Nightbuds are not noise-canceling by design, they provide the same function by playing quiet white noise as you sleep. This works to effectively block out ambient noise that might otherwise disrupt your sleep. The white noise definitely works! I now remain blissfully unaware when my kids wake up at night and start calling me. Nighttime duty generally goes to the parent that hears the kid first, which is now a duty that belongs to my husband who, sadly, does not own a pair of Nightbuds.

Another great feature of the Nightbuds is their small, slim shape that fits easily into the ear without causing ear fatigue. Unlike most earbuds, they don't create soreness or discomfort in the ear even after many hours of wearing them. I will say that it has caused me some discomfort when I sleep on my side and lay directly on top of one, which brings me to the next section.

Kokoon Nightbuds: Don't lay on the bud

The only time I find the Nightbuds a bit uncomfortable is when I sleep on my side. Occasionally I sleep on one side which leaves me laying directly on top of one of the earbuds. This creates pressure in the ear and I have woken up a couple of times with soreness in my ear where the earbud presses against it. This is only when I turn on my side, so there's no discomfort when I sleep on my back or stomach.

I have also found that my own sleep habits are not consistent enough to allow the Nightbuds to properly track my sleep. They work beautifully for falling asleep, but I always wake up once in the night to run to the bathroom, drink water, and check on my kids. Maybe this is a weird habit but I can't help it. Usually, when I do this, I take the earbuds off and forget to put them back in when I fall back into the bed and resume sleep. Because of this, the Nightbuds stop tracking my sleep at about 2 or 3 a.m. every night. For this reason, my best Apple Watch, which stays on my wrist at all times, is still the more reliable sleep tracker, but it's the Nightbuds that work to put me to sleep in the first place.

Kokoon Nightbuds: Competition

After some significant searching, I haven't found another product that provides all of the sleep-enhancing features as the Kokoon Nightbuds. The most similar product is the Bose Sleepbuds II, which we've reviewed in the past. This is a pair of earbuds that are also slim and comfortable to sleep in. Like the Kokoon Nightbuds, the Sleepbuds come with a companion app that offers meditations, nature sounds, and white noise to support sleep. The Bose Sleepbuds, however, are not equipped with smart body sensors, so they cannot track sleep or fade out automatically when the user falls asleep. They are available at about the same price point as the Kokoon buds.

One other product I was able to find that could qualify as a competitor is Moonbow's Bedphones, which are on-ear hands-free headphones that boast a comfortable fit and great sound. However, they don't offer ANC, aren't wireless, and don't offer an app with sounds to help induce sleep.

Kokoon Nightbuds: Should you buy it?

• You have a hard time falling asleep
• You find standard earbuds uncomfortable to sleep in
• You enjoy sleeping to white noise

• You only sleep on your side
• You want the Nightbuds primarily for sleep tracking

If you've ever tried to sleep using standard earbuds, you've probably woken up in the night with unpleasant ear pain. That's not the case with the tiny, silicone Nightbuds from Kokoon. They are made with a slim form factor and come with unique sleep sensors to track your sleep. That's how the smart earbuds know when you fall asleep, so they can slowly fade out or switch to white noise to keep you sleeping deeply without disruption. These are a great solution if you sleep lightly, or if you have trouble falling asleep in the first place. Additionally, the sleep-enhancing features like the available meditations, sounds, and white noise are a nice touch, allowing you to peacefully fall to sleep.

However, if you primarily sleep on your side, you may find these earbuds to be a bit uncomfortable. They may cause sore ears or ear pain after wearing them all night. Also, if you're buying this mostly to track your sleep, you're probably better off buying something that you can wear at all times like an Apple Watch or Oura ring. Overall though, these Nightbuds do what they're supposed to do perfectly by providing soothing sounds and a mostly-comfy fit to lull you to sleep.

What you need to know

• Sumbul Desai, MD, Vice President of Health at Apple, joined Rene Ritchie for an interview.
• The two discussed Apple's foray into the health business and its focus on privacy.

Apple has a lot more to do in the area of health.

Sumbul Desai, MD, Vice President of Health at Apple, has joined Rene Ritchie for a one-on-one interview to discuss the company's health ambitions as the company celebrates Hearth Month. You can watch the full interview below:

Right now, there's no better health-related device from Apple than the Apple Watch. The latest generation, the Apple Watch Series 7, added some handy features like fast charging, a more robust display, and the largest display ever featured on an Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch has been coined a "guardian of your health" by many at Apple. From heart rate monitoring to sleep tracking to taking an ECG, Apple continues to expand the health features of the Apple Watch.

The future for health at Apple continues to expand. From the launch of Apple Fitness+ to rumored inclusions of health features in AirPods, even Tim Cook has said that the greatest contribution the company will make will be in the area of health.

What you need to know

• Apple has announced some big changes to Health on its ecosystem at WWDC 2021.

Apple has today announced changes to Health on its ecosystem, including new ways to monitor health for its users.

A new Walking Steadiness measurement can use the iPhone's mobility data and its built-in motion sensors to track the length and timing of your steps, right down to how often both feet are on the ground. This can be used to track changes in balance, stability, and coordination. This can be tracked in the Health app to show how your walking steadiness changes, ultimately so you can be alerted if your risk of falling increases, as well as pointing you to exercise that can help.

Users can already access some lab results on iOS, but the Health app will now include detailed explanations to help you understand what a result might mean. You can also see if your results fall within expected ranges.

A new Trends feature can now give users insight into long-term changes such as steps, resting heart rate, sleep, blood glucose, and more, alerting you to any potential changes, positive or negative.

Users can now choose to share Health data privately with providers such as heart data, so your doctor can view it directly on their own systems to improve your healthcare. Several companies in the US will be able to take advantage of this initially.

New updates for Family care come in the form of Health Sharing, letting you see data, trends, and alerts for the people closest to you. With permission, users can share important metrics like heart rate, activity, labs, and more between family members. This includes notifications so that you can be alerted if the status of a relative changes. All of the data is encrypted and can't be seen by Apple.

Apple has also made big changes to Privacy across its platforms which you can read about here.

This story is updating, please keep refreshing the page.

What you need to know

• The OPPO Watch and Band are now much more integrated with iPhone and iPad.
• That's because OPPO's HeyTap Health companion app is now on the App Store.
• It delivers notifications and can even sync with Apple Health.

The OPPO Watch and OPPO Band are now more compatible than ever with devices like the iPhone 12 and the iPad, thanks to OPPO's HeyTap Health app for iOS and iPadOS.

As reported by XDA Developers:

It means users of the OPPO Watch and Band can get iOS notifications to their OPPO device on their wrist, whilst tracking all of their daily health metrics, which now sync with the Apple Health App. Whilst it's still not the fully integrated experience of Apple's own smartwatches, some of these features will make the OPPO Watch and Band a more viable alternative to the best Apple Watch models currently available.

Using the app, users can also customize their OPPO Watch and OPPO Band watch face, and there are also personalized workout settings and more. From the app's description:

HeyTap Health is a personal fitness app that records and visualizes your workout and health statistics and allows you to manage your OPPO smart wearable devices.

Workout and health statistics

Get a better understanding of your workout and health data from OPPO Watch and OPPO Band.

• Tracks your SpO2 data (Only supported by OPPO Band)
• Tracks your sleep and evaluates your sleep quality
• All-day heart rate monitoring
• Tracks your daily activities and provides workout guidance

Manage smart devices

Pair your OPPO Watch or OPPPO Band with the app to explore more features. - Receive notifications on your wearable devices - Pick your favorite one from a collection of watch faces - Choose your own style for the AI Outfit watch face (Only supported by OPPO Watch) - Customize your personal workout and health settings

You can download the new HeyTap Health app from the App Store:

HeyTap Health

What you need to know

• Apple has posted a new job to add to its health team.
• The company is seeking a senior cardiologist with previous health product and technology experience.

Apple is continuing to build its health team, this time by looking for a "senior cardiologist with previous health product and technology experience."

As reported by MyHealthyApple, the job description for the new role says that "the cardiologist will partner with cross-disciplinary teams on identifying key areas of focus with consideration for Apple's product and technologies and on defining and developing new product concepts. "

Below are the qualifications for the role:

• MD with deep expertise in cardiology
• Previous Health Product and Technology experience required, preferably regulated medical products and/or digital health products.
• Preference for experience in clinical development process for regulated health products, including pivotal clinical studies.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, ability to work interpersonally with a wide range of team members and experts
• Board Certified in General Cardiology with Active US Medical License This resource will play an integral role in working with engineering and design teams on clinical product development.

According to the report, this new position will help "define clinical feature definitions and specifications."

Apple's most popular health device is the Apple Watch. The company released the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE back in the fall of 2020.

The Olive Pro are about to change how you hear the world around you. These unique 2-in-1 hearing aids double as premium Bluetooth earbuds, and unlike many other hearing aids that can cost thousands of dollars, the Olive Pro are set to debut at just $299 — a price that places them right beside the AirPods Pro. These hearables aren't just similar to Apple's popular earbuds in price but in design and sound as well.

While the Olive Pro aren't set to ship until April 2021, pre-ordering today can save you 40% off their regular price thanks to this exclusive deal for iMore readers. Today's offer at Indiegogo drops the price of these 2-in-1 hearables down to $179 from $299, and after launch, there's no telling how long it will be before a deal this good is available again.

You may be familiar with the Olive Smart Ear, a Bluetooth hearing earbud with app support that not only helps you hear conversations and the TV better but can also be used to take calls or listen to music. The Olive Pro takes the hearable even further for a premium look and feel at an affordable price. Plus, the Olive Pro are FDA-registered as a medical device and can be set up in just five minutes.

The Olive Pro are truly unlike any hearing aids that have come before them. You can use an app on your iOS or Android phone or tablet to customize the sound to your liking, adjust the EQ profile, turn on Hear Mode or Music Mode, and more. They offer ultra clear sound quality, along with automatic background noise cancellation and even a built-in microphone so you can take calls hands-free. They last for up to 18 hours with each charge and they even support wireless charging.

What you need to know

• Thirstic can track your water intake to make sure you're drinking enough.
• The app can check the current weather and pull your activity data from the Health app to make sure you're drinking enough.

The App Store is not short of water tracking apps. But few, if any, do what Thirstic does. By plugging into the Health app to check on your activity and watching the weather outside, Thirstic can track exactly how much water you should be drinking based on how much you're using.

Because of that, Thirstic can adapt to your usage and then remind you to drink water at just the right time. Oh, and there's an Apple Watch app to keep all of this on your wrist, too.

Thirstic features include:

Key features:

• Log your water intake with a beautiful and simple user interface
• Helps you drinking enough water during your day by taking into account your activity and the weather
• Adapts to your activity and workouts by learning patterns and automatically updating your suggested water intake
• Adapts to weather conditions by increasing your suggested water intake on hot days
• Assists you drinking water in small amounts throughout your day, instead of only emphasizing your total water intake goal
• Sends you reminders if you reach a specified „thirst threshold" (for example 300 ml or 10 fl oz)
• Allows to change the parameters of your water needs estimation, resulting in higher or lower daily water intake goals
• No health or activity data leaves your device and your water intake is securely stored in your Health app

You can download Thirstic from the App Store for free now, with some features requiring the Premium subscription to unlock.

With the new year just over a month away, there has never been a better time to start thinking about ways to help you stick to your upcoming resolutions. One of our favorite ways to stay on track is with smart scales, which directly bring all of your body measurements to your phone. The eufy Smart Scale is one of the most affordable ways to jump into the world of connected health, and with a special early Black Friday offer, you can get into the game for less.

eufy's Smart Scale combines 12 unique measurements into one easy to use package that is incredibly easy to set up and use. Measurements include weight, body mass, body fat, bone mass, muscle mass, and more, and thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, all of the scale's data is instantly sent over to your phone whenever you step on it.

The eufy Smart Scale works with the eufy Life app, available on both iOS and Android, which keeps a historical record of all of your measurements and presents them in easy to understand graphs. eufy's scale also integrates with popular health apps and services like Apple Health, Google Fit, and FitBit, which can combine your data all under one roof if you prefer. Through the app, you can also assign up to 20 different users, and the scale automatically determines who is using it based on previous measurements making management a breeze.

The best part is that the eufy Smart Scale doesn't require a subscription to access your data — just a single, one-time purchase is all that is needed. If you are ready to stick to your resolutions with eufy's Smart Scale, then be sure to apply promo code EUFYSCALE at checkout on Amazon. Also, be sure to check out our guide to the best Apple Black Friday deals for even more savings!

The world of smart thermometers and the constant need for temperature monitoring has exploded since COVID-19 hit. If you didn't already have a thermometer, the chances are high that you've got one now. When it comes to brand new babies, taking and monitoring their temperatures is an absolute must for parents. As a mom myself, I know exactly what it feels like to constantly obsess and worry about baby if they have even the slightest hint of fever. It's particularly hard if you're trying to monitor baby's temperature while they're sleeping when the last thing you want to do is wake them up.

I tried the VAVA Smart Thermometer, which is soft silicone, wearable monitor designed to continuously monitor baby's temperature while they sleep. I'd recommend this thermometer to families with young infants that aren't mobile yet, or families that are interested in keeping tabs on the ambient temperature of baby's nursery.

VAVA Smart Thermometer: What I like

The white monitor and charging case's aesthetic is very sleek, and it comes with 10 medical-grade adhesive patches designed to affix the monitor to your baby. In other words, this monitor looks really good. It's simple to use and can take body temperature as well as ambient temperature.

To use this device, you need to fully charge it first. Mine came with two bars of charge, but it definitely operates best on a complete charge. This process takes about three hours in total. After you've fully charged the case, slide it open to remove the thermometer. The LED screen will display a heart when it's paired with the thermometer, which has happened immediately every time I've used it. I've had no pairing issues whatsoever.

Once you see that the thermometer is paired with the charging case, attach the thermometer to one of the included adhesive patches and affix it under your child's arm in the armpit. From there, the little heart on the LED display will continuously flash as it's reading your child's temperature. When the heart stops flashing, that means the reading is complete, and you can see your child's real-time temperature on the display. There's a little house displayed when it's taking the ambient temperature, which is a cool feature. The LED-backlit display is easy to read and showcases the thermometer's battery level, the charging case's battery level, and either body or ambient temperature, depending on what you're reading at the time. It can read in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

I've tested the fever and fall alarms deliberately to make sure that they work. It will beep and flash red when it detects temperatures 100 degrees Fahrenheit and up, and it beeps and displays FALL if the monitor has fallen off of your child. The thermometer itself is made of soft silicone and is very comfortable to wear. I can say this with confidence as I've tested and worn it myself, as has my husband, as has my daughter. Comfort is key with a product that's designed to be worn while your baby is sleeping.

VAVA Smart Thermometer: What I don't like

The VAVA Smart Thermometer consistently reads on the cool side, especially if it's not fully charged. I've taken my baby's temperature, my husband's temperature, and my own temperature, and every single time, it reads about one degree cooler than the readings on my instant forehead thermometer.

As pictured above, my forehead thermometer reads 98.9-degrees vs. the VAVA, which reads 98.1 degrees, which isn't a huge difference, but eight-tenths of a degree could be the difference between a fever or no fever. As I mentioned previously, I've found that this thermometer starts to read cooler and cooler as it loses its charge, sometimes reading two full degrees colder when half charged.

The VAVA Smart Thermometer also takes forever to finish a reading. I've timed it three times, and each time, it's taken 10 to 12 minutes for the little heart indicator to stop blinking, indicating that the reading is complete. This is definitely not the monitor for you if you're looking for instant results.

To be honest, I expect much better performance out of a thermometer with this price point. It's slow and consistently inaccurate, and that's a deal-breaker for me. It comes with 10 adhesive patches, but again, a thermometer that costs this much should come with much more. Purchasing another pack of 10 adhesive strips will cost you $10 a pop.

The VAVA Smart Thermometer is not good for mobile babies. I wouldn't recommend it for babies that walk, crawl, or are six months and up. It would not stay in place while my daughter (who is 16 months) slept; it slid out of her armpit at least three times in a two-hour span.

The fall alarm did go off, which was appreciated, but if the whole point is to monitor your baby's temperature while they sleep, you're definitely going to wake them up when you have to go in and continuously reattach it. I could see this working well for brand new babies who don't move much in their sleep, but if your child is mobile at all, they'll either rip it off themselves, or it will fall out of place as they move.

VAVA Smart Thermometer: Should you buy

You're looking for continuous temperature monitoring

The VAVA Smart Thermometer is a wearable thermometer designed to continuously monitor your baby's temperature while they sleep, giving parents peace of mind. It features a fever alarm if it registers a temperature 100-degrees and up, and a fall alarm if it slides out of place or falls off.

You're looking for a sleek design

The all-white VAVA Smart Thermometer features a slick design and comes in sleek packaging reminiscent of Apple products.

You want a thermometer that's comfortable to wear

This thermometer is made of soft silicone that's comfy to wear against bare skin.

You want instant body temperature readings

The VAVA Smart Thermometer takes 10-12 minutes to register body temperature readings. It's much faster with ambient temperature readings.

You want 100% accuracy

This thermometer consistently reads on the cool side.

Your baby is very mobile

I wouldn't recommend this thermometer for babies that move a lot while they sleep or are old enough to grab it and rip it off themselves.

You're on a budget

The VAVA Smart Thermometer costs $80, and each 10-pack adhesive strip refill will cost you $10.

VAVA Smart Thermometer: Bottom line

The VAVA Smart Thermometer is a wearable thermometer that works best for young infants. It features fever and fall alarms and an easy to read LED-backlit display. The thermometer itself is made of comfortable, soft silicone, and it pairs easily to the charging case. It is pricey, especially when considering that it reads on the cooler side. It is not a good fit for mobile babies that move around a lot while they sleep, and it only works best when it's fully charged.

What you need to know

• PhoneSoap has launched its first home air purifier, the AirSoap.
• AirSoap purifier utilizes dishwasher-safe reusable collection plates instead of traditional filters.
• Purifier covers up to 400sq ft. and claims to kill airborne bacteria through Electric Wind Technology.

PhoneSoap, the brand behind the popular line of UV-based phone sanitizer accessories, has released its first entry into the home air purification market. The AirSoap, which is available today, promises to kill airborne bacteria through a series of dishwasher-safe reusable collection plates that don't require replacement.

The AirSoap combines what PhoneSoap calls Electric Wind Technology that kills bacteria and polarizes airborne particles with a set of graphene collection plates which removes the particulates down to 14.6nm in size. PhoneSoap states that this system does not diminish over time, thus removing additional costs associated with replacing filters, and allowing the AirSoap to consume less energy than traditional air purifiers.

PhoneSoap's purifier features adjustable fan speeds plus an automatic mode, each of which are "whisper-quiet" with the maximum speed noise levels reaching just 58dB. The AirSoap can cover rooms up to 400 square feet in size, with a rated Clean Air Delivery Rate of 200 m^3/h. While the AirSoap features a smart automatic mode, it does not include any form of smart home connectivity, instead relying strictly on controls located on-device.

The AirSoap air purifier is available for purchase now directly from PhoneSoap for $399.99. Additional information about the AirSoap can be found at PhoneSoap.com, and be sure to check back soon for our full hands-on review.

If you're like me and living in a place that is going through an extreme heat wave right now, then drinking ice cold water is probably your saving grace. But if you also have an issue with drinking enough water daily, then perhaps a smart water bottle could do the trick. The HidrateSpark 3, for example, certainly helped me drink more water consistently, every day for the past few months.

When I was testing out the HidrateSpark 3, there were some things that I wished that it had: a rechargeable battery, and more accuracy when used with ice. HidrateSpark just released the new HidrateSpark STEEL, which solves those issues, and then some. Having experience with the HidrateSpark line of smart water bottles, here are my thoughts about the SidrateSpark STEEL after testing it for a few weeks.

A big improvement over its predecessor

HidrateSpark STEEL: Features

Unlike the HidrateSpark 3 with the soft grip body, the HidrateSpark Steel has a stainless steel body that's vacuum insulated when the lid is on. This means that your water will stay cold for up to 24 hours, and the bottle exterior does not "sweat" with condensation. Thanks to the stainless steel, the bottle retains a classy and sophisticated look. It also has a wide opening when the lid is off, so it's easy to get ice, even larger cubes, inside the bottle to keep your drink nice and cold.

The smart sensor in the Steel has also been improved, as it is now a puck that goes into the bottom of the bottle, rather than a stick that takes up volume in the bottle interior. It takes up the bottom space of the bottle where it glows (it's recessed on the inside) — so the water stops right above the light. The new sensor puck is also rechargeable with the proprietary fast charging cable that plugs in via USB-A, so it works with any adapter you already have. It takes a couple of hours to fully charge, but a fully charged sensor puck lasts well over a week for me.

To charge the sensor, it will need to be removed from the bottle body, and it's an easy process — just turn it counter-clockwise until it pops out. To put the sensor back in, just turn it clockwise until it "locks" into place. The charging port is at the top of the puck, which is why you can't charge it while it's inside the bottom of the bottle. The bottom has a rubberized material that prevents movement on a flat surface, but it's prone to getting lint and dust stuck on it. And since the puck sticks out a tiny bit, it makes the bottle a little wobbly.

The sensor puck must be removed from the body of the bottle before cleaning, as you can't submerge it or place it in the dishwasher. If you need to clean it, just use a damp cloth. The lid and straw are dishwasher safe, but the bottle body is hand wash only.

With the HidrateSpark Steel, the sensor seems much more accurate than the stick. While you could use the HidrateSpark 3 with ice, the company warned that it may lead to inaccurate readings from the sensor stick. However, the Steel's sensor puck seems able to detect when there is ice, and takes that into account when giving intake measurements. I usually finish off my 17 oz. bottle with a little bit of ice left at the bottom, but I still get the 17 ounces recorded as part of my water intake.

Despite being on the bottom and not inside where the liquid is, the smart sensor easily and intelligently detects differences in liquid weight after it calibrates itself with each refill (fill it up and then place it on a flat surface until it glows blue). Because of this, the volume inside the bottle is purely for your water, with no space taken up for the sensor.

For my 17 oz. bottle, I have the Straw lid. The straw part is clear plastic, and you just push it in place on the inside of the lid. With the straw lid, you have a protective cover over the spout, and it folds open and closed. These lids were designed this way to keep dirt and germs out while preventing spills. There is also a nylon carry loop that already comes attached to the lid for easy transport.

As I mentioned before in my HidrateSpark 3 review, the HidrateSpark Steel also syncs with the free companion HidrateSpark app. You need the app to sync your water intake data, and the app sends this information to the Apple Health app. You do need an account to use the app though, but HidrateSpark uses Sign-in with Apple.

The HidrateSpark app walks you through the setup process when you have one of its bottles, and if the sensor readings are off, you would recalibrate through the app. You're able to see your daily progress towards your goal, water intake history, customize notifications, and even personalize your Steel's glow settings here. The Steel allows for a custom glow color, including rainbow, and you can change the pattern of the glow if desired. HidrateSpark's glowing bottles help remind you throughout the day to drink water, and also let you know when you've met your goals.

It's important to note that even though this is a stainless steel insulated bottle, it is not meant for hot liquids. That's because hot liquids can create internal pressure that could result in discharge of said hot liquid, which may cause injury, according to HidrateSpark.

It's my favorite water bottle right now

HidrateSpark STEEL: What I Like

The HidrateSpark Steel addressed two of my biggest issues with the HidrateSpark 3; working accurately with ice, and a rechargeable battery.

I always prefer to drink ice cold water since it gets super hot where I live, so being able to have ice in my smart water bottle and have it accurately read my water intake is nice. And the rechargeable battery lasts over a week for me, so I don't need to worry about it much. The app shows battery levels for the bottles, and even lets you know when the battery is getting low, so you can prepare for it. When the battery is low, I take the puck out to wash the bottle, and charge it overnight so it's ready to go the next day — easy peasy.

I'm also a big fan of the new rainbow glow color, as well as the other options. With the HidrateSpark 3, you are limited to the single glow color that your sensor stick has.

There's a slight wobble

HidrateSpark STEEL: What I Don't Like

I've been using the Steel for a few weeks now, and I have noticed that the bottle has a slight little wobble to it when it's on a flat surface. That's because the sensor puck sticks out a tiny bit from the bottom, so it's not flush with the bottle body. It's not enough wobble that it will just tip over, but it's definitely there and noticeable.

I also feel that the 17 oz. size is a bit small — even the HidrateSpark 3 was 20 oz. I would have preferred if the starting size for the Steel was 21 oz., and then they could offer something larger, like 24 oz. I just feel that the 17 oz. isn't quite enough water for me, especially if I'm going to load it up with ice.

And lastly, while I love the fact that the sensor is rechargeable, I'm not a fan of proprietary chargers. It reminds me of the old Fitbit chargers back in the day, and if I lose the cable, then I would have to purchase another one, instead of being able to use one of many USB-C or micro-USB cables I have laying around the house. Maybe HidrateSpark can consider something like USB-C for recharging in the future — after all, everything else seems to be these days.

Smart and icy steel

HidrateSpark STEEL: The Bottom Line

If you didn't like the HidrateSpark 3 because it wasn't as accurate with ice and didn't have a rechargeable battery, then the HidrateSpark Steel is the way to go. The sensor is much smarter, ice doesn't cause inaccurate readings, and it has a rechargeable battery. Plus, you can choose from two sizes, two options for the lid, five colors, and the glow color can be customized to your liking. Just know that the 17 oz. is a little small, the charger is proprietary, and there's a slight wobble.

Personal at home massagers, those nice to have items that aren't quite nice enough to actually purchase, have surprisingly come a long way over the years. Gone are the days where massagers were nothing more than novelty items that vibrated for their massaging action. Instead, the latest advancements come in the form of percussion technology. Percussion massagers, like the name suggests, utilize a series of rapid strikes to the body at varying intensities to release tension, increase blood flow, and relieve stress.

I have spent the past month with one such massager, the Sportneer Percussion Massage Gun, and have come away with a newfound appreciation for the category. Now, I am certainly not an athletic person, nor do I suffer from any reoccurring pains, so I am definitely not the target market here, but I can still say that this powerful massage gun is one that you can actually feel. In fact, this massager is more than just powerful — it's incredibly powerful, which may or may not be a good thing.

Everything included

Sportneer Percussion Massage Gun: The features

The Sportneer Percussion Massage Gun is a handheld massager that, you guessed it, is similar in appearance to a gun, or hairdryer. The massage gun sports a two-tone finish, with a space-gray like handle, and a darker perforated black "barrel", both of which are made of plastic.

Along the handle is a single button, which is used for turning on the massager, and as a way to switch between intensity levels. Underneath the button is a series of five intensity indicator lights to represent all of the available levels, as well as a battery level indicator. On the bottom of the massager is a single 16V charging port, which uses a traditional power connector, and not a modern port like micro-USB.

The massager is powered by an internal rechargeable 3,400 mAh lithium battery. Sportneer states that the battery can last up to six hours on a single charge, but this will vary depending on intensity level, and a full charge takes between three to five hours. The massager's five intensity levels range from 1,200 RPM all the way up to 3,200 RPM, and has an auto shut-off feature that engages after ten minutes to prevent overheating.

Sportneer's massager comes with a travel case in the box, and includes a total of six different attachments. Installing an attachment requires no tools, as you simply push them into the barrel portion. A small rubber gasket helps to keep the attachment in place as there are no pins or set screws, and Sportneer includes a bag of extras in case one needs to be replaced.

The six available attachments are designed for specific purposes, such as a fork for the neck or spine, and a bullet head for joints. In addition to their shape, attachments also vary in their materials, like plastic, foam, and metal. The two metal attachments are designed to be used with essential oils to complete the whole at home massage experience if you are in to that sort of thing.

Ready to go

Sportneer Percussion Massage Gun: What I like

Setting up the Sportneer Massage Gun was quick and easy, thanks to the tool-less attachment design, and the built-in rechargeable battery. Even without fully charging the battery up before my first use, I was still able to run it through its paces for well over an hour, and had plenty of life to spare, so I am confident that it does meet Sportneer's six hour claims.

Moving over to the attachments, I like how Sportneer included a wide variety of different shapes and materials. Before trying the massager for the first time I suspected that the softer, circular attachment would be the best of the bunch, and sure enough, after giving them all a whirl, it was indeed the best for me. I actually liked this particular material so much that I wish that all of the other attachments were made the same, as a flat variant seems like it would be a match made in heaven.

When it comes to the power of the Sportneer massager, it went above and beyond my wildest expectations. Since this was my first run-in with a percussion massager, I had no clue just how powerful that they are compared to the old school plastic models that didn't really seem to do much. Now, power here is both a good and a bad thing, with the lower intensity levels providing plenty enough for me to really feel it at work, but as we will discuss later, things can get downright uncomfortable at higher levels.

In my usage, I found that the first intensity had just the right amount of oomph, and even at its lowest setting of 1,200 RPM, this massager pretty much all outclassed all of the others that I have experienced in the past. At this level, I really enjoyed just how well it worked over most areas, like my shoulders, and after a span of just a couple of minutes, I could tell that it did indeed loosen certain spots up, which was quite refreshing. Coupled with the long battery life, I like that this type of experience is just a button press away, without having to worry too much about if it is actually charged or not.

A little too powerful

Sportneer Percussion Massage Gun: What I don't like

Despite the "mini" moniker on the box and lightweight being tossed around in the marketing for the Sportneer Massage Gun, I wouldn't actually describe it as being either of those things. That isn't to say that the massage gun is too bulky or heavy, it just isn't exactly something that I personally would travel around with.

The included carrying case does make portability somewhat better, but I still see it as more of a stay at home accessory. In use, I did find that the weight of the massager did make long bouts a little uncomfortable on the wrist, but it wasn't unbearable.

During operation, as much as I love how easy it is to swap in and out attachments, I did see a few occasions where they would fall out. As I previously mentioned, connecting an attachment to the massager requires some force, and there is no feedback like a click to let you know that it is far enough in. So, if you don't quite get one pushed all the way inside, they may work themselves loose, especially during the higher intensity levels.

Speaking of intensity, the biggest complaint that I have about Sportneer's massager is that it can be a little too powerful at settings above the first couple of levels. Again, this could all boil down to simply personal preference and my lack of trouble areas, but once I started ramping up the intensity levels above the second setting, I found the combination of power plus certain attachments to be slightly painful at times.

At these higher levels, I certainly could not tolerate more than a few seconds in certain spots and as you might have guessed, I found the metal attachments to be the worst offenders here. So needless to say, I would have appreciated a few more softer tools included and some form of a manual control for finer adjustments, or additional intensities that sit between levels.

More power to you

Sportneer Percussion Massage Gun: The Bottom Line

Massagers are a truly personal experience, which makes recommending the Sportneer Massage Gun a little more difficult than your average phone or smart home accessory. If you have a want or need for an intense at home massage, then the Sportneer Massage Gun definitely fits the bill. With five truly powerful settings, six distinct attachments, and wire-free design, there is a lot to love here.

However, if you are just looking for a casual, softer, massage a few times a year, then you would be better suited with more "traditional" options at more affordable price points. Regardless though, if you haven't experienced a percussion massager, then you should definitely seek one out. It will change your perception of the category, as it certainly did for me.

What you need to know

• Apple wants people to have easier access to health data.
• Rule changes to make that happen are being discussed.
• But 60 hospitals have said they oppose the idea.

Apple is a strong supporter of potential rule changes that will make it easier for patients to gain access to their health data and then move it around as they see fit. But one of the companies that provide systems for holding that data, Epic Systems, isn't keen. And it's convinced 60 hospitals that it's right.

The rule changes proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services would make health data more transparent and more portable, according to CNBC. And while Apple is working with the Carin Alliance to get the ball rolling, Epic Systems says that it will impact hospitals and endanger privacy.

Epic Systems has had 60 hospitals write a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Aza in an attempt to get its point across.

Apple has been making great strides in its push into the world of health in recent years, specifically since it made Apple Watch its main focus in that area. Making it easier for iPhone and Apple Watch apps to access data is obviously a good thing for Apple.

It stands to reason that those who hold the data wouldn't want to give it up, of course. But hopefully that won't be a good enough reason to prevent the changes being made.

What you need to know

• Apple is set to attend a meeting held by the Department of Health and Human Services.
• It will take place this coming Monday, January 27.
• The group taking part hopes to make it easier for patients to access their health data.

Apple is set to attend a meeting of around 40 different companies, in a bid to try and make it easier for patients to access their health data.

As reported by CNBC:

The report notes that Apple and Microsoft's inclusion is notable, as many patients still receive their health data via CD-ROM or fax, or are denied access altogether. Apple's Ricky Bloomfield, who has worked on adding health information to iPhone, will attend on its behalf by telephone.

The initiative is not without opposition. Epic systems, a large US medical records company, has urged large hospitals to oppose the move over concerns around data privacy. A document published by the Carin Alliance said it wanted to reach a resolution on the matter without "further delay", and that "these rules play an important role in empowering an individual with access to their own health data."

This is not uncharted territory for Apple. In November of 2019, Apple announced that health records for veterans across the US were being made available on iPhone in partnership with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, significantly improving access for veterans who receive their care through the Veterans Health Administration.

Alongside Apple and Microsoft, participants in the meeting include Cerner, Walgreens, Humana and Blue Shield of California.

What you need to know

• Apple has hired another leading cardiologist in its health push.
• David Tsay was previously a professor of cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center.
• During Apple's earnings call, Tim Cook expressed hope that Apple's greatest contribution would be to people's health.

According to a report from CNBC, Apple has hired leading cardiologist David Tsay, a professor of Cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center.

The report states:

Tsay is the second such hire made by Apple, after it previously enlisted the services of Alexis Beatty, formerly of Washington University.

The introduction of ECG to Apple Watch Series 4 was possibly one of the biggest updates ever made to Apple's wearable smart watch. With its release, ECG signified that Apple was deadly serious about using technology to improve the health of its users. Indeed, during yesterday's earnings call Tim Cook took questions from analysts about the growth of Apple's wearables. In particular one analyst asked whether Apple's health related features were the primary driver of wearables growth for Apple. In response Cook said:

Bringing David Tsay on board is further evidence that Apple remains set on transforming the way its customers use its tech to look after their health. The fact that this latest hire is another leading cardiologist also suggests that Apple may not be done when it comes to heart health and its products.

For a full rundown of Apple's Q4 earnings, click here, and you can see the entire transcript of the earnings call, including Tim Cook's thoughts on health here.

What you need to know

• Apple has been granted a patent relating to smart gloves.
• The gloves ould be able to measure blood pressure and more.
• Apple continues to focus on health.

Apple has had 64 new patents granted with one of them relating to a smart fabric health glove that is capable of monitoring blood pressure as well as other vital statistics.

Patently Apple first spotted the new patent back in December and it was granted today under patent number 10,437,331.

The patent explains how a layer of fabric, shaped like a glove, could include sensors near the fingers which could then be used to measure statistics. Sensor readings would be taken when a finger is pressed against a surface, like a desk.

Apple continues to focus on health benefits in new technology with Apple Watch just being the start. We've already seen patents relating to smart clothing and a pair of smart gloves would compliment things nicely.

As always, it's important to remember that Apple has a lot of patents and not all of them morph into products that go on sale. This patent doesn't necessarily mean we'll be buying Apple Gloves this time next year.

Green Chef is a high-end meal kit service with more specialized options than you'll find anywhere else. All of the ingredients are organic, no matter which option you choose, and Green Chef caters to very restrictive diets as well. If you must exclude gluten from your diet, you'll be relieved to find so many gluten-free options on Green Chef, all certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). Even Keto dieters and Paleo fans can find entire menus that cater to their needs.

Find your special plan

If you keep a specialized diet, Green Chef is the meal service that is most likely to cater to your needs. If you are carb-conscious or if you are following a ketogenic diet for other health reasons, the Keto plan will be a lifesaver in a sea of microwave meals. People passionate about Paleo eating will find plenty to enjoy as well. Gluten-free eaters especially will find a wide selection of menu items on the Keto and Paleo menus and can rest assured with Green Chef's rare GIG certification. The price may be higher than other kits, but you won't find this level of specialization available anywhere else.

For everyone else, the Balanced Living plan offers a nice way to try all of the other plans and adapt your menu the way you need. Around the holidays I go for a lower-calorie Keto plan to balance out the extra eating I'll be doing. In the summer, I may want to be more vegetable-focused. The Balanced Living plan lets you choose from every option, and on Green Chef, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Green Chef offers a wide variety of meal plans; all of them made with organic ingredients. When the company says a box feeds two people, believe that it will only feed two people, for better and for worse. Most meal kits will come with a bit extra, whether that's a full onion when you only need half or enough spice to rub two more pieces of meat.

Green Chef is a bit more stingy. Many vegetables come portioned in the bag, so you might only get a third of a green pepper or some of a chopped onion. Spices and sauces met the recipe needs but didn't spill over. If you want to serve more than two people, I would suggest ordering more than one box or opting for a family plan.

While Green Chef's exactitude makes it hard to stretch these meals, this was never the meal kit service I would recommend if you are trying to fit a tight budget. Even the basic "Balanced Living" menu is fully organic, and Green Chef offers specialty menus like real Keto and Paleo plans, and gluten-free options that are the only kits certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group. Green Chef is a more specialized, high-end meal kit service.

There is a nice benefit to this stringency. Out of the eight possible meals I could have chosen for my next Green Chef order, all of them were 650 calories or less, and a couple hovered close to 500 calories. That's a relief among meal kit services, especially if you're counting calories.

The specialty menus offered even more low-calorie variety. The Keto menu, which cuts back on all carbs and most fruits and vegetables, offered five of six meals that were less than 500 calories each. The Paleo menu was similarly stacked with a mix of low-cal meals, and all were within the 450 to 650 calorie range. Searching the lists of recipes, the highest I could find was a vegan fried fritters over udon noodles at 900 calories.

Most other services, from Blue Apron to Hello Fresh to the Amazon Meal Kits, ship meals that clock in well over 800 calories, and occasionally top 1000 calories for a single serving. That's not insane fast-food levels of intake, and there is certainly better nutritional value in these kits than in an express meal. Still, if I'm cooking three nights a week, it's nice to know I'm not consuming as many calories as if I'd simply ordered takeout food.

The meals are also flavorful and filling. I've cooked a few very low-calorie meals, including a Keto meal with heavy restrictions, and if I hadn't introduced them as such my eaters would never have known something was amiss. Or I should say my "eater," since I ordered the two-person kit and only had enough food to feed one other.

Plant-focused eating is a popular trend, and many meal kits have jumped on board with plant-forward, vegetarian, and even vegan meal kit options. Unfortunately, very few of them are reliably strict in their adherence to vegan principles against using any animal products. Recipes may include cheese powders that contain milk products, or the occasional egg in some bread-y component.

Thankfully, most meal kit services will let you peruse the ingredients and recipes before you pick your weekly menu. However, it would be nice if more meal kits distinguished between vegan, vegetarian, and plain-old healthy plant-eating.

Green Chef doesn't advertise its plan as "vegan," but a vegan eater can certainly fill a box every week with a selection of recipes that contain no animal products. Unfortunately, these come mixed in with the "vegetarian" recipes, but Green Chef calls out dairy in its ingredient list. So, it isn't too hard to spot the foods you'll want to avoid.

Checking out a current menu, you'll find pesto pasta using an egg-free vegan pasta. Flatbread pizzas keep the egg out of the naan crust but unfortunately use mozzarella cheese and parmesan. Still, of the six recipes offered, only one contained problematic ingredients, so vegans will still find a healthy selection of recipes to choose from.

In addition to Green Chef, Sun Basket also offers a vegan option among its meal plans. Sun Basket ingredients are also organic, like Green Chef. Sun Basket takes the guesswork out of picking the vegan meals, as the vegan plans don't hide any vegetarian options in the mix. Some of the recipes currently available include lentil sloppy joes, teriyaki tempeh, and sweet and sticky tofu. Sun Basket also offers vegetarian options.

If you're looking for a meal kit service that specializes in vegan fare, Purple Carrot ships only plant-based meals with no animal products to be found. The ranchero bowls use a cashew-based yogurt, and the mac n' cheese uses vegan mozzarella. There is a robust menu of vegan options with far more creativity and breadth of ingredients than I see on other meal kit menus.

These vegan meal kit services are among the most expensive meal kit options, usually shipping recipes for $13 per serving or $26 for each 2-person meal. If it makes you feel better, these services are not up-charging vegans. The Green Chef Paleo, Keto, and omnivore plans all cost the same amount as the plant-powered plan. The same is true for Sun Basket. It would be nice for a more budget-friendly service like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh to get in on the vegan meal kit game, but for now, the high-end options are the only options.

For Keto fans, Blue Apron offers a few meals each week that could be easily adapted for an ultra-low carb, ketogenic diet, and most recipes would sacrifice key ingredients or flavors. Some of Blue Apron's best meals are the pasta/pizza/sandwich dishes, and many recipes use a sauce that adds sugar. Not to mention all of the vegetable substitutions you'd need to make.

A quick look at the current menu shows a few dishes that could skew Keto, including seared steak and chicken dishes. These come with sides that could be included on a Keto plan, like green beans or roasted bell pepper and eggplant, as well as sides that would need to be tossed, like gnocchi and mashed potatoes. Even so, there are very few dishes without a glaze, a bread coating, noodles, or some sort of carb-based wrapper. If you adapt Blue Apron, you'll need to throw away some signature ingredients.

A Keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is a diet that significantly restricts carbohydrates while offering nearly limitless access to fat and protein. When you keep a ketogenic diet, your body will enter a fat-burning state called ketosis. This is a state in which fat is metabolized in the liver. You can tell that your body is in a state of ketosis because your liver will turn fat to ketones, and ketones are detectable in urine using a simple home test stick.

It can take a few days of strict adherence to a Keto diet before your body shifts into ketosis. Eating even small amounts of carbohydrates, about 25 grams or so, can kick your metabolism out of the ketosis state. Therefore Keto dieters must follow a rigorous regimen, and similar diets like Paleo or other low-carb diets won't have the same effect.

If you want more grains and vegetables, and the occasional sweetener, Green Chef distinguishes its Paleo meal plan from its Keto. While Paleo comes close, it won't restrict enough carbs to keep your body in a ketogenic state. It won't work for a true Keto devotee.

These options are more expensive than traditional meal boxes. Green Chef charges $26 for a 2-person meal when you order a 3-recipe box. Hello Fresh charges around $18 for the same. Green Chef is certified organic and has several other meal options, including a vegan-friendly plant-focused option and a more balanced box.

Weight Watchers has rebranded many of its programs under the "WW" moniker, and WW Freestyle is the latest rendition of the diet company's popular 'points' system diets. Depending on certain physical factors, Weight Watchers will assign you a specific number of points that you can eat. Food is assigned a point value based on a proprietary calculation that includes the amount of calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein an item contains. There is nothing you cannot eat, but certain foods have astronomical point values, so if you eat some candy for breakfast you'll be eating low-point foods the rest of the day (or week).

Some foods have a zero point value, so you can eat as many as you'd like. Obviously, this proved a popular concept, so Weight Watchers created its newer WW Freestyle program. Freestyle offers many more foods with a zero point value, but you get fewer overall points than you would on the older WW plan.

To help keep track of your points, there is an app, of course, and online assistance. You can look up food as you eat, but there is so much variation in different recipes that it is hard to know exactly how many points to assign. It would be much easier to buy foods with a set point value already assigned.

Blue Apron works with Weight Watchers to sell 2-person meal plans with recipes that account for 0-15 points from your WW Freestyle points plan. You can see exactly how many points the recipe should require when you choose your meals each week. Your actual allotment of points will vary, but there is a nice range of points options to choose so you can fit these meals into your points plan nicely.

Checking out my Blue Apron menu, I found a few examples including a tilapia dish with vegetables at 4 points, or pork chops with sautéed cabbage at 6 points. A white bean and shrimp pasta was 13 points, while breaded chicken with creamy garlic potatoes was 15 points. That could be half your points for the day or more, depending on your Freestyle plan, but most weeks had at least three dishes that were in the single-digit points range.

When you cook the Blue Apron recipes, you'll want to be more measured in your use of oils and pantry extras. If you usually eyeball your EVOO, you may want to teaspoon it out if you're counting points this week. Also, be aware that occasionally the Blue Apron includes more in the box than you need for the recipe, especially with some sauces and dressings. If you're being strict, check those recipes carefully.

Where to buy the meal without the gluten

Green Chef offers a Keto menu and a Paleo menu that are both gluten-free with certification from the GIG. The Paleo option will be much less restrictive, as Keto dieters won't eat more than a few grams of carbohydrates per day. A selection of the Paleo menu options includes coconut-crusted chicken, honey-citrus glazed salmon, and shrimp scampi with grain-free fettuccine.

Freshly offers a complete gluten-free menu, also certified by the GIG, but the meals arrived pre-cooked and are heated in a microwave. If you don't care about cooking your own meals, Freshly offers a vast menu, and the entire selection is gluten-free. The options can be quite creative, including turkey with sorghum pilaf, almond-flour-coated chicken with gluten-free mac and cheese, and cauliflower-pasta shell bolognese.

How gluten-free is your gluten-free

For many eaters, the ability to eat gluten-free is a serious health concern, not just a dietary choice. Besides Celiac disease, numerous conditions have similar gluten intolerance symptoms. The sensitivity to gluten is severe, so cross-contact between food must be avoided. A meal kit that takes gluten-free options seriously must be sure that food is packaged and prepared separately from an environment where gluten is present.

Enter the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a charitable non-profit organization that offers certification for gluten-free products. The GIG certifications ensure gluten is present in quantities less than 10 ppm, lower than the FDA-required 20 ppm for "gluten-free" labeling. If you have a serious health concern like Celiac disease, GIG certification should reassure you that the food you're buying won't inflame your condition.

Maybe just a little gluten

If you want to eliminate as much gluten as possible from your diet, but you don't have a condition as sensitive as Celiac disease, you might try Sun Basket's gluten-free meal plan. Sun Basket does not have GIG certification, and the company explicitly warns that food is packaged in proximity to foods containing gluten. Still, the company has a complete menu that removes almost all gluten if you'd like to try their service.

Ninja Foodi cooking pots are pretty hard-wearing. But if you use your pressure cooker regularly and subject the pot to repeated dishwasher action, it is only going to be a matter of time before they wear out. If you love your Ninja Foodi so much you've all but killed the cooking pot, do not despair! It's relatively affordable to replace it. Our replacement suggestions will get you back on track with the multi-cooker action.

If you would like to extend your culinary repertoire from just slow or pressure cooking in your Ninja Foodi, the Deluxe Baking Kit is an ideal present to yourself. There are three elements to this cool kit. The multi-purpose pan is perfect for casseroles, stews, one-pot bakes, and cakes.

Meanwhile, the 9-inch crisper pan has a clever design with small holes in the base, which gives you a better airflow for things like pizzas, flatbreads, and quesadillas. Finally, the loaf pan is shaped perfectly to find inside your Foodi, so you can make lovely loaves and other bread-based items.

The pot is made of lightweight aluminum, but it has a non-stick ceramic coating. The inner cooking pots will get you back on track in the kitchen if your existing one is coming to the end of its days. The smaller version measures in at 10.5 inches x 10.5 inches x 5.5 inches. It will fit like a cooking glove into a 6.5 quart Ninja pressure cooker. Plus, there is also an inner pot available for the larger 8-quart model.

You may just want a replacement, and we feel you. But having different pans that are perfectly designed to fit in your Ninja Foodi will dramatically expand your pressure cooker menu choices.

Working out in your third trimester of pregnancy will help alleviate some of the discomfort and symptoms you feel in that home stretch by improving your heart health, mood, and blood pressure, and will help regulate your overall pregnancy weight gain. Doctors recommend maintaining a healthy workout regimen throughout your pregnancy and just 20 minutes of active movement a day can pose wonderful effects on the overall health of you and your baby.

Plus, it just might give you a one up on delivery day! Some great workouts you can do in your third trimester include: walking, jogging, Yoga, Barre, Pilates, cycling, swimming, aqua aerobics, strength training, band work, free weights, and stretching. Here are some good exercises to get you started.

Low impact exercises such as: Yoga, Pilates, Barre, and mat strengthening and stretching exercises are great because they're easy on your joints and won't drive your heart rate too high or cause you to overheat. Try taking prenatal specific classes that were designed for pregnant women in every trimester. Women that actively participated in low impact exercises throughout their pregnancy have reported mood improvements, decreases in pain, and a lower incidence of preterm labor and Cesarean delivery.

Walking, jogging, and cycling are all great right up until you deliver, unless otherwise advised against by your doctor of course. Walking, jogging, and cycling helps strengthen your lungs and heart, improves your mood, boosts your energy levels, encourages better sleep, increases circulation and even prepares your body for labor.

However, if you were not a cyclist or jogger prior to pregnancy, now is not the time to start a new exercise routine. Try walking instead and listen to your body. Even if you were a regular jogger or cyclist prior to pregnancy, if your body is signaling you to slow down, you must listen! Most women who were active joggers and cyclists prior to pregnancy reduce their training in duration and intensity by half. Tuning into your body is key.

If you have a pool or have access to a pool, jump right in! Working out in water is wonderful for your joints and provides amazing joint and back support and relief while you move. Water workouts are great for heart health, improving circulation and flexibility, improving strength, rehabilitating muscles, and enhancing body contours. Plus, your water workout regimen can easily be tailored to match your energy levels and your abilities throughout your pregnancy.

There are a few things to consider before reaching for that protein bar before your workout. It is essential to read the nutrition label to get the facts on what exactly you're putting into your body, how much of it, and how it might affect the workout you're trying to accomplish.

Protein translates quite literally to the building blocks of muscle, so it's important to consider what type of protein you're getting in your protein bar. These are the 7 most common protein types you'll find:

Whey isolates are absorbed by the body very quickly, which makes them perfect for body builders or people trying to bulk up or build muscle in their workouts. They yield a very high percentage (min. 90%) of pure protein.

Whey concentrate is another form of whey protein and is the most common form of protein in protein bars and supplements. It helps build muscle, supports muscle recovery, and helps maintain muscle while working out in order to burn fat. It does not yield as high of a percentage of pure protein (like whey isolate) which puts it at a lower price point, but you can reap the same benefits of consuming whey isolate if you consume whey concentrate in higher quantities.

Hydrolysate protein is the highest quality of protein on the market. It is enzymatically predigested for maximal speed of absorption. It's very easy to digest and feeds your muscles with nutrients instantly so it's the best option to fuel your routine before a workout!

Casein protein is digested very slowly, which is beneficial if you want to stay fuller longer. This would be another good protein option before a workout because it slowly feeds your muscles over time. So, if you're planning on a longer cardio or training session, this is your best bet! Casein protein is also high in glutamine which will help your body recover faster and it will also boost your immune system.

This is the go-to protein source for vegetarians & vegans! Soy protein is loaded with glutamine and BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) and is the obvious choice if you're on a strictly plant based diet and trying to fuel your workout.

Milk protein isolates are loaded with amino acids and consist of both whey and casein proteins. It is typically found in protein blends.

Egg Albumin was a common protein source before protein powders existed. This protein is rich in amino acids and is used in many protein blends and meal replacement products.

Calories are quite literally "units of energy" and you need them if you want to keep your body moving and grooving. You can track your calories with these great iPhone apps: Best Calorie Counter & Diet Apps for iPhone. Are you trying to fuel a 30-minute workout or a 2+ hour training session? If a short workout is on the agenda, choose a protein bar with a lower calorie content since you don't need the excess calories to fuel your regimen. If you're trying to fuel a longer training session, pick a bar with a higher calorie content so you feel energized and sustained throughout your entire workout.

Consuming a protein bar before you workout is a great idea! Just make sure to check the nutrition label so you can train assured that you're fueling your body with the best protein bar for the workout you're trying to accomplish! Now get out there and protein your routine, happy training!

If you have a desk job, you may spend a lot of your day sitting, which isn't ideal for your health. Standing is preferable to sitting, but it can be tiring for your feet and legs. Genius Mat anti-fatigue mat has just the right amount of padding, different textures, and even an acupressure roller ball to keep you comfortable while you work standing up. It encourages movement without distraction, which keeps your energy level high.

• Comfortable
• Bumps and ridges
• Well padded but firm
• Acupressure roller ball
• Encourages standing

• Pricey

Foot gymnasium

Genius Mat: Features

The Genius Mat is a roughly square-shaped anti-fatigue mat with raised edges. Just the right amount of padding provides you with a comfortable but stable place to stand. It's not what I'd call plush or cushy, it's more like firm support.

There are a number of features which allow you to stretch your legs and give yourself a little foot massage as you stand. At the front, there are raised bumps and ridges which are quite a nice surface to rub your feet on. There are more ridges at the back of the mat for when you want to stretch your legs behind you. Right in the middle is my favorite part, the acupressure roller ball. It looks like a giant blue marble embedded in the mat. The roller ball is mobile, so it moves around as your rub your foot on it.

You can use the Genius Mat with or without shoes, though of course if you want to take advantage of the foot massaging features, you'll need your shoes off.

Comfortable standing

Genius Mat: What I like

As someone whose primary job is done in front of a computer, I'm always looking for ways to avoid spending my day sitting. I like to move around to a variety of work stations throughout the day, and I will definitely be including Genius Mat in my standing setup. It's definitely preferable over standing on a hard surface. I wrote this review standing on the Genius Mat, and I feel great.

While I personally am not a fidgeter, I know a lot of people who are. As a teacher, I've taught a number of children who cannot focus while remaining motionless. The Genius Mat offers a pleasant outlet for movement, as your feet explore each bump, ridge, and the roller ball.

Not cheap

Genius Mat: What I don't like

I don't think it's terribly expensive for something with these features, but it may be more than some want to spend for an anti-fatigue mat.

Healthier standing

Genius Mat: Bottom line

I'm not a doctor, and you'll certainly want to consult a professional to see if a standing workstation and anti-fatigue mat would meet your particular needs for a healthier workspace. But if you are looking to move away from a sedentary lifestyle, or if you already stand all day for work and want to add some comfort, Genius Mat is certainly worth a look. With its firm support, ridges, bumps, and that acupressure roller ball, Genius Mat will give you what you're looking for.

See at Amazon

Amazon has the Kinsa QuickCare Smart Digital Thermometer on sale for $9.99 when you apply coupon code 50QUICKCARE during checkout, which is its best price in history and beats our previous deal post by $6.

Note that for this promotion to work, you'll need to ensure that you add the thermometer sold by Kinsa, Inc. and Fulfilled by Amazon.

When you're sick, the last thing you want is to face needless inconveniences. This highly-rated thermometer eliminates guesswork and helps you track what's going on without much thought or effort. It links to your smartphone via Bluetooth and provides a fast and accurate readout in less than eight seconds. It can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm, and it doesn't stop with the temperature reading. It'll let you know what to do next. Do you require fluids, ibuprofen, or a trip to the emergency room? The free Kinsa app will give you guidance.

If you're feeling under the weather, perhaps these discounted heated blankets will help.

See at Amazon

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there is no evidence to show that your eyes will sustain any damage from your computer screen. The sun is a far greater risk to your eyes than any screen. So if your computer won't damage your eyes, is there any risk associated with staring at a computer all day? Yes. Eye strain and sleep interference are very real risks for people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen. But there are other ways to manage those which do not require computer glasses.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following tips for computer uses to protect against eye strain:

• Sit about 25 inches (arm's length) from the computer screen. Position the screen so you are gazing slightly downward.
• Reduce screen glare by using a matte screen filter if needed.
• Take regular breaks using the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• When your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to refresh them.
• Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
• If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses.

Blue light from your screens can interfere with sleep cycles, according to Harvard Medical School. While it is not necessary to wear blue light blocking glasses all day, the one situation that blue light blocking glasses might come in handy is at night right before bed. But you don't even need computer glasses if you use Night Shift, which decreases the amount of blue light emanating from your screen. It's also always a good idea to cease computer and other screen use for at least an hour or two before bed.

One item you can purchase that might be helpful against eye strain is a matte screen filter for your computer. This two-pack of screen protectors is matte, anti-glare, and blocks blue light. It's available in several different sizes, including MacBook Pro (13-inch or 15-inch) and MacBook Air.

Gravity Blanket started off on Kickstarter in 2017 and raised over $4 million in funds for the project, so the interest in such a product was there from the beginning.

A Gravity Blanket is a premium-grade, therapeutic blanket that's weighed down internally with microbeads that should equate to about 10 percent of your body weight. It comes with a micro-fiber duvet cover that's incredibly soft and removable, while also being machine washable (blanket is hand wash only). Gridded stitching on the blanket keeps the microbeads uniformly distributed so that all of the weight is even while you're underneath it.

While the Gravity Blanket is relatively new, weighted blankets have been around for quite some time for therapeutic uses. Gravity Blanket seems to have caused a spike in popularity since many copycats have popped up since the Kickstarter.

If you scour the internet, it's a bit of a mixed bag in regards to Gravity Blanket and other pricey, weighted blankets. However, it seems that the majority of people who use them report that their sleep has improved since using such a product.

The Gravity Blanket comes in three weights: 15, 20, or 25 pounds. To figure out the right one for you, just calculate what 10 percent of your total weight is, and then get the blanket that is closest to that number. You can also opt for something heavier or lighter if you prefer.

The weight from the microbeads in the Gravity Blanket simulates the feeling of being held or hugged while it's on top of you. The beads help with "deep touch pressure stimulation," which is when pressure points on your body associated with sleep, mood, and relaxation are stimulated, improving the quality of rest you get.

With deep touch pressure stimulation, the levels of both serotonin and melatonin increase in the body, while cortisol, the hormone that causes stress, is reduced. This results in decreased heart rate, reduced blood pressure, less stress and anxiety, and more enjoyable sleep and rest.

If it works on you will be entirely up to, well, you, but experts have backed up the claims.

Perhaps, but it may not be heavy enough comparatively. Gravity Blankets and others feel more like those lead aprons dentists put over you before taking your X-rays.

I'm not sure if you can simulate that feeling with just a bunch of normal blankets since they're not weighed down like the Gravity Blanket. Plus, it would take a lot of blankets to equal that kind of weight.