health

This exercise machine is just too weird

After having gotten suckered by more than a few infomercial exercise gadgets, we're hesitant to pay any attention to them. For one thing, we're convinced that many are marketed with planned obsolescence in mind, with a life cycle of only a few months each. But enough of our conspiracy theories (for now).

Even with all that skepticism and personal bile, we still can't resist pointing to the "Galileo Magnifico," if nothing else because of its impressive name. It also supposedly has a storied background, as described by Gadget Candy: "Developed in the Soviet Union … Read more

Personal stress reliever? Huh?

EmWave has released this funky little thing called the Personal Stress Reliever, and I just can't figure it out. Did I not have enough coffee today? Is my mind too intensely occupied with wondering whether or not Jack is going to kill Ben on "Lost," or how my beloved Stephen Colbert will ever get back at those mean and nasty Decemberists? Or am I just stupid? (Please don't answer that.) I realize that it's supposed to detect an "incoherent" heart rhythm, and then do something miraculous to your emotional state, but I can'… Read more

Complete medical history in your pocket

If necessity is truly the mother of invention, we must take an unusual step and thank the government for prompting the creation of this technology. As federal laws mandate the digitization of health records, technology companies such as BioMETRX have been figuring out ways to make that happen confidentially.

Its prototype "SmarSTIK-MD," for example, allows medical professionals to transfer data securely with a biometric USB storage key that uses fingerprint identification to its information, according to Ubergizmo. Other biometric devices such as palm readers can control access to material stored on computers but, given the track record of … Read more

Curing the common cold, online

Flu season is here and getting sick is the pits. The endless mountains of tissues, cough drop breath, and a runny red nose are no one's cup of tea. Although there is no cure for seasonal sickness, many Web sites promise to help. WebMD, FamilyDoctor.org, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's site are the most sought-after health sites. Each site contains an expanse of knowledge, but how can you find out the most information on your condition? Which site can you trust with your diagnosis? See our video reviews.

Help save your kids from technology

If you don't have kids, this might seem like a waste of money. But many of us at Crave are the bearers of rug rats who, like most others of their ilk, would like nothing better than to watch TV or play video games until their eyeballs melt.

So we'll be giving serious consideration to purchasing the Bob, a time management device designed to help keep your offspring from contributing to the swelling ranks of childhood obesity. Many TV sets already have a sleep timer that will shut it off at a designated hour, but it's usually … Read more

Contest seeks games as Rx for health

Game visionaries, have you ever imagined a title in which superhuman feats are rewarded with lower blood pressure? Or one in which tossing a pack of virtual cigarettes lands players more loot? This could be your lucky day.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has announced a nationwide contest to promote the development of computer and video games that improve people's health. The Games for Health Competition will dole out three prizes totaling $30,000--one for a working prototype and two for storyboard/design treatments.

An example of a computer game for health: "Ben's Game," conceived of … Read more