Forget crosswords, vitamin A, and working out. The new tools for self-improvement are handheld videogames. At least, that's the claim of an array of new titles for the Nintendo DS. There are games to make you smarter, fitter, and more eloquent. Oh, and keep your insulin levels steady. You're just a stylus-tap away from a better you.
1. Flash Focus 
The carrot juice thing is a myth, so why not try Flash Focus from Namco Bandai. It claims to improve eyesight through a series of minigames that blend visual exercises with sports like baseball and boxing. Playable? Yes. Serious visual improvement? Haven't seen it yet.
Glucoboy
For most kids with diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is an unpleasant timesuck. Failing to keep up, though, leads to complications ranging from foot ulcers to renal failure. Glucoboy for DS or Game Boy Advance incorporates test results into games that reward players for maintaining their levels. Prick, bleed, play.Brain Age 2
The insanely popular Brain Age franchise claims to sharpen your wits with cheeky minigames, minutes-a-day word puzzles, and other light calisthenics. Think of it as a cheap, portable alternative to grad school.My Word Coach
Being smart is one thing, but to sell that savvy you need an Ivy League vocabulary to match. My Word Coach bundles spelling and vocabulary games straight out of an English textbook into a surprisingly enjoyable package.My Weight Loss Coach
Developed in collaboration with a fitness trainer and a nutritionist, My Weight Loss Coach tracks personal habits like what you eat and how much you exercise. It then sets up attainable goals and offers fitness-themed minigames and trivia challenges to reward your progress. The software even includes a pedometer so you get full credit for that leisurely stroll.
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