Health sells, so it’s no wonder there are so many home health gadgets on the market. While many are useful, some medical devices are essential for any home.
Gus Ramirez has prehypertensive disease, so being able to track his vital signs from the convenience and comfort of his own home is beneficial to him.
“We’ll take your blood pressure and call your doctor depending on the numbers,” he said.
Having some medical equipment on hand can help you track basic health indicators and give you important information to discuss with your healthcare provider.
“While these tools can’t replace a trusted clinician, they can provide more data about your health between doctor’s visits,” said Consumer Reports’ Katherine Roberts.
Blood pressure monitors are a necessity for people with high blood pressure, primarily because blood pressure measurements taken in a clinic are often inaccurate. With nearly half of U.S. adults suffering from high blood pressure and less than a quarter having it under control, blood pressure monitors provide users with critical data from the comfort of their own home.
Consumer Reports’ top-rated home blood pressure monitor was the Omron Platinum for its accuracy and convenience. The Omron Silver performs just as well as our top pick, but it can only record data from a single user.
Next, keep a thermometer handy in case you feel unwell. It’s helpful to know if you have a fever and how high it is. If your fever lasts for more than three days or is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, see a doctor.
If you want to know more about how active you are, you should consider using a fitness tracker, many of which can monitor your steps, activity levels, and even track changes in your heart rate.
It may not seem like it, but weighing scales can also be essential medical devices.
“This is especially important for patients with heart failure, as even small changes in weight can be important warning signs of related problems, such as fluid retention,” Roberts said.
Unexpected weight loss in heart failure patients can also be a sign of progressing disease. In either case, notify your doctor.
And remember, if you’re over 50, it’s important to get a yearly health check, especially if you’re taking medication or have any chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
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