People are quite busy these days, and life is getting more and more stressful with so many things to do and no time for any other activities in life. With very little physical activity and other habits like alcohol and smoking, many people are facing a number of health issues these days. Some of the very common health issues are blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
Everyone needs to keep monitoring their health on a daily basis, or at least on a weekly basis. This may not be possible with such busy schedules for every. But medical science has advanced, and you will be able to have a few medical devices at home.
These can help you to monitor your health condition at home and they can help you understand when you need to see a doctor. These devices can be easily purchased from any pharmacy near you.
Here is a list of some of the very important and useful medical devices that you need to have at your home.
Table of Contents
1. Thermometer
A thermometer is a device that is used for checking the body temperature. If anyone is suffering from high fever, then the thermometer will help you monitor the temperature levels and make sure that the temperature is not too high, and there is no danger. If the fever is too high, you should see your doctor immediately, and you should never neglect it.
There are, basically, two types of thermometers available in the market today. One is an oral thermometer, which is placed under the tongue to check the temperature of the person suffering from high temperature. There are digital thermometers that are placed in the ear or underarms to check the temperature.
The digital thermometer is considered the most accurate one, but they are a bit expensive when compared to the oral ones available in the market. This can be a very useful medical device at home, especially if you have kids at home. You can never predict when your kids can fall sick, and this can help you a lot.
2. BP Monitor
Also known as the Sphygmomanometer, a BP monitor is another important medical device that you need to have at home. BP or Blood pressure is another very common problem faced by people of all ages. In fact, it has got nothing to do with age. Many people may neglect this health condition; it can lead to heart diseases or strokes. So, if you have high blood pressure, then make sure that you have a BP monitor at home.
Earlier, doctors needed cuff, the stethoscope and the BP measuring device for measuring your blood pressure. But gone are those days. Now you have simple BP monitoring machines and they are easily available at any pharmacy near you.
Before buying, you should check the size to make sure that the cuff fits on your arm. If you have bigger arms, try to get the device with the largest size cuff available. You can adjust it for smaller arm size as well. If the display is digital reading, then it will be very easy for you to understand, rather than using those typical BP meters used in the clinics.
Make sure that you are totally relaxed and there is proper support under your hand before you measure the blood pressure. Also, you need to measure it every day at the same time in order to get the right readings. In case of emergency, you can measure it whenever you need it. The BP Monitors are very easy to use and maintain.
3. Glucometer
Diabetes or Blood sugar is another common health issue faced by many people across the world. You need to make sure that you are keeping track of your sugar levels from time to time, as that can create a lot of problems when treated on time.
A glucometer is a device that can be used for keeping track of the sugar levels in your blood. Whether you are having type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can always rely on a glucometer to check the sugar levels. This is a very small device that you can buy from any pharmacy, and you can also carry it easily along with you.
Depending on the type of diabetes you are having, you will have to test yourself. If it is type 1 diabetes, then you should do it for at least 4 to 10 times a day. If it is type 2 diabetes, then you will have to do it at least 2 to 4 times a day. You need to read the instructions manual carefully before you start using it.
You need to place a drop of your blood when the machine is ready and asks for it. It will show you the reading on the device. You should always keep a record of the sugar levels, as they can be useful in the future.
4. Nebulizer
Another important medical device for those who are having kids and adults at home or those who are having respiratory-related health issues is a Nebulizer. This medical device will help to deliver medicine to the airways.
There are a lot of people suffering from health issues related to the respiratory system, and having a nebulizer at home is one of the best solutions. This is a lifesaver for those who have COPD or asthma. With the help of oxygen, the solution is broken down into aerosol droplets and the person using the device is going to inhale it.
The device can be used very easily, but you need to be sure of the dose of the medicine you are going to put on the device. Before and after using the nebulizer, you should always make sure that the device is clean. If you are using it for more than one person, then you need to use a different mouthpiece for everyone.
You cannot use the same mouthpiece for everyone, especially if you are using it for children. The device will take from 10 minutes to 20 minutes and then it is done. You should take off the device very slowly and make sure to wash it with warm water at least once a week. The mouthpiece has to be washed every single time.
5. Weight scale
If you are on a weight loss process, then a weight scale is one of the most important medical devices you can have at your home. It is not just for those who are on a weight loss program; weight plays a very crucial role in everyone’s life.
Overweight can cause a number of health issues, and hence you need to be sure that you are keeping track of it. There are two different kinds of weighing machines available in the present market. One is the analog machine and the digital one.
These both show values with a little difference and hence you need to understand which one is important for you. There are weight scales in the market that can also help in knowing the BMI and body fat content as well.
So, you can look for different kinds of weight scales available in the market today and then pick the right one that can meet your needs as well. Having a BMI feature is very important these days as overweight and obesity are the two main health issues faced by many people even at a very young age. This will help you to stay fit by knowing your weight.
6. Pulse Oximeter
If you are having people with congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma or any kind of pulmonary disease, then Pulse Oximeter is one of the important medical devices you will need at home. This is a very small and lightweight device that can help in checking the oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
It can get you the details of oxygen flow to different parts of the body, even to the furthest parts like legs. Due to any reason, if your doctor has prescribed oxygen to you, then this mini device will help you detect the amount of oxygen in the blood, and that will, in turn, help you to adjust the oxygen levels in your body.
You will have to attach the device to the fingertips and it will send two-wave light, and that will measure the pulse rate and the oxygen levels in the body. Once the job is done, it is going to display the details on the screen of the Pulse Oximeter.
You will have to remove the device from your fingertip when you are done with the job. It is a very simple device and easy to use, as well. It can be carried along with you if you need to. It does not occupy a lot of space.
Final Words
Having these devices will not just help you to monitor your health conditions very closely, but will also help in understanding when you really need to see a doctor.