Why It Makes Sense to Have a Glucometer and Other Devices at Home?
If you try checking the cupboards or medicine cabinets of every household in the neighborhood, you’ll probably find an ear thermometer or a regular thermometer. That’s because these medical tools are easy to use and considered a necessity by parents. But aside from a thermometer, do you think there are other medical devices or tools that you need to have in your own home?
Below are some of them:
Glucometer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, having a glucometer at home will become a necessity. People with diabetes need to make some important changes in their lifestyle and habits. Also, they need to keep an eye on their blood-glucose levels on a regular basis. That’s because diabetes does not have clear symptoms. By constantly monitoring your blood glucose levels, you can protect yourself from the complications of diabetes.
Nebulizer
A nebulizer is a piece of equipment used for changing liquid medication into some form of vapor that one can inhale. It is highly recommended for those who are taking asthma medications. Having this medical device at home is beneficial and can give parents peace of mind knowing that it is accessible for their children in case they have an asthma attack.
Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter can be used at home to monitor a person’s oxygen level and pulse. This is beneficial for those people with conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure among others. This way, their pulse and oxygen levels can be checked regularly. Any abnormalities will be recorded and made known to physicians.
Sphygmomanometer
Also known as blood pressure monitor, a sphygmomanometer is one of the most popular medical devices used at home. This device is composed of an inflatable rubber cuff that’s wrapped around the arm. It also comes with a measuring device indicating the pressure in the cuff. A bulb is used to inflate the cuff, and then a valve is in place for the release of the pressure. The sounds of the arterial blood flow can be listened to using a stethoscope.
Investing in medical devices that you can keep in your home is a smart decision when it comes to preparing for emergencies. While it’s not necessary that you purchase several tools, a sphygmomanometer and the other ones mentioned above can be considered a “must-have” for homes. To find reliable and top quality medical supplies and devices, check out Philippine Medical Supplies.
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Facts about High Blood Pressure and the Importance of Having a Blood Pressure Monitor
Elevated or high blood pressure is widely considered a health risk, which is why it’s highly recommended that everyone have their own spygmomanometer at home and learn how to use this blood pressure monitor by themselves. Having this knowledge will enable you to know if you or a loved one is having high blood pressure, so you may then do something about it.
What you’re going to learn here are the primary causes of high blood pressure and everything you should know about it.
What is high blood pressure?
The cause ofthe arterial blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the arterial walls. What the heart does is pump blood, and each beat (which can be measured using a pulse oximeter) results in the increase in the arterial pressure.
Two pressure values exit from the heart:
- Systolic Blood Pressure – the highest pressure value that corresponds to the contraction of the heart that pumps blood into the arteries.
- Diastolic Blood Pressure – the lowest value, which corresponds to the pressure of the blood after heart contractions.
How is blood pressure measured?
An inflatable cuff is used to measure arterial blood pressure. The cuff is slipped over the wrist or arm. Take note that measurement should be done only after 5 minutes of lying or sitting down. To get blood pressure, you can use an automatic blood pressure device like a digital BP Omron, a blood pressure device with mercury, or a device with a subdivided scale.
What about hypertension?
One has high blood pressure when his or her blood pressure is measured at 140/90 mmHg or higher. In this case, the systolic blood pressure is 140 mmHg, and the diastolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg. Take note that taking blood pressure on a regular basis can help detect illnesses or disorders.
What can cause high blood pressure?
High blood pressure may occur with no obvious reason. But still, high blood pressure may indicate anomalies in the adrenal gland or kidney function. Other factors that may cause elevated blood pressure include age, pigmented skin, being overweight, genetic factors, and excessive consumption of salt and alcohol.
When it comes to preventing the occurrence of high blood pressure, medical experts advise having a healthier lifestyle, including consuming less alcohol, engaging in sports and losing weight.
Check out Philippine Medical Supplies where you can get affordable and reliable tools for your first aid kit at home, such as blood pressure monitor, a thermometer, a stethoscope, or even a glucometer.
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