(Snippets from the frontline)
Blood pressure cuff and other gadgets
When you visit your doctor or are admitted to the hospital, the first bit of information gathered is vital signs. These include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, oxygen level, and weight. Technology has now allowed greater ability to listen to the body at home using these gadgets.
How important are vital signs? Depends. The body is well-regulated so typically there is little variation in these figures. Still, it is wise to know personal numbers so trends can be followed. In conjunction with symptoms, measuring vital signs can give you and your doctor a clue that illness is creeping up on you.
Think about gathering this information in a daily diary so you become familiar with your own body variations. And for those you love and cherish, consider giving a present including a:
- Blood pressure cuff;
- thermometer (there are fancy ones you rub across the forehead);
- oxygen saturation monitor;
- bathroom scale;
- diary notebook.
Add in possibly:
- Pedometer or GPS watch (some use their smart phone);
- glucometer (to measure blood sugar levels if there is a tendency toward diabetes).
You can listen to your body with the right gadgets, and giving them as a present could truly be a gift of life.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
Leave a Comment