Equipping your home with the necessary home health devices allows you to keep track of your health condition, prevent major health issues, and save time and effort spent visiting a clinic. From monitoring your blood pressure to measuring your temperature, these 7 essential medical devices provide helpful insights into many bodily functions.
What are Home Health Devices?
A home health device is a medical device intended for use outside of a professional healthcare facility. The patient can use the device themselves or a caregiver or family member can assist in using the device. Home health care devices can provide treatment and important information about your health without having to go to the doctor. They allow you to monitor basic indicators of your health that can notify you of any abnormality in your condition.
7 Essential Home Health Devices
Here are 7 medical devices you should have in your home.
1. Thermometer
A thermometer is a necessary health-tracking device that should be in everyone’s home. This device is placed under the tongue, in the ear, or reads your forehead with infrared light. Digital thermometers allow you to measure your body temperature. You can easily determine if you or a family member has a fever with a thermometer.
A high temperature indicates a fever often accompanied by an illness or infection. Conditions that cause an elevated body temperature include the flu, strep throat, urinary tract infections, and heat exhaustion. Monitoring your temperature, along with other symptoms, allows you to discover what you may be suffering from and start at-home treatment. A thermometer can also let you know if you have a dangerously high fever, which requires medical attention.
2. Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter is a device that is placed on the fingertip to measure the oxygen saturation of your blood and your pulse rate. Pulse oximetry is used to check the health of a person with any condition that affects blood oxygen levels, such as anemia, heart failure, and pneumonia. It can also be used to see how well lung medications are working and check an individual’s ability to handle increased activity levels.
A low level of oxygen in the blood can indicate a lack of oxygen in the tissues and organs. Low blood oxygen levels cause symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue. Some people do not experience symptoms due to certain health problems. Discovering low levels with a pulse oximeter allows you to seek medical attention even if you don’t have symptoms. By monitoring your blood oxygen levels, you can watch for changes in your health and alert your doctor to get the proper treatment you need.
3. Blood Pressure Monitor
An at-home blood pressure monitor is typically a device with an adjustable arm cuff connected to a screen that reads your blood pressure. There are many reasons to monitor your blood pressure regularly at home. A blood pressure monitor is especially helpful for anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP), those who are pregnant, and individuals at risk for HBP or related conditions.
Keeping a record of your readings allows you to communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure that your treatments are working or make any changes. If you discover your blood pressure is very high, you can take the proper actions, such as contacting your doctor or emergency services.
4. Nebulizer
A nebulizer is a machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that is inhaled through the connected mouthpiece. This device administers medicines to add moisture and help control respiratory symptoms. Nebulizers are helpful for those who have lung problems such as COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis.
A nebulizer brings quick relief to people suffering from lung problems. It is also useful for patients that struggle with using inhalers. Home nebulizers are effective at delivering medication from the comfort of your home without waiting for an appointment.
5. Glucometer
A glucometer, also known as a glucose meter, is a useful device for people who need to check their blood sugar levels regularly. Modern glucometers have highly sensitive strips that provide very accurate results.
An accurate reading is crucial to make decisions about your diet and medication. If your sugar levels are low, you may want to eat a snack to avoid feeling sick. A glucometer can also detect a sudden rise in your blood sugar levels. This allows you to get in touch with your healthcare provider promptly. Sending your results to your doctor online is easy and allows them to adjust your individualized treatment plan.
6. Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a machine that boils water and releases warm steam into the air. They are a useful home remedy for dry noses, skin dryness, and congestion. People use vaporizers for conditions like allergies, colds, and bronchitis.
This device is convenient to have at home to relieve symptoms, combat dryness, and make the air moist. A vaporizer helps relieve your cough and loosen congestion in your chest and sinuses. Adding moisture in the air with a vaporizer in your nursery is helpful for babies and young children who can’t blow their noses.
7. Scales
Scales provide accurate readings of your weight and are useful tools for those looking to lose weight. Unlike scales at the gym, at-home scales can be calibrated to your body. Some scales are also able to provide BMI readings and daily caloric recommendations.
If you need to keep track of your weight for health reasons, having a scale in your home is a quick and easy way to measure your weight daily. Using one at home is convenient, keeps you informed about your weight, and saves you a trip to the doctor.
Final Thoughts: The Benefits of Having Health Monitoring Devices at Home
Health tracking devices have several uses for many individuals, especially those with a health condition or chronic illness. Benefits of having health devices at home include:
- Monitor symptoms: People living with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, and cancer need long-term management and care. Keeping track of your vitals allows you to seek medical attention in time, prevent major health issues, and make necessary changes to your treatment plan.
- Administer relieving treatment: These home health care devices also allow you to give treatment to yourself or others in the comfort of your home to manage symptoms of your illness.
- Saves time and money: Investing in home medical equipment saves money on laboratory tests and device rentals. Patients also save time on hospital or doctor visits.
- Convenient: Taking measurements of your health at home is more comfortable and convenient than having to take a trip to the doctor.
- Encourages a healthy lifestyle: People use various diagnostic tools to help them manage their health. Results from health tracking devices act as reminders for patients to take better care of their health.