Medical Equipment You Must Have At Home To Keep You Prepared At All Times
Rahul Dubey
Group Head - Marketing - American Oncology Institute | Citizens Specialty Hospital | Ampath Labs University of Buckingham | Harvard University
If this pandemic season has taught us one thing, it is that our health should be our priority. Having a thermometer and a blood pressure monitor at home is as basic as having salt and sugar stocked in your kitchen.
Here is a list of medical equipment you must have at home.
Steam Inhaler
Gone are the days when you had to cover your head with a towel and bend over to inhale steam from a pot of boiling water. Today, steam inhalers come in easy-to-use and portable designs.
While steam inhalation may not cure your infection, it does help reduce irritation caused by cold and blocked nasal passages. It’s a must-have for quick relief when you’re suffering from a bout of cold and flu.
Thermometer
One of the most important medical instruments that you must have at home is a thermometer.
Digital thermometers are safer compared to glass mercury thermometers that may break while using. A regular digital thermometer uses electronic heat sensors to record your body temperature—you can place it in your armpit or mouth.
Make sure you do not eat anything hot or cold at least 15 minutes before taking the temperature as that may affect the reading.
Blood Pressure Monitor
A healthy heart is the key to healthy living. Monitoring your blood pressure (BP) levels is one of the ways to know how well your heart is functioning.
The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring of blood pressure (not a substitute for regular visits to the doctor) for those suffering from hypertension.
For most accurate results, measure your BP twice, with a small gap in between, and at the same time every day. Also, make sure you are calm and comfortable with your arm raised to the level of your heart, on a table, a desk or the arm of a chair.
Pain-relieving Heat Belt
Muscle aches and spasms, backache, menstrual pain, joint inflammation and stiffness, they all can cause grief and restrict movement. While you may be taking medication to combat these issues, heat therapy can alleviate or at least control the pain. Having an electric heating pad at home can prove to be very useful. Choose one with good insulation for comfort and safety.