Data, data and more data! These days, we can measure everything. Health is no exception. There are devices that can measure everything from your daily steps to your body fat percentage. While not all health gadgets are necessary, some are essential. Consumer Reports has a look at some devices to consider.
Having a few medical devices on hand can help you track basic health metrics and give you important information to discuss with your doctor. These tools are no substitute for a trusted clinician, but they can give you more data about your health in between doctor's appointments.
Blood pressure monitors are a necessity for people with high blood pressure, primarily because blood pressure measurements taken in a clinic are often inaccurate. With nearly half of U.S. adults suffering from high blood pressure and less than a quarter having it under control, blood pressure monitors provide users with critical data from the comfort of their own home.
Consumer Reports' top-rated home blood pressure monitor was the Omron Platinum for its accuracy and convenience. The Omron Silver performs just as well as our top pick, but it can only record data from a single user.
Second, keep a thermometer handy in case you're feeling unwell. It's helpful to know if you have a fever and how high it is: — If your fever lasts for more than three days or is above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, see a doctor.
If you want to know more about how active you are, you should consider using a fitness tracker, many of which can monitor your steps, activity levels, and even track changes in your heart rate.
Although it may not seem like it at first glance, weighing scales are also essential medical tools, especially for patients with heart failure, where even small changes in weight can be important warning signs of related problems such as fluid retention.
Unexpected weight loss in people with heart failure can also be a sign of progressing disease. In either case, inform your doctor.
If you are over 50, it is important to have an annual health check, especially if you are taking medication or have any chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
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