Home medical devices significantly facilitate the life of people and provide an opportunity to monitor the state of health and take appropriate measures in a timely manner. This is especially important for those who suffer from chronic diseases. In the article, we will consider what medical equipment for home use should be in every family.
Thermometer
The most common medical device for home use is a thermometer. It is used to measure body temperature in adults and children. The most accurate device is considered to be mercury, however, it is also the most dangerous. For home use, an electronic analog is more suitable. Its action is based on determining the level of infrared radiation coming from the forehead or membrane of the ear. This type of thermometer is suitable for measuring the temperature of air, body and food, its main advantage is in almost instant result.
Nuances of using the device:
- For the smallest patients, it is recommended to choose a dummy thermometer or an infrared meter. The earpiece is best used for children from two years old.
- To determine the temperature, thermometers with a flexible nose are produced rectally or orally.
- Some models of low-cost devices come with non-replaceable batteries, but they are designed for approximately 2,000 measurements.
- On sale there are thermometers specifically for women, allowing you to determine the days of ovulation. To do this, the temperature is measured under the tongue.
Tonometer
Another device for health is a tonometer. It is necessary for measuring blood pressure. It is of three types:
- Automatic - ideal for use by older people, just press the "Start" button - and the device will make all the necessary measurements. The device runs on mains or batteries and may have additional functions (heart rate measurement, for example).
- Mechanical - is mainly used in medical institutions, for self-measurement of pressure with such a tonometer some skills are needed. Air is inflated into the cuff and lowered manually, while the readings are measured using a phonendoscope.
- Semi-automatic meter implies the injection of air into the cuff manually, while it descends automatically. Inconvenience: the inability to measure pressure on oneself.
Measurements can be taken around the shoulder or on the wrist. For people of age, it is recommended to use a device with a shoulder cuff. This is due to the fact that the vessels on the wrist become less elastic, due to which the measurement result may be inaccurate. For young and active, a mobile tonometer model, worn on a finger or wrist, is more suitable. If the device is used by several family members, it is good if it has the function of storing readings.
Medical scales
Measuring your own weight is one way to control your health. Devices designed for this are:
- Mechanical scales. At the heart of the device is a spring that stretches when weighed. The degree of its deformation is indicated by an arrow on the measuring scale. Such scales, in comparison with electronic models, do not allow to measure weight accurate to grams, their error ranges from 200-500 g. In addition, the maximum patient weight that can be measured is not more than 150 kilograms.
- Electronic scales are equipped with an integrated microprocessor, which is also responsible for the functionality of the device. This type of medical device allows you to measure weight with high accuracy, even for very obese people.
Often, based on the body mass index, the dosage of drugs, metabolic rate, and other indicators are calculated. For this, medical scales are used that must meet special requirements. The instruments are designed according to the standards of quality, safety and accuracy. Each model is entered in the register of medical products.
Blood glucose meter, heart rate monitor
Specialized health devices are a heart rate monitor (pulse oximeter) and a glucometer. They may not be useful to every person, but for some they are vital.
A glucometer is a device for measuring blood sugar. Using the device is recommended for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The measurement is very simple: a puncture is made on the fingertip using a lancet, the emerging drop of blood is applied to a test strip inserted into the meter. After a while, the result appears on the display. Regular monitoring of glucose using the device makes it possible to adjust the diet and dosage of drugs.
A pulse oximeter is a device for non-invasively measuring the degree of blood oxygen saturation, controlling the heartbeat. The device as a percentage determines the ratio of hemoglobin enriched with oxygen to its total amount in the blood. The norm is considered an indicator above 95%. The use of a heart rate monitor is indicated for diseases such as hypoxemia, chronic apnea, asthma, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, chronic heart failure, pneumosclerosis.
Salt lamp: benefits and harms
Reviews about this device allow you to include it in the list of necessary medical devices. A salt lamp is a lamp made from a piece of salt. According to the manufacturers, this device has a therapeutic effect, filling the air in the room with negatively charged ions. In addition, the usefulness of the device is as follows:
- a positive effect on the general physical and psychoemotional state;
- elimination of neurosis;
- sleep improvement;
- increased immunity to acute respiratory diseases;
- purification of negative energy in the room;
- prevention of the development of pathogenic microorganisms;
- elimination of unpleasant odors;
- Use as a night light or decorative element.
However, not everyone is convinced of the benefits of a salt lamp. Moreover, according to studies, the device was found to be ineffective. If you compare it with a salt cave, where there are certain indicators of humidity, pressure, and salt dust floating in the air, one miniature device with a lamp inside can not recreate such an atmosphere. But it is worth noting that there is no harm or contraindication to the use of such a lamp.
People who bought the device note that it looks beautiful, with constant use, the air noticeably softens, helps regulate the humidity in the room. Many believe that the lamp does not have a significant effect on health. The duration of treatment for diseases is the same as without its use. Also, the device may leak if the room is very humid, has a significant weight.
Massager
Such a device is necessary for people suffering from osteochondrosis, arthritis, radiculitis, as well as those who have autonomic disorders. It can be used to relieve muscle pain.
Almost all types of electric massagers for the neck and shoulders have a similar principle of action. Inside there are balls that are set in motion when the device is turned on, as well as a heating element that contributes to a deeper study of the muscles. More expensive massagers are equipped with a timer function and several variations of the massage.
Respiratory training device, nebulizers
Breathing simulators are mainly used to strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve blood circulation. The device dilutes inhaled oxygen simulating mountain air. After the first or second application, the pressure stabilizes, sleep improves.
A nebulizer is a device for treating diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. In fact, this is the same inhaler that alleviates the symptoms and promotes a quick recovery with: SARS, rhinitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis and other lung diseases. The difference is that the nebulizer sprays the medicine, turning it into an aerosol. It is not permitted to fill oils with such a device, as their structure is too dense.
Blue lamp
This device is used to warm the nose, ears, throat, joints.
The blue lamp is approved for use by elderly people and children, since it is absolutely safe, and if used correctly, it guarantees a therapeutic effect.
Positive traits:
- stimulates the metabolism in cells, accelerates tissue regeneration;
- blood circulation in the heated area is activated;
- produces an analgesic effect;
- It helps with the removal of edema after trauma and stretching, eliminating pain in the muscles.
For proper use, you need to know that the device is kept at a distance of about 30 cm. If the nose warms up, then glasses should be put on the eyes.
The blue lamp is not used during pregnancy, with bleeding and skin injuries, problems with blood coagulation, oncological diseases.