In the interest of wasting time at the doctor's office, we've learned to do basic physical exams to avoid small problems turning into big ones. That's not to say that we don't visit the doc from time to time but I think it's more effective to track data with our vitals and have a log to bring in when we do see a medical professional. Here is our supply list:
- Blood pressure cuff. Would recommend splurging on a slightly nicer one as the cheapo ones are all over the place as far as readings.
- Pulse oximeter. You can get these pretty cheaply and are a good indicator of your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR). Heart rates swing based on activity levels but having a high / low range is useful.
- Stethoscopes. Based on some stethoscope reviews I read, I ended up spring for a Littmann brand stethoscope (cardiology III to be exact). The thing is a beast to learn to use but I feel pretty comfortable with basic sounds now and it's fun to use to "diagnose" other noises I find on the road.
Anyone else going off the healthcare deep end? It's sometimes hard to find a doc who will take high-deductible insurance so this seems like the next best thing.
- Blood pressure cuff. Would recommend splurging on a slightly nicer one as the cheapo ones are all over the place as far as readings.
- Pulse oximeter. You can get these pretty cheaply and are a good indicator of your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR). Heart rates swing based on activity levels but having a high / low range is useful.
- Stethoscopes. Based on some stethoscope reviews I read, I ended up spring for a Littmann brand stethoscope (cardiology III to be exact). The thing is a beast to learn to use but I feel pretty comfortable with basic sounds now and it's fun to use to "diagnose" other noises I find on the road.
Anyone else going off the healthcare deep end? It's sometimes hard to find a doc who will take high-deductible insurance so this seems like the next best thing.