Health monitoring devices

(e.g. blood pressure, blood sugar alarm etc)

Modern technology now means that a number of body monitoring devices that were once only within the domain of the medical profession are now available over the counter. A number of these monitors can be of great assistance to anyone who needs to check or watch over some aspects of their body’s functioning.

For the larger person, who may be subject to heart, blood pressure or blood sugar health concerns, there is a wide selection of accurate monitors available. A doctor or health specialist may advise you to buy one of these monitors, or you may choose to get one of your own volition so that you are aware of your body’s health at any given time.

Additionally, there are monitors that act as warning alarms for personal hygiene issues like incontinence.

Available health monitors

The most popular body monitoring devices are those that check blood pressure, blood sugar and in some cases cholesterol levels. Many of these digital devices have easy read outputs and some have a memory to save the results and, in some cases, print them out. Here is a summary of some of them, all of which can be of interest in the bariatrics area.

Blood pressure monitor

Blood pressure monitors are usually automatic (i.e. once activated they inflate, take the reading and then deflate). These monitors can take readings from the wrist or the upper arm level with the latter being the more accurate and reliable of the two. You can find out more about these monitors here - blood pressure monitor.

Infrared thermometer

One of the first indications of illness can be an inflated body temperature and modern infrared thermometers now make obtaining a temperature reading easy, fast and accurate. These thermometers have digital readouts and they can sometimes store readings for future reference. More information can be found here infrared digital thermometer.

Digital scales

For anyone with a size or weight problem monitoring health can be very important and the single most important measure to take is that of body weight. Digital scales do this very accurately and many will also include a body fat measuring feature which in reality is really a body density monitor.

This measure takes account of the weight of the person versus their body density and calculates their body fat ratio or percentage. This can be an important dieting aid as it allows any reduction in body fat (e.g. from increased muscle development) to be recognised, even if there is no overall weight loss. Information covering digital thermometers can be found at this page - bathroom scales.

Blood sugar alarm

Many larger people who suffer from being overweight also have, or run the risk of developing, diabetes. For anyone with diabetes, wearing a blood sugar monitor with an alarm can act as a safety precaution that can offer an advanced alert if levels become unsafe. These alarms detect symptoms of hypoglycaemia and they can be worn around a wrist or ankle. Further information about these monitors can be found at this blood sugar alarm page.

Pill dispenser

Many people who fall into the bariatrics classification are on medication and keeping track of which pills to take and when to take them can become a challenging task. When this is the case a pill dispenser can be a good solution.

These dispensers have a series of compartments for different days of the week and segments or hours of each day. It is even possible to buy digital pill dispensers that time lock each compartment until the medication is due to be taken and then sound an alarm to notify the person that a pill is now available. Further details of these devices can be found here pill and tablet dispensers.

Incontinence alarm

An incontinence alarm is yet another useful advanced warning aid that can help people with a weak bladder or any other incontinence disorder. Some people who fall into the bariatrics category may find an alarm of this type useful and the numerous variations of its design mean that it can be worn when in bed or on the move. To find out more go to this incontinence alarm page.

There are many other electronic devices that can help to monitor the body, aid relaxation, assist in the daily activities of life, or make an activity easier or less strenuous to perform. You will find a complete list of these aids on this page, Electronic aids - main index page. Many can be helpful to someone with weight issues, or who could benefit from the use of bariatric aids.

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