The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the practice of routine home health checkups, as the pandemic has heightened apprehensions about going out and visiting hospitals for regular checkups. Consequently, it has led to a better understanding of the importance of regularly monitoring one’s health, which, in turn, can help prevent major health problems. There are devices that help monitor basic health parameters, which saves time and effort during repeated visits to a clinic. Moreover, with the advent of telemedicine, the use of medical devices has become even more paramount, as patients can perform basic checks at home and share the results with their doctors.Also Read – Pulse oximeter doesn’t work as well on darker skin, says NHS England

To ensure that everyone at home is well prepared to take all the necessary precautions, we have listed 6 essential medical devices to keep an eye on sanitary conditions. Also Read – Pulse Oximeter, BiPap Machines and Sanitizers to Get Cheaper After Government Makes Big Decision

• Non-Contact Thermometer: These thermometers have been the need of the hour for everyone. Non-contact thermometers allow people to measure body temperature without coming into direct contact with the person. As we have found, especially with COVID-19 viruses that are spread through physical contact, this device has been considered one of the best practices for contactless temperature screening. Compared to mercury thermometers, non-contact thermometers are also easier to read for results.
• Oximeter: The purpose of the pulse oximeter is to see if your blood is well oxygenated. It has become a crucial medical device to own during the pandemic. For patients suffering from the COVID-19 infection, monitoring the blood oxygen level is essential. This product is readily available and some also incorporate pulse reading which provides additional information about the health of the person.
• Glucometer: These home blood glucose tests are essential for all diabetic patients to monitor their blood sugar. This device is quite convenient and easy to use for everyone, including elderly patients. Regular monitoring of the glucose level is a must to avoid any crucial health issues in the future.
• Blood pressure monitor: The pandemic has deprived many people of physical activity. Increased stress, lack of movement, obesity and a salty diet can significantly affect your blood pressure. Digital blood pressure monitors are a handy device to keep at home to check your blood pressure and pulse. Compared to a traditional sphygmomanometer traditionally used in clinics, a blood pressure monitor is easier to use because it is digitized and the results are directly displayed.
• Vaporizer: Vaporizers can help with severe congestion, colds, coughs, and stuffy noses. This helps to control congestion in your chest and nose and manage symptoms well to fight any viral fever, including that caused by the COVID-19 virus.
• Nebulizers: Nebulizers are used to deliver oxygen directly to the lungs, and quickly. The device is highly recommended in cases where immediate relief is needed, ensuring that your lungs are getting enough oxygen.

(Contributions by Dr. Morepen) Also read – No need to buy an oximeter anymore? This mobile app monitors blood oxygen, pulse