It is said health is wealth, but health problems can knock on the doors at any time. You are not a doctor with medical knowledge, yet some health problems are common and can be treated at home. You will not always have time or even the necessity to go to a hospital or health clinic to tend to your smallest problems.
If you keep some common medical devices at home, they can reduce stress and even bring some improvement in your health. Nepalis are reluctant to visit doctors unless they have severe conditions. But, these devices are helpful in preventing them from reaching these conditions.
Here is a list of some medical devices to consider for your home if you want to stay healthy all the time:
1. Thermometer
A thermometer is necessary to measure your fever or change in your body temperature. Today, digital thermometers are also available in the market after the World Health Organization called for banning mercury fever thermometers. Recording the maximum temperature during a fever helps you identify the disease and overcome it. And if you have this medical device, you do not have to run to the hospital every time.
2. Glucometer
Glucometers are a must-have medical device at the home for those who have diabetes. This checks the blood sugar level in one’s body. With the help of a glucometer, one can be alert about the risk of diabetes and other diseases. Its market price ranges from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.
3. Oxygen concentrator and nebuliser
An oxygen concentrator is an electrical medical device that integrates oxygen into the air. Oxygen concentrators can be used to help patients breathe when they cannot. A nebuliser turns liquid medicine into steam and makes it easier for sick and children to inhale the medicine.
If you have an asthma patient at home, it is imperative to keep an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen cylinder and a nebuliser; it comes in handy during emergencies. However, oxygen concentrators are a little more expensive than oxygen cylinders.
4. Blood pressure set
Today, most people suffer from the problem of high blood pressure. From a health point of view, neither high blood pressure nor low blood pressure is considered good. It is very important to keep a check on one’s blood pressure.
One can purchase a manual kit with a stethoscope or digital blood pressure sets that are both available in the market. The manual kits might require you to learn how to use a stethoscope, but a digital blood pressure kit does not require special knowledge to use. Its price ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500.
5. Oximeter
After Covid, an oximeter is the one thing every household should own. This small device tells you the level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and even your heart rate in a non-invasive way. This handy device can be used anywhere and anytime. You can just simply keep the oximeter on the tip of your finger and read both the levels.
6. First aid kit
In addition to the usual medical treatment at home, it is necessary to have a primary health care kit or first aid kit. The kit contains bandages, cotton, gauze, scissors, tweezers, and antiseptic liquids for cleaning wounds and injuries.
The first aid kit works to reduce the pain, prevent bleeding and make the patient feel comfortable while being taken to the hospital. A kit with all the basic materials required for first aid is available at any pharmacy. One can also make a first aid kit of their own.
7. Over-the-counter medicines
You can also store over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and other common painkillers. ORS like jeevan jal and pain relievers can be used in menstruation too. Having such medicines at home not only reduces stress but also saves time. You can keep the medicines in the first aid box or separately. But if you happen to need such medicine, you should consult a medical expert.
8. Prescribed medicines
Apart from the first aid kits and some general over-the-counter medications, you should also have your prescribed medicines in-store, with you at home. If you take regular prescription medicines, you should have at least enough for a week stashed in your home. You can use a medicine box to keep track of your weekly dosage too.
Keeping a separate small stock of prescription medications can be beneficial in an emergency, such as earthquakes, storms or landslides. You should also keep a list of your medications and their dosages, just in case.
9. Weighing scale
Keeping a check on one’s weight is very important. Excessive and low weight is not considered good for health. Sudden and unnecessary weight gain or loss can lead to a variety of health problems. Weights can be checked regularly through a weighing scale. Keeping this medical device at home can prevent serious diseases before they occur.
