When you monitor key metrics at home, you're not just collecting numbers—you're building a complete picture of your health. That’s a game changer that empowers you to make informed decisions and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
Think of home monitoring as your personal early warning system. The more you understand about your baseline health, the better equipped you'll be to recognize when something needs attention and to advocate for yourself when you see the doctor.
Best of all, tracking these metrics may help you avoid doctor’s visits—and even prevent ER trips or hospital stays:Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial—especially if you’re a senior. Chronically elevated levels can signal prediabetes or diabetes, which dramatically increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Your goal is a fasting glucose below 100 mg/dL and an A1C (average over several months) below 5.7 percent. Consult your doctor if you have consistently high or low blood sugars.High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” for a good reason. It can lurk, undetected, until you have a stroke. Use a home cuff to monitor your blood pressure daily, aiming for below 120/80 mmHg. If you experience elevated numbers for several consecutive days, consult your doctor.Blood oxygen levels can be easily checked at home with an affordable pulse oximeter and blood saturation monitor. Normal readings fall between 95 and 100 percent. Lower levels could indicate respiratory or circulatory problems that need attention. If yours is persistently low, contact your doctor.Body composition tells you far more than your weight. Muscle-to-fat ratio is a stronger predictor of health than BMI alone. After the age of 50, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important for metabolism, bone health, and preventing falls. You can measure yours at home using a smart scale, skinfold calipers, or body circumference measurements. Free instructional videos online can help you choose the best method—and show you how to use it.Inflammation markers, such C-reactive protein, can indicate your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. These aren't routinely checked but are valuable if you have risk factors or a family history of inflammatory conditions. You can order your own Inflammation (hs-CRP) Test from labs like LabCorp and visit a nearby location to have your bloodwork drawn. If your labs are abnormal, discuss them with your doctor.These numbers aren't just data points—they're your roadmap to a longer, healthier life.
You don't need fancy equipment or medical training to start taking charge of your health. A basic blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, and smart scale can give powerful insights into your health.
And remember, these numbers aren't meant to replace your doctor—they're meant to make you a better partner in your own care.
When you walk into your next appointment armed with actual data, you're not just another patient hoping for the best. You're an informed self-advocate who can have real conversations about what your body is telling you.
That's the kind of partnership that leads to better outcomes and, ultimately, a healthier, more confident version of yourself.
Cheers!
Dr. Scott, ND
LivingWellDaily.com
P.S. The RIGHT (and WRONG) way to weigh yourself.
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com - and click here to like us on Facebook or click here to follow us on Twitter. |
|
|
