What essential health and wellness tools should everyone have?

Prevention is key to health and wellness. Don’t wait too late to have these simple, essential medical devices on hand.

A few years back, I cut myself on broken glass and scrambled around my apartment looking for a Band-Aid. As an anesthesiologist and cardiologist, I had airway equipment and resuscitation tools, but no basic first aid supplies. This experience made me reflect on what is essential for monitoring our health and wellness, beyond just addressing minor injuries.

We often hear about the importance of having canned food and bottled water for emergencies. Similarly, there are medical items everyone should keep on hand, regardless of age. Despite the prevalence of smart devices, first aid kits should include some relatively inexpensive yet valuable tools:

Oximeter: This small device measures oxygen saturation, reflecting how well our lungs and heart are functioning. Once bulky and expensive, modern oximeters are portable and affordable, providing heart rates and even rhythm assessments. With respiratory illnesses on the rise, this tool can help determine if a doctor’s visit is necessary.

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Blood pressure cuff: Monitoring blood pressure at home is crucial, as it can help identify hypertension, often called the silent killer. A cuff designed for the upper arm provides the most accurate readings. Regular checks and keeping a log of results can aid discussions with your doctor.

Thermometer: Modern thermometers use infrared technology for quick temperature readings. Tracking fevers is essential, especially for children, as rapid temperature increases can lead to febrile seizures.

Eyewash: Accidents happen, and having eyewash on hand can be invaluable. It’s important to flush out irritants quickly and safely.

Humidifier: Humidifiers can alleviate allergy symptoms and improve sleep quality. They are particularly helpful during cold and flu season, but must be kept clean to avoid mold and bacteria.

These five items are essential for maintaining health and wellness. Remember to keep any prescribed medications stocked and check expiration dates regularly. This includes common over-the-counter products. Don’t let an accident remind you to restock your medicine cabinet. Stay well, stay healthy!

This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author are not necessarily those of Scientific American.