In a perfect world, everybody would have access to a low-cost primary care system with a family doctor as their initial point of contact and a variety of unbiased specialists and institutions providing the necessary care.
The healthcare system, however, is inadequate in certain nations. Primary care may not be available, treatment may be pricey, and follow-up care may be questionable.
By enabling patients to connect with doctors remotely via a video connection on desktops or mobile devices, virtual health is opening up primary care to millions more people. The following home checks could help with the diagnostic procedure.
No matter where you reside and whether you have accessibility to virtual care, there are many things you can do at home to keep an eye on your health and the health of your loved ones. These ten fundamental health checkups will help you keep tabs on your health, assess continuing issues, and examine symptoms. You’ll also have some helpful information to share if you have to consult a doctor.
Take your temperature first
If you think you may have a fever, check your body temperature. The average body temperature for people is about 37° C (98.6° F), however this varies depending on factors including age, the time of day, and the location of the body being measured. To find out what is typical for you, check it while you are healthy. To get the best accurate reading, spend money on a decent thermometer.
The body temperature is measured by some wearable technology, however accuracy varies. Particularly in a young child, an elevated temperature can be concerning. Consult a physician if you have any concerns, either personally or online.
Observe your breasts
It’s critical to understand how your breasts change throughout the course of your menstrual cycle in terms of appearance and sensation. There are numerous causes for breast alterations, and the majority are not significant. The nipple or skin changes, lumps, thickening, or bumps, as well as any changes to the breast’s outline or shape should all be watched out for since these could be signs of cancer. If you experience any of these, it is best to consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
Testicular examinations
It is crucial to perform this examination to find any lumps or swells that might be cancerous. It’s essential to check frequently so you can see an anomaly.
After taking a warm bath or shower, check your testicles by gripping your scrotum in the palm of one hand while utilizing the thumbs and fingers of both hands to look at your testes. A doctor should be consulted if you experience an odd bulge or enlargement, a or severe discomfort.
Monitoring your pulse
A sign of your general health is your resting heart rate in the morning. Your age and level of fitness will determine what is normal; monitor your pulse each morning for an entire week to determine what it usually is. You can perform a manual check, use a device that tracks your heart rate, a fitness tracker, or app on your smartphone.
If your heart rate changes by 10 beats a minute (bpm) or more, you can be exhausted. Over 100 bpm could indicate stress, dehydration, excitement, or illness. Consult a doctor if an increased heart rate continues.
Tests with blood and swabs
A variety of health tests may be performed at home, several of which offer greater than 90% accuracy, saving you trips to the doctor. An at-home blood test can reveal cholesterol levels, thyroid problems, allergies, and even HIV. Swab kits can detect bacterial throat illnesses like strep as well as urinary tract infections.
Don’t just leave the interpretation of your results up to Google once you get them. Online counsel is susceptible to error without the right professional direction. Consult a doctor if the test is positive.
Blood pressure levels
Strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney disease are all significantly increased by high blood pressure. Regularly measuring your blood pressure is crucial because there are frequently no warning signs. Blood pressure devices are simple to use. Make sure you’re in a calm place when taking your blood pressure.
Adults with normal blood pressure range from 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. Cutting back on salt and alcohol, eating well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help lower blood pressure, however you should also consult a doctor if you have any questions.
Monitoring blood glucose levels
Diabetes complications can result in stroke, blindness, kidney, heart, and tooth illness. Although home blood glucose tests for diabetes are available (and require a fast beforehand), they are insufficient on their own because diabetes is a complex disorder.
Consult a doctor if you have any of the typical symptoms of diabetes, such as headaches, blurred vision, dry mouth, increased thirst, or increased hunger. This is even possible from a distance for people who have access to a virtual healthcare service. The doctor can make arrangements for additional tests if they believe you should have them.
Waist fat analysis
Preserving a healthy weight is crucial, but you ought to keep an eye out for excess belly fat. Your belly button level should be where you take your waist measurement. If your waist is 94 cm (37 inches) or more for men and 80 cm (31.5 inches) or more for women, you should aim to lose weight irrespective of your height or BMI. A weight-loss programme may be provided by your doctor.
Meningitis test
Meningitis is a terrifying illness since it can be lethal and develops swiftly in children. You can save lives by recognising the symptoms. Flu-like symptoms, stiff neck, sleepiness, sensitivity to bright lights, and occasionally a rash that doesn’t go away when you push the side of a transparent glass firmly on the skin are all warning signs. Get some body tests right away if you think you could have meningitis, though, and don’t hold off until a rash appears. In order to avoid having to recall the symptoms, there are phone apps that can assist you in identifying meningitis.
Skin check
One of the most prevalent cancers is skin cancer, which is relatively simple to screen for on your own. Once a month, check yourself for any new moles or growths that have altered or begun to bleed, itch, burn, or crust over. If you discover them, consult a physician.
You should think about visiting a dermatologist if you have fair skin, several moles, or have been spending an excessive amount of time under the sun.
