These Simple Home Health Tests Are Really Worth Trying
We know that if we want to maintain our health, prevention and early detection of diseases or disorders is key. However, regular doctor visits can be costly and technical, and many people simply don’t make it . While the world of home testing kits is booming (you can test everything from your cholesterol levels to colon health from the comfort of your home these days), it’s still in its early stages. Many of these tests are expensive and less reliable than those administered by healthcare professionals . But there are ways you can effectively monitor your health at home without going to the doctor or spending money on a home testing kit.
One of the biggest benefits of a DIY homemade health test is that you can take it at any time, at a very low cost, and yet the results can tell you a lot about your current state of health. Although many self-examinations have become obsolete in recent years due to the difficulty of interpreting results (for example, doctors no longer recommend breast self-examinations because they do not actually help detect cancer earlier), there are several self-administered home health tests. that are actually worth doing.
How to do a skin cancer test
You can take care of your skin health at home with a reasonable level of efficiency. One of the reasons self-checking for potential skin cancer is more effective than a breast or testicular exam is because of its visual nature: If you check yourself regularly, you may notice changes in moles and skin blemishes that may indicate to the problem. . Monthly checkups are a good idea— look for moles that have changed size, shape, or color, or those that have scabs or bleed when touched. And in general, look for any changes in your skin at all.
Note that these self-examinations should be done in conjunction with an annual visit to a dermatologist. But this home checkup can help you avoid wasting precious time if you develop a problematic mole.
How to check your own blood pressure
By purchasing an inexpensive, low-tech blood pressure cuff , you can easily check your blood pressure regularly at home . Generally speaking, your blood pressure should be at or below 120/80 ; High blood pressure is any reading where the systolic pressure (first number) is above 130 and the diastolic pressure (second number) is above 80. If you regularly get high or high readings, get tested. doctor and explore lifestyle changes such as a better diet and more exercise.
Try the sit-stand test
A simple, low-tech way to assess general health is the stand-up test . Sit in a straight-backed chair with your hands on opposite shoulders and feet flat on the floor. Set a timer and, without using your hands, stand up, then sit back down. Repeat as many times as you can in 30 seconds. Results vary by age, but generally speaking, you should be able to approach 20x if you are relatively healthy and under 60. As we get older this number decreases, but even at 90 we should be able to hit 11-12 on this test. Failure to get close to these numbers should prompt you to see your doctor for a more thorough examination.
How to check your pulse
A simple and obvious test that you can literally do anywhere and anytime is to check your heart rate. First, determine your resting heart rate: in a relaxed and calm state, find your pulse and count how often your heart beats in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to get your resting heart rate. Normal heart rate varies widely – anywhere from 60 to 100 is considered relatively normal , although a lower heart rate is usually better for overall health. If your resting heart rate is above 80, you should consider getting tested.
You can also check your heart health through the recovery time. Do exercises that raise your heart rate. When you stop, check your heart rate immediately, then wait one minute and check again. Your heart rate should drop by about 20 beats per minute (this doesn’t have to be accurate). If your heart is still beating, this indicates a problem that should be checked.
Try the ladder test
You probably have a very useful device at home for checking your overall respiratory and cardiovascular health: the ladder. Research has shown that if you can’t climb about four flights of stairs in less than a minute without dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you may need to take a formal stress test to determine the condition of your heart and lungs. . To really test yourself, try climbing this ladder by talking to yourself all the time – if you can’t do that, it means you’re not as healthy as you think.
How to check your balance
Balance is a great indicator of our overall health. At the very least, your ability to balance indicates how prone you are to falls or other accidents, but research has also shown that balance is a great indicator of your brain health . Simply put, you should be able to stand on one leg for at least 20 seconds without difficulty. Depending on your age, you should easily reach the 30 or 40 second mark before you start swinging.
You can easily complete the 4-Step Balance Test at home when you have 5 minutes of free time. The longer you can hold each position without difficulty, the better. If you find it difficult to meet 20 seconds, you should consult your doctor about further testing.
These simple self-tests can help you assess your current health status, but it’s important to note that nothing can completely replace a physical examination by a healthcare professional. In other words, use these home tests to monitor your overall health, but don’t skip your annual physical.