Stay on top of your heart health with the help of these 6 monitoring tools
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.
February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on your cardiovascular well-being and take steps to protect your heart. You can help prevent heart disease by managing factors like diet, exercise and sleep. Adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and nuts is an excellent path to a heart-healthy diet. So is limiting saturated and trans fats, added sugar and sodium.
Try exercising regularly – the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Sleep is important for heart health because it allows your heart to rest and recover. If you are having trouble sleeping, these items can help improve your sleep routine.
The best defense against heart disease is prevention. Understanding the signs of heart disease, the risk factors, and how to check your heart health at home is a significant first step in improving your heart health. You can take steps at home to monitor your heart health.
Here are six items that can help you keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol and heart rate:
The 3D Tri-sport Walking 3D pedometer uses tri-accelerometer technology to measure steps accurately. This basic step counter is easy to set up and use and works in any position. You can wear it in your pocket, clip it to your waist, wear it around your neck on the included lanyard or even place it in your bag. It records steps (walking and running), distance, calories burned and exercise time. You can buy this pedometer in pink and on sale for $24.99 on Amazon.
Record how much physical activity you do and when you do strength exercises. This 12-week wellness journal from Papier is an excellent choice because it lets you track physical and mental health progress. Detailed daily pages include space for goals and intentions and space for tracking habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, like sleep and meals. This fitness log, $8.99 on Amazon, has space for 180 detailed entries.
Read On The Fox News App
Eat Healthy In The New Year With The Help Of These 10 Items
Original price: $22.99
Use a heart rate monitor or check your pulse to see if your heart rate is regular. This pulse oximeter from Amazon clips onto your finger to track pulse rate and blood oxygen levels and conveniently displays the information on a large digital LED display. You can also easily monitor your heart rate while on the go with this Google Pixel watch, $100 from Walmart.
9 Supplements You Can Take To Kick Off The New Year Healthier
If you have diabetes, use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels. Contour Next One is a simple-to-use, budget-friendly meter that reads in five seconds. It also connects to an app to log and share readings with a doctor. The Metene TD-4116 Blood Glucose Monitor Kit, $34 on Amazon, is fast, easy to use and delivers accurate results according to reviews.
Use an over-the-counter kit to measure your cholesterol levels. The QuCare Complete is a home-based blood test kit that allows you to measure your total cholesterol level in your blood. The package contains enough materials to perform two separate tests. You can buy this at-home test from Amazon for $22.99.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals
Use a blood pressure monitor to track your blood pressure. The OMRON Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor stores up to 200 readings for two users, with 100 readings per user. This Braun ExactFit 3 automatic blood pressure monitor, $55 at Walmart, takes measurements from the upper arm.Original article source: Stay on top of your heart health with the help of these 6 monitoring tools
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
3 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Are there any benefits to using a sunrise alarm clock in summer?
From sleep headbands to sleep masks and viral vagus nerve stimulators, my job as a sleep tech writer means I've tried my fair share of gadgets that promise to help you fall asleep fast and sleep well through the night. But what's the one device that I think is really worth your money? A top sunrise alarm clock. Honestly, I've asked the same question as you — is there really any benefit to using a sunrise-simulating gadget in summer when natural daylight streams through your window? While I can't wake up without one in winter, I assumed a sunrise alarm clock would be redundant come summer. Turns out I was wrong: I'm still using my beloved Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light in June. From elevating your bedtime routine to fighting morning blues, here are the benefits of using a sunrise alarm clock all year round... A sunrise alarm clock is a wake-up and night light, alarm clock and sleep sound machine, all wrapped up in one gadget. There's a sunrise alarm clock to suit every budget and bedroom aesthetic. You can get a Geuuap sunrise alarm clock for just $24.99 at Amazon or splash out on our #1 sunrise alarm clock of the year, the Hatch Restore 2 ($169.99 at Amazon), which comes with a library of sleep mediations and looks sleek on your bedside table. Exposing you to light first thing in the morning, these bedside accessories help regulate your circadian rhythm. This means your body will know exactly when to release and suppress sleepy hormones like melatonin, so you fall asleep fast and wake up alert. You don't have to pack your sunrise alarm clock away during summer. Here's how it can still help you get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed... The sunset simulation and sleep sounds including with many sunrise alarm clocks are great year-round additions to your nighttime routine. Personally, I love using my Philips SmartSleep as a reading light before bed. It provides a warm light that gradually dims as I read, helping me feel sleepy and relaxed as I get through a chapter or two. Plus I don't have to get up or reach over to turn the light off just as I'm nodding off, counteracting the sleep-inducing effects of reading. You can put it on a timer so it turns off automatically. According to Talker Research, 49% of Gen Z and 32% of baby boomers lean on sounds to fall asleep, and this is where a sunrise alarm clock can help you fall asleep fast. The new Hatch Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock comes with an upgraded audio library holding more than 60 sleep sounds from guided mediations to sleep podcasts, soothing domestic sounds and ASMR. Although simulating natural light is their main purpose, sunrise alarms have audio alarms too. Even though the gradual light increase slowly pulls you from sleep, many people, including our testers, don't wake up to light alone and need an audio alarm too. Packed with natural alarm sounds from tweeting birds to goat sounds, or upbeat music, sunrise alarm clocks have many alarm options that help you start your day on a better note than a jarring iPhone alarm sound. Using an alarm device separate from phone means you can follow science-backed advice and keep screens out of bed for better sleep. Plus, you're less likely to reach for your phone first thing, which experts say is bad news for sleep. Instead of mindlessly scrolling before your head leaves the pillow, you should get natural light exposure to help regulate your circadian rhythm. People subjected to poor sleep because of shift work schedules, or anyone who needs to sleep at irregular times of day or wakes up super early, would particularly benefit from a sunrise alarm clock in summer. Shift workers may need to block out natural daylight for them to be able to nod off during the day to prepare or recover from a night shift. The simulated sunrise can help them wake up gradually at any time of day, preventing grogginess upon waking. While these people can't help their circadian rhythm being out of whack, the simulated daylight will help their internal body clock understand when to be alert and when to rest, which can help lift their mood, energy levels and sleep quality. Heavy sleepers may not be woken up naturally by light coming in through the window, especially on greyer days which, unfortunately, still occur during summer months. The added intensity of light from the sunrise alarm clock can help them wake up. The morning light exposure also helps reinforce your circadian rhythm, especially if you're exposed to late sunsets that can delay melatonin production. What's more, the warm colored light from the alarm clock is more likely to boost your mood than grey skies. This is because morning light exposure boosts serotonin levels, supporting a more positive mood and reducing irritability and grogginess. You may use blackout curtains to get your kids off to sleep at a reasonable time at night throughout the summer months when daylight hours are longer, so the sunrise alarm clock can help wake them up come morning. Plus, they're sure to enjoy the different color light options — particularly on the affordable Momcozy sunrise alarm clock available for $49.99 at Momcozy — and fun sleep and alarm sounds included with most clocks.
Gizmodo
18 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Forget The Apple Watch at Full Price, Our Favorite Galaxy Watch Ultra Is Now 40% Off on Amazon
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the top of the line for Samsung's smartwatch lineup with high-end features that put it on the level with Apple Watch Ultra. Designed for serious athletes and technophiles, it is more than a simple fitness tracker: It's built to survive the most demanding workouts and outdoor pursuits. Right now, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is available on Amazon for an all-time low of $399, which is a staggering 39% off its initial list price of $649. For those interested in a deal with a 25W charger, the price is just $411 (down from $699), and either is an incredible bargain that's hard to pass up. See at Amazon Fantastic Android Watch Whether you're climbing mountains, cycling long distances or swimming in the ocean, this Android watch is designed to keep up. The rugged titanium construction ensures it can handle rain, dust, and even saltwater, which makes it a reliable companion for any adventure. Its gigantic and round 47mm display is sharp and clear to see with a responsive and intuitive touchscreen. The watch is light in weight despite having a rugged build, and it's comfortable enough to use throughout the day and night. You will also love the health and fitness tracking powered by Galaxy AI: The watch offers precise heart rate monitoring, removing body movement to provide precise readings even during intense exercise. Its sleep tracking is comprehensive so you can understand your sleep patterns and overall health. The GPS capabilities are a blessing for runners and cyclists as they allow you to track routes and follow progress without needing to bring your phone. Samsung included new features to empower users to push beyond their limits: The Energy Score is driven by Galaxy AI and reviews your step, heart rate and sleep from the day before to provide a personalized readiness score. This information informs you about your physical state and the best way to optimize your training or recovery. Besides that, the watch also provides daily personalized health recommendations based on what it's monitoring and gives you actionable tips to make sure you're functioning at your best. For training, adventures or just everyday life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is perfect if you're looking for the best from your equipment. Make sure you grab this awesome deal on Amazon before it runs out of stock. See at Amazon
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
What to know before visiting a chiropractor: Experts discuss benefits and risks
Nearly 62 million adults saw a chiropractor in the last five years and around 35.5 million did so in the last 12 months, a Gallup survey showed. While chiropractic treatment has been shown to have many benefits, experts also urge caution about potential risks. Fox News Digital gathered experts' input on when to see a chiropractor and when to consult a spine specialist. 'I'm A Spinal Surgeon – Here's How Your Posture Is Killing Your Back' One of the main differences between spine doctors and chiropractors is that spine doctors go to medical school and have highly specialized training. "The majority of our decision-making is based on science," said Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, an orthopedic spine surgeon located in the New York City metro area. "We do a lot of research … a lot about decision-making is research-based." Read On The Fox News App Chiropractors, on the other hand, are not medical doctors, but hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. They can have a variety of specialties and certifications, with a focus on manual spinal adjustments and other musculoskeletal issues. A chiropractor's methods are generally less invasive than a surgeon's. "The ultimate goal of chiropractic is to help your body move and function the way it's meant to," Tori Hartline, a chiropractor at Sunlife Chiropractic in Frisco, Texas, told Fox News Digital. "When your spine is out of alignment, it puts unnecessary pressure on muscles, causing them to tighten up." "The reality is, throughout our daily lives, we all do things that can throw our spine out of alignment — whether it's sitting too long, sleeping in a strange position, poor posture or repetitive movements." These small stressors might not seem like a big deal at first, but when they continue long-term and are unaddressed, they can lead to more serious injuries and chronic pain, Hartline warned. Some of the most noteworthy benefits of chiropractic care are reduced tension, inflammation and stress, according to the expert. Okubadejo noted that if you feel a joint is "out of alignment" or "you just don't feel right," a chiropractor's musculoskeletal expertise could be beneficial. On the flip side, seeing a chiropractor for a more serious issue can lead to significant complications that may not emerge right away following an appointment, according to Okubadejo. "Sometimes you may have underlying diagnoses without knowing, and you see a chiropractor, and if you have a setback, then you won't know until afterwards," he told Fox News Digital. "I think any kind of radiating pain, anything that travels down your arm [or] down your back … you definitely want to see an orthopedic specialist." Just 1 In 10 Back Pain Treatments Work, Study Says — What To Do Instead The doctor said this also applies to anything "potentially nerve-related," like numbness, tingling or weakness in any part of the body. If the chiropractor doesn't recognize that you may have deeper, more serious issues with your spine, the treatments could potentially lead to spinal cord injury, Okubadejo cautioned. That's why he encourages patients not to avoid a chiropractor altogether, but to use a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care. "But if it's just primarily pain, then in those cases, if a patient has an interest in chiropractic, I wouldn't discourage it," Okubadejo said. "If it's something mild to moderate, strictly musculoskeletal, in that case, it's safe." There are a few things to look for when selecting a chiropractic professional, experts say. "Just like other healthcare professions, chiropractic has different specialties — so it is important to find the right chiropractor for your specific needs," Hartline told Fox News Digital. "Take a look at their office, certifications, areas of focus and the types of conditions they commonly treat to make sure it is a good fit," she advised. The goal of any adjustment is to help your body feel more at ease, so "your comfort should always be a part of the conversation," Hartline added. "I think if a chiropractor isn't linked to a spine surgery practice or doesn't have a strong relationship and maybe takes too much on, on their own, that could be potentially harmful," Okubadejo noted. The best "green flag," he said, "is someone who's very transparent, who explains everything to you, someone who shows you the imaging, who takes on the role as an educator … and has a very clear treatment plan." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Someone who is vague on diagnoses or doesn't order tests or imaging after you've voiced your concerns is "definitely a red flag," he said. "One common misconception is that chiropractic always involves those 'popping' sounds," Hartline noted. "Those are called manual adjustments, but there are plenty of other gentle techniques that do not involve any cracking at all." For more Health articles, visit She added, "If that kind of thing makes you nervous, just let your chiropractor know — they can absolutely adjust their approach. " Similarly, Okubadejo noted, "It's critical that [patients] understand exactly what's going on with them — because that informed perspective makes the treatment much easier."Original article source: What to know before visiting a chiropractor: Experts discuss benefits and risks
