Why Do I Need a Pulse Oximeter?

The health of Americans is on the decline, and the outcome does not look very promising. The rate at which more and more people are being diagnosed with various illnesses is alarming. The major illnesses are related to both cardiac and respiratory systems. What started out as an epidemic for adults only has transpired into a problem that spans the age group. We now can easily observe many kids who are suffering from heart illnesses and/or respiratory illnesses that are caused by poor eating habits and lack of exercise. There are people out there that blame these problems on society, and our addiction to technology. These people blame the internet, television, and video games. They are correct, but that is not the entire reason for the problem. Most of the issue can be related back to the habits of our modern society. Fast food and convenience have led both kids and adults to become less and less active.

Due to the health of the country being on the decline, it is imperative to be able to monitor one’s health on regular basis. This includes things as a blood pressure monitor, glucose monitor, and now a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter, also known as a pulse ox by some medical professionals, is a medical device used to measure the blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate of individuals. The traditional pulse oximeter was a bulky tabletop unit that was and is used in clinical settings. New technology has allowed for the pulse oximeter to shrink to a size smaller than your average cell phone. Even though the size has come down, its accuracy levels are still very high. A new finger pulse oximeter is mobile, and has the ability to provide vital readings within seconds. The medical cabinet at home now should include a pulse oximeter.