Heart & Blood Pressure
Understanding Blood Pressure Monitor Readings
SYS, DIA, PUL, heartbeat symbols and error codes: learn what each part of a digital blood pressure monitor display means and how to interpret…
Health guides
Plain-language guides to everyday health, personal care and home monitoring. Every article lists its sources, and none of it replaces advice from your own doctor or pharmacist.
Heart & Blood Pressure
How to Maintain a Blood Pressure Monitor
Keep your home blood pressure monitor accurate: clean the cuff, protect the tubing, change batteries, store it properly and have it checked regularly.
Heart & Blood Pressure
Understanding Upper Arm and Wrist Monitors
Upper arm monitors are generally recommended for home use; wrist monitors are compact but position-sensitive. Compare the two and learn who each suits.
Heart & Blood Pressure
Common Blood Pressure Measurement Mistakes
Talking, crossed legs, a full bladder or the wrong cuff can raise a blood pressure reading. See the common home measurement mistakes and the…
Heart & Blood Pressure
How to Use a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
Step-by-step instructions for an accurate home blood pressure reading: how to prepare, sit, position the cuff, take two readings and record them.
Heart & Blood Pressure
Understanding Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
The top number is systolic pressure and the bottom is diastolic. Learn what each means, the AHA blood pressure categories and why both numbers…
Heart & Blood Pressure
How to Choose a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
Look for a validated, automatic upper arm monitor with the right cuff size, a clear display and memory. A buyer's checklist for home blood…
Heart & Blood Pressure
A Beginner’s Guide to Blood Pressure Monitoring
New to checking blood pressure at home? Learn why it matters, what equipment you need, when to measure and how the results are used…
Diabetes Care
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Professional About Diabetes Monitoring
Make your next appointment count. Use these questions about targets, testing times, devices, low blood sugar and results to plan diabetes monitoring.
Diabetes Care
How to Maintain a Diabetes Care Kit
Keep your diabetes kit ready with regular cleaning, battery and expiry checks, control tests and restocking. A simple maintenance routine to follow.
Diabetes Care
Understanding Blood Sugar Testing Frequency
Testing frequency depends on your type of diabetes and treatment. Learn the typical times to check, when to test more often and why plans…
Diabetes Care
How to Travel With Diabetes Monitoring Equipment
Pack double, keep supplies in hand luggage and protect them from heat and cold. Practical tips for traveling with a glucose meter, strips and…