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Tips for Self Monitoring Your Blood Pressure: Part 1


Your blood pressure varies depending on your activities, emotions, or how you spend your time when you’re resting. The constant changes or fluctuations make it harder for doctors to get accurate regular readings and it would be an inconvenience to travel to the doctor's clinic each time.


For this purpose, our doctors at urgent care of Palm Beach Gardens usually recommend that you take your blood pressure using devices for home use so you can monitor and record the numbers on your own. After seeing your blood pressure measurements over a given period, doctors will accurately decide on the best treatment for you following a high blood pressure, or hypertension diagnosis.


Moreover, high blood pressure usually does not present any symptoms or signs. The only way for doctors to assess your condition is by seeing your record of blood pressure readings.


yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Tips for Self Monitoring Your Blood Pressure: Part 1

Buying Your Own Blood Pressure Monitor

Before you set out to check your blood pressure at home, you need to buy a good monitoring device. These are readily available at drugstores or online stores, which come with different price tags from $50 to $100, as well as a variety of features.


A more expensive device doesn't necessarily equate to a more efficient device. The most important thing to consider before you buy is the functionality. Would you like your home blood pressure monitor to keep a record of every measurement you take? Would you like it to compute the average of your last few readings? Do you need the monitor to record your pulse readings as well? Do you need a smartphone integrated feature that sends the results to your doctors immediately?


Medical practitioners usually recommend an automatic or digital blood pressure monitor than a manual monitor because you don't need to learn how to use a stethoscope, or properly cuff the device around your arms to get an accurate reading. The American Heart Association also discourages wrist or finger monitors because the results might not be reliable. Instead, go for automatic, upper-arm, cuff-style monitors that have standards validation, which you can usually ask from the pharmacist.


Buy a blood pressure monitor that fits your arms correctly. An ill-fitting cuff will affect your readings. Consider the monitor display readability as well. Are the numbers big and clear? Can you properly read them?


yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Tips for Self Monitoring Your Blood Pressure: Part 1

Before Taking Your Own Blood Pressure at Home

If possible, bring your blood pressure monitor to your doctor first so that you can get proper guidance on its use, monitoring, and calibration. Doctors at walk in clinic, Palm Beach Gardens do not require an appointment, so you can pop in anytime that’s convenient for you. The doctor might also have specific instructions on how you must use it to help with your treatment plan.

Take note that some factors might trigger a slight increase in your blood pressure. Consider avoiding these at least 30 minutes to an hour before measuring your blood pressure at home, such as:


  • Smoking or drinking coffee regularly
  • Being on medication for another ailment or disease
  • Exercising
  • Being under duress or stress
  • Staying in a cold or hot room

For part 2 of this blog series, we will discuss the proper way of taking your blood pressure at home as well as what the numbers on the monitor mean.


Have questions about blood pressure? Go to UCPB walk in clinic, Palm Beach Gardens

If you have further questions about blood pressure monitoring, our doctors at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches Walk-in Clinic are always happy to help. You may also Contact Us or schedule an appointment.


The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

 

Migraines are characterized by a throbbing, recurring, and debilitating headache that may cause other symptoms like vomiting or nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound. The condition may last for hours or days, but the intensity varies per person.

Do you suffer from migraines? Consult the best doctors at Palm Springs urgent care to get the proper care and treatment that you deserve.

 

yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Suffering From Migraines? Here's What You Need to Know
 

The American Migraine Association cites that at least 36 million Americans suffer from migraines. However, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that 18% of women experience migraines, compared to 6% of men, in the general population.

 

Here are some things you must know if you suffer from migraines.

 

1. Migraine triggers can differ.

 

The exact cause of migraines is unclear and the triggers vary with each attack. However, experts believe that the body may be sensitive and the common migraine triggers include:

  • Changes in the hormones, especially for women during their menstrual cycle
  • Lack of sleep, fatigue or tiredness
  • Stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma
  • Alcohol or caffeine intake
  • A diet containing food with additives, cheese and citrus fruits
  • Medications like sleeping pills
  • Smoking or second-hand smoke
  • Too much exposure to flickering screens

Treating migraines also varies with each person and it's important to discuss the symptoms with your doctor at Palm Springs urgent care to get a personalized course of treatment.

 

2. Busting migraine attacks entails observing your body.

 

If you suffer from migraines pretty regularly, you should already have some ideas of the triggers. The sooner you can determine what these are, the better you can manage migraine strikes.

 

Observe how your body responds to certain foods or changes in your habits and routines. If you drink plenty of water, avoid sweet foods, or exercise more than once a week, do you experience fewer migraine attacks?

 

3. Stop taking medication if it's not helping.

 

Most people take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief. Some take antiemetic drugs that can ease up nausea or vomiting, while others use preventive migraine medications containing ingredients and nutrients like coenzyme Q10, vitamin B-12, riboflavin, and magnesium citrate to limit the attacks.

 

But, if you have been taking medication that delivers no relief at all, it's best to go back to the doctor to try a different treatment, such as acupuncture or acupressure. According to a study published in Neurological Sciences acupressure has been proven to reduce the intensity of migraine within 30 minutes of the treatment.

 

Also, avoid experimenting with medications just to fight the migraine. Always ask your doctor before taking medications. Certain drugs might cause side effects that can worsen your migraine.

 

yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Suffering From Migraines? Here's What You Need to Know

4. Inform your doctor if you suffer from migraines with aura.

 

Migraines with aura have been linked to problems with the central nervous system, according to the American Heart Association. Though strokes are rare with migraines, the link is still present and may pose a higher risk among older women.

 

Migraines with aura are characterized by the following symptoms, apart from the severe headache:

 

  • Stiffness in the shoulders, neck and limbs
  • Pins and needles on the legs or arms
  • Problems with speaking
  • Black patches and visual disturbances
  • Sensitivity to unpleasant smells

Urgent Care in Palm Springs doctors will monitor you for unusual changes in your migraine patterns and prescribe the right treatments accordingly if they are aware of your specific symptoms.

 

Need Medical Help for Migraines? Go to Urgent Care, Palm Springs

 

If you have been suffering from migraines, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with our qualified urgent care doctors. At Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches, Palm Springs, we are committed to practice excellence in healthcare. For inquiries, Contact Us.

 

yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Suffering From Migraines? Here's What You Need to Know

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

 

© Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches 2022.

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