Best (and worst) health tech: Blood pressure, blood glucose monitors and more

I get my steps in, never eat processed food, sleep like a baby and splurge on an occasional yummy lemon drop martini (my favorite mix!).

I also keep track of my numbers to flag potential problems early. And a friendly reminder: An at-home device never replaces a healthcare professional, so email, call or visit your doc if you’re worried about something.

The basics

High blood pressure is nothing to mess around with. It can lead to strokes and heart attacks. 

  • The Omron M6 Comfort costs $105, has been clinically validated and uses a color-coded system to make interpreting results easy. 
  • Or, try the $109.99 Withings BPM Connect, which works with your phone, keeps stats in the app and is perfect for traveling. 

When something’s not right with your body, you often get a telltale shift in body temperature.

A smart scale like the QardioBase X ($94.95) can help make sure you keep the pounds off. It calculates BMI and body composition and offers a ton of stats to work with. Also worth checking out: The Wyze Scale X ($39.98), with its comprehensive stats and sleek looks (it works for babies and pets, too).

The next level

Want to get more serious about health tracking? Blood glucose is a key indicator of body health — and crucial for diabetics to know.

  • The Dexcom G7 and Contour Next One use pads and a phone app to tell you your levels round the clock (subscription prices vary).

I fully recommend getting yourself a dynamometer, too: Try this Gripx one or this Camry one, both for $29.99. They give you a window into muscle strength and physical health, and you can log your stats over time. The more muscle you have, the stronger and safer you’ll be as you age.

Continue reading

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

CES 2022: What you can buy now and all the best announcements

New year, new tech. “New” is a relevant term in the tech world, and there’s always something on the horizon, no matter how incremental the update may be.

You’re probably playing with the toys you got over the holidays. While you’re at it, you may want to take a new approach towards tech for the new year. Take care of your old devices, keep your new ones updated and get rid of some annoying distractions. Tap or click here for more on these simple tech resolutions.

Continue reading

3 necessary home health aids

  • On the level: Check your blood oxygen levels, pulse rate and pulse strength with this fingertip monitor. This is especially useful when you have a respiratory infection and are wondering when to call a doc or go to the ER.
  • Cuff me: It’s important to monitor your blood pressure at home. This model connects to your phone via Bluetooth to store your readings, plus it’s a bargain at 29% off ($35.29).
  • Tip the scale: See your weight displayed digitally in big numbers on this smart scale, or head to its app to see your weight and 12 other metrics, including your BMI. Right now, it’s 31% off ($23.99).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.