Top 5 Vital Signs You Should Monitor at Home

In today's world, staying healthy doesn’t always mean frequent hospital visits. With just a few tools and basic knowledge, you can monitor important vital signs at home and take charge of your health. As a nurse, I recommend everyone—especially families with elderly members—to track these five vital signs regularly.

1. Body Temperature

A normal temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). Use a digital thermometer to check for fevers or unexpected drops in body heat. This is especially important during infections or post-surgery recovery.

2. Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) can silently damage your organs. Use an automatic BP monitor to check readings. A healthy range is around 120/80 mmHg. Consult your doctor if it's frequently above or below normal.

3. Heart Rate (Pulse)

Your heart rate reflects how your heart is functioning. Count your pulse at the wrist or use a pulse oximeter. A normal resting rate is 60–100 beats per minute. An unusually high or low rate may signal heart or thyroid issues.

4. Respiratory Rate

This is how many breaths you take per minute. A healthy adult takes 12–20 breaths per minute. Count quietly when the person is at rest. Faster breathing could indicate fever, infection, or lung issues.

5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)

Using a pulse oximeter, check your oxygen level—a normal SpO2 is 95–100%. Anything below 90% requires immediate medical attention.

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