by Anura Guruge

The Lifesource UB351  is a joy to use, amazingly accurate and at its sale price of $17 (at HRM USA) an absolute steal. At that giveaway price it has to be the best $17 you will ever spend in that this gem of a unit can prolong your life, if not save it. I have had one now for a few months and for the first time in my life I am actually enjoying having my blood pressure taken!

It is very accurate. I took it with me to my annual physical and the nurse and I did three readings. In each instance we were with ‘5’ of each other; ‘121’ to ‘118’, ‘69’ to ‘73’ etc. Given that the readings were not taken simultaneously these results were well within normal tolerances. The nurse was impressed and urged me to use it, often. And I do.

I am no stranger to automatic blood pressure monitors. Over the decades I have owned four or five ‘high-end’ upper-arm units – a couple with built-in printers and a calibration capability. The LifeSource UB351, however, is in a different league altogether both in terms of accuracy and ease-of-use. None of my prior units, and yes, of course, they had older technology, were never this accurate and reliable

If you have hypertension concerns you no doubt have heard of the ‘white coat syndrome’ (or even ‘white coat hypertension’). This is where your blood pressure readings could be 10, 20 or more ‘points’ higher because you are stressed about having your blood pressure taken. The ‘white coat’ signifying a doctor or a nurse. In my experience you can have even worse ‘white coat syndrome’ when using an automated unit at home. You are worried as to what it is going to say. Then to compound matters the unit makes an ominous ‘clicking’ noise as it inflates and, even if you can set limits, the cuff is invariably over inflated to the point of pain. So, by the time the readings are taken you are inordinately stressed and the readings reflect that. Now you worry more. Taking another reading only worsens matters. Well, the good news. The LifeSource is much kinder to your arm and senses. It is what you would call user-friendly.

Using the LifeSource is easy. There is already a rigid, semi-formed cuff built-in. So, slipping it on is just like putting on an adjustable bracelet. No hassle. It just slips on. Then you tighten the Velcro and you are good to go. While it does ‘chug’ while inflating the sound is not too overpowering – and it does not try to cut off your circulation.

I am delighted that I got this unit. I get e-mail notifications from HRM USA and this unit was a featured item a few months ago. I think it was $19 at the time. So, here is the funny thing. Just that week I had accompanied someone to a very fancy medical facility and had noticed that they were using wrist-based units, exclusively. I asked a nurse about it. She said that they were accurate, easy-to-use and fast – making it better for both sides. I do not think they were LifeSource units, but the timing could not have been any better. I am, as you can probably tell, quite impressed with this purchase. I could not have hoped for better.

The instructions that come with the unit are good, though I wish they had opted for a larger booklet with bigger fonts. But, it is not a showstopper. They are very precise and tell you, exactly, how you should have your arm, level with your heart etc. I wear a Garmin Fenix 5 (also from HRM USA) 24x7 on my left wrist – the same wrist that LifeSource recommends for their readings. I have found that the LifeSource fits in, nicely, next to my Garmin. Not having to take off the Garmin was another bonus. It also lets me compare the heart rate readings – just by twisting my wrist and the end of the ‘test’. The heart rate readings, always, are more or less identical. Another datapoint that the LifeSource seems to be doing everything right.

Not much more I can say. I have no complaints. I think of it as the best $20 I have ever spent. I used to dread having my pressure taken. This little unit changed that – and for that alone, I am thankful. I am sure you will like it too.

Besides May being noted for bringing those spring flowers to us, we wanted to remind you that May has also been designated as National Blood Pressure Education Month.

HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com was created to bring you the best in health-related products, but it’s not just about running, swimming, and hiking and exercise products and gear that we’re all about. Our goal is to also enlighten you about your health. Naturally, we specialize in offering what we feel, are the best and latest in exercise trackers and fitness aids. But one of the most important trackers we offer is our line of Blood Pressure Monitors  

High Blood Pressure has steadily risen as a serious health problem for the past two decades. High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) puts your health and quality of life in danger
Left uncontrolled or undetected, high blood pressure can lead to:
Heart attack-High blood pressure damages arteries that can become blocked and prevent blood from flowing to tissues in the heart muscle.
Stroke-High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or clog more easily.
Heart failure-The increased workload from high blood pressure can cause the heart to enlarge and fail to supply blood to the body.
Kidney disease or failure-High blood pressure can damage the arteries around the kidneys and interfere with their ability to effectively filter blood.
Vision loss-High blood pressure can strain or damage blood vessels in the eyes.
Angina-Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease or microvascular disease. Angina, or chest pain, is a common symptom.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)-Atherosclerosis caused by high blood pressure can cause a narrowing of arteries in the legs, arms, stomach and head, causing pain or fatigue.

Now maybe we’ve got your attention on the various ailments that having high blood pressure can do to you now, and in your “Golden Years”. But, and there’s always a but, if you are using say a pedometer, an activity monitor  And our favorite line, the Heart Rate Monitors, then you’re already on the fast track of keeping an eye on your blood pressure. It stands to reason if you’re into health like we are, then you are already watching your numbers, all of them, including your blood pressure.

But, how about the rest of your family and friends??
You know the other thing that goes hand in hand with the month of May? You should! It’s Mother’s Day. Yep, that special day where we get to tell our Mom’s how much they mean to us is fast approaching. In fact, this year, 2017 it falls on Sunday, May 14th. !!
Now, if your mom is like ours, she’s always busy taking care of her kids and if she’s lucky, her grandkids as well.

Now this year, along with a nice card, maybe forget the cake or flowers this year and really show her that you care for her by getting her a blood pressure monitor. Sounds a little odd? Well, if you stop and think about it, and we are sure your mom will realize it too, once she opens her present and sees the BP monitor that you really do care about her. Like I said earlier, here at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com we are into health, but we like to make things easy for you when we can. So we have a great line of blood pressure monitors  for you to choose from to give her as that special “Life-Care’s Gift” But we are partial to the Omron BP652N Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor  
It’s simple, (she’ll like that!), goes around her wrist, so no need for her to push up her shirt sleeve to get a reading and better for you. It has a memory built in so YOU, can follow up with her to make sure she’s been getting her readings on a regular basis.

Now, don’t you feel better about giving your mom a Mother’s Day gift that will help her to be around for years to come? After all, who else is going to remind you to clean up your bedroom, even if you no longer live at home?

So, go ahead, get that Mother’s Day card, and attach it to that BP monitor of your choice, from https://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com And while you’re at it, book your reservation to take mom out to dinner as well,,, but make sure you both, take it easy on the salt!

Happy Mother’s Day, from the gang here at Heart Rate MonitorsUSA.
Love You Mom!!!

So we are right in the midst of all the holiday clamor as we all hurry along, shopping for that special gift for the people we care about. From going to pick out that special tree, whether it’s at a tree farm, a local lot or maybe you’re picking your first artificial tree, there is soooo much to do to get ready for this special time of year.

You may be wishing you can spend some down time this time of year with family and friends but in reality, the stress of making your Christmas season, one that is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell picture, and can very well impact your health, and not too many people pay attention to the warning signs!

The fact is that a lot of pressure comes with the holidays. And so health concerns can  sky-rocket for a lot of people at this time of year. High blood pressure and Christmas do NOT have to go hand in hand.

Could Christmas be bad for your health? Well, it doesn’t have to be.

You may have heard the term, “The silent killer” well, while most people think that it is referring to your blood pressure, the true motivator is “Stress”. Which if you let it, can elevate your pressure to such a state that you can indeed become ill.

The three big causes of high blood pressure and poor health, in general, are poor diet, lack of exercise and stress, tension or anxiety. All three of these factors can grow proportionately during the holiday season. We often find ourselves sitting around the dinner table gorging ourselves on various mixtures of sugar and grease, too stuffed to move and getting annoyed with our relatives.

OK, that’s the worst case scenario, and thankfully it’s never usually that bad. But if we approach the holidays with a bit of forethought we can avoid the holiday snares and still have a good time.

If we keep things in perspective and think things through, the holiday period we can even make Christmas good for your blood pressure.

So what to do? Just try to strike a balance.

Now we know you have all heard the phrase, “Everything in Moderation” Well, that’s because there is a reason for it. Go ahead, enjoy Christmas dinner and the festive parties that happen this time of year, but don’t stuff yourself. Use that "Common Sense" we are all supposed to have. You know that anything in excess is not good for you so keep a reign on your portion sizes and make it a point to engage your friends and distant relatives in some conversations.  This is a great way to keep you from going back for seconds or even thirds at the deseart table.

Make sure you get some exercise on a regular basis this time of year. If you need to set yourself a goal or if you need to be prodded along, go and get yourself an Activity Monitor , this way, depending on the type you get, it can remind you when you’ve been staying put a little too long. To get moving, especially before and after those holiday meals. Strive for balance. You’ll feel better, more relaxed, and it’s less likely that that irritating cousin of yours will get under your skin and raise your blood pressure as usual. Remember, a balanced life is a happier life – and one where blood pressure stays within manageable limits.

Most importantly of all – stop worrying so much. Worrying never solved anything and simply put, it’s bad for your health. Worrying raises stress levels and blood pressure. So if you can’t find that special present that Johnny had his heart set on, don’t stress it, usually anything you give him will be appreciated, especially if along with the gift, you add some personal time along with it!

So the most important holiday message we have for you is – try not to get too stressed. Stress is the silent killer, not high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a symptom.

Now, we take having high blood pressure seriously and if you suffer from high blood pressure you should be seeing your physician regularly. And we think it’s safe to say he/she (your physician) probably suggests that you take your blood pressure regularly so that you are aware of how you’re doing.

At HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com we are fortunate to carry some of the most accurate blood pressure monitors on the market. From automatic pressure monitors that self-inflate, to ones that allow you to take your pressure on your wrist. If you want some peace of mind, then click on this link, and check out the various types of blood pressure monitors that we have available.

So from all of us here at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com, have a healthy, stress-less holiday season.

 

While you don’t always NEED to have lots of expensive tools and accessories on hand to achieve your goal of getting healthier, these things can actually make things a lot easier, especially if you’re not quite sure where to start or have a very specific goal that you want to achieve. So, to help you […]