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American Heart Month, celebrated every February, is an initiative to focus on our hearts and keeping them healthy and strong. The month focuses on making lifestyle changes such as managing your blood pressure and weight and taking your medications properly. People can use home medical devices to help achieve this goal. If you are blind or have low vision, use accessible medical devices like those listed below to take charge of your health.
High blood pressure is directly linked to heart health and life. the American Heart Association Encourages the use of a home monitor to manage blood pressure. People who are blind or have low vision can use an accessible method Modern blood pressure measuring device For more independent tracking. For years I have struggled with High blood pressure. I alleviate this challenge by using one of these accessible medical devices and recording my numbers.
My blood pressure monitor gives an audible reading. Since I take blood pressure medications daily, I go so far as to track my numbers on a spreadsheet. This allows me to see what I am doing on a regular basis and make the necessary adjustments to my lifestyle.
A spreadsheet may not be for you, but it’s important to create your own system. People with poor eyesight can Write the numbers On a large printed calendar, notebook, or log book with a 20/20 pen. These types of pens provide better contrast while writing. Or even track electronically on a digital device.

Knowing your body weight is important for heart health for people with vision loss. You may feel stressed or anxious about checking your weight regularly. Or you may feel a lack of privacy and independence because of having to get sighted help. You can purchase a talking bathroom scale to reduce stress and provide accessible calculations with caution. Some gauges come with large digital dials as well as an adjustable speech setting. Others are used with an accompanying smartphone app where you can monitor your weight and other health information electronically.
Mismanagement Prescriptions This can easily happen, especially if you are blind or have low vision. To reduce confusion and errors, do the following: Know your dose, when to take it, what type of medication it is, and what the medication is for. Mishaps, such as taking the wrong pill, missing refill appointments, or taking expired medications, are considered unsafe.
The prescription information on the container and printed documents is usually in small print and is not easily accessible. American Access Council Creating best practices to increase access to medicines for people who are blind and visually impaired. There are multiple options for accessing medications such as audio, braille, and large print.
Preparing and eating nutritious, heart-healthy foods is important for maintaining health. Using a talking food scale can help manage portion control. These accessible scales can measure solids or liquids. Most come with an illuminated digital display for visually impaired users. Some are battery operated like the one I use. When I need to measure meat, my talking food scale comes in very handy. It will give me the exact number of ounces which will boost my confidence and independence in the kitchen.
Managing diabetes for people with vision loss is not only important for overall health but also for heart health. VisionAware. He has Information section on adaptive devices to deal with diabetes. You can learn more about monitoring blood sugar and measuring insulin as well as other ways to control diabetes. VisionAware also provides some Tips and strategies for managing diabetes Such as coping techniques, food portioning, and exercise.
If you want to build your independence and take control of your well-being, purchase one of these accessible devices. They are available through specialized product catalogs for the blind and visually impaired. Check out Independent Living Aids, Maxi Aids or even Amazon. You can find the modern scale at Blind kitchenwhich also contains other useful kitchen tools. Accessible pharmacy is another good resource for medication management. They will mail you your prescriptions and medical supplies in an easily accessible format.
No matter where you purchase these accessible devices, use them regularly for self-confidence, independence, and a heart-healthy lifestyle. Use these devices along with other healthy habits such as exercising regularly, reducing stress, not smoking, and eating nutritious food. American Heart Month falls in February, but taking control of your health is a practice worth doing all year long and beyond.