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These are three types of cuffs in common use: mercury column, aneroid, and electronic aneroid. The last named is the "latest thing", and uses a microphone under the cuff rather than a stethoscope-to detect the arterial sounds. The March 1979 issue of Consumer Reports has an excellent article on some 30 different cuffs. Copies of the story are available-for $1.00 each - from Consumer's Union, 256 Washington Street, Mt. Vernon, New York 10950.
Check your own "self-care" blood pressure readings against those taken by your doctor . . . just to make sure your cuff is accurate. Remember, also, that emotional factors (like being at the doctor's office in the first place) can cause your blood pressure to shoot up . . . so readings should always be taken when the patient is comfortable and relaxed.
A booklet-with all the information you'll need to take accurate blood pressure readings - is available free from your local American Heart Association, or from their national office, 44 East 23rd Street, New York, New York 10010.
Flashlight. Penlights are more convenient to carry than fullsized"handlamps", and are better for checking pupil size ... but the big lights last longer and can do double duty around the house or when you go camping. In addition, large flashlights are better for looking into throats . . . which is the purpose they'll likely serve most frequently.
Flashlights are also useful for examining noses, looking into eyes for foreign matter, providing light while removing splinters, and finding dropped contact lenses. (Turn the room lights off and shine the flashlight across the floor. The lost lens will make a tiny shadow.)
Reflex Hammer. Reflex hammers aren't really necessary for most general medical kits, but they're lots of fun and highly educational to use. Expect to pay about $5.00 at most medical suppliers.
What Else? As your medical self-care education continues, you may consider adding an otoscope (for viewing and examining the ear), a vaginal speculum (for vaginal self-examination), and any number of other tools. In fact, an excellent kit-with stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, otoscope, penlight, both oral and rectal thermometers, tongue depressor, dental mirror, instructions, a self- help guide by Keith Sehnert, and even a sturdy vinyl bag to carry it all in -is available for $79.50 postpaid from The Health Activation Network, P.O. Box 923, Vienna, Virginia 22180.
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