Importance of Knowing your Blood Oxygen Level

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While most people are concerned over vital signs including their pulse, temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate, a little less understood science when measuring fitness levels of an individual is the idea of measuring one’s blood oxygen level, SPo2. Oxygen saturation is presented in the form of a percentage that refers to the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin that is relative to the total hemoglobin, unsaturated and saturated, in the blood. In simpler terms, it is the level of oxygen available in the blood. If the individual is in good health, normal blood oxygen levels almost always fall within a very predictable range of between 95% to 100%. This means that the body is getting sufficient oxygen to be able to perform the necessary basic functions and that the internal organs are performing at their best. Not only that, blood oxygen levels in the body also has an effect on how effective workout sessions are.

The usual procedure of measuring oxygen saturation, to measure the blood that is still carrying or is saturated with oxygen, is with the use of a pulse oximeter http://www.torontek.com. Pulse oximetry is considered to be a non-invasive and painless method of getting a general idea of oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues, like the finger, earlobe and nose, where a clip-like device called a probe, is placed on those body parts. However, it is necessary at times to analyze blood taken directly from the artery, more commonly known as arterial blood oxygen. A normal arterial blood oxygen level usually falls between 75 and 100 mmHg. Blood carbon dioxide level and pH, the measure of acidity or alkalinity, can also be measured with the arterial blood oxygen level.

“Pulse oximetry is a way to measure how much oxygen your blood is carrying. By using a small device called a pulse oximeter, your blood oxygen level can be checked without needing to be stuck with a needle. The blood oxygen level measured with an Oximeter is called your oxygen saturation level.”

Regularly checking of your SPo2 levels can help you keep track of how the body is performing over time, and can provide early warning signs to potential problems that your body may potentially be facing.

 

How does a pulse oximeter work?

A pulse oximeter comes either as a small unit with a built in finger/toe clip, or a small hand held device that has a wire probe that can attach or be applied to your finger, toe or earlobe. The small unit is less expensive and more practical for home use. Beams of light from the device pass through the Pulse oximetry is a way to measure how much oxygen your blood is carrying. By using a small device called a pulse oximeter, your blood oxygen level can be checked without needing to be stuck with a needle. The blood oxygen level measured with an oximeter is called your oxygen saturation level (abbreviated O2sat or SaO2). This is a percentage of how much oxygen your blood is carrying compared to the maximum it is capable of carrying. Normally, more than 89% of your red blood should be carrying oxygen. blood in your finger (earlobe or toe) to measure your oxygen. You will not feel this happen. The beams of light are “read” to calculate the percentage of your blood that is carrying oxygen. It also provides a reading of your heart rate (pulse). To make sure the oximeter is giving you a good reading, count your pulse for one minute and compare the number you get to the pulse number on the oximeter. If they are the same, you are getting a good signal.

 

Should I get a pulse oximeter?

Most people do not need a pulse oximeter. Some people are prescribed a pulse oximeter if they have or could have periods of low oxygen; for example, when you are exercising or if you travel to high altitude. Having a pulse oximeter in these cases will allow you to monitor your blood oxygen level and know when you need to increase your supplemental oxygen flow rate. Ask your health care provider what oxygen saturation number(s) they want you to maintain. Pulse oximeters are available online http://www.torontek.com  or by prescription from your local pharmacy or medical supply company.

 

The Importance of Exercise During Pregnancy

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Your body is changing and your belly is growing, but that doesn’t usually mean that exercise during pregnancy has to stop. Some women believe that physical activity during pregnancy could negatively affect the baby. Fortunately, exercise is safe for most pregnant women under a few conditions. In fact, it could even be beneficial for you and your baby.

Exercise is also known to relieve stress. If you’re stressing about the big change happening in your life or just have general anxieties, moving your body can help you stay calm. Evidence shows that chronic stress may affect your baby’s health, so even a relaxing walk around the block can be helpful.

Exercising for 30 minutes on most, or all, days can benefit your health during pregnancy. Exercising for just 20 minutes, 3 or 4 days a week, is still beneficial, as well. The important thing is to be active and get your blood flowing.

Exercises to avoid while pregnant:

  • Scuba diving
  • Exercises where falling is possible, such as skiing
  • Extensive skipping or bouncing
  • Exercises that require you to hold your breath, such as underwater swimming
  • Lying on your back or right side for three minutes or longer
  • Exercising in heat, such as hot yoga

Stop or slow down exercising if:

  • You’re too out of breath to have a conversation
  • You feel faint
  • Your heart rate is above 140 beats per minute
  • You feel completely drained of energy
  • You get a headache
  • You feel overheated
  • You have chest pain
  • You experience vaginal bleeding

Benefits from exercise during pregnancy:

  • Helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling
  • May help prevent, or treat, gestational diabetes
  • Increases your energy level
  • Improves your mood
  • Improves your posture
  • Promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance
  • Helps you sleep better

Regular activity also helps keep you fit during pregnancy and may improve your ability to cope with labor. This will make it easier for you to get back in shape after your baby is born.

There are many changes happening in your body during pregnancy.  First, joints are more flexible from the hormones which cause certain muscles to relax during pregnancy.  Your center of gravity or equilibrium is shifted from the extra weight in the front, as well as, your shifting hips.

This can affect your balance as you near your due date. The extra weight will also cause your body to work harder than before you were pregnant.

Worry NO More

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Every individual aim to have a peace of mind knowing there is device we can carry along in monitoring pulse rate.

Pulse oximetry is universally used for monitoring patients in the critical care setting.It is, a straightforward method for estimating arterial oxygen saturation, can detect hypoxemia early; Using spectrophotometric methodology, pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation by illuminating the skin and measuring changes in light absorption of oxygenated (oxyhemoglobin) and deoxygenated blood (reduced hemoglobin).It’s a device intended for the non-invasive measurement of arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.

Patients should monitor oxygen saturation with pulse oximeters while exercising so they can adjust the pace as the oxygen saturation decreases.Oximeters are inexpensive and can report an accurate reading within seconds. Speed is important especially in an emergency situation.For many patients, doctors often recommend exercise to improve their physical stamina and overall fitness. However exercise can result in increasing shortness of breath. It can also help athletes in high altitude training. The reduction in oxygen level can increase red blood cells in athletes and help to increase his/her endurance. This is a must have device for every individual!