By Agbai Sharonjoyce
Given the rising costs of living in Nigeria today, staying healthy can feel like a luxury. From increasing medical bills to the skyrocketing rates of health gadgets, many Nigerians struggle to keep up. But maintaining your health doesn’t have to break the bank.
Whether you want to monitor your heart rate, check your blood pressure or track your steps, here are affordable gadgets that can help.
Over the years the cost of these essential gadgets, such as blood-pressure machines and glucose meters, has risen sharply, largely driven by inflation and widening exchange rates.
As a result, Nigerians skip the regular health checks, putting themselves at risk. Thankfully, technology is bridging that gap.
Fitness trackers
These are wrist devices that monitor your daily activity—from steps taken and calories burnt to heart rate and sleep patterns. For Nigerians managing hectic schedules, these devices offer insights and motivation to help you stay in check.
When acquiring a tracking device, opt for devices that have a long-lasting battery (with durability up to 5 days), are resistant to water and dust and are compatible with your phone.
Examples are the Xiaomi smart band 8, which ranges from ₦25,000; the Realme Band 2; the Oraimo watch 3; the Huawei band 8 and the Amazfit bip U Pro.
Although each device serves a unique purpose, they are ultimately designed to help you reach your health goal.
Blood-pressure monitors
Hypertension remains one of the most critical health problems in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organisation. Regular home monitoring is vital in preventing high-risk conditions like stroke. It can also help hypertensive individuals, too.
For blood-pressure monitors, cost is often an issue. However, there are affordable options like the Andon Blood Pressure Monitor, the Secure Blood Pressure Monitor and Omron m2 basic arm.
Most of these products do not require manual pumping. Some can also detect irregular heartbeat patterns and store past readings for reference.
Getting the most value
Getting value for your money is just as important as buying these gadgets. Here are some handy tips:
Be consistent: When making use of the blood pressure monitor, ensure you have a fixed time every day. advisable in the morning before the first meal of the day, always stay relaxed and quiet during the measurement.
Ensure a proper fit: For blood pressure and wrist trackers, make sure that the device is not too tight so that the readings can be accurate.
Stay connected: The fitness tracker should always be connected to your smartphone to keep you updated.
Shop smart: These devices can be bought from online outlets such as Jumia or Konga, where most of the companies have their stores. That said, always check reviews and ratings before checking out.
Final takeaway
Despite the economic headwinds that continue to impact medical service in Nigeria, there are reliable and affordable health gadgets to help you take charge of your health. With the right tools, you can monitor your health, stay informed and make every step, heartbeat and reading count—without stretching your budget.
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