The systematic documentation of health metrics, as recommended by a doctor, constitutes an integral component of the daily routine for individuals managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, migraines, and many other. The maintenance of these records is important for disease monitoring, facilitating the identification of individualized intervention requirements, which may vary from person to person. But beyond these condition-specific records, there exists another set of records that holds equal importance, transcending the boundaries of illness. These are general health records that are part of the personal health history of each one of us regardless of our current health status. Our health is precious, and it is essential that we value it as much as possible. For this reason, the self-monitoring of our physiological parameters can be a powerful tool to keep us on the path of vitality and well-being. It is not just a practice for those facing health challenges but something that we should all consider doing. Why is self-monitoring important? By regularly recording health parameters, such as blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, and other vital indicators, it is possible to gain a better understanding ofwhat is happening in our bodies. This not only helps the early detection of problems , but also provides valuable data to our attending physician , enabling a more comprehensive assessment. Self-monitoring also has the advantage of not requiring a visit to the doctor to start keeping records, nor does it necessitate significant changes in our daily lives. It is not just for those with chronic illnesses Self-monitoring is not exclusive to those with health problems. Even healthy people can benefit from this practice because it provides a detailed insight into their health over time , identifying patterns that may go unnoticed during regular medical appointments. Which parameters should be recorded We can self-monitor simple things like: Blood pressure : A key indicator of cardiovascular health; Heart rate : Monitoring heart rate at rest can indicate how efficient your heart is; Glycemia : Important for those who want to control their blood sugar; Menstrual cycles : Useful for women of childbearing age; Weight : Keep a record to track changes over time; Sleep : Quality and duration of sleep are crucial to overall well-being; Physical activity : Recording exercises it will make possible to verify if there is an active lifestyle. Some devices that we use every day (such as smartphones or bracelets and watches) allow us to record the number of steps and calories burned. And how often? For healthy individuals, the frequency of monitoring physiological parameters can be less intensive than for those with specific medical conditions. Here are some general suggestions : Blood pressure : Checking blood pressure every two months may be sufficient to maintain an overall record of your cardiovascular health. If you have risk factors, such as a family history of hypertension, you may consider once a month; Heart rate : For healthy individuals, recording heart rate once a week or even less frequently may be appropriate, unless involved in intensephysical activities; Glycemia : In individuals without a history of diabetes or pre-diabetes, occasional monitoring, such as once every two months, may be sufficient. However, if there are risk factors, the frequency can be adjusted according to medical advice; Weight : Weighing oneself once a month can be useful for maintaining a general record. The focus should be on long-term consistency rather than daily variations that may be normal; Sleep : For self-monitoring of sleep in healthy individuals, recording patterns once a week can bring you some insights; Exercise : If maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, you can log your activities in a more continuous way by synchronizing your data. Remember that these are general suggestions. The most important thing is to maintain a balanced approach and adjust monitoring frequency based on individual needs and goals. Regular consultation with your physician for discussion and guidance is essential, even for those who consider themselves healthy. Where to log your records? These health records must be carried out where the risk of losing this important history is as small as possible . Choosing electronic recording (but not in a file that can be lost…) is the best option. If everything is consolidated, even better. Keep track of your records on MY LUZ cards In MY LUZ , both in the web version and in MY LUZ app. you can make all the important records for your personal health history on ‘ cards ’ specifically designed for each record type. You don’t need to be a client of Hospital da Luz . Anyone can register on MY LUZand make records on various ‘cards’: Weight, height and BMI; Female cycle; Blood pressure and heart rate; Glycemia. There are also other ‘cards’ on MY LUZ available for anyone: Some due to the high prevalence of the problems they address in the population, such as migraine (and other headaches) and high cholesterol levels; Others due to their utility, such as the ‘card’ intended for consultation-realted questions. And there are also cards intended to disease records, which only appear upon doctor’s recommendation, for example: Allergies; Oncology; Seizures; Blood glucose during pregnancy; INR (international normalized ratio). The health monitor in MY LUZ In MY LUZ, you also have another option besides making records directly on the ‘cards’ available: If your smartphone’s Google Fit or Apple Health is recording data or configured to store data from other devices or applications, such as an activity band or smartwatch, a blood pressure monitor, a digital scale, an oximeter, a glucometer, or others, you can synchronize with MY LUZ and automatically import the records you authorize. Use MY LUZ to build your personal health story Directly, on the registration ‘cards’ in MY LUZ; On the health monitor, syncing Google Fit (Android) and Apple Health (iOS) applications with MY LUZ. Additionally, if you are a client of Hospital da Luz, your doctors, during consultations or videoconsultations, can access the records made in MY LUZ and the data synchronized with Google Fit or Apple Health through the clinical process. If your doctors are not from Hospital da Luz, you can always show them your data in the MY LUZ app on your smartphone. Remember… This practice of periodically recording health data does not replace regular medical appointments, but serves as a valuable complementary tool . By sharing this data with your attending physician, you are building a more robust partnership in managing your health. Start investing in your well-being today. Self-monitoring is not just about treating illnesses but promoting a vibrant and healthy life. Take care of yourself – your health will be thankful! Have you already met the Hospital da Luz General and Family Medicine team? The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
