8 Important Health Tests You Can Do at Home

Many people avoid preventive health care because they don’t have time or are afraid of doctors. But there are tests you can do to get the information you need about your health without having to go to the hospital. These methods will help you understand whether it’s time to see a specialist or whether everything is fine and nothing to worry about.

1. Endocrine system

One of the main indicators of health is your waist size. Take a tape measure and measure your waist about 1 inch (2.54 cm) above your navel. If everything is normal, this should not exceed 35 inches (86.36 cm) for women and 40 inches (101.6 cm) for men.

People with larger waistlines are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. In Japan, in 2008, the government even decided to pass a law requiring people with large waistlines to participate in special weight loss programs.

2. Brain

You will need a blank sheet of paper, a marker or pencil, and the help of another person. Draw a clock and ask your friend to say the time (hour and minute). For example, 10:10 - then draw the minute and hour hands so that they show the time your friend gives.

This test involves many processes taking place in the brain. The parts of the brain responsible for arm movement, spatial and visual perception start working harder.

3. Spine

You will need two scales, one on each foot. The weight distribution should be similar. If the numbers are very different, it may indicate that your hips, spine, and head are off-center. It may be time to see a doctor for the necessary tests.

4. Respiratory system

This method is called Shtange. You will need a stopwatch to do this.

Stand up and check your heart rate for 30 seconds. Then sit down and take 3 deep breaths without exhaling. Then hold your breath for as long as you can and start counting. As you exhale, check your heart rate again for 30 seconds.

Results:

- If you can hold your breath for less than 40 seconds, your respiratory system is not good. The average result should be 40-49 seconds. If you can hold your breath for more than 50 seconds, you are in really good shape.

- How to calculate your heart rate using this formula:

Your heart rate should be the same 30 seconds before and after the test. If it is the same or lower, that is good. If it is higher, your cardiovascular system needs more oxygen.

5. Bones

Take a look at your nails – they can say a lot about your health. If your nails are wavy or split, with white spots, it’s not just a cosmetic issue. This condition can indicate a deficiency in B vitamins, iron, and a risk of osteoporosis.

6. Vision

Look at the window frame for 30 seconds and then close your eyes. Next, open your left eye, close it and open your right eye. If the image you see with your left eye becomes blurry and the lines are no longer parallel, this could be a sign of macular degeneration or irreversible vision loss.

7. Auditory system

Try to listen to what people are saying from 5-6m away. If you can't understand anything, see a doctor.

This method does not work in crowded places like cafes with loud music. This is due to the masking effect: weak sounds are masked by loud noises.

8. Liver

Look in a mirror and see your whole body. Do you see a layer of fat around your waist? That is visceral fat that surrounds your liver and prevents it from functioning properly.

Yellowing of the whites of your eyes, fatty deposits (especially on your eyelids) and a "coating" on your tongue also indicate something is wrong with your liver.

Please note that the above tests cannot be used to diagnose disease. These are just some of the ways to support your health care.