MEASURE FOR MEASURE

1Slip the new EarlySense LIVE monitor under the mattress and be prepared for the next time your doctor asks about how you’re sleeping. In addition to sleep quality and quantity, the sensor tracks heartbeat, respiration and even stress level. Reports are sent to the smartphone app, and users are alerted about changes that may warrant a doctor’s consult. The reports can be shared with up to five other users who can also choose to get alerts if, say, you’re out of bed for an extended period in the middle of the night. Plus, the app also works as an alarm. Set a wake-up window and instead of in the middle of a dream (deep sleep), the app will sound during the lightest part of your sleep cycle. It turns out we repeat our sleep cycle throughout the night and waking up anytime after the beginning of one can cause grogginess that can last all day. $200, www.livebyearlysense.com

2Good for filling time at the pharmacy, yes, but checking your blood pressure a bit more regularly may not be a bad idea since hypertension – abnormally high pressure – is the leading cause of death worldwide. It increases risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Hypertension Canada has released new guidelines that include at-home monitoring as a means of prevention for the 7.5 million Canadians managing high blood pressure. The new BIOS Diagnostics Protocol 7D (short for seven day) Mark II portable monitor features a large easy-to-read digital display, but it’s what’s inside that really counts. Software automatically stores and averages results each week with a report that can be sent directly to your doctor via Bluetooth. Plus, a twice-a-day alarm reminds you when it’s time to take your pressure. No excuses. $140, at pharmacies across Canada; for more info, go to biosmedical.com —Tara Losinski