Review: Omron BP742 Blood Pressure Monitor

I was recently chatting with an acquaintance who was concerned about her husband's health and high blood pressure.  I was stunned when she said that the doctor had told him to use an old fashioned blood pressure cup and a stethoscope at home to monitor his pressure daily. The doctor reportedly told him this because the "electronic" ones aren't reliable.  

Manual Blood Pressure Cuff

I am sure the electronic blood pressure monitors that can be used in public places such as pharmacies and some big box stores are not accurate. Maybe those were the monitors the doctor was referring to. You've probably seen them, the big machines that look like a quarter pony ride, you sit down, slide your arm in the contraption and get your blood pressure taken.  I am aware that those are not accurate.  But for home monitoring, I'm surprised that the old fashioned pump up cuff with the stethoscope was what was recommended.

I am not a doctor. Please follow your doctor's instructions. Especially when it comes to something as critical as high blood pressure.  However, I have my own opinion about monitoring my own troublesome blood pressure.

I have some pre-hypertension problems.  My frequent migraines have a large role in causing my high blood pressure.  Out of concern about my migraine medication changes and potential blood pressure problems, I began trying to monitor my pressure at home a few years ago.  I started with the regular manual cuff and stethoscope.  It was miserable.  I had a horrible time getting the cuff on myself, with one free hand. I had a very hard time of knowing what my blood pressure was. Trying to remember when I first heard the blood pump sound in the stethoscope and when I last heard the pump, while trying to unscrew the screw to let the air escape slowly. I just wasn't coordinated enough.  I gave up.

Omron BP742

I finally broke down and bought the Omron BP742 Blood Pressure Monitor.  I was skeptical. Thought I was throwing away good money on yet one more gadget that wouldn't get used more than a few times then left to gather dust.

But that wasn't the case. The Omron BP742 is GREAT.  I can easily place the cuff on my arm by using one hand. There is something about how the little metal bracket and the velcro works together that keeps the cuff mostly tight and yet loose enough to slide up my arm.  There are pictures and arrows on the cuff. A sort of "placement guide for dummies".  Something I definitely need.  The start and stop buttons are easy. The digital screen is large and easy to read.  The unit stores the numbers for not only one user, but two.

As far as reliability, the Omron seems very accurate. For a period of time, I had a nurse friend at work use the professional blood pressure machine in the health office to help me monitor. I even took my Omron to work a few times. I'd compare the Omron results with the results she'd get.  Of course, there was some difference based on what I was doing just before I went to her office. But overall, the readouts were very close.

Before long I was able to stop interrupting my friend in order to have her check my blood pressure.  And I am confident that my readings on my Omron are accurate.  I continue to monitor at home on a regular basis.  I've used this machine for over a year and haven't had an problems, nor have I had to replace the battery.

Omron BP742N Series 5

My Omron is an older model. The newer model, nearly same unit, is very popular and highly recommended.  

If you are having any hypertension concerns, I hope you are working with a doctor and closely tracking your numbers.  If you need a way to monitor at home, I highly recommend the Omron brand.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Satechi SD Mini Portable Speaker & SD Card Player Review

I recently discovered the most amazing little electronic gadget and I simply had to share my review of the Satechi SD Mini Speaker, SD Card Player.

I like to listen to music when I am working on or offline, but I have found that if I listen to music on my computer while I am also working on my computer, the processing will slow.  I normally have multiple programs, sites and windows open all at the same time.  I decided I needed a separate music player that I would have close at hand so I could switch it on or off quickly when the phone rings.

I considered several options, including ipods and cd players, but I really wanted something less expensive and smaller.  That is when I remembered the sd cards!  

A little over a year ago, I got a new car stereo that has an sd card player.  I was clueless about how that worked initially, but thought it was a cool idea.  I downloaded several of my cds onto an sd card, inserted it into the stereo and was thrilled with how much music I could load onto one small sd card to listen to in my car.  Therefore, when I remembered the little sd cards in my car, I went in search of a small sd card player and viola', I found the Satechi SD Mini Speaker and Player.

Satechi SD Mini Portable Pocket Speaker 

This absolutely has to be the coolest thing I have discovered in a long time!   Since the Satechi SD Mini Portable Speaker / SD Card Player is only about 3" tall and a bit over 2" wide, it really is very small and easily sits on my laptop table without taking up much room at all.
 
Transferring my cds onto an sd card takes less than a minute, so I quickly have music available to play.  This little speaker is amazingly loud too.  I often have to turn it down since I am sitting so close to it, but I love being able to turn it up and still hear it when I need to work away from the computer for a while.

You can also close the little speaker and poke it into your pocket if you want to carry it to your car or just to another room.  It is very compact.  I would say it is slightly bigger than a golf ball when closed.   

How to Charge the Satechi SD Mini Portable Speaker

No batteries are required for this mini SD player / speaker.  You simply charge the speaker by plugging it into your computer with the USB charging cable that is included with the speaker.  There is a flashing light indicator that lets you know when your speaker is fully charged.

Once charged, it will play for 5 or 6 hours without being recharged.

 

Use the Satechi SD Mini Portable Speaker as a Computer Speaker

I was recently watching Moonstruck on my laptop via Netflix and found that the volume was so low that I was having trouble hearing it.  

I plugged in my Satechi Mini Portable Speaker and had instant volume.  It was really fabulous to be able to hear all of the dialog the first time!  Since the speaker has a volume control, I was able to set my own comfort level for listening.

You can also plug the mini speaker into some iPhones, iPods, a Blackberry, etc. to enhance their volume via the same plug used for a laptop computer.

Now, I use my Mini speaker to hear every movie I play on my laptop.  Most excellent! 

Transferring Your Music to an SD Card

It is not hard at all to transfer music to an sd card. 

This young man shows us step by step how to easily transfer music from our computers to an sd card. 

Satechi SD Mini Portable Speakers as Gifts

My mini player / speaker was so popular with our guests over the holidays, that I purchased 5 additional units to give as birthday gifts this year.  As soon as they came in, my husband was like a little kid.  He didn't want to wait for his birthday in June.  He wanted his now!  

Yes, I let him have his gift early.  Now, we have dueling speakers in the house.   

Accessories for the Satechi Sd Mini Portable Speaker

The speaker comes with a small tote bag and the USB charging cable.   You will need to purchase your SD cards separately.  Plus, I found that I needed a case for my SD cards.  I put that on my own Christmas wishlist and my parents were kind enough to give me my little sd card holder.  It is a great way to keep all of your sd cards in one place for easy selection.

 

 SanDisk 8GB Class 4 SDHC Memory Card, Frustration-Free Packaging- SDSDB-008G-AFFP (Label May Change) Memory Card Carrying Case - Black (Generic)

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Welcomed Gifts for Friends and Family Who Read

It is not always easy to choose a book as a gift for book lovers. There are many different genres and personal preferences vary widely. If you are fortunate, you will know what genre the person you are buying for prefers.  But you still may or may not know what they've already read from that genre. Even though it is difficult to buy gifts for readers, I can assure you that readers welcome book-related gifts. Kindles and gift cards are popular and perfect gift choices for people who love to read.

I am proof of that.

A Kindle is a Wonderful Gift Choice

My oldest son bought a Kindle for me, one Christmas, years ago.  I did not think I would like an e-reader as I was a book addict. I probably could have been classified as a book hoarder.  I loved the covers, and the pages, and the words in books.  I loved sorting books on my bookshelves. I had collections by author.  Therefore, I was a bit skeptical when I opened that box that held that Kindle.

That Kindle has been amazing.  I read it every night before bed.  Because it is so easy to read, and carry along everywhere I go, I am reading even more than I had before.

I have one of the early Kindles.  The one that is called the Kindle Keyboard.  I connect to WiFi to order my books.  I have one word game on it. Otherwise, it is my library of books. Please note, that some of the original Kindles and some of the lesser expensive Kindles are not lighted.

Kindle Paperwhite - photo by Amazon

It is easy to solve that dilemma. There are lighted cases available.  I have the lighted leather case for
my Kindle. It has lasted all of these years and has only just now started to loosen just a bit where the light pulls up out of the protective case. With this light, I can read it in bed at night, at the campsite, in the tent, and anywhere else that I need light or that I want light without disturbing others.

Lighted Leather Case for Kindle Keyboard - photo by Amazon

To learn more about Kindles, Susan Deppner  tells  us about her experiences on her Kindle buying guide.  I am grateful for the wealth of information and experience she shares. She calls herself a bit "Kindle crazy". I think I would have to agree, but that's not a bad thing at all.  If you have Kindle questions, I'd begin by looking at Susan's articles.

If you already know what you are looking for, you can visit the Kindle Store to begin shopping.

Everyone Loves Gift Cards

If you don't want to give a Kindle, or if the person you are buying for already owns a Kindle, an Amazon Card is always appreciated.  I love to receive amazon gift cards so that I can add to my enormous book collection. I have given and received Amazon Gift cards for years, and have never had a problem with these cards.

Amazon Gift Cards

Books Make Great Gifts

If you do want to choose a book as a gift, here are a few excellent recommendations:

Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly.  My review of a historical fiction based on true events related to the Great Potato Famine. This story follows a family, a community, and two nations during this difficult time.  An excellent choice for readers who like things historical, Ireland, or epic survival. Mary Pat Kelly both entertained and educated me with this tale.  I will always remember what our country's Irish immigrants may have gone through in order to survive.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Brenda Little tells us about another historical fiction that was based on true events in the US.  A train carried orphans from the east coast to the midwest and beyond from 1854 to 1929. The topic is tough, as is some of the language and a scene or two. This story remained on the NY Times bestseller list for over 90 weeks, have you read it?

Three Word Books Every Writer Needs - Barbara Radisavljevic reminds writers that tools such as the dictionary and thesaurus are their best friend. But have you ever  heard of a Descriptionary or Word Menu? If not, she'd be glad to introduce you.

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby - Photographer Mary Beth Granger outlines her favorite photography how-to books, volumes 1 through 4. If you enjoy photography, these are likely to be of interest to you too.

Don't Forget the Young and Young Adult Readers on Your List

Warriors by Erin Hunter -  Wednesday Elf reviews this juvenile fantasy series that has her 14 year old grandson riveted. The series is about the adventures of the wild cat clans that live in the forests. Any age-appropriate book that encourages readers to read has our thumbs up.

How to Draw Spongebob Squarepants - Sylvestermouse Cynthia knows how much children like to draw.  Clearly, many children love Spongebob Squarepants. So a how-to-draw Spongebob and friends book is a great idea.


Young or old, I think books and reading-related items make some of the best and most memorable gifts.  A good story is always remembered and a thoughtful gift to a reader has lasting impact.

For many more book reviews, visit ReviewThisReviews.com

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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