Temperature
Electronic thermometers are most often recommended. The temperature is displayed on an easy-to-read panel. The probe can be placed in the mouth, rectum, or armpit. * Mouth -- place the probe under the tongue and close the mouth. Breathe through the nose, and use the lips to hold the thermometer tightly in place. Leave the thermometer in the mouth for 3 minutes or until the device beeps. * Rectum -- this method is for infants and small children who are not able to hold a thermometer safely in their mouth. Place petroleum jelly on the bulb of a rectal thermometer. Place the small child face down on a flat surface or lap. Spread the buttocks and insert the bulb end about 1/2 to 1 inch into the anal canal. Be careful not to insert it too far. Struggling can push the thermometer in further. Remove after 3 minutes or when the device beeps. * Armpit -- place the thermometer in the armpit, with the arm pressed against the body. Wait for 5 minutes before reading.
Plastic strip thermometers change color to show the temperature. This method is the least accurate. * Place the strip on the forehead and read it after 1 minute while the strip is in place. * Plastic strip thermometers for the mouth are also available.
Always clean the thermometer before and after using. You can use cool, soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
Electronic ear thermometers are common and easy to use. However, some users report that the results are less accurate than with probe thermometers.
Pulse
You can find your pulse in places where an artery passes close to your skin, such as your wrist or neck.
To find your pulse in your wrist: * hold out one of your hands, with your palm facing upwards and your elbow slightly bent * put the first finger (index) and middle finger of your other hand on the inside of your wrist, at the base of your thumb * press your skin lightly until you can feel your pulse – if you can't feel anything, you may need to press a little harder or move your fingers around
To find your pulse in your neck, press the same two fingers on the side of your neck in the soft hollow area just beside your windpipe.
Checking your pulse
When you find your pulse, either: * count the number of beats you feel for one full minute * count the number for 30 seconds and multiply by two
The figure you get is the number of times per minute your heart is beating. It's known as your resting heart rate, as long as you've been resting for at least five minutes before checking your pulse.
You can also check if your pulse is regular or irregular by feeling its rhythm for about 20-30 seconds. Occasional irregular heartbeats, such as missed beats, are very common. However, if your pulse is irregular for a continued length of time, it can be a sign of atrial fibrillation (a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate). This becomes more common as you get older and affects about 10% of people over 75.