Chapter 3

T echniques of Measuring the

Parameters of Body Health
3.1 Body temperature
 Body temperature

• Body temperature is the

measurement ( 测量 ) of the
degree of hotness ( 热度 )
and coldness ( 冷 ) of our
body.
• Body temperature is
measured by using a
thermometer.
 C l i ni c a l t h e r m o m e t e r

1. Before using a thermometer,

make sure its temperature is
lower than 35°C.
2. Place the thermometer
under the armpit ( 腋窝 )or
in the mouth for about 2 to 3
minutes.
3. Pull out the thermometer
and record the reading.
Kink in the clinical thermometer
 L a b o r a t or y t h e r m om e t e r

• The laboratory thermometer is

not suitable to measure body
temperature.
• If the laboratory thermometer is
used to measure body
temperature, the reading must
be taken when the thermometer
is still in the mouth or under the
armpit to ensure accuracy ( 准
确 ).
 Rectal thermometer

• The rectal thermometer is usually used

for infants less than 3 months old.
• Clean the tip of the thermometer with
alcohol.
• Dab some petroleum jelly ( 凡士林 ) on
the thermometer tip to make it easier
for the thermometer to be inserted into
the infant’s rectum.
• Insert 1.5 − 2.5 cm of the thermometer
into the infant’s rectum.
 Infrared thermometer

• The infrared thermometer can be used

without any contact with the
individual.
• Aim the thermometer on the forehead
( 额头 ) at a distance of about 5 cm
from the individual.
Interpreting Body Temperature
 Factor that can cause body
temperature to be above normal reading

Infection ( 感
染)
Exposure to extreme heat ( 暴露于高
温)
Exercise ( 运动 )
Answer :
1. Clinical thermometer Rectal thermometer

Measures body temperature at Measures body temperature

the armpit, ear or under the through the rectum
tongue.

2. Infection, exposure to extreme heat, exercise.

3. Go to see a doctor.
3.2 P u l s e r a t e ( 心 率 )
 Pulse Points on the body

 Pulse rate is the

measurement of the number
of heartbeats per minute
(bpm).
 In pulse points, the arteries
are located very close to the
surface of the skin.
 Doctors usually take the
pulse at the wrist because it
is clear, prominent and easy.
• Babies and children have higher pulse
rate compared to an adult.
• Individual with health problems has
lower pulse rate compared to a healthy
individual.
• The more vigorous the physical activity, the
higher the pulse rate.
• Females have higher pulse rate compared to
males.
Answer:
1. Pulse rate is the measurement of the number of
heartbeats per minute (bpm).
3. No. Pregnant women have a higher pulse rate because
their hearts need to pump more blood to supply
sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the foetus.
4. No. The pulse rate will increase because the heart needs
to pump more blood to supply more oxygen to the body.
3.3 B l o o d P r e s s u r e ( 血 压 )
 Blood Pressure
Measuring Instrument

 Blood pressure is the pressure

applied by the blood on the
wall of the blood vessels
during blood circulation.
 It is measured by using a
sphygmomanometer ( 血压
计 ).
 Unit: millimeters of mercury
 Symbol: mmHg
 The ways to measure
4 blood pressure
1
3
5
Take the reading
after hearing the
‘beep’ sound.
2
 Measuring and Recording
Blood Pressure

 Blood pressure is
measured by taking two
readings.
 The top number is systolic
pressure.
 The bottom number is
diastolic pressure.
 The measurement of
blood pressure is recorded
as systolic/diastolic.
 Blood Pressure Reading

 Regular blood pressure readings can help you to measure

your body’s health levels.
 Blood pressure readings that are high and prolonged
( 持久性 ) show that you might be experiencing high
blood
pressure.
 Blood pressure readings that are low and prolonged show
that you might be experiencing low blood pressure.
Answer:
1. Blood pressure is the pressure applied by the blood to the wall of
blood vessels during blood circulation.

2. Sphygmomanometer

3. Sit upright with the feet flat on the floor. Put the arm on the
table. Put the cuff on the upper arm. Record the reading after
hearing ‘beep’ sound.

4. It can cause stroke.

5. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, always think positive,

check blood pressure regularly, manage stress
3.4 Bod y ma ss index (BMI)
 Calculating and Determining Body Mass Index
 BMI is the measurement of body mass against height.
 BMI can be calculated using a formula.
 The risk of being overweight:
 heart attack
Interpreting Body  high blood pressure
Mass Index  Stroke
 diabetes mellitus
 complications of joints and bones.
The risk of underweight:
 heart diseases
 decrease in body's defence against
diseases
 Fatigue
 anaemia
 depression.
 Ways to increase body mass

 Practise healthy and balanced diet

based on the Malaysian food
pyramid and the Malaysian
Healthy Plate
 Eat at fixed times
 Consume snacks that are packed
with nutrients to increase calories
 Eat more nutritious food
 Ways to decrease body mass

 Eat healthy foods in

moderation based on the
Malaysian food pyramid and
the Malaysian Healthy Plate
 Avoid food with high sugar or
fat content
 Do moderate exercises for at
least 30 minutes, three times a
week