More cross-posting from the Asimov’s forum.

I just learned how to do take my pulse today; it’s easy.

What you do is, place the tips of your index and middle finger on the underside of the opposite wrist, right at the top. If you’re doing it right, you’ll feel the pulse pounding right away.

Now, get a watch (or other timepiece), and for a full minute count each pulse you feel. The number of pulses in a minute is, surprise, your pulse.