Sorry that I didn’t post a blog last week. I spent a lot of last week reading and learning and reflecting. Frankly, in light of everything that is happening, I wonder a bit about the utility of a lifestyle blog. But as I reflect, I will keep it going.

Our June theme is health. And I thought I’d start with something basic – medical records. Basic medical records include a listing of your medical practitioners (generalists, specialists, dentist, etc.), a medical history, especially any previous hospitalizations and surgeries, allergies, immunizations, and medications taken (drug name and dose). If possible, having a basic family history of parents, grandparents, and siblings can be helpful.

Make sure you keep it up to date as medications and other things change.

When you go to a new doctor, you’ll want to take a copy with you. It will make filling out the forms much easier.

It’s very helpful to have these things written down in a way that is easily accessible. You want to make sure that someone who lives with you or who is likely to be called in a crisis has access to this list. You may even want to keep a copy in your wallet. Why? Because if something were to happen to you and you lose consciousness, you’d like the people caring for you to know enough to treat you effectively. Knowing about your allergies can prevent a tragic mistake. Knowing your or your family’s history might help narrow the diagnosis.

Information is power. You want that power on your side when your health is on the line.