When an elderly family member became ill and was hospitalized, I realized that not knowing the medications that she was taking, was a real problem. My solution was to literally bring the doctors a large bowl containing all of her medications so that they could enter the information into her medical record. The doctors asked questions including her blood type and drug allergies and I had no answers. Although she recovered, this experience brought to my attention just how important it is to have a personal health record for each and every family member.

A personal health record, or PHR,  is a health record that that you keep for yourself and your loved ones. Your health records are in different places and possibly with many different providers – some information may even be stored online. You can simplify life by putting together a health record that will give you peace of mind and provide healthcare professionals with a complete and accurate summary of your health and medical history. You can do this by gathering the following information: 

  • personal identification, including name and birth date
  • emergency contact(s)
  • names, addresses, and phone numbers of your physician, dentist, and specialists
  • health insurance information
  • living wills, advance directives, or medical power of attorney
  • organ donor authorization
  • allergies
  • allergic reactions to medications (including latex)
  • medications (dose and how often taken)
  • over the counter medications and herbal remedies (dose and how often taken)
  • family health history (hereditary illnesses)
  • blood type
  • hospitalizations
  • significant illnesses (dates they occurred)
  • surgeries (dates they occurred)
  • vaccinations (dates they were received)
  • test results from lab work performed
  • physical exam records
  • eye and dental records
  • dietary habits
  • exercise routines
  • track past and present health conditions
  • any other changes in your health (continue reading…)