Your medical history tells a portion of your life story. Do you keep a personal record of your medical history? Sure, your primary care doctor likely has a copy of all your medical records. However, do you have a way to keep up with your pertinent information as well? It is important to know what to include to reduce the chance of leaving out details that could prove to be crucial in future medical decisions. If you had to move to a different area or ever needed someone to take over your medical affairs, do you have your own notebook or electronic file to share with that person? Although there are several things that can be included in your personal medical file, here are 5 key components to consider.
1. Allergies
This section of your medical file should include your drug allergies as well as any food allergies. Make sure you record allergies to prescription meds as well as allergies to over-the-counter meds or supplements. Having an updated allergy list will help to avoid any adverse side effects.
2. Medications
Include any prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take on a regular basis. Also, include meds that you take as needed. Don’t forget to record if you are taking any type of herbs or supplements. There are many natural supplements that patients take that may interact with some prescription medications. Certain natural supplements may decrease the effectiveness of some medications or they may prevent them from working the way they were intended to work altogether. Supplements definitely have their place. So, when any doctor asks what medications you take, make sure you include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any herbs or supplements.
3. Medical Problems
Do you know all of the conditions that you have been diagnosed with? If so, do you remember when you were diagnosed with this condition? Depending on how many medical conditions you have, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with them all. There are also some conditions that sound alike but can be completely different and require a different course of treatment. Also, some medical conditions can be very difficult to pronounce. Keeping these things in mind, it is incredibly valuable to keep a record of your medical problems along with the approximate date or year you were initially diagnosed. This too can help your doctor in coming up with a medical plan specifically for your health situation.
4. Family History
How much do you know about your family history? Have you ever asked your parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles about your family medical history? There are some medical conditions that are more prevalent in certain families. Knowing your family history can help your doctor determine if you need to get screened for certain conditions. Just because you have a family history of certain medical conditions doesn’t always mean that you’re going to necessarily develop that particular condition. However, it helps to know what “runs” in your family in the event that you ever begin to develop certain symptoms. Your family history is extremely beneficial in helping your doctor figure out your medical problem.
5. Surgical History
Over the course of your life, you may have procedures or surgeries done. After many years you may forget that you have had certain medical procedures performed. Also, you may forget where you had it performed, who performed the procedure, and why the procedure was needed. Having a record of your procedures and surgeries can help aid in your medical management.
Your medical history tells the medical portion of your life story. Do you have a system to record it for your personal files? Have you ever felt like you didn’t know exactly what to include when tracking your medical history? Go from being unorganized and uncertain to being in charge of your health by having your full medical history in one place. Dr. Andreia’s Health Planner has sections for allergies, meds, family history, specialists, imaging, health goals, notes and much more. Click HERE to purchase yours today.
Disclaimer
While the blog will cover a wide range of healthcare related material, it is not intended to replace the advice and medical care of your medical provider. The content discussed/included in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, etc. for your healthcare needs. There is no doctor-patient relationship formed or implied by reading this blog. For any health-related concerns, questions, diagnosis, treatment, etc., please consult a medical/healthcare professional.
