09/25/2024
MEDICAL TIP, especially if you are taking medication or have a loved one who is:
In the past couple of weeks, I've been called upon twice (while not at work) to assess an urgent medical situation. One ended up being critical, the other, gratefully, less so. In both cases, when I asked family members if the person was taking any medications, which would have been extremely helpful to know, the answer was, "Yes, but we don't know which ones."
I'm a firm believer in it is always better to have and not need than to need and not have. Please have the names, doses and start dates (and end dates when applicable) of your meds accessible in case of an emergency. If your family has access, even better. Keeping a list in your phone is great, because most likely you have your phone with you. Anywhere you can find them QUICKLY and EASILY works. If your older parent lives far away, this will be so helpful if you get a phone call from a health care worker.
I've been using my List'm App for things like this. I can share this information with people who I want to have access in private groups. When meds change, everyone has the newest updates automatically on their list. No discussion needed. No confusion. Easy ACCESSIBILITY, which is the key. We know exactly where to find it. Recording stuff in your phone is simple. Retrieving it is often the problem, as we forget if we put it in notes, if we took a screenshot, if we texted it to ourself, etc. Sometimes, time is of the essence.
Start a Health Folder on List'm for things like your family's insurance information, doctors you use frequently, your parent's medication list and a list to keep track of your screening tests and appointments. It is simple, and I need a lot more simple in my life. (It is also free, and I can use more of that as well;) I didn't necessarily create List'm for how it could be used for medical care, but it has been one of the most useful things for my family and me. As a physician, I see a true value add here. You can add lots of detail, or just keep a simple list. Whatever works for you. And, if not on List'm, please find somewhere else to keep track of medications that is very easy to access in case of an emergency.
