“It’s your health, so it’s time you take control of all the information about it.” – Melinda Beck
I hesitate to add anything to your to-do list; I know that many of the women I invite to read my blog are already overwhelmed with day-to-day duties and stress. But I have always believed that a great way to de-stress is to take control of the area that most causes you stress and create a system to manage it.
Since I retired, I’ve been keeping a binder full of information about my health, with tabs for eye doctor, allergist. dermatologist, genetic testing, dentist, mammogram, colonoscopy, lab tests, hormone therapy, vitamins. Mind you, I am blessed to be very healthy and don’t have any chronic conditions, but when I was caring for my aging parents, I did the same thing. I kept folders and binders of information for both Mom and Dad.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal offered suggestions for going beyond the binder and into the 21st Century by converting my records electronically. So I decided to give it a try.
Here are a few reasons the article gives for making the effort:
• Easier way to share information with doctors
• Helps you be more invested in your health
• Allows you to ensure the information is accurate
• Lets you include data from other devices such as FitBits
• Keeps all your data in one place
• Allows you to track progress towards personal health goals
I have opened a Microsoft Health Vault Account online and have requested my records from my Primary Care physician. Come along on this journey with me to explore if this is a good option for taking control of my health (records). To be continued . . .
Melinda Beck is a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, writing the weekly Health Journal column in the Personal Journal section and related features. Find additional great stories by Melinda Beck at Wall Street Journal/ Melinda Beck