Because we travel often, and our family doctor has gone by way of the HMO, it is important to know your own medical history. Make the decision to take the time to find out about yourself.
A medical chart should be easy to read and easy to update. Items that are important include:
- Date
- Name
- Age
- Family history
- Father, age today, health status, if deceased – age and cause of death
- Mother, age today, health status, if deceased – age and cause of death
- Brothers, age and health status
- Sisters, age and health status
- Family illness: alcoholism, allergies, arthritic conditions, cancer, health disease, lung disease, mental illness, other
- Personal habits:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Coffee
- Cigarettes
- Social status
- Number of children if any
- Occupations, past and present
- Environmental exposures
- Acute infections; ie chicken pox, measles, mumps, others
- Allergies: asthma, drugs, mold, hay fever, hives
- Blood type
- Blood count
- Surgery type and date
- Injuries type and date
- x-ray treatments
- Immunizations
- Headaches
- Eyes: infections or glaucoma
- Ears: infections or difficulty hearing
- Nose: bleeding, congestion, chronic sinus infections
- Mouth and throat: chronic hoarseness, sore throats
- Respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumonia, TB
- Vascular system: leg injuries, leg pains, varicose veins, phlebitis
- Stomach and intestines: Bleeding ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, food intolerance, gas, chronic indigestion,
- Heart: chest pains, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, swelling of feet
- Cholesterol count
- Blood pressure count
- Urinary system difficulties
- Skin: cysts, infections, cancer
- Additional information
Adapted from New Choices, New Chances by Rita Watson, Copyright 2007 Rita Watson