martes, 23 de marzo de 2010

Home Health Clinic

Monitoring your health at home is easier than you think. You must stay involved and up to date with medical history and needs for every family member.

1) Be sure you have a copy of your medical records from all of your doctors. Check them for accuracy. If legibility is a problem ask your doctor to decipher for you. You should be able to read yor medical record like a book.

2) Become familiar with all of the medical conditions listed. Research the details to be sure you are being checked regularly. Bring any discrepancies to your doctors' and healthcare providers' attention.

3) Keep the medical files and research in a file cabinet for easy reference. Storage with other important documents is optimal.

4) Equip your bathroom or other designated area of your home with medical equipment and supplies. This should include a blood pressure monitor, thermomemter, glucometer, glucometer strips, alcohol, stethoscope, and nebulizer. These items can be used by almost anyone with proper instruction. Keeping these items together with medication and other medical supplies ensures easy central access as well as portability in case of emergency.

5) Important phone numbers should be posted in several places in your home. Be sure to include direct numbers to all healthcare providers and local hospitals.

Take care of your most important asset - YOU! Invest in your health for your home.

by J.L. Richardson,MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate and author of "Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Guide".

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