GON Reader Letter
#1
The Value of Keeping Medical Information in a Binder
Hi Maria,
Your article about organizing your medical information was excellent. I would like to add some additional information.
Years ago, I created a small binder for my husband and I with all our medical information. It included the list of medications, all vaccines, allergies, and dates of all the surgeries/medical procedures we’ve had. It also included names or our primary doctor and specialists.
We also carry a paper copy of our most recent lab results from our physicals. We have our Health Care Proxy documents as well.
It may sound odd to use a binder, but consider this...
Not all seniors are up on all the latest technology. We find
trying to read a phone screen tedious and challenging. When you are ill or stressed, that makes things even harder.
We keep our binder in a special bag and it comes with us to every
appointment or ER visit. We refer to it at least once during every doctor’s visit and the staff is amazed at how quickly we find needed information.
In an emergency, staff doesn’t have time
to open a smart phone and search for medical information. A well-labeled organized binder is easier.
Another point, at my last appointment, my doctor handed me a list of medications that he thought belonged to me. It turned out to be completely wrong and we discovered that the list belonged
to another patient. Just because all our health information has gone digital, doesn’t always mean its correct.
Thank you for keeping us on top of the important things in life.
-- Toni B.
GON Reader Letter #2
A Magnet Hack...in My Sewing Box
Hi Maria!
This suggestion may not be new, but it is new to me.
A flat fridge magnet serves a very useful purpose in my sewing box. My needles stick neatly to its underside. Hope this helps someone.
-- Professor Jayanti Seth, retired
GON Reader Letter #3
Sharing Your Life is an Act of Love
I so enjoy each and every newsletter you create. I can see the love you have for what you do. It just so happens that this particular newsletter was created on my birthday. I just didn't reply until now.
Regarding putting together a book about your reader's Mom,
my grandmother passed away in 1997. She was 97 years old. She wrote a lot about herself and sent family members lots of nice long letters about herself and her growing up years.
My Aunt put
together a book "written by (and my grandmother's name)". She had it professionally done and sent a copy to each one of the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I forgot how many that were made, but it most definitely was an act of love.
We all love our copies and the pictures she included.
Warm regards,
-- Margaret Buzzard, Laurel, MD
