{ organize ME }

This weeks goal is to organize your health stuff! Medical records, insurance papers, doctors numbers - this information should always be easily accessible.

1) Put all of your doctors numbers into your cell phone and post on a bulletin board at home for caregivers. Also enter in an ICE (In case of Emergency) contact info into your cell phone.

2) Schedule annual appointments - One of the things I do each January is schedule all of my annual appointments for April (my birthday month) - I get them all out of the way in one month - eye exam, annual pelvic exam, mammogram, dentist, skin cancer screening, bloodwork, oncologist visit, etc.)

3) Create a filing system - I have a folder on my desk for each family member that has medical records, bloodwork results (to keep track of how they've changed over time), the kids immunization records and our immunizations for international travel. And then I have a folder for our family health insurance plan, bills, policy notifications, etc.

Here are some recommended tests and the ages for which they are recommended for found via WebMD. (note - other than for all of my annual screenings, I aim to NOT go to the doctors office by staying healthy! We do have a family doctor and a naturopath doc we see if we get sick. We also have a family eye doctor and a family dentist. I get colon cleanses done once every few months and Will sees an accupuncturist when needed. Staying healthy is the key. Preventative care is the key.)

Blood pressure Measurement (at least once every 2 years): _______
Cholesterol Test (starting at age 20, at least every 5 years): _______
Blood Glucose Test (starting at age 45, then every 3 years): _______
Thyroid Test (starting at age 35, then every 5 years): _______
Eye Exam (every 2 years or as needed): _______
Skin exam (every years. also do a monthly self-exam for any changes to moles, etc.): ______
Dental Exam & Cleaning (once a year): _______
Colonoscopy: (starting at age 50, every 5-10 years): _____
Breast Exam: (at annual exam in addition to monthly self exams): ______
Pap Test & Pelvic Exam (starting when sexually action, annually): _______
Mammogram (starting at ach 40 or sooner if at elevated risk): _______
STD Screening (starting when sexually active, annually): _______

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