Ten Things to Start the New Year Right
With a new year comes an urge to purge the old and I have started cleaning out closets and reorganizing. I find this cathartic and makes me feel like I am in control of at least one part of my life.
When it comes to my health status I have often felt like I had little to no control. I can eat healthy, take care of my body, mind and spirit but still medical mayhem seems to happen with little provocation and no warning.
But like cleaning out closets and reorganizing there are some things we can start doing to take care of ourselves and those we love when it comes to health care. Whether you are a caregiver or the care receiver here is a quick list to start the New Year right.
- Clean out the medicine cabinet. Look for the expiration date and previous medicines that may interact adversely with current ones. You’ll save space and just might save a life.
- Keep a list of all medications and reactions.
- Keep a record of all doctor appointments, procedures and tests performed along with the results.
- Keep a copy of all your medical records. You may believe you will never forget your hip replacement but in ten years will you remember what type of implants they are?
- Have an Advance Directive filled out and given to the primary physician and all relatives who may need the form.
- Make plans for your final wishes and how they should be carried out. Discuss your plans and wishes and talk about the final resting place and what arrangements you have made.
- Have a Last Will and Testament completed or updated.
- Keep a record of where all the important documents are kept. Searching for information should not be done during an emergency or tragedy.
- Record all monetary matters: investments, resources, creditors, debtors, business transactions, etc.
10.Review home, life and health insurance policies. Do you have enough coverage to take care of any eventuality? Do you have Long Term Care Insurance and or Respite Care?
No one likes to think about these things, but if you take time the first of each year to review these ten items; you will worry less. And should medical mayhem strike, you will know exactly where the information is to help you survive and thrive.
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.