Tips for Surviving Medical Mayhem and Starting the New Year Right
This is the time of year when we all make resolutions and while some resolutions become good habits; if you are like me, they often fall by the wayside within a matter of weeks, days, and often hours. I have resolved to eat healthier, exercise more, curse less, and be more patient and frankly I am still working on those.
There is one area which I have consistently resolved to do on behalf of myself and those I care about. I’d like to share them with you.
When in comes to surviving medical mayhem I cannot stress the importance of taking the time to do these ten items. You may be the epitome of health, on no medications and have no major aches and pains. If so, thank God. But at some point, you or a loved one may find yourself in need of medical care. So like in a hurricane season, we prepare for what we hope will never happen; so too prepare for medical mayhem.
- Plan for the unexpected: Have the talk with your family about your wishes and needs should medical mayhem strikes. The time for this is when you are healthy and active. Discussion should include finances, health insurance coverage, living situation-is your home still appropriate for your current health needs, managing household chores, limits in activities, mobility issues and memorial wishes.
- Have an Advance Directive filled out and given to the primary physician and family members that may need them.
- Have a Last Will and Testament completed or updated.
- Keep a record of where all important documents are kept. When in an emergency you don’t want to have to try to remember where they are or go searching for necessary paperwork.
- Record all monetary investments, resources, creditors, debtors, and business transactions.
- Have an insurance analysis done. Do your insurance policies (Home, life and health) fit your needs? Do you have enough coverage to take care of you? Do you have Long Term Care, respite care?
- Keep a record of all medications and take note on your reactions to certain medications.
- Keep records of all doctor appointments, the reason for the visit and procedures performed. I have a list of all our physicians, test centers, with their specialties, address, and telephone numbers for quick access.
- Start or continue to maintain a copy of your medical records. This can be simply placed in a binder in chronological order or by categories. Most Healthcare professionals and centers have portals and you can get a lot of information from them but having a hard copy can often be easier.
- Discard any old or expired medications whether they be over the counter medication or prescription. Discard any previous medications which are no longer effective.
These are just a few ways you can insure that 2026 will be a healthier, less stressful year. What suggestions have you found that help you navigate medical mayhem? Please share so that other might benefit.
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.