As the holidays approach, Santa’s tally of who’s been naughty and nice, isn’t the only list you should be checking. Can you name all the medications you take? If you are like most people, it might be hard to name them all. This is why making a MedList is important.
A MedList is an easy-to-use list that helps you keep track of your medications, including the dose and how often you take it. You can also fill in your medical history and allergies. So if suddenly you can’t speak for yourself, your list can speak for you.
Keeping track of your medications can help health-care providers treat you and avoid dangerous drug interactions. Donna Takeda recalls using her MedList at the dentist. “It was my first appointment and he needed the information for his files,” she says. Takeda was at ease knowing nothing had been missed.
Items to put on your list include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs (pain killers, vitamins, cold medicine, etc.), supplements, creams, nose/eye drops, inhalers and herbs. Anything you take to help keep yourself healthy is important to note.
The MedList comes in two sizes: standard paper size and wallet size so you can carry it with you. “I keep it in my wallet as I think this is the first place emergency personnel would look,” Takeda says. “I like to think of my list as a bit of insurance.”
Takeda says her MedList also helped her on a recent trip to the United States. “I didn’t need to take my original pill bottles, as my pharmacist packed and sealed my medication for me with all the information that the border would require.” She was able to refer to her MedList and leave her luggage packed for easier travel.
Now, let’s try this again. Name all the medications you take, this time using your MedList. See how easy it was? If it’s on the list, it won’t be missed.
This article is courtesy of Apple magazine
(Alberta Health Services)