Keeping a List of Your Health Info

As we get older, it's very important to keep track of our health. Older people often have more than one health problem and take many different medicines.

Having a clear, up-to-date list of your health information makes things easier for you, your family, and your doctors. It helps stop mix-ups and makes sure you get the best care, especially in an emergency.

This guide will help you make and keep a list of your medicines, allergies, and health problems.

Why Should I Keep a Health List?

• It stops mix-ups: Doctors can see all your medicines and make sure they are safe to take together.

• It helps in an emergency: If you can't speak for yourself, the list tells others what they need to know to help you.

• It saves you time: You won't have to try and remember everything at the doctor's office.

What to Write on Your Health List

1. Your Medicines

• The name of the medicine

• How much you take (the dose)

• How often you take it

• Why you take it

2. Allergies and Bad Reactions

• Any medicines or things you are allergic to

• What happens when you have a reaction (like a rash or trouble breathing)

3. Your Health Problems

• List any health problems you have (like diabetes or heart problems)

• List any big sicknesses or operations you have had in the past

4. Other Important Things

• Needles you have had (immunisations)

• Who to call in an emergency

How to Make Your List and Stay Organised

Making Your List and Taking Your Medicines

How to Make Your Health List

• Write it down: Use a notebook or a special form. You can ask your pharmacy for a free one.

• Ask for help: Your doctor or pharmacist can print a list of your medicines for you.

• Keep it up to date: Look at your list after every doctor's visit or when your medicines change.

• Share it: Give a copy to a family member or carer you trust. Let them know where you keep it.

Tips to Remember Your Medicines

• Use a pill box: A pill box (sometimes called a dosette box) has sections for each day of the week. It helps you see if you have taken your pills for the day. Your chemist can help you get one.

• Set a reminder: Use an alarm clock or a reminder on your phone to help you remember to take your medicine at the same time each day.

• Keep medicines in one safe place: This helps you find them easily and makes sure they are safely away from children.

Using My Health Record

My Health Record is a safe place on the computer from the government. It stores your health information. You and your doctors can see it from anywhere in Australia.

What you can keep in My Health Record:

• A list of your medicines

• Your allergies

• Your health problems

• Your test results

• Papers from your doctor or the hospital

How to See or Add Information

1. Sign in to myGov on a computer and connect to My Health Record.

2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to upload or update your information when you see them.

3. You can add your own notes to your My Health Record too.

Good ideas:

• Check your record every few months.

• Ask your doctor to fix anything that is wrong or missing.

• You are in control of who can see your record.

Your To-Do List

• [ ] Do you have a list of your medicines, allergies, and health problems?

• [ ] Is your list up to date?

• [ ] Is your My Health Record up to date?

• [ ] Have you shared your list with someone you trust?

Disclaimer: This guide contains general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.