In today’s world, technology has made it easier than ever to access and manage our personal health records. With just a few clicks, we can view our medical history, test results, and even schedule appointments online. However, this convenience has not always been available to everyone. Liz Salmi, a health advocate, and brain cancer survivor, believes that people should not have to go through 18 years of battling cancer to understand the importance of managing their own health records.
In a post on her blog, Salmi shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 29. She talks about how she had to rely on her mother to keep track of her medical records, as she was too sick to do it herself. It was not until 18 years later, when her cancer returned, that she realized the importance of having access to her own health records.
Salmi’s story is not unique. Many people, like her, have had to go through difficult health challenges to understand the value of managing their own health records. But why should it take a life-threatening illness for us to realize this?
In a world where we have access to technology at our fingertips, managing our health records should not be a daunting task. It should be a regular part of our healthcare routine. With the rise of electronic health records, patients now have the ability to access their records online, making it easier to keep track of their health history.
However, despite the availability of electronic health records, many people are still unaware of their existence or do not know how to access them. This is where education and awareness come into play. It is essential for healthcare providers to educate their patients on the importance of managing their health records and how to access them.
Having access to our health records not only allows us to keep track of our medical history, but it also empowers us to make informed decisions about our health. We can easily identify any gaps in our care, track our progress, and even catch potential errors or discrepancies in our records.
Moreover, with the rising trend of personalized medicine, keeping track of our health records becomes even more crucial. Our genetic information, test results, and medical history can provide valuable insights into our health and help healthcare providers tailor treatment plans specific to our needs.
Additionally, having access to our health records can also save us time and money. Instead of constantly repeating our medical history to different healthcare providers, we can simply provide them with access to our records, making the process more efficient and accurate.
Salmi’s statement, “I don’t think people should have to go through 18 years of brain cancer to understand their own health records,” is a wake-up call for all of us. It is a reminder that we should not wait for a health crisis to take control of our own health.
In conclusion, managing our health records should not be a burden or a privilege, but a right. With the advancements in technology, access to electronic health records has become more accessible than ever. It is up to us to take advantage of this and be proactive in managing our health. Let us not wait for a life-changing event to understand the importance of our health records. Let us take control of our health now and pave the way for a healthier future.
