No one wants to think about health emergencies. Many of us are in good health and think the odds of unexpected surgery and/or a hospital visit are close to the odds of being hit by lightening. We may forget the exact medicines we're allergic to, meaning to write them down, but forgetting to. If we're married, we mean to get around to completing a living will. But, few of us do.
Providing accurate medical information to emergency responders can save a life. And the life you save may just be your own. Today, take a few minutes to prepare for that unlikely health emergency.
Here are five actions every healthy person should take today:
- Create an ICE contact for your cell phone. An ICE contact is an "In Case of Emergency" contact. Along with the person's name, include their relationship to you.
- Record your medical history. Keep a copy of it on the side of your refrigerator and in the glove box of your car.
- Complete a medical alert ID wallet card. Put this card in your wallet or coin purse. Carry it with you always.
- Identify allergies with a medical alert bracelet. If you're allergic to any form of penicillin this is especially important! If an ER thinks there is a risk of infection, they're going to proactively treat you with antibiotics.
- Complete an Advance Health Directive. The time to fill one out is before you need one. This is especially important if you're single and if you're not near and/or close to your family. Be sure you have someone who knows what you want and that your emergency contact knows where that document is.
Are you prepared for the unexpected?
Ciao Bella!
Eden!
P.S. Don't feel like commenting? Strike up a conversation with me elsewhere: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
Credits: All layouts designed by and images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.
