What is a Medical Binder & Why Do I Need One?

Have you ever left a medical appointment with advice from your doctor, only to forget exactly what they said a few days later?  Having a medical binder can help you avoid forgetting important information like this. When kept updated, it can also help keep you safe during an emergency and provide some organization during important life events, such as pregnancy or big moves.   

What is a Medical Binder
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

What is a Medical Binder?

A medical binder lists all of your health information and can house important medical documents. During an emergency, it can act as the single source of truth for those trying to care for you. This is especially important if you’re unable to communicate for any reason.  

However, a medical binder doesn’t need to — and shouldn’t — only be used in times of emergency. It can come in handy for organizational purposes as well. If you keep it up-to-date, you could end up helping yourself and your healthcare providers a great deal.

If you visit multiple different providers or take numerous medications, you should use a medical binder to keep the information straight. This can help your providers keep track of overlapping prescriptions, and avoid the dangerous effects that multiple prescriptions can cause. Keeping a medical binder for as long as you are able is also useful for your loved ones.

How to Make a Postpartum Plan for a Smooth Recovery
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What to Include in Your Medical Binder? 

You can include any health information you feel is necessary in your medical binder, including insurance details, written advice or research from providers, and specific health trackers. You could also include: 

    • Basic health information like allergies or your blood type
    • Medicine chart
    • Appointment history
    • Important contact information

Basic Health Information Sheet

A basic health information sheet should have the standard information that you would usually need to receive medical treatment. In case of emergency, a healthcare clinic, hospital, or emergency responders would benefit from information such as: 

    • Your full name
    • Emergency contact information
    • Allergies
    • Date of birth
    • Blood type
    • Immunization records

This information can help healthcare professionals give you the best possible care as quickly as possible. You may also want to make a copy of this form in a smaller size and laminate it to keep in your purse at all times. 

Basic Health Information Printable
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Medication Log

According to WebMD, more than 50% of Americans take an average of four prescription pills. However, taking multiple medications can be dangerous. Some types of medication overlap may even have deadly consequences. Keeping track of exactly what medications you take is especially important when you’re pregnant, as some medications may affect the development of your baby. 

Likewise, documenting your medications can also help you and your doctor figure out which ones have worked in the past, and which haven’t. If you’ve switched doctors and are in a prescription experimentation phase, supplying your own records can help you avoid repeating medications. 

Medication Tracker Printable
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Blood Pressure Log

Many are unaware that they have hypertension (or high blood pressure), but it has damaging—and even deadly—effects over time. According to the CDC, 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies experiences high blood pressure. 

One way to avoid problems from high blood pressure is to keep track. Purchase a home blood pressure monitor to record your own blood pressure. Remember, home monitoring isn’t an adequate substitute for doctor’s visits, but it can still be helpful for healthcare professionals to gauge the effectiveness of treatments. 

Blood Pressure Log Printable
Click to Download a Free Printable!

Being aware of your medical conditions and treatments before a big life transition — like moving homes, having a child, or planning for retirement — can help alleviate stress and worry. These changes may influence your healthcare providers or the amount of healthcare you receive. Tracking doctors visits for current conditions and logging your present healthcare needs in your medical binder can keep you on top of your health — no matter what phase of life you’re in.  


Author Bio

Abby Christensen is a digital marketer who helps RetireGuide create helpful pieces of content worth sharing. When she’s not soaking up the latest digital marketing news, you can find her reading, playing with her pooch, or organizing.

Pregnancy Bed Rest: Things To Do To Pass the Time

Your doctor just told you that you must be on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. This might not be what you had in mind for these final days but doing what’s best for you and your baby is what’s most important. As you begin to learn the art of being adaptable, try these things to do to pass the time on pregnancy bed rest. Check out how sweet life in bed can be.

Pregnancy Bed Rest: Things to Do to Pass The Time
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Start a New Hobby 

You never know how many days you will be on bed rest, and the reasons vary for each woman. You don’t want to spend time ruminating on your worries when you need your health to be at its best. Hobbies can improve your mental health. Choose one that you can focus on and spend a significant amount of time completing. For instance, needlepoint is relaxing and allows you to create items you can use in your nursery. This hobby is simple with modern needlepoint kits that come with all the supplies you need. 

Get Social 

Multiple ways to connect with others exist. Especially when you are pregnant, many people will want to talk to you. Invite your friends over during the final days of your pregnancy. You might think you don’t feel good enough to see people, but the social interaction may give you the boost of energy you need to survive your bed rest. Further, you can join groups online for other pregnant women on bed rest to talk about your shared experiences. 

Enjoy Your Favorite Entertainment 

Whether you love to read, stream TV, or listen to podcasts, you can do it all while on bed rest. Endless hours of free time were made for binge-watching or reading your favorite books and movies. Since you’ve got your baby on your mind, you may use the time to watch, listen, or read books, magazines, and shows about pregnancy and parenting. 

Treat Yourself 

No one deserves to be treated more than you. Use some of your time on bed rest to order something that will boost your mood. Whether it’s something you can enjoy postpartum or a treat you can enjoy while on bed rest, give yourself something nice.

 

 

Postpartum Plan Printable Workbook
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Try these things to do to pass the time on pregnancy bed rest to keep your mood in a good place for the final days of your pregnancy. You’ve reached the home stretch and will be through the hardest part soon. Use the time you must spend on bed rest to start filling your home with the love you want to share with your baby.


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.