Building a Personal Health Record: What to Include and Why

1. Basic Personal Information 

Start with simple details: 

• Full Name, Date of Birth, and Contact Information 

• Blood Group – Important in case of emergencies. 

• Emergency Contacts – Names and numbers of family members or close friends. 

• Health Insurance Details – Policy numbers and provider contacts can help during hospital visits. 

2. Medical History 

Your medical history provides an overview of your past and ongoing health conditions. Include: 

• Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or any long-term illness. 

• Previous Surgeries or Hospitalizations – Details of major procedures and dates. 

• Allergies – Medications, food, or environmental triggers. 

• Family Medical History – Knowing diseases that run in the family (e.g., heart disease, cancer, or genetic disorders) can help in early diagnosis and prevention. 

3. Medication List 

Keeping track of your medicines prevents errors and drug interactions. Include: 

• Names of all prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

• Dosages and frequency.

• Start and stop dates. 

• Any side effects experienced. 

For example, if you take a medicine for high blood pressure, note the name (e.g., Amlodipine 5mg), how often you take it (once daily), and whether you have noticed any side effects like dizziness or swelling. 

4. Vaccination Records 

Vaccines protect against serious illnesses. Maintain a list of all vaccines taken, along with dates and booster schedules. This is especially useful for children, frequent travelers, and elderly individuals. 

5. Diagnostic Test Results 

Store copies of important test results like: 

• Blood tests (cholesterol, sugar levels, liver function, etc.) 

• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans ECG or heart-related reports 

• Eye and dental checkups 

Having this information handy allows doctors to track trends over time. For instance, if your cholesterol level was slightly high last year, your doctor can compare new reports and suggest necessary changes. 

6. Doctor’s Visits and Notes 

Document key points from your doctor visits, including: 

• Symptoms discussed 

• Diagnoses made 

• Treatment plans suggested 

• Follow-up appointment details 

This helps in remembering what was advised and staying on top of your health management. 

7. Lifestyle and Wellness Information 

Keeping track of daily habits can give insights into overall well-being. Consider adding: 

• Diet and nutrition habits 

• Exercise routine 

• Sleep patterns 

• Stress levels and mental health notes 

For example, if you frequently suffer from headaches, noting when they occur, what you ate, and stress levels can help identify triggers. 

Why Maintaining a Personal Health Record is Important 

• Better Care Coordination: Doctors get a complete picture of your health, leading to informed decisions. 

• Faster Emergency Response: Critical information like allergies and medications can be lifesaving. 

• Avoiding Duplicate Tests: With past reports available, unnecessary tests can be avoided. 

• Tracking Your Health Over Time: Patterns in test results and symptoms help in early disease detection. 

• Empowerment and Awareness: You become an active participant in your health journey. 

• How to Maintain Your PHR? You can maintain a PHR in various ways: 

• Physical File: A simple folder with printouts and reports. 

• Spreadsheets or Digital Notes: Google Sheets, Excel, or Notion. 

• Health Apps and Platforms (Like HealthSutra!): A secure and smart way to track and manage your records all in one place. 

Final Thoughts 

Building a personal health record is an easy yet powerful step toward better health management. Whether you’re a young professional, a senior citizen, or someone managing a chronic illness, keeping an organized record will always be beneficial. Start today—gather your documents, organize them, and take charge of your health with confidence!