9 things to include in your personal health files

Keeping detailed records about your personal health and medications can help your doctor, and even save your life. Here's some things to include in your personal records.

• For each drug you take, file a copy of the pharmacy receipt that looks like the drug label.
• It should contain the drug's name, when the prescription was filled, dosage, directions for taking it and contact info for the pharmacy.

• Keep a list of supplements, such as multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, fish oil or herbal supplements, that you take on a regular basis.
• Note the brand name and the amount you take each day.

• On a separate sheet of paper, note anything you've taken that's caused side effects.
• Include the substance's name, when and how much you took, details about the side effects and other drugs and remedies you were using at the same time.

If you've ever been told you have an allergy or serious reaction to a drug, make a note of it. Include any test results or other info here, too.

• Track vital stats, like your weight and the results of ongoing home testing.
• This section can include blood sugar tests for diabetes, home cholesterol checks, home blood pressure checks and so on.

• Log in your height and weight four times a year.
• Watch for diminishing height — a warning sign of osteoporosis of the spine.
• Take weight changes seriously. Unintended weight gain or weight loss could be a sign of an underlying health problem and warrants a call to your doctor.

• Experts now know that your waist circumference can help determine whether you're at risk for metabolic syndrome.
• You're in the danger zone if your waist measures more than 88 centimetres (35 inches) for women and more than 94 centimetres (37 inches) for men.
• A waist more than 100 centimetres (40 inches) is a serious threat.

• Short for body mass index, this is a number that assesses whether your weight is healthy for your height.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is healthy. 25 to 29.9 is overweight. 30 and above is obese.
• The best way to figure out your BMI is with an online calculator. Most major health websites have one.

• Keep a list of any non-prescription remedies you use on a regular basis, such as low-dose aspirin.
• If you see your doctor for a specific health complaint, bring along any nonprescription remedies you've been taking, along with your prescription drugs.

On top of your own personal medical records, you should keep a record of your medications and personal health problems. Keep it well-organized and on-hand. It could save your life.