Fulfill your vows: In sickness and in health, and help others in need across your community.
I’m so sorry to hear of the health challenges you and your new wife are dealing with.
When facing a serious illness like leukemia, having complete and accurate medical records is key for getting the needed care. When many providers are involved, a person’s health record becomes fragmented in many different systems used by those providers. A person can store all their health information in one place, so they have the whole story of the diagnosis and the treatment of the illness. Keeping the data with the patient has proven to be the strategy that works the best.
Technology makes it easier to track and visualize certain test results which can help people make sense of their health data. There are mobile apps and websites that help track symptoms and track progress. This information can be shared with care providers so they have more accurate data that helps them determine the best course of care.
Digital health records also are important for advance care planning. In case of an emergency or critical care scenario, your digital health record can include documentation of your treatment goals and preferences if you can’t speak for yourself. If you are her designated healthcare agent, this documentation can help you make decisions according to someone’s wishes.
Belonging to the Family Health Data Network gives you access to a community of people who can be polled about specific needs. By having accurate information about a person’s blood type, you could inquire within the network to determine if there are other members who may have the needed blood type to be a match. Family Health Data Network expands your access to potential donors beyond just friends and family to others in your community also engaged in their health and knowledgeable about their own health history.
