So What's The Good Of A PHR Anyway?

Okay, I've talked a lot about what a Personal Health Record is and which is (in my opinion), the best way to create and maintain one ... and I obviously have a vested interest in convincing you to purchase one. But I've never really explained what a PHR might do for you and I think it is extremely important that everyone understand just exactly how and why these things can work for you!

First, I want to remind you that not all PHR's are created equal ... or even in the same way. There are many different types and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. There are paper-based (just really keeping a log of your history in a notebook or computer database), web-based (that are hosted somewhere other than on your computer), and portable (that are created and maintained by the user and often stored on a USB or other device to be kept with the user as they travel through their lives) ... there are even smartphone applications to support medical records these days.

Personally, I favour the idea of a portable record for a variety of reasons ... privacy being at the top of the list because I really don't like the idea of so much very personal information being readily available on the www. As well, your information is with you and readily available when you are away from home, whether travelling, at the office or just running errands. That said, there are merits to all and I really believe that the importance of having a personal health record far outweighs the argument of which one to have ... sort of! I return you to my ongoing sales pitch for the product that my partners and I created - the LIFECompassTM PHR, which is, of course, my top recommendation!!

So back to what they can do for you ... there are so many things, that it's hard to know where to start. I am often asked if these devices will be used by healthcare professionals in an emergency. I want to stress that, while they are all trained to look for medical identification of any description, whether they use this or any other ID, is a professional judgement call for them to make in the moment based on the situation. The point is, you are making it available and for that reason alone, it could help you in an emergency.

A PHR also provides you with a personal copy of your medical information that you can refer to when completing such things as insurance applications or medical questionnaires of any sort. It allows you to know if other people's information about you is accurate through comparision with your own records and it allow you to personally control how much or how little information you wish to share. It also puts you in the driver's seat when it comes to updating your records. You are responsible for the content so you and only you add or delete information unless you allow someone else to do so.

And it's a legacy for the future. Medical information, like family traditions, need to be handed down to the next generation. Think of your PHR as a health diary. Things that you know about yourself, your parents, your grandparents and so on, could have a significant impact on diagnosis for your children, their children and so on! Don't leave such an important function to chance! Provide them with the tools they need to protect themselves and their families!

And, last, but certainly not least, a PHR can provide you with peace of mind! Imagine taking your child to the ER and finding that you can't recall important details about allergies or medications! If you have a PHR for your child, you can quickly and easily provide the information you need either by allowing the ER staff to use your device, or by providing a printed copy of its contents.

Don't be caught unprepared for the unexpected events of life! Visit http://www.lifecompassphr.com/ now to get yours now! Create and maintain a Personal Health Record for yourself and for the people you care for! It really could make a difference today or in the future.

Till next time,
What Direction Will You Choose? ... "compass"