On the Record

2006 July to Sept Tips

Tip of the Month for July 2006

     Prevent paper from accumulating.

     Contact the Direct Marketing Association to opt out of mailings.  You must provide your name and address.  There are three methods.

          1.  Send a post card with your name, address and signature to:

               Mail Preference Service
               Direct Marketing Association
               PO Box 643
               Carmel, NY 10512


          2.  Complete a form on-line, print and mail.

              

          3.  Complete a form on-line and submit electronically for a $5 fee.

              

Tip of the Month for August 2006

     Keep critical medical information for your children readily available.

     Somewhere buried in the family files are your children's medical records.  Mom can find them, but what about the rest of the family? or the baby sitter?  Here is a tip so that anyone can find medical records quickly in an emergency.
     List each child's inoculation with the date and any allergies, especially drug reactions.  Include your family doctor's contact information and an emergency contact name and phone number.
     Put the information in a 9"x12" envelope.  If you hang framed portraits of your children, tape each envelope to the back of that child's portrait.  If you do not hang portraits, tape the envelope to the back of the family calendar.  The key is to pick a spot apart from your files so that the medical records are easy to find quickly.

Tip of the Month for September 2006

     Information you need to care for a loved one

     Medical Information:
          • List of doctors, their telephone numbers and addresses
          • List of prescriptions
          • List of known allergies

     Medical Insurance:
          • Patient identification card(s)
          • Policies:
               • Medical insurance
               • Disability insurance
               • Long-term care insurance

     Medical/Legal Documents:
          • Directive to Physicians and Family (Living Will)
          • Power of Attorney for Medical Decisions
          • Who May Receive Medical Information
          • Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order
          • Durable Power of Attorney (for legal and financial decisions)
          • Body Disposition Authorization Affidavit
             or
          • Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains