Medical Emergency in Muskoka

Before you travel, driving is a dangerous proposition, can you and your family answer the 5 questions? Read more ...

Have these things on hand...

10 things you need to know about your health
 adapted from the Mayo CLinic, for Canadians, further adapted for Ontario travellers.

1. Health Cards, extended health insurance. This will have more information, and may be in a wallet, or not!

2. Names of physicians. This is one of the first questions they will ask. Primary physicians, as well as specialists: heart, oncologists, will have the most up-to-date records. Also, find out the phone number and office locations.

3. List of allergies, infections, eating disorders, addictions. This is especially important if one of your parents is allergic to medication — penicillin, for example, or food allergies. Some seniors have Sundowner's Syndrome, and

4. Advance directives; Power of attorney for personal care. *Know where they are, and your loved one's wishes for DNR orders, or other issues. This is an important discussion for you to have with them. Start be telling what YOU would wish.

5. Major medical comorbidities. This includes such conditions as diabetes or heart disease. My mother had colitis, celiac disease, skin conditions, white coat syndrome - high blood pressure, and she was lactose intolerant). She needed a special diet when in hospital. Dad had high blood pressure, a brain tumour, dementia, and arthritis in his knees.

6. List of medications and/or supplements.  Many seniors jump on bandwagons, and take over-the-counter vitamins, or herbal supplements, and these might interact with blood thinners, or other medications. You pharmacist can give you a list if you go with your parents and talk to them about it. If your parent is incapable of keeping them straight, talk to the pharmacist.

7. Prior surgeries and major medical procedures. List past medical procedures including implanted medical devices such as pacemakers. I wrote in my personal agenda whenever my mother had surgery, when she had radiation treatments or follow-up appointments. Once I scanned this, I realized she was developing a tumour a year between 2002 and 2006. Otherwise, it is worth it to write down all of their issues and concerns. If they have questions, e.g., my mom didn't know what Leukplakia was, her type of cancer. I collected this information for her.

8. Names and phone numbers of extended family and close friends. We were unaware of some of these people, and neglected to speak to some.

Another great resource is the newly established 211Ontario.ca services locator website.

Muskoka has just signed on and provides many resources.