Tip #382 Nutrition Nuggets; JELL-Oh

     Do you remember the old Bill Cosby Jello commercials? I was recently looking for Jello pudding pop recipes and stumbled onto a bunch of them on YouTube. And, as I remembered, they're very cute, and he is funny. What does Jello have anything to do with recovering from severe illness or trauma? Good question. Allow me to share with you my recent Jell - oh epiphany...
     You see, I fit into a small subset of people who have made a vow to never look at, taste, or even consider eating Jello ever again. No offence to the makers of Jello (Kraft), I don't think it has a single, solitary thing to do with the taste. No, I really don't. Just as the commercials are nostalgic, Jello is a reminder. The commercials take you back to time spent giggling in front of the TV as Bill Cosby does and says silly things while eating Jello  But the actual tangible Jello product takes you back to a very different time. It is a reminder.
     A reminder of what you ask? A reminder of being in the hospital and the feelings that come with severe illness and/or trauma. Jello seems to be a universal staple in every hospital in every country. BUT, and this is a good but... the type of Jello seems to be limited to the clear, slightly jiggly version. Why is this a good but? Because as it turns out, Jello has more products that are nothing like the jiggly version, and you can still do good things with it in the recovery world. Like making Jello instant pudding into pudding pops. A lot of people recovering from stroke, and those with abdomen or esophagus issues, or an inability to swallow certain textures, etc. are permitted to have Popsicles, and puddings too. Putting them together just makes it better!
    Again I say that it is not a good idea to start something new in your diet without consulting your dietitian, physician, or any other relevant team members. But if you can have pudding pops, we've been making a few versions here as of late and I have a few suggestions for you...

• Directions: Follow the Jello instant pudding directions on the box and fill the trays right away Or, do the same, but add real, genuine, not-the-fake-stuff maple syrup first... it's yummy. For that matter, you can add all sorts of flavours and colours, especially to the vanilla. Be creative!
• Freezing: If you can find a silicone ice cube tray, or puree tray (slightly bigger than ice cube tray (like this one at amazon.com) or a bigger, similar tray also at amazon.com or Dixie cups (small, waxy inside paper cups). Note, silicone makes it easier to get the pops out (can push up from bottom instead of breaking the handle by pulling it too hard).
• Handles: For smaller pops try toothpicks, or deli sandwich skewers; for larger use Popsicle sticks
• Whatever you are using for your handle (for lack of a better word), insert the handles after you put the plastic wrap (ie. saran) over the full tray. This way the sticks will stand up and stay that way until frozen.
• If you are using Dixie cups instead, each one should be covered with wrap, and then you may need to break the plastic a bit with the toothpick and then insert the Popsicle sticks. 

     As it turns out, I have found out that I really, really like Jello pudding! Why Jell-oh? Because this discovery has been filled with "Ohs" as in, "Oh, look at the kinds of pudding flavours they have - I thought there were chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch only," and "Oh, butterscotch tastes even better when you add maple syrup" and "Oh, wonderful! Jello now has single serving pudding powder packets, so when we make them, we don't have to have 30 pudding pops of the same flavour before the trays are empty and ready to use again."
     Who knew that I'd ever agree with Jello's slogan "There's always room for Jello?" I didn't. But there does seem to be room all of the time now...

 Happy Jell-oh-ing!

Tip #10 Frugal Fixes; The Case of the Coloured Baskets

     He knew she was lying; how could she have seen the man leave his house by the light of the moon as it was a new moon, and thus could not have provided any light...
     Okay, so I'd never make it as a novelist writing detective stories, but nonetheless I have helped solve a mystery or two in my time. I'm not talking about solving murders and robberies - but you knew that. No, it's the mysteries that revolve around medical events that have not yet happened; events avoidable if the right checks and balances are in place. What kind of events? Dangerous ones. Potentially harmful and even fatal ones; like medication errors.
     Medication errors are very easy to make in the home setting. This is especially true for people recovering from a traumatic injury or illness that now have a large number of medications to manage. In such a case as this, considering the kinds of things that can go wrong is a step in the right direction (without dwelling on it). If you want to avoid an incident of medication error, then consider the following (note, this is not an exhaustive list):
1) Who has access to said medications? Make sure no one accidentally takes medications meant for you - especially young children, someone with low vision, or someone who is easily confused.
2) Are there a number of people involved in your care? Make sure there are good protocols in place:

• Have them tell you the expiry date, and the name of the drug before handing it to you
• Give each med a "home" so they're easy to find, and use them in the order they came (oldest- but not expired, to newest)
• Have each person receiving a delivery from your pharmacy check that a) the med has your name, and b) the med is actually the one you ordered/reordered

3) Minimize mistaken identity issues between meds. There is a lot of room for error in this department. For instance, if you have two or more medications that come with nearly identical labels and/or packaging, VERY CLEARLY label them (in colour, or capital letters, etc)

4) Ensure that it is safe to have this medication (again) now. Each time you are about to take a med, make sure that you and/or your attendant look on the whiteboard (or however you track your meds) to note the last time you had this med, and that you are taking the right med in terms of your symptoms

      So where is the frugal fix in all of this? Using a basket system (as in the picture) makes it easier to accomplish most of the suggestions above. The blue, red, and brown baskets in the picture of the refrigerator collectively cost less than $10. In fact, most dollar-type stores carry them in varying sizes and colours for a dollar or two. If your meds don't need to be refrigerated, and/or require much smaller baskets, this system can still work, just don't use the fridge, and use size appropriate baskets. However, if you are going to adopt this system I suggest that you consider doing the following:

• Choose different coloured baskets for each med or group of meds
• Label the outside of the baskets with large lettering
• Place a a piece of brightly coloured card stock or cardboard to separate the current supply from the new refills within the basket. 
• Place stickers with the date of expiry written in colourful marker on any medications that have a very short shelf life (e.g. some IV meds come as seven IV bags that last only a week; in this case label each bag)
• Periodically review the system, to ensure that everyone is following the protocols the same way, and consistently.

     Not all of these issues and/or strategies may apply to you. Still, whether or not they apply I hope that this gets you thinking more critically about something we often forget to pay attention to - how dangerous meds can be if not administered properly. So, make friends with your pharmacist. When you look at your meds processes, make a plan that makes it hard to for you and/or others to make dangerous mistakes. Sit down with your caregivers/attendants to make sure that whatever system you've adopted, everyone knows the plan and how to carry out that plan. Implement whatever it is you need to in order to make you as safe as possible. Mistakes still happen, but I think they happen much less when you have all of your ducks in a row. Or, I guess in this case, all of your coloured baskets in a row...

Happy Detective-ing!

      

Tip #104 Choosing Cheer; Why Not Me?

"Why Me Lord, What have I ever done, to deserve even one...."

     Do you recognize the opening words of this song? It's a Johnny Cash song (and I do really love all Johnny Cash music I must confess) written by Kris Kristopherson. Although I do recognize those opening lines from when I was a little girl, I assumed they meant something they don't. You know what they say about assumptions don't you? To assume makes an a__(we'll say donkey) out of "u" and me... Well, consider me a donkey then because for the longest time I thought this song was a "Why Me" whine. 

     You know what I mean don't you? It usually starts with phrases like "Why did this have to happen to me of all people" or "What did I ever do to deserve this?" or "Why am I the unlucky one?" and my personal favourite (note the sarcasm), "It's not fair! Why me?" I've truly don't understand this phenomenon. My thoughts? When you say why me of all people, you're implying that it should be someone else. Who? I wouldn't wish all of this on another human being at all. Besides, what makes me any better than you? Nothing. So, why should it happen to you instead of me? It shouldn't. 

     And the whole it's not fair thing? Where did we ever get the idea that life is supposed to be fair? Where does the manual of life say that? If you step outside in a storm, do you expect it to rain only on people who are deserving enough to be rained on? Do you see little black clouds hovering over the heads of the people you consider nasty? Of course not. Now, if this has been your train of thought, and you're upset right now, please don't give up on me yet. It sucks that what has happened to you has happened to you, and the "why me" is a common reaction. I get that, but think that it's important for anyone who starts that way to move past it. We are all entitled to our own opinions, however, and I'm okay if you don't like mine - but please hear me out anyway...

      So, please don't mistake me - I think there's no shame in being upset that something not-so-good is happening to you. There is no shame in feeling angry or devastated that you've been injured physically or emotionally, or that you are frustrated beyond belief. And, there's nothing wrong with being upset that whatever trauma you've experienced is life changing, overwhelming and mind bending. Nope, no shame in any of it, and it should be expressed rather than bottled up inside you. It is actually a good sign if you are experiencing any of those emotions. It means you are human, and that you are not in denial, and most importantly, that you are trying to cope. Emotions aren't wrong, they are what they are. To me though, there is still a HUGE difference between expressing, acknowledging, being devastated and/or overwhelmed vs. the negativity of the why me whine.  It's the "you use more muscles to frown than smile" phenomenon - the why me whine requires more energy. 

     Okay, so remember I asked you to consider me a donkey because of my incorrect assumption? Well, I meant it and I'm glad to be donkey in this case! As it turns out, the song "Why Me Lord" has absolutely nothing to do with the why me whine. Nothing at all. Let me finish the first few lines now (and if you click this link you can see them all).  

Why me Lord? What have I ever done? 
To deserve even one of the blessings I've known.Why me Lord? What did I ever do?      That was worth love from You 

And the kindness You've shown.

I love it! It is actually a song about humility, and astonishment; that grace is freely given and love is unconditional. I'm so very glad that I was wrong! Now it's one of my favourite songs (and the fact that Johnny Cash sings it doesn't hurt at all :P )!

     Ultimately, I think what I am trying most to convey is that it is okay to be devastated about circumstances. Absolutely. I'm sorry you have to go through what you do. But if you can make a choice for the "Why NOT me" stance, then I think you might get farther in your recovery, in your relationships, and in your coping. Choosing to move over to the "Why not me" camp not only feels better, but saves significant amounts of energy that are otherwise expended on the seldom-explained answer of "why me?' Why spend your energy trying to figure out why something has happened to you in particular, instead of spending that same energy on the process of recovering emotionally, physically, and for many like me, spiritually as well? Why not try it? If it doesn't work, you can call me a donkey. I promise I won't mind:)!

Happy Why-Not-me-ing!

Tip #138 Frugal Fixes and Patience Patients; Aaaaarrr Matey!

 The average, healthy, well-adjusted adult gets up at seven-thirty in the morning feeling just plain terrible. Jean Kerr, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, 1957    

   How positive is that? And,if we extrapolate, what does that mean for the average "unhealthy," well-adjusted adult?  Hmmm, that might be a dangerous experience for morning people! Maybe that's why sailors commit mutiny? 

     Okay, well, not really dangerous or mutinous, but, the point is that it is good to get as much sleep as you can in life. When you are recovering from illness and/or trauma, it is especially important. Sleep (or lack thereof) impacts your body's ability to heal, and your brain's ability to cope with the illness itself as well as the treatments thereof. Caregivers, this applies to you too! Sleep is truly wonderful in recovery; It's wonderful to feel like the world is once again a good place, that the pain is more manageable, that you're more energetic, and that those around you seem more joyful too. Yep, it's very important to make sure you get as much sleep as possible during this phase of life. It's amazing when it happens!

It never happens.

Never.

Okay, so maybe not never, but not often enough!

Sleep often seems possible, but not really probable.

Ug. 
     How does one get sleep when one is so ill? A lack of sleep usually results in a lot more pain, and difficulties with coping with said pain. And, here's the real kicker - a lot of pain (and thus difficulty coping) makes it harder to get to sleep and to stay asleep, too! Anxiety, medications, and illness can all affect our sleeping habits. Have no fear though, there is some good news...

     There are a ton of things that you can do to help stop this crazy cycle. The one site that I especially like covers a lot of ground, and I'd encourage you to exploring the site yourself (you must click on one of the links below to get there, but once there you can explore more). However, if you'd prefer it, I've listed the three sections that I think are most relevant on said site in the links below.

Can't Sleep? Insomnia Causes, Cures, and Treatments

How Much Sleep do You Need?: Sleep Cycles & Stages, Lack of Sleep, and Getting the Hours You Need

How to Sleep Better: Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep.

      

     Okay, so where does the "frugal fix " part come in? It helps address the issue of getting back to sleep once you're up. Recovery can result in nightmares due to stress, sleep cycles being wonky due to medications, a planned wake up due to the need to take meds in the middle of the night, and so on...While the techniques on the site are helpful in this scenario as well, in my experience, nothing works so well for getting back to sleep as addressing pain and light. What? Re pain - ask yourself if your pain is controlled, and if not, rectify that situation. Re light - wear an eye mask. 

     Wow you say, that was huge. She's as intelligent as a rocket scientist and as original as a fine painting. No? I know it sounds silly to have such a simple solution for getting back to sleep, but when you're up and want to get back to sleep, why not try it? Now, I know that you may be resistant to wearing a mask all night, so don't. When you wake up and want to go back to sleep - address the pain med issue first, and then put the mask on (even if it's still dark). For most, this is relaxing, and it thwarts the biological clock that wakes you up when the sun is shining! And, a mask is under $10! Nice. 

     And finally, you ask why the Aaaarrr Matey? Maybe you're not asking, but I'll tell you anyway! I'm a bit of a moron (definitely not a rocket scientist!). For quite some time after I got my mask, I thought it was called a patch (and even got others calling it that too). I have to keep remembering "patient wears mask, pirate wears patch!" Silly, yes, but it works. And, laughing at yourself is never a bad thing. By all means, laugh away at me yourself, too. I don't mind at all:)

     On the other hand, maybe the whole pirate thing isn't entirely without merit. After all, the goal of wearing the mask does have a hint of thievery...  and the booty is stolen sleep! Aaaarrrr!

Happy Pirating!

     

     

Tip #272 Picture Perfect; Getting Floored

“One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor”  George Carlin quote

     Well, you're not likely drinking the tequila while you're recovering from a surgery, an accident, or some other event that now requires you to have a house that is compatible with a wheelchair. And for that matter, I don't think it's a good idea at all! What struck me about the quote however, was that the picture in my head of someone stumbling down the stairs, or falling onto the floor because they don't have the ability to control their bodies all that much, given the tequila. Why is that even remotely relevant? Because people recovering from severe illness or trauma also have an inability to make their bodies cooperate with them at all times. As a result, they get to become friends with the floor now and then, too, and the floor itself impacts their mobility. It can be tricky and frustrating, and especially so when they get back to a non-adapted home.  

     With that in mind, I have 2 suggestions for you.

1. If you or a loved one know that you will need to use a wheelchair at home, then I advise you to get the wheelchair before being discharged from the hospital. Then, have someone who is mobile sit in the wheelchair, and try to navigate through each hallway and room. Why? This creates much less frustration, nicks in walls, and bruised bodies. Ideally, they would help to correct these issues for a good transition to home for the one recovering.
2. You can buy plastic mats in large squares, for about $30 dollars each, place them over carpet, and in doing so create a flat surface that makes it significantly easier for you or your loved one to wheel over. There are two pictures below - a close up and one that shows the duct tape junctions. It's a very inexpensive way to temporarily adapt your home for minimal amounts of both money and effort. Here's a link for Staples store: chair mat   Note: you may want to get a few of the more expensive ones instead of several small ones for larger areas. An exacto knife works well for cutting them down to size if necessary. 

Whatever you choose, know that the easier you can make life, the happier it will be for all involved in the recovery process. A little work goes a long way!

Happy flooring!

Tip #92 Bibs and Bobs; Tuburlosis

     Tuburlosis? It's pronounced Toob-yure-low-sis. What is it?  It is the word that my hubby Brad made up to describe having too many tubes and cords coming out of oneself, attached to oneself, or surrounding oneself. Well, actually, it's generally used to define a combination of the above, and is specific to said tubes being tangled (inconveniently I might add!). What did Shakespeare say? Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to, er, um, rely on medical equipment to sustain us? Okay, so I'm no Shakespeare, but who knows - maybe someday people will use the word tuburlosis as often as they quote one of his least known passages. A girl can dream...
     What made Brad coin the phrase? There are two reasons; a) because Brad is fun and it makes us laugh, and b) because it quickly conveys the need to stop and regroup before tubes are pulled out of me accidentally. It is a word that conveys an urgency to fix that issue quickly - which is especially important when I start to stand up. "Ttuburlosis" just seems more fitting than "Oops, careful - hold on a second, no, oh no  -  oh bring the computer back to my lap please, it's caught on my IV tubing, which, incidentally, seems to be tangled in the feed line." Way more fitting!
     We've had some tuburlosis near misses, which doesn't seem all that odd when on a typical day you'll find IV lines, a feeding tube and it's lines, the iPhone (and the headphones and charging cord that go with it), and the computer - on me, attached to me or in bed with me. And those are just the basics! At different times in the day we add the blood pressure monitor, and I've had a heart monitor (which delightfully had 3 cords for lickety-split tangling), the camera and/or card reader, and the cord that has a fancy name that I can't remember at the moment that makes the TV become my computer monitor. Tuburlosis indeed!
     Now, if we could only come up with a word for the daily accessories that I lose in the "magic covers (magic because they are really good at making things disappear, even if I've just used said items)." When the phone rings, or the iPhone alarms, for example, I end up searching said magic covers for the item I think is demanding attention. But that is harder than it looks! Have you ever noticed just how many technical items are small and black? The iPhone, the TV remote, the portable phone, the heart monitor (which was only for a while but was the bane of my universe), and the walkie-talkie (to reach Brad in the barn). And if that weren't enough, have you ever noticed just how many small black non-technical items we use day to day? At first glance the black pencil case, black glasses case, and black blood sugar testing kit look a lot like the technical items. Crazy I tell you!
     With all the colours in the world, and all the materials the earth provides, does it ever strike you as odd that as a society we want all of our stuff to look the same? The only time this mistaken-identity scenario pays off is when I accidentally find an item one of the other items is prompting me to use. So, when the iPhone alarms to tell me it's time to take my blood sugar, as long as I make a mental connection to what the alarm was prompting me for, it's just as well that I accidentally pick up the blood sugar kit in it's stead!
     My mother-in-law makes me laugh a lot - she's quite funny. She tells me that whenever she calls me from her house, she pictures the goings-on in this house in her mind, and it gives her a good giggle. She's been here enough times to accurately picture me digging through the covers, madly tossing small black items out of my way, whilst I frantically try to disentangle myself from the state of tuburlosis. And if that isn't silly enough, I find that the object in question (the phone in this instance) is usually slightly out of reach somewhere in the magic covers because I tossed it out of the way the last time I was madly searching said covers for something else small and black. It really is fairly comical to see, and usually to experience (usually, because sometimes it drives me nuts!).
    The solution? Unless you can somehow either:

• Cut down on what is in you or on you instantly (you'd have to recover miraculously with a snap of the fingers to make that happen), or
• Cut down on what is around you (less devices), or 
• Colour code all of your small black items, or maybe 
• Invent a device that does all of the functions you need it to? Improbable if not impossible, or 
• Put a spell on the covers to make them less magical

then I'm afraid you're out of luck... you too may be stuck with a state of tuburlosis and, well, lets call it small-black-item-itis.
     So, in the absence of changing your circumstances, I suggest you change your outlook; declare a diagnosis of tuburlosis, small-black-item-itis, or some other word you invent to describe that which is the bane of your universe. Then, try to sit back, giggle at yourself, and encourage others to join in. To us, it's a much better state of being!

Happy inventing!


  

Tip #15 Weighted Wonders; IKEA is good for the soul?

     Yep, I said it and I meant it... IKEA is good for the soul - or at least for peace of mind! I can't tell you how many times I've spoken to people recovering at home and their caregivers who begin to feel like they're going mad because of the chaos around them. I recognize that some people have no problem living in chaos, but for the rest of the world this can be very frustrating. You usually don't incorporate furnishing your living-room with a hospital bed, nor design your floor plan to accommodate large amounts of medical supplies in the main areas. It can especially be emotional and/or frustrating for people because:

• Having the house that way is a constant reminder that you or a loved one are ill.
• Other people expect you (especially if you are a caregiver) to have it all under control because you're at home all day. BUT that doesn't take into account the fatigue and exhaustion from just the stress of being ill (or worrying about a loved one who is ill). Nor does it take into account that you now seem to have a new full time job; you're either focused on caregiving or on getting better, or both.
• Even if you have kind friends and/or multiple caregivers: 

• Most of you won't really want to ask others to do some of the things that you would like done, because you don't want to put them out OR
• Maybe you don't have the luxury of having those people (above) to help out OR
• You can't afford to hire a cleaner in their stead AND,
• No matter who is doing the cleaning, no one is going to do everything the way that you would do it. So, pants shrink, whites turn pink, things are put away where you'd never look to find them, the vacuum cleaner is parked in the middle of the living room and you can't move it out of the way, etc.

Here is the most important thing I can say about all of that; it likely drives you crazy for one reason.

1. It represents the lack of control you have in your life right now. 
2. (I know I said one, but wait for it...)You live in that area all of the time (all day, all night, or both), so the dust on the window is going to drive you crazy because you're looking at it for weeks or months. But, here again I say the number one reason above is applicable; it's really driving you crazy because illness/trauma has made you (understandably) feel that life or things in life are out of control - and that's a really hard thing!

     So, what to do about all of it? 

• This is where the IKEA comes in: if possible, reorganize! Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome (paraphrased here). Things are going to keep getting messier and messier if you don't make a concerted effort to adapt your environment to your new status. This can make a VERY big difference as far as I am concerned! I get that this isn't always possible financially (although there are some smaller plastic units in the pics below that were non-IKEA, $30, and did the job for a long time). And the manpower can be difficult too - since you won't be able to do it yourself. If you can't do this, you may still be able to work on the following items (which I suggest you consider even if you can do the reorganizing!).
• Allow yourself to be unapologetic to others for doing whatever it is you have to do to get well/help a loved one who is ill (which includes carefully choosing where your energy is expended). For instance:
• Foo-ee to those who take issue with your messy house. They're not living your life. You have nothing to be apologetic about
• You don't need to explain your financial status to anyone. Illness and recovery add extra financial strain. That's just the way it is usually.
• If 5 things are driving you crazy, try to do 1, or part of one yourself. Choose carefully (maybe dusting the window might be possible, but don't try to clean the bathtub). Why? This helps you feel like you have a bit more control - you've chosen something. And, while this may mean a bit more pain for example, sometimes that's worth it for quality of life (for which peace of mind is a criteria!).
• Change your expectations. You're not Wonder Woman, Super Man, or any other superhero. You're a human going through a rough time. Don't expect to be able to do all you could before. Have a better quality of life, with the types of expectations you would want to see from others in the same state (after all, we're always harder on ourselves than anyone else). 

     Okay, so back to IKEA. With a hospital bed in the living-room, and a gazillion supplies (medical and office) plus some of the regular living-room things, it was very chaotic in this room. But, with help from IKEA, the room looks more like a living-room and less like a hospital storage room. What a change in the state of mind it is to have made these changes!

BEFORE                                                  AFTER

 Some was dispersed into other places.

BEFORE                                                                               AFTER 

                                                                                                                            

AND the drawers within are even organized too!    
Supplies now look like this....                                         even though delivered like this....                                       

                                                  

HOORAY!!!

     So whether you need to change your expectations (reorganize your mind), change your way of doing things (reorganize processes), or change your storage solutions (reorganize your environment), try it! You don't have anything to lose. Every little piece of mind that you can add to your peace of mind goes a long way towards quality of life, no matter what your medical situation!

Happy reorganizing!

Tip #427 Emergency Eventualities; Emergency Sheets 101

     So you're home recovering from severe trauma or illness (or you've brought your loved one home), you're tired, and want to have a vacation from this segment of life - and all of a sudden you're facing an emergency. Dealing with health emergencies are scary and inconvenient at the best of times, and now here you are at the worst of times having to face it anew. If this is the case, taking the time (and energy) to make an emergency plan, and preparing a few things ahead of time can be a wonderful energy and time saver later. Trust me, I've done this more than a few times, and it is always better to spend a little bit of time before the crisis rather than a lot of time in the crisis and after the crisis be you caregiver or patient.
      The "Emergency Eventualities" category is new as of tonight as I realized that there are so many things that can easily be done to be more prepared, but aren't often intuitive unless you've been down this road a few times before. I think if I had to pick just one thing to have prepared for emergencies I would say "Emergency" or "911" Sheets.  Put these sheets on the fridge or hang them on the wall by your bedside; somewhere anyone can access them easily for you (and is out in the open). Here are my suggestions regarding the content of the sheets (it looks like a lot, but I'm wordy and "detail-y: again - it won't take you too long to do this).
First Page 

• Write in red marker (or printer ink) "911" or "Emergency" on the top half of a blank sheet of paper. Everyone can find it then, and that's a good thing. 
• On the bottom half, have step-by-step instructions for the person using the sheets. Some of the instructions may sound silly or too fourth-grader-ish, but remember that people are often nervous in a crisis, or nervous because they're worried about you. So, keep it simple. For instance:Dial 911.  

1. Ask for an Ambulance. 
2. For: John Doe
3. The address: 4444 Something Avenue, Suite 16, Timbuktu (and list whether farm or apartment, house, etc)
4. Nearest cross street (sometimes they ask, sometimes they don't)
5. State the problem (now, if you know the reasons you would need to call 911 you can list them here, or you can just leave this space (after problem) blank for the one calling in.
6. Other health conditions (list the most important/relevant ones here. They don't need to know about nosebleeds and hemorrhoids. Keep it relevant and simple: cared for at home due to brain injury/malnutrition/heart condition, etc)

Note Ask anyone who may be calling 911 for you (caregivers, family, but probably not the pizza delivery man) to read through the instructions so as to clarify anything they are concerned about prior to any emergency.

Also, note that the caller will have to answer questions posed by the 911 operator such as "Is the person in crisis unconscious, or confused,"or "are they having chest pain?" and other such questions that should be fairly obvious and easy to answer in the moment. As an aside, at this point I'd like to share a laugh with you (note:  I am alive today because of the amazing 911 responses and I am very grateful for them - but I still think it's funny, and mean no disrespect :).  The fun part is that I have called 911 for myself on several occasions, and a few times now I have been asked if I am conscious. I hope so! If not, I am a walking miracle!! I've done some cool stuff in my life, but never so amazing as to be unconscious and still having a conversation with a 911 operator (which I might add includes providing information that has thus far always resulted in successfully directing them to my house)! The relevance here: some of the 911 operators read off questions from a list. Try not to take offence - it has nothing to do with you.

The Following page(s) (have a few copies of this section so that you can easily give 1 to the paramedics, 1 to the triage nurse at the hospital, 1 for the physician that will see you, and a spare for yourself to make answering their questions easier for you).

• Identifiers:Your name, Date of Birth, Health Card Number (and health card number version code for those of you in Ontario), and any relevant insurance policy numbers.
• Emergency Contact Numbers Who they are to call with respect to next of kin. If there is a cell phone number that's wonderful. Include an alternate person as well.
• Particulars Your weight (useful for calculating doses), and age 
• Medical History What conditions/diseases/disorders you have such as diabetes, a heart murmur, cancer, irritable bowel, etc.).
• Drug Allergies - and any other serious allergies you may have.
• Hydration/nutrition - This is meant for those who are on an IV (intravenous) or feeding tube regularly. List the rates and amounts.
• Current medications Include the name (nexium), the strength (40mg), and the frequency (morning and bedtime)
• Last Doses This is rarely necessary, but if you have recurrent maladies - infections for example, the last time you were on antibiotics this year is important. If it's procedures instead, list the last time those procedures occurred.
• Medical Team Members Names and phone/fax numbers of your family physician, specialists, home-care case manager, etc.
• Update Include the date of the last time you updated the sheets. I recommend each month, but if not much changes in that month then perhaps every 2 months should be the goal. I also suggest that you make extra copies each time you update to give to the non-emergent medical team members (like the dietician, physiotherapist, etc). It's handy for their records, and saves you time and energy too.

     I know this may seem like a lot of work, especially considering that you can't exactly be sure that you will be going in to the emergency, or that the sheets will be necessary for each of the additional medical team members. However, it really doesn't take that long, and if you do go in, it may be harder to think of all of that info while at the hospital (without the bottles to look at, the specialist's name that you hardly ever call, etc). If you keep a sheet for yourself each time too, you have the numbers you need at hand in the emergency room, and, miracle of miracles... when you are able to give these sheets to the medical professionals, you don't have to go through the same routine of verbally going over and over the info in that time frame, or at least not in as great detail. So much easier!!!!

    I hope that you try this. Even if you never use it, to me it is like the boy scout mantra; be prepared. Why? If it can save you loads of stress in a crisis, repetition during the mundane, and safety in an emergency. So why not? 

Happy Preparing!