That's personal!

How much information is too much? In today’s hi-tech world, personal identity has become a major concern. And while try to become more and more careful with who you share your information, it seems more and more companies are demanding it. Businesses all over have keyed in to your shopping habits on line and at the store with your key tags. It’s hard to buck the system when they promise such great savings for just a little bit of your personal information.

Many high tech companies, like Facebook and some cell phone makers, have been questioned recently about how much information they are getting, and where that information is going. Some cell phone applications record a history of where you go and the time of day you are there. Great for checking up on your elusive teenager, bad for criminals who want to learn your daily habits.

What about your health care provider? How much information do they need? The government has made some laws to protect the information you give your healthcare provider. Assuming they follow these rules, your information can not be sold or distributed without your approval. Not even to a family member or another medical provider. But does your eye doctor really need to know about your cholesterol problem? Or does your chiropractor need to document your cosmetic surgery? In general…yes.

While many health issues do not concern one another, there are many things that do, as well as treatments for those health issues. For some of us we become our own judge when deciding the important issues regarding our back pain or poor eye sight. But some problems and treatments do cross body regions. For example, did you know that certain cholesterol medications have shown to weaken and even cause rupture in ligaments. This is important when dealing with joint injuries. Medications alone have a long list of side effects that are made up of body aches and pains. And while you’re seeing your podiatrist for a bunion on your foot, that problem may lead to limping, which affects your hips and low back.

Generally people understand that medications can cause side effects, but your supplements may have some important unwanted side effects as well, especially with medications you might be prescribed or other treatment such as surgeries. Just because they may be all natural doesn’t mean they aren’t important to tell your doctor about.

In a day in age where identity theft is rampant and personal information is all too easily available, be sure that you aren’t hiding anything from your doctor. Let them decide if it’s relevant or not so they can make an educated diagnosis and treatment plan for you.  It’s not a bad idea to have your medical records shared between offices as well. As far as the computer goes, I wouldn’t trust your great uncle’s attorney in Somalia with your bank account number and pin, I’ve already been mailed the $50 million he left…I’m just waiting on it to get here.