The Health Log: A Parent’s Secret Weapon

They say a mother’s intuition is key – but a mother’s information may help you do the best job possible when advocating for your child.

A while back, I shared this medicine hack that was recently discovered by my much younger sister-in-law, who found it to be a game-changer for her and her friends. As I was discussing another parenting and medical idea with her, she encouraged me to share it with the BCP readers. Thanks, Tzipora, for being my cheerleader!

In my experience, navigating Western medicine requires us to be our own advocates.

Fortunately, with the convenience of urgent care centers and late hours, we often find ourselves in various medical offices with our children. However, this can also mean that no one is keeping track of our kids’ medical history for us.

That’s why I started a note on my phone called “The Family Health Log.” I listed my children’s names and underlined them, then created bullets for each medical episode, including the treatment and sometimes a brief note. This simple hack has helped me stay organized and informed, and I hope it can do the same for you.

This is a sneak peak at what a segment of my log looks like : 

[Child’s Name]

•⁠  ⁠March 16th, 2020: Strep (rapid positive) – Cephalexin for 10 days

•⁠  ⁠May 27th, 2020: Strep (overnight positive) – Amoxycillin (switched to Duricef after 4 days)

•⁠  ⁠Feb 25th, 2021: Toe infection – Cephalexin

•⁠  ⁠April 26th, 2021: Strep (positive after multiple cultures and behavioral issues) – Duricef

•⁠  ⁠July 15th, 2021: Toe infection – Duricef

This tool is especially valuable for young parents who travel frequently, perhaps between Eretz Yisroel, their childhood home for Bain Hazmanim, and their in-laws in another city. With their baby experiencing recurring ear infections in different locations, it can be challenging to keep track of treatments and dates.

This smart tool allows a responsible mom to maintain a detailed list of dates and treatments, making it easier to share with an ENT specialist and determine the best course of action. 

Here’s another example of how the Health Log proved helpful. My nine-year-old was complaining of frequent headaches, and I couldn’t quite pinpoint the cause. I decided to track the occurrences, jotting down the date and time in his Health Log whenever he mentioned a headache. After a few weeks, a pattern emerged: his headaches always seemed to occur on Sunday evenings. Armed with this insight, we made a few adjustments – we shifted his bedtime on Motzai Shabbos and added an extra water bottle to his Sunday backpack. The headaches significantly decreased. 

My camera roll has also been an empowering tracking tool, as long as it’s organized.

I learned from BCP to caption photos and I’ve created and labeled albums to monitor specific issues. For example, track your teen’s acne journey for a couple of months to identify which creams or medicines are most effective, and have photos readily available to share with their dermatologist. I’ve used this hack to track my son’s eczema journey, and it’s been incredibly helpful.

While playing the big sister role,

I’d like to share a tip that seemed obvious to me until a great-grandmother told me she wasn’t aware of it. When you or your child take antibiotics, try to wait 2–3 hours before giving probiotics or a yogurt/probiotic snack. Don’t stress if the timing isn’t perfect – even 1.5 hours can make a difference. Waiting 2–3 hours helps protect against diarrhea, upset stomach, diaper rash, and yeast infections caused by antibiotics.

Just a heads up, sometimes kids can throw up after taking antibiotics. If that happens, definitely check with your pediatrician, but I’ve heard that if it’s more than 30 minutes after the dose, it’s probably absorbed and you don’t need to worry about giving another one. Best to get their advice, though!

The last tip is one I’ve found incredibly helpful:

I often ask a doctor for permission to record or film a visit.

Here’s why. When I’m with my infant and we’re at the ENT for a procedure like a tongue clip, I can’t focus on the nurse’s instructions while tending to my screaming baby. By filming the exercises, I can review them later at a calmer time. Similarly, when I take a child to a specialist and am hit with a lot of information or options, it’s hard to retain everything to discuss with my spouse later. Recording the consult (with the doctor’s permission) or taking notes on my phone helps me process the information and make informed decisions. This is especially useful if I’m seeking a second opinion and want to compare perspectives.

I hope this share brings you and your family the same benefits it’s brought mine. Wishing you a winter filled with health, happiness, and fewer unexpected doctor visits!