Although participating in athletic activities is considered beneficial to your health, there is inherent physical risk in any athletic or sporting activity. A personal health record can literally be a life-saver in the event you need medical treatment during an athletic event or activity. Additionally, such a record may be used to qualify you for organized athletic events and training.
Function
A personal health record may be used in a physician's appraisal of your state of health. Such an appraisal is often mandatory before you can take part in organized athletic activities and training involving strenuous exercise. In school-level athletic activities, for example, a physician's appraisal based on a personal health history is typically mandated before an individual athlete is allowed to participate in the school sports program. A physician may also use a personal health history to advise an adult athlete about safe and appropriate athletic activities.
Content
According to a report in the "Journal of Adolescent Health Care," an athlete's personal health record should contain information about the appraised state of his cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal health and capabilities. Your personal health record, which may be held at your school or health care provider's office, should contain a cumulative, chronological medical history. Information about any allergies, health conditions requiring emergency treatment, and past hospitalizations should be included in the record.
Emergency Use
A personal health record may be used at specific athletic events, in the event that an individual athlete requires medical attention during or after the event. An article in the September 2010 issue of the "Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine" reports the use of basic electronic health records--entered into a system by the athletes themselves--at a running race event. In theory, electronic health data can be used to identify an athlete's medical history and any pertinent needs or allergies during a race. In practice, poor Internet connectivity and runners swapping bibs made this trial use of personal health records minimally effective.
Format
The most useful kind of personal health record for athletes includes a summary of past and present health status. Your personal health record should contain essential information in its most up-to-date format: your name, date of birth, blood type and emergency contact person; dates and types of any major illnesses, injuries or surgeries; dated results of any physical tests or screenings; your current medications, including dosages taken; a list of any chronic or long-term diseases; information about your known allergies; and a history of specific illnesses in your family.
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