A health summary card is a small, powerful tool that can help in emergencies or routine care. It’s a short document you keep in your wallet or phone that lists key medical information.

At minimum, include your name, date of birth, emergency contact, and any major diagnoses (like diabetes, heart disease, asthma). Add current medicines with doses, and any serious allergies – especially drug, food or latex allergies.

If you have implants (like pacemakers, stents) or past major surgeries, noting them is useful. You don’t need long descriptions; just clear names and approximate dates.

In emergencies, when you may not be able to speak for yourself, this card helps healthcare workers act quickly and safely. Even in regular appointments, it saves time and reduces the risk of forgetting important details.

Updating it every few months, or whenever your medicines change, keeps it relevant. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in critical moments.