HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise:

Three hours from home, my 64-year-old husband ended up in an emergency room with horrible pains, cold chills and nausea. He called me on his cellphone and told me the name of the town, but was too ill to even go to the desk and find out the name of the hospital. Getting phone numbers from information, I finally found out where he was, only to be shut out of getting any information because of the patient-privacy law (HIPAA). Was he having a heart attack? Was he dying? They would not tell me. Fortunately, it turned out to be only a violent stomach virus.

As a result of this frightening episode, we now have copies of our health directives, HIPAA access forms and medical information in clearly marked envelopes. Every person, including teens, should have a written, signed, witnessed directive as to what he or she wants done in case of emergencies, including who can be informed. No next of kin should be denied access to a loved one's health status because of paperwork! A copy should also be in your files at your primary-care doctor's office.

Jan L., Bella Vista, Ark.

Jan, thank you for sharing your scary experience so others don't have to go through this.

Dear Heloise:

I also save the plastic bags from the delivered newspaper. I keep a few in my car and slide one over my hand when I pump gasoline to keep the germs and odor off my hands. It works!

Deborah, Fairfax Station