Some of the rewards of reading your own medical records are obvious. It's the best proven way to make sure the doctor understands everything you've tried to communicate to him or her, and vice versa. Still, many are reluctant to take the step of requesting their own records, as if they're prying into a secret space not intended for their access.

Now, though, there's new scientific evidence for the benefits of getting and reading your records. That's a special thrill for me, as it validates advice I've been giving for a long time. Step One of the nine steps listed in my book, The Life You Save, advises readers to get and read your own medical records. But why, you say? Read on for enlightenment.

In This Issue:

- The "Adherence" Problem, and a Simple Solution

- Don't Worry about Information Overload

- Getting and Reading Your Own Records

- Check Out OurPrevious Tips