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Electronic health records (EHRs) started as way for doctors to organize their records, make ordering more convenient, reduce repetitive tasks, reduce errors caused by bad writing and so on. However, the physician side of EHRs has been somewhat slow to catch on because of the huge barriers to entry, such as converting existing records, changing the way documentation gets done and the cost of implementing a comprehensive system. Recent government financial incentives are boosting acceptance of the MD office-based EMR.

On the consumer side, some of the same issues have hindered large scale adoption of EHRs. First of all, it takes a long time to input the information and secondly, the record is only useful if it is kept up to date, placing a lot of pressure on people to manage the information correctly. However, as technology has improved, especially with mobile applications that make it easy for the user to retreive and enter data, the use and value of EHRs for consumers has grown.

Most families keep some kind of health records, even if it’s just copies of medical reports. Unfortunately, that kind of recordkeeping isn’t all that helpful when you’re in a doctor’s office and you can’t remember when you got your last tetanus shot. Storing information electronically can improve accuracy, provide information where you need it, when you need it and allow you to analyze yours or your family’s health. But how do you choose a record keeping system to use?

Frankly, we think that there’s still quite a long way to go in this area and none of the record keeping systems do everything that we’d like. But, there are some excellent programs out there. We have selected twelve recordkeeping systems that we liked the most and explained why we think so.

(1) HealthVault

Microsoft has made a huge investment in their personal health record program and it shows. Their system offers an extensive recordkeeping system, the opportunity to create family records and links to many other applications that enhance the value of your information. Through HealthVault’s “ecosystem” of connected, patient-friendly applications, you can store copies of your health records; upload information from health and fitness devices; provide information to your doctor, coach or therapist; and access products and services. We think that Microsoft is leading the pack in this area.

We love the device integration, the tab that gives you a history of the changes that have been made and the tab that allows you to select who you will share information with. However, Microsoft is so busy promoting its affiliates that it’s hard to figure out how you as an individual user can enter data. They also use some overly technical language such as “continuity of care” documents that are quite confusing. Interestingly, there’s no real emphasis on prevention tools and that’s a big gap, in our opinion. They also need a crumb trail; we thought we saw some prevention management tools at one point, but could never find our way back to the same page!

(2) Google Health

Google is another major player that has invested a lot of time and money into their EHR. Their record is quite comprehensive with lots of dropdown menus. We found, however, that the menus weren’t always complete enough so they can create confusion. This program can link to small group of other databases. If yours is listed, it’s great. For example, if you belong to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, you can directly import the last two years of your medical information, saving time and improving accuracy.

There are many applications you can link to that help manage medications, find clinical trials, convert paper records, get coordination assistance, link your record to doctor’s office and more. This EHR is easy to use and contains lots of management tools but it still feels quite “young “in its evolution. Once again, not much emphasis on prevention or, if there is, it’s not obvious.

(3) Health Minder

This is a great EHR system! It’s very comprehensive, covering not just the basics but includes medical expense and claims tracking, pet medical history, family history, smoking, exercise, lifestyle issues, observations (so you can make a note when you experience something different and track what you are worried about), reminders, job related risks, environmental issues and more. The system is very easy to use. It does not have the linking and expanded apps opportunities available through the biggies such as Google and Microsoft but it’s more comprehensive and easier to use. Apparently other organizations agree because it’s won quite a few awards. It costs $35 annually.

(4) My Healthe Vet

The VA really got it right with this online personal health record. This well designed system not only includes all of the usual health tracking options, vets can also refill prescriptions electronically, access benefit information and do research on their conditions.

(5) Health Manager

This offering from the Mayo Clinic works with Microsoft HealthVault and gives you advice from Mayo Clinic experts when you need it. Recommendations are created just for you and updated in response to your health information. The more complete your profile, the more tailored your recommendations become, making it easier for you to proactively maintain your health. This is a great marriage of Microsoft’s database function and Mayo Clinic’s diagnostic expertise.

(6) Cloud PHR Pro

Cloud PHR Pro is the paid version of Cloud PHR. You may or may not need the paid version; we just like what this mobile application does for you. There are a lot of mobile PHR apps being promoted; we like this one best. The Pro version gives you the option of caching your data, allowing you browse your health record in a doctor’s office without Wi-Fi or cellular service. The user interface is also improved, with faster load times and a more readable display of health information. Profiles can be assigned pictures, allowing you to manage your family’s health information in a more natural way. Whether you use the free or paid version, this mobile app brings information where you need it.

(7) AccessMyRecords.com

This EHR takes a somewhat different approach. Their system is designed to collect information that can be used in an emergency or in a doctor’s office. The scope of information is much greater. You are able to upload documents such as your will or trust, passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, transcripts, homeowners, automobile and life insurance policies, real estate closing documents, and more. You are issued a card that gives EMS or other helpers the ability to access your data.

There are a number of these kinds of offerings including those that put info on a microchip in a bracelet or on a memory stick that you wear around your neck. We thought this group was unusual and interesting in that it added proxies and other information that can be very relevant in an emergency situation. The service costs $30 per individual; $50 per couple; add children at $20 each.

(8) GlobalPatientRecord

In addition to the usual health information, this EHR also provides a central location for all legal information, such as living will, power of attorney and Do Not Resuscitate information, emergency contacts information, reminders of future check-ups, medical history and is also available as a mobile application. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the demo to work and the site makes it a bit difficult to know how to sign up.

(9) myMediConnect

This is one of several EHRs that eliminates the problem of getting all that information loaded. You can add your own info or pay to have the service add the information for you. This record keeping system is very comprehensive and interactive, including prescription reminders, health savings calculator, health education, and links with Microsoft HealthVault. Sign up is free but retrieval services can be expensive.

(10) CheckUp

This EHR is fairly comprehensive, as well, with the addition of automatic risk assessments. We liked the way this system handled information but found that it is very standalone with no integration with any other applications.

(11) MedsFile.com

This free system looked good but we couldn’t access the demo so we couldn’t test it very well. The EHR stores lists of medications, supplements, allergies, emergency contacts, immunizations, personal and family history, procedures and surgeries and emergency contacts. You receive a card that allows MDs or EMTs to access files from your cell phone.

(12) My Health Diary

This EHR is actually dedicated to issues related to blood such as donations and AIDS. And it has a very nice personal health record system. You can create charts of your clinical investigations including blood pressure and blood sugar readings, all types of clinical tests, treatments, diagnosis and medical images with the ability to access reports & data online. There are some excellent health calculators available here as well. It’s an interesting product with a lot of information but doesn’t seem well integrated.

In summary, you can gain a lot of insight into your health by using an EHR and remain in better control of your information. Don’t get sick without one!

Around 1.5 percent of women are likely to develop ovarian cancer at some stage of their life. It is less common than breast cancer but is considered as the most serious and fatal of all gynecological cancers.

The reason for this is that the cancer is usually advanced before it is diagnosed, making treatment difficult. The ovaries cannot be easily examined and, because the warning signs are unclear, late diagnosis is common.

Because of the lack of screening tests available, it is imperative to know the early symptoms and the possible risk factors.

Understanding ovarian cancer

The ovaries are two small organs that are a part of the female reproductive system and they are situated each side of the uterus. These ovaries contain germ cells that become eggs which are released when the woman menstruates.

They also produce estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that adjust the menstrual cycle and have an effect on the growth of breasts and body hair as well as affecting the development of the female body shape.

What types of tumors are there?

This normally happens in an organised manner but occasionally they grow abnormally and form a growth that we know as a tumor.

This tumor may be benign or it may be malignant. If it is benign, it is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor, on the other hand, is cancerous and will often spread, making mestastases or secondary cancers.

Ovarian cancer is malignant and can occur in either one or both of the ovaries. There are three main groups that are related to the cells where the cancer starts.

Epithelial ovarian cancer, as its name implies, grows in the epithelium which is the surface of the ovary. It is the most common and accounts for around 90 percent of ovarian cancer. It mainly affects post menopausal women.

Another kind of epithelial tumor is a borderline tumor which grows much more slowly than its regular counterpart. These can normally be removed successfully even if diagnosed at an advanced stage.

There is a very rare form of ovarian cancer called germ cell ovarian cancer that starts in the cells that develop into eggs. This only accounts for about 5 percent of ovarian cancers and usually occurs only in women under 30.

The other five percent of ovarian cancers are generally sex-chord stromal cell ovarian cancer that affects the ovary cells responsible for female hormones. It can affect women of all ages.

Who is at risk of getting ovarian cancer?

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but there are some risk factors that have been identified through research. Although having these risk factors may increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer, they do not mean that you will necessarily get the disease. However, knowledge of these risk factors can be helpful. If you are concerned by having any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional.

Factors that may increase your risk of ovarian cancer include:

Age- Around 90 percent of ovarian cancers affect women over 40.

Cultural background – Caucasian women in western society have higher rates of ovarian cancer than African or Asian women.

Number of pregnancies – Women who have never been pregnant appear to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Family history – Between 5 and 10% of ovarian cancers are genetic. Researchers believe that the genes responsible for breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are involved in almost all cases of familial ovarian cancer as well as familial breast cancer. It is also thought that these same damaged genes may be responsible for some endometrial and colon cancers. If you are genetically predisposed to any ovarian, breast, endometrial or colon cancers, you may have an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer.

Infertility and taking fertility drugs – Women who have had fertility drugs may be at a higher risk although infertility itself is a risk factor so this cannot be taken as a clear indication.

Hormone Replacement Therapy – The use of estrogen only HRT which is usually when you have had a hysterectomy, has been identified as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer, particularly if you have been on this therapy for over ten years.

Lifestyle factors – Obesity is a risk factor associated with ovarian cancer as is a diet that is high in fat.

Can I reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?

Currently, there are no known procedures to prevent or detect early ovarian cancer but there are ways to reduce the risks. Some of these are:

Oral contraceptives – Research has found that the use of oral contraceptives can cut the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 60 percent if taken for a period of five years during your life.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Breastfeeding delays ovulation after childbirth and therefore decreases your risk of ovarian cancer. However, there is no guarantee that breastfeeding will stop you from developing ovarian cancer.

Enjoy a low fat diet – A high fat diet has been identified as a risk factor in ovarian cancer. Therefore, it makes sense to stick to a low fat diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tubal ligation or hysterectomy – These operations are only performed with a valid medical reason but it is believed that they both reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

People with a strong family history of ovarian cancer may opt to speak to a genetic counselor that can assess whether you are at risk of developing the disease. If your family history suggests the damaged genes associated with ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer, it may be wise to have genetic testing. If these tests show the damaged BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, you may be refe.rred to a gynecological oncologist to consider ways to reduce your risk.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer

Because there is no screening test available for ovarian cancer, it is recommended that you have a regular pelvic vaginal checkup to see if there are any changes in your ovaries. It is also vital that you consult your healthcare specialist if you notice any possible signs of this illness. Because the symptoms are often common to many other medical conditions, diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be difficult

However, if you have any of the following symptoms that are unusual for you and that persist for more than a week, see your doctor without delay.

Some symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Stomach discomfort of pain in the pelvic area

Persistent nausea or wind.

Feeling constantly bloated or ‘full’.

Unexplained weight gain.

Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Bowel changes

Frequency or urgency in urination

Lethargy.

Pain during intercourse.

Unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Sometimes, ovarian cancers are wrongly diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or menopause so if you are concerned, ask to be referred to a gynecological oncologist who can order tests to rule out ovarian cancer. It is rare that these symptoms will be ovarian cancer but if it is, early detection gives an excellent chance of survival.

Diagnosing ovarian cancer

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, you will be referred to a gynecological oncologist who will organize tests which may include any or all of the following:

An internal pelvic examination.

Blood tests

Chest and stomach x-rays.

A barium enema to rule out bowel problems

Ultrasound scans

If the results show a likelihood of ovarian cancer, you will be recommended to have an operation to confirm the diagnosis (none of the abovementioned tests can be sure). During the operation, if the surgeon finds ovarian cancer, they will normally remove the cancer as well as the ovaries.

It is important to understand before the surgery that this may happen so learn all you can about your illness and the outcomes before the operation.

Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com and http://www.betterhealthshoppe.com which are both information portals with many interesting medical articles. She is also an associate of http://www.timzbiz.com which features many articles on internet marketing and resources.

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