Your Health, Your Story: Why Dr. Chakrabarti Recommends the Power of the Pen
In our upcoming episode of Searchlight Senior Spotlight on NSTV, we had the pleasure of interviewing a familiar face from Pembroke Primary Care.
Dr. Aniket Chakrabarti joined the show to share a piece of advice that is as simple as it is transformative: Seniors should keep a health journal.
In an era of high-tech patient portals and digital records, Dr. Chakrabarti’s suggestion is refreshingly grounded. He notes that it doesn’t need to be a fancy app or a complex system—a simple notebook will do the trick.
But why go back to basics? Here is why a health journal is becoming a must-have tool for seniors in our community.
More Than Just Paper: The Value of a Health Journal
Medical appointments can often feel like a whirlwind. Between checking vitals and discussing lab results, it’s easy to lose track of the small details that matter most. A journal acts as your "external brain," providing several key benefits:
Accuracy Over Memory: It’s hard to remember exactly when a specific symptom started or how often a dull ache occurs. Writing it down in real-time ensures your doctor gets the most accurate data possible.
A Voice for Your Questions: We’ve all had that moment where we leave the doctor’s office and realize, "I forgot to ask about my prescription!" A journal allows you to jot down questions the moment they pop into your head.
Spotting Patterns: By tracking daily habits like sleep, mood, or reactions to new foods, you and your doctor can identify trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Empowerment: Keeping a record puts you in the driver’s seat of your own care. It turns a passive appointment into a collaborative conversation.
What Should You Put in Your Journal?
Dr, Chakrabarti emphasizes that there are no "wrong" entries, but if you’re looking for a place to start, try including these three categories:
Daily Observations - Energy levels, changes in appetite, or quality of sleep.
Symptom Tracker - When did it start? What does it feel like? What makes it better or worse?
The "Parking Lot"- A space for questions about new medications, specialists, or health news you’ve read.
Getting Started is Simple
The beauty of this advice is its accessibility. You don’t need to be a writer or a tech expert.
Grab a Notebook: Any notebook will do—spiral-bound, a composition book, or even a small pocket diary.
Keep it Handy: Leave it on your nightstand or by your favorite chair so it’s easy to reach.
Bring it to the Clinic: This is the most important step! Bring your notebook to your next visit.
As Dr. Chakrabarti shared on Searchlight Senior Spotlight, your health is a narrative. By keeping a journal, you ensure that every chapter is documented, and every concern is heard.
