Health Journal Helps People Take Control Of Their Health Journey
Diane E. Johnson is the creator of Diane’s Medical and Dental Health Journal. Photo obtained via www.dianesjournals.com.
Diane E. Johnson created Diane’s Medical and Dental Health Journal, a comprehensive way for people to document their health journey.
Johnson is very family-oriented. When her oldest son told her and her husband that he was infected with HIV in 1986, they took action. On doctor’s visits, she took a ledger pad and filled it with notes so when she went back to the doctor’s office with him she could understand what they were talking about. She ended up filling up two pads with information. Those notes would be the spark to create the health journal.
Johnson knew the medical journal would be able to help other people, so she published it in 2008. It took Johnson a year and a half to complete the journal. Diane’s Medical and Dental Health Journal has five sections: Medical, dental, family history, prescriptions and notes. In the medical section, there is space so people can record the information given by the doctor, as well as a place to write vital signs. In the dental section, there are lines that people can use to ask questions during their doctor’s appointments. In the family history section, people can write down diseases people have had in their families. In the prescription section, there are spaces for people to write down what medication they are taking.
Johnson also encourages people to write on their pill bottles what the prescription is for. The note section is important because as Johnson says, “if you write it down, then it’s history.” Johnson also encourages people to find out about their DNA and family history. She ended up getting the journal placed in 15 Walgreens stores. The first Walgreens store was the one in Hyde Park.
Johnson credits the Private Small Business Society with helping her create her platform for Diane’s Medical and Dental Journal. It helped her create her e-book, her website and has helped her further promote her book. While people wanted a digital version of the journal, people have gotten back into writing in journals. Johnson said it is important for people to take control of their health journey because it empowers people.
“It’s not the doctor who tells you what to do, it’s you telling the doctor what to do for you. He can give you the medication, he can prescribe tests; those things can save your life, but you have to speak up,” she said.
Diane’s Medical and Dental Health Journal is in its third edition. The first edition was Johnson’s personal journal that she kept for herself, her husband and her sons. The second edition was in the Walgreens stores. The third edition has been revised and is available for purchase on the website: dianesjournal.com.
Johnson said there have been many positive responses to the journal. A lot of the feedback is around the three questions, and they appreciate that it is a comprehensive journal. Most people who have purchased the book have purchased another book for their family members. On the website, there also are blogs about different health conditions, as well as the sections that are in the journal.
Latest Stories
- CTU Gathers with Faith-based Leaders to Highlight Recent Tentative Agreement Wins for Students and Educators
- COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER KISHA MCCASKILL TAKES CENTER STAGE AS SOUTH SUBURBAN COMMUNITY UNITES FOR A GREENER FUTURE
- RICH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR CALVIN JORDAN LEADS HEARTWARMING SPRING CELEBRATION FOR HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES WITH “EASTER JAMBOREE” CELEBRATION
- Local Musician’s Career Spans 50 Years
- Have Questions About Money? The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Can Help
Latest Podcast
STARR Community Services International, Inc.
