Medical Alert Jewelry: A Life Saving Fashion Statement

No one really wants to be labeled as "different." And certainly, no one wants to create that label and apply it to him or herself. But many medical conditions require some form of identification indicating that such a condition exists and must be considered in the case of an emergency. Thus, millions of people with hundreds of medical conditions must advertise that fact simply to protect themselves. For many, jewelry is the chosen medium.

Fact: Up to 15% of the population of the United States could experience a life-threatening reaction to foods, drugs, insect bites or latex.

Fact: Many diabetics suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) have been mistakenly identified as being drunk.

Fact: Over 400 Americans die annually from an allergic reaction to penicillin.

Given these and many more related statistics, the need for proper medical identification is critical. But in an image conscious society, clunky bracelets or dog tags may offend the fashion sensibilities of some while the overt labeling of medical conditions may be threatening to others. That is why manufacturers of medical jewelry are looking for a balance between the necessity of clear communications and a desire for attractive accessorizing.

It would be easy to hide identification for a medical condition in a wallet or handbag but in an emergency a visible and obvious message will assist medical personnel to make fast and accurate assessments. Jewelry, by its nature, is an adornment designed to flatter and draw attention to its wearer. A 10KT or 14KT gold or sterling silver charm, pendant or locket that also spotlights medical data can be quite attractive while helping to avert a tragedy.

Teens can be especially sensitive to their appearance and to the opinions of other teens. They can also be more apt to take risks because of these concerns. A young diabetic or epileptic may be willing to compromise their safety by avoiding the use of identification, even in the form of attractive jewelry, if they feel it makes them look "un-cool." There are some jewelry pieces however that can gain the proper attention, if necessary, without appearing "dorky."

Delicate ankle bracelets with a dangling charm or a small engraved plate are very acceptable jewelry accessories for teen girls. Lovely beaded bracelets are also fun, decorative and fashionable and will complement any style rather than compete. Boys can also accessorize discretely with a sports wristband band or handsome watchband. These pieces can be as simple or elegant as the wearer wants and many manufacturers produce medical jewelry with a keen eye on fashion and style trends.

No one should be embarrassed or ashamed because they have a particular condition. That doesn't mean that they should be forced to broadcast that condition to the world by wearing identification that is unattractive and obvious. Medical personnel are trained to look for medical I.D. and jewelry, no matter how discreet, and these pieces will be one of the first places they will look for medical info. Anyone with medical issues has a responsibility to themselves and to their family to provide the information that will protect them if they are unable to properly communicate. But they can still look sharp at the same time!

About the author: J. Terrence McDermott is administrator and webmaster for http://www.prevamedic.com - a site featuring recommendations and resources for those seeking information about medical identification jewelry and devices. He can be reached at termcder@gmail.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


When Humor Hurts, When Humor Heals

For some, it's a familiar scenario. You've been sitting for... Read More

Fruits, Juices, and Food for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part II

Eating the right kind of food and following good eating... Read More

Eucalyptus: The Way to Smoother Breathing

The eucalyptus is a popular Australian remedy that was first... Read More

Fruits and Juices Important for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part I

Foods to AvoidChili Peppers It has been found that when... Read More

A 100% Drug Free Hemorrhoids Solution!

Did you know every year 25 Million people in the... Read More

Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass

Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential... Read More

ReFidolize: The Majic Missy Mix Includes Medicinal Mushrooms

Autoimmune disorders, lupus, Sjogrens, MS, IBS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia... Read More

5 Simple Steps For Ridding Yourself Of Back Pain

Millions of people suffer from back pain unnecessarily when there... Read More

10 Simple Ways to Naturally Increase Your Energy

1. Eat protein at every meal: One of the most... Read More

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils for Physical and Psychological Well-being

What is Aromatherapy?It is the practice of using volatile plant... Read More

Balancing the Light and Dark

Integrating my dark side was a fairly torturous process for... Read More

Shingles - A Virus Which Can Be Extremely Painful, Or Cleared In No Time - The Choice Is Yours

Shingles, commonly known as the herpes zoster virus is a... Read More

Have you Fed Your Good Bugs Today?

Most consumers have heard of probiotics and know that they... Read More

What Is A Holistic Practitioner?

Holistic Practitioners are holistic healing professionals with a gift in... Read More

Dandelions! This Common Weed is a Wonderful Spring Tonic

Those Glorious Dandelions! Taraxacum officinale (composite family)Spring is coming! Starting... Read More

Thyme: Elegance Drifting Through the Ages of Time

Thyme is a herb that has been cultivated for centuries... Read More

Healing Through Stories

Stories are powerful. How many times have you heard a... Read More

Urinary Tract Infections Helped with Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which... Read More

Holistic Methods: Color Therapy and Aura Soma in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The human body is recognized as a series of colors,... Read More

Some Tips on Stopping Smoking

Are you looking for tips on stopping smoking? And would... Read More

Stage Hypnosis Vs Hypnotherapy - Understanding The Difference

We've all seen them, right? The stage hypnotist, who makes... Read More

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is one of the most useful products... Read More

Disabilities Stuttering

There are many types of disablity. Would people class stuttering... Read More

Living with Aromatherapy

Places Suitable for Use of Aromatherapy Products: living room, bedroom,... Read More

Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Phantom Pain

Much of what goes on in our bodies is controlled... Read More

Chypre

EcologyChypre belongs to the evergreen plant family with needle-like leaves.... Read More

Do Magnets Work?

The scientific explanation behind magnet therapy is that the magnetic... Read More

Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to... Read More

Hypnosis Cures For Nail Biting

One little-thought-of application for hypnosis is to help people stop... Read More

Alternative Medicine is Holistic, Western Medicine is Reductionist

The major difference between alternative medicine, or what I'll call... Read More

Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine - Part 1

The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today... Read More

The Aromatherapy Home Medicine Chest ? Part I: The Essential Oils

Here we will have a brief look at ten essential... Read More

Plain Soap as a Natural Method of Infection Prevention

It is estimated that 80 percent of communicable illnesses are... Read More