At American Medical ID we always try to be aware of what is going on in the news and more importantly, we try to recognize important events and holidays. Well, the second week in November was quite a busy one full with many important happenings and events!

First and foremost we would like to formally recognize Veterans Day and extend our most sincere appreciation to all of the Veterans of our nation. For information, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs site at: www.va.gov.

Also, here is a great link to a National Geographic article that explains what Veterans Day is, who it is for and why it is always November 11^th. There are some great pictures of Arlington National Cemetery. Click here: http://is.gd/4Tuc0

Did you know this week was also National Nurse Practitioner Week? We would also like to thank all the Nurse Practitioners that are the primary care providers of choice for many patients and many of our customers.

To find a Nurse Practitioner or to learn more about the services they provide, click here: http://www.npfinder.com/.

Finally, we would like to remind everyone that this Saturday, November 14^th is World Diabetes Day. According to www.WorldDiabetesDay.org, the purpose of this campaign is to promote awareness of diabetes and to help all those responsible for diabetes care to understand this condition.

As you can see, several major events occurred this week. Please take a moment to recognize the importance of all three.

Carthy Picton
American Medical ID
Marketing

I was an avid watcher of Army Wives when it premiered. Then life got the better of me and I just couldn’t keep up.  Many of my co-workers were much more diligent than I.  So when it was mentioned to me that the topic of diabetes was worked into the latest several episodes, my interest was renewed and I made a concerted effort to tune in.

To summarize, Kim Delaney’s character, Claudia Joy goes in for tests after a bad car accident and is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  Her doctor discusses the seriousness of diabetes, all the risks involved and proper management through insulin, monitored blood glucose levels and diet. We see her go through a range of emotions until another person with diabetes helps her come to terms with her condition.   

It’s refreshing to see an honest, educational portrayal of the seriousness of diabetes.  In addition, the inclusion of the importance of wearing a medical ID is wonderfully portrayed in episode 14, (Air Date: 09/13/09 chapter 1) when Claudia Joy’s husband takes the initiative to protect her by giving her a beautiful medical ID bracelet. Although Claudia Joy rebuffs the bracelet initially, by the end of the episode (chapter 4) she reconsiders and puts the ID on.

It truly is important to know that besides treating diabetes effectively through proper medical care a successful treatment program should include wearing a medical ID. Great job Lifetime!  (Oh, in case you were wondering… yes, the medical ID is our very own Premier Bracelet.  Nice choice Michael!).

Andrea Rucker
American Medical ID

It’s that time of year! Our kids are heading back to school and there is so much to do! I am sure many of you are scrambling to get your last minute supplies and new clothes before that first day.

We know it’s easy to get wrapped up in the simple things but there are many important things you can’t overlook before you send your child off. When searching for relevant and interesting information to include in our weekly Health Briefs, we couldn’t help but notice all of the awesome tips we have come across to help us prepare and most importantly, to keep our children safe when they start school.

Here is a quick list of some of the best advice we have found:

- About 3% of kids have food allergies so you should do the following:

· Make a plan and get a letter from your child’s doctor that outlines the allergies

· Meet with the school nurse to develop an Individualized Health Plan (IHP)

- Have your child’s vision screened annually

- Make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date

- If your child receives medication on a regular basis for diabetes, asthma or any other chronic condition, make sure your child’s teachers and nurse are aware of your child’s needs

This list goes on and on and we encourage you to take a quick look at the two articles listed below for a more comprehensive list of these important notes:

- The Ultimate Back-to-School Health Checklist by New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital: http://is.gd/2qEkl

- Food Allergies go Back to School Too, by HealthyHouston Kids http://is.gd/2qEle

Please remember that if your child has any allergies or a chronic disorder such as asthma or diabetes, a medical ID will help communicate their needs in an emergency situation while away at school.

Carthy Picton

American Medical ID

Marketing

Did you know that more than 23.6 million people have diabetes? Did you know that by 2025 an estimated 50 million people will be living with diabetes?

These facts are startling and it is for reasons like these that we feel strongly about supporting the hire of a National Diabetes Coordinator. Here is what our very own Rick Russell, President & CEO of American Medical ID, had to say about this issue:

“American Medical ID supports establishment of the office of National Diabetes Coordinator. It would represent an important step toward confirming our commitment to fight the already unacceptable rate of growth in diabetes cases. The sheer numbers of the newly diagnosed dictate the need for greater leadership and coordination as we attempt to respond, as a nation, to what is becoming a national health care crisis.”

What can you do to help? It’s easy! Click here to sign the petition in support of this cause: http://www.ncdp.com/programs/current/petition.aspx#1.

Now you can make a difference and have your voice heard on one of our nation’s leading healthcare problems.

Also, remember that if you have diabetes, wearing a medical ID bracelet or medical ID necklace could help save your life!

Carthy Picton

American Medical ID

Marketing

Going away to college and living on your own can be a scary, overwhelming experience.  Especially if you’ve always had parents and a support system to help you with your type 1 diabetes; leaving that behind can definitely make the trek to college that much more terrifying.

Each fall, 2.3 million freshmen enroll in institutes of higher education in the U.S. Of these, an estimated 7,700 will have type 1 diabetes.  New students affected by diabetes don’t have to be afraid of their health care and educational needs as they adjust to college life if they plan ahead and have a game plan once they arrive. 

Some tips before leaving for college:

§  Meet with your primary care provider or endocrinologist before heading to college. Such a meeting enables the clinician to review all aspects of your medical care and will help educate you about some issues that you may not have already considered

§  Contact the college’s health facility to set up an introductory appointment  once you arrive on campus

§  Transfer your prescriptions

§  Make a check list to ensure you have all of the supplies needed to manage you diabetes while at school

§  Get a medical ID

Once at school:

§  It is highly recommended to discuss your diabetes with people that can help you if an emergency arises;  your roommate(s), resident advisor, professors, close friends

§  Create a list of emergency contact information

§  Make an early trip to the cafeteria where you plan to eat most of you meals. Ask the food service to post or provide nutritional information if available

With preparation, a plan and support, you should be able to effectively make the transition.  Best of luck and have the best time of your life in college!

For more great tips and an inside look at one college graduates recommendations and experience, read blogger and advocate Allison Blass’ post http://www.diabetesmine.com/2009/07/on-your-own-now-off-to-college-with-the-big-d.html.

Andrea Rucker

Marketing Manager

American Medical ID