Did you know that food allergy affects 12 million Americans, or one in 25 people? Did you know there is something you can do to help raise awareness of food allergy and the effect it has on a community?

American Medical ID is doing just that this Saturday morning…rain or shine! We are participating as Bronze Sponsor at our local FAAN: Walk for Food Allergy in Houston, Texas. With a lot of hard work and dedication, we have a team of 41 people that will be walking to support this wonderful organization and cause. Here is a link to the 2009 walk locations. I bet there is one near you in the coming weeks: http://is.gd/39C6n.

If anyone resides in Houston, TX we would love for you to drop by our booth to say hello. If you can’t make it by the booth, you will easily be able to spot us in our company t-shirts we had created especially for this event. Also, stay tuned for pictures and maybe even videos we will take during and after the walk.

For more information about the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, please visit their site at: www.foodallergy.org

Also, please remember that if you or a loved one has a food allergy you should wear a medical ID bracelet or medical ID necklace.

Carthy Picton

American Medical ID

Marketing

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