A child having a severe allergic reaction to peanut butter in the classroom, a diabetic whose blood sugar drops and becomes confused or passes out, a heart patient taking Coumadin who has just been in an automobile accident; these are just a few people who would benefit from wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace according to recommendations in recent statements by institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health.

Each year, about 10,000 seniors die from injuries sustained in a fall. Additionally, one in three Americans over age 65 years experiences a fall each year. As an individual ages, the body experiences changes in vision, balance, bone density and muscle mass. In addition, older adults are more likely to take prescription medication, which can cause side effects such as blurred vision or loss of balance.

One-third of falls in older adults are a result of tripping over hazards in the home. Safety measures to prevent falls include:

Hallways and Walkways:

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in roughly 111 children from certain testing sites across America have a form of autism. This includes classic autism, pervasive development disorder and Asperger’s syndrome. Just one year later, researchers showed that one in every 91 American children is on the autism spectrum. This developmental disorder is growing at such a rapid pace that medical personnel are shocked, and studies have proven that closely spaced pregnancies have played a part in this phenomenon.

For those of you unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), it is a neurological or brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking ability. Eventually, the disease progresses to the point that a person can’t carry out basic, everyday tasks. Mostly, symptoms of AD appear after age 60; however, AD can also affect younger patients in early-onset cases. Researchers believe that the disease may begin affecting a patient 10-20 years before symptoms are noticeable.

What is the #1 safety precaution if you are taking a blood thinner? A medical identification bracelet. It’s a simple, but effective intervention that all patients should consider.

If you are currently taking a blood thinner, your doctor has probably recommended it to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. Common blood thinners include: Coumidin, Plavix and Warafin, although blood thinners are marketed under a variety of different pharmaceutical names. In general, they are all considered anticoagulants because they can prevent clotting in the arteries and the veins. They are important and life saving medications.

Before deciding to undergo any sort of medical procedure, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully with the aid of a licensed physician. Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, is no exception. Any elective surgery comes with its own pros and cons. Although weight loss surgery has the potential to change your life for the better, serious complications are always a possibility. Obesity-related health conditions are often reduced after losing weight, but surgery may not be the right step. Weigh your options before deciding that bariatric surgery is right for you.

The decline of smoking in America has leveled out, according to CNN Health. From 24.1 percent in 1998 to 19.8 percent in 2007, the decline was well underway, but in 2008 and 2009, the numbers remained relatively unchanged. But the positive is that the percentage of American smokers in 1965 was more than 40 percent, much higher than in recent times. This successful decline was a result of endeavors like anti-smoking campaigns, tobacco product price increases and the simple fact that smoking became socially unacceptable.

Diabetes is a modern epidemic. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), over 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes. The ADA classifies diabetes as “a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.” This can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, nerve damage (pain and numbness), kidney failure, amputation, and vision problems or even blindness.

1. Diabetes and Major Emergencies: How to Prepare
   Important items to keep on hand and in your emergency kit when you have diabetes can include the following: extra insulin and syringes or pens, contact numbers for family and close friends and a medical alert bracelet.
   Source: Joslin Diabetes Center
2. 7 Stroke Symptoms and Key Actions To Take
   Like a heart attack, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
   Source: Johns Hopkins
3. In Women, Diabetes Plus Depression a Deadly Combo
   Women suffering from both diabetes and depression have a greater risk of dying, especially from heart disease.
   Source: Archives of General Psychiatry

The Joslin Diabetes Center is an affiliation of Harvard Medical School with the goal of beating diabetes through cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to clinical care and education. For over 100 years their work has been at the forefront of diabetes research and education.

As a leader in educating people with diabetes on how take care of themselves and look for a cure, we were excited to see  the Joslin Diabetes Center reinforce the Importance of Wearing a Medical Alert Bracelet.