In a recent episode of NBC’s ‘Parenthood’, Max decides he is tired of waiting to go to the museum after his parents break a promise to take him. He decides to make the bus, BART and walk trip by himself, creating panic within the family. This is frightening enough for any parent, but when the child has Asperger’s there is an entirely different level of concern due to the child having neither the usual respect for strangers nor a developed situational fear of danger that keeps most kids out of harm’s way.

Each year across the country, children and adults with autism spectrum disorders go missing from their families. Many of these events end with a happy reunion of family and friends who are relieved that everything is alright. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes the fear turns to grief and mourning for the family.

Max passed person after person on the street and no one helped him, or even understood that he needed help. The situation could have very easily escalated into something terrible and it shows just how important it is for each and every person to help build awareness in their community about autism spectrum disorders.

It is recommended that children who have autism spectrum disorders and who are prone to wandering, are non-verbal, or would have problems communicating during an emergency, wear medical ID bracelets or pendant. The child’s medical ID should include their name, their condition, and at least one emergency contact’s name and telephone number.

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:

• Make sure there are no extension or telephone cords in walk areas.
• Remove all shoes from the walkway.
• Install handrails in hallways and stairways.
• Make sure the walking surface is smooth, not slippery or uneven. Remove throw rugs.
• Don’t use the stairs as a place for putting items.

Living Areas:

• Make sure the area is well lit. Lamp switches should be easily reached without bending or reaching.
• Keep the floor area cleared of newspapers, toys and piles.
• In the kitchen and laundry area, make sure commonly used items are within easy reach.

In the Bathroom:

To prevent falls in the bathroom:

• Place a non-skid mat in the bathtub or shower.
• Install a grab-bar on the wall across from the toilet and in the shower or bath tub.
• Make sure items on cabinet shelves can be reached without a stool or a ladder.
• Install a raised toilet seat.

Outside the Home:

• Make sure sidewalks and driveways are free of cracks and uneven surfaces.
• Make sure these areas are well lit.
• Make sure there are no tools, rocks or other items left in walkways.
• Keep sidewalks and driveways clear of snow and ice.

In addition to taking these safety measures around the home, older adults can prevent falls by taking care of themselves. Tips include:

• Participate in any exercise program that can increase leg strength and balance.
• Review all prescription and nonprescription medicine with a physician or pharmacist. This will help eliminate any drug interactions that could cause loss of balance or blurred vision.
• Bad vision or problems with depth perception can contribute to falls. Because older adults most often wear glasses, it is important to make sure they have the right prescription.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet. In the event of a fall or emergency, medical professionals will be able to glean information about medical conditions, medicine allergies and contact information before providing treatment.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for 30 percent of adults age 65 and older who were injured in a bathroom fall in 2008, injuries resulted in a fracture. Of those 85 and older, 38 percent were hospitalized as a result of their injuries.

Consider this:

It is estimated by the American Heart Association that 1 in 3 adult men has some form of cardiovascular disease, whether in the early stages or more advanced. And, according to the American Diabetes Association, 11.8 percent of men 20 and older have diabetes. Older men may suffer from hypertension, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s, Emphysema and a host of other age disorders. Don’t let Dad fly under the radar; medical ID jewelry is the perfect gift as it alerts those around him of any medical conditions he has.

Before It’s Too Late:

In the event of an emergency situation like a heart attack, accident or illness, medical ID jewelry can make a world of difference. These essential ID tags alert medical professionals as to a person’s disorders, medicine allergies and contact information.  Medics can then provide treatment swiftly and without causing complications. Even if your Dad simply suffers from asthma or food allergies, medical ID jewelry may come in handy.

Medical ID jewelry is not sterile and unattractive, but rather quite stylish, especially for Dad’s with more discerning tastes. American Medical ID carries a line of bracelets, necklaces and sport bands sure to compliment your Dad’s style. You can choose from:

Classic Bracelets: Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver, 10Kt Gold-Filled, 10Kt and 14Kt Gold

Premier Bracelets: Sterling Silver, 10Kt Gold-Filled, 10Kt and 14Kt Gold

Charm Bracelets: Sterling Silver, 10Kt Gold-Filled, 14Kt Gold

Classic Necklaces: Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver, 10Kt Gold-Filled, 10Kt and 14Kt Gold

Medallions: Sterling Silver, 10Kt and 14Kt Gold

Pendants: Sterling Silver, 10Kt Gold-Filled, 10Kt and 14Kt Gold

Premier Necklaces: Sterling Silver, 10Kt Gold-Filled, 10Kt and 14Kt Gold

Expansion Wristbands: Gold-Tone Stainless Steel and Polished Stainless Steel

Sportbands: Stainless Steel bracelet plate on a nylon Sportband

Do Dad good this year and show him how much you care about his health by ordering an elegant piece of medical ID jewelry. Not only can you customize any piece, but it won’t drain your wallet. Jewelry pieces start at just $29.95. Engraving and custom sizing is included at no extra charge. To view American Medical ID’s line of sophisticated medical ID jewelry, visit www.americanmedical-id.com.

What is Blood Pressure?

First, you should understand what blood pressure readings measure. An individual’s blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes as it moves through the arteries. For most people, blood pressure levels vary throughout the day depending factors like activity level and stress level. An individual who has consistently high blood pressure readings is diagnosed with high blood pressure. A higher than normal blood pressure over time leads to damage to the heart, blood vessels and kidneys and may cause a heart attack or stroke.

What is a Blood Pressure Reading?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:

• Systolic, or the top number, is a measure of the level of pressure in the arteries as the heart beats.
• Diastolic, or the bottom number, is a measure of the level of pressure in the arteries between heart beats, when the heat is resting.
• A heart rate of 120/80 is expressed as a blood pressure of 120 over 80.

What Does My Reading Mean?

The American Heart Association set the blood pressure categories of risk:

• Less than 120/80 is considered a normal blood pressure reading
• A systolic reading of 120-139 or a diastolic reading of 80-89 is considered prehypertension
• A systolic reading above 140 or a diastolic reading above 90 is called hypertension
• A person with a reading above 180/110 is in need of emergency care

What Does it Mean if I Have High Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure reading in the prehypertension range typically does not warrant immediate action. Instead, a doctor will likely ask you to continue to regularly monitor your blood pressure levels at varying times of the day. Prehypertension may also be a sign that you should work to alleviate causes of high blood pressure, including being overweight, consuming excess sodium and drinking too much alcohol.

A consistent blood pressure reading in the hypertension level is likely to warrant treatment. Some patients work on changes to diet, personal habits and exercise to control high blood pressure, but medication may be needed if lifestyle changes do not work.

Medical records are often sufficient in an emergency, but sometimes it is best to go straight to the source for information. Online medical registries can also carry information about a client’s medical care team- doctors, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists and other caregivers. This information can be helpful if caregivers need more information prior to treatment.

In some emergencies or otherwise stressful situations, maintaining identification and documentation can be a hassle or nearly impossible. Medical ID jewelry can provide an identity, and information maintained on the registry can provide emergency contact information and insurance information.

Patients with past surgeries, neurological disorders or other histories may present a unique problem when it comes to diagnosis, especially when the patient is unable to present a medical history. Documents, including scans, can be maintained on online medical registries and accessed when previous health status needs to be assessed. Also, documents pertaining to end of life status, such as living wills and donor cards, can be provided in the event that an individual in the registry does not survive.

Even in situations that do not pose an immediate threat to health, online medical registries provide fast and efficient access to a patient’s information. Many hospitals have tedious processes for transferring paperwork and records from one facility to another and many health databases only provide information within a relatively small network of health care facilities. On the other hand, an online medical registry can potentially provide access in any facility.

Whether the situation is a medical emergency or straightening out insurance information after an annual visit, registering with an online medical registry can make the process more efficient. When you purchase medical ID jewelry from American Medical ID, you have the option of signing up with the online medical registry.

Keep your hands clean

Bacteria left on common areas in the office can live through the entire day and infect everyone who comes in contact. Here are some areas often ripe with germs:

• Doorknobs
• Telephones
• Keyboards
• Elevator buttons
• Chair arms
• Tables
• Fridge handles
• Drawer pulls
• Staplers

Sometimes avoiding these areas is impossible, but you can still be proactive about your health. Even if you aren’t using a shared keyboard or telephone, wipe them down with alcohol or a sanitizing wipe before using. Washes your hands goes a long way to keeping you healthy.

For commonly touched areas like doors, use the paper towel you dried your hands with to push open the door. If this isn’t possible, touch a higher part of the door that others may not have used as often. Or use your weight, or another part of your body, to open the door. Any germs that get on your hands are very likely to get on your face as well.

Staying safe at work

Keeping yourself germ-free at work is important to avoid illnesses that could put you in bed for days. But there are more serious health issues to worry about while you’re at work also. If you have a medical condition or serious food allergy, it’s important to identify yourself. A medical ID bracelet can have your important medical information engraved on it, and this small accessory could save your life.

Emergency medics are trained to look for a medical ID bracelet because the information may be imperative to deciding which treatment is right for you. If you are on certain medications or have a heart condition, diabetes or asthma, an emergency could leave you unable to speak. And because it’s unlikely that your co-workers will know your personal medical history, a medical ID bracelet will let emergency personnel exactly what they need to know to save your life.

If a bracelet isn’t your style, there are these other options available:

• Dog tags
• Keychains
• Necklaces
• Sport bands
• Wallet cards
• Charms

Invest in your safety at work today by finding the right medical ID jewelry for you at IdentifyYourself.com.

1.  Salmon has Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the chemicals in your body that spread inflammation.

2.  Low-fat milk is a good source of Vitamin D, which helps prevent swelling and soreness. However, it’s smart to limit your daily dairy intake.

3.  Olive oil can be spread lightly over salad. Use about a tablespoon. It also stops inflammation before it starts with the compound oleocanthal.

4.  Citrus fruits can satisfy your sweet tooth and give you the Vitamin C you need to protect your collagen. Skip the supplements and go straight for the fruit.

5.  Onions contain quercetin, which is also an antioxidant that calms inflammation. Start throwing them into your recipes for dinner as many nights a week as you can.

6.  Green tea is an excellent alternative to coffee or sweet tea. Plus, it decreases the production of EGCG in your body, which can cause joint damage.

7.  Ginger can be grated into meals like stir-fry or muffins. Or try drinking ginger tea. Its effects are the same as Ibuprofen if taken regularly.

8.  Gluten-free bread could significantly reduce any swelling you are experiencing. Wheat tends to cause inflammation, and many people are allergic to it without even knowing.

9.  Avocados are seasonal, but in small amounts have been proven to ease arthritis symptoms in dogs. And for humans, it’s an anti-inflammatory superfood.

10.  Water should be your go-to drink, especially if you have arthritis. Water lubricates your joints, which makes moving around a lot easier.

Although it’s important to incorporate these foods into your regular diet, the most imperative step in decreasing arthritis symptoms is to reach and maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese makes moving around a lot harder on your joints every day. This causes strain and swelling.

Another important step of being proactive about your health is to wear medical ID jewelry. This is a piece of jewelry that is engraved with your health information, and in case of an emergency, medical officials are trained to look for them right away. This could save precious time in giving you the treatment you need. Choose which accessory is right for you at AmericanMedical-ID.com today.

In 1992, the director of the Lazarsfeld Center for Social Sciences at Columbia University put a team of researches together to test his theory that closely spaced pregnancies put the second child at risk for a developmental disorder. The team’s findings showed that out of 662,000 sibling pairs born within three years of one another in the state of California, none of the firstborns were diagnosed with an autistic disorder, but 3,137 of their younger siblings were. Of this number, 22 sibling pairs were born within one year of one another, showing that the closer the births are, the higher the risk of autism.

Researchers and medical professionals don’t know exactly why a child born within three years of his or her older sibling faces a greater risk for autism. Possibly the most logical explanation for this is that the mother’s body hasn’t had adequate time to reproduce all the nutrients needed to have another healthy baby. But the same study in California showed that more often than not, a closely spaced pregnancy can result in a healthy baby. Therefore, other inherent factors – perhaps also with the mother – must be figured in too.

Other factors that increase risks of autism

The increase of children born with autism isn’t just from closely spaced pregnancies. It comes from other factors as well, one being parental age. It’s not surprising news that the older a mother is during pregnancy, the more health risks the child faces. Down syndrome, low birth weight and other complications are linked to a woman’s age during pregnancy. Autism risks, however, are linked both to the mother and father’s ages if they are over the age of 40. Over the last two decades, people have begun to put off pregnancy, and researchers believe that this is a contributing factor to the dramatic increase in autism.

Preterm-birth babies are also at an increased risk for having a developmental disorder on the autism spectrum. Preterm, or premature, births are defined as fewer than 33 weeks in the womb. Because the infant’s brain develops differently outside of the womb, mothers who give birth before 33 weeks of pregnancy increase their risk of seeing cognitive problems in later childhood. Developmental disorders associated with autism are largely social, and they inhibit the child’s ability to maintain relationships in different ways.

Proactive steps for dealing with autism

Looking out for the signs of autism is important, especially if you had a premature birth, a pregnancy at a later age or your baby had a low birth weight. One thing that could send up a red flag is if your baby gives little to no joyful expressions, especially when interacting with others. If your child doesn’t respond to his or her name, follow directions or even appear to hear you at times, you should have him evaluated by a medical professional.

If your child is diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum, it’s important to identify him with a medical ID bracelet. Because of the non-engaging behavior associated with autism, it’s likely that your child will try to wander away at times. A medical ID bracelet could save his life. Have the child’s pertinent medical history, medications or simply a home address and phone number engraved on the medical ID bracelet to ensure his safety. American Medical ID has a wide selection of medical ID bracelets to choose from. Find one that fits your child’s needs today!