![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
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
If you work and are spending one third to one... Read More
Everything begins with your consciousness. Everything that happens in your... Read More
Ask and you shall receive!! Persuaded by popular demand, I... Read More
My first yoga retreatI never wanted it to stop. It... Read More
Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is... Read More
Pain behind the knee is something many of us have... Read More
It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that... Read More
Recently I read a book by William L. Fischer called... Read More
Here's a simple exercise that anyone can do, even if... Read More
There is an epidemic, at least in the States when... Read More
Hypnosis is probably not what you think it is. Hypnosis... Read More
Find Out How to Reduce and Eliminate Chronic Back Pain... Read More
To have regular bowel movements and escape constipation you need... Read More
As powerful as the subconscious can be in relieving pain,... Read More
Osteoporosis is a condition that faces every baby boomer; man... Read More
Hemorrhoids are conditions where there is a swelling of the... Read More
Bronchitis is a condition defined as the inflammation of the... Read More
Music has always been a very important part of our... Read More
Hands-On Therapy for Peaceful SleepOne alternative medicine approach is a... Read More
People with alcohol and drug problems have been done a... Read More
It is a sad fact that most people pay little... Read More
Our daily internal body clocks or circadian rhythms synchronise the... Read More
Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which... Read More
Sometimes living that wonderful and beneficial holistic life can sometimes... Read More
Recently, a number of articles have been published on static... Read More
The most effective way to use the subconscious for pain... Read More
Americans are ridiculed around the world for our attention to... Read More
You've probably tried everything you can think of to ease... Read More
1. Eat protein at every meal: One of the most... Read More
Smell is a specialised chemical sense. It is interesting to... Read More
PINEAPPLE AND PAPAYASMedical authorities say that pineapples and papayas can... Read More
With natural health care so popular, an area that has... Read More
Autoimmune disorders, lupus, Sjogrens, MS, IBS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia... Read More
Sun Chlorella is referred to as the Green Magician due... Read More
If you have acid reflux or heartburn, using natural remedies... Read More
One of the least known and least practiced aspects of... Read More
Anxiety is a pernicious little devil; it can hold us... Read More
Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist... Read More
Problems with sinuses, give rise to headaches, so you have... Read More
Artemis - Goddess of the herbalist - gives her name... Read More
For years I've prided myself on believing that I take... Read More
You're familiar with the phrase, "there's the rub," meaning "there... Read More
There are many types of disablity. Would people class stuttering... Read More
Vegetables like fruits and their juices have healing properties because... Read More
The practice of Tai Chi combines flowing movement and breathing... Read More
Naturopathy is a holistic therapy that relies on natural remedies.... Read More
A portable massage table can be very essential tool. Massage... Read More
Reflexology is something I've used and loved since I was... Read More
What is MYOFACSCIAL RELEASE? Myofascial release is a tender mixture... Read More
(*In this group are included pain in the back, neck,... Read More
Alternative Medicine Alternative Medicine |