Conditions That Should Use Medical Alert Bracelets

February 15, 2024

Medical alert bracelets have saved lives for years, but only recently they created a fashion trend all their own. In the past, a utilitarian bracelet that broadcast health information was the only available option. Now medical alert bracelets can also refer to options ranging from stylish watches, anklets, necklaces and, of course, bracelets. These jewelry pieces are often interchangeable and range from simple, medical alerts to sports-oriented pieces, and even fine jewelry. They are easy to obtain and discretely alert medical professionals to necessary health information, ensuring accuracy and continuity of medical treatment. In the early 2000s, a push was made to educate all medical staff on the subtlety of modern medical jewelry. Learn about what conditions benefit from the use of medical alert bracelets and related jewelry now.

Alzheimer's Disease Or Dementia

The premise behind medical alert bracelets is to inform appropriate healthcare professionals of health concerns at a time when a patient is unable to communicate. This is especially imperative in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Anyone who has a loved one with a disease like these can relate to the fact it isn't a slow, gradual decline in mental capacity. Instead, it is often an erratic, choppy progression. One moment, the individual has complete recollection and control of their mental capacities, and only a minute later, they may not be aware of who others are, where they are, or even what they are supposed to be doing. Without guidance from a medical alert bracelet or similar piece, the symptoms from this disease may cause incorrect or delayed medical treatment. Additionally, medical alert bracelets for Alzheimer's disease, beyond noting what their condition is and any special medical information, can also include the patient's address and an emergency contact number.

Individuals Taking Specific Medications

Medical alert jewelry is a safe, effective and inexpensive method of communication in case of an emergency. Space is limited and select information is more valuable during a medical emergency. While some individuals choose to list every daily medication they take, individuals taking specific medications must be certain to include them. These medications include ones that can cause harm when errors are made or ones with a high rate of interactions with other medications. Blood thinners, hypertension medication, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants should always be listed. While notation of the specific medication and dosage is preferred, someone who undergoes frequent changes may list a category of medication instead as well as the condition they're taking it for. New technology has made medical alert jewelry easily accessible, but also easily modifiable. It is simple to order a new fob with updated information without the expense or inconvenience of replacing the entire piece.

Individuals With A Severe Allergy

Life-threatening allergies are rapidly increasing in incidence rate, especially in young children. Those individuals with a severe allergy should be sure to list it on their medical alert bracelet. While listing all allergies that trigger a severe response is important, it is imperative to first list ones that may be triggered or worsened by potential treatment. The typical anaphylactic response of an allergy can be quickly and easily recognized by trained medical personnel and the treatment of such is identical between different allergens or causes. However, an allergy to a substance that may be utilized during treatment such as latex, adhesives, and certain medications (e.g. penicillin) is imperative knowledge for treating medical professionals. This information may provide life-saving knowledge should circumstance inhibit communication in other ways.

Epilepsy And Other Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy patients or those suffering from another seizure disorder may depend on medical alert bracelets or jewelry with emergency responders more than any other group of individuals. Whether seizures are mild or severe, frequent or rare, they always limit interaction and communication. This places patients in a risky position. Seizure disorders are widely varied and may initially be confused with other medical conditions, even drug overdoses. This confusion delays treatment, possibly leading to ineffective or dangerous treatment. Giving responding medical personnel correct and thorough information will save time and immediately target the appropriate medical treatment for the situation. When it comes to ensuring fast, lifesaving treatment, wearing a medical alert bracelet or another piece of alert jewelry for epilepsy and other seizure disorders is a simple step with great rewards.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that may quickly spiral out of control in an emergency, even in those individuals who have successfully managed their illness for years. Affecting 30.3 million Americans in 2015, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States today. Diabetes patients should wear a form of medical alert jewelry to quickly identify themselves to bystanders as well as medical professionals. The knowledge of diabetes as a potential cause for a patient's condition allows for a much quicker and more effective response. In other words, if a patient is dealing with extremely low blood sugar due to diabetes (diabetic hypoglycemia) but cannot verbally communicate this to the emergency responder, a look at a medical alert bracelet can tell them the patient has diabetes, and since medical professionals know the signs of low blood sugar (a common condition), they can easily provide treatment before lasting complications occur.

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