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
![]() Google News Updated : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:05:39 GMT Dell looks to sell factories worldwide - CNNMoney.com
CNNMoney.com - By Scott Moritz Dell (DELL) is getting more serious about trimming costs and is exploring plans to sell its PC manufacturing plants, according to a news report Friday. Dell said to consider sale of factories Ahead of the Bell: Dell may sell plants, WSJ says Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:15:09 GMT Lavrov rejects Cheney's attack on Russia - CNN International
CNN International - By CNN's Matthew Chance MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Russia on Friday rejected sharp criticism by US Vice President Dick Cheney that its intervention in Georgia raises doubts about Moscow's reliability as an international partner. Video: Cheney Slams Russia for War Against Georgia Russia says Cheney fanning Georgian aggression Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:45:40 GMT PIECING TOGETHER A PLEA How the deal got done - Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press - BY JOE SWICKARD • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • September 5, 2008 Prosecutors rolled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's plea deal into court Thursday praying the wheels wouldn't fall off. Detroit Mayor Acknowledges 'Poor Judgment' Detroit mayor pleads guilty, to leave office Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:57:24 GMT Lebanese ruling majority accuses Syria of interfering in Lebanon - Xinhua
Xinhua - BEIRUT, Sept.5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese ruling majority accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of interfering in Lebanese internal affairs and not recognizing Lebanon's sovereignty, local press Naharnet reported Friday. Video: Sarkozy in Syria : the press is divided Editor's Notes: A losing battle, so far Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:59:29 GMT Nokia Forecasts Drop in Third-Quarter Market Share (Update1) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Juho Erkheikki Sept. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Nokia Oyj, the world's biggest maker of mobile phones, forecast a drop in third-quarter market share after competitors slashed prices and a new handset was delayed. Nokia Sees Market Share Slipping in Third Quarter Nokia Lowers its Third Quarter 2008 Mobile Device Market Share Outlook Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:50:07 GMT Reviews of McCain's speech - MSNBC
MSNBC - The AP’s Ron Fournier says McCain “preached bipartisanship and unity from a stage retooled to carry him out to the Republican faithful. McCain: I work for you ‘Change is coming,’ McCain tells GOP in speech Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:35:16 GMT In Long-Awaited Maps of Cancer, The Breakthrough Is the Problem - Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal - By GAUTAM NAIK After struggling for years to improve the treatment of cancer, scientists now hope to fight the disease with the help of the same techniques that deciphered the human genome eight years ago: mapping it. What You Need to Know About Mapping the Cancer Genome Data on defective genes make tailored remedies possible Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:01:28 GMT RSS to HTML |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... I think it's very confusing for patients to decide what... Read More When you are in the season of the mosquito, it... Read More Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder of... Read More Lavender is wholly spent with us, for to perfume linen,... Read More Home Remedies - Facts or Quacks?In a previous article we... Read More The story so far...At a metaphysical lecture facilitated by Guy... Read More Use of herbs for health and as a medicine has... Read More Thyme is a herb that has been cultivated for centuries... Read More Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago,... Read More If you experience a sharp pain in your heel at... Read More Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is... Read More Air purifier filters are not always the answer to air... Read More I am Stephen Hill from Birmingham in England. I started... Read More Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More The purpose of this article is not to offer an... Read More Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand.... Read More What is aromatherapy? Used for centuries, aromatherapy is known to... Read More West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S., is well-documented.... Read More As I started to write this article a few words... Read More Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More Using crystals in the context of healing has a very... Read More No one can deny the power of magnets, racing pigeons... Read More Can magnets actually help us feel better? When I first... Read More Garlic is another wonder herb. It has action in all... Read More If you want to be healthy you need to understand... Read More
Adsense
websites
What are the Best Roles for Western and Alternative Medicine?
Mosquitoes? No Itch, No Bite!
Natural Remedy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD
Lavender : The Purple Panacea
Medieval Remedies That Still Work Today
Why Most People Dont Really Want to Heal (Part 2)
Herbs ? Natures Potent Remedies
Thyme: Elegance Drifting Through the Ages of Time
Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology
Five Simple Steps For Treating Heel Pain
Health and Anti-Aging
Why Air Purifiers Are Not Always The Answer To Indoor Air Quality Problems
Stuttering Self Help
Reflexology & Meridian Therapy
Self Hypnosis CD Recordings
Three Steps to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
Aromatherapy
Treating West Nile Virus with High Quality St. Johns Wort
Love, Appreciation, and the Heart
Pain Relief: Is There an Alternative?
Crystal/Gemstone Therapy
Natural Pain Relief Through Magnetic Therapy is Possible
Magnets: How Do They Really Work?
Kyolic Clears Constipation and Strengthens Your Colon
Detoxification and Your Health: The Bodies 7 Channels of Elimination!
Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It's a major... Read More
When the subject is changed, he's in a better, more... Read More
I am a Medical Intuitive in the San Francisco Bay... Read More
The liver is the second largest organ in the body... Read More
Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which... Read More
Why is smell so strongly linked to memory and emotion?It... Read More
In spirituality, there are number of exercises available that help... Read More
The five day speech course for stuttering/stammering.The first two days... Read More
For over 4000 years, the Sandalwood tree has played a... Read More
Do you want to stop smoking badly enough to try?... Read More
Consider this:Already since 1972, over 60 million people in the... Read More
The use of herbs as early forms of medicine or... Read More
A green drink is a powerful drink that can help... Read More
Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to... Read More
I am Stephen Hill from Birmingham in England. I started... Read More
Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It... Read More
Honey is a highly concentrated sugar solution produced by honeybees.... Read More
Remedies for Asthma or AllergiesA lot people have asthma. My... Read More
Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More
We've all heard, haven't we, that a 40-year-old was considered... Read More
Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis,... Read More
We talk a lot about stress in our society, but... Read More
At some time or another, we've all experienced the effects... Read More
PINEAPPLE AND PAPAYASMedical authorities say that pineapples and papayas can... Read More
Stories are powerful. How many times have you heard a... Read More
Alternative Medicine |