| No one really wants to be labeled as "different." | | | | while helping to avert a tragedy. |
| And certainly, no one wants to create that label | | | | Teens can be especially sensitive to their |
| and apply it to him or herself. But many medical | | | | appearance and to the opinions of other teens. |
| conditions require some form of identification | | | | They can also be more apt to take risks because |
| indicating that such a condition exists and must be | | | | of these concerns. A young diabetic or epileptic |
| considered in the case of an emergency. Thus, | | | | may be willing to compromise their safety by |
| millions of people with hundreds of medical | | | | avoiding the use of identification, even in the form |
| conditions must advertise that fact simply to | | | | of attractive jewelry, if they feel it makes them |
| protect themselves. For many, jewelry is the | | | | look "un-cool." There are some jewelry pieces |
| chosen medium. | | | | however that can gain the proper attention, if |
| Fact: Up to 15% of the population of the United | | | | necessary, without appearing "dorky." |
| States could experience a life-threatening reaction | | | | Delicate ankle bracelets with a dangling charm or a |
| to foods, drugs, insect bites or latex. | | | | small engraved plate are very acceptable jewelry |
| Fact: Many diabetics suffering from hypoglycemia | | | | accessories for teen girls. Lovely beaded bracelets |
| (low blood glucose) have been mistakenly | | | | are also fun, decorative and fashionable and will |
| identified as being drunk. | | | | complement any style rather than compete. Boys |
| Fact: Over 400 Americans die annually from an | | | | can also accessorize discretely with a sports |
| allergic reaction to penicillin. | | | | wristband band or handsome watchband. These |
| Given these and many more related statistics, the | | | | pieces can be as simple or elegant as the wearer |
| need for proper medical identification is critical. But | | | | wants and many manufacturers produce medical |
| in an image conscious society, clunky bracelets or | | | | jewelry with a keen eye on fashion and style |
| dog tags may offend the fashion sensibilities of | | | | trends. |
| some while the overt labeling of medical conditions | | | | No one should be embarrassed or ashamed |
| may be threatening to others. That is why | | | | because they have a particular condition. That |
| manufacturers of medical jewelry are looking for | | | | doesn't mean that they should be forced to |
| a balance between the necessity of clear | | | | broadcast that condition to the world by wearing |
| communications and a desire for attractive | | | | identification that is unattractive and obvious. |
| accessorizing. | | | | Medical personnel are trained to look for medical |
| It would be easy to hide identification for a | | | | I.D. and jewelry, no matter how discreet, and |
| medical condition in a wallet or handbag but in an | | | | these pieces will be one of the first places they |
| emergency a visible and obvious message will | | | | will look for medical info. Anyone with medical |
| assist medical personnel to make fast and | | | | issues has a responsibility to themselves and to |
| accurate assessments. Jewelry, by its nature, is | | | | their family to provide the information that will |
| an adornment designed to flatter and draw | | | | protect them if they are unable to properly |
| attention to its wearer. A 10KT or 14KT gold or | | | | communicate. But they can still look sharp at the |
| sterling silver charm, pendant or locket that also | | | | same time! |
| spotlights medical data can be quite attractive | | | | |