What will you do if you are in a medical emergency and cannot speak? How will the paramedics and doctors know about your medications and your preexisting conditions?
August is Medic Alert Awareness Month and it is critical for you to have some sort of medical identification tag. Those who especially need identification are those with diabetes, allergies, medical devices and people taking blood thinners.
Of course, nearly everyone remembers the Life Alert commercials from the 1980s. Those systems still exist and still save lives. For instance, the Medic Alert Foundation offers a comprehensive package of services for a minimal monthly charge, including providing EMTs with medical records and notifying family members of an emergency. However, if you are on a limited income, as many seniors are, a medical ID tag can be found at WalMart for less than $10.
Do You Need a Medical Alert Tag?
They say it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your health is not what it used to be, it is especially important for you to make sure that you are properly cared for in case of an emergency. Talk with your doctor at your next appointment and ask him or her if you should get a medical alert tag.
