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Isn’t it strange how taking care of yourself can sometimes feel weird? Investing in yourself in any way can seem as though you are taking time or resources away from others. But it’s important to remember that you absolutely must be safe, healthy, and happy in order to bring your best to others.
That’s one of the most important reasons why you should consider medical alert technology for yourself and your loved ones. A button alarm from Alert1 can bring peace of mind and assurance, and medical alert systems with fall detection offer the highest level of security. The best part is, medical alert devices can be very affordable.
Who Needs a Medical Alert Device?
Though personal emergency alarm buttons are obviously marketed heavily toward seniors, they certainly aren’t the only ones who can make good use of a button to press in the event of emergency. According to the National Safety Council, 78% of all preventable injury-related deaths happen in the home. That includes people of all ages, from the very young to the very old. Therefore, it’s safe to say that anyone can benefit from an emergency button alarm, including:
Single parents. What happens to your young child if something happens to you? And we’re not necessarily talking about a medical emergency (though that can certainly happen). We’re talking about a sudden tumble down the stairs as you’re carrying laundry, a trip over a toy left lying on the floor, or a slip on the wet bathroom floor after splish-splash fun with your little one. There’s also the possibility that something could happen to your child; a 2000 study in Pediatrics found that by the age of two, children in single-parent households were disproportionately more likely to suffer an accident. If something bad happens, you need to be assisting your child, not fumbling for your phone. A medical alert pendant allows you to access help in seconds.
Those with medical conditions. Some medical conditions make you a greater fall risk, or can lead to a medical emergency that must be managed immediately. Diabetes is a good example. If your blood sugar drops too low, you can suffer from hypoglycemia. The effects of this include serious fatigue, shakiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, as well as confusion and loss of coordination, among others[1]. These can all increase your fall risk.
But if your blood sugar goes too high, you can face diabetic ketoacidosis. According to the CDC, this life-threatening condition can lead to fatigue and muscle stiffness, both of which are risk factors for falls. Without quick treatment you might suffer a diabetic coma, a serious, immediate medical emergency[2]. When your blood sugar goes too high or too low, confusion often sets in – and that makes it tough to dial a number on your phone. With an Alert1 Medical Alert, you don’t have to worry about that problem.
Outdoors-loving folks. Do you enjoy hiking, biking, and testing your endurance in all sorts of sporty ways? If so, you’re an ideal candidate for an SOS alert watch. Even minor injuries, such as ankle sprains, cuts and scrapes, or heat exhaustion can lead to a need for emergency attention[3]. Though anyone can fall, your odds of falling are higher after the age of 41[4]. And while you might be in excellent physical shape, a tumble can change that in the blink of an eye. Then how do you get help? It’s not a sure bet you’ll have a cell phone with you, and even if you do, you could lose it in the fall or be unable to use it. An attractive and unobtrusive medical alert wristband or watch with built-in GPS for location purposes is perfect for you.
College students. Though students are just as prone to accidents as anyone else, there are a few other reasons why a medical alert wireless system can come in handy for those in college. One of the biggest reasons is peace of mind – not for accidents, necessarily, but for safety. The panic button alarm can help if you find yourself in a situation that feels wrong or dangerous. By pressing the button, you will reach trained emergency professionals, who will send whatever help you need.
And the person in trouble doesn’t even have to be you! If you see something bad happening, you can press the button and get assistance on the way. For instance, if you see a burglary in progress – which makes up 42% of reported crimes on college campuses[5] – you can press the button and tell our professionals what is happening, and they will send the authorities. This will help keep everyone as safe as possible.
How Much do Medical Alert Systems Cost?
Let’s talk about what you can expect to pay for an emergency alert system. Remember, this is an investment in yourself – your safety and your peace of mind. You might be surprised by how affordable these devices really are.
The monthly cost of an emergency response solution runs you about the cost of four coffees a month. This investment in your safety is quite affordable!
Other Ways to Invest in Your Good Health
When you choose a fall prevention button, you’re making an investment in your health, both in the present and in the future. And since you’re already starting down that path, why not add in other things that add up to a strong investment in yourself? Here are a few good ideas:
· Make one healthier food choice each day. You don’t have to change your diet completely and all at once. You can do it in stages, getting healthier each time. For instance, instead of opting for soda with dinner, go with milk instead. Rather than reach for that donut, try the bagel. If you want something sweet, have a delicious piece of fruit rather than a snack cake or chocolate ice cream. These small choices can add up to big changes.
· Sneak in more exercise. When you go to the grocery store, park at the back of the lot and walk a longer distance to the front doors. When you have the option of taking the elevator or the stairs, take the stairs if you can. When you walk, carry a pedometer (or one that’s built in to an SOS watch), and try to increase your number of steps each day.
· Protect your mental health. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, WebMD points out that positive mental well-being can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and those who have poor mental health might also have poor physical health or harmful behaviors. Depression is linked to chronic diseases. Up to 80% of those with sleep problems also have mental health issues. So how do you protect yourself? In addition to better eating and more exercise, you should also try to get more sleep, try relaxation techniques, focus on the positive, and get professional help if you feel you need it[6].
· Implement aging in place solutions. Though the term “aging in place” suggests marketing toward the older set, the truth is that aging in place home modifications are fantastic for those of any age. Grab bars in the shower, a walk-in tub for easier soaking, raised toilet seats, non-skid flooring, and even lowered countertops can make a home more accessible to any family member, including young children. Not only is this an investment in yourself and your good health, but it’s an investment in the other members of your family and in your home itself.
· Get a safety alert with fall detection. Still on the fence? Consider that when an accident or emergency does occur, seconds matter. What if you happen to be alone, such as out walking or hiking on your own? Getting in touch with someone who can help you in the event of emergency assures you get the assistance you need at the moment you need it – not when someone comes home at the end of the day, and not when someone just happens to walk by the trail where you took a tumble. The peace of mind can also improve your mental health, which is always a bonus!
An Alert1 Medical Alert is an affordable investment in yourself that’s worth making. How much is your safety and security worth? Try out our personal emergency response solutions and discover the difference you’ll feel when you know help is literally just a button push away.