Oh, that we could be with our children every second of every day. Even more so with special needs kids and those with allergies or chronic conditions. But that isn’t practical. So we ask for a simple little thing known as a medical ID bracelet to speak for our children and us when we can’t be around.
It is something kids wear to school, on field trips, in the mall, at the beach, etc. Something first responders search for and use to attend to your child should there be an incident requiring medical attention.
What goes on this medical ID bracelet? Talk with your doctor, but these are good suggestions:
1. Your child’s name.
2. Primary allergy or chronic condition to watch out for.
3. Medications being taken.
4. Medications to avoid.
5. Your name & phone number.
6. Another family or friend’s number in case you can’t be reached.
We can never be too prepared when it comes to our children.
Medical ID Bracelet from Kids’ POV
Does your child have their own set of special health needs? Some kids may be too young for the full details. But they should have an idea. Will they remember everything you tell them? Maybe. A medical ID is a great way to remind them.
But that is only half the process. You still need to get the kids to wear the ID item. Medical ID jewelry is a fantastic option.
And we aren’t talking about the traditional heavy, metal-link style ID bracelet.
You can be functional and yet stylish.
Think about leather bracelets. Comfortable. Light. Appealing. Of course, these bracelets can’t be worn in water, so be sure the bracelet is taken off at pools and beaches – and then not lost.
Another newer option is the sport strap ID bracelet.
Your kids may go for this as the nylon straps adjust their wrist sizes. And that makes them a lot more comfortable than metal bracelets. Also, they are water-safe bracelets. Pools. Beaches. Or if they get dirty, you can wash them.
We also have read that sport strap ID bracelets are available in various colors. So your child can participate in the selection and not feel saddled with something they don’t like.
Cost of Medical ID Bracelets
No price is too high for the safety of our children. But suppose your finances are stretched during these tight economic times. In that case, we have some suggestions for reducing the cost of medical ID bracelets.
Hospitals. Some will actually stock free medical alert bracelets. It can’t hurt to make phone calls to local and regional hospitals. And even if they don’t, ask if they can refer you to a local community service organization that might offer them for free or at a discount. You never know if you don’t ask!
National Organizations. Seek out the ones that service your child’s specific medical problem. For example, the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation will send a complimentary diabetes medical necklace upon demand. If you choose a bracelet, you may receive a complimentary bracelet from the MedicAlert Foundation.
Medical insurance. Check your insurance company. It may have options for free or reduced coverage. A medical ID bracelet should fall under “equipment or supplies considered to be medically necessary.”
Doctor. And, of course, your family doctor and any specialists on your child’s team are also sources.
As parents, we are always going to worry about our kids. Especially when we send them out into the world without us. The medical ID bracelet represents us and our concerns when they have a medical condition that could cause a problem.
This post was written by ANTHONY M. SCIALIS. You can find him HERE.