N-Style ID Blog

We Need Your Help to Win

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:11 +0000

We sincerely thank you for your support.

We want to reach out to our loyal fans. N-Style ID's Children's Medical ID Bands were nominated for About.com's Readers' Choice Awards as the Best Medical Alert Jewelry. In order to win, we need your vote.

Love our medical ID bracelets? Vote for us!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:38:37 +0000

Without you, N-Style ID wouldn't be here. We sincerely thank you for your support.

Do you mind taking a second to vote for us?

To thank you for your support, we'll be announcing a special offer if we win the award that will include all of the new kid's bands. Make sure you vote now so we stand a chance.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Toni Bissell
Founder/President

Chronic Kidney Failure: Know the Risk Factors, Signs, & Symptoms

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:43:27 +0000

Chronic kidney failure is defined by the gradual loss of kidney function. The seriousness of the disease is highlighted by the critical role played by the kidneys in ridding the body of toxic wastes and excess fluids in the blood by excreting them in urine. The kidneys also help balance the body’s electrolyte levels, control blood pressure, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Some of the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney failure are decreased urine output (needing to urinate frequently); nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; fatigue; sleeplessness; loss of mental clarity; muscle twitches and cramps; swelling of the feet and ankles; and dry, itchy skin.

Because the symptoms of kidney failure are nonspecific and are often not obvious in the early stages, it is important for individuals to know if they are at increased risk for the disease. Some of the factors that increase the risk of kidney failure are diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer. These people should be monitored for early diagnosis. The increased risk of kidney failure for people with the conditions listed is just another important reason for those people to be wearing medical ID jewelry, like a medical alert bracelet.

Blood tests are most commonly used to diagnose kidney failure, although urine tests, imaging, and kidney tissue samples are also used. A blood test will look at the level of waste products, such as urea and creatinine, in the blood.

Treatment of kidney failure depends on its underlying cause. Most likely, the doctor will focus on the underlying condition to alleviate the symptoms of kidney failure. Medications and changes in diet can help alleviate symptoms such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia, and waste build-up in the blood. If a person’s kidney is functioning at less than 15 percent capacity–known as end-stage kidney disease–dialysis or a kidney transplant will be considered. Dialysis is a process of artificially removing waste products and extra fluid from the blood.

Suffering from kidney failure can be very serious. However, the better informed people are about the disease and its underlying causes, the better they can practice preventative measures to avoid kidney failure. For those people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney failure, it is especially important to be vigilant and stay healthy. It is essential for people with kidney failure to wear a medical ID tag so that they will be treated correctly in the case of a medical emergency. It is equally important for people who are at risk for kidney failure to wear medical alert pendants or other type of medical jewelry.

Raising a Child with Autism: Some Tips for Success

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:28:31 +0000

All children are an inherent gift. Nevertheless, raising a child is a guaranteed challenge. For parents with children living with autism, the challenges can be great and often overwhelming. Although the challenges will remain, there are a few straightforward steps that can make raising a child with autism surmountable. These include finding the right team of professionals, learning about the disorder, seeking and interacting with other families affected by autism, and taking time out for personal needs aside from parenting.

Key to a good quality of life for a child with autism is assembling a team of reputable and reliable professionals. The team will include a doctor, therapists, and teachers. These people can advise parents on making decisions on therapy and help them to find government programs and access financial assistance. Preparations should include equipping the child with a medical alert bracelet. Children with autism have a tendency to wander and often have trouble communicating. Thus, wearing medical ID jewelry can be a lifesaver.

When a child is diagnosed with autism, it is essential that his or her parents learn as much as they possibly can about the disorder. It is important to separate fact from fiction, especially with information on autism. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation on the subject of autism. The more accurate information that parents have, the better equipped they are to communicate with and learn about their child.

Finding and interacting with other families affected by autism can be very helpful for parents of children with autism. Many communities have support groups and programs for this purpose. Comfort can be found in sharing experiences, knowledge can be gained by exchanging tips, and the child will have a chance to meet others facing similar challenges. Everyone involved will feel less alone.

Finally, but not least importantly, it is vital that parents raising autistic children take time out for themselves. The added anxiety and dedication involved in raising an autistic child can take a toll on individuals and their relationships. Parents should set aside time strictly for their own enjoyment, whether for quiet relaxation or for active recreation–or both. Couples, especially, need to spend time nurturing their relationships.

To review, these are a few of the most important elements to have in place as a parent with a child living with autism: have a great team of professionals; equip children with medical id bracelets for kids; become an expert on the disorder; find other families affected by autism; and to take time for themself and their relationships.

Living with Diabetes: Tips for a Safe and Joyful Winter Season

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:17:56 +0000

The winter season brings with it many joys: holiday parties, family reunions, presents, and cold weather activities like sledding and snowman building. For people living with diabetes, however, the winter also presents challenges: changes in blood sugar and circulation due to the cold, changes in activity level and diet, and also more stress.

Everyone loves to build a snowman and to go sledding down a snowy slope. Colder temperatures, however, can cause slower blood flow, increasing the risk for frostbite. Diabetes can also cause trouble with circulation, making it especially important to monitor this symptom in the winter. Luckily, there are many ways to protect oneself from the elements. People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their extremities. Wearing warm, comfortable mittens or gloves, a hat, and well-fitting shoes and socks is essential.

When going outside, people with diabetes should be certain to wear medical alert jewelry that can be readily located on their body. Wearing a medical ID bracelet or medical alert necklace ensures that, if an emergency occurs, responders will be able to identify the person’s condition accurately and provide potentially life-saving treatment immediately.

Thirst and dry skin is a common symptom of diabetes. The dryness that comes with the cold can worsen this problem. Using a humidifier and drinking plenty of water is helpful in combating this. Body moisturizer will help ease skin dryness.

For people with diabetes, exercise is an important tool for managing blood sugar. The storms and cold of winter can limit opportunities for outdoor activity, which can make maintaining an exercise routine more challenging. If you have diabetes, planning indoor activities is important in the winter. Some activities might include following exercise videos or joining a gym. Combining holiday shopping with exercise by spending some time speed walking in the mall is a fun solution.

Diet plans are easily disrupted over the winter due to the abundance of food at holiday parties. Eating a planned meal just before going to a party can help one to avoid eating too many treats. Look for the party foods that fit better into a diabetic meal plan. Focusing on reconnecting with friends and relatives will also keep one from overindulging on party food. It is important to monitor blood sugar carefully while celebrating at family functions. In addition, it is essential for people with diabetes to wear their medical id jewelry to parties. This will ensure proper diagnosis and treatment in an emergency.

A Wonderful Holiday Party Season for Children with Food Allergies

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:21:44 +0000

The holiday season is a joyful time of year, especially for children eagerly anticipating special treats like sweets and toys. For parents of children with food allergies, however, it can also be an anxious time. Those same treats that kids look forward to can be life-threatening dangers to children with food allergies. The threat may seem obscure to some who don’t have kids with food allergies. In fact, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), food allergies affect 6 million children in the U.S., a full 8 percent of the population. This means that food allergies should be on everyone’s mind when preparing food for holiday gatherings. With proper preparation and raised awareness, the holidays can be less worrisome for parents and safer for children.

One of the first tasks toward a safer holiday season is to respond quickly to party invitations. As soon as the invitation arrives, it is important to contact the host with information about the child’s allergies. A swift RSVP is also a courteous gesture to the host, giving him or her time to plan a safe food environment.

If holiday plans involve long-distance travel, allergy-safe food should be shipped in advance. This way, the focus can be on visiting rather than last-minute shopping for appropriate food.

Also something to take care of in advance of the holidays is to ensure that a child with allergies has a medical alert bracelet. It is important to check that a child has medical jewelry that he or she will wear to holiday parties well ahead of the events.

The holiday season is a great opportunity to start a trend of providing a list of ingredients to accompany food brought to events and parties. Parents can get creative and make blank holiday-themed ingredients cards to send to guests in advance of gatherings. Another option is for parents simply to provide their own, filled-out card as an example. For every ingredient added to a recipe, the package should be checked for potential allergens. These should also be listed on the cards. It is essential to check all packages because the allergens are often contributed through cross-contamination that occurs in modern food production. The cards are a fantastic way to raise food allergy awareness.

On the day of the party, prepare by packing a kit of allergy essentials. Be sure to include some back-up food. It is essential to travel with epinephrine autoinjectors (commonly known as EpiPens) and liquid diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) in the case of an allergic reaction. Also essential is for children (and adults) with allergies to be wearing a medical alert bracelet. Medical ID tags ensure prompt and proper treatment by medical personnel in the case of a medical emergency.

Educating a child about their specific allergies is just as important as educating the people around him or her. Rehearsing the child’s allergy or allergies with them on the way to an event is a good habit to maintain. Reminding them of the importance of keeping their medical ID jewelry on at all times is also crucial.

If parents make these steps an instinctual part of the holiday season, much of the anxiety over food allergies can be relieved. Holiday parties can be a time for fun by planning ahead and being prepared with medicine and a children’s medical alert bracelet. The holidays can be safer and happier still when everyone becomes aware of and educated about food allergies in children.

Living with Epilepsy: The Myths

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:23:33 +0000

The condition of epilepsy has been documented since the earliest medical texts. Stigma against the condition likely reaches back even further in history. Over the centuries, epilepsy has been associated with religious experiences, demonic possession, witchcraft, and mental illness, among other things.

Even during times when epilepsy was considered a curse from the gods, however, there were individuals fighting against misconceptions about the disorder and the seizures that accompany it. Among these was the Greek physician Hippocrates, who argued against divine explanation in the book On the Sacred Disease, written around 400 B.C. Although there have been many advances in medical understanding of epilepsy, misconceptions about the condition continue to this day.

Epilepsy is now understood as an underlying tendency in a person to experience sudden bursts of electrical energy in the brain. The sudden imbalance in the brain may cause a seizure. A seizure can cause a range of symptoms in an individual, ranging from tingling in the fingers to stiffness, jerking, and loss of consciousness.

Unfortunately, misconceptions about epilepsy continue, and some can even lead to harm against a person having a seizure. People with epilepsy who wear medical ID bracelets or medical alert necklaces reduce the chance of having a well-meaning citizen do the wrong thing for them in an emergency.

Below are some common myths about epilepsy:

Myth 1: Epilepsy is a curse.
Though it is obvious to most that epilepsy is not a curse, this misconception persists in some places and populations. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can occur for various reasons. The condition can be inherited, result from birth or head injury, a brain tumor, or an infection in the brain.

Myth 2: Someone having a seizure is in danger of swallowing their tongue.
It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. The anatomy of the tongue prevents this from happening. Hollywood has helped to perpetuate this myth by showing characters inserting objects like spoons into the mouth of a person suffering a seizure. Do not attempt this! Biting down on the object can cause someone having a seizure to break their teeth, puncture their gums, or even break their jaw. A person with epilepsy should be wearing medical alert jewelry that indicates that they have epilepsy, that directs a person to read a medical card in the person’s wallet, and has emergency contact information on it.

Myth 3: You should restrain someone having a seizure.
It is not helpful, and potentially harmful, to restrain someone having a seizure. A seizure will not be diffused by holding someone still. The seizure must simply run its course. You can make a person safer by rolling them on their side and placing a pillow under their head. Check to see if the person is wearing a medical alert bracelet that has on it specific instructions or an emergency phone number.

Myth 4: Epilepsy is rare.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, there are more than twice as many people in the U.S. with epilepsy than with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined. This is probably because epilepsy can be experienced on its own or as a feature of another condition such as cerebral palsy, autism, Alzheimer’s, or traumatic brain injury.

Myth 5: Epilepsy is a barrier to success.
Although epilepsy can present a challenge in a person’s life, in no way does it prevent success and happiness. With good medical treatment and support from loved ones, people with epilepsy often live normal, successful lives. To ensure the continuation of that success, it is important to wear medical ID jewelry to prevent mistreatment in the case of a seizure. If the myths that persist about epilepsy can be dispelled, success will be even more accessible to people living with the condition.

When a Loved One Has Dementia: Some Coping Techniques

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:18:57 +0000

In a previous blog, titled “What is Dementia?”, the condition of dementia was explored in terms of symptoms, causes, and treatments. Broadly, dementia describes a cluster of symptoms that interfere with every day life. The symptoms can included memory loss, inability to learn new things, problems with organization, change in personality, agitation, delusions, and even hallucinations. With improvements in medicine leading to longer lifetimes, more people than ever have loved ones who live with dementia.

Although it can be very difficult to care for people with dementia, there are a number of steps individuals can take to make care easier on themselves and their loved one. Providing medical ID bracelets for those with dementia is essential, but probably one of the easiest steps.

Very important when caring for someone with dementia is to keep in mind that you won’t be able to be perfect. It is not uncommon for a someone with dementia to get angry, not recognize family members, or suffer from other frustrating symptoms. This will be upsetting, especially when you are doing your best to take care of them. Almost inevitably, you will get frustrated and maybe become angry yourself. If you react angrily or impatiently, forgive yourself.

When arguing your case for something, it is a reflex in general life to present the logical reasoning behind your position. However, one of the symptoms of dementia is an inability to think logically. A good skill to acquire when caring for someone with dementia is to let go of logical explanations and make statements about what will be happening, rather than why.

Another reflex in everyday life is the expectation that others will learn from experiences and mistakes. Someone with dementia will likely not learn from mistakes and mishaps. In beginning stages, putting signs up--such as ‘turn off the stove when you’re finished’--will help. Eventually, however, with progressive dementia, these notes will no longer work. At this point, it will be necessary to rearrange the environment so that the ‘mistakes’ are not possible.

Often, nighttime can be particularly difficult for people with dementia. Feeling tired from the day can increase irritability and the darkness can be disorienting. Leaving lights on can help with some disorientation. Limiting daytime caffeine and naps can help avoid restlessness. People with dementia are prone to wandering. This tendency can be augmented at nighttime.

Sometimes, people with dementia even wander out of the house. Because this behavior is common in people with dementia, it is important to make sure your loved one wears some type of medical alert jewelry. This way, if your loved ones happen to wander off, the contact and medical information on their medical alert bracelets or medical alert necklaces will ensure that they find their way home safely and, if necessary, are treated with the correct medications.

Although taking care of a loved one suffering from dementia can be very challenging, many troubles can be avoided and/or relieved. Providing loved ones with medical alert bracelets (i.e. medical ID bracelets), and following some of the tips above will likely alleviate some of the hardships. Along with the difficulties, there you will likely share many rewarding and happy moments.

Making Halloween a Treat—Not a Trick—for Your Diabetic Child

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:14:45 +0000

For children with diabetes, Halloween is often a difficult time. Diabetic children must refuse much of the abundant candy being offered to them persistently during the Halloween season. As a result, the holiday can lead to feelings of deprivation for these children. Although Halloween planning for parents with diabetic children can seem daunting, there are many ways to make the holiday a great treat for everyone.

A wonderful Halloween for you and your diabetic child begins with forming a game plan. Medical ID bracelets are essential to a happy, safe Halloween. If your child doesn’t have medical alert jewelry already, now is the time to get it.

An important step is to refocus the holiday from candy to imaginative fun. Involve your child in spooky decorating activities. Conjure a scheme with them to scare someone.

Be ready to avoid feelings of punishment on Halloween night by setting up some type of substitution plan. Trading candies for fun toys as you trick-or-treat is one option. Toys to consider for trade might include glow-in-the-dark vampire fangs, rubber eyeballs, glow jewelry, and/or stickers from a dollar or seasonal store.

An alternative to trading toys on Halloween could be trading candy for small amounts of money. This way, a child can look forward to picking something out at the store after the holiday.

Children might also enjoy exchanging candy for a donation to a charity of their choice, transforming some of the self-indulgence of the holiday into a spirit of goodwill.

Keep in mind, though, that candy need not be scary in itself. With moderation and a closely followed meal plan, a child with diabetes can enjoy the treat of candy. Many candies at Halloween time come in miniature ‘fun’ sizes. Do some research to find out what types of candy are the safest for your child’s meal plan.

Some candies that are relatively low in carbohydrates:

Wonka Pixi Stix, 1 stick: 2g
Bubble Yum: 6g
Jolly Rancher: 6g
Dum Dum pop: 5g

Some candies with high carbohydrate counts:

3 Musketeers, 2.13 oz bar: 46g
Gummy Bears, 11 pieces: 30g
M&M’s, 1 bag, 1.69 oz: 34g
Snickers, 2.07 oz bar: 36g

In addition, of course, it will be necessary to prepare a diabetic testing and treatment supply kit for Halloween night. As always, but especially on Halloween, it is vital for children with diabetes to wear medical alert bracelets. This will insure that, in the case of an emergency, your child will receive the appropriate treatment for their symptoms.

With careful planning, you will be able to enjoy a spooky, exciting Halloween night with your diabetic child. Focus on your child’s costume and the spooky schemes you have encouraged him or her to cook up. When you go out, have fun with whatever trade system you organized in advance, whether toys, money, or a charity donation. Make sure to check your child’s blood glucose level when necessary and make adjustments, if needed. Because your child will be wearing their medical jewelry, you will feel reassured that he or she will get the correct treatment if an emergency occurs.

Take the steps outlined above, and you will be set to have a treat-filled Halloween with your diabetic child.

Host a Great Diabetic-Friendly and Allergy-Safe Birthday Party!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:32:19 +0000

Birthday parties can often be tough for children with diabetes because they usually mean saying no to treats that everyone else is enjoying. However, parties don’t have to be a drag for these kids. Organizing a party that is diabetic-friendly and allergy-safe is simple.

Begin by organizing your successful party with the invitations. Make a note on the card to parents to please let you know if their child has any allergies or is diabetic. This removes any stress a parent might feel about asking for special attention for their child. Being aware of allergies and diabetes requirements ahead of time also makes your planning easier.

Ask parents to please make sure that their child is wearing their
medical alert jewelry on the party day. If you’re not familiar with symptoms of the medical issue, ask parents to describe them so that you can identify a medical situation early on.

The simplest way to avoid problems with food is to center your party around activities. Consider choosing a time in the afternoon, when you won’t be expected to serve a meal. Keep the kids occupied with fun crafts, scavenger hunts, and games. They likely won’t even miss the usual abundance of snack foods and soda.

If you want to have something around for the kids to nibble on, choose vegetables with low-fat dressing as a dip and fruit with a whipped topping for a dip. To increase kid appeal, cut the veggies and fruits into fun shapes. Many children will appreciate the novelty of fruits and veggies and, contrary to popular lore, plenty of kids do like vegetables and fruits.

While the kids probably won’t miss the snacks, they will surely ask, ‘When do we have cake?’ The secret here is to serve a diabetes and allergy friendly cake without anyone noticing. (Avoid having a separate cake for one child and a sugary one for the others. This may make them feel left out.) Try angel food cake or another safe cake recipe of many available through a quick search online. Top it with something eye catching, like sprinkles or some sugar-free, allergen-free candy. If you don’t mention that it’s low sugar or sugar free, it is very likely that no one will notice.

Despite careful planning, it is always possible for an emergency to occur. If, for instance, a child shows signs of diabetic or anaphylactic shock, check immediately for a medical ID bracelet. This will give you important medical and contact information for the responders.

Chances are, though, that you won’t have an emergency, but will experience a fun-filled, worry-free party for both you, the children attending, and their parents!