I’m appropriate for a “Medic Alert?”

But, I’m not falling and I’m not old!

When you think about a “medic alert,” you typically think of an “elder person who is falling.”  This, of course, is because the industry has trained us to think that way!  (ie “Help!  …I can’t get up!”)

The following CDC statistics also supports that idea: 

• 1 in 3 Seniors (65+) WILL FALL this year!  
• 50% of those who fall CANNOT get back up….
• Two-thirds of those that fall will do so again within 6 months.  
• The chances of surviving a fall are 6 times greater IF the person is found within the hour.
• Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and older.

With those scary statistics, therefore, it’s no wonder that we have reinforcement to confirm the thought that you have to be elderly AND falling to be appropriate for a “button.”  We ALL know that.  Right?  Right!

However, did you ever stop to think that you don’t have to be elderly and/or falling to be appropriate?  

The Leading Causes of Death are Fairly Consistent.

Did you know, for instance, that approximately 74% of all deaths in the United States occur as a result of only 10 causes? The 2019 data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that the main causes of death in the U.S. have remained fairly consistent. They are as follows:

1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Unintentional injuries (Accidents)
4. Chronic lower respiratory disease
5. Stroke and cerebrovascular diseases
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Diabetes
8. Kidney disease
9. Influenza and pneumonia
10. Suicide

So, when you consider all of the above “causes of death,” you realize that most have no age requirement. 

At this point, let us take a moment to think about individuals in our lives who could potentially benefit from the peace of mind a PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) provides. A medic alert SAVES LIVES!  

Unfortunately, Death Can Occur at Any Age.

Thus, our focus is on individuals who have health issues that would warrant immediate medical attention in an emergent situation — regardless of age!  In an emergency, therefore, being able to get help quickly could be the difference between life and death! 

Likewise, Medical Conditions Can Occur at Any Age.

Collectively, we can explore this sad, but true, fact. Unfortunately, we do not have to be old to be sick!

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women — in the U.S. and worldwide.

Cancer is a risk to everyone to a degree, but for most cancers, the risk will increase with age.

Accidents, or unintentional injuries, are the leading cause of death for those aged 1–44.

Chronic lower respiratory disease refers to a group of lung conditions that block the airflow and cause breathing-related issues. These diseases include:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• bronchitis
• emphysema
• asthma

Cerebrovascular diseases develop due to problems with the blood vessels that supply the brain. The four most common cerebrovascular diseases are stroke, transient ischemic attack, or mini stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and vascular dementia.

Dementia refers to a group of conditions that cause a decline in cognitive function. This affects a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. In turn, this can lead to changes in memory, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Alzheimers disease is just one type of dementia. Alzheimer’s is also the only cause of death in the top 10 that medical experts cannot cure, prevent, or slow down.

Diabetes is a condition wherein the body can no longer control blood glucose, which leads to dangerously high levels of blood glucose. This is called hyperglycemia. It can cause serious health complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and the need for amputation of the lower extremities.

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious viral infection. It is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Pneumonia, a serious condition that causes inflammation of the lungs, can cause complications in people who have the flu.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) causes kidney damage. Damaged kidneys cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. As a result of this, waste from the blood remains in the body and may lead to other health problems.

When a person dies by suicide, they may or may not have lived with a mental health condition — such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder — for a long time. Sadly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 years.

But, I’m Too Young to Need a Medic Alert!

Do you, or someone you know, have any of the aforementioned health conditions?  

After considering the fact that a medic alert system could help ANYONE at ANY AGE to maintain their safety AND independence, wouldn’t it would be ideal to put that protection in place? Remember, in closing, that EVEN IF YOU CANNOT SPEAK, you can get help simply by pushing your button!!!

Around the Clock Medical Alarms has been a medic alert system provider since 2012.  

In closing, let us help you, or someone you know — Around the Clock — regardless of age!