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A Medic Alert Saves Young People Too!

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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!

 

 

Medical Alert in Ladue MO: Falls

Medical Alert: Why Are Falls So Dangerous for Aging Adults?

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Medical Alert: You might already have personal experience with falls yourself and know that falling is never graceful, enjoyable, or fun.

But for aging adults, falls are downright dangerous because of a variety of different factors. A medical alert system might be something to think about.

 

Medical Alert in Ladue MO: Falls

Medical Alert in Ladue MO: Falls

There’s Potential for Broken Bones

According to the CDC, one fall out of every five results in a serious injury. That’s 20 percent of all falls. Your senior might break a bone, especially if she’s dealing with other health issues, like osteoporosis, that make a broken bone more likely. Broken bones, particularly in key areas like your senior’s hips, can take a lot longer for her to heal and they may even require surgery. That can be a lot of trauma for your senior’s body to process.

Head Injuries Are Also a Factor

Second to broken bones are the other major injury she faces, which are head injuries. Head injuries can lead to concussions, excessive bleeding, and other long-lasting health issues. Injuring her brain in a fall can endanger your senior’s ultimate goals, including aging in place for as long as she’s able to do so. Avoiding a fall is always preferable.

 

Fear Can Lead to a Loss of Mobility

Whether your senior actually falls or simply experiences a near miss, fear can have lasting effects. Many aging adults who are afraid of falling put themselves into a bad situation by reducing their mobility. While that’s a voluntary decision at first, your senior finds herself quickly losing even more mobility. By not moving, she reduces her ability to move and ironically increases her fall risk.

 

Medical Alert: Falling Once Makes Someone Twice as Likely to Fall Again

Another scary fact from the CDC is that once an aging adult falls, she is twice as likely to experience at least one more fall. Even if your elderly family member is lucky enough to avoid a serious injury with her first fall, she may not be that lucky the second or third time that she falls. This is something that you want to prevent if it’s at all possible.

One of the options you might want to consider if your elderly family member is at risk of falling is to find a medical alarm that also has a fall detection component. This can help you and your senior to act quickly if she does experience a fall and make sure that she’s got the medical alert that she needs as soon as possible.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Another 5 Star Rating!

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This is WHY we do what we do!

Thank you, Desma, for the kind words about our service.

We were honored to help your mother with her medical alert service needs.

 

Fall Detection Device

Personal Emergency Response System: Five Important Facts about a PERS Device

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Considering a PERS, or personal emergency response system, device for your senior?

It helps to have a better understanding of how the Personal Emergency Response System device works and how complicated it might be to use.

 

 

Personal Emergency Response System in St. Louis MO: Medical Alarms

Personal Emergency Response System in St. Louis MO: Medical Alarms

 

PERS Devices Are Easy to Set Up

PERS devices are designed to be really easy to set up. If there are barriers to ease of use, your senior probably isn’t likely to use the device, which defeats the purpose of having it. For instance, if your elderly family member needed to have a professional come and install the device, that might feel like just too much. But being able to use the system almost immediately out of the box is a huge relief.

 

They’re Also Easy to Use

As mentioned, PERS devices are deliberately kept simple to use. The device itself has a speaker, a microphone, and a button. The button is used to summon help, and the speaker and microphone allow her to speak with someone who can get help to her once she’s connected to the dispatcher. Other features, like geofencing, which functions automatically, making the device even easier to use.

  Your Senior Has Options for Wearing a PERS

The ideal Personal Emergency Response System device allows your senior some flexibility with wearing and carrying the device, too. Typically, there are various options, like a lanyard so she can wear it around her neck and a wristband so she can wear it like a watch. Options for slipping it in a pocket or clipping it on her waistband also help with convenience.

  They Charge Quickly

A device that isn’t ready to go when your senior is doesn’t do her as much good as you might hope. A PERS device should charge very quickly so that your elderly family member is able to rest or do something relatively sedentary while she waits. She shouldn’t have to wait all afternoon or day to be able to get back to being active if she wants to be.

  Geofencing Helps with a Variety of Concerns

Something else you might want to look for, especially if your elderly family member has some specific health issues, is a geofencing feature. Geofencing sends caregivers an alert if the device leaves a pre-defined area. This can be helpful if your senior has dementia and wanders, for instance.

When your senior doesn’t even have to think about how to use her Personal Emergency Response System device, she’s far more likely to feel comfortable having it with her on a consistent basis.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Medical Alert: What Are the Best Features to Have in a Medical Alert System?

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Medical Alert: As you look for medical alert devices for your senior, you have to consider some of the most important features.

The best Medical Alert device for your elderly family member will have as many of these features as possible.

 

The System Is Easy to Use

Any type of device that has a steep learning curve is going to be one that your senior abandons pretty quickly. It’s crucial that the medical alarm you choose is as “plug and play” as possible. This helps to eliminate any issues that could come from user error.

A Waterproof Wearable

More in-home falls and injuries happen in the bathroom than in any other room in the house. That means that your senior’s medical alert device needs to be waterproof, so that she can wear it anywhere in the house, including into the shower or tub. It’s also important that she is able to wear the device outside if she gets caught in the rain.

A Discreet, Comfortable Wearable

If the medical alert device you choose for your senior is uncomfortable, screams “medical device,” and is basically something she would never wear at all, she might decide that she isn’t going to wear it. Then it doesn’t matter what features the device has, because it’s not going to be on your senior. It’s also a good idea that the alarm has options, such as being able to wear it as a pendant or a wrist device.

Strong Signal Range

The last thing that you want for your senior is to feel as if she’s now in some sort of “invisible fence.” The signal strength on her medical alert device needs to allow her freedom of movement in her home and in her yard. If the range isn’t large enough for that, it might not be the right one for her.

Medical Alert: A Fast, Experienced Response Center

It’s also crucial that the people on the other end of that medical alert device have the experience and the wherewithal to get your senior the exact help that she needs immediately. Your senior could have issues at any time of day and night, and you both need to know that help you can trust is helping her while EMTs or police are on the way.

Medical alert devices can offer both you and your elderly family member the peace of mind that you need. Whether your senior is planning to age in place, move in with you, or consider other living situations, she can be so much safer with the right medical alarm.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Senior Safety: How Do You Choose a Medical Alarm for Your Senior?

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Senior Safety: When you and your senior start looking at personal emergency response systems, you might feel overwhelmed by the choices. Addressing each of these categories can help quite a bit.

 

Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau MO: Senior Safety

Cellular Unit — NO Landline Required!

 

Look at Your Senior’s Immediate Needs

What does your senior need a personal emergency response system to do for her? She might need help avoiding a fall or she might feel more comfortable if she has a way to quickly and easily call for help. Some aging adults need medication monitoring or a daily check-in with someone who can offer reminders. Or do you need to make sure you can find her easily if she wanders off?

 

Consider Her Lifestyle, Too

Your senior’s lifestyle factors into all of this, too. Does your senior need to remember to put it on or is this a device that she can just wear all the time? In the latter case, she’ll want something that is waterproof. If she’s forgetful, a device with a long battery life might be a must. It might also be a good idea to find out if the alarm needs software updates or not.

 

Make Sure You Understand How it Functions

Personal Emergency Response System in Perryville MO: PERS and 911 Differences

Fall Detection Technology

You and you’re senior both need to understand how her PERS operates. Ideally, it should have very little setup involved. For example, being able to take it out of the package and turn it on would be optimal in terms of setting it up. Complicated menus and options are more difficult to keep up with on a regular basis. You want the learning curve to be low.

 

Ask about Ongoing Fees

Some PERS devices have ongoing fees, usually because of monitoring services, reminders, and the like. It’s important that you and your senior know what’s included and what isn’t from the outset. That enables you both to make the right decisions for senior safety and her needs.

 

Senior Safety: Make Sure it Works Where Your Senior Goes

 

If your elderly family member travels or is in a variety of different locations, it doesn’t hurt to make sure that her personal emergency response system will work everywhere that she goes, like the GPS unit pictured. 

 

The right PERS device can do amazing things for your elderly family member, from helping her to comply with her medication schedule to ensuring she feels safer when walking around her home.  It can also give you peace of mind as you realize senior safety is your top priority.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

 

“Would You Be My Valentine?”

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On Thursday, February 4, 2021, our client, R. “Lou” K., was called to be reminded that it was time for her monthly test of her medical alert button.  She is a “95 year-young” lady who has been our subscriber for the past eight years.  Since we have talked to her every month, we consider her FAMILY!

When she picked up the phone, I asked her, “Would you be my Valentine?”  She hesitated and replied, “Well, I may have to think about that….”   THEN, she had the AUDACITY to laugh!!!  Oh Yes, She Did!!!!! 

When I told her that I felt like she threw me under the bus, she chuckled and responded, “Oh, Linda!  You know I LOVE YOU!”

Today, Les and I took a detour on the way home and took Lou a small bouquet of flowers to thank her for the ability to assist her with her medical alarm system needs. We asked her again to “Be our Valentine,” and snapped this picture to remember her reaction! Trust us, she was all smiles!  (Being a private person, she asked us not to post her picture on the internet, but we could crop photo of the flowers and her hands….)

Lou signed up for our service in January 2013.  Shortly after she began, she had to use her medical alarm.  As you will read, she locked herself out of her home and did not have her cordless phone with her to call for help.  Yet, she was able to get the help she needed.  

Following is her account of the event, as per her testimonial: 

They Came Even Though I Was Not Able to Respond…

I would like to tell you some things about having a medical alarm system. I had heard about them for years but never thought about getting one. My son and nephew changed my mind, they said, “You are getting one!” My nephew contacted Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

When I called them, they explained all that it could do for me, so I decided to take it. Just to let you know, I consider them wonderful friends now.

A few weeks ago, I went out the back door onto the patio, started back in, and the door was locked. Here I was out without a coat and it was a cool morning. I know all other doors and windows were locked. I pushed the button on my Medical Alert, but couldn’t hear them answer. I thought it doesn’t work…. I ran to my neighbor across the street, she came to the door and wanted to know what I was doing out there. I said, “I’m locked out of the house”. I went in to call my nephew, who has keys, and had just sat down when I saw a truck with 2 men pull up in front of my house. Out I ran home. The men wanted to know if I lived there. I said “yes, and I’m locked out!” They were from the Rescue Squad and had gotten a call from my Medical Alarm that something was wrong at my home, since I didn’t answer them back. In just a minute here came the ambulance, but it wasn’t needed. Thank goodness. They got my storm door unlocked and I was able to get back in my house. I wouldn’t do without my Around the Clock Medical Alarm. ~ Lou K., Missouri

Our mission is to assist our subscribers to remain independent in their homes — as safely as possible.  A medical alarm gives them the ability to get help at the push of a button.  If they are alone, have health issues, or are prone to falling, a medical alert system could be the solution to the problems you face.  We are humbled to assist seniors and their families.  Our purpose is to help them to have “peace of mind” and the confidence to experience a better quality of life — as long as possible! 

  • Lou has experienced a lot of life, since she has been our client.  She was diagnosed with cancer and completed chemotherapy.  Thankfully, she recently told me that she is still cancer free.
  • Sadly, last year, she lost a lifelong friend who used to watch all the Cardinal /sporting games on TV with her, they would go out to get groceries together, and to eat out every day.  This man was the widower of her best friend and they used to do “couple vacations” together throughout their married lives.  Both became widows and they decided to “stay friends” and were able to help each other to not be alone.
  • Covid-19 has affected her social life because she has not been able to attend church “in person.”  She has had to forego her weekly card games with her lady, neighbor  friends.  Additionally, the holidays were quite different, since her family was concerned about visiting her due to the pandemic.  Unfortunately, this seems to be the consensus for many of our subscribers.  If you, or your loved one, find these “new norms” in your pandemic life, remember that you are never alone with an Around the Clock Medical Alarms system.  
  • Lou still lives in the home that she shared with her husband.  She has had a couple rehab stints over the past few years, but she continues to be able to return to the home she loves.
  • Because she is such an avid Cardinal fan, she and Les talk about sports every time they can.  Her latest comment concerning Nolan Arenado was “He BETTER be worth all that money!”  As always, she is biting at the bit for baseball season to start….  But, today, she WILL BE watching the Super Bowl — cheering on the Chiefs!

If you, or an aging loved one, are looking for a #medicalert system, visit us online at www.AroundTheClockMedicalAlarms.com or give us a call at 573-334-7233.

 

Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO: Senior Care Spotlight

Senior Care Spotlight: Loved One Need Home Care?

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Merit Home Health Care

Dedicated to Providing Quality In-Home Care to the People We Serve

About Us:

In-Home Care is the extra help that someone might need to remain living at home once they are no longer able to manage the household tasks that they used to. We Believe quality care is the key to maintaining independence. We believe in your right to age at home with dignity and offer the extra support you need. From our door to yours, we are here for you.

What we do:

Merit Home Health Care offers assistance with personal care including bathing, dressing and grooming as well as meal preparation, household chores, laundry, shopping and errands and respite services.  These services are often covered by Medicaid, by a Veteran’s Aide and Attendance benefit, by Long term care insurance or through private pay.

Families rarely have a plan in place as to what to do when Mom and Dad start having difficulties managing the day to day at home, yet this is something most of us will face.  Visiting with loved-ones for the holidays can shine a spotlight on just how much assistance is needed or how much one’s abilities have changed with time. 

Navigating available services and how to access them can be overwhelming.  Our staff has a combined experience of over 40 years in the healthcare industry and we can help you find the option that works best for your family.

How We Got Started:

Lydia Killoran – owner of Merit Home Health Care:
“I am the youngest of seven children. As my siblings aged and moved away, I realized that my parents weren’t in the best of health and they needed extra care. In 1989 I began a career in the in-home health care industry. This path gave me the opportunity to care for my parents while touching many other lives. The services of Merit Home Health Care allow my clients the ability to remain in their homes, aging with dignity and as independently as possible.”

Merit Home Health Care provides services for the Greater St. Louis area, St. Louis County – North and South, St. Louis City – North and South, and St. Charles county since 2004.  We are fully staffed to meet all your in-home needs.  You can reach us at 314-522-8088 or visit our website at https://www.merithomehealthcare.com/

Lydia Killoran, Owner – Merit Home Health Care

Lydia Killoran, Owner – Merit Home Health Care

 

Other services:

Some people just aren’t comfortable accepting help from a stranger and that’s okay.  Merit Home Health Care has expanded to include our new Consumer Directed services offered through Merit CDS. 

Consumer Directed services is a Medicaid based program, allowing the participant to hire a friend or family member to provide their care.  Our staff can help you enroll in the Consumer Directed services program and assist you in training the caregiver you have hired to ensure your needs are met.  Merit CDS covers a large territory of Missouri and can assist you in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Lincoln county.

 

Stephanie Powers – Director Merit CDS, Consumer Direct Services

Stephanie Powers – Director Merit CDS, Consumer Direct Services

 

Find me on FB!    https://www.facebook.com/MeritCDS

Guest Article Contributed by: Stephanie Powers

We recommend that everyone re-evaluate their personal situation, if changes in health and needs are apparent.  Sometimes, when life events occur, seniors feel that their only option is to move out of their homes into an Assisted Living Facility.  When you are considering making changes to your living situation, due to physical changes or health concerns, home health care may be a viable option.  At that point, please consider the benefit of a Personal Emergency Response System from AroundTheClockMedicalAlarms.com as well.  

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Senior Care Spotlight: Real Estate Agent for Your Car?

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At iAutoAgent, “We are like Real Estate Agents for your car.” We understand how stressful it can be when a family member can no longer drive. You are faced with multiple decisions and might not be sure whom to turn to when selling the car that your family member has treasured throughout its life. We created a streamlined process for our sellers to enjoy a hassle-free, straightforward, and transparent experience selling their cars while obtaining top dollar for them.

For Sellers we provide the following:

More Money Than The Dealer
Door-to-Door Service
Guaranteed Value on your vehicle within 24 hours
We provide professional-quality photos & video
We inspect and market your vehicle for you
Safe & Convenient– We show your vehicle at a police station
We handle the complicated paperwork
Zero Fees To Seller

If you are trying to sell or buy a vehicle this holiday season, here are 3 tips to keep you safe:

Tip 1: Never Meet Anyone unless you have spoken to on phone. Also Make sure on the phone they have the cash or financing to purchase car to avoid wasting your time.

Tip 2: ONLY MEET AT POLICE STATIONS for showing your car and bring someone with you. DO NOT BRING THE TITLE WITH YOU FOR SAFETY REASONS. You can bring a picture, but not the real thing, unless you want to potentially be involved in a crime where someone takes your title as well as your car.

Tip 3: Make sure you get a driver’s license, insurance card, take a photo of them and the license plates on their vehicle they are driving prior to test driving, and send this information to a loved one to let them know where you are and who you are with.

However, if you have an unwanted car, there is a new, easy, safe way to sell it — iAutoAgent!

To sell your car with iAutoAgent, simply go to iAutoAgent.com and click “Sell” or call us at 636-614-3711.

 
Guest Article Contributed by:
Jay Grosman
CEO/Founder iAutoAgent
www.iAutoAgent.com
314-596-2277 mobile
636-614-3711 business
636-614-3712 fax

Google Reviews: https://g.page/iAutoAgent/review

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in St. Louis MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

 

They Came Even Though I Was Not Able to Respond…

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I would like to tell you some things about having a medical alarm system. I had heard about them for years but never thought about getting one. My son and nephew changed my mind, they said, “You are getting one!” My nephew contacted Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

When I called them, they explained all that it could do for me, so I decided to take it. Just to let you know, I consider them wonderful friends now.

A few weeks ago, I went out the back door onto the patio, started back in, and the door was locked. Here I was out without a coat and it was a cool morning. I know all other doors and windows were locked. I pushed the button on my Medical Alert, but couldn’t hear them answer. I thought it doesn’t work…. I ran to my neighbor across the street, she came to the door and wanted to know what I was doing out there. I said, “I’m locked out of the house”. I went in to call my nephew, who has keys, and had just sat down when I saw a truck with 2 men pull up in front of my house. Out I ran home. The men wanted to know if I lived there. I said “yes, and I’m locked out!” They were from the Rescue Squad and had gotten a call from my Medical Alarm that something was wrong at my home, since I didn’t answer them back. In just a minute here came the ambulance, but it wasn’t needed. Thank goodness. They got my storm door unlocked and I was able to get back in my house. I wouldn’t do without my Around the Clock Medical Alarm. ~ Lou K., Missouri

 

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