Medical Alert devices come in many shapes and designs. They may be in the form of buttons, necklaces, bracelets, pendants or wristwatches. They may have designer shapes. They may be made of precious metals like silver or gold, or come in practical shapes without any attention to their aesthetic appearance. Image-conscious wearers usually go in for these devices in form of fashionable (medical) jewelry, which is less likely to advertise their medical problems to others.

Since wearing these devices is often a medical necessity, one has to be careful before deciding which device is best suited to their type of disease. The simplest form of these devices are manufactured as jewelry items with the medical history of the patient, along with telephone numbers of his family and doctor, engraved on them. But far more useful than these are the jewelry items fitted with sensors and electronic mechanisms that activate the transmission system installed within, and connect to telephone lines or radio frequencies to contact the patient’s family, friends, and doctor, and also summon medical assistance. These devices contain the medical identity of the patient and the history of his disease so the critical time in diagnosing is not wasted.

Considering the millions of people the world over suffering from different medical problems, the market is awash with fashionable designer medical jewelry meant for these persons. Therefore, one must be cautious before spending money on them. It would be better to seek the advice of one’s doctor before deciding which device suits your medical condition. These devices are sophisticated, and likely to be costly and beyond the reach of ordinary persons. But if a thorough search is made through the Internet, Yellow Pages or other sources, cheaper but equally useful accessories can be bought. Care should also be taken about the reputation of the manufacturing company with regard to the product quality, guarantee of its effectiveness and after-sales service.

Medical Alert necklaces are very helpful for such persons. These necklaces and the pendants with them can be engraved with brief but vital medical bio data and the ID of the patient—for example, his or her name, telephone number, name of the doctor and a brief description of the person’s illness. They can be made in beautiful designs in steel, sterling silver or gold.

In addition to the above information, such necklaces can also be fitted with very small, lightweight and non-intrusive electronic medical alarm transmitter buttons designed to alert emergency services in the event of a medical problem. For example, if you slip and fall in your bathroom and fracture your hip, all you need to do is to press the button on your necklace and you can get help in a short time. This system can connect to your home telephone line and place a call for help. Your family members, friends and physician receive the alert, and the doctor reaches you with the help you need. These gadgets may be expensive, but a little search may enable you to find you inexpensive medical alarm systems also. These devices are fitted with batteries, which have a pretty long life.

It is important, before buying such alarms or alert systems, that you make a thorough enquiry about the services of the monitoring agency- whether it is doing the monitoring itself, or contracted out the job. The monitoring should be professional and efficient, since lives are at stake. Efforts, therefore, should be made to buy the gadgets and services of a certified monitoring agency.

Medical jewelry designers have found a compromise solution to reduce this feeling of awkwardness by creating some artistic and attractive accessories, which serve their medical purpose by providing the critical medical identification and also look fashionable and trendy on the wearer. Moreover, wearing these gadgets gives the patients a great sense of security, confidence and peace, besides providing them with a Medical Alert system that can connect them to their family members and doctors in the event of emergency. They are of invaluable help to patients suffering from critical ailments such as cardiovascular complications, diabetic problems or sudden fainting or strokes.

A Medical Alert or alarm system has dual communication lines. It sends messages to the family or friends of the patient, and also an SOS to summon aid immediately from the medical agency that constantly monitors his condition.

These Medical Alerts and alarm systems have three important parts: a medical alarm button embedded in the pendant of the necklace or the bracelet, an alarm console to dial for help, and a Medical Alert service that monitors and responds to the call for help.

The market is crammed with such designer accessories. You may surf the Internet, visit a store personally or wade through the Yellow Pages, TV or the newspaper advertisements. The more you search, the more you are likely to be confused. It is better to be practical. Rather than giving preference to the glamour value of the gadget, you should consider its technical features and usefulness for your health. The unfamiliar technical jargon may baffle you. The best course would be to consult your doctor, or a fellow sufferer of the disease that is afflicting you.