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Know the Early Signs of Heart Disease
More than 30 million Americans have heart disease. The good news is that some types are preventable – if you take action early.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. In many cases, it’s preventable with lifestyle changes and early intervention. The problem? Many people don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late.
We spoke to Nurse Practitioner Kelly Wozneak with the University of Virginia Health System. With over 20 years of experience in cardiology, she breaks it down in real talk: What should you watch for? And what can you do today to keep your heart strong for years to come?
Family History: A Major Risk Factor
One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease is something you can’t control—your genetics. If a close relative (parent, sibling, or grandparent) has had heart disease, especially at a young age, your risk is significantly higher. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed—it just means you need to be proactive.
Here’s what you should do if you have a family history of heart disease:
- Start early – Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked regularly, even in your 20s and 30s. Men older than age 45 and women past menopause have the highest risk of a heart event.
- Reduce diabetes risk – Diabetes is a huge risk factor for heart disease; adults with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cardiac disease or stroke than those without. Understanding and controlling your blood sugar can help you avoid diabetes altogether.
- Be vigilant about symptoms – Don’t ignore warning signs, even if they seem minor. If you have symptoms, get checked out right away. And don’t be afraid to seek a professional opinion, or ask for a referral to a cardiologist. Remember, you are the best advocate for your own health.
- Live a heart-healthy lifestyle – Since you may have a higher baseline risk, healthy habits like diet, exercise, and stress management are even more critical.
Heart Disease Symptoms in Women: Different and Often Overlooked
Women often experience heart disease symptoms differently than men, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. While men are more likely to report classic chest pain, women may experience:
- Pain in the Neck, Jaw, or Back – More common in women than men.
- Unusual Fatigue – Feeling extremely tired, even without exertion.
- Shortness of Breath – Even without chest discomfort.
- Nausea or Vomiting – Often mistaken for indigestion or flu.
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness – Can signal reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Upper Abdominal Pain or Pressure – Sometimes mistaken for acid reflux or a stomach issue.
- Sweating Without Exertion – Cold sweats or clammy skin can indicate heart trouble.
- Sleep Disturbances – Trouble falling or staying asleep, especially if combined with other symptoms.
“These symptoms can be sneaky,” says Wozneak. “If you’re brushing off discomfort because you’re ‘too busy’ or ‘it’s probably nothing,’ stop right there. Paying attention to these red flags and seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself.”
Compared with men, women tend to have symptoms more often while resting. Women also tend to experience heart disease later than men. While heart disease can strike anyone at any age, typically men’s risk starts to increase at age 45. For women, risk increases once menstruation stops, around age 55.
Since symptoms can be subtle, women should be especially proactive about their heart health and not dismiss these signs. If something feels off, get checked out—it’s always better to be safe.
Early Warning Signs: Don’t Ignore These Clues
Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself with crushing chest pain like in the movies. Here’s what to look out for:
- Chest Discomfort – “If your chest is feeling tight, heavy, or just ‘off’—like there’s an elephant sitting on it—pay attention,” says Wozneak. “Even mild discomfort that comes and goes could be a red flag.”
- Shortness of Breath – If walking up a flight of stairs suddenly feels like climbing Everest, don’t brush it off. It could mean your heart isn’t pumping efficiently. Even exercise-induced shortness of breath can be a concern for heart disease, especially if it is new, worsening, or happens with minimal exertion.
- Fatigue – “I’m not talking about ‘I worked hard then stayed up too late’ tired,” says Wozneak. “This is deep, unexplained exhaustion that doesn’t go away.”
- Swelling in Your Legs or Feet – Fluid retention, especially in the lower extremities, could indicate heart failure.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Do you feel woozy when you stand up? It might be a sign your heart isn’t circulating blood properly.
- Irregular Heartbeat – “If your heart’s got its own drum solo going on, and it’s not in rhythm, get it checked right away,” Wozneak warns.
Ignoring these symptoms won’t make them go away—in fact, they can lead to a serious cardiac event. So, what can you do to take control of your heart health and improve your chances of avoiding serious heart disease?
Heart-Smart Habits to Adopt Today
The good news is that heart disease can be preventable if you’re proactive. Even if you feel fine now, taking preventive measures can dramatically reduce your risk of developing heart disease later. And if you’ve already been diagnosed with some type of heart disease, these habits can help slow down disease progression.
1. Move More—Even a Little Helps!
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your heart strong. “Don’t forget, your heart is a muscle,” Wozneak says. “Just get moving! A 30-minute walk most days can do wonders.”
Calling it “exercise” is off-putting to some. If the gym isn’t your thing, find an activity you enjoy—dancing, swimming, gardening—or even chasing your dog or grandkids around the yard. Just move.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
2. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
A balanced diet can keep cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight in check. Stick to these guidelines:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Limit processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats. Sodas are especially problematic as they deliver lots of sugar with no nutritional value. Experts recommend cutting them out altogether.
- “If the ingredient list looks like a chemistry experiment, maybe don’t eat it,” Wozneak advises.
- One simple change is to swap out salty snacks for nuts, seeds, or hummus.
According to the National Institutes of Health, good diets to prevent or manage heart disease are the Mediterranean diet or DASH diet. Plant-based diets are also a good option.
3. Manage Stress—Seriously, It’s Important
Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Find ways to relax—whether it’s yoga, meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, or laughing with friends.
“Stress is like bad weather—it messes up everything. So do what you need to do to unplug for at least a short period every day,” says Wozneak.
4. Quit Smoking and Cut Back on Alcohol
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart.
As far as alcohol, there’s been a lot of press lately suggesting that any alcohol is bad for you. If you choose to partake, alcohol should be consumed in moderation. “One glass of wine? Fine. A bottle? Not so much,” Wozneak says.
5. Keep Up with Regular Check-Ups
Seeing your doctor regularly can help catch issues before they become serious. Make sure to monitor:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar (especially if you have diabetes risk factors)
Why MedicAlert Matters for Your Heart Health
If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other risk factors, wearing a MedicAlert ID can be life-saving in an emergency. In case of a cardiac event, first responders can access your medical history immediately, ensuring you get the right care, fast.
“Minutes matter in a cardiac emergency,” Wozneak reminds us. “A MedicAlert ID can literally be the difference between life and death.”
The Bottom Line: Start Today
Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul overnight. Small changes—like adding a short walk to your day, swapping out fried foods for fresh ones, or managing stress—can add up to big benefits over time.
“Your heart works hard for you every day,” says Wozneak. “Show it some love back!”
By knowing the early signs of heart disease, you can be proactive to minimize your risk factors. And remember—if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Get checked out. Your heart will thank you.
For resources on heart health and how MedicAlert can help, read more here.
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Sickle Cell Awareness: Challenges & Exciting Developments
September marks National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the disease that affects 100,000 Americans and more than 8 million people around the world.
According to the CDC, in the U.S. 90% of people with sickle cell disease are Black or African American, and between 3%-9% are Hispanic or Latino. Per the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 1 in 365 Black babies are born with sickle cell disease.
Recently we sat down with Regina Hartfield, President & CEO of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, to talk about challenges facing the sickle cell community and the promise of new treatments.
But first, a brief primer on sickle cell disease.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the primary protein that carries oxygen through the body via red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round and pliable, allowing them to move easily through the vascular system. In people with SCD a gene mutation affects the hemoglobin, and their red blood cells become hard and misshapen in the form of a crescent or sickle.
These abnormal red blood cells don’t bend or move easily and can become stuck in smaller blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the rest of the body. This results in the hallmark symptom of SCD: a sickle cell pain crisis.
A sickle cell pain crisis can begin suddenly and affect any area of the body, but most commonly the chest, back, legs, or arms. The pain can range from moderate to excruciating, and last for hours, days or weeks. These crises are the #1 reason people with SCD seek emergency medical treatment.
If not treated quickly, a pain crisis can be damaging and even life-threatening. Complications of sickle cell and these pain crises are blood clots, stroke, anemia, acute chest syndrome, chronic pain, even organ damage or failure.
What many people don’t know about sickle cell disease is that the estimated life expectancy for people with SCD is more than 20 years shorter than the U.S. average.
Compared to other disorders that affect the same number of people, SCD has been historically under researched and underfunded. Because most people with sickle cell are Black, the community regularly faces inherent discrimination and bias, affecting their access to care.
Bottom line: sickle cell is a relentless disease that impacts daily life – not just physical health, but every facet including relationships, education, employment, and mental health.
Leading the charge for advocacy
Founded in 1972, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) is the nation’s leading voice for the sickle cell community. SCDAA’s mission is to advocate for everyone affected by sickle cell, empower community-based organizations to support families living with sickle cell, and influence research, policy, and legislation that advance the well-being of the community.
At the forefront of this mission is SCDAA’s President and CEO, Regina Hartfield. With a heart full of passion, Regina has dedicated herself to advocating for better healthcare and support for those affected by SCD.
MedicAlert and SCDAA recently partnered to develop a program to tackle the problem of emergency care for people with SCD. Read more about that in the interview. .
President & CEO, SCDAA
Q&A: MedicAlert Interviews Regina Hartfield
To better understand what's happening in the sickle cell community, we sat down with Regina to hear her story and insights. Here are some excerpts from our conversation.
Q: What drew you personally to the cause of sickle cell advocacy?
Regina Hartfield: Simply, my mom. Many years ago, she was a nurse in the NICU, where she often cared for newborns with severe health challenges. She made us all aware of sickle cell disease and the newborns who were suffering. I remember her speaking about the short life expectancy of the young people she cared for due to sickle cell disease.
I distinctly remember one day when I was 16 years old. We were out shopping, and at one store a young man, not much older than me, kept calling my mom’s name. When she didn’t hear him, he literally jumped over the counter and gave her a big hug. He was one of her sickle cell patients. It was truly a wonderful moment. My mom was beloved not just as a nurse, but as a person, and I wasn’t surprised by the interaction. When we left the shop, my mom said, “Wow, I’m so happy to see him. We didn’t think he’d ever live to be this age.”
That moment was eye-opening. I was young and healthy, but this young man had endured so many challenges. It stuck with me. When I had the chance to join the SCDAA board, I was really excited to learn more about the disease and help the organization serve the sickle cell community.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing SCDAA and the broader sickle cell community right now?
Regina Hartfield: To me, the three biggest challenges are: keeping the issues alive, along with education and access to healthcare.
These challenges aren’t new. The sickle cell community has endured decades of disparities and inequities, especially regarding the mistreatment they receive in emergency departments during a pain crisis. There is a widespread misconception that these individuals are drug seekers, which leads to their suffering being dismissed. Healthcare providers see patients in pain but don’t believe them. Some are even escorted out by police while they are sick and in need of care.
At SCDAA, we’re committed to keeping these discussions alive. We want to ensure that education is available; not only to those living with the condition but also to their caregivers and healthcare providers. It’s crucial that the healthcare system provides compassionate care and access to treatment. Emergency department physicians and healthcare providers are often hampered by policies that restrict their ability to administer opioid treatments.
Urgent care centers aren’t designed to handle patients with sickle cell disease. It’s a rare disease, but not a rarity – it affects enough people that it shouldn’t be unfamiliar. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough healthcare providers trained to manage sickle cell disease. Some patients have to travel two or three hours just to see a provider. In some areas, a healthcare provider might see only one sickle cell patient in five years. When they see the next patient, will they be prepared? It is all very difficult and that is why we continue to advocate for this community.
“Medical and healthcare providers need to understand that sickle cell pain is real, the treatment plan is real, and if treatment is not administered correctly, people can die.”
Regina Hartfield
President and CEO
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA)
Q: There’s so much excitement around new treatments for SCD. What do these advancements mean for the people living with the disease?
Regina Hartfield: We’ve been very fortunate that the FDA approved two gene therapies. This is incredibly important, as it gives people with sickle cell disease another option for a potential cure. While these therapies may not be available to everyone right now, there’s hope they will become accessible to more individuals.
This is a historic time. For the first time, we have more than one curative treatment—bone marrow transplant and now gene therapy. Both treatments are physically demanding, but they represent incredible opportunities. Before these treatments were developed, the focus was on managing symptoms. Now, people living with sickle cell can ask, “What does this mean for me? Can gene therapy help me? Can it help my child?”
There are challenges, though. Gene therapy is currently not covered by insurance and comes with significant out-of-pocket costs. It’s not widely available, and the process is long and difficult. Beyond the physical commitment, families must consider factors like career, family planning, and reproductive preservation—expenses they may never have anticipated.
Still, gene therapy can change lives. Families that are used to rearranging their lives around unpredictable pain crises can finally feel free. After successful treatment, there’s no more worrying about the next crisis. They can live their lives without fear.
Q: You’ve been with SCDAA for almost 3 years now. Looking back, what moments or milestones stand out to you?
Regina Hartfield: I would say the biggest achievements of SCDAA over the last three years are the strength of the organization and the healthy relationships we’ve built with our members – the community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide education, services and support to people living with SCD and their families across the county.
When I joined SCDAA, the organization was in a transitional phase, and we had the opportunity to rebuild and define how we could best support our members. It was during COVID, when the entire organization was remote.
When we finally returned to the office, one of our members suggested we hold an open house for all the CBOs. It was a great idea! I still remember that wintry day in late January 2023. It’s one of my all-time favorite moments. I opened the doors to the office, and members from across the country came pouring in. We immediately bonded over the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. We laughed, cried, hugged, and supported one another. It was a very humbling experience. And it showed that we are all in this fight together.
We work hard every day for our members, so they have the resources they need to improve life for people facing SCD. We now have 57 community-based nonprofit organizations across 30 states working directly with families and individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Awareness is only the first step.
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Q: MedicAlert is proud to partner with SCDAA to improve emergency care during a sickle cell crisis. What does the program mean for SCDAA and the SCD community?
Regina Hartfield: When MedicAlert approached us about this program with the Smart Medical ID Card—a program that makes it easier for someone seeking treatment in the emergency department to have their medical records easily accessible—I was awestruck.
Mistreatment, discrimination, and disparities are rampant in healthcare for those experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Whether it’s implicit or explicit, bias is bias. People are denied care and help. Our community has learned to cope with a level of pain that is unimaginable. It’s a level of disrespect and discrimination that no one should have to experience. Imagine being in so much pain that no one believes you, and then they threaten to call the police. These are law-abiding citizens, just seeking treatment.
The credibility of the MedicAlert name will help so many people. To be able to show a medical ID card with a QR code that can be scanned to access your health information—your hematologist, pain plan, and emergency contacts—is incredible. It gives individuals the confidence to walk into an emergency room and know they’ll be taken seriously and treated with respect.
Q: What are some resources that SCDDA offers for people living with sickle cell?
Regina Hartfield: Oh, there’s so much. We have a variety of resources, including a clinical trial finder and a mental health toolkit. For those in the healthcare community, we provide a Community Healthcare Worker training program to ensure healthcare providers are better equipped to care for individuals with sickle cell disease.
It’s really important for people with SCD and their caregivers to find the CBO that provides additional resources right in their local community. Local organizations provide services like support groups, counseling, education, advocacy, events, and in some cases, direct support for things like transportation to medical appointments.
MedicAlert Foundation extends our immense appreciation to Regina Hartfield for sharing her compassion, dedication and expertise in the sickle cell disease community. To learn more about SCDAA, visit their website.
For more about the joint MedicAlert and SCDAA pilot to improve emergency care in a sickle cell pain crisis, read about it and apply here.
MedicAlert can help you live boldly with SCD.
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Give yourself and your loved one peace of mind with a MedicAlert membership.
Enjoy life-saving benefits and store your comprehensive health history for emergency treatment.
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Enjoy life-saving benefits and store your comprehensive health history for emergency treatment.
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Wearable MedicAlert IDs
MedicAlert is the inventor and pioneer of the wearable medical ID.
A medical ID communicates vital medical information to first responders so you can receive the care you need.
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A medical ID communicates vital medical information to first responders so you can receive the care you need.
QR Code IDs
Scanable Medical IDs
Learn more →
QR Code Digital IDs
Protect yourself by storing critical information about your conditions, medications, and SCD pain plan accessible via a QR code ID.
Perfect for people with multiple conditions and complicated histories.
Shop QR Code IDs
Perfect for people with multiple conditions and complicated histories.
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]]>Food Allergies, Anaphylaxis and Running
Food allergies affect an estimated 2.5% of the global population. Of the 198.5 million people around the world living with food allergies, approximately 20 million people in the U.S. live with the condition. This includes 5.6 million children under the age of 18.
“I had my first anaphylactic shock reaction in 1989, a couple months before my 9th birthday,” says Sarah. “I arrived at the hospital in time to receive epinephrine and thankfully I survived. Allergy tests would reveal food allergies. I was allergic to all seafood and fish, though I’d eaten them without incident nearly every week for my entire life up to that point.”
“My second anaphylactic reaction was to chicken when I was 10. Again, I arrived at the hospital quickly, and epinephrine again saved my life. I went to the allergist again for more tests and found I had to add poultry and tree nuts to my allergy list. It was at this allergist visit that my mom was given a MedicAlert brochure. She signed me up immediately, and my first bracelet soon came in the mail.
A childhood with anaphylaxis food allergies
Every three minutes, a food allergy sends someone to the emergency room. In the U.S. and around the world, many of the same foods are responsible for the most allergic reactions. Examples include peanuts, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, and milk, with peanuts causing the most anaphylactic reactions.
Even the smallest amount of these foods can cause anaphylaxis, which is an acute allergic reaction to an antigen such as foods, medicines, and insect bites.
“I was teased some at school for wearing my MedicAlert ID,” says Sarah. “In 1990 food allergies weren’t that common, and the only people I saw with MedicAlert bracelets were of my grandparents’ generation. Kids said I was a grandma/grandpa, but I kept wearing my “grandma” bracelet because my mom said I couldn’t take it off!”
“I had another anaphylactic reaction when I was 11 while at a youth group BBQ. I inadvertently had a bite of a turkey hot dog,” Sarah explains. “My youth pastor rushed me to the hospital, and epinephrine saved my life yet again. Doctors used the info on my MedicAlert bracelet to contact my parents and allergist.”
“A lot of people don’t know that an anaphylactic reaction always requires an emergency room visit,” says Sarah. “Without the proper treatment, anaphylaxis can turn deadly in a little as 15 minutes.”
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Anaphylaxis symptoms and MedicAlert.
The first signs of anaphylaxis may include hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin. This can quickly progress to throat swelling, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Shock can occur. Even worse, anaphylaxis symptoms can return within 6-12 hours after an epinephrine injection. In some cases, symptoms can return days later.
“Even if you receive epinephrine right away,” says Sarah, “you still need to be observed by medical professionals to ensure you recover completely.”
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI), a delay in using epinephrine is common in severe food allergic reaction deaths. A MedicAlert food allergy bracelet can save precious time by alerting first responders and those around you that you have food allergies and carry an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector). Having this information readily available can help save your life if you are in an accident or have another medical emergency.
An accident or dangerous allergic reaction can occur at work, at school, at home, or on the run. A MedicAlert food allergy bracelet can be there for you every second of every day, protecting you no matter where you are or what you do.
I’ll be a MedicAlert member for the rest of my life. MedicAlert means I can live the life I want to live. A full life. A life I love.
My husband and daughter feel more at ease when I go out for a race or training run knowing MedicAlert will help protect me, and notify them in an emergency.
Facts About Food Allergies
Anaphylaxis symptoms and MedicAlert.
The first signs of anaphylaxis may include hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin. This can quickly progress to throat swelling, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Shock can occur. Even worse, anaphylaxis symptoms can return within 6-12 hours after an epinephrine injection. In some cases, symptoms can return days later.
“Even if you receive epinephrine right away,” says Sarah, “you still need to be observed by medical professionals to ensure you recover completely.”
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI), a delay in using epinephrine is common in severe food allergic reaction deaths. A MedicAlert food allergy bracelet can save precious time by alerting first responders and those around you that you have food allergies and carry an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector). Having this information readily available can help save your life if you are in an accident or have another medical emergency.
An accident or dangerous allergic reaction can occur at work, at school, at home, or on the run. A MedicAlert food allergy bracelet can be there for you every second of every day, protecting you no matter where you are or what you do.
Anaphylaxis and EpiPen use
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine works by reversing the life-threatening symptoms associated with this reaction. “Allergists advise that all patients who have food allergies carry their EpiPen with them at all times,” reports the ACAAI. This is crucial for individuals who have had a previous anaphylactic reaction, those living with both food allergies and asthma, and anyone with peanut, tree nut, fish, or crustacean shellfish allergies.
“After multiple episodes of anaphylactic shock,” says Sarah, “I finally started carrying an EpiPen so I could inject myself with epinephrine if I was exposed to an allergen. My parents stood up for me by petitioning the school board, and the board granted me permission to keep my EpiPen in my backpack,” Sarah says.
Today, just about every state in the U.S. has epinephrine stocking laws or regulations in K-12 schools, with multiple states requiring stocking in schools. In 2003 alone, doctors prescribed 1.4 million EpiPens. By 2007, that number had reached 1.9 million — a staggering 36% increase. In 2015, the number of EpiPens prescribed stood at approximately 2.5 million.
“Since then [junior high], I’ve added many more foods to my “death” list,” says Sarah. “Currently, there are 22 foods/food groups I can’t eat. The risk is that I could go into anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Fortunately, I can now eat shrimp and salmon after successfully completing food challenges!”
I’ve survived anaphylactic shock many times, and a MedicAlert bracelet has been with me nearly every day since I was 10.
“My most memorable race was the 2019 Surfer’s Path Marathon. The forecast called for electrical storms and overall unpleasant weather. I was nervous I’d be miserable for the whole race. For the first 10 miles there was torrential rain, hail, lightning, and thunder,” Sarah explains. “Then the sun made an appearance over the Pacific Ocean and I was determined to do my best. Even with all the crazy weather, I managed to earn a PR (personal record)! “My husband and daughter feel more at ease when I go out for a race or training run knowing MedicAlert will help protect me, and notify them in an emergency.”
MedicAlert protection plans and managing food allergies
A MedicAlert protection plan adds an extra layer of protection to food allergy care plans. Our protection plans can deliver detailed information about your condition directly to ER personnel. This ensures that your ER team knows you are living with dangerous food allergies, so the most accurate treatments can be administered quickly and safely. In addition, a MedicAlert protection plan can deliver your full health profile, designated physician’s information, and emergency contact information directly to ER teams. With a MedicAlert food allergy bracelet and protection plan, you will always have a voice.
“I live with life threatening food allergies and the risk of anaphylaxis,” says Sarah. “Having a MedicAlert ID allows me to live the life I want to live. A full life. A life I love.”
Food allergies and anaphylaxis: educating the next generation.
Organizations such as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) help educate, advocate, and raise awareness for people affected by life-threatening allergies. As individuals, we can also do our part to educate those around us about the dangers of food allergies.
“I’ve been a primary teacher for 16 years (most of my experience is in kindergarten and first grade),” says Sarah. “At the beginning of each new school year, I share my story with my students, including my bracelet and EpiPen [use], and explain what to do in case of a severe allergic reaction.”
“Throughout the year,” she says, “they remind me to get my “medicine” when we walk out to recess! But it’s a great way to educate them about food allergies and what to do in an anaphylactic emergency. It helps them understand that anyone can have food allergies, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I show them that with the right precautions (like MedicAlert) they can live a normal, active life.”
“I’ll be a MedicAlert member for the rest of my life,” Sarah says. “I love my MedicAlert bracelet!”
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