Allergies Archives | MedicAlert Foundation

From Bee Stings to Car Crashes: How MedicAlert Saved My Life

ibush — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:08:21 +0000

ALLERGIES

From Bee Stings to Car Crashes: How MedicAlert Saved My Life

Rick has been a proud member of MedicAlert since August 1968, following a life-threatening incident when he was just four years old.

When Rick was a toddler, he had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin that resulted in a 104ºF fever, a rash, constricted airway, and anaphylaxis so extreme that doctors resorted to ice baths in a desperate attempt to alleviate his symptoms.

This traumatic experience prompted his family to enlist MedicAlert’s emergency services to ensure his critical medical information was always accessible.

Rick, humorously self-described as “allergic to life,” has a vast array of allergies, including penicillin and its derivatives, other antibiotics, insect stings and bites, various pollens, grasses, and foods such as dairy, nuts, pork, chicken, potatoes, eggs, and shellfish.

MedicAlert saves the day

Rick’s mom, like most, was very protective. She used MedicAlert’s services after developing gestational diabetes 4 years prior. Knowing the value of the services, she had the foresight to enroll Rick in MedicAlert, which later proved to be lifesaving. Rick’s younger brother and eight cousins also share his allergy-prone genetics, but to a lesser degree.

At 14, Rick survived a potentially fatal bee attack while enjoying a leisurely bike ride. Unable to breathe and without an epinephrine auto-injector, he was aided by bystanders who, recognizing his MedicAlert bracelet, got him to safety. Two years later, a car accident a block from his grandmother’s house left him unconscious and thrown from the vehicle. Emergency responders promptly read his MedicAlert necklace and provided Rick with the right treatment.

Rick’s reliance on MedicAlert has deepened over the years. Despite the challenges of living with multiple allergies, including avoiding major life-saving antibiotics, he pursued higher education and a career in quality engineering. Growing up as a military child with frequent relocations—26 moves in just his first twelve years—underscored the importance of having something to rely on, and for Rick and his family, that was MedicAlert.

A lifeline through Rick's life changes

Reflecting on these experiences, Rick emphasizes the profound impact MedicAlert has had on his life, declaring that it “speaks for you when you can’t speak for yourself.” Whether unconscious from an accident or unable to articulate his medical history due to an allergic reaction, Rick finds reassurance in knowing that his MedicAlert information can communicate what he cannot.

In 1988, Rick embarked on a new chapter of his life when he married his wife. They relocated to Michigan the following year and have enjoyed exploring life’s possibilities with their twenty-one-year-old son who has Down syndrome. Amidst life’s changes, one constant remains: his unwavering trust in MedicAlert.

Over the decades, Rick has faithfully worn MedicAlert bracelets and necklaces and now adds wallet cards to his backpack strap and seat belt holder. This ensures that he’s always prepared for any medical emergency. MedicAlert has protected him on numerous occasions by providing critical information during moments when he couldn’t communicate for himself.

More than a membership

For Rick, MedicAlert is not just a membership—it’s a lifeline, a source of protection in an unpredictable world. As he continues his journey, he does so with the peace of mind that comes from knowing MedicAlert has his back, just as it has for nearly six decades.

Want to learn more?

About Allergies

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.

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Other Conditions

Read about other conditions that our MedicAlert members live with.

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Find Your ID

Get started with MedicAlert and get protected with your own ID.

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"MedicAlert speaks for you

when you can't speak for yourself."

Rick, MedicAlert Member

Rick's MedicAlert seat belt holder notifies first responders of his allergies, even if he is incapacitated in an accident.

A seat belt holder can also be used on bag straps, so Rick attaches one to his backpack. It's just one more way to make sure his vital info is with him.

Over the years, Rick has owned many MedicAlert medical IDs, and worn them faithfully. He knows that they are life-saving tools!

Get started with MedicAlert.

Back-to-School Action Plan: Navigating Your Child’s Medical Needs

jvillanuevamedicalertorg — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:41:27 +0000

The excitement of a new school year means shopping for school supplies, choosing new outfits, and reconnecting with friends after the summer. But for parents of children with special medical needs, it can also be met with anxiety and worry. From allergies and asthma to autism, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, and many other medical conditions, navigating the school environment can be overwhelming. But with careful planning, you can create a supportive learning experience for your child.

A chronic condition doesn’t have to get in the way of a good experience at school for your child. Remember, parents and schools have the same goal: to ensure that students with medical needs are safe and that they’re able to learn in a supportive environment.

Getting Started

Schedule an appointment with your child’s provider or specialist before the school year begins to assess their condition. If your child needs release forms to allow school personnel to administer medications, make sure the physician signs them.

With your child’s provider, develop a medical action plan. It’s a very important document. The action plan outlines what your child needs to effectively manage their condition during the school day, as well as what steps to take if an emergency occurs. Have your physician sign off on the plan to make it actionable.

What to include in a medical action plan:

Detail all medical needs: Collaborate with your child’s healthcare provider, outline the specific needs for your child’s medical condition. Include medications, dosage and daily care requirements.

Include symptoms and triggers: List all symptoms of your child’s condition as well as triggers, such as allergens, foods, or activities. That helps others to both help avoid a crisis, and to recognize a crisis when it occurs so they can take immediate action.

Create an emergency plan: Include detailed steps and specific instructions for your child's condition, rescue medications, and treatment in case of an emergency.

Provide emergency contacts : List all emergency contacts - parents, guardians and health care providers - as well as any other people on your care team who should be notified in an emergency.

Each child’s medical needs will vary a lot, so it’s important that you detail your child’s specific symptoms, medications, and treatment protocols . By taking the time to develop an action plan, you help ensure a smooth school year.

Here are some valuable resources that explain how to develop a medical action plan based on your child’s medical condition:

Communicating your action plan is key

Once you’ve created your child’s action plan, the next step is to effectively communicate it to school staff. Prior to the start of the school year, meet with school staff to discuss your child’s medical action plan. This includes: teachers, the school nurse, cafeteria staff, coaches, and any other relevant personnel. It takes a village to keep your kid safe.

Educate and empower your child

Open the lines of communication with your child. Teach them about their medical condition and how to manage it. Encourage your child to speak up about their needs, and to notify an adult if they experience any symptoms or issues. This empowerment helps them feel confident and safe at school.

If your child is comfortable, have them explain their condition, symptoms and triggers to classmates. Some kids find it empowering to claim their condition and ask their friends for help avoiding an incident. One 8-year-old MedicAlert member prepared and presented a talk for his entire third grade class to educate them on seizure protocols. That helped demystify his seizures and prepare his classmates to give him the help he needed when a seizure occurred. A win-win for all concerned.

Deal proactively with absences

If your child is likely to have multiple absences related to management or treatment of their condition, have a plan in place to keep them up to speed and connected with their classmates. These absences can cause your child to feel alone and distressed that they can’t keep up. Advise teachers in advance so they are ready to provide resources for learning at home.

Support their emotional health

Having a chronic illness can cause physical pain or symptoms. But dealing day in and out with a disease, missing school, and feeling “different” from other kids all take an emotional toll as well. It’s really important that your child learns ways to calm themself when they get anxious. Keep an eye out for symptoms of depression, and take quick action to get your child the resources they need if you see evidence of a decline in mental or emotional health.

Equip your child with a medical ID

A MedicAlert ID and protection plan are important safeguards for any child with a chronic medical condition. A medical bracelet, necklace, or shoe tag signals that your child has a medical condition. With MedicAlert,your child’s up-to-date medical history, medications, and emergency contacts are stored safely in their MedicAlert health profile. Be sure to upload your child’s emergency action plan so that first responders have access when needed.

If your child can’t communicate in an emergency, MedicAlert will be their voice. MedicAlert provides first responders with the vitaly information needed to provide fast, safe and accurate care for your child. It’s priceless safety and peace of mind for both you and your child.

The post Back-to-School Action Plan: Navigating Your Child’s Medical Needs appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

On the Courts: Penicillin Allergy and the Boston Celtics

MedicAlert — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:05:17 +0000

PENICILLIN ALLERGY

On the Courts: Penicillin Allergy and the Boston Celtics

Frank Challant, a Massachusetts native, was a young college student in Ohio in 1967. Healthy and athletic, problems like a life-threatening allergy never crossed his mind. As spring became summer, the outside temperature shot up to 107 degrees, and the air conditioning in Frank’s dorm ran constantly.

Before long, Frank started to feel run-down. After a few days with no improvement, he ventured to the local hospital, where he was quickly diagnosed with double pneumonia. The attending physician gave Frank an injection of the antibiotic penicillin and Frank went back to his dorm room to recover.

No more than three months later, feeling run-down again, Frank went to the on-campus infirmary. He figured he was likely exhausted from his studies and football practice. Not only that, he was also working as the assistant athletic trainer for the basketball, baseball, track, wrestling and tennis teams. However, he wanted to make sure he was ok.

Want to learn more?

About Allergies

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.

Read More >

Find Your ID

Get started with MedicAlert and get protected with your own ID.

Read More >

Frank didn’t know this at the time, but 10% of people in the US report having a penicillin allergy. At the infirmary, Frank was given another injection of penicillin. By the time he could roll his sleeve back down, Frank went into anaphylactic shock. He experienced dizziness, stomach cramps, profuse sweating, and vomiting. Within three minutes, Frank hit the floor. When he woke up five minutes later, the doctor was hovering over him with a tracheostomy kit in his hand. Frank had no idea what was happening or that he was seriously allergic to penicillin.

Discovering the protection of MedicAlert for life-threatening allergies

After receiving a shot of Benadryl, Frank was kept in the college infirmary for observation for five hours. With nothing to do but look at the four walls, Frank noticed a brochure for MedicAlert. He’d never heard of MedicAlert, so he read it. Within days of that infirmary visit Frank sent in his request for a custom engraved MedicAlert ID and Protection Plan. Frank now knew that MedicAlert was exactly what he needed, adamantly stating, “There is no way in hell I ever want to experience that again.”

Having trusted in MedicAlert for over 54 years, Frank says: “MedicAlert is my best defense against my life-threatening allergy. If I ever go into anaphylactic shock again, my custom engraved MedicAlert ID will communicate to an emergency response team exactly what I am allergic to. The very information that can save my life sits on my wrist. You can’t beat that!”

“If I ever go into anaphylactic shock again, my custom engraved MedicAlert ID will communicate to an emergency response team exactly what I am allergic to – the very information that can save my life sits on my wrist.”

Frank, MedicAlert Member since 1967

Facts About Penicillin Allergies

10% of all US patients report having an allergic reaction to penicillin

Allergic reaction to penicillin includes skin hives, Anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, and wheezing

Delayed reactions to penicillin's can occur, commonly include rash or itch, can appear after days or weeks of administration of the drug.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Embracing a dream with the Boston Celtics

After graduating college, Frank began his career as a high school teacher. His sights were set on becoming an athletic trainer. Within three years the New England Patriots offered Frank a position. Ten months later, the Boston Celtics came calling.

Frank enjoyed a long and successful career as the Boston Celtics’ Athletic Trainer from 1971-1979. He has endless memories and two championship rings. Known for his unconventional training and athlete rehabilitation, Frank was always thinking outside the box so his athletes could go out there and do what they do best. Frank said, “Back then, medicine was not what it is today. We had to rest on our experience, knowledge and intuition.”

To this day, Frank wears his MedicAlert ID every day – whether it is his custom engraved bracelet or Citizen’s watch. Even after 54 years, he still values the peace of mind and protection MedicAlert gives him from his life-threatening allergy.

Frank says, “I am fortunate that MedicAlert hasn’t had to save my life, but I know it has saved countless lives of children and adults.”

That’s why Frank is not only a member, but a loyal donor as well. Giving to MedicAlert is a “no-brainer,” he says. MedicAlert is one of his favorite charities, and Frank tells everyone he can, “If you care about life and the lives of others – write a check to MedicAlert.”

What is anaphylaxis?

Without any warning, Frank had experienced anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. According to MedicAlert partner, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), sudden allergic reactions to penicillin often happen in less than an hour after receiving a dose of the medicine. This can even occur if the person did not have any problems with a dose in the past. And as Frank had just learned, the consequences can become very serious very quickly.

Life-threatening allergies and anaphylaxis are the result of a person’s immune system overreacting to a trigger. In Frank’s case, the trigger was penicillin, and medicines (including other antibiotics) are a common source of allergic reactions. Other potential triggers can be food allergies, insect stings and bites, latex, and in rare cases, vigorous exercise. Both children and adults can experience these serious allergic reactions.

People at risk for anaphylaxis or who have experienced anaphylaxis in the past should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) and wear a medical ID. Quick treatment is needed to reverse the severe allergic reaction. A medical ID can clearly indicate to first responders that someone has a life-threatening allergy. For example, a penicillin alert bracelet may have the penicillin allergy abbreviation and share that epinephrine is needed in an emergency.

Allergies Archives | MedicAlert Foundation

From Bee Stings to Car Crashes: How MedicAlert Saved My Life

From Bee Stings to Car Crashes: How MedicAlert Saved My Life

MedicAlert saves the day

A lifeline through Rick's life changes

More than a membership

Want to learn more?

"MedicAlert speaks for you

when you can't speak for yourself."

Rick, MedicAlert Member

Rick's MedicAlert seat belt holder notifies first responders of his allergies, even if he is incapacitated in an accident.

A seat belt holder can also be used on bag straps, so Rick attaches one to his backpack. It's just one more way to make sure his vital info is with him.

Over the years, Rick has owned many MedicAlert medical IDs, and worn them faithfully. He knows that they are life-saving tools!

Get started with MedicAlert.

Read more about MedicAlert members

Back-to-School Action Plan: Navigating Your Child’s Medical Needs

Getting Started

What to include in a medical action plan:

Detail all medical needs: Collaborate with your child’s healthcare provider, outline the specific needs for your child’s medical condition. Include medications, dosage and daily care requirements.

Include symptoms and triggers: List all symptoms of your child’s condition as well as triggers, such as allergens, foods, or activities. That helps others to both help avoid a crisis, and to recognize a crisis when it occurs so they can take immediate action.

Create an emergency plan: Include detailed steps and specific instructions for your child's condition, rescue medications, and treatment in case of an emergency.

Provide emergency contacts : List all emergency contacts - parents, guardians and health care providers - as well as any other people on your care team who should be notified in an emergency.

Here are some valuable resources that explain how to develop a medical action plan based on your child’s medical condition:

Communicating your action plan is key

Educate and empower your child

Deal proactively with absences

Support their emotional health

Equip your child with a medical ID

On the Courts: Penicillin Allergy and the Boston Celtics

On the Courts: Penicillin Allergy and the Boston Celtics

Want to learn more?

Discovering the protection of MedicAlert for life-threatening allergies

“If I ever go into anaphylactic shock again, my custom engraved MedicAlert ID will communicate to an emergency response team exactly what I am allergic to – the very information that can save my life sits on my wrist.”

Frank, MedicAlert Member since 1967

Facts About Penicillin Allergies

Embracing a dream with the Boston Celtics

What is anaphylaxis?

Get started with MedicAlert.

Read more about MedicAlert members