Men’s health: it’s time

It seems that leading a hectic lifestyle is par for the course these days. Work, family commitments and just getting through every day can be a real struggle for many of us. Too often, taking care of our health falls at the bottom of our ‘to do’ lists; this is particularly true when it comes to men.

Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits and only attend when an illness is in its later stages. This less than ideal approach to taking care of themselves has seen male deaths outnumber female deaths in every age group (except the over-65s because a large percentage of men sadly die before reaching retirement).¹

Men’s Health Week, 11–17 June 2012, is all about improving men’s attitudes to taking care of themselves. It’s about teaching men and boys to manage their health responsibly to decrease the risk of illness, serious injury and even death.

Major health risks for men include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer. However, men can reduce their risk by making simple lifestyle changes and committing to regular medical checkups. For example, just 30 minutes of exercise each day can have a real effect on reducing a male’s risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.

MedicAlert® Foundation, as a proud sponsor of Men’s Health Week, wants to see men become more proactive about looking after their health and wellbeing. By monitoring your health regularly and being aware of your family medical history, you can significantly increase your chance of catching any health issues early. Finding a GP you’re comfortable with is the first step.

If you have a health issue already, MedicAlert membership can provide life-saving benefits. A MedicAlert medical ID will quickly and effectively communicate your medical information should an emergency arise. The great thing is MedicAlert Foundation has jewellery specifically designed for men and boys. The range includes fashionable, high-quality jewellery as well as discrete bracelets and necklets. There’s something to suit everyone.

So guys, it’s time to make a real commitment to taking care of your health; be honest with yourself, address any issues and take the time to put yourself first.

• ¹Better Health Channel 2012, date accessed: 21 May 2012 http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Men's_health.

Educate yourself this week on food allergies and anaphylaxis

Food allergies are a very real issue for many Australians, affecting one in 10 children and about two in every 100 adults¹ and it is estimated that 10 people will die this year as the result². At MedicAlert Foundation we recognise the importance of increasing awareness of this serious condition and are, this month, proud to sponsor Food Allergy Awareness Week in our dedication to protecting the health of all Australians.

This week, 14–18 May, is a great time to learn more about living with food allergies with many resources available that will provide more information on coping with and recognising food allergies.

So what exactly is a food allergy? There seems to be conflicting ideas as food allergies are often confused with food intolerances. A food allergy can be described as 'the immune system’s response to a protein in food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful²'. On contact with the protein, the immune system releases large amounts of chemicals which can affect a person’s breathing, gastrointestinal tract, skin and even heart².

Signs that someone has had an allergic reaction to food include hives, welts or body redness, vomiting, tingling in the mouth, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyes, lips, face or tongue, wheezing and difficulty talking. Children affected by food allergies may also appear pale and floppy².

The most extreme form of reaction is called anaphylaxis, a generalised allergic reaction involving more than one body system. Anaphylaxis usually occurs within 20 minutes to two hours of exposure to the trigger and can rapidly become life threatening².

The most common food allergy triggers for children are eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts. Other triggers (for people of all ages) include fish, shellfish, sesame, soy and wheat. Even kiwi fruit, banana, chicken, mustard and celery are known to have caused severe allergic reactions. There are over 170 foods that have been linked to food allergies and for each person affected the response can be different². Unfortunately there is no cure but prevention and immediate treatment in the case of exposure to those triggers are vital.

Whenever a person experiences an allergic reaction to food, no matter how mild, it is important they receive prompt medical attention. While fatalities are reasonably rare, serious reactions are all too common and you must be properly equipped to manage any type of reaction.

MedicAlert membership is a great tool in assisting people with food allergies to take control. A MedicAlert medical ID is engraved with your personal medical information, including any allergies and illnesses, your membership number and a 24/7 hotline number. In an emergency, those who’ve come to assist can easily access your details, identify the risk and provide the most appropriate medical attention. In the case of anaphylaxis, having an Anaphylaxis Action Plan combined with a MedicAlert medical ID can give you the best possible protection.

With food allergy treatment, timing is vital and this week is the perfect time to educate yourself on this serious condition. So if you suffer from a food allergy, or know someone else who does, speak to us about how we can help, and head to www.foodallergyaware.com.au to find out more information and tips on coping.

Do you have some tips for coping with food allergies? We'd love to hear them...

• ¹ Osborne et al. Prevalence of challenge-proven IgE-mediated food allergy using population-based sampling and predetermined challenge criteria in infants. J Allergy Clin Immunolol 2011; 127: 668-676.
• ² Anaphylaxis Australia 2012, date accessed: 4 May 2012 http://www.foodallergyaware.com.au.

MedicAlert Foundation: helping people living with asthma take control

Do you know someone affected by asthma? Chances are you do; currently there are over two million
Australians living with the disease¹. The statistics are alarmingly high – made even more serious when you consider that over 400 people die from the condition each year² – and researchers are yet to find a cure³. So, for now, we need to concentrate on understanding and effectively managing the disease as best we can, to prevent more fatalities and to help those affected live a healthy, active lifestyle.

So what is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease where a person’s airways react strongly to triggers they are allergic to or are simply irritated by. When the trigger is present, the person’s airways become inflamed and the muscles surrounding them tighten, making it difficult to breathe³.

Common asthma triggers include colds and flu, inhaled allergens such as pollens, moulds, animal dander and dust mites, as well as smoke, physical activity and exercise. In some cases, even something as simple, and unpredictable, as changes in temperature can cause an attack³. For each person, the trigger and the reaction can be different. The good news is that with a little bit of help, the disease is manageable.

Taking control
People with asthma can take control by putting in place an action plan (with their doctor) and ensuring they have regular asthma check-ups (as asthma can change over time). An action plan arms those living with the disease with knowledge about their triggers, how to respond to their symptoms, how to best utilise their medication including correct use of preventer medication, and when to seek medical help³.

However, while an action plan is certainly a great way for those with asthma to lead fulfilling lives, the reality is that an asthma attack can occur at any time. That’s where MedicAlert membership comes in.

MedicAlert membership offers a simple, though potentially life-saving addition to any asthma action plan. A MedicAlert ID carries the internationally recognised MedicAlert emblem and is engraved with your personal medical information, membership number and a 24/7 hotline number for emergency service to call for more information. Should a medical emergency arise, emergency services and healthcare professionals can easily recognise that you’re an asthma sufferer and respond accordingly.

1 May 2012 is World Asthma Day, a day dedicated to improving asthma awareness and taking control of the disease. So if you are living with asthma, or know of someone who is, this month is the perfect time to consider how best to manage a condition that should not be allowed to hold you back.

• ¹ National Asthma Council Australia 2006, Asthma Management Handbook 2006. National Asthma Council Australia, Melbourne, Australia.
• ² National Asthma Council Australia 2012, date accessed: 23 April 2012 http://www.nationalasthma.org.au.
• ³ Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring 2011, Asthma in Australia 2011. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra, Australia.

Plan for a safe break

April is here already! All those New Year’s celebrations feel like forever ago and the first hectic months of the year have well and truly taken their toll on personal energy reserves. For many, April is the month in which we set aside a little time to enjoy an already well-earned break.

Many of us jump at the chance to go on a trip, some prefer to devote their days to massages and retail therapy, while others believe there’s nothing like a good dose of fishing to relax the soul.

Whatever your plans are you need to consider the best ways to keep yourself, and your loved ones, safe over the break. Planning ahead will mean you get to enjoy yourself that much more.

April is a particularly busy time for the Grey Nomads – the growing legion of 50+ travellers who begin to head north to escape the winter chills. Year after year, they take off to explore new destinations or head back to old favourites, enjoying all our wonderful, open country has to offer.

It’s also a great time for mums, dads and kids to reconnect without the busyness of everyday life getting in the way. After all the excitement of an Easter egg hunt, this time is usually packed full of fun day trips and new activities, or sometimes even a little escape to the family holiday home.

If you’re a grandparent, you no doubt relish the school holidays as a time to catch up with the grandkids without having to make an appointment. You’ll take the children out, play games, cook; pretty much spoil them rotten. It can be tiring but you’ll have it no other way.

No matter what your upcoming plans are, being a MedicAlert member offers you complete peace of mind to get out and make the most of your free time. Your MedicAlert ID carries the internationally recognised MedicAlert emblem and is engraved with your personal medical information, membership number and a 24/7 hotline number. Should a medical emergency arise, emergency services and healthcare professionals can quickly and easily access your vital personal information, ensuring that you are treated effectively and efficiently.

MedicAlert membership: don’t go without it.

If you’ve got upcoming travel plans or something else you’re looking forward to this April, why not leave a comment here; let us know what you’re doing. We’re always keen to hear what our members and fans are up to!

You can make a difference

Did you know that one organ and tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of 10 or more people?
You can make a difference; make your donation wishes known now...

You know the importance of wearing a MedicAlert emblem to let emergency staff know your medical condition(s). But did you know that MedicAlert Foundation can also advise of your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation at the most critical time?

Whether you choose to communicate your donation wishes via your bracelet, necklace or just on your membership card, MedicAlert provides an immediate and effective way to inform emergency services personnel of your decision to save and improve lives. But first, you must register your donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register and, most importantly, you must discuss your donation decision with your family.

“In 2011, 1001 Australians and their families benefited from the legacy of 337 of their fellow Australians who last year became organ donors,” said Dr Jonathan Gillis, National Medical Director of the Organ and Tissue Authority. However, the Authority emphasises that many more people could have been helped if the families of willing donors knew of their loved ones’ desire to donate.

You see, in Australia the family is always asked to confirm the donation wishes of the deceased before donation or transplantation can proceed. While many Australians are prepared to be organ and tissue donors, the family consent rate is less than 60%.

DonateLife Week, held this year between 19–26 February, is part of the Australian Government’s national awareness campaign to increase family discussion about donation wishes. Since the reform began just over two years ago, Australia has achieved the highest ever number of donors and transplant recipients.

During DonateLife Week, all Australians will be encouraged to ask and know their loved ones’ donation wishes . Sure, it’s a difficult topic to bring up, but it’s important that you do so.

For some great suggestions on how to start a conversation about organ and tissue donation or to find out more about becoming a donor yourself, visit donatelife.gov.au

This month MedicAlert Foundation is encouraging you to communicate your wishes with your family first and then with us. It’s the best way you can make a difference.

IF YOUR 2012 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL, DON’T RISK IT WITHOUT A MEDICALERT® EMBLEM

Just because you may have an underlying medical condition, it’s no reason to hold back on experiencing new adventures in life.

Why not push the boundaries of what you thought was possible?

With a MedicAlert membership you can have more confidence to tackle any of life’s adventures with the assurance that if something unforeseen happens, your medical ID can alert emergency staff of your medical condition(s) in the event that you cannot effectively communicate yourself. Your medical ID is personally engraved with your membership number, key medical information and 24/7 emergency hotline number for emergency services and healthcare professionals to access.

Membership is suitable for any medical condition including diabetes, asthma, allergies, heart problems, epilepsy, transplants, special medication needs or simply for emergency identification.

So don’t just talk about maybe one day doing all those exciting things you’ve always wanted to.

In 2012 the world is yours and you should feel free to do what makes you happy.

Adventure beckons and with a MedicAlert emblem you can feel safe in the knowledge that you have our support.

What is your new year's resolution?

Welcome

Welcome to the very first MedicAlert Blog Post. Watch this space to follow what is happening in the world of MedicAlert