60 Years of MedicAlert - The Impact of MedicAlert in My Life by Julianne Ponan 01 August 2024 I was first diagnosed with severe anaphylaxis to peanuts, tree nuts, chickpeas, lentils, sesame, and more at the age of two. Growing up with these allergies was challenging, and I often had to miss out on birthday parties and school trips. My mum then learned about MedicAlert bracelets, which can display all essential medical information. This made a huge difference in my life, providing a sense of security and enabling me to talk to others about my allergies confidently. My personal journey with allergies inspired me to start my own brand, Creative Nature, which specialises in top 14 allergen-free baking mixes, snacks, confectionery, and superfoods. I have always believed that my allergies do not define me, and I advocate for others to embrace the same mindset. With the right precautions, such as wearing a MedicAlert bracelet, we can travel the world and pursue our dreams without fear. Given how a MedicAlert bracelet changed my life growing up with allergies, I was thrilled to be asked to become the first ambassador for MedicAlert. This opportunity allows me to spread awareness about the crucial work MedicAlert does and how it empowers individuals with medical conditions to live their lives more freely and safely. Being a MedicAlert member means having a vital safety net that not only protects but also connects us to a community of understanding and support. Going on a residential trip for the first time was a significant milestone for me. As someone with severe allergies, wearing a MedicAlert bracelet made both me and my parents feel much safer. The bracelet ensured that if I had a reaction, others would immediately know about my allergies and could take appropriate action. I vividly remember my first residential trip and I was very nervous to go at the beginning; the MedicAlert bracelet not only provided a sense of security but also became a great conversation starter. It allowed me to communicate with others about my allergies, fostering understanding and awareness among my peers. Now when I travel to many places and having my medic alert bracelet it makes it easier to communicate across many languages. In addition to my own experience, my mum also wears a MedicAlert bracelet due to the medication she takes and her recovery from a brain aneurysm. Knowing she has this added layer of protection brings me immense peace of mind. The bracelet ensures that in any emergency, people will be aware of her medical conditions and can respond accordingly. Being a MedicAlert member means having a safety net that protects and informs. It offers a sense of security and reassurance, knowing that critical medical information is always accessible in an emergency. For both me and my mum, MedicAlert has made a profound difference in our lives, providing us with confidence and peace of mind. Without trying to sound extreme, a MedicAlert bracelet can save a life! No matter what the medical emergency is, if you have had an accident, illness or allergic reaction, the paramedics and doctors can access your full medical record through the MedicAlert ID and see vital information regarding your allergies on your MedicAlert bracelet. When time is of the essence, this ability to know what medication or treatment could make thing worse, could be the difference between saving a life, or ending it. This is incredibly important when it comes to allergies to medicine, like Paracetamol, Voltarol, Penicillin, Insulin or antibiotics, when a patient could be put in more risk if given something they are allergic to. MedicAlert reduce and aim to eliminate this issue and will continue to support those with allergies for another 60 years! To find out more about how MedicAlert membership supports people living with allergies, click below FIND OUT MORE Article Categories MedicAlert News MedicAlert Ambassadors Health and Wellbeing Member Story Allergies