Unregulated Rise Of Medical Alert Tattoos Stirs Debate
Ben Roberts, a 33-year-old from Fowlerville, Mich., estimates that medical bracelets and necklaces have cost him more than $1,000 since he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6. Frustrated, he headed to a local tattoo parlor four years ago. "It's a negative thing to say, but diabetes isn't going away any time soon," he said. "You might as well get a tattoo." Today, "Diabetic, Type 1" is tattooed underneath the six-pointed "Star of Life" with a snake running through it, the traditional symbol for emergency medical services. "It's hard to miss," Roberts said. "I'm happy with it — I've even gotten compliments from doctors and paramedics." Researchers and tattoo artists agree more people like Roberts are replacing traditional medical ID bracelets, which average around $30 at Walmart, with medical alert tattoos. STORY: Tattoos being used for medical alerts STORY: Safety tattoos, bands warn of kids' deadly allergies But the lack of regulation of the tattoos — which are intended to warn emergency medical personnel about diseases from diabetes to Alzheimer's — means first responders don't always pay attention to them. "We're not going to stop to read a tattoo in an emergency situation," said Don Lundy, president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. "They can be complicated and hard to read. Medical bracelets and necklaces are what stand out." There's no hard data on the number of people opting for medical alert tattoos, but Saleh Aldasouqi, a diabetes expert in Michigan, said a quick Google search shows how popular they've become in recent years. Aldasouqi said despite this popularity, there isn't any medical literature on the tattoos. He has been pushing doctors to start talking about the tattoos to ensure they're done safely and effectivel Continue reading >>
Tattoos For Medical Alerts
It's on his right wrist, "where you would find it if you were checking for a pulse," says Dubois, 48, a diabetes educator at a rural clinic. Interest in medical alert tattoos is increasing among people who have conditions that could affect treatment in an emergency. Others get tattoos to convey a directive, such as "no CPR" on the chest. "It really serves a great purpose, but it has to be done right," says Saleh Aldasouqi, M.D., a Michigan State University diabetes expert. Choosing a licensed tattoo parlor is important, and for proper healing a diabetic needs well-controlled blood sugar before tattooing. A word of caution: First responders aren't trained to look for tattoos, and skin damage in accidents can obscure them, says Rebecca Dinan Schneider, spokeswoman for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. "Medical alert jewelry is still the standard." Also of interest: Diabetes-friendly recipes. Continue reading >>
Tattoos
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and so November of 2006 seemed the appropriate time to have a diabetes awareness tattoo created. My son, Liam was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the ripe old age of two. Every day I strive to keep him as healthy as possible. Every day I work to ensure that his life is as normal as possible. Diabetes does not make that easy. That is one of the reasons that I created the online community called Diabetes Advocacy (www.diabetesadvocacy.com ). Each year Diabetes Advocacy has done its bit to increase awareness of diabetes and diabetes related issues in this country. We have sent out calendars filled with people living with diabetes and have created booklets filled with their stories. In November of 2006, we took diabetes awareness to a level. Across North America—from Newfoundland to California, people came together through Diabetes Advocacy with one common goal. They have decided to have a tattoo done to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes. I did as well. No one in my immediate family had a clue that I was even considering this. My oldest son was shocked. My youngest told me I took after him and was tough! Despite the initial shock, the reaction has been the same—Wow! I would like to thank Bernard at Peek-a-Boo Tattoos in Stephenville for creating a true work of art and a picture of love. The tattoo you see below was created by him from a very rough concept I brought to him. He created two hearts for my two children—equal in my love. He added a touch of color that reflected their birthstones. He kept hues soft and loving. The ribbons are grey and in Liam’s case, end in the Diabetes Awareness ribbon. His heart also shows the drop of blood that he must part with every time he eats and plays so that we can ensure his blood glucose Continue reading >>
Tattoos Replace Bracelets For Medical Alerts
Tattoos Replace Bracelets for Medical Alerts by Chris Kaiser Chris Kaiser, Cardiology Editor, MedPage Today This article is a collaboration between MedPage Today and: PHILADELPHIA -- As more people with diabetes replace their medical alert bracelets with tattooed warnings, there might be a need for a standard design and body location, a researcher here said. "The tattoo has to be easily recognizable to first responders," Saleh Aldasouqi, MD, from the Sparrow Diabetes Center of Michigan State University in East Lansing, said during a press conference. "It may be that we need guidelines for medical alert tattoos for both patients and tattoo artists," Aldasouqi said. "Should tattoos be prescriptive? I don't know. We're at the beginning of this dialogue and I think it's an important one." Medical alert tattoos for diabetes are a relatively new phenomenon and Aldasouqi admitted he has no hard data on the number of people who choose ink over metal to alert first responders in case of an emergency. He initially became aware of medical tattoos about 3 years ago when a patient showed up with one. His search of the literature, however, produced only two case reports. But a search on the Internet revealed ample evidence that the practice is alive and well. "You can find groups of people discussing their medical tattoos," he said. Rick Lopez, who works at Hard Ink Tattoo in Philadelphia, told MedPage Today that he recently inked a diabetes alert on a young man. "He brought the bracelet into the shop and I just copied it onto his wrist," Lopez said. He said he has tattooed a lot of "cancer ribbons" on customers, generally family members of those with cancer who want to show support, but also on cancer survivors as well. And he has inked the autism puzzle ribbon. But only one medica Continue reading >>
Getting Inked: Tattoos And Diabetes
Though you need to take extra precautions, tattoos are generally safe for people with well-controlled diabetes, and they can even be designed as medical alert identification. Should you get one? Permanent body art has become more and more popular with each generation since World War II, with 38 percent of Millennials (ages 18 to 34 in 2015) and 32 percent of Gen X-ers (ages 35-50) sporting tattoos, according to Pew Research Center. That’s more than twice the number of tattooed Baby Boomers (ages 51 to 69) and five or six times the number of those 67 and over. Ink Identity Tattoos may be a way of identifying with a group, or even a generation, but they are also a way of expressing uniqueness. Most college students surveyed about the process and significance of their tattoos said they considered the pros and cons for months before committing to permanent ink. Most had their tattoos applied at professional studios and were happy with the results. The majority chose an area of their body for tattooing that could be easily covered. Medical Tattoos There are a several reasons why someone might get a tattoo for medical purposes or as result of a medical procedure. A tattoo can cover a disfiguring scar, add a nipple to a reconstructed breast or redirect light away from a damaged eye. Researchers are currently working on “smart” tattoos that use nanoparticle ink or tiny LEDs implanted in the skin to keep track of glucose levels. Meanwhile, inked wrists and forearms have begun to replace medical alert bracelets for some people who require special attention in an emergency, such as anyone who uses insulin or is allergic to specific types of medication. If you dislike, or often forget to wear, medical alert jewelry, you may be more likely to consider a diabetes alert tattoo. Continue reading >>
Is A Medical Id Tattoo Right For You?
Home Health News Is a Medical ID Tattoo Right for You? Tattoos have been around for a very, very long time ( Were talking 2000 B.C.! ). They have symbolized everything from tribal associations to coming of age, but one of the most recent trends is tattoos as a form of medical identification. By inking the universal medical symbol on their bodies, diabetics like Samantha Graham Vancouver, British Columbia, have turned to body art as an alternative to wearing medical ID jewelry in order to inform medical personnel of their conditions during an emergency. I thought it was the perfect idea because a tattoo would be much harder to miss than a simple alert bracelet if I was ever in the situation of not being able to communicate, Graham says. Sounds like a good idea, right? Not everyone believes medical ID tattoos are the most effective way for people with diabetes to communicate their condition. Todd Soard, president of the Florida Association of Professional EMTs and Paramedics, says a tattoo will not be the first thing a paramedic looks for when transporting a patient. It is no doubt going to be missed, he says. Most EMS personnel are not trained to look for a tattoo because a tattoo is a tattoo! Dr. Michael Zbiegien, medical director of emergency services for the Childrens Hospital at Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas, agrees. Theres not a lot of body searching on the street; [EMTs] dont have time. But he says that because patients immediate needs are met by EMTs, doctors may have more time to seek out tattoos once they reach the emergency room. Most physicians would honor a medical tattoo provided that [it] wouldnt cause additional risk, Zbiegien says. But, he advises, You want to put it in a place where were going to see it quickly. Soard says first-response teams, as Continue reading >>
All About Those Diabetes Tattoos...
A pair of Michigan insulin pump reps aren't ashamed to show the world they have type 1 diabetes, so much so that they have literally embedded ink on their arms to prove it. Diabetes tattoos are worn with pride by many of us in the D-Community, including longtime type 1s Kelly Mann and Mark Walsh in the Metro Detroit area. Both are proud of their ink and are spreading the word that a tattoo isn't taboo for people living with diabetes. Kelly and Mark, who both currently work for Tandem Diabetes Care, are actually part of a growing group in that part of Michigan that keeps in touch and has regular D-meetups, all because of their D-tattoo connections. "This seems to be a growing trend," says Mark, who was diagnosed 32 years ago when he was 6 years old and has had a diabetes tattoo for nearly two years now. "I think a lot of people have thought about getting one, but maybe just have resisted for some reason. Until they see more people with them, and know it's OK." Of course the topic can be controversial, as even with today's modern treatments there's still a sense of "you can't do that" when it comes to diabetes and tattoos. But that's a myth, one that seems to be fading as more PWDs get their own ink and show it off to the world. We've featured some ink-sporting D-peeps before, from a teenager in Michigan to our own Ask D'Mine columnist Wil Dubois who has a medical alert tattoo on his own forearm. Now, the conversation more often centers around the question: Do paramedics and first responders actually look for medical alert tattoos? And tied in with that: Should there be regulation of these medical alert tattoos? In July, a story in USA Today tackled this issue and pointed out how first responders don't always pay attention to these tattoos because they aren't regulated -- Continue reading >>
Tattoos As Medical Warning
Yahoo!-ABC News Network | 2018 ABC News Internet Ventures. All rights reserved. Tattoos have been around for millenniums. For young people, this ancient tradition is often associated with the body art of entertainment icons like Tommy Lee, Dennis Rodman and Angelina Jolie. But as more and more young people are diagnosed with diabetes, the tattoo fad that often spoke rebellion has found a new meaning. By inking the universal medical symbol on their bodies, diabetics like Samantha Graham Vancouver, British Columbia, have turned to body art as an alternative to the Medic Alert jewelry often used to inform medical personnel that they are dealing with a diabetic. "I thought it was the perfect idea because a tattoo ... would be much harder to miss than a simple alert bracelet if I was ever in the situation of not being able to communicate," Graham says. But not everyone believes tattoos are the healthiest way for diabetics to bring attention to their condition. Todd Soard, president of the Florida Association of Professional EMTs and Paramedics, says a tattoo will not be the first thing a paramedic looks for when transporting a patient. "It is no doubt going to be missed," he says. "Most EMS personnel are not trained to look for a tattoo because a tattoo is a tattoo!" Dr. Michael Zbiegien, medical director of emergency services for the Children's Hospital at Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas, agrees. "There's not a lot of body searching on the street; [EMTs] don't have time." But he says that because patients' immediate needs are met by EMTs, doctors may have more time to seek out tattoos once they reach the emergency room. "Most physicians would honor a medical tattoo provided that [it] wouldn't cause additional risk," Zbiegien says. But, he advises, "You want to put it i Continue reading >>
Medic Alert Tattoo
Hi, I've been diabetic for fifteen years, two healthy pregnancies, and no signs of complications to speak of (thank god). My question is does anyone have a medic alert tattoo, I'm seriously considering getting one, I haven't had a severe low in probably ten years, but I hate wearing the bracelets and the necklaces and I rarely remember to put them on, I've seen a few pictures on the net, but being that I'm type 1 I'm hesistant to just put diabetes and a medic alert symbol on my wrist since as I get older it becomes more and more likely that anyone needing to react to a medic alert tattoo might mistakenly assume that I'm type 2, I was thinking of putting IDDM with a medic alert symbol, but I'm not sure that everyone would understand the IDDM??? I'm hoping for some opinions please!!! I wear a medical alert bracelet it says "Diabetic" on the front and "Insulin Pump" on the back. It never comes off. I'd consider a tattoo but who knows if it would be seen. There was a time when I did not wear any kind of alert and I learned a valuable lesson that day! D.D. Family T1 since May 2006 Metformin, Humalog and Lantus I wear a bracelet.I did consider a tattoo on my wrist,did have one but not diabetic,just went for a design.One of our members April has Diabetic tattooed on her wrists. I wouldn't use the term "IDDM". Use type 1 diabetes instead. Chances are the person who will respond to your medic alert bracelet, like a paramedic, EMT, nurse, etc., will know to give you sugar. That's what we were taught in nursing school. If you come across a person with diabetes and they are unconscious and you can't test their blood sugar, always give sugar. If they are high, you can bring it down later. If they're low, you'll be darn glad you gave them sugar. D.D. Family T2 for 24 years, pumping Continue reading >>
Mit Has Developed Colour-changing Tattoo Ink That Monitors Your Health In Real Time
Researchers have developed a new colour-changing tattoo ink that responds to changes in the body, such as blood sugar and sodium levels. Using a liquid with biosensors instead of traditional ink, scientists want to turn the surface of the human skin into an "interactive display" - an idea that makes this proof-of-concept an exciting one to watch. Technology like this could become a revolutionary new way to monitor health. The project, called DermalAbyss, is a collaboration between researchers from MIT and Harvard Medical School, combining efforts from Fluid Interfaces and biotechnology. So far, the team has developed three different inks that shift colour in response to changes in interstitial fluid - the stuff that sloshes around between our cells, comprising some 16 percent of the human body weight. Of the three sensor inks, the most intriguing is the one that can measure glucose levels. The sensor changes its colour from blue to brown as blood sugar rises. Having a glucose-sensing tattoo could conceivably make life easier to people with diabetes, who have to rely on pin-prick blood tests throughout the day to monitor their glucose. The team has also created an ink that shifts from pink to purple in relation to pH levels, and a third sensor that can detect sodium, shining a vibrant green hue under UV light in the presence of rising salt levels. "The Dermal Abyss creates a direct access to the compartments in the body and reflects inner metabolic processes in a shape of a tattoo," the team writes on the project website. "It could be used for applications in continuously monitoring such as medical diagnostics, quantified self, and data encoding in the body." For someone who has a health condition that requires careful dietary monitoring, or even if you're just a data ne Continue reading >>
20 Med Alert Tattoos For Inspiration
While tattoos are becoming a way of expressing yourself or making your fashion sense being known, they have also started taking on another dimension, that is of being the means to tell people about your medical conditions, which in turn will mean that proper care and treatment is given to you on time. This way med alert tattoos can really make the difference between death and life to people by revealing their medical condition in a way that is noticeable by others and effective. Sometimes, people also use tattoos to cover up marks and scars that they have as a result of some medical procedure. Women go in for tattoos as a means of creating a areola when they lose their breast due to cancer. Sometimes tattoos also cover the entire breast area. Now that tattoos also serve a really vital purpose, there is all the more reason to combine art with vital lifesaving information so that you make a statement that will help you in when in need. Diabetic Band Tattoo: Most people get weary about wearing a band to show that they are diabetic and the solution is simply a tattoo. It is permanent and looks cool while telling the world about your health condition. You can also get it in the form of diabetic alert tattoo in the middle of an image in a really clear and readable form. Do Not Resuscitate Tattoos: Some people have gone for this option and a tattoo is a good way of making your wishes known in case it is needed. Of course, the risk here is somebody may ask people they do not like, to get one of these just out of malice Penicillin Med Alert Tattoo: There are some people who cannot withstand treatment from penicillin which can react in dire consequences. One of the ways to tell medical professionals about it in a simple and easy manner is by having a tattoo. This covers emergency Continue reading >>
A Medical Alert Tattoo
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 22 months old. For years, I wore medical alert bracelets or necklaces, but they always seemed to break. I wore a 14-karat gold pendant from the time I was 16 years old until I was 37. These pendants would usually only last two or three years before they would wear out beyond repair. At a cost of $100 to $125 for each pendant, I thought there had to be a better solution. While looking on the Internet at medical alert items, the idea came to me: Why not get a medical alert tattoo? I printed the “Star of Life” symbol, and went to the tattoo shop to see if it could be done. At the tattoo shop, the artist said he had tattooed the “Star of Life” on an EMT before, but had never done one as a medical alert. Since getting the tattoo, I have received a lot of positive attention. Even people who don't agree with tattoos for various reasons think this one is a good idea. I am not recommending that everyone with diabetes get a tattoo; but, if someone wants to do it, then I see no problem with it. Many people with diabetes may prefer to wear a bracelet or necklace, and that is fine also, but it's important that they have something that will let other people know about their condition.—t.w. When T.W. first came to my office in 2008, I was surprised by the tattoo on his wrist. At the time, I had mixed emotions. Although I admired his innovative idea, I was confused by whether or not it was a good one. I had never seen a medical alert tattoo in my 15 years of treating patients with diabetes, and I realized how little I knew about tattooing. There are many medical publications that address the complications of tattoos in general, but there are virtually no specific mentions of medical alert tattoos. An extensive literature search Continue reading >>
Tattoos Replacing Medical-alert Bracelets For Those With Diabetes, Other Ailments
NAPLES, Fla. - The first time Jimbo Carriero died, it lasted only a few minutes. "I didn't see the white lights everyone talks about, but I sure got an overwhelming feeling of total bliss," Carriero said of complications following a stent procedure after a heart attack in September 2008. "It was beautiful, just a beautiful feeling, like all my bills had been paid." So the next time, he wants to stay there. The 52-year-old owner of Body Branding Tattoo Emporium in Naples had "Do Not Resuscitate" tattooed on his chest a year later. He is among a growing number of people who want a more permanent medical alert. The Canadian Medical Association Journal reported in May that medical tattooing appears to be increasing, partly because the often-pricey medical alert bracelets can be lost or broken, some people prefer tattoos, and others can't wear jewelry at work. The journal detailed tattoos for diabetes, blood types and end-of-life wishes. Like Carriero, Spencer Cootware nearly died. After a day of fishing on Dec. 29, the 50-year-old Naples bail bondsman felt the worst pain he'd ever experienced, "like an alien crawling out of my back." Clutching his cellphone, he dialed 911 and shouted for help as he fell to the floor at home. He'd suffered a ruptured aorta. After that, he bought a medical alert card for his wallet and a bracelet and dog tag with his medical information stored on a USB device. "I don't want them to do unnecessary surgery," Cootware said of emergency medical technicians and doctors, adding that it was corrected with medication. Last week, he took a more permanent step: A medical tattoo on his right wrist with the words "Medical Alert: Type B Thoracic Aortic Aneurism." "If I'm incapacitated and can't talk, they would do a screen of my body and see the aneurysm Continue reading >>
Medic Alert Tattoo | Diabetic Connect
- Style/image: I think the bracelets are hokey and tattoos are cool. I don't have any tattoos now, partly because I've always half worried that I'd never find gainful employment if I did. But isn't a serious medical condition like diabetes a GREAT excuse to have a tattoo? - Safety. As it is, I never wear my medic alert bracelet. It's a pain to put on and I've never found one I liked (see above). - Will never be able to lie about not having diabetes. - Social stigma attached to being tattooed. - What if my medic alert tattoo turns out to be just just as hokey as a medic alert bracelet, only more permanent? I would really appreciate input from others on this. Thanks! UPDATE: Apparently ALL the cool diabetics are doing it! I found this site with a ton of pictures of medic alert tattoos for type 1's: As long as your diabetes is well managed. Theres no problem. Suggest you talk to your doctor beforehand I have had the tatoo on my left wrist for years. On the underside of my wrist I got "Diabetic" tatooed in a nice looking cursive writing. The positive comments over the years have been worth it, from the public, friends, & emergency personnell. C What are the chances of infection. I thought being diabetic you would really have to worry about it. How do you know where you go is a safe place to get it done? This was discussion in 2008. What about 2011? this is such a rad idea!!! i have several tattoos already and i always joked about getting a diabetic tattoo of my insulin pump on my side haha but, this is a great idea! i think im gonna get one ;) do it!!!! Thinking about getting one myself. I work in "high voltage" conditions and the bracelet/necklace is a safety hazard. As far as "hokey", that depends on who does the tatoo. I had two done at age 25 and they sucked. I had a c Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Dependent Medical Alert Temporary
CURRENT DELIVERY TIME IS ABOUT 2 WEEKS FROM PURCHASE DATE FOR U.S. ORDERS. --Rush Shipping (available during checkout) is delivery 1 WEEK from order date.-- 1. Choose your desired amount of TYPE 1 DIABETES tattoos from the drop down menu, and add to cart. *The size of each tattoo is 2" x 1.5". A great item for any parent for added peace of mind when in a public place or leaving an insulin dependent child in the care of others.* **Application and removal instructions can be found on the back of the tattoos.** ***These tattoos are NOT waterproof. They can stay on after getting wet, but will become sticky and can rub off if water/sweat is introduced after they are applied. For easiest removal, place in an area with little to no hair like the top of hand or inner arm. *** CURRENT DELIVERY TIME IS ABOUT 2 WEEKS FROM PURCHASE DATE FOR U.S. ORDERS. --Rush Shipping (available during checkout) is delivery 1 WEEK from order date.-- 1. Choose your desired amount of TYPE 1 DIABETES tattoos from the drop down menu, and add to cart. *The size of each tattoo is 2" x 1.5". A great item for any parent for added peace of mind when in a public place or leaving an insulin dependent child in the care of others.* **Application and removal instructions can be found on the back of the tattoos.** ***These tattoos are NOT waterproof. They can stay on after getting wet, but will become sticky and can rub off if water/sweat is introduced after they are applied. For easiest removal, place in an area with little to no hair like the top of hand or inner arm. *** Continue reading >>
