You might be recently diagnosed ... or just made a commitment to look after yourself better ... but if you are looking for a medical alert bracelet, here’s five tips to make sure you find the right medical alert bracelet for you.

I have met a lot of people over the years that say, “Oh I have one of those”. But a quick glance at their wrist shows that they aren’t wearing it. They usually mumble shyly that they didn’t like the style, it doesn’t look nice at work, or they feel it puts a big visual label on them.

Those bracelets started out with good intention, but are not protecting people. Today I thought it would be good to share some tips on how to find a medical alert bracelet that really works for YOU:

1. Find a style that feels like you. 

A few minutes thinking about this now will significantly improve your choice. The most important word is YOU, by the way. Your family, friends and doctors will all have opinions, but you are the one who will be wearing it. Putting some thought into what you would like and wear will ensure it's a positive experience and fits nicely into your life.

What sort of jewellery do you usually wear? Something bright or glitzy? Delicate? Practical? These are the styles that naturally make you feel good. Embrace this. Apply these principles to your medical alert bracelet and you'll have a better chance of finding something that really suits you.

And you'll be better protected because you'll find something you want to wear every day.

If you change your jewellery with each outfit, have a look at our range of medical alert bracelets so you can mix and match with whatever you're wearing. Whether you are working or still in school, you'll need something dressy, something in your favourite colour, and something for sports or the gym.

Are you one of those people who just doesn't wear jewellery? Go for something discrete, physically smaller, in a neutral colour like navy, grey, brown or black. These colours will go with anything, and a smaller size will help it feel more natural for you. Our medical keychains could be what you're looking for.

2. Think about what would fit with your hobbies. 

If you have any concerns about keeping up a hobby if you're newly diagnosed, talk with your doctor. But I am an optimist. Look for ways you CAN, not why you CAN'T. There are so many people out there doing amazing things, and you should be one of them. Just don’t limit yourself by saying “I can’t” before you get off the starting blocks.

I take my girls rock climbing regularly. They love the exercise and how they can challenge themselves to learn new moves. My brother is a climber and explorer as well, and recently took his ID tags on a backcountry motorcycle trip.

With hobbies, the main issues are safety and function. Think through the qualities a bracelet or necklace needs to be safe while you are doing your hobby. Need something waterproof? Flexible? Adjustable? Breakaway clasp? Something that won’t snag?

3. Get the balance right between discrete and obvious. 

Different strokes for different folks. There is really no right or wrong here. And don’t listen to anyone who tells you there is. 

The right bracelet for you is the one that you will wear. Simple.

If you prefer something bigger and bolder then go for it. But if you want something small and discrete and pretty then that might be the medical alert bracelet that stops being a good idea and starts saving your life.

4. Look for something adjustable. 

Perhaps in style. Definitely in mindset.

When was the last time you ordered clothes online and everything fit perfectly? Yeah ... right.

This very same principle applies to medical alert bracelets. Of course it’s a custom item. But that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to order. It is often much harder to choose between 100 options than it is to choose between 2.

Thinking through the style issues above should help you narrow it down considerably. And I will blog soon about how to get your wording right, so check back for some tips.

Measuring can make people nervous, but it’s pretty straightforward. We’ve done a quick guide that should get you going. Alternatively, look for a medical alert bracelet that is adjustable. Like the Fusion or Bounce bracelets. Perfect for people who tend to fluctuate in size, or want something for a young person who’s still growing.

Yes, it’s a custom item so it’s not possible to permanently engrave and engrave and engrave. You do make a commitment to do your best on the wording and size. 

5. Find a place to "pause" it. 

Notice I didn’t say “store it”. Think about a medical alert bracelet as something that you will be wearing all of the time. No, of course, ALL of the time probably isn’t practical. There will be times where it doesn’t make sense to wear it – when you’re sleeping, doing the dishes, having a shower, etc. Take a second and think about where you’ll put your bracelet then.

NOT THE DRAWER! Once it goes in there - out of sight, out of mind. Spend a tenner, find some fun and practical hooks or dishes to make sure it stays close to hand. Buy it, make it, the choice is yours. 

If you have any comments or questions, please leave a comment below or drop us a line at help@butlerandgrace.co

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