Life Alert Medical Alarm Blog - Medical Alert, Life Protection & Senior Health Information

Recent Life Alert & Medicare Article

2009-10-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

There are several medical alert devices and gadgets which can be extremely useful for those who have elderly members their family or house that suffer with various medical issues and problems, thus be able to give you complete peace for both. The best one is Life Alert Such gagdets also offer a bracelet with the GPS tracking system and a speaker phone and thus the user can use it just like a highly useful mobile phones to call for help. These are life saving Life Alert medical gadgets and services that come with certain basic features like communication option between the person that wears it as well as the emergency response station. You can find more details about Life Alert devices at the well designed MedicalAlarmUpdate.com. Life Alert’s website LifeAlert.com is a medical life saving company that offers a wide variety of products to assure the safety of seniors who may be home alone. Nowadays there are several old aged people who are living alone and if they want any emergency medical help at the time of emergency the medical alarm will automatically invoked to call for help. Life Alert will make sure you never have to be scared or alaone again. They really do care about every single one of their clients, and they always go the extra mile.

LIFE ALERT IS LIKE A BOX OF PROTECTION

2009-03-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Don Rose, Writer, Life Alert

In the movie bearing his name, Forrest Gump famously said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” In thinking about ways to explain the value of Life Alert to those just learning about it, I thought of a similar yet slightly different line. “Life Alert is like a box of protection. You always know what you’re gonna get.” What you’re always gonna get is great service from a courteous and helpful staff, available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The “box of protection” is the Life Alert 2-way communications box. Combined with Life Alert’s ultralight waterproof pendant and a great personable service, it enables you to get help whenever you need it if you suffer an emergency at home. Even if you cannot reach a phone. Even if you cannot talk. Life Alert cost? This 24/7 protection provided by the Life Alert system is priceless. Dare I say, it’s even better than chocolate.

A DECENT PROPOSAL: BAN THE HANDSHAKE

2009-03-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

by Don Rose, Writer, Life Alert

There was once a touching song about touching, which contained the immortal lyric, “Sometimes when we touch… the honesty’s too much.” Honestly, there IS good advice in there, if we just replace the word “honesty” with “virus”. Because sometimes, even MANY times, when we touch, a cold or flu virus spreads and is too much (for the other person’s immune system).

So, you may ask, why do we even need a handshake? I say it’s time to shake this habit.

There is never any compelling reason to shake someone's hand, and in fact it causes more harm than good in many cases. Besides passing on viruses, some handshakes can cause immediate pain. We have all met at least one person who insisted on crushing any hand they encounter as a sign of power, arrogance or lack of self esteem. I heard of one rock star who decided to stop shaking hands forever after one such incident.

But of course the more common form of handshake harm is the aforementioned spreading of cold and flu viruses (not to mention other germs), especially during cold season. That is why I am making the following proposal: let’s ban handshaking. The best case would be an all year ban, but if that is too much for some, then a fall back position would be a fall start time for the ban, lasting till spring. In other words, ban handshakes during Daylight Standard Time (starting September-October and going through March-April), which should cover most if not all of cold and flu season. “STANDARD = HAND HAZARD” could be our motto. We will all be healthier for it, especially seniors, who often have weaker immune systems and hence are at greater risk for invading viruses.

If we desire a substitute for the handshake when greeting someone, there are many options available (and no, not kissing, since any face-to-face contact risks virus spreading too). We could always bow, like the Japanese. Or, to avoid possible noggin-knocking a la Three Stooges, we could use the greeting I saw on Star Trek (the classic series) where one race of men on some planet would hit left chest with right fist then outstretch the arm to indicate greeting. Then there is the rapidly-spreading custom known as the “fist bump,” popularized by Howie Mandel and the infamous satirical Obama cover of the New Yorker.

There you have it. Yes, you will say next spring, I have to hand it to him, his no-handshake rule DID come in handy when I didn’t catch a cold or the flu last winter. (You’re welcome!) Next step: as you live this healthier life alert your friends and family, then have them alert their circle of loved ones, and so on. Soon the handshake ban plan will be propagating faster than any flu, and may even save some lives.

Now go forth and spread the word (not the viruses).

You Could Stand to Lose Some Weight (and That’s N.E.A.T.)

2009-02-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

by Dr. Don Rose, Writer, Life Alert

Men’s Health magazine (April 2008 issue) reported that “sitting shuts down your fat burners [according to] scientists at the University of Missouri.” Apparently, sitting “switches off an enzyme that prevents fat storage.” The author of the study noted that this “enzyme is mostly found in the muscles that keep you standing up, so if they aren’t active, the enzyme doesn’t function.”

To recap: standing helps fend off fat storage, thanks to a useful enzyme.
Sitting signals this enzyme to shut off, fat storage activates, and I need bigger pants.

So it seems this post’s title is literally correct.
You could stand as a way to help lose weight.
In other words, standing upright keeps your butt tight.

Therefore, one useful weight loss strategy could be to identify times when we normally are sitting and make ourselves stand instead. But many of us sit at work all day, required to do work on a computer, and then we spend some time on the PC or Mac at home, plus some TV viewing time on the couch.

What’s a weight-loss wannabe to do?
Here are some ideas:

• Stand during breaks at work (a refreshing change if you sit all day on the job.)

• Stand at bus/train stops rather than sitting on the bench, if you take mass transit

• Stand while watching TV at home (and while you’re up, why not jog in place or do some arm curls with weights, to help burn even more calories)

• Stand while texting or talking on your cell phone

• Stand outside and admire the sunset or gaze at the stars

• Go on dates that involve standing (e.g., art galleries, museums) rather than sitting

• Jog, bike or walk briskly to local destinations (for errands, etc.) instead of driving.

Yes, there are many activities during a typical day that provide us with a, well, “standing invitation” to stand and/or move instead of sit. Since I love to parallel process activities, curling weights or running in place while watching TV makes sense to me (and makes me feel less guilty about watching the boob tube, too). Bottom line: if the simple act of standing helps keep fat from accumulating in our bodies, why not take advantage of that?

The last bullet point shown above, about walking/jogging/biking, brings up another interesting fact, also presented in the aforementioned issue of Men’s Health magazine. Seems that we burn more calories per week doing “N.E.A.T.” activities (NonExercise Activity Thermogenesis) than we do while exercising! That is, all the things we do outside the gym add up to a greater weekly caloric expenditure than the calories we burn doing “regimented exercise.” Hence, we might as well take advantage of all this N.E.A.T. time and get the maximum burn; by detouring away from driving in favor of self-propulsion (that is, travelling under our own power – walking, jogging, biking), we can turn up the N.E.A.T. heat and burn more and more calories each week.

Now that’s hot.
I mean, NEAT!

Lifealert is a registered trademark

BEST OF TESTIMONIALS: PAWING LIFE ALERT PENDANT TRULY MAKES DOG MAN’S BEST FRIEND

2009-01-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, we at Life Alert do get letters stating how pets, in some cases, know how to push the Life Alert pendant when they sense their owners are in trouble. Here is just one example:

My husband had a seizure and fell down in the house. Either he or our dog pushed the Life Alert help button. Since he did not respond to the return phone call, Life Alert contacted the emergency people, who came out to help. They also called me at school. I am so thankful for Life Alert. If my husband had been left at home all day, I’m not sure he would’ve survived. -Sandi K., Ocoee FL

Now we ask you: who is a better friend than one who saves your life, then licks your face afterwards? Truly this man’s best friend!

BEST OF TESTIMONIALS: MORE DOGGONE GOOD LIFE ALERT LETTERS

2009-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more heartfelt testimonials involving dogs that we’ve received here at Life Alert:

I took my dog Sweetie out for her morning walk, forgetting about the beans I had put on the stove. As I turned the last corner I realized something was wrong. The fire department had arrived as I reached the house, and they took care of my smoke filled house. I also received a call from my doctor, who you had notified. I am very impressed with the promptness of your call. Being 87 years old, my memory is somewhat impaired. I thank you for your caring, and I know you are there for me if I need you. -Rita M., Phoenix AZ

It was around five o’clock when I put my dog’s leash on him and grabbed my cane and walked up our driveway to fetch the evening newspaper. Instead of walking back to our house on the driveway, I foolishly started back down via our upper, very wet lawn (from our own watering system being on that afternoon). On my first step I slipped and fell!! I scooted as far as the fence around our pool, then figured I could grab some boards and be able to stand and walk on to the house. Wrong! I’m too old to do the things that I used to do quite easily. Finally I used the Life Alert thing hanging around my neck, which brought the help I wanted. They came quickly and took me to our hospital for an exam. Now I tell my friends not to do the stupid thing I did. Doctors should also tell their patients that, too. That is my story, and I’ll be telling anyone who wants to know why I’m still turning my head quite slowly! -Margaret S., Okanogan WA

The response was excellent! I tripped over my dog and hit my head against the handle to the oven door, and bled profusely. I immediately punched the button on the Life Alert necklace I was wearing. First time I have used it. The quick response was great. A female voice came on the speaker box and asked simple, forthright questions and guided me accordingly – to turn on my porch light, unlock the front door, and sit down and wait for the medics. Thank you! A concussion and ten head-staples later, I am most appreciative of your service. Worth every penny! -Martha L., Modesto CA

I was in my backyard, getting ready to dump water from my dogs’ pool. I thought the water level had gone down enough that I could lift the pool and dump the water, however I lost my balance and was unable to stabilize myself. I had a stroke in 1994 which affected my right side; I have limited mobility in my right leg, and no use of my right arm. I fell in such a way that I couldn’t get up. I depressed my Life Alert button. I wasn’t sure if you received my signal because I was outside my home. It was very hot that day, over 90 degrees. I was very glad to see the ambulance when it arrived. The gentlemen were very nice. They helped me to my feet and checked to see if I was hurt in any way. I was only shaken. Had it not been for Life Alert, I could have laid there for hours and suffered much worse injuries due to the intense heat, or death. -Ralph G., Jackson TN

I was gone for the day, and the man who brings my firewood brought in several cardboard boxes full of 2x4 ends, which I use for starting fires. He set them on the hearth, a little close to the stove. The boxes caught fire and then the 2x4 ends began to smolder. The two people on my call list were both gone, so Life Alert called the local fire department. The patrolman who first responded was, coincidentally, the man who first installed your smoke alarm. When he arrived and looked through the front window, he said the whole house was full of smoke. He got in through the back door and threw the burning boxes of wood out into the front yard and aired out the house. He also rescued my little dog and took her out to his patrol car so she could get some fresh air. I am convinced that, in another five minutes or less, the whole house would have been on fire and probably no one would have known it until the flames started coming out the roof. Whatever I have spent on Life Alert was repaid a thousand times during this one incident. I have you (and the local fire department) to thank for saving my house and my little dog. I am very thankful that you took such prompt action. -Joyce M., Troy MT

medical alert

MEDICARE PART D: OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DEC. 31

2008-12-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

by Dr. Don Rose, Writer, Life Alert

Seniors, take note! If you don’t already know, the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D is ending this Wednesday. A CVS ad stated this fact. It also says: “CVS/pharmacy and the National Council on Aging urge you to review your Medicare Part D Plan choices for 2009,” adding that “We accept all Medicare Part D Plans.” Selecting the right plan for you is important (CVS claims that “choosing the right plan can save up to $250,” according to one study they cite), so do your homework and act fast. Tomorrow is only a day away!

LIFE ALERT RESCUES UNCONSCIOUS WIFE WHO HAD ACCIDENT WHILE HUSBAND ASLEEP

2008-09-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

A recent testimonial, from Life Alert member Robert D. of Portland Oregon, illustrates that even those who are not living alone can benefit greatly from having Life Alert Protection -- especially mature adults, seniors and the elderly. Couples may share a home, but they are not always near each other, and not always awake at the same time. You never know when emergencies might strike:

The lady’s voice on the Life Alert box awakened me. I found my wife unconscious in the bathroom. Help was sent by Life Alert and arrived here quickly. Everything turned out fine. Thank you!

So: are you always safe with a spouse in the house?
Alas, that is False.
Get Life Alert Medical Alert.

HEALTH INFO: Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH

2008-08-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Don Rose, Writer, Life Alert
(based on a US Government (NIH) web article)

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People who want to be fit are almost always receptive to a dash of common sense now and then to help them reach their goals. For example, common sense says that losing weight means you must consume fewer calories and move more to expend more calories. In this article, we present another DASH of good advice, this time in regards to blood pressure. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, an eating plan that can help many people achieve or maintain healthier blood pressure levels. --Don Rose

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Some Facts about Blood Pressure

You may already know that what you eat affects your chances of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). Here is some great news: research shows that high blood pressure can be prevented — and lowered — by following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which includes eating less salt and sodium.

High blood pressure, which is defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg,* affects more than 65 million (or 1 out of every 3) American adults. Another 59 million Americans have pre-hypertension, which is blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/89 mmHg. This increases their chances of developing high blood pressure and its complications.

High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes your heart work too hard, hardens the walls of your arteries, and can cause the brain to hemorrhage or the kidneys to function poorly or not at all. If not controlled, high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke, and blindness.

But high blood pressure can be prevented, and lowered, if you take these steps:

Follow a healthy eating plan, such as DASH, that includes foods lower in salt and sodium.
Maintain a healthy weight.

Be moderately physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, or not at all.

If you have high blood pressure and your doctor has prescribed medicine, take your medicine, as directed, and also follow the steps that will be outlined below. (Note: those who cannot lower blood pressure easily, for reasons such as chronic medical conditions, might consider getting a Life Alert system; many people with high blood pressure subscribe to Life Alert to protect themselves in the event of medical emergencies.)

The DASH Eating Plan

The DASH eating plan is rich in fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts. It also contains less salt and sodium; sweets, added sugars, and sugar-containing beverages; fats; and red meats than the typical American diet. This heart healthy way of eating is also lower in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and rich in nutrients that are associated with lowering blood pressure—mainly potassium, magnesium, and calcium, protein, and fiber.

How Do I Make the DASH?

The DASH eating plan requires no special foods and has no hard-to-follow recipes. It simply calls for a certain number of daily servings from various food groups.

The number of servings depends on the number of calories you're allowed each day. Your calorie level depends on your age and, especially, how active you are. Think of this as an energy balance system—if you want to maintain your current weight, you should take in only as many calories as you burn by being physically active. If you need to lose weight, eat fewer calories than you burn or increase your activity level to burn more calories than you eat.

What is your physical activity level? Are you mostly:

Sedentary?
You do only light physical activity that is part of your typical day-to-day routine.

Moderately active?
You do physical activity equal to walking about 1.5–3 miles a day at 3–4 miles per hour, plus light physical activity.

Active?
You do physical activity equal to walking more than 3 miles per day at 3–4 miles per hour, plus light physical activity.

"A Day With the DASH Eating Plan" shows a sample menu based on about 2,000 calories a day. Increase or decrease the serving sizes for your own calorie level. This chart also shows the two levels of sodium, 2,300 and 1,500 milligrams, that DASH allows each day. Because fruits and vegetables are naturally lower in sodium than many other foods, DASH makes it easier to eat less sodium. Try it at the 2,300-milligram level (about 1 teaspoon of table salt). Then, talk to your doctor about gradually lowering it to 1,500 milligrams a day. Keep in mind: The less salt you eat, the more you may be able to lower your blood pressure.

Choose and prepare foods with less salt, and don't bring the salt shaker to the table. Be creative—try herbs, spices, lemon, lime, vinegar, wine, and salt-free seasoning blends in cooking and at the table. And, because most of the salt, or sodium, that we eat comes from processed foods, be sure to read food labels to check the amount of sodium in different food products. Aim for foods that contain 5 percent or less of the Daily Value of sodium. Foods with 20 percent or more Daily Value of sodium are considered high. These include baked goods, certain cereals, soy sauce, some antacids—the range is wide.

DASH Tips for Gradual Change

Make these changes over a couple of days or weeks to give yourself a chance to adjust and make them part of your daily routine:

Add a serving of vegetables at lunch one day and dinner the next, and add fruit at one meal or as a snack.

Increase your use of fat-free and low-fat milk products to three servings a day.

Limit lean meats to 6 ounces a day—3 ounces a meal, which is about the size of a deck of cards. If you usually eat large portions of meats, cut them back over a couple of days—by half or a third at each meal.

Include two or more vegetarian-style, or meatless, meals each week.

Excellent Eating and Activity Actions

It’s a good idea to track your food and physical activity habits before you start on the DASH eating plan, to compare or to see how you're doing after a few weeks. To record more than 1 day, just copy the form. Total each day's food groups and compare what you ate with the DASH eating plan at your calorie level.

Also, increase servings of vegetables, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and cooked dry beans. Try casseroles and stir-fry dishes, which have less meat and more vegetables, grains, and dry beans. For snacks and desserts, use fruits or other foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugar, and calories—for example, unsalted rice cakes; unsalted nuts or seeds, raisins; graham crackers; fat-free, low-fat, or frozen yogurt; popcorn with no salt or butter added; or raw vegetables. Use fresh, frozen, or low-sodium canned vegetables and fruits.

Regarding physical activity, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week. When your heart is beating noticeably faster, the activity is probably moderately intense.

DASH Hints

Be aware that DASH has more servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods than you may be used to eating. These foods are high in fiber and may cause some bloating and diarrhea. To avoid these problems, gradually increase the amount of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods that you eat over several weeks.

If you have trouble digesting milk products, try taking lactase-enzyme pills (available at drug stores and groceries) with milk products. Or buy lactose-free milk, which includes the lactase enzyme.

If you don't like or are allergic to nuts, use seeds or legumes (cooked dried beans or peas).

If you take medicines to control your high blood pressure, keep taking them. But tell your doctor that you are now eating the DASH way.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Making other lifestyle changes while following the DASH eating plan is the best way to prevent and control high blood pressure.

Lose Weight While Following DASH

DASH is rich in lower calorie foods, such as fruits and vegetables, so it can easily be changed to support weight loss. You can reduce calories even more by replacing higher calorie foods, such as sweets, with more fruits and vegetables. The best way to take off pounds is to do it slowly, over time, by getting more physical activity and eating fewer calories. To develop a weight-loss or weight-maintenance program that's tailored for you, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian.

Be Physically Active While Following DASH

Combining DASH with a regular physical activity program, such as walking or swimming, will help you shed pounds and stay trim for the long term. Start with a simple 15-minute walk during your favorite time of day and gradually increase the amount of time you are active. You can do an activity for 30 minutes at one time, or choose shorter periods of at least 10 minutes each. The important thing is to total about 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days. To avoid weight gain or sustain weight loss, try for 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each day.

More Information

Contact the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) for information on heart disease and heart health.

NHLBI Health Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Phone: 301–592–8573
TTY: 240–629–3255
Fax: 301–592–8563.

Also check out these heart health resources:

NHLBI Web site:
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
"Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005" and "A Healthier You":
www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/
"Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure With DASH":
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/index.htm
"Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure":
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html
"Aim for a Healthy Weight":
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/index.htm

People with high blood pressure are at greater risk for serious medical emergencies. In order to stay protected in the event of home emergencies, people who have high blood pressure -- especially those who also have other conditions, live alone or are elderly -- should consider becoming a Life Alert member. Life Alert has many subscribers who have elevated blood pressure, because one push of the Life Alert help button sends assistance 24/7 in the event of medical emergencies, fire, home invasion and other dangerous situations – even if you cannot reach a phone. For more information about the Life Alert service, please visit www.lifealert.com.

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The original article on which the above article is based is from the US government. Hence, the information in that government article is in the public domain and, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while Life Alert always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

For more information about Life Alert and its services for seniors and younger adults nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

Woman Uses Life Alert System To Inform Police Of Robbery

2008-08-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

We at Life Alert often receive news coverage when we save someone's life or help prevent major harm from occurring. Sometimes we come to the aid of someone who is high profile (as in a recent incident where we sent help when ex-NYC Mayor Ed Koch accidentally pressed his Life Alert button).

Of course, in most cases the person is not famous. And we do get many reports involving Life Alert sending help not for a medical emergency, but for home intrusion. Such was the case two days ago, when one of our members used our system to stop an intruder who broke into her home. A West Palm Beach news outlet wrote a story about the incident, entitled “Woman Uses Life Alert System To Inform Police Of Robbery” -- and here is the link to that story: http://www.wpbf.com/news/17319503/detail.html.

LIFE ALERT MEMBER ED KOCH OKAY AFTER SETTING OFF MEDICAL ALARM BY MISTAKE; EX-NYC MAYOR THANKFUL FOR SERVICE THAT NEW YORK MAGAZINE SAYS TOTALLY WORKS

2008-08-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ed Koch, the former New York City mayor famous for his line “How am I doin’?”, is doin’ just fine after activating his Life Alert medical alarm by mistake. Although it was a false alarm, Life Alert sent help quickly. “To the consternation of my enemies, I’m still alive,” he told the New York Daily News. New York magazine praised the Life Alert service, saying that “real people use it, and it totally works.”

(August 7, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA) Life Alert Emergency Response, famous for protecting its members round the clock, works just as hard to protect its members’ personal data. Life Alert’s nationwide subscriber base includes celebrities and high profile people, who trust Life Alert to maintain their privacy and keep their information secure, as the company does for all of its members. Life Alert does not divulge incidents to the media or to its employees -- one of the reasons why thousands of people, famous or not, rely on the company’s 24/7 protection.

However, the media sometimes finds out about incidents involving Life Alert members from other sources. This week, the New York Daily News reported that former New York City Mayor and Life Alert member Ed Koch “set off an emergency scare … when he accidentally triggered his Life Alert pendant.” The incident occurred August 4 just after 11pm. The paper’s website said Koch “was asleep in his Greenwich Village apartment when he accidentally set off” his help button. When a Life Alert member’s button is activated, a dispatcher attempts to talk with the subscriber over their Life Alert unit or their phone. If no contact can be made, the dispatcher sends help automatically, as was done for Mr. Koch.

Life Alert not only sent help to the ex-Mayor, but also contacted one of his relatives and his doorman in order to alert them of Koch’s situation. Contacting friends, family and neighbors is one of Life Alert’s many advantages over calling 911 directly.

Fire personnel and an emergency medical team quickly showed up at Mr. Koch’s building. The doorman informed them that Mr. Koch was fine and the situation was a false alarm. Still, a final step was needed to make sure Life Alert’s member was safe. "They said, 'We gotta check it.' So they came upstairs and they saw me in the flesh, literally," said Koch, laughing. "I thanked them and they went back to the station."

Fortunately, the ex-Mayor -- famous for his trademark line “How am I doin’?” -- was doin’ just fine. "To the consternation of my enemies, I'm still alive," Koch told the Daily News. But New York magazine saw the bigger picture, pointing out that “to the consternation of all those punk kids out there who grew up making fun of Life Alert, real people use it, and it totally works.”

About Life Alert

Life Alert is a Personal Emergency Response company that saves lives from catastrophic outcomes, using a unique technology to provide superior home monitoring and protection. Founded in 1987, the medical alarm company provides its service to members nationwide, and is the only company endorsed by former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D. Life Alert handles over a million calls a year, and on average saves a life every 38 minutes (saving over 13,000 lives in 2007). The company’s home-based protection enables seniors to keep living at home with independence and comfort.

While Life Alert has primarily been servicing members in the elderly age range for the past two decades, younger seniors and Boomers are signing up in greater numbers, since they too can benefit from the company’s protection against emergencies. The company has also received renewed media attention as it enters its third decade. “The Martha Stewart Show” featured and recommended Life Alert in January 2008, and in 2007 USA TODAY ranked Life Alert’s famous slogan “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!®” Number One on its list of “ads we can’t get out of our heads” from the past 25 years. For more information on Life Alert, call 1-800-338-9090 or visit www.lifealert.com.

Contact for Life Alert:
Dr. Don Rose
Head of Public Relations
Life Alert Emergency Response
818-700-7000 x103
drose@lifealert.com

BARBARA HILLARY, FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO REACH NORTH POLE, BECOMES LIFE ALERT MEMBER

2008-08-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

The nationwide medical alarm company shows growing appeal among active seniors like Ms. Hillary. Since emergencies in the home can happen to anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, healthy active seniors are signing up for Life Alert in greater numbers. All Life Alert members, from younger seniors to Boomers and the elderly, enjoy the peace of mind afforded by the company’s 24/7 emergency response protection.

(July 31, 2008 - Encino, CA) Featured on ABC News, Good Morning America and CNN.com, as well as in the Boston Globe and the New Yorker, Barbara Hillary has been encouraging everyone to live life to the fullest after she became the first African-American woman on record to ski to the North Pole. Ms. Hillary, who displayed tremendous endurance skills and courage in completing her trek, became a member of Life Alert after her perilous journey ended and she returned to her home in New York. The fact that someone as healthy and energetic as Ms. Hillary, 75, adopted Life Alert’s emergency response service illustrates that both active seniors and the elderly benefit from the service. Life Alert members enjoy a superior level of protection at home, which also gives them (and their families) increased peace of mind.

Ms. Hillary told Life Alert that her experience with the service thus far has been exemplary. Life Alert’s professional installer “was well-groomed, pleasant, and punctual,” she said, and she was very happy with how he answered all of her questions, explaining things without rushing her. Barbara feels more comfortable now that she has Life Alert, a feeling that began when the installer talked with Life Alert’s dispatcher during the setup process. “When I heard the voice and the quick response, I liked that,” Ms. Hillary said. “When you go to the North Pole, you always have a backup system, such as instant hand heaters and so on. Life Alert is like a backup system for my home. People prepare for other things, like having candles for lighting and heat, so why not prepare for personal emergencies?”

As for Life Alert’s equipment, Barbara was very impressed with the technology. “When it comes down to it,” she said, “you have to take the steps to protect yourself. Certain supportive systems are necessary. Even for younger persons this is important. For example, I heard about a stroke victim around 27 years old who needs Life Alert. This is not a device just for old people.” Ms. Hillary also pointed out that “aging is being redefined. What was considered old 20 years ago is no longer considered old. We must constantly rethink and reanalyze the statistics.”

Barbara is currently preparing for her next adventure - a trip to the South Pole - and Life Alert will be protecting her at home as she prepares for the journey. “We are very pleased to welcome Barbara Hillary into the Life Alert family,” said Isaac Shepher, Life Alert’s founder and CEO. “Her trek to the North Pole was an amazing achievement, and we wish her well on her upcoming South Pole expedition. Since Ms. Hillary has faced extreme danger and is an expert on proper outdoor protection, we are proud that she has chosen Life Alert to protect her indoors.”

About Life Alert

Life Alert is a Personal Emergency Response company that saves lives from catastrophic outcomes, using a unique technology to provide superior home monitoring and protection. Founded in 1987, the medical alarm company provides its service to members nationwide, and is the only company endorsed by former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D. Life Alert handles over a million calls a year, and on average saves a life every 38 minutes (saving over 13,000 lives in 2007). The company’s home-based protection enables seniors to keep living at home with independence and comfort.

While Life Alert has primarily been servicing members in the elderly age range for the past two decades, younger seniors and Boomers are signing up in greater numbers, since they too can benefit from the company’s protection against emergencies. The company has also received renewed media attention as it enters its third decade. “The Martha Stewart Show” featured and recommended Life Alert in January 2008, and in 2007 USA TODAY ranked Life Alert’s famous slogan “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!®” Number One on its list of “ads we can’t get out of our heads” from the past 25 years. For more information on Life Alert, call 1-800-338-9090 or visit www.lifealert.com.

About Barbara Hillary

Barbara Hillary became the first African-American woman on record to reach the North Pole on skis on April 23, 2007. She is also a nurse, a cancer survivor, an advocate for senior and minority health, and a motivational speaker. Ms. Hillary is planning and training for her upcoming trek to the South Pole, scheduled for late 2008. For more information on this extraordinary woman, visit www.barbarahillary.com. You can also see Barbara on CNN.com, where an interview with her is currently featured.

Contact for Life Alert:
Dr. Don Rose
Head of Public Relations
Life Alert Emergency Response
818-700-7000 x103 drose@lifealert.com

Contact for Barbara Hillary:
Cliff Love (Manager)
clove@nyc.rr.com
917-940-0976

POSITSCIENCE.COM: FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR BRAIN GAIN; THINK FASTER, FOCUS BETTER

2008-07-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

We wanted to alert you to this website, which seems like a great place to achieve some brain gain with little pain: www.positscience.com. The PositScience slogan is, "Your brain will thank you." One program grad quoted on their site says that the PositScience program "expanded [his] brain power" and "sharpened [him] as an individual." High praise, indeed.

The first item featured on the PositScience site's Products list is the Brain Fitness Program Classic (TM), "Posit Science’s original program for the auditory system of the brain," which is now available for both the PC and the Mac OS X operating system. This program "features six computer-based exercises" that are "designed to speed up auditory processing, improve working memory, and encourage the brain to produce more of the chemicals that help it remember."

What results can one expect by using this Brain Fitness Program? The site cites "clinical trials that demonstrate it speeds up auditory processing by 131%, improves memory by an average of 10 years, and more." Sounds quite impressive. More information at http://www.positscience.com/products/brain_fitness_program.

Another product featured on the website is InSight, "Posit Science’s program for the visual system of the brain." More information at http://www.positscience.com/products/cortex.

Programs such as those offered by PositScience are becoming increasingly important for seniors as average lifespans continue to increase every year. The media often touts the crucial role of physical exercise, and while it is certainly important, mental exercise is just as vital for maintaining a healthy life.

Just as mental fitness, via systems like those offered by PositScience, enables seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle well into their advanced years, protection systems like Life Alert also enable independence to be maintained. With a fit body, sharp mind and protection against emergencies, today's seniors can increasingly put off or even eliminate the need to move to retirement homes, and instead choose to keep living with independence in their own homes.

LIFE ALERT MONITORED CO GAS ALARM PROTECTS AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

2008-05-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

An article on the BioMed Central website points out that "Carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of toxin related death in the United States [1]. It has been estimated that this poison may be responsible for up to 1,500 accidental deaths and 10,000 medical visits annually in the United States [2]." (Italics added.) Some typical sources of CO gas in the home include heating systems and exhaust fumes from one's car. For example, if you leave your car running in an enclosed garage, even for just a few minutes, one can die from the colorless, odorless gas.

Clearly, carbon monoxide poisoning is a problem that needs to be addressed, especially for older folks who are more prone to accidents and forgetfulness. Fortunately, Life Alert offers its members a Monitored Alarm for Carbon Monoxide, just as it offers a Monitored Alarm for fire/smoke detection. Our CO gas alarm is monitored 24/7 and, if carbon monoxide levels rise too high, the Life Alert Dispatch Center gets a signal and immediately contacts the customer. If there is no answer, help is sent automatically. Such automatic round-the-clock protection can literally be a lifesaver.

PINNED IN BED: ANOTHER REASON TO HAVE LIFE ALERT

2008-04-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, we realize this does not happen as often as other emergencies, but it can and does happen. We are referring to the case of a woman named Blanche Roberts pinned by her husband Fred's body while in bed, recently reported by the Associated Press. While this may happen to many spouses across the country as people shift in their sleep, in this case Fred was dead. Since Mr. Roberts was "a good-sized man" and "[h]er right leg was pinned" under him, Blanche was stuck for several days, unable to move.

Fortunately, her astute newspaper carrier Bruce Pitts decided something was wrong after he noticed "papers piled up outside" the home of Mrs. Roberts. He figured out a way into Blanche's room to investigate, after there was no answer to his doorbell rings. Pitts found the 84-year-old woman who, miraculously, "was conscious, talking... peaceful... not scared, " said Pitts. She only asked for water. Blanche was taken to a nearby hospital, and reportedly was "doing fine."

Thank God Mr. Pitts listened to his intuition that something wasn't right. If not for his attentive and caring nature, Blanche very likely would have died. But there is another lesson to learn from this story. If Blanche Roberts had been a Life Alert subscriber, the days alone under her husband and a possible fatal outcome could have been avoided. Mrs. Roberts could have been rescued, since she could have pushed her Life Alert help button (on the pendant that is worn around the neck or wrist). Then, whether she was able to talk to our dispatchers or not, help would have been sent to her immediately.

Dangerous situations come in many varieties - some mundane, some unusual. Life Alert can handle the vast majority of them, and in the process saves a life every 38 minutes, on average. Seniors (especially the elderly) should take advantage of this vital, lifesaving system.

To read the full AP story, please click this Detnews.com link: http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/NATION/804300445/1361

LIFE ALERT'S MONITORED SMOKE ALARM SAVES SUBSCRIBER DURING HOME FIRE

2008-04-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

Nancy M. told us about a scary indicent that recently happened to her mother Marie. According to Nancy, her mom's house experienced a fire, and her mother fainted; without the Life Alert smoke detector we installed in her mom's home, Nancy is sure the house would have burned - and she doesn't think her mother would have made it out alive. Like many members have done before her, Nancy expressed her sincere gratitude to Life Alert for saving her mother's life.

Life Alert's Monitored Smoke Alarms are available to all subscribers. Once installed, Life Alert professionals monitor each alarm 24/7, for round the clock protection against fire and smoke. If the alarm detects smoke, we immediately try to contact you and, if you cannot respond, we automatically send help fast.

LIFE ALERT USES "NETWORK OF HELP" TO ASSIST FALLEN 85 YEAR OLD

2008-04-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Another testimonial, showing how Life Alert does not just send paramedics, but also can inform and summon family members and/or friends to assist as well:

I am 85 years old, and when I fell recently, I needed help to get up. After pressing my Life Alert button, your dispatcher offered to send emergency medical help. Since I was not seriously injured, I didn’t need an ambulance, so you called my son. He got here fast, and was able to unlock my door and help me up. My son and I thank you very much for all your assistance.

Mildred E., Las Vegas NV

LIFE ALERT: BETTER THAN A MAN?

2008-04-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Many women, especially those who live alone, depend on Life Alert for protection. Some have written in to tell us they consider Life Alert their personal guardian. Indeed, there is a growing body of evidence that the medical alarm service may be better in many ways than a man.

Here, then, is a list of reasons why Life Alert personal protection is better than a man:

We never sleep.
We don’t snore.
We actually listen whenever you speak.
We don’t mind if you push our buttons.
You don’t have to feed Life Alert.
Our system is always up and running.
We don’t leave the toilet seat up.
We don’t hog the blankets.
We are dependable.
You can always trust Life Alert.

Do you have an opinion? Another reason to add to the above list, as evidence for why Life Alert is better than a man? Or perhaps a counter opinion? If so, we welcome your comments.

USA TODAY HIGHLIGHTS DANGERS OF HOME FALLS, ONE OF MANY HOME EMERGENCIES ADDRESSED BY LIFE ALERT

2008-04-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Life Alert enables subscribers to get immediate help after a fall, even if they can’t reach a phone – giving seniors peace of mind and a feeling of security

USA TODAY recently ran a feature story that raised awareness about the dangers of falls suffered in the home. The article noted that a number of famous people have recently suffered falls, often requiring a trip to the hospital. One of the scary aspects of falls is that they can happen to anyone, regardless of societal status, income level, gender or age. However, it is well known that the older we get, the more susceptible we become to falls. One of the main risks is falling at home and then not being able to reach a phone to call for help. Most people don’t carry cellphones on them while at home; even if they do, it may be damaged during a fall, it may not have a signal, or it may be impossible to access depending on how one falls and the severity of injuries suffered. In short, people need a better solution to address the dangers of falls.

Life Alert is that solution. Life Alert Emergency Response, the personal medical alarm company, has been protecting seniors from the dangers of home falls for over two decades. The company’s spokesman, former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D., has pointed out that falling is the “leading cause of injury death for Americans 65 and older” – a sobering statistic. Making matters worse is that the risks increase as we advance in age, since our ability to call for help after a fall (and one’s odds of surviving any injuries suffered) becomes limited.

This need for protection -- no matter where you fall in your home, no matter what hour a fall occurs -- is at the heart of Life Alert’s protection service. Life Alert handles over a million calls a year, and on average saves a life every 40 minutes, saving over 13,000 lives in 2007 alone. For many seniors, Life Alert is an invaluable asset they simply cannot live without.

LIFE ALERT TESTIMONIALS: PHONE PROBLEMS? NO PROBLEM

2008-03-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

My home phone line was not working, and I couldn’t get through to my phone company by cell phone, so I called you. Your people were extremely helpful. First, you called the phone company for me, to have them come fix my phone line. Then, when they said they’d be out “maybe today or tomorrow," your dispatcher made sure they came out that same day, since I’d been having chest pains and needed the phone working right away. You really went out of your way to help me. I am very happy and thankful for Life Alert. --Dorothy M., Lansing MI

I was worried about my wife (who is a Life Alert subscriber), since her phone had been busy for hours, so I called in to tell you. You sent the police right over to her. Turned out she had a laceration on her hand, which happened when one of the dogs bit her. Then paramedics were dispatched, who treated my wife’s cut. I just wanted to thank you again for helping us. --Anthony C., Easton PA

LIFE ALERT TESTIMONIAL: HARRIET HAPPIER WITH LIFE ALERT "SECURITY BLANKET"

2008-03-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am a very happy subscriber – Life Alert is my security blanket and I have recommended it to family and friends who have also subscribed. It’s a great feeling of security. If you’re alone in your home and you collapse and can’t get to a phone, it’s a wonderful thing to have. One time I was making a hamburger and off goes the smoke alarm, and it starts talking to me – I thought, that’s funny, the fire alarm doesn’t usually do that. I had forgotten that you had also installed monitored smoke alarms in my apartment. Your people asked if they should send the fire department, but I explained I had made a burger with a lot of heat, that I was fine. They kept asking to make sure I was all right -- your dispatchers are extremely considerate and very concerned about my safety. Your smoke alarm came on even before my apartment building’s alarm came on. It was a marvelous feeling that Life Alert responded so quickly.

Harriet A., New York NY

LIFE ALERT TESTIMONIAL: INCREASED CONFIDENCE AFTER DAUGHTER GOT MOM LIFE ALERT SERVICE

2008-03-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

My daughter got a Life Alert bracelet for me, and I have used it two times. Both times, your dispatcher was courteous, and the assistance came very fast. Your people informed me that help was on the way, and made sure my daughter was notified. I am really happy with your service – very prompt and thorough. I feel confident now, more confident than I did before I had Life Alert. I always wear it when I am in my house, and at night. I feel like, I just push the button and help comes right over. This is the best investment you can make.

Belle N., Rancho Palos Verdes CA

NEW LETTER: 5 YEAR OLD RECOMMENDS LIFE ALERT TO HER GRANDMOTHER

2008-02-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

Below we'd like to share with you a wonderful letter we just received here at Life Alert, which shows that even the youngest generation understands how important home protection is for their parents - and especially their grandparents...

"I am a 69 year old Grammie who frequently visits her grandchildren... my youngest granddaughter, Alexandria (who is 5 years old) and I were carrying on one of our many little conversations. I had sorta prefaced the conversation with the fact that Grammie was getting older, not quite as fast as I used to be ...at this point... Alexandria started quizzing me.

"Are you a senior citizen?" I replied, "Yes."
"Do you have Life Alert?" I said, "No."
"It could protect you from a serious fall or a fire emergency," she quipped.
Then she asked, "Do you live alone?" To which I replied, "You know I don't live alone, I live with Papa."
To which she said, "Are you ever alone?" And I said, "I guess sometimes..."

As you can see, my 5 year old granddaughter has certainly gotten your message. She feels that I should have Life Alert since I am a Senior Citizen! I can only presume that your TV commercials are not directed to 5 year olds -- BUT Alexandria has gotten the message, and she has passed this vital information along to her Senior Citizen Grammie. Sincerely, Carol M."

We greatly appreciate your letter, Carol, and your daughter sounds very wise. Of course, we are not targeting young kids with our ads and commercials, but Alexandria and many other children are smart enough to realize how very valuable Life Alert is. We think so too.

LIFE ALERT PRESS RELEASES NOW AVAILABLE ON THIS BLOG (NEW FEATURE)

2008-02-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

The new RSS feed enables our readers to see the latest news and information about Life Alert Emergency Response. Just click on a headline to see the entire news release.

Welcome to our new Life Alert Medical Alarm Blog! Feedback Welcome

2008-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

We encourage all readers to contribute if they would like, and come back often to check out our new content, updated periodically. Any suggestions or feedback are always appreciated. Topics we will cover include medical alarms, achieving a healthy life, alert systems, health and wellness, senior issues, growing older (gracefully, and with maximum fitness!), medical illnesses and how to avoid them, prevention information, senior protection issues, and more.

LIFE ALERT FEATURED ON MARTHA STEWART SHOW; MARTHA AND DR. BRENT RIDGE RECOMMEND LIFE ALERT SERVICE DURING SEGMENT ON TECH DEVICES FOR HEALTH

2008-01-31T15:53:00.000-08:00

Life Alert, nationally recognized for its protection of seniors, as well as Boomers and younger adults, garners praise from national talk show host Martha Stewart and Dr. Brent Ridge, VP of Martha Stewart Healthy Living, who touts Life Alert’s “inexpensive yet vital” service

(January 30, 2008 – Encino, CA) Life Alert is widely known for its popular TV commercials, featuring its trademarked slogan “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” Now, Life Alert is being featured on TV shows itself. The service -- which saves a life every 40 minutes, on average -- is essential for maintaining the health of its members, and no TV program embodies healthy living more than “The Martha Stewart Show,” where Life Alert was recently featured. The national TV program, which attracts the highest concentration of women 25-54 with incomes of $75,000-plus among all first-run daytime series, selected Life Alert to be part of its January 23rd segment on tech gadgets for your health.

The Life Alert service received a strong recommendation from Dr. Brent Ridge, who co-hosted the segment and serves as Vice President of Healthy Living at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. When discussing Life Alert, Dr. Ridge told the show’s studio and national audience that “we recommend this to all of the patients at the Martha Stewart Center for Living,” adding that the service is “so inexpensive yet so vital for people.”

Members of Life Alert can get assistance 24/7 in the event of an emergency (medical, fire or intrusion). As Martha and Dr. Ridge explained to their audience, one press of a small pendant quickly puts the wearer in touch with a Life Alert dispatcher, who talks to the member via a base unit (installed in the home) and sends help immediately if the member is injured, unable to speak, or in danger.

“We are pleased that Martha Stewart chose Life Alert for her show about health-related technology, as we know how selective she is on featuring products and services,” says Isaac Shepher, Life Alert’s founder and CEO. “We are extremely proud to serve our members with state-of-the-art equipment and services, as we have done for over 20 years.” The company, which has members nationwide, saved over 15,000 lives from catastrophic outcomes in 2007 alone. As Dr. Ridge pointed out in the TV segment, Life Alert handles over a million calls a year.

While Life Alert has primarily been servicing seniors and the elderly for the past 20 years, their service is becoming increasingly popular among Boomers and younger adults, whose parents may have the service as well. The reality is that adults of any age can benefit from Life Alert protection, especially when living alone.

About Life Alert

Life Alert is a Personal Emergency Response company that saves lives from catastrophic outcomes, using a unique technology to provide superior home monitoring and protection. Life Alert was founded in 1987, provides services nationwide, and is the only company endorsed by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, M.D.

The Life Alert service solves an issue that is especially important for seniors: home-based protection. Life Alert enables seniors, the handicapped and anyone needing protection to keep living at home with independence and comfort, living their lives the way they are used to, without drastic changes. The average senior Life Alert member keeps living in their own home for an extra six years, compared to those of a similar age without Life Alert. In addition, an ACNielsen study showed that 87% of subscribers called Life Alert’s protection a main or important factor in their decision to keep living at home, rather than move to a retirement home. As Dr. Koop says, “Thanks to Life Alert, you can live alone without ever being alone, and that’s why I wear one.”

For more information on Life Alert, call 1-800-360-0329 or visit www.lifealert.com.

About The Martha Stewart Show

“The Martha Stewart Show,” also known simply as “Martha,” is a U.S. daytime television syndicated talk show that began airing in September 2005. Hosted by Martha Stewart, each episode includes segments on cooking, interior design, gardening, crafts, health and other topics. “Martha” attracts the highest concentration of women 25-54 with incomes of $75,000-plus among all first-run daytime series, according to Nielsen Media Research. It ranks second to only “The Oprah Winfrey Show” among women 25-54 in households that earn $100,000-plus annually. The Martha Stewart Show is produced by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Productions in association with Mark Burnett Productions.

Ms. Stewart's program, which also features celebrity guests, is taped live in New York City at 10 a.m. and airs at various times in several markets. “Martha” also airs nightly on the digital cable network Fine Living. The show is distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution, in a partnership with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In November 2007, “Martha” was renewed for a fourth season. NBC Universal renewed in over 60% of the U.S. Station groups picking up the how-to program include the NBC-owned stations, Fox, Belo, Fisher Communications, Scripps, Hearst-Argyle Television, Allbritton Communications and Clear Channel Communications.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Don Rose, Head of Public Relations, Life Alert Emergency Response. 1-818-700-7000 x103 or drose@lifealert.com .