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
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BARBARA HILLARY, FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO REACH NORTH POLE, BECOMES LIFE ALERT MEMBER
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
(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
Monday, July 28, 2008
POSITSCIENCE.COM: FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR BRAIN GAIN; THINK FASTER, FOCUS BETTER
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.
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.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
LIFE ALERT MONITORED CO GAS ALARM PROTECTS AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
PINNED IN BED: ANOTHER REASON TO HAVE LIFE ALERT
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
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
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
LIFE ALERT'S MONITORED SMOKE ALARM SAVES SUBSCRIBER DURING HOME FIRE
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'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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
LIFE ALERT USES "NETWORK OF HELP" TO ASSIST FALLEN 85 YEAR OLD
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
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
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