Gold 'changes attitudes' about medical ID bracelets (January 29, 2008)

Patients in the US who need medical ID bracelets claim that more fashionable versions of the items have made them feel more confident about their conditions, the Associated Press has reported.

Trendy variations on the traditional medical ID bracelet include a 14-carat gold item featuring a stainless steel tag on the inside of the wrist that can be engraved with any medical condition, including allergies and conditions.

Denise Gaskill, co-founder of fashionable medical ID bracelet retailer Lauren's Hope, says medical bracelets that resemble trendy jewellery can be a self-esteem booster for children.

"A lot of the other kids will say, 'what a pretty bracelet' instead of 'what's wrong with you?',"she said.

Renee Rhodes, who has diabetes, told Associated Press she feels like a "diva" when she wears one of her stylish items.

She said: "I went from feeling self-conscious about being tagged with something for the rest of my life to, 'So, what bracelet do I get to wear today?'"

Items including the 14-carat gold Golden Blues bracelet and the Golden Crystals bracelet can be purchased from a number of online retailers, including CreativeMedicalID.com.

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