Download November 2, 2010

November 2, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Andrea Rucker, American Medical ID
(713) 695-0284
[email protected]
One million blood pressure tracking cards donated to veterans
Tracking cards empower veterans to win fight against silent killer
HOUSTON – As Veterans Day approaches, one million people who served our nation are receiving a free,
simple tool proven to help them live a healthier life.
American Medical ID, a leading manufacturer of personalized medical alert jewelry, in partnership with
the Mended Hearts, Inc., a cardiac support group, is donating one million blood pressure tracking cards
to the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), just in time for Veterans Day.
The convenient wallet cards, designed by American Medical ID, will include the veteran’s healthcare
provider’s name, blood pressure medicine being taken, a chart to record their blood pressure, special
instructions, and valuable tips to help keep one’s blood pressure under control.
The wallet tracking cards are being distributed this month to 42 NOVA locations around the United
States. Additional cards will be distributed by the 250 chapters of Mended Hearts, Inc.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. More than 50 million Americans have
high blood pressure, and government estimates state that about one-third of those have uncontrolled
blood pressure. The disease, sometimes called the “Silent Killer,” often has no symptoms and can also
cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs.
Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mmHg.
“Since high blood pressure has no apparent symptoms, it is not easy to convince patients to carefully
monitor their readings. Even though these individuals may feel fine, high blood pressure left untreated
over an extended period of time can be quite devastating,” says Nancy Claflin, president, of NOVA.
“These convenient cards will allow veterans to keep an eye on and track their blood pressure wherever
they go.”
In 2009, Circulation, the official journal of the American Heart Association, published a study that
evaluates the effectiveness of a blood pressure wallet card in a VA patient population as a tool in
keeping a lid on elevated blood pressure over time. WebMD, the popular online medical magazine, also
reported the positive effects of wallet cards in 2009.
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WebMD reported that using wallet cards to track blood pressure helped a group of veterans lower their
blood pressure by 4.2 percent. The encouraging results clearly showed how this simple device can make
a significant difference.
“High blood pressure increases a person’s risk of developing any number of its complications such as
heart failure and heart disease,” said Raul Fernandes, president, of Mended Hearts, Inc. “Empowering
patients, particularly veterans, to monitor their pressure is one more step to ensuring they live healthier
lives.”
“Communicating important medical information is a part of our company’s mission,” said Rick Russell,
CEO and president, of American Medical ID. “This donation is a natural extension of our philosophy and
philanthropic efforts. It is with heartfelt commitment and great pride that we give back to those that
have sacrificed so much for our nation.”
This is not the only time American Medical ID has worked closely with the VA or its supporting
organizations. The Houston-based company maintains a close, ongoing relationship with VA groups
across the nation to assist them in carrying out a 2009 directive from the Department of Veterans
Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, to make ID bracelets and pendants available to eligible veterans
at no charge to the veterans.
Veterans wishing to find a NOVA location or a participating Mended Hearts local chapter near them to
obtain a blood pressure card can call 602.277.5551 ext. 7333, 214.390.6233 or 713.695.0284.
About American Medical ID
Since 1994, Houston-based, employee owned and operated, American Medical ID has created high quality, customized
medical identification jewelry to meet one’s everyday lifestyle. The medical IDs are available with various styles of
bracelets, necklaces, and sports bands, in gold, gold-filled, sterling silver, stainless steel, titanium and nylon. Each ID is
custom fitted and personalized with complimentary engraving. Candidates for a medical ID include anyone living with
chronic or rare medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, stroke risk or memory impairment;
persons with allergies such as food, drug or insect; and those taking multiple medications or blood thinners. For more
information about American Medical ID, visit www.IdentifyYourself.com, email [email protected] or call
713.695.0284.
About Mended Hearts
A community-based, nationwide heart patient support network founded in 1951. More than 17,000 members operate
through 300 chapters and satellite organizations across the United States, with two chapters in Canada. Recognized for its
role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics
offering heart patient support through visiting programs, group meetings and educational forums. For more information
visit www.mendedhearts.org, email [email protected], or call 1-888-HEART99 (1-888-432-7899).
About NOVA
Nurses Organization of Veteran Affairs is a nationwide, voluntary organization composed of registered nurses employed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, visit www.vanurse.org or call 703.444.5587.
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