just because I have a chronic illness doesn't mean I don't have good taste.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, design matters. Just because I have a chronic illness doesn't mean I don't have good taste. In that spirit, here are a few recent finds of products and prototypes that are shining examples of how medical stuff doesn't have to be clinical or ugly or boring. Say it loud sister!

This beautiful rfid medical alert bracelet prototype by doria fan makes my heart go pitter pat. I'd wear this beauty in a flash if given half the chance. Groovy, pretty and functional, what more could a girl ask for in a medical alert bracelet?

These beautiful alternatives to the usual over the counter drugs and bandages we use in our everyday lives come from the company help. Smart and simple design, elegant packaging and a wonderful philosophy behind the company, I know which bandage I'd pick if I had the choice. "While some health problems are large, complicated and frightening, most aren't the end of the world. A kind word and a little help can get you on your way again. Help Remedies was created to make solving simple health issues simple. We find the best solution there is, and take away everything else. By stripping away some of the complexity and fear mongering of the health industry, we hope to make the category friendlier and more accessible, and in doing so empower people to make their own health decisions. We think a little help, honesty and kindness will go a long way." Amen!

And finally, how cool is this simple, modern, sassy container by urchin for all the unending diabetes supplies I need to have hanging around? I love it's straightforwardness, it's overt utility. I love the fact that something like this makes no apologies for it's contents or job. Take that embarrassment! Bye bye shame. Hello groovy modernity. Hello groovy diabetes girl.

Comments

[Kelly K]

Thanks for the heads up on the savvy accessories!
I have no ideal why people think that a chronic illness equals bad taste.

Do manufacturers think that the more ugly, cheap, and positively hideous they make our accessories look, the more healthy we'll think they are for us??
k2

[Cody Turner]

I got my medical alert bracelet from this place and I LOVE it.

http://www.hopepaige.com/pc/viewCat_P.asp?ProdSort=0&idCategory=8&page=2&iPageSize=5
I got the last one on the page. To me if I am going to live with a chronic illness I am going to personalize it. I even have the skins for my pump, groovy patches for infusion sets. Just today a friend sent me a cell phone charm which I attached to the sports shield that I put over where the battery goes and those sticker jewel things on my pump case.

[Gayle]

Wow, that med ID bracelet is absolutely scrumptious!

Cody, great link! These are fantastic med alerts!

[AmyT]

Yes, design matters!!

Did you hear about the The DiabetesMine Design Challenge, now open at...
http://www.diabetesmine.com/2008/04/2nd-annual-diab.html

* a competition designed to foster innovation in diabetes design and encourage creative new tools that will improve life with diabetes *

We are accepting submissions in two categories: Under age 18, and over 18. Would love your help getting the word out.

Thanks & Regards,
AmyT

[Amylia Grace]

i

absolutely

love

the

bracelet.

i

want

one

now.

will

pay

big

bucks.