Food Allergy: Are you Squid Hip or Square?

It’s true. Necessity IS the mother of invention. I don’t recall who made this statement, but clearly it was whispered into the ears of Irene and Joel Glickman, founders of My ID Square. If you haven’t already met the medical ID system called Squid IDs or Squares, let me introduce you. Not only did I have the opportunity to review their product for Allergic Living Magazine, I was able to test drive one too.  Disclaimer: I was not paid or asked to talk about these fab products. I believe you might find these as an interesting solution for managing an anaphylactic emergency. So, let’s get talking! The medicals IDs available are not limited just to food allergies, they include diabetes, Celiac, Alzheimers, asthma, autism, dialysis, and many other health conditions.
The Squids, which is short for Square ID are fashionable unique QR (barcodes) created on jewelry squares or dog tags.  When scanned, the wearer’s medical profile and emergency contacts are displayed! After your ID arrives, you simply activate the Squid. The website offers an easy to follow video on how to activate Squids, which was very simple and straight forward. Actually, the website teaches you how to use their product while visiting your doctor and how the ID’s work! It is chock full of great information.
My ID Square has thought of all the small and critical details too! Once you activate your Squid, your contacts will receive an email or text confirming the connection. Your contact will then accept or decline their connection. My personal favorite: language spoken can be defined! Now that my non-English speaking in-laws have moved to town, I worry about them having an emergency and responders trying to figure out what language they speak. Problem solved.

Squid ID profile options include…

• medical highlights, which can include medical devices, such as pacemakers and surgeries
• current medications
• medical care providers
• pharmacies
• additional key information for emergency responders, such as take me to my preferred hospital
• location of your electronic health records
• preferred health care centers

Natural problem solvers by trade, Irene is a software engineer and Joel is a nephrologist (kidney specialist), this brilliant couple created this hip looking ,yet highly functional, medical ID system that connects to a powerful online medical profile which will also alert contacts in an emergency.  My kids have grown up wearing medical alerts and wear them faithfully, but after fifteen and ten years, they are happy to add some new concepts into their safety mix.
The Squares have a fun and unique look that does a lovely job combining the serious nature emergency planning and everyday comfort and style. My ID Square offers pre-printed IDs and custom engravable items too! Best yet: you can purchase a gift certificate and let your loved one or friend choose their own style (think last minute gift idea that shows your care and concern.
I asked Irene if she ever thought she would be an inventor and she answered, “So we are both problem solvers and this product was a natural for us, as a result. Inventions are the result of problem solving, no?” I personally believe that the dog tag is quite good looking!
My ID Squid is an ever evolving problem-solving business. The theme of updating and creating better solutions is evident as Irene explained, “We have many plans for the future! We have a very long list, but I don’t want to make any promises about them, we’ll be offering new Squid Square designs and new features in our profiles”.
Clearly, I really am excited about this product and hope that if you are in the market for a different kind of solution or gift idea, you might want to check these out. Again, I’m not receiving any compensation for gushing over these items, I am just really proud of Irene and Joel’s work and hope to share possible solutions and ideas. As always, speak to your physician before you make changes to  your health care protocol and planning.

Happy Solution Hunting!