myID From LifeStrength

We bike and hike. Swim and surf. From the rapids to rappelling, we sometimes take risks. Even when we’re not taking risks, accidents can and do happen. Statistically speaking, Industry Outsider readers are probably more likely than the rest of the population to get injured outdoors somewhere. (But that’s still preferable to a heart attack on the couch, with a bag of greasy chips in one hand, the remote in the other).  That’s why it makes sense to ensure your emergency contact and medical information is handy when you’re out and about. Since we’re pretty partial to local companies, we reached out to Utah-based LifeStrength so we could have a closer look at their new myID band.

It may seem obvious, but your emergency information won’t do you much good unless it’s actually with you, and accessible. That ID card in your wallet won’t help first responders if you leave your wallet at home or in your car when heading out for a bike ride. So LifeStrength came up with a simple personal identification bracelet that’s attractive enough for daily wear, so you’ll never forget to take it with you. Emergency personnel are trained to look for medical ID, and the little graphic on the myID band will quickly get their attention in an the unlikely event of an emergency. On the back, they’ll find a QR code that can be scanned, which will bring up a log-in screen for the myidband website. When they enter your ID and PIN from the back of the bracelet, your information will be available to them. If they are not able to scan it, they can call the phone number on the back and speak to an operator.

Out of the box, I knew I was going to like this product. The band itself is soft silicone rubber, so it’s non-irritating, and won’t snag hair on your wrist. The double-locking hinged clasp has a low profile and no sharp edges. Sizing instructions are easy to follow, and a little paper band makes it easy to determine the correct length on the first or second try with scissors or a sharp knife. Just remember to go one size up first, then snug as necessary. I like to wear mine loose, and even on a large wrist, that’s not a problem. Once it was sized, I logged into the myidband.com website, and set up my profile. Name, address, stats, blood type, and even a photo only took a few minutes. I added allergies, emergency contacts, multiple doctors, and my insurance. There’s room for vital conditions and medications too, but I didn’t have anything to enter. Once I was done, a quick scan from the native scanner on my phone brought up the option to open the URL, where I entered the ID and PIN, and was treated to a photo of myself and everything I would want a first responder to have access to, should I be found unconscious or incoherent.

Since I stopped wearing a watch years ago, it took me three days to fully adjust to wearing the band. For the first two days, I kept looking at it, as though it was going to show me the time. By the third day, it wasn’t even noticeable. A few people at work asked about it, and were surprised to learn that it had such a serious purpose. Apparently, it’s a bit more fashionable than the typical medical ID bracelet. After about a week of wearing it nonstop, I have no complaints. That included work, cycling, motorcycle riding, yard work, and some time at the computer of course. For extended desk time, some folks might want to take it off, but it didn’t bother me. Even getting dirt, sweat, and grime underneath it wasn’t terrible, but that’s why I wear it loose and I left it on in the shower.

The verdict is simple on the $40 myID. Easy setup, seamless to use, and always there when you (hopefully never) need it. Like similar products, the first year of the service is free, then it’s only $9.99 for each year after that, which is a bargain for your peace of mind. Of course, there’s a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. You’ll find them at the LifeStrength website.

*LifeStrength’s myID band features their Ion Health Technology, which supplies the environment around it with ions. Studies suggest that ions may help you feel better, wakeup refreshed, and have more energy. We have chosen not to attempt to evaluate those claims, but are providing this link to their website that explains Ion Health Technology in more detail.

– Brian

LifeStrength generously donated two myID bands for us to give away to our readers. So we’re giving one to an IndustryOutsider reader, and one to a Twospoke.com cycling forums member. The rules are the same for both: Leave a comment, and tell us why you need a LifeStrength myID. We’ll choose a random winner from the most entertaining, frightening, or humorous comments. Be sure to mention whether you prefer white/grey or turquoise/black, because those are your choices. Contest ends midnight, on Monday, July 1st. Good luck!