MRSA is a serious hazard because it is resistant to antibiotics as are an increasing number of bacteria which have historically been treated with them.  The implication for us as humans who are looking to medical science to cure us is clear – if you catch these antibiotic-resistant bugs you are going to have get better on your own!

Prevention is certainly better than cure in this instance and medical labels are riding to the rescue once again.

A major source of transmission of infection takes place where there are concentrations of ill people with a range of different infectious illnesses – going to a hospital will bring you into close proximity with these bugs if not directly, then certainly with doctors, nurses and other staff who are themselves constantly exposed to these bacteria.  This is why personal and environmental hygiene are so important and a great deal of time and money is spent on ensuring everyone washes their hands and does so in a thorough manner (seriously, washing your hands in a “medical fashion” is something which is taught and not at all instinctive as you and I would perform it after a visit to the bathroom).

Now consider this scenario – a nurse is told to give a patient with a bacterial infection a dose of antibiotics to a patient – the pills are in a bottle kept just for that patient and the nurse is conscientious and gives the patient the dose.  They replace the bottle of pills and then wash their hands before moving on to the next patient – there is no way the next patient is catching the bug from this nurse right?

Wrong!

The bug is still on the pill bottle and it will come into contact with other pill bottles or medication or the nurse, or some other person who will the transfer the bug.

Unless the bottle and label of the medication container are themselves acting as antibacterial agents and are eliminating the bugs which come into contact with them.  Increasingly, hospitals and medical facilities are picking up on the use of containers and labels which are manufactured with highly effective anti-bacterial properties built into them.  It has been estimated that 90% of bacterial transfers by medical staff can be cut completely by simply adopting the practice of using an anti-bacterial label, but let’s hope you never have to find out for yourself in practice!

There is a distinct cottage industry that has sprung up around bottling antique scents and marketing them, typically using online auction sites such as eBay.  When we say, “Antique Scent” we are not talking about a 100 year old pong but rather the production of scents and perfumes from a bygone age or era produced to order in many instances and which has carved out a specialist but growing niche in the billion dollar perfume market.

An issue for the suppliers has been to really differentiate their product from the mass marketed scents and perfumes which are backed by multi-million dollar marketing campaigns, tanned supermodels and exotic locations and situations.  All try to promote individuality with a huge price tag but antique scents can do this far more effectively and enhance the wearer (or giver’s) reputation for individual personality and flair.

No wonder that this cottage perfume industry has latched onto bespoke labels to enhance the differentiation from the mass market with their offering.   Not only has this led to modern designs aiming at a “bygone days” theme but a resurgence in original label designs resurfacing for use today – the designs are frequently as refreshing as the often simpler scents in the bottles they adorn.

While the perfume industry has almost universally been influenced by the French it has not always been the case in history with many distinguished “perfumiers” based in London, England and especially during the Victorian era:

Look a little closer though and you’ll see this example is from New York, USA !

Today, the idea of ordinary men and women running a marathon, followed by a lengthy bike ride and punctuated by a cooling couple of miles swimming is not so far-fetched!  My brother-in-law completed three Iron Man competitions last year and only quit this year because his wife has put her foot down.

The growth in outdoor and extreme sports activities has increased the need for vital personal information to be carried by participants.  Sports requiring high levels of exertion create situations where participants need assistance and sometimes urgent medical intervention as the human body is pushed to extreme limits.  It is not only the high exertion levels which create high risk for those taking part; many long distance or extreme sporting activities take place in areas which are remote or without readily available medical assistance on hand making and the difference in treatment for a heat victim with diabetes and one without can mean the difference between life and death as one simple example.

Many sports ID label kits use some form of wrist band to carry personal identifier and medical information but personally, I cannot stand a wrist band attached when I’m running; it’s just a mental thing with me but fortunately there are alternatives. The shoe pouch for instance, provides a simple and cost effective means of carrying my identity and contact information safely and securely attached to the laces of my running shoes; it doesn’t interfere with my running and I don’t have a wannabe fashion icon strapped to my wrist which makes me feel uncomfortable.

Other variants include ankle straps, id chains and you can easily find sports apparel suppliers with built in pouches and pockets designed specifically for carrying identification and medical information and still provide the functionality and sport utility you need for your sport enjoyment and performance.