Rewards outweigh risks

DEAR DR. ROACH: So many seniors wear medicalalert-type devices. Are there any long-term health effects associated with their use?

They sit on the chest cavity if using the necklace type. Alongside the “protection from falls and possible broken bones, are there concerns being raised with this protection? I am concerned about the lithium batteries.

ANSWER: In rare cases, lithium batteries — the rechargeable type used in cellphones and computers — can fail in an explosive fashion, but this does not happen to the small button-type batteries in a device like a medical-alert necklace.

Button batteries themselves are dangerous to swallow, but that’s a fear for infants and toddlers. The low voltage of the battery makes any concern about electromagnetic fields nonexistent.

In my opinion, the risks are negligible compared with the benefit of being able to call for help in an emergency (or having help alerted for you, as is the case with some devices that can recognize if you suffer a fall).

Not many people will need them, but I think of it as a reasonable insurance policy that is appropriate if affordable.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.