Millions of people worldwide wear medical-alert jewelry-bracelets, pendants, dog tags-to notify emergency personnel about conditions ranging from diabetes to epilepsy. Now several companies have taken the idea a step further with introduction of the medical-alert computer flash drive. With this device, the alert message is no longer limited to a half dozen or so engraved words on a piece of jewelry; the drive stores an extensive medical background that can be accessed by simply plugging it into a computer's USB port.

MedicTag of Cape Coral, Fla., is among the companies offering these user-friendly devices. Just connect the drive to your PC and a software program will open automatically, prompting you to enter emergency contact data; lists of physicians, medications, allergies, existing conditions and previous surgeries; and more.
The MedicTag flash drive, which costs about $40, is available through a variety of sources, including Amazon.com. An online search will reveal manufacturers of similar products.