The interest in "tats" on the part of the younger generation seems to be moving in a more positive direction for some of them. There is growing interest in so-called diabetic or biohazard (HIV-positive) warning labels (see: Tattoos being used for medical alerts) affixed in a permanent manner to the body. Below is an excerpt from the article with boldface emphasis mine:
Increasing numbers of people who have serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, are turning to tattooing to identify themselves on the chance a health emergency leaves them unable to communicate, says Saleh Aldasouqi, a diabetes expert....There's a tattoo trend surfacing — one that could save lives. "Like it or not, a lot of people are resorting to this way of medical identification," [he] says....[He] first met a patient with a medical tattoo last year when Illinois correctional officer Todd Walsh, who has had type 1 diabetes since childhood, came to him for care. Walsh, 37, sports on his wrist a black and red "star of life," a six-pointed star with a spiraling serpent inside, often seen on ambulances. The word "Diabetic" is inscribed below it. Walsh has had numerous episodes of potentially life-threatening low blood sugar, which can cause disorientation and even unconsciousness. He had worn medical alert bracelets over the years, but he says they often broke and the cost was adding up. "This is a more permanent solution," he says....At Fatty's Custom Tattooz in Washington, D.C., owner Matthew "Fatty" Jessup says he has carved numerous health-related tattoos. "I've done a biohazard symbol for a few people with HIV," he says.
Medical "tats" seem to be a way to put a positive spin on the now popular body art. However, I have a concern that some of these warnings might be missed by EMTs called to a scene of a patient who has collapsed on a sidewalk in a diabetic coma. I am also concerned that a HIV-biohazard tat might be overlooked in a dark bar after one drink too many. What may be desirable for the latter could be a more conspicuous site than an arm or ankle.
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