John Muir Health’s Post

"Heat Stroke Awareness: Don't Miss the Signs! As temperatures soar, it's crucial to recognize the signs of heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt action. *Don't rely solely on temperature checks!* Diagnosing heat stroke goes beyond just checking a patient's temperature. Look out for these critical signs: - High body temperature (above 103°F) - Confusion or altered mental state - Nausea and vomiting - Headache, fatigue, and weakness - Dry, flushed skin with no sweating - Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing - Seizures or coma #Act_FAST If you suspect heat stroke: 1. #F- Call for emergency medical help immediately 2. #A- Apply cool compresses or spray with water 3. #S- Move to a shaded area or indoor space 4. #T- Provide cool water (if conscious) Don't delay! Heat stroke can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and even death. Stay vigilant, and let's beat the heat together! #HeatStrokeAwareness #HeatSafety #MedicalAlert #SummerSafetyTips"

#Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Having a stroke puts you at higher risk for a second one. Learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke and know your risk factors. During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is raising awareness nationwide that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. The American Stroke Association developed F.A.S.T., an easy-to-remember acronym that can help you spot a stroke in yourself or another person. F – Face drooping – Is one side of the person’s face drooping or numb? When the person smiles, is the smile uneven? A – Arm weakness – Is the person experiencing weakness or numbness in one arm? Have the person raise both arms. Does one of the arms drift downward? S – Speech difficulty – Is the person’s speech suddenly slurred or hard to understand? Is the person unable to speak? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence so that you can listen for slurred speech. T – Time to call 911 – If any of these symptoms are present, dial 911 immediately. Check the time so you can report when the symptoms began.

🧠💡 Understanding the Difference: Headache vs. Stroke 🚨💔 It's crucial to know the signs! Here's the lowdown: 🔹 **Headache:** Typically, headaches are painful sensations in the head that can range from mild to severe. They can be caused by stress, tension, dehydration, or other factors. While they're uncomfortable, they're usually not life-threatening. 🔹 **Stroke:** On the other hand, a stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms may include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache with no known cause. Remember, time is of the essence with strokes. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Knowing the difference could save a life. Stay informed, stay safe! 💪🏥 #StrokeAwareness #HeadacheVsStroke #KnowTheSigns #HealthEducation #EmergencyAwareness #StayInformed

A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts. #Hypertension is a leading cause of #stroke, making blood pressure control essential. A #stroke can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or death. Know the signs, manage your blood pressure, and act FAST. #StrokeAwareness #Hypertension #ActFAST

#FridayFact: Prolonged exposure to cold causes hypothermia, depleting body heat and energy. Low body temperature affects the brain, impairing clarity and movement. Even in cool conditions, above 40°F, rain, sweat, or cold water can trigger it. For more: https://loom.ly/REomoXI

As the heat wave continues, it's more important than ever to take care of our bodies especially for those of us who are survivors of brain injury. Heat and dehydration can have serious consequences for anyone, but for those with brain injuries, the risks are even higher. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and memory loss, while heat exhaustion and stroke can have devastating effects on the brain. So, how can you beat the heat and stay safe? 1 Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sugary drinks that can dehydrate you further. 2 Take breaks: Take short breaks in cool, shaded areas to give your body a chance to cool down. 3 Avoid heat-intensive activities: Try to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm). 4 Wear lightweight clothing: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes can help keep you cool. 5 Monitor your symptoms: If you're experiencing headaches, dizziness, or nausea, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, heat safety is especially important for brain injury survivors because our brains are already more vulnerable to temperature changes. By taking these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses and stay safe during this heat wave. Stay cool out there, friends! #HeatWave #BrainInjuryAwareness #HeatSafety #StayHydrated

Understanding the Critical Impact of Brainstem Injuries Did you know that being shot in the brainstem (neck) is often more damaging than a headshot? Here's why: Vital Functions: The brainstem controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Damage here can instantly disrupt these critical life-supporting processes. Nerve Pathways: It serves as a highway for all nerve signals between the brain and the body. An injury can sever this communication, leading to paralysis or loss of bodily functions. Immediate Fatality Risk: The brainstem's control over vital functions means that damage can lead to rapid, life-threatening consequences, often more severe and immediate than injuries to other brain areas. Stay informed about the importance of protecting this crucial part of the body. Understanding these risks highlights the vital role of the brainstem in our overall health and survival. #UCCnearme #Trump2024 #TrumpAssassination

#WellnessWednesday #StrokeAwarenessMonth While stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, few people know the signs. Use the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs of stroke, and what to do if someone near you is experiencing them. BE FAST Reminder of Stroke Signs: B - Balance Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination? E - Eyes Is the person experiencing suddenly blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain? F - Face Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. A- Arm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S - Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly? T - Time to call 911 If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately Source: American Stroke Association

Recognizing the signs of heart failure is vital for early intervention. Persistent coughing or wheezing, fatigue, swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath could be symptoms of heart failure. Know the signs and symptoms to help save lives. #HeartFailureAwarenessWeek

Have you had a Stroke? Do you need to know what your risk factors are for another one? Do you need more answers and do not know what questions to ask? We have all you need at https://hubs.li/Q02fHmRQ0 Find the answers to your questions and find more questions to ask your doctor. Did you know...There are two major types of stroke: an ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel gets plugged and a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. Ischemic strokes account for about 85% of all strokes, while hemorrhagic strokes account for about 15%. The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen so quickly: - Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) - Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech - Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes - Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination - Sudden severe headache with no known cause #hearthealth #health #healthin2024