Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2024

citizensmemorial.com 7 Did you know? ● CMH is nationally certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Center. ● CMH is a designated Level III Stroke Center. ● CMH has 24/7 telestroke coverage through CoxHealth. Know the signs of a str ke A stroke happens when blood cannot reach a part of the brain, which deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Recognizing the signs and immediately calling emergency services increases the chances of a successful recovery. BE FAST is a simple way to remember the main symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms can happen suddenly. BE FAST stands for: B Balance. Having sudden trouble with balance or coordination. E Eyes. Sudden blurred or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes. F Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Look for drooping on one side of the face. A Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms to the same height. One arm may drift downward or not rise at all. S Speech. Ask the person to speak. Listen for slurred or unintelligible speech. Other symptoms of stroke may include: ● Nausea or vomiting. ● Sudden change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion or seizures. ● Sudden, severe headache. ● Sudden trouble understanding simple statements. Be ready to act Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and calling 911 immediately can make a significant difference in treatment options and recovery outcomes. “Our emergency department physicians and nurses give stroke patients the quick care they need for the best outcomes,” says Chelsea Turner, R.N., BSN, stroke and trauma program manager. “We work with other facilities to transfer patients for higher levels of stroke care when needed.” If you are concerned about strokes, make an appointment with our care team by calling the CMH Heart Institute Clinic at 417-328-6040 or visiting us online at citizensmemorial.com. Sources: American Stroke Association; National Institute on Aging T Time to call 911. When activating emergency medical services, note the time symptoms started and other possible signs of stroke. A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the U.S.

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