Introducing the new ‘Prescriptions for Health’ column

With support from intern Sam Bennett, a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington majoring in biology and creative writing, Franklin Memorial Hospital is unveiling a new era of Prescriptions for Health. For many years we invited community members to our hospital for monthly community education presentations featuring our medical staff. Now with updated technology and with support from the Daily Bulldog, we are offering this information online, every week, on an important health topic, and written by a doctor well versed on the subject. This column will also provide an opportunity to introduce or reintroduce our medical staff, who moreover are our neighbors and friends with varied interests in our community. We hope you enjoy this informative health column and look forward to your comments. – Jill Gray, Communications, Marketing, and Fund Development for Franklin Community Health Network

Prescriptions for Health: Act fast if you recognize the signs of stroke
By Stephen Zanella, DO

Did you know that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 20 deaths in the U.S. are caused by stroke? And that stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can and do occur at any age.

A stroke occurs when a vessel in the brain ruptures or is blocked by a blood clot. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. Stroke is a medical emergency so act fast. If you or someone close to you shows any of the signs of stroke, it’s important to call 911 immediately.

Signs of stroke can include slurred speech or having difficulty understanding another person, paralysis or numbness in one side of the body, blurred vision in one or both eyes, feeling off balance, or a sudden, severe headache. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, you should call 911 immediately.

The longer you go without medical attention, the greater the risk that a stroke will result in brain damage, so act fast. Immediate treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the chance for recovery. Be sure to note how long the symptoms last, as this information can help a doctor determine the best way to treat the stroke.

Need an easy way to remember the signs of stroke? Try this: use the initials FAST to learn what the signs of stroke are and what to do:

F, for Face: ask the person you think is having a stroke to smile. If their face droops, they could be having a stroke.

A, for Arms: ask them to raise both arms. If one arm droops or won’t raise, they could be having a stroke.

S, for Speech: ask them to repeat a simple phrase. If their speech is slurred, they could be having a stroke.

And finally, T, for time: call 911 immediately if you recognize any of these signs.

Of course, it’s also important to live healthy to minimize the risk of stroke. You’re at a greater risk of stroke if you’re overweight, physically inactive, smoke, or if you’re a heavy user of drugs. The risk of stroke also increases with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, or A fib. If we try to minimize these factors in our life, we can help prevent stroke and live healthier, happier lives.

Remember, stroke is no laughing matter. It cuts off the blood flow to your brain and leads to brain cell death, which can have permanent complications. These include paralysis, memory loss, depression or difficulty controlling emotions, changes in behavior, and pain or numbness in different parts of the body. That’s why it’s important to learn how to recognize when a stroke is happening – you could save a life or a brain.

Dr. Stephen Zanella is the medical director of the Emergency Department at Franklin Memorial Hospital. He has been on the medical staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital for 24 years. He resides in Strong with his wife Dr. Ann Schwink. They are the parents of two grown sons. During his free time Dr. Zanella enjoys fishing, running, skiing, hunting, and reading.