True Health Resource Guide - Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

Early Warning Symptoms ofSerious Health ProblemsDementia: The early signs of dementia are subtle and vague, and may not be immediatelyobvious. Early symptoms vary a great deal. Usually, though, people first seem to notice thatthere is a problem with memory, particularly in remembering recent events.Symptoms Include: Confusion, personality change, apathy and/or withdrwal, and loss ofability to do everyday tasks.What to Do: If you or a loved one are experiencing these symtpoms, call your family physicianto get a professional opinion, as these vague symptoms could be caused by a number ofthings.Heart Attack: It is important to know that approximately one quarter of all heart attacks aresilent, with no chest pain or symptoms – this is especially common in patients who havediabetes mellitus.Symptoms Include: Pain, fullness and/or squeezing sensation of the chest; jaw pain, toothache,or headache; shortness of breath; nausea, vomiting, and/or general discomfort in theupper-middle abdomen; sweating; heartburn and/or indigestion; arm pain (most commonly inthe left arm, but can be either arm); upper back pain; and a general feeling of illnessWhat to do: Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you are unsure it is an actual heartattack, call 911; it’s much better to be safe than sorry. The quicker medical professionals cantreat you, the better your chances are of survival.Diabetes: It is important to know that often these symptoms are quite subtle. While for many,diabetes is a genetically inherited trait, for others it can be avoided by maintaining a healthydiet and exercise. Whether you are genetically prone to diabetes or not, it is wise to maintaina healthy diet and exercise.Symptoms Include: Persistent thirst, frequent trips to the bathroom, weight loss, weaknessand fatigue, tingling or numbness in your hands, legs, or feet, blurred vision, and/or frequentcuts and bruises that take a long time to heal.What to do: Call your doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, all your doctor will prescribeis a change in your diet and exercise regimen. If left untreated, however, it cancause serious complications, putting you at higher risk of heart disease, eyecomplications, kidney disease, foot problems, skin infections, and manyother conditions. The good news is that diabetes is much more manageabletoday than it used to be, so if you experience the above symptoms, gettested right away.Stroke: About one third of all strokes are preceded by one or more “ministrokes”known as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). These can occur days,weeks, or even months before a stroke. Although the body returns to normalafter these episodes, it is tantamount that you contact your doctor immediatelyso that he/she can figure out the underlying causes and possibly preventfuture strokes.20