True Health Resource Guide - Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

Early Warning Symptoms of SeriousHealth Problems (Continued)Stroke (Continued):Symptoms Include: sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg (especiallyon one side of the body); loss of speech or trouble talking/understanding language; sudden lossof vision, particularly in only one eye; sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause; orunexplained dizziness, loss of balance or coordination (especially when associated with any ofthe previously listed symptoms).What to Do: If you or someone you know experiences any of the warning signs listed above, it isextremely important to seek emergency help right away. Call 911 immediately even if you thinkthat you are getting better or if the symptoms seem to disappear. If the symptoms last for morethan 10 to 15 minutes, appear frequently or seem to get worse, ask the emergencyresponders for urgent transportation to the nearest appropriate emergency medical facility.Cancer: There are many different warning signs of cancer, depending on what type of cancer itis. This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive list of all types and symptoms, so pleaseconsult with your doctor if you suspect you might have cancer, even if your symptoms are notlisted here.Bladder/Kidney: Blood in urine, pain or burning while urinating, and/or increased urination.Breast: Lump or thickening of lumps in the breast; redness or soreness of the nipples which isn’tcaused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or mensturation.Cervical/Endometrical/Uterine: Bleeding between menstral cycles; any unusual discharge;painful mensturation; and/or heavy periods.Colon: Rectal bleeding; blood in your stool; and/or changes in bowel habits (persistentdiarrhea/constipation)Laryngeal: A persistent cough or sore throat.Leukemia: Paleness, fatigue, weight loss, repeated infections, nosebleeds, bone/joint pain,and/or easy bruising.Lung: Persistent cough, sputum with blood, and/or heavy chest pain.Lymphoma: Enlarged, rubbery lymph nodes; itchy skin; night sweats; unexplained fever and/orweight loss.Mouth and Throat: Chronic ulcer (sore) of the mouth, tongue or throat which won’t heal; whiteareas in the mouth.Ovarian: Unfortunately there are rarely symptoms until the later stages of development.Pancreas: No symptoms until later stages, when there may be jaundiced skinand deep pain in the stomach/back.Prostate: Frequent need to urinate; slow-starting urine stream, dribbling, andfeelings of incomplete emptying; pain/burning during urination; blood or pus inurine or semen; painful ejaculation; pain in lower back, hips, or thighs.Skin: Moles that change color, size or appearance; flat sores (lesions that look likemoles); a tumor or lump under the skin that resembles a wart; and/or ulcerationsthat never heal.What to Do: With any of these, contact your doctor and get screened as soonas possible. With most of these cancers, the earlier you catch it, the better yourchances are for survival.. Page 2121