CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

• fever above 106.7 degrees Fahrenheit (hyperpyrexia) or fever without sweating (possible heat stroke) • inability to urinate • major burns • seizures or convulsions • severe allergic reactions, including hives or breathing issues • severe abdominal pain • severe headache • traumatic injury to the head or body • unconsciousness • uncontrollable bleeding If you are traveling to an emergency department by ambulance, highly trained emergency medical services professionals will assess your symptoms and order a variety of tests tailored to your condition. In the case of stroke, when blood flow to the brain is obstructed, the medical team will order a computed tomography test to identify the type of stroke that is occurring and determine the best course of action. WHEN YOU HAVE A CHOICE For non-emergency conditions, urgent care services may be a better option for treatment, allowing you to be seen and return home sooner. Urgent care is an appropriate option for: • acute stomach issues, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea • allergies • common cold or influenza • cuts and scrapes • earaches • fractures, sprains or strains • headaches • insect bites • minor burns (unless substantial portions of hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks are burned) • rashes • sore throat You may be able to self-treat other illnesses or symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications until you can visit your physician's office. If you have immediate concerns, call your physician's office directly to speak with a nurse or to schedule an appointment. Whether you require emergency care, urgent care or preventive care, CHRISTUS Health System has a regional facility to meet your needs. Visit christushealth.org and click "Hospitals" or "Clinics" to find the location or compassionate specialist nearest you. Stroke Facts According to the National Stroke Association: • Stroke is the fi fth leading cause of death in the United States. • Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modifi cations. • Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, not just to the elderly. • There are nearly 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S. • Family history can raise your risk of stroke. Talk with your physician about your personal risk factors. DID YOU KNOW? People who are transported to an emergency department by ambulance are twice as likely to undergo a computed tomography test, which uses X-rays to create 3D images of the body, than those who arrive at the emergency department on their own, according to the American Stroke Association. Don't delay in dialing 911. Knowing your risk for stroke is just as important as taking steps to prevent it. Visit christushealth.org and click "Health Risk Assessments" under the "Health Info" tab to learn your stroke risk. Discuss these results with your primary care physician during your next appointment. LiveWell | Spring 2015 5

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