It's an ordeal most of us will one day face. We're going to have a medical emergency that lands us in the emergency room. But would you know the warning signs?
When you're in real pain, it's hard to think clearly and know what to do. Dr. Anthony Ferrara says there are five signs you should not ignore, and get help right away.
"One is, for an adult patient, chest pain. Any chest pain, go to the emergency room and get seen," said Ferrara.
Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. Another important red flag is a major neurological change.
"Having trouble with your speech, your face is droopy. Trouble blinking, trouble talking, or you cannot move a limb, or an arm, you feel weakness and numbness," described Ferrara.
Those are signs of stroke. So is a third warning sign: a severe headache that feels like the worst you've ever had.
"Even people that have migraines and get headaches once a month, if it's a headache that's totally different than what you're used to, that's an emergency. You need to go to the emergency room," said Ferrara.
The fourth sign you shouldn't ignore is if you are struggling to breathe.
"It's not normal to have trouble breathing. Any form, either you're standing there, or climbing the stairs, or laying down and you're feeling short of breath, or even while you're talking, feeling short of breath."
The last sign is severe abdominal pain.
"Anywhere from the chest on down to the pelvis, just pain that is just not going away. And that can be a whole host of things, but again, the sooner it's diagnosed the better it is for long term," said Ferrara.
But what if you get to the emergency room and it turns out to be nothing? Ferrara says don't sweat it, that's a good thing!
"You're happy, I'm happy, everybody is happy. Don't worry about it. That's what we want to find," said Ferrara.
The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends taking your cellphone and plug in the word "ICE" or "I-C-E." It stands for "in case of emergency." Then plug in your spouse or parent's name and number. Emergency room professionals know to look for that. So, if you arrive at the ER unconscious, they can look at your phone and find your family right away.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?
It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body? Whether you're curvy, boxy, or round in the middle, Intimacy Bra fit specialist Eve Turner has some ideas that will help you find that perfect suit.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:45:59 GMT
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next.
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next. With a tight job market, many new grads are getting a dose of reality when it comes to trying to land their first job.
Good Day's own Katie Beasley will walk down the aisle this Saturday, leaving her just a few more days to prepare.
Good Day's own Katie Beasley will walk down the aisle this Saturday, leaving her just a few more days to prepare. So, does she have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue all covered? We found out.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
High 5 Sports 1551 Briarcliff Road NE Atlanta, GA 30306
