The Record Special Sections Health Quarterly 02-16-2020

NORTHJERSEY.COM ❚ SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2020 ❚ 19 HEALTH QUARTERLY / ADVERTISING SECTION Recognize Overdose, Respond and Carry Naloxone E very day nearly 200 people die from an overdose of drugs or from alcohol poisoning, with opioids responsible for the majority. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond to medi- cal emergencies, including carrying and administering naloxone in cases of opioid overdose, can save lives, says the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “The tragic increase in overdose deaths is an alarming and devastating issue that touches so many of us,” said ASA President Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., MSHCA, FACHE, FASA. “If you can identify an overdose or alcohol poisoning, you are more likely to react quickly, making the difference between life and death for a family mem- ber, friend or stranger.” Physician anesthesiologists have a critical role in fighting against overdoses, starting with managing patients’ pain after surgery or chronic pain in responsible ways. During Physician Anesthesiologists Week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, ASA joined forces with U.S. Surgeon General VADM, Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H., to empower everyone to recognize the following signs of an over- dose or alcohol poisoning: n Shallow, slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths a minute or a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths) n Extreme sleepiness or unconscious- ness (e.g., “passed out”) n Inability to talk n Blue or gray skin color, with dark lips and fingernails n Snoring or gurgling sounds n Confusion n Vomiting n Seizures n Low body temperature Any one of these signs should prompt a call to 911 for emergency medical care. Never leave an unconscious person alone, as they may be at risk of dying, including by choking on his or her own vomit. If an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone should be administered immediately, if available. Naloxone is administered by injection or nasal spray, and access to it is expanding on a state-by-state basis. It can be prescribed by a physician and often is carried by police officers and emergency medical responders. Additionally, it’s increasingly available over the counter at some pharmacies. “To stem the tide of the opioid overdose Medical Emergency: Act FAST at Stroke Onset CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 STROKE If someone starts to slur their words or is unable to speak and their facial expres- sion changes, they may be having a stroke. “When it comes to strokes, the mne- monic FAST is an easy way to remember signs of a stroke,” Dr. Lobaito said. “FAST stands for ‘Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech difficulties, and Time last seen normal’ and can help individuals recognize stroke.” Dr. Lobaito said other symptoms to look out for include sudden changes in vision or possibly even dizziness. Some people may also have sudden trouble walking, loss of bal- ance or coordination, and a severe headache that comes on suddenly with no known cause. As with any medical emergency, Dr. Lobaito said to call 9-1-1 to get them to the nearest emergency room. YOU CAN ONLY HELP If you witness someone having a heart attack or stroke, or going into cardiac arrest, know that you may well be that person’s best chance of receiving critical care, start- ing with when you call 9-1-1. And, in the case of cardiac arrest, your quick thinking and actions, whether it be performing hands-only CPR or using an AED, could mean the difference between life or death. Should you find yourself panicking, or fearing you may make things worse, know that both the hands-only CPR and AED are in- valuable and, unlike doing nothing, may AMERICAN HEART make a lifesaving ASSOCIATION difference. “It can double, triple the chance of survival and doing something is better than doing nothing,” said Leary. Dr. Lobaito agreed. He also recommended taking a course to receive hands-on training in these lifesaving skills. “Taking first-aid classes can teach individuals important skills, like CPR, since both early defibrillation and early CPR give victims the greatest chance of survival,” he said. be a first step to getting someone onto the pathway of recovery.” Anyone who takes opioids to manage their pain may be at-risk for an overdose. In recent years, opioids were the go-to pain reliever for everything from backaches and injuries to post-surgical and chronic pain. In 2017, more than 190 million prescriptions were written for opioids. While they can be effective for short-term pain, chronic use can lead to abuse. Every day PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDPOINT 130 people die from opioid epidemic, we need everyone to consider overdoses, according to the Centers for themselves a first responder. We need to Disease Control and Prevention. encourage everyone in our communities “ASA strongly agrees with the Surgeon to carry naloxone and know how to use it,” General and supports policies that promote said U.S. Surgeon General, VADM, Jerome access to naloxone and safe and effective M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., a physician anesthe- pain management care,” said Dr. Peterson. siologist who issued a Surgeon’s General’s “All of our members have a significant advisory in 2018 calling for increased interest in reducing misuse, abuse and awareness and use of the medication. diversion of opioids that have led to unin- “When on hand, naloxone may mean the tended deaths.” difference between life and death, and can -- Brandpoint House Calls are Back! Visiting Physician Services has provided trusted medical care to older adults and homebound patients for 25 years. This means fewer hospital visits, more quality time and peace of mind. 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The Record Special Sections Health Quarterly 02-16-2020 | Page 19