Q: How can I manage my stress and anxiety without paying for expensive therapy?

Chrissy Miller, RN, Employee Health and Wellness Manager, Maui Health: This is an incredibly stressful time for all of us. Our lives have been turned upside down, from the COVID pandemic, to now flu and RSV, in addition to the economy, financial uncertainty and all the pressures of life catching up to us after the last few years of “just getting through.” Not to mention, our children have also gone through immense change, and we’re responsible for making sure they’re OK too.

First, it’s important to know that help is available. If you’re employed, many employers offer an EAP, or employee assistance program. Now is the time to make use of this resource.

The state Adult Mental Health Division offers mental health services to people who are uninsured or underinsured — call (808) 643-2643 for screening to determine if you’re eligible. And, if you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to be connected to a trained counselor at any time, day or night, through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you need help accessing services and want to talk with someone about what programs are available for you, you can call 211 and get matched with the help you need.

Finally, don’t forget that self-care is extra important at this time. Make time to take care of your physical and mental health by eating healthy food and getting some kind of exercise. Stay connected with friends and family — chances are they’re going through a few things themselves too and can probably offer advice and support.

If you’re feeling stressed and anxious at this time, you’re not alone. By practicing self-care and reaching out for support when you need it, you’ll be able to make it through these uncertain times.

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Q: I live close to the hospital, so is it better for me to drive my family member to the ER if I think they had a stroke or should I call 911?

Casi Saranillio, RN, Stroke Program Manager, Maui Health: One of the most important things to remember is that time is of the essence when it comes to a stroke. Maui Memorial Medical Center is a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center and provides award-winning stroke care, but time is crucial! Therapies to treat a stroke must happen within a set period of time after the stroke has happened or they’re not as effective. When you call 911, our emergency medical personal connect with our MMMC Emergency Room to prepare our team for your visit. In the ambulance, they’ll collect your medical information, take your vitals and take other steps to ensure you can be fast-tracked to the appropriate care team and treatments when you arrive at the ER.

Remember the acronym “BE-FAST” to recognize a stroke. BE-FAST stands for: Balance, Eyes, Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech — Time to call 911. Take notice if someone suddenly becomes unstable or loses coordination; this could be a loss of balance. Be aware of a sudden loss of vision, blurry vision or trouble with eyesight. Facial droop is a classic sign of a stroke. Check if one side of the person’s face is drooping or feels numb. Ask them to smile and watch to see if their smile is lopsided. Arm or leg weakness on one side of the body is another sign of a stroke. Someone may suddenly have a hard time holding objects in one hand — ask them to raise both arms and see if they have trouble raising one side. Slurred speech or difficulty speaking, or understanding can also happen with a stroke. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence — they may slur their speech, mumble or not be able to speak at all. Finally, T is for time, time to call 911. The signs and symptoms of a stroke can sometimes be subtle but will come on suddenly. You must take immediate action. Please don’t wait to see if the signs and symptoms will resolve on their own.

When someone is having a stroke, every second counts. If you recognize the warning signs and symptoms, don’t wait — call 911 immediately.

* Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.