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DIG FAST: Easy Signs to Understand a Manic Episode
DIG FAST is a simple way to remember key signs of a manic episode: distractibility, risky behavior, grandiosity, racing thoughts, more activity, less sleep, and nonstop talking. This post explains each symptom in plain language so families, friends, and even kids can recognize when mood is more than “just happy” and it’s time to get help.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 8, 20255 min read
Warning Signs After a Head Injury: What to Watch For in the First 24 Hours
A head injury can seem minor at first, but some symptoms are real red flags. This post explains what to watch for in the first 24 hours—like confusion, repeated vomiting, severe headache, trouble walking, or unusual sleepiness—so families know when it’s safe to monitor at home and when it’s time to go straight to the ER.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 8, 20254 min read
Anaphylactic Reaction: How to Spot a Life-Threatening Allergy and Act Fast
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that can affect the skin, lungs, heart, gut, and brain within minutes. This post explains common triggers like insect stings, foods, and medicines, key warning signs such as swelling, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, and why fast epinephrine and calling 911 can save a life.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 8, 20254 min read
Child Injuries: Is It an Accident or Abuse? How to Recognize the Difference
Kids get hurt accidentally—but some injuries are not accidents. This post explains what child abuse is, how normal bruises differ from red-flag patterns (like TEN-4-FACESp bruising in young children), and why any injury that doesn’t match the story, age, or development should prompt speaking up and reporting concerns to protect the child.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 8, 20257 min read
How to Tell If Someone Is Addicted to Cocaine or Crack
ChatGPT said:
Cocaine and crack are powerful stimulants that can quickly change the brain, damage the heart and blood vessels, and lead to addiction and overdose. This post explains what these drugs are, how cocaine use disorder shows up in behavior, body, and daily life, the dangers of fentanyl-contaminated supplies, and practical steps to seek help for yourself or someone you love.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 8, 20256 min read
B.E. F.A.S.T. to Identify Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that can cause brain cells to die within minutes. This post uses B.E. F.A.S.T.—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time—to teach the main warning signs and explains why, if any of these appear suddenly, the safest response is to call 911 immediately instead of waiting to see if it gets better.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 8, 20255 min read
Anorexia Nervosa: When Getting Thinner Becomes Dangerous
Anorexia nervosa is not “just dieting.” It’s a serious, sometimes life-threatening eating disorder where a person severely restricts food, strongly fears weight gain, and often sees themselves as “fat” even when underweight. This post explains signs, medical risks, and evidence-based treatments so people can recognize anorexia early and seek help.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 7, 20256 min read
Bulimia: When You Eat a Lot and Feel You Have to Get Rid of It
Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition, not “bad eating habits.” People binge—eating large amounts of food quickly—and then try to get rid of it by vomiting, laxatives, not eating, or over-exercising. This post explains signs, health risks, and how to get real, evidence-based help.
Donald St Pierre, MSN, RN-BC
Nov 7, 20257 min read
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