Jacobs had been feeling strange all week, even missing two football practices – a rarity for a player with his level of devotion. He’d had headaches and felt dizzy and lethargic. He chalked it up to his demanding schedule and dehydration. Hoping to play in the upcoming Ole Miss game, Jacobs headed back to practice, only to take a particularly hard hit that left the right side of his body numb and tingling – hallmark symptoms of stroke. Just minutes later, Jacobs became unconscious and unresponsive in the training room.

Jacobs was rushed to a local Athens hospital, where diagnostic tests revealed that David would need advanced care for a stroke. He was transported by helicopter to Emory University Hospital, Atlanta’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center. David learned that he’d had an occlusion in his vertebral artery, which serves as a major supplier of blood to the brain. A blood clot followed developed, disrupting blood flow to the brain. When the brain doesn’t receive enough blood, a stroke occurs.

“I went from working hard everyday on the field to having a stroke, just like that,” Jacobs recalls.

At one point, the prognosis was grim. While he was unable to talk, eat or walk, David’s family prayed by his bedside that his condition would improve so that he wouldn’t have to undergo risky surgery. Their prayers were answered.

“I remember that bit by bit, we began to see signs that he was starting to improve,” says Desiree Jacobs, David’s wife, who was his girlfriend at the time of his stroke. “If there’s one thing to know about David, it’s that he’s a fighter, not just on the field, but in all areas of his life. Surviving this was no different for him.”

David spent a month in Emory University Hospital’s Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. From there, he moved to Emory’s Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, a multidisciplinary center that provides ongoing care for patients who have undergone a stroke or spinal cord injury, or individuals with neurological damage, musculoskeletal problems, pain, amputations and chronic disease. There, he would spend three months learning to walk, eat and do the basic things that used to come so easily to an athlete of his caliber. His care team consisted of physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, case managers, dietitians, doctors and nurses, all whom had a hand in David’s recovery.

Looking back, of the many things David had learned, listening to his body has been the most essential.

“My body had been warning me that something wasn’t right,” David says. “It’s important to know the signs of stroke, like a sudden severe headache, trouble speaking and numbness so that you can get treatment right away.”

Now nearly 11 years later, David is married with two young sons and works full time as an account manager in the mortgage industry. Tall and athletic, David certainly looks the part of former football player. But, the role he’s most proud of? Stroke survivor.

Read more about David’s story on espn.com and UGA’s athletics website.

Related Resources:

• Emory University Hospital – Atlanta’s First Comprehensive Stroke Center
• Emory Stroke Center

Heart attacks occur when a coronary artery is blocked, usually as a result of progressive coronary artery disease (CAD). With CAD, plaque builds up in the arteries preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart. Every minute that the cardiac tissue goes without oxygen results in more damage to the heart muscle – hence the saying “time is muscle.” The key is to get the blocked artery opened as fast as possible, to prevent further damage to the heart muscle and improve chances for survival.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States . A stroke is a “brain attack”, and occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot, or bursts. When that happens, brain cells in the part of the brain that cannot get blood begin to die. Stroke treatment is most effective when given within the first few hours after a stroke has occurred, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and act quickly.

Heart attack and stroke risk factors

Although heart attack and stroke are different, the risk factors are the same for both:

- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history
- Atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm)

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack vs. Stroke

Heart Attack

• Chest Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach
• Nausea
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue
• Lack of energy

Stroke

• Face drooping — Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
• Arm weakness — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech difficulty — Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
• Time to call 9-1-1 — If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Do you know how to recognize stroke symptoms and when to “Act F.A.S.T.“? Are you familiar with the symptoms of a heart attack?

Community Stroke Fair
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013; 11:00 am to 2 pm
Where: Emory University Hospital Midtown Medical Office Tower Lobby
Why:
• Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke
• Ask a neurologist about stroke care
• Hear about stroke rehabilitation programs
• Speak to a pharmacist
• Get your BMI checked
• Hear about stroke rehabilitation programs

Stroke Awareness Fair
When:Friday, May 30 31, 2013; 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Emory University Hospital
Auditorium, Classrooms B and C
Join us to:
• Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke
• Understand how to manage blood pressure, exercise properly and maintain a healthy diet
• Participate in a community stroke lecture at noon

Stroke is an emergency. If you or someone around you is experiencing signs or symptoms of stroke, CALL 911 immediately.

Related Resources

• Emory Healthcare Community Stroke Event
• Emory Stroke Center
• Emory Hospital First in Atlanta to Earn Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
• Emory University Hospital Midtown receives Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification

Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) wants the residents of our community to understand when it is best to seek care from the emergency department and when they can wait to see their primary care physicians.

“In many cases, patients are confused about what constitutes an emergency,” explains Arthur Griffiths, MD, FACEP, senior staff physician and community liaison in the Emergency Department at EJCH. “While many minor medical issues such as earaches and sore throats can generally be handled by a primary care physician’s office or walk-in clinic, a variety of conditions absolutely require emergency care.”

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has identified 10 medical conditions that warrant a 911 call or a trip to the emergency room:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or upper-abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or lack of mobility
• Changes in vision
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Any sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts or feelings

“If you are unsure of what to do in a certain situation, either call your primary care physician’s office or the Emergency Department for guidance,” says Dr. Griffiths. “I encourage patients to trust their instincts if they feel unsure. While we hope you never have a reason to visit the Emergency Department at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, we want you to know that our team of experts is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to deliver high-quality emergency care to our patients.”

For more information about the EJCH Emergency Department, or for a downloadable version of ACEP’s list of 10 medical conditions that warrant a trip to the emergency room, click here!

Related Resources

Emory Johns Creek Hospital Emergency Department

Stroke remains the country’s leading cause of disability. Fortunately, Emory Healthcare is committed to providing excellent stroke care throughout North Georgia. In fact, Emory University Hospital recently was named Atlanta’s first certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, while Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Hospital all are certified Primary Stroke Centers.

Take a look at the archive from the stroke web chat!

Related Resources

• Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms of  Stroke chat archive 
• Emory Hospital- Comprehensive Stroke Center

The Birth Place offers a host of benefits, including:
• All-private rooms
• Labor, delivery and recovery suites
• Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• In-house, 24/7 neonatology services
• Sleeping/lounging areas for spouse or coach
• Certified lactation consultant
• Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
• Patient- and family-centered care

We Focus on You! At The Birth Place, your comfort is paramount. For every woman who chooses to give birth at EJCH, a team of experienced nurses and physicians work to promote family togetherness and happiness surrounding the birth of a child. The care provided by this team creates a birthing environment that is simply second to none. “The mission of The Birth Place is to provide mothers and families with a comfortable setting in which to welcome their newest additions,” says Lyn Harrington, RNC-OB, C-EFM, MSN, director of Women’s Services at EJCH. “Putting the ‘special’ in our patients’ special day is our top priority. Each day, our team of nurses focuses on making sure patients and their families receive individualized care so that they get the most from their experience.”
If you’re interested in taking a closer look at our birthing suites, come take a tour of the Birth Center!

Related Resources

• The Birth Place at Emory Johns Creek Hospital
• The Birth Place tour sign-up
• Childbirth classes at Emory Johns Creek Hospital

LOCATION
Emory Johns Creek Hospital
6325 Hospital Parkway
Johns Creek, GA
Parking is FREE. Designated lots surrounding the hospital will be open for parking.

ABOUT THE 5K RACE
The run starts and finishes on the EJCH campus and is open to participants of all abilities. All proceeds will benefit the Chattahoochee High School Cross Country Teams as well as the Emory Johns Creek Hospital Foundation, which will provide an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device for a local school, yet to be revealed.

ABOUT THE HEALTH FESTIVAL
Admission to the Health Festival is FREE! Activities include:

• Free Health Screenings – cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, bone density, body mass index (BMI) calculations, and more!
• Meet Our Physicians
• Health & Wellness Education
• Kidz Zone
• Johns Creek Fire & Police Departments
• Electronics recycling and document shredding (provided by Reworx; Hours of recycling event: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

For more information about the 4th Annual Community Health Festival and 5K Scrub Run/Walk, please call 678-474-8200. Thank you!

Our cardiovascular care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so patients can feel comfortable putting their precious hearts in our skilled hands. Dr. Rowe, medical director of the ICCU, stands in the middle, with Marilyn Margolis, MN, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer (left), Heather Redrick, nursing director of the ICCU, and other members of the cardiovascular care team at EJCH.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 935,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. In response to this statistic, and coupled with the fact that heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women, on February 4, 2013, Emory Johns Creek Hospital opened an Intermediate Cardiac Care Unit known around the hospital as the ICCU.

The nine-bed unit is for patients who have recently suffered heart attacks or are recovering from major cardiac procedures. The ICCU allows patients to receive specialized cardiac care until their condition stabilizes. Extensive heart monitoring and testing is provided by a highly trained staff that is experienced with cardiac conditions, procedures and treatments.

“The first few days after a patient suffers a cardiac event are the most crucial to their rehabilitation process,” says Don Rowe, MD, medical director of the Intermediate Cardiac Care Unit. “Emory Johns Creek Hospital now has a unique ability to treat cardiac patients in a dedicated unit that offers more specialized care to support patients and their families. Our hotel-like, all-private rooms, in conjunction with our highly skilled cardiovascular care team, allow for maximum healing during this critical time.”

Remember, in the event of a heart attack, time is muscle. It is important to know the signs of a heart attack and call 911 immediately if you or someone close to you starts experiencing symptoms such as:

• Chest Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach
• Nausea
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue

Related Resources

• Emory Johns Creek Hospital Cardiology
• Symptoms of a Heart Attack PDF

Congratulations to Emory University Hospital who recently joined an elite group of fewer than 30 centers nationwide with its Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association! Emory University Hospital is the only hospital in metropolitan Atlanta to earn this designation and just one of two in Georgia. Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification recognizes only those hospitals that have state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff and training to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes. Emory University Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review by The Joint Commission in February 2013.

So, what does this all mean for you? It means that our Emory University Hospital stroke team provides advanced care, including:

• A state-of-the-art neurointensive care unit, created especially for critically ill stroke patients
• Neurosurgical interventions for complex conditions that can arise in stroke patients
• Advanced imaging capabilities
• Fellowship-trained neurointensivists available 24/7, ready to perform vascular procedures if needed
• Access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including board-certified fellowship-trained stroke neurologists, world-renowned vascular neurosurgeons, highly skilled and experienced interventional neuroradiologists, a board-Certified and fellowship trained neurocritical care team and diagnostic neuroradiologists
• Thirty-four neurocritical-care unit beds, six neuro step-down or intermediate-care beds and 41 acute-care floor beds

The Emory Stroke Center team provides 24/7 coverage and receives early warning about a patient arriving with stroke symptoms. This early notification ensures rapid assessment and stabilization, and an immediate CT brain scan to establish onset time and to determine eligibility for various treatment options.

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number four cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Immediate treatment is essential when someone is having a stroke to reduce the effects and potential for permanent disability. Not close to Emory when an emergency strikes? Nearly half of our patients are transferred from other hospitals, and most of those arrive via helicopter. The Emory Healthcare system also has three Primary Stroke Centers accredited by The Joint Commission, including Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

Related Resources:

• Emory Stroke Center
• Emory Neurosciences

Some symptoms of overtraining include:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Chronic muscle soreness
• Elevated heart rate when waking up
• Depression
• Decreased performance
• Irritability
• Apathy
• Decreased enthusiasm for running

The most common overtraining injury we see in our clinic is a stress fracture. When the bone is under repetitive stress day after day it can eventually crack. Stress fractures are characterized by localized pain and swelling over a bone, especially in the foot or shin. It generally gets worse the further you run and progressively more painful over time. If you experience these symptoms during your training you should see a sports medicine specialist for evaluation.

Runners can overcome overtraining by taking a few “rest days” when you feel your body is telling you to rest. Many runners do not want to take time to rest but you will find your performance will actually improve by letting your body rest. Also, if you do not want to fully rest, try cross training. You can go for a swim, try yoga or pilates to improve your endurance, core strength and flexibility.

Listen to your body and if you experience many of the symptoms above, instead of pushing harder, try mixing up your running routine and adding rest. The body likes variety. We are not meant to do the same activity for multiple hours day after day after day. You may surprise yourself and run faster because you let your body recover!

Emory Healthcare is a proud sponsor of the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

Emory Healthcare is the largest, most comprehensive health system in Georgia and includes Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Wesley Woods Center, Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Emory Adventist Hospital, The Emory Clinic, Emory Specialty Associates, and the Emory Clinically Integrated Network.

Come visit us at the AJC Peachtree Road Race expo in booth 527 to get your blood pressure checked and learn more about how Emory Healthcare can help you and your family stay healthy!

About Dr. Jeff Webb

Jeff Webb, MD, is an assistant professor of orthopaedics at Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center. Dr. Webb started practicing at Emory in 2008 after completing a Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. He is board certified in pediatrics and sports medicine. He is a team physician for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, and serves as the primary care sports medicine and concussion specialist for the team.  He is also a consulting team physician for several Atlanta area high schools, the Atlanta Dekalb International Olympic Training Center, Emory University, Oglethorpe University, Georgia Perimeter College, and many other club sports.

Dr. Webb sees patients of all ages and abilities with musculoskeletal problems, but specializes in the care of pediatric and adolescent patients. He works hard to get players “back in the game” safely and as quickly as possible. He is currently active in the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and American Academy of Pediatrics professional societies and has given multiple lectures at national conferences as well as contributed to sports medicine text books.  Dr Webb is an avid runner and has completed 16 Peachtree Road Races.

Related Resources:

• Emory Sports Medicine Website
• Learn More About Stress Fractures
• Learn More About Shin Splints