KOLAWOLE S. OKUYEMI, M.D., M.P.H., NICOLE L. NOLLEN, PH.D., and JASJIT S. AHLUWALIA, M.D., M.P.H.

Physicians can encourage smoking cessation by assessing the patient's smoking status at every office visit, implementing office-based interventions, and providing support during cessation attempts. Interventions include counseling, physician referral to self-help resources, and nicotine replacement and pharmacologic therapies.

Patient information: "Tips to Help You Quit Smoking," p. 276

SALLY A. MRAVCAK, M.D.

Physicians can improve care for lesbians and bisexual women by acknowledging the potential barriers to care, working to create a therapeutic physician-patient relationship, and being aware of the range of health-related behaviors and medicolegal issues pertinent to these patients.

Patient information: "Health Care for Lesbians and Bisexual Women," p. 287

JENNIFER L. JUNNILA, M.D., M.P.H., and VICTORIA W. CARTWRIGHT, M.D., M.S.

Rheumatic causes of musculoskeletal pain in children include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the spondyloarthropathies, acute rheumatic fever, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be useful early interventions, but referral is necessary when the diagnosis is in question or subspecialty treatment is required.

SATYEN R. MEHTA, M.D., ARABA AFENYI-ANNAN, M.D., M.P.H., PATRICIA J. BYRNS, M.D., and RICHARD LOTTENBERG, M.D.

Sickle cell disease can cause infection, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension. Preventive strategies include use of pneumococcal vaccine, antibiotic prophylaxis, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, recognition of acute chest syndrome, and hydroxyurea therapy.

Patient information: "When Your Child Has Sickle Cell Disease," p. 313