J. DAVID OSGUTHORPE, M.D., and DAVID R. NIELSEN, M.D.

Acute otitis externa typically is caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth, and chronic disease usually is the result of a more generalized dermatologic or allergic problem. Topical application of acidifying solution usually is adequate in treating early disease.

STEPHEN J. LURIE, M.D., PH.D., SALLY J. ROUSSEAU, M.S.W., DEBORAH PIERCE, M.D., M.P.H., and BARBARA GAWINSKI, PH.D.

Several instruments are available to screen for seasonal affective disorder, but improved outcomes require personalized attention to patients' individual symptoms. Physicians should be aware of comorbid factors that could signal a need for further assessment.

RICHARD E. ALLEN, M.D., M.P.H., and ANYA L. MYERS, R.D., M.SC.

The transition from infancy to toddlerhood is an important time for physicians to monitor growth and make recommendations for healthy eating. Children one to four years of age require a nutritionally appropriate diet without excess restriction.

Patient information: "Giving Your Child the Best Nutrition," p. 1533

Editorial: "BMI Monitoring in the Management of Obesity in Toddlers," p. 1483

COREY LYON, LCDR, MC, USN, and DWAYNE C. CLARK, M.D.

Acute abdominal pain often manifests differently in older patients than in their younger counterparts. Morbidity and mortality are high for older patients with acute abdominal pain, and these patients often require hospitalization and surgery.

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BRIAN UNWIN, COL, MC, USA, CYNTHIA M. WILLIAMS, CAPT (R), MC, USN, and WILLIAM GILLILAND, COL, MC, USA

These closely related vasculitic conditions occur almost exclusively in patients older than 50 years. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy, and both conditions have good prognoses with treatment.

Patient information: "Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica: What You Should Know," p. 1557