Elizabeth A. Giese, CAPT, MC, USA, Francis G. O'Connor, M.P.H., COL, MC, USA, Fred H. Brennan, Jr., LTC, MC, USA, Patrick J. Depenbrock, CAPT, MC, USA, and RALPH G. ORISCELLO, M.D.

An objective of the athletic preparticipation examination is to identify cardiovascular abnormalities that may contribute to sudden death. The cardiovascular assessment should include a review of symptoms, a thorough patient and family cardiac history, blood pressure measurement, palpation of pulses, auscultation, and evaluation for Marfan syndrome.

W.F. PEATE, M.D., M.P.H.

Work-related eye injuries can be prevented with proper eye protection. Irrigation, initial evaluation, and foreign body removal can be performed by a family physician, with referral to an ophthalmologist when needed. Allergic conjunctivitis is common in the workplace, and preventive measures should be initiated to prevent bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.

BENJAMIN KLIGLER, M.D., M.P.H., and SAPNA CHAUDHARY, D.O.

Peppermint oil may be modestly effective in relieving some of the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and in reducing colonic spasm during gastrointestinal procedures. Peppermint oil in combination with caraway oil may be effective in the treatment of nonulcer dyspepsia, and topical application of peppermint oil has been proven effective in the treatment of tension headache.

ANNE L. DU BREUIL, M.D., and ELENA M. UMLAND, PHARM.D.

To effectively manage outpatient anticoagulation therapy, physicians must understand the indications for warfarin and heparin, the goals and duration of treatment, how to initiate therapy, and how to troubleshoot common issues.