January 1, 2003

An “ABCDE” mnemonic can be useful in determining secondary causes of hypertension.

Although there is a lack of evidence confirming its efficacy in the prevention of upper respiratory infections, echinacea is an extremely safe herbal medicine that may be an effective treatment.

Stress fractures of the tarsal navicular bone are relatively common among running athletes. Early recognition and treatment are crucial in ensuring optimal outcomes.

Intravenous insulin infusions may offer several advantages over the traditional method of sliding-scale subcutaneous insulin administration in patients with diabetes who are undergoing surgery.

Topical therapy is used for all dermatophyte infections except tinea capitis, tinea barbae, and onychomycosis.

Family physicians can improve diagnostic accuracy by being aware of the epidemiology of influenza. During outbreaks of influenza, commercially available rapid assays can be used to identify influenza A and B viral antigens.

On page 77 of this issue, you'll find the first in a new series of short updates on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in AFP. The lead article, “Echinacea,” by Benjamin Kligler, M.D., M.P.H., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, N.Y., takes a look at the…

Over the past 20 years, family physicians and general practitioners (FP/GPs) and pediatricians have upheld their commitment to preventive care for infants. Non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas (non-MSAs) depend on family physicians for almost one half of their well-infant care…

New Web-Based Journal Provides Discussions on Patient Safety Lessons | CDC Adds Two New Research Centers to Address Disease Prevention | HHS Announces New Initiative to Increase the Nation's Blood Supply | Robert Graham, M.D., Named Acting Deputy Director of the AHRQ | HRSA…

Oats: you gotta love 'em. Results of a randomized controlled parallel-group trial published in the Journal of Family Practice suggest that people with high blood pressure who regularly eat whole grain, oat-based cereal may reduce their need for antihypertensive medication…

The surge of interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) over the past decade is apparent from the increased use of these products by patients,1 the inception of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and the increase in physician…

We shouldn't treat children as if they were simply miniature adults, but there are occasions when such a perspective might assist in establishing a difficult diagnosis. Ten-year-old Emily sat quietly, without her usual smile. She was experiencing mid and lower back pain that…

In the emergency room, MDIs with holding chambers are as effective as nebulizers for delivering beta2 agonists to treat acute asthma in adults and children older than age two. There might be slightly less beta2 agonist–induced tachycardia in children when MDIs with holding…

Case study: MB is a 51-year-old woman who visits you for a refill of her antihypertensive medication. Noticing that she has not been screened for colorectal cancer, you inquire about her family history and conduct a pertinent review of systems, both of which are unremarkable.

What are the effects of treatments?

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

The 2003 Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule is now available, and includes a harmonized catch-up schedule for children who are behind in immunizations. The catch-up schedule offers specific guidance regarding the minimum time between doses as well as the…

AAP Statement on Smallpox Vaccine | Surgeon General's Report on Health Trends | Medicare Regulation Changes for Influenza Vaccination | Report on Technology-Intensive Childbirth | FDA Approval

Although it is at odds with our predominant medical ethical culture, many families and patients desire nondisclosure of bad news. In several countries, including Greece, nondisclosure of difficult medical information is preferred.

Letter

Echinacea (say this: eck-in-ay-sha) is an herbal remedy that may help the body defend itself from the viruses that cause colds, sore throats, and the flu. Echinacea products can be found in most drug stores or health food stores.

Many diets can help you lose weight. However, “going on a diet” is not the best answer to losing weight. Usually you gain the weight back after you “go off” the diet. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you have to change much more than just what you eat. You have to…

To lose weight, you have to cut down on the number of calories you consume and start burning more calories each day. The amount of energy in the food you eat is called calories. Some foods have more calories than others; for example, foods high in fat and sugar are also high in…

Eat healthy food for most days of the week. Try to limit fats, oils, sweets, salt, and alcoholic drinks. Some healthy food choices are listed below. Try to eat at least the number of servings per day listed for each food group. You can get variety by regularly eating different…