May 15, 2003

Prostaglandins, misoprostol, oxytocin, and a variety of mechanical techniques are successful in cervical ripening and labor induction. This article reviews the evidence for their use.

If Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted to the fetus, serious health problems, including mental retardation, seizures, blindness, and death, may occur. Preventive measures include educating women about not eating raw or undercooked meat, avoiding cross-contamination of other foods…

The use of diagnostic and therapeutic injection for common hip and knee pathologies is reviewed and pictorially demonstrated.

A practical diagnostic approach is useful for the patient with suspected irritable bowel syndrome.

Appropriate evaluation and treatment of male infertility are critical in delivering appropriate care to the infertile couple.

As we near the end of this month, we're preparing our goodbyes for one of AFP's long-time medical editors, Charles Smith, Jr., M.D. For the past 14 years, Dr. Smith (“Charlie” to all of us) has served as deputy editor of AFP, contributing significantly to the content of the…

Eradicating world hunger is a slow struggle. According to New Scientist, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations predicts that 440 million persons will be chronically hungry in the year 2030, down from 776 million now. This prediction revises the goal…

FDA, CDC Respond to Increasing Threat of SARS | HHS Releases HIPAA-Related Documents on Patient Privacy Standards | New Research Journal, <i>Annals of Family Medicine</i>, to Debut This Month | HHS Announces $15 Million Health Initiative Focused on Prevention | Tar Wars…

In this issue of American Family Physician, Tenore1 provides a concisely written “how to” article on cervical ripening and labor induction. This is timely information for family physicians practicing maternity care, considering that the prevalence of induction has nearly…

As I walk down the street from our family health center, a familiar elderly woman catches my eye. She beams and veers toward me. Her halting English and crooked right arm bring it all back. Mrs. Puelo is an affable woman with a history of unexplained dizziness. Months ago, when…

Active management of the third stage of labor (i.e., administration of a uterotonic medication before the placenta is delivered, early clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord, and application of controlled traction to the cord) is associated with reduced maternal blood loss…

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for type 2 diabetes in adults and the supporting scientific evidence. They update the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services…

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a statement on identifying and evaluating eating disorders; outpatient, hospital, and day-program treatment options; and prevention and advocacy suggestions.

EPA Report on Children's Health | FDA Approvals | ACCP Guidelines on Lung Cancer Treatment | ACOG/AAP Report on Infant Brain Damage

Toxoplasmosis (say: tox-oh-plaz-moh-sis) is an infection caused by a tiny parasite. You would need a microscope to see it.

Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after trying for at least one year without using birth control. About 15 percent of couples are infertile.

Injuries, such as a muscle strain or spasm, sprains of ligaments (they attach one bone to another bone), joint problems, or a “slipped disc,” can cause pain in your lower back. The most common cause of back pain is using your back muscles in activities you are not used to, like…

When the soft part between the bones in the spine presses on the nerves around the backbone, it is called a herniated disc. The word “herniate” (say: her-nee-ate) means to bulge or to stick out. Sometimes this problem is called a ruptured disc.

Lumbar spinal canal stenosis is a narrowing in the space in the lower spine that carries nerves to your legs. This space is very small. It gets even smaller if the bone and tissue around it grow. It takes many years for this bone and tissue to grow.