February 1, 2010

Components of secondary prevention of recurrent coronary artery disease include physical activity, weight and dietary control, smoking cessation, medication, and management of hypertension, diabetes, depression, and cholesterol levels. Coronary artery bypass grafting may be…

Physicians are required to provide patients with information about the risks of drugs they prescribe, and should be familiar with the process by which these warnings are created. Several recent boxed warnings illustrate this process, and strategies for safe prescribing of drugs…

Erectile dysfunction causes a substantial negative impact on intimate relationships, quality of life, and self-esteem. History and physical examination are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis, and first-line treatment consists of lifestyle changes, modifying drug therapy…

Prescription and over-the-counter medications account for almost one half of poisoning exposures in the United States. The initial approach to a person who has been poisoned is to assess the airway, breathing, and circulation, and to take a thorough history. Management is…

Although a boxed warning in the prescribing information for a prescription drug focuses attention on the risks of drugs regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is only one of many risk communication tools that the FDA uses. Well-placed information can…

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

Senate Passes Health Care Reform Bill with Provisions Favorable to Primary Care | Congress Approves Temporary SGR Payment Patch, CMS Revises Consultation Codes | Pneumococcal Infections Increase, CDC Advises Vaccination for At-Risk Patients | FDA Launches Initiative That…

Based on high-quality evidence, the Cochrane review showed that combining IPC with pharmacologic prophylaxis was more effective than a single preventative measure for preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and more effective than IPC alone for preventing pulmonary embolism…

Upright positions include sitting, standing, walking, and kneeling. Based on heterogenous results, women who maintained upright positions had a first stage of labor that was about one hour less than women who were supine or reclined. There were no differences in type of…

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

Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections of the pharynx are the precipitating cause of rheumatic fever. Proper diagnosis and adequate antibiotic treatment of GAS infections can prevent acute rheumatic fever in most cases. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently updated its…

Reports about potentially dangerous medicines seem to always be in the news. All of this information can be confusing and overwhelming. How can you be sure that your medicines are safe to take? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) is the government agency that…

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man can't get or keep a good enough erection to have sex that is satisfying for him and his partner. It is normal to have ED occasionally, but if it happens a lot, it may mean there is a bigger problem. Men can have ED at any age, but it…