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  • Articles

    Traveler’s Diarrhea

    JOHNNIE YATES

    Acute diarrhea in persons traveling to developing countries usually is caused by bacteria in food and water contaminated with fecal matter. Empiric treatment with antibiotics and loperamide is effective and often limits symptoms to one day.

    Treatment of Edema

    JAMES G. O’BRIEN, SHOBHA A. CHENNUBHOTLA, V. RAMANA CHENNUBHOTLA

    A systematic approach is needed in patients with edema to determine the underlying diagnosis. Treatment should include sodium restriction, nonpharmacologic treatments, and appropriate diuretic use.

    Evaluation and Prevention of Diabetic Neuropathy

    ANN M. ARING, DAVID E. JONES, JAMES M. FALKO

    Diabetic neuropathy occurs in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Strict control of blood glucose levels and good daily foot care are key to preventing complications.

    Management of Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

    JAMES L. GLAZER

    Outdoor laborers, athletes, children, and elderly persons are at increased risk; however, preventive measures and early recognition may avert much of theassociated morbidity and mortality.

    Inside AFP

    A Look Inside this Issue

    JOYCE A. MERRIMAN

    Inside AFP typically explains what is going on “inside” in the sense of “behind the scenes” at AFP, but the title of the department really suggests that it’s about what you will find in the current issue. With that in mind, I plan to use this page to occasionally introduce...

    Newsletter

    Newsletter

    CARRIE A. MORANTZ

    AAFP Joins National Call to Action on Adult Immunizations | Depression in Pregnant Women Is Common But Often Untreated | CDC Adopts New Mosquito Repellent Guidelines | HHS Launches Campaign to Reduce Infant Mortality Rates in Blacks | AAFP Updates Recommendations on Screening...

    Quantum Sufficit

    Quantum Sufficit

    AMBER HUNTZINGER

    Americans are living longer than ever, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that in 2003, the overall U.S. life expectancy was 77.6 years. The life-expectancy gap between women and men continued to narrow...

    Editorials

    The Vitamin E Saga: Lessons in Patient-Oriented Evidence

    MARK H. EBELL

    Hormone therapy, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and now vitamin E have all not fulfilled early promises. How can this be? What is wrong with the way we choose drugs for our patients?

    Diary from a Week in Practice

    Diary

    JOHN O’HANDLEY

    The holidays are supposed to be happy times with family and friends. Peter was returning to the mobile clinic for replenishment of his asthma medications and because of a history of red, matted eyes. He had been to a neighborhood health center, but they had to send away for...

    Cochrane for Clinicians

    Improving Adherence to Treatment for Hypertension

    FRANK J. DOMINO

    The most effective strategy to improve patient compliance with antihypertensive medication is to simplify the dosing regimen. There is more limited evidence to support a variety of motivational strategies. Patient education alone is ineffective.

    Treating GER in Children Younger Than Two Years

    CLARISSA KRIPKE

    Thickened feeds and metoclopramide reduce symptoms of GER in normally developing infants. However, elevating the head of the crib appears to have no effect.

    Umbilical Cord Clamping in Preterm Infants

    CLARISSA KRIPKE

    Many patients request delayed umbilical cord clamping in their birth plans. Delayed cord clamping allows continued perfusion while the baby transitions to newborn circulation. However, when an infant is high risk, physicians frequently clamp and cut the cord early to allow...

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

    Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Recommendation Statement

    This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the supporting scientific evidence and updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2d ed.

    Clinical Evidence Handbook

    Fracture Prevention in Postmenopausal Women

    OLIVIER BRUYERE, JOHN EDWARDS, JEAN-YVES REGINSTER

    What are the effects of treatments to prevent fractures in postmenopausal women?

    Putting Prevention Into Practice

    Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

    JANELLE GUIRGUIS-BLAKE, TRACY A. WOLFF

    M.G., a 70-year-old black man, requests refills for his medicines. His medications include lisinopril, atorvastatin, glipizide, and daily aspirin. He smoked heavily when he was younger but quit about 15 years ago. He also asks that you order “whatever tests should be done at...

    FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

    Treatment of Calf Deep Venous Thrombosis

    ERIC M. ROTERT, JOHN R. BASARICH, JOAN NASHELSKY

    Patients with a first episode of calf DVT with a transient risk factor should receive heparin therapy followed by oral anticoagulation for six to 12 weeks.

    Photo Quiz

    An Elderly Woman with a Non-healing Ulcer

    AMOR KHACHEMOUNE, RAYMOND WELSH, ERIC EHRSAM

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

    POEMs

    Disease Management Programs for Patients with Heart Failure

    MARK EBELL

    Early Supported Discharge Effective for Patients with Stroke

    HENRY BARRY

    DHEA Effective for Midlife-Onset Depression

    DAVID SLAWSON

    Pregnant Patients with Lupus Have High Rates of Fetal Loss

    HENRY BARRY

    Ximelagatran to Prevent Stroke in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

    DAVID SLAWSON

    Raising HDL Cholesterol Level Slightly Beneficial

    ALLEN F. SHAUGHNESSY

    Steroid Injection Equal to Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    HENRY BARRY

    Practice Guidelines

    American Cancer Society Releases Annual Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer

    LAURA COUGHLIN

    The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released its annual recommendations for the early detection of cancer.

    Practice Guideline Briefs

    FDA Warns Against Off-Label Use of Antipsychotic Drugs

    AMBER HUNTZINGER

    FDA Warns Against Off-Label Use of Antipsychotic Drugs

    Other FDA Advisories:

    AMBER HUNTZINGER

    Other FDA Advisories:

    AAP Recommends Caring for Children with Special Needs at Home

    AMBER HUNTZINGER

    AAP Recommends Caring for Children with Special Needs at Home

    Letters to the Editor

    Case Report: Exposure to Parvovirus B19 Presenting as Acute Arthralgia

    F. ARIELLA BAYLSON, FRED W. MARKHAM, JR

    Health Problems Associated with Exposure to Pesticides

    Maneuver to Deliver Newborns with Shoulder Dystocia

    Neal Devitt

    Case Report: A Movement Disorder Related to Use of Oxycodone

    James Grebosky

    Use of Abbreviations in American Family Physician

    Case Report: Urticaria Following Intentional Ingestion of Cicadas

    J. DAVID PIATT

    Antibiotic Use for Streptococcal Pharyngitis Groups C and G

    Tips from Other Journals

    Long-Segment Barrett’s Esophagus with Intestinal Metaplasia

    MARK EBELL

    Treating Resistant Head Lice

    CAROLINE WELLBERY

    Use of Soy Ineffective for Menopausal Symptoms

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Emergency Evaluation of Syncope in Children

    RICHARD SADOVSKY

    Effect of Galantamine on Patients with Dementia

    CAROLINE WELLBERY

    Drug-Eluting Stents Used in Coronary Artery Procedures

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Short-Course Treatment for Uncomplicated Cellulitis

    KARL E. MILLER

    Varicella Zoster Vaccination: An Update

    RICHARD SADOVSKY

    Rate vs. Rhythm Control for Atrial Fibrillation

    KARL E. MILLER

    Cervical Spine Conditions in Athletes

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Use of Prescription Drugs During Pregnancy

    KARL E. MILLER

    An Update on Thyroid Eye Disease

    ANNE D. WALLING

    Diabetes: Hyperglycemia and Cardiovascular Risk

    RICHARD SADOVSKY

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Traveler's Diarrhea: What You Should Know

    Traveler's diarrhea can occur when you go to another country (usually a developing country). It also can occur shortly after you get home.

    What You Should Know About Edema

    Edema (say: eh-DEE-mah) is swelling or puffiness of parts of the body. Edema usually happens in the feet, ankles, and legs. It also can affect the face and hands. Pregnant women and elderly people often get edema, but it can happen to anyone.

    Diabetic Neuropathy

    Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that happens in people with diabetes. It is more common in men than in women.

    Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: What You Should Know

    Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. It can be caused by exercise or hot weather. You may feel weak, dizzy, or worried. You also may have a headache or a fast heartbeat. You may get dehydrated and have very little urine.



    Disclosure

    All editors in a position to control content for this activity, AFP journal, are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships. View disclosures.


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