Nutrition

An anti-inflammatory diet: The next frontier in preventive medicine

February 06, 2012

Although a healthy diet has long been encouraged for many reasons, research now shows 
a correlation between the foods we eat and biomarkers of inflammation.
 

Inside the AAPA Policy Manual—December 2011

December 16, 2011

According to the author, better food yields better discussion at the House of Delegates meeting. Here, a list of foodie places in Toronto, the upcoming AAPA conference locale, to fuel the decision-making.
 

Childhood obesity: Complications, prevention strategies, treatment

, Megan Geier; Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD; Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD December 02, 2011

Obese children are at risk of acquiring a multitude of complications, and comorbidities of obesity may also leave them at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke in adulthood.
 

Childhood obesity: Understanding the causes, beginning the discussion

, Rachel Russ, PA-C; Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD; Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD December 01, 2011

Obesity in childhood is influenced by social and familial factors as well as the child's genetics and activity level. Understanding the problem is only the first step in combating it.
 

Childhood obesity: Screening and early 
intervention

September 13, 2011

The prevalence of childhood obesity is now approaching 20% among US children. Diet and exercise have been shown to be effective interventions.
 

Trimming the fat of the land

July 25, 2011

A recent JAMA commentary advocates the referral of morbidly obese children to state protective service agencies in cases where their families fail to achieve effective weight reduction. I suspect that such an approach would prove to be marginally effective at best and more than likely result in further treatment failures.
 

The food we eat

July 04, 2011

One advantage of having grownup children is that you can reap the benefits of their curiosity. Even though they carry 50% of your DNA, they don't necessarily subscribe to the same political party or publications that you do. They also don't necessarily read the same books; but then, when they find a keeper, they're more than willing to pass it along.
 

Eliminating health disparities: What works?—February 2011

February 23, 2011

A recent issue of the AMA's "Virtual Mentor" contains an excellent commentary on the different ways that the US and the UK approach obesity. While the UK makes systematic changes in how it approaches obesity, we continue to view it here as an individual, psychological problem of the obese individual.
 

Premeditated leftovers

January 24, 2011

I have recently started to use a smaller plate. Well, not always, but I IMAGINE that my plate is smaller because I have read that this will encourage me to eat less. That sounds good to me, not only because then I will hopefully lose that holiday-5, but also because as a rule I think Americans eat too much.
 

Can folic acid lower heart attack risk?

November 03, 2010

This information can help PAs explain the importance of folic acid in the diet and the merits of reports that folic acid supplements can prevent a heart attack.
 

You can never be too thin....

October 26, 2010

Wallis Simpson, the beautiful American divorcee who married Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of England, is credited with the popular saying, "A woman can never be too rich or too thin." Fast forward to the present. As we sit smack-dab in the middle of a recession, I would say that for most of us working stiffs, the notion of being "too rich," much less just being free from credit card debt, is a remote notion. Being "too thin" seems equally improbable. Quite frankly, I'd settle just for plain old "thin" any day.
 

What could be causing this woman's abdominal pain and constipation?

January 26, 2010

Imaging studies and key laboratory test results help identify the cause of this patient's GI pain and altered bowel habits.
 

Lipid disorders

November 11, 2009

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary artery and heart diseases. This article reviews screening and the most effective approach to disease management in these patients.
 

Referral to a dietitian uncovers why this woman cannot lose weight

Louise Lee, MHA, PA-C October 12, 2009

This eating disorder is probably often missed in primary care because the condition is so difficult for providers to recognize.
 

Why the attitude?

Eizabeth McPhilomy, PA-C March 16, 2009

Isn't it more ethical to give our patients a plan with the tools that can help them succeed than merely to state the obvious need for weight loss and exercise at their annual appointment?
 

Obesity: The current treatment protocols

From CSAC, the clinical and scientific affairs council of the AAPA January 01, 2009

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) have tracked an increase in overweight and obese persons in the United States from 1976 through 2006. The rates of adult obesity in the United States have doubled between 1976 and 2004.
 

Lifestyle changes do make a difference

December 01, 2008

We've heard a lot of talk this year about needing change in our political system. It's also time to change the model of our health care system—from a disease model to a wellness model. By many estimates, close to our entire population will be overweight by 2040 if we don't take steps now to reverse the trend
 

Examining the most popular weight loss diets: How effective are they?

Erin L. Sherer, MPAS, PA-C, RD; James A. Sherer, JD November 01, 2008

Patients may swear by a particular diet, but the medical evidence gathered so far indicates that for most, keeping lost weight off for at least a year is an elusive goal.
 

How can I lower my cholesterol?

Todd Christie, BSPA, MPAS, PA-C September 01, 2008

Seventeen percent of adult Americans have hyperlipidemia, a major risk factor for heart disease. Diet and exercise can help to bring this risk factor under control, with the help of cholesterol-lowering medication for patients who need it.
 

Should patients with diabetes follow a low-carb diet?

Michael J. Chandler, RD, CNSD, MS; Leslie A. Hildebrandt, PhD, RD October 01, 2007

Before you recommend a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss, read this review of the effect these diets can have on a patient with type 2 diabetes.
 

Is a vegetarian diet healthy?

September 01, 2007

When speaking with patients who want to follow a vegetarian diet, take time to discuss the foods to eat to help ensure nutritional adequacy. This discussion can start with a list of some of the common forms of vegetarianism.
 

Is chocolate really good for me?

January 01, 2007

There has been a lot of attention in the media regarding the health benefits of chocolate. Consequently, many people are wondering if chocolate really is good for them. This is not an easy question to answer because the benefits are relative to the type of chocolate, the processing method used, and chocolate's complex structural components (387 separate chemical compounds and 800 different flavors and scents have been identified).
 

Screening for osteoporosis

September 01, 2006

Osteoporosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if it results in a hip fracture. Within the year following hip fracture, 12% to 20% of patients die, more than 30% have permanent disabilities, and more than 50% can never live independently again. Ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and an additional 18 million with osteopenia are at risk.
 

Which diet is best—low-fat or low-carb?

January 01, 2006

New diets are emerging constantly, but scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety is limited at best. This brief review compares available evidence on the Atkins low-carbohydrate diet with that of a balanced low-fat diet.
 

Childhood obesity: Curbing an American epidemic

Diana Taylor Noller, MSPT, MMS, PA-C; David Paulk, MS, PA-C December 01, 2005

The number of overweight children in this country has increased more than 50% in just one generation. Whether they work in primary care or specialty practices, PAs are first responders in this new public health emergency.
 

Detecting celiac disease in adult patients

October 01, 2005

Your differential diagnosis should include celiac disease if the patient has symptoms as diverse as diarrhea, constipation, malabsorption, indigestion, pain, fatigue, and anemia.
 

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