Preventive Medicine

Beware the Ides!

March 19, 2012

We have a lot of control over our health. We can chose not to smoke, to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, to limit our daily consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and to commit to a regular exercise program.
 

Great expectations—or how to 
focus on prevention for all

March 06, 2012

Collaborating with public health departments and community programs is key to achieving behavioral change in our patients, even for the underserved.
 

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.
 

Does my child need fluoride supplements?

January 26, 2012

Fluoride has proven benefits in the prevention of cavities, but children may be exposed to too much fluoride. Parents should know how to monitor exposure to prevent dental fluorosis.
 

Postexposure prophylaxis for HIV: Pivotal intervention for those at risk

, Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD August 03, 2011

Postexposure prophylaxis is about 81% effective in preventing seroconversion to acute HIV infection. But when is it appropriate, how is it executed, and what follow-up is needed?
 

How do I treat my high cholesterol?

May 31, 2011

The treatment options for lowering LDL cholesterol are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.
 

How the medication review can help to reduce risk of falls in older patients

, Ellen M. Frick, MS, MPAS, PA-C; LaDonna S. Hale, PharmD April 01, 2011

Falling need not be an inevitable part of advancing age but rather is a largely preventable consequence of having certain modifiable risk factors.
 

Building better brains

January 31, 2011

As I flipped through the latest Newsweek magazine over my cereal bowl this weekend, I found the feature article asking me: "Can you build a better brain?"
 

Should my son get an HPV vaccine?

, Rebecca Buckley, MHS, PA-C January 25, 2011

This information can help PAs understand the risks and benefits of HPV vaccines, enabling them to explain to parents and patients the importance of the vaccine, particularly in adolescent males.
 

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.
 

What is MRSA?

September 30, 2010

The causes and treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.
 

Stress management: Helping patients to find effective coping strategies

, September 01, 2010

The impact of stress on physical and mental health illustrates the need for a variety of effective coping techniques.
 

BRCA gene testing in a woman with a family history of cancer

Terry D. Kober, PA-C; Miranda M. Collins, MEd, MPAS, PA-C August 16, 2010

The case of a woman at risk of breast cancer illustrates the importance of taking action; how a recent law protects all patients.
 

Cervical cancer: Updated screening guidelines

From CSAC, the Clinical and Scientific Affairs Council of the AAPA July 20, 2010

Key recommendations include age at initial screen, screening intervals, and discontinuation and the impact of the HPV vaccine.
 

Hyperphosphatemia: Understanding the role of phosphate metabolism

July 07, 2010

An elevated phosphate level is an indicator of serious disease. Diagnosis is based on which other test results are abnormal.
 

Is it ethically permissible to mandate influenza vaccination for health care workers?

June 09, 2010

Patient autonomy does not always transcend to health care workers. The author makes a case for patient safety to be an overruling factor.
 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The race to find a fatal condition in athletes

Charles S. Lemasters II, PA-C; John M. Grosel, MD June 02, 2010

Conflicting opinions and concerns about costs inhibit the routine use of 12-lead ECG in preparticipation screenings for young athletes.
 

What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?

May 17, 2010

Your patients with arrhythmias will want to know all there is to know about these lifesaving devices.
 

Should patients at low-to-moderate cardiac risk receive beta-blockers before undergoing noncardiac surgery?

Jennifer S. Williams, MMS, PA-C; Kristen K. Will, MHPE, PA-C; Zachary C. Hartsell, MPAS, PA-C; Adriane I. Budavari, MD March 29, 2010

A search of the literature does not support using beta-blocker therapy in patients at lower risks for cardiac events prior to noncardiac surgery.
 
 

Safety and adherence: Complex issues that hinder childhood vaccination programs

January 06, 2010

Scrutiny of recommended childhood vaccines continues to support their effectiveness. Yet, many parents may still need reassurance.
 

Elder preventive medicine: Immunization and screening for adults older than 65 years

January 05, 2010

Preventive medicine in the elderly can reduce disease-specific morbidity, decrease disability, and improve quality of remaining life.
 

What's New in HIV/AIDS: Treatment Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) can complicate management of patients on antiretroviral therapy.

, Tara Gleaves, PA-C, MHS; Michelle R. Salvaggio, MD, FACP December 10, 2009

What's new in HIV AIDS treatment? Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is associated with recovering immune status and can make patients susceptible to infection.
 

A new verdict for hormone therapy (HT): Safe for younger, symptomatic women

Janie L. Knotts, PA-C; William A. Childers Jr, MS, PA-C December 02, 2009

New research data and updated indications have created a niche for hormone therapy in younger women going through menopause.
 

H1N1 in perspective: The clinical impact of a novel influenza A virus

December 01, 2009

This review of novel and seasonal influenza viruses can help PAs prepare for H1N1 pandemic challenges during this flu season.
 

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.
 

Managing the adverse effects of bisphosphonate therapy on the jaw

, November 03, 2009

Despite its undisputed benefits, bisphosphonate therapy can lead to jaw osteonecrosis, a devastating oral condition.
 

The role of human papillomavirus testing in cervical cancer screening

Lauren Morasse, MS, PA; Adi Davidov, MD; Mario R. Castellanos, MD November 02, 2009

HPV infection can progress to cervical cancer. Updated screening guidelines identify those at high risk for more serious disease.
 

Endovascular embolization with a vascular plug corrects a PAVM

Stephen Hu, MD; Christopher Davis, PA-C, MPAS October 19, 2009

A pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, discovered as an incidental finding on a chest CT, is corrected with a vascular plug.
 

Nonpharmaceutical options for hot flashes

October 16, 2009

Is black cohosh a safe and effective substitute for hormone replacement therapy?
 

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