September 2014

As more practices and hospitals enter the digital age with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other health information technology tools, a recent article points out that all those efforts are only half the battle.

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" and "seeing the same glass as being half-empty or half-full" are two commonly cited adages and nowhere is their meaning more evident than in the ongoing debate of whether a pelvic examination should be part of the routine check-up of a female patient.

Implementation of Massachusetts health care reform reduced all-cause mortality and mortality from causes amenable to health care

This 23-year-old man developed these lesions on his feet during a 10-month stay in Nicaragua. Initially he had itching and burning. He has been treated with 3 courses of topical antifungal preparations and there is no significant past medical history other than sweaty feet.

Continuing looking at what has become a pervasive problem in the medical community.

Slam dunking basketball player reports pain in his left foot and undergoes exams to determine the cause of the problem

A 58 year old G2P2, married woman presents to your office for her annual well woman exam. Upon questioning, she tells you that for several months she's been having trouble with urinary leaking. "I just can't seem to get to the bathroom on time and I feel like I go more often than usual." She also has been urinating at least twice during the night. She denies urinary burning or dysuria

This review article of recently reported systematic reviews demonstrates the cancer risks and benefits of taking aspirin over 5 years, finding a benefit beginning after 3 years of use.

Efficacy of anti-inflammatory or antibiotic treatment in patients with non-complicated acute bronchitis and discoloured sputum: randomised placebo controlled trial

This review and meta-analysis assessed whether antiviral treatment given during the acute herpes zoster rash is effective at preventing postherpetic neuralgia in patients with a first-time case of shingles.

A look at the impact on of waiting to prescribe medication for respiratory infections

Determining if a child or adolescent has hypertension is complex and requires use of gender, age, and height specific readings. This study used a simplified approach of systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings compared to height as a screening tool for the diagnosis of hypertension in Chinese children.