Coronary Disease Mortality and Changes in Risk Factors A dramatic reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality during the past 30 years has been well documented. To better understand the reasons behind this decline, Sytkowski and colleagues compared t
Chlamydial Infection and Pregnancy Outcome Cervical infection with Chlamydia trachomatis has become widespread. Certain groups of pregnant women are at increased risk of chlamydial infection. These include women under age 20, single women, women, of l
24-Hour Monitoring of Blood Pressure Up to 30 percent of patients with elevated blood pressure in the physician's office may have normal readings in other settings. Long-term follow-up evaluations confirm that end-organ damage is more closely correlate
Estrogen Prophylaxis Burden of Suffering An estimated 1.3 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year in the United States. [1] Most of these injuries occur in postmenopausal women. It has been estimated that about one-qu
Viral Encephalitis Approximately 20,000 cases of encephalitis occur annually in the United States. Whitley reviews the diagnosis and treatment of acute and postinfectious encephalitis. Clinical findings commonly seen in patients with acute vir
International Differences in Obstetric Interventions Notzon conducted a study to compare the worldwide rates of cesarean section, vaginal birth after cesarean section and operative delivery (forceps and vacuum extraction) during the years 1975 through 1
AFP's series of excerpts from the 1989 report of the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (1) concludes this month with the publication of "Postexposure Prophylaxis." (2) Since the Prevention in Clinical Practice" series began in june 1989, AFP has p
In this issue, Dr. Pichichero presents an excellent overview of the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. (1) He outlines what may be the emergence of new therapeutic issues in streptococcal pharyngitis--primarily, increased failure rates in eradica
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Jeroudi and colleagues assessed the safety of this procedure in octogenarians. The authors reviewed the medical rec
The association between major chromosomal abnormalities and maternal age has led to the policy of offering chromosome analysis to pregnant women of advanced maternal age. However, only 25 percent of infants with Down syndrome are born to mothers over
Author: Monica Preboth
Date: August 15, 2000
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a new brochure on the prevention of falls in the elderly. "What You Can Do to Prevent Falls" was designed specifically for older adults to provide tips on fall prevention.
The brochure outlines four main tips: (1) begin a regular exercise program; (2) make your home safer; (3) have your health care professional review your medicines; and (4) have your vision checked. According to the brochure, exercise is important in the prevention of falls because it can improve balance, strength and coordination. Because one half of all falls happen at home, the brochure suggests that older persons remove objects that can be tripped over, install handrails and lights in staircases and bathrooms, and wear supportive, non-slip shoes. The NCIPC encourages older persons to work with physicians and pharmacists to examine their medications to be sure that they will not make the patient drowsy or light-headed. Finally, the brochure stresses that poor vision can increase the chances of falling; therefore, older patients should be checked for glaucoma, cataracts and the correct vision prescription.
For more information, write to the NCIPC at Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy., NE, Mailstop K-63, Atlanta, GA 30341, or visit the NCIPC Web site (http:// www.cdc.gov/ncipc).
COPYRIGHT 2000 American Academy of Family PhysiciansCOPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group