Articles related toPublic Health and Primary Care

Employer funded lifestyle intervention programs could result in reduced beneficiary health claims and increased productivity in the workplace. The authors analyze biomarker changes of employees who participated in such a program.

To potentially reduce unnecessary biopsies and referrals to specialists, primary care physicians can examine suspicious skin lesions in the office with a dermascope. How many physicians are aware of this diagnostic tool?

The authors present a case with mucosal and cutaneous erythema multiforme after localized imiquimod application that demonstrates the need for physician awareness and clear communication with patients about dosing limitations.

Adverse reactions to food can contribute to irritable bowel syndrome, but testing for food sensitivities is limited to certain foods. The authors propose that dietary modification may provide some relief.

Circadian discordance leads to disturbances in sleep and metabolism. Shift workers, in whom circadian rhythm is interrupted, are at greater risk for sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Researchers determined whether lymphatic pump technique decreased gastrointestinal inflammation and reduced disease severity in rats with induced inflammatory bowel disease.

A holistic approach is especially important when confronted with a case of unexplained hypernatremia.

The authors highlight the case of a 72-year-old man with advanced prostate cancer and a Sister Mary Joseph nodule.

Despite targeted efforts from governing bodies, an overreliance on opioid use for chronic pain persists. In this narrative literature review, the authors discuss the history and current status of the opioid epidemic, opioid management in the outpatient setting, the current domestic and international opioid prescribing guidelines, and the incorporation of the osteopathic philosophy to manage chronic pain. Based on this information, they make recommendations on how to treat patients with chronic pain and how to prescribe opioids properly.

Obesity has been shown in previous studies to be associated with short sleep duration, which can lead to unregulated appetite, excessive eating during awake time, and decreased energy expenditure. This study analyzed this association in 3778 African American adults.