Aust Fam Physician
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Increasing weakness occurring over several days, involving the upper and lower limbs, and progressing to symmetrical paresis is a clinical presentation that raises many diagnostic issues. When faced with these circumstances most clinicians opt for a range of neurological possibilities. However, metabolic possibilities are equally important and are eminently treatable. ⋯ The cause may not be apparent, although careful questioning may unearth clues that can lead to a diagnosis. Once the potassium level has been measured in the blood the diagnosis becomes obvious, but until that time the presentation can be confusing. Early serum potassium measurement is recommended with this clinical picture.
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Safe sex is alive and well. However, it is unsafe sex and the circumstances around it that clinicians need to identify. The difficulties in defining safe and unsafe sex will be described in an effort to highlight the great diversity and individuality that surrounds notions of safety and of sexual activity. It is emphasised that safe sex cannot be reduced to the use of a condom and that there are many complex personal, social, political, legislative and economic factors involved in an individual's decision to have safe sex and their ability to carry it out.
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Only a small number of remote solo doctors are needed each year to provide health care to remote communities. However, despite advances in the provision of appropriate training for intending rural doctors, the preparation of graduates for this kind of medical practice has received little attention. ⋯ The solo trainees received equivalent duration of educational support through the use of communications technology and other distance education methods. The training unit will be trialed further and may remain an option within the Training Program.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Tiger Balm as a treatment of tension headache. A clinical trial in general practice.
To assess the efficacy of a topical medication, Tiger Balm, in the treatment of acute tension headache. ⋯ There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in headache relief between Tiger Balm and placebo. The difference between Tiger Balm and medication was not significant.
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To assess the attitudes and knowledge of a sample of NSW general practitioners on issues concerning Papanicolaou (Pap) smear tests after the 1991 National Guidelines were established. ⋯ Our study suggests that Pap smears are viewed as an important means of cervical cancer prevention. Unfortunately the majority of respondents did not adhere to the recommended guidelines of 2-yearly screening. Possible changes to the current system include improved awareness of the 1991 National Guidelines, greater public awareness of the NSW Cancer Council reminder service, and the establishment of a state cytology registry.