Aust Fam Physician
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Trauma to the hand in sport can injure soft tissues or bone and joints (or both). Soft tissue injuries generally are more serious because their diagnosis may be delayed and the results of late treatment are less rewarding. Common examples of each type of injury are discussed in this article.
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Treatment programmes will be more effective with continued education of the community. The aboriginal health workers, guided by doctors and nurses working in these harsh remote areas, should become skilled in recognising and treating active trachoma and thus prevent the sequelae of entropion, trichiasis, corneal scarring and blindness.
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Parents of children with Down's syndrome should be interviewed with their child as soon after the birth as possible. The child should be assessed carefully by a paediatrician experienced in this field. The parents should be given ongoing practical support and a treatment programme should be provided for the child. The birth of a handicapped child is always a tragedy for a family but with sensitive care of the child, parents and other siblings, much can be done to help the family readjust and become realistically involved in the child's care and education.
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When properly taught and practised, natural family planning can be a highly effective form of birth regulation. Recent studies indicate low failure rates of less than three pregnancies per 100 women years for couples with a strong motivation to follow the method. Studies show that pregnancy rates are high when the rules for avoiding pregnancy are not adhered to. Successful natural family planning can lead to heightened self esteem and marital enrichment.