Aust Fam Physician
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Combining energy drinks (such as 'Red Bull(®)') with alcohol is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young people. However, as yet, limited research has been conducted examining the harms associated with this form of drinking. ⋯ Combining alcohol with energy drinks can mask the signs of alcohol intoxication, resulting in greater levels of alcohol intake, dehydration, more severe and prolonged hangovers, and alcohol poisoning. It may also increase engagement in risky behaviours (such as drink driving) as well as alcohol related violence. General practitioners should be aware of the harms associated with this pattern of drinking, and provide screening and relevant harm reduction advice.
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From April 2006 to March 2010 in BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health), for females aged 14-17 years, contraception was managed at a rate of 8.8 per 100 encounters, second only to acute upper respiratory infections (10.1 per 100 encounters) as the most common problem managed for this age group.
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Can children and young people consent to their own medical treatment? Consent issues involving children and young people are complex. This article examines the legal obligations of general practitioners when obtaining consent to medical treatment from patients who are less than 18 years of age.
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Thirty-five health sciences students and four mentors, including myself, were participating in a 'Country Week' rural health experience in the catchment area of the Murchison River in the midwest of Western Australia. The Murchison, once a gold mining centre, now has a population of about 2500, many of whom live on sheep and cattle stations.
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy gap is associated with lower primary care usage by Indigenous Australians. Many Indigenous Australians regard private general practitioners as their usual source of healthcare. However, a range of barriers results in relatively low access to primary care, with subsequent inadequate prevention and management of chronic disease. Indigenous primary care requires development of a set of attributes by the GP. Clinician autonomy may need to be tempered to be responsive to the needs of local indigenous communities. ⋯ Over a period of 1 year, registered indigenous patients at the private general practice clinic increased from 10 to 147; monthly attendance increased from five to 40 (p<0.001). Local engagement between private practices and indigenous communities may be implemented widely to reduce the primary care gap.