The Medical journal of Australia
-
The protective value of legislation for compulsory wearing of seat belts has been supported by Australian and overseas experience. An evaluation of changes during the period from 1957 to 1977 in the incidence of road crash fatalities for male and female vehicle occupants in Victoria and the rest of Australia (that is, in Australia minus Victoria) is presented. ⋯ There has been virtually no reduction in road crash fatalities for passengers less than 17 years of age. Hypotheses are advanced to explain these findings and further countermeasures are suggested.
-
Orally administered mannitol has been used for colonic preparation before operations, for colonoscopy, and before barium enema X-ray examinations. It is quick, effective, comfortable, safe, and cheap. The metabolic effects have been evaluated and found to be minimal, and recommendations for the use of orally administered mannitol are given.