Primary care
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Hypertension is common among adults and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and should be routinely addressed in primary care practice. Optimal blood pressure targets have evolved in the past decade with the release of large studies including older persons. ⋯ The relationship between blood pressure treatment and falls or cognitive impairment is still an area of concern and debate. A strategy to address hypertension in older persons should consider an individual's fitness and the likelihood of adverse effects and worsening of conditions that adversely affect quality of life.
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Polypharmacy is an underappreciated factor in undesirable patient outcomes. In older adults, polypharmacy is considered a syndrome of harm and presents a challenge to primary care providers. ⋯ With the aging population, and polypharmacy a significant part of the lives of older adults, management of polypharmacy poses both a growing challenge and an opportunity for all health care providers. This article provides an overview of skills to improve medication use management in older adults living with polypharmacy.
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Until system reforms allow adequate time and reimbursement for primary care providers to focus on lifestyle change to prevent and mitigate chronic disease, primary care providers need a manageable, defined role to support lifestyle change. The authors suggest this role is to serve as a catalyst, priming the patient for change; educating and pointing the patient to appropriate, evidence-based resources for additional guidance and hands-on support; and providing ongoing encouragement throughout the long journey of change while patients work more intensely with health coaches or allied health providers.
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Gastrointestinal conditions are prevalent in the population and account for significant morbidity and health care costs. Patients with gastrointestinal conditions use integrative medicine. ⋯ This article reviews data on some common and well-studied approaches, including mind-body therapies, acupuncture, diet, probiotics, and dietary supplements and herbs. Although clear recommendations can be made for some conditions, in others there are challenges in translating these findings owing to small study size, lack of standardization, and trial heterogeneity.
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Climate change is the greatest global health threat of the twenty-first century, yet it is not widely understood as a health hazard by primary care providers in the United States. Aside from increasing displacement of populations and acute trauma resulting from increasing frequency of natural disasters, the impact of climate change on temperature stress, vector-borne illnesses, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and mental health is significant, with disproportionate impact on underserved and marginalized populations. Primary care providers must be aware of the impact of climate change on the health of their patients and advocate for adaptation and mitigation policies for the populations they serve.