The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Differences do exist between Asians and non-Asians on the range of products they feel should be available over the counter (OTC) and the amount of information they wish to receive. This should be taken into account when considering proposals for changes in the legal status of prescription-only medicines. The profile of the pharmacist as a provider of drug information to patients could be raised in both groups.
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Considerable evidence suggests that infant feeding practices are associated with variations in health. This paper reviews research relating to the health of infants who receive breast milk, and of women who breastfeed, in the developed world. Obstacles to breastfeeding are examined, and current initiatives to increase breastfeeding levels are discussed.
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Recent developments in molecular genetics have made it possible to identify carriers of the cystic fibrosis (CF) mutation, regardless of family history, before they have an affected child. Using these techniques, population or 'community' carrier screening can offer informed reproductive choice to individuals and couples who would not otherwise know of their risk of having a CF child. ⋯ There is considerable support among GPs for community carrier screening for CF in general practice, particularly in the context of family planning services. Knowledge and experience of CF increase GPs' willingness to offer it themselves.
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Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a common complaint, for which corticosteroid injections are a frequently applied therapy. However, there were no up-to-date reviews available that systematically addressed the effectiveness and adverse effects, including questions concerning optimal timing of injections and composition of the injection fluid. ⋯ The existing evidence on corticosteroid injections for the treatment of tennis elbow is not conclusive. Many trials were conducted in a secondary care setting and clearly had serious methodological flaws, and there was statistical heterogeneity among the trials. Corticosteroid injections appear to be relatively safe and seem to be effective in the short term (2-6 weeks). Although the treatment seems to be suitable for application in general practice, further trials in this setting are needed. As yet, questions regarding the optimal timing, dosage, injection technique and injection volume remain unanswered.