Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
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Review Case Reports
Approach to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care.
To review the diagnosis, assessment of severity, and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to address the systemic manifestations associated with COPD. ⋯ An evidence-based approach to managing COPD along with a primary care chronic disease management model could improve quality of life for patients with COPD.
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To review recent evidence that suggests vitamin B12 is associated with risk reduction for some chronic diseases and birth defects. ⋯ Vitamin B12 might help protect against chronic disease and neural tube defects, but more research, particularly in the area of nutritional genomics, is needed to determine how vitamin B12 might augment the benefits of folic acid. Some consideration should be given to the potential value of fortifying foods with vitamin B12 in addition to the current mandatory folic acid fortification of grains.
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To review the evidence regarding treatment of herpes zoster (HZ) in the short-term, focusing on the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). ⋯ Oral antiviral drugs should be prescribed to elderly HZ patients with high risk of PHN. Moreover, these drugs should be prescribed to all patients at the first signs of ophthalmic HZ, irrespective of age or severity of symptoms.