Taking aim at handgun violence
Article Abstract:
Physicians can help reduce violence by discussing the dangers of firearms with their patients. Guns are responsible for killing 40,000 and injuring 240,000 Americans each year. One-quarter of the victims are teens and young adults. Risk factors include alcohol and drug use, stormy relationships, hopelessness and ready access to a gun. The fear of violence is causing psychological harm. Physicians should view violence as a public health problem. During a routine health exam, physicians can ask patients if they have a gun in their home, if they want to protect themselves and if they have seen acts of violence. Dr. John Mays says patients are grateful for the opportunity to discuss the risks of firearms. Posters can bring the message of violence prevention to young people.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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New focus placed on von Willebrand disease
Article Abstract:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is embarking on an epidemiological study to determine how prevalent von Willebrand disease is. This bleeding disorder is caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, which is a protein involved in blood clotting. Affected people have frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding gums and women have heavy menstrual periods. Patients with the mild form can be treated with desmopressin acetate, which is available as a nasal spray. Those with more severe disease can be treated with factor VIII concentrates, which are usually only given to hemophiliacs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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