Issue: WINTER 2016 Vol. 11 - Issue 4
     

From the Editor's Desk
When Doubt Is Used as a Weapon
– Lawrence I. Bonchek, M.D., FACS, FACC
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Top Tips from Family Practice
Choosing Wisely XVIII: Topics from American Dental Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Breast Surgeons
– Alan S. Peterson, M.D.
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Scientific Reports 
The Rising Cost of Prescription Medications
– Matthew Eberts, PharmD, MBA, FASHP
The prices of drugs inevitably rise, but some recent examples have shocked the public’s sensibilities and pocketbooks. This article reviews the multiple factors that are driving drug costs inexorably higher, and offers some suggestions for solutions.
 
   
Effective Non-Opioid Treatment Options for Low Back Pain
– Tony T. Ton-That, M.D., FABPM&R
Prescription opioid abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent, and is a particular risk in patients being treated for low back pain. This valuable article describes in detail the numerous pharmacological, interventional, and complementary alternative treatments that can be used to achieve improvement and pain reduction without opioid medications.
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Osteoporosis, the Silent Disease: Prevention and Treatment of Fracility Fractures in a Structured Program
– Rodney E. Brenneman, M.D.
Osteoporosis cannot be cured, but it can be managed. This comprehensive article explains the basis for the multi-faceted approach that is needed, and describes the LGH program that implements this approach.
 
   
 
Sitosterolemia and Anabaptist Groups
– Lars Andersen, B.A.
The latest article in this author’s series on dyslipoproteinemias describes the physiological characteristics and genetic basis for this inherited disorder that causes premature atherosclerosis. As it is found mainly in families of German
Anabaptist descent, it is of particular local interest.
 
   
 
A Brief History of Bloodletting
– Timothy M. Bell, MLS (ASCP)CM
Bloodletting goes back to prehistoric times, and had an important role in American medical history as it was probably responsible for George Washington’s death. This fascinating historical review also describes its current role in health care.