Well, another successful AGM has come and
gone. It's a perfect chance to meet with our colleagues from around
the province and from many different specialties. What an
opportunity to pick some brains! "Give me a few tidbits I can
pass along:" says I.
Says they:
Dr.
Terry O'Grady (obs/gyn)
Don't forget about using cyklokapron for
treatment of menorrhagia. It is taken prn and works very quickly.
Use 500mg, 1-3 tabs q8h. Also, research shows that many women who
have had a life-long problem in this area may have unrecognized Von-Willebrands
disease. Order a Von-Willebrands screen to check.
Dr.
Sandra Luscombe (developmental pediatrics)
Autism spectrum disorders are now more
recognized. If a child has speech delay associated with increased
repetition of others' speech, lack of eye contact, no use of index
finger pointing, unusual repetitive behaviors or unusual sensory
preoccupation (looking at patterns or light, sensitivity to sounds,
food avoidance related to texture) there may be a concern. Have a
high index of suspicion and refer early. If you are unsure whether
to refer, call and speak to one of the developmental pediatricians.
Dr.
David Allison (medical officer of health)
Remember the pneumococcal vaccine for all
those at increased risk. These include people who: are over 65;
residents of long-term care facilities; aboriginal population; have
cochlear implants; have chronic cardiac, respiratory or renal
disease; have cirrhosis, asplenia, diabetes, sickle cell disease,
HIV, hematological cancers, alcoholism or other disease that puts an
individual at risk for invasive pneumococcal disease.
Also, for the latest SARS information,
check this web site: www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Finally, don't forget to promote hand
washing. Letting patients see you washing up is a good reminder for
them to do likewise.
Dr.
Joe Tumilty (orthopedics)
In patients with an acute knee injury, with
a normal radiograph, it is best to treat with a Kline splint, ice
and analgesia. Wait at least two weeks and re-examine. Even with an
acute ACL tear, there is almost no indication for immediate surgery
and the exam when the knee has settled has almost always got a
higher yield.
Dr.
Bert Davis (pediatrician)
When children show fatigue, think about how
much sleep they are getting, both the quantity and the quality. Ask
about snoring — it can often be a problem and interfere with
sleep.
Dr.
Henry Haddad (gastroenterologist and immediate
past-president of the CMA)
Anal fissures are very painful and spasm of
the sphincter causes considerable pain. Ask the pharmacist to mix a
0.2% nitrol cream (it comes in 2% ointment; the pharmacist can blend
with a base to make 0.2%). Insert just inside — tremendous
relief.
It sure was great talking with so many
different colleagues. Let's keep sharing ideas. Got a tip? Send it
in and we'll pass it on! Have a relaxing, rejuvenating and safe
summer.
Dr. Susan King is President of the NLMA
and a family physician at the Newfoundland Drive Medical Clinic in
St. John's.
|
