Issue

February has always been one of my favorite months. It marks the beginning of noticeably longer days and the early stages of spring, at least where I currently live. It is also the month of my mother’s and daughter’s birthdays and the time we celebrate Valentines Day, a day we express affection and solidify relationships. Although commercial interests have perhaps benefited most from this special day with the rise of Valentines cards and gifts, it is also a holiday associated with chocolate, a food with perhaps greater benefit than we had previously thought.

Chocolate is made from coco

Unlike the rest of the U.S. economy, reimbursement for healthcare is not a simple matter of supply and demand. Reimbursement decisions are based to an increasing extent on politics. Not surprisingly, this nonmarket approach has resulted in quality concerns in healthcare. Less-than-optimum healthcare outcomes are in part due to the lack of capital and incentives available from the current reimbursement system—a reimbursement system that unfortunately has become a matter of politics, forcing physicians and other providers to manipulate or “game” the system in order to obtain more appropria

Aging is associated with a decline in function of many body systems, including the urinary tract. Bacteria seem to gain an advantage within the urinary tract of the elderly, and it is not uncommon to find bacteriuria; however, not all of these patients have a true urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI is considered to be the most common infection among the elderly1-3 and the most common cause of bacteremia,4 but patients with bacteriuria who can clearly communicate the absence of urinary tract symptoms have asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and do not require treatment. The prevalence of ASB increas

CASE PRESENTATION
Mr. R is a 78-year-old married male who was living at home with his wife of 55 years. He suffers from hypertension that is well controlled on losartan 50 mg daily, and also takes finasteride 5 mg daily for benign prostatic hypertrophy. Mr. R suffers a fall while crossing the street when he is out walking with his wife. He is unable to get up and is brought to the emergency room by EMS. Mr. R appears somewhat confused and complains of pain in his right leg. He is found to have a fracture of the right hip. An orthopedic surgeon, Dr. F, is called for consultation and recomme

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients and families living with serious illnesses. In addition to expert pain and symptom management, palliative care requires advanced communication skills.1,2 The first part of this series (Clinical Geriatrics 2007;15[1]:25-32) discussed pain and symptom management for the geriatric patient. This article will focus on the essential skills for effective communication.

THE PROBLEM OF POOR COMMUNICATION
Good communication skills are essential when caring for ill patients, yet several studies have shown that patients are not satis

ACCREDITATION
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.
CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in t

This continuing medical education activity is presented by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

These examination questions are based on the article “Smoking Cessation in the Elderly,” which appears on pages 38-45 in this issue of Clinical Geriatrics.

ACCREDITATION
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in the US. Smoking causes about 300,000 people over the age of 65 to die each year. Since smoking is so dangerous, Medicare will soon cover counseling to help people quit.

Q. I’ve been smoking for many years and am healthy, why should I quit?

A. Even if you think of yourself as being very healthy, after you’ve stopped smoking you will likely notice that you have more energy. You will also find that you are less prone to colds and the flu. You will save money. For example, if you smoke 1 pack every day, you will save