best practice:- Issue 4 Contents

Issue 4 April 2007 - Contents

Easily the most photographed site in all of Iceland, The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most supernatural looking body of water on Earth. The temperature in the swimmable area averages about 40ºC, and the soothing, mineral-rich water is rumoured to have curative powers.

Though the lagoon looks like something born from Iceland’s otherworldly landscape, it is actually man made. It was created by run-off from the Svartsengi power plant, which pumps up the geothermally heated water from a full mile below the surface. After being used to generate both heat and electricity, the excess (which is absolutely clean) is ejected into the lagoon.

Managing heartburn, undifferentiated dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia in general practice	Select
Heartburn, undifferentiated dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia are common and management requires an individually tailored combination of lifestyle modification and drug treatment. In the absence of red flags, the presence of heartburn with or without dyspepsia is the single most important feature determining management when a patient presents with indigestion.
Management of acute asthma	Select
In the third issue of BPJ we discussed the current debate around the management of acute asthma for people on LABAs. In this issue we pose four scenarios and asked, Respiratory Physician, Professor Robin Taylor to discuss what he would advise in these situations. Consider how you would respond to these acute asthma scenarios and then read Professor Taylor’s comments.
Interactions with Warfarin	Select
Warfarin has the potential to interact with numerous drugs resulting in significant morbidity and potentially fatal bleeds. Loss of anticoagulant control is one of the most frequent causes of drug related hospital admissions in New Zealand and in many cases the event is precipitated by an agent which alters the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Opportunistic interventions in primary care can reduce stroke risk	Select
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in New Zealand, after ischaemic heart disease and all cancers combined and is the most important cause of adult disability. Clearly a concerted effort is required across all population groups but there are specific issues for Māori, Pacific people and women.
Essentials	Select
Practice Debate: Herceptin, The Facts SQM Reports: Clozapine - Safe and Effective Use Dear Dave: Vitamin B₁₂ and combined oral contraception 10 minute audit: Identifying your patients on omeprazole