Frankly Speaking About Family Medicine

The New Hypertension Guidelines - Frankly Speaking EP 52

New hypertension guidelines from the American College of Cardiology have introduced a new blood pressure classification system and lowered the threshold for initiating pharmacotherapy in certain patient populations. Learning Objectives: Understand the new classification categories of hypertension Understand the new thresholds for starting treatment Understand the limitations of the new recommendations to specific patient populations

Preventing Opioid Addiction: Treating Acute Pain Safely - Frankly Speaking EP 51

For severe, acute pain, 1000 mg of acetaminophen PLUS 400 mg of ibuprofen is as effective as acetaminophen/oxycodone, acetaminophen/hydrocodone, or acetaminophen/codeine. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about treating acute pain safely.    Learning Objectives:  Review the current trial comparing Acetaminophen plus Ibuprofen to other acetaminophen/opioid combinations on pain outcomes Summarize the other data supporting this combination in children and adults Understand the path that can lead from acute pain to dependence.

Herpes Zoster Vaccination: New Recommendations for Shingles Prevention - Frankly Speaking EP 50

This session will review the recommendations put forth by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the use of a new shingles vaccine. Dosing, use, and efficacy will be discussed.   Learning Objectives: Review the new vaccine recommendations for the prevention of shingles. Discuss the use of the current vaccine and new vaccine with dosage and schedule. Provide a resource for the treatment of post herpetic neuralgia.

Diabetes Remission with Weight Loss - Frankly Speaking EP 49

Diabetes remission is defined as a return to normal blood sugar control without the use of medications. Listen to this episode to learn about a trial in which the use of a very low calorie diet in a primary care setting resulted in significant weight loss and remission of diabetes.   Learning Objectives: Understand what is meant by diabetes remission Understand what treatments can lead to diabetes remission  

What Does the Evidence Tell Us About Diagnosing and Treating Sinusitis? - Frankly Speaking EP 48

Listen to this episode to learn about the evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute sinusitis. Learning Objectives: Discuss the most recent EBP Guidelines on diagnosis and management of acute sinusitis Discuss application of best practices for appropriate management of acute sinusitis and strategies for good antibiotic stewardship. Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC

Treatment Options in Opioid Dependence - Frankly Speaking EP 47

Medication-based maintenance therapy is recommended for patients with opioid dependence. Listen to this week’s episode to learn how once monthly naltrexone injections are as effective as daily treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone.   Learning Objectives:  Understand data comparing long-acting naltrexone to daily buprenorphine/naloxone Understand importance of medication-based maintenance therapy

New Treatment for Asthma - Frankly Speaking EP 46

We will discuss the use of azithromycin as a therapeutic option for patients with persistent symptomatic asthma despite controller maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and a long-acting bronchodilator. Learning Objectives: Understand the effect of chronic azithromycin for reducing asthma exacerbation Understand the role azithromycin can play in asthma step-wise therapy

Endurance Sports: In it for the long haul - Frankly Speaking EP 45

What do you say when your 50-year-old patient that has been relatively sedentary in the last 3 decades wants to do a triathlon? In this episode, we will review a U.S. case series of participants in triathlon races from 1985-2016, and discuss risk, reward, and reality. Learning Objectives:  Review data collected over 30 years on triathlon events and the risks to participants. Discuss recommendations for patients embarking on extreme physical activity. Review strategies to promote well-being and lower risk when considering endurance sports.

Blood Pressure Determination on Obese Arms - Frankly Speaking EP 44

If you become frustrated trying to get a thigh cuff onto the arm of an obese patient, we may have the answer. Learning Objectives:  Review the comparison of standard BP determination with using the forearm and radial pulse with a large cuff Appreciate the benefits of systolic hypertension control Review the causes of secondary hypertension in obese patients 

Tattooing and Body Modification: From Risky to Mainstream – What are the Implications for Patient Care? - Frankly Speaking EP 43

In this episode, we discuss the first evidence-based guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics on body modification, piercing, and scarification, including complications and assessment of risk.  Learning Objectives:  Discuss the AAP’s EBP Guidelines on body modification, piercing and scarification in children, adolescents and young adults Discuss best practices for counseling adolescents and strategies for reducing associated risks regarding these practices.