News

Most people go to the hospital to get healthy. That's not the case lately when people make a stop at the cafeteria. More and more, hospital cafeterias are serving fast food for patients, visitors, and staff. A recent study sought to determine the prevalence and type of brand name fast food (BNFF) in academic-affiliated hospitals. The study used medical students to report on fast food franchises at the teaching hospitals through which they rotate.

Beyond the pale

A 12-month-old Hmong male is brought in for evaluation of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. What is causing his symptoms?

A 3 1/2 year-old boy's left eyelid is red and swollen with a small hole in the center, and he is unable to open the affected eye. What's the diagnosis?

As parents of twins, triplets, or even larger sets of multiples, you may feel your situation is unique. But the truth is, you have lots of company. The rate of multiple gestation and delivery is at record high levels worldwide. One in every 250 American deliveries is a multiple birth.

These days, most pediatricians have at least one set of twins among their patients, and triplets or even higher order multiples are not uncommon. Here's what you need to know to meet the special needs of these children and counsel their parents appropriately.

In recent years, adolescents have begun to turn to unconventional sources of drugs to abuse. One such drug that is becoming more and more popular among teenagers is dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in many cough and cold medications. In large doses, dextromethorphan is broken down into dextrorphan, which can produce euphoria and hallucinations--effects similar to those of phencyclidine