There are very few healthcare professionals who do not treat conditions caused by or exacerbated by smoking. Thirty years on from its initiation, No Smoking Day, this year on 13 March, is one of the United Kingdom’s (UK) longest running and most successful health campaigns to date. This article from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) outlines their work.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems experienced by the general population, with an estimated UK prevalence of 52 per cent. Despite this, constipation is often both misdiagnosed and under-treated both in children and adults. This paper will look at the issues and suggest specific management strategies for addressing constipation in both the general adult population and these apparently vulnerable groups.
June Rogers MBE, RN, RSCN, BA(Hons), MSc, ENB 216, ENB N01, ENB 978. PromoCon Team Director, Disabled Living Manchester.
Article accepted for publication: January 2013
In order to understand lymphoedema and chronic oedema skin breakdown and thus consider the most appropriate treatment options and strategies for patient education, the normal function and structure of the skin must be understood.
This abridged version of the chapter of the same name, from the International Lymphoedema Framework document, Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema (2nd ed.), outlines the skin conditions commonly see in lymphoedema and chronic oedema and offers management strategies for these.
Acknowledgements:
The Editor would like to thank MEP Ltd (London), for their kind permission to reproduce the images in this article.
The Editor would also like to thank the International Lymphoedema Framework for allowing publication of this abridged chapter. The full document can be found at www.lympho.org
Mieke Flour, MD, Senior Staff Dermatology Department, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, Head of out-patient clinics: chronic wounds, conservative phlebology, lymphoedema, compression and multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic
Article accepted for publication: October 2012
Venous leg ulcers are a common problem in the community, with which nurses should be familiar if they are to combat the pain, social isolation and depression that accompany this debilitating condition.
It is important that community nurses know how to assess, diagnose and treat leg ulcers, as well as being familiar with the different types of compression available.
If community nurses apply the information contained in this article, as well as completing the associated online test, they will be better equipped to provide evidence-based care and advice for patients living with venous leg ulceration.
Hilary Holmes and Professor Steven Timmons discuss some research where the objective was to investigate how social care staff working within intermediate care perceived their role in medication management.
Hilary Holmes, RN, BSc
Community Matron, Nottinghamshire County Teaching PCT
Stephen Timmons, MA, MA, MSc, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Nottingham School of Nursing
Article accepted for publication: February 2007
