Fast Facts: Smoking Cessation


Book Description

Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant preventable causes of death and illness in the world. Given the wide-ranging effects smoking has on many disease processes, it is essential that clinicians understand: • the short- and long-term effects of smoking on the body • the benefits of smoking cessation • why smokers find it difficult to stop • the role of clinicians in promoting and supporting smoking cessation • the treatments available to help smokers overcome their addiction. 'Fast Facts: Smoking Cessation' meets these needs: here, in one place, you will find all the information you need on smoking, tobacco addiction and how best to treat the addiction. Ultimately, the best reason for reading this book is to help your patients who smoke to change their behavior for the better and sustainably. Every GP and support clinic will benefit from this edition, filled with tips, advice and treatment aids for the clinical team. Contents: • Cigarettes as a nicotine delivery system • Smoking patterns • Social, psychological and economic influences on smoking • Effects of smoking and smoking cessation • Addiction to cigarettes • The clinician and smoking • Treatments to aid smoking cessation • Future trends




How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease


Book Description

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.




The Easy Way to Stop Smoking


Book Description

The author offers a step-by-step approach to stop smoking without the use of nicotine substitutes.




Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease


Book Description

Patients with COPD often make few complaints despite experiencing considerable disability. As well as the characteristic shortness of breath, the disease is associated with a number of comorbidities that can present major clinical problems. However, with early recognition and intervention, further deterioration can be prevented, and lung function, general health status and functional ability improved. In this fully updated third edition of 'Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease', the authors take a comprehensive look at: • the disease process, its causes and progression • the relationship between asthma and COPD • the investigations used to assess the severity and stage of COPD • the interventions that may reduce the risk of developing COPD • individualized patient management based on clinical features and comorbidities • current clinical guidelines from an international perspective • treatments that reduce symptoms and improve lung function in stable disease • the prevention and management of acute exacerbations • risk factor reduction, primarily through smoking cessation • future diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The easy-to-read, highly accessible format of this practical resource has been designed so that all primary care providers, specialist nurses, junior hospital doctors, paramedics, medical students and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of COPD can get up to speed on this multifaceted disease, fast! With clear take-home messages, it will also serve as a useful overview for researchers and specialists reading outside their subject area.




Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking


Book Description

The revolutionary international bestseller that will stop you smoking - for good. 'If you follow my instructions you will be a happy non-smoker for the rest of your life.' That's a strong claim from Allen Carr, but as the world's leading and most successful quit smoking expert, Allen was right to boast! Reading this book is all you need to give up smoking. You can even smoke while you read. There are no scare tactics, you will not gain weight and stopping will not feel like deprivation. If you want to kick the habit then go for it. Allen Carr has helped millions of people become happy non-smokers. His unique method removes your psychological dependence on cigarettes and literally sets you free. Accept no substitute. Five million people can't be wrong.




Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes


Book Description

All patients arriving at hospital with chest pain suggestive of myocardial ischemia require an immediate 12-lead ECG and medical assessment. Management will depend on the type of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed. 'Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes' is an international evidence-based primer that focuses on optimizing patient outcomes via accurate initial diagnosis, appropriate risk stratification and proper therapeutic decision-making in line with both American and European management guidelines. This refreshingly readable handbook simplifies the complexities involved in the care of patients with ACS by: • Familiarizing readers with the common pathophysiology underlying all ACS • Detailing the specifics of clinical assessment (targeted history, symptom-oriented physical exam, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers and imaging) • Assisting best practice in ischemic risk stratification and assessment of bleeding risk • Outlining coronary revascularization techniques, reperfusion strategies and preventive measures • Providing an update on potent antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) • Clearly explaining the latest developments that are likely to be implemented in the near future. In this fast-changing field it is difficult for healthcare professionals to remain current and virtually impossible to fully understand all of the subtle nuances of the available clinical trial data. This comprehensive handbook is therefore the essential resource for all healthcare professionals looking for up-to-date, easy-to read information that will assist best practice in the identification and management of all patients with ACS. Contents: • Pathophysiology • Diagnosis • Risk stratification and decision-making • Coronary revascularization • Unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction • Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease • Developments • Useful resources




Fast Facts: Heart Failure


Book Description

Effective new treatments - from drugs to surgery to devices - are revolutionizing both outcome and wellbeing in patients with heart failure. Written with the non-specialist in mind, this practical resource distills a lot of complex information into a refreshingly readable format, with clear informative diagrams and useful pull-out tables. Highlights include: • a concise discussion of the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to heart failure • a detailed review of the causes and comorbidities of heart failure • simple advice on diagnosis and investigation • clear management principles, including healthy lifestyle choices for patients • evidence-based guidance on first- and second-line drug therapies and medical management that targets the underlying cause • a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological treatment options, including devices and transplantation • important information on palliative care in end-stage heart failure. 'Fast Facts: Heart Failure' is the ideal resource for primary care providers, specialist nurses and cardiology trainees, and a good introduction to heart failure for all healthcare professionals who care for the elderly. Contents: • Definitions and epidemiology • Pathophysiology and clinical stages • Causes • Comorbidities • Diagnosis • General management and lifestyle considerations • Pharmacological treatment • Non-pharmacological treatment • Prognosis • Clinical trials and developments • Useful resources




Fast Facts: Heart Failure


Book Description

A better understanding of the mechanisms and pathophysiological pathways of heart failure (HF), improved management of associated comorbidities, and advances in identifying genetic cardiac disease have led to a near-revolution in the management of patients in terms of pharmacological treatments, surgery and devices. These developments have transformed outcomes and HF-associated mortality, and gene therapies further promise a brighter future for patients who experience the debilitating effects of HF. This new edition of 'Fast Facts: Heart Failure' starts with the definitions of HF (different types of HF require different treatments), then provides the latest thinking on mechanisms and clinical stages, underlying causes and the assessment and management of comorbidities. This is followed by simple diagnostic criteria and a comprehensive overview of investigations. The management chapters focus on the importance of self-care education and healthy lifestyle choices, together with the latest recommendations for pharmacological treatment, device therapy and cardiac surgery from international guidelines. The final chapter on developments is an indication of the ongoing innovation in this rapidly moving field. Table of Contents: • Definitions, classification and epidemiology • Pathophysiology and clinical stages • Causes • Comorbidities • Diagnosis • General management and lifestyle considerations • Pharmacological treatment • Non-pharmacological management • Advanced HF therapies • Prognosis • Developments and future directions




Fast Facts About Substance Use Disorders


Book Description

The only current resource for APPs caring for people with SUDs in clear, concise format This greatly needed resource is the first to provide evidence-based information and strategies for APRNs and PAs who work with individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Written in a concise, bulleted style for easy access to critical information, the reference addresses often-undiagnosed medical and psychiatric conditions which may accompany SUDs and the ethical considerations of working with affected patients and families. Written by noted substance abuse experts, the resource distills key information about SUDs, explaining what they are and what they are not, and the role of APPs in helping afflicted individuals to recover. It discusses how to identify SUDs regarding signs and symptoms, emergency response, and specific disorders. Also addressed is the use of pharmacology to treat SUDs including complementary and alternative medications, person-centered care for individuals with SUDs across the lifespan, and how to care for afflicted individuals in a variety of settings. Key Features: Distills current, evidence-based information in a concise, bulleted, pocket-sized format Organized for quick access to information Delivers proven strategies for successful nursing interventions Defines substance abuse disorders across the lifespan Discusses how to de-stigmatize people with substance abuse disorders Explores legal and ethical implications surrounding provision of health care to patients with SUDs




Fast Facts: Obesity


Book Description

Not to broach the subject of excess weight with a patient is a dereliction of duty as a healthcare professional, say the authors of 'Fast Facts: Obesity'. "Patients who smoke are rapidly identified for intervention, and the same should be true of anyone who is obese". Every consultation is an opportunity to educate and encourage patients to pursue better health. 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is packed with practical advice on how best to support patients to improve their nutrition and levels of physical activity, and change their habits, with simple and achievable goals tailored to individual needs and concerns. This highly readable handbook also provides a comprehensive overview of: • the causes and consequences of obesity • the latest information on pharmacological and surgical options • the issues specific to the management of obesity in children, pregnant women and the elderly. The authors say: “The opportunity to educate others and exert influence can be leveraged at many levels, even with limited amounts of time.” Reading 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is an excellent starting point for any healthcare professional who wants to understand this major threat to human health and ultimately improve outcomes. Contents: • Patient assessment • Causes and science • Cardiometabolic consequences • Other consequences • Management: diet • Management: physical activity • Management: behavioral therapy • Pharmacological and surgical treatments • Children, the elderly and pregnant women • Management tools, prevention and advocacy • Useful resources • The health risks of excess weight figure