Relationship of polychlorinated biphenyls with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Diabetes and hypertension are important contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Both of these conditions are caused by some combination of genetic and environmental factors which may include exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Studies have shown an association between elevated serum PCBs and the metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

Evidence that prehypertension is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.

Whether or not blood pressure categories below 140/90 mmHg are associated with incident Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease is subject to debate. Currently, a blood pressure of 120-139/80-89 mmHg is recognized as prehypertension. This article evaluates the association of prehypertension with incident Type 2 diabetes in the San Antonio Heart study.

Recognition and management of acute medication poisoning.

Poisoning is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with several million episodes reported annually. Acute medication poisonings account for nearly one half of all poisonings reported in the United States and should be considered in persons with an acute change in mental status. The initial approach to a person who has been poisoned should be to assess the airway, breathing, and circulation, and to take a thorough history.

Awareness and implications of fish consumption advisories in a women's health setting.

Objective: To determine awareness of fish consumption advisories and fish consumption patterns among women and to explore demographic associations with advisory awareness and fish consumption.

Study Design: An anonymous survey was given in 2006-2007 to women seeking care at the Medical University of South Carolina Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Medicine.

Results: The population (N = 453) was predominantly black, with an annual income of < $50,000, and 36.