The atypical antipsychotic risperidone is no better than typical antipsychotics in terms of the risk of falls in residents of aged care facilities, and the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine may increase the risk of falls, according to findings published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

By Katrina Woznicki , MedPage Today Staff Writer – Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. – Source News Article: LA Times (Registration Req.), MSNBC, Washington Post (Registration Req.)

• For patients who want to use hormonal contraceptives, discuss their medical histories, especially conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, blood clots, and also whether they smoke.
• Inform patients that the risk of a blood clot or stroke when using hormonal contraceptives is small and there is little evidence that current low dose preparations are associated with increased risk in healthy women under the age of 35 without risk factors.

By Neil Osterweil , MedPage Today Staff Writer – Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
Source News Article: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Registration Req.), MSNBC, Washington Post (Registration Req.)

• Advise patients that beta-blockers are effective and safe, and appear to lower the risk of myocardial infarction following major non-cardiac surgery in patients with a high-risk of coronary artery disease, but may not be appropriate in low-risk patients undergoing similar procedures.
• Inform patients that this was a retrospective observational study and is subject to statistical variations and errors. Randomized clinical trials currently underway may produce clearer answers about the role of beta-blockers in reducing in-hospital mortality following non-cardiac surgery.

By Neil Osterweil , MedPage Today Staff Writer – Reviewed by Rubeen K. Israni, M.D., Fellow, Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

• Advise patients that impaired glucose tolerance/insulin sensitivity puts them at risk for future congestive heart failure.
• Explain the importance of strict glucose management in preventing future complications, including cardiovascular disease, renal disease, retinopathies and neuropathies.
• Counsel obese patients and those with high waist circumferences about diet, exercise, and overall weight management strategies.

By Neil Osterweil , MedPage Today Staff Writer- Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Source News Article: CBS News, MSNBC, Washington Post (Registration Req.)

• Advise adolescents and their parents of the increased risk of the metabolic syndrome (and all of its consequences) associated with smoke exposure as well as the other known risks of smoking.