Casebook
Dog bites When Sparky loses his temper, the risk of rabies is only the tip of the iceberg, as far as infections are concerned.

ClinicalTalk
Pain-free medico-legal reports A seasoned writer of medical reports lets you in on some tips and tricks that take the edge off this tedious task. An interview with Michael Zitney, MD

Update
Clostridium difficile -- a bug on the rise Watch out for these red flags and risk factors when patients present with unrelenting diarrhea. By Surabhi Rawal, BSc and Sandra Dial, MD

Diagnostic Challenge
Beeline for the bathroom Dad's chronic diarrhea isn't fun.

parkhurst correspondence
26 answers to your clinical questions Our specialists answer questions on the age minimum for laser eye correction, diabetes that resolves on its own, ulcerative colitis in kids, the effect of curry on cancer, and many more…
This month's dermatology highlight Treating slowly resolving shingles and herpes
Question of the month Can shockwave lithotripsy induce diabetes?
Question authority Puzzled by a medical mystery? Let our panel of experts sort it out.

features

Cultural Medicine
Ritual healing Consider native health beliefs and practices when treating people of Aboriginal ancestry.

Perspectives on Pain
Mixing up the medicine cabinet How to combine prescription, over-the-counter and herbal meds logically and safely.

Checklist
Hiatus hernia Watch out for a host of possible complications when patients present with this anatomic abnormality.

Cover photo: Male genital system, drawing; ©BSIP/JACOPIN/Alpha Press

Code Red
Electrical injuries Find out why low-voltage injuries are just as dangerous as accidents with high voltage, and read up on the proper treatment.

Round Table
Treating teens An interdisciplinary panel discusses the health concerns of adolescents beyond sex, drugs and rock'n roll.

Case Conundrums
Fragile X syndrome This heritable source of autism and mental delay often goes undiagnosed, leaving families wanting for appropriate care.

Journal Club
Leading experts comment on the use of PPIs to prevent gastric effects of NSAIDs and COX-2s, treating borderline BP to prevent hypertension, and whether to screen with PSA.

departments

Letters
A question of quantity and a happy reunion, among others.

The Art Gallery
Larry Deacon's love for North American landscapes comes through loudly in his paintings.
Kari Minchin's singular approach to composition inspires viewers to stretch their own imaginations.

Meet the Artists
Two Canadian artists exhibit their work in the Parkhurst Exchange gallery. Have a favourite artist or two? Kindly send their names to katz@parkpub.com and we may feature them too!

Parkhurst Index
Greek secrets into old age, stats on the safety of car seating, a link between polio and psychiatric disorders, and more…

News from the Net
Virtual reality -- friend or foe? Research takes a closer look at the health effects of video games, with some surprising results.

Drug Compendium Update
Current treatments get a boost with these new drugs.

Passing Scene
The sounds of cancer, wiggly-wormy therapy for MS, a fiery response to childhood trauma, and more…