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The Challenges Of Exploring The Impact Of Genogram Construction On An Appalachian Family's Health Consciousness, Dilip Nair, Md, Indira Bhavsar, Nafeeza Hussain

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Appalachians exhibit high rates of chronic disease-related behaviors which might improve with heightened health consciousness. Knowing one's family history can be an important health maintenance tool. Appalachians' health attitudes are shaped in large, closely knit extended families in which matriarchs play central roles. We sought assistance from West Virginian grandmothers in a family medicine practice in engaging their extended families with their genogram to assess the impact on family members' level of health consciousness.

Methods

The family physician identified West Virginian grandmothers in his practice. We sent each of them invitations to participate, along with their extended family, …

A Case Control Study Of Nutrient Intake Deficiencies In Patients Taking Warfarin, Philip Riley Iv, Kim Lucas Day, Md, George M. Yousef, Md, Sirisha Devabhaktuni, Md, Ashley N. Gaing, Lynne J. Goebel, Md

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction

We previously published the case of a woman taking warfarin who was found to have scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. This led us to hypothesize that patients taking warfarin who consume a diet limited in vitamin K rich foods may be at risk for other nutrient deficiencies. To test our hypothesis, we studied dietary nutrient intake in patients taking warfarin compared to patients with heart disease not taking warfarin.

Methods

The warfarin (n=59) and control groups (n=24) comprised convenience samples of patients with heart disease over age 60 years. Patients completed a three-day food …