Biomedical subjects
P A Black
Publications and source records attributed to P A Black.
What do we mean by normal? The mathematical concept and social dimension of normality.
1. Normality has a mathematical definition as well as a social dimension. 2. It is essential to consider the social dimension when formulating care. 3. Concepts of normality differ according to an individual's life experiences, which are shaped by age, sex, gender, race, culture and social class. 4. Concepts of normality also vary in accordance with the group defining it--for example, the developers of social policy, the recipients of that policy and the rest of the society concerned.
A confident start to a new relationship. Biological and psychological aspects of breastfeeding.
1. The biological and psychological aspects of breastfeeding (along with the common problems) need to be considered if success is to occur. 2. Most mothers can breastfeed. 3. Mothers with severe anatomical abnormalities, who are HIV positive, have active TB or whose children have inherited mono- or disaccharide intolerances should not breastfeed. 4. It is important not to induce guilt (and sour the mother/child relationship) if a mother does not choose to breastfeed.
Bringing purpose to life. The relationship between unemployment and health.
It is a common assumption that a person's mental and physical health will suffer during or even under the threat of a period of unemployment. It is important that community healthcare professionals can diagnose to what extent the trauma of unemployment has affected their patients. Only then can appropriate treatment be designed and implemented.
Management of asthma in pregnancy.
1. Approximately a third of mothers find their asthma improves during pregnancy, while one third stay the same and the remainder's asthma worsens. 2. Asthma needs to be controlled; if it is not, the fetus may receive insufficient oxygen. 3. The two main types of asthma arise from different causes and have different patterns of inheritance, although in many cases the originating stimulus is the same. 4. A polluted environment contributes to the production of allergens and irritants which trigger asthma in susceptible people.
Greater understanding enhances control. Maintaining pharmacological control of asthma.
1. Asthma is a syndrome--not a disease--which affects the bronchi in the lungs. 2. Asthma is a cause of substantial ill-health, and economic loss (due to sick leave) to both clients and society. 3. Agreed systems of management (protocols) between client and practitioner may help clients gain control over their condition.
A force for the future. The changing role of the district nurse.
Current developments in community nursing mean the district nurse's role will inevitably be enhanced. To meet the challenge posed by greater responsibility, it is vital that training is expanded to meet new requirements.
A smooth start to a new age. Helping women cope with the menopause.
The menopause is a natural event in women's lives, but its associations with loss of fertility and its side-effects often lead to it being seen in a negative light. Nurses can help women control the side-effects so they may learn to see it as a positive change.
Urinary incontinence: a many faceted problem.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A preventable tragedy. The nurse's role in preventing coronary heart disease.
Heart disease is the biggest killer in the UK, yet simple changes in diet and lifestyle may vastly reduce people's risk. Nurses are ideally placed to advise on the subject.
Cervical cancer: a preventable problem.
Incidence of cervical cancer appears to be increasing among younger women. With effective screening, treatment and health education, it is almost entirely preventable.