CPD Editorial

Abstract

This is the last issue of the South African Family Practice journal for 2008. Our objective of providing relevant, up-to-date continuing professional development (CPD) articles was realized and we hope to continue with more vigour into the future. In this issue the article on healthy lifestyle interventions in general practice (part 3) by Schwellnus MP et al focuses on chronic respiratory disease. It mentions the main indication for referral to a lifestyle intervention program in any symptomatic patient with either chronic obstructive airway (COPD) or any other chronic respiratory disease and who also has limited functional capacity. COPD is a disease that is on the increase in women and there are about 280 million suffers globally. In predicting the outcome, the BODE index is used which is based on four functional measures namely Body Mass Index, Obstruction (FEV1), Dyspnoea and Exercise tolerance (6-minute walk distance). The main elements of the intervention program are smoking cessation, exercise training, education, psychosocial and nutritional support. It concludes that regular monitoring should be conducted during the training sessions and follow-up assessment done every 2-3 months to assess progress and to re-set goals.