American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Palliative Care
Palliative care is designed to improve the quality of care for a person who has a serious or life-threatening… another medicine to counter this common side effect. The person in pain may be worried about getting “hooked” on an opioid. However, addiction to pain medicine…
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Herbal Health Products and Supplements
Herbal products and supplements are intended to maintain health or treat health problems. However, they are not regulated by the… labels are accurate and truthful. The FDA requires the following information on labels: Name of the product or supplement. Name and the address of the…
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Probiotics
Probiotics are live, healthy microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) found in your intestines… to experience more severe abdominal pain or have abnormal stools, contact your doctor immediately. Questions to ask your doctor Should I be adding probiotics to my diet? Can I get enough probiotics through…
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Alopecia Areata (AA)
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes you to lose small, round patches of hair on your head… system disease can raise your risk of having it. Other immune system diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, lupus, Addison’s disease, and atopic…
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Insulin Therapy
All people who have type 1 diabetes and some who have type 2 diabetes must take insulin. It helps control… your doctor may also prescribe a longer-acting insulin. Or they may prescribe another drug for you to take each day in addition to rapid-acting insulin…
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Premature Birth
Preterm is defined as babies born alive before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy… the risks from a certain viral infection. Because premature babies need more nutrition than full-term infants, vitamins and minerals may be added to breast milk or formula. At home with…
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Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: What Parents Needs to Know
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It can lead to infections in the lungs, blood, and brain. The vaccine prevents… Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It can lead to infections in the lungs, blood, and brain. Pneumococcal disease causes health problems in children…
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Physical Activity: Creating a Family Plan
You can make physical activity easier for everyone by making it an event for the whole family at the gym,… If your physical activity is tough to schedule, why not make it a family affair? You’ll be setting lifelong examples for your children. And you’ll…
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Small Vessel Disease
Small vessel disease is a narrowing in the tiny arteries in your heart. It also is called coronary microvascular disease… What is small vessel disease? Small vessel disease is a condition that affects the tiny arteries in your heart. It is caused when these…
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Preventing Malnutrition in Older Adults
Older adults are more vulnerable to malnutrition. Learn ways to prevent it… As the U.S. population ages, malnourishment is a growing concern. Good nutrition is very important for all older adults. It is especially important for older adults who are ill or have been diagnosed…
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Combat Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season usually begins when the weather starts to cool. You can take steps to help protect your… Cold and flu season often begins in October as the weather outside starts to turn cold. It can last until May. Each year, it's…
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Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a bacterial infection spread by ticks. It shows up as repeated episodes of fever, headaches,… What is tick-borne relapsing fever? Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a bacterial infection spread by ticks. The infection normally shows up as repeated episodes…
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Caffeine and Kids
Caffeine is a stimulant that is defined as a drug because of how it impacts the body. Children can be… Many of the food and drink items that children and teens crave have caffeine in them. You can find it in soda, energy drinks, and…
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Men: Eat Right, Stay Healthy
Men must follow the same healthy eating guidelines as women to stay well… Men, are you paying attention to your health? Compared to your female counterparts, you’re more likely to smoke and drink, make unhealthy choices, and put off regular medical checkups and care. But…
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Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a condition in which your legs feel very uncomfortable when you’re sitting or lying down. It… What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)? Restless legs syndrome (also called RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel very uncomfortable when you’re…
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You Don’t Have to Handle Dementia Care Alone
When a loved one has dementia, your family doctor can be a trusted resource and partner in their care… I’m a family doctor who practices in an area with a large population of older adults. People often ask me about memory loss and dementia…
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings between happy and sad. People of all ages and… What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings between happy and sad. Other names are manic depression or…
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Autopsy
An autopsy is a medical examination that occurs after death. It is used to find the cause of death, for… What is an autopsy? An autopsy is a medical examination of the body of a dead person. In the procedure, a doctor cuts open the…
