American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Dilation and Curettage (D and C)
Dilation and curettage (D and C) is a surgical procedure of the uterus… hospital. To help with dilation, the doctor may give you medicine to soften your cervix. They may give you a form of anesthesia as well. During the procedure You lie in a…
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Microscopic Hematuria
Microscopic hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in your urine… in a kidney A disease that runs in families, such as cystic kidney disease Some medicines A blood disease, like sickle cell anemia A tumor in your urinary tract (may or may not be cancer) When this is the…
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Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue, fluid, or a growth from your body to examine tissue or a… Brain Breast Stomach and intestines Liver Lung Lymph nodes Skin Thyroid When the biopsy is performed, it will either involve a local anesthetic (injected in…
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Take Care of Yourself Before Pregnancy
Whether you’re planning to become pregnant or not, preconception care during your childbearing years is essential. Here are some things… cells are dividing and growing rapidly. Getting adequate folic acid can help prevent two common and very serious defects: spina bifida and anencephaly. Both occur…
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Enlarged Adenoids
Adenoids are tiny pieces of tissue in the back of your throat. They hang above your tonsils. They help fight… symptoms: Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Feeling like your ears are blocked Difficulty sleeping Difficulty swallowing Swollen neck glands Snoring Sleep apnea (a condition that causes…
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Occupational Respiratory Disease
Work can be a dangerous place if you are exposed to hazardous toxins. Certain substances put you at risk for… the flu, or allergies, such as: dry, scratchy, or sore throat runny nose cough fever tight chest chest pain muscle or body aches breathing problems,…
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What Should I do if I Get a Spider Bite?
Spiders are found everywhere. But each kind of spider is unique. Some tend to live outdoors. Some are common inside… reduce swelling. Take an antihistamine (one brand name: Benadryl) to help with swelling and itching. Take ibuprofen (one brand name: Advil) or acetaminophen (one brand…
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Chronic Cough
A chronic cough is one that lasts for 8 weeks or more… the mucus that drains down the back of your throat from the back of your nose) Certain medicines (blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent cough.) Air pollution Asthma (a…
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Organic Foods: What You Need to Know
Description: Organic is a label, production and harvest term. It doesn’t guarantee better nutrition… meat and animal products must come from livestock raised in a natural habitat. Farmers must give them organic feed, clean housing, and access to the outdoors. Farmers cannot use growth hormones…
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Asthma in Kids
Asthma is a disease that often starts in childhood and makes it difficult for your child to breathe… What is asthma? Asthma is a disease that often starts in childhood. Asthma makes it difficult for your child’s lungs to get air. That makes it…
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Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a tick bite… What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by a tick bite. It was first recognized in 1975 when large numbers of children around the town of Lyme, Connecticut, were being…
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Body Piercing
Piercings should always be done in a clean environment using sterile (clean and germ-free) equipment. This is the best way… Body piercing is when a hole is made in your body so you can add a piece of jewelry for decoration. The earlobe is…
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Sore Throat
A sore throat can feel irritated or scratchy with mild to burning pain. Most sore throats are caused by viruses,… What is a sore throat? A sore throat means that your throat hurts. It feels irritated or scratchy. You may feel mild discomfort or a…
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Common School-Age Illnesses/Infections
Childhood illnesses can be worrying for parents, but most common illnesses are relatively harmless and can be cared for at… Getting sick is part of being a kid. Their immune systems haven’t been exposed to as many germs as those of adults. So when…
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Exercise During Pregnancy
Exercise offers many benefits during a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program while… For most people, exercise is beneficial to overall health and wellness. This includes pregnant people. If you are healthy and your pregnancy is typical (not…
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Dental Hygiene: How to Care for Your Baby's Teeth
Maintaining healthy teeth is important for the growth of your baby. Poor oral care can lead to infection, disease and… Healthy teeth are important to your baby’s overall health. They help your baby eat and form sounds and words. They also affect the way your…
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Chronic Pain Medicines
Chronic pain can last from 3 months to many years. Medicines to treat it include pain relievers, antidepressants, and… Chronic pain is a type of pain that continues over time. It can last anywhere from 3 months or more to several years. Chronic pain may…
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Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a primarily intestinal illness that occurs when you eat or drink something that contains harmful bacteria, viruses,… What is food poisoning? Food poisoning (also known as food-borne illness) occurs when you eat or drink something that contains harmful germs (bacteria, viruses, or…
