American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Pressure Sores
Pressure sores are sores on your skin. They’re usually caused by being in a bed or wheelchair nearly all the… or a wheelchair while they heal. Lastly, some chronic (long-lasting) diseases make it hard for pressure sores to heal. Those include diabetes and hardening of…
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Changing Your Diet: Choosing Nutrient-rich Foods
Changing your diet to include nutrient-rich foods is a healthier option and can reduce your risk for chronic diseases… trans fats. This type of diet contributes to weight gain. It can increase your risk of health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease…
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Pruritus (Itchy Skin)
Pruritus is a medical term for itchy skin that can be caused by a number of issues including dry skin,… weeks. What causes pruritus (itchy skin)? It can be caused by many things, including: Dry skin Skin disease Pregnancy Certain medicines Allergies Diabetes HIV/AIDS Aging…
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Keto Diet
The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is one that is high in fat intake and low in carbohydrate intake… especially because many people eat less when they cut carbs from their diets. Some even claim that keto can help to control diabetes and prediabetes because…
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Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a condition that causes you to lose control of your bladder without warning… overactive bladder. Nerve damage is caused by: Vaginal childbirth (for women) Prostate problems (for men) Spinal cord or brain injuries or infections Diabetes Stroke Multiple sclerosis Exposure to heavy…
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Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a plaque build-up in your arteries… develop when the inner layers of your arteries become damaged. Many things can cause this damage, including: High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Obesity or being overweight Smoking and tobacco use Unhealthy diet Lack of exercise Family…
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Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is pain and discomfort in a woman’s external genital area known as the vulva… sure what causes vulvodynia, so there is no sure way to prevent or avoid it. If your vulvodynia is caused by uncontrolled diabetes or sensory diabetic neuropathy, follow your doctor’s…
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Sugar Substitutes
Sugar substitutes are chemical or plant-based substances used to sweeten foods and drinks. You may have heard them called “artificial… Sugar substitutes are chemical or plant-based substances used to sweeten or enhance the flavor of foods and drinks. You may have heard them called "artificial…
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The Doctor Will See You In Person Now
Telemedicine lets you access medical care without leaving your home. But it isn’t the right choice for every visit with… I practice family medicine at a clinic in Alaska. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, my clinic switched to telemedicine visits. Using…
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Flu Risks and Chronic Conditions
Chronic health conditions can increase your risk of being hospitalized with influenza (the flu). Getting an annual flu vaccine is… Chronic health conditions can increase your risk of being hospitalized with influenza (the flu). A recent study by the Centers of Disease Control and…
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Hydration for Athletes
Getting the right amount of water before, during, and after exercise helps your body to function properly. A lack of… Whether you’re a serious athlete or exercise for recreation, it’s important to stay hydrated. Good hydration means getting the right amount of water before, during,…
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Nail Fungal Infections
A nail infection is caused by a fungus. This infection can happen in toenails and fingernails. It is more common… What is a nail fungal infection? A nail infection is caused by a fungus. This infection can happen in toenails and fingernails. It is…
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Pyloric Stenosis
What is pyloric stenosis? Pyloric stenosis is a medical condition. It is a narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. That space is called the pylorus. It often occurs in babies younger than 6 months. It is more common in
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Vision Loss
Vision loss is losing your ability to see well without vision correction tools, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. It… What is vision loss? Vision loss is losing your ability to see well without some sort of vision correction. Vision correction tools include eyeglasses, contact lenses,…
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Prescription Weight-loss Medicines
Prescription weight loss medicines are given to you by your doctor to help you lose weight when diet and exercise… Prescription weight loss medicines can help people with obesity lose weight. They are usually prescribed by a doctor when diet and exercise alone are not…
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Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail curls down and digs into the skin of… What is an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail curls down and digs into the skin…
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Men’s Guide to Preventive Health Care
Men have different health care needs than women and may need to pay more attention to their health because of… It is up to us to take charge of our health. Focusing on your physical and mental health can prevent a lot of conditions and…
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Preterm Labor and Birth
Preterm labor and birth occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy and can lead to problems for the baby… Every patient who is pregnant longs for a dream pregnancy—a 40-week, worry-free time where everything goes as planned. But some women have complications. One common complication…
