American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Skin tags
Skin tags are non-cancerous skin growths that feel like a hanging mole. They are more common with age… on skin. Skin tags are more common with age and can run in families. They also are common in people who have diabetes or are overweight. How…
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Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that happens when you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. It’s more common… get enough sleep on a regular basis, you’re at increased risk of diseases. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Most adults need…
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Sleep Changes in Older Adults
As you age, you may have changes in your sleep patterns. Hormones, lifestyle habits, and certain conditions and medicines can… Lifestyle habits. These include smoking and drinking alcohol or caffeine. Certain medicines including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and cardiovascular drugs. Dealing with pain. Diabetes and prostate issues…
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Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an irritation, swelling or infection in your ear. It can be caused… other areas of the ear. This includes the skull bone. The infection can become severe in older people and people who have diabetes. What causes…
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What is a Total Contact Cast?
A total contact cast is used to treat ulcers (deep sores) on a person’s foot. It consists of a fiberglass… when you are standing or walking. Who needs a total contact cast? Total contact casts are commonly used by people who have diabetes with foot…
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Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. If the vagina isn’t acidic enough, too many yeast can… causes yeast infections? The acidic balance of the vagina can be changed by a number of factors, including: Your period (menstruation) Pregnancy Diabetes Douche products Some…
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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,… What is pruritus (itchy skin)? Pruritus is the medical term for itchy skin. Normally, itchy skin isn’t serious, but it can make you uncomfortable…
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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… The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is one that is high in fat intake and low in carbohydrate intake. When you replace the carbohydrates you eat…
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Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a condition that causes you to lose control of your bladder without warning… What is overactive bladder? Overactive bladder is a condition that causes you to lose control of your bladder without warning. You may have to urinate more often or…
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Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a plaque build-up in your arteries… What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis causes plaque to collect in your arteries. (Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other things naturally found in your blood. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to…
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Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is pain and discomfort in a woman’s external genital area known as the vulva… What is vulvodynia? Vulvodynia is the word that describes pain and discomfort in the vulva. The vulva is a woman’s external genital area, or the area around the opening…
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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 study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention…
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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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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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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…
