American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Tobacco Addiction
Smoking or chewing tobacco is very dangerous for your health, but there are many resources available to help you… the way you act. The changes in your body are caused by an addiction to nicotine. That’s the main ingredient in tobacco products. These changes may…
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Non-substance Addiction
A non-substance addiction includes things like gambling, sex, food, the internet, mobile devices, and shopping. It is also known as… What is a non-substance addiction? Most people associate addiction with tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. A non-substance addiction includes things such as gambling, risky sex, pornography,…
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Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder can happen when products aren’t used in the right way. Prescription medicines, illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol… to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. This means you need to use more and more to get the same “feel good” effect. Substance addiction is different…
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Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs During Pregnancy
Even minor usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during your pregnancy can cause serious risks for the health of your… birth weight or certain birth defects. Smoking during or after pregnancy also has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Other tobacco products, such…
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Quitting Smoking in Addiction Recovery
Quitting smoking can be especially difficult for recovering alcoholics. There are a number of methods that your doctor can educate… cope with stress and cravings. Things to consider Smoking is an addiction. It's as likely to kill you as any other addiction – maybe even…
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Illegal Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Your Child
Children are exposed to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco through a number of sources. Talking to your child about these issues… Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are a health risk to everyone, especially children. They also are more harmful to children because they affect proper development. Most…
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How to Support an Addict
Supporting a loved one who has an addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or something else, can be tough. But… Addiction is a serious disease that can happen to anyone. It affects a person’s brain and behavior. There are many things that people can be…
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Prescription and OTC Drug Misuse
There are important steps you or a family member can take to reduce the risk of prescription and OTC drug… are known as pain medicines. They are prescribed by doctors for pain related to surgery, chronic medical conditions, and dental procedures. Opioid addiction can happen…
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Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb. After birth, the baby goes… What is neonatal abstinence syndrome? Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs in babies who had drug exposure in the womb. After birth, these babies go…
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Pregnancy After 35: Advanced Maternal Age
Becoming pregnant at age 35 or older can present additional medical challenges to you and your baby… If you are 35 or older and pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, there are some things you should know. At age 35, you are considered to be…
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Preventive Services for Healthy Living
A preventive service might be a test, an immunization or vaccine, or advice from your doctor. These services can detect… In addition to treating you when you are sick, your doctor can help you follow a program designed to help you stay healthy. Many physicians…
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The Importance of Staying Active and Involved
Your lifestyle choices will determine how quickly or slowly you age. Making healthy choices and staying socially active can help… As you age, your body changes. Joints become stiffer. You begin to lose muscle and gain fat. You don’t feel as strong or as nimble…
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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus. It affects your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The virus is… What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects your lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. The virus is…
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Antioxidants: What You Need to Know
Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop or limit damage caused by free radicals. They also boost your immunity… Your body’s cells face threats every day. Viruses and infections attack them. Free radicals also can damage your cells and DNA. Some cells can heal from the…
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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition women can get while pregnant. It involves an increase in blood pressure and signs of damage… What is preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a condition women can get when pregnant. It is sometimes called toxemia. It occurs when women who are pregnant have…
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Dangers of Vaping
Vaping uses electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes) to simulate traditional cigarette smoking. E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to… What is vaping? Vaping uses electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes) to simulate traditional cigarette smoking. E-cigarettes are battery-powered or chargeable smoking devices. Some look like traditional…
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is abnormal growth of cells in the lungs… What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. More people in the United States die…
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Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is when there are abnormal, or precancerous, cells in and around a woman’s cervix. This doesn’t mean you… What is cervical dysplasia? Cervical dysplasia is when there are abnormal, or precancerous, cells in and around a woman’s cervix. The vagina opens up…
