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 Abuse
Substance abuse can happen when products aren’t used in the right way. Prescription medicines, illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol can… 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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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 Abuse
The abuse of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines is an epidemic. Ask your doctor how to safely treat pain to… certain OTC medicines. Treating drug abuse: Your doctor or a medical health professional can diagnose opioid use disorder (misusing opioids) and opioid addiction. Opioid addiction is a…
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Smoking Cessation in Recovering Alcoholics
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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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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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that makes it hard to breathe. RSV is common in children under… What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus. It affects your lungs. It 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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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…
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Dangers of Vaping
Vaping uses electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to simulate traditional cigarette smoking. E-cigarettes are battery-powered or chargeable smoking devices… 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 cigarettes or…
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Health Insurance: Understanding What It Covers
Health insurance plans differ in terms of what they cover. All plans offered by the federal marketplace, however, must cover… Your health insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. The policy lists a package of medical benefits such as tests, drugs,…
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Tips for Recovering and Staying Well After a Heart Attack
It’s possible to recover from a heart attack and live a quality life… If you have had a heart attack, you may feel worried and overwhelmed. You probably have a lot of questions. There are many things to consider, starting with taking care of…
