American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Falls: How to Lower Your Risk
A fall at an older age can have serious consequences to your health and independence. Reduce your risk for falling… People fall at every age. This is especially true of young babies learning to walk. However, as we age, we become more concerned about falling…
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Contact
Thank you for your interest in contacting the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). We welcome your feedback about… Please note that we do not answer individual medical or personal questions or give individual medical or personal advice. If you have questions or concerns about your…
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Are Aching Joints a Symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you’re having joint pain, tell your family doctor. Treating early can help prevent or reduce lifelong disability… Linda (not her real name) is a 60-year-old woman who came to see me as a new patient. She said that her main health concern was…
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Recognizing Newborn Illnesses
How do you know if your newborn is sick. These signs may give you a clue… Bringing your baby home from the hospital is a very exciting time. But having a newborn around can be stressful for lots of reasons. One of these is concern…
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Kids and Bullying
Bullying, whether in person or online, is all too common in school-aged children. It’s important to know how to recognize… Bullying is aggressive, unwanted behavior from one school-aged child to another. Bullies use their power, such as popularity or physical strength, to repeatedly hurt others…
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Trusted Help for Worsening GERD Symptoms
Don’t assume you’re fine if something doesn’t seem quite right. The earlier your family doctor can address health problems, the… As a family doctor, I have the benefit of getting to know my patients well over time. I make sure they understand how important…
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Hiding in Plain Sight: Diagnosing Hypothyroidism
A new patient thought her symptoms were just part of getting older. By taking time to ask the right questions,… time. When I meet with new patients, I take time to find out about their current and past health care issues or concerns. Sometimes, patients…
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Mpox (monkeypox)
Mpox (monkeypox) began making the news following a surge in new cases in summer 2022. This outbreak includes reports of… includes the United States. In July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and in…
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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… Look to those around you for help during this time. Talk to your doctor for specific advice or if you have any concerns. Path to Improved Health How soon can I return…
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Preparing for Parenthood: Safe Storage
Organizing your home—and even your car—safely for children is a constant effort. As your family grows, it’s important to reassess… is storage. Path to improved safety Step one: Walk into each room, assess your current storage methods, and rethink any areas of concern—especially if you…
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Accessing Care in Rural Communities
Most of us can find a doctor or a hospital nearby. Rural residents struggle to find health care in their… Most of us can find a doctor or a hospital nearby. Rural residents struggle to find health care in their towns and counties. Some people…
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International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy
Travelling overseas can be fun, but there are precautions and plans you should make to ensure that you stay healthy… International travel is exciting, but it’s important to think through what can jeopardize your health while traveling. From disease outbreaks and poor water and food…
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Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning (NFP) is a form of pregnancy planning. It does not involve medicine or devices. It tracks when… Natural family planning (NFP) is a form of pregnancy planning. It does not involve medicine or devices. NFP helps people observe their body’s fertility signs…
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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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Baby’s First Steps
Watching a baby take their first steps is exciting, but it also leads to a new set of challenges for… There are many milestones in a baby's first year. The most exciting may be baby's first steps. On average, babies take their first steps around…
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Unsure About the COVID-19 Vaccine? Talk to Your Family Doctor
Your family doctor can provide trustworthy information about the COVID-19 vaccine and other recommended immunizations… For family doctors, talking about the importance of getting vaccinated is not a new thing. We’ve been counseling our patients on recommended immunizations for years. A variety of vaccines…
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Rh Incompatibility
Rh incompatibility is a mismatched blood type between a pregnant mother and the baby she is carrying… Rh incompatibility is a mismatched blood type between a pregnant mother and the baby she is carrying. It is rarely serious or life threatening, thanks to early diagnosis…
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Self Harm — Cutting
Cutting (sometimes called self harm) is the act of purposely cutting yourself with a sharp object, such as a knife… It’s difficult to watch your child experience emotional pain. It’s even more difficult to see physical signs of their pain. Cutting is the act of…
