American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (lasting) inflammatory disorder. It causes swelling and pain in the lining of your… several months or years), the less effective they become. Steroids do have side effects, such as easy bruising, bone thinning, cataracts, and diabetes. Anti-rheumatic medicines can help treat…
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CT Head Scan
A CT or CAT scan looks inside your head and neck. It can be used to diagnose many health problems… if you know you're allergic to dye. Things to consider Some people with poor kidney function caused by kidney disease or diabetes may need extra…
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Body Piercing
Piercings should always be done in a clean environment using sterile (clean and germ-free) equipment. This is the best way… your body’s immune system and your ability to fight infection. Be sure to tell the person piercing you if you have diabetes, heart problems, a…
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Hair Loss
It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive… The infection is treated with antifungal medicines. Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair…
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West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is an infectious disease that can cause flu-like symptoms. It’s usually spread by infected mosquitos… higher risk of developing severe illness if you: Are more than 60 years of age Have certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease…
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Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria. Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs. But it can also affect your joints, kidneys,… TB disease if you have a weakened immune system. This could include: Babies and young children People with chronic conditions such as diabetes People with HIV/AIDS Recipients of organ transplants Cancer…
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Heart Attack
A heart attack is a cardiac event caused by one or several factors and can be mild or fatal… What is a heart attack? A heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle is cut off from oxygen. If the oxygen isn’t restored soon, a…
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Alopecia Areata (AA)
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes you to lose small, round patches of hair on your head… What is alopecia areata? Alopecia areata is a form of alopecia (hair loss). It’s a non-life-threatening disease of your immune system that affects the hair…
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Ulcers - Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
Ulcers are sores on the lining of your stomach or small intestine… What is an ulcer? Ulcers are sores on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. Sores also could be on your esophagus (throat). Most ulcers are located in the small intestine…
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Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that affects your esophagus. It happens when acid from your stomach goes back up into… What is Barrett’s esophagus? Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that affects your esophagus. That’s the tube that food travels down when you eat. It…
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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…
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Sexuality in Older Adults
As you age, it doesn’t mean that you suddenly lose interest in sex. It’s common for people to remain sexually… As you age, it doesn’t mean that you suddenly lose interest in sex. It’s common for people to remain sexually active throughout their lives…
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Lupus and Pregnancy
If you have lupus and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, plan ahead for adequate medical care before, during… Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue by mistake. Systemic lupus erythemotosus (SLE) is the most common…
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Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, means your thyroid gland makes too much hormone. This can cause weight loss, tremors, and… What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is known as overactive thyroid. It occurs when your thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland…
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Screening in Pregnancy
Pregnancy screenings can provide valuable information before your baby is born about the risks for common birth defects… Pregnancy screenings can provide valuable information before your baby is born. For example, genetic screenings can determine your baby’s risk for certain birth defects. This includes…
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Heart Attack | Medicines to Treat Heart Attack
Patients who have had heart attacks benefit from medicine but know the risks and side effects… If you’ve had a heart attack, your doctor has probably prescribed medicines you’ll need to take for a long time. These medicines: Help improve blood flow to your heart Prevent…
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Bloating
Bloating occurs in your abdomen. It happens when your GI tract fills with air or gas. Your stomach feels tight… What is bloating? Bloating occurs in your abdomen (stomach). It happens when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. The GI tract runs…
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Caffeine and Kids
Caffeine is a stimulant that is defined as a drug because of how it impacts the body. Children can be… Many of the food and drink items that children and teens crave have caffeine in them. You can find it in soda, energy drinks, and…
