American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Search
-
Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
Indigestion happens when your body has trouble digesting food. Anyone can get indigestion, either on occasion or as part of… make my indigestion worse? What should I do when nothing seems to help my indigestion? If I get indigestion, will I always have it or…
-
Calcium: What You Need to Know
Calcium keeps your bones and teeth healthy and strong. Your body can’t make its own calcium, so it’s important to… of calcium may provide health benefits in lowering the risk of colon cancer, preeclampsia (pregnancy related complication), and metabolic syndrome (such as diabetes). Other research…
-
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a disease that occurs when your body makes too much of the hormone cortisol… had. Their bones may not be as strong. People who no longer have Cushing’s syndrome are at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol…
-
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that causes you to have too much calcium in your bloodstream and not enough in your… to help the condition? Am I at risk for any long-term health problems? If I take lithium, should I stop without talking to my doctor…
-
Diverticular Disease (Diverticulitis)
Diverticular Disease is a group of conditions that affect your large intestine (colon)… medicines that treat diverticular disease? Will I need surgery to treat diverticular disease? Are there other options? Resources National Institutes of Health, Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diverticular Disease…
-
Deciding When to See a Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor is an important decision. While there are no set rules, some general guidelines can… in once a year for a check-up. But if you have problems or a chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, you will likely…
-
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by a virus. It is usually spread from person to person through… What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is a general term for inflammation of the liver. Normally, the liver breaks down waste products in your blood. But when the liver is inflamed,…
-
How To Start Exercising
Before beginning an exercise routine, you should talk to your family doctor. Ask your doctor about how much exercise is… Before beginning a workout routine, you should talk to your family doctor about how to start exercising. This is especially important if you haven’t been…
-
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects physical and intellectual development… What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes physical problems and intellectual disabilities. It is most often caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21…
-
Teenagers: How to Stay Healthy
Developing healthy habits when you’re a teenager will help you as you grow into an adult. Learn tips for staying… A person’s overall health is about much more than the absence of disease. It’s the state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Ultimately, it’s…
-
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a primarily intestinal illness that occurs when you eat or drink something that contains harmful bacteria, viruses,… What is food poisoning? Food poisoning (also known as food-borne illness) occurs when you eat or drink something that contains harmful germs (bacteria, viruses, or…
-
Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is a mental health condition involving an obsession with food and weight that harms a person’s emotional… What are eating disorders? An eating disorder is a mental health condition. It is an obsession with food and weight that harms a person’s emotional…
-
What to Eat Before and After a Workout
Exercise is important for maintaining your health. What you eat before and after your workout can have an impact on… We’ve all heard that runners need to carb-load before a big race. Eating carbohydrates (carbs) in the days leading up to a marathon is one…
-
Menopause
Menopause is when your menstrual periods permanently stop (12 months in a row without a period) and you can no… What is menopause? Menopause is when your menstrual periods permanently stop (12 months in a row without a period) and you can no longer become pregnant…
-
Nutrition: How to Make Healthier Food Choices
Making healthier food choices allows you to have more control of your weight and your cholesterol and helps to prevent… A healthy diet has a many benefits, including maintaining your desired weight. It also can lower your cholesterol and prevent certain health conditions. A healthy…
-
Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home
Monitoring your blood pressure at home may be necessary for certain medical conditions… Many people monitor their blood pressure at home. They often do this to manage or treat a certain health condition. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, keep a record or…
-
OTC Medicines: Know Your Risks and Reduce Them
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be purchased at the store without a doctor’s prescription, but care should still be taken to… Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those you can buy at the store. You don’t need a prescription from your doctor. They help you feel better by treating or…
-
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Chronic Kidney Disease and Nutrition
Following a special diet can help reduce the buildup of waste in your kidneys, reducing stress and slowing the progress… Normal, healthy kidneys remove waste from the blood. If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys are not working as well as they should. They…
