American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the muscles in the heart. It causes your heart muscles to become enlarged. This can… cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy can have many causes. It may be caused by: Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries) High blood pressure Infections Certain medicines Diabetes Thyroid disorders…
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Trans Fats (Bad Fats)
Trans fats are a type of fatty acid found in the foods we eat. Trans fats are bad types of… lipoprotein, or HDL). Eating trans fats can make you gain weight. It also raises your risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other…
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Fainting
Fainting happens when your brain does not get enough oxygen. You lose consciousness, or “pass out,” for a brief time… oxygen changes. This is very common among older people. It is also common in people who have certain health conditions, such as diabetes. Fainting can…
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After 40: Women’s Nutrition and Metabolism Needs
Nutritional needs (food and water) and metabolism (how fast your body converts food to energy) change for women as they… oils), vitamins, minerals, and water. These foods have been linked to some disease prevention, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain…
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Surgery for Obesity
Weight loss surgery can be called bariatric surgery. It involves surgically reducing the size of your stomach so your body… qualify for surgical weight loss, you must have health conditions related to your obesity. These include sleep apnea, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or high…
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Cholesterol and Your Child
Adopting habits to keep cholesterol low in childhood can help avoid cholesterol-related health problems later in life… death in the United States. The risk is higher in people who: Have a family history of heart disease or strokes Have diabetes Are overweight or obese Have…
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Getting Motivated to Work Out
Making a habit of working out is difficult to start, but beneficial to your mental and physical health… studies have shown that working out on a regular basis can reduce, delay, and maybe even prevent the onset of certain diseases. Diabetes, cancer, and dementia are…
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
olycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs when cysts form on a woman’s ovaries… spots Dark patches of skin Anxiety or depression Pelvic pain Women who have PCOS are also more likely to have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and high levels of…
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Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet can help you to lose or maintain weight and also helps to manage blood pressure, blood sugar,… The Mediterranean diet is inspired by foods eaten in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. This includes Greece, Spain, France, and southern Italy. The Mediterranean…
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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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Sleep Changes in Older Adults
As you age, you may have changes in your sleep patterns. Hormones, lifestyle habits, and certain conditions and medicines can… Most healthy older adults aged 65 or older need 7-8 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and alert. But as you age,…
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Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an irritation, swelling or infection in your ear. It can be caused… What is swimmer's ear? Swimmer's ear is an irritation, swelling, or infection in your ear. It's often caused by swimming a lot or swimming in…
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Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that happens when you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. It’s more common… What is insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder that happens when you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Acute insomnia is short-term…
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What is a Total Contact Cast?
A total contact cast is used to treat ulcers (deep sores) on a person’s foot. It consists of a fiberglass… A total contact cast is a cast used to treat ulcers (serious, deep sores) on a person’s foot. It consists of a fiberglass or plaster…
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Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. If the vagina isn’t acidic enough, too many yeast can… What is a vaginal yeast infection? Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. Yeast are tiny organisms that normally live in small numbers on…
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Pressure Sores
Pressure sores are sores on your skin. They’re usually caused by being in a bed or wheelchair nearly all the… What are pressure sores? Pressure sores are sores on your skin. They’re caused by being in a bed or wheelchair nearly all the time…
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Pruritus
Pruritus is a medical term for itchy skin that can be caused by a number of issues including dry skin,… What is itchy skin (Pruritus)? Pruritus is the medical term for itchy skin. Normally, itchy skin isn’t serious, but it can make you uncomfortable…
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Changing Your Diet: Choosing Nutrient-rich Foods
Changing your diet to include nutrient-rich foods is a healthier option and can reduce your risk for chronic diseases… Choose a diet made of nutrient-rich foods. Nutrient-rich (or nutrient-dense) foods are low in sugar, sodium, starches, and bad fats. They contain a lot of vitamins…
