American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Mad Cow Disease
Mad cow disease is a rare and deadly brain disease spread by eating beef products from a cow that has… disease. An MRI or computed tomography (CT) scan can help rule out a stroke or brain tumor. Doctors can order a spinal fluid test to…
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Infant Jaundice
Infant jaundice is common. It can make your baby’s skin, eyes, and mouth turn yellow. While it may look odd,… your baby may have more severe jaundice. If this happens, you should call your baby’s doctor right away. Artificial light, especially fluorescent lights, can sometimes…
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What do I need in my first aid kit?
A well-prepared first aid kit is an important tool in treating minor injuries that commonly occur at home and when… your household Latex gloves Instant cold packs Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages A suction device (or kitchen turkey baster) to flush out wounds…
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Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is caused by a fungus. People whose immune systems are weak due to an HIV infection or… sexual contact. You can’t prevent being exposed to the fungus. How is PCP diagnosed? PCP is diagnosed by lab tests of fluid or tissue from…
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Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: What Parents Needs to Know
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It can lead to infections in the lungs, blood, and brain. The vaccine prevents… 5 years of age with the following medical conditions: Sickle cell disease Spleen damage or no spleen A cochlear implant A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak…
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Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a cut or scratch on your cornea, the layer of protective tissue at the front of… that you can keep your eye open for the exam. Your doctor may also place a yellow-orange dye on your eye (fluorescein drops) and then…
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Head Injuries
Head injuries can cause harm to your brain, skull, or scalp. There are many types including concussion, brain contusion, skull… confusion Pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated) or different sizes Trouble walking or speaking Problems breathing Drainage of bloody or clear fluids from the…
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Diabetes and Exercise
Exercise can make a real difference for people who have diabetes. Exercise can help control your weight and lower your… to your doctor for specific advice. Should I drink more fluids during exercise? Yes. When you’re exercising, your body uses more fluid to keep you…
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Types of Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a group of prescription medicines that treat depression and sometimes other health conditions… Antidepressants are a group of prescription medicines that treat depression. They may also be used to treat other health conditions. The chemicals in them affect people in different ways. This…
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Blood Poisoning
Blood poisoning happens when an infection enters your bloodstream and your body reacts to the infection… What is blood poisoning? Blood poisoning (sepsis) has nothing to do with poison. Instead, it’s primary cause is the presence of germs, which enter your bloodstream from an infection…
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Top 10 Tips From Your Family Doctor
Family doctors offer the top 10 ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19… What we know about COVID-19 continues to change. But there are important things we can do to protect ourselves and those around us. Wash your hands often with soap and…
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Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease is caused by infection by the Ebola virus. There are five known strains, four of which affect… What is Ebola virus disease? Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but serious disease caused by infection by the Ebola virus. There are five…
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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…
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Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema and atopic dermatitis are rash-like skin conditions common in babies but can continue in adulthood… What is eczema and atopic dermatitis? Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. Eczema is often…
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus… What is human papillomavirus (HPV)? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. There are more than 200 types of HPV. Some types…
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Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Treatment for Muscle Spasms
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is used to treat muscle spasms and other conditions. It is injected into the affected… Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a protein that stops muscle spasms. It is injected directly into the muscle. A spasm is when your muscle contracts or moves on its…
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Gout
Gout is a common type of arthritis marked by swelling and pain in your joints… What is gout? Gout is a common type of arthritis. It is marked by swelling and pain in your joints. It most often occurs in one or both of your big…
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Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is a condition that temporarily paralyzes the side of your face. It usually goes away on its own… What is Bell’s palsy? Bell’s palsy is a condition that temporarily paralyzes the side of your face. It can affect all or part of…
