American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Exercise and Seniors
Some form of regular exercise is important for older adults… only good for you if you are feeling well. Wait to exercise until you feel better if you have a cold, the flu or another illness. If you miss exercise for more than 2 weeks, be…
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Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers to form in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract anywhere from… Pain reliever Vitamin supplements In severe cases of Crohn’s disease, you may need to go to the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids or surgery. A…
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Eye Injuries in Sports
Each year, there are tens of thousands of sports-related eye injuries. Learn about the risks and common injuries, as well… worse. Seek care right away if you have symptoms, such as: Loss of vision Intense pain Blood in your eye Pus or fluid coming from…
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Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to stool leaking from the rectum. Many times it is… are usually very helpful in controlling incontinence. Changes in your diet such as adjusting the amount of fiber you eat, drinking more fluids, or changing…
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Bringing Your Baby Home
Welcoming a baby into your home is a big event. It can be scary if it is your first baby… Prevention (CDC) recommends a Tdap vaccine or booster for anyone who will have frequent contact with the baby. Caregivers also should get flu shots. You…
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Car Safety for Pregnant Women
A pregnant woman must take extra precautions when riding in or driving a car… If you experience any of the following after a car crash, call your doctor right away: Pain in your stomach Blood or fluid leaking from your vagina Contractions Questions to ask your…
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Blood Test: Lipid Panel
A lipid panel is a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels. This test is important because cholesterol can… a bruise at the site a day or two after the test. If you are dehydrated (your body doesn’t’ have enough fluids), it may be…
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Women’s Guide to Preventive Care
It’s important for women to take an active approach to health care. This means making it a priority to schedule… What is women’s preventive care? It’s important for women to take an active approach to health care, especially by the time they reach adulthood…
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Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a tick bite… What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by a tick bite. It was first recognized in 1975 when large numbers of children around the town of Lyme, Connecticut, were being…
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Beta Blockers for Heart Problems
Take your beta blockers to stay heart healthy… A beta blocker is a prescription medicine used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure. This kind of medicine blocks the harmful effects of your body’s stress hormones on your heart. (The stress hormone is epinephrine,…
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Diverticular Disease (Diverticulitis)
Diverticular Disease is a group of conditions that affect your large intestine (colon)… What is diverticular disease? Diverticular disease is a group of conditions that affect your large intestine (colon). It involves small pouches or sacs, called diverticula. These pouches can form in your intestine…
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Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common, mild, contagious childhood illness. It causes sores inside and outside the mouth… What is hand, foot, and mouth disease? Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness. It is caused by a virus…
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Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer in the bone marrow. It is caused when your body makes too many… What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the tissue inside the bones where…
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Exercise During Pregnancy
Exercise offers many benefits during a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program while… For most people, exercise is beneficial to overall health and wellness. This includes pregnant people. If you are healthy and your pregnancy is typical (not…
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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…
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Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a condition that affects your body’s adrenal glands. It interferes with your body’s ability to produce certain… What is Addison’s disease? Addison's disease is a condition that affects your body's adrenal glands. These glands are located on top of your kidneys…
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C. diff (Clostridium difficile) Infection
A clostridium difficile (C. diff.) infection is a bacterial infection in your intestines… What is C. diff. (Clostridium difficile)? Clostridium difficile (C. diff.) is a type of bacteria that lives in many people’s intestines. C. diff. is part of the normal balance of bacteria…
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Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that happen when a baby’s lip or mouth don’t form correctly early… What is cleft lip and cleft palate? Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects. They happen when a baby’s lip or mouth don’t form correctly…
