American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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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… away as the infection clears up. In rare cases, the infection can spread and cause damage to skin tissue, bone, and cartilage. Older adults, people…
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Bladder Training for Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This means you can’t always control when you urinate. Most types of… keep track of my urination? Is there anything else I should do to improve my urinary incontinence? Resources National Institutes of Health, National Institute on…
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Hydration: Why It’s So Important
Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs it to work properly… or breastfeeding Are trying to lose weight Can’t get enough fluids during the day Are on medications that contribute to dehydration Older adults are also…
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Avian Flu
Avian flu is a virus that is spread from bird to bird. In rare cases, certain strains of the virus… you catch avian flu from cooked poultry? How do you tell avian flu apart from normal, seasonal flu? Is avian flu more serious for young…
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Group B Strep Infection
Group B strep is a common kind of bacteria that can sicken newborns who are exposed to it during… who have group B strep may develop an infection of the urinary tract (also called a UTI), placenta, amniotic fluid, or bloodstream. Older adults and people…
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Herbal Health Products and Supplements
Herbal products and supplements are intended to maintain health or treat health problems. However, they are not regulated by the… Herbal health products and supplements may not be safe if you have certain health problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Children and older adults also…
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Hip Fractures
A hip fracture is a break in your thigh bone (femur) where it connects to your pelvic bone. Hip fractures… doctor How can I tell the difference between a hip fracture and sprain? How can I avoid getting a pressure sore? Should I wear compression…
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After 50: Nutritional Needs
Don’t ignore your nutritional needs as you get older… Our bodies change as we age. Our nutritional needs to change too. Nutrition comes from food and water. Nutritional needs are different for men and women, certain medical conditions, activity level, and age. Food provides…
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Getting Fit Throughout Your Day
Get creative to find ways throughout your day to improve your fitness… We all lead busy lives. This can make it hard to find time to exercise. But you don’t need to carve out an hour of every day to get fit. There are plenty…
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Sometimes an area of a blood vessel wall will get weak. It can start to swell like a balloon and… What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)? The main blood vessel in your body is the aorta. It is a long blood vessel called…
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder that occurs when the tissues in your wrist get swollen or inflamed and… What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder of the wrist and hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel…
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Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM)
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a compression of the spinal cord in your neck… What is cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)? Your spinal cord is a group of nerves that runs from your head to your lower back. The cervical spine is the part in your…
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Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation in the airways of the lungs that lasts longer than 3 months. It is most… What is chronic bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation (or irritation) of the airways in the lungs. Chronic means it lasts longer than 3 months…
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that causes extreme fatigue that lasts for more than 6 months and interrupts daily… What is chronic fatigue syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease that causes you to become so fatigued (tired) you can’t perform normal…
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Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension
Cirrhosis and portal hypertension is a form of liver disease caused by alcoholism, poor diet, or infection… What is cirrhosis and portal hypertension? Cirrhosis is a form of liver disease. It occurs when cells in your liver become damaged and your body can’t repair them…
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Dementia
Dementia is a group of symptoms often caused by changes in brain structure. It often occurs in older people but… What is dementia? Dementia isn’t a disease. It’s a group of symptoms that can be caused by changes in brain structure. Dementia often occurs…
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Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression is very common among people who have Alzheimer’s disease, but there are things you can do as a caregiver… What is depression? When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness called major depression. Someone who has major depression has symptoms nearly…
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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… Exercise can make a real difference for people who have diabetes. Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar level. It also…
