Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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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… the hands and soles of the feet. Infants and children younger than age 5 are most likely to get the virus. But older children, teens,…
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From a Family Doctor: Adults Need Vaccines, Too
of every four U.S. adults are missing one or more CDC-recommended vaccines, potentially putting their health at risk. In particular, adults who are 65 years and older have a higher risk of complications if they get the flu or pneumococcal pneumonia. The CDC…
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Thyroid Nodules
A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid gland in your neck. More than 90% of them are not… always sure why some people get thyroid nodules, but they’re very common. The chances of getting one increase as you get older. Almost 50% of…
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Adolescents and Young Adults: Getting the Preventive Services You Need
Get an early start on good lifelong health by learning about the services and advice your family doctor can provide… warts and several types of cancer (most commonly cervical cancer). The vaccine is given when children are 11-12 years old, but older teens and young…
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Adult vaccinations
Adult vaccinations are important for adults for staying healthy as they age… Adult vaccinations are just as important as childhood immunizations. Being an adult doesn’t make you immune to certain illnesses, and staying up to date on recommended vaccines is a key part of protecting…
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by a virus. It is usually spread from person to person through… The CDC recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for: All infants. All children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated. Adults 19–59. Adults…
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Your Brain is Aging: What a Family Physician Wants You to Know
Roughly 10% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have dementia, while 22% have mild cognitive impairment, according to a Columbia University study. You might have concerns about your own cognitive health or have questions about what you can do to keep your…
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Sleepwalking
Learn about the causes of and ways to deal with sleepwalking… Sleepwalking is just as it sounds. It involves walking around, sitting up, or doing other activities while asleep. The person’s eyes are open. They look like they are awake. Sleepwalking occurs during deep…
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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… Calcium is a mineral in your body that is also found in many foods. Most of the calcium in your body is in your bones…
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Quitting Smoking in Addiction Recovery
Quitting smoking can be especially difficult for recovering alcoholics. There are a number of methods that your doctor can educate… If you’re recovering from alcohol or substance misuse, you may be wondering whether now is the right time to quit smoking. While it can…
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Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking too much alcohol too often. This can harm your work, school, and… What is alcohol misuse? Alcohol misuse is a serious problem. It is a pattern of drinking too much alcohol too often. It interferes with your…
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Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs During Pregnancy
Even minor usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during your pregnancy can cause serious risks for the health of your… Pregnant people should avoid using tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, and drugs. Even minor use carries health risks for the baby, including short- and long-term conditions…
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Weight Issues in Children
Learn how to teach your child healthy habits to prevent weight problems or to help your child lose weight… Is your child overweight? It may be hard to tell. As children grow and develop, weight changes are normal. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight,…
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Combat Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season usually begins when the weather starts to cool. You can take steps to help protect your… Cold and flu season often begins in October as the weather outside starts to turn cold. It can last until May. Each year, it's…
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COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions for the new COVID-19 vaccine… What is an mRNA vaccine and how does it work? Most vaccines (or immunizations) work by injecting a weakened form of a disease germ into your body. This is usually done…
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Shingles
Shingles is a painful skin rash. It is also called zoster or herpes zoster. It is caused by the same… What is shingles? Shingles is a painful skin rash. It is also called zoster or herpes zoster. It is caused by the varicella zoster…
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Preventing the Flu
The flu is a viral infection that can lead to serious diseases, such as pneumonia. That’s why it’s important to… Influenza (also called “the flu”) is a viral infection in the nose, throat, and lungs. About 10% to 20% of Americans get the flu…
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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…
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