American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Search
-
Take Care of Yourself Before Pregnancy
Whether you’re planning to become pregnant or not, preconception care during your childbearing years is essential. Here are some things… vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Certain medications can cause serious birth defects, so be sure to mention everything you’re taking. Stop Smoking, Vaping, and Drinking…
-
Osteopenia
Osteopenia is a condition that begins as you lose bone mass and your bones get weaker… before age 45) Having surgery to remove ovaries Having hyperthyroidism There are some things you can do to lower your risk. Stop smoking or using tobacco. Avoid or limit…
-
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… the virus: Get plenty of rest. This is especially important if you have a fever. Rest helps your body fight infection. Stop smoking and avoid…
-
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can cause you to stop breathing multiple times while you sleep… medicines. These relax the muscles in the back of your throat, making it harder for you to breathe. If you smoke, quit smoking. If you are…
-
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a medical condition that can lead to stroke and heart disease… high cholesterol tends to run in families. If you have an immediate family member who has it, you could have it, too. Smoking also causes high cholesterol. It lowers your HDL…
-
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people who have diabetes. It affects the retina. A healthy retina is… diabetic retinopathy: Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Get a yearly eye exam. Exercise regularly. Eat a healthy diet. Quit smoking. Avoid alcohol…
-
Exercise-induced Bronchospasm
Exercise-induced bronchospasm is when the airways in your lungs narrow during exercise, making it hard to breath. This can make… cold or the flu. Avoid exercising when your allergies are bad. For instance, when pollen levels are high. If you smoke, stop smoking. Questions to…
-
Health Insurance: Understanding What It Covers
Health insurance plans differ in terms of what they cover. All plans offered by the federal marketplace, however, must cover… Your health insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. The policy lists a package of medical benefits such as tests, drugs,…
-
Peripheral Arterial Disease and Claudication
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a problem with blood flow in the arteries, especially those in the legs. Claudication is… What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and claudication? Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a problem with blood flow in the arteries, especially those in the…
-
Heart Attack
A heart attack is a cardiac event caused by one or several factors and can be mild or fatal… What is a heart attack? A heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle is cut off from oxygen. If the oxygen isn’t restored soon, a…
-
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. How serious it is depends on what caused the pneumonia, your age, and… What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs to get inflamed (irritated and…
-
Heart Failure
Heart failure means your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. It can be caused by different heart… What is heart failure? The term “heart failure” sounds scary. But it simply means your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should…
-
Flatulence/Gas
Flatulence is another name for gas. It happens when air stays in your abdomen after you eat. It can be… What is flatulence/gas? Flatulence is another name for gas. You’ve experienced it. In fact, it’s normal for people pass gas several times a day…
-
Clubfoot
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth that causes a baby’s foot to turn inward or downward. It can be… What is Clubfoot? Clubfoot is a congenital condition (present at birth) that causes a baby’s foot to turn inward or downward. It can be mild…
-
Effects of Early Sun Exposure
There is a direct link between sun exposure and most skin cancers. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight are invisible… There is a direct link between sun exposure and most skin cancers. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight are invisible. But they penetrate skin and…
-
Bloating
Bloating is when your stomach is filled with air or gas from what you eat, your lifestyle, or for medical… What is bloating? The medical term is “meteorism.” But we all know the term “bloating” and the way it makes us feel. Bloating occurs in…
-
What You Should Know Before You Start A Weight-loss Plan
Trying to lose weight is a good thing, but there are several factors that can affect your efforts to drop… You may want to lose weight for personal reasons. Or you may need to lose weight to improve your health. Losing weight can reduce your…
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a medical condition that occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at higher pressure… What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of your blood as it flows through the arteries in your body. Arteries are blood…
