Unless you are allergic to the venom of bees, wasps, or hornets, you probably won’t need to see your family doctor if you get stung. A sting will be painful and annoying, but otherwise pretty harmless. Most of my patients only have mild…
Knowing why you smoke might be the answer to quitting for good… Why do I smoke? If you learn the answer to this question, it will be easier to stop smoking. Knowing why you smoke will help you find ways to make up for the…
Learn how you feel about smoking and how you can use this information to help you quit… How do you feel about quitting smoking? Put a check mark next to the statement below that best describes how you feel about quitting smoking: ____ I like…
A new study released in late September shows a possible association between exposure to aluminum found in some childhood vaccinations and the development of persistent asthma in young children. A study like this may cause parents to have questions about routine vaccinations for their…
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…
Ongoing or recurrent abdominal pain (stomach pain), also called chronic pain, may be difficult to diagnose, causing frustration for both… Ongoing or recurrent abdominal pain (stomach pain), also called chronic pain, may be difficult to diagnose, causing frustration for both you and your doctor. Do…
Just about everyone has had a “stomachache” at one time or another. But sudden severe abdominal pain (stomach pain), also… Just about everyone has had a "stomachache" at one time or another. But sudden severe abdominal pain (stomach pain), also called acute pain, shouldn't be…
An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that allows a doctor to look inside your abdomen (belly)… An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test. It allows your doctor to look inside your abdomen (often referred to as your stomach or belly) without surgery. The abdomen…
Abnormal uterine bleeding is any heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus. In most women, abnormal uterine bleeding is caused… What is abnormal uterine bleeding? Abnormal uterine bleeding is any heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus (through your vagina). It can occur at any…
Familydoctor.org is the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, featuring physician-reviewed patient education materials… American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 133,500 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct…
Most of us can find a doctor or a hospital nearby. Rural residents struggle to find health care in their… Most of us can find a doctor or a hospital nearby. Rural residents struggle to find health care in their towns and counties. Some people…
Sometimes, life’s challenges force us to seek help. Whether it’s illness, joblessness, homelessness, or natural disasters, social service agencies can… Sometimes, life’s challenges force us to seek help. Whether it’s illness, joblessness, homelessness, or natural disasters, social service agencies can help. It’s important to seek…
An ACL injury is the overstretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament in your knee. It is a common… What is an ACL injury? ACL refers to the anterior cruciate ligament. It is 1 of 4 ligaments in your knee. The other knee…
Acne is a common skin condition. It causes bumps on the skin known as pimples to appear on the face… What is acne? Acne is a common skin condition. It causes bumps on the skin known as pimples. Pimples form when the tiny hair…
Acute bronchitis is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the airways that carry air into… What is acute bronchitis? Acute bronchitis is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These are the airways that carry…
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides calories for your body to use as energy. There are two main types… Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides calories for your body to use as energy. There are two main types: Natural sugar is found in whole,…
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…
ADHD is one of the most common developmental disorders of childhood, associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity… What is ADHD in children? ADHD is one of the most common developmental disorders of childhood, associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Symptoms of…