January 1, 2000

A thorough history, focused physical examination and limited laboratory testing will provide the primary care physician with the information necessary to appropriately manage most patients with erectile dysfunction.

Early application of preventive measures may reduce or even eliminate dental disease. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants be scheduled for an initial oral evaluation within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth but by no later…

Knowing how and when to use nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, aspirin and cholesterol-lowering agents holds the key to the management of chronic stable angina.

Many disorders that impair driving ability in older adults can be detected and treated by family physicians. When driving cessation is recommended, counseling is essential.

Clinical findings are often subtle in patients with osteochondritis dissecans, so diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion.

This is part I of a three-part series of articles derived from the USPHS/IDSA guidelines. New data about the prevention of opportunistic diseases have emerged since the guidelines were first published in 1997, and the first part of this series will discuss prevention of exposure.

Two new intranasal migraine medications may offer specific advantages for patients who are seeking alternatives to various oral or parenteral migraine abortive therapies.

This feature is part of a year-long series of excerpts and special commentaries celebrating AFP's 50th year of publication. Excerpts from the two 1950 volumes of GP, AFP's predecessor, appear along with highlights of 50 years of family medicine.

If you received this issue, chances are that we've avoided major Y2K glitches and are off to a great start in AFP's 50th year of publication. In case you flipped straight to your favorite starting place without stopping to admire this issue's cover, with its striking…

As a result of legislation passed by Congress in late November, the name of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) has officially been changed to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Under the new law, AHRQ is designated as the lead agency in…

Holidays and heart attacks go hand in hand, according to a report in Circulation. The months of December and January score highest in recorded heart-attack deaths. The rise in heart trouble is attributed to holiday bingeing on fatty foods and alcohol and the increased use of…

As the number of older drivers in the United States increases, concern about the potential implications for safety and mobility is growing. The roles and responsibilities of the driver, the family, the licensing agency and the physician in the process of determining who should…

We are often called on to give fatherly advice to our patients. Today, a somewhat bewildered 16-year-old girl came in with her mother. The girl had a rash on her earlobe and a painful lump just below the lobe. After JRH had diagnosed contact dermatitis and attendant cellulitis…

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

(Canada—Canadian Family Physician, September 1999, p. 2059.) Perianal erythema that persists after treatment for diaper rash may be caused by localized streptococcal dermatitis. Children three to four years of age are most susceptible to this condition, which has been…

One of the prevailing challenges for physicians is dealing with noncompliant patients—those patients who seem unable or unwilling to comply with their treatment plan. When faced with such a patient, the physician's first impulse is frequently one of anger and frustration. The…

The collaboration of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) continues with the 2000 harmonized immunization schedule

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the implementation of “standing orders” to ensure that influenza and pneumococcal immunizations are administered routinely to elderly and high-risk…

Never have I thought that I was the happy possessor of a “talent”; my sole concern has been to save myself by work and faith.

Also Received

Erectile dysfunction is when men can't get a penile erection or can't keep an erection long enough to finish having sex. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes called “impotence,” although that's an older term that doctors aren't using as much these days.

Taking good care of your child's teeth is important because even “baby” teeth help your child chew food and speak clearly. Baby teeth also hold space so permanent teeth can grow in straight. If you start your child off with good dental habits, your child will find it easier to…

For many older adults, a time comes when they find that they can no longer drive safely. You might be worried about a health problem (such as poor sight, arthritis or memory loss) that affects your driving. Friends or family members might have asked if you can still drive…

In osteochondritis dissecans (OCD for short), a loose piece of bone and cartilage separates from the end of the bone. The loose piece may stay in place or fall into the joint space, making the joint unstable. This causes pain and feelings that the joint is “catching” or “giving…