February 1, 2002

Articles

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: Controversies in Management

DIANE K. SHRIER, KENNETH D. BURMAN

Subclinical hyperthyroidism may be a distinct clinical entity, related only in part to Graves' disease or multinodular goiter. Patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism should have a detailed clinical history, physical examination, and thyroid function tests as part of an…

Problem Drinking and Alcoholism: Diagnosis and Treatment

MARY-ANNE ENOCH, DAVID GOLDMAN

Alcoholism is a common psychiatric disorder associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Screening for problem drinking and alcoholism should be an integral part of routine health questionnaires.

Quinolones: A Comprehensive Review

CATHERINE M. OLIPHANT, GARY M. GREEN

Recently introduced fluoroquinolones have expanded the traditional gram-negative coverage of this antibiotic class to include specific gram-positive organisms. Quinolone antibiotics should be used judiciously to prevent the development of resistance.

PtEd

Promoting and Prescribing Exercise for the Elderly

ROBERT J. NIED, BARRY FRANKLIN

By the year 2030, 22 percent of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65; therefore, it is vital to promote exercise plans to improve the cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and psychologic health of this population.

Inside AFP

Providing Family Physicians with the Tools to Recognize and Treat Alcohol-Related Problems

Janis Wright

On the cover of this issue of AFP, you'll see an illustration (above) showing a typical physician-patient encounter: An older man has consulted his family physician with a medical problem and has undergone a routine evaluation in the office setting. The physician has noted that…

Newsletter

Newsletter

Rosemarie Sweeney, Matthew Neff

HHS Awards $69 Million in Grants to Ensure Early HIV Care | New Web Site Offers CME on Bioterrorism Preparedness | Merck Recalls Hepatitis A Vaccine VAQTA | Relationship Found Between Low-Income Living and Being Uninsured | Partnership to Broaden Research Used In Consensus…

Quantum Sufficit

Quantum Sufficit

Heather McNeill, Sarah Morgan

Have an older brother or sister? Thank your mother for not having you first. In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers discovered that firstborn babies had higher levels of IgE, an antibody associated with allergies, than subsequent children. Of…

Editorials

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism Detected by Screening: Look Before You Treat

MARK HELFAND

In 1998, the American College of Physicians1 recommended that a routine thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement be obtained to screen women older than 50 years for thyroid disease. According to this guideline, screening could benefit patients by detecting symptomatic…

Diary from a Week in Practice

Diary from a Week in Practice

Obtaining a sexual history is usually the last item on the agenda during a physical examination. JOH, who trained in the early 1970s, never had the importance of obtaining a sexual history impressed on him. However, after almost 30 years in practice, it has become much easier…

Clinical Evidence Handbook

Acute Otitis Media

PADDY O'NEILL

What are the effects of treatments and preventive interventions for acute otitis media?

Photo Quiz

Koebner Streak

SYLVIA HSU, ADRIENNE M. FEASEL

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

Tips from Other Journals

Practice Guidelines

ACOG Issues Recommendations on Assessment of Risk Factors for Preterm Birth

Genevieve Ressel

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued new recommendations on assessing risk factors for preterm birth. These recommendations discuss risk factors, markers for predicting preterm birth, and clinical considerations.

Clinical Briefs

Clinical Briefs

Elaine Kierl Gangel

AAP Statement on Alcohol Use and Abuse | AAP Report on Mercury in the Environment | Call for Papers for Family Practice Research Presentations | Pocket Guide for Care of HIV/AIDS Patients

Letters to the Editor

Information from Your Family Doctor

Exercise for the Elderly

It is safe for most adults older than 65 years to exercise. Even patients with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis, can exercise safely. Many of these conditions are improved with exercise. If you are not sure if exercise is…

Corrections

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