Articles
Initial Evaluation of Vertigo
Vertigo is a common cause of dizziness and one of the most frustrating complaintsfor patients. Discovering the cause of vertigo is vital to facilitate its management;an evidence-based approach using history, physical examination, and radiologicfindings can help establish a…
Nutritional Assessment and Counseling for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Barriers often prevent effective counseling of patients regarding nutrition;however, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, andphysicians should provide more than pharmacotherapy. Useful tools anda seven-step approach can facilitate nutritional assessment and…
Preventive Counseling, Screening, and Therapy for the Patient with Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection
Counseling of the patient newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiencyvirus should include prevention of transmission through behavior change andstabilization of psychosocial issues. Preventive interventions include patienteducation to reduce exposure to infections and screening…
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia can be a life-threatening metabolic problem and is often seen inpatients who have illnesses, are dehydrated, or are receiving medications that impairnormal potassium regulation. Treatment efforts include stabilizing the myocardiumto reduce the risk of arrhythmias…
Inside AFP
A Quarter Century of Dedication to AFP and to Family Medicine
This month marks 25 years of dedication to AFP by Jay Siwek, M.D., editor. Everyone who has had the honor of working with him–past and present–celebrates with him and thanks him for his service to AFP and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The real beneficiaries of his…
AFP News Now - AFP Edition
Quantum Sufficit
Quantum Sufficit
There might be a miniature ecosystem living in your pillows. A study from the University of Manchester shows the average household pillow can play host to up to 16 kinds of fungi. Researchers took samples from 10 pillows (five synthetic, five feather) that had been used for 18…
Editorials
Who Should Care for Patients with HIV/AIDS?
Unlike other diseases in the modern era of medicine, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have followed a tumultuous and unpredictable path, for doctors and patients alike. Since the first five cases of pneumocystis pneumonia were…
Point-of-Care Guides
Treating Adult Women with Suspected UTI
More than 7 million women are diagnosed with urinary tract infections (UTIs) annually, making it one of the most commonly seen conditions in primary care.
Photo Quiz
An Itch That Must Be Scratched
Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.
STEPS
Ibandronate (Boniva) for Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
Ibandronate is a bisphosphonate that can be taken daily or monthly. The daily dosage has been shown to decrease vertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis and a history of previous vertebral fractures. Neither formulation has been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture or…
POEMs
No Difference Among New Antidepressants
Homeopathy Is as Effective as Placebo
Tiotropium Slightly Reduces COPD Exacerbations
Tips from Other Journals
Treatment of Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy
Effect of Exercise on Blood Pressure in Older Persons
Family Physicians Undertreat Childhood Constipation
Cost-effectiveness of Drug Treatment for Osteopenia
Primary and Secondary Enuresis Have Same Causes
Practice Guidelines
AUA Updates Guidelines on Management of Erectile Dysfunction
The American Urological Association (AUA) has updated its 1996 recommendations on the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED results from a combination of vascular, neurologic, hormonal, and psychologic factors.
Practice Guideline Briefs
AAP Recommendations for Treating Children After a Disaster
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a clinical report recommending a course of action in treating children who have experienced or witnessed a disaster. After a disaster, children may experience a range of symptoms, from mild stress reactions to more severe…
Breast Cancer Screening and Socioeconomic Status
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report on breast cancer screening for women in 35 major metropolitan areas in 2000 and 2002.
CDC Report on Vaccination Coverage in Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report on vaccination coverage in children. The report states that coverage levels are notable given the supply shortage of several vaccines between 2001 and 2004.
Letters to the Editor
Executive Function Testing to Diagnose, Subtype Dementias
Information from Your Family Doctor
Vertigo: What You Should Know
Vertigo is the feeling that you’re moving when you are staying still. You might feel like you are spinning around, or that everything else is spinning around you.
Keeping Your Heart Healthy Through Good Nutrition and Exercise
You can do a lot to reduce your risk of heart disease by eating right and exercising. Here are some tips on what to eat and what to stay away from. At the end, you will find some advice on exercise. This should start you on your way to a healthier heart.
Corrections
Correction
The POEM “Approach to Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome” (May 1, 2005, page 1771) contained a typographic error in the second paragraph of the first column. The term androgen receptor blockade should be angiotensin receptor blockade. The online version of this…