August 15, 2007

Management of chronic insomnia should begin with nonpharmacologic therapies, such as relaxation therapy, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. Effective pharmacologic treatment options include benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics.

Many imaging tests are available to help accurately and quickly diagnose patients with acute chest pain. The American College of Radiology has developed appro-priateness criteria to rate and determine the applicability of each test and to help physicians make decisions…

This virulent bacterium causes septicemia and necrotizing wound infection. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy; appropriate wound care; and, when indicated, supportive therapy in the intensive-care setting.

Use of herbal remedies and dietary supplements has increased in recent years, especially among persons with anxiety and depression. For several of these products, data show that the potential for benefit seems greater than that for harm with short-term use. Physicians and…

The value of the continuing medical education (CME) offered by the Academy, particularly in American Family Physician, was described in this space in the April 1, 2007, issue. That column also briefly explained the reaccreditation process being conducted by the Accreditation…

House Bill Would Eliminate SGR-Based Payment System by 2010 | SCHIP Legislation May Promote Patient-Centered Medical Home | Law to Make Prescriptions Tamper-resistant Raises Concerns | State Scorecard Offers Models for Improving Health Care System | Medical Home Model Found to…

According to study results published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, former professional foot-ball players who have had multiple concussions may be at risk of clinical depression. Questionnaires that asked about previous injuries and other general health…

Since the creation of the “Radiographic Highlights” series in 1982, AFP has shown its dedication to helping readers learn about and use various radiographic tools for diagnosis and management. This series of short articles led to the comprehensive “Radiologic Decision-Making…

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

Identifying patients with pneumonia (defined as acute respiratory illness with an infiltrate seen on a chest radiograph) is important.

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

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing genital warts and cervical changes that may lead to cervical cancer, and it is recommended as part of the vaccination series in females 11 to 12 years of age. It can be given to females as young as 9 or 10 years of age, and…

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released recommendations for hepatitis B vaccine use in adults. The most effective way to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is administration of the hepatitis B vaccine.

CDC Reports on Racial Differences in Patients with ESRD

ACOG Releases Guidelines on the Use of SSRIs During Pregnancy

Insomnia is when you often can';t fall asleep or when you wake up in the night and can';t go back to sleep. Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep every night. People 65 years and older may sleep less at night and nap during the day.

Vibrio vulnificus (VIB-ree-oh vul-NIF-i-cus) is a germ found in warm seawater. If you eat shellfish (especially oysters) or other seafood that has the germ, you can get an infection.