June 1, 2008

Chronic pelvic pain often cannot be traced to a specific diagnosis. The history and physical examination can narrow the diagnostic possibilities and suggest appropriate treatment.

Genetic influences on drug metabolism interact with other intrinsic (i.e., physiologic) and extrinsic (i.e., cultural, behavioral, and environmental) characteristics of a person to determine treatment outcome with any pharmacologic agent. Physicians need to be aware of these…

Family physicians play an important role in implementing the new immunization recommendations for children and adolescents. Educating patients and their families about the benefits and risks of the various vaccines is a top priority.

New guidelines from the American Cancer Society emphasize the importance of diet, physical activity, and weight control for reducing cancer risk in the general population and for improving outcomes in cancer survivors. Further recommendations include using community action…

Is weight-based unfractionated heparin as good as weight-based low-molecular-weight heparin for outpatient treatment of venous thromboembolism? Even though this study was underpowered to prove equivalence, treatment with subcutaneous unfractionated heparin is a viable option.

Bipartisan Legislation Could Help Launch Health Care Reform in Next Administration | New Bill Would Bar Patient Discrimination Based on the Results of Genetic Testing | COGME Reports Focus on National Medical School System and Access to Health Care | Grants Aim to Provide…

In this issue of American Family Physician, Demark-Wahnefried and colleagues encourage physicians to find “teachable moments” during which to persuade patients to adopt healthy lifestyles.1 In addition to avoiding tobacco use, the American Cancer Society recommends lifestyle…

Although the use of inhaled corticosteroids for COPD will not reduce mortality or affect long-term disease progression, inhaled corticosteroids can be useful for reducing COPD exacerbations and slowing declines in quality of life.

Compared with high glycemic index diets or conventional energy-restricted weight loss diets, low glycemic index diets better reduce body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The weighted mean difference showed that patients lost an additional 1 to 2…

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

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for bulimia nervosa based on multiple consistent randomized-controlled trials (RCTs).

To address the issue of the evaluation and management of low back pain, the American College of Physicians (ACP) created a guideline consisting of seven key recommendations for diagnosing and treating low back pain in the primary care setting.

Chronic pelvic pain is pain that you may feel in the pelvis and lower stomach area. Many women have chronic pelvic pain, which lasts for more than six months, and can be very mild or very intense. The pain may be present all the time or it may come and go. It can interfere with…

Vaccines are medicines that prevent certain diseases. These diseases can cause serious health problems or even death. Some of the diseases are hard to cure and can be easily spread to other children or adults. If your child gets a vaccine, he or she should be protected from…

There are things you can do each day to help your health and lower your risk of cancer. The best ways to lower your cancer risk are to stop smoking, be at a healthy weight, be active, and eat a healthy diet. Limiting how much alcohol you drink is also important. If you are a…