November 1, 2008

Athletes of all ages use supplements for performance enhancement. Although some supplements do enhance athletic performance, many have serious adverse effects and no proven benefits. Physicians should be prepared to counsel patients about the effectiveness, safety, and legality…

As the rates of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents increase, so do the rates of diseases formerly affecting only adults (i.e., hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome). This article discusses the role of the family physician in screening…

A variety of toilet training methods are available, such as the Brazelton childoriented approach and the more intensive “toilet training in a day method” from Azrin and Foxx. Because each child and family are unique, the timing of training initiation and method chosen should be…

Probiotics are microorganisms that may be used to prevent and treat gastrointestinal conditions, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and acute infectious diarrhea. A proper dose should range from 5 to 20 billion colony-forming units. Adverse effects are rare.

Medical Societies Lobby to Reinstate Popular Student Loan Repayment Program | AMA Urges Congress to Revise Antitrust Policies and Permit Joint Contracting | ACIP Issues Influenza Vaccination Recommendations for 2008–2009 Season | Medicare Part B Premiums to Remain Stable for…

In this issue of American Family Physician, Drs. Jenkinson and Harbert review current evidence regarding common sports supplements.1 Supplements are routinely used in attempts to increase athletic performance, enhance personal appearance, retain sexual vigor, and promote…

It is time for physicians to reject the notion that the only good bacteria are dead bacteria, and embrace the concept that the human body depends on its microbial residents for optimal functioning. In this issue of American Family Physician, Drs. Kligler and Cohrssen address…

In randomized controlled trials of primary and secondary prevention, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene supplementation increased mortality. Vitamin C and selenium supplementation had no significant effect on mortality.

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

The Clinical Efficiency Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians (ACP) has released guidelines to improve palliative care for patients with seriously disabling or symptomatic chronic conditions at the end of life.

Cervical lymphadenitis, defined as an acute symptomatic enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, is a common condition in children of all ages. Most cases of cervical lymphadenitis in children are self-limited and can safely be monitored for spontaneous resolution over four to…

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Even though there is no “right” age to start training, most healthy children have the skills needed to start between 18 and 30 months of age. However, it is fine to wait until you feel that your child is ready.