August 15, 2009

Alpha and beta thalassemia are the result of deficient or absent synthesis of alpha globin chains and beta globin chains, respectively. Family physicians should know how to diagnose thalassemias, how to distinguish themfromother causes of microcytic anemia, and the treatment…

Saturated fatty acids and trans fats have been linked to an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to prevent coronary heart disease, and may be beneficial in treating…

Hair loss can be focal or diffuse. Focal hair loss is secondary to an underlying disorder. The most common causes include alopecia areata, tinea capitis, traction alopecia, and trichotillomania. Diffuse hair loss can be caused by telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, and female…

Hoarseness can be caused by pathologic changes from irritants and inflammatory processes, neuromuscular and psychiatric conditions, systemic disorders, and neoplasms. Evaluation should include a careful history, physical examination, and inmany cases, laryngoscopy…

Health Care Reform Legislation Draws Praise, Criticism from AAFP Leadership | CDC Anticipates H1N1 Vaccine Availability, Issues Seasonal Flu Shot Recommendations | Obama Selects Family Physician from Alabama as Next U.S. Surgeon General | AAFP Reminds Payers to Comply with…

Research has expanded our understanding of the effects of dietary fats on our health. However, changes to the food supply and to food processing methods have made it difficult to apply this research to patient care and the health of the general population.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening in men younger than 75 years.

What are the effects of antiplatelet, antithrombin, anti-ischemic, and lipid-lowering treatments in persons with acute coronary syndrome? What are the effects of invasive treatments?

Evidence is lacking on the most common causes of hip pain in children because most data come from cohort studies and include referred patients. Based on these studies, transient synovitis is the most common cause of hip pain in preschool-age children, accounting for more than…

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

The American College of Physicians (ACP) guideline presents the evidence on screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adults and adolescents older than 13 years. This guidance statement was developed from an evaluation of guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services…

Thalassemia (THAL-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the types of hemoglobin your body makes. Hemoglobin is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen. There are two types of thalassemia: alpha and beta.

Trans fats are a type of fatty acid. Fatty acids are a source of energy for your body. Fatty acids come from fruit and vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, animal fats, and fish oils. Not all fatty acids are unhealthy, but some, such as trans fats, can be bad for you. Trans fats are…

Hair normally grows in cycles of two to six years. Each hair grows about one centimeter per month during a cycle. About 90 percent of your hair is growing, and about 10 percent is resting. After two to three months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its…