Articles
Heat-Related Illnesses
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses range from heat edema and exercise-associated muscle cramps to exercise-associated collapse, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Proper recognition and treatment are effective in preventing adverse outcomes. Management of heat…
Kidney Stones: Treatment and Prevention
In patients with suspected kidney stones, the first priority is to rule out conditions requiring immediate referral to an emergency department, then to alleviate pain. The diagnostic workup consists of urinalysis, urine culture, and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and assess…
Common Breast Problems
Palpable breast masses, mastalgia, and nipple discharge are commonly encountered symptoms in outpatient practice, causing significant patient anxiety and precipitating medical consultation. The initial workup includes a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Women…
Editorials
Social Determinants of Health: Family Physicians' Leadership Role
Family physicians have a leadership role in identifying and addressing issues that affect patients beyond the clinical setting. A previous editorial in American Family Physician explained how community vital signs can be used in patient care to address social determinants of…
AFP Clinical Answers
Colorectal Cancer, Osteoporosis, Knee Osteoarthritis, Suspected Dementia, Pacifier Use
Key clinical questions and their evidence-based answers directly from the journal’s content, written by and for family physicians.
Putting Prevention Into Practice
Behavioral Weight Loss Interventions to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Adults
A.C., a 32-year-old woman, presents for her annual wellness visit. She recently had blood work completed that showed normal glucose and lipid levels. Her blood pressure is 124/76 mm Hg, weight is 221.8 lb (100.6 kg), height is 5 feet 6 inches (172 cm), and body mass index (BMI…
Photo Quiz
Annular Skin Lesions on the Chest
A woman presented with multiple scaly plaques of varying size on her neck and chest.
FPIN's Clinical Inquiries
Bridging Warfarin Before Colonoscopy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
A limited number of trials that examined the risk of temporary interruption of anticoagulation before a variety of procedures did not find a reduction in the risk of stroke, but they did show an increased risk of bleeding events and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who…
Practice Guidelines
Child Passenger Safety: AAP Updates Best Practice Recommendations
There has been an increase in scientific evidence supporting the use of child safety and booster seats. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated best practice recommendations on child passenger safety based on this evidence.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Behavioral Weight Loss Interventions to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Adults: Recommendation Statement
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians offer or refer adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions.
Screening for Syphilis in Pregnant Women: Recommendation Statement
The USPSTF recommends early screening for syphilis infection in all pregnant women.