Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis

MARY GAYLE SWEET, JON M. SWEET, MICHAEL P. JEREMIAH, SIM S. GALAZKA

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to an increased susceptibility to fractures. Some organizations recommend screening all women 65 years and older and all men 70 years and older. First-line treatment consists...

Evaluation of Macrocytosis

JOYCE KAFERLE, CHERYL E. STRZODA

Causes of macrocytosis may include vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, some medications, reticulocytosis, alcoholism, myeloproliferative disorders, and other etiologies. Patient history and physical examination can help narrow the differential diagnosis. If indicated,...

The Limping Child: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis

JEFFREY R. SAWYER, MUKESH KAPOOR

Deviations from a normal gait pattern can be caused by a variety of conditions. In most children, limping is caused by a mild, self-limiting event, but in some cases, a limp can be a sign of a serious condition. After the most probable diagnoses have been determined, based on...

Osteoporosis Screening: Mixed Messages in Primary Care

MARGARET GOURLAY

As noted in the article by Sweet and colleagues in this issue of American Family Physician,1 in 2002, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended routine screening for osteoporosis in all women 65 years and older and in women 60 to 64 years of age with extra...

AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

Report Outlines Four Key Elements of the Patient-Centered Medical Home | Study Shows Physicians With EHR Systems Less Likely to Pay Malpractice Claims | Newly Formed Coalition Supports Efforts to Reform U.S. Health Care System | Americans Cite Variety of Reasons for Skipping...

Aspirin in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

MICHAEL K. PARK, PETER C. SMITH, GERRI WANSERSKI, JON O. NEHER

Does aspirin decrease morbidity or mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

Physicians Should Collaborate with Local Health Department

JOHN BRILL, GEOFFREY R. SWAIN

Potential Side Effects of SSRI Use Include Risk of Hyponatremia

NANCY BETH GROSSMAN

Are Antidepressants Merely Providing a Placebo Effect?

NOUR T. BAGHDADY, ALVIN GOO, CHARLES MAYER

Preconception Care Should Be Vital Issue for Both Sexes

EASTLYN HARDING-MARIN

Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia

Caroline Wellbery

Topical vs. Oral Ibuprofen for Chronic Knee Pain

Anne D. Walling

CABG vs. Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with Multivessel CAD

Kenneth T. Moon

Adolescent Activity Can Predict Weight in Young Adulthood

Kenneth T. Moon

Family Meals Reduce Disordered Eating Behaviors in Girls

Kenneth T. Moon

Gastric Banding vs. Conventional Therapy in Patients Who Are Obese

Caroline Wellbery

Is Combined Therapy for Prostate Cancer Beneficial?

CAROLINE WELLBERY

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis literally means bones (“osteo”) that are porous (“porosis”), or weak. When your body loses calcium, your bones become weak and are more likely to break.

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