Tag Archives: family physician

New test for inflammatory bowel disease!

New test for inflammatory bowel disease! Fecal calprotectin is a protein expressed by neutrophils (white blood cells).  The presence of fecal calprotectin is a sensitive indicator that the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed.  Conversely, the absence of fecal calprotectin is a … Continue reading

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Does melatonin help older adults sleep?

Does melatonin help older adults sleep? Melatonin does (!) help older adults sleep.  It has been shown that melatonin preparations help people fall asleep faster, increase total sleep time, and slightly improve sleep efficiency.  Prolonged-release melatonin like ramelteon is thought … Continue reading

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Alcohol Withdrawal syndrome. Can this be managed as an outpatient?

Alcohol Withdrawal syndrome.  Can this be managed as an outpatient? Half of patients with alcohol use disorder who abruptly reduce or stop their alcohol intake develop signs or symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Why does alcohol withdrawal syndrome occur?  The … Continue reading

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Long covid or “post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2

Oh my! Patients who have had the covid infection are often finding that they do not “bounce back” fast. In fact, a significant number of covid patients have lingering side effects The World Health Organization report found that up to … Continue reading

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Do you have painful intercourse?

Dyspareunia is the medical word for persistent or recurrent pain with sexual intercourse.  This affects 10 to 20% of American women.  Dyspareunia can be deep or superficial.  Sexual pain can cause relationship distress, decreased quality of life, anxiety and depression.  … Continue reading

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Questions about managing elevated cholesterol…

Questions about managing elevated cholesterol… Primary prevention means preventing the FIRST EPISODE of a cardiovascular event (like a stroke or heart attack).  Primary prevention is key!  Family physicians make treatment decisions based on clinical risk and risk calculators.  Try this … Continue reading

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Do you need your vitamin D level checked?

Do you need your vitamin D level checked?   The US Preventive Services Task Force just weighed in on this and gave a “final recommendation statement.”  Sounds impressive, huh?  Well, actually the USPSTF has said that to check vitamin D levels … Continue reading

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HPV vaccine is REALLY effective!!!

HPV vaccine is REALLY effective!!! The human papillomavirus vaccine is really effective, especially when given before age 17.  There was a Swedish study of MORE than 1.6 million patients. The patients who received the vaccine before 17 were most helped.  … Continue reading

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Inguinal hernias. What to do?

Inguinal hernias. What to do? Just in the US 1.6 million groin hernias are diagnosed every year.  The lifetime prevalence of groin hernias is higher in men (27%!) compared to women at 3%. Most of the time hernias are only … Continue reading

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Pregnancy tips from a family physician (and mom of 3)

Pregnancy tips from a family physician (and mom of 3) I delivered babies for over 23 years and continue to see women of childbearing-age daily.  What advice would I like to give you? Take a prenatal vitamin throughout childbearing years … Continue reading

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