Tag Archives: family practice

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. What is it? How to treat it?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder “PMDD”, aka “PMS.”  The strict criteria of this disorder affects up to 12% of women, although 80% of women report at least one physical (or psychiatric) symptom during the luteal phase (last 2 weeks of their “month”).  Most … Continue reading

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Want better eye health?

There are four common conditions that cause vision loss as we age. Diabetic retinopathy.  If you have diabetes, you should be seen by an ophthalmologist.  The timeframe for starting these yearly eye visits are 5 years after type1 diabetes and … Continue reading

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Fecal transplant, anyone?!

Fecal transplant, anyone?  Yes, this is a viable treatment.Fecal transplantation is used to treat an intestinal infection called Clostridium difficile or “c. diff.” The clinical spectrum of C. difficile infection can vary from asymptomatic or mild diarrhea all the way … Continue reading

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Interesting facts about laceration closure (stitches)…

Laceration-closure interesting facts… Non-infected wounds (caused by clean objects) can be stitched up to 18 hours after the injury. Head wounds can be st itched up to 24 hours after the injury. Using potable (drinking) water instead of sterile saline … Continue reading

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Do you really need a pelvic exam during your next well visit?

Maybe not.   The American Academy of Family Physicians released an update April 25, 2017 stating that when screening non-pregnant  women without any gynecological or abdominal symptoms, no pelvic exam needs to be done.   Actually, in the age of quantifying research into … Continue reading

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Prostate cancer screening guidelines updated

Are you concerned about prostate cancer?  The USPSTF (The United States Preventive Services Task Force) has updated their recommendation on screening for prostate cancer. Men aged 55 to 69 years should talk to their physician about the potential benefits and … Continue reading

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Considering adding cannabis to your medical prescriptions?

Considering adding cannabis to your “medical” prescriptions?  Rethink your choice.  A recent study of TWENTY MILLION patients shows a 26% increased risk of stroke and a 10% increased risk of heart failure.  The study analyzed data of patients aged 18 … Continue reading

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HPV vaccination is fighting cervical cancer and winning!

HPV vaccination is fighting cervical cancer and winning!  HPV vaccination has been shown to decrease cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1)  by 9%.  CIN1 is a precursor to frank, invasive cervical cancer.  So, this vaccine shows great success! In fact, in … Continue reading

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Family medicine question and answers 2

What is the most effective duration of nicotine replacement?  (This study was conducted only in patients also receiving extensive telephone counseling on tobacco cessation.)  8 weeks.  Beyond 2 months, continued nicotine replacement did not help with stopping-smoking rates. What helps … Continue reading

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Medical school knowledge…

Most of the medical school information that I learned 25 years ago is now known to be false.  I recently read a quote that medical “tradition is no longer the bedrock of (good)  practice.”  Oh, that is so true. We physicians … Continue reading

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