• Articles

    Promoting Smoking Cessation

    MICHELE M. LARZELERE, DAVE E. WILLIAMS

    All patients should be screened for tobacco use, and each smoker's motivation to quit assessed at every visit. Physician counseling and motivational interventions can help promote smoking cessation. Pharmacologic agents, including nicotine-replacement therapies, bupropion,...

    Evaluation and Treatment of the Suicidal Patient

    DAVID NORRIS, MOLLY S. CLARK

    Clinical judgment guides the decision-making process when evaluating and treating suicidal patients. Once intent has been established, management includes ensuring patient safety and medical stabilization; activating support networks; and initiating therapy for psychiatric...

    Thrombocytopenia

    ROBERT L. GAUER, MICHAEL M. BRAUN

    Thrombocytopenia may be caused by decreased platelet production, increased platelet consumption, or sequestration. It is often discovered incidentally after obtaining a complete blood count at an office visit. Treatment is based on the underlying etiology, with severe cases...

    Evaluation and Management of Common Anorectal Conditions

    MATTHEW V. FARGO, KELLY M. LATIMER

    The etiology of anorectal conditions is determined by history and physical examination. Common benign conditions include pruritus ani, pain, masses, fistulas, and bleeding. Treatment options range from conservative to surgical. Red flags that suggest malignancy should be...

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

    United States Making Little Progress in Increasing Adult Vaccination Rates | RAND Report Identifies Obstacles to Boosting Adult Vaccination Rates | Enhanced Version of TransforMED Helps Physicians Gauge PCMH Progress | HHS to Delay Implementation of ICD-10 Codes; No New Date...

    Editorials

    Providing Confidential Care for Adolescents

    DAVID A. KLEIN, JEFFREY W. HUTCHINSON

    Adolescents are generally healthy, but they commonly present with high-risk behaviors that are often missed by physicians. Without confidentiality, teenagers may avoid seeking services for sensitive health care needs.

    AFP Journal Club

    Rivaroxaban vs. Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

    ANDREA DARBY-STEWART, ROBERT DACHS, MARK A. GRABER

    How does rivaroxaban compare with warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation? This study concluded that rivaroxaban is noninferior to warfarin. However, noninferiority trials do not meet the same rigorous design and statistical format of...

    FPIN's Clinical Inquiries

    Medications for Weight Loss in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

    LARISA KACHOWSKI, DARRELL R. OVER, KEFENG QIU

    Fluoxetine (Prozac) and orlistat (Xenical) produce modest short-term weight loss, but their long-term benefits are unclear and their safety is uncertain.

    Clinical Evidence Handbook

    Gonorrhea

    SARAH CREIGHTON

    What are the effects of treatments for uncomplicated infections in men, nonpregnant, and pregnant women? What are the effects of treatments for disseminated gonococcal infection? What are the effects of dual treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia infections?

    Photo Quiz

    Chronic Anterior Knee Pain After Mild Trauma in a Sedentary Adolescent

    RICHARD W. SAMS, II, TREVOR HRAY

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

    Practice Guidelines

    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Updates Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

    LISA HAUK

    Breast cancer–related death can be reduced through effective screening, which typically includes imaging, clinical examination, and self-examination or awareness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends using all three techniques to screen for...

    Letters to the Editor

    Best Treatment Approaches for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Counseling Women on Options for Management of Early Pregnancy Loss

    Conventional vs. Liquid-Based Cytology Pap Smears for Diagnosing Trichomoniasis

    Tips from Other Journals

    Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection Alone in Breast Cancer Survival

    AMY CRAWFORD-FAUCHER

    Which Therapies Are Effective for the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

    SHOSHANA ALEINIKOFF, null MS, III

    Self-Irrigation Is Effective Treatment for Earwax Removal

    JESSICA MAGLIONE

    Clinical Rule Predicts Risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

    AMY CRAWFORD-FAUCHER

    Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy for the Management of Mild Asthma

    SAWALI SUDARSHAN, III

    Information from Your Family Doctor

    Smoking Cigarettes: How Do I Quit?

    Quitting smoking can improve your health, but it can be hard. There are nicotine replacement therapies, medicines, and counseling that can make it easier. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

    Help for People Who Are Thinking About Suicide

    Get help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]) or going to your doctor or a hospital. It is important to move weapons (for example, kitchen knives) and dangerous medicines, including prescriptions and over-the-counter...

    Low Platelet Count: What Does It Mean?

    A platelet (also called a thrombocyte) is a cell in the blood. Platelets help your blood to clot after an injury, like when you fall and scrape your knee. These clots help you stop bleeding.



    Disclosure

    All editors in a position to control content for this activity, AFP journal, are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships. View disclosures.


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