Alpha and Beta Thalassemia

HERBERT L. MUNCIE, JR., JAMES S. CAMPBELL

Alpha and beta thalassemia are the result of deficient or absent synthesis of alpha globin chains and beta globin chains, respectively. Family physicians should know how to diagnose thalassemias, how to distinguish themfromother causes of microcytic anemia, and the treatment...

Dietary Fatty Acids

BRETT WHITE

Saturated fatty acids and trans fats have been linked to an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to prevent coronary heart disease, and may be beneficial in treating...

Diagnosing and Treating Hair Loss

ANNE L. MOUNSEY, SEAN W. REED

Hair loss can be focal or diffuse. Focal hair loss is secondary to an underlying disorder. The most common causes include alopecia areata, tinea capitis, traction alopecia, and trichotillomania. Diffuse hair loss can be caused by telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, and...

Hoarseness in Adults

RAYMOND H. FEIERABEND, SHAHRAM N. MALIK

Hoarseness can be caused by pathologic changes from irritants and inflammatory processes, neuromuscular and psychiatric conditions, systemic disorders, and neoplasms. Evaluation should include a careful history, physical examination, and inmany cases, laryngoscopy....

AAFP News Now: AFP Edition

Health Care Reform Legislation Draws Praise, Criticism from AAFP Leadership | CDC Anticipates H1N1 Vaccine Availability, Issues Seasonal Flu Shot Recommendations | Obama Selects Family Physician from Alabama as Next U.S. Surgeon General | AAFP Reminds Payers to Comply with...

Dietary Fat: Quantity and Quality

PATRICK E. McBRIDE, GAIL UNDERBAKKE

Research has expanded our understanding of the effects of dietary fats on our health. However, changes to the food supply and to food processing methods have made it difficult to apply this research to patient care and the health of the general population.

Screening for Prostate Cancer: Recommendation Statement

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening in men younger than 75 years.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (Unstable Angina and non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction)

MICHAEL SARKEES, ANTHONY BAVRY

What are the effects of antiplatelet, antithrombin, anti-ischemic, and lipid-lowering treatments in persons with acute coronary syndrome? What are the effects of invasive treatments?

Hip Pain in Preschool-Age Children

SITAL BHARGAVA, BARBARA JAMIESON, GINGER BOYLE

Evidence is lacking on the most common causes of hip pain in children because most data come from cohort studies and include referred patients. Based on these studies, transient synovitis is the most common cause of hip pain in preschool-age children, accounting for more than...

Scalp Rash in a Newborn

DAVID D. ORTIZ

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

ACP Releases Guidance Statement on Screening for HIV

LISA GRAHAM

The American College of Physicians (ACP) guideline presents the evidence on screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adults and adolescents older than 13 years. This guidance statement was developed from an evaluation of guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services...

Case Report: Erythema Ab Igne in a Patient with Diabetic Neuropathy

MINKAILU SESAY, SARFARAZ DHANJI

Do Migraines Increase Cardiovascular Risk in Women?

ANNE D. WALLING

Low Risk of Colorectal Cancer Five Years After Negative Screening

KENNETH T. MOON

Is Combination Therapy More Effective for Fever in Children?

ANNE D. WALLING

Thalassemia

Thalassemia (THAL-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the types of hemoglobin your body makes. Hemoglobin is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen. There are two types of thalassemia: alpha and beta.

Trans Fats

Trans fats are a type of fatty acid. Fatty acids are a source of energy for your body. Fatty acids come from fruit and vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, animal fats, and fish oils. Not all fatty acids are unhealthy, but some, such as trans fats, can be bad for you. Trans fats are...

Help with Hair Loss

Hair normally grows in cycles of two to six years. Each hair grows about one centimeter per month during a cycle. About 90 percent of your hair is growing, and about 10 percent is resting. After two to three months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in...