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Abdominal pain diagnosis 04/25/2008
Abdominal pain can represent many different types of problems besides a simple stomachache. It can even be due to pain in the pelvis (such as menstrual cramps), back (such as kidney stones ), or chest (such as a heart attack or heartburn). Your doctor will ask you specific questions to help determine the cause of your abdominal pain: What makes it feel worse? What makes it feel better? When did it begin? How long does it last when you have it? Is the pain constant or does it come and go? What does the pain feel like? Is it sharp, dull, or crampy? Do you also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool? Two common conditions that you may worry about if you have abdominal pain are appendicitis or an ulcer . |
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Adolescent development 02/27/2009
During adolescence, children develop the ability to: Comprehend abstract content, such as higher mathematic concepts, and develop moral philosophies, including rights and privileges Establish and maintain satisfying personal relationships by learning to share intimacy without inhibition or dread Move gradually towards a more mature sense of identity and purpose Question old values without a sense of dread or loss of identity PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Adolescence is characterized by dramatic physical changes moving the individual from childhood into physical maturity. |
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Adolescent test or procedure preparation 04/25/2008
There are a number of ways to help an adolescent prepare for a medical test or procedure. First, provide detailed information and explain reasons for the procedure. Let your child participate in making as many decisions as possible. |
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Advanced care directives 11/13/2007
Advanced care directives allow patients to make their own decisions regarding the care they would prefer to receive if they develop a terminal illness or a life-threatening injury. Advanced care directives can also designate someone the patient trusts to make decisions about medical care if the patient becomes unable to make (or communicate) these decisions. |
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Aging changes in body shape 10/27/2008
Many people are concerned with changes in their body shape as they age. Although some changes inevitably occur with aging, your lifestyle choices may slow or speed up these changes. The human body is made up of fat, lean tissue (muscles and organs), bones, water, and other substances. As we age, the amount and distribution of these materials will change. Fat tissue may increase toward the center of the body, including around the abdominal organs. The amount of body fat may increase by as much as 30%. |
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Aging changes in skin 08/10/2008
Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging. Evidence of increasing age includes wrinkles and sagging skin. Whitening or graying of the hair is another obvious sign of aging. Your skin does many things. It protects you from the environment, helps control your body temperature and fluid and electrolyte balance, and contains nerve receptors that allows you to feel sensations such as touch, pain, and pressure. |
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AIDS - resources 10/18/2008
The following organizations are good resources for information on AIDS : AIDS.gov -- www.aids.gov Gay Men's Health Crisis - www.gmhc.org U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov Review Date: 10/18/2008 Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, CRNP, private practice, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. '); } else { document. |
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Alcoholism - resources 10/18/2008
The following organizations are good resources for information on alcoholism : National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information - http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/links Alcoholics Anonymous - www.alcoholics-anonymous.org Al-Anon/Alateen - www.al-anon.org See also: Drug dependence - resources Review Date: 10/18/2008 Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, CRNP, private practice, Seattle, Washington. |
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Allergen 02/19/2009
Common allergens include: Bacteria, viruses, and animal parasites Chemicals Dust Drugs (such as antibiotics or medications you put on your skin) Foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat) Perfumes Plants Pollen Smoke See also: Allergies Allergic reaction Food allergy Allergy to drugs Antigen Antibody Review Date: 2/19/2009 Reviewed By: David C. |
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ALS - resources 10/18/2008
The following organization is a good resource for information on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis : National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke -- www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.htm The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association - www.alsa.org Review Date: 10/18/2008 Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, CRNP, private practice, Seattle, Washington. |
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