Research Guides: General Health Resources: Patient Handouts

JAMA Patient Education

The guide contains patient Information articles from the journal JAMA from current (2015 - present) issues.

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Patient Information from JAMA

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Achalasia
Achalasia is a disease that can make it hard to swallow. It can also mimic other common disorders, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acne
Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to a group of conditions characterized by poor blood flow to heart muscle.
Adult Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis) is a common condition that involves inflammation in the nose and sinuses that does not go away.
Advance Directives
Advance directives help your family and your doctors respect your health care wishes.
Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer disease is a common cause of dementia in older adults.
Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this landmark act.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition that, although seen more frequently in children, is common in adults.
Asthma Attacks
Asthma attacks can range from mild to life-threatening, and it is important to know when to go to a doctor’s office or emergency department to seek treatment.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

B - C - D

Babies With Low Birth Weight
The average birth weight in the United States is 7½ lb, which is 3½ kg or 3500 g.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the United States.
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines in the United States
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.
Childhood Obesity
In 2012, about one-third of children in the United States were overweight, and more than half of those children were obese.
Childhood Vaccines
Vaccines provide immunity (protection) against severe diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria.
Constipation
Constipation is very common in children and adults.
Death in the United States: Changes From 1969 to 2013
Americans are becoming healthier, living longer, and losing fewer years of life to preventable disease.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep under the skin.
Diabetes in Older People
About 11 million Americans older than 65 years have diabetes. Most have type 2 diabetes, which is associated with overweight and obesity.
Diabetic Neuropathy
About half of all people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are designed to help Americans choose and maintain a healthy diet.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans—Eat Less Salt
New US dietary guidelines have been designed to help Americans choose and maintain a healthy diet.

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End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care is care given in the period leading up to death, when it is acknowledged by all involved that death is inevitable.
Flibanserin for Treating Low Sexual Desire in Women
Low sexual desire (libido) is a common type of sexual dysfunction in women and can be challenging to treat.
Generic Drugs
Approximately 85% of all prescriptions filled in the United States are for generic drugs.
High-Value Care
High-value care means providing the best care possible, efficiently using resources, and achieving optimal results for each patient.
How to Use Online Clinician Rating Systems
Every patient has a right to know about his or her clinician’s expertise and outcomes.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a sign of a problem; it is not a disease itself.
The Immune System
The human immune system is a complex and powerful defense mechanism.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, also known as “mono,” is an illness that usually affects adolescents and young adults.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of stomach pain, cramping, and changed bowel habits.

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Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is an abnormal and malignant growth of liver cells.
Male Infertility
Infertility is often thought of as a problem only among women; men are often overlooked.
Measles Vaccination
Measles is a viral illness that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and reddened eyes. The vast majority of people who become ill with measles recover
Medical Marijuana
Twenty-three states and Washington, DC, allow the use of marijuana to treat certain medical conditions.
Medicare
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of Medicare and Medicaid.
Medications for Weight Loss: Indications and Usage
Medications can help with weight loss in certain groups of people, but there is no “magic” pill.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can help detect certain chromosomal abnormalities in a developing fetus.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of medications commonly used to treat pain and inflammation.

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Patient Handoffs in Teaching Hospitals
When patients are admitted to a teaching hospital, they will most likely be under the care of a team of many doctors.
PCSK9 Inhibitors for Treating High Cholesterol
PCSK9 inhibitors are a new type of cholesterol-lowering medication available in the United States.
Planning to Return Home After Surgery
lanning ahead before a scheduled surgery will help you be able to return home safely.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pneumococcal vaccination can prevent severe illness and death from pneumococcal disease.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Most people will go through a traumatic event at some time in their lives. Stress reactions are normal after such events. But sometimes such experiences lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Preventing Stroke in People With Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that can disrupt the normal flow of blood in the heart.
Proper Care of Contact Lenses
More than 40 million people in the United States use contact lenses. Correct handling and care of this type of eyewear is important to avoid complications.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Smarter screening for prostate cancer requires a patient’s knowledge about this condition and active involvement in the decision-making process.

R - S

Recognizing Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus.
Safe and Healthy International Travel
International travel can be associated with illness or injury. Travelers should learn about how to stay safe and healthy while traveling.
Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published new recommendations on screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published updated recommendations on screening for colorectal cancer.
Screening for Depression
Depression is a type of mental illness that often goes unrecognized and untreated.
Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published updated recommendations on screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults.
Screening for Lipid Disorders in Children and Adolescents
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published updated recommendations on screening for high blood lipid levels in children and adolescents aged 20 years or younger.
Screening for Skin Cancer
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published updated recommendations on screening for skin cancer.
Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer
In the June 21, 2016, issue of JAMA, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published updated recommendations on screening for colorectal cancer. There are several different types of tests that can be used. The USPSTF does not specifically recommend using one test over another.
Specific Medications for Weight Loss
Several medications are available to help achieve weight loss.
Suntan and Sunburn
A suntan or sunburn is a sign that skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays.

T, U, V

Teens and Sexual Abuse
The term teen sexual abuse has many meanings but always refers to any unwanted sexual contact of a teen by another person.
Testicular Mass
Testicular self-examinations are best performed in the shower and are the most common way testicular masses are found.
Testing for Carotid Stenosis
Carotid stenosis, also called carotid artery disease, refers to narrowing of the major blood vessels in the neck, which can sometimes lead to stroke.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common illness among persons visiting lower-income countries. In some places 1 in 3 visitors may develop the illness during a 2-week stay.
Treatment Duration for Pulmonary Embolism
The type and duration of treatment for pulmonary embolism can vary from person to person.
Treatment of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a malignant growth of liver cells.
Treatments for Infertility
Infertility is a common problem, but several types of treatment exist.
Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract is made up of the bladder, the urethra, the ureters, and the kidney. Urine is made by the kidneys. It then flows down the ureters to the bladder where it is stored before being passed out of the body through the urethra. Urine is usually a sterile fluid, but when it is infected, it contains bacteria. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common.

W - X - Y - Z

What to Ask Your Surgeon Before an Operation
Patients can be overwhelmed by the experience and sometimes do not ask their surgeons the best questions to understand the operation and to make sure they have good outcomes.

General Health Resources: Patient Handouts

Patient Handouts/Information Resources

JAMA Patient Education

Patient Information from JAMA

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W - X - Y - Z

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B - C - D

E - F - G - H - I

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