American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [3]
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
American Medical Association family medical guide / American Medical
Association.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-471-26911-5 (cloth)
1. Medicine, Popular. I. American Medical Association.
RC81.A543 2004
613—dc22
2004005764
Foreword
Every day, Americans hear news of the latest medical study or another medical breakthrough. These scientific advances, along with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating diseases, are helping us live longer and in better health than ever before. With this all-new, completely revised fourth edition of our best-selling American Medical Association Family Medical Guide, you have the tools you need to make sense of this abundance of information, enabling you to take charge of your health and health-care needs and make informed medical decisions.
Reviewed by nearly 50 practicing physicians from a cross section of medical specialties and written in clear, easy-to-understand language, this guide provides up-to-date explanations about how specific diseases are diagnosed and treated. The book also explains what you can do to prevent many of the most common chronic diseases and how and why some lifestyle factors (such as diet and exercise—or smoking) can improve your health—or harm it.
We at the AMA believe that good medicine begins with a good patient-doctor relationship. This revised and updated edition of the American Medical Association Family Medical Guide will help you and your doctor work closely together to achieve years of good health for you and your family.
Michael D. Maves, MD, MBA
Executive Vice President, CEO
American Medical Association
American Medical Association
Michael D. Maves, MD, MBA Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer
Robert A. Musacchio, PhD Senior Vice President, Publishing and Business Services
Anthony J. Frankos Vice President, Business Products
Mary Lou White Chief Operations Officer, AMA Press
Editorial Staff Donna Kotulak Managing Editor
Robin Husayko Senior Editor
Steve Michaels Senior Editor
Pam Brick Writer
Reuben Rios Copy Editor
Bonnie Chi-Lum, MD, MPH Medical Consultant
Thomas Houston, MD Medical Consultant
James J.