Family Medicine Net Guide Vol. 2, No. 1
(February 2004)

Feature Article

A Bitter Pill: Patient Adherence Explained
Treatment advice must be followed properly to work properly. Unfortunately, a considerable number of patients, either because they do not understand their prescription or because they disagree with it, fail to adhere to (follow) the instructions given them by their physician; the result is almost always treatment that is less effective than it might otherwise be. In this article, we’ll take a look at the phenomenon doctors call “patient nonadherence,” and review some of the ways that you can improve your own adherence and, in so doing, your own health.

Life Issues

Breast Cancer: Learning. Healing. Living.
Second in a Three-Part Series

It is estimated that more than one million women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer next year; during that time, more than 40,000 women in the United States alone will die from this disease. While these are sobering statistics indeed, there are measures women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, and the disease can be managed when detected early and treated properly.

Cover Story

EMPOWERED! Taking Control of Your Health With the Web
Patient empowerment—the process by which a consumer learns about the conditions affecting him or her, and the ways those conditions are treated, in an effort to become a more intelligent and active partner in his or her own care—propelled by the increased prominence of the Internet, will be a driving force in medicine in the decades to come. In this article, we’ll talk to Wall Street Journal reporter Laura Landro, CNN news anchor Kat Karney, and Bill Robertson, founder of the popular online support group “IBD Sucks,” to learn how their increased empowerment transformed the course of their care.

Teen Health

I’m Fat! The Emotional and Physical Impact of Childhood Obesity
Obesity is becoming an epidemic in the United States, and children are not immune. In fact, the physical and psychological effects of childhood obesity can be even more damaging than adult obesity. Read the startling statistics, learn about the harmful effects of obesity, and listen to advice from the experts on what parents can do.

The Good Life

Exercise With Arthritis: We Show You How
By Ron Hyland, CPT, CNC, and Steffany Haaz, MFA

For years, arthritis sufferers were told “if it hurts, don’t do it.” In this installment of The Good Life, we’ll hear from two certified fitness professionals who disagree with this outdated advice, and encourage exercise for the management of arthritis pain. They discuss the benefits of exercise for arthritis sufferers and provide helpful tips for starting a pain-free fitness program. Don’t miss our special yoga section illustrating specific moves that target joints.

INTERNET LISTINGS

Medical Sites
The Internet is a powerful tool for patients searching for medical information, but for every accurate and reliable website you find, there is another offering misleading, ill- informed, or even false information. The sites profiled in this section have been checked by the physicians on our editorial board, so you can be confident that when you visit, you’ll get only the straight facts and expert information.

Professional Organizations
The websites described in this section are the same professional organizations to which your doctor belongs and turns for information. You’ll also find links to several excellent national organizations that focus on the needs and concerns of patients.

Symptom Checkers
While nothing can replace the advice and wisdom of your doctor, the sites listed here can help you answer some questions about symptoms you may be experiencing.

Support & Discussion Groups
The Internet is unique in its ability to bring together patients from all over the country (and even the world) to share experiences, offer advice, and provide support.

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