Primary care
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The use of complimentary and alternative medicine is on the rise. This article reviews some of the commonly used herbal supplements and others focusing mainly on disease prevention. A summary table of medical conditions is provided, and when possible, a summary of efficacy and safety is provided to facilitate decision making.
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The impact of stress on physical functioning (endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, and cardiovascular systems) is reviewed. The effect of stress on psychiatric functioning and health behaviors also is discussed. The importance of stress screening in primary care is emphasized, and several methods of stress reduction (including exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction) appropriate to primary care settings are described.