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BOG-Official-2023

Family Medicine

Prevention Tips for American Stroke Awareness Month

A Statistical Look at Heart Disease During American Heart MonthStroke awareness is incredibly important for adults in the US. And while many people consider strokes something that can only affect people later in life, the truth is that simply is not the case. Strokes occur as a result of a clot that prevents blood from reaching the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain is ruptured. Although strokes remain among the most common causes of death and long-term disability in the US, there is a lot that most people don’t know about them and what can be done to prevent them. So for National Stroke Awareness month this May, our healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to share a few simple steps to help our readers prevent strokes before they may occur.

Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is the leading cause of strokes for adults. And since over half of all men and nearly half of all women in the US have high blood pressure according to the American Heart Association, this is obviously not something to take lightly. Thankfully, there is a lot that you can do to manage and keep tabs on your blood pressure. In addition to making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to lower your blood pressure, it’s critical to monitor your blood pressure at home and speak with your healthcare provider about what more you can be doing.

Be Proactive in Stroke Prevention

The earlier you take the risk of developing a stroke seriously, the more effective your prevention efforts will be. Somewhere between 10%-15% of all strokes occur in adults before they turn 50, and the risk of an early stroke is even more prevalent among African American patients.

So with this in mind, practicing healthy lifestyle habits can be an excellent preventive measure against strokes. This includes exercising daily (at least 30 minutes of activity), eating healthy (myplate.gov can help get you started), and keeping tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels (many smartwatch apps can help with these things). Even modest steps in the right direction can pay major dividends in the long run.

Cut Out Smoking & Drinking

Both smoking and drinking alcohol regularly can increase a person’s risk of experiencing a stroke. They can also contribute to other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that are highly associated with strokes. A moderate level of drinking can be ok from time to time, but no amount of smoking or use of other nicotine products is healthy.

Be Aware of the Symptoms

While this might not technically help you prevent a stroke, it’s essential information in the case that one should occur. The five main symptoms of a stroke that everyone should know are:

  • Sudden feelings of numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs (especially on one side of the body)

  • Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking

  • Sudden vision issues and difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes

  • Sudden trouble walking, balance issues, or dizziness

  • Sudden and severe headache

It’s important to discuss stroke prevention with your healthcare provider during annual appointments and see if there is anything more you can be doing to help fend off a stroke before it’s too late. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Hear Real Family Medicine Testimonials From Our Patients!

three-women-smilingReceiving feedback and knowing what you’re doing well (and what areas can be improved) is important in any field, but it becomes even more paramount in the world of medicine. The healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine know that our patients depend on us and the family medicine services we provide can have a substantial impact on their lives and wellbeing. To us, there is no such thing as a small or minor appointment. And based on the feedback we receive from our patients, it sounds like this level of dedication and care is more than appreciated. This is why we are honored to share some firsthand medical testimonials from our patients to show just how impactful our care can be.

“I always have a pleasant visit at all my appointments. I started with Dr. Abraham’s office when I first moved to Atlanta 20 years ago. They are just that good. I had no reason to change. At one location I lived at, the drive was an hour. When you find doctors that truly care about your health, are extremely knowledgeable, and have awesome bedside manners, you wouldn’t change either. My first doctor of several years retired. I’ve since been treated by two other doctors, and they all have compassion for their patient. Nurses and the front office were no different. At 71-years old now and retired, it keeps getting better.”

– Debra H. (Google)

“The staff were very friendly and efficient. Each practitioner/assistant introduced themselves and their role. The staff showed interest, listened and responded to my questions and concerns. I was very satisfied with my care and treatment plan. The environment was very clean. Although it was my first visit, I would recommend the practice based on the care I received.”

– Rachel B. (Google)

“My experience as a new patient at Dr. Abraham’s office was wonderful. The staff were friendly and the service was exceptional. The nurse practitioner was thorough and took the time to hear my concerns. The lab technicians were warmly attentive and gentle while drawing blood. I especially love the lobby with the beautiful fish tank and waterfall. I would definitely recommend Dr. Abraham.”

– Susan A. (Google)

Before we sign off, we just wanted to say thank you to all of our incredible patients who have left us such kind testimonials over the years. It means so much to our doctors, medical team, and staff to know that our work is appreciated this way. If you would like to leave us a review of your own, please visit us on Google, Healthgrades, or Vitals. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Happy Holidays From Abraham Family Medicine!

The holidays are here and we hope everyone is having a festive and relaxing season. There is so much to love about the holidays, and also so much to be thankful for. So in the spirit of the season, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be a great time to share what we are most thankful for this year:

Our Patients

What more can we say? Our patients mean everything to us. It’s an immense honor for us to be able to provide our family medicine services to so many extraordinary people and build such lasting relationships with our patients and their families over the years. No matter the nature of the appointment, from a routine annual check-up to the diagnosis and treatment of the many acute health conditions we diagnose and treat such as heart disease and diabetes, we strive to provide the most compassionate and professional care possible.

Our Staff

Our medical team is the backbone of our practice. From Dr. Abraham and Dr. Goldie, to our incredible group of physician assistants, nurses and medical assistants, to our longtime practice administrator Stephanie, our providers and entire team work tirelessly for our patients and this hard work does not go unnoticed. So thank you to everyone whose dedication and energy makes Abraham Family Medicine what it is for our patients.

Our Testimonials

It’s been absolutely wonderful to see so many patients leave us such incredibly kind and thoughtful reviews over the past year. We certainly don’t take this time and effort for granted. Receiving these firsthand medical testimonials from our patients is crucial for both helping new patients find us, and helping us know whether or not we are reaching our standard as healthcare providers. Our pledge is to always be there for our patients, and it’s been amazing to see how many of you have taken the time to be here for us this year!

We hope all of our patients have a terrific holiday season and we can’t wait to see everyone for another great year in 2024! For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

Thyroid Awareness Month This January at Abraham Family Medicine

doctor-consult-with-male-patientThe thyroid may not be the first thing that many people think of when considering their health and wellness, but it’s a fact that thyroid disease and other conditions associated with the thyroid are incredibly common for adults. According to statistics from the American Thyroid Association, nearly 20 million Americans are currently living with some form of thyroid disease. And because of the nature of these conditions, roughly 60% of thyroid disease cases go undiagnosed. So for Thyroid Awareness Month, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some basic information about the thyroid, the most common types of thyroid disease, and what people can do to prioritize their thyroid health.

For anyone unaware, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower portion of the neck (just below where the Adam’s apple would be located). The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones the body uses to regulate essential functions like the heartbeat, body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism. This is why many experts consider the thyroid to be the most important endocrine organ.

The most common types of thyroid disease include the following:

Hyperthyroidism – Commonly known as overactive thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. This overproduction can increase the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss and an irregular heartbeat.

Hypothyroidism – Inversely, hypothyroidism is a condition caused by having an under-active thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is the result of the thyroid not producing enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Effects of hypothyroidism can create a hormone imbalance that can disrupt a person’s heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of the metabolism. Common symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to temperatures (especially cold), constipation, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain.

Thyroid Cancer – Thyroid cancer can develop when cells grow and multiply rapidly, forming a tumor in the thyroid. Warning signs of thyroid cancer include an unusual lump or swelling in the neck, as well as chronic coughing, hoarseness, and swelling in the area. Although a small percentage of thyroid cancers are very aggressive, the condition is very responsive to treatment in most cases.

The best way to promote long-term thyroid health is to visit your primary care doctor each year for screenings during an annual check-up appointment. Screening for thyroid disease may include testing the blood to measure levels of certain thyroid hormones. Other tests include a biopsy or imaging including a thyroid ultrasound as well as examination of the thyroid itself. For more information on thyroid health or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

How To End Your Year in Good Health & Wellness

American Heart Month at Abraham Family MedicineIt’s hard to believe that 2022 is coming to a close. We’ve been fortunate to be able to meet so many new patients and get reacquainted with our returning ones this year at Abraham Family Medicine. But before we put the year behind us for good, we thought it would be helpful to provide a few end-of-year health tips for our readers. Following these steps can help close out 2022 and enter the new year feeling your best.

Schedule An Annual Check-Up

Making sure that you have undergone an annual check-up appointment before the year is through is always highly recommended. Doing so can help make sure your general health is in good standing before the new year begins, and help detect potential health issues early on before they become a problem to your well-being. As an added bonus for some patients, booking an annual appointment late in the year can help take advantage of already-exceeded deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses in case any additional testing or appointments are needed.

Get a Flu Shot

We’re right in the midst of an especially bad flu season and it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by receiving a flu shot this December. While it may not be possible to fully prevent the flu, being immunized against the flu can greatly reduce your chances of catching the flu while also diminishing symptoms in the case that you still get sick.

Take Care During The Holidays

Although we love the holiday season, there is no denying that this can be a challenging time of year when it comes to trying to stay healthy. Between the dropping temperatures and holiday gatherings, and the stress that comes along with the season, it’s no wonder why so many people get sick this time of year. So dress warmly, wash your hands regularly (especially before eating), avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, stay hydrated, and prioritize getting a good night’s sleep to help your immune system.

Before we sign off, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of our incredible patients and their families for helping us have another great year at our practice. It is sincerely an honor to serve you and we look forward to all the goodness that 2023 will have in store. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Answering Common Questions About Type 2 Diabetes

type 2 diabetesIn honor of American Diabetes Month this November, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought it would be helpful to answer a few commonly asked questions about this medical condition. Despite how common type 2 diabetes is for Americans, there is still so much that people may not know or fully understand about diabetes and how it can affect the body. We feel it is incredibly important to provide our patients with knowledge about how diabetes symptoms can be managed with the right care, treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits. Keep reading for all the details:

Question #1: Can prediabetes be reversed?

Yes, people diagnosed with prediabetes can reverse this with healthy adjustments to their lifestyle. When the body’s glucose levels are lowered, the body’s demand for insulin will in turn also decrease, which can help put prediabetes into remission or even reverse the condition entirely. This requires eating a healthy diet (low in carbohydrates), limiting your sugar intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking plenty of water every day.

Question #2: How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

‍Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed in several ways. Diagnostic testing for diabetes is determined by each patient’s age, symptoms, and other relevant factors on an individual case-by-case basis. Certain warning signs of type 2 diabetes that people should be aware of include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, numbness or tingling of extremities, unusual weight gain, and chronic fatigue.

Question #3: What medications can be used to help treat diabetes?

In addition to making lifestyle adjustments like eating right and exercising, certain medications that effectively help lower insulin levels can be incredibly helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. Medications like Metformin are typically the first course of treatment. This medication works by lowering glucose production in the liver, which can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin and allow insulin to be used more effectively. There are alternative treatments if these prove to be unsuccessful.

One essential step in preventing and treating diabetes is to keep up regular annual check-up appointments to ensure that you are healthy and aware of any potential issues before they become serious. For more information on diabetes or to schedule an appointment today, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, Loganville, and Stone Mountain.

September Is National Cholesterol Education Month!

doctor-visitThere are many measures and figures that can help us as healthcare providers gain a better understanding of a patient’s overall health. Cholesterol is one such figure. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. While cholesterol is needed for the body to build healthy cells, high levels of cholesterol can lead to the development of fatty deposits in the blood vessels that make it more challenging for blood to flow through the arteries as it should. This can increase the risk of serious health concerns like heart disease, stroke, and more. To help our readers better understand high cholesterol, we wanted to discuss its effects and how it can be effectively prevented.

We wanted to begin with some basic statistics about the prevalence of high cholesterol. Roughly 12% of adults age 20 and older had total cholesterol levels higher than recommended by doctors. Additionally, about 17% have lower high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol) levels than they should. One of the major issues with high cholesterol is that it is not associated with any known symptoms. This is part of why it is estimated that nearly half of adults in the US who could benefit from cholesterol medicine are not taking any. High cholesterol can also affect children, as 7% of kids and adolescents between 6 to 19 have high total cholesterol

Some high cholesterol risk factors to be aware of include:

  • A family history of high cholesterol
  • Eating an unhealthy diet, high in saturated fats or trans fats
  • Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is strongly correlated with high cholesterol
  • A sedentary lifestyle lacking in physical exercise
  • Abuse of tobacco products and alcohol
  • Advanced age, as high cholesterol is far more common for people over the age of 40

While cholesterol issues may be genetic in some cases, there are lifestyle adjustments that can be made to help many people prevent high cholesterol. We recommend the following:

  • Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, annual testing of cholesterol levels is essential.
  • Eat a diet that prioritizes foods that are low in salt and is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Try to get at least 30 minutes of even moderate exercise every day
  • Practice healthy breathing exercises and stress management techniques regularly
  • Quit smoking and enjoy alcohol in moderation (if at all)

Cholesterol might not be the first thing that many people consider when thinking about how to improve their health, but there is no disputing how important a person’s cholesterol levels are to their overall wellbeing. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

The Difference Our Level of Medical Care Makes for Our Patients

BAPC-logoHearing back from patients we have treated is extremely important to us here at Abraham Family Medicine. Our medical team always strives to provide our patients with the best and most professional healthcare services when they enter our office, regardless of the nature of their visit. Receiving feedback from our patients lets us know that we are meeting our goal and doing everything in our power to be there for our patients and their loved ones. With this in mind, we wanted to present some firsthand medical testimonials from our patients to illustrate the difference that our level of care can make.

“I’ve been coming here since 2012 and I’ve never had any issues. The doctors are always very understanding and listen to my concerns. They take the time with each patient to help them with their health issues. They will send you to the best specialist if you ever need one. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great doctor. The staff are all cordial, very professional, and know what they’re doing. Great medical practice!”

  • MO

“I have been coming to this practice for over 10 years. It’s great for everything, but they specialize in geriatric medicine. But the practice is about quality of life not just pain management. I would recommend this practice for anyone, older adults and otherwise.”

  • JC

“Great service. I didn’t feel rushed. Doctor Abraham explained everything and made sure I understood what was going on. The staff was very friendly, the waiting room was serene and wide open, and I never felt like I was just a number to them. Wonderful practice.”

  • SK

It’s so great to hear back from these patients and we wanted to thank them, as well as everyone else who has taken the time to leave us such kind thoughts through the years. We are always open to receiving this kind of feedback, so if you have an experience of your own to share, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review on Google, Healthgrades, or Vitals. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Have You Had Your Annual Check-Up?

Have You Had Your Annual Check-Up?The holiday season is in full swing here at Abraham Family Medicine. It’s hard to believe the start of another new year is right around the corner. We understand that the holidays are a very busy time for many people, however, the time to get an annual physical appointment before the end of the year is running short. Even if you can’t squeeze it in before the calendar turns to January, starting the new year with an annual check-up is an essential component of maintaining long-term health and wellness.

During check-ups in our office, we provide our patients with several essential healthcare services. To help reinforce the importance of undergoing an annual check-up, our healthcare providers wanted to list a few of the most pressing reasons to schedule a check-up appointment at the start of the new year:

  • An annual wellness visit can help determine your risk of potentially serious illnesses and health conditions. Diagnostic health screenings and a thorough discussion could flag risks for inherited conditions like certain types of cancer or diabetes. In addition to potential treatments and medications, these risk factors could simply lead to recommendations on adjustments to your diet, exercise regimen, sleep, or other lifestyle habits.
  • In some cases, the symptoms of some potentially serious health concerns like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, high blood pressure can be subtle and virtually impossible to detect on your own. An annual check-up appointment can assist in accurately diagnosing these concerns when they are in their earliest and most treatable stages.
  • Annual check-up appointments can help you and your healthcare provider build a relationship and allow them to gain a better understanding of your health over time. This includes tracking the status of long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis from one year to the next.
  • An annual appointment can serve as a reference point from year-to-year for several very important health screenings and other yearly responsibilities. This includes breast exams for women, prostate exams for men, annual vaccinations, and much more.

Starting the new year with an annual check-up appointment can go a long way towards helping people achieve the best possible health and wellness in the year ahead and beyond. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

How To Keep Yourself & Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season

Staying healthy this holiday seasonLists are always helpful this time of year. The holidays are obviously a busy time of year for so many of us. Keeping lists of all the groceries to buy, presents to pick out, etc. can be incredibly helpful for keeping yourself organized and on track through the holiday season. With this in mind, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide our readers with a list of our own. We understand that with so much going on during the holidays, it can be difficult to make your health and wellbeing a priority. However, it’s well established that the holiday season is one of the most common times people get sick due to all the traveling, stress, and large gatherings.

To help our readers hopefully avoid getting sick this year, we have created this checklist of holiday season health tips:

  • Make regular hand washing a priority. We know that in the wake of COVID-19, people are washing and sanitizing their hands more than ever. But it’s worth reiterating that washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water for 20 seconds can effectively prevent the spread of germs associated with the flu, the common cold, and other seasonal health issues.
  • Try to keep your stress in check. If you feel yourself getting overly stressed out, give yourself a break. We recommend talking to someone about how you’re feeling, connecting with the special people in your life that can help, and making sure to prioritize getting plenty of nightly sleep.
  • Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. With all the talk of COVID-19 vaccinations in recent months, it’s important not to forget the importance of getting an annual flu shot this time of year. Doing so can help drastically decrease your chances of contracting the flu and getting seriously ill.
  • Make healthy choices. Try not to overeat. We know this is easier said than done, but practicing some moderation can be incredibly helpful. Make an effort to eat some fresh fruit and vegetables during big holiday meals when you can and try to eat a light lunch if you know a big dinner is coming. Making sure to get exercise during this time of year is also incredibly important.

One excellent way to promote health and wellness this holiday season is to schedule an end-of-year annual check-up with your healthcare provider. It can be incredibly helpful and reassuring to step into the new year with a clean bill of health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, Loganville, and Stone Mountain.

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