Ben Abraham

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August 10, 2022

The Difference Our Level of Medical Care Makes for Our Patients

BAPC-logo Hearing 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!”

“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.”

“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.”

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.

June 27, 2022

UV Safety Awareness Month at Abraham Family Medicine

mother-daughter-at-beach Now that the summer is officially here, it’s important to be aware of the Sun’s UV rays and the potential risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the US each year. While protecting your skin from the Sun is most important during the summer due to warmer temperatures and more time spent outdoors, the truth is that it is imperative to take the necessary steps to protect yourself year-round. That’s why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some easy steps on how to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:

Be mindful of the time of day. The Sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm Daylight Saving Time (or 9 am and 3 pm standard time).
Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every day, year-round. On days when you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, we recommend using a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply often during the day.
When possible, wear clothing that will protect your skin like long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Be extra cautious around surfaces that reflect like water and sand that can lead to an increased risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Do not use tanning beds, as their ultraviolet light can cause premature skin aging and greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.
Perform regular self-examinations of your skin and do not hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider if you notice any irregular spots on your skin.

When looking out for skin cancer, it can be very helpful to use the ABCDE system of detecting irregular marks on the skin. “A” is for asymmetry. “B” is for an irregular or poorly defined border. “C” is for odd or varying colorization. “D” is for a diameter of 6mm or greater. And “E” is for evolving marks that change over time.

Like any other form of cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is detected and diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. These precautions are especially important for people with a family history of skin cancer. Regardless of whether you notice any unexpected changes or marks on your skin, we recommend visiting with a doctor at least once a year for a professional skin exam to make sure that your skin is healthy. For more information on skin 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.

May 27, 2022

Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

Alzheimer's-Prevention-ribbon In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month this June, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to discuss the concept of Alzheimer’s prevention. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia, which can negatively impact a person’s memory, thinking, behavior, and general cognitive function. In the majority of cases, Alzheimer’s likely develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including a person’s age, genetics, environment, and current mental and physical health. Many patients we speak with in our office ask if there is anything that can be done to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, which is why we wanted to elaborate on this very subject.

Because of the complex nature of the condition and the fact that many common risk factors including age and genetic disposition, are out of the person’s control, Alzheimer’s can often be difficult to prevent. However, certain lifestyle habits and changes can effectively help fight off certain Alzheimer’s risk factors.

Our providers recommend taking the following steps to help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

Avoid smoking and the use of other nicotine products. Smoking can both harm cognitive function over time and lead to other health conditions that can contribute to Alzheimer’s risk.
Get regular daily exercise. Doing so can help lower the risk of many conditions associated with Alzheimer’s including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Keep your brain active as the years go on. Puzzles, word games, ballroom dancing, and other cognitive training exercises can be highly beneficial.
Eat a well balanced, healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins like salmon.
Make sure to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Maintaining an active social life and avoiding excessive time spent alone can help cognitive function and overall wellness.
Have your provider review your medications to ensure none of them are conflicting with others and causing memory issues.

Keeping tabs on your mental and physical wellbeing is incredibly important in the fight against Alzheimer’s. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with your annual wellness visits with a board-certified healthcare provider. For more information on Alzheimer’s 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.

April 29, 2022

Facts to Know During Arthritis Awareness Month This May

patiernt-with-pain-in-hand-knuckles For people who experience arthritis, the pain and frustration can be an everyday struggle. Arthritis causes inflammation in joints all over the body, leading to chronic symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with range of motion. And while it may seem virtually impossible to find an arthritis treatment that really works, there are things people can do to ease their symptoms as they age. In honor of National Arthritis Awareness Month this May, our healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some helpful facts about arthritis and how it can be effectively managed.

The CDC estimates that over 58 million adults in the US are living with arthritis, a figure they expect to increase as life expectancy rises and the population gets older.
Arthritis affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly associated with older individuals, and the symptoms typically worsen as the years go on.
There are over 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common among them by far and rheumatoid being the most impairing.
Arthritis remains a leading cause of work disability among US adults.
There is a link between arthritis and other common chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal issues which is why it is critical to talk with your provider about the best plan for your situation.
Additionally, there is a connection between arthritis and certain skin conditions like psoriasis.
Healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction techniques can help manage arthritis symptoms.
Stretching, performing yoga, tai chi and other flexibility exercises can also provide additional relief.
Potential arthritis treatment methods include the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, and even surgery in some more severe cases.

Arthritis can be truly debilitating if left untreated. That’s why the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine work with our patients in order to discover the cause of their issues and develop a treatment plan that works for them. For more details on arthritis you can get more specific information from arthritis.org. 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.

March 24, 2022

How Does Stress Affect a Person’s Health?

What to Know During Stress Awareness Month this April In honor of Stress Awareness Month this upcoming April, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to take some time to talk about stress and the many ways that it can affect a person’s health. When it comes to a person’s health, the body and mind are very closely connected. Being overly stressed, or not understanding how to properly manage your stress, can affect a person’s mood and emotional wellbeing, while also contributing to potentially serious health conditions. We wanted to take some time to get specific about stress and what it actually does to the body as well as offer a few helpful tips to manage it.

When a person experiences a stressful situation, this sets off a reaction in the body where stress hormones can produce physiological changes. For example, experiencing stress can cause the heart to pound, muscles to tense up, and a person’s breathing to become faster. While the body is able to use these hormonal changes and physiological responses to either combat these effects, the body can also overreact to stress. And over time, repeated activation of this stress response can often take a toll on a person’s health and wellness.

Too much stress can lead to short-term and long-term health issues if not properly managed. Short-term health effects of stress include headaches, chest pains, stomach, and digestive issues, and tension in muscles all over the body. Being overly stressed for an extended period of time can increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure or experiencing a heart attack while weakening the immune system. Additionally, there is a connection between stress and fertility issues in both men and women.

Research suggests that chronic stress over the years can also have negative effects on a person’s mental health. This includes contributing to anxiety, depression, addiction, and sleep disorders.

While stress may be unavoidable, there are things that our providers recommend to help manage stress in a more healthy way. Getting regular daily exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet are certainly helpful steps. Breathing techniques and meditation are also known to help reduce stress. As are taking a break from technology and giving your mind time to decompress during the day. The bottom line is to find or do healthful things that can allow you to reduce your stress levels. For more information on stress management or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our providers offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for patients of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

February 28, 2022

Hear Firsthand From Real Abraham Family Medicine Patients!

BAPC-logo One of the things that we are most grateful for at Abraham Family Medicine is being able to cultivate meaningful, lasting relationships with so many of our patients through the years. It means so much to know our patients and their families trust and depend on us for their healthcare needs. And the most important factor for building and sustaining this trust is often making a great first impression. That’s why we are proud to share the following medical testimonials from our patients. Hopefully these stories will help assure future patients of the level of care and professionalism they can expect from our healthcare providers:

I have been a patient for a few years. It’s convenient to where I live and when I need to be seen for an issue I can get an appointment fairly quickly. When scheduled for an appointment, they call you back quickly and see you quickly once placed in the room. I’ve never had to wait for extended periods of time before I’m seen. My Husband and 20-year old daughter are now patients with this office as well. I was there for my annual physical exam recently and my blood pressure reading was lower than what it was when I was taking it at home. The nurse gave me a quick tutorial on how to take my blood pressure at home and told me to make sure the cuff wasn’t too tight. Now my BP is reading closer to what it reads at their office and closer to normal range. She also told me how I can get my blood pressure machine calibrated. I love this office and have always had a pleasant experience. I would recommend them to others.

– MA

I’ve been going to Dr. Abraham since the early ’90s and have had no major problems. Just the opposite. He caught and saved me from kidney disease, working with a specialist. His lab caught my hepatitis-C and helped cure it after a two year treatment with a specialist. He has treated me for everything from cuts and scrapes to the flu and other infections and illnesses. Not really any long wait times with an appointment and I always get plenty of face time the doctor. Give them a call and make your appointment today for a physical with one of their physicians.

– MM

I have been coming here for years. I have been seen by just about every doctor or nurse practitioner at the practice and I love all of them. They are amazing! I called in unexpectedly one morning, thinking I had COVID-19. They were slammed full, but when I mentioned I was sick and I thought I had COVID, they did everything they could to fit me in a video call. I had two prescriptions called in immediately. They even let my husband and I drive up to the parking lot to receive rapid tests for COVID, as well as the flu and strep throat. I was positive for COVID, but thanks to their help and quick response I feel much better already. They are truly amazing people. The whole staff rocks!

– KF

Before we sign off, we wanted to take some time to thank the patients who have left us such positive and helpful feedback over the years. We’re always striving to get better, and hearing back from our patients allows us to know what is working for our patients, as well as which areas can be improved upon in the future. If you have had a similar experience with Abraham Family Medicine that you would like to share, you can leave us a review on Google, Healthgrades, or Vitals. For more information or to schedule an appointment today, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

January 31, 2022

Statistics to Know For American Heart Month

heart-icon Heart health should be of the utmost importance to any person concerned about their long-term health and wellbeing. The heart is among the most vital organs in the human body and a healthy heart is essential for healthy living. In honor of the upcoming American Heart Month this February, our healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to present some helpful and informative statistics about heart disease and its prevalence. After all, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the US year after year. All figures below were collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Approximately every 36 seconds, one person in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease.
Roughly 659,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, meaning that it is responsible for about 1 in every 4 deaths annually.
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, resulting in just under half of all heart disease deaths each year.
About 18.2 Americans above the age of 20 (nearly 7%) have coronary artery disease.
The overwhelming majority (about 80%) of coronary artery disease deaths happen in adults 65 and up.
Every year, roughly 805,000 people in the US (or one person every 40 seconds) have a heart attack.
About 1 in every 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning the person is not even aware that they have experienced it.
Heart disease costs the US about $363 billion annually, including the cost of healthcare services, medicines, and lost productivity due to illness and death.

With these statistics in mind, it’s helpful to remember that there are meaningful steps that can be taken to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease. We recommend maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet and getting regular daily exercise, or another form of physical activity, to help keep a healthy body weight. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about your cholesterol levels if they are elevated. Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess can also negatively impact heart health.

Meeting with your healthcare provider for an annual wellness check-up can provide a perfect opportunity to gain a better understanding of your heart health and learn what you can be doing better to promote long-term health and wellness. 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.

December 30, 2021

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.

November 23, 2021

How To Keep Yourself & Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season

Staying healthy this holiday season Lists 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.

November 11, 2021

Raising Awareness For American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month here in the US. While this may seem like common knowledge to many people, it’s important to reiterate that diabetes is one of the most common health conditions facing American adults and children. However, in many cases, diabetes can be prevented or at least managed with the right care, treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits. With this in mind, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some helpful information about diabetes for our readers.

We wanted to begin by providing some basic stats to reinforce just how prevalent diabetes is. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 34.2 million Americans (10.5% of the US population) are currently living with diabetes. Of these cases, over 7.3 million cases are currently undiagnosed. An additional 88 million Americans (including over 24 million over the age of 65) have prediabetes and are at high risk of developing diabetes.

Needless to say, the threat of diabetes is something that cannot be ignored. Some people are born with diabetes (this is known as type 1 diabetes) and in these cases, prevention is not possible. However, there are several risk factors to be aware of that can contribute to the development of diabetes later in life (type 2 diabetes).

These diabetes risk factors include:

Being overweight
A lack of regular physical activity
A family history of diabetes
High blood pressure
Certain pre-existing medical conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome in women

The good news is that diabetes can be prevented. We recommend eating a healthy diet, low in both sugary foods and refined carbs. Exercising regularly can help increase insulin secretion and sensitivity, which may assist in reducing the progression from prediabetes to diabetes. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and avoid smoking.

One of the most effective methods for preventing and treating diabetes is to visit your healthcare provider for annual check-up appointments to make sure that you are healthy. For more information on diabetes 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.