Ben Abraham

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September 30, 2021

Taking a Statistical Look at Breast Cancer

As many of our readers know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the United States. With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women. The healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine urge our patients to be aware of their breast cancer risk and take a proactive approach to maintain their health as the years go on. This means keeping up with annual breast cancer screenings and performing regular breast self-exams. To help put the prevalence of this illness into perspective, we have compiled recent breast cancer statistics from experts in the field. All statistics are provided by the American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Roughly 13% of all women in the US (or about 1 in every 8) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
Over 281,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year.
An additional 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men, although the risk for men is considerably lower.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, behind only lung cancer.
As of January of this year, there were more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer living in the US, including those currently being treated and those who have completed their treatment.
Breast cancer rates are highest for women between the ages of 60-84.
A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer nearly doubles in cases where she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has previously been diagnosed.

Understanding your potential risk is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. Women can potentially lower their breast cancer risk by living a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet, regular daily exercise, and avoiding alcohol.

While it may not be possible to prevent breast cancer, making sure that it is detected in a timely manner is incredibly important. 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.

August 31, 2021

What To Know About Prostate Cancer Screenings

What To Know About Prostate Cancer Screenings September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. With this in mind, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to take some time to discuss a few things men should know about prostate cancer screenings. It’s a fact that making and keeping annual screening appointments is a critical step for men trying to maintain their health and wellness as they age. However, it’s critical for men to fully understand the importance of screening appointments and their personal prostate cancer risk.

While it may not be possible to prevent illnesses like prostate cancer, regular screening appointments can ensure that the cancer is detected while it is in its earliest and most treatable stage. Thankfully prostate cancer is slow to metastasize relative to many other cancers. Still, if left untreated prostate cancer can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening for men.

There are two commonly used prostate cancer screening methods. Traditionally, healthcare providers have used what is known as a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to manually detect abnormalities within or around the prostate area. However, many doctors today prefer the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. PSAs are substances naturally produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of breast cancer or other conditions that affect the prostate like inflammation.

One thing men can do to better understand their risk of developing prostate cancer and how proactive they should be about starting annual prostate exams is identifying the risk factors commonly associated with the disease. Prostate cancer risk factors include:

Being 50 years of age or older
Having a close relative (a father, brother, or uncle) who developed prostate cancer before the age of 65
Being of African American descent
Eating a diet high in animal fats and low in fresh vegetables

We hope our readers found this helpful and informative. It’s not hyperbole to say that regular screening for prostate cancer can be legitimately life-saving for men as the years go on. We strongly recommend speaking with your healthcare provider about prostate health during your next annual physical appointment. For more information or if you would like 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.

August 9, 2021

Ask the Doctors: Diagnostic Testing at Abraham Family Medicine

Diagnostic testing is an incredibly powerful tool in the world of medicine. Before any treatment can begin, an accurate diagnosis must be confirmed. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, we perform several types of diagnostic testing in the comfort of our office to assist in caring for our patients. To further elaborate on the benefits this can provide our patients and their loved ones, our board-certified healthcare providers have taken time to answer a few questions about some of the types of diagnostic testing we offer.

Question #1: How Does In-Office Diagnostic Testing Benefit Patients?

Offering in-office diagnostic testing is often a major convenience for our patients. Doing so can save time (and additional costs) by eliminating the need for additional trips to a hospital or separate imaging center for something like an MRI or a CT scan. Additionally, this can help avoid potential complications associated with the patient’s health insurance.

Question #2: What Is The Difference Between An Echocardiogram & An Electrocardiogram (EKG)?

We use both echocardiograms and EKGs to detect and diagnose various forms of heart disease. However, the tests differ in what they specifically measure and capture. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to depict pictures of the heart and provide information on the activity and function of the heart. An EKG traces the rhythm of a patient’s heartbeats to potentially detect underlying heart conditions like arrhythmias, heart defects, and coronary artery disease. Both tests can often be used in tandem to provide a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s heart health.

Question #3: Is It Safe To Undergo An X-Ray

While it’s true that x-ray technology exposes the patient to radiation, it is perfectly safe to undergo an x-ray to detect a potentially fractured bone. X-rays only use a low level of radiation and the risk of any cell damage is extremely low. Additionally, we fit our patients with protective materials including x-ray safe aprons to limit exposure to other areas of the body not being scanned.

Our providers have the experience and knowledge to optimize all diagnostic testing to the benefit of our patients. For more information on diagnostic testing or other health and wellness topics, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

June 17, 2021

Protect Your Skin During UV Safety Awareness Month

checking-mole-on-back We hope everyone is having an excellent start to their summer. This is the time of year when it is most important to be aware of the power of the sun and the impact that its UV rays can have on your skin. Skin cancers including basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas are the most common type of cancer in the US according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month this July, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be the perfect time to provide tips about how our readers can effectively reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.

Limit Exposure To Direct Sunlight

We know that the summer season can mean lots of time spent outdoors at the pool, beach, and other outdoor happenings. However, it’s important to try to limit direct sun exposure when possible. This means wearing protective clothing (including hats) and sunglasses when spending extended time out in the sun. Try to find a shady spot, especially when outdoors between 10AM and 4PM when the sun is strongest.

Be Aware Of Your ABCDE’s

This helpful mnemonic device can help people detect changes in their skin that can potentially be cancerous:

A – Asymmetry. Does your mole or spot have an irregular shape or two parts that look very different?
B – Border. Does your spot have an irregular or jagged border?
C – Color. Is the coloring uneven?
D – Diameter. Any mole or spot bigger than the size of a pea is worth monitoring.
E – Evolving. It’s very important to be aware of any changes the mole or spot has undergone.

Never Skip The Sunscreen

Dermatologists recommend applying some level of SPF protection year-round, and the summer is obviously no exception to this. We recommend using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when spending extended time outdoors and re-applying every 2 hours (or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily).

Make Annual Screening Appointments

Screening for skin cancer testing is the most important step in protecting yourself against skin cancer. Doing so can help detect potential irregularities and find skin cancers when they are still in their earliest and most treatable stages. While we typically recommend being screened annually, it’s important to be screened as soon as possible if you have noticed any irregular growth.

While the prevalence of skin cancer may seem scary, the truth is that nearly 90% of all skin cancer cases are preventable with the right care and precautions. We hope these tips help all of our readers enjoy their outdoor summer fun as safely and responsibly as possible. For more information on skin cancer or other health and wellness topics, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

May 21, 2021

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month No one enjoys a headache. Those feelings of pain and pressure can come on suddenly and out of nowhere, turning a nice day into a discomforting nightmare. And while headaches are just a minor inconvenience for some people, they can be seriously debilitating for those that experience chronic headaches or migraines. In honor of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month this June, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some simple tips to help prevent headaches and migraines.

While it may not be possible to completely solve the headache problem for some people, we have found that avoiding migraine triggers and practicing certain healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. And in our experience of treating patients who experience chronic headaches, any help is more than welcome.

Take note of your headache triggers. Certain foods, medications, physical activities, and lifestyle habits like when you go to bed can all play a part in causing a headache or migraine. The first step in avoiding these triggers is recognizing them.

Try to take medicine before the headache gets too bad. Like any other medical condition or illness, the headaches are more easily treated in their earliest stages. If you feel a headache or migraine coming on, we recommend using over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) to most patients (if appropriate) to try to stop their headache before it worsens. However, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any medicine regimen to make sure they can safely start a new medication.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Sleep is a critical tool in the fight against headaches and migraines. This may mean avoiding mid-day naps if you think they will affect your body’s ability to get to sleep come bedtime. Sticking to a consistent meal schedule is also highly recommended.

Try to minimize your stress. We know this is easier said than done, but stress is a major headache trigger. Practicing relaxation techniques meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help reduce levels of stress and fight off potential migraines.

Make sure to stay hydrated. In many cases, headaches are caused by dehydration. Many people reach the end of the day and realize that they haven’t drunk nearly enough water, but by then they have a raging headache and it is too late. Staying thoroughly hydrated throughout the day can help prevent this.

Give yourself a break from screen time. Too many hours a day looking at a phone, computer, or TV can also lead to potential headaches. Giving your eyes and head a break can be highly beneficial for many people.

While it’s true that there are more treatment options for headaches and migraines available than ever before, in our experience it is always easier to prevent a headache than it is to get rid of one. We hope our readers found these tips beneficial. 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.

April 29, 2021

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month!

High Blood Pressure Abraham Family Medicine

One of the most important things a person can do to aid their long-term health and wellbeing is to be aware of their blood pressure. Known medically as hypertension, high blood pressure is a common condition that occurs when a person’s blood pressure reaches a level that is considered unhealthy. High blood pressure is very common among adults in the US. And while some may feel that having high blood pressure isn’t such a big deal, high blood pressure can lead to many very serious health problems over time if left untreated. That’s why in honor of National High Blood Pressure Education Month we wanted to provide some helpful information on the subject for our readers.

Blood pressure measures the amount of blood that passes through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance the blood meets while the heart is pumping. The more blood that the heart pumps, the narrower the arteries get, and the higher the blood pressure is. A blood pressure reading has two numbers:

Systolic Pressure (top number) – measures the pressure in the arteries when the heartbeats.

Diastolic Pressure (bottom number) – measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats.

High blood pressure often develops slowly over the course of many years. In many cases, people with this condition do not experience any other symptoms. But high blood pressure can still damage the blood vessels and vital organs in asymptomatic people. While there may not be any specific, identifiable cause of high blood pressure, there are several risk factors that people should be aware of including advanced age, a family history of the condition, being overweight, a lack of physical activity, stress, abuse of tobacco, abuse of alcohol, and more.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Over time, high blood pressure can cause the arteries to harden and thicken, which can drastically increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious complications. Additionally, by making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood, high blood pressure can also lead to heart failure. Untreated high blood pressure may also affect a person’s memory and cognition as they age, and even cause dementia.

All this is to say is that high blood pressure is very serious and not something that can be ignored. This is why it’s so important to speak with your healthcare provider about your blood pressure during annual check-up appointments and make healthy lifestyle choices to promote wellness. 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.

March 18, 2021

Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

BAPC-logo As we begin our second year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are finally beginning to see brighter days in the near future. This is largely due to the approval and distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations. Since this is such an important and frequently asked about topic, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to take some time to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions we have received from patients about the COVID-19 vaccines and their dependability.

Can I get COVID-19 from getting the vaccine?

No you cannot. While it’s true that any vaccine will expose your body to COVID-19, there are no intact virus molecules in any of the vaccines that can make a patient sick. The mRNA-based vaccines (including the ones created by Pfizer and Moderna) contain only manufactured mRNA molecules that carry the instructions for building the virus’ spike protein, but do not contain the virus itself. Once the vaccine is administered, the patient’s own cells use this mRNA to build up protein that triggers a response from their immune system. This effectively protects the immune system from future COVID-19 infection. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is what’s known as a viral vectored vaccine. Once injected, the J&J vaccine instructs cells to make the SARS-2 spike protein, which then triggers an immune response.

How do we know they are effective if they have never been used on humans before?

They in fact have been used on humans, just not to the general public. Researchers actually began working towards mRNA vaccines over 20 years ago, but they have only become feasible thanks to technological breakthroughs made in the last decade. Design of mRNA components for COVID vaccines began over a year ago once the viral genome became available. These mRNA vaccines are considered ideal for prevention of COVID-19 since they are both safe and easily manufactured from common materials. The only thing expedited was manufacturing and distribution, not the science or research behind the vaccines themselves. Any COVID-19 vaccine made available to the public has been authorized and deemed safe by the FDA.

What are the expected side-effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines?

Although every person may react differently, common side effects include moderate pain or soreness in the injection site. Some people also experience some flu-like symptoms, however, this is a good sign and an indication that the vaccine is effective and being met by a healthy immune system.

Do I need to be vaccinated if I’ve already had COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies?

Yes, we recommend for people who have previously been exposed to COVID-19 to still seek out a vaccine when it becomes available to them. Experts strongly believe that although antibodies can potentially help fight off future COVID infections, immunity is far stronger following a vaccination that it would be following a natural infection.

We hope you found these answers informative and reassuring. It’s understandable if you have additional questions of your own about COVID-19 vaccinations, but we thought this would serve as an excellent place to start. 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.

February 26, 2021

Helpful Statistics About Kidney Disease in the US

picture-of-kidneys This March is National Kidney Month here in the US so we thought now would be a great time to discuss the importance of kidney health. The kidneys are a vital organ and healthy, functioning kidneys are absolutely essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, kidney disease is very common for adults in the US, especially those with certain risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, advanced age, or a family history of kidney issues. This is why awareness is so important. In order to help our patients understand the importance of taking a proactive approach to kidney health this March and beyond, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some informative statistics about kidney disease courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.

15% of adults in the US (about 37 million people) are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition where the kidneys become damaged over time and cannot effectively clean the blood as well as healthy kidneys should.
Over 2 million people worldwide currently receive treatment with dialysis, though the overwhelming majority of this 2 million live in the US, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and Italy.
In the US, treatment of CKD costs nearly $48 billion each year.
Nearly 90% of adults with CKD are not aware of their condition.
People aged 65 years or older account for 38% of CKD cases in the US, significantly higher than any other age group.
CKD is slightly more prevalent in women (15%) than in men (12%).
As of 2016, about 125,000 people in the US start treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) annually.
More than 726,000 Americans are currently on dialysis or are living with a kidney transplant.
About 38% of ESKD cases in the US are caused by diabetes and about 26% are caused by high blood pressure.
The rate of new cases of ESKD is the lowest since 1998.

The most important steps we recommend taking for anyone serious about promoting good kidney health is taking good care of your body, making healthy choices, and discussing kidney health with your healthcare provider during annual wellness visits. For more information or if you would like 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, not far from Grayson, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, and Loganville.

January 27, 2021

Answering Your Common Questions About Heart Health

heart-wrapped-by-stethoscope February is approaching, which means it is nearly American Heart Month here at Abraham Family Medicine. This is a time when our healthcare providers try to help educate our readers about the causes and effects of heart disease, as well as the importance of heart health. This year, we wanted to answer a few common questions on this subject to help demonstrate the importance of taking a proactive approach to heart health.

Question #1: What are the common symptoms of heart disease to look out for?

There are many irregular symptoms that can be signs of potential heart disease. It’s crucial for adults to be aware of these warning signs and take action if any of these effects linger or become more serious over a short period of time. Common symptoms include pain or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, lack of energy (especially during exercise), an irregular heartbeat, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Question #2: How does smoking specifically affect the health of my heart?

Roughly 30% of all deaths from heart disease in the US are directly associated with cigarette smoking. Smoking is a leading cause of atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to harden and blood flow to the heart to be affected. The nicotine found in both cigarettes and electronic smoking devices can also decrease the flow of oxygen to the heart, cause blood clotting, and lead to high blood pressure (another leading cause of heart issues).

Question #3: What can I do to improve my heart health?

While it may seem like an uphill battle for some people, even seemingly modest lifestyle changes can go a long way towards improving the health of the heart. Getting 30 minutes per day of daily exercise is highly recommended. This can just be simple activities like walking or biking around the neighborhood. If you miss a day, don’t get frustrated and just make up for it later. Eating a healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fats and overly salty foods, can also be incredibly helpful.

An annual wellness check-up can provide an outstanding opportunity to better understand the status of your heart health and learn what you can be doing better to promote long-term health and wellness. 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, and Lilburn.

December 29, 2020

Holiday Season Health Tips from Abraham Family Medicine

female-sneezing Everyone here at Abraham Family Medicine is excited that the holiday season is here once again. There is a lot to love about the holidays, however this is also the time of year when sickness is most common. Cold temperatures, festive gatherings, cold and flu germs in the air during the COVID-19 pandemic, and additional holiday stress can all do a number on a person’s immune system. This year more than ever, it’s important to make your health a priority. That’s why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some simple tips to reduce your risk of seasonal illness this holiday season.

Bundle Up

As temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to keep yourself warm. Wearing appropriate outdoor clothing is critical for staying healthy throughout the holidays. This includes layering and making sure to wear gloves, hats, scarves, and proper boots when necessary.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

In the wake of COVID-19, we know everyone has been sanitizing their hands like never before. But it’s important to keep that up throughout the holidays. Doing so can help prevent the spread of germs associated with the flu, the common cold, and other seasonal health issues. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm/hot water for 20 seconds.

Consider Year-End Health Screenings

There’s no such thing as a bad time for a check-up with your healthcare provider, but doing so around the holidays can be a great way to put a bow of health and wellness on your year. The annual check-up can provide a perfect opportunity to make sure your immunizations and health screenings are up to date heading into the new year.

Try to Eat Healthy

We know this is easier said than done with all the delicious holiday meals and tasty treats around. However, moderation can be very helpful. If you know there is an indulgent Christmas dinner coming up, try to make sure that your meals surrounding it are a bit healthier and richer in important nutrients. You can make healthy eating choices without depriving yourself.

The holidays should be a time of joy, festivity, and relaxation. Following these tips can help promote a healthy holiday season for you and the special people in your life. 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, and Lilburn.