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Statistics to Know For American Heart Month

heart-iconHeart 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.

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness MonthNo 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.

Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

BAPC-logoAs 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.

Helpful Statistics About Kidney Disease in the US

picture-of-kidneysThis 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.

Answering Your Common Questions About Heart Health

heart-wrapped-by-stethoscopeFebruary 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.

Holiday Season Health Tips from Abraham Family Medicine

female-sneezingEveryone 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.

Hear How We Improve the Health & Well-Being of Our Patients!

BAPC-logoFeedback is important in any field. But especially so for healthcare providers like our entire medical team here at Abraham Family Medicine. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide professional, first-class medical care that our patients and their loved ones deserve. So hearing back from our patients helps us know what we are doing all the right things and also what we can improve on to perfect our approach to patient care moving forward. With this in mind, we wanted to present some firsthand medical testimonials from our patients to illustrate the impact our care has had on their lives.

“The first time I went to see Dr. Abraham, he told me that I was on too much insulin because he didn’t believe that senior patients should be on a sliding scale when it came to taking insulin. He adjusted my medication and I started feeling better. I am not on any insulin at all now. I do take two pills hopefully if I keep sticking to my diet I will be off of those soon. Dr. Abraham has a great bedside manner and he takes his time with you. He listens to what you have to say. The staff is wonderful and friendly. Everyone made me feel that I mattered and that my care was important. I would recommend Abraham Family Medicine to any senior citizen who is looking for a great doctor.”

• JM

“Dr. Abraham is very thorough and always takes the time that he needs when I am there for an appointment. He communicates clearly and educates me on what I do not understand. I have been in the medical field for over 30 years. I know a good doctor when I see one. Every provider I have seen at this office has been professional, caring and above reproach.”

• TR

“Dr. Abraham has been my doctor for several years and has been instrumental in making sure my peripheral artery disease is kept under control. He always makes sure I completely understand any changes that are made in my medication and watches for any changes in my symptoms. He makes you feel like you are in a health partnership with him and makes you feel like you are his only patient.”

• JL

We wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to leave us such kind, thoughtful words. It is incredibly rewarding to know that our work is helping to positively impact on the lives of our patients. 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.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

BAPC-logoThe threat of lung cancer is incredibly serious for adults in the US. Although the disease is commonly associated with smoking, the truth is that many people who have never smoked cigarettes are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. That’s why it’s so important for people to understand their risk of lung cancer and take a proactive approach to their respiratory health. With this in mind, our healthcare providers have taken time to provide some essential information on lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the US. In fact, lung cancer accounts for nearly 25% of annual cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 228,820 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year and lung cancer will cause over 135,000 deaths. However, lung cancer rates have been steadily decreasing nationally, as cigarette smoking becomes less common. The average age of a lung cancer diagnosis is about 70.

Different people may experience different degrees of lung cancer symptoms. Although symptoms related to the lungs are most common, symptoms in other parts of the body can occur in cases where the cancer has spread. In some cases, lung cancer may result in general symptoms of not feeling well. Common lung cancer symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, breathing issues, fatigue, and sudden weight loss.

In order for a person to reduce their risk of developing lung cancer, people should never smoke cigarettes. Smokers should do their best to quit immediately. It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke (smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). It’s important to maintain a smoke-free environment at home and at the office. People with a history of smoking, people between the ages of 55-80, and those with a family history of lung cancer should undergo annual screening appointments.

Quitting can be easier said than done for long-time smokers. That’s why we recommend using the resources available to you. We recommend focusing on prevention and avoiding triggers that lead to smoking like drinking alcohol. Our healthcare providers may be able to prescribe medications meant to assist smokers trying to quit.

We hope everyone reading this takes the message to heart. Lung cancer awareness month is all about sharing information in the hopes of protecting the health and wellbeing of our patients and their loved ones. 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, and Lilburn.

Six Tips for Staying Healthy This Fall

It has been said that 2020 is the year of uncertainty, however this year one thing has remained certain: people are concerned about their health. As we enter into the autumn season, we face a new set of challenges. From children heading back to school to the upcoming flu season to the ongoing pandemic, keeping yourself and your family healthy has never been more important. At Abraham Family Medicine, our healthcare providers are committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Here are a few tips we have for maintaining your well-being this fall.

1. Get Your Flu Shot
Did you know that getting a flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year? In fact, according to the CDC, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 4.4 million influenza illnesses during the 2018-2019 flu season. Not only can getting vaccinated decrease your chances of contracting the flu, but additional benefits include reduced illness severity if you do get sick and protection for people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

2. Wash Your Hands
There is a good reason why the notion to wash your hands has been instilled in us from a young age. Germs spread to us when we touch surfaces and then proceed to touch our faces. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can ward off these germs. If a sink isn’t available, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is an effective substitute.

3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is overwhelmingly beneficial for our health in a multitude of ways. Poor sleep quality can result in reduced physical and mental capabilities, lowered immune system functionality and increased weight gain. For adults, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help strengthen your immune system against illnesses.

4. Eat Healthy
Along with maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, eating a balanced, nutritional diet can help boost your immune system. Vegetables and fruits contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help your body function properly. Foods to avoid include sugary drinks, junk food, artificial trans fats and refined carbs. Being mindful of what you eat can have a large impact on your overall health.

5. Take Precautions When You Leave the House
As fun as quarantining in your house is, more and more Georgians have made the decision to leave their homes for both essential and nonessential business. If you plan on going out, there are various precautions you can take to stay safe while exposed to others. Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and carrying hand sanitizer are all steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you.

6. Have a Plan If You Do Get Sick
Despite following the tips we listed above, it is still possible to get sick. If you do start to feel unwell or notice any symptoms of illness, it’s important to have a plan in place so you can start feeling better as soon as possible. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, your health and well-being is our number one priority. We offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to help you find out exactly what illness your body is facing. Once a diagnosis is made, we will provide you with treatment options specifically tailored to your needs.

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We serve patients of all ages and are looking forward to seeing you at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Prostate Cancer Statistics to be Aware of

doctor-visit-for-menWith Prostate Cancer Awareness Month coming up, our healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be a great time to discuss this common health condition for men. The threat of prostate cancer is not something men can take lightly, especially as they age and their risk of developing this condition increases. In order to promote awareness and prevention of prostate cancer, our healthcare experts wanted to provide some statistics to help our patients fully understand the threat that this illness can pose.

  • Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men in the US.
  • The American Cancer Society estimates that over 191,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2020.
  • They also estimate that over 33,000 men will die from complications related to prostate cancer.
  • Roughly 1 in every 9 men in the US will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
  • About 60% of all diagnosed prostate cancer cases are age 65 or older and the average age at the time of diagnosis is 66.
  • Although it is one of the leading causes of death for men in the US, the survival rate for men with prostate cancer is very high relative to other forms of cancer, largely due to how slow-spreading prostate cancer is.
  • Over 90% of prostate cancers are detected when the disease is still only found in the prostate and nearby organs.
  • In these cases where the cancer is detected before it has the chance to spread, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%.
  • There are currently over 3 million prostate cancer survivors in the US today.
  • The rates at which new prostate cancer cases have been diagnosed in the US has consistently dropped over the past 20 years.

The best way for men to fight prostate cancer is to see their healthcare provider for an annual prostate exam. Here in our office, this begins by performing a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which checks the blood for proteins that are a leading indicator of prostate cancer. We will then move on to other testing if necessary. 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, and Lilburn.

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