FAQ’s

Abraham Family Medicine Discusses Two Recent Health Trends

man-getting-check-upThe world of healthcare and medicine moves fast. While some universal truths and practices never change, there are always new trends that warrant monitoring. Keeping up with these new medical trends serves as a way to update our family medicine services and techniques when it is beneficial for our patients, while also being aware of potentially harmful practices that people need to steer clear of. Today, we wanted to discuss a couple of recent trends in nutrition and medicine that we’ve noticed and the impact they can have on our patients.

The Convenience of Continuous Glucose Monitors

Along with the rise of the Fitbit and other wearable health tracking devices, continuous glucose monitors are providing a way for people with diabetes and prediabetes to remain informed about the status of their health at a moment’s notice. Continuous glucose monitoring provides the ability to regularly track glucose levels without needing to prick their finger. In addition to this added convenience and comfort, these rapid updates make it easier than ever for people with diabetes or prediabetes to make instant adjustments to their daily diet as needed to help promote better short and long-term outcomes.

There are already many different types of continuous glucose monitoring devices on the market, and this technology is becoming more advanced all the time. If you are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about continuous glucose monitors during your next appointment.

It’s important to remember that continuous glucose monitoring will not be reimbursed by insurance, unless the patient is diabetic. Typically, it can cost around $80 per month for patients who purchase it over-the-counter. For patients with Medicare coverage, the guidelines are the patient has to be on insulin or have a documented history of low blood sugars.

The Rise in Health Supplements

It has come to our attention that more and more people have begun to take health and nutrition supplements in recent years. Most of these supplements claim to be able to provide certain health benefits including things like increased energy, boosts to immune health, weight loss, or healthier cardiovascular function, among others. However, there is no strong evidence indicating that these supplements are effective or even safe to take.

Because of this, there may be potential risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Unlike medicines, the supplement industry is largely unregulated, meaning that these products may contain fillers, additives, or other unhealthy contaminants, and do not need to pass safety testing for certain supplements before going to market. We would recommend that anyone turning to supplements like this to instead speak with your provider about specific ones, as well as taking a back-to-basics approach to their diet instead. That means prioritizing whole foods, and a balance of natural, healthy ingredients including fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean sources of protein, instead of relying on supplements.

I hope you found this information helpful and informative. Keeping our patients informed about trends like these can be highly beneficial for promoting health and wellness, and is a responsibility that we take very seriously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our family medicine healthcare providers, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

4 Simple Tips for National Nutrition Month

apple-and-flexable-measuring-tapeWhen it comes to taking care of yourself, there is simply no substitute for good nutrition. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is critical for both feeling your best and helping to lower your risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. So in honor of the upcoming National Nutrition Month this March, our healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be a great time to focus on nutrition and what our patients can do to improve their eating. So with this in mind, we wanted to present the following simple tips to help anyone improve their nutritional habits.

Tip #1: Don’t Just Eat Greens, Eat Them First

We all know how important it is to incorporate healthy vegetables into your diet. And one simple way to make sure that greens are not just included in your meal, but providing their full nutritional value, is to make an effort to start your meal with them. Consider it a healthy (and often delicious) opening course. This way, you avoid the risk of being too full or not interested in eating what might be the most important part of your meal.

Tip #2: Try To Eat Slower

Overeating can be a major deterrent to healthy nutrition. And it’s a fact that eating too fast and overeating often go hand-in-hand. Our appetites are controlled by hormones that send signals to our brains when we are feeling hungry or full. However, it can take roughly 20 minutes for our brains to receive this message about being full, making it very easy to eat more than we need to. So naturally, taking your time and eating more slowly can allow the brain more time to perceive that you are full. Additionally, more thorough chewing while eating is also linked to better weight management.

Tip #3: Let Meal Planning Guide You To Healthier Choices

It’s always nice to have a plan. And when it comes to trying to improve your diet, meal planning can be remarkably helpful. Making coherent meal plans for your week can help make sure you are eating right, getting enough of the nutrients that matter most (lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies), and maintain some variety in your diet. Additionally, doing so can help save you money on ingredients that are inevitably wasted while shopping without a plan, or prevent you from spur-of-the-moment meals out that are both expensive and unhealthy.

Tip #4: How You Cook Your Food Matters

Cooking your own meals can be fun, rewarding, and ultimately beneficial to your nutrition. But keep in mind that the manner in which you cook your food can matter a great deal. A piece of chicken that is grilled or roasted in the oven will obviously be much better for you than one that is fried in unhealthy oil. Utilizing an air fryer can also be a great way to enjoy some crispy fried goodness without the guilt.

Here at Abraham Family Medicine, nothing is more important to us than the health and wellbeing of our patients, and nutrition is a huge part of that. Nutrition and healthy eating are just a few of the topics we cover at annual-wellness appointments in our office. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert healthcare providers, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Fact or Myth: Better Understanding Heart Disease

heart-icon-with-stethoscopeWe all know that heart disease is incredibly common, and that it is the leading cause of death for adults in the US. But there’s also a lot about the condition that many people don’t know, or at least don’t fully understand. Heart disease is complex and can affect different people in different ways. That’s why it’s so important to get your information on the subject from a trusted source, like the expert healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine. In honor of American Heart Month this February, we thought it would be appropriate to separate fact from fiction when it comes to a few common statements about heart disease.

Heart Disease Only Affects Older People

This is a myth. The truth is that young and middle-aged people can also develop heart issues including cardiovascular disease, especially as related health conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes become more prevalent among younger people. Additionally, lifestyle choices that a person makes when they are younger can drastically affect their risk of developing heart disease later in life. Plaque can start building up in the arteries as early as childhood and adolescence.

A Heart Attack Can Occur Even Without Certain Common Symptoms

This is true. Not every heart attack is the same. While we commonly associate certain symptoms like chest pain and discomfort, there is such a thing as a heart attack with more mild or subtle symptoms. This can include difficulty breathing, feeling nauseous or lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck, or back. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical assistance at once in order to be safe.

A Family History of Heart Disease Means I Will Definitely Develop It

This is a myth. While it is true that having a parent or sibling with heart issues can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease (the most common form of heart disease) is more linked to a person’s lifestyle than any genetic factors. Heart disease can be prevented by modeling heart-healthy behaviors like eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking. Even for people with a family history of the condition. Having a family history of heart disease does mean a person should be more vigilant and proactive when it comes to their heart health.

Heart health is no laughing matter and our hope is that our readers will take this information seriously and do what they can to promote heart health and wellness as the year goes on. This includes scheduling an annual wellness check-up with your healthcare provider to discuss what you can do to improve the state of your heart health. 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.

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.

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.

Zerona Fat Reduction Helps Atlanta Mom Lose 42 Pounds

When I walked into Abraham Medical Cosmetics in Snellville, GA (outside of Atlanta) in April of 2011, I was feeling defeated.  I was sick, my husband was sick, and my toddler was sick.  But beyond the sinus infections that wouldn’t go away, I was just worn out.  I had no energy, no drive, no stamina and very little joy.  I weighed 181 pounds, and I hated my body.  Every time I tried to exercise I was completely discouraged by the bouncing of all those extra pounds.  The most active date my husband and I had gone on in years was to play putt-putt.  Whenever my toddler asked me to play the answer was almost always “sorry honey, Mama is sick right now.”

Dr. Ben Abraham’s medical staff saw my family, prescribed medications, and we were about to go on our way, when I saw an ad for Zerona®.  I had seen it a few times before and just figured it wasn’t for me.  But this time, for some reason, I asked about it. The response was immediate.  Three different nurses at Dr. Abraham’s office had done the treatment and were willing to tell me how wonderful it was.  Their stories impacted me much more than a testimonial would from some random person.

Susan was very straight with me, stating that Zerona® wasn’t a magic wand. However, she said if I did my part and stuck to the exercise and nutrition protocol, the treatment would help me a lot.  Understanding the importance of eating well with fat reduction treatments, she said it would give me a kick start to a better shape, and then, I could do the rest.

And do you know what?  She was right.

I am writing this in December of 2011 after having lost 42 pounds.  I did quite a bit of work to get here.  I changed some long standing eating habits that were doing a lot of damage to my system, added moderate exercise to my regular routine, and learned how to say no to foods that I just didn’t need. The best part is that in the mean time I found a fun, active hobby and a reward all wrapped up into one:  ice skating.

In my mind, the key to making a long standing change in your life is to make it fun.  Find a way to reward yourself that contributes to your continued well-being.  Skating 5 hours a week IS a work out, but it is NOT work.  It is what I do for fun!  And I’ve dragged my whole family into this new, healthy lifestyle with me.  My husband and I have a regular date night where we skate together. In fact, my husband has lost 35 pounds and counting, just by following the same protocol as me!

From April to August—in just under 6 months we went from putt-putt to ice-skating.  I’ve gotten my life back, breathed new life into my family, and learned how to play again! Zerona® is what helped me get started.  Thank you to Susan and Stephanie and all the providers at Abraham Medical Cosmetics.

Study Highlights the Importance of Diverse Prenatal Nutrition

A recent study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine issued the conclusion that a healthier diet before and during pregnancy correlates to a lower risk of birth defects in infants. While the emphasis is often on folic acid as a staple for prenatal women during the first trimester to prevent birth defects, the researchers concluded that many people forget that adequate nutrition is more than getting particular foods, it’s getting the right combinations of foods.

The study was conducted by Stanford University researchers to determine if a mother’s diet had any effect on two particular birth defects: orofacial clefts and neural tube defects. They collected diet information from women in ten states with due dates between October 1997 to December 2005. Their conclusion was that a healthy, well-rounded diet could reduce the instances of birth defects in infants. While vitamins like folic acid are still very important, other researchers who have viewed the report conclude that the study’s findings prove that no matter your age, sex, or condition in life—pregnant or not—a healthy diet is crucial to you and your children’s well-being.

The providers at Abraham Medical Cosmetics understand the importance of overall well-being including a healthy diet. We also know that decoding the mixed messages of food marketing, choosing the healthy options, and knowing what’s good is often harder than it looks. Our expertly trained providers can help you formulate an eating plan for you and your family that works with your lifestyle and medical needs. No matter your current lifestyle we can work with you to ensure you and your family members are receiving adequate nutrition to help ensure health for life.

For more information on the services provided at Abraham Medical Cosmetics, contact us at our office in Snellville, GA (outside of Atlanta). You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and events.

 

Vein Removal Treatments at Abraham Medical Cosmetics

abraham medical cosmeticsVisible veins on the face can be embarrassing and annoying, but are also a tell-tale sign of aging. Caused by a back-up of blood in the capillaries, visible veins like spider veins most often appear on the face around the nose and cheeks.

Abraham Medical Cosmetics offers two solutions for vein removal: Syneron® laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) vein removal technologies.

Syneron® laser vein removal works by focusing laser light to target the specific pigment of veins. During treatment, the laser emits a single wavelength that breaks up the vein, allowing it to be absorbed by the immune system. Because small visible facial veins do not function correctly as normal veins do, there is generally no harm in erasing them through laser vein removal.

Additionally, our laser applicator features on-contact cooling to keep you comfortable and safe. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology works similarly to laser vein removal, except IPL utilizes multiple wavelengths of light directed toward the vein’s pigment to penetrate deeper into the skin, heating the vein to a point where it is destroyed and allowing the body to eliminate visible veins. Depending on the treatment area, most patients see full results within two to four IPL treatments.

Both IPL and laser vein removal treatments can be effective for different skin tones and types in eliminating the visible veins that appear on all areas of the face.  Both treatments leave the surrounding tissue and veins untouched. While new spider veins may appear over time, the eliminated veins will not return after the course of treatments. Vein removal with laser and IPL technologies is generally quick and manageable: most patients describe the sensation to that of being snapped with a rubber band, though numbing cream is available to minimize any discomfort.

For more information on Syneron® and IPL vein removal technologies or to schedule a consultation at our Snellville, GA office, contact us. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter with regular news and updates.

 

Abraham Medical Cosmetics’ Injectable Facial Rejuvenation Options Explained

abraham medical cosmeticsAs we age the processes that once allowed our skin the elasticity and smoothness of youth begin to slow. Collagen, the scaffolding behind the skin that makes it appear firm and supple, is not as ample as in our youth and damage from unprotected sun exposure and the environment begin to take a toll on the way our skin looks. Along with the effects of age, repeated facial expressions can deepen lines around the brows, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Facial injectables like Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® and facial fillers like Restylane® and Radiesse® work with your body to help smooth wrinkles and replump areas that have lost volume with time.

Botox® and Dysport® are two variations of dermal injectables that help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in between the eyes and forehead. They are both made from purified strains of the botulinum toxin and work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.

For the other areas of the face, Restylane® and Radiesse® are fillers that can be injected around the nose, mouth, and cheeks to restore the volume and suppleness that our skin loses as we age. These fillers also refine creases, fine lines, and wrinkles to give you a younger-looking visage instantly. Radiesse® even boosts the body’s natural collagen production rate so results last longer!

Dermal injectables are an excellent option for those who may not be ready for more extreme anti-aging measures like plastic surgery, but still want to renew and refresh their appearance.  Contact us for more information on facial injectables or other wrinkle reduction treatments at Abraham Medical Cosmetics.

You Asked, We Answered: Your Questions about Chemical Peels

How Does a Chemical Peel Benefit My Skin?

Chemical peels use specific acidic combinations to help smooth your facial skin and even out its tone and texture. During the treatment, a compound is applied to the facial skin and left on for a predetermined amount of time. The chemicals penetrate the skin and lift the dead external layer of skin while boosting collagen production in the deeper dermal layers.

After the treatment, the skin begins to slough the damaged outer layer of skin, hence the name “peel.” A chemical peel can eliminate signs of aging like fine lines, sun spots, and acne scarring. Each peel is customized for each patient’s skin type and skin condition(s).

How long does a chemical peel treatment last?

Most treatments last from 30 minutes to an hour allowing many patients to schedule their treatments during their lunch breaks and return to work afterward.

Is there any downtime with a chemical peel?
Depending on the strength of the peel applied, you may notice skin redness and irritation. However these side effects should subside by the day after treatment. The dead and damaged outer layers of skin will begin to peel soon afterward. These minor side effects generally do not impede everyday activities, and most patients return to their routines immediately.

Which peel will give me the best results?

During a consultation, one of our Snellville skin treatment providers will take your skin type and any skin conditions into consideration and determine the best chemical peel to achieve your desired cosmetic goals. Whether you’re looking to eliminate the signs of aging, reduce facial scarring associated with acne, or reduce sun spots, we have a chemical peel that suits your needs and can rejuvenate your look.

For more information on chemical peels, other cosmetic treatments like hair removal and fat reduction, or to schedule your consultation, contact us. We’re also on Twitter, so make sure to follow us to stay up to date on our events and news!

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