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3 Health Resolutions to Start The New Year Off Right!

apple-and-flexable-measuring-tapeThe start of another new year is here, and all of us at Abraham Family Medicine could not be more excited to welcome 2025. For many people, the new year can provide a terrific opportunity to look inward and think about the ways that we can refine ourselves in some way. This usually takes the form of a New Year’s Resolution. These resolutions are often set as a way to help us improve the state of our health. So in the spirit of the new year, our healthcare providers wanted to provide a few simple healthcare resolutions that anyone could benefit from.

Resolution #1: Start The New Year With An Annual Wellness Check

There is nothing that we recommend more than scheduling an annual check-up in January in order to get the new year started off right. Starting the year with an annual wellness visit can help gain a better understanding of the state of your health, while helping to determine your risk of potentially serious illnesses and health conditions. In our office, these check-ups include a series of diagnostic health screenings and discussions of the potential lifestyle adjustments that could promote long-term health and wellness.

Resolution #2: Find Extra Physical Activity Where & When You Can

Regular exercise and physical activity are incredibly important for people of all ages. And while we know it can be difficult to find the time, energy, and motivation to go to the gym as often as we should, there are still plenty of ways to be physically active outside of the context of a gym workout. Even something as minor as 15 minutes a day of walking, doing housework, sports or other simple activities can help lower your risk of serious health concerns like high blood pressure and heart disease. Any physical activity is better than none at all. And it is important to start somewhere and choose something that makes sense for you and your lifestyle.

Resolution #3: Take Pride in Incremental Progress

While everyone wants to fully achieve their goals, it’s important not to get discouraged in cases where you don’t quite make it all the way. If you wanted to lose 15 pounds, but only lost 10, it’s still an accomplishment, not a setback, and a great step towards your ultimate ambition. Staying the course, celebrating small victories, and not beating yourself up too much (or quitting entirely) will ultimately help you.

An annual check-up appointment with one of our providers can be the perfect way to get your new year started off right. 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.

We’re So Thankful For These Incredible Patient Testimonials!

female-face-with-colorful-leaf-backgroundThanksgiving is right around the corner, and everyone here at Abraham Family Medicine is in a particularly thankful and giving mood. A big part of this is knowing that we have the best, most loyal, and most generous patients in the world. It means so much to us to be able to provide such a wide selection of family medicine services, and based on some of the reviews that we have received lately, it apparently means a lot to you all as well. So in the spirit of sharing this Thanksgiving season, we wanted to show off some of the incredible family medicine testimonials that we have received from our real patients. All reviews have been pulled from Google.

“Waiting for long periods of time at the doctor’s office can be the pits when you are already in pain or anxious about a diagnosis. This is what keeps me away unless absolutely necessary. Wellness exams are extremely important, but I’ve been slow to make them. I’ve learned to deal with daily pain and other signs of aging on my own. Yesterday I had my much needed wellness exam at Dr. Abraham’s office and did not wait long at all. Once I was seen I didn’t feel rushed. The providers were genuinely concerned with my concerns and with my physical, as well as mental, health. The environment is welcoming as soon as you walk in. Looking forward to my next year’s appointment and won’t put off any concerns I have before then. God Bless you all!”

– Deanna

“Prompt, patient, caring, detailed, cheerful! From check-in to check-out I was given personal attention and there was no rush during my personal time with the nurses and doctor. Very professional! I left feeling I was in good hands and well taken care of.”

– Pamela

“I have been going to Dr. Abraham for over 30 years. He is an excellent doctor and always addresses my needs. The nurse, Achsah, I had today is my favorite. She is always upbeat, caring and attentive. Front desk Shannon always greets me by name and is always pleasant and helpful. She always goes the “extra mile” to help me. I would recommend this office to my family and friends. I have seen Dr. Goldie, Neil Bronaugh, and Kasey in the absence of Dr. Abraham. I would also recommend them as well.”

– Ginger

“The tech was very friendly, jovial, and helpful. I felt comfortable discussing anything with her. The doctor also took time to listen and explained things to me as well. Really appreciated both of them.”

– Rebecca

We want to thank all of our wonderful patients for everything they’ve done to help make us the best practice we can be. Your trust in us and allowing us to provide your medical care is a responsibility that we do not take lightly. 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.

How Common is Diabetes for Adults in the US?

blood-tester-in-handNovember is American Diabetes Month here in the US. As healthcare providers and educators, we here at Abraham Family Medicine feel it is our duty to provide helpful information to our patients on conditions like diabetes to reinforce how common and serious they can be. Diabetes is incredibly common for people of all ages, but typically develops once someone is already in their adult years (type 2 diabetes). This is why it’s so critical to understand diabetes and be proactive when it comes to preventing it. Today, we thought it would be instructive to provide some basic statistics about diabetes to show just how common it is, and offer some recommendations on how to prevent or treat it.

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 38.4 million people in the US (or 11.6% of the total US population) are currently living with diabetes.
  • About 8.7 million of these cases (just under 23%) are currently undiagnosed.
  • About 1.2 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year in the US.
  • An additional 97.6 million American adults (38% of the adult population) have prediabetes, and are at an increased risk of developing diabetes.
  • Diabetes risk increases with age, typically starting around age 45.
  • Over 29% of Americans age 65 and older are living with diabetes.

Thankfully, diabetes can often be prevented. In many cases, diabetes and prediabetes develop as a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits that can be reversed or altered. This means making healthy adjustments to your lifestyle including eating a healthier diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins), getting more exercise, quitting smoking, and always making sure to drink plenty of water each day.

It’s important to visit your healthcare provider for an annual check-up appointment each year to make sure that you are healthy and discuss what you can do to avoid health conditions like diabetes. 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.

4 Helpful Tips for Healthy Aging Month!

woman-and-man-exercising-on-fitness-trailAs we age, our ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle only becomes more and more important. The risk of developing chronic disease or medical conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes increases over time, which is why it’s so critical to be proactive about your health as the years go on. September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on the things we can do to improve the state of our overall health in order to age as gracefully as possible. With this in mind, our healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine were happy to provide a few tips in the spirit of healthy aging.

Prioritize Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults in the US. But common forms of heart disease like heart attacks and congestive heart failure can be prevented, or at least have their risks minimized by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity (even just taking a daily walk) and eating a healthy diet rich in fiber, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Make The Right Lifestyle Adjustments

It’s amazing how small adjustments to your lifestyle can add up, especially when compounded together. No one should ever smoke, but the need to quit all nicotine only becomes more pressing as the years go on. The same goes for excessive alcohol consumption, as alcohol can contribute to a wide variety of health problems. If you do drink, we recommend sticking to one drink a day or less. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits like developing a sturdy bedtime routine and sticking with it, as well as doing something to relax before bedtime, can also pay major dividends.

Keep Your Mind Active

Like the body, our minds can also benefit from extra care, maintenance, and activity as we age. Many older people may experience memory issues, changes in cognitive abilities, reflexes, and more. But these effects too can be minimized with the right care and mental wellness regimen. Staying socially active is hugely helpful. So too are activities that keep the mind active and working like dancing, tai chi, puzzles, word games, and any activity that requires thinking.

Annual Wellness Appointments Are a Must

Seeing your doctor for an annual check-up appointment is a great way to gauge the status of your overall health and lay the groundwork for many more healthy years ahead. Doing so can help you gain a better understanding of your mental and physical health, get some essential health screenings done, and reconnect with your healthcare provider. These annual appointments are a cornerstone to wellness as we age and should not be taken for granted. This is an important time to be very transparent with your doctor and ensure they know your lifestyle habits and your genetic health history.

There’s no such thing as a bad time to work to improve your health, but we hope this month and these tips can serve as a jumping off point for meaningful, lasting change. 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.

Abraham Medicine: Taking Pride in Providing Geriatric Medicine

doctor-assists-older-patientHere at Abraham Family Medicine, we always strive to provide outstanding medical care to patients of all ages. We take special pride in being able to help older patients and being attentive to the unique needs that advanced age can demand. As we age, it becomes more and more important to be aware of the state of our health and do what we can to be proactive when it comes to health and wellness. With this in mind, we wanted to discuss our geriatric medicine services and the positive impact that they can have on our patients and their health.

Our geriatric medicine services prioritize prevention and ongoing maintenance to ensure the best-possible quality of life for our patients. These services range from formulating customized senior care plans to treatment and management of common health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, dementia and memory issues, arthritis, and much more. Our staff of experienced providers work to regularly monitor any age-related medical conditions and adjust methods as needed over the years.

To see for yourself how critical this level of care can be for aging patients, we wanted to present the following testimonials from our patients:

“Took my 84-year old father to Abraham Family Medicine for a visit. He is a stroke victim and needed a primary care physician as we just moved him to Georgia. Everyone at the office was very nice and patient with us. They were very thorough in answering all of our questions and explaining things to us. Will definitely keep using this practice.”

– Lori M (Google)

“I love Abraham Family and Geriatric Medicine! I have been a patient for over 10 years and have never, ever had anything but caring, kind, and excellent care from every single person. I refer friends to the practice whenever I learn of anyone needing a doctor. If you are looking for excellent care, superior medical professionals, and a feeling that you are truly cared about, this is the best medical practice you will ever find.”

– Janet P (Google)

Being proactive about your health is important at any age, but it only becomes more essential as the years go on. If you or a loved one is in need of specialized care, our experts have the experience and knowledge to be there for you when you need us most. 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.

Tips To Remember for Healthy Vision Month!

woman-at-desk-suffering-from-eye-strainGood vision is one of those things that is both incredibly important to our overall wellness, and easy to take for granted. However, our eyes must be taken care of in order to promote their health and the best possible vision over time. Additionally, eye health is closely tied to many health issues including diabetes, muscular sclerosis, migraines, and more, which is why it makes sense to be aware of changes to your eyes. Since July is Healthy Vision Month, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be a great time to set our sights on what people can do to promote eye health and wellness. So keep reading for a few simple tips that can help anyone maintain healthy eyes and clear vision.

Don’t Ignore Any Changes To Your Vision

The way that a person’s vision can change over time can be subtle and at times even hard to notice. However, it’s important to be vigilant and speak to a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your vision, even small ones. This can mean blurriness in certain situations, difficulty seeing as well at night (especially when driving), noticeable squinting, flashes of light, dry eyes, and many other things that can be signs of slightly altered vision. Even minor changes can have a major impact if not properly addressed.

Protect Your Eyes From The Sun

In addition to being fashionable, a good pair of sunglasses can do wonders for protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure (especially this time of year) can cause a wide variety of vision issues and also increase your chances of developing chronic conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration. When selecting a pair of sunglasses, look for a pair that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays.

Give Your Eyes a Break From Screen Time

Daily screen time is a natural part of life, but making sure to give your eyes an occasional break from computer, phone, tablet, and/or television screens throughout the day is very highly recommended. Doing so can help prevent eyestrain, as well as headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, and more. Try using the 20/20/20 rule, which calls for looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds at least once every 20 minutes during any prolonged period of uninterrupted screen time.

Always Avoid Smoking

Many people do not realize that smoking is as bad for their eyes as it is for the rest of the body. Smoking regularly can cause damage to the optic nerve while increasing the risk for cataracts and many other medical problems.

During annual appointments in our office, we discuss if our patients have noticed any changes to their vision since their last visit to make sure no issues have occurred. This is part of our philosophy of providing comprehensive health and wellness services for all of our patients. 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.

3 Things To Know for Men’s Health Month This June

male-visits-doctorJune is Men’s Health Month here in the US, which is why the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine are imploring our readers to use this time to think more seriously about the state of their health. It’s a fact that on average in the US, men die five years younger than women, and at higher rates than women of 9 of the 10 highest causes of death. Understanding your overall health, and being aware of healthy habits and choices, is critical when it comes to promoting long-term wellness. To help our readers put their best feet forward this June, we wanted to provide a few useful pieces of information about men’s health that everyone should be aware of:

#1: Family Histories Provide Invaluable Knowledge

According to a survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, 77% of male responders were not aware if they had a family history of common urological issues and 64% said the same thing when asked about common cancers for men. These issues include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and more. Knowing your family history can provide a needed sense of caution and proactivity when it comes to screening for these issues and detecting them as early as possible.

#2: Take Note of Your Blood Pressure

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that over half of all men age 18 and older in the US have high blood pressure (hypertension). This is a serious concern that can drastically increase a person’s risk of major health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and many more. So check your blood pressure regularly and speak with your healthcare provider about what you can do to better manage it if need be.

#3: You Are What Your Eat… and Drink

We all know that eating a healthy diet is important. This means prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while cutting back on overly fatty, salty, or fried foods. But alcohol consumption is another thing that guys should pay more attention to in regards to their health. The most recent edition of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that over 33 million males aged 12 and older (over 24% in this age group) reported binge drinking in the past month. For men, this is defined as drinking five or more beverages containing alcohol within a roughly two hour window.

Here at Abraham Family Medicine, our providers have many years of experience performing annual exams for men of all ages. These annual appointments are critical to gaining a complete sense of your overall health and detecting anything irregular before it becomes a more serious issue. We even conduct regular blood tests to ensure there are no red flags and perform diagnostic testing when needed. 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.

Hear Real Family Medicine Testimonials From Our Patients!

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

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

– Debra H. (Google)

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

– Rachel B. (Google)

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

– Susan A. (Google)

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

What Are The Most Common Kidney Health Concerns?

Kidney-DiagramKidney health is an extremely important aspect of overall health and wellness. Among our most vital organs, the kidneys are responsible for many things that keep our bodies healthy and functioning as they should, like regulating fluid levels and filtering toxins out of the bloodstream. In honor of the upcoming National Kidney Month, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought it would be helpful to discuss some of the most common kidney health issues and the effects that they can have on a person’s health.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that currently affects over 37 million adults in the US. People with CKD experience damage to their kidneys over time that prevents them from effectively cleaning and filtering the blood the way that healthy kidneys should. In its advanced stages, the condition can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes to build up in the body, increasing the risk of serious infection and potentially fatal kidney failure without proper treatment. In order to effectively treat chronic kidney disease, we must first determine if it is being caused by another underlying condition, like diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones do not pose the same long-term health risk as Chronic Kidney Disease, but they are certainly nothing to take lightly. These hard deposits of minerals or salts can form inside the kidneys, as well as inside the ureter (the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys) or bladder. They can result from many things including an excess of mineral salts (including calcium) in the body. While they don’t always come with symptoms, kidney stones are often associated with intense pain, pressure in the kidney and bladder areas, nausea, and urination issues. Some stones may pass through the urine naturally, others may require minor surgical intervention.

Kidney Infections

Kidney infections (also known as pyelonephritis) is a unique type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that can affect the kidneys. These infections occur when an existing infection of the urethra or the bladder spreads upwards into the kidneys. Kidney infections can come with a multitude of symptoms including fever, chills, severe nausea, discomfort in the flanks, back, abdomen, or groin, and various urinary issues. In most cases, antibiotics are used as a treatment method for kidney infections.

When working to actively promote good kidney health, it’s essential to make healthy choices and keep up with annual appointments including screenings for kidney issues when appropriate. 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.

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.

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