family medicine

February 7, 2024

Fact or Myth: Better Understanding Heart Disease

heart-icon-with-stethoscope We 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.

January 2, 2024

Happy Holidays From Abraham Family Medicine!

The holidays are here and we hope everyone is having a festive and relaxing season. There is so much to love about the holidays, and also so much to be thankful for. So in the spirit of the season, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be a great time to share what we are most thankful for this year:

Our Patients

What more can we say? Our patients mean everything to us. It’s an immense honor for us to be able to provide our family medicine services to so many extraordinary people and build such lasting relationships with our patients and their families over the years. No matter the nature of the appointment, from a routine annual check-up to the diagnosis and treatment of the many acute health conditions we diagnose and treat such as heart disease and diabetes, we strive to provide the most compassionate and professional care possible.

Our Staff

Our medical team is the backbone of our practice. From Dr. Abraham and Dr. Goldie, to our incredible group of physician assistants, nurses and medical assistants, to our longtime practice administrator Stephanie, our providers and entire team work tirelessly for our patients and this hard work does not go unnoticed. So thank you to everyone whose dedication and energy makes Abraham Family Medicine what it is for our patients.

Our Testimonials

It’s been absolutely wonderful to see so many patients leave us such incredibly kind and thoughtful reviews over the past year. We certainly don’t take this time and effort for granted. Receiving these firsthand medical testimonials from our patients is crucial for both helping new patients find us, and helping us know whether or not we are reaching our standard as healthcare providers. Our pledge is to always be there for our patients, and it’s been amazing to see how many of you have taken the time to be here for us this year!

We hope all of our patients have a terrific holiday season and we can’t wait to see everyone for another great year in 2024! 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.

November 27, 2023

Lung Cancer Awareness Month at Abraham Family Medicine

patient-consults-doctor Lung cancer is a prevalent and incredibly serious health condition for adults in the US to monitor. While it is commonly associated with smoking, you don’t have to be a smoker to develop lung cancer. Lung cancer risk is higher than many people realize. We say this not to scare our readers, but to reinforce the importance of awareness and living a lung-healthy lifestyle. So in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, our healthcare providers wanted to present some helpful lung cancer statistics provided by the American Cancer Society.

Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer for both men and women in the US (not including skin cancer).
This year alone, about 238,340 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the US and roughly 127,070 Americans will die of lung cancer.
Making up about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths in the US, lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death for Americans.
The average age a person is diagnosed is about 70, meaning geriatric patients are far more at risk.
The 5-year survival rate for people with localized lung cancers (cases where the cancer has not spread) is currently 65%.

Lung cancer can’t be “prevented”, but there are certainly things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition. First and foremost, never smoke cigarettes (including e-cigarettes or vaping). If you do smoke, quit immediately or ask for assistance from a medical professional to help you quit. There are medications and other methods that may be able to help. Maintaining a smoke-free environment at home and in the office while avoiding secondhand smoke can be incredibly helpful. Annual screening for lung cancer is highly recommended for anyone with a history of smoking, people between the ages of 55-80, and people who have a family history of lung cancer. We also recommend getting your home tested for radon.

Respiratory health is a critical part of long-term wellness, and we hope that everyone reading this will take this warning to heart. 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, Lilburn and Loganville.

October 26, 2023

Stats to Know for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

purple-Alzheimer's-ribbon While it is commonly associated with people later in life, there is profound benefit for people of all ages to understand and identify the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, can develop as a result of many factors including age, genetics, environment, and current mental and physical health. For many people, seeing basic statistics about a condition like Alzheimer’s can help paint a clearer picture of how common it is and why it’s so important to be aware of risk factors. That’s why our healthcare providers wanted to share the following statistics on Alzheimer’s Disease recently collected by The Alzheimer’s Association:

About 6.7 million Americans age 65 or older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for an estimated 60% – 80% of all dementia cases reported in the US.
There is a strong link between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s. Roughly one-third of people who experience MCI develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s within five years.
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, as the percentage of people with Alzheimer’s dementia increases significantly with age. 5% of people aged 65 to 74, 13% of people aged 75 to 84, and 33% of people aged 85 or older will experience Alzheimer’s disease.
Just over 5% of people with Alzheimer’s disease start developing symptoms before the age of 65.

It can be difficult to fully prevent Alzheimer’s disease, as many of the most common risk factors are out of the person’s control. However, there are certain things that a person can do to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This includes exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and other nicotine products, not drinking alcohol in excess, keeping your brain active with puzzles and other forms of stimulation as you age, and maintaining an active social life.

Generally speaking, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle can be extremely helpful in the fight against Alzheimer’s. In addition to understanding your risk, it’s important to keep up with your annual wellness visits with a board-certified healthcare provider. For more information on Alzheimer’s or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

September 14, 2023

What Our Patients Are Saying About Abraham Family Medicine!

three-ladies-in-arms When searching for a new family medicine doctor or medical practice, it can be hard to sift through all of your options. But there are fewer better barometers for the kind of care and experience you can expect than what patients have to say about their practice. We’ve received so many incredible medical testimonials from our patients lately and we thought sharing a few would be a great way to illustrate the level of patient care, professionalism, and commitment that patients can expect when they come to visit Abraham Family Medicine. With this in mind, check out the following firsthand medical testimonials from our patients that we have received:

“There is not any other team of doctors I would trust more with my elder loved ones than Dr. Abraham’s office! They have not only helped my mother greatly, but my friends too and helped me to take care of them better as a caregiver!”

– Angel M.

Just a reminder that If you are in need of geriatric medicine services, we diagnose and treat an array of geriatric health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, depression and memory loss to name a few.

“Everyone is always so friendly and helpful – Great bedside manner by each provider we have seen. We are so grateful to have finally found a practice that treats us like people and not a number. Our time is respected, wait time is very minimal. We have always been called back at our appointed time or sooner. They are very transparent. Highly recommend this family practice. Thank you to all the staff for all you do.”

– Christine R.

“Staff are extremely nice and thoughtful. All the doctors are attentive with your needs and the quality of care is exceptional. They listen to your complaints and will send you for needed tests and many doctors are just too preoccupied to care about finding out why you have the symptoms or what is really wrong. I have been sent for MRIs, sonograms and CT scans and they have uncovered serious problems. So glad they followed up to make sure I had the proper diagnosis. If you are sick this is the practice that can help you get well.”

– Patricia B.

It’s so wonderful to read words like this from our patients and it means so much to our whole team of healthcare providers to know that our care is really making a difference for the patients we serve. 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.

August 23, 2023

Fact or Fiction: Dissecting Myths About Prostate Cancer

male-patient-consults-with-doctor Part of our medical philosophy here at Abraham Family Medicine is that it is incredibly helpful for people to be as knowledgeable about their health and common medical conditions as possible. It can pay massive dividends for people to have a basic understanding of their risk factors in order to seek treatment as quickly as possible in the case of a change in their health. In honor of the upcoming Prostate Cancer Awareness month, our expert healthcare providers thought it would be helpful to debunk a few common myths about prostate cancer.

Myth #1: Only Older Men Are at Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer

This is not true. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, about 1 in 9 men in the US will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. There are several prostate cancer risk factors for men to be aware of. Age is certainly one of them, as about 65% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older. However, that also means that the remaining 35% are diagnosed at an earlier age.

Myth #2: The PSA Test is a Prostate Cancer Screening Method

This is a common misconception. While a PSA test is incredibly helpful in detecting irregularities with the prostate, it cannot alone be used to determine if someone has prostate cancer. PSA (or prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate in response to many potential prostate issues, large and small. This includes inflammation, infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the prostate, or prostate cancer in some cases. Once a PSA test is done, additional prostate cancer screenings or tests will be performed in order to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Myth #3: Getting a Vasectomy Will Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer

While this was once thought to be true, the fact is that after years of testing and research, there is no link between having a vasectomy and developing prostate cancer. Conversely, opting for a vasectomy can lead to the prostate being checked more often and early detection of prostate cancer in cases where it does occur.

Because prostate cancer is so common, understanding risk factors and knowing the facts about it can be incredibly beneficial for men of all ages. For more information on prostate cancer or to schedule your screening appointment today, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

July 25, 2023

What to Know for Summer Sun Safety Month This August!

mother-and-child-on-beach The summer season is in full swing and we hope everyone is making the most of their time in the sun this year. The combination of spending more time outdoors and the longer, hotter summer weather means now is the time to take sun protection most seriously. August is Summer Sun Safety Month in the US, which is why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought it would be a great opportunity to explain what our readers can do to enjoy the rest of the summer as safely as possible.

Be Aware of the Time of Day

There’s never a bad time to consider sun protection during the summer, but some times of day are more important to take note of than others. The middle of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm, is when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. Additionally, while they may provide some temporary relief, remember that clouds offer little actual protection from UV rays and you can still experience sun damage on a cloudy day.

Apply Sunscreen Every Day

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) every day during the summer is the single most helpful thing that you can do to protect yourself during the summer and to help prevent skin cancer. Apply sunscreen generously, and make sure to reapply every two hours, or even more frequently in situations where you are swimming or sweating. Use a generous amount of sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin, but don’t forget other spots that are less commonly thought of including your lips, your ears, your feet (if wearing sandals), areas of exposed scalp and the backs of your hands. Also, make sure the sunscreen you’re using has not expired if using a bottle or can that was held over from last summer.

Remember Protective Clothing & Sunglasses

Wearing sunscreens is obviously essential, but there is more that you can do to protect your skin this summer. Sun-protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as a broad-brimmed hat, can also be incredibly beneficial. It’s important to remember that UV rays can also affect your eyes, leading to pain, discomfort, and even long-term vision damage. Many people don’t realize that it’s possible for your eyes to experience a sunburn as well. When shopping for sunglasses, look for a pair with lenses that block both types of UV radiation — UVA and UVB rays.

Regardless of how much precaution you take this summer, regular skin exams to detect any potential skin cancers are still very highly recommended. Like any other form of cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is detected and diagnosed, the easier that it will be to treat effectively. For more information on skin health or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

June 28, 2023

Hear What Our Level of Family Medical Care Means To Our Patients

three-women-in-arms The healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine make it their mission to always be there for our patients and their loved ones. This goes beyond just providing the high-level medical treatments and services that our patients have come to depend on us for. It also means being able to create an environment where our patients can always feel safe, comfortable, and at peace knowing that they will be in good hands when they visit our office. So with this in mind, we thought it would be helpful and instructive to share a few firsthand medical testimonials from our patients to show how impactful our level of care can be on the lives of our patients and their families.

I happened upon Dr. Abraham’s practice when my urgent care made a referral. I am very particular about my doctors and have lost excellent ones because they closed their practices. I have been at this practice for about three years and I have loved every visit I’ve had. You can tell they are very selective about who they hire. The customer service has been outstanding. They take their time with you, they care about you and listen to what you say. They respond quickly to telephone calls. I never have a problem getting an appointment. My PA is very thorough and their phlebotomist is top notch. I have a history of being a “hard stick.” Even when my veins are found, they move. But I have never been stuck more than once at this practice. I would recommend this practice to anyone, especially for geriatric care.

– NT

Dr. Abraham and staff are kind, respectful and work to get you in right away if you’re having problems. He has an excellent staff that genuinely cares! Highly recommended.

– DS

I have been coming here for years. I have been seen by just about every doctor or nurse practitioner and I love all of them. They are amazing! I called in unexpectedly thinking I had COVID one morning. They were slammed full, but when I mentioned I was sick and I thought I had COVID they did everything they could to fit me in a video call. They had two prescriptions called in immediately and when we drove up to the parking lot they came out and gave me and my husband a rapid test, plus tested us for the flu and strep throat as well. Our tests came back positive for COVID, but thanks to their help and quick response we both felt much better very quickly. They are truly amazing people. The whole staff rocks.

– KF

It’s so wonderful to hear back from our patients and know that we are meeting the standard of quality care that we set for ourselves. Before we close, we wanted to thank the patients who have left us these reviews, as well as everyone else who has taken the time to leave us such kind words through the years. We are always so grateful to receive feedback from our patients, so if you have an experience of your own to share, please don’t hesitate to leave us a review on Google, Healthgrades, or Vitals. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

May 31, 2023

Men’s Health Month at Abraham Family Medicine This June

male-consults-with-doctor June is Men’s Health Month in the US, which is why the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought it would be a great time to discuss what men can do to promote long-term health and wellness. Doing so requires knowledge of common health concerns that affect men as they age, as well as what can be done to prevent them. In our office, our providers believe that prevention is often the best treatment for any health condition. So with this in mind, we wanted to provide a few facts and tips for guys to live by.

Understand Which Concerns To Keep Tabs On

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), of the 15 leading causes of death in the US, men die at a higher rate than women for all of them (with the exception of Alzheimer’s disease). However, men should be especially cognizant of their potential risks of developing prostate cancer, lung cancer, and heart disease.

Never Miss Regular Screenings or Exams

As we previously mentioned, preventing serious health concerns before they occur should always be the goal. And attending annual wellness exams, as well as other recommended health screenings (depending on your age), is a critically important part of this prevention plan. In addition to gauging health metrics like blood pressure, BMI, and cholesterol, undergoing annual screening appointments like a prostate exam, colonoscopy, and eye exam are also essential. Screenings for chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease are also extremely important.

Adjust Your Routine As You Age

Getting the recommended amount of weekly exercise (150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity) is critical. And while it’s important to be physically active and exercise regularly, it’s also important to know your limits and adjust your exercise regimen when appropriate. Injuries occur more regularly for men starting in middle age, and it’s important not to put unnecessary strain on back, knees, or other parts of the body that may be susceptible to injury.

Here at Abraham Family Medicine, we perform annual exams for men of all ages to provide our patients with a better understanding and a more complete picture of their overall health status. 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.

May 1, 2023

4 Tips To Help Anyone Improve Their Sleep

couple-sleeping-in-bed May is Better Sleep Month, so the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought that now would be a perfect time to discuss the critical importance of nightly sleep. Sleep is something that is easy to take for granted, but it shouldn’t be. Getting a good night’s sleep is as important to our health as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Regular poor sleep can lead to serious long and short-term mental and physical health issues like weight gain, depression, and increased risk of many diseases. Conversely, sleeping well can be a major boost to anyone’s overall health and wellness.

Our experts thought it would be helpful to provide the following tips to help people improve their sleep habits:

Tip #1: Set a Regular Sleep Schedule & Stick To It

We highly recommend establishing and maintaining a nightly sleep schedule. That means going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day, including weekends. This consistency will help reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle and make getting to sleep (and waking up) easier.

Tip #2: Avoid Caffeine After a Certain Point in the Day

We know that waking up with coffee is a vital part of the day for many people. And while we’re not saying to swear off caffeine entirely, it’s a fact that consuming caffeine later in the day can stimulate the nervous system and stop the body from naturally relaxing at night. Caffeine can stay elevated in a person’s blood for 6 hours (or more), which is why it’s important to cut off caffeine intake long before bedtime. Drinking decaf coffee or other non-caffeinated alternatives in the afternoon or evening can be helpful.

Tip #3: Create an Ideal Sleep Environment

There’s more to actually getting to sleep than simply crawling into bed and resting your head on a pillow. Make an effort to create a sleep-friendly environment for yourself. This means keeping the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Exposure to light (including light from television and phone screens) can make it very difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, calming activities like reading, breathing exercises, or taking a bath may also help promote better sleep.

Tip #4: Try To Avoid Napping

We know this one won’t be popular, but it’s true that sleeping during the day can negatively affect your ability to sleep at night. Especially in the case of long or irregular naps. Sleeping during the day can confuse the body’s internal clock, leading to difficulty with properly resting when it’s time to go to bed. While there may be some exceptions, particularly for people who primarily work at night, napping should be avoided if possible.

Having the occasional sleepless night is normal and nothing to be alarmed about. But if you’re having consistent trouble getting to sleep, our hope is that these tips will be able to relieve these issues. For more information on healthy sleep or to schedule an appointment, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.