family medicine

4 Tips To Help Anyone Improve Their Sleep

couple-sleeping-in-bedMay 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.

Is There Such a Thing As Healthy Alcohol Consumption?

patient-consults-with-doctorApril is Alcohol Awareness Month in the US. For many of us, an occasional drink can be a great accompaniment to a nice meal, a night out, or other social situations. But alcohol use over time can pose certain health concerns if not kept in moderation. With this in mind, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine thought it would be instructive to discuss alcohol and how it should be consumed safely and responsibly. More specifically, we wanted to discuss what constitutes a healthy level of alcohol consumption, or if there is such a thing.

How much alcohol per week is considered unhealthy?

We’ve all heard the term “drinking in moderation”, but what constitutes moderation? According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025,”, moderate drinking allows for two or fewer per day for men and one drink or less per day for women.

Health conditions that alcohol can make worse?

For people with certain health conditions or risk factors, alcohol can exacerbate symptoms or lead to more serious complications in the future. And in these cases, no amount of alcohol consumption can be safely recommended. For example, people who have experienced a hemorrhagic stroke (leaking or rupturing of a blood vessel in the brain), drinking alcohol can increase the risk of additional strokes in the future. People who have liver, pancreatic, or heart disease also should not drink.

If you’re still not sure about healthy alcohol consumption, this is a great topic to bring up with your healthcare provider during an annual appointment. The more knowledge you have about the state of your health, the better and more informed decisions you can make about drinking and what is right for you. 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.

These Nutrition Tips Can Help Improve Overall Health & Wellness

plastic-heart-and-stethoscopeIt should not come as a surprise that nutrition is an integral part of long-term health and wellness. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” But with so much information available online and the complicated nature of nutrition, it can be easy to get confused when it comes to healthy eating. There can even be conflicting opinions among qualified experts, which can make things even more challenging for people. However, some nutrition essentials are simply a matter of fact, and anyone can benefit from taking the following nutrition tips to heart.

Prioritize Fiber Intake

Fiber is one of the most important nutrients there is. Eating fiber helps maintain digestive health while also helping to make us feel fuller longer, which can prevent overeating and excessive snacking. Fiber can also help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. Some foods that are rich in fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Like author Michael Pollan has said, “Came from a plant, eat it; was made in a plant, don’t.“

Avoid Added Sugars

It’s natural to have a bit of a sweet tooth and sugar in general can be difficult to avoid. But added sugars are a different story. Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods and drinks when they are processed or prepared (as opposed to sugars that occur naturally in certain foods). This includes products like cane juice, corn syrup, dextrose, and fructose. Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to weight gain, and serious health conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. As a tip, drink water instead of sugary sodas or juices, and consider low-sugar alternatives to products like maple syrup and honey when possible. The best thing you can do is read labels to ensure the content is low when it comes to added sugar.

Try to Eat Out Less

We all love eating out at restaurants, but there can be significant nutritional advantages to planning and preparing more of your own meals. Doing so can help maintain the balance of your diet, while avoiding unhealthy ingredients like too much butter and salt. Eating at home also helps manage portion control. As an added bonus, eating fewer meals in restaurants can also provide some relief to your bank account.

Eat a Wide Variety of Colors

One thing we often recommend to people is to make sure when they’re eating a meal, that there is a variety of different-colored foods on their plate. Green vegetables are crucial, but fruits like oranges and tomatoes are also loaded with vitamins, fiber, and other great nutrients. Some starchy white foods like bread and potatoes can be fine in moderation as long as they are part of a balanced and colorful diet.

Here at Abraham Family Medicine, the health and wellbeing of our patients is always our top priority. This is why in addition to health advice like this, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to help our patients gain a full understanding of their health and risk factors for potential health concerns. 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.

4 Potentially Life-Saving Heart Disease Prevention Tips

heart-iconFebruary is almost here, which means it is nearly American Heart Month once again. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, our healthcare providers pride themselves on being able to educate our readers about health concerns like heart disease, in an effort to help them prevent these issues before they develop. We thought it would be helpful today to provide some general heart disease prevention tips as a means of helping our readers prepare to live a heart healthy lifestyle.

Eat Right & Exercise

The best thing anyone can do to prevent heart disease is to eat a heart healthy diet and get regular daily exercise. We recommend a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins like salmon. Additionally, 30 to 60 minutes of even moderate physical activity is incredibly important in preventing and reducing the risk of heart disease. Even simple things like housework or a neighborhood walk will do.

Keep Tabs On Your Vital Signs

Many common indicators of a person’s overall health can indicate an increased risk of heart disease. Specifically, high blood pressure and higher than normal cholesterol levels. It’s important to keep daily records on your blood pressure and get your cholesterol checked regularly based on your provider’s recommendation to make sure they are at a safe and healthy level.

Understand Your Risk Factors

Every person’s individual risk of heart disease is different. However, there are some universal risk factors that people should be aware of. Advanced age, being overweight, and smoking are known risk factors for heart disease. As is a family history of heart diseases. High stress levels can also increase a person’s risk, so developing healthy stress management techniques can be crucial.

Discuss Heart Health at Annual Appointments

You don’t need to fight alone in your effort to prevent heart disease. During annual check-up appointments, be proactive and bring up heart health as a discussion topic. Even if you’re not currently experiencing any issues, discussing all of your available preventative measures against heart disease with a healthcare professional can be incredibly educational and beneficial in the long-run.

Our hope is that our readers will take these tips to heart and do everything they can to promote heart health and wellness in the days ahead. Meeting with your healthcare provider for an annual wellness check-up is a great first step in the fight against heart disease. 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.

Thyroid Awareness Month This January at Abraham Family Medicine

doctor-consult-with-male-patientThe thyroid may not be the first thing that many people think of when considering their health and wellness, but it’s a fact that thyroid disease and other conditions associated with the thyroid are incredibly common for adults. According to statistics from the American Thyroid Association, nearly 20 million Americans are currently living with some form of thyroid disease. And because of the nature of these conditions, roughly 60% of thyroid disease cases go undiagnosed. So for Thyroid Awareness Month, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some basic information about the thyroid, the most common types of thyroid disease, and what people can do to prioritize their thyroid health.

For anyone unaware, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower portion of the neck (just below where the Adam’s apple would be located). The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones the body uses to regulate essential functions like the heartbeat, body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism. This is why many experts consider the thyroid to be the most important endocrine organ.

The most common types of thyroid disease include the following:

Hyperthyroidism – Commonly known as overactive thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. This overproduction can increase the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss and an irregular heartbeat.

Hypothyroidism – Inversely, hypothyroidism is a condition caused by having an under-active thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is the result of the thyroid not producing enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Effects of hypothyroidism can create a hormone imbalance that can disrupt a person’s heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of the metabolism. Common symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to temperatures (especially cold), constipation, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain.

Thyroid Cancer – Thyroid cancer can develop when cells grow and multiply rapidly, forming a tumor in the thyroid. Warning signs of thyroid cancer include an unusual lump or swelling in the neck, as well as chronic coughing, hoarseness, and swelling in the area. Although a small percentage of thyroid cancers are very aggressive, the condition is very responsive to treatment in most cases.

The best way to promote long-term thyroid health is to visit your primary care doctor each year for screenings during an annual check-up appointment. Screening for thyroid disease may include testing the blood to measure levels of certain thyroid hormones. Other tests include a biopsy or imaging including a thyroid ultrasound as well as examination of the thyroid itself. For more information on thyroid 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.

What To Know About Aging In Place

BAPC-logoAs purveyors of geriatric medicine services, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine are passionate about doing what is best for our advanced age patients. One such consideration for families to keep in mind is the best living arrangement for their loved ones. It’s only natural for people to feel the need to keep their loved ones closer as they age, and for people to not want to leave their homes of many years to depart to a senior living facility. “Aging in place” is a practice where a senior chooses to remain at home instead of moving into an assisted living or nursing facility. To help better understand the pros and cons of aging in place, we wanted to present some information that everyone should be aware of.

When considering aging in place as a solution, three very important factors need to be considered. The individual person, the specifics of the home, and the available loved ones and other potential sources of support. When all these factors indicate that someone might be a good fit for an aging in place arrangement, it can be the easiest and most comfortable situation for everyone involved. However, this is not the case for everyone.

While the desire to remain at home may be there in some cases, aging in place may simply not be feasible or practical for a number of reasons. For instance, larger homes that demand more maintenance and physical exertion to get around in may not be suitable for aging in place. Certain physical limitations like loss of vision or hearing, decreased mobility, and bone fragility must be considered so that they are in a safe environment. Aging in place may be difficult for seniors who do not have loved ones or caretakers who live nearby. In some cases, hiring a professional caretaker can help, but not every family can afford this and some seniors may not be comfortable with an unfamiliar stranger in their home.

For those that think that aging in place may be right for their loved one, we recommend ensuring the following home adjustments for aging in place have been made:

  • Stairlifts (and ramps where applicable) to avoid potentially hazardous trips up and down the stairs
  • Handrails and/or grab bars positioned in hallways and bathrooms to protect against falls
  • Walk-in tubs or showers to avoid unnecessarily stepping over a high bathtub
  • Safety shower mats to prevent potential slipping in the bathroom
  • Ample lighting, including conveniently placed light switches, night lights, and motion detected lighting that comes on when a person enters a room
  • Easily accessible shelving in closets and pantry
  • A wearable security monitor, life Life Alert, to help alert the proper authorities in case of an emergency.

While we understand that these are never easy decisions, gaining a better understanding of the available options for elder care can only help our readers. We know that people just want the best for their loved ones and we feel that aging in place can sometimes be the most comfortable and beneficial option. 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.

September Is National Cholesterol Education Month!

doctor-visitThere are many measures and figures that can help us as healthcare providers gain a better understanding of a patient’s overall health. Cholesterol is one such figure. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. While cholesterol is needed for the body to build healthy cells, high levels of cholesterol can lead to the development of fatty deposits in the blood vessels that make it more challenging for blood to flow through the arteries as it should. This can increase the risk of serious health concerns like heart disease, stroke, and more. To help our readers better understand high cholesterol, we wanted to discuss its effects and how it can be effectively prevented.

We wanted to begin with some basic statistics about the prevalence of high cholesterol. Roughly 12% of adults age 20 and older had total cholesterol levels higher than recommended by doctors. Additionally, about 17% have lower high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol) levels than they should. One of the major issues with high cholesterol is that it is not associated with any known symptoms. This is part of why it is estimated that nearly half of adults in the US who could benefit from cholesterol medicine are not taking any. High cholesterol can also affect children, as 7% of kids and adolescents between 6 to 19 have high total cholesterol

Some high cholesterol risk factors to be aware of include:

  • A family history of high cholesterol
  • Eating an unhealthy diet, high in saturated fats or trans fats
  • Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is strongly correlated with high cholesterol
  • A sedentary lifestyle lacking in physical exercise
  • Abuse of tobacco products and alcohol
  • Advanced age, as high cholesterol is far more common for people over the age of 40

While cholesterol issues may be genetic in some cases, there are lifestyle adjustments that can be made to help many people prevent high cholesterol. We recommend the following:

  • Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, annual testing of cholesterol levels is essential.
  • Eat a diet that prioritizes foods that are low in salt and is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Try to get at least 30 minutes of even moderate exercise every day
  • Practice healthy breathing exercises and stress management techniques regularly
  • Quit smoking and enjoy alcohol in moderation (if at all)

Cholesterol might not be the first thing that many people consider when thinking about how to improve their health, but there is no disputing how important a person’s cholesterol levels are to their overall wellbeing. 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.

The Difference Our Level of Medical Care Makes for Our Patients

BAPC-logoHearing back from patients we have treated is extremely important to us here at Abraham Family Medicine. Our medical team always strives to provide our patients with the best and most professional healthcare services when they enter our office, regardless of the nature of their visit. Receiving feedback from our patients lets us know that we are meeting our goal and doing everything in our power to be there for our patients and their loved ones. With this in mind, we wanted to present some firsthand medical testimonials from our patients to illustrate the difference that our level of care can make.

“I’ve been coming here since 2012 and I’ve never had any issues. The doctors are always very understanding and listen to my concerns. They take the time with each patient to help them with their health issues. They will send you to the best specialist if you ever need one. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great doctor. The staff are all cordial, very professional, and know what they’re doing. Great medical practice!”

  • MO

“I have been coming to this practice for over 10 years. It’s great for everything, but they specialize in geriatric medicine. But the practice is about quality of life not just pain management. I would recommend this practice for anyone, older adults and otherwise.”

  • JC

“Great service. I didn’t feel rushed. Doctor Abraham explained everything and made sure I understood what was going on. The staff was very friendly, the waiting room was serene and wide open, and I never felt like I was just a number to them. Wonderful practice.”

  • SK

It’s so great to hear back from these patients and we wanted to thank them, as well as everyone else who has taken the time to leave us such kind thoughts through the years. We are always open to receiving this kind of feedback, 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.

UV Safety Awareness Month at Abraham Family Medicine

mother-daughter-at-beachNow that the summer is officially here, it’s important to be aware of the Sun’s UV rays and the potential risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the US each year. While protecting your skin from the Sun is most important during the summer due to warmer temperatures and more time spent outdoors, the truth is that it is imperative to take the necessary steps to protect yourself year-round. That’s why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some easy steps on how to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:

  • Be mindful of the time of day. The Sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm Daylight Saving Time (or 9 am and 3 pm standard time).
  • Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every day, year-round. On days when you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, we recommend using a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply often during the day.
  • When possible, wear clothing that will protect your skin like long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
  • Be extra cautious around surfaces that reflect like water and sand that can lead to an increased risk of sunburn and skin damage.
  • Do not use tanning beds, as their ultraviolet light can cause premature skin aging and greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.
  • Perform regular self-examinations of your skin and do not hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider if you notice any irregular spots on your skin.

When looking out for skin cancer, it can be very helpful to use the ABCDE system of detecting irregular marks on the skin. “A” is for asymmetry. “B” is for an irregular or poorly defined border. “C” is for odd or varying colorization. “D” is for a diameter of 6mm or greater. And “E” is for evolving marks that change over time.

Like any other form of cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is detected and diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. These precautions are especially important for people with a family history of skin cancer. Regardless of whether you notice any unexpected changes or marks on your skin, we recommend visiting with a doctor at least once a year for a professional skin exam to make sure that your skin is healthy. 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.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

Alzheimer's-Prevention-ribbonIn honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month this June, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to discuss the concept of Alzheimer’s prevention. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia, which can negatively impact a person’s memory, thinking, behavior, and general cognitive function. In the majority of cases, Alzheimer’s likely develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including a person’s age, genetics, environment, and current mental and physical health. Many patients we speak with in our office ask if there is anything that can be done to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, which is why we wanted to elaborate on this very subject.

Because of the complex nature of the condition and the fact that many common risk factors including age and genetic disposition, are out of the person’s control, Alzheimer’s can often be difficult to prevent. However, certain lifestyle habits and changes can effectively help fight off certain Alzheimer’s risk factors.

Our providers recommend taking the following steps to help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

  • Avoid smoking and the use of other nicotine products. Smoking can both harm cognitive function over time and lead to other health conditions that can contribute to Alzheimer’s risk.
  • Get regular daily exercise. Doing so can help lower the risk of many conditions associated with Alzheimer’s including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Keep your brain active as the years go on. Puzzles, word games, ballroom dancing, and other cognitive training exercises can be highly beneficial.
  • Eat a well balanced, healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins like salmon.
  • Make sure to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
  • Maintaining an active social life and avoiding excessive time spent alone can help cognitive function and overall wellness.
  • Have your provider review your medications to ensure none of them are conflicting with others and causing memory issues.

Keeping tabs on your mental and physical wellbeing is incredibly important in the fight against Alzheimer’s. That’s why it’s so 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.

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