family medicine

July 7, 2020

Ask the Doctors: Common Respiratory Conditions

Lung diseases are very common for adults in the US. In fact, the most common respiratory conditions affect millions of Americans by challenging their ability to breath regularly. The lungs are part of a complex system that, when functioning normally, expand and relax thousands of times each day in order to deliver oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Respiratory issues occur when some component of this system is disrupted. These conditions can be caused and aggravated by several factors including certain infections, genetics, and lifestyle habits. In order to educate our patients about the dangers of respiratory conditions, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine have answered a few questions about some of the most common lung conditions.

Question #1: How does smoking affect a person who is infected with COVID-19?

Although smokers have no greater risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, smoking can greatly increase the risk of negative health effects among people once they are infected. Preliminary research from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) suggests that smokers infected with COVID-19 are nearly 1.5 times more likely to have severe symptoms and 2.5 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU when compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smoking can contribute to other respiratory conditions that can make a person more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications.

Question #2: What is the difference between Chronic Bronchitis and Acute Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is far more common than chronic bronchitis. The condition typically follows a respiratory infection and symptoms normally last for about two or three weeks. In contrast, chronic bronchitis is one of the most common forms of COPD. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is associated with frequent re-occurrences over time. Over time, repeated instances of acute bronchitis can lead to the development of chronic bronchitis (especially for smokers). Although chronic bronchitis is primarily caused by long-term cigarette smoking, repeated exposure to dust, fumes, and other pollutants can also trigger this condition.

Question #3: What are the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Shortness of breath while performing everyday activities is perhaps the most common symptom of COPD. Unfortunately, many people just consider this a side effect of getting older and may not even realize that anything is wrong until they are in the later and more serious stages of the disease. Other common COPD symptoms to look out for include chronic coughing, frequent respiratory infections, blueness of the lips or fingernails, wheezing and producing an unusually large amount of mucus. The sooner COPD is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.

Respiratory issues can be very serious if left untreated, so it’s especially important to reach out to your healthcare provider in a timely manner if you experience any of these symptoms for an abnormal length of time. 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.

June 3, 2020

Conditions to Be Aware of During Men’s Health Month

It’s important for men to be proactive when it comes to taking care of their mental and physical health. It’s a fact that of the 15 leading causes of death in the US, men die at higher rates for all of them except Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of thinking of this information as a cause for alarm or panic, men should think of it as motivation to be more conscious of their health and the choices they make that affect it. In honor of Men’s Health Month this June, our healthcare providers wanted to take some time to discuss some of the most common health conditions for men and how they can be prevented.

Prostate Cancer

Unlike many other health conditions, prostate cancer is exclusive to men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men other than skin cancer, with nearly 200,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Although prostate cancer diagnosis is common, thankfully, the mortality rate for this type of cancer is relatively low since it does not often spread quickly. However, it’s still critically important to catch and treat prostate cancer as early as possible. We do this with annual PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood testing during annual exams as well as an in-office prostate exam.

Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death for men (and women) in the US. For men with heart disease, excess cholesterol can gradually block the arteries in the heart and brain. This can lead to the formation of blood clots that block the artery and cause a heart attack or stroke. It is very important for men to eat a healthy, heart-friendly diet and exercise regularly. Annual testing of key heart disease indicators like cholesterol and blood pressure are also of the utmost importance.

Lung Cancer

Although the rates of lung cancer have dropped in recent years as more and more people drift away from smoking, lung cancer remains the leading cancer killer of men in the US. This is largely due to the fact that lung cancer is highly aggressive and typically spreads very early. In many cases, lung cancer spreads before a person even begins to exhibit symptoms. The best way to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer is to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. We also recommend eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly to promote a strong immune system.

Undergoing an annual male exam at Abraham Family Medicine can be a highly beneficial preventative health measure for men of all ages. During the exam, we will perform a standard physical examination as well as various other tests to effectively gauge the overall scope of the patient’s health. 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.

April 28, 2020

Taking a Statistical Look at Arthritis for Arthritis Awareness Month

With all of the worry about the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it seems as though there is only one thing that most people have been focusing on in regards to their health and wellness. Last month, we also offered some general tips regarding this very scary and contagious virus. This month, In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to present some statistics about the condition to help educate our patients about arthritis and what they should know.

Statistics are an invaluable resource to us in the field of medicine. Analyzing statistical reports can go a long way towards helping people understand the prevalence of certain medical conditions, as well as specific risk factors and other crucial pieces of information. All statistics presented were collected by the Arthritis Foundation.

General Arthritis Statistics

Arthritis currently affects more than one in every four adults in the US.
Although the condition is often associated with people of a more advanced age, nearly 1 in every 3 adults between the ages of 18 – 64 experience arthritis or similar symptoms.
There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis.
Experts estimate that the number of adults in the US with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase 49% to 78.4 million by 2040.

Osteoarthritis Statistics

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
Nearly 31 million adults in the US currently experience osteoarthritis.
The condition leads to roughly 2 million fractures each year in the US.

Risk Factor Statistics

Adults over the age of 65 have a far greater prevalence of arthritis.
Arthritis is slightly more common in women than it is in men.
Nearly half (49%) of all adults with heart disease also experience arthritis.
The same figure is true for adults with diabetes.

Cost Statistics

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among adults in the US.
Each year, an estimated 172 million work days are lost due to arthritis or similar conditions.
Arthritis is the most common chronic condition among opioid users in the US.

There are things we would recommend to people with arthritis to help ease or manage their symptoms. Certain low impact exercises including yoga, stretching, walking, or Tai Chi may be able to help. Eating a good diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy body weight can help as well. We also recommend trying to reduce stress, as excess stress can lead to inflammation and arthritis flare ups.

We understand how challenging and painful arthritis can be. That’s why our healthcare providers work hard with each patient we see to fully understand their condition and symptoms in order to develop the most helpful treatment program for their needs. For more information on arthritis 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.

April 1, 2020

Answering Your Questions About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

We understand that everyone wants to know about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and what they can do to stay healthy and safe right now and in the future. It is unquestionably the dominant health topic in the country, and the world, at the moment. That’s why the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to take time to answer some common questions about the virus, best practices that we have received, and what we are doing to prevent exposure.

Question #1: How is the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) different from a normal flu?

There have been many comparisons made between the Coronavirus and the average flu season, but there are key differences to keep in mind. For instance, unlike the flu, there are no approved treatments for the Coronavirus (no Tamiflu equivalent) since it is such a new virus. There is no preventative vaccine available as of yet or immunity that people have built up over time. Also, the probability of developing severe health effects like lung disease are much higher with the Coronavirus than with the flu.

Question #2: What symptoms should I be looking out for?

The most commonly-reported symptoms as of today are fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some patients with the virus may also experience diarrhea, muscle or joint aches, or headaches, in the early stages of the Coronavirus. These symptoms may be more severe in senior citizens and people with existing health conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular and lung disease.

Question #3: What is the best way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 (Corona) virus?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Practicing social distancing is highly recommend and in some parts of the state mandatory with the exception those essential workers. That means staying at home other than essential errands (like trips to the doctor, pharmacy or grocery store) and making sure to stay a safe 6 feet away from other people when you encounter them. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly, especially after any instance of being outside your home, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid any contact with people who are sick. Practice proper respiratory etiquette (sneeze our cough into a tissue and then wash hands, if tissue is not available use the fold/inside of your elbow). If soap and water is not available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Even people with no current symptoms may be infected, so it’s important to stay vigilant and responsible for the safety of those around you.

Question #4: What should I do if I begin to experience fever, cough, fatigue and/or shortness of breath?

Call our office to discuss these symptoms. We have staff on hand to answer your questions and/or concerns in addition to recommending that you need to be seen or not. For more severe cases we would recommend you visit your local ER. We recommend any person that begins experiencing these symptoms to immediately self-quarantine your self for 14 days. The only place you should go to is your doctor or local ER during this time and you should wear a facemask while out. Please note: during this state of emergency our Abraham Family Medicine is able to offer virtual visits/telehealth, which should be covered by your insurance plan.

Question #5: What is Abraham Family Medicine doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

We are closely monitoring events in our local community and continuously updating our policies and procedures as a result of new information. We are dedicated to keeping all of our patients and staff as safe and healthy as possible. Abraham Family Medicine is following recommended guidance from public health authorities, including best practice for hygiene, infection control and medical professional team health. These measures include:

Increased cleaning in our offices, waiting and exam rooms.
Eliminating frequently touched areas such as doorknobs (at the moment, most public doors remain open at all times, no magazines in the waiting room, etc.)
Hand sanitizer stations available throughout the office and reception areas
Strict hand washing protocols for all employees
Strict patient screening process for any patient making an appointment for potential exposure or symptoms of COVD-19
Our waiting room is reserved for patients who do not have symptoms and have had no exposure – all other patients are asked to remain in their car until we are ready for them to enter our facility which will be a separate entrance than those patients who are well
We are taking temperature checks for anyone entering our office
Any Abraham Family Medicine employee who meets any of the CDC COVID-19 exposure guidelines, will be required to follow the CDC guidelines for testing and quarantine
We also can provide virtual visits/telehealth for patients who are at high risk or do not want to come into our office at this time. Most insurance companies will reimburse this as if you were in the office. We highly recommend and encourage you to contact our office to schedule a virtual visit.

Question #6: Is it safe to order takeout or delivery food from a restaurant during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) quarantine?

At the moment, health experts including the CDC are saying that it is safe to pick-up food from a restaurant, though this is subject to change. There is very little risk of virus transmission from touching a food container or even a food item itself. It’s important to be responsible and maintain proper distance from others while picking up your good and making sure to thoroughly wash your hands when you are home before eating.

Knowledge is a powerful tool in our current fight against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) virus and its spread. Since it is so new, there is still so much to learn. But we will continue to update you as we gain more concrete information. In the meantime, we hope everyone will follow these recommendations and remain as safe and responsible as possible. 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.

March 3, 2020

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Happy March, everyone. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing our patients and their families with knowledge to help them achieve and maintain long term health and wellness. That’s why whenever we reach an important health awareness event on the calendar, we like to take a little time to discuss what patients should know about the respective health topic or concern in question.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the US. Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer that starts in the rectum or colon. Although there are different forms of this disease, adenocarcinomas make up 96% of all colon cancer cases according to the American Cancer Society. Although the causes of colorectal cancer are still being studied, many cases result from abnormal growths in the colon or hereditary gene mutations.

To help reinforce the importance of awareness, our healthcare providers wanted to provide some statistics about the prevalence of colorectal cancer for adults in the US:

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among adults in the US, behind only lung cancer.
Experts estimate that 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.
On average, 1 in every 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at some point in their lives.
The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is slightly higher in men than in women.
Up to 60% of all colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with annual screening appointments.
1 in every 4 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease.
Based on current research, the median age of younger colorectal cancer patients (under 50) is 44, and over 75% of these cases are diagnosed in their forties.

Annual screening appointments are a necessity, but there is more a person can do to reduce their risk. People can lower their risk of colorectal cancer by living a healthy lifestyle that includes regular daily exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

The good news is that with proper diligence, understanding, and an annual colonoscopy appointment, colorectal cancer is preventable and manageable. We highly recommend making a point of discussing your colon health with your healthcare provider during any annual appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

November 29, 2019

Abraham Family Medicine’s Holiday Health Checklist

With so much going on during the holiday season, it can be a challenge for some people to make their health and wellbeing a priority. However, it’s a fact that the holiday season is one of the most difficult times of the year to stay healthy and feeling your best. Between traveling, cold weather, holiday stress, large meals, and crowded stores and malls, it’s no wonder so many people get sick around the holidays. To help our readers avoid this and have the best and healthiest holiday season possible, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide this handy holiday health checklist:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often to prevent the spread of potentially harmful germs.
Despite the more hectic holiday season, do what you can to stick to your normal sleep schedule.
Keep warm and dry by bundling up. Hats, scarves, gloves, and boots are all highly recommended.
Try not to get overstressed. If you’re feeling stressed out, find a way to decompress by giving yourself some down time, taking a walk, or performing breathing exercises.
Get the vaccinations you need to avoid preventable seasonal illnesses like the flu.
Eat healthy and exercise. We know it can be tough with so many big holiday meals and treats but prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables can pay major dividends. We also recommend at least 2½ hours of aerobic exercise every week.
Schedule a physical appointment. The start of a new year is the perfect time for an annual check-up to make sure you are in good health and detect any issues before they become more serious.

We know no one wants to get sick during the holidays. Hopefully following these steps can help our patients stay happy and healthy throughout the holiday season and well into the new year. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

July 26, 2019

Back to School Health Tips from Abraham Family Medicine

With the calendar turning to August, it is officially back to school season for families. Although every family is different, the transition from summer fun back into a regular school routine can be a challenging one. In order to help make this transition as smooth as possible for our patients and their families, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some simple back to school tips for parents to follow.

Get Bedtime Right

Setting an appropriate bedtime and making sure kids get plenty of nightly sleep can prove highly beneficial for both kids and parents alike. It’s important to establish a nighttime routine and stick to it. This means brushing teeth, putting away screens and electronic devices, and properly winding down the day.

Check In with Your Doctor

The beginning of a new school year can be an ideal time for an annual check-up. In addition to a routine annual physical (including hearing and vision checks), this can provide a great opportunity for parents to ensure their kids have the necessary immunizations they need for the upcoming year. A sports physical will be required for kids who intend to play a school sport.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

“The most important meal of the day” is an old adage, but one we certainly agree with. A healthy, well-balanced breakfast can provide the nutrients kids need to stay nourished and focused during the school day. Additionally, eating breakfast as a family can provide a perfect chance to spend time together as a family. We recommend foods with healthy protein and fiber including eggs and fresh fruit to help keep kids satisfied until lunch.

We know it can be sad to see the summer come and go. Hopefully these tips can help families ease their transition out of summer and help lead to the best possible school year ahead. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

April 24, 2019

May is American Stroke Awareness Month

For adults in the US, there has never been a greater need for awareness of the dangers of strokes. A stroke, sometimes referred to as a brain attack, can occur when a clot prevents blood from reaching the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Are you aware of the five main symptoms of a stroke? If you said no, you are not alone. Despite the fact that strokes are among the leading causes of death and long-term disability, there is much about strokes that many people may not understand. That’s why during National Stroke Awareness month this May, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some essential information about strokes, warning signs to look out for, and what you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing a stroke.

We wanted to begin by presenting some statistics to illustrate the prevalence of strokes in the US:

About 140,000 Americans die of stroke each year, making it the fifth leading cause of death for adults in the US.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke. Every four minutes, someone dies of one.
Of the estimated 795,000 Americans who will have a stroke this year, about 610,000 of these will be first strokes and 185,000 will occur in people who have already experienced a stroke.
Although, strokes are commonly associated with seniors, about 15% of ischemic strokes occur in young adults and adolescents.
When you factor in the cost of healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity, it is estimated that strokes cost the nation $34 billion every year.

The sooner a stroke is detected and 9-1-1 is called, the better a person’s chances will be of receiving the medical attention they need. The five main symptoms of a stroke, that all occur suddenly, are numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body), confusion or difficulty speaking, vision problems, dizziness or loss of balance, and a severe headache. If you’re not sure that someone is having a stroke, trying asking them to smile. If one side of the face droops, they may be having a stroke. If you observe any of these signs, we recommend calling 9-1-1 immediately.

Some risk factors of a stroke like family history, age, and gender cannot be controlled. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke. For instance, exercising regularly and eating a heart healthy diet are recommended, as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and being overweight can all increase your stroke risk. Additionally, smoking and drinking too much alcohol can also potentially lead to stroke.

One of the best ways to prevent a stroke from occurring is to be proactive about your health and wellbeing. This begins by taking care of your body and mind and making a point to schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to make sure that you are in good health. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our providers offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for patients of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

November 29, 2018

What Makes An Annual Check-Up So Important?

A lot can happen in a year. This is especially true in regard to our health. That’s why annual check-up appointments are so important. While some people may only visit the doctor’s office when they have a pressing issue or concern, there can be incredible value in making time for preventative visits like your annual physical appointment. Undergoing an annual physical can be an excellent way to gauge the status of your overall health and lay the groundwork for many more healthy years ahead. Here are a few reasons why we highly recommend scheduling your annual physical appointment:

Prevent or Diagnose Potential Health Problems

This is the most obvious (and frankly most important) reason. An annual physical allows your doctor to diagnose and review any changes in your health that you may have experienced over the past year. Additionally, this can be a great chance to discuss your lifestyle and identify potential risk factors that could lead to health problems down the road. If anything abnormal is noticed during your appointment, diagnostic testing can be performed to determine if there is a disease or condition that needs to be treated.

Update Your Vaccinations

Yearly vaccinations are not just for kids. Keeping up with your vaccination schedule is a crucial aspect of fighting off preventable illness and keeping yourself as healthy as possible. As we age, it’s important to avoid sickness that can lead to missing work and additional healthcare concerns in the future.

Reconnect with Your Healthcare Provider

The relationship between you and your primary care doctor is an important one. Your annual physical appointment is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your healthcare provider and discuss any issues pertaining to your health that you might be concerned about. In order to get the most out of your appointment, it’s essential to find a doctor that you feel comfortable discussing sensitive, personal subjects with regarding your health and wellbeing.

In most cases, the best way to treat an illness or health condition is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Additionally, early detection of any health concern is vital in order to receive the best treatment options available. This is why we stress the importance of annual physical exams and regularly checking in on the status of your overall health. To schedule your appointment today, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

December 9, 2011

Study Shows Winter Months are Tougher on Arthritis Patients

As the cooler months set in and the number of daylight hours decrease, it is often harder for most of us to find a reason to exercise outdoors. While we may be able to go to a gym and get our exercise fix, older adults, especially those with the chronic medical condition arthritis, often have difficulty getting the necessary exercise to improve their health.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health researchers tracked over 240 participants’ daily activities over a period of three years. Each participant wore an accelerometer while they were awake in all different types of weather. Participants each had a diagnosed case of either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

The study’s finding suggest that older adults with arthritis often do not get the amount of weekly exercise recommended by orthopedic specialists (about 150 minutes a week or 20 minutes a day) when the weather reaches temperatures too low or too high for comfort. The dwindling daylight hours also had a negative effect on arthritis sufferers’ daily activity levels, increasing the amount of time they spent sedentary.

While it’s easy to get outside for a brisk walk in warmer months, it’s important that arthritis sufferers maintain an exercise schedule in the colder winter months as well. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, increases flexibility and endurance, and builds muscle around the joints to protect them.

Dr. Ben Abraham specializes in osteopathic and geriatric medicine. Meeting the healing needs of older adults, Abraham Medical’s team of experienced providers work to ensure patients receive the utmost in care to allow patients to enjoy their retirement years and optimize long-term health. Whether you’re looking for indoor exercise ideas for the winter months or nutrition advice for aging, Abraham Medical strives to provide you with the tools you need to live a comfortable and productive life.

For more information on Abraham Medical’s geriatric services, family medicine, or cosmetic services, contact us. You can also stay up to date on the latest news by following us on Twitter.