health tips

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.

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.

Facts to Know During Arthritis Awareness Month This May

patiernt-with-pain-in-hand-knucklesFor people who experience arthritis, the pain and frustration can be an everyday struggle. Arthritis causes inflammation in joints all over the body, leading to chronic symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with range of motion. And while it may seem virtually impossible to find an arthritis treatment that really works, there are things people can do to ease their symptoms as they age. In honor of National Arthritis Awareness Month this May, our healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some helpful facts about arthritis and how it can be effectively managed.

  • The CDC estimates that over 58 million adults in the US are living with arthritis, a figure they expect to increase as life expectancy rises and the population gets older.
  • Arthritis affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly associated with older individuals, and the symptoms typically worsen as the years go on.
  • There are over 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common among them by far and rheumatoid being the most impairing.
  • Arthritis remains a leading cause of work disability among US adults.
  • There is a link between arthritis and other common chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal issues which is why it is critical to talk with your provider about the best plan for your situation.
  • Additionally, there is a connection between arthritis and certain skin conditions like psoriasis.
  • Healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction techniques can help manage arthritis symptoms.
  • Stretching, performing yoga, tai chi and other flexibility exercises can also provide additional relief.
  • Potential arthritis treatment methods include the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, and even surgery in some more severe cases.

Arthritis can be truly debilitating if left untreated. That’s why the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine work with our patients in order to discover the cause of their issues and develop a treatment plan that works for them. For more details on arthritis you can get more specific information from arthritis.org. 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.

Hear Firsthand From Real Abraham Family Medicine Patients!

BAPC-logoOne of the things that we are most grateful for at Abraham Family Medicine is being able to cultivate meaningful, lasting relationships with so many of our patients through the years. It means so much to know our patients and their families trust and depend on us for their healthcare needs. And the most important factor for building and sustaining this trust is often making a great first impression. That’s why we are proud to share the following medical testimonials from our patients. Hopefully these stories will help assure future patients of the level of care and professionalism they can expect from our healthcare providers:

I have been a patient for a few years. It’s convenient to where I live and when I need to be seen for an issue I can get an appointment fairly quickly. When scheduled for an appointment, they call you back quickly and see you quickly once placed in the room. I’ve never had to wait for extended periods of time before I’m seen. My Husband and 20-year old daughter are now patients with this office as well. I was there for my annual physical exam recently and my blood pressure reading was lower than what it was when I was taking it at home. The nurse gave me a quick tutorial on how to take my blood pressure at home and told me to make sure the cuff wasn’t too tight. Now my BP is reading closer to what it reads at their office and closer to normal range. She also told me how I can get my blood pressure machine calibrated. I love this office and have always had a pleasant experience. I would recommend them to others.

– MA

I’ve been going to Dr. Abraham since the early ’90s and have had no major problems. Just the opposite. He caught and saved me from kidney disease, working with a specialist. His lab caught my hepatitis-C and helped cure it after a two year treatment with a specialist. He has treated me for everything from cuts and scrapes to the flu and other infections and illnesses. Not really any long wait times with an appointment and I always get plenty of face time the doctor. Give them a call and make your appointment today for a physical with one of their physicians.

– MM

I have been coming here for years. I have been seen by just about every doctor or nurse practitioner at the practice and I love all of them. They are amazing! I called in unexpectedly one morning, thinking I had COVID-19. 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. I had two prescriptions called in immediately. They even let my husband and I drive up to the parking lot to receive rapid tests for COVID, as well as the flu and strep throat. I was positive for COVID, but thanks to their help and quick response I feel much better already. They are truly amazing people. The whole staff rocks!

– KF

Before we sign off, we wanted to take some time to thank the patients who have left us such positive and helpful feedback over the years. We’re always striving to get better, and hearing back from our patients allows us to know what is working for our patients, as well as which areas can be improved upon in the future. If you have had a similar experience with Abraham Family Medicine that you would like to share, you can leave us a review on Google, Healthgrades, or Vitals. For more information or to schedule an appointment today, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

Statistics to Know For American Heart Month

heart-iconHeart health should be of the utmost importance to any person concerned about their long-term health and wellbeing. The heart is among the most vital organs in the human body and a healthy heart is essential for healthy living. In honor of the upcoming American Heart Month this February, our healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to present some helpful and informative statistics about heart disease and its prevalence. After all, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the US year after year. All figures below were collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

  • Approximately every 36 seconds, one person in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease.
  • Roughly 659,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, meaning that it is responsible for about 1 in every 4 deaths annually.
  • Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, resulting in just under half of all heart disease deaths each year.
  • About 18.2 Americans above the age of 20 (nearly 7%) have coronary artery disease.
  • The overwhelming majority (about 80%) of coronary artery disease deaths happen in adults 65 and up.
  • Every year, roughly 805,000 people in the US (or one person every 40 seconds) have a heart attack.
  • About 1 in every 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning the person is not even aware that they have experienced it.
  • Heart disease costs the US about $363 billion annually, including the cost of healthcare services, medicines, and lost productivity due to illness and death.

With these statistics in mind, it’s helpful to remember that there are meaningful steps that can be taken to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease. We recommend maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet and getting regular daily exercise, or another form of physical activity, to help keep a healthy body weight. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about your cholesterol levels if they are elevated. Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess can also negatively impact heart health.

Meeting with your healthcare provider for an annual wellness check-up can provide a perfect opportunity to gain a better understanding of your heart health and learn what you can be doing better to promote long-term health and wellness. 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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