healthcare providers Atlanta

Common Questions about the LibreView System for Diabetes

Living with diabetes can be an everyday struggle. In addition to the health issues this serious disease poses, diabetes requires the consistent challenge of monitoring and managing your glucose levels to prevent potentially dangerous complications. Regardless if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and remaining proactive is incredibly important to your long-term health and wellness. This is why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine are excited to announce that we are now utilizing the LibreView Chronic Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system for diabetes management. LibreView is an advanced, secure diabetes management system that helps our patients record, view, and share glucose data with our physicians. To help our patients understand the unique benefits LibreView offers, we have answered a few common questions about it.

Common Questions about the LibreView System for Diabetes

How Does the LibreView System Work?

The LibreView system is cloud-based and simple to use. During their initial visit, we place a small disk on the patient’s arm which allows us to track their glucose levels 24 hours a day. After 2 weeks have passed, the patient will return for a follow-up appointment where we can discuss what they can do to make more informed decisions about their health and diabetes management based on the patterns and trends we monitored.

Is LibreView Recommended for All Diabetes Patients?

No. The LibreView system is not used for diabetes patients under the age of 18. Additionally, LibreView has not been approved for use by patients who are critically ill, those who are on dialysis, and women who are pregnant.

How Does LibreView Help Diabetes Patients?

LibreView can monitor the patient’s average glucose level, as well as establish a range of glucose readings to help patient’s know where they stand. The patient can also use LibreView to keep track of their glucose history and insulin data. LibreView is able to provide reports on the patient’s average glucose and testing during the 14-day monitoring period, along with the time they spent in their target glucose range.

Our hope is that by providing access to the LibreView system, we can improve the lives of each and every one of our diabetes patients. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for patients of all ages at our Snellville office. We are located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

What to Know Before Taking Herbal Supplements for Your Health

Herbal supplements have become very popular in recent years. It’s understandable why many people would be intrigued by inexpensive, “natural”, and easily attainable solutions to help them reduce pain, lose weight, improve memory, or treat a wide range of ailments including the common cold. However, herbal supplements (sometimes known as botanicals) may not always be what they seem. The truth is that herbal supplements are not subjected to the same scientific standards and regulations as over-the-counter or prescriptions medications. Some herbal supplements can have medication-like effects. However, they can also carry significant risk. That’s why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some critical information that anyone should know before they begin taking any kind of herbal supplement.

What to Know Before Taking Herbal Supplements for Your Health

Herbal Supplements Have Lower Standards & Regulations

Like other over-the-counter and prescription meds, herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA. However, they are regulated under a category called dietary supplements and not as drugs. This is why herbal supplements are not required by the FDA to prove their safety and effectiveness to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure the health conditions they claim. That burden falls on the manufacturers themselves, as opposed to an impartial third party.

Herbal Supplements Can be Dangerous for Some People

Herbal supplements can be unsafe for people with certain health problems as well as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, there are herbal supplement concerns for older adults and children whose bodies may process certain ingredients differently. For patients who are having surgery, herbal supplements can cause potential issues with surgery including bleeding problems, as well as complications during recovery. It’s important to tell your surgeon ahead of time about any supplements that you take.

Herbal Supplements Can Affect Other Medications

If you regularly take any medication, whether it be over-the-counter or prescription, it is imperative that you speak with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Herbal supplements can affect the way your body processes drugs and lead to harmful, unforeseen negative side effects.

While we can certainly see the appeal in a natural supplement that can help improve your general health or treat a specific ailment, it’s important to be 100% sure of what you’re taking before making any decisions. Unfortunately, herbal supplements often make this difficult and this lack of transparency can lead to potentially dangerous situations. If you would like to discuss herbal supplements or other matters related to your health, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, not far from Grayson.

Tips to Avoid Sickness this Holiday Season

For all the reasons that we love the holidays, there is one unfortunate side effect of this most festive time of year: the increased risk of getting sick. Between all the shopping, traveling, time spent with kids, get-togethers, and general craziness that is part of the holiday season, it’s no wonder so many people fall victim to seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu this time of year. Although coming down with something may seem inevitable during your travels, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine are happy to provide a few tips for how to reduce your risk of illness and stay healthy this holiday season.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

avoid-sicknessThis is good advice year round, but especially during the holidays. Washing your hands with soap and water can be a great way to prevent the spread of germs to yourself and others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends scrubbing your hands in warm water for 20 seconds each time you wash to get the best germ-killing results. If you’re on the go and unable to wash your hands, we recommend keeping alcohol-based hand sanitizers with you.

Get a Flu Shot

Receiving an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu virus. Early fall, before flu activity starts to really rise, is the best time to get a flu shot. Still, it generally takes about two weeks to build up immunity against the flu after the shot is given, so December is not too late to protect yourself for the upcoming holiday season and beyond.

Practice Healthy Habits

Little changes to your diet and daily routine can go a long way towards keeping you in good health. This may include getting regular exercise, eating more healthfully, and making sure to get enough sleep (between 7-9 hours nightly). Taking healthy supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, and Zinc can also be very beneficial.

Additional Tips:

Be extra in crowded places like shopping malls, gyms, and schools.
Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes as much as possible.
Dress appropriately and bundle up when necessary

There’s nothing more annoying than being sick over the holidays. Hopefully these tips will help keep you happy, healthy, and free to enjoy the holiday season with the ones you love. It also helps to schedule a pre-holiday check-up at Abraham Family Medicine to ensure that you are in the best-possible physical health leading into the holiday season. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson.

November is the Perfect Time for a Flu Shot at Abraham Family Medicine

November is here, which means flu season is rapidly approaching. It is once again the time of year to protect yourself and your family from the debilitating illness known as the flu. Coming down with a case of the flu can be very challenging, or in some cases even potentially dangerous. This is especially true for children and the elderly who have weaker immune systems and may be more vulnerable to the virus. Since flu germs travel freely through the air, it may be impossible to completely avoid contact with them. But there are proven and effective measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from feeling the impact of flu season, most notably receiving an annual flu vaccination.

November is the Perfect Time for a Flu Shot at Abraham Family Medicine

Keeping up with your immunizations is the safest way to prevent yourself from dealing with the flu. In addition to protecting the patient from the flu, flu shots contribute to stopping the spread of the virus by cutting down on the number of contagious people in any given area. By reducing the number of people affected by the flu, flu vaccinations also drastically reduce the number of visits to the doctor and hospital stays required during flu season. Earlier this year, a study published in the journal Pediatrics was the first of its kind to show that flu vaccinations also significantly reduced a child’s risk of dying from influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 71% – 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years and older, making immunizations that much more important for elderly patients.

The CDC reported that just 45% of American adults received a flu shot last year. This low number is partially due to the perception that if you don’t get immunized by the end of October, then it’s too late. However, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine believe that November is a great time to get a flu shot to prepare for the upcoming flu season.

Due to the constantly changing nature of the virus and its many strands, it’s not possible to predict what the upcoming flu season will bring. That’s why every flu season offers a new challenge for public health experts. The timing, severity, and length of flu season vary considerably from year to year. However, one thing that stays consistent from one year to another is the knowledge that the fall season is the perfect time to get a flu shot. Because the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to fully enter the patient’s system after receiving the shot, it’s important to stay ahead of the virus. The peak of flu activity typically occurs between December and March, so getting vaccinated in November should leave plenty of time to fully protect yourself from the flu before the season really takes hold.

The flu can be a frightening proposition, but thanks to immunizations, it is easier than ever to help ensure the health and safety of yourself and your family all throughout flu season. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your flu immunization, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month at Abraham Family Medicine

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer for both men and women. The disease results when cells in the pancreas start to grow out of control. Part of what makes pancreatic cancer so harmful is its ability to spread quickly to neighboring organs. Since the symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don’t reveal themselves in the early stages, the disease is often not diagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the warning signs of pancreatic cancer and undergo regular screening appointments.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month at Abraham Family Medicine

The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 53,670 people (27,970 men and 25,700 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the US. Additionally, just over 43,000 Americans will die of pancreatic cancer, making it the fourth most deadly form of cancer for both men and women.

As with any type of cancer, understanding the potential risk factors of pancreatic cancer is important in order to help minimize your personal risk. These include chronic inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes, a family history of pancreatic cancer, a BRCA2 gene mutation, smoking, obesity, and advanced age. In fact, the majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in patients over age 65.

Preventing pancreatic cancer entirely may be impossible, but there are certainly steps you can take to help reduce your personal chances of developing the disease. Smokers should quit smoking immediately or seek help if needed in order to stop. Exercising, eating right, and maintaining a stable, healthy body can go a long way towards decreasing your personal pancreatic cancer risk. If you have a personal history of pancreatic cancer or BRCA2 gene mutations, consider meeting with one of our healthcare providers to discuss what you can do to help cut down your risk.

Remember, whether you have a heightened risk or not, it’s important to receive regular check-ups and pancreatic cancer screenings, especially as you age. In order to receive the best possible treatment for pancreatic cancer, should it ever occur, it is extremely important to catch it while in its early stages. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson.

Healthy Aging Month at Abraham Family Medicine

Healthy Aging Month at Abraham Family MedicineMaintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but especially for older people who may have a higher risk of developing chronic disease or medical conditions. As we age and habits form over the years, it can seem difficult to make alterations to the way of life we may be used to. But here at Abraham Family Medicine, we believe that it’s never too late to start making better choices and living your best life. So in honor of Healthy Aging Month this September, our healthcare providers have dropped by to provide a few tips for how patients can take care of themselves to help age gracefully.

Take Care of Your Bones

Our bones naturally become thinner and more brittle as we age, putting us at risk for falls that can easily result in broken bones. Osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones are unable to absorb nutrients like calcium for strength, becomes far more common as well. Women are especially vulnerable to this due to changes that occur in the body after menopause. Vitamin D and muscle-strengthening exercises can help you avoid potential injury by making you less likely to fall.

Take Care of Your Heart

Heart disease is the most common cause of death annually in the US. As we age, our risk of developing heart disease only increases. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a healthy, heart-friendly diet and remain physically active to help reduce the risk. Try taking a daily walk and eating beans and other foods that are high in fiber that can be good for both digestive and heart health. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding junk food, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and exercising for at least 150 minutes every week.

Take Care of Your Mind

Much like the body, the mind requires extra care and maintenance for older patients. Aging can cause changes in our memories, cognitive abilities, reflexes, and even our senses. Slight forgetfulness, as well as more severe cases of dementia, becomes more and more common. But there are a number of ways to work out your mind in order to help keep it sharp as the years go on. It’s important to stay social later in life. Take a class, learn a new skill that challenges your brain, volunteer your time, see old friends and family; socializing helps. Occupying your mind with puzzles and other games can also be very beneficial. Physical exercise can also help retain cognitive function as we age. Making lists and creating a daily routine can assist with organization.

Take Care of Your Skin

It’s only natural for skin to begin to sag and wrinkle over time. However, years of exposure to the Sun’s UV rays can lead to sun damage, or even skin cancer. It’s more essential than ever to protect yourself with sunscreen, avoid overexposure to the Sun, and make regular appointments with a dermatologist.

While they can certainly be beneficial for patients trying to maintain a clean bill of health, these lifestyle alterations are just a small part of staying healthy as we age. In addition to making these changes, it’s important to regularly check in with the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine for check-ups and diagnostic testing to confirm that you are every bit as healthy as you feel and to help prevent minor ailments from potentially becoming more serious. We work with a number of older patients with a variety of ailments ranging from dementia to melanoma. Our providers can also recommend specialists for conditions that cannot be treated at our office. For more information or to schedule your appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson.

Menu