heart disease

Celebrating Men’s Health Month at Abraham Family Medicine

family practice, men’s health, heart disease, physical examination, health testingFor adult men, there is no such thing as a bad time to think about improving your health. On average in the US, men die five years younger than women. Men also die at higher rates than women of 9 of the 10 highest causes of death in the US. With this in mind, it’s important for men to be proactive when it comes to maintaining health and wellness as the years go on. In honor of Men’s Health Month this June, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to share a few simple tips to help men take care of themselves:

Try to Exercise Regularly

Although it can be a challenge for some guys to find the motivation to work out, especially after a long day in the office, the benefits of physical exercise speak for themselves. We recommend 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, 5 days a week. This can mean going to the gym, joining a recreational sports league, signing up for group personal training sessions, or simply taking a morning or nightly walk around the neighborhood.

Make Time for a Physical Appointment

Annual physical exams are essential for men. Even for guys who feel like they are in good overall health, a physical examination can help confirm a clean bill of health or potentially detect an unnoticed medical concern before it becomes more serious. In our office, routine physical exams typically include checking vital signs (including heart rate & blood pressure), the performance of the heart, lungs, and thyroid, hearing and vision tests, neurological testing, blood testing for cholesterol, and more. For some men, we may recommend additional testing including prostate and testicular exams.

Adjust Your Diet

Eating right and cutting back on unhealthy foods and drinks is also highly recommended for men of all ages. We recommend a diet rich in lean proteins, nuts, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid too much salt, sugar (including sodas and juices), and unhealthy fats.

Get the Necessary Amount of Sleep

Sleep is a critical component of maintaining good mental and physical health for men. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night is not something that should be taken lightly. Although some guys may try to compensate for a lack of sleep with extra coffee or exercise, there is no substitute for a good night’s rest.

We encourage anyone reading this to help spread awareness during Men’s Health Month. Now is the time to encourage the men in your life, whether they be a friend, husband, father, or neighbor to take the steps necessary to do what’s best for their long-term health and wellness. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

May is American Stroke Awareness Month

May is American Stroke Awareness MonthFor 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.

Tips to Help Successfully Manage Your Stress

Tips to Help Successfully Manage Your StressApril is Stress Awareness Month. Although stress is natural and something that we all deal with, many people may not realize the impact that stress can have on our health. Stress is the body’s natural reaction to any change that prompts a physical, mental, or emotional response. While it’s true that our bodies are designed to experience and react to stress, continuous stress without the necessary relief or relaxation can lead to stress-related tension and negative affects on our physical and mental health including headaches, heart disease, stomach issues, high blood pressure, and more.

Being overstressed can lead to new health issues and also exacerbate or trigger existing diseases and ailments. That’s why it’s so important to manage your stress in a healthy, productive way. The healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine suggest taking the following steps to help better manage your daily stress:

  • Exercise regularly. Getting even moderate daily exercise (around 30 minutes per day) is one of the most surefire ways to ease your body and mind after a stressful day. Additionally, exercise can also help improve your mood. This can mean a vigorous workout, playing a sport, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or household tasks like chores or gardening.
  • Give your muscles a break. Stress can make the muscles tense, so taking simple steps to relax your muscles can go a long way towards reducing stress. Stretching, taking a hot shower or bath, and (most importantly) making sure to get enough sleep (7-9 hours nightly) are all highly recommended stress reducers.
  • Eating a balanced diet can help you feel better, maintain a good mood, and limit stress. We recommend getting the necessary amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and eating whole grains and lean proteins for energy. Keep in mind that skipping meals can actually increase your stress.
  • Take some time to decompress. It’s important to give your mind some time away from the things in life that most lead to stress. This means taking some time away from your smartphone and other devices. We recommend making time every day for calming activities like deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, reading, and more.

Stress is unavoidable, but hopefully these tips can help you deal with your stress in a healthier way and avoid and stress-related health concerns for now and for years to come. 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.

 

Kidney Health Tips for National Kidney Month

Healthy kidneys are essential to maintaining good long-term health. Unfortunately, some people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney issues may have an increased risk of developing kidney disease. In addition to creating complications of its own, people with kidney disease are much more likely than the average person to suffer from heart disease. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and do whatever you can to help keep your kidneys healthy. So, in honor of National Kidney Month this March, we wanted to offer some simple tips on how you can promote good kidney health.

Kidney Health Tips for National Kidney MonthKeep Your Body Hydrated

Staying hydrated can help the kidneys function properly, but you don’t have to overdo it. We recommend for adults to drink 7 – 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily (the 8 x 8 rule). Anything more than that won’t necessarily do your kidneys any good.

Eat Healthy & Exercise

Getting daily exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your bodyweight down, which is helpful for the kidneys. These healthy habits can also keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check, which is also good for your kidney health. We would recommend trying to eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day and limiting your sodium intake to below 2,300 milligrams a day. Additionally, high-protein diets and protein powders used during exercise can lead to kidney issues.

Do Not Smoke or Drink to Excess

Smoking can damage a person’s blood vessels, potentially decreasing the flow of blood to the kidneys and negatively affecting overall kidney function. Additionally, smoking can also contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney cancer. Alcohol can make it more difficult to filter your blood properly. Consuming more than two drinks per day can also increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, leading to potential kidney disease.

Ask Your Doctor About Kidney Health

We advise asking your healthcare provider about your kidneys during visits to their office, including routine check-ups and annual physical appointments. Certain diagnostic tests can be performed to test the state of your kidneys and monitor for signs of kidney disease. This is especially important for older patients and people with high blood pressure and other potential kidney disease risk factors.

The most important step you can take for promoting good kidney health is taking care of your body and communicating with your healthcare provider about what you can do to live a kidney-healthy lifestyle. 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, not far from Grayson, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, and Loganville.

How to Improve the Health of Your Heart

There is no such thing as a bad time to focus on our heart health. But with American Heart Month approaching, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought that now would be an excellent time to remind our patients of the importance of taking care of their heart. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for adults in the US by a fairly wide margin. Certain factors that lead to heart disease (like a family history) may be out of our control. However, there are several things we can do to live a heart-healthy lifestyle and treat our heart with the care that it needs and deserves. We recommend taking the following steps:

A Statistical Look at Heart Disease During American Heart MonthAdjust Your Diet Accordingly

This may seem obvious, but a healthier diet will lead to a healthier heart. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cut your favorite foods out of your diet completely. It’s more of a reminder to make time for healthier choices and enjoy less heart-friendly options in moderation. Plant-based foods like fresh fruits and veggies are highly recommended. Try to cut back on refined or processed foods like white bread, pasta, and baked treats. For example, one simple thing we recommend is to reduce your intake of sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors of heart disease in adults. We recommend getting your blood pressure tested regularly and being proactive if it is higher than it should be. Limiting your salt intake, cutting back on drinking alcohol, managing your stress, and avoiding smoking and other forms of nicotine can all be greatly beneficial. If these changes don’t help, we may be able to prescribe a blood pressure medication that will.

Try to Keep Moving

Staying physically active is highly recommended. We recommend 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, 5 days a week.  However, there are more ways to keep moving than with conventional exercise or trips to the gym. This can include taking a walk, performing household chores, or anything else that helps you stay on your feet and get your heart pumping. It’s also important to break up extended periods of sitting, as long sedentary periods are not good for your heart.

When trying to be healthier and change your lifestyle for the better, remember that these alterations can often take time and effort. Making incremental progress by following these recommendations and trying to remain patient is key. In the long-run, you’ll be happy you did. Seeing your doctor for regular wellness visits can help monitor the status of your heart health and identify any issues before they become serious. 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, not far from Grayson.

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