AbsoluteCARE’s New Pride

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2015

Contact: Dr. Joel Rosenstock

(404) 231-4431

jrosenstock@absolutecarehealth.com

 

AbsoluteCARE’s New Pride

 

(Atlanta, GA) After 20 years, Pride Medical is closing its doors, but AbsoluteCARE is opening theirs to all of Pride’s patients and many of their caregivers and staff.

 

For two decades, Pride Medical has been a fixture in the LGBT community and has been, in fact, synonymous with gay men’s health. But it’s likely that only the Pride name will be missed. The patients they have served so well—along with the compassionate people who served them—will have a new home at AbsoluteCARE just four miles away.

 

There is literally Pride in AbsoluteCARE. Dr. Amy Swartz and Terry Hackworth, FP, along with about six full-time staff members, will join the AbsoluteCARE team led by Medical Director Dr. Joel Rosenstock, who founded the full-service Medical Center and Pharmacy in 2000 to care for a struggling and underserved HIV population in Atlanta.

 

“I’ve been working in Atlanta serving this population for 26 years,” says Dr. Rosenstock, “and I think the combination of Pride Medical with AbsoluteCARE is the most exciting thing to happen in a long time. Both medical centers have provided compassionate and innovative care for many years, but together they will be able to accomplish much more. The AbsoluteCARE of the future will test more clients, identify and engage many more people in care, assist with behavioral health, impact social determinants of disease, and improve the health of Atlantans for years to come.”

 

About the new caregivers:

Dr. Amy Swartz earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and did her residency at Emory University. She served as attending physician at Pride for the last 14 years and was a senior medical associate at the Grady Infectious Disease Center for 10 years before that. She is Board Certified from the American Board of Internal Medicine and is certified in HIV care by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. She’s a member of the American Medical Association, the Southern Medical Association, and the Medical Association of Georgia.

 

Terry Hackworth is an adult nurse practitioner. He diagnoses and helps patients manage acute and chronic illness, working both independently and collaboratively with other caregivers. He earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Morehead State University, his MBA from the University of Phoenix, and his Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he specialized in adult/gerontological care.

 

AbsoluteCARE Medical Center and Pharmacy, established in 2000, has developed an innovative, superior model of care.  This NCQA level III accredited Patient Centered Medical Home uses care managers, dietitians, social workers, integrated behavioral health services, pharmacists, and educators along with a superb caregiver team to serve its patients.  As one of Georgia’s largest providers for insured patients with HIV, AbsoluteCARE also serves as a chronic care center for those with multiple chronic comorbid conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, hypertension,  and more.  AbsoluteCARE also features an on-site reference laboratory, infusion services, and Georgia’s largest single-site, independent pharmacy.  AbsoluteCARE is located in Buckhead, Atlanta.

 

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AbsoluteCARE Welcomes Dr. Hoos to the Team

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Ann Hoos to AbsoluteCARE Primary Care.

Her areas of particular interest include preventive medicine and chronic diseases management including excess weight disorders. She has worked with Kaiser Permanente, the Grady Health System, Emory, North Fulton Community Clinic. & Piedmont Physicians Group.

Dr. Hoos is fluent in Spanish.

Free Hepatitis C Testing and Education Event

FREE Hepatitis C Testing & Education Event

Tuesday, May 19th from 10am – 2pm

Join us for free Hepatitis testing, lunch, and educational sessions. Lunch & Learn will be held from 12-1pm. Registration is REQUIRED.

To register, please fill out the attached form, indicating your preferred testing time frame and return to social@absolutecarehealth.com or Freda Jones @ AbsoluteCARE 404.231.4431.

You will receive a confirmation of your time slot prior to the event. We look forward to seeing you! □ 10:00-10:15am □ 10:45-11:00am □ 11:30-11:45am □ 1:15–1:30pm □ 10:15–10:30am □ 11:00–11:15am □ 11:45am-12:00pm □ 1:30-1:45pm □ 10:30-10:45am □ 11:15a–11:30am □ 1:00-1:15pm □ 1:45-2:00pm

Demographics:
_______
Name Phone Number
E-mail Address
City of Residence Zip Code County of Residence
Birth date: / / Age:
Gender: □ Male □ Female □ Transgender (MTF) □ Transgender (FTM)
Ethnicity (mark only one): Race (mark all that apply):
□ Hispanic or Latino □ Asian
□ Non- Hispanic or Latino □ Black or African American
□ Decline to Answer □ Native American or Alaskan Native
□ Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
□ White
□ Other __________________
□ Decline to Answer

HIV & Cardiovascular Health

You Are Invited to a Lunch & Learn on HIV & Cardiovascular Health.

Having HIV places you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Whether due to long-term exposure to the HIV virus or to antiretroviral agents or because of other factors, people living with HIV often share some common issues that affect cardiovascular health.

When: April 22, 2015 @ 12:00 Noon
Where: AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy; 2140 Peachtree Rd. Suite 232, Atlanta GA 30309

Please reserve your seat with: Freda Jones; 404-231-4431; freda.jones@oakmed.org

AbsoluteCARE Nutrition Department’s Recipe of the Month – April 2015

The Nutrition Department’s April Recipe of the Month is Stewed Zucchini & Cherry Tomatoes. Give it a try & let us know if you like it! (We’ve even heard it’s kid-approved!)

Makes: 4 Servings (1/2 cup=serving)

INGREDIENTS

3 medium squash (about 8 oz)

1 teaspoon (t.) canola oil

4 medium garlic cloves

2 Tablespoons (T.) fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

2 T. chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 t. dried, crumbled basil

1/8 t. pepper

2 T. shredded or grated Romano cheese

DIRECTIONS

Cut the squash into ½ inch slices. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour the oil into the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Cook the garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until light golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the squash. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the squash is tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Pour in the broth. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes, or until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the tomatoes, basil, and peppers. Cook for 1-2, or until the tomatoes are warmed through.

Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the Romano cheese.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (for each serving)

Calories: 42

Fat: 2 grams

Saturated fat: .5 grams

Polyunsaturated fat: .5 grams

Monounsaturated fat: .5 grams

Cholesterol: 1 milligram

Total Carbohydrates: 6 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Sugar: 3 grams

Sodium: 32 milligrams

Protein: 2 grams

FROM

American Heart Association. (2005). No-Fad Diet: A Personal Plan for Healthy Weight Loss. New York: Clarkson Potter. P 368.

Diabetes & Nutrition Class Offered

Are you diabetic? Are you aware of the significant impact nutrition has in diabetes? If you have diabetes and you have never taken a nutrition class, or if it has been more than two years since you’ve taken a nutrition class, please plan to attend this course!

The diabetes & nutrition class is offered at our office (2140 Peachtree Road, Suite 232, Atlanta, GA 30309) on the second Tuesday of each month. It is organized & taught by our registered dietitians. The class is free, however, registration is required.

Email social@absolutecarehealth.com for more information and to RSVP!  Thank you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1415332705439671/

Free HIV Testing

FREE

Rapid HIV SCREENINGS

Same Day Test Results

When: 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays of each month

Where:  2140 Peachtree Road NW, Suite 232, Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Time: 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

 

Sponsored by:

Recovery Consultants of Atlanta, Inc. & AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy

For more information please call: 404.289.0313

Silent Coronary Heart Disease

Some people who have coronary heart disease have no symptoms. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary Heart Disease refers to heart disease resulting from the buildup of plaque (cholesterol and calcium) in the blood vessels that supply the heart. The most common symptoms are chest pain and difficulty breathing, especially during activity. Many people with coronary heart disease have no symptoms so they do not realize they have a heart problem. They do not take medication and lifestyle precautions that would prevent heart attack, stroke and death. These are the people that testing for coronary heart disease is most useful.

Who should be tested:

As a general rule, in people without symptoms, only people with high risk should be tested. Your health provider will determine your risk. There are several risk assessment tools that take into account age, smoking history, gender, blood pressure, body weight, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol and family history of heart disease.

Type of test:

• A general physical by your health care provider
• Blood tests- High sensitivity C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels may help determine risk.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)- shows electrical activity of the heart. Exercise treadmill stress testing is not recommended in people without symptoms.
• Imaging tests- Imaging is looking for evidence of plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Ultrasound and CT scanning are usually used.

Discuss your concerns and determine your risks in a meeting with your health care provider.

Advance Directives

-Advance directives help your family and doctors respect your health care wishes.

-Advance directives are written instructions you prepare to guide your medical care. They apply in situations such as a terminal illness or severe injury that render you unable to make decisions about your medical care.

-One common directive is a living will. In a living will you define what medical treatments you do or do not want for yourself. Another directive is medical power of attorney. This involves choosing someone you trust to make decisions about your medical care if you are unable.

-Advance directives are not legally binding. A healthcare provider can refuse to honor your advance directives on moral or religious basis or if the care you request is not medically appropriate. Talking with your healthcare provider ahead of time will help prevent these situations from occurring.

-Advance directives are appropriate for everyone. They are not solely for the elderly or very sick. Young adults who become suddenly ill or injured will be placing loved ones in difficult situations if they do not have advance directives in place. Knowing what type of care you want for yourself will make the decisions they face much easier.

-In preparing advance directives, determine what your healthcare goals and values are if you are seriously ill. Talk to your family and doctors.

-The social services department at AbsoluteCARE has prepared the necessary forms and can assist you. Please call 404.231.4431 to schedule an appointment. Advance directives should be reviewed and updated as your health and life changes.

Heading on a Spring Break Trip? Learn How to Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common illness of people visiting underdeveloped countries.

What is Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Traveler’s Diarrhea is an illness commonly caused by bacteria on food or in water. The main symptom is loose stools. Stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, as well as fever, may occur. In healthy adults, Traveler’s Diarrhea will probably not become serious and recovery without treatment usually occurs within four days, although it may require a modification of travel plans.

How to AVOID Traveler’s Diarrhea:

-Wash your hands often. It’s especially important to remember to wash your hands before you eat and after using the bathroom. Use a lot of soap and water.

– Be careful what you eat.

a. Choose restaurants that are busy and clean

b. Avoid raw foods and vegetables unless       washed and/or peeled

c.  Avoid under-cooked meat, fish, and seafood

d. Avoid tap water and ice

e. Choose beverages in factory-sealed containers

f. Carbonated beverages and alcohol are safe

g. Avoid milk & dairy products if you are not sure they are pasteurized

-Depending on your trip and your itinerary while there, your physician may consider prescribing prophylactic antibiotics to take to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.

How do you Treat Traveler’s Diarrhea?

If you develop diarrhea you should drink lots of fluids, especially if you have any sort of chronic illness. Tea, soup, bottled water, and rehydration solutions (for example, Gatorade) are all effective for preventing dehydration. Your physician may also prescribe emergent antibiotic treatment to take at the first sign of traveler’s diarrhea.

When to Seek Medical Care:

Evaluation by a health care provider may be necessary if:

1. The diarrhea persists in spite of supportive care
2. There is blood in the diarrhea
3. You show symptoms of dehydration (weakness, fatigue, dizziness, decreased urine production)
4. Persistent fever
5. You have a chronic illness