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Chronic Care Management

Chronic Care Management: Because Great Healthcare Doesn’t End at Your Appointment

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When most people think about healthcare, they think about the time they spend with their provider during an office visit.

But what happens between those appointments?

For patients living with multiple chronic conditions, that’s often when the biggest challenges arise. Questions about medications. New symptoms. Difficulty managing treatment plans. Coordinating care between specialists. Making sense of lab results. Recovering after a hospital stay.

That’s where Chronic Care Management (CCM) makes a meaningful difference.

At Lake Country Medical Group, our Chronic Care Management program is designed to provide ongoing support for eligible patients long after they leave the exam room. Rather than waiting until the next appointment, our care coordination team stays connected throughout the month, helping patients navigate their healthcare journey with confidence.

What Is Chronic Care Management?

Chronic Care Management is a Medicare-supported program designed for patients living with two or more chronic health conditions that are expected to last at least 12 months or for the remainder of their lives.

The goal is simple: provide continuous support that helps patients stay healthier, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and better manage their conditions every day.

Our CCM team works closely with patients by:

  • Coordinating care between primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies
  • Reviewing medications and helping patients stay on track
  • Answering healthcare questions between appointments
  • Following up after hospitalizations or emergency room visits
  • Helping patients understand and manage chronic conditions
  • Identifying concerns early before they become bigger health issues
  • Developing and updating personalized care plans
  • Connecting patients with community resources when needed

It’s healthcare that extends beyond the office visit and provides peace of mind knowing there’s a dedicated team available to help every step of the way.

A Program Built on Compassion

Behind every successful care coordination program is a team committed to serving patients with compassion, consistency, and excellence.

Over the past several years, Alicia Ramfos has played a vital role in building and leading Lake Country Medical Group’s Chronic Care Management program. Under her leadership, the program has grown into an essential part of how we care for patients beyond the walls of our offices.

Alicia’s dedication to patient-centered care, innovation, and collaboration has helped create a program that has positively impacted countless patients and families throughout our community.

Today, Alicia has transitioned into a new role focused on Population Health and Business Development, where she continues helping Lake Country Medical Group expand its services and strengthen the care we provide throughout the Lake Country. While her responsibilities have evolved, the patient-first philosophy she established remains the foundation of our CCM program.

Welcoming Eden Wages

As our Chronic Care Management program continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Eden Wages as our new CCM Program Director.

Although Eden is stepping into a new leadership role, she is certainly not new to the program. This August marks three years with Lake Country Medical Group, and during that time she has been an integral member of our Chronic Care Management team.

Many patients may recognize Eden from her work in medication management and pharmacy services, but throughout her time with LCMG she has gained experience in virtually every aspect of Chronic Care Management. From working directly with patients to supporting care coordination behind the scenes, she has developed a deep understanding of the program and the people it serves.

That experience makes Eden uniquely prepared to lead the program forward. She understands that great healthcare isn’t just about treating illness, it’s about building relationships, staying connected, and helping patients feel supported every day between appointments.

Working alongside the outstanding team that Alicia helped build, Eden is committed to continuing the tradition of compassionate, personalized care while helping the program continue to grow and evolve.

Care That Never Stops

“Healthcare doesn’t happen only during office visits. Some of the most important care takes place between appointments, and that’s exactly why our Chronic Care Management team exists,” says Dr. Nicolas Chronos. “By staying connected with our patients throughout the month, we’re able to answer questions, identify concerns early, coordinate care, and ultimately help people live healthier lives.”

At Lake Country Medical Group, we believe great healthcare is built on relationships, communication, and continuity of care.

Whether you’re managing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, or multiple chronic conditions, our Chronic Care Management team is here to help you stay connected, informed, and supported throughout your healthcare journey.

Because exceptional healthcare doesn’t end when your appointment is over.

It continues every day in between.

Could You Benefit from Chronic Care Management?

If you have Medicare and are living with two or more chronic health conditions, you may qualify for our Connected Care Management program. Through our Connected Care Institute, our team provides ongoing support between office visits, including personalized care planning, medication management, care coordination, and regular check-ins designed to help you better manage your health.

To learn more about our Connected Care Institute and our Chronic Care Management program, Click Here:

Or call Lake Country Medical Group at (706) 485-4004 to speak with a member of our team and learn whether Chronic Care Management is right for you.

Exercise Blog

Stop Exercising to Lose Weight. Start Exercising to Live Longer.

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By: Karen Schwartz, DNP, WHNP-BC

For decades, many of us were taught that the primary reason to exercise was to lose weight or become thinner.

“Burn calories.” “Lose inches.” “Get bikini ready.”

While those messages were well-intentioned, they unintentionally overshadowed the greatest benefit of exercise: helping us live longer, healthier lives.

Today, research tells a much more powerful story.

Exercise is one of the most effective “medicines” we have. It lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, osteoporosis, depression, and several cancers. It improves sleep, mood, balance, mobility, and cognitive function. It helps preserve independence as we age. Remarkably, many of these benefits occur even when the number on the scale doesn’t change.

You Don’t Have to Become Thinner to Become Healthier

In other words, you don’t have to become thinner to become healthier.

In fact, studies consistently show that people who improve their fitness have a lower risk of premature death, even if they remain overweight. Fitness often predicts longevity better than body weight alone.

This shift in thinking is incredibly freeing.

Instead of asking:

“How many calories did I burn today?”

Ask yourself:

  • Did I make my heart stronger today?
  • Did I improve my balance?
  • Did I preserve my muscle?
  • Did I invest in my future independence?

One of the greatest changes we see with aging is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. This process contributes to falls, fractures, disability, and loss of independence. Regular resistance training and physical activity help slow this process, making everyday tasks, from climbing stairs to carrying groceries, easier for years to come.

Exercise is also one of the most effective treatments for fatigue, anxiety, and poor sleep. While it may seem counterintuitive, moving your body regularly often creates more energy rather than less.

A Word of Caution

Not everyone should focus on increasing exercise in the same way.

For individuals who are underweight, frail, recovering from illness, or experiencing significant muscle loss, the priority is often rebuilding strength and improving nutrition rather than burning calories. In these situations, exercise should be individualized and designed to preserve or restore muscle, improve balance, and support overall function, not promote further weight loss.

The New Goal

The goal of exercise is not simply to look better.

The goal is to:

  • Maintain muscle as you age.
  • Protect your heart and brain.
  • Preserve your balance and mobility.
  • Reduce your risk of chronic disease.
  • Maintain your independence.
  • Improve your quality of life.
  • Increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

If weight loss happens along the way, that’s perfectly fine. But it should be viewed as a possible side effect, not the primary purpose.

The next time you lace up your walking shoes, head to the gym, or take a bike ride, remember this: you’re not just exercising for today.

You’re investing in the ability to enjoy your grandchildren, travel, play golf, garden, dance at family weddings, and live life on your own terms for as long as possible.

That’s a goal worth moving for.

Lake Country Medical Group is accepting new patients.

📞 706-485-4004
🌐 www.LakeCountryMedicalGroup.com

Migraines

When a Migraine Is More Than “Just a Headache”

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Understanding Migraine Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment Options

Most people experience headaches from time to time. A stressful week, poor sleep, dehydration, allergies, or even too much screen time can all leave you reaching for pain relievers.

Migraines are different.

A migraine is not simply a severe headache. It is a neurological condition that can affect how the brain processes pain, light, sound, movement, and even concentration. For many people, the head pain is only one part of the experience.

And while migraines are common, they are often misunderstood.

What Does a Migraine Feel Like?

Many people expect a migraine to look a certain way.

They imagine intense pain on one side of the head that forces someone into a dark room for hours.

While that can certainly happen, migraines do not always follow a textbook pattern.

Some people experience throbbing pain. Others feel pressure behind the eyes or across the forehead. Some develop nausea or vomiting. Others become extremely sensitive to light, sound, or certain smells.

Many people report feeling exhausted, mentally foggy, or unusually irritable before the headache even begins.

Some experience what is known as an aura. An aura can include visual changes such as flashing lights, blind spots, zigzag lines, or temporary disturbances in vision. Others may experience tingling sensations, numbness, or difficulty finding words.

Because migraine symptoms vary so much from person to person, diagnosis is often about understanding the entire pattern rather than focusing on a single symptom.

Looking Beyond the Pain

When evaluating headaches and migraines, healthcare providers look at much more than pain alone.

Questions often include:

  • How often are headaches occurring?
  • How long do they last?
  • Are they becoming more frequent?
  • What symptoms come with them?
  • Do they interfere with work, family activities, or sleep?
  • What treatments have been tried?
  • Has anything changed recently?

The answers help paint a clearer picture and guide decisions about treatment.

Common Migraine Triggers

Not every migraine has an obvious trigger, but certain patterns often emerge over time.

Common migraine triggers may include:

  • Poor sleep or changes in sleep schedule
  • Dehydration
  • Skipped meals
  • Stress
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Weather changes and barometric pressure shifts
  • Alcohol
  • Excessive caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
  • Bright lights
  • Strong odors
  • Neck tension
  • Extended screen time

Keeping a headache journal can be extremely helpful. Tracking when migraines occur, how long they last, associated symptoms, and potential triggers often reveals patterns that are difficult to recognize otherwise.

Sometimes the information gathered from a simple diary becomes one of the most valuable tools in creating an effective treatment plan.

The Problem With Simply “Pushing Through”

Many people who suffer from migraines become experts at functioning despite them.

They go to work.

They care for their families.

They attend events and keep commitments.

They learn how to push through the discomfort because they feel they have no other option.

Unfortunately, that can lead people to delay seeking help.

If migraines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, requiring increasing amounts of medication, or preventing you from fully participating in daily life, it may be time for a medical evaluation.

The good news is that migraine treatment has advanced significantly in recent years.

Today, there are more options than ever before to help reduce migraine frequency, shorten attacks, and improve quality of life. Treatment plans may include lifestyle modifications, trigger management, acute medications, preventive therapies, or newer migraine-specific treatments depending on the individual patient.

The goal is not simply to get through the next migraine.

The goal is to help you experience fewer of them.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Most headaches and migraines are not dangerous, but certain symptoms should never be ignored.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • A sudden, severe headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or minutes
  • The worst headache of your life
  • A headache accompanied by weakness, numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking
  • Vision loss or significant visual changes
  • A headache following a head injury
  • A headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or severe illness
  • A new headache beginning after age 50
  • A significant change in your usual headache pattern

When something feels dramatically different from what you have experienced before, it is always worth getting evaluated.

You Do Not Have to Live With Frequent Migraines

One of the most common misconceptions about migraines is that they are simply something people have to learn to live with.

They are not.

If headaches or migraines are becoming a regular part of your life, affecting your ability to work, enjoy time with family, travel, exercise, or simply feel your best, there may be treatment options available that can help.

At Lake Country Medical Group, we believe patients deserve answers, support, and access to care that helps them live healthier, more comfortable lives.

Because while migraines may be common, they should never be dismissed.

And the right treatment can make a meaningful difference.

If you are experiencing frequent headaches or migraines, talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.

Lake Country Medical Group is accepting new patients.

📞 706-485-4004
🌐 www.LakeCountryMedicalGroup.com

magnesium blog

Magnesium Deficiency: Signs, Symptoms, and Why So Many Adults May Be Low

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By Nicolas Chronos, MD, FACC, FESC , Karen Schwartz, DNP, WHNP-BC and Dr. Phoebe Sahawneh, PharmD

Understanding the Importance of Magnesium for Your Health

Magnesium may not get as much attention as vitamins like D or B12, but it plays a critical role in nearly every major system in the body. From supporting heart health and muscle function to helping regulate sleep, mood, and energy production, magnesium is essential for overall wellness.

According to Dr. Nicolas Chronos, magnesium is one of the most overlooked nutrients in modern healthcare.

“Magnesium is involved in hundreds of cellular processes throughout the body,” says Dr. Chronos. “It supports cardiovascular health, nerve signaling, muscle function, and energy production. When levels are low, the effects can show up in ways many people would never immediately connect to magnesium.”

At Lake Country Medical Group, providers are seeing increasing interest in magnesium deficiency, especially among adults experiencing fatigue, muscle cramps, poor sleep, headaches, or ongoing stress.

A Collaborative Approach to Wellness at Lake Country Medical Group

At Lake Country Medical Group, patient care often involves collaboration across multiple specialties to help patients better understand the many factors that can impact their overall health and wellness.

This article was developed with insight from:

  • Dr. Nicolas Chronos, cardiologist and founder of Lake Country Medical Group, who focuses on cardiovascular health, prevention, and whole-body wellness
  • Karen Schwartz, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and primary care provider at Lake Country Medical Group, who works closely with patients on preventive care, hormone health, bone health, fatigue, sleep concerns, and overall wellness
  • Dr. Phoebe Sahawneh, part of Lake Country Medical Group’s PharmD and medication reconciliation team, who helps patients and providers evaluate medications, supplements, interactions, and overall medication safety

Together, the team works to help patients identify underlying factors that may be contributing to symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, poor sleep, and low energy, including potential nutritional deficiencies such as magnesium deficiency.

How Common Is Magnesium Deficiency?

Research suggests magnesium deficiency may be far more common than many people realize.

National nutrition surveys indicate that nearly half of U.S. adults do not consume enough magnesium through diet alone. Some researchers estimate that a majority of adults may have what is known as chronic latent magnesium deficiency, meaning magnesium stores within the body are depleted even when standard bloodwork appears normal.

One reason magnesium deficiency can be difficult to detect is because less than 1% of the body’s magnesium is found in the bloodstream. Most magnesium is stored in bones, muscles, and tissues.

“Patients are often surprised to learn that a normal lab result does not always rule out low magnesium stores,” explains Dr. Phoebe Sahawneh. “The body works very hard to maintain stable blood levels, even when overall magnesium reserves may be declining.”

Symptoms of Low Magnesium

Because magnesium supports so many body systems, deficiency symptoms can vary from person to person.

Common signs of magnesium deficiency may include:

  • Muscle cramps or muscle tension
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increased stress or anxiety
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Weakness
  • Tingling sensations
  • Irregular heartbeat in more severe cases

“These symptoms are often nonspecific, which means they can easily be attributed to stress, aging, or other health conditions,” says Karen Schwartz, WHNP-BC. “For many patients, symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, or muscle tension may have several contributing factors, including nutritional deficiencies that are often overlooked.”

Karen Schwartz notes that magnesium also plays an important role in bone health, muscle function, stress regulation, and overall wellness.

Why Are So Many People Low in Magnesium?

Several modern lifestyle factors may contribute to widespread magnesium deficiency.

Processed Foods and Modern Diets

Many highly processed foods contain significantly less magnesium than whole, unprocessed foods. Refining grains and processing packaged foods can strip away much of their natural mineral content.

Changes in Soil and Farming

Research has also shown that fruits and vegetables may contain lower mineral levels today than they did decades ago due to changes in farming practices and soil depletion.

Aging and Medications

As people age, the body may absorb magnesium less efficiently. Certain medications can also lower magnesium levels over time, including:

  • Acid-reducing medications
  • Some diuretics
  • Certain antibiotics
  • Some medications used for blood pressure or heart conditions

“This is where medication review becomes especially important,” explains Dr. Phoebe Sahawneh. “Many patients do not realize their medications may impact nutrient levels. Our medication reconciliation team helps evaluate the full picture, including possible interactions, deficiencies, and supplement considerations.”

Best Food Sources of Magnesium

Increasing magnesium-rich foods is often the first step providers recommend.

Foods naturally high in magnesium include:

  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Almonds and cashews
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Avocados
  • Beans and legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Dark chocolate
  • Bananas

“Nutrition remains foundational,” says Dr. Chronos. “Supplements can sometimes help, but healthy dietary habits are still incredibly important for long-term health.”

Should You Take a Magnesium Supplement?

Not all magnesium supplements are the same. Different forms of magnesium vary in how well they are absorbed and tolerated.

Some forms are commonly used for muscle support and sleep, while others may be more likely to cause digestive side effects.

According to Dr. Phoebe Sahawneh, choosing the right supplement should depend on the individual patient, their symptoms, medications, and overall health history.

“Patients often walk into the store and see multiple magnesium products without knowing the differences,” she says. “That is why it is important to discuss supplements with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting them.”

The Bottom Line on Magnesium and Overall Wellness

Magnesium is a vital mineral that supports heart health, sleep, muscle function, energy production, and nervous system balance. Yet many adults may not be getting enough through diet alone.

If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, poor sleep, or increased stress, it may be worth discussing magnesium levels and nutritional health with your provider.

At Lake Country Medical Group, the care team works collaboratively across specialties, including cardiology, primary care, women’s health, and medication management, to help patients better understand the factors that may be impacting their overall wellness.

Lake Country Medical Group is currently accepting new patients. If you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment with a member of our team, we are here to help.

📞 706-485-4004
🌐 lakecountrymedicalgroup.com

Taking Care of You, Today and Every Day

Taking Care of You, Today and Every Day

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By Lake Country Medical Group

At Lake Country Medical Group, our goal is simple. We want to help you live your healthiest, fullest life. Good health is not just about treating problems when they happen. It is about planning ahead and taking steps to prevent issues before they start. Prevention allows you to maintain independence, enjoy time with loved ones, and stay active doing the things you love.

That is why we encourage everyone on Medicare to schedule their Annual Wellness Visit. Many people do not even realize this valuable visit is available to them at no cost. The Annual Wellness Visit is a special time for you to sit down with your healthcare provider, talk about how you are feeling, and build a personalized plan to keep you well.

This visit is designed to be different from a routine physical. It focuses on prevention and personalized care, helping identify potential health risks before they become bigger problems. It gives you and your provider the chance to work together, setting goals and making decisions that fit your lifestyle and needs. Taking this step now can help you stay healthier longer and improve your quality of life.

During the visit, we will review your medical history and your family’s health. We will check basic measurements like blood pressure and weight. We will also talk about your day-to-day activities and safety. This helps us understand your unique health situation and the challenges you might face at home or in your daily routines. Most importantly, we will listen carefully to understand your concerns, your lifestyle, and your goals. Together, we create a prevention plan tailored to your unique needs.

An important part of this plan is making sure your immunizations are up to date. Vaccines protect you from serious illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. These illnesses can be more severe as we get older. Staying current on vaccinations not only protects you but also those around you, including family and friends who may be more vulnerable.

We understand life is busy, so we have made it easy for you to stay protected by offering convenient vaccine clinics at Lake Country Medical Group. These clinics are scheduled for the following dates:

  • September 12th
  • September 19th
  • October 17th
  • October 24th
  • November 14th

At these clinics, we will be offering flu and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20). COVID-19 vaccines are also available upon request.

To help us ensure the right supply is available for you, please call ahead to schedule your vaccine appointment.

Whether you come in for your Annual Wellness Visit or just need a vaccine, our friendly team is here to make the process simple and comfortable. Our focus is on keeping you healthy so you can spend more time enjoying the things and people you love.

If it has been a while since your last visit or if you have not yet scheduled your Annual Wellness Visit, now is the perfect time to call us. Let us work together to keep your health on track for today and the years ahead.

Visit us at 119 Harmony Crossing, Suite 3, Eatonton, GA 31024
Call 706-485-4004 to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit or your vaccine clinic appointment.