400 Edition W h a t ’ s
u p
i n
N o r t h
FIGHT! for Good Health
May 2011
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May 2011 Carole Lee, Founder/Creative Design
From the Editor...
Vanessa McBrayer, Account Manager Linda Merritt, Founder/Sales/Executive Editor Bob Merritt, Director of Sales Brooke Morris, Creative/Design Aaron Snider, Account Manager Beth Snider, Founder/Sales/Creative Design Nancy Wright, Proofing
Contributing Writers:
W
elcome to our Health Care issue; you’ll
Did you put on clean underwear? What if
find interesting and informative articles
you were in an accident?
in these pages. We are blessed to live in an
I don’t care what your friends do, you
area that has many, many good doctors and
follow my rules.
nurses, plus state-of-the-art medical facilities.
I’ll give you something to cry about.
Dr. Mark Feinsilber
Steven Leibel
Nancy Forrest
Dr. Joyce Nations
Martha Hynson
Patrick Snider
North Georgia weather. The flowers, trees,
you.
Joyce Jordan
John P. Vansant, MD
and bushes have outdone themselves this year.
You are going to be sorry if I have to stop
We recently drove up through the mountains,
this car.
We hope you are enjoying this beautiful
and the woods were filled with beautiful
Staff Writers:
I hope someday you have children just like
But it always ends with: Just always
Carole Lee
Aaron Snider
dogwood trees. The iris in our yard are the
Vaness McBrayer
Beth Snider
prettiest I’ve ever seen. Most of the vegetable
Bob Merritt
Nancy Wright
garden is planted and I can almost taste those
this month is Memorial Day, May 30. This
tomatoes, new potatoes, and corn on the cob.
is the day our nation has set aside to honor
Mark your calendar—May 8 is Mother’s
the men and women who have died in wars
Linda Merritt
400 Edition is published monthly in Dahlonega, Georgia, with distribution in six counties. Viewpoints expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publishers, staff or advertisers. 400 Edition is not liable for inaccurate or
to keep America free. We also need to
day. Having a sense of humor is essential to
remember our military on this occasion, and
being a mom. We may not always mean to
pray every day for their safety.
be funny, but sometimes the words that come
Until next month…stay happy!
out of our mouth are good enough for a standup comic. A few good examples of our
submissions.
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Ads must be submitted and paid in full by the 20th
If someone else jumped off a cliff, would
of every month, unless arrangements have been
you do it too?
made in advance. Content and presentation of
Don’t talk with your mouth full.
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Another holiday you will want to remember
Day. Be sure you remember your mom on that
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Gracemont
Assisted Living & Memory Care
At Gracemont, our family owned and operated facility is committed to providing for the overall wellness of each resident as well as providing peace of mind for their families. To accomplish that purpose, we focus on these areas:
FAMILY TIME: SOCIAL INTERACTION: PHYSICAL ATTENTION: QUALITY OF LIFE:
From the gardens to the walking paths, our grounds provide a relaxing atmosphere for residents and their visiting family members, whether family fishing in our private lake, participating in planned activities, or simply celebrating a special occasion in one of the private party rooms. Gracemont visits will be an enjoyable and fun-filled experience for all. Residents are challenged to continue learning by being involved in activities that are designed to keep them engaged in life, whether it is through games or skill-involved activities that are there to simply remind our residents that life is supposed to be fun. Internet and media opportunities will also be available, along with a wide range of social activities. Our trained staff caters to the individual needs of our residents. Our lead team has a proven record of being quality caretakers. Our goal at Gracemont is for our residents to remain productive members of society, and this is accomplished by having them regularly interact with school groups and community organizations, and correspond with our service men and women, as they look forward to each new day.
MEMORY CARE AT THE ARBOR
A secured wing with special programs for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
ADULT DAY & SHORT TERM STAYS
Whether it is for a day of errands, a well-deserved vacation, or an emergency situation, a day-long or short-term stay will provide a safe and secure environment for your loved one.
--- AMENITIES --• 3 delicious meals daily with menu choice options • Licensed nurse on staff • Medication supervision • 24-hour supervision with emergency call system
• Internet & cable • Group outings • Assistance with personal care • Housekeeping, laundry, & linen service
770-887 -2000
4960 Jot Em Down Rd., Cumming 30041 www.gracemontassistedliving.com
OPENING MAY 2011
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS TOURS AVAILABLE
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400 Edition
Contents
May 2011 | Volume 7, Issue12
6
Health Matters
Japan’s continuing struggle with its damaged nuclear power facilities has made for some frightening headlines. Dr. Vansant brings much-needed perspective to the risks of radiation exposure.
11
Healthcare Technology
Find out what HIT and EHR mean, and learn how they have the potential to improve your healthcare experience.
13
Nine Retirement Truths that Ensure Bliss vs. Bust
How you can be more prepared to enjoy your retirement years—tips from Julia Valentine, founder of Joy Compass.
19
Pediatric Oral Health
Does dental care for young children actually matter? What is “bottle mouth”? Things every parent should know about a child’s oral health.
On the Cover
Good health is not something to be taken lightly, and the responsibility we have for keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy is a significant one. Health-related articles in the following pages will inform and educate you on just a few of the issues that have the potential to affect you and your family.
A list of major distribution points in North Georgia can be found online at www.400edition.com.
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May 2011 • www.400edition.com
By Cynthia Blount, RN, BSN, CPHQ, Director, Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers
S
Sleep your way to good heart health
leep deprivation, or getting five hours or less of shuteye a night, can have a direct and harmful effect on your heart health. Experts believe that there are several ways that sleep deprivation can cause heart disease: • Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder occurring when the muscles at the back of the throat relax to the point of obstructing the upper airway. Breathing can stop for up to 40 or more seconds. You don’t receive enough oxygen, thus experiencing “miniawakenings” (gasping for breath) several hundred times a night. These awakenings can cause heart rate and blood pressure to rise, straining the heart and leading to permanent high blood pressure or, ultimately, heart disease. • Sleep imbalance can upset or confuse the release of hungerregulating hormones. Research shows that when we don’t get enough sleep, our leptin (internal appetite-suppressing hormone) levels fall and ghrelin (internal hungerpromoting hormone) levels increase. Thus, when you’re feeling sleepy, you might also feel like you need to head for the fridge, instead of bed. Even when we exercise, our metabolism slows down if we don’t get enough sleep. This can potentially lead to obesity and diabetes, two of the primary causes of heart disease. • Lack of sleep also can raise cortisol levels, which causes inflammation around your heart, raises blood pressure, and disrupts sleep. Inflammation also can cause plaques in your arteries to
break loose, lodging in vessels in the heart or brain and leading to a heart attack. Tips on getting a good night’s sleep The human body needs sleep to maintain a healthy balance. The Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers offer these general tips to help you stay heart healthy and get the good night’s sleep you deserve: • Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, including weekends. • Exercise regularly, but finish at least three hours before bedtime. • Eat healthy, but finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime. • Replace sugar and caffeine with healthy snacks such as carrots or a granola bar. • Create a quiet, dark, and comfortable sleeping environment. • Relax. Take a warm bath, drink a cup of warm milk, or read a book. • Leave worries at the bedroom door. If you’re concerned about something, make a list of the steps you’ll take to solve the problem. • Don’t nap during the day for more than 20 minutes or on a regular basis, and never after 5 p.m. • Don’t read, watch TV, or do work in bed for an extended time. For more information about Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorder Centers—in Atlanta, Forsyth, and Cherokee—or about how you can get a better night’s sleep, visit www.northside.com. May 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
Health Matters: Speaking from the Heart
W
e live in a radioactive world. The recent devastating events in Japan resulting in major damage to nuclear power plants have sparked renewed attention and concerns regarding the use and safety of nuclear power as a source of energy production. Having practiced in the radiology specialty of nuclear medicine for the past 20 years, I have a scope of appreciation and knowledge of the critical role radiation plays as a resource for the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions. We use radioactivity for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and for formulating appropriate treatment options. Radioactive isotopes—“tracers”—have become a standard of care in oncology for diagnosing and defining the presence or extent of cancer, as well as serving as a measure of how effective a cancer treatment has been, and in the treatment of cancer itself. These opportunities and capabilities do not come without risk. In medicine we acknowledge that any diagnostic or treatment option brings with it the question, “Does the potential or observed benefit outweigh the risk?” The use of an antibiotic may provide a life-saving cure for a severe infection, yet the patient may develop a rare and potentially fatal reaction to the drug. I feel we must apply the risk/benefit logic to all aspects of our actions and choices. I would contend that the enormous gravity and seriousness of the use of radiation for medicine or industry calls for remarkable responsibility and extreme safety precautions, and one must always be prepared to address unexpected and adverse events. As a society, we must maintain and acknowledge the facts and figures regarding the use and development of our nuclear resources. To that end, allow me to provide some basic information and statistics, as we look at radiation: What it is, how we measure or define the risk, and how it compares to other environmental exposures, both natural and manmade. I shall attempt to “simplify” the physics and nomenclature used in the scientific field of radiation and radioactivity. Radiation causes ionizations in the molecules
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of living cells. These ionizations result in the removal of electrons from the atoms, forming ions or charged atoms. We measure this ionization process in measurements of energy potentials. I will use one such measure called the rem (Roentgen equivalent in man). It is not important that you understand the various measurements but that we use the measurement numbers as a way of comparing radioactivity amounts and the associated risk of illness or even death. Three major aspects of radiation define the risk of adverse events: the type of radiation, the dose (amount) of radiation, and the time of exposure. The average person in the United States receives approximately 360 mrem (one thousandth of a rem) a year. However, your dose of radiation received will be more if you live in the Rocky Mountains versus the Atlantic coast. Flying cross-country at a high altitude will add approximately .500 mrem/hour. Airline flight crews are monitored closely to ascertain their dose exposure, and it is advised that a pregnant flight attendant not fly during certain times of her pregnancy. A coast-to-coast round-trip flight exposes you to 5.0 mrem of radiation; compare this to a routine chest X-ray exposure of 8.0 mrem. You may be surprised to learn that the greatest radiation exposure for U.S. citizens is from radon, a source coming from the earth in the form of a gas. Up to 50% of radiation exposure is due to radon, compared to 15% from medical sources, and less that 1% from sources such as occupational hazards and the effects of radiation fallout. It is well recognized that we knew little about the risks and health hazards of radiation until after the atomic bombs were detonated
by John P. Vansant, MD, FACC over Japan in 1945. The fear and anxiety that develop when one speaks of radiation hazards is understandable but oftentimes remarkably unsubstantiated. The three “notable” nuclear events since 1945, but prior to the current Japan event, would be the Chernobyl reactor explosion in Russia in 1986, the breach of a therapy source in Brazil in 1987, and the Three Mile Island accident in the United States. In those three combined, there were only 32 reported direct deaths, and none from the Three Mile Island event. Clearly one has to acknowledge that the long-term adverse medical effects are only recognized after years of follow-up; but they are predictable based upon the dose exposure, and those effects are not to be discounted or minimized. With that said, let us look at a few “risk comparisons.” (See tables at left.) If I were to tell you that there was an avoidable and “man-made” event that caused the death of approximately 14,000 people in the United States in 2008, and over 500 deaths per year in Georgia alone, would you not be anxious to know what was killing so many, and would you not expect the news media to be reporting on this catastrophic entity, and would you not lobby our legislatures to stop such tragic and avoidable deaths? If the answer is yes, then why are we so seemingly silent to the tragedy of these alcohol-related fatalities due to the drunk driver? Tragedies that, sadly, often take the life of a totally innocent and unsuspecting individual. What’s the greatest risk to your health and your survival? Yes, we must and should address the risk involved in both short-term and long-term exposure to radiation, and its potential adverse effects on our health. That said, what is the risk/ benefit ratio to the individual and to our society from the drunk driver, our eating habits, and our smoking habits? We must not see “the world” in a narrow and selective mind-set and we must be diligent about thinking, and about knowing the truth. John P. Vansant, MD, FACC, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Nuclear Medicine, and nationally recognized for his clinical achievements in Nuclear Cardiology. He currently practices Consultative Rheumatology and Diagnostic Imaging at RiverStone Medical Campus, Blue Ridge.
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
Still the #1 place to celebrate a birthday A birthday. It’s a day we celebrate our entire lives. Northside would be proud to be part of your baby’s special day. No one is more prepared or has more experience. We’ll make the big day a celebration from day one. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
Historic Forsyth
H
by Myra Reidy
ave you ever looked in the mirror and will come after us, it is our responsibility to County, was created from lands taken wondered who you look like? Now, give them “roots and wings.” from the Cherokee Indians through the come on. You know you have. Have you The Historical Society of Forsyth County 1832 Cherokee Land and Gold Lottery” ever looked at old photos of your parents, was founded to educate the public, to (Shadburn, Pioneer History of Forsyth grandparents, maybe even your greatencourage historical research, to protect County, Georgia, 1985, p.30). The forced grandparents, and historic buildings and Removal of the Cherokee did not occur seen yourself in those sites, and to preserve until the spring of 1838. In 1835, when the pictures? If you are the cultural heritage Cherokee Indian Census was taken, Forsyth honest with yourself, of Forsyth County and County had a high percentage of Mixedthe answer to both surrounding areas in Blooded Cherokee families. So at the time questions is yes. North Georgia. The Forsyth County was formed, there were still Time passes by so society has spent the last Cherokees living among the white pioneers. quickly. You get busy several months writing Years earlier, in 1793, one of the first living life every day, and editing the Forsyth white settlements was founded in North and before you know County Heritage Book. Georgia by Nathaniel Wofford. When the it, twenty or thirty Newcomers to the county land for the settlement was surveyed by years have gone by as well as seasoned Colonel Benjamin Hawkins in 1798, the in just the blink of an residents penned their residents of the Wofford Station found eye. I had the good family articles. At last themselves outside the Georgia state Adult children of Albert Pilcher, with fortune to be able count, close to 500 boundaries and living as intruders in the their spouses. Dated about 1932. to slow down long family stories had been Cherokee Nation. In 1804, through the enough to spend an submitted for publication. Treaty of Tellico, the white residents gained afternoon recently with my immediate and Roots were being discovered, and replanted legal possession of the strip of land. The extended family at a spring reunion. At the for present and future generations. As we land that made up Wofford’s Settlement lies dinner, there were at least four generations reviewed the many family articles, it became in today’s Hall County and Banks County, in attendance. After the meal, the family sat clear that some of those roots go very deep and was near the Augusta-to-Nashville Road around talking while the children hunted into the red clay. later known as for Easter eggs in the grass. As a couple On the Old Federal of the men played their guitars, a few of December Road (http:// the talented ladies sang old gospel songs. 26, 1831, ngeorgia.com/ Toward the end of the gathering, my dear Cherokee ang/Wofford’s_ cousin, Jay Castleberry, took out his dad’s County was Tract). old photos of the family. Some of the created from In Records of pictures were of members that are still here lands primarily the Cherokee among the living. However, the majority of north and west Agency in the photos were of people who had passed of the ChattaTennessee on. hoochee of 1801-1835 The great truth is, “One generation passes River to the (transcribed by away, and another generation comes…” present-day Marybelle W. (Ecclesiastes 1: 4). Life is so brief! We only Alabama line. Chase), you can have a short time on this Earth. This is a Ten counties find the names sobering fact. So what are we doing to make were then of settlers and The Thomas Jefferson Pilcher family a difference while we are here? What legacy formed from intruders on the of Forsyth County. Dated about 1917. are we leaving behind for our children and Cherokee Cherokee lands. grandchildren? As the stewards, leaders, County. In 1832, our county was born: Other early white settlements are mentioned teachers, and parents of the generation that “Forsyth County, the 83rd Georgia in these records: Nathan Smith Settlement,
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Captain John Little’s Settlers, Joshua Dunagan’s Settlers, and the Settlement South of the North and Main Fork of the Oconee River. Each settlement has a list of families that lived inside and outside of the stations. Examining these lists more closely, you can discover a few surnames of early pioneers who migrated to Forsyth County. At this point, you may be scratching your head. So let me explain. A researcher has to be somewhat of a detective to unearth clues to the next generation of family waiting to be discovered. Early families of Forsyth County and surrounding counties can use these records to further trace their pioneers’ migration path. It also helps to know the local history of the area so that a person can better chart the family’s migration timeline. The pioneer families of Forsyth County can use this information to aid them in the search for their roots. Pioneer families are not the only stories that can be found in the Forsyth County Heritage Book. For example, one article tells of a young man who came to this county in the 1980s. His great-grandparents migrated from Ireland to Pennsylvania in search of work in the steel mills. This man’s grandfather was a first-generation American. His roots in this county may not
be old. However, he has now planted his roots in this county, and it is the place that he calls home. What roots are you establishing for your family? What stories are you telling your children and grandchildren so that they can feel connected to their families of yesterday and today? What are you doing to preserve the memories of today for generations that will come after you? Take the time to preserve your family history. It can be as simple as a diary or journal of memories, along with labeled photos. Some future descendant will be glad that you did. After all, family is your link to history and the bridge to your future. The Historical Society of Forsyth County is taking preorders for the heritage book until Friday, May 27. If you would like to have your family included in the publication, or want to pre-order a book, visit our website at www. historicforsyth.com or contact the historical society at 678-4557260. Myra Reidy is a volunteer for the Historical Society of Forsyth County and the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears. Contact information: myrareidy@live.com or 678428-2726.
Family group photo made on the occasion of James and EmmaLou Nix McConnell’s 40th anniversary. The couple is shown with their two children, Jannie Barrett and Jimmy McConnell, and other descendants who came to help the pair celebrate their years together. May 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition
ts Alliance of Churches of Dawson County Festival of Ar Arts Festival of Arts 2010, Audience Choice Award & Purchase Award, Anna in the Daises by Debra Kaufmann Yaun. Colored Pencil.
T
he Alliance of Churches of Dawson County is an organization dedicated to
providing charitable assistance in Dawson
County. The churches of the Alliance believe that some community outreach programs are more effective working together. The Alliance also includes local agencies and non-church organizations that assist Dawson County citizens. The Alliance was formed in 2007 and adopted By-Laws in March 2011. Officers Currently 13 churches are participating: Bethel United Methodist Church, Big Canoe
Ma Mayy 8-15, 2011
Galleries are open daily from Noon-8 pm
Art submissions from 191 professional artists from around the southeast as well as local student artists (preschool through college) in a variety of meduims such as photography, crayon, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, pencil, pottery, bronze and wood will be displayed. Many pieces will be for sale.
Afternoon/Evening Concerts
Chapel, Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, Christ Fellowship, Church of the Apostles, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Cornerstone Christian Church, Dawsonville Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Grace Presbyterian Church, Hopewell United Methodist Church, North Forsyth United Methodist Church, and Salem United The agencies and organizations participating: The Ric-Rack, Dawson County Senior Center, Kare for Kids, St. Vincent de Paul, and Dawson County Family Connection. The Alliance provides volunteers to the RicRack Food Pantry to help distribute free groceries
Wednesday, May 11, 7 pm - Rising Stars Competition – FREE
assistance. Ric-Rack assists 400-plus families each
Saturday, May 14, 8 pm - North Georgia Symphony in Performance – Tickets: $10 General Admission.
Bach’s Lunch Series
30 minute concerts (FREE) beginning at Noon followed by a light lunch ($5) in the Art Café: For lunch reservations, please call the church office, 770.887.2900 Monday, May 9 – Chamber Atlanta String Quartet Tuesday, May 10 – Dr. William Ransom, Concert Pianist Wednesday, May 11 – North Georgia Brass Thursday, May 12 – Atlanta Saxophone Quartet Friday, May 13 – John Richardson, Concert Organist
Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Hwy Cumming, GA 30040 770.887.2900 www.cfumcga.com 400 Edition
Ric-Rack Food Pantry
Methodist Church.
Sunday, May 8, 3 pm – Mother’s Day Bouquet The Pummill’s (Mother/ Daughter) in Concert – FREE
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2010 Thanksgiving dinner for the needy
will be elected soon.
to Dawson County residents who qualify for month. Each of the 13 churches takes a week at a time in providing this assistance. There are 85-plus volunteers participating in this effort. Two years ago the Alliance began the Summer Children Food Program that provides healthy youth-friendly food items to income-qualified school-age children in the summer months. Over 360 grocery bags of food were collected by church members and organizations in 2010. This program
is also in association with Ric-Rack. The Alliance organized a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner last year. The meal was offered on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving at the Lakeview Center, and served over 250 people. The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is open to all residents of Dawson County and will continue to be an annual event. The Alliance welcomes any church that serves Dawson County residents, and any individuals who desire to join us in helping our neighbors. For further information or to attend one of our meetings, please contact Marjean Miller at Dawson County Family Connection, 706-265-1981 ext 60081 or mmiller@dawsonfamilyconnection. org.
r o t i d E e h etter to t
ay trip did the d lf e s y m d ely ill definit a nd 7 a n w , 0 e 1 W , 1 . 1 it ab o ut hildren s again ll talking y grandc o. Thank ti d m s e e w r w o a n e r k y e ns.) e t you Reflectio e and th to live wh il m r d o p s e Just to le s e A s w d le a n b arch a . It was e are so article. (M Saturday e fall. W t a th e r in g a in aga s u ch g o b a ck r sharing fo d n a b s u to your h
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Judy, Cumming
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
Healthcare Technology
by Dr. Jim Morrow
H
ealthcare is changing at a rate that few people have ever witnessed. The debate over where the changes will lead will go on for years to come. However, one thing that few will debate is the advantage that healthcare information technology (HIT) has brought to the healthcare system. Morrow Family Medicine is dedicated to patients, and also to utilizing technology to the greatest possible benefit of our patients. Since 1998, I have been a pioneer in the use of HIT in a private medical practice and am now bringing that expertise to a new practice, where patients will be treated with care and attention, while benefitting from the latest in state-of-the-art healthcare information technology. Using an electronic health record (EHR) at the point of care, physicians are updated in real time as care is provided in the community. As medical information is updated, records reflect those changes and patient safety and quality of care are improved. Staying Connected In addition to the use of an EHR, physicians can now be connected to the medical community through a variety of interfaces and electronic pathways. Radiology and lab results, operative and emergency department reports, as well as a patient’s hospital discharge information from local hospitals, are immediately available in the chart. Lab data from national reference laboratories is fed directly to the practice’s EHR in real time, as resulted. Prescriptions are sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy of choice, and the providers are able to see a patient’s current medication list, regardless of the prescribing physician or practice. When prescribing medications, providers are
immediately warned of possible interactions or allergic reactions, and doses can be calculated automatically based on size and kidney function. Using Clinical Decision Support The Food and Drug Administration, responsible for the safety of the pharmaceuticals in the U.S., will, on occasion, remove a medication from the market. On such occasions, a simple computer search of our database will generate contact information for every patient currently taking that specific medication. Patients of practices that use HIT fully are notified to discontinue the medication, and it is replaced with another. As patients move through the healthcare community, so do their needs for screening for diseases and monitoring of ongoing treatment changes. Healthcare information technology allows providers the luxury of knowing instantly when a patient needs such testing, based on their current diagnoses or medication lists. Providers are reminded of a patient’s need for vaccinations, mammograms, lab tests, and more, immediately upon entering that patient’s chart. Outcomes Are the Reason The benefits to patients increase with the increase in utilization of these varied technologies. The bottom line for patients is that their health is improved, their connection to their provider is improved, and their understanding of their personal health situation is also improved. The healthcare knowledge gap between patient and physician shrinks as patients are better educated and better connected. This is what the physician of tomorrow is doing for the patients they care for. This is what patients should expect from their doctor. And nothing less. May 2011 • www.400edition.com
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Cornerstone Physical Therapy
by Ken Whitlow
C
ornerstone is defined by Webster as being indispensible, and the fundamental basis of something. Interesting enough, the scriptures refer to Christ as the cornerstone of the church. The name Cornerstone Physical Therapy originated from a similar concept. We wanted the practice to be known as a place of servanthood and humility, a place where each person could be nurtured physically, emotionally, and spiritually to the fullest. These principles are what we have strived to follow over the past twelve years of treating patients in this community. Many people associate physical therapy with exercises for strengthening and stretching. Granted, exercise is a vital component, but there are many others. Invariably the human body gets out of balance in many ways, including our muscle/ skeletal system. These imbalances can occur through trauma, poor posture, non-ergonomic work stations, repetitive motions, and disease. As a physical therapist, my job is to detect where the imbalances exist, and use a variety of techniques to resolve the issue. These techniques may include ultrasound, massage, joint mobilization, electric stimulation, cryotherapy, exercise, aquatic therapy, and education. After practicing more than fifteen years, I have come to appreciate just how intricately connected our bodies really are. In fact, an abnormal muscle in the neck can have an influence on the low back; likewise, an aberration in the foot can impact the hip. Muscles that become spastic and inflamed must be returned to their normal state before pain diminishes and effective strengthening and stretching can occur. One of the techniques that I have found most effective, and have worked very hard over the past five years to master, involves resetting the involved muscle and restoring it to a relaxed state. Once this occurs, inflammation can resolve and the healing process begins. Obviously, there could be underlying structures that have been
12
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stressed as well: ligaments, tendons, bursa, disc, or even bone. For this reason, a therapist’s initial evaluation is one of the greatest sources for formulating a plan of treatment for the patient. At Cornerstone Physical Therapy we treat a diverse patient population ranging from teenagers to late adulthood. They may have been affected by an injury at work, through sports, post surgically, in an automobile accident, by poor body mechanics, or by a stroke. The most commonly seen injuries are in the neck and low back. Aquatic therapy is a tool often used to rehabilitate back injuries. Once the patient’s symptoms are resolved, I consider it a necessity that the patients be educated on how to prevent re-injury and maintain a balanced body through a home program. Education is a key component shared with all patients. As you can clearly see, Cornerstone Physical Therapy is uniquely qualified to meet the needs of this community. Having been established in Dawsonville for twelve years now, we have developed many longstanding relationships that have allowed us to treat multiple family members with favorable outcomes. We genuinely care about each patient and strive to deliver the best experience anyone can expect. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and get you back to your previous lifestyle.
Cornerstone Physical Therapy is located at 54 Lumpkin Campground Road in Dawsonville. Phone: 706-2167910.
9
Nine Retirement Truths that Ensure Bliss vs. Bust
Finding joy and fulfillment throughout retirement
A
ging is a fact, but how you experience it is your choice. Many research studies show that life after 50 can be the most treasured time of your life. This is because life perceptions are more positive, and feelings of worry or stress decline. But research also shows that a fulfilling retirement is impossible without concerted planning, which should extend beyond the requisite financial plan to also encompass your emotional wants, needs, and desires based on thoughtful and practical selfreflection. Retirement is the time when you have already fulfilled your obligations to others in life and are now free to make some new choices, with yourself as the priority. Indeed, with proper preparation and forethought, you can realize your full potential and enjoy an astonishing quality of life in retirement. This may include working, mentoring, volunteering, traveling, learning, and anything else that helps you feel secure, joyful, independent, valuable, and carefree. Here are nine retirement truths that will help ensure that retirement is the treasure of your life. Retirement Truth #1: Aging brings wisdom, not decline It has been said that what you think about, you bring about. Telling yourself you are going to flourish in retirement can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. At the very least, you might take slightly better care of yourself and, in turn, find your way into the virtuous circle of feeling better emotionally and physically, doing more interesting things, and ultimately enjoying yourself more. Retirement Truth #2: Age is just a number Chronological age is merely the number of candles on your birthday cake, while psychological age is your perception of how vital and vibrant you feel. Since the latter is a subjectively experienced age, you have a great deal of latitude in constructing beliefs that will either help you, or limit your ability to flourish after 50. Construct wisely. Retirement Truth #3: Creativity helps design your lifestyle Discovering and exploring your everyday creativity is going to make a difference between boredom and the pure joy of being alive. Everyday
creativity is invoked when the object of your creative efforts is your own life. It taps into our deepest need to feel useful and valuable. A creative life approach fosters flexibility and resourcefulness, helping you choose new pursuits, evolve with the changing times, and design a satisfying lifestyle. Retirement Truth #4: Fulfilling true needs is essential Knowing what you want and, more importantly, what you need is difficult but critical. You cannot be happy without it. Research shows meeting one’s personal needs is essential for psychological health and, consequently, for more profound happiness, serenity, and a high quality of inner life. Retirement Truth #5: Know your motivation Knowing why you do something is important because it will motivate you to go through with the action. Motivation is how we access the energy necessary to do anything, whether that means saving, acquiring new skills, or staying fit to enjoy life after 50. Understanding your own intentions and the desired result of any decision or activity will result in clarity, less frustration, more of what you want, and less guilt about forgoing what doesn’t meet your needs. Retirement Truth #6: Fail to plan, plan to fail Research proves that a successful, happy retirement is impossible without planning based on self-examination. People who plan end up with twice the wealth of people who do not. Beyond financial planning, it is imperative to take time to figure out what lifestyle needs must be fulfilled to make you happy, and then find specific ways to ensure those needs can be met. Retirement lifestyle design then becomes the driver for making good choices and building the foundation of physical, emotional, and financial health that ensures joy and fulfillment after 50. Retirement Truth #7: Evolution trumps fear Do not be dragged along by the changing times when you have the freedom to preside over the process. While evolution may not always mean improvement or progress, life’s progression is certainly an inevitability that should be embraced, not eschewed. Change should be revered, not
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
By Julia Valentine by Herb McClure
feared, since with change come new learning and growth experiences—new opportunities and ways to contribute, to be significant, and to create meaningful experiences for yourself and for the people around you. Retirement Truth #8: Joy requires harmony A joyful life can only be truly achieved if your inner and outer worlds are in harmony—the alignment of your life’s needs and direction (which you can set to Joy, Meaning, Abundance, Fulfillment, or anything else you desire) with your inner resources, like attitude, abilities, talents, skills, experience, and personality traits. People wholly integrated at this level are conscious of their needs, emotions, impulses, pleasures, and pains. They enjoy an amazing quality of life with frequent peak experiences, are more at peace, and are less split between an experiencing self and an observing self. Retirement Truth #9: Quality of life requires more than money It is easy to mistake comfort for quality of life. An astonishing quality of life encompasses both material comfort and joy. To live with joy, it is imperative to not only identify and understand your emotional needs, but actively work to meet them. Do this and the second half of your life will be even better than the first. Speaker and JoyCompass. com founder Julia Valentine is the author of Joy Compass: How to Make Your Retirement the Treasure of Your Life. Through cutting-edge research in finance, motivation, and creativity, Joy Compass offers a revolutionary new approach to preparing for, designing, and enjoying life in retirement. Julia Valentine may be reached, and the interactive book may be accessed, online at www.JoyCompass.com.
400 Edition 13
Summer Break from School: Structure
Can Help Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D.
Mmind i n&dhearta n d h e a r t W
ith summer break looming for millions of children and teens, I thought it might be useful to discuss some of the particular issues that can arise during this time of the year. A long stretch of unstructured time, sometimes without adequate parental supervision and often with not enough activity or mental stimulation, can pose challenges for kids and parents alike. While the summer break was originally designed and intended to provide respite for both children and teachers from the routine and demands of the school year, in some ways children seem to have evolved (or, as some would assert, devolved) over the years into beings requiring more ongoing stimulation and immediate need gratification than their predecessors. Because of this, the “lazy days of summer” mentality associated with previous generations seems to have been better fitted to those earlier times when life moved at a slower pace in general. By contrast, today’s youth have become accustomed to living within rapidly changing visual and sound bites virtually all the time, further enhanced by the omnipresent media access and electronic gaming opportunities. As a result, ironically
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enough, the same technological advances created to help keep kids stimulated have also resulted in a shortening of their interest span, necessitating the constant re-exposure to more stimulation to avoid boredom and malaise. Although more parents are now trying to put some limits on their kids’ video gaming time to prevent video game addiction (a subject covered in a previous article), doing so in the summer can be very difficult, particularly when children are not involved in other time-filling activities or chores. To complicate matters further, most structured summer activities available to children (athletic camps, music camps, sleep-away camps, church retreats, etc.) tend to be time-limited (usually weeklong, sometimes two weeks) and too expensive nowadays for most families to provide for their kids more than once or twice per summer. As a result, long stretches of unstructured time ensue for young people, creating boredom, lethargy, restlessness, and at times irritability or even depression. For many kids, the contrast between these lengthy, unstructured spans of time and the more regimented— even hectic—schedules that they follow during the school year is just too great for them to
psychologically adjust to. For many kids, this can result in their taking matters more into their own hands, resorting to inappropriate ways to create stimulation through various acting-out behaviors. This can be a particularly problematic situation for teenagers, who are by nature more restless and stimulus-seeking. As many other therapists have begun to do over the years, I regularly recommend to parents of my juvenile clients that by early spring they begin putting some thought into how to bring some organization, structure, and meaningful activity into their kids’ approaching summer. To be sure, tough economic times have currently made it more difficult to provide costly activities or frequent family vacations, so creative thinking is more important than ever. What has proven to work well for many children and teens is some balanced blend of structured recreational activities (summer swim leagues, day camps, etc.), assigned home chores (which are linked to the privileges, not the rights, to gaming access, TV time, etc.), scheduled local family outings peppered throughout the summer, family vacations (when financially feasible) and, above all, a pre-set expectation by parents that most days will have some sort
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
of plan and purpose, involving some reasonable wake-up times to avoid the malaise and inertia that seem to result from constantly sleeping in till late morning or even early afternoon. It is important to keep in mind that there is enough time available in the summer to still allow for plenty of carefree, leisurely time for children alongside the aforementioned creation of more structured activity. Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience treating adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families; and is a founding member of the Behavioral Health Association of Forsyth (BHAF). His practice is located at 6030 Bethelview Road, Suite 401, in Cumming. Appointments or other consultations can be arranged by calling the administrative office at 770-205-5760, and more detailed information can be found at www.APSDoc.com.
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Dangers of Pedicures
edicures, by Shannon Marburger given by a licensed, educated nail technician, tub is clean. Also, if a pumice bar should be the most is being used, don’t be afraid to ask relaxing experience you may ever for a new one out of the package. encounter. But beware. There are You are paying for this service; you laws and rules, according to Georgia should feel comfortable and safe. State Board Regulations. All nail Make sure all of the steel implements technicians are required to present being used are sanitized. If you their nail license at their station, or don’t know, ask. If the person cannot where it is easily accessible by any answer your questions, you should client. A pedicure must also be given decide at that point whether you in a clean, safe environment, using really want to stay for the service. clean and sanitized implements, and Everyone wants to be pampered. new files and buffers for each client. Everyone deserves a service that When you walk into a salon, check is given in a professional manner, it out. Make sure the floor is free and where your nail technician can from nail and skin debris. While at describe what they are doing and a spa or salon, keep a constant eye why they are doing it. A pedicure out for signs of dedicated attention is given not only to make you, the to cleanliness, and it’s also good client, feel wonderful, but it is to see certifications and credentials also medically beneficial. Regular prominently displayed. pedicures are great for the removal Don’t be afraid to ask questions of dead skin and appropriate about how a procedure is conducted. reduction of calluses. They also Were you asked important profile help prevent nail diseases and questions regarding allergies, disorders like ingrown toenails and medications, problems you may onychorrhexis (longitudinal ridging be experiencing? What tools are of the nail). In addition, reflexology, they using? Are the nail technicians a specific type of foot massage, using blades (Credo blades) that can be used as a form of pain are against Georgia State Board management. Regulations? I have personally So we invite you to visit North witnessed a blade being used by a Georgia Hair Cutters. I will indulge technician to cut chunks of skin from you with a wonderfully pampering, the foot of a client. This was being safe, and relaxing pedicure. Other done while the technician was not services offered in the Nail Care area even looking are Manicures, at the foot, UV Gel but was Pink/Whites, carrying on a Shellac Gel conversation Polish, and with another more. Our technician Spa Services several chairs also include away. I Professional could only Reflexology, grimace, and Massage, and feel that this Facials. All poor client Left to right: Michelle Woodworth, Dorese services are would not Burns, Christy Lowe, Cindy Hiatt, and provided to be able to Shannon Marburger is in the center. our clients in walk without private and pain the next day (hopefully, it would soothing environments. We offer all not get infected). Also, check to see hair care, waxing, tanning, and more. if the pedicure chairs and tubs are We are located next to Johnny B’s, cleaned according to Georgia State between Highway 9 and Sunset Drive, Board Regulations, which say, in on West Main Street in Dahlonega; essence, that all pipe and pipeless 706-482-0541. See us on Facebook, pedicure chairs are to be cleaned where we offer daily as well as with disinfectant added to a full tub monthly promotions and specials, and of water, running the jets for at least check out www.nghaircutters.com for 10 minutes before a new client can specials, photos, and information. receive treatment. Spraying with a “mystery” solution, wiping with a Shannon Marburger is a Licensed questionable sponge, should be a Nail Technician at North Georgia little scary to you. Bacteria build up at Hair Cutters, 408 W. Main Street, in an alarming rate. So make sure that Dahlonega.
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 15
Northside Hospital-Forsyth Celebrates Its 5000th Delivery
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n Thursday, April 14, 2011, Northside Hospital-Forsyth performed its 5,000th delivery in the hospital’s Women’s Center. Robyn and David Crick, of Hoschton, welcomed twins Dylan Doyle and Mackenzie Katherine at 9:47am and 9:48am, respectively, via cesarean section. “It probably won’t hit us until we get home,” said Mr. Crick about the two new additions to the family. The couple also has 16-month old Samantha Piper, born in 2009 at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. “We love it up here. We wish [Northside Hospital-Forsyth] all the success.” In recognition of the 5000th delivery, the hospital’s Auxiliary gave the family two gift baskets and a bouquet of balloons. “We are proud of the highquality care and service that our Women’s Center staff provides and are excited about this latest milestone,” says Melissa Sugg, manager of women’s services, Northside Hospital-Forsyth. “We look forward to many more.” More than 6,000 babies have been born in the Northside Hospital-Forsyth Women’s Center since it opened in August 2008. The Center offers comprehensive maternity and newborn services, including all private LDR and postpartum rooms, state-of-the-art c-section delivery rooms, a fullservice newborn nursery, level II NICU with 24/7 neonatologist coverage, a lactation center, high-risk prenatal diagnostics,
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Dylan weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 20 inches long. His middle name is also his grandfather’s middle name. Mackenzie weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long. Her middle name is her grandmother’s first name. Mom is a health & physical education teacher at North Gwinnett High School; Dad works for Ericsson.
24/7 anesthesia services, newborn care and parenting classes, and more. Northside Hospital-Forsyth is affiliated with Northside Hospital in Atlanta, where more babies are born than at any other community hospital in the United States. In 2010/11, Atlanta consumers ranked Northside #1 in Maternity/OB Services in the National Research Corporation’s (NRC) Healthcare Market Guide Study. The hospital also has been recognized by the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program for providing an outstanding maternity experience for the past two consecutive years. For more information about maternity and newborn services at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, visit www.northside.com.
Leibel on the Law A
s spring has sprung, we look forward to more time outdoors, and to enjoying many activities not available in colder weather. We embrace the beautiful weather, the colors of new growth, and the outdoor sounds of birds and insects. We get together with our family and friends to enjoy life and take joy in one another. The enjoyments of life that we all take for granted are recognized under Georgia law as part of a component of damages when a person becomes injured. When a person is injured and can no longer enjoy their quality of life, these losses are covered under the term “pain and suffering.” These losses of the quality of life are oftentimes more important to a client than any economic loss, because even if you have a lot of money, how can you enjoy it when you are suffering, or have a physical limitation? This recognition by the law in accident situations also extends to more tragic circumstances, such as actions brought for wrongful death. In a wrongful death case the Court normally charges a jury to consider the intangible value of the life of a person, which includes how they enjoyed life while they were
Loss of Consortium
alive. Enjoyment of life also extends to the enjoyment of our relationship with our spouse. When a person is injured, a relationship can also be injured. Oftentimes a spouse suffers more than the physically injured person. Roles in relationships become reversed. Wives become caregivers, and breadwinners, when their husbands become incapacitated. When a relationship is damaged, there is a derivative cause of action given to spouses for their own losses. This is called loss of consortium. It is based on the old common-law doctrine of property damage. In the old days, women were property of men; when a wife was damaged, she was considered property of a man, and the man could be compensated for damages to his property. This being unfair, the system now gives this property right to both men and women. The law’s recognition of these non-economic components of damages speaks highly of our legal system. It shows that our system of justice recognizes that people are more than just wage earners, but are human beings with thoughts and feelings. When people get injured, they often suffer more physically and emotionally than economically. When we trial lawyers are given the privilege of representing injured persons, we must
recognize and explore the many aspects of individual pain and suffering. At trial, we have to prove and explain to a jury how our client and their family have gone through their own painful trial due to the negligence of another. Pictures, videos, and diaries assist the trial lawyer in their presentation to a jury panel, or judge. We should be proud of our legal system that recognizes and respects the humanity we each have in us.
Steven Leibel is a Georgia personal injury lawyer with offices in Dawson County and in Dahlonega. He currently serves as a member of the Georgia Bar Board of Governors for the Enotah Circuit. He is a Commission member of the Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission. He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell for his legal ability and ethical conduct. He can be reached at 706867-7575 or 404-892-0700. Questions about his column can be sent to his email at steven@ leibel.com. Nothing in this column can be construed as the giving of legal advice. Legal advice can only be made through an attorneyclient relationship. The statements made in this column are for general education purposes only.
Upcoming Events at The Terraces
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he 2011 Terraces season at Big Canoe kicks off on May 7 with “7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band.” The popular Banks and Shane concert is on May 21, and on June 4, the Live Bait Band performs tributes to Jimmy Buffett and other top stars. All concerts are at the Terraces amphitheater, and show time is 7:00pm. Food by local vendors will be available for purchase at a cost of under $10 per person; picnicking and tailgating is also allowed, in designated grassy areas. Restrooms and handicapped parking are available. The Terraces is located on Steve Tate Road, off Highway 53. The entrance to the amphitheater and parking is just 400 yards north of Big Canoe’s main entrance. A new marquee marks the entrance, and a volunteer staff is on hand to assist and to direct the parking before each concert. Tickets purchased in advance are $15 per person; children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets purchased at the gate are $20 each; season tickets for all nine performances may be purchased in advance for $100. For more information, phone 706-579-5099 or purchase online by credit card through PayPal at bigcanoechapel.org; click on the Terraces link. May 7 – “7 Bridges” offers a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of the Eagles. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, 7 Bridges faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period. Every show features one brilliant hit single after another, with some mighty
by Steven K. Leibel
by Charlene Terrell
Joe Hensley and Joe Welsh surprises sprinkled into the mix. This very talented group combines incredible musicianship, vocal precision, and stage presence that have brought them nationwide acclaim. May 21 – The ever-popular Banks & Shane returns with another legendary performance. For over 30 years, Banks Burgess, Paul Shane, and their fabulous band have brought great entertainment to thousands of grateful audiences. Their high-spirited renditions of old-time rock ’n’roll, folk, bluegrass, and country are known for bringing capacity crowds to their feet. This group has performed in almost every venue possible—from Atlanta’s Chastain Park, Symphony Hall, and the fabulous Fox Theater, to venues in London, Munich, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. They have appeared with Jeff Foxworthy at a sold-out concert at Lake Lanier Islands. June 4 – The Live Bait Band not only performs all the hits by Jimmy Buffett, they also cover hits by Alan Jackson, Kenney Chesney, Bob Marley, and even KC and The Sunshine Band, to name a few. Whether you are a land shark, a parrothead, or just a brown-eyed girl, Live Bait is sure to entertain you, and change your whole attitude and latitude. This band performs in full costume in front of l0-foot by 20-foot scenery featuring a sunset and palm trees. While eating your Cheeseburger in Paradise on your way to Margaritaville, you may join the Conga Line or try your skill with the Limbo. It’ll be great fun! May 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 17
Life is a mirror. We look forward, that’s the future. We look back, remember and learn—that’s a reflection.
by Bob Merritt
Diabetes 101, 102, & 103
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iabetes has gotten more TV coverage than any other disease. Diabetes is nothing to fool around with and can become very aggressive if ignored.
I was diagnosed with diabetes almost 20 years ago. Since I was diagnosed as a diabetic, the treatment of diabetes has made some great advances; but the wall it is up against is the individual, and “denial” is the biggest enemy to defeat. I was completely ignorant of diabetes when I was diagnosed, and had to have the disease explained to me. It sounded terrible. All my life I had escaped my childhood diseases and any others; now at fifty-five you tell me something like this has caught up with me? I don’t think so. I have to thank my wife for driving the point home. Her dad was a diabetic, so I didn’t take it lightly; but I didn’t take it that seriously either. I was a bundle of energy, up at 5:00am and on the run all day. I was a printing salesman at that time, and I was doing well at what I did best. We moved to Georgia and started a magazine, The North Georgia Star, and that became my passion. I had a few encounters with diabetes that got my attention, but they soon passed and I was off and running again. If I had to name one incident that got my attention enough, it would have to be a doctor’s visit. I walked into the room the doctors put you in until they can see you and sat down. Almost immediately a young lady came in, and I mistook her for a nurse or an aide of some kind. WRONG ! The first
thing she did was take my foot in her hand, and after examining it, she said, “You are a diabetic, aren’t you?” I was amazed. It was like one of my own daughters getting onto me, and by the time she got through with me, I had to admit, “I was a diabetic.” Looking into her eyes was like looking into my daughter’s and getting scolded. That doctor got gobbled up by some doctor’s practice and moved, and soon after that we moved from Cumming to our present home in Dahlonega. The diabetic doctor I changed to in Dahlonega appeared to be more interested in politics than his practice, so we changed to Doctor Mark Moors, who quickly recommended a specialist in Gainesville. This all followed a burn incident, when the previous doctor put me on insulin because he was afraid for my life after a serious burn. I have been taking insulin ever since. My new doctor in Gainesville is Doctor Soares-Welch. She is a feisty little thing who takes no excuses and gives no ground. Like a drill sergeant, she was exactly what I needed to get me in line. She put me in a class led by a Diabetes Educator, who got me started straight. The only time I have ever deviated was when I thought I knew myself better, or wanted to try something different, which always proved her right. The educator’s name is Mitzi Lovell, and I recommend her highly to lead any diabetic down this new and difficult path. This is my own personal endorsement of these two people. Both of them work and practice at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic, and since I
The Veterans Alliance
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he Veterans Alliance is a local veterans group, not affiliated with any national veterans organization. Its mission is to provide the honor guard at the funeral of a fallen mate and to participate in patriotic ceremonies
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when asked. Wayne Cantrell, a native of Forsyth County and a veteran of the Viet Nam war, started the organization in 1999. He saw the need for such an organization, since the government will provide
wish you and yours the best, here is the clinic’s phone number: 770-536-9864. In the control of diabetes there are many, many doctors and educators who can help. All you have to do is find the right ones for you. I take my blood sugar readings from three to five times a day, and understand better what is happening in my body. My diet is lacking, since I hang onto my love of potatoes, and spaghetti and meat balls. I blame the sauce. Seriously, paying attention to your diet is probably as important as pills and insulin. Diabetes is steadily making progress in the control, education, and cure of the disease. When I say “cure,” I mean that if they can get to you in time and you aren’t as hardheaded as I was, they can control the disease to the point that you can control it right out of your life. Be aware enough to get tested early and often, whether you are young or getting older. Diabetes is no respecter of age and isn’t called the “silent killer” for nothing. It is a sure bet that if you die from anything other than cancer or a heart attack, your cause of death will be linked to “complications caused by diabetes.” I find the ads on TV offensive when they try to strike fear into people over something as life-saving as a pin prick when checking the blood glucose. That little machine is constantly changing and improving, so whether you prick your finger or arm, it is a part of the control of diabetes. I’m afraid diabetes is here to stay, and the measure of control it has over our lives will depend on how we control it.
only a three-man burial detail for a fallen veteran. He and others felt that a veteran deserved full honors—an eight-man rifle squad, two flag folders, one flag presenter, and one bugler. The Alliance grew rapidly, an all-volunteer group of men who receive no pay, purchase their own uniforms, include representatives from all five branches of service, and have served in WW II, Korea, Viet Nam, and Iraq. Their ages range from 40 to 90, and some are highly decorated veterans. The group serves several counties: Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson, North Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cherokee. Normally, the unit can be up and running on 24 hours’ notice. Several local funeral homes donated a van; this has
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
been a real blessing inasmuch as a hundred-mile-plus round trip is not uncommon. Over the twelve-year period, the group has performed approximately 1,400 ceremonies. The veterans who provide this service are honored to be able to so, and the families are always most appreciative. However, the ranks of the Veterans Alliance are thinning rapidly, with only 15 men now able to participate. Of the original group, only Wayne Cantrell, Ed Bell, Harold Light, Everett Bennett, Bill Garner, Larry Freeland, Charles Morgan, Dan Rainey, Perry Ray, Eddie Samples, and Rafael Picklesimer remain. If you might be interested in joining this worthwhile organization, please call 706974-6252 for further information.
Pediatric Oral Health by Natalie Jones
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hen asked what the number one childhood disease is, many might say asthma or autism, but it is actually oral disease (U.S. Surgeon General). Oral disease is also the number one reason kids miss school. Therefore, there is a great need and opportunity to spread the word about pediatric oral health. For example, many parents think that their child’s primary (baby) teeth are not as important as their permanent (adult) teeth because they eventually lose them. However, primary teeth are a key to a lifetime of healthy teeth. They help the child with eating, speaking, and self-esteem, and assist in saving space for the permanent teeth. Not to mention that decay, even in primary teeth, can be painful. It is never too early to begin taking care of your child’s mouth. Start at birth by cleaning a baby’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a cloth and water. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing! A child’s teeth need to be brushed twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. However, until your child can successfully spit out the paste, a smear of toothpaste without fluoride should be used. In addition, parents should start flossing their child’s teeth every day when two teeth erupt next to each other. Children need to be assisted or supervised while brushing and flossing until age 11. Your child’s eating habits directly affect their oral health. Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish, and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. Parents need to be aware of a problem often referred to as “bottle mouth.” A nursing bottle is sometimes used as a night or daytime pacifier. But the child should not be allowed to take to bed a bottle containing juice, formula, milk, or any sweetened beverage. The sugar causes a
pattern of tooth decay to occur very early on the top front teeth. The solution is to ONLY put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with water. In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist for an exam when the first tooth appears, or no later than the child’s first birthday. Regular cleanings will start at age three, and every six months from that point on. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school, and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dental offices are specifically designed to provide a fun and inviting environment for kids. Dentistry for Children of Dawsonville is a pediatric dental practice serving Dawson County and the surrounding area; we provide comprehensive dental care for children from infancy through adolescence. Our pediatric dental professionals are well-qualified, respected professionals capable of performing everything, from routine cleaning and exams to more challenging cases, with the utmost skill and dedication. Also, with their cheerful demeanor, reassuring tone, and genuine good humor, they can calm and comfort even the most scared, restless, or rambunctious child. And the kids will have so much fun watching their favorite movie or playing the latest video games in our arcade that they will forget they are at the dentist. We are conveniently located at 100 Dawson Commons Circle, Suite 110, Dawsonville, directly behind Dawson Pediatrics. Call us today at 678-374-4623 to schedule your child’s next cleaning and exam. May 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 19
Comma Momma The Mortarboard Effect
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hy is it that graduating seniors can’t seem to wear a mortarboard correctly? Why yes, this is a peeve of mine; why do you ask? The mortarboard is the “cap” part of “cap and gown,” and here’s the way it works, giddy graduate: When you have it on your head, the board part of the mortarboard should be parallel to the ground. What part of “parallel” and “ground” do you not understand? You do not wear it tipped jauntily to the right or to the left, no matter how much cuter you think you look that way. Nor do you wear it perched rakishly on the back of your head. You don’t look cute or rakish or jaunty; you look uninformed, with a slight touch of stupid. No. You wear your mortarboard so that a milkshake could ride on top of it and not fall off. The mortarboard is part of traditional academic regalia. When you fail to wear it appropriately, you display your ignorance of the conventions of academic regalia. A convention is “something regarded as a normative example,” and the people who are familiar with the conventions of academic regalia will laugh at you—and make judgments about you. “Hmm, that one over there is uninformed and possibly stupid.” It’s the same way with the conventions of standard English. Those language conventions may strike you as laughably oldfashioned, or unnecessarily rigid, or downright odd. But in situations where standard English is expected—and you will encounter those situations often in your life, like it or not—and you fail to follow the conventions, the people who do know the conventions will laugh at you, and make judgments about you. So there are two things you need to know: (1) You need to know what the conventions of standard English are. Some may be current fashions; some may be deeply entrenched traditions. Some few of them may actually be rules. But all of them taken together are the accepted
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by Nancy Wright conventions; make an effort to learn them, even the ones that seem old-fashioned or rigid or odd. (2) Beyond simply knowing what the conventions of standard English are, you also need to be able to recognize situations where standard English is expected. Language professionals use the term register when they talk about the different ways we speak our language. A register is “a variety of language used in a specific social setting.” Think of the way you talk to your dog. You pitch your voice high, you use a special vocabulary, you get right in the dog’s face, you use that sing-song delivery that the dog recognizes as praise. “Who’s the good boy?? YOU are, yes you ARE!!” That’s an example of a register, one of the many registers we use without even thinking about it. We all switch registers all day long. You wouldn’t use your “dog register” in a conversation with your teacher or with the elderly lady at church. And this is not about “pretending to be something you’re not”; it’s about making perfectly normal adjustments to your language depending upon the social context. But if you don’t know the difference between the register—the vocabulary, the pitch, the rhythm, even the body language—that’s appropriate for conversation with your buds and BFFs at the mall, and the register that’s expected from you in a job interview, you’re in for some painful and probably expensive life lessons. You say you don’t care if people don’t like the way you speak or write? You say you don’t care if they laugh at you? Fine. Get back to me in about fifteen years and let me know how that’s working for you. Nancy Wright formats technical books for a specialty publishing house in New York. She and her husband live in White County; you can contact her at adairmill@ windstream.net.
Your Vision Source
H
ave you heard the term “lazy eye”? Most think it is an eye that turns either in or out. Lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is the loss of development of vision in an eye. It is reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood. This reduced vision is not correctable with lenses alone. The eye is usually healthy and unrelated to any eye health problem. Premature and low birth weight infants are at a greater risk for the development of amblyopia. It is estimated that two to three percent of the general population suffers from this form of visual impairment. Amblyopia (lazy eye) has many causes. Most often it does result from a misalignment of the eyes also known as strabismus (crossed eyes). It can also be due to a difference in image quality between the two eyes (one eye focusing better than the other.). When one eye becomes stronger, the brain suppresses the image of the other eye, therefore making it weaker. It can also be caused by the presence of unequal refractive errors (farsightedness or nearsightedness). If there is a large difference between the two eyes, then the brain learns to ignore the poor
Dr. Joyce M. Nations image sent by the weaker eye. If amblyopia is diagnosed and treated early, there is a better chance of not having vision loss. With early treatment of amblyopia, there is a better opportunity to reverse vision loss in the “lazy eye.” It is also important before treating amblyopia to first treat any underlying cause, such as the need for glasses. Glasses are commonly prescribed to improve focusing (in cases of farsightedness or nearsightedness) and to help align the eyes. Other than a crossed eye, there are very few symptoms of amblyopia. The good eye is the one the brain is “seeing” with, and the individual is usually unaware of the condition. The most common treatment of amblyopia is patching the good eye. Patching or covering one eye may be required for a period of time. The better-seeing eye is patched, forcing the “lazy eye” to work and therefore strengthening its vision. Vision therapy (eye exercises) is also a great option to treat amblyopia. Certain eye drops can also be used to blur the vision of the good eye in order to force the weaker one to work. Surgery may be performed on the eye muscles if there is
Youth Summer Food Program
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a crossed eye causing the amblyopia. This can allow the eyes to work together better. If not treated early enough, an amblyopic eye may never develop good vision and may even become functionally blind. A comprehensive eye examination by your optometrist can determine if you have amblyopia. Remember, the earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the chance for a successful treatment. Remember to have your eyes checked yearly. Dr. Nations practices at Cherokee Eye Group at 591 East Main Street in Canton and at Dawson Eye Group at 5983 Highway 53 East, Suite 250, in Dawsonville. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree and her Masters of Public Health degree in 1993 from the University of Alabama. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Georgia Optometric Association, and Vision Source.
urrently 45% percent of Dawson County’s student population is registered for the school system’s Free or Reduced Meal program; 83% of these students qualify for free meals. Members of the Dawson County Alliance of Churches were concerned about these numbers, and about the student’s eating habits during the summer months when they do not have access to the meals offered at school. As a result, three years ago the Summer Food Program came into being. During the months of June and July, families picking up food from Ric-Rack Thrift Store and Food Pantry receive an additional “child-friendly” sack of food for each school-age child in their family. Items in these sacks are healthy, and popular with children. In addition, items are easy to prepare and require little to no cooking. Churches promote this program by
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
providing a grocery sack with the food listing attached, available at the church. A bag can be filled with the listed items for approximately $45; some members go it alone, while others partner to fill the bags. Cash donations of any amount are also accepted for the Summer Food Program. Ric-Rack will use these funds to purchase the specified items from Atlanta Food Bank at a discounted price. The community has been very supportive over the years, providing 300 of these child-friendly bags the first year. A civic club, sports team, and Vacation Bible School jumped on board and collected food for these bags last year. If you’d like to participate, pick up a bag at one of the churches or Family Connection, or drop off your cash/ check donation at Ric-Rack. It takes a community to make the difference. Call with your questions or for directions: 706265-1981.
400 Edition 21
Changing The World
One Smile at a Time
L
ocated in downtown Jasper,
at two different phases: during
Buhl Orthodontics is changing
childhood and again in the early
the world one smile at a time
teens. “While on occasion there
by creating beautiful smiles that
may be conditions where we want
last a lifetime—without a lifetime
to intervene early, it’s usually not
of wearing retainers. Owner Dr.
necessary to go through the process
Richard Buhl, D.D.S., says that the
twice,” says Dr. Buhl. “Most patients
most important thing to ask your
can have the work done once
orthodontist before having your teeth straightened is whether or not you
“ My emphasis is to produce stable orthodontic results that will last a lifetime.”
will need to wear a retainer the rest of your life.
around the age 11 or 12.” Buhl Orthodontics is dedicated
“Real orthodontists don’t need
to honest and open communication,
retainers,” laughed Dr. Buhl. “My
and provides an environment
emphasis is to produce stable
that offers quality care for each
orthodontic results that will last a
patient. Each examination room
lifetime without the need to wear
provides additional seating for a
retainers.” Dr. Buhl said that there
parent, spouse, or friend, and Buhl
is a standard to-do list that many
encourages family and friends to
orthodontists may not follow, since
stay during the procedure.
they rely on the retainer to maintain
Twenty-five percent of Dr. Buhl’s
stability. The abbreviated list
patients are adults; it’s never too
includes testing for stability prior to
late to have your teeth straightened.
brace removal, removing wisdom
Dr. Buhl recently fitted a 70-year-
teeth, snipping gum fibers, and
old patient with braces; the patient
meticulous adjustment of the bite.
said, “I always wanted my teeth
Retainers are used for only one
straightened. Why not?”
year, at night, until the teeth remain completely stable.
“We strive for excellence on every level,” says Dr. Buhl. “Our
Dr. Buhl noted that there is
commitment to our patients is to get
a strong movement among
their teeth straight and for them to
orthodontists to straighten teeth
stay straight.”
Buhl Orthodontics Specialist in Orthodontics for Children and Adults 9 South Main Street | Jasper, GA 30143 706-692-7989
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Events, Events!
Tip: Keep in mind that 400 Edition is now released on or about the 1st of each month. Your event needs to be submitted via our web site 30-45 days prior to your event date and no later than the 20th of the month. We have to have all the information requested on the submission form, so be sure your form is complete. Just go to 400edition.com and click “Submit an Event” on the home page.
May Events
May 4 - National Teachers Day May 5 - Cinco de Mayo May 8 - Mother’s Day May 12 - Nurses Day May 21 - Armed Forces Day May 30 - Memorial Day
Various cities Spring Concert Series
The North Georgia Chamber Symphony, Inc., directed by Laurin Smith, will present a series of free spring concerts in northeast Georgia towns during the first week of May. The program will include a variety of classical and popular selections. Local members will be joined by professional musicians. Friday, May 6, at 7:00pm at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Blairsville; Saturday, May 7, at 7:30pm at the Bowen Center for the Arts in Dawsonville; and Sunday, May 8 at 2:30pm at the Dahlonega United Methodist Church in Dahlonega. For more information on the chamber symphony: northgeorgiachambersymphony.org or 706-867-9444.
Big Canoe
Tour of Homes
May 21, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Big Canoe Chapel’s Women’s Guild Benefit Tour of Homes showcases the four seasons. Along with their own special decorative style, each of the four homes will feature one of the seasons with presentations by awardwinning flower and culinary designers. The Tour of Homes Springtime Marketplace offers dozens more vendors this year, so there’s bound to be a treasure to tuck in your bag to take home. Tour benefits the many charities in Pickens and Dawson counties. Tickets $20, available online or the day of the event. Enter at North Gate across from the North Gate Station. For more information: 706-268-3203 or bigcanoetour.org.
Blairsville
Butterfly Benefit Bluegrass Festival May 13-14 (Friday 5:00-11:00pm; Saturday, 11:00am to 11:00pm). Lake Nottely. Tri-State bands and musicians and members of SouthEastern Bluegrass Association will perform. Arts and craft vendors, classic cars, food concessions. On Saturday, silent auction of vendors’ donations. Benefits Union General Hospital’s Glenda Gooch House, a residential facility for families with a patient receiving serious or critical care. Admission $5, free for children under 12. For more information: Ken Ensley, 706-8359230.
Blue Ridge
“Dixie Swim Club” May 6-29. Blue Ridge Community Theatre. Story about five southern women who met at age 18 when they were all members of a swim team. The play follows the women as they meet each August at the beach to reconnect, without husbands, children, or phones to interrupt. Spanning a 33year period, it follows each character through changes in life, heartaches, hurts, joyous occasions, births, and more. For more information: www. blueridgecommunitytheater.com.
from any Chorale member, the Arts Council, and Chamberhouse in Canton; Three Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat; Jasper Drug in Jasper; and FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock. For more information: 678-439-8625 or www. cherokeechorale.org.
Cumming
Flavors of Forsyth May 19, 5:00pm to 10:00 pm. The Avenue Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway. Enjoy samples of local fare from some of Forsyth County’s finest restaurant, while children laugh and play in the Kids Zone. Jam to music from Last Five Standing. Benefits United Way of Forsyth County. Free admission; food samples are $.50 each, and restaurants participating in Flavors will charge $1-3 per food sample. Food tickets are available for purchase at the event. For more information: www. UnitedWayForsyth.com or 770-7814110.
Aaron Wilburn May 27, 8:00pm. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street. Actor-comedian and Grammy-winning songwriter Aaron Wilburn has endeared himself to laughter-loving fans with his downhome brand of humor. He has been featured on the Gaither Homecoming Tour and videos, and his songs have touched the lives of many. Wilburn’s “If My Nose Was Running Money” has been viewed over 5 million times on YouTube. For tickets and more information: www.playhousecumming. com or 770-781-9178.
Mutts & More
Canton
Cherokee Chorale Pops Concert May 21, 7:30pm; May 22, 3:00pm. Falany Performing Arts Center, Reinhardt University. The 70-voice Cherokee Chorale, conducted by Wes Stoner, presents its annual Pops Concert, “As Time Goes By: Songs from the Silver Screen,” featuring songs that have won or were nominated for Academy Awards for Best Song. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students; may be purchased at the door before the concert, or in advance
June 4, 8:00am to 8:00pm. Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road. Enjoy pet demonstrations and animal care seminars; a variety of pet and craft vendors; carnival games and rides; food and entertainment. Race to Rescue 5K: 8:00am; register online: www.active.com/donate/racetorescue. Mutt Strut Fun Walk: 10:00am; register online: www.firstgiving.com/ forsythpets/Event/muttstrutt. Pet Expo & Family Fun: 11:00am to 5:00pm; admission $1: www.forsythpets. org/mmf. Bark After Dark: 7:00pm; admission $25; www.forsythpets.
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
org/mmf . Benefits Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter. For more information: Lisa Leonard, 770887-6480 or lleonard@forsythpets.org.
Dahlonega
Georgia Appalachian Studies Center May 3, 10:00am to 7:00pm. The Georgia Appalachian Studies Center, based at North Georgia College & State University and housed in the historic Vickery House on West Main Street in Dahlonega, will hold a free open house. Open houses are held the first Tuesday of every month. The Georgia Fine Wine Festival May 4-5, 11:00am to 5:00pm. BlackStock Vineyards and Winery. Two-day festival featuring “The finest food, wine, music, and art found in the North Georgia mountains.” Taste over 60 different Georgia wines. Explore wines that have received National and International Awards. You are sure to find a new favorite. Sample sumptuous foods from local restaurants, prepared by chefs accustomed to the most demanding patrons. Shop numerous artisans displaying unique creations all around the grounds; find a great gift for yourself or someone special. Live music by accomplished musicians on the spacious covered deck throughout the festival weekend. For more information: Dahlonega Merchants Association at 706-864-3711 or manager@bsvw.com.
Old Time Music May 5, 12, 19, 26, 12:30pm to 2:00pm. Georgia Appalachian Studies Center. Free Old Time Music Jam from the picking porch, hosted by Jon Mehlferber of the Department of Visual Arts. All skill levels are invited to bring their instruments and join in. “A Rodin Show”: The Unveiling Gala May 6, 7:00pm. NGCSU library (third floor). Black tie-optional. A gala reception, dinner, and preview of the Rodin show.
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Events, Events! Featured speaker will be Erin Wertenberger, North American representative for the August Rodin collection, representing Twenty21 Collections/Gallery Rodin. Bronzes shipped in from England and Italy will be seen together for the first time; this historic event is sponsored by the Dahlonega Arts Council and North Georgia College and State University. Proceeds help defray the costs of offering this exhibit to the area from May 7 to July 10. Tickets $100 per person inclusive. Reservations: 706-8641547. Spring Bloom BBQ and Open House May 7, 11:00am to 3:00pm. Waypoint Nursery, 600 Seven Mile Hill Road, south of Highway 60, east of GA400 (follow the signs). BBQ chicken plates, two sides, and a drink for $7. Also
flower sales for Mother’s Day. All proceeds go to benefit Waypoint’s men’s regeneration program, a 501(c)(3) faith-based ministry in Dahlonega. For more information: www.waypointnursery.com.
Mountain Music & Medicine Show May 7, 8:00pm. Holly Theatre. Originating in Dahlonega, the Mountain Music & Medicine Show has won three GABBY awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for the best locally produced radio program in Georgia. An all-volunteer effort, the show is set in Dahlonega from the time of the Gold Rush days to the early 1950s. Presented as a live, oldtime radio broadcast; sort of like going back in time without leaving your living room. Tickets $15. For more information: www.hollytheater.com.
Aunt Addie’s Attic Sale May 20-21, 8:00am to 4:00pm. St. Luke’s Parish Center, 91 North Park Street. Wonderful finds at incredible prices. Furniture, household, tools, electronics, vintage items. For more information: Deborah Pullen, 706-8648914 or pullen623@windstream.net.
Mountain Flower Arts Festival May 21- 22. More than 70 artists from all over the United States showcase their art on the Historic Square. From
pottery to two-dimensional art to photography, there is something for everyone. Just north of the Square in Hancock Park, guests can visit the Plant Expo and Georgia Temptations Wine Garden, to pick out new flowers for their garden and sample some of the best wines in Georgia. (You must be 21 or older to enter the Wine Garden.) Garden hours: Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday, 12:30pm to 5:00pm. For more information: www.dahlonegamerchants.org or www. Dahlonega.org.
Kathy Mattea May 21, 8:00pm. Live on stage at the Holly Theater, in cooperation with North Georgia College & State University, she will be singing selections from her recent CD “Coal.” Seating is limited. Tickets: $50. To be placed on a waiting list for tickets, call the Holly at 706-864-3759.
A Taste for Reading May 28, 11:00am to 1:00pm. Community House and Hancock Park, just off the square. Get “A Taste for Reading” at the Pie Baking Contest. Music starts around 11:00am, and pie judging will be completed before noon. Over 75 entries will line the tables. You can taste all the entries, from Shepherd’s Pie and Smoked Chicken Pot Pie to Appalachian Coffee Nut Pie and Elizabeth’s Chocolate Cream Supreme. Tickets $10 for five tasting or drink coupons. Proceeds support the Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition in operation of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children 0-5 years of age. For more information: thechamber.dahlonega.org.
Dahlonega Woman’s Club BBQ Dinner
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June 3, 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Community House, North Park Street. Dinner will include pork BBQ sandwich, baked beans, cole slaw, drink, and dessert. Tickets $7 per plate; can be purchased at the door or from any DWC member, or by contacting Karoline DeJarnette at 706-864-4527. One of the Woman’s Club’s major fundraisers for 2011, and all proceeds go towards the many community projects the Club
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
is involved with. Enjoy a fabulous BBQ dinner and then walk across to Hancock Park and enjoy the First Friday Night Concert Series in the Park.
Dawsonville
Kiwanis 5K/10K Races May 7, registration begins 7:30am, races begin 8:00am. Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 East. Benefiting the children of Dawson County. For more information: Joey Homans, 706-265-3090.
Dawsonville Spring Fling Festival May 7-8, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Bowen Center for the Arts, 344 Highway 9 North. Dawson County Arts Council celebrates the season with vendors showing garden-related arts, spring plants, and activities. Children’s area will offer a wildlife zoo, and children will be able to pot a plant as a gift to moms (provided by the Woman’s Club and Dawson County High School agriculture classes). Face painting, hair designs, and horseback riding available for children of all ages. Arts and crafts booths will feature many garden-related themes: jewelry booths, pottery; many vendors offer bedding plants, shrubs, garden vegetables. Free live music; vendors offer food and drinks. The Bowen Center is also featuring local artists’ works and a quilt show inside the Old Rock School House. Parking is free and handicapped parking is also available. For more information: Marcia, 706-216-2787 or www.dawsonarts.org/festival.htm.
Bike Night May 19, 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Dogs & Hogs on Highway 9 in Downtown Dawsonville. Bike Night is sponsored by F.A.I.T.H. Riders in conjunction with Dogs & Hogs every third Thursday of each month during the riding season. All bikers are encouraged to meet with us for a time of food, fun, and fellowship. A 10% discount is offered to all Bikers on Bike Night. . For more information, contact First Baptist Church of Dawsonville 706 265 2612 or www. firstbaptistdawsonville.com.
Events, Events!
Welcome Nick Arrojo
May 10, 10:00am to 5:00pm. LAVA Hair Studio proudly welcomes Nick Arrojo from TLC’s “What Not To Wear.” For more information: 706-4290001 or www.lavahairstudio.com.
Wee Books Barn Dance May 14, 6:30pm. Kinsey Family Farm, 7170 Jot Em Down Road. In support of the Wee Books Program to bring an age-appropriate book to every Dawson County pre-school child each month. Tickets $25 per person includes admission, BBQ dinner, two wines/ beers, square dancing with instruction. For tickets, donations, or information: Judy Cahill, 706-216-1931, or Marge Carey, 706-216-4872.
2011 Relay For Life May 20. Dawson County High School. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. For more information: suzanne.hendricks@ cancer.org .
DogLeg Charity Golf Tournament May 23. 11:30am to 12:30pm, registration and lunch by Chickfil-A; 12:00, Putting for Puppies; 12:45pm, tournament instructions; 1:00pm, shotgun start. Chestatee Golf Club. Benefit the Dawson County Humane Society. For more information: 706-265-9160 or www. dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org.
Gainesville
Summer Juried Show: “Sound Off: Art Inspired by Music”
notification letters; May 31 to June 3, artwork delivery; June 9, opening reception. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, N.E. $4,000 in prizes; $1000 cash and $1000 Binders Art Supply and Frame gift card for Best in Show. All artists are invited to submit up to four pieces for consideration. Entries will be juried by Dr. Ana PozziHarris;awards by John Amoss. For more information: 770-536-2575 or www.quinlanartscenter.org.
Getting Older And Better Workshop May 17, 8:30am to 1:00pm, The Great Room at First United Methodist Church, Gainesville. May 19, 9:30am to 1:00pm, Hall County Library Spout Springs Branch, Flowery Branch. The 2011 Getting Older and Better Workshop includes lunch, and features presentations on surgical and non-surgical treatments for joint pain. Speakers on May 17 include Charlie DeCook, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with The Longstreet Clinic (TLC) Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine; Holmes Marchman, MD, a physiatrist with TLC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Dan Rhoads, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with Specialty Clinics of Georgia Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; and Lee Watkins, PT, a physical therapist with The Rehabilitation Institute of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). On May 19, the conference will feature John Buchanan, DO, a sports medicine physician with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Sports Medicine; Dr. DeCook; and Sandy Dufty, PT, a physical therapist with The Rehabilitation Institute of NGMC. Registration ($5) is available on a first-come/first-served basis; deadline to register is Friday, May 13. A complimentary gift is provided for each participant, and door prizes will also be given away. For more information or to register: 770-2198099.
An Evening with Daily & Vincent
May 20, 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Georgia Mountains Center. Spend the evening with 2011 Grammy nominee and three-time bluegrass Entertainers of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year. For more information: Susan Anderson, 706-864-7203 or info@ aandabluegrass.com.
Marble Hill
7 Bridges - The Ultimate Eagles Experience May 7, 7:30pm. The Terraces Amphitheater, 1851 Steve Tate Highway. A tribute to the music of the Eagles. One hit after another, with some Joe Hensley and Joe Welsh surprises sprinkled into the mix. For more information: http:// bigcanoechapel.org .
Banks & Shane
May 21, 7:30pm. The Terraces Amphitheater, 1851 Steve Tate Highway. Young, old, or in between, no matter who the audience is, Banks & Shane are cheered everywhere they perform. From bluegrass to beach music, country to calypso, rock ’n’ roll to reggae, there is one thing to be sure of—it is going to be a terrific show. For more information: http:// bigcanoechapel.org.
Sandy Springs
Art On The Circle
May 14, 11:00am to 4:00pm. The park at the BNG, 2800 Sandy Springs Circle. Third annual art show sponsored by the Bank of North Georgia, spotlighting the outstanding work of the Brushstrokes Art Group, including oils, pastels, acrylics, and watercolors. Complimentary barbeque, ice cream, and drinks. For more information: Judy Clark. 404-543-8470.
May 6, deadline for entry; May 16,
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400 Edition 25
UDC Honors Veterans
A
Confederate Memorial Day Service sponsored
by Col. Hiram Parks Bell
Chapter 2641, United Daughters of the Confederacy was held at the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Cumming on April 16. Ten Confederate soldiers are buried in the church cemetery, and some of their descendants were present at the service. Two medals of military service that are awarded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) were presented to descendants of Confederate soldiers; these awards are fully sanctioned by U.S. military authorities. • The Cross of Military Service was awarded posthumously to Harry Joseph Baldwin, U.S. Navy, World War II. The award was accepted by his daughter, Lynn Briggs, who is a Cumming resident. • The Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal was awarded to Robert Sherrod Collins, Jr., U.S. Army, for service in Iraq. Following the service in the outdoor arbor worship pavilion, everyone moved to the edge of the cemetery, where SCV reenactors in
deceased, and escorted, one by one, a female descendant or UDC member to the grave of each soldier, where a rose was placed. A rifle and artillery salute followed as the symbolic “Confederate widow,” enacted by UDC member Mary Nixon, sat nearby. The colors were retired as bagpiper Scott King played “Amazing Grace,” and the flags and soldiers marched out of sight. The event was well attended; approximately 110 persons, most of whom live in the Cumming and Forsyth County area, were present. Cumming Mayor Gravitt and the City Council have issued a proclamation declaring April as Confederate History and Heritage Month. The UDC strives to project a positive image as it pursues its educational, memorial, historical, benevolent, and patriotic objectives.
period uniforms held a roll call of the
Left to right: right, back: Louise Van Damm, Ann Gibson-Adair, Marie Bath, Gail Smith, Libby Koenig, Annelle Jones, Elaine Norton, Lynn Briggs, Julianne Tucker, Jennifer Smith, Nancy Salzer, Mary Nixon. Front: Officers Barbara Williams, Elaine Zimney (president), and Monty Johnson.
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400 Edition 27
400 Edition Wining & Dining
Knowing Wine
Shopping by Brand: A Guide to Low-priced Values
T
he wine industry has experienced dramatic growth in the number of wine brands available over just the past 10 years. Consumers typically shop for and purchase a bottle with a familiar brand name. The wine label plays a large role in a purchase. A difference between Europe and the U.S. is that Europeans buy based on the region of the wine, whereas U.S. purchasers buy based on the variety of the grape, such as chardonnay or merlot. European labels provide information about where the grapes are grown and who made the wine. Americans focus on the name of the grape. U.S. and New World wine labels often have fine artwork or loud and showy labels so they will be noticed on the shelf. Wineries know full well that many people buy wine simply on label appeal. Here are a few of the most commonly known wine brands. Yellow Tail. Yellow Tail is the number one U.S. wine import. These inexpensive Australian wines receive very good ratings. Beringer. Beringer is the oldest continuously operating winery in California’s Napa Valley. They produce dozens of wines and many are inexpensive (in the under-$15 range). Columbia Crest. This Washington State winery produces varietals that regularly perform well, and average in the $10 price range. Kendall-Jackson. Kendall-Jackson is based in Sonoma County, California, and their price range averages $15 to $20. Château Ste. Michelle. This vineyard of Washington State is the parent company of Columbia Crest and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Bogle. Bogle from Clarksburg, California, is known for its merlot and zinfandel wines. They produce value brand wines in 11 varietals. Lindeman’s. This company has vineyards all over southeastern Australia. The largeproduction Bin Series is their most popular in the U.S. They average about $10, and have a good rating. Hogue. Hogue is Washington State-based and produces about 11 varietals in three core lines, most of which retail around $10. Concha y Toro. This vineyard is the largest Chilean producer and exporter of wines today. They cultivate mainly cabernet sauvignon, carménère, chardonnay, merlot, and sauvignon blanc. The red varietal wines and the chardonnay tested have been and were rated very good in the Casillero del Diablo line, which retails at about $9. The other labels of Concha y Toro are the Marques de Casa line (about $19) and the Frontera (of good value) at about $5 per bottle.
Clos du Bois. This Sonoma County-based winery is named from the French phrase loosely translated “enclosure in the woods.” It produces about ten varietals, ranging in price from $12 to $16 a bottle at the lower end. Jacob’s Creek. Jacob’s Creek was founded in 1845 in the Barossa Valley of Australia. Their best quality for the price is the Reserve Shiraz, which retails for about $13. Sterling. This Napa Valley-based vineyards makes wines that range from $12 to about $400 a bottle. Sterling cabernet sauvignon is found to be very good. Chateau St. Jean. This Sonoma Valley winery is known for the less-expensive Chateau St. Jean wines that are simply labeled “Sonoma County.” They retail for a bit less than $15 a bottle. Other Inexpensive Wine Brands • Kenwood Vineyards • Robert Mondavi • Korbel • St. Francis • Pine Ridge • Barefoot • Glen Ellen • J. Lohr • Gallo • Blackstone • Artesa • Turning Leaf • Sutter Home Factors that play a part in expensive wines include the variety of grapes, aging, storage, and the market. Expensive wine brands have a long and supported history when it comes to the cultivation of grapes. Aging for these labels is monitored to specific compounds, and storage (namely light, humidity, and temperature) is tightly controlled. Some of the most expensive labels in the world are of French origin. Typically champagnes made by Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy are the most expensive, most popular, and best known. Most Expensive Wine Brands • Château Lafite • Château Mouton Rothschild • Château d’Yquem • Domaine de la Romanée • Screaming Eagle
Cheap wine will always be too expensive
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by Nancy Forrest
400 Edition
—Alexis Bespaloff, The New Signet Book of Wine, 1986 May 2011 • www.400edition.com
Wine of the Month
Clos du Bois, Cabernet Sauvignon CA 2006
Deep color. Aromas of plum and tobacco. Flavors of blackberry and oak lead the way to a long aftertaste.
decided—with a surprised look on his face—that it was a good one. This and the salsa are the by Vamessa McBrayer main indicators of a suitable Mexican meal for him. Both Fuego Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar got a thumbs-up, 60 North Gate Station and our meal Marble Hill, GA 30148 was off to a great 770-893-3399 www.fuegomexicangrill.net start. We ordered Fare: Mexican | Price: Moderate | Atmosphere: Old World Elegance the guacamole dip to start, and it mmm, Mexican food…tacos, burritos, was just the way I enchiladas, chimichangas, quesadillas, like it, nice and chunky. The chips were warm and more. Munching on chips and salsa or and crispy and the salsa was some of the cheese dip, and spending time across the best I’ve had; I’m told that it’s a secret family table from the people you cherish most, has recipe. This does not surprise me, considering become one of America’s favorite pastimes. that the owner, Susan Macias, comes from a On a pleasant spring evening in April, my family with a history of establishing fantastic husband and I visited Fuego Mexican Grill Mexican restaurants. In fact, her father and and Tequila Bar, located outside Big Canoe uncle established the El Azteca chain in the on Steve Tate Highway in Marble Hill, near early eighties, so becoming an owner herself the Dawson/Pickens county line. was not much of a stretch. After earning her My first impression was that it was quite degree in International Business at Auburn upscale for a Mexican restaurant. The building University, she sought the security and familiar itself is full of character, with many craftsmanfeeling of a family operation. style features. Upon entering, you are greeted Our server, Chris, exuded professionalism with smiling faces, and you get a peek-a-boo and attentiveness and soon brought our tasty view of the chefs at work beyond an open dishes that we heard and smelled long before brick arch. The Old Spanish style interior we saw them coming. I enjoyed some of glows with the light from lanterns and wrought everything on this particular evening, because iron chandeliers flickering as you walk by. my husband and I practiced a long-time Wood-beamed ceilings and tree branches add tradition of many married couples enjoying a to the warmth and charm of this hacienda’s life of comfortable togetherness: the half-way rustic elegance. Since it was a weekday, we switch. were seated immediately—but don’t expect The main course: Tampiqueña for him, this on a weekend evening. We have heard Texas Fajitas for me. Tampiqueña consisted of that it is the place to be, partly because they marinated and surprisingly tender skirt steak have live music, which creates an upbeat topped with mushrooms, onions, and peppers. atmosphere. It was accompanied by a delicious cheese After a long day of work, my husband enchilada that was not your ordinary cheese slumped down into our cozy booth and enchilada. This one was topped with a tangy ordered a tall margarita. Being a margarita tomatillo sauce. Also with this meal came connoisseur, if there is such a thing, black beans—a great he took a sip and change
Restaurant Reviews for the GA 400 Corridor
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May 2011 • www.400edition.com
from refried—and rice. Every bite had a gourmet flavor about it that took this Mexican food to a higher level but not away from how we like it. My meal, Texas Fajitas, was some of the best I’ve ever had. Many times when I order this at other places, the seasoning can be too heavy; but here my dish was spiced just enough to add to, not take away from, the naturally delicious grilled and marinated jumbo shrimp, chicken, steak, onions, and peppers: green AND red. Along with my sizzling plate of grilled meat and vegetables came all the best toppings: guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, lettuce, and warm tortillas. Next to these: savory refried beans and rice. Is your mouth watering yet? A few of the other great features of this restaurant: a room for private dining, a lovely outdoor seating area, and the fact that they serve breakfast on weekends. Some of the breakfast menu items have a Mexican flair, such as Spanish omelets with chorizo and jalapeños; but they also offer all the normal breakfast fare: French toast, pancakes, eggs any way you like them, bacon, sausage, grits, toast, biscuit and gravy, etc. etc. Make your way to Fuego for fun times with friends and family, and fresh food that will please even the pickiest Mexican food-loving palate. On a budget? No worries; everything we ate on this particular evening came to an unbelievably reasonable $44. Want to spend even less? On Mondays and Tuesdays, their numbered combinations are half off. Any other day, just mention this article to receive 10% off your meal, excluding drinks. Anybody in the mood for Mexican? Look out, Fuego, here we come back, again and again!
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Real Men Cook I
f you love both red velvet cake and cheesecake, this recipe is for you. A red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, and baked in a dark chocolate crust—making a wickedly delicious combination. Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1 hr. 25 min. Stand: 1 hr. Chill: 8 hrs.
Red Velvet Cheesecake
1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup whole buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 2 (1-ounce) bottles red food coloring 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Garnish: fresh mint sprigs
Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and one tablespoon granulated sugar; press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Beat three (8-ounce) packages cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Add eggs and next six ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust. Bake at 325° for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300°, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours.
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400 Edition
by Patrick Snider
May 2011 • www.400edition.com
Beat one (3-ounce) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Remove sides of springform pan. Garnish, if desired
Shades of Scarlett T
hey called her “Cottontop.” She’s the one in the picture with bare feet and not looking all that happy about being photographed. Her younger sister, Hattie, is sort of scowling; her older sister, Cleo, looks sweet and fashionable; and Maron, the second oldest of her siblings, just looks glad to be there. I called her Mama. She taught me how to see things around me: God’s awesome world He set us down in; a pretty flower or rock or bird. She taught me any number of games, from “Pretty Bird in my Cup” to “Thimble, Thimble, Who’s Got The Thimble?” In a day when we didn’t have store-bought everything, we learned how to make tiny dolls out of clothespins, doll houses with moss carpets in between the roots of a big oak tree, paper dolls cut from the Sears-Roebuck catalog and glued to cardboard. Endless seemed the ways Mama taught my sister and me how to entertain ourselves. She showed me how to be a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She showed me things I’d need to know someday, like how to iron,
sew on buttons, darn socks, mop, sweep, and how to behave myself. She lived her faith in God before me, every day. She didn’t just talk about it, she practiced it, and everyone who knew her benefited from it. She taught me to sing and whistle. She taught me to laugh at myself, and to be myself. As I gaze in my mind at my life growing up with her, I realize she was just about perfect. Oh, she had her faults, I guess, but stubbornness is about the only one I can think of. And you know what? I am convinced that’s what keeps us going sometimes. Like many children, I didn’t fully appreciate my mother until I married and left home and moved 500 miles away from her. She had tried to teach me to cook, but I never “took to it.” I struggled to remember how she made all those delicious dishes, from Southern-fried chicken to perfect cakes-made-from-scratch, to her wonderful biscuits and cornbread. Alas, I never learned what a “pinch” of this and a “dash” of that meant, and many of my dishes ended up in the garbage can.
Through all her years, she was faithful, loving, and supportive. And active. She was a champion bowler, could beat all three of her brothers at horseshoes, and loved growing flowers and vegetables and sharing them with everyone. I don’t like to remember this part of Mama’s life, but because some of you, dear readers, have lived it, I will share with you. In her later years, her late 70’s and early 80’s, she developed dementia. Slowly but surely her memory developed blank spots here and there, and it continued to deteriorate until I was the last person she recognized. I steeled myself for the day when she would no longer know me, and inevitably it came. The steeling didn’t work very well. When a loved one is trapped in this hauntingly sad world, you grieve little by little, through the years. If they have walked with God, you weep when He finally calls them Home—but you also breathe a sigh of relief for them. She went to meet her Lord in 2004, at the age of 92. I see her sometimes, in my imagination, singing, laughing, talking, walking where flowers surround her, and
by Joyce Jordan
there’s always light and love. When I get there, someday, the first thing she will ask me is: “Have you eaten?” O happy day! To all you mothers out there go my wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day, every day!
Joyce Jordan is a native Georgian who enjoyed a 30-year career as a journalist and radio personality, working in Forsyth and Lumpkin Counties. She’s now a freelance writer, living happily in Dawsonville.
Second Annual Lumpkin County Wellness Expo
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undreds in the community turned out for the second Annual Lumpkin County Wellness EXPO. Guests played Bingo with the vendors and won beautiful prizes donated by the vendors and volunteers. Special thanks to the sponsors: Chestatee Regional Hospital, Modern Woodmen, Gracemont Assisted Living, Northeast Georgia Heart Center, Wal-mart, 400 Edition, Tugaloo Home Health, Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, Bright Star, Banister Funeral Home, Humana, Legacy Link, Inc., and Quick Mart. There were enthusiastic exercise demonstrations led by John Palmer of SilverSneakers and Betsy Gagne of Jazzercise. Many free health screenings included body fat analysis, blood pressure checks, balance testing, vascular disease screenings, vision, and hearing. A March for Meals fun walk was held at Yahoola Park prior to the EXPO. All participates were awarded T- shirts that they wore
proudly during the EXPO. Thanks to all who participated. Gail Monroe, Director of the Lumpkin County Senior Center, said, “The event was for a good cause. What a blessing! The funds raised cleared all the seniors who were on the Lumpkin County Meals on Wheels waiting list, so no senior who needs a meal will go hungry.” Along with meals, the senior center offers other services, including senior transportation to and from the center so seniors can enjoy socialization, activities, and a hot meal (Monday-Friday), art studio, Bingo, entertainment, and fun. Call 706-864-2358 for more information about the senior center. The Lumpkin County Transit System is another service located at the senior center; it is for anyone who needs a ride anywhere in Lumpkin County. Just call 706-864-6900 to make an appointment to be picked up, then sit back and enjoy the ride. May 2011 • www.400edition.com
400 Edition 31
I
n June, Dr. Jim Morrow returns to the practice of Family Medicine in Cumming. His new practice, Morrow Family Medicine, will be located in the 1400 Building, Suite 200, immediately adjacent to Northside HospitalForsyth. Combining state-of-the-art technology and oldfashioned care, Dr. Morrow and his staff will be “bringing care back to healthcare.” A June l opening is planned.
Watch www.morrowfammed.com for detailed updates and information.
We think you’ll agree…
this is the way healthcare SHOULD be!
Office Hours Monday-Friday Walk-In Hours: 7:00am - 8:30am Appointment Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Now Taking Appointments Morrow Family Medicine
1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 200 | Cumming, GA 30041 | 770-781-8004 www.morrowfammed.com | email: info@morrowfammed.com