Northside Woman, March 2019

NSW

MARCH 2019

NORTHSIDE WOMAN Covering North Fulton and South Forsyth SPECIAL 55+ LIFESTYLE EDITION

Managing the Move A stress-free approach to tackle the transition

Downsizing Dilemmas Parting ways with

lifetime of ‘stuff’

Embracing Coral

How to wear this season's hot color

2 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

We’re all grown up...

Celebrating

10 years

of delivering precious gifts

NORTHSIDE WOMAN

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pacey suzanne@northsidewoman.com SENIOR WRITER Candy Waylock candy@northsidewoman.com EDITOR Keith Still COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Abby Breaux CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kathleen Sturgeon, Julia Grochowski Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi, Lori Wynne, Charmaine Jackson, Kay Paschal, Allison Nye, Abra Lee, Tracy Harkness, Elaine Wilco, MA, LPC, Dr. Joanne Roesner, DVM, DABVP, Steve Hudson, Kate Tunison DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Mike Dorman mike@appenmediagroup.com SALES EXECUTIVES Paul Flowers, Steve Neese, A.J. McNaughton, June Meltzer, Kimberly Tyson PRODUCTION Suzanne Pacey, David Brown OWNER Christina Appen

{ INSIDE }

MARCH FEATURES { 10 } HER GUIDE Trends and tips for traveling around the world on a 55+ adventure vacation. { 12 } HER BEAUTY Enhancing your skin care routine to keep mature skin vibrant and glowing. { 14 } HER STYLE Liven up your wardrobe with Living Coral – the season’s top new color. { 16 } ASK THE VET The right diet and exercise can keep your pet healthy and happy in their senior years. { 19 } SHE DESIGNS Clearing the clutter now helps future downsizing more manageable. { 26 } GOOD EATS Uncle Jack’s Meat House in Duluth promises a great meal and a unique experience. { 37 } HER MONEY Simple financial steps today can mean financial freedom in retirement.

ACCOUNTANT Lisa McKemey

NEW! ord rossw Monthly C age 30 Puzzle, p

CONTACT

IN EVERY ISSUE

GENERAL MANAGER Hans Appen hans@appenmediagroup.com

770.442.3278 770.475.1216 (fax) 319 North Main Street Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 facebook.com/ northsidewoman twitter.com/ nsidewoman

NORTHSIDEWOMAN.COM Northside Woman is published monthly & distributed free throughout north metro Atlanta. © 2018 Appen Media Group. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

4 | northsidewoman.com | march2019 march2019

ABBY BREAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

inside

{ 9 } SHE's FIT { 17 } SHE's SEXY { 19-23 } HER HOME { 24 } WOMEN IN ART { 28 } HER CAREER { 29 } HER GARDEN { 30 } CROSSWORD PUZZLE { 33 } HER VIEW { 34 } GOOD BOOKS { 38 } OUTDOOR WOMAN { 40-47 } HER HEALTH { 48 } CALENDAR { 50 } ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

The Cover

Kaye Ginsberg founded Peace of Mind Transitions to help older adults in their moving process. Read more on page 6.

FIND A COPY 18,000 copies are printed monthly and are home delivered to 50+ of the most exclusive gated and estate communities in North Atlanta, with single-copy outlets also located throughout the community.

LOOK FOR COPIES Publix, Libraries, Medical Offices and more! www.northsidewoman.com/site/rack_locations. html

ADVERTISE sales@appenmediagroup.com

EVERYONE HAS A STORY NORTHSIDE WOMAN would love to hear yours!

NSW's goal is to develop a sense of community within its readership and give advertisers a trusted place for their message.

What's YOUR STORY? TELL US YOUR STORY

Do you know somone who should be on the cover of Northside Woman? Most of our stories are suggested to us by people within the community. Is there an organization or person you would like to see featured?

Email your ideas to: Suzanne@northsidewoman.com

A little work can change everything with FOX! When Carol moved to The Mansions, she was thrilled to hear that she would have access to wellness services provided by our partner, FOX Rehabilitation. With little changes like diet and involvement in the FOX Optimal Living Program, Carol is now walker-free and excited about her new body confidence, weight loss and agility.

Experience a FREE FOX Optimal Living exercise class for yourself or someone you love.

Call or email Kelly Walker about classes, dates and times.

(470) 201-5077

KWalker@MansionsSeniorLiving.com 3675 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005 TheMansionsatAlpharetta.com

THE MANSIONS –at– ALPHARETTA

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 5

Moving on

WOMAN IN BUSINESS

6 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

Peace of Mind Transitions takes the stress out of downsizing

WOMAN IN BUSINESS

By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

T

he realization the house you’ve called home for years is now too big, too much to handle or simply too lonely can affect people in very different ways.

For middle-aged empty nesters, it may be an exciting prospect — the opportunity to focus on themselves after years of tending to children.

For older adults, moving can be a daunting, emotional decision as they face loss of independence, downsizing a lifetime of “stuff” into a From left to right: Barb McQuiston and Jennifer Valiquett, community relations directors at Village Park Alpharetta, Kaye Ginsberg, Gayle Warren, community relasmaller space and answering tions director at Village Park Alpharetta, and Ed Nucci, executive director at Village the question of “what next?”

Park Alpharetta.

To guide individuals and family members through the moving process, Kaye region] and see the number different, and every situation is different.”

Ginsberg founded Peace of of developments that serve Often, Ginsberg’s role is two-fold. She is Mind Transitions in 2016, the senior population,” said both a move manager and a counselor to help (www.peaceofmindtransitions.

Ginsberg. “I see a lot of clients through the emotions of change, which com). Since then, her company different options and there can be overwhelming. When dealing with has helped hundreds of people are many very successful parents who are moving, and their children with everything from creating (55-plus communities) in who are trying to assist, having a neutral third a realistic moving plan and the area.” party in the mix can be helpful. sorting through a lifetime of She began by joining She does recommend older adults and collected items to packing and the National Association their children start thinking about the future moving on the big day. of Senior Move Managers and the “next steps” well before the need “It doesn’t matter how old Kaye Ginsberg founder of Peace of (NASMM), the industry arises. you are — moving is one of the Mind Transitions. leader for the profession, “Often, a move is preceded by another most stressful experiences,” and went through the stressful event, such as slip or fall, an illness said Ginsberg, a longtime resident of Johns extensive training program. There, she gained or death, and if you have not thought about Creek who recently moved to Brookhaven. the skills and knowledge to manage the where you want to go, or your next steps, “My father was in the Air Force, so I spent my physical details of the move, in addition to the you’ll feel under the gun and panicked,” said childhood moving every few years.” emotional aspects of relocation.

Ginsberg.

She founded Peace of Mind Transitions Peace of Mind Transitions opened in Her best piece of advice: start the after going through the moving process with fall 2016, with a full slate of services to help decluttering process early. Go through closets, her mother, who lived out of state. Recently older adults and family members navigate all cupboards, attics, basements and all the nooks widowed and facing health issues, Ginsberg’s aspects of a move. and crannies where accumulated “stuff” has mother had to leave her home of 30 years and The process begins with a consultation gathered over the years. move into an assisted living environment. to get know the client, their home and their “Clear it out, pass it on, donate or sell “The process was overwhelming,” said belongings, and to start developing a custom it before you even start thinking about Ginsberg, who recalled the months spent move plan. Because each situation is unique, downsizing,” said Ginsberg, who went through shuttling between Atlanta and Washington, Peace of Mind Transitions offers an “a la barrels of items in her mother’s home during D.C., during the move. carte” range of services. For some, Ginsberg her move. “If you don’t, someone else has to — She was referred to a senior move said, a client may only need help with sorting and it’s usually your children.” manager in the D.C. area, who walked her or packing. For others, the need will be every Looking to the future, Ginsberg said she through the move, put together a plan, aspect of the move, from start to finish. has a plan of managed growth. attended to the details and allowed her mother Nearly every client is referred to her by “I want to continue to grow, but stay to continue living in the area she called home. another organization, and Ginsberg describes focused on personalized caring,” she said.

Back in Atlanta, Ginsberg found herself it as a “senior eco-system” of agencies working “I never want to get so big that we lose our at a crossroads. After years as an advertising together to take care of the full spectrum of connection with our clients.” executive and raising three children, she was need. Clients run the spectrum of need, with Ginsberg ends each day knowing she ready for something new. the only common factor being the need to made a difference in someone’s life — whether She recognized a need in the metro move. it’s the client that had a successful move, or the Atlanta area for a senior move management “There really is not a ‘typical’ client,” she family members she helped in the transition. service. From her own experience, she knew it said. “We move people from big homes to “I tell people all the time that this is the was a great business model. smaller homes, into traditional developments only job I’ve ever had that always ends in a “All you need to do is drive [around the and assisted living communities. Every day is hug,” she said. ■ march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 7

8 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

SHE's FIT

Increase strength to be healthy and fit at 50

By KAREN ESCOBAR Contributing Writer

G

one are the days when super-skinny fashion models had the most idolized figures. Now, it is all about “fitspiration” and having a body that is healthy and capable of taking you where you want to go later in life.

The fact is, being skinny doesn’t necessarily equate to being healthy. Being strong is healthier than simply being slim, and strength is especially more important as we age

Change your focus from ‘skinny’ to ‘fit’

Constant striving to achieve a build that is a million light years away from your own body can lead to dangerous obsession and unhealthy choices. You may also feel as though you will never achieve your goals, which can result in frustration and depression.

It’s fine to set a goal of losing a few pounds or fitting into clothes the next size down, but working toward the blanket term of “skinny” may actually backfire. Instead, change your focus to becoming more fit. This shift in focus from skinny to fit will propel you to make healthier food choices and increase your exercise. This new mindset can lead to a new healthy lifestyle change.

Give your body the food it needs

Often, working to attain a certain weight on the scale means restricting calories, forgoing carbs and cutting out entire food groups.

Again, this can cause health issues, and you could end up denying your body some of its basic needs.

As we age, our metabolism slows down, hormone levels change and our bones lose density. The best diet is actually no diet at all.

Women in their 50s should have “strong” in mind. When you think strong, you may be more calculated about what you eat, but you will also focus on the right balance of nutrients to help you achieve more. You will not simply eat less, but will include in your diet slow-burn carbs, plenty of protein-packed nuts, a rainbow of fresh vegetables and the right amount of meat for your body.

Get fit so you can do more

Women usually spend the first half of their lives taking care of the family and nurturing their career. It is easy to become so wrapped up in a fast-paced, hectic life that you don’t even realize how much you have neglected yourself. As you approach 50, life begins to slow down. You start to think about the next chapter in your life.

Having a strong, healthy and fit body will allow you to do all the things you want to do without doubting your capability. You will be able to go on hikes, play with the grandkids, take vacations and plan an active retirement that will keep you feeling fulfilled year after year.

So get out, and get after it ladies. I’ll see you in the gym! ■

Karen Escobar is the co-owner/co-founder of CrossFit Zanshin.

Karen's has developed a bullet-proof system for bringing new people up to speed quickly and on their way to achieving their goals. Connect with her at kescobar72@gmail.com march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 9

HER GUIDE

Traveling the world at 55

By CHARMAINE JACKSON Contributing Writer

Y

ou’ve worked hard. At this age, you may be an empty-nester, planning to retire soon, and you may have always dreamed of traveling. Well, now is the time to make those travel dreams a reality. With the list of new and affordable international destinations continuing to grow, the entire world is your oyster. So pack your bags and hit the road … or the rails, the seas and skies.

While you may have a dream destination already in mind, if you’re up for an adventure or are looking for someplace new to try, consider some of this year’s hot travel spots, from Iceland and South America (Argentina, Peru, Ecuador) to the Caribbean (Dominica, Puerto Rico), Nordic and Balkan countries like Finland,Lithuania, Slovenia and Croatia, Asia (Philippines, Mongolia, Malaysia) and South Africa.

Or take advantage of growing travel trends that allow you to explore your destination in different or more intimate ways than you may have experienced in the past.

Small ship river cruises

Unlike ocean cruise ships, which carry up to 5,000 passengers, small river cruises accommodate about 150 guests and leisurely cruise along some of Europe’s most famous rivers, like the Danube, the Rhine, the Moselle and the Seine. You will enjoy spectacular scenery from a unique vantage point, and the cruises include shore excursions in cities along the way, where you can indulge in cultural experiences and take walking or biking tours of historic landmarks. On the ship, there’s plenty to do, with spas, pools, fitness tracks, classes, luxury viewing lounges and exquisite dining.

Rail travel

Traveling by train is back. More than 31 million people traveled on trains this year in the United States, and the railways offer a great way to enjoy the vast expanses of the United States and Canada. Try a scenic and relaxing coast-to-coast journey from New York to California in the United States, or cross several Canadian provinces as you travel east from Vancouver, British Columbia to Ontario and the bustling city of Toronto.

Shorter city-to-city trips or even city-to-national parks (like Amtrak’s 10 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

Grand Canyon vacation tours) are other ways to ride the rails. Traveling by rail can be affordable and flexible (no reservations required for short trips), and it often allows for more luggage, less waiting in line and roomier seating. Many longer journeys include overnight service with sleeper cars and full-service meals.

Small group tours

Instead of a large group tour with 50 or more people on a motor coach, try a small group tour that’s limited to 10 – 20 people to maximize an authentic and highly personal travel experience. Many of these smaller tours offer a wide range of options based on your travel interests, including active adventure tours (kayaking, cycling, trekking), eco-friendly journeys, educational/cultural excursions (Road Scholar is an educational travel tour geared primarily for older adults) and trips of a lifetime roundthe-world tours.

Solo travel

You don’t need a partner or friend to travel the world these days. Tour operators have recognized the demand for solo travel and offer low-cost single rates and guaranteed share programs that allow you to save money and meet new friends. On these shared programs, you are matched with a roommate with similar preferences and requirements, and women wishing to travel solo can choose from several women-specific solo tours today.

The great thing about being 50 years and older is there are significant hidden travel discounts — ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent and more — and services of which you can take advantage with airlines, cruises, railways, car rentals, hotels, group tours, restaurants, museums and national parks. Ask to see if you qualify. Check out AARP and AAA memberships for discounts, services and resources.

For more savings, consider becoming a group travel leader and travel for free. Group tour companies want fully booked tours, so they provide incentives to people who can get a group (10 or more) to travel to their destinations. If you have a network of friends, family and work associates that loves to travel, organize your group, pick the destination and date, let the group tour know and they take care of all the details. You can travel for free, have fun with your friends and enjoy the tour. Check out Collette Travel and Vantage Travel to learn about their group travel leader programs.

5 and older

Finally, remember these travel tips to save money and time while avoiding travel hassles and creating memories.

• Travel in “shoulder season” (April to mid-June and September to October) to save money, experience fewer crowds and still enjoy good weather.Book as much of your travel arrangements as possible online.

• Apply for the passport mobile app to save time at airport customs.

• Pack light to avoid luggage fees and hassles. Wear a backpack and buy what you need locally.

• Join an online travel forum to learn about destinations, deals and advice.

• Try an Airbnb rental home or apartment or Home Swap instead of staying in a hotel. It can save lots of money, and you get to have a fun local experience.

• Bring all of your medications and personal necessities in your carry-on bags.

• Use a taxi when you are carrying your luggage, but take the local metro or buses when sightseeing.

• Create a travel journal to remember your trip. Include photos, maps and ticket stubs, and try to write a paragraph each day about your activities.

• Plan your next trip, and book the date as soon as you return. ■ Travel resources to check out: www.Smartertravel.com, www.Tripsavvy.com, www.frommers.com, www.tripadvisor.com, travelandleisure.com, www.lonelyplanet.com, www. roughguides.com, www.intrepidtravel.com, local visitors and convention bureaus, travel information offices Travel sources in article: www.women-traveling.com, www.solotravelerworld.com, www. aarp.com. www.aaa.com, www.gocollette.com, www.vantagetravel.com, www.mobilepassport.us, www.forbes.com, www.ricksteves.com, www.airbnb.com, www.roadscholar. org, www.lovehomeswap.com

As a Tour Operator and Owner of GA Farm & Garden Tours, Inc., Charmaine Jackson creates unique and captivating tour experiences for your group.

Connect with her at Charmaine@gafarmtours.com march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 11

HER BEAUTY

Mature skin requires new beauty care regime

By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

T

he reality of aging hit me with the most honest sign of all: the unfiltered selfie photo.

Even worse, I was cheek-to-cheek with my teenaged daughter in a genetic before and after picture of my life.

As we advance in years, many women want their outer appearance to reflect their inner “feel” — where our 50s are truly the new 30s, and the word “senior” only applies to school yearbooks.

Mother Nature, on the other hand, has different ideas.

Aging is inevitable. The sun is your enemy. Unless you’ve spent your life in an underground bunker, your face will bear much of the brunt of aging.

Skin discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, is one of the first signs of aging, according to health officials, and starts developing at an early age. Skin is composed of red, blue, yellow and brown pigments, and exposure to ultraviolet rays (sunlight) changes the balance of the pigmentation. “[Over time], the result is a mottled, older skin appearance made up of darker 12 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

Skincare for the ages and depigmented areas,” said Dr. Diana Howard of The International Dermal Institute.

“This overall skin discoloration is often accompanied by an increase in broken veins.”

Skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin that provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone; the dermis, which contains connective tissue, hair follicles and sweat glands; and the deepest layer, the hypodermis, which is made of fat and connective tissue.

Most age-related changes in skin occur in the dermis, which can lose from 20 to 80 percent of its thickness over time. Collagen and elastin gradually produce at a slower rate, resulting in a loss of skin tone and elasticity and ultimately wrinkles. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can speed up this process.

The good news is it’s never too late to slow the process of aging, and repair some damage done in earlier years.

Tiffany Bioski, an esthetician at SkinReMEDI (skinremedi.com) by Natural Body in Alpharetta, said the issue of aging is often brought up by her clients.

“One of the most common questions I receive from those with mature skin is ‘how can I bring radiance back to my complexion?’” said Bioski, who has been a licensed esthetician, laser tech and cosmetologist for more than a decade.

Here are her tips to get the glow back: • Exfoliate: The best way to renew radiance is through “cellular turnover,” more commonly known as exfoliation. There are many ways to exfoliate, but the best way is through chemical exfoliation. Skin essentially acts like a brick wall, so the mortar that holds it together needs to be removed. Old cells slough off and new cells have space to come forward. Exfoliating with harsh scrubs or brushes is the equivalent of taking sandpaper and scraping the mortar between bricks — and you will end up damaging and abrading the surrounding areas. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, dissolves the mortar for a gentle way to turnover those cells and get glowing.

• Mask it up: As old skin cells turn over, be sure to also nourish and feed the new skin. A great way to do this is by using an enzyme mask at least one to two times a week after washing skin in the evening. (Bioski likes Cosmedix Pure Enzymes Mask.)

As a bonus on the nights you use your enzyme mask, you can also follow with a deep moisturizing mask

MAKEUP FOR MATURE SKIN As skin tone changes through the years, so should the makeup.

What works great in your 20s, may seem harsh or “costumey” in your later years. Here are tips from makeup artist Chandler West (chandlerwestmakeup.com), on how to adjust your makeup strategies as you age.

DO’S: • • •

•

HER BEAUTY The good news is it’s never too late to slow the process of aging, and repair some damage done in earlier years. ”

Less is more. Find products that are thinner in consistency if they are liquid, and sheer and light if in powder form. This will prevent the product from falling into fine lines.

Moisturize every time before applying any makeup products.

This will help create a barrier on your skin to protect it from the makeup, while making sure your skin stays hydrated all day.

Use SPF daily. There are many primers, moisturizers and makeup products that include SPF, so make sure at least one product you’re using has SPF in it. Sun is one of the top causes of aging. Protect yourself from it.

Most clients with mature skin have a problem with the undereye area — whether it’s dark circles, dry skin or makeup settling into the creases. Find a concealer that prevents all three of those common problems. (My absolute favorite is the Kevyn Aucoin Skin Enhancer.) Use a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. With any concealer, remember to use a very small amount and find one that also moisturizes.

DON’TS: • • •

Avoid heavy or drying formulated products Don’t be heavy-handed when applying. Start with light coverage and build in areas that might need a little extra coverage.

Nix the sparkly eyeshadows or highlighters, as they tend to exaggerate fine lines. If you don’t want an all matte look, lean toward products with more of a sheen than a sparkle.

Chandler West, a native of Alpharetta, studied at Studio Crush School of Makeup in Atlanta, and received her first feature film credit at age 19.

•

•

• •

•

•

and sleep overnight in it. Limit this to once a week.

Say yes to serum: To help cellular turnover, apply a nightly retinol serum that addresses wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, congestion and dehydration — the main four categories holding back your glow. Apply retinol serum in the evening all over from décolletage to forehead and even to the top of hands if skin looks lackluster there as well. In the morning, apply a serum that suits your skin goals, such as brightening, hydrating, redness reducing and so on.

Toner time: As skin ages, pH levels change, making toners extra crucial for maintaining balance. Apply toner on damp skin in the morning and evening just after washing, as products applied to damp skin will penetrate deeper and absorb more product.

Moisturizing mania: Moisturizing is also key for mature, glowing skin. Apply a thin layer of a moisturizer all over the face in the evening at the end of your skin routine.

Eye cream: Create an occlusion around the eye by pressing eye cream around the entire eye area in the evening and again in the morning, stimulating collagen production and preventing wrinkles.

Shade from sun: Don’t forget to use sunscreen of SPF 40 or higher daily to shield from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Using a moisturizer with an SPF — applied with a pressing technique — is a great way to combine benefits into a single product!

Develop a custom plan: Bioski said every client has unique needs, so it’s important to individually create a skin treatment plan to bring out the natural radiance of each client. ■ march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 13

HER STYLE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CABIONLINE.COM

How to wear Living Coral, the Color of the Year

By LORI WYNNE Contributing Writer

S

pring is coming! What better way to get your wardrobe ready for the season than to embrace the energetic color Living Coral? Pantone’s Color of the Year represents vitality, exuberant life, energy and abundance.

In nature, varying shades of Living Coral can be seen in sunsets, red rock cliffs, flamingoes and goldfish swimming among ocean coral.

Living Coral can be found in the manmade adobe structures of the southwest United States and in the village of Roussillon, France, which is situated near one of the largest ochre deposits in the world. In Roussillon, varying shades of pink to terracotta-toned buildings and roads provide a beautiful contrast to blue skies and green pine trees.

There are many ways to incorporate Living Coral into your wardrobe and lifestyle in 2019.

Liven up your accessories:

As you plan your shopping trip to freshen your spring wardrobe, look for accessories in Living Coral shades. Fresh tees, a small handbag, sleek sneakers or sandals, jewelry or even a lively shade of lipstick (in the appropriate tone) will update your look. All of these coral-colored accessories will help you create updated outfits with foundation pieces you already own. Think, for example, of those white jeans in your closet, or that light tan cardigan, navy shift dress or olive green lightweight jacket.

Prints come alive:

When looking for spring pieces to update your work wardrobe, consider shells, scarves, pumps or dresses in a print that includes Living Coral tones. Shades from salmon to ochre can be added to your light gray suits, navy jackets or warm-toned brown wide-leg trousers. Floral prints are still popular this 14 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

HER STYLE

season, but you also can’t go wrong with small geometric prints.

With animal prints remaining on-trend, know that Living Coral pairs beautifully with leopard-print anything. Snake-print accessories, such as a wristlet, belt or loafers, in the varying tones of Living Coral can add a bit of class or a punch to an outfit, depending on the intensity of the shade.

Find a hue that suits you and your lifestyle:

At first glance, you may not think this color suits your taste or coloring. But the variety of tones found in Living Coral pair well with all skin tones. Update your spring makeup accordingly with eye shadows, lip color and blush in a soft champagne tone to a russet hue, depending on your taste.

Be bold, be beautiful:

Dare to embrace the bold shade of Living Coral and pair it with an equally bold shade such as brilliant aqua (so Miami-esque), a sunny shade of yellow or deep pink. This can be done with separate items in your wardrobe (T-shirt and shorts) or with a solid dress in one color and brilliant jewelry and high heel sandals in a complementary color.

Own it in a big way:

If you were born with apricot coloring, and love warm-toned anything, this is

your year. Embrace Living Coral fully by incorporating it into your home with Living Coral-colored pillows, artwork and linens. No need to apologize for tan or beige wall paint — the color of 2019 was made for you. If you went along with the crowd and painted everything in your home gray, you can still incorporate Living Coral into your color scheme. Choose a cooler tone of Living Coral and do splashes of color with fresh flowers or shells to celebrate the spring season.

I would love to see how you have incorporated Living Coral into your wardrobe.

Send your pictures to loriwynne@gmail.com.

Happy dressing! ■

As a personal wardrobe consultant and owner of Alpharettabased Fashion With Flair, Lori Wynne helps people look their best. Connect with her at fashionwithflair.com. march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 15

ASK THE VET

Keeping your senior pets active

By DR. JOANNE ROESNER, DVM, DABVP Loving Hands Animal Clinic www.lovinghands.com

P

ets and people are living longer these days, and we all seek to have both quality, as well as quantity, in those later years. The challenge is how to accomplish this.

For your pets, routine preventative health care throughout life is instrumental in maintaining vigor and achieving longevity. This includes managing body weight and exercise. Even moderately overweight dogs live two years less than dogs of normal weight, and they suffer from more chronic illness as they age. I am often asked if routine screening lab work is “necessary” to ensure pet health. This truly depends on your goals as a pet parent. If you wish to identify internal health issues before they are obvious and while they are most treatable, then yes, it is valuable. If you only believe a test is valuable if your pet is ill and advanced abnormalities are almost certain to be present, then preclinical screening will not be your choice.

Consider my own treasured cat, Fishy. He was able to live to age 13, because diagnostic testing at age 7, when Fishy was the picture of health, revealed both heart and kidney disease, which could be treated.

How can we keep pets happy with the inevitable changes that occur with age? Last March, this column addressed the subject of joint disease, which is a common source of pain in senior pets. Decreased mobility, pain, and a sedentary lifestyle predispose to other chronic illnesses. Medication, massage, physical therapy and diet are all tools to keep pets comfortable.

Then, in January, I discussed the use of acupuncture, chiropractic, supplements and laser therapy for the same goals. In our homes, we can lower cat perches, use graduated platforms, add steps and ramps and use orthopedic beds for our seniors. Providing stable footing by using carpet runners, booties and toe grips and keeping foot hair trimmed and nails short can also help keep pets ambulatory.

Most aging pets will see a decline in sensory perception. Loss of visual acuity and decreased hearing are common. The sense of smell is retained with age, and this can be utilized to help pets find specific areas, such as beds, pet doors or litter boxes, which they may not see well. Not rearranging furniture, modifying our communication methods (example: using hand signals or vibration instead of verbal cues) and adding extra light in darker 16 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

areas may aid our seniors. Hearing aids have been attempted in dogs, but only about 25 percent accept them, even after extensive training. Loss of mobility and loss of ability to perceive their environment well can heighten anxiety and phobias in aging animals.

Dementia, or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is seen in animals also.

This may manifest as a loss of training Dr. Joanne Roesner, DVM, (either obedience and house training), DABVP with Charlie and decreased engagement with people or toys, Kurt. getting lost or stuck in corners, aimless barking, aggression or fear or reversal of day and night cycles. Keeping the mind active may help to mitigate this decline. Activity toys, food puzzles, auditory stimulation devices and visual stimulation are all useful to enrich mental activity. Olfactory stimulation and pheromones also increase interest in the environment. Play can be modified to increase social interaction with older pets. Tennis balls rolled across the carpet to my 14-year-old retriever cross Beefy thrilled him, even when he could no longer run in the yard. Medications and dietary modifications can also help with cognitive decline.

Diets for aging animal family members should be discussed with a veterinarian and tailored to each individual pet. A diet supplemented with medium chain triglyceride oils or coconut oil to decrease cognitive decline could prove disastrous to a pet prone to pancreatitis or with certain types of seizures. There is no legal definition of a “senior diet,” so pet foods labeled as such vary widely. Some are lower protein, some are higher protein. Some are higher fiber, lower calorie; some are lower fiber, higher calorie. Calorie density needs to be dictated by your pet’s needs. Metabolic rate declines with age, and some pets need fewer calories to prevent obesity. Other pets, especially elderly cats, may lose excessive weight and muscle and require higher calorie, higher protein diets. Diseases of the liver, kidney and protein loss through the gut or urine may prompt lower protein diets in some individuals. However, the protein requirements of cats actually increases with age. In all situations, the type and digestibility of protein is as important as the percentage on a bag of food. ■

SHE's SEXY

NSW NORTHSIDE WOMAN JUNE 2018

Packing for Heat

for Travel essentials s summer getaway

summer beach reads You won't be n able to put dow

Too old for THAT?

By ELAINE WILCO, MA, LPC Contributing Writer

W

hen are you too old for sex? Is there a time when a couple needs to settle for a “just friends” relationship, and give up the expectation of physical intimacy and eroticism?

There’s no doubt that people’s bodies change as they age. After menopause, the dropping estrogen levels in women cause thinning of the vaginal tissues and reduced lubrication, making intercourse painful for many. Although men don’t experience a similar “andropause,” their testosterone levels steadily decrease as they age. This can result in lower libido and less reliable erections. In addition, aging sometimes brings on illnesses that interfere with interest and enjoyment in sex.

In a culture that idealizes the bikini-model body, those overall physical changes that come with aging — the sagging, bagging, wrinkling and loss of youthful firmness — can also lead many people, women in particular, to feel that they just aren’t attractive and sexy anymore.

Yet, in spite of everything, many couples continue to enjoy fulfilling sexual relationships into their 60s, 70s and beyond. A recent survey found that sexually active couples in their 70s reported having a more satisfying sexual relationship now than they did when they were in their 40s. Clearly, these folks have found a key to sexual happiness.

What’s their secret?

First, they have given up the “performance model” of sex, which puts the emphasis on erections and orgasms. Instead, they focus on sex as an opportunity for closeness and mutual pleasure, where any encounter is a success, regardless of how it ends. They communicate their needs, and aren’t reluctant to use aids for sexual enjoyment, whether it is “the little blue pill,” vibrators, lubricants or support pillows.

Finally, they accept themselves for who they are, and accept their bodies as lovable and sexual, regardless of how far from ideal they may be.

All in all, that’s a pretty healthy formula for anyone who wants to enjoy a long-term sexual relationship — at any age. ■ Elaine Wilco is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience. She maintains a private practice in Alpharetta focused on helping those with intimacy issues.

Follow her at facebook.com/IntimacyAtlanta.

Until there are none

the Empty shelters is ue goal of pet resc

JOIN OUR TEAM You’re a people person. You’re persuasive.

You can multitask, problem solve, meet deadlines, and talk your way into (or out of) situations all while in the drive-thru line at Starbucks. you for results. to get up in the morning knowing that what you will do today makes life better for your friends and neighbors.

You want a ridiculously short commute.

Northside Woman is looking for natural-born persuaders and promoters to help local small businesses get bigger and better.

If this is you, we want to talk to you about joining the Northside Woman sales team.

The benefits:

Rewards driven. The more people you help, the more you help yourself.

And us.

Own your day. Work when and how – and if – you want to.

Fewer miles. More smiles. Work in and around North Atlanta.

How to apply:

Email your resume along with a short paragraph on what you like (or love) about Northside Woman. Extra points if you mention your favorite story. Even more we can grow together.

Send to: hans@appenmediagroup.com

NSW NORTHSIDE WOMAN Covering North Fulton and South Forsyth

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 17

18 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

HER HOME SPONSORED SECTION

HER HOME

Making interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful PAGES 19 - 22

PHOTO CREDIT KELLY NAVE

The art of downsizing

By TRACY HARKNESS Contributing Writer

W

ith all of the new construction popping up in our area, it is no surprise that empty nesters are downsizing. Whether moving into an upscale townhome, condominium or a single-family home community, singles and couples are ready to leave the large yards and square footage aside to enjoy an active and carefree lifestyle. With a sensible and thoughtful design approach, this fresh start should be anything but stressful.

Planning ahead is key. I would categorize your items into one of three categories: keep, donate and give away. Of the items you plan to keep, I recommend measuring — and measuring again — each piece and also taking a photo of the piece. Print out your pictures and place them in a binder, making sure to include your documented measurements.

If items need to be stored away until you move, you will know exactly what you have and the dimensions of each piece. This goes not only for furnishings, but also for lamps and accessories.

Be creative with your old furniture. The chest that was once used as

a bedroom dresser could be repurposed and placed in your foyer as your entry table, allowing for some extra storage as well. I often recommend keeping your existing dining room table but updating it with new chairs.

Occasionally, it may make sense to reupholster your existing sofa or chairs for your new living room. However, make sure the scale of the furniture will work in the new space.

Multifunctional furniture may need to be purchased for additional uses. Adding a sleeper sofa in the study or living room to allow for additional overnight guests is certainly one way to maximize your space. Consider using an upholstered ottoman as your coffee table for additional seating. If your dining area is small, think about using a dropleaf table as a console behind your sofa to utilize when entertaining.

When space allows, another thoughtful idea is to have a built-in made for extra storage or to use as your bar.

Cheers to a creative fresh start, maximizing space and enjoying a carefree lifestyle!■ As an Interior Designer and Owner of j. gray design & interiors, Inc., Tracy Harkness creates spaces that are chic, timeless, and comfortable. Every space should be functional and livable with attention to detail.

Connect with her at tracy@jgraydesign.com. march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 19

HER HOME SPONSORED SECTION

&

Design Interiors N

orth Atlanta is a hub for trendy-yet-refined interior decor. With plenty of brick and mortar stores to choose from, the difficult part is picking which styles best reflect your personality and taste.

Below, experts offer their views on designing for the Life Styles of today.

Family friendly performance fabrics …

W

hy wait until your kids are grown to have a light, bright and inviting family room? I love helping clients create spaces for their families and guests that are clean, uncluttered and full of life.

The family room is the heart of a home. Where families gather and memories are made.

I'm excited to introduce my clients to the new technology in performance fabrics. Combining function and form, these fabrics are a fantastic choice. They are easy to clean, stain resistant and durable.

They are available in an array of light colors and textures. The truth is, darker is not always better when it comes to hiding stains.

Have you noticed that luxury hotels use crisp white linens and towels? That's because they are pleasing to the eye and work to make your surrounding inviting, calm and clean. By taking a note from the hospitality industry, you too can take your interior design one step further by investing in high quality textiles that will give you confidence and peace of mind.

So don't wait to have the sofa of your dreams. Come and explore the many options available.

I'd love to help you create a living space that exudes casual elegance and offers comfort and convenience for you and your family. Life is too short to live in the dark. ■

Dana Voulopos, is an accomplished, award winning Interior Designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, Offering Lifestyle Driven Design...Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why 18,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and GOOGLE BUSINESS…Everyday! Check out our State-of-theArt…NEW WEBSITE we launched JAN. 2019!

TUSCANYFINEFURNISHINGS.COM

20 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 21

HER HOME SPONSORED SECTION

Walls are a simple yet high impact way to transform any room

By ZAINA WUEST Exquisite Living

W

ith shimmering metallic and elegant wallpapers, shiplap-style cladding and even simple paint effects, walls can create a dramatic focal point in a space.

If you’re considering an update, remember that color is a powerful design tool. It can make a room feel peaceful, happy, comfortable or dramatic. The paint colors you choose, as well as the color of the furniture and accessories, all create a mood. A neutral paint scheme may go with everything, but a lot of beige and gray can really get you down.

We love creating lively living spaces with vibrant pops of color. But choosing the right shade can be an overwhelming task. Even paint cards can be misleading – you’ll quite often find that a color looks more or less pigmented when applied to a large surface area, and the exact shade will be affected by the light fall, size and even the contents of the room. The good news is, if it doesn't work, you can simply start again.

If you’re considering a makeover for you home’s walls, here are five tips to get you on the right track.

• Consider the amount of natural light you get in the space. Sure, a dark shade will make for a dramatic feature wall, but without natural light, it’ll just end up looking grim and depressing.

• Be wary of eye-popping brights. That eye-popping hue may have caught your attention in the glossy magazine, but consider the size of the space you’re working with. If it’s not big enough to carry it, bright shades can overwhelm and create

22 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

•

•

•

visual clashes. Remember, you can always introduce vibrant hues through cushions, throws and artwork.

Avoid going too matchy-matchy. Furniture, floor coverings, paintings and rugs can serve as solid inspiration for which color to choose, but avoid matching everything exactly.

Choosing a shade much lighter or darker than the pre-existing elements of a room works much more effectively.

Don’t rely on sample swatches. Always test the color directly on the wall to get a true sense of how it will really look. Leave it on the wall for a day or two, and observe how the light plays with it, creating shadows at different times. For example, black paint has a reputation for looking dramatically different in certain lights – from green to blue to gray. Colors tend to come out darker on walls than they appear on paint chips, so if in doubt, err on the lighter side.

Don’t get caught up in trends. Shudder at the thought of that splotchy sponge-painted wall trend popular in the 1990s? Don’t get caught up in the fads. Be daring, but follow your instincts and not the trends. ■ Exquisite Living |6225 Atlanta Highway | Alpharetta, GA 30004

YOUR HOME, YOUR STORY, MAKE IT

EXQUISITE

2ND LOCATION – NOW OPEN!

AlphArettA city ceNter | 370 commerce st., AlphArettA, GA 30005 Furniture | Area Rugs | Accessories | Wall Décor and Canvas Art | Luxury Bedding | Lighting Wallpaper | Custom Window Treatments | Hardwood Floors | Blinds Ask about our design service.

EXQUISITE LIVING – MILTON: 6225 Atlanta Hwy | milton, GA 30004 EXQUISITE LIVING – ALPHARETTA: 370 COMMERCE ST| Alpharetta, GA 30005 EXQUISITELIVINGATL.com | 470.275.5888

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 23

WOMAn IN ART

Local artist

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FIROOZEH BOWDEN

julia@appenmediagroup.com

Winner of the award "Best in shoe" at the 2018 "Wine Women and Shoes" Gala in Atlanta 24 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

AMERICAN CRAFT SHOW MARCH 15 -17 The event features 250 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists, specializing in everything from handmade ceramics to fine jewelry, apparel, furniture, home decor and textiles.

Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Pkwy. Southeast, Atlanta. Tickets are $12 in advance. www.craftcouncil.org/atlanta Look for Firoozeh at booth #805.

L

ocal artist Firoozeh Bowden has exhibited in shows and galleries throughout the United States and has created works in almost every kind of art medium imaginable. But 2019 marks the first time that Bowden will showcase her metallic accessories and wearable art at the Atlanta Craft Show.

From March 15-17, visitors to the Cobb Galleria Centre can view works by some of the country’s top contemporary craft artists in one of the largest juried craft shows in the Southeast.

Bowden, who has previously exhibited her work in the San Francisco and Baltimore Craft Shows, said she was excited to join the Atlanta chapter.

“For a while, I was hesitant to apply to the Atlanta show,” Bowden said. “But Atlanta has become richer and richer in culture … I don’t do too many shows anymore, because I do open studios and I sell through my website; but a show like American Craft Council is a very high quality show, and people who don’t know my work can be exposed to it and appreciate it.”

Bowden creates a variety of art, ranging from jewelry and accessories to fine art and home decor. All of her works are handcrafted using materials like sterling silver, wire and fabrics, and she will frequently favor handsewing over the use of sewing machines.

“I like the sewing machine, but at times, I find that I give a piece more tender love and care when I hand-sew the details,” Bowden said. “I hear from people over and over again that when they put on a piece of my hand-sewn works, either jewelry accessories or fashion, that they feel a lot of love … Someone has even said when they put on one of my shawls, that they feel hugged. They just feel the warmth of it.”

Bowden, a lifelong artist, began sewing and painting at a young age. She went on

WOMAn IN ART

debuts in Atlanta Craft Show

Artist, Firoozeh Bowden

to study industrial design before working in several specialty fashion boutiques.

Throughout her career, she has preferred making her wearable works unique.

“I prefer doing one-of-a-kind work,” Bowden said. “I don’t like the idea of people walking down the street or going to a party and seeing people wear the exact same thing.

It’s very important for me to create a look that is one-of-a-kind.”

Bowden said she’s often inspired by nature, and she tries to connect to the creative energy flow around her when she starts on a new piece.

“I allow the material to tell me how it wants to be shaped,” Bowden said. “I don’t work like a craftsman. A craftsman works with one type of style and material, typically…

I easily get bored and can’t do that. I use

different materials. That’s why I paint, crochet, knit and do metalwork. I cannot express myself just through one material.”

Bowden also hosts several workshops, including painting, beginner’s jewelry and beginner’s sewing. She said she wants people be creative and create pieces of art they can personally relate to and enjoy.

“I want people to realize that every single person in this world has creativity inside of them,” Bowden said. “Sometimes, people think they aren’t creative enough, and they don’t realize that with just a little bit of encouragement, anybody can create. They just need to get in touch with that part of themselves.”

For more information about Bowden and her works, to sign up for a workshop or to commission her, visit firoozehinc.com. ■

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 25

GOOd EATS

A dining experien Duluth restaurant is first location outside New York

By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

L

ongtime restaurateur Willie Degel knows today’s demanding diners are searching for more than just a great meal. A unique dining experience is equally important.

“The new generation of diners are changing the way we do everything in the restaurant business,” said Degel, who opened Uncle Jack’s Meat House in Duluth two years ago. “We have to be interactive, visually intriguing and high energy to fully engage people.”

The Duluth location of Uncle Jack’s Meat House is Degel’s first restaurant venture in Georgia, following a successful restaurant career in New York over the past three decades. A second location in Georgia will open in Peachtree Corners this spring.

The concept — and name — was inspired by stories Degel heard growing up about the New York steakhouses and speakeasy owned by his great uncle Jack in the 1920s.

Degel describes Uncle Jack’s Meat House as an American bar and grill built around a menu of select cuts of meat, combined with a bit of “show business” on the side.

To add to the restaurant ambience, Degel pays careful attention to lighting and employs a fulltime disc jockey who custom mixes music for all his restaurants. He also displays the dry-aging process for meat — which lasts up to 100 days for some cuts — right in the center of the restaurant.

The former Food Network reality show host (“Restaurant Stakeout”) is known in the business as “The Steak Doctor,” a moniker Degel says he earned for his talents on the grill back in New York

UNCLE JACK’S MEAT HOUSE 6590 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, GA 30097 770-497-2400 www.unclejacksmeathouseduluth.com

26 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

GOOd EATS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY UNCLE JACKS MEAT HOUSE

nce awaits at Uncle Jack’s Meat House

from his peers and customers.

“I always tried to be the innovator in everything I did [in my restaurants],” said Degel, who grew up in Queens and opened his first restaurant in 1990.

He said he was among the first to import Japanese Kobe beef to New York, purchasing the entire steer in Japan, then sending it to a meat packer for custom cuts for his restaurants.

At Uncle Jack’s Meat House, when it comes to meat options, Degel says if you can name it, it’s likely on the menu. Featured items include USDA prime and choice New York strip, filet mignon and a 35-day dry-aged rib chop known as the Fred Flintstone Longbone.

Half-pound steak burgers, pork chops, chicken and seafood are also options, with the goal to use organic, sustainable and locally sourced products when possible.

Signature sides include eggplant rings, Maine lobster and avocado tacos, lollipop lamb chops and charred Spanish octopus.

For the lighter eater, the menu offers sandwiches, sides and salads, and a decadent dessert menu including the OMG It’s Huge Coconut Cream Pie and a Baking Bad Scratch

Cookie Plate.

Degel has family in Georgia and comes into Atlanta several times a year to visit and check in on Uncle Jack’s Meat House. His visits may become more frequent with plans to open several more locations throughout the state in the coming years.

“I’m so excited about the opportunities in Georgia,” said Degel, who spends most of his time overseeing three restaurants in the New York City area.

He knows steakhouse-type restaurants dot the culinary landscape, but believes Uncle Jack’s Meat House sets the bar for its attention to detail, design, decor and an overall experience you won’t find elsewhere.

“I came from nothing, worked my way up, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure I give everything to my guests,” said Degel. “I want to have [my guests] for life … and that’s not phony baloney.” ■

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 27

HER CAREER

C ommunication skills for all ages

By KATE TUNISON Contributing Writer

G

ood communication is a key skill in any workplace. Whether you are 55 years and older or you are younger than 55, these tips can help you communicate in a positive manner.

First, remember that you communicate most loudly with something that’s non-verbal. It’s your body language. In fact, studies show 60 to 70 percent of your believability comes from your body language, which is a much higher percentage than the words you say or even how you say them. The beauty of positive body language is it can be learned, and you can become natural at it — especially if you know good ways to get started.

If the studies say your highest form of credibility comes from body language, here are ways to ensure yours is positive, especially during a presentation.

• Standing is optimum. Sitting or standing behind a podium conceals at least 50 percent of you, which robs you of your most powerful way of communicating and robs your audience of receiving your communication in the way you want it to be perceived. More energy is conveyed while standing, not only because they can see you, but because people respond to others who come across as alive and energetic. I’ll save sitting body language for another topic, because there are circumstances when it’s unavoidable.

• Stand up tall and ground yourself. Standing with your legs shoulder or hip-width apart distributes your weight evenly and gives you a solid foundation, which gives your audience even more reason to trust what you say. Ladies, high heels pitch you forward and can throw you off balance, so opt for shoes that will make you feel grounded and stable.

• Take advantage of the space around you. Use your hands, 28 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

arms and elbows to help illustrate your points (within reason, of course). You do not have to gesture as dramatically as an opera singer, but explore your full range based on the size of your audience and venue. If you are an athlete or take exercise classes, yoga or Pilates, try some moves at home to experiment with how it makes you look and feel to use your hands and arms more expressively.

• Engage. Look in the eye at the folks you want to influence, and connect with them. When your message sinks in, you can get a slight nod of the head or an eye blink – you will be able to tell that the message was received. If someone advises you that good eye contact involves looking above their heads to the back of the room or counting to five as you make eye contact, remember that can come across as being rigid, a stare down and, well, silly.

• Videotape yourself while presenting. Then, take advantage of what it can teach you. The video will show how you come across to others versus what you think you are portraying with your body language.

Strong positive body language helps your listeners focus more intently on you and what you are saying, so spend some time improving the one area that speaks louder than words and the beauty of it all. It is learnable, and once you feel it, you instantly improve. ■

As owner and president of PresentingPlus! LLC, Kate Tunison helps clients develop confidence and skills as public speakers and business communicators. Based in Alpharetta, PresentingPlus!

Works with clients in the Atlanta area and nationwide.

Contact Tunison at www.presentingplus.com.

Think things S through to live your best garden life

By ABRA LEE

HER GARDEN

Contributing Writer o you’ve reached a point in life where you are ready to grow plants. Welcome to the club! And … forget what you heard. The biggest mistake newbies make is not over- or under-watering plants.

It’s that they don’t think things through.

To get the results you want, you need to know your lifestyle limitations and the plant’s needs. Around here, we don’t work hard; we work intelligently.

My friend Marissa is crazy for pesto and wants to grow basil. She has never grown a plant in her life and lives in an apartment with no windows, or even a balcony. Guess who’s not growing basil? But Marissa sure can grow a low-light, low-water interior plant like ZZ (zamioculcas zamiifolia). She should place it in a small corner in, or near, the bathroom. Why? Marissa’s also short on time. We all “gotta go” sometime, however, and who can ignore a plant staring them down morning and evening?

Another friend, Nandi, loves flowering plants, but doesn’t know the difference between an annual, perennial or bulb. Where does she start? By learning the language. Put down that phone and take a research trip to a nursery. There, you can physically see and learn the differences. Nandi can start with bulbs, because they will grow with little effort. She can get the flowers she wants at first and then graduate to growing the garden she desires.

Don’t have time to visit a nursery or read garden books? Learn by listening. There are several podcasts

to walk you through everything you need to know.

“The Joe Gardener Show” with hometown hero Joe Lamp’l is a great one. As is “The RHS Gardening Podcast.” It’s British, and those Brits stay knowing when it comes to plants. YouTube is great too, so get into it. By working intelligently, we become successful.

If you build confidence first, there is nothing you can’t grow. ■ Abra Lee is a horticulturist extraordinaire and unapologetically passionate about all things gardening. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @conquerthesoil.

Welcoming New Patients We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for adult patients, aged 18 and older. Our board-certified physicians, Dr. Bitan Ghosh and Dr.

Kenneth Ricci are extensively experienced, and offer a full range of primary care

services, including chronic disease management, acute illness care and comprehensive preventive care. We personalize care based on each patient’s unique needs, and serve with

Bitan Ghosh, M.D.

Board Certified, Internal Medicine

the time and attention you deserve to achieve and maintain good health.

• Most insurance plans accepted • Convenient location with free parking • Same-day appointments accepted • Walk-ins welcome

Call 770-410-4610 for an appointment.

10745 Westside Way, Suite 125, Alpharetta, GA 30009

InternalMedicinePracticeofNorthside.com

Kenneth J. Ricci, D.O.

Board Certified, Family Practice

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 29

SHE's PUZZLED!

Answers page 50.

30 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

ND, !

E T T Y O A TODA T E FRE ISTER REG

OUR EXPO HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Being cared for • Caregiving • Downsizing Planning for Retirement Purchasing a Vacation Home • Retirement Lifestyle • Travel

Pre-register at NorthFulton.com to win gift cards to local restaurants, family YMCA pass es and more!

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta Appen Media Group, publishers of The Herald Newspapers and Northside Woman, are excited to announce the fourth annual 55+ Lifestyle Expo.

Entertainment provided by

If you are over 55 or are planning on caring for you parents, The 55+ Lifestyle Expo is a fun and efficient way to meet, greet and gather information from dozens of vendors from every phase.

Topics of the expo include: Meet and greet over 40 vendors • Go deeper with one of our exclusive informational talks • Heavy hors d’oeuvres • Dozens of door prizes

Post-modern take on the music and dance styles of the 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.

FREE TO ATTEND! Preregister today at NorthFulton.com march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 31

32 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

Simply delicious

HER VIEW

Coalition Food and Beverage 50 Canton St., Alpharetta, GA

C

oalition Food and Beverage is serving an energetic vibe and chef-driven American cuisine in downtown Alpharetta’s Teasley Place, and Northside Woman recently took the opportunity to try the hot restaurant’s new "Pick Two" lunch menu. The feature offers two half-portioned soup, salad or sandwich selections, and is a great way to sample Coalition’s tasty menu items at a very competitive price point.

I had the pleasure of trying the tomato and onion soup with the chicken salad sandwich. Both items were delicious. The fire-roasted tomato and caramelized onion soup was a unique twist on traditional onion soup with melted gruyere cheese on top. If you don’t like onions, don’t let that steer you away from this soup. The onions were pureed perfectly, and I never tasted one! The chicken salad had big chunks of chicken, not too much mayonnaise and was served on a fresh milk bun.

My husband selected the CFBurger and the chopped salad. The “Pick Two” burger was served with one beef patty, instead of the two patties normally served on the standard menu.

The salad was served sans chicken. He enjoyed both items and thought the portions sizes were more than enough for lunch.

To top it off, we sampled the chocolate cream pie, made with an Oreo crust and served with whipped cream, Only one word can describe it … amazing! And Chef Noah Bazarte made sure to come by and make sure everything was to our satisfaction.

Take the time to check out Coalition's "Pick Two" for lunch. It's available Tuesday through Friday during lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for only $11.50. ■ — Suzanne Pacey, Publisher

Sparkle with Image Maids Old Fashioned, Dependable Professional Customer Care Residential or Office Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning Fully Insured & Bonded

WINNER 2015

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

WINNER

North Fulton/Forsyth

770.475.8700

2016

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

WINNER 2018

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

Cobb/Cherokee

770.627.4670

www.imagemaids.com

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 33

Still something to Bragg about

GOOD BOOKS

Author Rick Bragg.

Author Rick Bragg’s taped appearances salvage 2019 Roswell Reads

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI Contributing Writer

T

his has been a year of firsts for Roswell Reads. Instead of selecting a single title, the committee for the community-wide reading event chose one writer’s entire collection of books – a total of eight nonfiction works.

That author was Rick Bragg, winner of more than 50 writing awards in 20 years, including the Pulitzer Prize for newspaper feature writing. His selection created unprecedented buzz for Roswell Reads. For the first time in the 14-year history of the community reading initiative, the writing workshop and luncheon usually scheduled for midMarch were both sellouts … in January.

Then came another first, this one nowhere near as splendid.

In early February, Bragg sent word that he had been

34 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

hospitalized after a critical illness.

He had to cancel all speaking engagements involving travel from Jacksonville, Alabama, where he lives. For a writer busy promoting his current New York Times bestseller, “The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma's Table,” that was quite a setback. It was also a setback for Roswell Reads, because Bragg was scheduled to conduct and attend its soldout writing workshop and luncheon.

Within days, however, Roswell Reads and the renowned Southern author agreed on a new plan, and another first: Bragg would salvage the annual event by videotaping his writing workshop and luncheon discussion. In something like a couple of TED Talks, Bragg agreed to share his insights from decades of newspaper, book and magazine

GOOD BOOKS

writing, as well as from teaching the subject at Harvard and, currently, the University of Alabama.

“The show will go on,” declared Deanna Smith, Roswell Reads chair. Workshop and luncheon attendees were offered refunds, but they were also invited to submit questions for Bragg. All originally planned public events are ongoing and while seating is limited, space was available as of press time for the following: • A free family program March 2 from 1 — 2:30 p.m. at the East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. For information, call 404-613-4050.

• A Taste of Southern cooking March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4305 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta.

The community program will feature a three-

course dinner using Bragg’s mother’s recipes from his current book. Register at publix.com/ recipes-planning/aprons-cooking-schools/ alpharetta/classes. Tickets are $45 per person.

• Bragg’s videotaped writing workshop, “How to write the story of your people (and not get killed),” March 15 from 1 — 3 p.m. in Room 220 at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell. Cost is $20. Register online at roswellreads2019.eventbrite.com.

• And the 14th annual Roswell Reads Literary Luncheon, March 16 at 11 a.m. at Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at roswellreads2019.eventbrite. com. In addition to Bragg’s specially taped presentation, there will be a variety of free books and Southern Living magazines

featuring Bragg’s columns, signed Bragg books for purchase and a free raffle for some of his titles.

“We hope our loyal Roswell Readers, who have been so supportive over the last 13 years, will join us to celebrate the life and works of Rick Bragg at this groundbreaking event,” Smith said. “We look forward to the March 16 luncheon, where we will join our fellow readers and continue the citywide conversation and interactive discussion about this iconic Southern author. Questions? Email RoswellReads@gmail.com.”■ Contributing journalist, Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi. Owner of Johns Creek’s KRC Communications.

Connect with her at krccom.com. march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 35

START LISTENING TO OUR PODCASTS TODAY Appen Media Group is proud to unveil our new lineup of podcasts; Inside the Box, Lunch Break and Overtime with Joe Parker.

Podcasts are recorded radio shows you can listen to via an app or online, for free. But instead of music, you listen to news, stories and interviews. People enjoy podcasts because they are a free flowing, easy to use and affordable outlet for entertainment and news.

How to download our podcasts 1. Go to northfulton.com/podcasts 2. You will see a media player that broadcasts the most recent episode.

3. This will allow you to listen directly from your laptop, computer or phone.

4. If you prefer to listen via an app on your phone, there is a link below each media player to access them, if you have an iPhone (Apple), Android phone or another popular podcast app Stitcher.

VISIT NORTHFULTON.COM/PODCASTS AND LISTEN TODAY 36 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

HER MONEY

By ALLISON NYE Contributing Writer

R

etirement planning is my favorite area of what we do, because I love helping people gain financial freedom and fully enjoy their retirement years. Whether retirement is coming sooner or later for you, these are some tips to keep in mind.

• Lifestyle: Decide your standard of living in retirement and ask yourself how much income you would like per year. Then subtract Social Security, pension payments and other income you are sure to receive to calculate how much income you will need to generate from “elsewhere.”

• Manage investments: Younger folks have more time until retirement, so they can usually be more aggressive with their investments. But if you are nearing or are already in retirement, your investments should be more conservative as you don’t have the time horizon to lose a large amount of your nest egg.

• Invest through your work: Take advantage of your retirement accounts through work. The sooner you start to save, the better.

The limit for employee contributions to a 401K is $19,000 in 2019. If you are over the age of 50, you are allowed to save an additional $6,000 per year up to a total of $24,000. If you have an employer match, that’s essentially “free money” that will

help build your nest egg.

Open an IRA: If you don’t have an employer plan, open an Individual Retirement Account. You can do this at any brokerage firm and the contribution limit for 2019 is $6,000 per year, or $7,000 if over the age of 50. The key is to save as much as you can into tax advantaged retirement accounts first and then save into non-retirement accounts after.

• Plan for health care: If you are planning to retire before you are eligible for Medicare and will have no other health insurance, make sure there is enough in your savings to cover any large medical expenses that may arise during this time.

It can be an emotional experience to draw down your savings after spending 30 or more years accumulating assets, but this why you saved in the first place. Talk to a financial advisor if you want a score on how you are doing with retirement savings or if you are afraid of overspending your nest egg. My most important tip is to enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard for! ■ •

Allison Nye, Wealth plan design specialist at oXYGen Financial.

Co-host of “They Don’t Teach You This” podcast. Connect with her at anye@oxygenfinancial.net. march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 37

OUTDOOR WOMAN

The coolest waterfall in the world And it’s only 729 feet high.

You can make it!

By STEVE HUDSON Contributing Writer

38 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

PHOTOS BY STEVE HUDSON

I

’m standing in the lower parking lot near the trout pond at Amicalola Falls State Park. You might think that means fishing is in the forecast.

But not today. Today, I’m in “waterfall” mode.

If I squint, I can just barely make out my destination. It’s way up there and so far away it’s almost invisible, a vague shimmery patch of animated white against the green of the mountains.

That’s Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia.

Amicalola – the name comes from a Cherokee word that means “tumbling waters,” and it’s a perfect fit. With a height of more than 729 feet, this cascade literally bounces and tumbles down the face of the mountain. It’s more than four times the height of Niagara Falls, a surprising geographic superlative right here in the land of barbecue and Brunswick stew.

One of the first descriptions of the falls was penned by William Williamson, a Georgia surveyor, in the early 1830s. He set out to climb to the top, but the challenge was too great. He was, he wrote, “completely exhausted by the time I reached half-way.”

Today, trails lead to great places to view the falls. You might think the view from the top would be best, but most agree that’s not the case. Instead, they say, you’ll only get a true sense of this waterfall when you see it from below.

Fortunately, thanks to a trail leading up from the lower parking area to several vantage points, that’s easy to do.

Which of those vantage points is best? Some like the big-picture view you get nearer the bottom, but others prefer the unobstructed perspective available only at the uppermost observation platform.

The absolute best way to see it, I’d been told, was from all perspectives. That means making the climb from the lower parking area to the upper observation platform.

That’s what I decided to do.

“But wait a minute,” argue my knees, who hint that they know something about the ascent that I do not. “Do you really need to climb all the way to the upper platform?”

The knees may have a point.

As I stand there contemplating this question, I spot what appears to be a large family group (kids, parents, grandparents and what might have been a great-grandparent) coming down the trail toward me. One of them takes out a cellphone – selfie time, it appears – and they all try to squeeze together and fit into

the frame. The problem is that the group’s too big to fit in the camera’s field of view.

Seeing that they could use some help, I ask the phone bearer if she would like me to shoot the photo for them.

“That would be great,” she says, handing me the phone. Three or four others in the group hand me their phones, too, and for the next few minutes, I take on the role of designated documentarian.

My photo duties discharged, I look back up the mountain. (“Sure looks steep,” my knees whisper again.) I see another family (dad, mom and a toddler in a baby carrier riding high on the mom’s back) coming toward me down the trail.

“Been to the top?” I ask.

“Yeah, and it was great!” the mom says. Then she too pulls out a phone and starts trying to line everybody up for a selfie with the falls in the background.

View from the top of the falls.

Again, I offer to help.

“Thanks!” says the mom.

A few minutes later, my photographic duties again fulfilled, I decide it’s time to climb.

From the parking area, the ascent begins easily enough. At first, you follow a nice level trail around a little trout pond.

“See?” I say to the knees. “This isn’t so bad!”

“Yeah, right,” they reply. “Just wait…”

Several hopeful anglers are trying their luck in the pond as I walk by. One of them, a man tall enough to play for the NBA, is casting what appears to be a Barbie fishing rod. A child sits at his feet playing with a little stick, while nearby, another child twirls in circles and sings.

“Been to the top?” I ask him, but the child with the stick is the one who answers.

“We did go to the top, didn’t we, Daddy?” says the child. “All the way to the top. We went fast, and I got there first. It was cool!

It’s the coolest waterfall in the world!”

“Don’t believe it,” say my knees.

I tell my knees to hush.

“Look,” I say to them, “if kids and grandmothers and babytoting moms can do it, then I can do it too.”

And so onward and upward I go.

The trail, I soon discover, does not remain flat for long. It immediately starts to climb…and climb…and climb some more.

I remember thinking, at some point, that I really am eating too many cheeseburgers…maybe drinking too many soft drinks too.

Slow and steady seems to be the key – and I decide that if slow is better, then even slower should be better still. I shift into my lowest gear. Kids pass, flowing around me like water around a rock. They’re not even breathing hard. Adults pass me, too, making purposeful strides, not sweating…not even glistening.

Then come the steps (about 200 of them, a helpful sign tells me).

“Steps?” say the knees. “You’re kidding. Right?”

Alas, no.

And here comes another family down the trail. And yeah, they are not breathing hard. In fact, nobody seems to be breathing hard except for me.

OUTDOOR WOMAN

A lot of steps.

“Been to the top?” I manage to ask as they walk by.

One of them says, “We sure did, didn’t we, Gramma? And it was unbelievable. Wait till you see it!”

“Come on, Gramma!” says another. “We’ve gotta take a selfie!”

But they don’t all fit into the frame…

“Mister, could you take our picture?”

That’s when it I have the epiphany.

If I play this right, I suddenly realize, their selfie will be my salvation. For if I break to take their picture, I’ll also have a moment to catch my breath.

So that is what I do.

A moment later, slightly refreshed, I resume the climb. Every so often, I encounter another family trying to take a selfie with the waterfall in the background, and (being the thoughtful soul that I am) I stop and offer to help. If I coincidentally get to pause for a moment to catch my breath, so what?

And something else dawns on me too. It’s amazing how many people take family-group selfies at Amicalola Falls.

Eventually, and several more selfie-assists later, I arrive at the upper platform. It really is spectacular. Like those around me, I admire the waterfall – and then (because, well, why not?) I take a waterfall-background selfie myself.

You know what they say: without pictures, it didn’t happen.

But it did happen, even for me. I made it up the Amicalola Falls trail – and I have the selfie to prove it. ■ Learn about the hiking trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Steve Hudson’s book Hiking the Hooch. It’s available from local outfitters, from the park headquarters at Island Ford, and on Amazon.

Signed copies are available direct from the author at www.chattahoocheemedia.com. march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 39

Your pap smear is abnormal…now what?

HER HEALTH SPONSORED SECTION

HER HEALTH C

By DR. ANNIE KIM, MD, FACOG

Helping people lead healthy and happy lives.

PAGES 40-47

ervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent, with regular screening tests and followup. There are currently two screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it early. The Pap smear looks for precancerous changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.

The HPV test detects the human papillomavirus that can cause these cellular changes. The Pap smear is recommended for all women between the ages of 21 and 65 years old, and this test can be done in your doctor’s office.

If your Pap smear is normal, then routine followup is recommended as recommended by your doctor.

An abnormal Pap smear is one in which the laboratory interprets the cellular changes to be different from those normally seen on a healthy cervix. Although an abnormal test result can be worrisome, it does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Of the 3 million women who receive an abnormal result from a Pap smear each year, only about 10,000 are actually cases of cervical cancer.

There are a few conditions that might cause an abnormal Pap smear result, including HPV, which is the most common cause. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and most sexually active individuals have been exposed to at last one of the more than 100 known strains of HPV. Other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as vaginal inflammation from bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection can also cause changes on your Pap smear.

If you have an abnormal Pap smear, your doctor will probably ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment for a procedure called a colposcopy. Colposcopy is an outpatient procedure where your doctor takes a closer look at the cervix using a special instrument called a colposcope, which combines a bright light and magnifying lens. If abnormal cells are seen, then a biopsy is performed and sent to the lab to determine whether these cells are cancerous or precancerous. The type of cells that are found on biopsy will dictate the treatment. Moderate to severe precancerous cells need to be removed by procedures such as conization or loop excision, but if the biopsy is completely normal, then more frequent Pap smears would be recommended. The most important thing to know about an abnormal Pap smear is that as long as you follow-up with all of the recommended testing, you are not likely to develop cervical cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to be proactive about your health and schedule well-woman visits with your gynecologist every year.

Modern OBGYN has three convenient office locations.

Visit our newest office at Avalon in Alpharetta located at 2710 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

To schedule an appointment call 404-446-2496 or visit us online at www.reyesobgyn.com. ■

DR. J. REYES

DR. I. REYES

DR. KIM

DR. NATU

DR. PEREIRA

DR. KENKEL

NURIA NELKIN, CNM

KORTNEY ROGERS, CNM

HER HEALTH SPONSORED SECTION

Teeth in a day

By DR. USHMA PATEL, D.M.D and DR. BRITTANY CORBETT, D.D.S Center For Advanced Dentistry

E

very now and then a revolution comes about that changes the way something works. It might only be a minor tweak to an existing solution, or the improvement might come in the quality and accessibility that is provided. The “Teeth In A Day” procedure utilizing dental implants is a revolutionary procedure in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They allow you to walk away with a new set of high quality replacement teeth in just 1 day!

Dr. Patel has received extensive training in this procedure and offers this option to patients needing to have missing teeth replaced with implants. Dr. Patel’s team can remove hopeless teeth and place the implants and teeth in a single visit! You won’t have to endure 6 months of having spaces or missing teeth.

DR. PATEL

What Is Teeth A Day?

Teeth in A Day is a procedure where Dr. Patel DR. CORBETT and her team are able to rebuild peoples mouths using dental implants and natural looking replacement teeth.

Dental implants are the most effective way to replace broken or missing teeth because they are placed into to your own bone and are the closest thing to what you were born with. The implants function like the roots of a tooth and provide a stable base for attaching durable and naturallooking crowns. Traditional dental implant methods require a healing period between placing the implant and attaching the crown. The Teeth in A Day procedure is unique because temporary, fully-functional teeth can be placed on the same day that you receive dental implants. These temporary teeth remain in place until your custom, permanent teeth are ready to be placed. This allows you to experience instant, beautiful results from your dental implant procedure with little to no pain because the teeth are supported by the implants and are not rubbing on your gums.

Thanks to the stability that dental implants offer, you will be able to smile, talk, and eat with confidence. Implants also help to stabilize and maintain the surrounding bone, preventing future bone loss from occurring. Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures, as dentures can be difficult to wear for most people and also because they contribute to bone loss in the jaw.

Am I A Candidate For Teeth In A Day?

A consultation with Dr. Patel is the best way to determine your candidacy for the Teeth in A Day procedure. She will conduct a comprehensive dental exam to evaluate if this procedure is right for your specific needs.

Generally speaking, you may be a good candidate for Teeth in A Day if you: • Have one or more damaged teeth.

• Want to see an immediate cosmetic and functional dental improvement.

• Have multiple missing teeth.

• Want results that can last a lifetime with proper care.

• Currently wearing a removable partial or complete denture.

• Do not grind your teeth excessively.

• Do not have medical conditions that may negatively affect bone healing.

• Want an alternative to dentures or bridgework.

Discover if the Teeth in A Day procedure is right for you by scheduling a consultation and examination with Dr. Patel. At Center For

Advanced Dentistry, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.

If you’d like to discuss the possibility of getting new teeth in a day, call us today at 770-884-6623 or visit www.HiTechSmiles.com. ■

“Doctors trust us to care for them and their families.”

Discover Your Perfect

SMILE

Today it’s easier and more affordable than ever.

• Sedation Dentistry – snooze through your entire visit • Dental Implants – permanent replacements for missing teeth • Straight Teeth in Six Months or less • Teeth Whitening, dazzling results – ZOOM! • Metal-Free, tooth colored white fillings • Porcelain veneers for crooked or stained teeth • Digital X-Rays - 90% less radiation • Botox for TMJ and migraines ($500 OFF)

Dr. Ushma Patel, D.M.D

Our doctors are members of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Hinman Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.

Dr. Brittany Corbett, D.D.S.

www.HiTechSmiles.com | 770-884-6623 6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500 • Suwanee, GA march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 41

HER HEALTH SPONSORED SECTION

Is the smile you see in the mirror, the smile you wish you had?

By DR. DAVID REMALEY, DDS

C

osmetic dentistry is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your appearance. A beautiful, bright, white and healthy smile can increase self confidence and overall life satisfaction.

Many regular dental treatments can be cosmetic in nature and can enhance your existing smile. One of the easiest and quickest procedures is to professionally whiten your teeth. Other treatment including modern, BPA- free tooth-colored fillings are virtually invisible when compared to traditional silver fillings. Tooth-colored crowns or caps can be placed instead of gold or silver. Roswell Dental Care offers some of the best treatments available to greatly improve your smile and the way you feel about yourself. Our office offers DR. REMALEY exceptional combination of state-of-the-art technology with an overall wellness approach to dental health and appearance.

Once you have achieved that cosmetic update it is vital that you take precautions to keep it beautiful.

1. Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque.

2. Beware of many over the counter teeth bleaching products that are highly PH acidic. These products can cause tooth surface loss and sensitivity.

3. Limit your daily consumption of coffee, red wine and dark colored sodas and drinks such as cranberry juice tend to 42 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

The latest in medically supervised weight loss…

Lose up to a pound a day

HER HEALTH SPONSORED SECTION

I

f you are struggling to get the weight off, you may need some medical help.

With years of experience in treating thousands of patients, Dr. Dwayne L. Watkins has developed plans that result in maintaining muscle mass while experiencing rapid weight loss. He knows and understands that each patient is uniquely different. Our plans are proven to give you the edge you need to be feel good while dieting and be successful in your weight loss goals.

Most popular is the Phentermine or a combination of Troekendi/ Topamax and Phentermine combined programs.

Phentermine is a safe, proven appetite suppressant also providing a boost of energy needed during times of calorie restriction.

Topamax is proven to reduce cravings and hunger.

HCG is a unique hormone which causes your body to burn fat during times of fat and sugar restriction.

Dr. Watkins also performs liposuction and fat transfer and enjoys five-star reviews from satisfied patients. Consider Liposuction to reduce, shape and resolve problem areas resistant to exercise and weight loss efforts.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with a consultant to start losing weight today.

Call: Total Body Johns Creek 770-750-2955 ■ discolor and stain your teeth over time. After drinking these beverages, it is a good idea to clean and brush right after.

4. Blueberries, cherries and other highly pigmented foods tend to also discolor and stain your teeth over time. After eating these foods it is also a good idea to clean and brush right after.

5. Should you choose to drink carbonated drinks and dark colored sodas do so with a straw! This will allow food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.

6. Don’t smoke. Besides staining your teeth, smoking causes bad breath and increases the risk of gum disease and numerous types of cancer.

7. Many foods act as natural detergents to clean teeth. Chewing foods like apples, carrots, strawberries and celery help to naturally maintain a healthier cleaner and whiter smile.

8. Chew sugarless gum, this helps clean the surfaces of your teeth by stimulating saliva in your mouth.

9. Drink lots of water! Rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Roswell Dental Care was recently designated for the 4th year as the ”BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for 2018. Dr. Remaley has been serving and treating patients in Roswell and the North Atlanta area for over 30 years.

As your cosmetic dentist, Dr Remaley will make your comfort and peace of mind a top priority. He offers a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services designed to meet the needs of the entire family He will thoroughly explain all your options during your private consultation. He will assure that you feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort during treatment, and we offer FREE nitrous oxide for anxious patients. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on all levels. Give our office a call at (470) 3759244 to discuss the smile you have always wanted. Be sure to ask about or Valentine’s Day Whitening special for all new and existing patients. ■ march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 43

HER HEALTH SPONSORED SECTION

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma Q&A

By DR. BRENT TAYLOR

Premier Dermatology and MOHS surgery of Atlanta

A

s a Mohs surgeon, my primary job is treating the three most common skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the skin cancer that often causes the most confusion, partially because it shares the name “squamous cell” with other squamous cell cancers that do not arise from the skin. Recently, patients have asked questions about cutaneous (skin-derived) SCC, and their questions and DR. TAYLOR answers are worth repeating given how common this cancer is and how many readers are likely either affected by it or have a loved one with cutaneous SCC. 1. Q: Is squamous cell of the skin the same as squamous cell of the lung?

A: No, SCC of the skin and SCC of the lung are not directly related.

The reason that they share the word “squamous” is because in both locations, these epithelial cells look similar under the microscope. Cells in these locations overlap one another similar to how scales of a fish or shingles on a roof overlap, and “squama” is latin for scale. SCC of the skin and lung differ markedly in terms of what causes cancer (for example, ultraviolet damage vs smoking), how they are treated, and prognosis.

2. Q: Why, then are cells growing in such a similar fashion in the skin and the lungs?

A: In both locations, squamous cells come in contact with air, and the overlapping design of squamous cells allows them to decrease evaporative water loss and protect underlying tissue from damage caused by outside air or irritants. In the case of the lungs, the “outside” 44 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

air happens to be inside our bodies while we breath, but the same principle applies. Squamous cells offer protection and a more limited exchange of “outside” influences with deeper body tissues.

3. Q: Is squamous cell of the skin as serious as squamous cell of the lung?

A: In general, no. Because SCC of the skin arises on the skin, we usually notice it when it is not advanced, and patients and dermatologists can typically catch SCC of the skin very early.

Approximately 1 million SCCs of the skin are diagnosed each year, and only about 15,000 deaths occur. In contrast, about 25-30% of lung cancers in the US are squamous cell carcinoma. According to cancer.org, there will be about 225,000 new cases of lung cancer in 2019 and about 140,000 deaths.

Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin offers a higher than 99% cure rate for small squamous cell carcinomas. Often, the squamous cell carcinomas of the skin that result in death are either longneglected and allowed to grow or occur in an immunocompromised patient such as a transplant patient who may have an SCC grow so quickly that it is able to spread before it is eliminated.

4. Q: Are there other treatments besides Mohs surgery for squamous cell of the skin?

A: Yes, for a shallow SCC called “squamous cell carcinoma in situ”, patient may often choose between Mohs surgery, a wide excision and even topical creams. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma is often best treated with either surgery or radiation. If an SCC has already spread, a multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy and/or radiation may be necessary and will require the assistance of an oncologist.

If you or a loved one has sun-damaged skin or a history of squamous cell carcinoma (of the skin), consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for your skin care needs. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and board certified dermatologist offering state-of-the-art skin cancer treatments and care.■

HER HEALTH SPONSORED SECTION

When live-in care is the right choice

By HOME HELPERS OF ALPHARETTA

M

aintaining your independence and enjoying the comfort of staying in your own home and aging in place is a key desire for the majority of seniors. As you and your older loved one make plans the future or face current health care issues, it’s time to consider the long-term benefits and potential cost savings of live-in care. It’s a wonderful alternative that may be a perfect fit.

What is Live-In Care?

In time, we all need some help and in-home care provides both personal care and emotional support. When physical and emotional needs get more complex, it’s time to make decisions for care that is more extensive. Whether in your own home or an assisted living community, challenges like decreased mobility and increased fall dangers, occasional night time help or conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may make 24-hour support a necessary and ideal choice. Here’s how 24-hour live-in care works.

A heart-centered skilled Home Helpers caregiver lives in your older loved one’s home for at least four or five days a week, with another live-in caregiver completing the weekly schedule. The caregiver supplies all the daytime support care needed and sleeps there, so they are available at night for minimal quick toileting assistance or when emergencies happen. A caregiver needs five hours of uninterrupted sleep and eight hours total sleep for a good night’s rest. They will also take a break at opportune times, like when your loved one is napping, but will always be there to provide a safe and secure environment.

The continuity of care a live-in caregiver provides is a major benefit for your older loved one. One-on-one care is round the clock, totally customized 46 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

and dedicated to their special needs. There are only two caregivers involved, and the warm emotional bonds formed with a carefully selected caregiver can truly help them thrive. With no shift changes during a day, this reliability and constancy can be very calming for your older loved one.

Hilary and Greg Eldridge, owners of There are many additional Home Helpers Home Care of Alpharetta. advantages to live-in care.

Cost savings can be considerable, as live-in care has a daily versus hourly fee. You get the security of 24-hour assistance but don’t pay for sleep time for the caregiver. Your older loved one stays in their home with the familiar belongings and surroundings they prefer, or even remain with a beloved pet and still have the space, privacy and independence they desire.

A carefully matched live-in caregiver provides the safety and security of a professional who can make an incredible difference and allow your older loved one to thrive. A thoroughly screened, trained and talented Home Helpers caregiver not only brings skills, but a heart centered approach that boosts confidence and provides the best quality of life for our clients and their families. We know that despite the passing years, each of our clients has a youthful spirit. Engaging that lets us share in the richness of their lives, both past and present.

For a free in-home consultation to determine if live-in care is right for you, contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta today at (678) 430-8511. ■

TO DO

the antebellum home. Tickets are $8 for adults.

Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. www.bhqg.org

MARCH 9

March Events MARCH 1

Driving Miss Daisy Shows through March 17, times vary. The beloved story of an unlikely friendship and the history of Atlanta in the 20th century. A tribute to theater founder Bob Farley, who always said, "It's a perfect play." Georgia Ensemble Theatre, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. www.get.org

MARCH 5

Maintaining and Pruning Shrubs and Roses from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA In Mid-March homeowners will soon begin pruning and fertilizing roses and shrubs to be prepared for Atlanta’s summer heat and possible lack of rain. If plants have grown too large for their location, they may need to be pruned at the right time and done the right way. This class will cover the when, where and how to prune different plants. And, will provide a review of mulching, weed control, watering, fertilizing, pest control for spring and summer.

You can register online at www.roswellgov.com/register

MARCH 6

National Wild Turkey Federation banquet Starts at 6 p.m. Join the NWTF Sawnee Mountain chapter for its annual banquet, with silent and live auctions. There will also be wildlife art displays, raffles, food and door prizes. The banquet will be held at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming. Tickets start at $65 for adults, $25 for children. Ticket packages available. www.nwtf.org

MARCH 8

Bulloch Hall quilt show Continues through March 17. The Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild will present its 37th Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show at historic Bulloch Hall, featuring more than 150 quilts made by local artists and displayed throughout 48 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ 11 a.m. – noon. Additional show March 16. It was a dark and stormy night. Out of this wild night, a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O'Keefe on a most dangerous and extraordinary adventure – one that will threaten their lives and our universe.

Winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal. Georgia Ensemble Theatre, 950 Forrest St., Roswell.

Tickets are $10. www.get.org Household hazardous waste collection 9 a.m. – noon. The city of Roswell's Public Works/Environmental Department will host a household hazardous waste collection for Roswell residents only. It will be held at the Public Works/Transportation/Fire facilities at 1810 Hembree Road, Roswell. See online for a full list of accepted items. www.roswellgov.com Career and college planning fair 2 p.m. Join for an opportunity to connect with members of the metro Atlanta community for education and career opportunities. Meet face-to-face with college, government, retail and business organizations on site. Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek. www.afpls.org

MARCH 10

Alpharetta City Band Friends and Family Concert 3 p.m. The annual Alpharetta City Band Friends and Family Concert is free and open to the public, and is an opportunity for the band to thank the community for its support. The program includes Broadway favorites, jazz classics, movie scores and more. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1015 Old Roswell Road, Roswell. www.facebook.com/AlpharettaCityBand

MARCH 11

Joe Gransden’s Big Band 8 p.m. The band's top soloists will be featured throughout the evening as they perform their award-winning show. Georgia Ensemble Theatre, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Tickets start at $30. www.get.org

MARCH 13

‘And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank’ 7 – 9 p.m. A powerful multi-media performance that tells the story of the hidden children

of the Holocaust. Two childhood friends of Anne Frank, Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg, recount their stories via video as professional actors portray them as teens on stage. See the performance at the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Tickets are $10. www.get.org

MARCH 15

American Craft Show Through March 17, times vary. As one of the largest juried fine craft shows in the Southeast, the event features 250 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists, specializing in everything from handmade ceramics to fine jewelry, apparel, furniture, home decor and textiles. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Pkwy.

Southeast, Atlanta. Tickets are $12 in advance. www.craftcouncil.org/atlanta Roswell Reads writing workshop 10 a.m. – noon. In this workshop, Southern author and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Rick Bragg will share his insights about writing across a lifetime of literary achievements.

Roswell City Hall, Room 220, 38 Hill St., Roswell. www.roswellreads.com

MARCH 16

Alive at 25 driver safety course 1 – 5 p.m. The Alive at 25 course was developed by the National Safety Council in an effort to address the No. 1 cause of death for drivers ages 15 to 24 – motor vehicle crashes. Registration required. Fee is $35. Milton Police Department and Municipal Court, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy., Suite 107F, Milton. www.cityofmiltonga.us An Evening of French Music 7:30 p.m. Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s organ, resurrected from the devastation of Ground Zero in New York, takes center stage in this Lenten-inspired concert by French composers. Featuring organist Jeremy Rush and the Johns Creek Chorale. Tickets are $32 for adults, $16 for students. Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek. www.johnscreeksymphony.org

MARCH 17

Roswell Reads literary luncheon 11 a.m. Roswell Reads’ 14th annual literary luncheon features Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Rick Bragg. For the first time in its 14-year history, the Roswell Reads Steering Committee has chosen the entire collection of work by one author. Tickets are $25 and are available on Eventbrite.com. The discussion will be held at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. www.roswellreads.com

MARCH 19-20

The Basics of Vegetable Gardening Roswell: Tuesday, March 19 and Alpharetta: Wednesday, March 20 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Get a jump on summer vegetable gardening.

Whether you are new to growing vegetables or are interested in learning how to increase your garden’s bounty, this class is for you. It will cover planning your garden, sustainable (organic) garden practices, spring vegetables, herbs, as well as, mulching, weed control, fertilizing and pest control. Learn from a lifelong gardener.

Alpharetta: For more information about this event, please contact Terry Porter at (678) 2976213 or tporter@alpharetta.ga.us.

Roswell: You can register online at www.roswellgov.com/register, search for Activity 52020.

MARCH 26-27

MARCH 21

Comfort Foods cooking class 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Barrington Hall hosts a full array of cooking classes based on classic European and American cuisine. After preparing the meal, participants will dine on their creations in the home's spacious modern kitchen. Complimentary wine is served with dinner, and a free mini-tour of Barrington Hall is included. $65 per person. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. www.roswellgov.com

Milton Corridor Conversations 10:30 a.m. – noon. Milton’s Corridor Conversations has been designed to directly engage with the Milton businesses, leaders and employers located in each of the city’s three business corridors. Check online closer to the date for location announcement. www.cityofmiltonga.us

MARCH 23

Water Drop Dash 5K and Festival 8 a.m. Fast and flat along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River, this 5K run is an ideal course to qualify for Atlanta’s signature Peachtree Road Race and encourages metro Atlanta residents to conserve water. There is both a 5K and kids’ fun run, followed by awards and a water festival with games, giveaways and face painting. The race begins and ends at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell. www.waterdropdash.com Roswell Beer Fest 2 – 6 p.m. The sixth annual Roswell Beer Festival in historic Roswell returns with more than 300 different types of beer, along with great food and live shows. All proceeds will benefit the Star House Foundation, a charity servicing at-risk youth in North Fulton. Tickets are $60 and include a tasting glass for sampling. www.roswellbeerfestival.com ‘The Life of Doc Holliday’ 10 a.m. – noon. Barrington Hall hosts lectures on the Civil War and other areas of interest to local residents. Complimentary brunch-style food will be available. This week’s lecture is “The Life of Doc Holliday” by Victoria Wilcox. $5 suggested donation. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. www.roswellgov.com

The Fragrant Garden Roswell: Tuesday, March 26 and Alpharetta: Wednesday, March 27 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Learn the secrets of creating enchanting fragrance in your garden. This new class identifies fragrant plants for each season to add a new dimension to your garden. Learn about container plants as well as annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines and roses. Fragrances attract pollinators, too.

Alpharetta: For more information about this event, please contact Terry Porter at (678) 2976213 or tporter@alpharetta.ga.us.

Roswell: You can register online at www.roswellgov.com/register, search for Activity 52020.

MARCH 26

MARCH 27

Full moon hikes 7 p.m. Join and learn about the science of sounds at night with an hour hike at the scenic Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. Hikes are open to all ages, but best suited to those who can easily walk a third of a mile. Free for members, $5 for nonmembers. www.autreymill.org

MARCH 30

Dance Troupe Inc. regional competition 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Dance Troupe Inc. will hold its regional competition at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Free and open to the public. www.dancetroupechallenge.net ‘The Life of Kit Carson’ 10 a.m. – noon. Barrington Hall hosts lectures on the Civil War and other areas of interest to local residents. Complimentary brunch style food will be available. This week’s lecture is “The Life of Kit Carson” by Robert C. Jones. $5 suggested donation. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. www.roswellgov.com

TO DO

Publisher's Pick

SHAMROCKIN’ FOR A CURE

7 P.M. MARCH 23, 2019

Shamrockin’ for a Cure returns to Alpharetta to rock your night with great food, amazing bands and dancing. Help cure cystic fibrosis with a night filled with music that will rock the stage at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Pkwy. in Alpharetta.

Tickets are $105 and include food, drinks and giveaways.

www.shamrockinforacure.com

April Events

APRIL 13

Johns Creek’s Finest 5K 8 a.m. This 5K race benefiting Special Olympics Georgia is a dog-, stroller-, wheel chair- and walker-friendly event. The race is also a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. There will be gift card giveaways after the race, which begins at Shakerag Park, 10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek. www.johnscreeksfinest5k.com

APRIL 27

Drive and Dine 6 –10 p.m. Fast rides with pro drivers, fine food, live and silent auctions. Benefits Christian City children and family programs, which helps provide abandoned, abused, runaway and homeless youth a safe home. Sponsorships available. Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, 1 Porsche Drive, Atlanta. www.christiancity.org/driveanddine

march2019 | northsidewoman.com | 49

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

O

Thank You!

ur Advertisers make it possible for us to bring you amazing stories about Northside Woman each month. Please show them your support by giving them your business and tell them we sent you!

BUSINESS & FINANCE Faces Of Northside

32

LOCAL EVENTS Alpharetta Convention & Vistors Bureau Christian City 2019 Drive & Dine Shamrockin’ for a Cure

2 11 49

HEALTH & BEAUTY Center for Advanced Dentistry Children Healthcare of Atlanta Home Helpers of Alpharetta Modern Obgyn Northside Hospital Forsyth Northside Hospital Internal Medicine Northside Hospital University Gynecologic Oncology Peace of Mind Transitions Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Roswell Dental Care The Mansion of Alpharetta Total Body

SHE's PUZZLED!

MARCH CROSSWORD SOLUTION

41 51 47 1, 40 3 29 25 8 45 42 5 43

HOME Exquisite Living Image Maids Tuscany Fine Furnishings

22, 23 33 20, 21

PHOTOGRAPHY Abby Breaux Photography

18

REAL ESTATE Crye-Leike Realtors

22

RESTAURANTS Coalition Food & Beverage Uncle Jacks Meat House

33 26

TRAVEL The Cruise & Vacation Authority

LOOK FOR COPIES

Publix, Kroger, Libraries, Medical Offices and more! www.northsidewoman.com/site/rack_locations

ADVERTISE

sales@appenmediagroup.com 50 | northsidewoman.com | march2019

52

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE COMEBACK SPORTS MEDICINE FOR GROWING ATHLETES 9 Sports Medicine Doctors and Surgeons 25+ Locations 35+ Sports Physical Therapists 50+ Certified Athletic Trainers 40+ High Schools and Club Sports Affiliations

Three locations in Alpharetta and Cumming

©2018 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. Sports Medicine Physical Therapy is a department of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital.

Nick Hassan, Femur Fracture

choa.org/sportsmed