Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
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Open to change?
Looft, Senior Source Medicare
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for your 2025 Medicare insurance is quickly approaching: October 15th, 2024 - December 7th, 2024.
Are you open to exploring new Medicare insurance plan options?
If you have Medicare insurance, I would like to encourage you to ask yourself what you like about your current coverage and what you would change to make it better.
Medicare Advantage Plans, often referred to as Medicare Plans, have many different features. Ask yourself if any of these features would make your plan experience better for next year:
• Lower copays on major services, like hospital and outpatient surgery
• Flexible dental benefits
• Part B Reduction (Getting money back through your SS Check)
• Flex” cards for over-the-counter drug and grocery allowance
• More assistance for chronic conditions
Because of Medicare compliance, I cannot go into any plan details until October 1st, but call us to schedule your no cost appointment for October.
Appointments book up early, so call today!
Since our last article in July, we’ve received a number of great questions! Here are just a couple:
Q: Do I have to do anything if I
am happy with my current Medicare insurance?
A: The only time you must plan change to your Medicare Advantage plan or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan is if they are stopping the plan at the end of the year, but it may be advantageous for you to plan change.
Please read all of your communications coming from your insurance company. You may have opted for email as your preferred method of communication from the insurance company, so check that email too!
Q: Why did my name brand prescription drug just go up in price?!
A: At this point in the year, if you take multiple brand name prescriptions, chances are you are in the Coverage Gap (“Donut Hole”). For this year, it means that your total drug cost between you and your insurance company has reached $5,030 on covered drugs. One solution to help ease the pain of the high cost is to try using a lower cost generic. If that is not an option for you, call us for other possible solutions to lower your drug costs.
Beginning in 2025, out-of-pocket prescription cost will be capped at $2,000 for those with Medicare prescription coverage.
For help making changes to your Medicare insurance for next year, give us a call today at (770) 913-6464 to schedule an appointment during the Annual Enrollment Period between October 15th, 2024 - December 7th, 2024.
Vegetables that go bump in the night
As a responsible parent, I try not to talk to my children about celery right before bedtime. I wouldn’t want to give them nightmares!
After all, celery is one of several plants that contain “psoralens,” a group of chemicals that can cause terrible sun burns and rashes when eaten or dropped on one’s skin.
The classic example of a rash from psoralens is the vacationer who makes himself a margarita and accidentally drips lime juice on his skin. All is well until he lies in the sun. Then, blisters develop everywhere the lime juice touched: most often in the pattern of a line down the forearm following where the lime juice dripped and ran.
But limes and celery aren’t the only culprits. Most citrus fruits, figs, fennel, carrots, and even parsnips contain psoralens. Yes, EVEN parsnips. And all this time you thought parsnips were innocent. Hah.
Most psoralens stay in one’s system for about three hours after ingestion, so someone who consumes large quantities of psoralens should avoid the sun for half a day or so.
An infamous report in a 1990 volume of Archives of Dermatology details the case of a German woman who fell victim to celery. She was a vegetarian who enjoyed tanning beds, and she did not realize that celery and tanning beds are a dangerous combination. One fateful day, she cooked a one-pound celery root and proceeded to eat the entire root and all the broth in which it had stewed. One hour later, she went to the tanning bed and received her usual 30-minute treatment. Nothing seemed amiss during the tanning bed session, but over the following 48 hours, she developed fever and then diffuse swelling and large blisters. She was hospitalized, treated with steroids, and the reaction took weeks to subside.
Investigators studied a comparable celery root and determined that there was approximately 1mg of psoralens in every 10g of celery root, meaning that she had ingested approximately 45mg of psoralens. This dose of psoralens would be expected to cause the observed blistering reaction in the presence of the amount of tanning bed light she received.
For the reader interested in toxicology, the LD50 (Median Lethal
Dose: the amount of something that would be lethal in half of the people who took it) of psoralens in the absence of light is approximately 1700mg/kg in mice. This means that if a mouse receives a dose of 1700mg of psoralens for each kg of body weight, then the mouse has a fifty percent chance of surviving. If we assume the same LD50 in humans and assume a 70kg weight for the average person, then this would mean that a human would have to eat 2,600 pounds of celery in one sitting to have a 50% chance of dying from the psoralens. Of course, this is impossible. No one can eat this much celery in one sitting (do not take this as a challenge)! But, in the presence of ultraviolet light on one’s skin, just one pound of celery was enough to nearly lead to the German woman’s death. It’s a remarkable example of a toxicity that is environment-dependent to the extreme. Celery is approximately 2600 times more lethal in the presence of ultraviolet light than in its absence.
Psoralens hurt us in the presence of light because psoralens can fit inside our DNA and cause chemical reactions that depend on light to be initiated. Mutations and even breaks in DNA can occur. Even if the cell survives, the mutations can ultimately lead to cancer. Still, the small doses of psoralens the average person ingests from a normal diet allow us to usually disregard our diet when going in the sun. Large quantities of psoralens-containing fruits and vegetables are the exception.
Interestingly, we do have a clue as to why plants make psoralens to begin with. The fact that they can be toxic to animals that ingest them means that they may exist to discourage animals from eating these plants. However, a more intriguing finding is that celery stalks will increase their production of psoralens by up to ten times the normal amount when infected with certain molds. Psoralens may be a defense against mold, and we humans may be the innocent bystanders. Eating celery that was infected with this mold prior to harvesting could theoretically increase the psoralen concentration by ten times the amount, and this would mean that the German patient might have only had to eat a couple ounces of infected celery to suffer the same consequences in the tanning bed.
So, remember: Be careful with lime juice at the beach. Be cautious about celery ingestion prior to light exposure. And never, ever trust a parsnip!
Insist
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Comprehensive Internal Medicine
Serving as the Medical Home for Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, & Johns Creek, for over 20 years
Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine
What is a medical home?
A medical home is an approach to providing comprehensive and high-quality primary care, in a coordinated fashion with specialists and consultants.
A medical home is patientcentered with many aspects that contribute to improved healthcare outcomes
• Accessibility: Care is easy for the patient to obtain, including geographic access and insurance accommodation.
• Family-centered: The patient and family are recognized and acknowledged, ensuring that all medical decisions are made in true partnership.
• Continuous: The same primary care clinician cares for patient, aiding and support through young adulthood through elder years.
• Comprehensive: Preventive, primary and specialty care are provided.
• Coordinated: A care plan is created in partnership with the patient and communicated with all health care clinicians.
• Compassionate: Genuine concern for the well-being of the patient is emphasized and addressed.
At Comprehensive Internal Medicine, we involve many team members at various levels to coordinate and provide patient care. Our doctors lead all clinical decision-making in a team approach,
collaborating with the patient to tailor care in an individualized manner.
Understanding the intricacies of our patient’s care brings a deeper knowledge of the long-term care plan. Our team of administrative professionals strives to answer each call quickly, avoiding voice mail or a phone tree.
Our scheduling department quickly accommodates each patient’s scheduling needs.
We save appointment times for same-day appointments and are
always welcoming new patients.
Whereas it may be convenient to see Urgent Care, we believe seeing your regular doctor brings your healthcare to a higher level, being seen quickly when needs arise prevents worsening medical symptoms.
Call today to establish with one of our many doctors. We have physicians who focus on young adult care, and others who have special training in the care of geriatric patients.
Alpharetta: (678) 205-9004 3180 North Point Pkwy | Suite 303 | Alpharetta, GA - 30005
Providing Medical Care Including the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases
Comprehensive Internal Medicine has been serving the Alpharetta community for 20 years, celebrating this milestone anniversary in 2023.
The medical practice offers a very comfortable environment and serves a medical home where patients are seen for their wellness examinations (checkups) and for the management of multiple medical problems. Same-day appointments are always available.
We welcome new patients, take most insurance plans and discounts for self-pay patients.
Dr. Obiora has a special interest in managing medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He also specializes in diabetes prevention and weight loss.
In addition, he brings expertise in allergy treatment and managing allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma, and can schedule allergy testing to determine the best way to treat allergy symptoms.
Dr. Nandi has practiced medicine in north Atlanta for over a decade and brings expertise to her patient base in the areas of elder care, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. She builds long term relationships with her patients and coordinates care with consulting physicians. She is fluent in Hindi and Bengali.
• High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Women’s Health
Thyroid Disease • Obesity/Weight Loss • Arthritis • High Cholesterol • Seasonal Allergies
• Asthma • Heart Disease
• Acute Illnesses such as: sore throat, flu, cough, common cold, etc.
Dr. Pervaiz has built her medical practice at Comprehensive Internal Medicine over many years and looks to build long term care relationships with her patients. She has special interest in sports physicals for teen patients and the care of preventative medicine for adults. She is fluent in Hindi.
and their family
Jeffrey Obiora, M.D.
Sudeshna Nandi M.D.
Sumera Pervaiz, M.D.
Dr. Fatemi has been a vital part of Comprehensive Internal Medicine for 15 years, caring for her patients
members for over a decade. She has special interest in cardiovascular risk reduction, diabetes and high blood pressure. She is fluent in Farsi.
Arezou Fatemi, M.D.
Anju Bhushan, M.D. • Alexis Buelow , MSN,APRN,FNP-C.
Laurae Carpenetti, M.D.
Ryan Bozof, M.D.
Petula Gunn, APRN
Carol Hector, M.D.
Raphael Lopez, M.D.
Shima Mansouri, P.A.-C • Jacqueline T. Pearson, M.D., M.S.
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought
to you by
- Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing Skin Conditions and Rejuvenation Procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions,
dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX®
Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and over -
all well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting longterm skin health and vitality.
A Long-Term Care Report reduces fear and anxiety
Michelle, I have not felt this relieved in years. Wilson Legal really is where planning meets peace of mind. Many people have no idea how their health, finances, family support (or lack thereof), insurances and state or federal benefits will fit together to effectively and efficiently provide for their care as they age until they are IN it. When older folks have a fall and face rehab after surgery, children are scrambling to figure out what the best next move will be for them and how they will afford care and how long finances will last. Parents (especially the mothers) spend years worrying about what will happen and often are too afraid to hear the answer or talk to their spouse about it – not wanting to suggest that they hire a lawyer. For people between the ages of 55 and 70, this report can help reduce fear and anxiety and restore peace of mind.
What if an investment of time and a bit of savings could save a person
years of worry? A person could smile more, spend more time making great memories with those they love and feel an inner calm understanding that they don’t have to fear what will happen because they invested in a long-term care report from an eldercare attorney. The attorney showed them how their family could support them, the state or federal programs available to them, the costs to expect and how they could pay for those services and the experts they would need on their team to help navigate the process. While some of the facts may be difficult to hear, it’s nice to know what to expect. It’s nice because a person feels empowered to choose what they will do. Imagine living – knowing that you have a plan and a team in place and you’ll land on your feet even if life pulls the rug out from under you. What a wonderful place to be. I’d love to invite you to join a growing group of people who have made the same choice for themselves. Call Wilson Legal at 770-205-7861 and schedule a discovery call to see if you
6 perks of becoming empty nesters
With summer coming to an end, this can be an emotional time for parents of college bound children. Instead of worrying about what life will be like without children at home, I encourage couples to view this time to rekindle their marriage. Though it’s normal to feel bittersweet, here are some benefits of being an empty nester.
1. Date Nights. No more kidfriendly environment needed. You and your spouse can go to any restaurant, venue, or event and not have to worry about if it’s appropriate for the kids, will they like the food, or will they have fun. You and your spouse only need to worry about each other.
2. Travel. Now you and your spouse can take the vacation you have been waiting for without working around the kid’s school schedule. The possibilities are endless.
3. Volunteer “Now, what am I going to do with all my spare time?” Find an organization, community or corporation
you’re passionate about and give back. Spend a day at church or at a homeless shelter. Help stock the local food pantry. Giving back is rewarding for both you, your spouse, and the community you are helping.
4. Reconnect with Spouse. No more excuses. Take this time to focus on your spouse and rekindle your relationship. Start flirting again, making time for one another and planning things together. Go on a spontaneous walk through your neighborhood. Go out to dinner or see a movie.
5. Establish New Hobbies. No more having to drive the kids around, attend sport events, and revolve your schedule around theirs. It is all about you and your spouse again. Take a cooking class or a yoga class together. Establish what things you both like to do together and on your own.
6. Regain Independence. No more excuses about not having time for yourself or your spouse. Start taking care of yourself, doing things for yourself and focusing on what you want in life.
Brought to you by – Summit Counseling Center
Brought to you by – Wilson Legal
Open to change?
Brought to you by – Jay
Looft, Senior Source Medicare
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for your 2025 Medicare insurance is quickly approaching: October 15th, 2024 - December 7th, 2024.
Are you open to exploring new Medicare insurance plan options?
If you have Medicare insurance, I would like to encourage you to ask yourself what you like about your current coverage and what you would change to make it better.
Medicare Advantage Plans, often referred to as Medicare Plans, have many different features. Ask yourself if any of these features would make your plan experience better for next year:
• Lower copays on major services, like hospital and outpatient surgery
• Flexible dental benefits
• Part B Reduction (Getting money back through your SS Check)
• Flex” cards for over-the-counter drug and grocery allowance
• More assistance for chronic conditions
Because of Medicare compliance, I cannot go into any plan details until October 1st, but call us to schedule your no cost appointment for October.
Appointments book up early, so call today!
Since our last article in July, we’ve received a number of great questions! Here are just a couple:
Q: Do I have to do anything if I
am happy with my current Medicare insurance?
A: The only time you must plan change to your Medicare Advantage plan or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan is if they are stopping the plan at the end of the year, but it may be advantageous for you to plan change.
Please read all of your communications coming from your insurance company. You may have opted for email as your preferred method of communication from the insurance company, so check that email too!
Q: Why did my name brand prescription drug just go up in price?!
A: At this point in the year, if you take multiple brand name prescriptions, chances are you are in the Coverage Gap (“Donut Hole”). For this year, it means that your total drug cost between you and your insurance company has reached $5,030 on covered drugs. One solution to help ease the pain of the high cost is to try using a lower cost generic. If that is not an option for you, call us for other possible solutions to lower your drug costs.
Beginning in 2025, out-of-pocket prescription cost will be capped at $2,000 for those with Medicare prescription coverage.
For help making changes to your Medicare insurance for next year, give us a call today at (770) 315-8145 to schedule an appointment during the Annual Enrollment Period between October 15th, 2024 - December 7th, 2024.
Your Local Broker
Paige Gorman Agent
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
While covering Milton election operations, Appen Media analyzed historical voter data and identified possible disenfranchisement.
This reporting caused a statewide watchdog to get involved and, eventually, the city moved to add a polling place to the area. Later in the year, Appen discovered that the feasibility report the City Council used when voting to run their own elections was not the original document. Two residents on a working committee had altered it after city staff had completed it and before its presentation to council. Appen Media reporters identified all of the differences between the two documents and then created an interactive digital document. Readers and officials were able to scroll through the materials and read notes from the newsroom explaining the differences. You can find this document at appenmedia.com/electionsreport.
