Empty Nest - December 2022

December Special Section

Unhitch the itch!

A revolution has been taking place in dermatology in recent years.

Previously incurable diseases are being cured.

Previously uncontrollable diseases are being controlled.

Previously itchy conditions are now being…de-itched. Un-itched? Unhitched? Scratched?

No, definitely not scratched. You should cure a disease, but you should not scratch an itch. It feels so gratifying in the moment but scratching just leads to more itching later and usually to more suffering, scratching, itching and before you know it, your skin either has chronically itchy spots, bumps, nodules, thickened areas or worse: areas that are now painful and itchy.

You see, fixing itching is so new that there isn’t even a good word for it yet. But de-itchifying the itchy is exactly what some of the newest, latest and greatest medications are doing.

One of the most recent examples of this exciting forward march of medical progress is the use of Dupixent to treat eczema and prurigo nodularis.

Dupixent is a medicine that works by blocking a pathway in our body that involves interleukin 4 (IL-4) and immunoglobulin E. These proteins are involved in conditions that itch such as eczema and many allergic reactions. By blocking the IL-4 pathway, Dupixent stops these proteins from activating cells such as eosinophils that are responsible for inflammation and itching in many cases. Many dermatologists were not surprised that a medication like Dupixent would help eczema. But the exciting news is that Dupixent appears to be effective in many other itchy conditions. It recently gained approval for treating “prurigo nodularis” – a condition characterized by itchy bumps or nodules that previously would often persist for years with little hope of resolving.

Even more remarkable, a clinical trial is underway because Dupixent has shown potential for causing keloids to improve. Keloids are scars that grow with time and often are larger than the size of the wound that caused the scar. Keloids are often itchy and painful.

A new treatment for prurigo nodularis and possibly keloids may not seem like a medical breakthrough, but there is such a deficit of other effective treatments for these conditions that this is actually very exciting news.

What’s the catch? Don’t we need IL-4 and immunoglobulin E? Is it safe to block them from working? Don’t most pathways in our body exist for a reason? These are reasonable questions to ask before going on a new medication – especially one that someone might be on for years.

The fascinating background to why modern Americans suffer from many skin diseases is that our ancestors likely developed weaponized immune responses against parasites that used to be a problem and are now rarely encountered in the United States. Many medications that treat psoriasis block a protein called TNF-alpha that is important in fighting off tuberculosis. Medications such as Dupixent that block IL-4 likely impair our ability to fight off certain types of parasitic worms such as hookworm. Remember from above that IL-4 activates eosinophils. Well, eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting off “helminth” or parasitic worm infections. Likewise, many believe that keloid scars developed as an ability to wall off parasites with scar tissue.

The package insert for Dupixent mentions that this medicine may interfere with our body’s ability to fight off these parasitic worms. If you regularly come in contact with parasitic worms, Dupixent might not be right for you!

If you avoid parasitic worms and suffer from atopic dermatitis or prurigo nodules and are interested in learning about treatment options including Dupixent, contact Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta.

Brought to you by - Brent Taylor, MD, Premiere Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

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Five signs your parents might need assisted living

When a child is growing up, it is parents who must care for them and ensure their well-being is protected. However, when parents become elderly, the relationship is reversed. Aging is inevitable and it is important to be prepared.

The Need for Senior Living

If you are the child of parents who are deep into their senior years, it is incumbent on you to know the signs your aging parents can no longer live on their own. At some point, it may become necessary for your parents to move into assisted living.

Unfortunately, aging individuals are not always able to recognize when they are in need of help. Some may resist facing up to reality. Losing independence, after all, is extremely difficult for anyone. This means that it is important to remain aware of indicators that your parents may need assisted living. Here are five major signs of mental and physical decline you must watch out for.

Loss of Mobility: Loss of mobility means a loss of independence. It’s a sad reality that an older adult who cannot move around as they once did is probably no longer fully capable of caring for themselves.

Isolation: As an older person becomes less physically capable, it may become steadily harder for them to maintain social connections. Isolation is often the result.

Not Remembering to Take Medications: This, of course, is a very serious sign that your aging mother or father can no longer be relied on to care for themselves. Failing to take vital medications can have dire consequences. If this happens more than once or twice, it’s almost certainly time for assisted living.

Neglecting Hygiene: As an older adult ages, they may become less and less capable of even completing such basic tasks as bathing, shaving, and other elements of hygiene. This is a strong sign they should no longer be living on their own.

Weight Change: Both weight loss and weight gain can be caused by aging. Weight loss or gain can contribute to mental and physical decline as well.

Even if your parents are still in good mental and physical shape, it still makes

Brought to you by - Inspired Living at Alpharetta

Misconceptions about Active Adult 55+ Living

Assumption: Active Adult and Independent Living are the same thing

Reality: FALSE! Active adult communities serve as choice-based option for individuals 55 and better who may not be ready for the needsbased services and amenities of a traditional senior living community.

Assumption: Active Adult site staff are medically certified

Reality: FALSE! Our staff does not provide any medical care or interventions. This allows our residents to maintain their long-time health care providers and medical independence.

Assumption: I have to be retired in order to move into an Active Adult community

Reality: FALSE! Just like living in a multi-family community, we encourage our residents to continue to engage in their career and social interests as they did prior to moving in!

The Active Adult environment caters to older adults who typically have lower health needs and prefer an active,

community-based lifestyle where they can engage with their neighbors of similar age. This may allow for a stronger sense of community and an easier adjustment to apartment living. Here at Outlook Gwinnett, we seek to provide luxurious, worry-free living long before you are ready to relinquish your independence. Look forward to spending hot summer days lounging by our meticulously cared for outdoor pool! Or connect with your neighbors and plan your evening get-togethers around our stocked wine nook and sports lounge. Add in our community calendar, packed with a never-ending variety of SUN program activities, the possibilities are limitless here at Outlook Gwinnett!

Stop by our leasing office today to find out how to reserve a spot in this unique community today.

1500 Laurel Crossing Parkway Buford, GA 30519

(678) 890-5371

outlookgwinnett.com

Brought to you by - Outlook Gwinnett

NOW OPEN!

» Spacious and open, one- and two-bedroom floor plans

» Pet friendly

» Washer and dryer in every unit

» Masterfully-appointed kitchen with luxury finishes

» Walk-in closets

» Balcony or patio in all units The nationally-recognized SUN® Program focuses on seven core lifestyle concepts,

access to a robust selection of classes, clinics, events, outings and learning opportunities designed to keep you feeling young, healthy, and socially engaged. The result – a vibrant, connected community that allows you to enjoy an unparalleled senior living experience tailored perfectly to their individual wants and needs.

sense to start looking at assisted living options. Getting ready early for an important change always makes sense. When the time does come for your parents to move to assisted living, you want to be prepared so that the move can be taken care of as smoothly as possible.

Recently voted one of Atlanta Top 10 Senior Living Communities, Inspired Living at Alpharetta is a A-Class assisted living and memory care community located off Morris Road. As tenured experts in senior living, we are a wealth of information and welcome the opportunity to educate, inform and help you prepare. To speak with a Senior Lifestyle Advisor please call 407-509-5995 or please come by and tour the community in person at 11450 Morris Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

And a Mindful New Year

Written by Bailey Little, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center

We all have different pictures that come to mind when we hear the word “mindfulness.” Some of us may think of sitting cross-legged deep in meditation, while others of us may think of sitting outside near a flowing stream. Some of us may have little or no experience with mindfulness at all. Let’s break down exactly what mindfulness is and look at some ways to incorporate this useful practice into the stressful and exciting first days of 2023.

Mindfulness can be defined as “paying attention on purpose.” In our busy, hectic lives, we often find ourselves going through the motions, moving from one thing to the next without truly being present. Mindfulness is a way of practicing being present in each moment by taking back control of our attention from the multitude of distractions in our daily lives. This mindset shift takes practice and may feel frustrating or boring at first, but mindfulness has been proven to have many benefits to our physical and mental health.

If being more present in everyday moments with friends and family isn’t benefit enough, check out these other benefits of mindfulness:

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Improves focus

• Reduces symptoms of depression

• Improves sleep and energy levels

• Increases overall well-being Maybe you’re not the type to

sit for extended periods of time in meditation (if you want to give it a try, I recommend starting with a guided meditation mobile app like “Stop, Breathe, Think” or “Calm”). Luckily, there are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, including some that you may be already doing! Here are a few simple ways to practice mindfulness during this busy season:

• Complete a puzzle. Here’s the key to making it mindful: turn off the background music or tv show and give the puzzle your full attention.

• Go for a walk, alone or with a friend, and point out things you see along the way.

• Listen to music and reflect on the meaning of the lyrics or the emotions it evokes.

• Sit outside with your eyes closed for 2 minutes and identify as many sounds as you can.

• And finally, single-tasking. Yes, we live in a world that praises and seems to require multi-tasking, but slowing things down and giving all your attention to one thing at a time is a great, effortless way to incorporate mindfulness in all your daily activities!

This is a great time of year to practice slowing down, being present, and paying attention on purpose. Therapists at The Summit Counseling Center incorporate many tools, such as mindfulness, in their practice to help those in need. To learn more about our services and find a therapist, visit our website at summitcounseling.org. Here’s to a mindful 2023!

Getting Ready For The New Year!

or contacting us for help. We can easily get a new ID card ordered for you.

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period behind us, you have already chosen to either stay on your current plan and allow it to auto-renew, or you are about to embark on a new chosen plan. Either way, we want to offer up a few recommendations before the 2023 plan year arrives!

Get a New Insurance ID Card:

Every November or early December, you should receive a new plan ID card. It is important that you have the most up-to-date ID card for the upcoming year. Why, you ask?

Doctor copay dollar amounts (Primary Care and Specialist) are listed on your Insurance ID card, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. For many 2023 Medicare Advantage plans, these flat-dollar copays have lowered. I’ve seen too often where Medicare Advantage clients hold onto their previous year’s ID cards and end up paying too much when showing older ID cards to the front desk at a doctor’s office.

Save more money by having the most up-to-date ID card!

If you need help getting a new ID card for your plan, I recommend either calling your insurance carrier

Don’t Be Surprised With Deductibles:

Every January, I receive at least a few phone calls asking, “Why are my brand-name prescription drugs so expensive?!”

Whether you are on a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, many insurance companies will require you to pay up to the first $505 (for 2023) of your brand-name drug cost. This is your annual deductible on prescriptions.

Remember, this is usually only for higher-cost prescription drugs (brandname medicines) and is a one-time per year dollar amount. It accounts for all your brand-name medicines and is not a per-prescription deductible.

The information above gives you a few things to think about, but you may have questions when your Medicare plan starts fresh in 2023. We are here to help!

SeniorSource Medicare Solutions is an independent insurance agency representing most insurance carriers for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and StandAlone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Call us at (770) 3158145 or visit our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

Paige Gorman Agent

Brought to you by - Jay Looft, Medicare Insurance Broker, SeniorSource Medicare Solutions

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Getting Ready For The New Year!

your insurance carrier or contacting us for help. We can easily get a new ID card ordered for you.

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period behind us, you have already chosen to either stay on your current plan and allow it to auto-renew, or you are about to embark on a new chosen plan. Either way, we want to offer up a few recommendations before the 2023 plan year arrives!

Get a New Insurance ID Card:

Every November or early December, you should receive a new plan ID card. It is important that you have the most up-to-date ID card for the upcoming year. Why, you ask?

Doctor copay dollar amounts (Primary Care and Specialist) are listed on your Insurance ID card, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. For many 2023 Medicare Advantage plans, these flat-dollar copays have lowered. I’ve seen too often where Medicare Advantage clients hold onto their previous year’s ID cards and end up paying too much when showing older ID cards to the front desk at a doctor’s office. Save more money by having the most up-to-date ID card!

If you need help getting a new ID card for your plan, I recommend either calling

Don’t Be Surprised With Deductibles:

Every January, I receive at least a few phone calls asking, “Why are my brandname prescription drugs so expensive?!”

Whether you are on a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, many insurance companies will require you to pay up to the first $505 (for 2023) of your brandname drug cost. This is your annual deductible on prescriptions.

Remember, this is usually only for higher-cost prescription drugs (brandname medicines) and is a one-time per year dollar amount. It accounts for all your brand-name medicines and is not a per-prescription deductible.

The information above gives you a few things to think about, but you may have questions when your Medicare plan starts fresh in 2023. We are here to help!

SeniorSource Medicare Solutions is an independent insurance agency representing most insurance carriers for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Stand-Alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Call us at (770) 913-6464 or visit our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

Brought to you by - Jay Looft, Medicare Insurance Broker, SeniorSource Medicare Solutions