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February Special Section
2 | February 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Empty Nest• Sponsored Section
Longleaf Communities Brought to you by Kathy Rice Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Final opportunites available at Longleaf Communities Woodstock. Longleaf is a luxury homebuilder for active 55+ adults in metro Atlanta. Their spectacular, English Cottage style homes are designed to Rice meet the lifestyle needs and wishes of active seniors while providing low maintenance living. Longleaf Woodstock provides things other Active Adult communities provide: proximity to area attractions and life necessities, low maintenance and ease of living, a lock and go lifestyle and neighborhood amenities. With a Longleaf home, you can have all that plus, the distinguished architecture, attention to detail and superb craftsmanship you’re accustomed to. Our elegant homes feature airy floor
plans with lofty 10-foot ceilings and solid 8-foot doors outfitted with generous millwork throughout. Choose from a variety of custom cabinetry for your designer kitchen and select your preferred finishes for your designer bath. All of our homes feature two main floor bedrooms,
each with a full bath and laundry on the main. The upstairs includes a finished loft, additional full bath and the option to add another bedroom for more livable space to welcome guests. Longleaf Woodstock in Cherokee County has a Clubhouse and Pool, bocce
court, community gardens and a dog park) Our thoughtful floor plans and Longleaf’s reputation for superior craftsmanship, are what make Longleaf the luxury builder of active adult communities. www.longleafsouth.com (678) 697-4984
Timeless Design. Superior Quality. Carefree Community Living. A LUXURY 55+ COMMUNITY IN WOODSTOCK
Call today for a private tour.
d. 678.697.4984 o. 770.442.7300
Marketing and Sales by Atlanta FIne Homes Sotheby’s International Realty - 770.442.7300. © All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to change without notice.
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Why most people really should get the shingles vaccine By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta The varicella zoster virus (Chickenpox virus) is insidious. It infects us when we are young then often lies in wait for decades. You can’t Dr. Taylor feel it. You can’t see it. But it’s there, waiting to strike again – as a rash called shingles. The virus’s opportunity to cause shingles often comes when our bodies have been worn down by another illness, an immunosuppressive medication such as prednisone or a stressful life event. The virus starts to replicate; it emerges from its home in cell bodies called dorsal root ganglia near your spine or skull and travels down the nerves to a patch of skin where the virus erupts in a blistering, painful rash. For many years, shingles was thought to be a mild condition – a painful rash that came, lasted a few weeks, then was gone. With time, shingles was recognized to carry the risk of serious long-term complications. For example, the virus that causes shingles can cause strokes or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain that can cause brain damage). If the virus reactivates in the facial nerve, shingles can cause paralysis of one side of the face and hearing damage. If the virus reactivates in a nerve that goes both to the nose and to the eye, then blindness can result (known as herpes ophthalmicus). So Red Alert: shingles on the face can be a vision or hearing emergency. However, the much more common complication of shingles is “post-herpetic neuralgia,” which means nerve pain after herpes infection (VZV, the virus that causes shingles, is a member of the herpes family of viruses). Post-herpetic neuralgia is nothing to dismiss lightly. It is a neurologic syndrome of pain, tingling, itching or other discomfort that occurs often for months to years after the rash of shingles has gone away. The pain can at times be debilitating. There
is no cure. One only hopes it improves with time. Medications like gabapentin can help treat the symptoms, but such medications carry their own side-effects and problems. The CDC recommends that most individuals fifty years or older receive two shots of the Shingrix vaccine two to six months apart. Because protection from shingles is strongest only for the first five years after vaccination and most cases of shingles occur in those sixty and older, some physicians advocate getting vaccinated at age sixty or older instead of fifty. Dermatologists usually do not carry or administer the vaccine, so the exact age to be vaccinated should be discussed with your internist or family doctor as should any questions about whether re-vaccination is advisable after a number of years. Why all the fuss? Is shingles really a common enough problem to worry about? Currently, about half of people living to age eighty five will develop shingles at some point in their lives, and post-herpetic neuralgia occurs in at least ten percent of cases of shingles. Shingles is not fun. Its Norwegian name is “helvetesild” which means “hell’s fire.” Many Norwegians are descendants of the Vikings, known to be a tough and stoic lot and if they call something “hell’s fire,” then it is worth avoiding! Evidence is mixed, but treatment with valacylovir and other medications within 72 hours of the onset of shingles decreases pain and may decrease the chance of developing post-herpetic neuralgia. If you are ever worried you may have shingles, be sure to seek healthcare immediately and avoid and warn individuals who are pregnant, immunocompromised or who otherwise might be harmed by catching shingles, as the virus is contagious. Dr. Brent Taylor is a board-certified dermatologist, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Surgical, medical and aesthetic services are available. If you or a loved one has a skin or vein care need, please consider making an appointment today.
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Growing old together — From spouse to caregiver and back Belmont Village offers support for couples with varying needs It’s not uncommon for couples who have spent most of their lives together to face the threat of separation in later years because of varying health needs. Differences in health and cognitive abilities can have a significant impact on the relationship dynamic, as one partner steps into the caregiving role. This often creates stress for both that can make time together difficult and time apart worrisome. Belmont Village provides couples the opportunity to age successfully together by providing a supportive environment and enriching programs for a variety of care levels. The company is a recognized leader in interpreting Universityled research into therapeutic programs, offering a whole brain fitness lifestyle that engages people at all activity and cognitive levels. Belmont’s tiered approach allows both partners to interact with their peers socially and maintain their own mental and physical fitness in ways that are appropriate to each partner’s needs.
“One of the hidden benefits we’ve seen with our couples, is that because we have a nurse and a trained caregiving staff on-site 24/7, we’re able to give them back their personal space in a way that alleviates guilt, fear, and very real physical and emotional strain, allowing them to better enjoy their time together,” said Jan Boatright, executive director of Belmont Village Johns Creek. Nestled in the Suwanee area, the vibrant community offers independent living cottages, assisted living and award-winning memory care programs. Residents and families enjoy the peace of mind of additional support services including a professionally managed fitness program with therapy services and a licensed nurse on-site 24/7. For more information or to schedule a private tour, call 770-813-9505 or visit belmontvillage.com/johnscreek.
BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS
JOHNS CREEK
Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. And it works. Residents engage in small groups and enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function, build self-esteem and increase confidence in social settings.
Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM Call 770-813-9505 to schedule a personal tour today. Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7 Diabetes Center of Excellence Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care Dedicated Alzheimer's Care Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff ©2020 Belmont Village, L.P. | PCH 8034
2019 2020
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Village Park Milton: Redefining memory care Village Park’s newest neighborhood, Village Park Milton, is opening its doors spring of this year. The equestrian-inspired property’s unique mix of residential offerings, charming modern farmhouse design, and location across from Wills Park are some of the many features of Village Park Milton; however, there is one aspect of the community that truly sets it apart from other senior living options. Village Park Milton’s light and bright memory care is setting a new standard for communities designed for dementia and Alzheimer’s care. The overall design has been intelligently crafted to give residents and their families the comforting feeling of home. Village Park’s Regional Director of Sales, Lisa Swafford, has worked in the senior living industry for 21 years. She explains how Milton’s memory care differentiates itself from others. “Often times memory care looks like more of a clinical setting, contrary to the appearance of the rest of the building,” Swafford said. “Our memory care is an extension of our community rather than a separate unit.” Milton’s memory care provides a cozier environment without diminishing the common spaces or dining experienc-
es. The floor-to-ceiling windows create a light and airy feel while safe electric fireplaces, exposed brick, and natural stone counters generate warmth. Memory care residents will also have access to enclosed gardens featuring a vertical garden or “live wall”. All elements weave into each other to allow memory care residents to feel at home. In addition to the community’s stunning design, Village Park offers wellequipped caregivers and high staffing ra-
tios for more personalized care. Utilizing frequent training and innovative technology, Village Park’s staff can easily adapt to residents’ changing needs. Regional Executive Director, Danielle Anderson, explains the importance of considering a smaller memory care for your loved one. “Bringing people to Village Park helps them understand that we’re not as big as some other memory care neighborhoods and the reasoning behind that.”
The 20-person occupancy allows for more control and an opportunity to create close relationships between residents and caretakers. Families have the ability to get to know the people who are taking care of their loved ones and help the caregivers better understand who their parent is and was. For residents with early stages of memory loss seeking a higher level of engagement, Village Park offers daily enrichment programming. The specially designed program is open to residents and non-residents to help ease the transition from assisted living to memory care. Specially trained staff members lead therapeutic and holistic activities throughout the day that are tailored to the program participants’ interests. Activities are also held both in and outside of memory care. Caregivers guide members on walks, play games in the club room, and enjoy lunch in the community’s multiple dining venues. This program gives spouses and families peace of mind knowing their loved one is cared for in a safe but vibrant community. To learn more about Village Park Milton’s community and care services, call (470) 509-4557 or visit out our Leasing Center at 555 Wills Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
Bungalows Cottages Independent Assisted Memory Care Village Park Milton 555 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 470.509.4557
WINNER 2019
Best Of North Atlanta Presented By
Village Park Alpharetta 12300 Morris Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 678.740.3499
villageparkseniorliving.com
6 | February 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Soleil Laurel Canyon named Best 50 Master-Planned Communities Tucked away in the North Georgia foothills of Canton and just a short drive from exciting Atlanta, Soleil Laurel Canyon is more than a beautiful community of maintenance-free, ranch-style homes and breathtaking views. It’s the lifestyle you’ve worked your whole life to enjoy. If you are 55+, we invite you to come experience Soleil’s incomparable array of recreation, culture, and entertainment for yourself. You’ll have no doubt why it was named among the Best 50 Master-Planned Communities in the U.S. by Where to Retire Magazine in 2015. “Clubhouses, fitness centers, social clubs and education classes mean residents get much more than a house at a planned community,” said Karen Northridge, publisher of “Where to Retire.” One of the great pleasures of living at Soleil is that a low-maintenance home gives you the free time to take advantage of all that the community offers or take a trip without concern. The landscaped grounds of Soleil Laurel Canyon are always impeccably maintained, while your HOA dues cover complete lawn maintenance and an irrigation system, in-home security monitoring and maintenance, and even Comcast cable TV. Soleil Laurel Canyon offers a selection of Cottage, Traditional and Craftsman-style single-family homes from the mid $200,000s to $400,000s for adults 55+. Residents live independently in homes that range from 1,500 square feet to almost 3,000 square feet. All of Soleil’s new floor plans include elegant details and are designed for aging-in-place with stepless-entry access and wide doorways. These homes are energy efficient with HERS ratings above standard. Soleil residents have membership in a
28,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with an arts and crafts room, billiards room, fitness center, gourmet teaching kitchen, indoor heated saline lap pool, and library. Outside the clubhouse, residents have a heated Lagoon-style pool, a community garden and greenhouse, a 3.5-acre fishing lake and the tennis facility with a full-time USPTA-certified teaching professional. The Fairways of Canton golf course is located just
outside Soleil’s gate within Laurel Canyon, and offers challenging golf for a reasonable, daily-fee price. Two Lifestyle Directors maintain a full social calendar of events including wine socials, movie nights, trips to nearby attractions, and Grandkids day. Call Today for Your Personal Tour 678.710.9023 102 High Mountain Trace, Canton, Georgia 30114
GET OFF THE SIDELINES AND START LIVING! Last Chance to Choose Certain Finishes on Select Homes UP TO $10,000 OFF SELECT HOMES *
Just north of Atlanta, only minutes from shopping, dining, hospitals, culture and Blue Ridge is our award-winning 55+ resort- style community, Soleil Laurel Canyon.
FINAL HOMES NOW SELLING Move in Ready from the mid $300s
Amenity-Rich Resort Living for Active Adults
Find Your New Home at : SoleilLaurelCanyon.com Call Today for Your Personal Tour : 678.710.9258 105 High Mountain Trace : Canton, Georgia 30114
©2020 Lifestyles at Laurel Canyon, LLC. Special offers, prices, home designs and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability, prior sale and withdrawal at any time without notice. Not an offering to CT, NJ or NY residents. Void where prohibited. * See agent for details
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8 | February 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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The most advanced form of pain relief available Deep Tissue Laser Therapy Class IV Laser Therapy is the most advanced pain relief technology available to the public and it’s now available right here in Johns Creek. Laser therapy uses a process called photo-bio-modulation to enhance your body’s ability to heal itself. Laser Therapy works by flooding the tissues with photons, energizing the damaged cells and increasing circulation to the painful area. Treatments are fast, painless and don’t require any down time but the therapeutic effect continues to soothe and heal long after you leave the office. Laser Therapy is FDA cleared to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis, and muscle spasms and are a great alternative to medications and injections. Laser Therapy can treat a host of conditions including rotator cuff injuries, post operative pain and soreness (for any surgery), frozen shoulder, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, neck pain, muscle strains, low back pain, migraines, and can even be used to relieve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Johns Creek Physical Therapy, recently voted as the Best Physical Therapy Practice in North Atlanta, is the only medical practice in the area to offer Laser Therapy technology. “I am constantly amazed at what it does for our patients,” says Marc Stewart, PT, owner at Johns Creek Physical Therapy. If you are experiencing any type of pain, Call 770-622-5344 to schedule your Free Consultation. Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344
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College bound kids need healthcare advance directives and financial powers of attorney By Michelle Wilson Wilson Legal, PC You may not realize this, but your collegebound kid is turning 18. You are super excited about getting them ready for college including finding all WILSON the things they will need for their dorm room or their apartment. Dad is making sure their care has new tires and the oil has been changed. Before you know it, your son or daughter is off to college and waving goodbye. Now they are at school and hanging out with their friends on weekends. One night they have too much to drink and are hospitalized. “Don’t tell my dad!”, they say. “He’ll kill me!” And what does the hospital do? They do not call you. You will not know that your child was hospitalized – at least, not from the doctors and hospital staff. Why not? Because after your
Workshops • Probate Court Basics, March 20, 2020, 3 p.m. • Basics of Wills/Trusts/Healthcare Directives/ Financial Powers of Attorney, April 17, 2020, 3 p.m. • VA/Medicaid Basics, May 15, 2020, 3 p.m.
child turns 18, they are an adult and they can choose who has access to their medical information. Scary? Yes, it is. That’s why we are reaching out to our community this year to raise awareness that our college-bound kids need basic healthcare and financial documents to protect them while they are at school. If you have a college-bound kid or you have a church or community group who would be interested in more information about this topic, please call us at: 770-205-7861.
Promotional Products
Weekly SPECIAL PRICING & Free Design & Layout Your source for personalized specialty products that showcase your logo and contact info at prices you can’t beat. Visit our website at AppenSigns.com and click on “Promotional Items” at the top. Manufacturer pricing incentives occur almost every week and not all are on the site so call us at 770-722-9023 to see if there are new prices on something you may want or email us for a quote at Sales@AppenSigns.com.
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www.AppenSigns.com Call for Special Pricing Quotes! 770.722.9023 (Paul’s cell) or 770.442.3278 (Office) Sales@AppenSigns.com
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The Memory Center Atlanta The Memory Center Atlanta is the most unique and comprehensive community for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Devoted specifically to memory care, our expertly designed program meets the challenging conditions of an aging brain with a caring, interactive community. We understand a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean you or your loved one stops living, rather it means finding new ways to live by providing assistance to maintain an active and meaningful lifestyle. Our residents enjoy music, dancing, live entertainment, art, gardening, - even outings, pet therapy and religious services. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or ice cream at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socializa-
tion and activities accessible across all levels of dementia. Even those who need 24/7 care benefit from life at The Memory Center. Overseen by our medical director who specializes in the field of geriatric healthcare, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants provide the best 24/7 care. Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one receives care. If you are considering memory care, we encourage you to explore options as early as possible. Take the time to ask questions, tour and include your loved one in the decision making process. Transitioning to memory care early ensures the best quality of life with daily socialization and engaging activities designed to meet the needs of you or your loved one.
Get in touch - ask us a question or schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta to learn more about how our team provides a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home. Lo-
cated at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile from Medlock Bridge Rd. directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today, (770) 476-3678.
NORTH ATLANTA’S HOT TOPICS ON PODCAST
Go to NorthFulton.com, click on Podcasts and select Inside The Box
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NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | February 2020 | 11
C a l J a l i
aC
t
Ck
Cad
He’S BaCk! M
yS eCon d
new show. Same ride.
The Cadillac Jack: My Second Act podcast is aired twice a week and hosted by Caddy and his wife Donna. Caddy was made famous as Atlanta’s renowned morning host for nearly three decades on country radio. In his second act, Caddy will bring his listeners informative and entertaining conversations on current events in podcast form. You’ll recognize Caddy instantly with his unique approach to discussing trending news topics, the latest in country music, and some personal stories from the home front.
Sponsored by: For additional sponsorship opportunities email hans@appenmediagroup.com or call 770.442.3278.
1 GO to NorthFulton.com
2 CLICK on Podcasts
3 SELECT Cadillac Jack: My Second Act
12 | February 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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