Empty Nest - January 2023

January Special Section

Barnacles on the ship of life

Over the next few months, we’ll take a closer look at a few of the most common spots that pop up on our skin. Today’s article is about the most common new growth that develops after the age of 40 – the “seborrheic keratosis” or SK for short.

SK’s are benign, which means that they are not cancerous. Still, they are probably THE growth that patients ask me about most frequently. It is understandable that SK’s generate worry because they exhibit many of the features that we teach people to fear. SK’s grow and sometimes itch. If scratched or traumatized, they can hurt or bleed. They can be brown or black. Such spots often cause alarm.

Changing brown or black growths should be examined by a dermatologist to rule out melanoma. The most common differences between SK’s and melanomas are fairly easy to list but can be hard to apply without practice. And because the stakes for misdiagnosing one’s self are so high (death), having a dermatologist look at spots with you is completely justified. Some patients feel silly coming in for something that turns out to be “nothing” but getting checked is smart. Self-diagnosis is not advised, especially not initially. But, with time, patients can often identify most SK’s confidently using these rules:

SK’s have a few reasonably consistent features: they are usually rough or waxy in texture. They are almost always “stuck-on” in appearance similar to a barnacle on a ship. SK’s often feel as if you can get a fingernail underneath the edge and just pop them off (and some patients can and do!). Waxy SK’s are not particularly rough whereas the rough SK’s are often “warty” in appearance.

Other features of SK’s are less consistent. SK’s are often tan or brown, but they can be black, pink, multicolored or even white. On the feet and ankles, white SK’s are called “stucco keratoses and look as if the ankles and feet were spackled with stucco. Seborrheic keratoses range in size from pinpoint to as big as an oyster shell. Given these variations, color and size are not helpful diagnostic features. They often get thicker and bigger with time, so growth isn’t a helpful differentiator either.

What do you do once you’ve confirmed that a growth is “only” an SK? Seborrheic keratoses are easily treatable and can often be frozen away with liquid nitrogen or curetted away with ease. Insurance unfortunately only considers it medically necessary to treat SK’s that are bleeding, irritated, painful, getting rubbed on by clothing or otherwise symptomatic. “Cosmetic” SK removal is available at most dermatology clinics for a cosmetic fee.

Small SK’s can usually be removed with minimal residual blemish, but larger SK’s may leave a lighter-colored area or subtle scar after removal. In one U.S. study, the average American over the age of 40 developed one new SK per year with the average 65-yearold exhibiting 33 SK’s upon a thorough counting. Given how pleasingly SK’s can be removed when they are still small, a “debarnacling” every year or two is a reasonable choice for most individuals.

Given that skin cancer is more than ten times more common than any other cancer, it pays to familiarize yourself with the appearances of skin cancer and its mimics (Google Images is a great tool for this purpose). For patients with concerning spots, a family history of skin cancer or risk factors such as a history of sun damage or tanning bed use, a visit with a dermatologist is highly recommended.

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

Get a great PCP!

Going to a physician specialist, like a Cardiologist, might be the final solution; but when a new health concern pops up, consider going to your Primary Care Physician first. To some this might sound like “old school” thinking, but there is a great amount of logic, and savings, to taking this approach. Let me explain.

Too many of my clients have told me that instead of going for an annual physical with their PCP, they ONLY go to their specialists for annual checkups. While seeing your specialists on an annual basis is a good thing to do, the Cardiologist or Gastroenterologist is not typically looking at the body as a whole. I believe most doctors would agree that this is one reason the Primary Care Physician and the Specialist co-exist. One looks at a “specialized” area of the body, while the other is broadly monitoring the “whole” system.

If you are someone who sees your PCP at least once or twice a year, the

doctor might very well catch issues earlier than you are able to detect them yourself. Your PCP could possibly be your lifesaver if visited regularly! There are so many services and tests that the Primary Care Physicians can do to check your body’s status. It makes sense to make an appointment sooner than later.

Over the past decade, Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans have figured out that prevention, by using PCPs, has not only saved money, but has saved lives. It’s hard to make cost an issue, because most preventive services with Medicare are covered at 100%. They want you to go! Many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 copay for PCP visits, so what’s stopping you from scheduling that appointment? If the reason is that you don’t have the right Primary Care Physician, change it!

Give us a call (770) 913-6464, and we can help provide a list of PCPs in your area based on your Physician Network. You can also reach out to us on our “contact SeniorSource” section of our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

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.

Brought to you by - Inspired Living at Alpharetta

Signs:

to

living,

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,

Understanding drug use and addiction

Drug use has become a concerning health issue in our society today. It is generally misunderstood to be a lack of moral principle or willpower when in reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting can be very difficult.

What is drug addiction?

“Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences” (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

While the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, continuing to use drugs changes the brain in a way that affects a person’s self-control and interferes with their ability to resist the intense urges to continue taking them. These brain changes are persistent, contributing to the increased risk of relapsing even after quitting. Drugs affect the brain’s “reward circuit” and floods it with dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria. This reinforces unhealthy behaviors and leads people to repeat the behavior again and again. Over time the

brain adapts, and the person needs more of the substance to achieve the same reaction. This can lead to a loss of pleasure in other things as well, like food or social activities. Longterm drug use causes changes in other areas such as judgment, decisionmaking, memory, and behavior. This is what can lead to continued use despite negative consequences.

Can drug addiction be cured or prevented?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease, and treatment for it isn’t considered a cure. However, it is treatable and can be successfully managed. People in recovery are at risk for relapse, but treatment with addiction medicines and behavioral therapy can offer the best chance of success. Each person’s recovery process is different and must be tailored to the individual. Support from family, friends, and professionals offers the best chance of success.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use, join our 8-week Family Support Group starting on February 6th and meeting on Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30 PM at Summit’s Dunwoody Satellite location (1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody). Call our main office at (678) 893- 5300 for more information and to register.

Brought to you by - Janet Fluker, Licensed Professional Counselor and Staff Supervisor at Summit Counseling Center

ISTOCK

Misconceptions about Active Adult 55+ Living

to you by - Outlook Gwinnett

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 needs-based 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

NOW OPEN!

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

» Masterfully-appointed kitchen with luxury finishes

» Walk-in closets

» Pet friendly

» Washer and dryer in every unit

» Balcony or patio in all units

Pain relieving Laser Therapy

Therapy

Having treated hundreds of patients over the past 6 years with Pain Relieving Laser Therapy, it’s not hard for me to appreciate how well it works. But if you’ve never tried it, trust me when I tell you…. you’re missing out!

Several years ago, John Deere ran a promotion on their zero turn lawn mowers. They used a fun tag line,

“It’s not how fast you mow, it’s how well you mow FAST!” I wish I could come up with a similar tag line for Pain Relieving Laser Therapy because it can deliver pain relief in just a few minutes. It’s not uncommon for patients to have their pain be reduced by 50% on the first treatment.

How does it work? Pain Relieving Laser Therapy uses light energy to

promote healing and reduce pain. Laser Therapy is FDA cleared to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis, and muscle spasms and is a great alternative to medications and injections.

The most common thing we hear after someone tries it for the first time is “WOW!” I’m sure if you are just reading this article, you are probably

thinking, “yeah, RIGHT??!! Nothing works that fast!” But don’t take my word for it, call our office today and schedule your FREE TRIAL. The only thing you have to lose is your pain!

Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344

Brought to you by - Johns Creek Physical

Get a great PCP!

Going to a physician specialist, like a Cardiologist, might be the final solution; but when a new health concern pops up, consider going to your Primary Care Physician first. To some this might sound like “old school” thinking, but there is a great amount of logic, and savings, to taking this approach. Let me explain.

Too many of my clients have told me that instead of going for an annual physical with their PCP, they ONLY go to their specialists for annual checkups. While seeing your specialists on an annual basis is a good thing to do, the Cardiologist or Gastroenterologist is not typically looking at the body as a whole. I believe most doctors would agree that this is one reason the Primary Care Physician and the Specialist co-exist. One looks at a “specialized” area of the body, while the other is broadly monitoring the “whole” system.

If you are someone who sees your

PCP at least once or twice a year, the doctor might very well catch issues earlier than you are able to detect them yourself. Your PCP could possibly be your lifesaver if visited regularly! There are so many services and tests that the Primary Care Physicians can do to check your body's status. It makes sense to make an appointment sooner than later.

Over the past decade, Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans have figured out that prevention, by using PCPs, has not only saved money, but has saved lives. It’s hard to make cost an issue, because most preventive services with Medicare are covered at 100%. They want you to go! Many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 copay for PCP visits, so what’s stopping you from scheduling that appointment? If the reason is that you don’t have the right Primary Care Physician, change it!

Give us a call (770)-315-8145, and we can help provide a list of PCPs in your area based on your Physician Network. You can also reach out to us on our “contact SeniorSource” section of our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

Paige Gorman Agent

Brought to

by- Jay Looft, Medicare Insurance Broker, SeniorSource Medicare Solutions

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