Empty Nest - January 2024 by Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group

January Special Section

PEXELS

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2 | January 2024 | AppenMedia.com

Medicare is running out of money - what can you do to help the problem? Brought to you by – Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

to you to choose which one you will go to. And, try to cut back on the sugar... easier said than done sometimes, but being conscious about it will help.

There is a big problem for current and future Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare is BROKE…well not quite yet, but if you research this topic, you’ll see that around the year 2031, Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will be depleted. Lawmakers will need to give attention to this topic very soon and it will probably include some major redesign to the program. But how can the individual Medicare beneficiary help? This is a national problem- not just one community, and not just one person will solve it- but I believe we can all contribute by making lifestyle changes that will keep us healthier. Here’s a few ideas that I have introduced into my own lifestyle: Exercise: Whether it’s joining a gym, lifting light weights for 15 minutes, or walking for 15 minutes- get moving! In the past, I’ve started workout programs with great intentions, only to flake out weeks later. I burned out before I really even got started! So, make the exercise regimen a level you can fit into your lifestyle. Don’t be a

shooting star! Eat Less & Eat Better: When dining out, take half of your meal home or if you are out with a significant other,

Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs

Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans Serving North Atlanta Seniors for More Than 10 Years Representing Most Medicare Insurance Companies • Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis Jay Looft Owner/Agent

• Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services

770.913.6464

www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

split your entree. In the North Atlanta area, I’m seeing less and less new fast food restaurants opening, and more health-conscious options available. Now it's up

Get Your Annual Physical (with a full blood panel): I am not a doctor, but I know the value of preventative care. Yes, a physical can catch something major like cancer, but it can also let you know your vitamin levels, and ultimately help you live a longer, healthier life. These are just a few steps we can all take to stay healthier, enjoy life more, and help the solvency of the Medicare Program by preventing the need for costly major medical services. Sometimes these major medical services are unavoidable and at no fault of your own, but with the new year here, we can all improve somewhere. Start today! If you have any questions about this topic or would like help deciding on your Medicare insurance, give us a call today at (770) 913-6464, or visit our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com. We are Medicare Insurance Brokers and work with most of the Medicare insurance carriers, we would enjoy assisting you!

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AppenMedia.com | January 2024 | 3

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the BEST

Graffiti microbes strike again Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Microbes like bacteria and fungus are increasingly brazen in announcing their presence. Gone are the days when you could count on bacteria to behave and exist silently in nooks and caves like one’s nose or colon. Instead, bacteria and fungi are increasingly loud, proud, and making their presence known. Take pseudomonas, for example. This bacteria is a frequent colonizer of the toes. When pseudomonas gets in the toenails, it produces a pigment called pyocyanin that can stain one’s toenails green. Pyocyanin acts as a form of chemical warfare. It can kill other bacteria and help ensure that pseudomonas is the top dog at the tips of your toes. Zwitterions are molecules that have positive and negatively charged regions. Such bipolar molecules can often cross cell membranes easily and wreak havoc on the competing bacteria or cells that they enter. Green and mean, pyocyanin is the Incredible Hulk of our list. Next in our lineup of graffiti artists is Hortaea werneckii. Nobody knows how to pronounce this. If they claim that they do, they are both lying and showing off. H. werneckii is famous in the dermatology world because it can mimic melanoma. This fungus is a black or brown mold that infects the surface of the skin. It likes sweaty cool places and usually infects the palms or soles. It begins as a small black or brown spot that gradually enlarges forming an increasingly large

brown or black patch. When a dark spot keeps getting bigger, one’s first instinct is to worry about melanoma, but this fungus can often be painlessly scraped away easily with the edge of a scalpel blade without ever cutting the skin. In contrast, the pigment of melanoma cannot simply be scraped away. Other bacteria are staining the world pink. Serratia is a common bacteria that can cause a pink ring around a bathtub or shower drain but can, in rare instances, colonize one’s armpits or groin. Towels and clothing can become stained pink when they contact affected skin. According to a case report in a reputable medical journal, a man infected with Serratia sought treatment at a dermatology clinic because his wife disliked the effect that he was having on their towels. He only chose to seek treatment after his wife locked him out of their bathroom. Amazingly, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Bacillus cereus can cause your sweat to be blue. Yet corynebacterium might be the wildest of the bunch. This bacteria can infect people’s skin as patches that are otherwise nearly invisible but that fluoresce coral-red under a type of black light called a Wood’s lamp: a sort of UV patchwork quilt. If you have a new or changing (perhaps colorful) spot, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs and Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C and our wonderful team are honored to take care of you and your family.

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. WINNER

WINNER

Dr. Brent Taylor

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

WINNER

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Presented By

Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of North North North North North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta

Accepting new patients. We accept Medicare. Schedule your appointment with Premier Dermatology today. 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 • Alpharetta, GA 30005 PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899

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4 | January 2024 | AppenMedia.com

Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs

• Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services

770.315.8145

T N E M E C N U O N N A HAVE AN TO SHARE? Run it in the newspaper! WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHS DEATHS To submit your announcement visit

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Medicare is running out of money What can you do to help the problem? Brought to you by - Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare There is a big problem for current and future Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare is BROKE…well not quite yet, but if you research this topic, you’ll see that around the year 2031, Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will be depleted. Lawmakers will need to give attention to this topic very soon and it will probably include some major redesign to the program. But how can the individual Medicare beneficiary help? This is a national problem- not just one community, and not just one person will solve it- but I believe we can all contribute by making lifestyle changes that will keep us healthier. Here’s a few ideas that I have introduced into my own lifestyle: Exercise: Whether it’s joining a gym, lifting light weights for 15 minutes, or walking for 15 minutes- get moving! In the past, I’ve started workout programs with great intentions, only to flake out weeks later. I burned out before I really even got started! So, make the exercise regimen a level you can fit into your lifestyle. Don’t be a shooting star! Eat Less & Eat Better: When dining out, take half of your meal home or if you

are out with a significant other, split your entree. In the North Atlanta area, I’m seeing less and less new fast food restaurants opening, and more health-conscious options available. Now it’s up to you to choose which one you will go to. And, try to cut back on the sugar...easier said than done sometimes, but being conscious about it will help. Get Your Annual Physical (with a full blood panel): I am not a doctor, but I know the value of preventative care. Yes, a physical can catch something major like cancer, but it can also let you know your vitamin levels, and ultimately help you live a longer, healthier life. These are just a few steps we can all take to stay healthier, enjoy life more, and help the solvency of the Medicare Program by preventing the need for costly major medical services. Sometimes these major medical services are unavoidable and at no fault of your own, but with the new year here, we can all improve somewhere. Start today! If you have any questions about this topic or would like help deciding on your Medicare insurance, give us a call today at (770) 315-8145, or visit our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com. We are Medicare Insurance Brokers and work with most of the Medicare insurance carriers, we would enjoy assisting you!

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AppenMedia.com | January 2024 | 5

FREE Fall Risk screening now available! Brought to you by - Johns Creek Physical Therapy Did you know? • Every year in the United States 1 out of 4 older adults has a fall? • Death rates from falls have increased by 31% in the last decade? • Falling once doubles your chances of falling again? • Falls can cause fractures, head injuries and other medical injuries? For a limited time, Johns Creek Physical Therapy is offering a FREE Fall Risk Screening featuring Biodex Balance Technology. A preliminary baseline assessment compares your individual balance score against age related normative data. A printed report can be generated for your own personal records and to take to your physician. If you would like to see just how good your balance is, now through the end of February, we are offering this Comprehensive Balance Test at NO CHARGE! (normally $99). Don’t be a statistic! For more information or to schedule your 30-minute Balance Assessment appointment call 770-622-5344. Free Balance testing will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY Johns Creek Physical Therapy, 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024

Johns Creek Physical Therapy; 10.25 in; 5.01 in; Black Only; 29842_31; Paul PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Are You Having Neck or Shoulder Pain? Free Workshop Presented by JOHNS CREEK PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Does your neck or shoulder hurt when you turn you head? • Do you have pain in your shoulder when you reach out to the side or behind your back? • Are you avoiding your favorite activity because your neck or shoulder is hurting? • Feel like you have you “tried everything” but the pain still won’t go away? If you answered YES to any of these questions (or you know someone who has these symptoms), then you won’t want to miss the Free Neck and Shoulder Pain Workshop on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 12:30 pm. Whether it is playing sports, a home renovation project, or even doing your normal activities, this is the time of year

At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of neck and shoulder pain. shoulder injuries are prevalent. The most common shoulder injuries involve the rotator cuff. Normally you will have pain in your shoulder while reaching out to the side, over your head or behind your back. But sometimes the shoulder pain can actually be coming from your neck. It’s important to discover where the pain is actually coming from so you can address the root source of the pain. If you don’t find the actual source of the problem, you can find yourself constantly chasing your symptoms and end up taking unnecessary medication or spend money on expensive tests. If you are having neck or shoulder pain then don’t miss the next Free Neck and Shoulder Pain Workshop on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 12:30 pm.

During the workshop, you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of neck and shoulder pain. You will also learn how the pain in your shoulder can come from a problem in your neck. We will also teach you the #1 single biggest mistake people with neck and shoulder pain make that keeps them from healing. Finally, you will learn how you can treat yourself without medications, injections, or surgery and resolve your shoulder pain once and for all. REGISTRATION IS FREE! All you have to do is register online at: johnscreekpt.com/shoulderws or call 770-622-5344 to hold your spot. Marc C. Stewart, PT

Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344 2018

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6 | January 2024 | AppenMedia.com

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Revolutionizing fitness

The Exercise Coach’s cutting-edge approach Brought to you by- The Exercise Coach Alpharetta At The Exercise Coach, we're not just changing workouts; we're redefining how people age. Our unique blend of innovative Exerbotics equipment and expert coaching creates a fitness experience like no other, specifically designed for individuals who value quality, efficiency, and personalized attention. Innovative Exerbotics: The Future of Fitness Our state-of-the-art Exerbotics equipment sets us apart. This isn't your typical gym machinery. Each piece is engineered to adapt to your strength and capabilities, ensuring the most effective and safe workout possible. With Exerbotics, we can measure your performance in real time, providing instant feedback to optimize your training. It's smart technology that evolves with you, ensuring every session is challenging yet achievable, regardless of your fitness level. Expert Coaches: Your Personal Fitness Guides The heart of The Exercise Coach experi-

ence is our team of expert coaches. They're not just trainers; they're your personal fitness guides, equipped with deep knowledge of our Exerbotics technology and a passion for helping you achieve your goals. They understand that every body is unique, and they specialize in creating personalized routines that yield real results. Our coaches are your partners in fitness, dedicated to your success and wellbeing. Changing the Way We Age Our mission extends beyond fitness. We're dedicated to changing the way people age. With The Exercise Coach, aging doesn't mean slowing down; it means getting stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Whether you're in your 30s or well into retirement, our approach is designed to improve your quality of life, boosting not just physical strength, but confidence, energy, and longevity. Join us at The Exercise Coach and experience the future of fitness – a place where technology meets expertise to transform your health and redefine aging. It's not just a workout; it's a life-changing journey.

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AppenMedia.com | January 2024 | 7

There’s a Podcast for Everyone!

In his long-awaited return to the airwaves, Caddy partners with his new co-host – and wife! - Donna, to bring his loyal listeners everything they’ve come to expect and love from Cadillac Jack.

Available for free wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Georgia Politics Podcast focuses on all things under the gold dome. Show host Preston Thompson covers the most noteworthy updates to the legislative session of Georgia’s House of Representatives and State Senate.

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8 | January 2024 | AppenMedia.com

Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers 2023 Georgia Press Association 1st Place – News Photograph 1st Place – Feature Writing 1st Place – Business Writing 1st Place – Serious Column 1st Place – Food Ad 1st Place – Newspaper Promotion Ad 1st Place – Classifieds Section/page

2nd Place – Page One 2nd Place – Lifestyle Coverage 2nd Place – News Photograph 2nd Place – Local News Coverage 2nd Place – Business Writing 2nd Place – Lifestyle/Feature Column 2nd Place – Food Ad 2nd Place – Newspaper Promotion

2nd Place – Signature Page 2nd Place – General Excellence 3rd Place – Page One 3rd Place – Lifestyle Coverage 3rd Place – Feature Writing 3rd Place – Breaking News Writing 3rd Place – Local News Coverage 3rd Place – Serious Column

3rd Place – Humorous Column 2023 Association of Community Publishers 1st Place – Feature Article Layout 1st Place – Self Promotion Classifieds 2nd Place – Educational Column 2nd Place – Entertaining Column 2nd Place – Self Promotion Own Publication