Empty Nest – May 2020 by Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group

May Special Section

2 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

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Now Open: Village Park Milton Village Park Senior Living’s newest neighborhood, Village Park Milton, is officially open. Located directly across from the Wills Park Equestrian Center, Village Park Milton is a luxury senior living community designed for seniors seeking a vibrant lifestyle. Enriched by its community history, Village Park offers modern farmhouse style including repurposed materials from the original equestrian property. The welcoming community is distinguished by charming walking paths, best-in-class amenities, invigorating social activities, and come-to-you-care. The campus is ideal for singles or couples seeking experience-rich community living along with customizable care options. Choose from a variety of cottages, bungalows, independent living, and assisted living options and a fully staffed memory care neighborhood to meet your right-sizing needs. Bungalows and cottages are perfect for hosting family, friends, and neighbors. Independent living and assisted homes offer cozier spaces thoughtfully designed to fit every need with warmth, style, and comfort. Licensed as assisted living throughout the main building, residents can easily convert their independent homes to assisted without moving or waiting. Village Park’s on-site nurses and compassionate care staff provide customized care plans and regular wellness assessments stay a step ahead of care needs. Personalized care enhances communication and care

experience, giving you peace of mind and freedom to spend time the way you want. At Village Park, you can have the care, supportive community, and elegant lifestyle that fits your needs for today and tomorrow. Named “Best Memory Care in Alpharetta” by memorycare.com, Village Park’s multifaceted Memory Care Program puts residents at the center of a complete care network of specially trained health professionals, staff, and neighbors. This highly connective program encourages individuality and independence, provides customized personal care, and creates opportunities and support for physical,

sensory, social, and creative activity. Executive Director Deborah Signa’s goal is to make Village Park Milton a place that residents and their families will be proud of. Deborah and her team believe that everyone has something special to offer to the community. Village Park Milton hosts a variety of educational and social activities tailored to residents’ interests while closely following safety protocols due to COVID-19. To schedule your tour with one of our senior living consultants, call (470) 509-4557 or stop by our Leasing Center at 555 Wills Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009 to learn more.

Bungalows Cottages Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care VillageParkSeniorLiving.com 5701 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Now Open! 770.416.0502

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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 RICE to 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.

4 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

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COVID-19: Testing at Wellstar Health System During this challenging time, the health and safety of the community is our top priority. As part of our commitment to helping Georgia fight COVID-19, Wellstar Health System is offering COVID-19 diagnostic testing and antibody testing across our hospitals, health parks, offices and urgent care centers. After scheduling your screening, medical experts select the proper test and provide answers for patients who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, are worried they may be a carrier of the virus or have fought off a previous case of the disease. Wellstar Pathologist Dr. Marla Franks explained the difference between the two tests. “A patient who is currently sick may need a diagnostic test,” Dr. Franks said. “However, a patient who was sick a few weeks ago and is now well may need an antibody test to see if the patient was exposed to the virus in the past.” As our state transitions from staying at home to re-entering the community, it’s important to note that the spread of COVID-19 is still prevalent in Georgia. Along with following preventative health measures such as frequent handwashing and social distancing, COVID-19 testing can help protect the health of our community and prevent potential infection. COVID-19 Antibody Testing Are you curious whether you may have fought off a previous case of COVID-19? An antibody blood test could give you an answer. Antibody blood tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which show if you had a COVID-19 infection

in the past. During the test, a patient has a small sample of blood collected in a syringe that is then checked for the presence of antibodies. Generally, the test results have a quick turnaround time and are usually available in less than 24 hours. If you’d like to schedule a COVID-19 antibody test, contact any Wellstar health park, primary care or physician’s office, or urgent care location near you. COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing If you may currently be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, diagnostic testing can help you take the necessary steps to protect your health. At this time, Wellstar is conducting COVID-19 testing across all hospitals, health parks, offices and urgent care locations. All Wellstar physicians can refer patients for screening and COVID-19 testing, and anyone experiencing symptoms should contact one of the above locations. Unlike the blood sample needed for antibody testing, diagnostic testing requires a Nasopharyngeal swab to collect a sample. During this test, a swab is inserted through the nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat. After the test is performed, the timing of the results can vary patient by patient, but most are received within 1 to 2 days. If you feel you need a COVID-19 diagnostic test, contact any Wellstar primary care physician or seek care at any Wellstar urgent care center, health park or emergency department. For more information, visit wellstar. org/COVID-19 or call (770) 956-STAR (7827).

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Viruses, skin cancers and therapeutic advances By DR. BRENT TAYLOR Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta What a challenging time for our country and the world. In response to the coronavirus, governments, DR. TAYLOR businesses and individuals struggle to respond appropriately. An excessive lockdown could threaten businesses, jobs, and individuals’ livelihoods, but an inadequate response could result in a spike in cases that surpasses hospitals’ and intensive care units’ capacity to care for the sick. Either scenario results in loss of life and suffering. Now is certainly a time for patience and grace. In the world of dermatology, we are gaining an increasing understanding of the role that viruses play in disease and skin cancer, and recent discoveries are giving us cause for hope. Unlike the coronavirus pandemic, these cancer-causing viruses are endemic – they have lived with us for years, and recent discoveries indicate we are winning the fight. Of the seven viruses that are most associated with cancer in humans, five viruses are linked to to different types of skin cancer. The seven viruses most commonly associated with human cancer are Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the human papillomavirus family (HPV), human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), human adult t-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1/2), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Only the last two (HBV and HCV) are not linked to skin cancer (but rather liver cancer). A summary of these viruses’ role in skin cancer is as follows: EBV and HTLV-1/2 are often associated with lymphomas, which may present in the skin. HHV-8 causes Kaposi’s sarcoma (a cancer of blood and lymph vessels classically seen in the immunocompromised). HPV is linked to squamous cell carcinomas including those of the penis and cervix but is increasingly implicated in non-genital squamous cell carcinomas as well. Merkel cell polyomavirus causes a cancer of cells called Merkel cells that are in our skin and that are partially responsible for our ability to feel touch. Advances are taking place for each of these cancers. For EBV-associated lymphomas, experiments are taking place looking at using white blood cells specific for this virus to help fight the lymphoma. HTLV-1 is a cousin of HIV and both HTLV-1 and its cancers appear to respond to some of the antiretroviral

medication developed to treat HIV. Kaposi’s sarcoma that occurs in the setting of HIV often respond when HIV is treated with antiretrovirals and is now generally a very treatable disease. HPV-related cancers are expected to decline as the HPV vaccine (e.g., Gardasil®), is being used to prevent penile cancer, cervical cancer and genital warts. Just as exciting, preliminary evidence suggests that HPV vaccinebased therapies may be useful in treating the greater than 1 million cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas that occur in adults each year. In late 2018, Cemiplimab gained FDA approval for treating locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Cemiplimab works by releasing the brakes on the immune system allowing a person’s own immune system to fight off the cancer and is one of many new immune systembased medications making tremendous progress in our fight against multiple cancers including melanoma. Finally, Merkel cell carcinoma had no FDA-approved treatment prior to 2017. Since then immune system based therapies have made great strides in treating Merkel cell carcinoma just as has been the case for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Prior to 2017, survival from Merkel cell carcinoma was often less than 10% after 3 years. With new therapies, survival at 3 years is now exceeding 60%. For the most common skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, the most effective treatment is still Mohs surgery when caught early. For non-recurrent basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, cure rates with Mohs surgery are typically 99%. If you or a loved one has a skin cancer diagnosis or another dermatologic issue, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and vein specialist Dr. Brent Taylor and highly accomplished and experienced physician assistant Kathryn Filipek, PA-C are here to care for you and your family.

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6 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

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Getting warmer: Five ways for seniors to safely enjoy the sunshine From your friends at Addington Place of Alpharetta Things are warming up! Here are tips for fun in the sun - safely, and with social distancing in mind. DRINK IT IN. Adequate hydration is essential. Doctors recommend that seniors consume at least 7 cups of fluid daily. Liven up your intake with a cool glass of lemonade, a fruity sugar-free drink mix, iced tea, or our favorite, an Arnold Palmer (half lemonade, half iced tea)! HAT’S THE SPIRIT! Spring/summer hats come in a variety of fun colors and patterns- classic styles, too! Choose a wide brim to shield you from harmful UV rays, and a nice, lightweight fabric to keep cool and avoid overheating! A SUNSHINE STROLL. Taking a walk can be a lovely way to get light cardio exercise, stretch out a bit and soak up some healthy Vitamin D from sunlight. A friendly chat with neighbors from a safe distance can really help you stay connected, too! BOOK ‘EM! Reading outside is a true pleasure. All it takes is a comfortable chair, adequate sun coverage, a cool drink and something to read. For those with tired

NOW OFFERING 1-bedroom apartment for the price of a studio! A savings of $13,800 per year! eyes, have a friend or loved one read aloud to you from a safe distance! LET IT GROW! Enjoying a vegetable or flower garden by getting your hands dirty, watering, or simply sitting back and watching Mother Nature at work is a delight; between the blooms, butterflies and bees, even the simplest garden can be bustling with activity!

Contact Addington Place of Alpharetta to schedule a safe virtual tour today and be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift card! Addington Place of Alpharetta Assisted Living & Memory Care 762 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-723-3689 AddingtonPlaceAlpharetta.com

WELCOME TO ADDINGTON PLACE OF ALPHARETTA

NOW OFFERING

1-bedroom apartment for the price of a studio

—

That’s a savings of $13,800 per year!

Rest assured, we’re here to help.

Schedule a virtual tour and be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift card! On-site Testing Kits To stay ahead of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have secured on-site

testing kits for our communities. In addition to symptom screening residents and employees, we can administer tests if they show symptoms, with results in 24-72 hours.

Protecting Our Residents:

•

Ongoing Preventive Measures: We are monitoring CDC, federal

•

Connective Technology: Families and residents can stay digitally

•

and state guidelines for health and safety. informed about their loved ones’ ongoing care. On-site Therapy Continues: Physical, occupational and speech therapy services have been adjusted using social distancing practices.

If you have questions, just call for more information and ask about our virtual tours.

Addington Place of Alpharetta • 762 N. Main Street • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • 678-723-3689 • AddingtonPlaceAlpharetta.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.

NORTH ATLANTA’S HOT TOPICS ON PODCAST

Go to NorthFulton.com, click on Podcasts and select Inside The Box

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.

8 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

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C A L J A L I

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

(770) 287-0250 Browns Bridge Rd. in Gainesville