August Special Section
2 | August 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Benzene in Certain Sunscreens – What You Need to Know Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Alarmingly, a laboratory named Valisure detected toxic levels of benzene in 78 common sunscreen and after-sun products TAYLOR such as certain brands of aloe vera gel. Their findings are important because benzene is a carcinogen – a substance that causes cancer, and we apply sunscreen specifically to avoid cancer. Benzene is known to cause leukemia and lymphoma. How exactly benzene usually causes cancer has not been fully characterized. It appears that benzene can create toxic breakdown products in the lungs and the liver. These products react with DNA to result in broken DNA and altered chromosomes. The disrupted genes can no longer keep cells from growing or can get cells stuck in a permanently growing state, and cancer is set in motion. Benzene is a chemical solvent and a basic ingredient in the manufacture of many chemicals. According to the CDC, benzene ranks in the “top 20 chemicals for production volume” and is used to make plastics, resins, lubricants, dyes, rubber, detergents, drugs and more. Benzene is found at significant levels in cigarette smoke and in some e-cigarette vapors. As an aside, I recently saw a billboard on the side of the highway that said “Be Patriotic. Vape!” A grand American flag was in the background of the billboard. If you know a youngster who is considering vaping, please let him or her know that there is no proven connection between vaping and patriotism (though scientists employed by the vaping industry may be working on it). Given how common benzene is, it may be surprising to learn just how dangerous it can be even in small doses. In the United States, OSHA (the Occupational Health and Safety Administration) defines the permissible exposure limit as 1 part per million (ppm) in the air during an average work day. This is a limit for on-the-job exposure. In contrast, the limit set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is 2 parts per million (ppm) for a drug product “with a significant therapeutic advance.” The guidance is that benzene is not to be used at all if its use is avoidable, and the laboratory Valisure found no detectable benzene in over 200 sunscreen and aftersun products tested. Therefore, there is no reason that we should tolerate benzene in any of our sunscreens.
Valisure’s list of benzene-containing sunscreens and after-sun products was broad and included major manufacturers. To see the lists of products that did and did not test positive, visit: https://bit. ly/3w8LyJL and https://bit.ly/3v8KzYP. Well-respected companies such as Neutrogena, CVS Health and EltaMD made both lists with some products testing positive and others not. More than 75% of the identified products are sprays. Unfortunately, there is no easy rule of thumb to avoid benzene. Dermatologists typically divide sunscreens into physical blockers (those that contain zinc and titanium to reflect the sun) and chemical blockers (those that use chemicals to “quench” ultraviolet rays). Regretfully, both physical and chemical blocker sunscreens are on the list of benzene-containing sunscreens. Importantly, Valisure’s tests on the sunscreens did not identify benzene as a breakdown product of the tested sunscreens. Therefore, the presence of benzene appears to be from contamination [during the manufacturing process] and not from breakdown of the ingredients. What should we do? The best approach is likely to pick a sunscreen from the non-contaminated list or not on the contaminated list and continue using sunscreen. We know that the sun causes more than 3 million skin cancers per year in the United States. And we should be thankful that the FDA and laboratories like Valisure are helping to keep us safe. What did my family do? We threw away a sunscreen that happened to be on the bad list and still applied sunscreen during our most recent beach trip. No company is perfect. No process is perfect. No product is perfect. Our job as parents, spouses or children is not to eliminate risk but to manage it to the best of our ability, and sunscreen continues to be a very important and proven method for reducing the risk of skin cancer. This was true even before Valisure’s research report. And Valisure appears to be helping us make sure that a good product gets even better. If you or a loved one has a skin care need, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C are delighted to help you achieve your skin health goals. Dr. Taylor is a Harvard-graduate, a board certified dermatologist and vein care expert, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Kathryn Filipek has greater than 15 years of dermatology experience with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | August 2021 | 3
Understanding your Healthcare Options Brought to you by – Lyubov Abrams, Health Insurance Broker My client rang me last night. He was on his way to the hospital and wanted to know if his emergency visit would be covered. As I tried my best to reassure him that he should focus on taking care of his health not his insurance at this time, part of me did think about all the Americans ABRAMS out there who are worried about going to their doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities because they too are concerned that their insurance won’t cover their procedures. The truth is medical debt takes the prize for the staggering crisis in our healthcare industry. We all want to save money on our insurance premiums but at what cost to our coverage? In a world full of options, it is difficult to pull through the weeds and really understand what option is best for you and your family. There are many luring and attractive offers for health coverage on the market but it’s important to understand the risks that come with such options. The old saying when it sounds too good to be true it probably is, definitely applies here. Whether you are an individual, family, or small business it’s important to consider the risks and benefits of the plan you choose before you sign the dotted line. Some plans have limited benefits and don’t meet the minimal essential coverage requirements, others will reimburse up to a specified benefit amount with no out of pocket maximum, and some meet ACA requirement but have HMO
networks that can keep you from being covered with your doctors. When choosing a plan, the key items to focus on are: network (PPO, HMO, EPO, POS to name a few), your deductible and coinsurance, maximum out of pocket, policy term and policy maximum, and exclusions. No one wants to read a 100 page policy, but it’s important to have a general understanding of your policy when you sign up because you don’t want to be left with any surprise bills. Additionally, many carriers offer a 10 day free look period for the sole purpose of making sure consumers understand what they signed up for. These are consumer protections that every individual should take advantage of. Like many of my customers, Kevin wanted to feel secure with the coverage he selected. He was an affluent businessman, made too much to qualify for a subsidy, and was looking for catastrophic coverage with a strong PPO network. I recommended a short term medical plan that not only suited his needs but also his budget. There are several private plans that healthy individuals, families, and businesses could greatly benefit from. As long as there is a mutual understanding of the limitations of such private plans, I have seen many clients take advantage of the lower premiums and PPO networks these plans have to offer. For those of us with pre existing conditions, your options are rather limited. However, even when selecting a marketplace plan it is highly encouraged to make sure your doctors are in network and your prescriptions are covered. After all, what is the point of having coverage if you can’t see your providers and you have to pay out of pocket for your medications? These are all things to consider when choosing the right plan.
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And while it is tempting to go online and sign up on your own, buyers beware. There is fine print to every policy. Unless you are working with a trained professional, you probably aren’t aware of what you are signing up for. It’s always a good idea to trust an expert, but be weary of agents that only discuss the benefits of a policy and leave out the items that are not covered. As we have all witnessed last year, life is truly unexpected. One minute we are having parties and the next minute we are all quarantined. We can’t predict the future but we can take the steps necessary to ensure that we have the right coverage in place in case something does happen. If you have any questions about your current plan, a future plan, individual and group plans alike, please reach out to me.
4 | August 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Completing your health homework with Wellstar Avalon Health Park Pediatrics Brougth to you by – Wellstar A new school year is right around the corner. While kids may be the ones returning to the classroom, parents still have their own homework to do too: making sure their child has a healthy start. One step families can take to stay healthy is to head to the pediatrician for an annual checkup. “I believe in treating the whole child. What I mean by that is of course, their physical health is very important, but I also feel that their emotional health is very important,” said Dr. Brandi Lewis, a pediatrician at Wellstar Avalon Health Park. “My goal is for all my patients to be resilient, happy and healthy, and I work with families to accomplish that goal.” Set your child up for success this year by starting healthy habits before they go back to school. Book medical appointments. Before schedules get hectic, book your child’s annual physical exam with their Wellstar pediatrician, and other routine medical care such as dental and eye appointments. Set routines. Structure your day so that it’s easier
to transition to the school by creating set times to wake up, eat meals and go to bed. Share medical and other important instructions. Let the school know if your child has any health concerns or unique needs like allergies or medications. Practice and prepare good hygiene habits. Discuss habits that will help your child and others stay healthy, such as frequent handwashing and coughing or sneezing into their elbow. Encourage questions and conversations. Have frequent discussions with your child to ensure they feel comfortable heading into the new school year. Limit screen time. Be sure to limit your child’s screen time an hour before their bedtime, so they can wake up well-rested and feeling their best. Ways to be top of the class After you’ve set your child up for a safe, healthy school year, take time to complete these other tasks before they head back to the classroom. Finish summer assignments. Be sure your child completes any assignments, such as their summer reading list.
Complete school registration. Whether your child is returning to or starting a new school, find out what steps and paperwork are required to complete registration. Get the right school supplies. Don’t delay in getting your child’s school supplies and be mindful of other items they may need, including school uniforms. Talk about safety. Review important safety measures with your child, including memorizing important phone numbers and their home address. Role play the day. Before your child’s first day of school, talk through the day with them and plan details in advance, including their schedule and after-school care. Start back-to-school planning now so that your child — and your entire family — are ready to enter the school year feeling excited about returning to the classroom. Visit wellstar.org/avalon to find a pediatrician close to home. Book your child’s wellness exam online or over the phone at (470) 267-0380.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | August 2021 | 5
EXPERT URGENT CARE Unexpected accidents and injuries are never part of your plan. That's why Wellstar Urgent Care offers fast, convenient care right around the corner. Our expert providers are ready to care for you, from strains and sprains to common colds and more complex issues. Come see us today. Simply walk in or book an appointment time online, and Wellstar will take great care of you.
wellstar.org/avalon
WELLSTAR AVALON HEALTH PARK 2450 Old Milton Pkwy, Suite 102 | Alpharetta Open Daily | 8 AM to 8 PM | Walk-ins Welcome
(470) 267-0320
More than healthcare. PEOPLE CARE
6 | August 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
4 Benefits of IV Therapy for Health & Wellness Brought to you by – Hydralive Today, many people enjoy IV therapy as a way of getting the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and even medications they need to feel better and keep their body functioning properly. With so many f vitamins and supplements available, IV therapy can deliver a range of benefits. IV Therapy Can Promote Weight Loss It’s no secret losing weight can be hard — hence why people turn to IV therapy and lipotropic injections that burn fat to help boost their weight loss efforts. It’s important to note IV therapy for weight loss isn’t effective on its own. You should combine it with healthy eating and regular exercise. The treatments strengthen your efforts but don’t replace them. IV therapy can help certain nutrient deficiencies IV therapy is an effective treatment for certain health conditions that can cause nutrient deficiencies, such as Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, or Short bowel syndrome. Oftentimes, people living with these conditions cannot get the nutrients they need from oral supplements or their diet. Thus, IV therapy benefits them because it bypasses the digestive system entirely and provides nutrients to cells immediately. IV therapy can cleanse the body of unwanted toxins & free radicals IV therapy can cleanse your body of toxins and free
radicals that can damage cells and DNA and promote aging. Since antioxidants keep toxins and free radicals in check, popular options include Vitamin C and Glutathione. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that protects your overall well-being and immune system. It also helps protect your body from free radicals by neutralizing them before they have the chance to damage cells. Glutathione may fight infections and cleanse the liver of unwanted toxins that can damage liver cells. IV therapy can help ease anxiety & promote relaxation IV therapy can make you feel more at ease. Magnesium sulfate is an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure and may help calm your feelings of anxiety, promote a good night’s sleep, relax your muscles and more. IV therapy benefits are still being discovered IV therapy benefits many people, whether that’s providing the essential nutrients they need to live, helping improve their quality of life by addressing symptoms such as dehydration, or just simply making people feel better. This list scratches the surface of what IV hydration can do, as we are still discovering health benefits. If you’re interested in exploring what IV hydration can do for you, visit our Hydralive Therapy® Milton location and see which therapy one could be right for your needs! Learn more at hydralivetherapy.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Roswell Dental Care now offers facial injectibles Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood Many people have been vaccinated, and the COVID-19 Pandemic guidelines of wearing a face mask have relaxed. However, since our upper face was all anyone could use to display emotion, there is a rise in the request for neurotoxin (Botox®, Xeomin®, etc.) and facial fillers to enhance facial appearance. Roswell Dental Care offers these procedures to our patients to enhance facial cosmetics, reduce migraines, and to stop clenching or grinding of teeth. Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, raising eyebrows and even smiling cause skin to furrow and fold, gradually resulting in the formation of facial lines. There is a misconception that neuromodulators change your appearance. The proteins reduce the contraction of these muscles to preserve how your face looks, before it has a chance to make static wrinkles (the deep lines that don’t go away). These injectable proteins have been shown to be an effective treatment to smooth the appearance of forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and lip lines. Another misconception is that a toxin is being injected into your body. Botox and other neuromodulators are purified, FDA-approved proteins that works by relaxing wrinklecausing muscles, creating a smooth, enhanced appearance. Not only will it
soften facial expressions and smoothen skin, if used over time, it will prevent deeper wrinkles from forming, As we age, we lose fat and collagen. This is most evident in the face. As we lose these vital structures in the midface (cheek area), resulting sagging is evident in the form of nasolabial lines and jowels. Dermal fillers are used to re-establish the volume lost in these areas to help regain your youthful appearance. Another area that really ages the face are the lips. Over time, the lips lose volume and roll inwards, creating a “long” upper lip and thin-looking lips. Dermal fillers like Juvederm® help to regain the volume and roll the lips back to where they once were. The American Academy of Facial Esthetics is a renowned professional esthetic organization whose main focus is teaching the best non-surgical and non-invasive facial esthetic techniques to healthcare professionals worldwide. The AAFE is committed to learning and teaching the best available and most advanced techniques from various specialties in creating total facial esthetics. Dr. Hood has had extensive training with the AAFE and is a master injector. She has a passion for helping her patients look and feel the best versions of themselves. We always welcome new patients. To schedule a FREE consultation, call Roswell Dental Care at 470.288.1152 or visit www.RoswellDentalCare.
NorthFulton.com | August 2021 | 7
8 | August 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Specialist in Integrative Oncology Cancer Treatments Including: IV Vitamin C Fractionated Chemotherapy Nutrition Supplementation
Jonathan Stegall, MD 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020
WINNER 2016
Best Of North Atlanta Presented By
WINNER
WINNER
Best Of North Atlanta
Best Of North Atlanta
2016
Presented By
Presented By
Holistic/ Alternative Medicine
Nutritionist
Oncology
3333 Old Milton Pkwy. Suite 560 • Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 551-2730 www. drstegall.com
Rethinking chemotherapy Brought to you by – Jonathan Stegall, MD. The Center for Advanced Medicine Chemotherapy side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and vomiting are the result of the high doses of chemotherapy STEGALL typically administered. This method of administration is called maximum tolerated dose, and typically requires between 1-3 weeks of recovery time before another
dose can be given. Such breaks are necessary to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of more significant side effects. However, I believe there is a better way, which is to administer chemotherapy more often using lower doses. This method is known as fractionated metronomic chemotherapy. It allows for more frequent “hits” to the cancer cells while improving the safety profile considerably. Research studies support these findings. I have been administering chemotherapy in my oncology practice this way for over six years, and have been
amazed by the results. The risk of side effects, while certainly not eliminated, is significantly lower. As a result, patient quality of life is much better, all while still routinely seeing a good clinical response to treatment. This integrative approach also includes a focus on supportive therapies such as good nutrition, supplementation, and stress reduction, to name a few. For more information about this treatment approach, as well as many other tools in the anti-cancer toolbox, please check out my bestselling book Cancer Secrets, available on Amazon.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | August 2021 | 9
How Does CBD Make You Feel? Brought to you by - The Hemp Farm Store CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis sativa plant. As opposed to THC, which produces euphoric and intoxicating effects on its users, there isn’t any amount of CBD that can produce a “high”. But if it doesn’t get you high, how does this popular cannabinoid make you feel? The most common feeling from CBD is a state of general well-being. Customer testimonials often report noticing the absence of CBD’s benefits when they lapse taking regularly. Users also report enhanced concentration during work or school activities. I find small amounts, 1025mg in the morning help me clear my head to focus on the mountain sized to-do list ahead of me. When taken as part of your wind-down routines, CBD can help with sleep and relaxation. Many products now are packed with other sleep enhancing chemicals such as melatonin, chamomile, lavender, and the sleepy CBN cannabinoid. Topical rollers, salves, or creams can immediately soothe achy muscles and joints to allow your mind to focus on sleep as opposed to that killer Pilates workout you crushed earlier today. Taking CBD regularly as supplement for a healthy lifestyle will help you achieve the best results. CBD works with each individual’s biochemistry differently and is affected by a person’s weight, diet, physical activity level, and genetics. If you are a new user or veteran CBD fan, a journal is a great way to track how CBD makes you feel. As always, only shop at a reputable retailer and use products that are third-party tested for potency and quality.
2018
Feel good about your teeth. We provide full-service general and cosmetic dentistry for our valued patients and measure our success in our ability to always exceed your expectations.
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10 | August 2021 | NorthFulton.com
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