October Special Section
2 | October 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Why an eye exam is important for kids It has been estimated that 80 percent of a child’s learning during their first 12 years of life is obtained through their vision, so eye exams are essential to make sure kids are getting the most of his or her education. Some common signs of vision problems include holding reading material closer than normal, turning or tilting the head to use one eye only, consistently performing below potential, headaches, and fatigue. Children will not often complain of not being able to see and vision changes can occur without a parent or child noticing them, making eye exams that much more important. One of the largest eye care practices in the Southeast offering specialty eye care for adults and children is Thomas Eye Group. With eight locations in Georgia, including an office in Suwanee, Thomas Eye offers eye care services for the whole family. For kids, Thomas Eye Group has a team of highly experienced pediatric ophthalmologists that provide comprehensive eye care for children. The pediatric ophthalmologist in the Thomas Eye Group Suwanee office is Jeri Salit, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric ophthalmology. Glenda Brown, OD also performs routine eye care including glasses and contact lenses in our Suwanee office. The office environment at Thomas Eye Group is also designed with kids in mind with an optical shop that offers a large variety of brands and frames of all colors, shapes, durability, and design for children. The Thomas Eye Group Suwanee office is located at 1120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.thomaseye.com or call 770-809-3366.
The Thomas Eye Group Suwanee office is located at 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
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Suwanee
1120 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., #101 | Suwanee, GA 30024
www.thomaseye.com
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Understanding and Treating Acne (In Teens & Adults) By Josh A. Hammel, MD Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon Each year roughly 85% of teens are affected by acne vulgaris. Dr. HAMMEL Acne is triggered by the hormonal changes which increase the skin’s oil production during puberty. Excess oil mixes with dead skin cells on the body that then clog pores and trap bacteria inside. The familiar eruption ensues: everything from small bumps and blackheads to severe and painful acne. To keep the damage to a minimum, it is important to remember that you want to address your or your teenager’s acne as early as possible. My advice: if your teen has large, red pimples that cause pain, over-thecounter treatments aren’t going to be sufficiently effective and they should really see a dermatologist. However, for other types of blemishes, one can start with an over-the-counter acne treatment first. I also always remind people that every teen going through this period of their life can benefit from a face wash containing some type of acne-fighting medication. And, that teen patient needs to be regimented about it, ideally washing their face in the morning and at night, allowing the medicine to do its job in controlling the acne. Salicylic acid helps eliminate dead skin cells that often fuel pimples, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, and glycolic acid removes oil and dirt from your skin. When breakouts do occur, I always tell my patients to avoid picking at or squeezing inflamed pimples as this can introduce more bacteria to the irritated
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. area, making acne even worse and possibly leaving scars. Every teen reacts differently to their acne. While some may feel self-conscious, others might hardly even notice it. Either way, it’s important to take it seriously and work with a dermatologist to find the right balance of products and treatments that will help clear their skin and prevent scarring. What about adult acne? Typically
adults outgrow acne, but about 12% of women and nearly 5% of men may still have acne even into their late 40s. Thanks to chronic stress and hormonal changes that come with aging, we are seeing even more adult acne. In addition, our skin cell turnover rate slows with age, increasing the time it takes for skin to heal from breakouts. Furthermore, adult acne is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, which are more common among women; their breakouts tend to be inflammatory and predominantly located around their mouth, chin and jawline. Our goal, whether we’re helping you or your teen, is to identify the best skin care products, treatments, procedures, and medications to help you manage, control and clear acne. If you or your teen are experiencing acne, please do not hesitate to call our office at (770) 452-5667 to schedule an appointment.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Jonathan Stegall, MD The Center for Advanced Medicine October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer Dr. Stegall in women, and the third leading cause of cancer death in women. The harsh reality is that we have all been affected by breast cancer, either personally or in a close family member or friend.
Although there are several different types of breast cancer, the standard of care for treatment is typically some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Women who have hormonal involvement will also be prescribed medication to treat this. The success of these treatments typically hinges on how early the cancer is diagnosed, as cancer which has spread throughout the body has a much worse prognosis. For this reason, being proactive in terms of screening (e.g., routine breast exams and mammograms) is very impor-
tant. In addition, I believe strongly that nutrition, supplementation, exercise, stress reduction, and a keen eye toward limiting harmful environmental exposures is critical in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. This wellrounded integrative approach, which embraces both conventional and natural therapies, is the future of breast cancer management! For more information about breast cancer, as well as other cancer types and anticancer strategies, please check out my bestselling book and podcast at cancersecrets.com.
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Dental insurance — Use it or lose it! By Dr. Ushma Patel, D.M.D and Dr. Brittany Corbett, D.D.S Center For Advanced Dentistry At the end of every calendar year, patients tell us they have gotten busy with work, school and holiday activities and have simply run out of time. They haven’t scheduled necessary dental treatment for themselves or their family and haven’t used their entire dental insurance benefit. Those benefits will not roll over to the next year and that means you are wasting your insurance payments. Bottom line: When it comes to dental insurance benefits, USE IT OR LOSE IT! Unlike medical insurance, dental insurance and dental plans provide you with a specific dollar amount to spend on your care each year. This means you may have dental dollars that will disappear if your plan, like many, renews in January! Dr. Patel advises, “It’s always smart to try to maximize dental insurance coverage this year so that next year’s benefits
can be used for any unexpected treatment that may arise.” Additionally, many plans will reset in January and that means you will again be required to pay 100% of your annual insurance deductible before your insurance company pays any dental benefits. We’re more than halfway through the year so we have time to schedule the treatment you need. Now is the perfect time to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and avoid the holiday rush! REMEMBER: DENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS REGULAR HEALTH. You may be surprised to learn that unhealthy teeth can contribute to disease such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and infection of the heart lining. Sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing repeatedly during the night, increases your risk of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Contact our office at 678-8947926 or visit our website: www. HiTechSmiles.com , and together let’s make sure you are in excellent dental health and getting the full value of your insurance.
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Sports medicine that keeps her in the game. It’s easy to forget your child’s not an adult when she’s scoring goals like a pro. But if an injury happens, you can’t forget that she’s still growing. The sports medicine team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is specially trained to care for growing bodies. We only treat kids and teens and know what it takes to get them back doing what they love for years to come. It’s why where you take them matters. It’s why you take them to Children’s.
Visit choa.org/sportsmed to learn more.
Three Locations in Alpharetta and Cumming
©2019 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. Sports Medicine Physical Therapy is a department of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital.
WHERE YOU TAKE THEIR ACL MATTERS
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October puts the focus on breast health There’s no better time than October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to put screening and early detection of the disease top of mind. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the second-most-prevalent cancer affecting women. Fortunately, breast cancer is highly curable when it’s detected early. The first line of defense is having what’s called “breast awareness.” Women who have breast awareness are more likely to notice changes, or something that isn’t quite right. And while there are many guidelines for breast screenings, a good place to start is with the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS guidelines include yearly mammograms beginning at age 45 for women at average risk. It’s also important that women with a family history of breast or other cancers discuss the benefits of genetic counseling and high-risk screening options with their healthcare providers. While any woman can get breast cancer, common risk factors include: • Having a mother or sister who has had breast cancer • Carrying a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, such
as BRCA1 and BRCA2 • Having a first baby after age 30 • Being overweight • Not having breastfed a baby • Consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day • Experiencing onset of menstruation before age 13 • Smoking In the event an abnormal or suspicious mass is discovered during a breast self-exam or on a mammogram, a healthcare provider is likely to recommend more testing, including biopsy. Fortunately, there are many imaging techniques that allow the physician to precisely locate and biopsy the suspicious mass. The sample is then sent to a pathologist for examination to determine whether it is malignant. When breast cancer is diagnosed, it’s categorized by its current stage: Stage I, Stage II, Stage III or Stage IV. The stage of cancer helps categorize a patient’s tumor in terms of how well the patient is expected to do with proper treatment widely accepted by medical experts. Breast staging includes the size of the tumor, grade of the tumor, lymph node involvement, whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body and other factors.
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Once the stage of the tumor has been determined, a team of specialists will work together to decide the best course of treatment. Treatment is tailored to the specific type of breast cancer and may involve a combination of surgery, radia-
tion, chemotherapy, hormone drugs or targeted therapies. Surgical approaches for breast cancer include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a surrounding margin of tissue) and mastectomy (removal of the breast). Sometimes lymph nodes under the arm may be removed in association with a lumpectomy or mastectomy. In addition to remaining vigilant about screening for breast cancer, women can reduce their risk for the disease by engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise at least five days a week, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and year-round, WellStar North Fulton offers world-class breast healthcare close to home. Plus, WellStar’s partnership with the Mayo Clinic means patients have ready access to clinical trials, second opinions and consultations. Whether you want state-of-the-art screening or need highly advanced treatment modalities, WellStar North Fulton is a great choice for breast health and cancer care. To schedule a mammogram or an appointment with a breast cancer specialist, call 770-956-STAR (7827).
Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek offers exemplary memory care Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek uses Teepa Snow’s trademarked Gem Programming, Positive Personal Approach and other techniques in caring for residents with a dementia challenge. This approach helps families relate to their loved one in a meaningful, engaging way. They offer personal appointments and tours for families to come and learn more about the Arbor Advantage and their 60-day guarantee of satisfaction. This exemplary resort-style community offers beautiful apartments for Seniors at every stage of their care needs. They have several floorplans for Assisted Living and in their Bridges neigh-
borhood. Families love Bridges higher engagement activities designed for early cognitive challenges. Their Evergreen Memory Care Neighborhood is available for when higher care is needed on their dementia journey. They also offer a furnished suite when needed. Families can now focus on the relationship with their loved one in a less stressful manner and begin to feel the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are exceptionally cared for by a well trained caring team of professionals. Call Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek at 770-676-2410 to schedule a personal tour.
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©2019 WellStar Health System
VICTORIES HAPPEN HERE. DIAGNOSING CANCER FASTER, TREATING IT SOONER At WellStar North Fulton Hospital, our unique Cancer STAT Clinic approach enables patients to meet with a multidisciplinary team of specialists all at once, to start treatment even sooner. And with access to services like our top-rated radiosurgery team, we deliver better outcomes and faster recoveries. At WellStar, we care for the whole you. Learn more at wellstarhealth.org/northfulton.
10 | October 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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How porcelain veneers can improve your teeth By Dr. David Remaley Roswell Dental Care Your smile speaks volumes about you. A wide, full smile usually tells others that you are open and friendly. A pursed, straight-line smile typically indicates that you are shy and closed off. Healthy, clean teeth are the mark of someone put together and organized. Have you stopped and taken a second to consider what your smile is saying about you? If it’s not very positive, chances are that your teeth are to blame. Common causes of unsightly teeth • Discolorations • Stains • Chips • Gaps • Crookedness
BEFORE
Discolorations/Stains Your morning coffee and that glass of wine at dinner, while making you extremely happy, are staining your teeth. Discolored teeth can age you and make you appear unattractive. It is important to maintain a regular cleaning routine to keep your pearly whites, well, white. Chips/Broken teeth Only pro hockey players can pull off chipped or broken teeth, and that’s because they have the amazing story to explain it away. For the everyday person, chipped and broken teeth create an unbalanced smile. Tooth decay can cause your teeth to become weak and break easily. So, even if your tooth loss is due to an accident, people may take it as a sign that you don’t have the best oral hygiene. Talk about embarrassing. Gapped/Crooked teeth Gapped and crooked teeth throw off the uniformity of a smile. In regards to beauty, balance and symmetry are very important for creating an appearance that is attractive to the eye. Gaps and crookedness that create an asymmetrical look can affect how appealing your smile is. When brushing just isn’t cutting it It can’t be stressed enough that a daily, thorough oral regimen will help by leaps and bounds in providing you with an attractive smile. Healthy teeth are the most important part of a smile. But even if your teeth are healthy, they may not be aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes it’s impossible to fight discoloration and the fact that you are sporting a huge front gap. Brushing certainly isn’t going to bring back a chipped tooth, and it can be embarrassing living with unattractive
BEFORE teeth. Luckily, you don’t have to. You can reclaim your beautiful smile with the help of porcelain veneers. Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like sheets that cover the outside of damaged teeth. They require little alteration of the existing tooth structure and become very strong once bonded. Veneers can last over 15 years with good detail care. Benefits of porcelain veneers • Make teeth appear whiter • Obscure crooked and gapped teeth • Are customized to match existing tooth color and shape • Are non-porous and resistant to staining • Have minimal pain associated with the application procedure If your teeth could use a little improvement to give you a gorgeous smile, see how porcelain veneers can help you. Set up your consultation with Dr. David Remaley to discuss your options today! Call 470-375-9244 to schedule your appointment today.
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An interview with Dr. Taylor By Alyssa McNamara I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Taylor after his 2018 Best of win and again this week after his 3rd consecutive Best of win to talk about his continued success. The following is a compilation of both interviews. Last year’s interview took place while Dr. Taylor held his newborn son Broderick or “Bodi.” As we discussed his practice’s progress, he laughed at the “happy chaos” that is his home life. Even without a newborn in his arms, he is as I remember him – warm and likeable. I looked back at my notes from my last interview and my observations still apply: “After speaking with him for an hour, I am well aware of the reasons for his renown. He is warm, instantly calming, respectful and shockingly intelligent. Despite having a youthful face that, at first glance, might make you question his experience, his knowledge and surgical ability are well established: both are touted in patient reviews and displayed in a vast surgical portfolio. He is loved and respected by his patients and his staff, and it is easy to see why. He is, to say the least, a genuine individual and accomplished physician.” Congratulations on winning both Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist of North Atlanta yet again! You must be proud. It is quite an honor to win these titles, let alone several years in a row! To what do you attribute to your success? Dr. Taylor: Well thank you very much! You’re right. It is an honor to win and I am extremely appreciative of the accolade. I am very fortunate to live and work in an area that has exceptional healthcare including outstanding dermatologists and remarkable Mohs surgeons. Moreover, residents of North Fulton are smart consumers, who do their research on their potential physicians. Given this, I truly value the confidence that my patients have placed in me. I don’t have any hidden secret to Premier Dermatology’s success per se. I have been trained by exceptional physicians and I work with exceptional people. I strive to always be patientcentered, to put the patient first, to read up, perform extra research for my patients and advocate for them. Quality controls, back-up systems and patient care processes are an area of special interest for me. I have been an airplane pilot for over ten years, and I believe that the strategies for safety and quality that aviation emphasizes have translated into improved processes within my own practice. But most importantly, I really owe so
much to our amazing staff! We have the same amazing staff that we did last year with one excellent addition. Given that, we are a small practice with only 8 staff members, I am beyond thankful for their expertise, compassion and the concern that they have for our patients. We spend a lot of time together given our 10 to 12 hour work days, so it is invaluable that we all get along and not only like our jobs but strive to excel and improve our processes. We have been open over two and half years now and are constantly trying to improve wherever we can. I think that’s part of our success: patients recognize our genuine concern and commitment to excellence. Is there something that you feel sets you apart? Dr. Taylor: Actually I do believe I spend an unusual amount of time with my patients. As a procedural dermatologist, I am used to a smaller volume of patients with longer visits so that translates over to my general dermatology patients. Granted sometimes that means my schedule runs behind, but ultimately our patients leave knowing that they received thorough, high quality care. And I appreciate the understanding my patients show me, because I think that they can tell that if I am running behind that it is because I chose to give a prior patient the time he or she needed rather
See TAYLOR, Page 12
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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-
Taylor: Continued from Page 11 than run on schedule. Regarding Mohs surgery and vein care, my fellowship covered multiple aspects of surgical dermatology, so I feel that I am able to address some of the extra concerns that patients may have that would otherwise be referred to other specialists or simply not be handled, and I perform these services at the level you would expect from someone who is fellowship-trained and board-certified. For example, I can treat medically significant vein disease with various procedures such as laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy then, once resolved, clear up the cosmetic vein issues with sclerotherapy or laser treatments. I am also one of the only physicians in Georgia with a lab that allows me to cure melanoma with true Mohs surgery. In general, these would be treated by different specialists or would be treated using non-equivalent techniques. Could you please comment on your background and experience? Dr. Taylor: I believe my experience is notable given my number of years in practice. Surgeons gain experience and perfect their skills through research and practice. As a result of training at very busy institutions then working for some of the busiest practices in Florida, I have performed over ten thousand dermatologic procedures. I completed my fellowship 5 years ago. Having been a Mohs surgeon at the University of Florida and also working in private practice in Florida before moving to Atlanta to be closer to family, I was lucky enough to take care of
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.
As a result of training at very busy institutions then working for some of the busiest practices in Florida, I have performed over ten thousand dermatologic procedures. a great many patients who had extremely large cancers and required extensive reconstruction. As you might imagine, Florida residents need considerable dermatologic care. I am honored to take care of people with genuine need and am lucky to have been prepared by outstanding mentors who trained me. Upon starting my own practice here in Alpharetta, I already had the volume of experience usually found with a Mohs surgeon who has been in practice much longer. Anything else you’d like to say? Dr. Taylor: I really just want to say thank you very much! Thank you to our staff: you are valued and wonderful and we wouldn’t be continuing to excel without each and every one of you! Also thank you so very much to all of our patients and our community! Your confidence and support is greatly appreciated and rewarding. I look forward to continuing to strive to provide patients with exceptional care.
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The New Strong Gaining control over your fitness and your life For many people, aging equals lower metabolism, weight gain and less energy for activities you enjoy. This is directly related to loss of lean muscle. While you can’t avoid getting older, there are some steps you can take to stop the process of muscle loss and start rebuilding healthy, lean muscle. It doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you haven’t exercised in years. You can still regain lean muscle that improves your shape and increases your metabolism. Our downfall is inactivity. Too much sitting is the new smoking. Our bodies were meant to be active, stay active and be strong. When we stop doing meaningful exercise, we lose ground. What is meaningful exercise? A critical component of stimulating the improvements we seek from exercise is the achievement of momentary muscular failure in each exercise performed. With steady-state activities, like walking on a treadmill or biking, there is no mo-
mentary muscular failure involved. Unless activity is demanding, it is practically worthless from an exercise perspective. However, if an activity is sufficiently demanding to take the targeted muscles to momentary failure, then it qualifies as meaningful exercise. Muscle failure should be viewed as a means of signaling the body that it needs to get stronger in order to meet the demands being placed upon it. What is the SuperSlow Zone solution? The SuperSlow Zone protocol is the original and genuine slow-motion, personal strength training workout. The exercise protocol has been proven successful in both building muscle and increasing resting metabolism, thus allowing the body to burn more calories at rest. SuperSlow Zone provides a safe and effective workout in a short amount of time so that you can get in, get out, and get on with your busy life!
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14 | October 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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4 tips to achieve lung health By Nan McCormick, RN Thoracic Nurse Navigator, Northside Hospital Gwinnett
#
COMMUNITY BREAST CANCER PROGRAM IN THE NATION
More women trust Northside Hospital Cancer Institute for their cancer care than any other program in the state. As Georgia’s leader for women’s cancer care, we’re proud to have the #1 community breast and gynecologic cancer programs in the entire nation. Learn more at builttobeatcancer.com
A majority of us take our lungs for granted and don’t recognize how much they really do for our bodies on a daily basis. Our lungs have one major task—and that is to help us breathe. Lungs play an essential role in our overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, there are multiple factors that impact lung health—these organs must contend with pollution, smoke and germs. Overtime, these factors may compound, taking a toll on your lungs and putting you at a higher risk for developing lung disease. With a multitude of lung conditions, one of the most serious being lung cancer, it’s important for each of us to learn more about promoting lung health. Today, we know what may be harmful for lung health, but what about those that are beneficial? Well, there are many that do exist, and the good news is there are some easy ways for each of us to start practicing better lung health. 1. Don’t smoke … and if you do, stop Smoking increases the risk of developing many serious illnesses, as well as accelerating the aging process. Due to the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, smoking can cause a host of health issues, including: • Multiple types of cancer: lung, bladder, cervical and throat, among several others • Higher blood pressure, which increases your risk of stroke or heart attack • Reduced blood flow, which can slow healing and cause wrinkles With more resources than ever to aid in the quitting process, you can utilize support groups, classes and quit-smoking products to kick this bad habit for good. Even if you think it may be too late to quit, experts agree that no matter when you quit, it will have a positive impact on your health. The Freshstart Smoking Cessation Program is a free service of Northside Hospital that provides counseling, education and support for those interested in quitting smoking. 2. Avoid indoor & outdoor air pollutants Many of us hear about the importance of getting fresh air; however, that may be more difficult that you’d think. With several different sources of air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, it can be difficult to find truly fresh air. Things like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter are very harmful and are the result of many common pollutants.
By learning more about these common sources of air pollution, you can better avoid them and promote lung health: • Exhaust from cars, lawnmowers and buses • Mold and mildew • Individuals with infections • Some household chemicals • Radon (Gwinnett, DeKalb, Fulton and Cobb Counties are among the highest predicted average of indoor radon levels in the state of Georgia) 3. Start doing breathing exercises Your lungs need exercise just like the other muscles in your body. To keep them functioning as they should, breathing exercises help rid the stale air in your lungs, which increases oxygen levels and strengthens the diaphragm. Two of the most popular breathing exercises recommended by the American Lung Association are: • The Pursed Lip Breathing Exercise: Simply breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth with pursed lips. Exhaling should take at least twice as long as inhaling. • The Belly Breathing Exercise: During this exercise you will simply breathe in through your nose while paying attention to how your belly fills with air. By placing your hands on your stomach, you can feel your belly rising and falling with each breath. Exhaling should take two to three times as long as inhaling. 4, Get screened You’ve probably heard about routine screenings for breast health, prostate health, even colon health, but what about lung health? In fact, there is a lung cancer screening that utilizes a low dose CT scan, which can effectively identify any nodules or masses that may be present, even if you don’t have symptoms. While lung cancer may be the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., utilizing simple tactics to support lung health, as well as advanced screening options, and personalized care can all help to prevent this deadly disease. To learn more about how Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is leading the way in comprehensive lung care, visit northside.com/lung. Start by marking your calendar for the second annual Breathe Better Gwinnett event on October 14 and the first annual Breathe Better Cherokee on October 23. In addition to on-site screenings and tests for lung function, lipid profile, blood glucose, and bone density—all provided by the experts of Northside Hospital—you’ll enjoy demonstrations, educational exhibits and prize drawings.
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Helping your older loved one cope with depression Brought to you by Home Helpers of Alpharetta
or continuing signs and symptoms that may indicate returning depression.
October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is the most common mental illness in those over the age of 65. Some experts believe that ten percent of seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia are struggling with depression. Because it is so common, it’s important to understand what depression is, what the symptoms are, and what can be done to help your older loved one cope with depression.
How You Can Help You can help your older loved one by visiting often, inviting them over for dinner, taking them out for a day, or playing some games. Help them follow a healthy lifestyle. Encourage them to stick to an exercise or diet plan, take them grocery shopping or prepare a meal together. Is there something your older loved one has always wanted to do, like reach a certain weight, travel, or learn a new skill? Help them create specific goals that can be reached as a way to boost their self-confidence and optimistic outlook. This may be the ideal time to consider the benefits and peace of mind professional in-home care can provide. The companionship and assistance a carefully matched, heart centered Home Helpers caregiver provides can help your older loved one stay happy, healthy and safe as they age in place. Our highly personalized care can boost self-confidence and help live life to the fullest. A Home Helpers Caregiver has the skills to assist with all personal care, help around the house, provide transportation and specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. The bonds that are formed with a caregiver can help overcome loneliness and provide a warm social environment. We know that despite the passing years, each of our clients has a youthful spirit. Engaging that lets us share in the richness of their lives, both past and present. For a free in-home consultation and personalized plan contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta today at (678) 430-8511.
What is Depression? It is completely normal to feel sad at times, especially after a health crisis, the death of a loved one or a major change in lifestyle that means a loss of independence. What’s not normal is an extended period of sadness that’s accompanied by feelings of being helpless, hopeless, or worthless. Your older loved one may seem depressed for most of the day, show signs of fatigue, restlessness, be unable to concentrate, have sleeping difficulties or have no interest in activities. It’s important for seniors who exhibit these symptoms to be evaluated by their health care provider or a psychologist. Once an exact diagnosis is determined, the more effectively it can be treated. The right medication along with therapy and greater social involvement are a few options that can make a real difference in your older loved one’s life. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with their doctor to ensure that you are aware of any changes in their health
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Bonding with Baby at Birth and Postpartum: A Midwife’s Perspective By Emily Dixon, C.N.M., F.N.P. Modern OB/GYN Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting time for parents. Often times, new parents may feel Emily Dixon, uncertain on how to CNM best bond with their baby. The tips given in this article are applicable both in the hospital and at home. As midwives, we are strong advocates for early mother and baby bonding. This includes immediate skin to skin after delivery, if medically safe. Skin to skin means placing the baby directly onto the mother’s bare chest in an upright position, with the baby’s head turned to the side for easy breathing, and blankets placed over the baby’s body. This helps promote breastfeeding while also keeping baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing regulated. Additionally skin to skin lowers the level of stress hormones, soothing both mother and baby. Other family members and parents can use skin to skin to bond with the baby as well. Rooming-in is another way to bond
Dr. j. REYES
Dr. I. REYES
DR. KIM
DR. NATU
LIz Coleman, CNM
Dr. pereira
with your baby. Rooming-in allows the family and newborn to become familiar with one another. Additionally, when mother and baby are sharing a room, the baby will often cry less, be soothed easily, and breastfeed more frequently. To practice rooming-in safely, baby should have their own crib or bassinet to sleep in and be within arm’s reach of the mother. Rooming-in reduces the risk of SIDS and actually allows both mother
Dr. kenkel
Nuria Nelkin, CNM
and baby to sleep better. Finally, encouraging breastfeeding as often and for as long as possible is another way for mothers to bond with their babies. Exclusively breastfeeding is recommended until baby is six months old. Breastfeeding has many benefits such as strengthening the baby’s immune system and reducing the baby’s risk of
KORTNEY ROGERS, CNM
obesity, asthma, allergies, and diabetes. Breastfeeding also has benefits to mom as well, including reducing the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. There are so many wonderful ways to bond with your baby. As Midwives, one of our greatest roles is helping new moms with this transition and supporting them with whatever they need.
Navigating Medicare’s Prescription Drug Plan Brought to you by: REVUE PHARMACY On www.medicare. gov, you can find a tool called the Medicare Plan Finder. It can help you find the plan that’s best for you, based on the medicines you take, Gichuki Kimani, the premiums you’re PHARM D comfortable paying, etc. Also, one can use this tool to check a plan’s Star Ratings. Higher ratings can mean a plan does a better job with patient satisfaction and ensuring safe and appropriate use of medicines. Cost and Coverage • Plans with lower premiums per month typically come with higher co-pays or deductibles. This may mean lower overall costs if you don’t take many medicines or take inexpensive medicines. • The average monthly premium is around $30. • The max annual deductible for Part D plans will increase slightly in 2020...from $415 to $435. Some plans have no deduct-
ibles, but monthly premiums can be high • After meeting the deductible, most patients will pay no more than 25% of brand name and generic drug costs, until spending a total of $6,350 outof-pocket. At that point, “catastrophic coverage” kicks in and you only have to pay up to 5% of all drug costs. If I’m happy with my plan now, what should I do? If you’re happy with your current plan, you may not have to do anything. Usually, you’ll automatically be re-enrolled for next year. You’ll get information on changes (Annual Notice of Change) in the mail each fall. Review this notice to find out if your premium, deductible, co-pays, or preferred pharmacies have changed, or if your plan is being switched. Dates to remember: • Open enrollment begins October 15th and ends on December 7th. • Changes begin January 1st. • From December 8th to the following November 30th you can switch from your current plan to a plan with a 5-star rating only Please call our Pharmacy at (470) 275-6795 for extra help finding a plan.
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