Do you know someone who’s hiding in plain sight?
Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center
We often prioritize our physical health, while our mental health is treated as a private matter, sometimes even stigmatized. However, a significant portion of the American population expe-riences mental illness, and it’s crucial to talk openly about it and seek help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 20% of American adults (more than 50 million people) experience some form of mental illness each year and 1 in 6 children aged 6 to 17 have a mental health disorder. Alarmingly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among U.S. children aged 10 to 14. These statistics are staggering, yet only 45% of those experiencing mental illness receive the help they need.
Join Summit Counseling Center on February 23rd and March 2nd at Dunwoody UMC, 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, for a private screening of Ken Burn’s doc-umentary, Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.
This documentary features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as par-ents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts. The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience. Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the is-sues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, help advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues today.
Episode 1: The Storm
Sunday | February 23rd | 2:00
The Storm focuses on more than twenty young people who provide an
PROVIDED
intimate look at what it’s like to experience the symptoms of mental illness, from depression to addic-tion to suicide ideation. The film includes insights from families, providers, and advo-cates and explores the impact of childhood trauma, stigma, and social media.
Episode 2: Resilience
Sunday | March 2nd | 2:00
Young people and their family and friends talk about how they came to acknowledge and accept the reality of their mental illnesses and, most importantly, start talking about them. They describe their work with providers to determine a diagnosis and the treat-ments they received, and the added stigma of racial or gender discrimination. Throughout, the young people inspire with their resilience and hope.
To learn more and/or register for the event, visit our website at summitcounsel-ing.org/events/.
Insist on the BEST
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 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA 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.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
As seen on TV – What is GentleCure™
Brought
to you by
– Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
In the last few months, I have received a lot of questions about GentleCure™ — a skin cancer radiation treatment that has been heavily advertised on television. In the past, most discussions about radiation treatments for skin cancer were initiated by me, the physician. GentleCure™’s marketing campaign has been so effective that even patients who do not have skin cancer are asking me about the treatment that they have seen on TV.
I wanted to like GentleCure™. I enjoy the part of my job that is presenting different treatment options for my patients. When radiation is preferable over surgery, I get excited to bring it up. Some skin cancers such as superficial basal cell carcinoma are better treated with Mohs surgery in some instances, radiation therapy in others, cautery and scraping treatments at times and even creams such as Aldara™ or other treatments depending on numerous factors. The exact location, local anatomy, immune system status, details on the pathology report, and individual patient goals all factor into recommendations about what treatments to consider. Multiple excellent treatments are available, and one of the joys of my job is assisting patients in selecting the treatments that are right for them. As a Mohs surgeon, I take pride in discussing alternatives to Mohs surgery. I recognize the potential for conflicts of interest, and I cherish the times when patients and I have decided together on a non-surgical treatment. The motto of my Mohs surgery fellowship was, “Put the patient first” and doing so is what makes me feel whole.
Unfortunately, I find myself very disappointed in GentleCure™. This superficial radiation therapy (SRT) treatment likely takes the technology a step farther than previous types of SRT by adding ultrasound imaging to help define the size and depth of the cancer and adjust treatment energies and settings. Technologically, GentleCure™ is likely a step forward compared with some prior radiation treatment devices. However, the way that the company has chosen to represent their technology is mercenary and misleading.
The name GentleCure™ introduces bias and attempts to sway patients towards this treatment in a way that the names “Mohs micro -
graphic surgery,” “excision,” Aldara™ cream, Levulan® Keratick® and other treatments do not.
GentleCure™ has engaged in direct to consumer (DTC) marketing. The United States is one of the only countries in the world to allow DTC marketing of pharmaceuticals, and many physicians and I believe this is a mistake, often to the detriment of society and the patient. DTC is ethically questionable, foremost because of the potential to misrepresent a product and create a false first impression.
In my professional opinion, the GentleCure™ website misrepresents their technology, misleadingly contrasts it with Mohs surgery, and inadequately compares GentleCure™ with other alternative treatments. A few examples:
1. The website gentlecure.com states that “low amounts of x-ray energy” are used, but a typical dose is 50 gray. In contrast, a typical chest x-ray delivers less than a thousandth (<1/1000) of a gray of radiation. Fifty (50) gray is no small amount. It typically permanently kills adnexal structures (hair fol -
states “There is no scarring.” This is not completely true. Yes, by definition, there is no surgical scar, but radiated skin is never the same. Post-radiation changes can include permanently lightening the treated area, causing noticeable redness or dilated blood vessels to develop, causing an abnormal texture as all hair follicles and sweat glands are eliminated, and sometimes leading to chronically irritated areas and even sometimes post-radiation ulcers that never heal. The website contrasts the unusual case of Mohs surgery with the best case scenario after radiation.
I could go on, as I disagree with much of how this company has decided to represent its product. I love doing research myself, and it saddens me when I learn that the patient trying his or her best to do their own research online is set up to fail by misleading websites and faulty information.
What is the verdict, and what is one to do?
licles and sweat glands), permanently changes the area’s ability to heal and carries the risk of actually causing cancer.
2. The website further states that surgery leaves wounds that result in “not doing normal activities” whereas with radiation “you do not need to skip normal daily activities.” However, GentleCure™ treatments are, according to their own website, delivered in separate sessions of typically 18 to 25 visits on 18 to 25 different days. Twenty separate doctor’s appointments for the treatment of a single cancer has the potential to interfere with normal daily activities, I would think.
3. I believe that most people’s primary interest in radiation is the potential to avoid a surgical scar. Again, the website is misleading. Instead of a statement in line with my clinical experience that the scarring after Mohs surgery is typically minimal and inconspicuous, the website focuses on the outliers stating, “scarring may need to be fixed with reconstructive surgery.” And for GentleCure™, the website
Most patients prefer Mohs surgery over radiation treatments for most skin cancers because of the confidence of clear surgical margins, the avoidance of numerous appointments for radiation, and the generally excellent cosmetic results achievable with Mohs surgery. However, individual factors such as cancer subtype, body location, tumor size, and personal goals may tip the scales toward one treatment or another. Moreover, Mohs surgery and radiation are just two of multiple options to be considered on a case by case basis. And, yes, despite my disagreement with how the technology is being marketed, I will absolutely continue to recommend it when it is the optimal treatment for my patients.
The key to making the best decision is to receive recommendations from a doctor who you trust, and to seek second opinions when needed. You should sense that your doctor is faithfully helping you navigate your current skin cancer, is happy to discuss alternatives and is also proactively discussing preventative options to decrease the incidence of future cancers. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, I pride myself on providing patients with alternative treatment options even if provided by different physicians or specialties and will always answer a patient’s questions with honesty and integrity.
Comprehensive Internal Medicine
Serving as the Medical Home for Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, & Johns Creek, for over 20 years
Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine
What is a medical home?
A medical home is an approach to providing comprehensive and high-quality primary care, in a coordinated fashion with specialists and consultants.
A medical home is patientcentered with many aspects that contribute to improved healthcare outcomes
• Accessibility: Care is easy for the patient to obtain, including geographic access and insurance accommodation.
• Family-centered: The patient and family are recognized and acknowledged, ensuring that all medical decisions are made in true partnership.
• Continuous: The same primary care clinician cares for patient, aiding and support through young adulthood through elder years.
• Comprehensive: Preventive, primary and specialty care are provided.
• Coordinated: A care plan is created in partnership with the patient and communicated with all health care clinicians.
• Compassionate: Genuine concern for the well-being of the patient is emphasized and addressed.
At Comprehensive Internal Medicine, we involve many team members at various levels to coordinate and provide patient care. Our doctors lead all clinical decision-making in a team approach,
collaborating with the patient to tailor care in an individualized manner.
Understanding the intricacies of our patient’s care brings a deeper knowledge of the long-term care plan. Our team of administrative professionals strives to answer each call quickly, avoiding voice mail or a phone tree.
Our scheduling department quickly accommodates each patient’s scheduling needs.
We save appointment times for same-day appointments and are
always welcoming new patients.
Whereas it may be convenient to see Urgent Care, we believe seeing your regular doctor brings your healthcare to a higher level, being seen quickly when needs arise prevents worsening medical symptoms.
Call today to establish with one of our many doctors. We have physicians who focus on young adult care, and others who have special training in the care of geriatric patients.
Providing Medical Care Including the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases
Jacqueline T. Pearson, M.D., M.S. Anju Bhushan, M.D. Arezou Fatemi, M.D. Ryan Bozof, M.D. Shima Mansouri, P.A.-C
Laurae Carpenetti, M.D.
Carol Hector, M.D. Sumera Pervaiz, M.D. Sudeshna Nandi, M.D. Petula Gunn, APRN Jeffrey Obiora, M.D. Raphael Lopez,
Buelow
Frustrated with insurance companies? We are too!
Roswell Dental Care
When it comes to choosing a dental provider, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a fee-for-service (FFS) dental office or an insurance-based dental office. Each type of practice has its own set of advantages, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the care you receive. For many patients, opting for a fee-for-service model can offer a more personalized, flexible, and high-quality dental experience.
Personalized Care
One of the standout benefits of our FFS dental office is the level of personalized care we provide. Because we aren’t limited by insurance guidelines or restrictions, we have more freedom to customize treatment plans specifically for you. This allows us to focus on your unique dental needs. In contrast, insurance-based dental offices may be more likely to follow treatment protocols dictated by what the insurance plan will approve, limiting treatment options or focusing on cost-saving approaches.
Freedom of Treatment Options
Our dental office also gives you greater flexibility when it comes to treatment options. Since we are not bound by insurance limitations, you have access to a wider range of procedures, including elective and advanced treatments that may not be covered under an insurance plan. For example, while dental insurance might cover basic cleanings and fillings, it may not cover more extensive treatments such as veneers or periodontal therapy. In our office, you’re able to choose from a broader spectrum of services without worrying about what your insurance will or won’t cover.
Higher Quality of Care
Another important advantage of our dental office is the higher quality of care . Without the constraints of working within insurance networks and reimbursement rates, we can focus on offering the highest standard of care to our patients, including investing in the latest dental technology, using high-quality materials, and providing specialized services. We have fewer patients per day; therefore, we also have more time to spend with each individual, ensuring thorough exams, more comprehensive treatment plans, and higher-quality outcomes.
Insurance-based practices, alternatively, face limitations on the types of materials and procedures they can offer, and dentists might be under pressure to see more patients to meet insurance guidelines.
Transparency in Pricing
One of the most appealing aspects of our dental office is the clarity in pricing . You typically know exactly what you’re paying for upfront. This transparency makes it easier for patients to budget for dental care and allows them to make more informed decisions about their treatments. In contrast, insurance-based offices often involve a complex billing process, with patients sometimes facing unexpected costs after insurance covers only a portion of the treatment.
If you value personalized care , more treatment options , and the ability to make informed choices about costs , Roswell Dental Care may be the right fit for you. Our practice offers a high level of care, transparency, and freedom from insurance restrictions, ensuring that you get the best possible dental experience.
We are a fee-for-service practice but file and make the most out of your out-of-network insurance benefits. This allows us to set our own fees and make the time in our schedule to properly care for our patients. We also offer a Wellness Plan subscription for our practice, which gives you better benefits and less limitations than insurance. Dr. Hood and her team at Roswell Dental Care understand and customize treatment for each person. We assure you will feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at 770.998.6736, or visit us at www. roswelldentalcare.com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!
• Crowns and Bridges in a few days
• Porcelain Veneers
• Tooth Colored Composite Fillings
• Teeth Whitening- no sensitivity
• Oral Cancer Screenings on all patients
• Teeth Cleanings, Digital X-Rays and Comprehensive Oral Exams on all new patients
• Cosmetic Smile Makeovers and Full Mouth Reconstruction (Complimentary Consultation)
• Occlusal Guards and Bite Adjustments
• Snore Guards and Sleep Apnea Analysis
• Digital X-Rays (90% less radiation) and Intra-Oral Photos
• Digitally Scanned Dental ImpressionsNo more gooey impressions!
• Electronic Records
• Accept and File
• Implants
• Root Canals
• Extractions
• Spa-like Relaxing Atmosphere
• Custom Baked Cookies Daily
• FREE Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation
• Facial Aesthetic Enhancements including BOTOX and Dermal Fillers
Dr. David Remaley
Dr. Destinee Hood
Brought to you by - Dr. Destinee Hood at
Understanding Cardiac Electrophysiology
Taking care of your heart’s electrical system
Brought to you by - Wellstar Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Mohammad Kooshkabadi
Your heart has an electrical system that helps it beat in a regular rhythm. Sometimes, this system can have problems, causing irregular or abnormal heartbeats called arrhythmias. Cardiac electrophysiology focuses on diagnosing and treating these issues to keep your heart beating normally and improve your overall health.
Many arrhythmias can be treated using a procedure called ablation. During an ablation, an electrophysiologist applies electrical impulses, radiofrequency energy (heat) or cryoablation (cold) directly to the source of the arrhythmia to restore a regular heartbeat.
Here are some services Wellstar car -
diac electrophysiologists offer in North Fulton:
1. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) care: AFib is a common condition where the heart beats irregularly or too fast. Electrophysiologists provide treatments to help control or reset your heart rhythm, reducing symptoms like fatigue, palpitations and stroke risk. For some patients, electrophysiologists use ablation to target and treat the areas in the heart causing AFib, helping restore a steady rhythm and improving your quality of life.
2. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation: If your heart beats very fast due to SVT, ablation can safely and
effectively stop the abnormal electrical signals causing the issue.
3. Premature ventricular contraction ablation: When extra heartbeats disrupt your rhythm, electrophysiologists use ablation to reduce or eliminate these irregular beats, relieving symptoms like palpitations or fatigue.
4. Ventricular tachycardia ablation: For life-threatening fast rhythms from the lower heart chambers, ablation can stabilize your heartbeat and reduce the risk of dangerous episodes.
5. Bradyarrhythmias: If your heart beats too slowly, electrophysiologists can offer treatments like pacemakers to restore a healthy rhythm.
6. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs): These small devices monitor your heart and deliver a lifesaving shock if a dangerous rhythm occurs, keeping you safe and protected.
7. Biventricular ICDs: For patients
with heart failure, this special type of ICD improves heart coordination, helping it pump more effectively.
8. Leadless pacemakers: A newer, smaller pacemaker option without leads (wires) offers advanced rhythm support with less risk of complications.
9. Conduction system pacing: This advanced pacing technique works with your heart’s natural electrical pathways to provide better rhythm control and preserve heart function.
Our goal at Wellstar is to help you live your best life by keeping your heart in rhythm and your symptoms under control. With advanced treatments and personalized care, we’re here to support your heart health every step of the way.
Your Wellstar cardiologist can refer you to an electrophysiologist if you need a procedure to correct your heart rhythm. Find a cardiologist at wellstar. org/heartcare.
KOOSHKABADI
A team of advanced heart care specialists means more
for
At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 100 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons across our cardiovascular services team who are ready to care for you. Whether you need preventive screenings or treatment for complex heart conditions, your heart is in good hands with our skilled team— highly rated by patients like you.
We are leading the way in Georgia and beyond with innovative technology and experienced clinicians to ensure you have the expertise you need close by. Learn how Wellstar can help keep your heart going strong at wellstar.org/northfultonheart.
Have you ever been to the dentist and the dentist needs to make an impression of your mouth? If you have done this before, you may have just taken a deep breath and started to get nervous. Traditional impressions have always involved a large tray loaded with impression material (goop!?!) that must be inserted into your mouth to make a mold of your teeth. Isn’t there a better way? Yes! The latest technology now allows your dentist to take a digital impression instead.
Digital impressions (also called 3-D intraoral scanning) construct a threedimensional digital model of your teeth and your entire mouth. Digital impressions are less messy and more pleasant than traditional impressions. Patients with a gag reflex or sensitive teeth have a better, more comfortable experience. A small (radiationfree) laser wand takes a series of images of your teeth and your gums and stitches them together into a 3-D virtual model of your mouth. You can immediately touch the screen and rotate and adjust the image to see your teeth from all angles. You very likely have never seen your teeth and your
Digital Dentistry
mouth like this. It’s amazing!
The Atlanta Center for Dental Health has the iTero Element intraoral scanner imaging system. The 3-D model of your mouth is immediately on the iPad-like screen right in front of you. It can immediately be adjusted and looked at from all angles. This image can be uploaded to the dental laboratory for the construction of a crown or clear aligners or other dental prosthetics and appliances. This allows
PROVIDED
for the rapid fabrication of amazingly accurate, perfectly fitting, artistically created natural looking dental restorations that improve your smile and your appearance and wow your friends. One of the most amazing uses of this technology is the ability to immediately see a Smile Simulation. In about a minute, your dentist can show you what your smile would look like if you straightened your teeth or improved your bite
Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.”
with clear aligners, like Invisalign™. We would love to show you this new technology. You are welcome to call or stop by for a quick no cost Smile Simulation of your very own.
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in cosmetic dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover your options, please call us at 770-992-2236. Dr. Hepler is highly trained and certified to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.
DR. CHARLES MAYO Mayo Clinic
A life changing gift for the one you love
to You
February and Valentine’s Day bring thoughts of the perfect gift for a loved one. It’s a great time to consider a gift that can be life changing for an older loved one. That’s recognizing the preventive benefits of in-home care.
All too often in-home care is seen as the service you only seek after serious cognitive decline, surgery or recovery from a stroke and other health issues that require supportive care for the activities of daily living. Viewing in-home care as an earlier preventive step opens the door to prolonging a more vibrant and enjoyable life in the comfort of home.
We know that the key to healthy aging is healthy living. By 2030, 1 in every 6 Americans will be over 65. Over 28% of older adults live alone. While preventive tests and regular checkups catch physical changes early, there are activities that in-home care can bolster that are key to maintaining the best possible health and prevent the loss of independence as we age.
The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the spirit and body can be devastating, and keeping in good shape often needs a nudge and companionship. A skilled caregiver for a few days a week can help keep your older loved one moving and stave off the inactivity that
accelerates the aging process. Social activities and learning new things and skills can boost mental health. Studies continue to show the importance of maintaining a good diet and the impact that nutrition has on maintaining our cognitive abilities. Exercise, diet, social activities and learning can also contribute to a better sleep cycle and a good night’s sleep.
With a heart centered approach and positive spirit, a carefully matched Home Helpers caregiver can help pursue a hobby, enjoy community activities and outings and build relationships that enrich the life of your older loved one.
Perhaps your loved one is a family caregiver. Providing respite care for several days a week or overnight assistance can provide a break and some private time for them to combat burnout, get some rest and relieve some stress. It helps them and the entire family of the loved one they support.
A Home Helpers caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. We have a team with depth and skill that can provide the care you need from six hours a day, several days a week, to 24/7 care. For a free consultation, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
Brought
by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs
Kickstart your new year’s resolution with GLP-1s
Brought to you by –
OlympusMD - Milton
Shedding extra pounds, can be challenging. That’s where GLP-1 receptor agonists (com-monly referred to as GLP-1s) come in. These innovative medications can help you kickstart your weight loss endeavors and set you up for long-term success. If weight loss is part of your 2025 goals, here’s everything you need to know about integrating GLP-1s into your plan.
What are GLP-1s?
GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are medications originally designed to help individuals with Type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar. But one of their most popular and impactful side effects is weight loss. They work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone in the body, which slows digestion, reduces appetite, and promotes feelings of fullness. For indi-viduals struggling to gain control over their eating habits and achieve sustainable weight loss, GLP-1s can be a game changer.
Why GLP-1s are perfect for your new goals
Starting a weight loss routine can feel overwhelming, especially as motivation tends to wane mid-year. Incorporating GLP-1s into your strategy can help maintain that energy and commitment beyond the initial
enthusiasm. Here’s why they’re particularly effective this time of year:
• Kickstart momentum. For many, seeing early progress can be a powerful motivator. GLP-1s help suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake, allowing you to see results more quickly than traditional dieting alone.
• Support healthy habits. GLP-1s work best when combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. They complement healthier habits by making portion control easier and reducing cravings, enabling you to stick to your resolutions with greater ease.
• Sustain long-term results. Beyond the initial boost, GLP-1s encourage sustainable changes by helping regulate hunger, preventing overeating, and supporting a more balanced approach to food.
This year, take control of your weight loss goals with the help of GLP-1s. Whether you're making your first attempt or looking for a fresh start after past setbacks, these medications can provide the support you need to achieve meaningful and lasting results.
Consult with a trusted healthcare provider to determine if this option makes sense for your individual needs. With GLP-1s on your side, 2025 could be the year you not only kickstart your resolution—but maintain it for years to come. For more information, please call 470-359-4815
with 3-month GLP-1 package
New Year, new insurance
North Fulton Smiles
Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that pays a percentage of the dental care costs that a patient receives. Dental insurance is typically part of a benefit package negotiated by and provided by one’s employer, or a private group. Monthly payments to the insurance companies result in the ability to seek dental care at either a dentist of your choice, a dentist in a network, or a dentist assigned to you. Dental benefits can cover preventative services, treatments, orthodontics, and many more services depending on the plan offered by one’s employer or group and chosen by you. Dental insurance may also have premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which are the amounts that you pay to have. Dental insurance may be offered as an indemnity, PPO, or DHMO plan, which have different rules of varying restrictions, for choosing providers and paying claims.
Whether dental insurance is beneficial or not depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Dental insurance can be beneficial for gaining access to dental care and assisting in the financial responsibility of it. However, dental insurance is NOT the panacea to your dental care! Having insurance does not guarantee that the care YOU need is part of your benefit package. There is a common misconception that dental insurance should cover all procedures and expenses and frustration builds when patients realize that their dental benefits are not as beneficial as they assumed. Let’s be frank: Dental insurance companies are a third party, for-profit organization that profits by earning in-
terest by withholding the monies that are supposed to be disbursed to patients and dentists for care provided. Not all plans are created equal, and the patient makes that choice depending on desired monthly premiums, employment offers and the employer-insurance company negotiations. Your healthcare provider is not involved in the choice of your plan but is subject to the restrictions that each plan imposes. More often, a patient believes their insurance company and insists on receiving treatment “only what my insurance covers”, disregarding the diagnosis and treatment offered by the doctor! Because an insurance plan promises more than it delivers, the frustrations and blame of these restric tions and nuances are projected onto the dentist or healthcare provider. The insurance company does not
always follow the dental association guidelines for care and create rules that benefit their financial gain, not your care! Lastly, dental insurance companies impose grossly lower fees that are outdated by decades and do not fairly follow industry and cost of living trends such that dentists can continue to serve patients with the highest quality of care. Dental insurance may not be worth the expense if you only require routine periodic dental care or if the premiums, deductibles, and copayments are too high. Here is my challenge to you: why continually pay an insurance company which profits grossly and restricts your choices to dental care? Instead, why not eliminate the third party, develop a relationship with your dentist, utilize the office’s inhouse dental plan and receive the care and treatment you deserve? Considering the dental insurance challenges, several offices, including North Fulton Smiles, offer an in-house plan. In such relationships, the level of trust and confidence in the doctor patient relationship is high, and both parties enjoy the art of caring and receiving treatment.
While having dental insurance can certainly be a financial benefit, it is important to understand that the limitations and restrictions are not the healthcare provider’s rules. You should also consider the type of dental insurance plan you choose, as different plans have different rules for choosing providers and paying claims. For example, an indemnity plan allows you to
How to prevent cancer
Brought to you by: Jonathan Stegall, MD
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so now is a great time to talk about how to prevent cancer. To be honest, we aren’t doing a very good job of this in our society. The lifetime risk of developing cancer has been steadily rising, to the point that roughly 40% of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Why are we seeing so much cancer today?
You might wonder if cancer is simply due to genetic causes, but that is actually a very small cause of cancer today (about 5-10% based on most estimates). Rather, cancer is mostly due to poor lifestyle choices. If you want to significantly reduce
your odds of developing cancer, be sure to eat a plant-focused diet full of fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains. Organic is best. Avoid processed, sugary food. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water. Exercise regularly. Don’t smoke. Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Get plenty of sleep. Seek to minimize stress. Embrace a strong support system of family and friends. Oh, and be sure to see your doctor for regular check-ups, including the recommended cancer screening tests. Hopefully you won’t get cancer, but if you do, early detection is key.
STEGALL
PROVIDED
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany DermatologyBrookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting longterm skin health and vitality.
A second opinion can change everything
Brought to you by – Emory Heart & Vascular
Learning that you have a heart or vascular condition can create more questions than answers. What treatment is available? Is there more than one option? What will happen if I forgo treatment?
Deciding how to proceed can be stressful, and many patients feel tempted to go with whatever their doctor recommends. But at times like this, it’s essential to step back, take a deep breath and get a second opinion. Receiving a second opinion as part of your heart care is critical because the medical world is becoming increasingly complex. A heart second opinion can help you understand your options before you make a momentous decision about your health and future. It can reveal new treatment possibilities. Or, if the second opinion
is the same as the first, it can help you feel more confident about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Deciding whether to seek a second opinion can be emotional for some people. They worry they will hurt their doctor’s feelings or experience information overload. The fact is that second opinions are common in heart and vascular care. Doctors themselves seek a second opinion when they face a complex diagnosis. They know a second opinion can make the difference between life and death –especially when your heart is involved.
A second opinion can provide new hope
Your current doctor has your best interests at heart but may not know about the latest surgical and nonsurgical therapies for your condition. They may mistakenly tell you that you don’t have any treatment options or guide you to therapies that are
unlikely to help.
Heart and vascular specialists at Emory Healthcare have a national reputation for treating both common and complicated heart conditions. Our highly specialized teams have advanced training and expertise in medical, surgical and interventional cardiology. They can enroll patients in clinical trials that provide access to novel technologies and treatments that are not widely available. As a result, Emory Heart & Vascular offers more treatment options for the full range of heart and vascular conditions than many other institutions worldwide.
The second opinion process at Emory Healthcare
Obtaining a second opinion at Emory Heart & Vascular is straightforward. Before your appointment, our team will review your previous medical records.
Multiple physicians will discuss possible treatment options. They will reach a consensus about what options offer the most promise. During your office visit, they will share their recommendations with you. You can ask questions and decide with your care team how to proceed.
Ready to transform your heart treatment?
If you or someone you care about needs a second opinion for a heart condition, turn to doctors at the top of their field. Emory Heart & Vascular brings together more than 150 physicians and 18 specialized programs in cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery. Next-day new patient cardiology appointments are available at one of our 23 locations.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/ transform to learn more.
PEXELS
Family history of heart disease? Emory Heart & Vascular can help rewrite it.
MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Our expert heart & vascular team pioneers the most innovative techniques and treatments. Giving you more options and better outcomes than anywhere else. To make more “tickle monster!” moments like this possible.
The difference? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home. From routine gynecology and menopause management, to high-risk pregnancies and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/history to schedule an appointment.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.
