Health & Wellness - December 2024

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Kickstart your new year’s resolution with GLP-1s

New Year’s resolutions often bring a sense of renewal and the motivation to tackle personal goals—many of which revolve around achieving healthier lifestyles and weight loss. But sticking to these resolutions, especially when it comes to shedding extra pounds, can be challenging. That’s where GLP-1 receptor agonists (commonly 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 New Year’s resolution, here’s everything you need to know about integrating GLP1s 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 individuals 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 year’s 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 New 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
PEXELS

A traditional Japanese custom and its reflections in modern dentistry

to you by

Ohaguro, the practice of blackening one’s teeth, holds a significant place in Japanese cultural history. Historically, ohaguro was a symbol of beauty, status, and marital eligibility. While the tradition has faded over time, its impact is still visible in various cultural remnants and even resonates in modern dentistry. This article explores the roots of ohaguro and delves into its connection with contemporary dental practices.

Ohaguro dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), where it was initially practiced by the aristocracy and later adopted by commoners. The custom involved blackening the teeth using a solution made from iron filings and vinegar, resulting in a distinctive lacquered appearance. Ohaguro was particularly prevalent among married women, symbolizing their commitment and marital status.

As Japan modernized during the Meiji era (1868-1912), ohaguro gradually lost its significance. Influences from the Western world, changes in fashion, and evolving societal norms contributed to the decline of this centuries-old tradition. By the end of the Meiji era, ohaguro was largely abandoned, although some elderly individuals continued the practice well into the 20th century.

Ohaguro’s Influence on Modern Dentistry:

While ohaguro itself may be a relic of the past, its impact on modern dentistry is noteworthy. The quest for aesthetically pleasing smiles has always been a constant, and this is where the historical custom finds resonance in contemporary dental practices.

1. Teeth Whitening Technologies: The desire for whiter teeth in modern society is the antithesis of ohaguro. Teeth whitening procedures, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional treatments offered by dentists, reflect society’s current beauty standards. These treatments use safe and effective methods to remove stains and discoloration, enhancing the natural whiteness of teeth.

2. Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry: Ohaguro was not only about color but also about the shape and arrangement of teeth. In modern dentistry, orthodontic treatments, such as braces and clear aligners, address issues related to tooth alignment and structure. Cosmetic dentistry procedures, like veneers, bonding, and contouring,

allow individuals to achieve the perfect smile they desire.

3. Dental Implants and Prosthetics: For those who have lost teeth due to various reasons, dental implants and prosthetics provide functional and aesthetic solutions. These technologies mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, helping individuals regain confidence in their smiles.

Ohaguro may be a thing of the past, but its influence on modern dentistry is undeniable. From a symbol of status and beauty to a relic of history, ohaguro has evolved, leaving a lasting impression on Japan’s cultural landscape. Today, as advancements in dentistry continue to flourish, individuals have a range of options to achieve healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smiles— embracing a new era that values the preservation and enhancement of natural dental beauty.

Roswell Dental Care is nominated to win “BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for the 8th year. We’ve been serving patients in the area for over 40 years.

As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood, Remaley, and Urvi give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation by calling 770-998-6736.

• 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 all

• 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
PROVIDED

What do weight loss drugs mean for your fertility journey?

Brought to you byEmory Reproductive Center

In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fertility are connected. Recently, medications with the generic names of semaglutide, tirzepatide and dulaglutide, which help lower blood pressure, improve glucose control and promote weight loss, are being explored to understand their risks and benefits for women’s reproductive health. Dr. Heather Hipp, an Associate Professor in the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics and a physician with the Emory Reproductive Center, shares her thoughts on this topic and how it might affect those beginning their fertility journey.

Why weight loss can help with fertility

Recent studies1 have shown that

weight loss, often achieved through these medications, can have a positive impact on fertility in women with diabetes or PCOS. Obesity can cause women not to ovulate, which results in irregular menstrual cycles, and can also affect egg health. Losing weight can improve overall health, reduce risks of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes, and help women with PCOS regain regular ovulation cycles and increased fertility. Dr. Hipp notes, “Improvement in regular ovulation can often result in a successful pregnancy outcome for women with PCOS.”

However, these benefits are not universal. Research2 has shown that women within a healthy weight range have a higher success rate with in vitro fertilization—commonly called IVF— compared to obese women, highlighting the importance of weight management for better fertility outcomes.

What should you consider before taking weight loss drugs?

While there are benefits to these medications, there are important considerations before becoming

pregnant. There’s limited data on their use during pregnancy, and some researchers are concerned about the possible effects on a fetus’s weight and bone formation. Some studies suggest weight loss drugs may increase the chance of a miscarriage. One recent study did not find a higher risk of major birth defects in women who took these medications in early pregnancy compared to a group of women with diabetes who did not take the medications. However, it is recommended to stop taking them at least two months before pregnancy.

Dr. Hipp’s recommendations: Dr. Hipp advises women with diabetes or PCOS planning for pregnancy and considering these medications to:

• Consult with your primary care provider, OBGYN or a weight loss specialist to evaluate if weight loss could benefit their treatment plan and explore treatment options.

• Consider how these medications fit into broader pregnancy planning.

• Stop taking these medications

two months before trying to conceive to reduce any potential risks during pregnancy.

We welcome you

At the Emory Reproductive Center, comprehensive support is offered to women managing diabetes or PCOS and fertility concerns. Our team provides personalized treatment plans for a wide range of issues that affect reproductive health.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 404-778-3401 to meet with a fertility specialist at the Emory Reproductive Center at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. We understand that every situation is unique, and we tailor your care to your specific needs and goals.

1Health https://www.health.com/ ozempic-mounjaro-pcos-7510971

2American Society for Reproductive Medicine https://www.asrm.org/practiceguidance/practice-committee-documents/ obesity-and-reproduction-a-committeeopinion-2021/

This “ you’re gonna be a big sister ” moment made possible by Emory Women’s Center.

PRENATAL CARE

The di erence? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home. From the first prenatal appointment to delivering your precious bundle, our trusted team is here to listen to you and guide you along the way.

Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

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.

Great news in Pediatric Melanoma

Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you are making a difference? Well, you are! All that hard work that you put in with children or grandchildren getting them to protect themselves from the Sun and wear sunscreen is making a difference!

A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) of more than 76,000 pediatric melanomas confirmed a decline in melanoma incidence over the last ten years in children ages five and older. That decrease in melanoma is likely due to the measures you and your family members have taken during those years and during the prior ten to fifteen years when you worked so hard to protect them from the Sun.

And it is hard work. I have personally braved and endured myself. We all know what it’s like: The child in question seems to morph into a wet fish wriggling out of your grasp. Your slippery sunscreen hands don’t make it any easier! The rascal gets free, and you chase him or her down. Your drink gets knocked over. Sand gets on chairs, in bags and in other places you don’t want sand to get. It’s a task somewhere between roping a calf and getting a cat to take a bath. Grueling, grasping, groaning, finally it’s complete! The child may go and play. And in an hour and a half, you get to repeat the process all over again!

We know sun safety isn’t easy. What dermatologists ask of parents and grandparents is not a simple task. Is it really all worth it?

Yes! The results are in, and they are inspiring. This very encouraging study in the JAAD strongly suggests that all our hard work is paying off.

For children ages 10-14, there was a greater than 30% drop in melanoma between 2002 and 2020.

For children ages 5-9, there was a greater than 60% drop in melanoma between 2014 and 2020.

Interestingly, a small increase in pediatric melanoma cases for children ages four and younger supports that what we are doing is making a difference. Older children who develop melanoma are much more likely to have developed skin cancer from sunburns and sun exposure. Babies and children under 4 years old who develop melanoma are NOT likely to have developed melanoma from sun exposure. (But they still need to be protected from the Sun). Instead, genetics, a chance unlucky mutation or non-sun related environmental factors are more likely to be responsible for

melanoma in the extremely young. They simply haven’t had much time to be damaged by the Sun. The fact that melanoma in those ages four and under slightly increased but melanoma in those five and older dramatically decreased makes the claim even more credible that our efforts at sun protection are working.

Good news in pediatric melanoma is likely great news for these individuals’ entire lives. Our bodies have proteins called “mismatch repair enzymes” whose job it is to fix DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Unfortunately, these enzymes don’t do a perfect job, and many mutations in our DNA are with us for life. Our entire lives, these mutations increase the chance that we develop skin cancer. Dermatologists have tools including prescription creams and in office treatments that kill pre-cancers and reduce one’s sun damage, but some of the Sun damage from childhood and adulthood is always with us. The fact that pediatric melanoma has plummeted in the last ten years gives us great hope that these same individuals will develop far fewer cancers as adults as well.

When you protect your loved one as a child, you are likely helping protect him or her for life.

The next time you wonder, “is it worth it?...Should I really use that sunscreen, that UPF 50 sun shirt or take on the herculean task of wrangling a kiddo channeling his or her inner feral cat?,” the answer is YES. You are making a difference. And we only see these wonderful results at the population level in a published study because of many, many daily actions at the individual level – through the genuine care and love of many, many parents and grandparents who love their family and showed it through their actions. Keep up the great work!

Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Your youthful smile

1. Avoid staining: Avoid tobacco and limit stain causing and enamel eroding acidic foods and drinks.

In order to understand a youthful smile, one needs to know the look of aging teeth. An aging smile can occur as a person gets older, however, they can be influenced by various factors such as oral habits, lifestyle choices, and dental hygiene care…at any age!

Some of the most common features of an aging smile are:

1. Teeth yellowing: Over time, and many coffee/tea, chocolate, wine and tobacco indulgences later, teeth can lose their natural brightness and present more yellow.

2. Tooth wear and tear: Years of grinding, taking out one’s stress on one’s teeth, and misaligned teeth can contribute to excessive and uneven tooth wear and flatter and shorter surfaces.

3. Gum recession: gum recession exposes the darker root surfaces and makes teeth look longer and less esthetic.

4. Tooth loss: missing teeth can impact the appearance of one’s smile and contribute to decreased lip and cheek support and fullness causing facial changes.

5. Teeth crowding: As we age our teeth have a tendency to shift in a forward direction, causing the front teeth to become more crowded.

To maintain a youthful smile here are a few tips:

2. Whitening: professional dental whitening can remove most stains and bring back the luster and brightness to one’s teeth.

3. Resin bonding: Tooth colored fillings do a beautiful job of masking exposed root surfaces and restoring the beautiful shape of the teeth, and thus enhance one’s smile.

4. Tooth replacement: In today’s world, replacing a tooth with implant therapy is the gold standard of dentistry and has long lasting benefits in maintaining the longevity of one’s dentition.

5. Orthodontics: Crooked and misaligned teeth can be corrected using braces or aligners and immediately restore the “wellness” of the smile. It is amazing what a straight smile does to restore youthfulness and confidence! 6. Occlusal guard: A bite guard can shield the teeth from the harmful effects of clenching and grinding.

Maintaining a youthful smile is a lifelong commitment to YOURSELF! Regularly consulting with a good dentist who is committed to your optimal dental health and smile will help ensure personalized advice and appropriate care and methods keep your smile healthy and youthful.

Call us for a free consultation (upon mention of this article) on how we can help you rejuvenate your smile!

Brought to you by – North Fulton Smiles
ISTOCK

Comprehensive neurological and neurosurgical care

to you by - Dr. Arthur

The neurosurgery program at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center has grown significantly in recent years, adding three neurosurgeons and one interventional neurologist, as well as three physician assistants and one nurse practitioner over the past six years. We’ve been able to build one of the most comprehensive neuro care programs in the Atlanta area. Wellstar North Fulton is also a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center—the highest level of stroke treatment recognized.

Our team treats the most complex pathologies of the spine, including trauma and degenerative disease, with expert care. Physicians can address concerns including herniated discs, stenosis, radiculopathy and other chronic or acute problems of the spine.

The neurosurgeons, neurocritical care physicians and neurologists at Wellstar North Fulton work together to perform the most complex neuro care procedures, including aneurysm clipping and coiling, embolizations and resections of arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spine, surgical bypasses for patients with a chronic cerebral ischemia or moyamoya disease, and treatment of carotid artery diseases. Our hybrid neurovascular suite is equipped with innovative biplane technology. This allows neurosurgeons to view

highly detailed images of brain vessels, so we can customize treatments for each patient in real-time.

Before we expanded our neurological care at Wellstar North Fulton, patients had to travel either to different healthcare facilities or outside the state to receive this kind of care.

In addition, Wellstar North Fulton opened a state-of-the-art oncology center last year. The cancer center houses CyberKnife technology and opens a new horizon for treatment of complex oncological problems, including tumors of the brain or spinal cord.

To learn more about care at Wellstar North Fulton, visit wellstar.org/northfulton. Call (770) 664-9600 to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Roswell.

Brought
Grigorian, neurosurgeon at Wellstar
GRIGORIAN

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…

“Just like the ones I used to know.” I love the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas. It’s getting colder and I’m getting excited for the holidays this year. I look forward to all of it. The lights, the decorations, the cookies, the food, the drinks, the special times with those you love. I could go on and on.

During the holidays, everyone is happy and smiling and thankful. An important part of that is a healthy, white smile. Your dentist can help you get a healthy, white smile for the holidays. Let’s talk about the best ways to get your smile as white as possible.

The first step is making sure that your teeth are clean. And I do mean professionally cleaned. Over time, your teeth build up surface stains and tartar. This needs to be removed with the special instruments that your dental hygienist uses. Afterwards, your gums will be healthier, and you won’t have anything in the way of getting your teeth as white as possible. You can’t whiten tartar and stains. You must remove them. You can’t get the white teeth you want with this stuff in the way.

There are three ways to whiten your teeth: Whitening strips, Whitening trays, and Professional Whitening. Whitening strips are the quickest, easiest way to whiten your teeth. These are plastic strips with whitening gel on them. After cleaning your teeth, you place the whitening strips on your front teeth and adapt it as well as possible to your teeth. Whitening trays are custom trays for placing the whitening gel precisely

on your teeth. Your dentist can make these for you and provide you with strong, prescription strength whiten gel for you to whiten your teeth with a series of home treatments. The best and fastest way to whiten your teeth is Professional Whitening at a dental office. In about an hour, your dentist can place a protective barrier on your gums and place powerful whitening gel on your teeth to get your teeth super white. People love this option because your teeth are as white as they can get in about an hour and you do not have to do multiple treatments at home.

Everyone has a biologic limit to how white they can get their teeth with these whitening procedures. Porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding can get your

smile even whiter and more perfect. Modern dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the advances in materials and technology. Tooth Whitening removes years of stain and discoloration. Cosmetic recontouring is a simple process of re-shaping your teeth to make them look more attractive, healthier, and straighter. Clear, nearly Invisible Aligners can straighten your teeth quickly and easily without metal braces. Cosmetic Bonding repairs chips and cracks to make your teeth look beautiful, natural, and vibrant again. Porcelain Veneers is like adding new enamel to your teeth to make them whiter, straighter, and change the shape to the perfect length and proportions.

“May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile enhancing options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our great pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

ADOBE STOCK

How to strengthen your relationship during the holidays

The holidays bring all the joyful chaos: crowded schedules, too much food, and family members giving unsolicited advice. With all this added pressure, it’s easy to feel like you and your partner are more “survival teammates” than “seasoned soulmates.” But here’s the good news—these holiday challenges can be opportunities to grow closer, connect, and yes, even have some fun together. Here are four practical ways to help strengthen your relationship this holiday season.

1. Make communication a (quick and daily) habit

It’s the season of merry madness, and in the rush, it’s easy to let communication slip. A few minutes to connect each day can make a huge difference. Think of this as your “holiday huddle”—a quick check-in where you both take turns sharing a high and a low from the day. Keep it light, and maybe even trade a funny story from the day. One great question I have couples I work with ask is, “What is one thing I’ve said or done recently that let you know I love you (or care about you, support you, etc.)?” Instead of waiting for holiday stress to hit the boiling point, a quick check-in each day helps keep each other in the loop and on the same team. It’s like a secret weapon to dodge any “You never told me about that!” drama.

2. Have each other’s back with family boundaries

Family gatherings during the holidays bring all the love, and often, all the opinions. Your partner might want to spend hours with family; you might need more breaks. Or maybe you have to make an appearance at three different houses on the same day. Discuss ahead of time what’s realistic and what isn’t.

I also recommend couples define what is a core need for each person, and then figure out how to compromise on the small stuff while supporting each other’s core need. Doing so may mean supporting each other’s “hard limits.” If Aunt Susan wants to know why you’re not married yet (or if you’re going to have kids, or what you really think about the election), some good-natured tag-teaming and interference running that is planned out ahead of time can work wonders.

3. Keep your expectations low but your spirits high

Even at the “most wonderful time of year,” things go wrong. It’s practically tradition. Events run late, flights get delayed, and maybe the turkey burns. Embrace a sense of humor, roll with the punches, and focus on what actually matters. Instead of stressing over and judging every detail, mindfully commit

to seeing each moment for what it is. If something doesn’t go to plan, try to laugh about it. A year from now, will it really matter, or will you have a great story to tell? A sense of humor and a touch of gratitude can take the edge off holiday frustrations and keep your spirits high, even when the lights are a little too bright and the family a little too loud.

4. Make some “us time” nonnegotiable

Finally, in all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to let quality time slip. Make it a rule to steal away at least a little time, just the two of you—even if it’s just a 15-minute walk or a coffee date away from the action. It’s your chance to reconnect, decompress, and remind each other why you’re partners in the first place. These little check-ins can be as simple as a quiet breakfast together or even a quick getaway to a favorite

spot nearby. Whatever it is, make it about unwinding and recharging as a couple.

The holidays can bring a lot of cheer—and a fair share of tension. These tips can help you and your significant other turn common challenges into connecting opportunities. Keep the humor going, support each other, and make time to enjoy the season together. Cheers to a season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few more inside jokes that’ll keep you both smiling into the new year!

If you would like more tools to deal with family stress, or to improve the quality of your relationship, reach out to our amazing admin team at www. summitcounseling.org or 678-893-5300 to schedule a free consultation call with myself or any of our expertly trained clinicians.

PEXELS

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.

Cancer fighting drugs in your medicine cabinet

When we think of cancer treatments, we typically think of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. But did you know that you might already have some cancer-fighting drugs in your medicine cabinet at home which complement these treatments very well?

It turns out that many drugs which are approved for non-cancer indications have been found in subsequent research to have an anticancer effect. The most wellknown of these is the diabetes drug metformin. In addition to its blood sugar lowering effects, metformin has

also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, a key in cancer’s spread.

The cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins have also been found to have an anticancer effect; by affecting the way cancer cells use fat and carbohydrates for fuel. Even baby aspirin, taken by millions of Americans each day for its cardiovascular benefits, has anticancer activity by reducing inflammation.

Since these medications are not FDA approved to treat cancer, their use is considered “off-label.”

Interestingly, there are now dozens of medications we can repurpose to treat cancer better and more thoroughly. I routinely include these repurposed medications as part of my integrative cancer treatment protocols.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Brought to you byJonathan Stegall, MD
STEGALL
ISTOCK

At Newtown Hearing Center, we provide personalized service for all your hearing healthcare needs including hearing evaluations, tinnitus management (ringing in the ears), cognition screenings and more.

Schedule your appointment to receive a personal hearing evaluation and consultation.*

During your visit, you will also receive a live demonstration of the new Widex SmartRIC!

Benefits of GLPs

Brought to you by – Balanced Bodies Johns Creek

By now most of the public is aware of the weight loss drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide. Semaglutide is marketed under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic while tirzepatide is sold as the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. From Hollywood stars to friends, family and neighbors, we all have seen the dramatic weight loss these drugs can help patients to accomplish. What is less known though is the unexpected benefits of these medications.

Cardiac disease - Researchers have found that patients taking semaglutide were 20 percent less likely to die of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular cause. Tirzepatide has been shown to improve outcomes and decrease hospitalization in patients with heart failure.

Kidney disease - a recent trial showed that semaglutide decreased the need for dialysis or kidney transplant by 24 %.

Sleep apnea -Tirzepatide reduced sleep apnea severity by up to nearly two-thirds in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity

Addiction - In mice, semaglutide has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption and bingelike drinking, and some people who have taken semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs have self-reported less drinking and smoking.

Memory & Cognition - In a UK trial of 200 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, an older GLP-1 drug called liraglutide appeared to slow shrinking of the parts of the brain that control memory, learning, language, and decision making by as much as 50 percent.

Typically, these medications are only covered by insurance for the treatment of diabetes. As a result, many patients who could benefit from them aren’t able to afford them. At Balanced Bodies Johns Creek we use high quality, locally sourced compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide to help our patients to lose weight and manage their chronic diseases at an affordable price.

Anti-Aging & Wellness Services Create The Best Version Of You

Our team of medical professionals is committed to providing you with the latest and most effective anti-aging and wellness therapies to help you perform better, feel better, and age better.

We offer a comprehensive range of anti-aging treatments, therapies, and services, customized to meet your individual needs and goals. Whether you want to improve your energy levels, lose weight, boost your libido, or look and feel your best, we can help.

Schedule your appointment today!

DR. CARLTON BUCHANAN

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