Health & Wellness - June 2024

The dirty truth about Queen Elizabeth’s dental care

Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care

• 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 Major Insurances

• Implants

•

•

• Root Canals

Sugar was first imported to England in the 13th century. Because sugar was such an expensive commodity, many peasants during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign in 16th century England would spend their entire lives without ever tasting sugar.

Queen Elizabeth I was obsessed with all thing’s luxury. This included not only eating a high sugar diet, and by using “Tudor Toothpaste.” This toothpaste was favored by the Queen, and she insisted upon its use whenever she would rarely polish her teeth.

By her fifties, Queen Elizabeth I had black, decayed teeth, as well as several missing teeth. Her Highness was the “it” girl of her time. She was the embodiment of fashion and grace not only in the eyes of upper-class society, but everyone. So, when the Queen’s teeth turned black, the rest of upper-class society made black teeth a symbol of beauty and wealth. The blacker your teeth were, the richer you were. Those who were not wealthy enough to rot their teeth with sugar would find ways to color their teeth black, such as using soot, to be included in this sugar-eating fad.

Thankfully, today we have several innovations, including the toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. These modern tools have allowed sparkly, white, and clean teeth to be considered healthy and beautiful.

Roswell Dental Care was designated ”BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta for 7 years running, and we have been serving patients in this community for over 40 years. As your cosmetic and family dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and peace of mind top priority. We offer a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services for your family and will thoroughly explain all your options during your private consultation. We will assure you feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort during treatment, we offer conscious sedation including FREE nitrous oxide for anxious patients. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. We offer a COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation. Give our office a call at (470) 288-1152 to schedule your private smile consultation.

Dr. David Remaley

Dr. Destinee Hood

PROVIDED

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 patient-centered 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 decisionmaking 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.

Alpharetta: (678) 205-9004 3180 North Point Pkwy | Suite 303 | Alpharetta, GA - 30005

Providing Medical Care Including the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases

Comprehensive Internal Medicine has been serving the Alpharetta community for 20 years, celebrating this milestone anniversary in 2023. The medical practice offers a very comfortable environment and serves a medical home where patients are seen for their wellness examinations (checkups) and for the management of multiple medical problems. Same-day appointments are always available. We welcome new patients, take most insurance plans and discounts for self-pay patients.

• High Blood Pressure • Diabetes • Women’s Health • Thyroid Disease • Obesity/Weight Loss • Arthritis • High Cholesterol

• Seasonal Allergies

Please join us in welcoming Alexis Buelow, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.

• Asthma

• Heart Disease

• Acute Illnesses such as: sore throat, flu, cough, common cold, etc.

• Alexis obtained her nursing degree from Georgia College & State University and worked as a registered nurse at Emory University Hospital for over 4 years, where she specialized in Internal Medicine. She then earned her Master of Science from Kennesaw State University in their Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Alexis is a board certified FNP through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Alexis is a vital member of the Comprehensive Internal Medicine care team. She prides herself in forming lasting relationships with her patients, while also providing compassionate and individualized care.

• When she is not treating patients, Alexis enjoys spending time on the lake with her husband, doing Pilates, and trying new restaurants with family and friends.

J OBIORA, M.D. S PERVAIZ, M.D.

R BOZOF, M.D. S NANDI, M.D.

ISTOCK

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 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology 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

Benzoyl Peroxide danger – fact or fiction?

Benzoyl peroxide or “BPO” is a dermatologist’s old standby. It is a triedand-true effective ingredient to treat acne including pimples and clogged pores and is found in both over the counter acne washes as well as prescription acne products. Given its extensive use and presence in so many over-the-counter products, it came as a shock to the world and the medical community when a company named Valisure recently argued that BPO too easily breaks down into benzene, a cancer-causing chemical known to cause leukemia and other types of cancer. Valisure advocated for the recall of over-the-counter acne products containing BPO.

Is Valisure right? What is the truth? The answer is complicated and interesting.

BPO’s potential to cause cancer was suggested in the 1980s when animal studies suggested that it might make skin tumors grow. BPO is a very reactive molecule and works at least in part by reacting with proteins of skin bacteria and killing the bacteria that cause acne. BPO has long been known to be destructive. The question is whether it is only destructive to bacteria or also to humans.

In 1991 new concerning animal data caused the FDA to formally declare that additional studies were necessary on BPO safety, but the data was weak, and sales of BPO products continued to be permitted. During the ensuing years, a concerted effort was made through multiple studies to verify BPO’s safety. In 2010, the FDA reviewed available data and voted to label BPO as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Recent data had been reassuring.

Fast forward to the present day and we have a curveball. A company named Valisure studied the potential of BPO to form benzene at elevated temperatures. Valisure tested benzene levels after exposing BPO products to 98.6, 122, and 158-degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks or more. As the temperature went up, so did the level of benzene. These are temperatures that BPO may be exposed to in real life situations such as being left in a hot car or during shipment from manufacturing sites.

Valisure appears to have proven that BPO has the potential to form benzene, particularly if exposed to high temperatures. How often this happens and how frequently this has caused

cancer remains unknown. Even if someone could guarantee that their BPO had never been exposed to heat, BPO left on someone’s shelf for long periods might eventually form significant levels of benzene over time.

Is Valisure a white knight rescuing the public from a serious threat?

One concerning conflict of interest is that Valisure’s president, David Light, filed a patent in 2023 for a method to prevent BPO from breaking down into benzene.

Timelines matter. Did Valisure know of BPO’s potential risks but wait to disclose them and request a recall until after they had filed for a patent for the fix? Valisure’s homepage states that they are a company focused on “transparency,” but Valisure’s mention of its patent application was buried on page 26 of a 34 page “Citizen Petition.” Acknowledgment of this patent application as a conflict of interest was nowhere to be found in that Citizen Petition. Valisure states that their goal is to provide “independent certification” of product safety, but when they stand to profit from finding dangers, then they are not as independent as they should be.

No recall has been issued. At least one manufacturer, Clearasil™, has responded by claiming that its products are safe when stored correctly and stated “The findings presented by an independent lab reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions” according to an article in Chemistry World.

And of course, class action lawsuits have already arisen.

One can argue about whether Valisure’s citizen petition for a recall was premature or whether it is motivated by its patent and a desire to force companies to use Valisure’s BPO stabilizer in BPO products to Valisure’s financial gain. The only thing that is certain is that with the filing of a patent, Valisure ceased to be the independent company that we wish it were.

What are doctors and patients to do? At the least, throw away expired BPO. Throw away BPO that has been exposed to high temperatures. Talk with your doctor about alternatives to BPO. We are in the fortunate position of having many alternatives to BPO available while the true safety of BPO and potential for benzene formation gets sorted out. Two over the counter alternatives to consider are adapalene or salicylic acid. For more stubborn acne including acne that is causing scarring, see a specialist in dermatology. And stay tuned for future updates on BPO.

Dr. Brent Taylor

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

What is dry mouth?

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition characterized by an insufficient production of saliva. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, aiding in digestion, and keeping the mouth lubricated. The lack of saliva can lead to various complications, making understanding its causes, effects, and treatments essential.

Causes

Dry mouth can arise from a variety of factors, often related to lifestyle, medications, medical conditions, or treatments:

1. Medications: Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Common culprits include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, and medications for hypertension, depression, and anxiety.

2. Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions are associated with dry mouth. These include autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Cancer Treatments: Radiation

therapy, especially when directed at the head and neck, can damage salivary glands, reducing saliva production. Chemotherapy can also alter the consistency and flow of saliva.

4. Nerve Damage: Injuries or surgeries that cause nerve damage to the head or neck can impair the function of salivary glands.

5. Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production. Additionally, dehydration, often due to inadequate fluid intake, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged physical activity, can lead to dry mouth.

Effects

The impact of dry mouth extends beyond mere discomfort, leading to several significant oral and systemic health issues:

1. Oral Health Problems: Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth, and washing away food particles. A lack of saliva increases the risk of dental caries (cavities), periodontal disease, and oral infections like candidiasis (thrush).

2. Difficulty in Speaking and Swallowing: Insufficient saliva can make

speaking and swallowing challenging, affecting communication and nutrition.

3. Altered Taste Sensations: Dry mouth can cause changes in taste, making food less enjoyable and potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies if eating becomes less appealing.

4. Mouth Sores and Cracking: Persistent dryness can lead to sore, cracked lips and corners of the mouth, and a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue.

5. Digestive Issues: Saliva contains enzymes that begin the process of digestion. Without enough saliva, the breakdown of food can be less efficient, potentially leading to digestive discomfort.

Treatments

Managing dry mouth involves addressing the underlying cause, symptom relief, and preventing complications:

1. Hydration: Increasing fluid intake is fundamental. Sipping water regularly and avoiding dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol can help maintain moisture in the mouth.

2. Saliva Stimulants: Chewing sugarfree gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can stimulate saliva flow. Saliva substitutes and oral rinses specifically designed for dry mouth can also provide relief.

3. Medications: Prescription medications such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) can stimulate saliva production in some cases.

4. Good Oral Hygiene: Regular

brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help prevent dental problems associated with dry mouth. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring oral health.

5. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier, especially at night, can add moisture to the air and alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing or quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can improve saliva production. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can also be beneficial.

In conclusion, dry mouth is a common condition with various causes and significant impacts on oral and overall health. Through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and diligent oral hygiene practices, individuals can manage dry mouth effectively and mitigate its adverse effects.

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770992-2236.

Wellstar provides expert care for back pain and spine conditions

Brought to you byDr. Basheer Shakir, neurosurgeon at Wellstar

The idea of getting spine surgery can make many patients nervous. Lower back pain and spinal complaints remain very common at the doctor’s office.

Successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. The cause of spinal pain can include muscle strain, disc degeneration, poor bone quality or nerve compression. It is crucial for the spine specialist, neurosurgeon or pain

manager to strive to identify the specific cause to decide the optimal treatment strategy. While many patients may benefit from a short course of physical therapy, rest or medications for pain relief, others may require small procedures like epidural steroid or facet injections. Healthier diets and lifestyles, as well as optimization of bone quality, can also be very helpful.

For those patients requiring more than conservative, non-surgical therapy, surgical outlooks have never been more promising. Significant technologic advances in intraoperative imaging, minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques, spinal cord stimulation and artificial disc implants provide a variety of options for patients

to get back to work or leisurely activities quickly.

Be it a compression fracture in the elderly with osteoporosis, herniated discs, sacroiliac joint issues or even complex multiple-level scoliosis or revision-fusion procedures, patients now enjoy a plethora of previously unprecedented treatment options for each ailment. With exception to very large reconstructive operations, gone is the era of long hospital stays and tremendous pain. Current techniques are minimally invasive, resulting in less pain and better function for patients. Outpatient procedures have become the norm for many spine surgery patients, and the dim prospect of procedurerelated morbidity and chronic pain

have seen significant decrease. Apart from improving the patient’s experience short-term and long-term, cuttingedge techniques and technology have allowed neurosurgeons to care for more elderly and enfeebled patients with challenging medical problems that may have otherwise been turned away.

Wellstar Neurosurgery provides personalized, expert care. Our team collaborates with the Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center for patients who would benefit from pain management procedures. To schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon for back or neck pain and to find out if you’re a candidate for surgery, call (770) 664-9600.

SHAKIR PEXELS

If pain is stopping you from doing what you love and nonsurgical options aren’t helping, you may benefit from spine surgery. At Wellstar, you’ll find a spine care team designed around your unique needs, offering both traditional and minimally invasive surgery. Our spine surgeons collaborate with primary care providers and other multidisciplinary experts to determine the best combination of approaches to reduce your pain and improve your daily life. wellstar.org/spinesurgery

Wave goodbye to mood swings and fatigue

Women’s hormone replacement therapy services available at OlympusMD Wellness

Brought

to you by – OlympusMD Wellness

As if navigating the ups and downs of life wasn’t challenging enough, hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your well-being and quality of life. From hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and fatigue, hormonal shifts can leave you feeling out of control and overwhelmed.

At OlympusMD Wellness, we understand the impact that hormonal imbalances can have on women’s health and well-being. Our comprehensive women’s health services include Estrogen Replacement Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Pellet Therapy, and are designed to empower women to take control of their health, restore hormonal balance, and thrive through every stage of life.

We believe each woman’s hormonal needs are unique, and our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to creating tailored treatment plans that address specific symptoms, goals, and preferences, allowing women to

take control of their health journey.

Our services can aid in weight loss, menopause symptom relief, improved sleep quality, enhanced emotional well-being, increased bone strength and muscle mass, enhanced cognitive function, and more.

Through compassionate care, guidance, and continued support, our team ensures your treatment plan is monitored and adjusted as needed to optimize your results and overall wellness.

Hormone replacement therapy can

not only address immediate symptoms but also offers long-term benefits for bone health, heart health, cognitive function, and overall wellness. Our goal is to help women proactively manage their health and reduce the risk of age-related conditions.

Are you ready to tackle hormonal imbalances and improve your quality of life?

At OlympusMD Wellness, we take a holistic approach to wellness and we believe our personalized treatment plans can have a positive impact on your health journey. We also understand hormone replacement therapy can be extremely beneficial, but it may not right for everyone. Before seeking treatment of any kind, it’s important to speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms. Then, visit olympusmdwellness.com to schedule a free consultation at Hydralive Therapy. Hormone replacement therapy could be your path to better aging, renewed energy and improved mental well-being.

PROVIDED

Adult orthodontics

Adult orthodontics is becoming increasingly popular as more and more adults are seeking to improve the alignment and appearance of their teeth. While orthodontia is often associated with kids or teenagers, adults are also realizing the benefits of orthodontic treatment and are seeking out options to improve their smile and the longevity of their teeth,

There are several reasons why adults may choose to undergo orthodontic treatment. Some adults may have experienced relapse from previous treatment, while others may have never had the opportunity for treatment in their youth. Additionally, some adults may have experienced changes in their teeth and jaw alignment over time, leading to the desire for orthodontic correction.

One of the most common reasons adults seek orthodontic treatment is cosmetics. A straighter, more aligned smile can greatly improve a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, leading to better overall oral health.

There are several options available

for adult orthodontics. Traditional metal braces are still relevant, but North Fulton Smiles offers more discreet options such as clear aligners, which offers them to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment. We offer both Invisalign and CandidPro. It is important to realize that adult orthodontics still needs to be doctor driven and not self-imposed. While direct to consumer orthodontics may be “cheaper” initially it has been shown that it can be “more costly” in the long run.

Adult orthodontics is a fantastic and conservative option for those who want to improve their smile and longevity of their dentition.

Brought to you by – North Fulton Smiles

PEXELS

From Atlanta to the ‘Hooch

Embracing summer in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Brought to you by – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

Ah, summer in Atlanta - when the sticky heat and wet air join forces. Luckily, there’s an escape just a short drive away: the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nestled conveniently close to the city yet far enough to feel like a getaway, this gem stretches 48 miles from Buford Dam to Paces Mill, offering a refreshing array of activities that might just make you forget about the sweltering Georgia heat.

The Chattahoochee River provides the perfect opportunity to cool off when that heat gets a bit too intense. Water released from Buford Dam averages around 50 degrees, keeping the river in your national park cool year-round. Take a dip to cool off, spend a day fishing, or enjoy paddling along our scenic waterway. For a guided experience, check out our Paddle the Park series in partnership with Nantahala Outdoor Center!

If staying on solid ground is more your style, no worries- there are hiking trails

and picnic areas galore. With 68 miles of trail throughout the park, each unit offers something to cater to all levels! Don’t miss our monthly Community Hike where you can enjoy the trails with fellow park enthusiasts.

Ready for summer at CRNRA? Learn more about the park’s activities and consider joining the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. Membership not only supports the park’s preservation, but also comes with perks that make your visits even more enjoyable. Grab your

Men have emotion regulation needs, too

As a male therapist, I’m constantly surprised by my own hesitancy to ask for help. I know the benefits of regulating my emotions and opening up to someone I trust, but I also know the challenges men face when it comes to seeking therapy. Many men have grown up under pressure to suppress emotions and maintain a tough exterior. Be vulnerable? Not today! Unfortunately, this leads many men to suppress valid thoughts and emotions, missing out on greater satisfaction in our work, relationships, and life.

Here are some helpful strategies to regulate emotions:

1. Develop emotional awareness. Recognize tense shoulders, shaky legs, and tiredness as your emotions giving you a heads up. Next, identify your main emotional triggers, like work stress or financial problems, to know why your body is sounding an alarm.

2. Once aware, learn strategies to regulate the emotion. In the work I do with men, we process what the emotional alarms communicate and determine effective responses. Men tell me they feel more empowered and less stress when they can observe the anger or fear start in then body, and then check the facts and choose their response. Responding effectively versus just reacting is both tough and doable.

3. Create healthy coping mechanisms. It’s amazing the benefits I see in my office from straightforward actions like addressing sleep issues, drinking water, eating well, and exercising. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood in men.

I know it takes courage to seek help, and the benefits of improved mental health and wellbeing are well worth it. Learn more about Summit and schedule an appointment by visiting www.summitcounseling.org.

Brought to you by – Jason Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center

PROVIDED

Facts about sunscreen

Brought to you by

– Dr. Titilola “Lola” Sode of Epiphany DermatologyBrookhaven

What type of sunscreen should I use?

The best sunscreen is one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum” to ensure protection against both types of harmful rays. Additionally, consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns when choosing a sunscreen. For oily or acneprone skin, opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. If you have sensitive skin, choose sunscreens labeled hypoallergenic or fragrancefree. Water-resistant sunscreens are ideal for outdoor activities or swimming. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is one that you will use consistently and reapply as needed.

How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen?

It’s essential to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently for adequate protection against sun damage. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin fully. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily. Remember to reapply after towel drying as well. Additionally, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other uncovered areas. Sunscreen is a vital component of sun protection, but it’s also essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours. prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.

the Back – Alpharetta

Brought to you by - Relax the BackAlpharetta

Whether you’re dealing with stress, pain or just need to recover after a hard workout, there’s nothing like a zerogravity recliner. The complete relaxation that our clients feel when they sit in one of our chairs is like nothing they’ve ever experienced before.

Open 7 Days a Week 7300 North Point Pkwy, Ste 110

They’re called zero gravity recliners because they reduce the effects of gravity on your spine. In this position, your legs are balanced with your heart. This distributes weight more evenly across the body, allowing your spine to decompress. Stress caused by the natural effects of gravity on your body is reduced and you have that feeling of weightlessness (zero-gravity!).

You also experience reduced muscle tension, expanded lung capacity with

accompanying increased circulation and blood oxygen levels.

Our zero-gravity recliners are ergonomically designed and engineered to put you in this ideal posture. Whether reading, relaxing, or watching TV, experience for yourself why customers cite a sense of heightened relaxation.

I invite you to come test drive one of these amazing chairs and experience this remarkable feeling for yourself. We have chairs that match any decor and some of them even have heat and air massage for added relaxation.

Relax The Back-Alpharetta, open 7 days a week.

7300 North Point Pkwy Ste 110, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 667-1405

relaxtheback.com

the work appenmedia.com/join

PEXELS

Galloway, DO is a skilled and compassionate skin cancer surgeon who has cared for patients in Alpharetta, Georgia, and surrounding areas since 2007

Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays

can block 100% of the sun’s rays.

Sunscreen and sun protection play a pivotal role in shielding our skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. The sun’s ultraviolet rays not only can lead to a painful sunburn, but also can contribute to premature aging and the formation of skin cancer.

Selecting the right sunscreen is crucial for sun protection. The following specifications are important to consider when selecting a sunscreen:

1. Broad Spectrum means coverage of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to premature aging and skin cancer, whereas UVB rays contribute to sunburn. The best sunscreens will protect against both UVA and UVB.

2. SPF (Sun protection factor) indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. Select a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF offer more protection, but no sunscreen

3. Water Resistance is important if you will be swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is waterproof, so reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours is important.

4. Chemical versus Physical Sunscreen : Chemical Sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Physical Sunscreen contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the harmful UV rays whereas the physical sunscreens create a physical barrier and block the UV rays from the skin. Whether you use physical or chemical sunscreens the most important thing is to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours.

Galloway Dermatologic Surgery 3400 Old Milton Pkwy Building C suite 465, Alpharetta, GA 30005 (678) 888-4460

https://www.gallowayderm.com/

Brought to you by – Galloway Dermatologic Surgery

PEXELS

Staying strong for the years ahead

Imagine a situation where you are as strong and robust as you were when you were thirty, but at seventy-five. Starting Strength can help!

Brought to you by - Coach Adam Martin, Starting Strength Atlanta

So, you want to get in better shape; what does this mean exactly? It is quite likely you want to get stronger than you are today. You have no desire to become the World's Strongest Human, nor do you want to oil up and show your muscles under bright lights in a scantily clad undergarment. But you would like to stay strong and well as the years continue to pass. You

would like to pick up your grandchildren, carry a case of water, or retrieve something heavy from your garage.

As of late, there are many experts talking about longevity and the importance of retaining muscle mass as the decades pass. Dr. Peter Attia presents this in a beautiful graph of two paralleling lines: healthspan and lifespan. Allow me to pose a question, what does lifespan look like once healthspan runs out? It is quite likely you see an image that represents a poor quality of life.

In an ideal situation, when we run out of "healthspan," we also run out of lifespan. Recent studies suggest average life expectancies reach the mid-seventies for men and late seventies for women. Imagine a situation where you are as strong and robust as you were when you were thirty, but at seventy-five. Now, imagine retaining this level of physical strength right up until the end of your lifespan. I hope you are envisioning a high quality of life!

Now, let's discuss how a barbell and a coach can help you with muscular strength and bone density. Your Starting Strength Gym understands the importance of stress, recovery, and adaptation as it relates to making you stronger than you are today.

We do this by having you complete normal human movement patterns with a bit more stress (weight) than you did last time. As we repeat this process over and over, you become far stronger in just a few months! Often, we describe exercise as medicine. Like medicine, exercise should be given in the least effective dose, not the greatest tolerated. Remember, physical strength is the most important thing in life; this is true whether you want it to be or not.

Starting Strength Atlanta Contact Info: 9775 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite K Johns Creek, GA 30097

(470) 944-7715

Website: atlanta.startingstrengthgyms.com

June is National Cancer Survivor Month

Brought to you by - Jonathan Stegall, MD

This month, we celebrate cancer survivors as part of National Cancer Survivor Month. For those of you who are reading this who are cancer survivors, congratulations! Surviving a cancer diagnosis is a significant accomplishment.

Despite the media attention given to the number of people diagnosed with cancer, as well as those who die from cancer, I believe we should also focus on cancer survivorship. It is estimated that there are roughly 17 million cancer survivors in the United States. Due to significant advances in research and education, many people who are diagnosed with

cancer are beating the disease. I am very proud of the fact that I have many cancer survivors in my oncology practice. I can attest to the significant amount of hard work on the part of patients and their families, as well as medical personnel. It truly takes a team of dedicated people to achieve that level of success, and my staff and I are honored to join our patients in their cancer journeys.

If you are a cancer survivor, keep up the good work! Stay motivated in your quest to keep cancer at bay. For cutting edge cancer information, please check out cancersecrets.com to learn more about my bestselling book, award-winning podcast, and online cancer course.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

While covering Milton election operations, Appen Media analyzed historical voter data and identified possible disenfranchisement.

This reporting caused a statewide watchdog to get involved and, eventually, the city moved to add a polling place to the area. Later in the year, Appen discovered that the feasibility report the City Council used when voting to run their own elections was not the original document. Two residents on a working committee had altered it after city staff had completed it and before its presentation to council. Appen Media reporters identified all of the differences between the two documents and then created an interactive digital document. Readers and officials were able to scroll through the materials and read notes from the newsroom explaining the differences. You can find this document at appenmedia.com/electionsreport.

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