Health & Wellness - May 2024

Why Dr. Hood goes gray for May

Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care

In May of 2020, Dr. Destinee Hood self-diagnosed a brain tumor. What first began as mild, infrequent, and short-lasting disturbances in her vision, developed into episodes occurring more and more frequently.

• 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

Destinee got connected with a neurologist who would see her as a new patient (during COVID it was exceptionally hard to be seen by doctors!). After an initial exam, the neurologist told her she had “hormonal migraines”.

After receiving this diagnosis, something just didn’t feel right. She ordered her own MRI scan, and, that night, got the news that she had a brain tumor the size of a lemon.

The following 6 months, she had brain surgery and radiation. Recovery was a slow process, and felt frustrating, despairing, and downright unfair at times. She experienced severe radiation fatigue as well as problems with memory.

One of the biggest hardships was having a 2-year-old who didn’t know why Mommy was tired or couldn’t pick him up.

Destinee is now 3 years out and feels back to normal. She is incredibly thankful to have had the support of her husband Zach, her family, her dental team at Roswell Dental Care, and her mentor Dr. Remaley. She receives a regular 6-month MRI scan to check that she is tumor-free!

Dr. Hood brings her journey and advocacy to her patients at her practice every day. She works hard to advocate for her patients and empower their voice to be heard.

David Remaley

Destinee Hood

DESTINEE HOOD/PROVIDED

It’s allergy season in Atlanta!

Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine

What are allergies?

Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign particle, usually a protein. These proteins can come from pet dander, molds, pollens, or from trees and grasses. If you develop an allergy to a particular protein, your body’s defense system (immune system) reacts to it and the allergic reaction creates allergy symptoms.

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to an allergen, usually a protein.

You may feel itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sinus or ear fullness, a hoarse voice, a scratchy throat, or trouble breathing. You may even develop a skin rash.

These symptoms can be treated with over the counter or prescription allergy medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be tailored specifically for you.

What is allergy testing?

To perform allergy testing, small pinpricks or scratches are made in the

skin and a very small amount of allergen is placed to test your body’s response. If you react to the allergen, we have identified a trigger that is causing your allergy symptoms.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a treatment used to desensitize your body to the allergy trigger.

In this treatment, the results of your allergy testing are used to create a very personalized formula of medicine that is used to slowly treat your immune system in a way that stops reacting to your allergy trigger. Immunotherapy medicine is given by injection (allergy shots) and is administered twice weekly. The first injection is given in the doctor’s office.

Comprehensive Internal Medicine uses an advanced formulation and instruction that allows you to then give the injections at home. This saves the twice-weekly visits to the doctor’s office. You return to Comprehensive Internal Medicine every 6 weeks to progress the therapy and at the end of one year, allergy testing is repeated. Often, a second year of treatment is advised, following which, most allergies are cured. wing which, most allergies are cured.

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.

Jeffrey Obiora, M.D.

In

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

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

Getting a younger looking smile

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Improving the appearance of your teeth often involves addressing common issues such as discoloration, wear, and damage. Here are some suggestions for making your teeth look younger and healthier.

1. Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove stains and brighten the color of your teeth, giving them a more youthful appearance. Your dentist can recommend the best whitening option for you, whether it’s in-office or take-home kits.

2. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth to repair chips, cracks, or discoloration. It can improve the appearance of damaged teeth and restore their youthful look.

3. Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can correct issues like discoloration, gaps, and minor misalignment, giving your teeth a more youthful and uniform look.

4. Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire

visible portion of a tooth. They can be used to restore the shape, size, and appearance of damaged or severely discolored teeth, helping them look younger and more aesthetically pleasing.

5. Tooth-Colored Fillings: Replace old metal fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth. This can improve the appearance of your smile and make your teeth look younger.

6. Gum Contouring: If your gums have receded or are uneven, gum contouring can reshape the gumline to create a more balanced and attractive smile. This

procedure can make your teeth appear longer, more balanced, and more youthful.

7. Orthodontic Treatment: Crooked or misaligned teeth can make you look older than you are. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can straighten your teeth, improve the health of your mouth, prevent future problems, and improve your smile’s appearance, making you look younger.

8. Regular Dental Cleanings: Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. Professional cleanings can help maintain the brightness of your

smile and keep your teeth looking youthful. By addressing these common dental concerns with the help of a cosmetic dentist, you can rejuvenate the appearance of your teeth and achieve a more youthful smile.

“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 all the modern advances for healthy and attractive smiles. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring 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 we provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

ADOBE STOCK

Take action against strokes

Brought to you by - Dr. Benjamin Zussman, neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

While strokes have become relatively common—more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—many risk factors for stroke can be managed in partnership with your healthcare provider.

Manage your risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke include:

• High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke. Stay up to date on your annual physicals to know your

blood pressure levels, and if you have hypertension, talk to your provider about managing it.

• Elevated cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessel and clotting in the blood, which can cause a stroke if the clot travels and blocks blood flow to the brain. Your primary care provider can help you monitor your cholesterol with a blood test and manage levels with medications or lifestyle changes.

• Diabetes increases risk of experiencing a stroke. Talk to your provider about diabetes screenings. If you are diabetic, discuss managing the condition in partnership with your provider.

• Smoking cigarettes accelerates atherosclerosis, or clogging in the arteries, and causes inflammation in blood vessels that then increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

• Atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia, can cause clots that then

travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.

How to recognize a stroke

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST and call 911 right away.

“If someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 and don’t try to drive to the hospital,” Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman said. “Emergency medical crews can initiate care in the ambulance, and with a stroke, time is crucial.”

• Balance — Look for a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.

• Eyes — Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be signs of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

• Face — One side of the face may be

feeling numb or appear to be drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears uneven.

• Arms — Check for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.

• Speech — Watch out for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to find out if they are having trouble talking.

• Time — The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, the highest level of stroke certification that recognizes hospitals that can treat the most complex stroke cases. Learn more at wellstar.org/strokecare.

ZUSSMAN

A

diverse team of neuro care specialists means more expertise for you.

At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 95 neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and advanced practice providers ready to provide expert neuro care tailored to you.

Your health is in the right hands with our neuro team, providing services including ongoing treatment for neurological conditions and lifesaving emergency care for strokes. With minimally invasive spine surgery options, a comprehensive stroke care network and a dedicated functional neurosurgery team experienced in treating epilepsy and movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, our providers partner with you to deliver world-class care, every time. wellstar.org/neurocare

Reignite your vitality

experience

renewed energy and vigor with hormone replacement

Brought to you by – OlympusMD Wellness

Special Notice: OlympusMD Wellness was formerly known as Hydralive Therapy Milton.

In an era where men’s health and wellness are gaining visibility, the conversation surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for revitalizing vitality and reclaiming optimal well-being. At OlympusMD Wellness Milton, we offer a tailored hormone replacement therapy designed to unleash the full potential of men’s health.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating numerous bodily functions, including energy levels, muscle mass, libido, and mental clarity. However, as men age, natural hormone production

can decline, potentially leading to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, reduced stamina, and diminished cognitive sharpness. Hormone replacement therapy aims to restore hormonal balance, combating these effects and fostering a renewed sense of vigor, vigor, and vitality.

The OlympusMD Wellness Approach

At OlympusMD Wellness Milton, our hormone replacement therapy program is designed to address the unique needs and goals of each individual. By leveraging a comprehensive assessment process and advanced medical guidance, our experienced team tailors a personalized HRT plan, featuring bioidentical hormones to closely emulate the body’s natural hormone production.

Empowering Wellness and Vitality

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy extend far beyond surface-level enhancements, encompassing a holistic

rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. Clients who embark on this journey often report heightened energy levels, improved mental acuity, increased muscle strength, and a revitalized sense of wellbeing. These effects empower individuals to embrace life with renewed vitality and pursue their passions more fully.

therapy

The OlympusMD Wellness Difference

Hormone replacement therapy represents a gateway to rediscovering vitality, reinvigorating well-being, and unlocking the full potential of every individual. By embracing this approach to men’s wellness, individuals can embark on a path towards a life filled with energy, vitality and purpose.

At OlympusMD Wellness Milton, we understand hormone replacement therapy can be extremely beneficial for men in certain circumstances, but it’s not right for everyone. Before seeking treatment of any kind, it’s important to speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms and to determine whether or not you’re suffering from unnaturally low levels of testosterone. Then, call (470) 3594815 to schedule a free consultation. Hormone replacement therapy could be your path to better aging, renewed energy and improved mental wellbeing.

Celebrating Older Americans Month and the power of connections

can be transformative, finding ways to reengage and enhance their life.

For over 60 years Older Americans Month (OAM) has been celebrated every May, recognizing the contributions, aging trends and commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

This year OAM is focused on going beyond the readily apparent needs for physical assistance with things like the activities of everyday living or recuperating from surgery, embracing the critical power of connections for emotional and social interactions that have a profound impact on wellbeing and healthy aging.

A recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General cites an epidemic of chronic loneliness and isolation that has drastic affects for the elderly. These include increasing the risk of developing dementia by 50%, and heart disease and stroke risk by 30%. The stress that comes from a lack of connection to other people can be equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

As we all age, there are challenges to face. Whether confronting obstacles from changing physical abilities, the transition from the loss of a partner, loss of a career or social contacts, it can seem like the world is shrinking. Over 27% of seniors now live by themselves. For some people, the resulting social isolation and loneliness can be a huge hurdle to overcome. At Home Helpers we know that promoting social interaction for your older loved one

Reconnecting can come from enjoying cultural activities, joining a social club, pursuing a new hobby, taking a class, trying new activities in their community or enabling giving back to others through volunteering or virtual mentoring. Reinventing ways to build new relationships yields rewards that make for a longer and better life.

For your older loved one, the warmth of companionship from a well matched and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can make a beautiful difference in their life. A heart centered approach and positive spirit can boost confidence and provide a better quality of life for our clients and their families. Creating new pathways to expand the social circle of our older loved ones helps us share in the richness of their lives, both past and present.

Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany them on doctor’s visits or social outings and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. If your loved one is just getting home from a rehabilitation center or recovering from surgery, we can help safely speed up recovery.

For a free consultation and exceptional care management by a team with depth and skill from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Nature for all

Celebrating mental health awareness in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Brought to you by –

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on our well-being and explore ways to care for our minds. Studies show that simply stepping into nature can offer a powerful boost to mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and even symptoms of depression.

Did you know there's a national park right in your backyard? The Chattahoochee National River Area (CRNRA) offers 66 miles of trails and 48 miles of Chattahoochee River to explore and connect with the calming power of nature. Whether it’s running at Cochran Shoals, paddling at Jones Bridge, fishing at Bowmans Island, or hiking at East Palisades, CRNRA has something to soothe every mind.

If you’re looking for a challenge, take part in our Hike CRNRA initiative! This program encourages hikers to explore each and every mile of trail within the park. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's beauty and diversity while getting some serious exercise - both great for your

mental and physical health.

Want to make a lasting impact?

Consider becoming a member of Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), the nonprofit partner of CRNRA. Your membership helps to preserve this natural treasure for future generations, ensuring everyone has access to the mental health benefits of spending time in your backyard national park. Learn more atchattahoocheeparks.org/join. Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy! A little fresh air never hurt anyone - unless you’re allergic to springtime pollen. Take your antihistamines and we’ll see you in the park!

Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays

Brought to you by – Galloway Dermatologic Surgery

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 can block 100% of the sun’s rays.

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.

Thriving through seasons navigating emotions and goals at work

As winter blooms into spring, and spring turns to summer, the world awakens with vibrant energy and numerous possibilities. Beyond the chirping birds and blooming flowers lies a business landscape ripe for growth. As a former sales and marketing manager turned licensed mental health counselor, I understand the delicate dance between emotions and success in the workplace.

In this article, I offer a few practical reminders to nurture your mental and emotional well-being as you steer your team toward achieving quarterly goals:

Embrace the Emotional Tides:

• Initial Excitement: When setting quarterly goals, enthusiasm often propels us forward. But as weeks pass, emotions shift. Take a weekly pause to observe without judgment. Where has excitement transformed into stress? Validate frustrations—they hold valuable insights.

• Fuel from Overwhelm: Paradoxically, acknowledging difficult emotions—like frustration—can fuel motivation and perseverance. Validate frustrations and annoyances and let them be your allies.

Mindfulness Anchors Success: Mindfulness grounds you in the now. Instead of dwelling on past errors or distant outcomes, focus on the facts of the present moment. Catch your mind when it time travels for too long into the past or future and remember swift problem-solving and creative brainstorming thrive in the here

Small victories

Adaptability as Your North Star:

• Guideposts, Not Shackles: Quarterly goals are guideposts, not rigid chains. Priorities shift, unexpected challenges arise. Adaptability is your superpower.

• Learn from Setbacks: When setbacks occur, view them as steppingstones. What will you learn? How will you adjust? Resilience blooms from setbacks.

Remember, emotions aren’t adversaries; they’re allies. As you navigate seasons and goals, honor both— the blooming and the setbacks. Let this quarter be one of growth, connection, and thriving.

If you are a business leader looking for tools to harness your emotions, to reduce the effects of stress on your creativity, and to improve productivity and leadership skills, reach out and see how one of our therapists can help.

matter. Acknowledge achievements—even if they fall short of the grand goal. These moments boost morale and resilience.

Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling the front office at 678-893-5300 or visiting us at www. summitcounseling.org.

Brought to you by – Jason Howard M.A., Summit Counseling Center

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.

Thank you for all your continued support

Brought to you by - Atlanta Hearing Associates

Atlanta Hearing Associates is dedicated to our mission to make each patient feel like they are a part of our family.

Atlanta Hearing Associates is a large audiology practice that encompasses 5 different locations throughout Georgia. Our offices provide comprehensive hearing tests, tinnitus assessments, ear cleaning, and hearing devices for all ages.

Every doctor you will meet is focused on your needs as a patient and works with every manufacturer to provide a personalized fitting.

Each location utilizes state of the art technology and family-oriented care to help guide our patients to the best hearing devices and information on hearing healthcare.

We also partner with different agencies to provide audiological care to veterans, ATF officers, reservists, police departments, Cochlear implants recipients, and community wellness groups.

We accept all major insurances for patients who have a hearing healthcare benefit that they are eligible to use.

Our offices are located in Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Lake Oconee, and Milledgeville.

Open 7 Days a Week 7300 North

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.

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

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Newspapers

Vitamin D: the supplement you should probably be taking

Brought to you by - Jonathan Stegall, MD

I receive a lot of questions from my patients about nutritional supplements. Part of my job is to prioritize the right supplements for them. This is especially important when it comes to cancer. If I had to choose just one supplement to recommend, it would be vitamin D. We know that vitamin D is important for supporting several key aspects of health, including the immune system, the musculoskeletal system, and even the brain and heart. Research has shown that it has an anticancer effect as well.

Although we obtain some vitamin

D from the sun, as well as from food, I have found that virtually all patients who are not supplementing with vitamin D have a suboptimal level.

I encourage you to ask your doctor to check your vitamin D 25-OH level the next time you have blood drawn. A level between 60-80 ng/mL in the blood is considered optimal. For most people, a daily dose between 5,000-10,000 international units of vitamin D3 is required to achieve this optimal level. It is also recommended to have vitamin K2 (often included within the same capsule) to enhance absorption.

As always, please discuss any potential new supplement with your doctor to make sure it is right for you.

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!

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

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HERALD | FORSYTH HERALD | JOHNS CREEK HERALD | MILTON HERALD

CRIER | SANDY SPRINGS CRIER

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