Shelly Hoddeson says garden paths are one of her specialties. She often uses flagstones from Tennessee and Oklahoma chiseled to just the right shape before surrounding them with gravel or groundcover plants. See story, page 8
Mayor identifies priorities in State of the City address
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek has a lot to be proud of, but there’s still work to be done, Mayor John Bradberry said during his fourth State of the City Address April 3.
“Let’s keep moving forward,” Bradberry said.
About 100 people gathered in a Johns Creek High School auditorium to hear Bradberry’s update. A number of local government leaders from across the region attended, including mayors, council members, county commissioners and school district officials.
Bradberry’s 45-minute speech looked backward and forward, highlighting successes, identifying challenges and announcing opportunities.
Looking back
The mayor kicked his address off with a focus on ongoing roadway and development projects.
Bradberry said improvements on Jones Bridge Road are on track and slated to finish in the summer.
The improvements include road widening from Waters to State Bridge roads, an intersection project near Sargent and Douglas roads and multimodal improvements between Douglas and McGinnis Ferry roads.
Bradberry acknowledged criticism from some residents, who have said they are frustrated with traffic delays caused by the construction. But he also
JON
Mayor John Bradberry delivers his fourth State of the City address at Johns Creek High School April 3.
stressed their importance.
“It's important for the community and the Council that we take some of the short term criticism or frustration with a little bit of a grain of salt, so we can really focus on continuing to move the city forward,” he said.
A “three-legged stool” of development projects in the heart of Johns Creek also are nearing completion. Those plans include a Boston Scientific plant, $36-million recreational and event space behind City Hall and Medley, a 42-acre, $560 million mixed-use development.
See ADDRESS, Page 11
SHELLY HODDESON/PROVIDED
WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Fulton County addresses lingering job vacancies
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts raised discussion about the approximately 800 authorized but vacant positions within various departments at the April 2 meeting.
While the total number of authorized and vacant positions in the county government remains around 800, Pitts asked staff to focus on those that have been open for some time.
“How many have been vacant for one year, two years, three years and so forth?” Pitts said.
“Right under 2,500 CDC folk who were let go, that should be a target for us.”
Fulton County Chief Human Resources Officer Kenneth Hermon told Pitts that the numbers have shifted “dramatically” since their last conversation
In the county’s general fund –which pays for day-to-day operations – there are 41 full-time positions that have been vacant for more than a year, Hermon said. Those jobs constitute $2.1 million in expenditures.
Fulton County operates on a calendar fiscal year and adopts its annual budget in January.
Hermon said the uptick in vacancies is most likely because some county departments are choosing to wait until the first three months of the year pass before filling a position.
“So now, you are seeing them start to pick up activity in the months of March and April,” he said. “I have currently eight positions that are general fund, permanent, full-time … that I have no activity for the last 12 months on, and that has now brought the value down to around $450,000.”
Hermon told commissioners that Pitts asked him to narrowly discuss the 41 full-time general fund positions after confusion with the 800 total vacancies.
“[It] was 41 when we originally talked last week, but since then we started to see some activity,” he said. “There’s only eight general fund, permanent positions that are vacant for more than 12 months that I have no activity on.”
Positions include one for a commissioner personal staff, and others in departments like IT, the Sheriff’s Office, Public Works and Tax Assessor’s Office. Essentially, they’re scattered.
“I’d like to see a further analysis of
Commissioners on vacant positions within various departments.
said he has seen and expects an uptick in hiring activity to continue through April.
that, whatever that total number is,” Pitts said. “With federal funding for social service organizations — and we have a bunch of them — being cut, we’re going to need every dime that we can get our hands on to fund some of those organizations that speak to our mandated services.”
With uncertain impacts related to federal funding, Hermon said the county could move funds from positions vacant for more than a year to other areas within the government.
When Commissioner Marvin Arington Jr. asked Pitts if the goal was to redirect the funding, Pitts answered affirmatively.
“I think our biggest challenge with filling positions is people are overworked and underpaid,” Arrington said. “I hope we can also have a discussion about raising the minimum salaries so that these jobs will be more attractive, and they won’t be open for 12 months or longer.”
Commissioner Bob Ellis, representing the eastern half of North Fulton, said staffing is complex and asked about employee turnover.
“We do have other areas where we’re perpetually not filling positions over an extended period of time,” Ellis said. “The way we’re running the county, it does sort of beg the question of are there places where these positions should just be reduced and the funds redeployed or our budget reduced accordingly?”
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SCREENSHOT
Fulton County Chief Human Resources Officer Kenneth Hermon updates the Board of
Hermon
Toro Development announces summer 2026 office lease at Medley
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Toro Development Company announced April 3 that Boehringer Ingelheim, a state leader in animal health innovation, has leased 73,000 square feet of office space at Medley.
The 43-acre site under construction in Johns Creek is being developed on the site of a formerly defunct office campus. Toro razed the site’s other existing, functionally obsolete building to make way for Medley's mixed-use style. The two buildings were formerly home to State Farm, before it relocated its campus to Park Center, a mixeduse regional hub in Dunwoody’s Central Perimeter.
Boehringer Ingelheim says it will move into its new headquarters with nearly 500 employees next summer, ahead of Medley’s grand opening, set for October 29, 2026.
Stream Realty’s Bryan Heller and Parker Welton, who represented Toro in the deal, say it marks the largest new Class-A office lease north of the Perimeter in nearly five years. It’s another sizable relocation reflecting the “flight to quality” trend in office real estate.
“Medley fills a long-standing gap in Johns Creek’s office offering — a city that, while a demographic powerhouse and the envy of municipalities nationwide, has long lacked a vibrant, all-day destination that truly brings it all together,” Heller said.
TORO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY/PROVIDED Toro Development Company says Medley, a 43-acre mixed-use development in the heart of Johns Creek’s Town Center, is set for a grand opening October 29, 2026. The developer also announced that Boehringer Ingelheim signed a 73,000-square-foot lease, which brokers say is the largest new Class-A office lease north of the Perimeter in nearly five years.
TDC Chief Vision Officer Mark Toro said an active and energized mixed-use destination is the ultimate “people magnet” for employers.
“Medley’s fully amenitized and pedestrian-driven environment gives Boehringer Ingelheim a distinct competitive advantage as it seeks to recruit, retain and return the
best and brightest in a setting that fosters innovation and collaboration,” Toro said.
Boehringer Ingelheim is set to occupy two full floors of Medley’s lifestyle office building overlooking the shops and dining along Medley Boulevard. Including the street-level retail, the reimagined office building is currently being renovated and set to encompass 150,000 square feet.
Peter Ploeger, country managing director for the U.S. Animal Health business at Boehringer Ingelheim, said Medley will bring a new energy to the company’s headquarters.
“This is not just a new building; it's a move that symbolizes our forwardthinking mentality and our commitment to animal health," Ploeger said. “Our goal is to develop a workplace that reflects our unwavering commitment to advance the health and well-being of animals and generates energy and pride within our employees.”
Boehringer has a large footprint in the state from manufacturing operations in Gainesville and Athens to the recent expansion of its global research and development building in Athens.
"Boehringer Ingelheim’s decision to invest in Fulton County reinforces our reputation as a premier destination for business and innovation," Board of Commissioners
Chair Robb Pitts said. "This major investment not only fuels job creation but also enhances our position as a leader in the life sciences industry."
Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said this city is excited for Boehringer Ingelheim to join its growing business community.
“Their selection of Johns Creek, the first municipality in the state of Georgia to be designated as a gold level BioReady Community, furthers our reputation as a leader in health, wellness and innovation,” Bradberry said. “This significant relocation is just the latest sign that Johns Creek is the place to be.”
In addition to office space, Medley is set to encompass 150,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, a 175-key boutique hotel, 750 multifamily residences, 133 for-sale townhomes and an activated 25,000-square-foot Plaza.
Toro Development Company says it will infuse its signature approach to resortstyle hospitality, entertainment and community building at Medley, which includes hosting approximately 200 events per year, ranging from outdoor wellness classes and live music to art festivals and watch parties.
— Hayden Sumlin
bring a tennis ball and treats. He’s a WINNER!
Roswell shocks Johns Creek for regular season region title
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga — The Roswell High School girls lacrosse team won the program’s first regular season title for Area 1 of Class 2A after a 12-11 win over Johns Creek in sudden death overtime April 1.
Both teams came in knowing the game would decide the area’s seeding.
Roswell got off to a hot start with the first two goals coming from sophomore Claire MacLeod and freshman Hazel Shively.
Johns Creek’s Rose Coluzzi fired back with a hat trick in the first quarter, while Ella Bea Croteau scored two more goals for the Hornets. Croteau, a Jacksonville University commit, tallied four goals, including the game-winner 30 seconds into the overtime period.
Roswell head coach Brooke Magnuson said the team’s goals for the night were to play with joy and energy. If they were able to do that “everything in between will fall into place,” on their way to school history.
“It’s being able to overcome the adversity when we’re down and staying in that fight,” she said. “They did that tonight, every single one of them. The
‘next
play’ mentality is a big factor for us.”
Shively finished off her hat trick in the second quarter, getting it done
with two straight goals off free position shots. She agreed with her coach that playing with joy and energy sealed the win.
“We really push each other in practice, and then it goes into the game,” she said. “We’ve adapted really well to past games, too. If we learned something in the last game, we’re gonna put it into the next game.”
The Gladiators fought back hard with four goals in the second quarter, two from Sydnee Cane and one apiece from Coluzzi and Hayden Huston.
Both teams adjusted their defensive schemes to stiffen in the second half, but the Gladiators especially were able to slow the Hornets from eight goals in the first half to three in the last two periods.
Johns Creek’s star midfielder, Lindenwood commit Madison Tredway, was able to get going with two straight goals in the third quarter. Her effort gave the Gladiators their first and only lead of the game until Roswell was able to tie the score for the fourth time of five in the game.
Gladiator Avery Mathewson’s second goal with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter forced overtime. In girls lacrosse overtimes are played sudden-death style.
The Hornets took home the region regular season title by winning overtime’s opening draw and quickly getting the ball to Ella Bea Croteau who put it past Gladiators goalie Brooke Denny.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Members of the Roswell High School Hornets Lacrosse team congratulate sophomore Claire MacLeod, center, after the first goal of the game at Roswell High School April 1.
Gardener creates custom spaces for natural reflection, recharging
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Shelly Hoddeson paints with flowers, trees and stones. Your yard is her easel.
“It’s art,” Hoddeson said. “It really is a living art.”
Hoddeson, owner of Johns-Creekbased Southern Estate Classic Gardens, makes custom gardens and outdoor spaces for North Metro Atlanta residents, drawing on years of landscaping experience.
“It should bring them joy, peace and tranquility,” Hoddeson said.
Hoddeson, a Johns Creek resident, has gardening in her blood.
She inherited a love for flowers from her grandmother, who filled her home with irises, day lilies, hydrangeas, hostas and other blooms. African violets, cultivated in indoor pots, were her grandmother’s favorite.
“She loved them,” she said.
Hoddeson learned an appreciation for gardening from her mother, spending hours pulling weeds and planting pots along with her sister. The work was hardly a chore but rather a time for bonding for the three.
“We would chat and feel the earth — get grounded,” Hoddeson said. “I loved getting my hands dirty. I always did.”
As an adult, Hoddeson still gets her hands dirty.
Her business can handle almost any
outdoor task, including flower beds, patios, paths, erosion control, water features, soil conditioning and more, but she prides herself in bringing them together in an inspired design.
The process starts with a face-toface meeting, which can run from two minutes to three hours depending on how involved a client is. Hoddeson walks the property, taking photos, learning about personal tastes and discussing
goals.
She then brainstorms, occasionally bouncing ideas, sketches and designs off her client. She returns with ideas in hand, often literally in the form of a vision board, to discuss her concepts for the space.
Lastly, she finalizes an agreed design, comes up with a cost estimate and gets started.
It’s a lot of work, but it’s also her
To learn more about Southern Estate Classic Gardens, call 770-570-6060, email shelly@secgardens.com or visit secgardens.com.
passion, she said.
Flowers and their bounty of colors are Hoddeson’s favorite part of a garden.
During her 15 years spent in the gardening industry, she has become an expert, learning each’s growth habits from how much water and sun they need to big or small they will grow.
“They are like an instant pop of color,” she said.
Rock, often natural flagstones from Tennessee or Oklahoma, are shaped by a contracted mason’s hammer and chisel. They can serve as stepping stones, guide the flow of water and fill other ornamental needs.
“I really try to incorporate something into the living space that both looks good and solves a problem,” she said.
Hoddeson loves to surround her stones with aggregate gravels or groundcover plants like blue star creeper, ajuga or mazus, which can boast tiny, vivid blossoms.
Trees, especially flowering ones like dogwoods, redbuds and cherry trees, can create shade, offer elegant forms and attract pollinators.
See GARDENS, Page 9
SHELLY HODDESON/PROVIDED
A bed of flowers add vivid colors at a client’s property. Southern Estate Classic Gardens owner Shelly Hoddeson said flowers are her favorite element of a garden.
Gardens:
Continued from Page 8
“You got to make sure you are putting the right tree in the right place because some trees can be really massive,” she said. “Removing them is sad for the tree, and it’s sad for your wallet.”
Hoddeson is capable with almost any style, whether that be the trimmed hedges and meticulous symmetry of a formal garden or the raked gravel and serenity of a Japanese-inspired space.
But her specialty is the cottage style, which embraces the inherent beauty of the natural environment with crooked lines, unrestrained growths and wildlife.
“It’s calming,” she said. “It’s a lot of color, and it gives me energy.”
Hoddeson’s first big project was a validation that she was in the right business.
Filled with dying grass, the backyard had few plants and a water feature that was waiting to be properly used.
Hoddeson added nutrient-rich soil, leveled ground to create a tan-and-gray flagstone path and intermingled mazus to create a luxurious ground cover. The result was a serene path perfect for recharging and reflection.
At another property where erosion was taking a serious toll, she placed stepping stones into a dry creek bed. When she was finished, the client was able to take strolls through a yard that resembled a fruit orchard filled with figs and blueberries.
Hoddeson brings a wealth of creative experience to any job, but her primary goal is to make a client’s dream come true.
Receiving feedback and insights on personal tastes is never necessary, but it does make work more rewarding.
At the end of the day, it is all about creating a space that someone will find personal satisfaction in.
“I’m making a space for them that’s their oasis,” she said.
JOHNS CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SHELLY
Shelly Hoddeson said she brings
Address:
Continued from Page 1
The three projects are parts of the Town Center, which is envisioned as a walkable downtown area.
Johns Creek also continues to make strides in public safety, Bradberry said.
The city has begun construction to replace Fire Station 63, doubling the capacity of the existing building. The $7.8 million project calls for a 14,675-square-foot facility to house new bays, a police substation and headquarters for the traffic unit. The police department also recently added five positions, including two crime suppression officers, a detective and community policing officer.
“We were the safest city statistically in the country,” Bradberry said. “That's something that most other communities would just die to be able to say.”
Looking
forward
Johns Creek has no post office, but it could have a virtual one soon, Bradberry said.
The longstanding issue is the result of the city straddling several ZIP codes.
City officials are exploring a United States Post Office program that would allow residents to unify under one ZIP code although there would be no physical post office serving it, City Manager Kimberly
Numerous local elected officials from around the region attend the State of the City address at Johns Creek High School April 3.
Greer said.
It also would allow residents with addresses in adjacent cities to have postal addresses in Johns Creek.
“Basically they would redraw the lines around our community,” Bradberry said.
The program would begin with a poll asking residents whether they would like to participate. A majority approval would be required to move forward.
“We have mailed the application, and we haven't heard back for a while, and so now I'm going to worry that maybe something's happened with the mail,” the mayor
said, joking.
City officials are looking at another program, which would assist residents in repairing eroding drainage ditches near their homes, Bradberry said.
“They are open wounds in the landscape of our community,” he said. “And the thing that makes these so vexing is that they don't exist on a single property.”
Bradberry displayed a photo of a ditch where a resident had diagrammed a bank that had eroded significantly over the years, cutting into the property.
Because many of the ditches run along property lines, determining who should maintain them can be difficult, Bradberry said.
A grant program would incentivize home owners to band together to fix the ditches. The program could include matching funds from the city.
Bradberry said he expects a pilot program this year. The program already has about $400,000 in funds.
“The key point is that we are identifying the problem,” he said. “We're identifying a potential solution, or at least a way to make it better.”
Johns Creek may have some terrific sports programs at the high school level, but athletics below that level are “patchy,” Bradberry said.
“There is no real youth sports program to speak of in our community,” he said.
Existing leagues are dependent on Fulton County Schools and struggle to field
games.
The mayor said he and the City Council are working to close the gap.
“We're going to be learning a lot more about that as a council,” he said.
Creating Community
Johns Creek has accomplished incredible things, and its educated, law-abiding and diverse residents have made the city a great place, Bradberry said.
Incorporated in 2006, the city’s success has attracted attention across the nation, Bradberry said.
In its 2025 list, Niche.com said Johns Creek was the best Georgia suburb to raise a family and live. In 2024, Travel + Leisure magazine also ranked it as the best U.S. suburb to live in.
“We obviously have something very special here in our community,” Bradberry said.
But the city can do better when it comes to having a sense of community although gains have been made, he said.
“People are starting to have a better sense of community, better sense of place, better sense of identity,” he said.
Bradberry said city officials will continue to foster that sense of community through events, public spaces and other improvements. He said the city also hopes to mark the nation’s 250th birthday next year with an unforgettable celebration.
“I know that we will continue to make Johns Creek an even better place,” he said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Robotic surgery at Wellstar North Fulton
Brought to you by - Dr. Gregory J. Coffman, Wellstar general surgeon
In the ever-evolving world of medicine, the most groundbreaking advancement in surgery is robotic surgery. The robotic platforms have transformed the way surgeries are performed, offering both patients and doctors a host of remarkable benefits. From enhanced precision to faster recovery times, robotic surgery is quickly becoming a preferred method in many medical fields.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery involves the use of robotic systems controlled by highly skilled surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures. These systems are equipped with high-definition 3D cameras and specialized tools that enable surgeons to operate with greater accuracy, even in the most delicate areas of the body. The most common adoption of the robotic platform is in
the fields of urology, gynecology and general surgery.
Smaller incisions, faster recovery
Traditional surgery often involves large incisions, leading to longer recovery times, more pain and a greater risk of infection. This pain and prolonged recovery were a part of surgery for over 100 years. Robotic surgery, on the other hand, typically requires only small incisions, which results in less tissue damage. This means patients experience less pain, a lower risk of infection and a quicker recovery. In many cases, patients can return to their normal activities in a fraction of the time it would take after traditional surgery.
Less pain and scarring
The smaller incisions associated with robotic surgery not only led to faster healing but also result in minimal scarring. Many patients are amazed at how little visible evidence of the surgery remains after the procedure, with some reporting scars that are nearly invisible. This cosmetic benefit is especially important for patients undergoing elective surgeries or
procedures in visible areas of the body.
Enhanced precision and control with fewer complications
Although less pain, faster recovery and smaller scars are important to patients, the biggest advantage of robotic surgery is the precision it offers. The robotic instruments used in surgery are incredibly small and can move in ways that are impossible for the human hand to replicate. Surgeons can work with unmatched precision because of advancements in 3D imaging, smaller instruments and real-time feedback reducing the risk of human error. This is especially important for complex or intricate procedures, where even a slight mistake could have significant consequences. Because robotic surgery allows for such precision and minimizes human error, the risk of complications is significantly lower compared to traditional surgery. Surgeons can operate in tighter, more difficult spaces, avoiding critical structures and reducing the chances of accidental injury. This leads to better outcomes and higher safety for patients.
Shorter hospital stays
Robotic surgery’s minimally invasive nature means that patients often experience less trauma during the procedure and can move on with their lives much faster. As a result, many patients can go home the same day or the day after surgery, instead of staying in the hospital for several days. This reduces the risk of hospitalacquired infections and allows patients to get back to their lives more quickly.
Why choose robotic surgery?
No one wants to have surgery. But, if a surgery is needed, robotic surgery offers the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are receiving the most advanced, precise and minimally invasive treatment available. Ask your physician if you are a candidate for robotic surgery.
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center has robotic surgeons in several specialties. We have seen the benefits for our patients and our loved ones firsthand. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Coffman in Roswell or Alpharetta, call (470) 956-4560.
COFFMAN
Women and heart disease
Brought to you by – Emory Heart & Vascular
For many years, heart disease was considered a “man’s disease.” That began to change about 30 years ago, thanks in large part to Emory Healthcare cardiologist Nanette Wenger, MD. She was one of the first doctors to focus on heart disease in women - and the first and most insistent voice to push for greater inclusion of women in heart disease research.
Today, researchers around the world are studying heart disease in women. Despite significant progress, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women (and men), surpassing breast cancer and lung disease. It is responsible for about one in every five deaths in women.
Heart disease symptoms look different in women
The most common symptom of heart disease in men and women is chest pain, discomfort or pressure. Women are more likely than men to have other symptoms such as:
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Arm or upper back pain
If you think you are having a heartrelated emergency, such as a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Heart disease risk factors in women
Many risk factors for heart disease are the same in men and women such as:
• Being overweight or obese
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
“There are additional risk factors that are unique to women,” says Ijeoma Isiadinso, MD, director of Heart Disease Prevention at Emory Heart & Vascular. “For example, complications that may occur during pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension or diabetes later in life. And during menopause,
a woman’s risk of heart disease rises due to hormonal changes. Also, inflammatory rheumatic conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, occur more often in women than men and are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.”
Take care of your heart
Most heart disease is preventable, and early detection saves lives. The most important place to start is with a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Be physically active
• Do not smoke (or vape)
• Find ways to manage your stress
• Follow a diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources, such as chicken and fish
• Get quality sleep
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Limit your salt intake and avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates and fat
• Maintain a healthy weight
Routine screenings for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can help your provider identify early signs of heart disease. Medications to treat these conditions
can also help lower your risk for heart disease.
Specialized heart care for women at Emory Heart & Vascular
Emory Heart & Vascular offers a dedicated program focused on women’s heart health. Our team of physicians and nurse practitioners provide collaborative care for women who are at risk of or already have heart disease. Patients can also participate in clinical trials that seek to better understand heart disease in women.
Ready to transform your heart treatment?
If you are concerned about your heart health, turn to doctors at the top of their field. Emory Heart & Vascular brings together more than 150 physicians and 18 specialized programs in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery.
Next-day new patient cardiology appointments are available at one of our 23 locations.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/ transform to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Family history of heart disease?
Emory Heart & Vascular can help rewrite it.
MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS
The difference? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home.
Our expert heart & vascular team pioneers the most innovative techniques and treatments. Giving you more options and better outcomes than anywhere else. To make more “tickle monster!” moments like this possible.
From routine gynecology and menopause management, to high-risk pregnancies and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/history to schedule an appointment.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.
Why do I get so many Cavities?!
At Roswell Dental Care, we take pride in our ability to educate our patients about their oral health. One question we frequently hear from our patients, “Why do I get so many cavities? I brush my teeth every day!” We understand the frustration that comes from putting the work in to maintain your teeth and still ending up with cavities, we are here to help break those reasons down for you.
4. Your flossing habits: Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the sides of your teeth, so not flossing on a consistent basis increases your risk of developing cavities between your teeth.
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1. How deep your grooves are: How your teeth are shaped, including the grooves of your teeth, are inherited. These grooves are too small for your toothbrush bristles to get in and clean properly. Some teeth have deeper grooves, which increases the risk of biting surface cavities. We can prevent these types by placing sealants (plastic) over the grooves of the teeth.
2. Your oral bacteria: Did you know, you inherit the genetic layout of your oral bacteria from your mom? The types of oral bacteria can impact your oral health, including your likelihood of cavities and developing periodontal disease. Staying on a cleaning schedule with your dental hygienist will help reduce the number of bacteria you have in your mouth.
3. Your frequency of sugar intake: Your habits also play a significant role in your oral health. Your frequency of sugar intake has a direct tie into the frequency of the occurrence of cavities. The more times you consume sugar, the more opportunities for cavities to take hold.
5. Your medications: When you eat or drink anything other than water, the pH of your mouth becomes acidic. Saliva’s job is to neutralize the acidic environment. Some medications cause xerostomia (or dry mouth). If your saliva is reduced or becomes thicker, your teeth have an increased risk of developing decay, especially along the gumline. Products containing xylitol are “mouth wetters,” and xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to tooth structure, helping to prevent the effects of a dry mouth.
The above reasons are just a few of the many complex factors that go into why cavities develop. As dental professionals, we strive to keep our patients educated in their oral hygiene. Good or bad oral hygiene plays a role in overall health, and we are here to get your oral health in excellent condition so that your overall health can be too.
Dr. Hood at Roswell Dental Care understands and customizes treatment for each person. We assure you will feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at 770.998.6736, or visit us at www.roswelldentalcare. com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!
Dr. Destinee Hood
Brought to You by - Dr. Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care
Amazing tooth replacements
Brought to
by – Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health
Dental implants are popular and effective for individuals who have lost one or more teeth. They offer several advantages and can significantly improve a person’s oral health, appearance, and quality of life. Here are the reasons that so many people are choosing to have dental implants:
1. Replacement of missing teeth: Dental Implants are used to replace missing teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or multiple teeth. This is important for restoring proper chewing function and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth.
2. Improved aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They can enhance your smile, boost your self-confidence, and provide a more natural appearance compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges.
3. Enhanced eating ability: Dental implants provide strong biting and chewing capabilities, allowing you to enjoy a full range of foods, including hard and crunchy items without restrictions.
4. Comfort: Dental implants are comfortable and stable. Unlike removable dentures, they do not slip or move when eating or speaking, providing a natural and comfortable experience.
5. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives or removal at night, as required with dentures. They function just like natural teeth, making daily oral hygiene routines simple and hasslefree. Dental implants are brushed and flossed like all your other teeth.
6. Durability: Implants are a longlasting solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, whereas other options like dentures will require periodic adjustments or replacement.
7. Preservation of jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can start to deteriorate over time. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.
8. Improved speech: Missing teeth, especially front teeth can affect
speech clarity. Dental implants can restore normal speech patterns by replacing missing teeth.
9. No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike dental bridges, which require the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth, dental implants do not affect nearby teeth. This helps preserve the long-term health of your natural teeth.
10. Whole body health: Dental implants and no missing teeth contribute to better oral and overall health by allowing you to eat all types
of food without restrictions and eat a healthier diet. Filling the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing the shifting of neighboring teeth, and reducing the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss help feel and look better.
It is essential to consult with a dental professional to determine if dental implants are the right solution for your specific oral health needs. Factors like bone density, overall health, and personal preferences will influence the suitability of dental implants as a treatment option.
“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 770-992-2236.
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.
Is Lidocaine a secret weapon against cancer?
We always worry about the negative side-effects that a medicine might have. At the end of a pharmaceutical company’s commercials, an auctioneer very quickly states the twenty terrible things that might happen if you take the advertised medicine. Side effects range from your ear falling off when you sneeze to the belief that you are Elvis. Side-effects make almost any medicine sound scary. But occasionally, a positive side effect emerges. Sometimes, we discover something wonderful about a medicine that is wholly unexpected. Examples of positive side-effects are not hard to find. The medicine finasteride was first being used to help decrease the size of the prostate in men who were having difficulty urinating. An unexpected positive side-effect was discovered when it was noticed that many of the men were re-growing their scalp hair. With finasteride, male pattern baldness was often partially reversed or stopped in its tracks.
One of the most recent medications discovered to have a possible positive side effect is lidocaine, which has been around since 1943. Lidocaine is an injectable anesthetic. We use lidocaine for skin biopsies, excisions, Mohs surgeries and countless other procedures every day in the dermatology office. Amazingly, lidocaine may be more than an anesthetic. It may also have anti-cancer effects.
center study, but it is intriguing enough to warrant further investigation. The authors reported that injecting lidocaine around breast cancer before removing it increased survival in their study.
What made the surgeons perform this study in the first place? Why lidocaine? Over the last few years, researchers have discovered that electrical gradients maintained across the membranes of cancer cells are important to their ability to metastasize or spread. Our cells have pumps in them called “ion channels.” They allow certain ions to pass across the cell membrane. The resulting ion concentration gradient creates an electrical charge across a cell. This gradient affects the way other proteins in the cell function. Importantly, some of the proteins affected by the charge across a cell membrane are important for healthy cells’ growth and development as well as for cancers’ ability to grow and spread.
Lidocaine works by blocking sodium channels in cell membranes. Disrupting the electric charge across a cancer cell membrane was suspected to have the potential to weaken the cancer itself. Preclinical studies supported this hypothesis, and the breast cancer surgeons took the next step of performing a trial with breast cancer patients and peritumoral lidocaine injections.
Accepting
A team of surgeons in India operating on breast cancer divided patients into two groups. One group had standard breast cancer surgery. The other group received a lidocaine injection around the tumor 7-10 minutes prior to surgery. During the 5 years after surgery, the group that received the lidocaine injection had an 8.5% rate of the cancer recurring (popping up again) at a distant site versus an 11.6% rate of distant recurrence in the surgeryonly (no lidocaine) group. The study has some limitations including not being a double-blind trial and being a single-
I don’t know if breast cancer surgeons in the United States consider these results valid, are awaiting confirmatory studies or are already injecting lidocaine. However, in dermatology, these results are exciting because, for now, we do not need to change anything that we are already doing. Every day that I perform Mohs surgery, we inject the area around a tumor with lidocaine prior to surgically removing the cancer. If lidocaine is more than an anesthetic, then our patients are likely already benefiting from any anti-cancer properties that lidocaine has.
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating most skin cancers and has a cure rate that is usually at or above 99%. Perhaps lidocaine is one of the secrets to this success.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
What is play therapy and is it right for my child?
Brought
to you by -
Haley Aguero M.A., Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” -Plato
Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is the oldest and most researched therapy for children. Children are at a different developmental age than adults and do not have the cognitive ability to discuss their feelings like adults do. Play is the natural language of children; therefore, play therapy does not force the child to come up to the level of communication of the therapist but invites children to express themselves and explore their feelings through a medium that is optimal for them. Play therapy hopes to meet children where they are, allowing them to express thoughts and feelings that may be frightening or that they cannot verbalize. Gary Landreth states in his book, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, “Children express themselves more fully and more directly through self-initiated, spontaneous plan than they do verbally because they are more comfortable with play.”
CCPT is rooted in person-centered therapy and follows certain conditions that are required for effective personcentered therapy. If all conditions are met, therapy will result in positive change for the child.
1. The therapist experiences unconditional positive regard for the child, showing complete support and acceptance of a person no matter what they say or do
2. The therapist experiences an empathetic understanding of the child and communicates this understanding to the child, understanding one’s experience as if it were being experienced by the self.
3. The child can receive the communication of unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding.
Play sessions manifest by allowing the child to lead and direct their play. The therapist provides numerous materials and creates an environment of acceptance while exercising reasonable limits. Toys are selected, not
collected. These toys fall into specific categories that include aggression toys, fantasy, real life and nurturing, and creative expression. Through their relationship with the therapist and the availability of a safe and comfortable environment, children develop greater self-responsibility, self-acceptance, and self-control.
On top of being developmentally appropriate for the child, it has many emotional benefits that parents should be aware of. Play supports a flexible nervous system that can apply to a wide range of life events. This allows their window of tolerance to expand to include both calm and
intense emotions. During high-energy interactions like playtime, each person responds to the other with laughter and rapid changes in movements, heart rate, and breathing as their energy state fluctuates. If these high-arousal states alternate with calming, soothing interactions, the child also learns to enjoy quiet low-arousal states of serenity, tenderness, deep relaxation, and contentment.
Child-Centered Play Therapy is great for kids aged 3-12 and allows a safe space for children to work on anxiety, how to express healthy emotions, build social skills, work through grief, and so much more. Live playfully!
PEXELS
AGUERO
outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
GROUPS
1. Rock bottom. Fashionable. Group of witches.
2. Toss. Group of criminals. Cold weather warmer.
3. Syrup type. Fixed costs. Group of bees.
4. Theater group. Door sign. Mountain pool.
5. Juicy fruit. Group of cattle. Burger condiment.
6. Sporting group. Office note. Heavy drinking vessel for Beowulf.
7. Musical group. Pub game. Cookbook suggestion.
1 Rock bottom. Fashionable. Group of witches
2. Toss. Group of criminals. Cold weather warmer
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Syrup type. Fixed costs. Group of bees
4. Theater group. Door sign. Mountain pool
5. Juicy fruit. Group of cattle. Burger condiment
6. Sporting group. Office note. Heavy drinking vessel for Beowulf.
7. Musical group. Pub game. Cookbook suggestion
Laws:
Continued from Page 6
responders, so when we have language that’s specific to that stuff … I’m open to that conversation.”
The ordinances were crafted by the Anti-Defamation League to address what it says is a surge in extremism and antisemitic incidents across the country and to protect public safety.
During the meeting, officials asked the ADL to speak on some of their concerns about the laws’ balance of First Amendment protections and limiting harassment.
“… I do fear that we are entering
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territory here that maybe is not the best place for a city council to be breaking ground,” City Councilman Andy Bauman said.
“It is your job as a legislative body to determine what is appropriate for Sandy Springs,” ADL Southeast Regional Director Eytan Davidson said. “This is a difficult decision; these are tough calls, but that’s why you guys are elected officials.”
Davidson said Sandy Springs is forging new ground.
“I do think that this will stand up to constitutional scrutiny,” he said. “I think you will be on the right side not only of the law, but of history, by taking this step.”
City Attorney Lee said the buffer ordinance only prohibits interactions with other individuals if they do not consent.
“If it’s deemed harassment and somebody doesn’t want it, that person has a right not to be accosted, not be solicited,” Lee said. “This ordinance says you can’t do it within 8 feet of someone who doesn’t want it.”
Sandy Springs resident Bill Grifith, who spoke against the first and third ordinance, said the 8-foot buffer would prevent him from approaching Lee with a question about his interpretation of the law.
The city attorney responded.
“If he came and I told him I didn’t want to talk to him and he stayed, he would be in violation of it,” Lee said. “There’s a difference, that’s the purpose of this ordinance … if one doesn’t want to talk to the other, the other does not have a right to be closer than 8 feet to them.”
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SOLUTIONS
The ordinance passed 4-2 with Bauman, Tibby DeJulio, Melissa Mular and John Paulson voting in favor.
City council members Jody Reichel and Melody Kelley dissented.
After the meeting, ACLU representatives said they were disappointed in the city’s decisions. They issued the following statement to Appen Media;
“Repressing speech across the entire city of Sandy Springs is a broad and dangerous overreach that does nothing to make residents safer. Instead, it violates core constitutional protections and sets a troubling precedent for government overreach. We are actively exploring all legal options and urge the City Council to reconsider and reverse their decision.”
