Canton Family Life 2-16 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

February 2016

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 7

28-29 On the Cover:

[28-29]

Cherokee Children's Dentistry

36-37

Senior Living Options for Loved Ones

04 06 10 14 22 24 27 32 34 44 52 54

[36-37] 2

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

.......................... Perspective ............................. Calendar ....................... Business Life ..................... Canton Minute ............................ Quotables ....................... Capitol Ideas ........................ Book Review ............... Community Partner ......................... Taste of Life ......................... Artist Profile ................... Faces of Canton ................... Ribbon Cuttings

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Publisher’s Perspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Wait for it. A

couple of months ago, I was enjoying one of our annual, southeastern meteor showers with friends. I was asked, “Why do stars twinkle?” I stumbled over my words, finding fault in what I was trying to say, as I was saying it, as I admittedly do sometimes. Growing up, I was told, “think before you speak, not as you speak.” Suddenly, I caught a twinkling planet out of the corner of my eye, which stopped my blundering explanation. So the very next day, after an extra cup of coffee, I went and scoured through the archives...and “Googled” it. As it turns out, somewhat to my immediate discouragement, I discovered that it had all been an illusion. Not the part about me being wrong, believe me, there was nothing illusive about that; one has to learn to get used to that, and I’ve managed quite well. What I found was that it wasn’t the stars that twinkled; it was literally the space between us and those celestial bodies that bent the light we saw that made it happen. So I took a long sigh, and with a content smile, I was okay with that knowledge, because even so... they are still beautiful objects of wonder that bring awe, enlightenment and inspiration.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher Anderson, George Anderson, Jessica Asbell, Jose Baez, Rep. Mandi Ballinger, Kathleen Boehmig, Mary Kay Buquoi, Millie Cline, L. Michael Cox, Jyl Craven, Natalie De Velle, Kristi Estes, Micah Fowler, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Eric Hill, Vicki Knight-Mathis, James E. Leake, Pamela Marquess, Robbie Matiak, Tim Morris, E. Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Northside Hospital, Amar Patel, Michael Petrosky, Nick Roper, Matthew Thomas, Farris Yawn

Family Life Publishing Group Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications Canton Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher, and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. AS

E R EC Y C LE

PLE

Often in our lives, day in and day out, we find ourselves learning surprising things about what may have seemed so simple before. More often than that, we may take what we think we know for granted and come to consider it as true. The truth may not be as it appears or as distant as you think. The next time we find our minds peering deep into the darkness, seek to find a point of light and focus on it. Hold on to that light, as it is that point in the vast emptiness that draws us nearer to the truth, and in turn, all seems brighter. On the flip side, remember: as our light bends over the miles and miles, we too, from a distance, are all stars.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

M AG A ZI

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Calendar FEBRUARY

is free and open to the public! 7:00 pm, Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. CantonHdl.com

Ongoing

Rooted in Love — A non-profit in Cherokee County that provides a meal and specific needs to the homeless in Cherokee County on the first Saturday of each month. They offer the homeless families food, toilet paper, water, clothes and goody bags. The meals usually take place at Changed 2 Ministries, 2484 Marietta Hwy, Canton. RootedInLoveGa.org

The 6th Annual Gospel Fest! — The musical extravaganza is held to celebrate Black History Month and will showcase a diverse group of talents with a mass choir, praise and dance teams, as well as soloist performances. The event

The Improvised Shakespeare Company — Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written) The Improvised Shakespeare Co. creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your very eyes! Each of the players has brushed up on his “thee’s” and “thou’s” to bring you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy, using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Each play is completely improvised, so each play is entirely new! Due to the nature of comedy, this show is for mature audience members only. 7:30 pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska.770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

Randy Richards Concert This event is free and open to the public! 7:00 pm, Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. CantonHdl.com

Randy Richards

13-14

Let’s Skate Valentine’s Day Weekend — Bring your Valentine to Downtown Canton for a heartwarming winter date! Canton Main Street and Canton Tourism will bring the city an ice skating rink the weekend of Valentine’s Day. $10 fee includes skates and 30 minutes of skate time. Groups of 10 or more can skate for $8 per person. 2:00-7:00 pm, Historic Downtown Canton Loop. CantonHdl.com

Safe Sitter Course — Safe Sitter is a medically accurate, up-to-date babysitting course that teaches young teens (11 and up) life and safety skills. The cost is $35 and includes the sitter kit and workbook. 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Northside Hospital-Cherokee, 130 Oakside Court, Canton. 770-345-2295. Lana. Mayfield@Northside.com

19-21

Dancing at Lughnasa presented by the University Theatre — Set in the fictional Irish town of Ballybeg, Ireland, Dancing at Lughnasa is a memory play, told from the perspective of an adult Michael, recalling the summer he spent at his aunts’ home when he was seven years old. The five Mundy sisters, all unmarried, live in a big cottage just outside of this small, Irish town. During the summer Michael spends

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

with them, he sees his aunts’ search for and find the potential for love — only to lose it as the hardships of life begin to cripple them. Dancing at Lughnasa was written by Brian Friel and premiered on Broadway in 1991. 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, 3:00 pm on Sunday, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska.770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

7 Bridges Band: The Ultimate Eagles Experience — A stunningly accurate tribute to the music of The Eagles,7 Bridges faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period. 7:30 pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu continued on

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

LIBRARY EVENTS

Calendar

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025 HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton, 770-479-3090

JUNIOR WRITING STUDIO Tuesdays & Thursdays, Ball Ground The Junior Writing Studio welcomes children grades 3-8 to practice writing skills with a retired teacher in a small group or a one-on-one environment. Parents can register their child for an appointment by calling the library. DIY FRIDAY Fridays, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, R.T. Jones Do you knit? Bring your yarn and needles! Do you make jewelry? Bring your tools! This program is a great chance to work on your craft of choice, meet other crafters, share your DIY skills and maybe learn some new ones. COLORING SOCIAL February 7, 2:00-5:30 pm, R.T. Jones Crayons, pencils, markers and coloring pages will be provided. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. GROWN-UP STORYTIME February 9, 12:00 pm, R.T. Jones Listen while acclaimed local actress, Teresa Harris, reads aloud short stories that are geared towards adults. This month’s theme is Valentine’s Day. CROCHETING CLUB February 9, 6:00-7:00 pm, Ball Ground Mrs. Joyce Jacobs will teach beginners how to crochet. Bring your needles and yarn for a fun-filled learning experience. No registration required.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

FUN FUSION BEAD CRAFTS! February 17, 2:00-4:00 pm, R.T. Jones This is for ages 9 and up. All materials will be supplied. DROP-IN CRAFTER-NOON February 15, 2:00-4:00 pm, Ball Ground February 18, 2:00-4:00 pm, Hickory Flat February 6, 20, 2:00-4:00 pm, R.T. Jones This is for all ages who enjoy crafting with paper, glue and crayons. All materials will be provided. This dropin program requires a participating adult. OPEN MIC NIGHT February 29, 6:00 pm, R.T. Jones You can sing a song, recite poetry, share a story, crack us up with your comedy skills…whatever you want to share! This is for grades 6-12. READING DOGS February 2, 9, 16, 23, Hickory Flat February 8, 22, R.T. Jones Children 6 years of age and older can read to a non-judgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if mistakes are made, or the reader stumbles. Parents can register their child for a 10-15 minute program, two weeks ahead for one session, by calling their library. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session.

North GA Gardening Symposium Tree scene investigation, landscape safety tips, protecting bees/ pollinators from pesticides and turf grass IPM strategies are some of the topics that will be covered. Pesticide recertification forms and evaluations are also a part of the program. Registration is required. 8:00 am-3:30 pm, Chattahoochee Tech North Metro Campus, 5198 Ross Rd, Acworth. 770528-4550. AceWeb.ChattahoocheeTech. edu/wconnect/CourseStatus. awp?&course=16SN73741326

26- 6

Wait Until Dark, by Frederick Knott, performed by the Cherokee Theatre Company — A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues when sinister con men trace the location of a mysterious doll, which they are very much interested in, to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy. Tickets are $18.00. 8:00 pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-5910282. CherokeeTheatre.org MAR

LAP SIT STORYTIME Wednesdays, 10:30 am & 11:30 am, R.T. Jones Designed for ages 1-3 years

BACKYARD AGRICULTURE SERIES: GARDEN PLANNING & INDOOR SEED STARTING February 13, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Hickory Flat This program will cover the topics of soil health and the benefits of soil testing, timing and planning your gardening activities and how to get a jump start on the gardening season by starting your own seedlings. Registration required. 770-721-7803. CAES.UGA.edu/ extension/Cherokee

FEB

FAMILY STORYTIME Tuesdays, 10:30 am & 3:30 pm, R.T. Jones Thursdays, 10:30 am, Ball Ground Thursdays, 10:30 am, Hickory Flat Saturdays, 10:30 am, R.T. Jones

Scan to submit your upcoming event!

Business LGE Community Credit Union Donates Over $120,000 to Charities and Individuals in Need

LGE Community Credit Union employees recently gathered to give $120,000 to local charities and individuals in need through the LGE Foundation. The LGE Foundation organizes and conducts fundraisers to raise money to

Charities that received donations: Racheal’s Rest, Must Ministries,

contribute to local non-profit organizations. Every dollar raised by the LGE

Warehouse of Hope, Calvary Children’s Home, Next

Foundation is matched by LGE Community Credit Union. Since 2010, LGE

Step Ministries, Paulding CASA,

has invested over $418,000 in the lives of those in the community, including children, homeless, abuse victims and those that fall on hard times. Not only is there a monetary contribution, but LGE staff members volunteer over 2500 hours in the community annually. Continued efforts show why LGE Community Credit Union continues to be a fabric of the community.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

City of Refuge, Safepath, 10 Women of Hope, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Love beyond Walls, The Giving Kitchen and Boys and Girls Club of Cobb County.

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Selects Teen Leadership Cherokee Class of 2016 The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that participants for the 15th Annual Teen Leadership Cherokee (TLC) Class have been selected. Of the 53 Cherokee County high school sophomores who applied for the program, 20 students were chosen. Applicants were asked to submit a formal application and participated in a personal interview with local business leaders. The TLC Class has already attended an orientation with their parents and an all-day retreat, which was held in January at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Over the course of three months, students will participate in four class sessions and complete an individual project, all of which will address topics such as community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development and team building. A graduation ceremony and dinner will be held in late March to honor the class. The mission of TLC is to develop the knowledge and leadership skills of young people in Cherokee County so they may confidently become our leaders of tomorrow.

Front row l-r: Sasha Stogniy, Woodstock; Katherine Relick, Woodstock; Rebekah Carnes, Sequoyah; Katie Pitner, Sequoyah; Middle row l-r: TLC Co-Chair Hanna Pintozzi, American Book Company; Emily Nelson, Etowah; Tori Turk, Sequoyah; Leah Garrison, Cherokee; Zack Forrester, Sequoyah; Kennedy Looper, The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy; Christian Adams, Woodstock; Chase Harris, Cherokee; Back row l-r: Julia Litrel, Woodstock; Abigale Montgomery, Etowah; Bri Randall, Cherokee; Emma Taylor, River Ridge; Chandler McCloud, Sequoyah; Patrick Ballance, Sequoyah; Griffin Pizzano, Sequoyah; Noah Shever, Sequoyah; TLC Chair Will Goodwin, Oak Leaf Church.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ten Little Ways to Say “I Love You” to Kids By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

Telling your children you love them is one of the best things you can do as a parent, but showing your children you love them is also important. Here are ten ways to show you care: 1. Write a note to your little one. Put the note in her lunchbox, under her pillow or in a place where only she will look. 2. Say “yes” to an unusual request. Did your child request donuts and ice cream for dinner? Does he want to wear his pajamas all day? Relax the rules occasionally. 3. Keep a record. Recording your child’s early days in a baby book or journal can be a great way to remember all the wonderful little things he does. 4. Stop what you’re doing, and listen to

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

her stories. This simple gesture helps you stay connected with your child. 5. When your child talks to you, engage her and ask follow-up questions. Creating a dialogue can show her that you’re truly interested in what she has to say.

10. Show him how to do things. If your child wants to know how to bake cookies, teach him. If he asks how to inflate a bike tire, walk him through the process. Your child will remember and cherish those lessons.

6. Share your stories. Your child is just as curious about you as you are about him. 7. Ask her to play her favorite songs. This is a fun, easy way to find out what makes her tick while showing her that you’re interested. 8. Start a daily tradition. Read a story at bedtime, have an after-school chat, or play a game every day to ensure that you two have a special bonding time. 9. Display her doodles and drawings. Your child pours her heart into every piece of artwork she makes. Hanging up these creations at home or in your office can encourage her creativity while showing your child how important she is to you.

Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Canton Minute

Introducing: SelectCanton.com By Matthew A. Thomas

hat is our first stop to learn more about any topic today? The answer is the internet. Usually, the information we are looking for is a Google, Yahoo or Bing search away. The world of corporate site selection, private investment and tourism works the same way. If you’re a business owner and you’ve heard wonderful things about Canton, but still aren’t sold on it and you’d like to learn more, what website can give you assurance that Canton is the right choice? We know Canton is a really good place to do business. We know there are numerous opportunities for real estate development and vacant buildings awaiting redevelopment. We know about the stellar businesses and attractions that are here. But, how would someone not living here find out? Where could they go to find that information? Those were the tough questions we asked ourselves. The solution led us to the birth and development of SelectCanton.com, Canton’s very own economic development website. It’s both a marketing and informational tool to communicate the competitive advantages of operating a business in Canton, Georgia. SelectCanton.com allows visitors access to tons of data about the local economy. After all, data drives decisions. To be clear, SelectCanton.com does not exist to replace the City’s main website. Our municipal website serves a purpose that an economic development never could. The City’s main website, Canton-Georgia.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

com, functions as Canton’s top website, and it should always be residents’ “go-to” for any and all information about our City. SelectCanton.com complements our City’s main website by providing in-depth facts and figures for prospective and existing businesses looking for data about the Canton market before making investment decisions. Essentially, it’s for economic development. It has been stated that 90% of site selection decisions are made online. That means before an email or phone call is ever made to the economic development office, businesses have already selected or eliminated a community from their list of possible locations. SelectCanton.com houses Canton-specific data necessary to sell decision makers on our community. No community is right for everyone, but if we have what a prospect is looking for, it’s pertinent that we communicate it. SelectCanton.com is characterized by five main tabs: 1) Why Canton 2) Data 3) Business Assistance 4) News & Updates 5) Contact. Within those, you can find everything from demographics, maps, major employers, workforce data, education information, healthcare facilities, land and building vacancies and links to our partnering organizations.

If you’re looking to start, open or relocate your business to Canton and you need more information, or if you operate an existing business and you need access to resources to upsize your operations or grow your customer outreach, visit SelectCanton. com. We hope the website provides compelling reasons why people and businesses should Select Canton.

Matthew A. Thomas is Economic Development Manager for the City of Canton. 770-704-1516. Matthew.Thomas@Canton-Georgia.com

Community Feature invisible, visible and giving victims the support they need.

Anna Crawford Children’s Center Receives National Purple Purse Award One in four women in America will experience domestic violence in her lifetime — that’s more than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined. While most people think only of physical abuse when they consider domestic violence, financial abuse occurs in 98% of

all domestic violence cases. It is an invisible weapon that keeps victims trapped. Abusers use isolating tactics, such as preventing the victim from working or accessing bank accounts, credit cards or transportation. By bringing financial abuse out of the shadows, this movement is making the

This year, Allstate Agencies were tasked by Allstate Corporation and the Allstate Foundation to submit candidates in local communities who embody the essence of programs, support systems, recovery and transition systems, communications systems, and effective work in the judicial system to stem domestic abuse at all levels. Allstate Foundation made selections of only 200 candidates nationally to receive the “Purple Purse.” Tommy Sugg, on behalf of Allstate, The Allstate Foundation and the Tommy Sugg Allstate Agency, presented this prestigious Award to Amy Economopoulos, Executive Director of Anna Crawford Children’s Center of Cherokee County, for their undying efforts to protect the children and families of domestic abuse.

Congratulations Congratulationstotoour ourOctober January“7“7Differences” Differences”winner, winner,Melanie Deborah Tugman! Guy!

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Feature Project SEARCH Graduates Train at Northside Hospital-Cherokee CCSD Winners Headed to Georgia PTA Reflections Competition Cherokee County School District winners now are headed to the 2015-16 Georgia PTA Reflections competition. The annual contest gives students in all grades and abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in various categories for the opportunity to earn recognition at the school, county, state and national levels. This year’s theme was “Let Your Imagination Fly,” and more than 1,900 CCSD students in kindergarten through 12th grade submitted entries in the six categories of dance, film/video production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

From left: Chloe Klingler, of Woodstock; Trent Ferrell, of Canton; Matthew Coleman, of Woodstock, Tristan Angle, of Kennesaw; Michael Spennato, of Woodstock and Mary Finney, of Canton.

Six interns recently graduated from Project SEARCH, a ninemonth program for young adults with disabilities that provides hands-on and classroom work-related skills. Project SEARCH is a partnership with host business Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Cross Plains Community Partner, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Cherokee Navigator Team and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities to develop daily job tasks for the interns.

Knox Elementary School recently recognized its school-level winners in the PTA Reflections contest: from left to right, Aven Wright, Meredith Ziegler, Amanda Michno, Caleigh Scanlan, Ava Whyte, Clara Brown, Olivia Thomas, William Foreman and Jayden Harlan.

The uniformed interns reported to Northside Hospital-Cherokee five days a week and participated in a variety of jobs called “rotations.” Job rotations for each intern are 3-10 weeks throughout the course of the program. Interns begin their day at 8:00 am in the classroom, where they learn business soft-skills; they then report to their job and complete their day around 2:00 pm in the classroom. Project SEARCH employs two employment specialists to assist interns and hospital staff for the entire day. “The interns meet the high work standards of the host business, are dependable, hard- working, determined and positive,” said Elizabeth Hunter, supported employment manager for Cross Plains Community Partner. “The ultimate goal is to use the skills they learn to gain competitive employment within the community.” Project SEARCH’s new class of interns will begin building their skills in May.

Fifteen Cherokee County Firefighters Promoted Firefighters promoted to Sergeant include (front row — left to right) Michael Sims, C. Brian Carter, Craig Henderson, Kenneth Williams, Jonathan Gottfried, James Lussier and Roger Jarrard. Those promoted to the rank of Lieutenant include (middle row — left to right) Brady Cornelison, Matthew Richter, Mike Caglioni, Tim Rogers, Jason Williams, Nathan Baum and Denny Hall. (Back row — left to right) Eddie Robinson, Assistant Fire Chief, Tim Prather, Cherokee County Fire Chief, Chad Davis, who was promoted to Captain and Greg Erdely, Field Operations Chief.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Feature Holly Springs ES STEM Academy Named 2015-2016 Microsoft Showcase School transformational educational practices.

Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy is being recognized as a global leader in successful integration of technology with teaching and learning. The school has been recognized for its excellence in transforming its learning environment to deliver more personalized education to students, effectively using mobile and cloud technology and better preparing students for success in the workplace.

Only 400 schools worldwide have earned this recognition. Last school year, Holly Springs ES STEM Academy became the first whole school ever to be Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) certified. As a Showcase School, Holly Springs ES STEM Academy will work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education and communicate a vision for education enabled by technology through the hosting and mentoring of other schools in the community on

As well as being recognized on a global scale for their innovative approach to educating tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce, Showcase Schools also receive the following benefits from Microsoft as part of the program: collaboration with an international group of thought leaders; special pricing on SteelCase Education learning classroom furniture; MIE Experts on staff to help drive innovation and to support staff, peers and students; access to professional development for Educators within their school; invitations to regional and global events; monthly community webinars and Yammer group discussion, exclusive to Showcase Schools; and email signature and digital signage.

CCSD 2016 High School Graduation Schedule Announced

All of the ceremonies will take place at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, Ga. 30188.

Thursday, May 26, 2016 @ 4:00 pm Woodstock HS @ 8:00 pm Creekview HS

Friday, May 27, 2016 @ 4:00 pm Cherokee HS @ 8:00 pm Sequoyah HS

Saturday, May 28, 2016 @ 9:00 am River Ridge HS @ 1:00 pm Etowah HS

CCSD and Business Sponsors Recognize 2016 Teachers of the Year

The Cherokee County School Board and retired Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, front row center, pose for a commemorative photo with Cherokee County School District 2016 Teacher of the Year, Jeremy Law, seated to the left of the Superintendent, and school-level winners at the annual Teacher of the Year Recognition Banquet. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Portrait Studio.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

By Him,

All Things Hold Together By George Anderson I am not a scientist, but my mom was a middle school science teacher, and my brother is professor of geology at Rice University. As a boy, I went on “digs” with my brother, collecting specimens of petrified wood and fossilized coral. At one time, I considered being a biblical archeologist. Then I saw a replica of the Rosetta Stone, and I was intimidated by those languages. Thankfully, God had other plans for me! I grew up with science. I’ve never seen it as an enemy attacking my faith, but as a friend supporting my faith. I love to stand on the

mountaintop and gaze up at the starry hosts. That bright star over there is 25 trillion miles away! The vastness of the universe boggles my mind. It reminds me of how small I am, and how big God is. I’m overawed in wonder…and praise! Paul writes of Christ in Colossians, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (1:15). In other words, Jesus Christ existed before anything else. Verse 16 states, “For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible.” I’m cool with the Big Bang theory. The way I see it, God said, “Let it be,” and “BANG” it was!

Cosmologists claim that 95% of our universe is made up of what they call “dark matter” — invisible stuff. They don’t know what it is, but they know gravity has no hold on it. Paul continues, “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together” (1:17). In other words, Jesus is the One who keeps all that invisible stuff from flying off into oblivion! C. S. Lewis wrote: “Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” I might add, “and bigger than the universe.” I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds it all in His hands…and that comforts me.

George Anderson is pastor of First Baptist Church Canton. GeorgeAnderson@FBCCanton.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

What Are

Ganglion Cysts? By Jose Baez, M.D. Ganglion cysts are common lumps within the hand and wrist that develop adjacent to joints or tendons.

The most common locations are: • Top of the wrist • Palm side of the wrist • Base of the finger on the palm side • Top of the end joint of the finger The cyst often resembles a water balloon on a stalk and is filled with clear fluid or gel. The cause is unknown, although they may form in the presence of joint or tendon irritation or mechanical changes. They can occur in patients of all ages. Ganglion cysts may change in size or even disappear completely. They may or may not be painful. These cysts are not cancerous and will not spread to other areas.

How are ganglion cysts diagnosed? Physicians can usually diagnose a ganglion cyst based on the appearance and location of the bump. Ganglion cysts are usually oval or round and may be soft or very firm. Physicians may also request x-rays in order to investigate problems in the adjacent joints. Cysts at the end joint of the finger frequently have an arthritic bone spur associated with them.

What are the treatment options for ganglion cysts? Treatment is often non-surgical. In many cases, cysts are simply observed, as they frequently disappear on their own. If the cyst becomes painful, limits activity or is otherwise unacceptable, there are several treatment options, including: • Splints and anti-inflammatory medication to decrease pain • Aspiration to remove the fluid and decompress it • Surgery to remove the cyst (if the above fail to provide relief or if the cyst recurs) Surgery involves removing the cyst, as well as a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath. With wrist ganglion cysts, traditional and arthroscopic techniques may yield good results. During your appointment, your physician will discuss which treatment options are right for you.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Dr. Jose Baez is a physician with Atlanta Hand Specialist, located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna, and Douglasville. 770-333-7888. AtlantaHandSpecialist.com

Soil/Growing Media

Indoor Seed Starting By Joshua Fuder Starting plants from seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump start on your spring and summer gardens. It’s often the only way to grow rare, heirloom plants or ones that require a long growing season, like my garden favorite Hibiscus sabdariffa. I enjoy starting my own transplants because it extends my gardening year, and I get a little more satisfaction from that vegetable harvest when I know I was there when it was just a seed. Starting seeds indoors can be a bit tricky, so follow these guidelines to ensure success.

A wide range of growing media may be used as long as it’s loose and well drained. Don’t use or mix garden soil, as it’s too heavy and will potentially introduce pathogens that can kill your young seedlings. A mixture containing equal parts perlite or vermiculite, peat moss and sterile compost is best and can be purchased from most retail locations. This potting mix will have low fertility, so seedlings must be watered with a diluted fertilizer solution as soon as the first leaves emerge.

Light Transplants grown indoors will likely require supplemental light soon after germination. A south facing window is a great place to get seeds started but will oftentimes not provide the young plants enough light exposure, which will result in weak, “leggy” plants. Fluorescent fixtures placed 2-4” above the leaves, with an exposure of 16

hours per day is the best method.

Containers Plastic cell packs can be purchased or reused, but there’s really no limit to what you can use as long as it is sterile and provides adequate drainage.

Soil Moisture and Temperature The growing medium should be thoroughly moistened prior to planting. After seeding, the soil must be kept moist but not sopping; think of a wrung out sponge. The temperature of the soil is also critical and must be kept near 70 degrees. A horticultural heat mat may be required under the seed trays and pots to keep roots actively growing.

Joshua Fuder is Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/extension/cherokee

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Quotables

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

correctly. This may mean measuring quantity or weighing foods in the beginning. Don’t forget to count sauces, dips and dressing calories.

Someone once told me, “You can exercise yourself fit, but you cannot exercise yourself thin.” Changes in Many people tell dietary intake me that their children are necessary for do not eat that much. Is By Vicki Knight-Mathis, MD sustained weight loss. it an intentional lie? No, but it’s A food diary can help to cut a misperception we have. A lot of us down on munching and stress eating. It underestimate intake because of grazing, raises your awareness of what you eat and portion size and calorie-rich drinks. Food the nutritional and caloric content of food. diaries can bring these calorie excesses to your attention and result in 50% increase First, identify your goal. For example, in weight loss. weight loss, decrease in dietary sugar, and/or increase in dietary fiber. Choose your format: paper and pencil, computer or smart phone. Attempt to write in your journal daily, as soon as possible after eating a snack or a meal, in order to avoid missed intake. Estimate portion sizes

Fortunately for us, we live in the electronic era. Instead of trying to do everything manually, we have many useful online resources, and many are FREE. Several options include MyFitnessPal,

MyNetDiary, Fooducate, Lose It and Weight Watchers Mobile. Each application has its own perks, but any of them can work for you. Most will allow you to calculate your recommended daily intake, set a goal, and track your progress. So success hinges on: 1. Awareness of the caloric density of what you eat. 2. Accountability for what you eat and when you eat. 3. Substitution of lower calorie foods for higher calorie foods. 4. Choosing healthier, less processed foods. 5. Purposeful and deliberate eating. Finally, persistence is important. You will not be perfect. Shoot for good choices 90% of the time, and you will be successful.

Dr. Vicki Knight-Mathis is a pediatric physician at DV Pediatrics. 770-704-0057. DVPediatrics.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Capitol Ideas

Cherokee’s Children

Need Your Help! By Representative Mandi L. Ballinger

urrently, the Cherokee County CASA program is only able serve about 45% of the kids in Foster Care. Cherokee CASA currently has 80 active volunteer advocates serving approximately 180 kids on any given day. On that same day, there are just over 400 children in state custody, leaving 220 children in need of an advocate. 220 children, separated from their families, with no one to speak for them in court and no adult to guide them. When I worked with abused children, I saw firsthand the transformational impact these advocates can have in a child’s life. In case you’re not sure what Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) do, they provide focused child advocacy so that no child lingers in the foster care system without the security of a safe, nurturing and permanent family. The volunteer advocates review records and talk to everyone involved in the child’s life to determine

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

what is in the child’s best interest. The volunteer reports these findings to the judge, who then uses that information to determine where that child should live on a permanent basis. Advocates work with parents to access services they need to stabilize their lives and improve their parenting skills so that the family can be reunited. But when reunification is not appropriate, advocates help to quickly find relatives or adoptive parents who can provide a permanent and stable home. Volunteers are provided the training to give them the tools they need to be the best possible advocate for the children and youth they will serve. After completing training and background screening, our volunteers focus on one or two cases at a time while receiving guidance and advice from a professional supervisor. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused

children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care. Training classes are provided by our local CASA at The Children’s Haven in Canton. New training classes are forming now, and they offer daytime and evening classes to those who are interested. Please visit CherokeeChildrensHaven.org for more information. Please help!

Mandi Ballinger serves District 23 in the Georgia House of Representatives. 770-479-1011. Mandi.Ballinger@ House.Ga.gov

Brian V. Hightower,

Cherokee County School System’s New Superintendent Nearly 30 years ago, I stood before a class of students at E.T. Booth Middle School as a new teacher. I can still remember how excited and eager (and a little nervous) I felt to be fulfilling my dream of becoming an educator. Today, I’m filled with the same energy and enthusiasm, as I cap off my career with the Cherokee County School District as your next Superintendent of Schools. It’s such an honor to serve our School District…we’re blessed with a very positive, strong and progressive School Board, top-notch teachers and administrators, students, parents and community partners who are supportive and appreciative of our academic programming. As a young teacher and administrator, becoming Superintendent was never on my radar, but I know now that my work as a teacher, school-site administrator and District-level leader has all prepared me for this role. My personal leadership style is based on the following tenets: • Collaborative in Approach: I believe strongly in the importance and essence of “team” within the organization. CCSD schools and departments, with their vast 26

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

responsibilities and complexities, are conceptually bigger than any one person. While built on a framework of policies, protocols and practices, organizations such as CCSD still depend upon the talents and teamwork of many employees, leaders, families and community partners. • Goal and Fulfillment-Driven: I’m extremely goal-oriented, with fulfillment being measured (and celebrated) by successes experienced along the way and ultimately, at goal attainment. I believe much of my success as an educational leader has been built around the fact that I’ve been able to combine a visionary, “big-picture” approach with personal skills and attributes, such as organization, determination and resiliency. • Calm in Demeanor: While neither passive nor meek, I do have a calm, measured personality and leadership approach. Recognizing that public education today definitely calls for highly-visible advocacy in the face of high-stakes accountability and is faced with skepticism by many as to the long-term health of the institution, my experience as a school principal and in the CCSD Office of School Operations has strengthened an unflappable, restrained approach

in issue resolution, communication and action/reaction. • Change-Oriented: While I would not consider myself a revolutionary or dramatic change agent, I’ve learned and embraced the idea that an organization will not continue to thrive and succeed without embracing inevitable, necessary improvement… which, most often, creates a need for growth, movement and change, with a look toward the future. Whether subtle or dramatic, continuous improvement creates constant shifts and changes in the organizational landscape. Our School District is widely recognized as a shining example of excellence in the State, and I hope to continue the momentum in establishing it as one of the premier districts in the nation! Our new motto is “Educating the Emerging Generation”… I hope that you’ll join us, whether as a parent, volunteer or community partner, in this important endeavor. To learn more about CCSD, visit Cherokee.k12.ga.us, or find us on Facebook. If you’d like to become involved as a volunteer or community partner, please email PublicRelations@ cherokee.k12.ga.us.

Book Review BY JESSICA ASBELL

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster, by Scott Wilbanks, is a wonderfully inventive tale that weaves a link between 1890s Kansas and 1990s San Francisco. In 1895 Kansas, Elsbeth Grundy discovers a monstrosity of a house in the middle of her wheat field that wasn’t there the day before. Infuriated, she marches up to the house to demand why the owner built it in her field, when suddenly she lands flat on her back, knocked down by something unseen. Undeterred, she writes a letter to the owner of the house and places it in a mysterious mailbox. 100 years later, but still somehow the same day, Annabelle Aster of San Francisco receives it. It seems that the red door that Annie purchased at an antique shop somehow leads her to 1895 and Elsbeth. However, neither is able to get close to the door without being repelled. As Annie and her friend Christian discover the origins of this mysterious door, they learn that its owner was murdered. Thus begins their race to stop a murder that took place one hundred years ago before it happens. As they attempt to change the fate of the magician who created the door, they find that time is a lot more flexible, and the dangers lurking within it are closer than they thought. In their race to stop the murder and to prevent Elsbeth from being charged with it, they change time in ways they couldn’t have imagined and discover things about themselves along the way. At its heart, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is about misfits finding a place to belong. It’s filled with twists and turns and a few surprises along the way.

Jessica Asbell is an avid reader and youth minister. She holds a BBA from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from McAfee School of Theology. She’s also a frequent customer at Foxtale Book Shoppe. FoxTaleBooks.com 770-516-9989.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

COVER STORY

Why Family Continues to By Kathleen Boehmig l Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

Dr. Miles Mazzawi and Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi, the first pediatric dentists in Canton, opened Cherokee Children’s Dentistry eight years ago. In 2013, their longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Nirali Procter, joined the practice. Among the three, they have over thirtyfive years of dental experience in their warm, welcoming, familystyle practice. They take pride in providing comprehensive, preventative and therapeutic oral health care for children of all ages, beginning from infancy, through childhood, adolescence and even late teen years, including patients with special health care needs. “We are an exclusive pediatric dental practice, here to treat the unique dental needs of your children,” Dr. Miles explains. “We are an owner operated practice,

less doctor/patient interaction. Here, we love getting to know our patients personally. We’ve enjoyed watching many of them grow up.” He continues, “Our commitment is to provide your child with the best possible dental health care, in a warm, caring and FUN environment. We want your children to enjoy coming to the dentist as they learn the importance of oral care and overall dental health.”

So why did the Mazzawis decide to go into pediatric dentistry? “We love children,” and we are focused on offering relationship-based dental care, where we get to know each child and his or her parents. Often in corporate-owned offices, you find a higher volume practice with

Dr. Drew answers with a smile. “We have twin two-year-old daughters, Anne and Mary. They have already had their first dental cleanings, and they each reacted completely differently to the experience…like all of our patients. No two kids are alike, even our twins. Every child is unique, with individual needs and preferences, and good pediatric dentists are astute at improvising and tailoring the visit to fit the child’s personality.” Dr. Miles adds, “Some children are frightened of going to the dentist. If they have a negative experience, it can carry over into adulthood and result in years of neglect. Our patients love coming to see us — which is a goal we have worked hard to achieve. We spend time

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

paying attention to the children’s individual interests and developing a rapport with each one in order to make their visit a fun experience. This helps the kids develop good oral health care, which usually means they will have great dental habits for life.” Dr. Procter, who was a classmate of the Mazzawis during dental school, is a parent of three boys, ages twelve, nine and six. “It’s a joy,” she says, “to combine the love for our own children with our love for dentistry, enabling us to help other kids through great dental care. And we can certainly relate to the parents of our patients. Doctor’s appointments can be stressful, but we aspire to make visits to our office as easy and relaxed as possible.”

What are some of the ways they make going to the dentist fun? “Our office is both cheerful and calming, with murals on the walls and a TV above every chair. We use funny nicknames, like calling cavities ‘sugar bugs’, and we are well-versed in things that interest kids, like the most popular movies and TV shows,” Dr. Miles says. “We find out what each child likes, and tailor our approach to that. We talk to them about their hobbies and extracurricular activities. Everything is geared toward making the child feel comfortable, relaxed and engaged.” “One of the neat things about pediatric dentistry,” Dr. Drew says, “is that parents are the third side of the triangle making up the doctor/patient relationship. An apprehensive parent can shape their child’s experience. There is nothing scary here! We develop a solid relationship with each parent, so they know we are

going to take excellent care of their children. We aim to build trust with our patients, so they will feel comfortable here. That goes for their parents, too!”

What advice do Drs. Mazzawi and Procter have for parents regarding their children’s oral and dental health care? “Cavities in children are on the rise. Toothaches are the number one reason a child visits the school nurse. Ultimately, it is a preventable epidemic! Prevention is the key. Limit your child’s sugar intake, and visit the dentist regularly. Stress to your kids the importance of brushing, flossing and cutting back on sugar. Parents can be our biggest advocate.”

many more years of engaging parents and children, teaching the value of good dental care and winning over many more kids to dentistry. We give 110% of our love and attention to our patients, and we want theirs too! We want to show them how much fun it can be to visit the dentist and practice good oral health care habits…and we want them to leave with a beautiful smile!”

Dr. Miles, Dr. Drew and Dr. Procter are pleased to provide the absolute best, individualized pediatric dental care in Canton, with a “mom and pop” home-style approach. Dr. Drew says, “We look forward to

205 Waleska Road, Suite 2-B, Canton, GA 30114

770-479-1717 l CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com Visit us on Facebook!

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

New Technology Resolves Symptoms for Inoperable Patients with Leaky Heart Valves By Amar Patel, MD

Heart valves play an important role in the transportation of blood through the circulatory system. Mitral valve regurgitation — or leaky valves — can develop during the normal aging process. Doctors often recommend surgery to fix the problem when the leakiness becomes severe. However, some patients are not eligible for surgery, due to other conditions. They are forced to live with poorly treated symptoms and repeated hospitalizations. Thankfully, a new technology called MitraClip offers these patients a treatment option and a better quality of life. To better understand what a mitral valve does, imagine that it’s an opening with double “doors” that open and close. The doors open to allow blood to travel from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Then the doors swing closed, ensuring the blood doesn’t flow backwards. As people age, those doors aren’t always able to shut, causing blood to flow backwards and pool. This causes the heart muscle to work twice as hard to pump enough blood through the body. In severe cases, the additional stress causes

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

an enlarged heart and leads to heart failure. Many people with this condition may have no symptoms at all. Others may have shortness of breath, fatigue and swollen legs. These symptoms often continue, even when treated with medicine. Although open chest surgery is highly successful, some patients are considered to be of prohibitive risk, including those with severe lung or liver disease, renal insufficiency, right ventricular dysfunction, a history of chest radiation or stroke or those who may be considered too frail. Fortunately, the MitraClip procedure has become available for some patients who aren’t candidates for traditional mitral valve surgery. MitraClip is the first minimally invasive solution for patients with degenerative mitral valve regurgitation. An interventional cardiologist accesses the heart through a vein in the patient’s leg. The vein leads to the right atrium of the heart, through which the physician can access the left atrium and the mitral

valve. An inserted catheter allows the interventional cardiologist to clip the valves (the “doors” in our earlier example) together for decreased backflow of the blood and better overall blood flow. The success rate for the procedure is high at 95% and offers a solution to patients who have had no options in the past. The treatment is now offered at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, which is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its cardiovascular program. The hospital has become one of the nation’s top cardiac programs and offers a range of cutting-edge procedures to patients across metro Atlanta. People with mitral valve regurgitation should discuss whether surgery or the MitraClip procedure is right for them with their cardiologist. In any case, anyone experiencing chest tightness or pain, exhaustion or swelling in the legs should see a doctor right away.

Amar Patel, MD is board certified in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology and is a physician with WellStar Health System. 770-590-4180

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Partners

other Teresa once said, “The greatest disease in the west is not TB or leprosy. It is being unwanted, uncared for, and unloved.” In America, you don’t have to go far before you find someone who is in desperate need of love. Communities have been crushed by the addiction of drugs. Thousands of people sleep in the streets because they are without a home. Women and children cry themselves to sleep at night because they have been sexually exploited all day. The need for love becomes more and more apparent when seeing the absence of it. What if it was possible to put more love in the world? Could we create real change to today’s social issues? Could we start a movement that would change the world?

Could we, through love in action, change the reality of so many living without it? Project Live Love was born as an attempt to answer these questions with a “Yes!” Project Live Love is a non-profit organization designed to influence culture through love in action, by engaging, networking and mobilizing people who are motivated by love. They create space for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together to LIVE LOVE through meeting specific community needs by providing hands-on opportunities to put love in action. They partner with individuals, corporations, social organizations, churches, and schools that desire to put their love in motion, and they provide opportunities for them to do so by creating programs and projects that are based on local community needs and collecting projects from various 501(c)3 organizations that work

on today’s social issues. Some of Live Love’s ongoing projects include their THREE-OH-WE-GO program and their GET SET program. THREE-OH-WE-GO gathers volunteers every night the temperature drops below freezing from November through March. On GO-Nights, their team of volunteers assemble together at 9:00 pm at Safehouse Outreach, 89 Ellis Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30303. From there, they divide up routes and supplies, then take to the streets with hand warmers, blankets, winter items and LOVE. Their hope is to help those they encounter to make it through the night warm and safe. Project Live Love’s GET SET is a job training program designed to offer homeless veterans numerous opportunities to “GET SET” for employment, growth and advancement in Atlanta’s thriving industries. They currently have two tracks to the GET SET Job Program. Students can join the Hospitality/ Restaurant Worker track or the IT Quality Assurance (QA) track. If you are interested in partnering, donating or volunteering with Project Live Love, or for more information, please visit ProjectLiveLove.com, or call 404-664-8095.

123 Rosewood Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188

404-664-8095

Info@ProjectLiveLove.com ProjectLiveLove.com 32

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Valentine’s is a day of love. This year, instead of giving her chocolates, flowers or a romantic dinner, why not consider giving the gift of a flatter stomach? Tummies are one of the hardest areas for us to keep in line.

Tummy Tuck for Valentine’s Day

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as “tummy tuck,” is a cosmetic procedure for both women and men who By Drs. wish to achieve a flatter, well-toned Petrosky, abdomen. By removing excess fat Musarra, Harkins & Leake and skin, and in most cases, restoring weakened or separated muscles, a tummy tuck will create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, something that many of us strive for. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and saggy. A number of factors contribute to an unflattering waistline or an unattractive tummy. The most common causes are weight gain, pregnancy, aging, heredity and prior surgery. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery usually agree with one of the following statements: •

•

You’ve had multiple pregnancies that have left your skin and muscles stretched beyond the point that they can return to normal. The skin of your abdomen has lost a significant amount of tone and elasticity as the result of aging or weight fluctuations. You’re generally healthy and in good shape but bothered by large fat deposits or loose skin around your abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.

If you’re slightly overweight and frustrated by the presence of excess skin, a tummy tuck can greatly enhance your appearance. If you plan on losing a lot of weight or becoming pregnant, you should postpone the surgery. As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained, board certified plastic surgeon. Together, you can make an informed decision about a treatment plan designed especially for you.

Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgery CenterOf TheSouth.net

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Tasteof BY MILLIE CLINE

Preparation

ª Pour the milk into a large bowl. ª Add the dry pudding mixes.

Ingredients

ª Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. ª Gently stir in 1 cup of whipped topping.

1 baked, 9-inch square brownie layer, cooled

ª Place half of the brownie cubes in a 2-quart serving bowl

and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5 ½ c.)

(preferably glass trifle bowl).

3 cups of cold milk 2 pkgs. (4 serving size each) chocolate flavored instant pudding and pie filling

ª Top with layers of half of each of the pudding mixture, remaining whipped topping and raspberries. ª Repeat all layers. ª Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

1 (8 oz.) tub whipped topping, thawed and divided 1 pint (2 cups) raspberries

Recipe is from the Gatherings & Traditions Cookbook, produced by the Service League of Cherokee County. The Service League of Cherokee County has been working to meet the needs of the children of Cherokee County since 1935. In addition to the cookbook, the organization’s fundraising efforts include the annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival; “Run for the Children” 5K Walk/1-mile Fun Run and Annual Ball, featuring the “Dancing for the Children” competition. ServiceLeague.net

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

ª Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

“Smart” Devices: The Hidden Risks for Children By Kristi Estes, Occupational Therapist

Ipads, Iphones, Androids, etc… we all have them and rely on them for so much during a typical day. Children are beginning to get these devices at earlier ages and can be glued to them. Children develop depth perception, eye teaming, tracking and other visual skills by playing with real objects in real space, which is lacking with the introduction of smartphones/tablets, and people of all ages are experiencing significant eye issues, which may be caused by overuse of “smart” devices. The brightness of a device needs to be considered. If a phone is too bright, eyes often have difficulty adjusting, therefore causing eye fatigue. Additionally, eyes can become very dry, as a person

typically blinks 12-15 times a minute, whereas when staring at a screen, this is reduced to 7-8 times. The tear film that lubricates the eye does not work properly when blinking is reduced, which causes deterioration of the surface of the eye much younger in life. These devices also use blue light to illuminate the screen. This type of light can be responsible for restlessness at night if used too close to bedtime, as it can cause a decrease in melatonin. It has also been found that blue light can lead to the breakdown of macular pigment in the back of the eye, which can lead to macular degeneration. Since the launch of smart phones in 1997, there has been significant increase in myopia (short-sightedness), and it’s only expected to increase. Some physicians have linked blue light exposure to a greater chance of obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Things to consider when using a device: • •

• •

Blink more frequently (every 10-15 seconds). Adjust the screen brightness to bright during the day but with blue light reduction apps at night. Keep the screen 20-28” away from your eyes. Every 20 minutes, stare at something at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. Be aware of how long you’re on your device. Make sure to get your eyes checked annually.

Kristi Estes, Occupational Therapist. Kristi and Jennifer Puckett are co-owners of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Which Senior Care Option is Best for My Loved One? By Julie Senger

ccording to a recent report by the United Health Foundation and American Public Health Association, by 2030, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projected that more than 20% of the U.S. population will be age 65 and older, up from 13% in 2010 and just under 10% in 1970. Therefore, finding appropriate living arrangements and care for an aging family member is something most everyone will have to consider at some point in their lifetime. With so many different options available for senior care in Georgia, it can be an overwhelming and daunting task to try and find the right facility or professional assistance for your aging loved one. All of the available options have much to offer, but the one that is best for your elder family member will greatly depend upon their individual needs and abilities, as well as the capabilities and amount of time others in the family can be involved in the care of their senior. In an effort to narrow down your search, here is an explanation of some of the different options:

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Home Health Care

Home health care is usually used on a more short-term basis in an effort to help an individual live independently again after an illness or injury. The care may be comprised of physical, occupational and/or speech therapy and is usually administered on a parttime or intermittent basis by a medical professional who comes into your home.

Respite Care

Respite care is a service that companies provide for seniors whose primary caretakers are usually family members. It is temporary, short-term care that can be contained within an assisted living facility or continuing care retirement facility, or eldercare professionals can be hired to come into your home. Respite care is usually utilized when family caretakers need a day off or are going on vacation. For example, in addition to providing longterm assisted living, Canton’s Windsor House provides respite care services that include assistance with daily living activities, medication supervision, housekeeping services, community activities, dining and other amenities in its community.

Independent Living

Just as the name suggests, independent living communities/facilities are usually a good choice for seniors who require little or no assistance with daily life. The units may provide optional services for residents, such as housekeeping, laundry and meals. Residents of independent units may have some home health care services provided by in-house staff or an outside agency. The community may or may not provide hospitality or supportive services, but if it does, residents have complete choice as to whether or not they want to participate in those services or programs.

Assisted Living

If an independent living residence doesn’t provide the level of support that is needed, then assisted living may be the best choice. Assisted living provides long-term care that combines housing, support services and health care. According to the National Survey of Residential Care Facilities, it is “the preferred alternative to nursing home care” and is “the fastest growing long-term option for seniors.” Assisted living facilities will assess residents’ needs when they move in and will reassess any time they have a change in long-term health or physical needs. They will then develop a personalized care plan based on the results of the individual’s assessment. The amenities will vary, but most facilities include meals, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, 24 hour security, exercise/wellness programs and social and recreational activities. Personal care options usually include emergency call systems in each unit, medication management, access to health and medical services, as well as staff members who will respond to scheduled/unscheduled needs, which usually include help with eating, bathing, dressing, walking and/or toileting.

Special Care Units (SCUs)

SCUs are assisted living communities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. They usually have additional security measures in place, such as cueing devices or specific architectural features, and they must be licensed by the state to ensure that programming specific to the needs of these residents is being provided. The staff members in SCUs are specially trained to work with individuals who have dementia. However, be sure to double check the specific facility’s acceptance regulations, as some will only accept residents who are in the early stages of the disease. SCUs are often housed in a special wing of an assisted living facility.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

CCRC’s offer all of the different levels of care (independent living, assisted living and nursing home care). Often, there is a long-term agreement/ contract between the resident and the community that offers a continuum of the different levels of living arrangements/care, which is based on the individual’s needs at different stages of his or her life. The housing, services and health care system are usually all on one site and are covered by state regulations in Georgia.

Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes can be a short-term or longer-term residential option. They provide nursing or convalescent care for three or more persons unrelated to the licensee. They treat chronic conditions, or provide convalescent or rehabilitative care. Nursing homes are decidedly less private, but are often necessary following an injury or long illness, where the temporary or longerterm resident requires daily “nursing.” If you notice that your senior family member is having trouble maintaining their home, managing medication, feeding or bathing their self, using the restroom without assistance or if they are having memory loss or other longterm health issues, it may be time to consider one of the above options. For more information on how to find the eldercare option that is right for your loved one’s needs, you can visit N4A.org, or call the National Eldercare Locator by the U.S. Administration on Aging at 800-677-1116. Additionally, a handy “Community Review Checklist” can be found on the Assisted Living Federation of America’s website at ALFA.org/alfa/ Choosing_a_Community1.asp. *Source: ALFA.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

One senior in our program told me that she had been married for 76 years when her husband passed away. It’s truly remarkable that two people could experience happiness for so long. I say “happiness” because she teared up talking about how much she loved him.

By Tim Morris

When I started in senior services 22 years ago, I got to witness 3 weddings that took place in our senior centers. These couples had been married before, but had lost their spouses several years ago. When they started coming to the center, they found love again. It doesn’t matter how old you are, love can still find you.

I truly enjoy this time of the year, especially Valentine’s Day. This day is special, because I’m married to the love of my life. But it’s also special because I get to hear all of the stories from our seniors about the love and longevity of their marriages to their significant others.

There was a couple from one of my centers that had been married for 15 years. You may ask, “What makes that so special?” It turns out that he had been married to her sister until she passed away. The two began talking at the funeral, and

Valentine’s Day LIFESTYLE

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

she had recently lost her husband. They decided to go out for dinner together and eventually got married. She passed away about three years ago after a long illness. They were a really cute couple. He was talking to me about four months after she passed away. He tried to reach out to the third sister in Florida, but she wouldn’t return his calls. Finally, she sent him a letter expressing to him she did not want any contact with him, because he was bad luck, and she was not going to be number three. Cherokee Senior Services will be hosting a free admission movie titled The Age of Love this month. The date has not been set, but you can call 770-3452675 for more information. L

Tim Morris is the Director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/ Senior-Services

2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Building 900, Suite 200

(678) 250-9355 Protecting you and the ones you love is the primary focus of Nelson Elder Care Law.

advantage of the services Nelson Elder Care Law provides. Their clients have ranged from 18 to 98 years old.

As we and our loved ones age, life sometimes has a way of throwing us curve balls. Cindy Nelson, attorney and founder of Nelson Elder Care Law in Woodstock, GA, makes it her mission to help you navigate life’s up and downs to ensure you are ready and have the legal authority to care for your loved ones, when the need arises. Curveballs can come our way at any age.

Cindy is a caregiver advocate who specializes in the rights and interests we need as we age. Her compassion is obvious as she offers peace of mind to families and their loved ones. This includes guiding families that are trying to afford the high cost of nursing home care, protecting assets so an aging family member can live a life of dignity, working closely with clients and their families to protect their savings and their home, preparing critical decision-making documents, and advising families about options to avoid a crisis situation in the future.

Sometimes a loved one has a medical crisis early in life, like a stroke in their 50s. Others may live a very healthy life until they reach their 80s. We usually don’t know when the curveball is coming or how severe it will be when it hits, but we do know that most of us experience some curveballs throughout our lives. The name “elder care law” can be misleading.You don’t have to be “old” to take

If you are not sure whether you are legally protected from the curveballs of life, Nelson Elder Care Law offers complimentary consultations to evaluate your specific situation.

{ NelsonElderCareLaw.com }

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

How Serious Are You

About Gardening?

It’s mid-winter, and as much as we want to get out in the garden, there just isn’t much to do. It’s too early to prune roses or cut back the ornamental grasses. Vegetable starts are not available yet, and our favorite nursery hasn’t started stocking spring flowers quite this early. So let’s take this fun quiz to see how serious you are about gardening. Add your scores from each question to discover your results at the bottom of the page.

By Eric Hill

Gardening books are… A. nonexistent in your home (-1) B. scattered here and there throughout the house (+1) C. stacked so high they’re blocking access to at least one room (+2) Untangling hoses is… A. your worst nightmare (-1) B. just a fact of life for a gardener (+1) C. is something you look forward to as you try to beat your own personal record (+2) Neighbors call you for gardening advice at 10:00 pm and… A. you don’t mind at all (+1) B. you wonder what planet they are on (-1) C. you throw clothes on, and meet them in their yard (+3) Your spouse announces that Saturday will be spent working in the garden and you… A. suddenly get called out of town on business (-1) B. readily agree it’s a great idea (+1) C. immediately cancel your tennis date with your best friend (+2)

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

How many coffee mugs are left behind in your garden? A. none (-1) B. a few scattered about (+1) C. so many that you’ve had to go outside and retrieve some just to make coffee in the morning (+2) Your spouse… A. has to remind you that the garden looks a little tattered (-1) B. suggests you spend the evening working together in the garden, and you readily agree (+1) C. has to yell for you to come in at 11:00 pm (+2) The mailperson has… A. never delivered a seed catalog to your house (-1) B. delivers a handful each winter (+1) C. has to bring them to your door because they won’t fit in the mailbox (+2) You stop expanding your garden when… A. the day ends on the first nice weekend of spring (-1) B. you run into your neighbor’s fence (+1)

C. the HOA sends a letter asking what you are doing with your yard (+2) D. the HOA sends you a letter telling you to remove your plants from the common area, and that they actually pay a company to maintain it (+3) Your definition of a weed is… A. anything green in your yard (-1) B. an unwanted plant (+1) C. There are no such things as weeds. (+2) Adding your points, where do you fall? Less than 7 points: You despise gardening. 8-12 points: You can hold your own in a gardening conversation. 13-16 points: Gardening is your passion. More than 16 points: Please seek help immediately.

Eric and Kari Hill own Autumn Hill Nursery in Hickory Flat and Autumn Hill Four Seasons Gift & Garden in Canton. AutumnHillNursery.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

A Heart Healthy Diet By Northside Hospital

The body’s relationship with food can be one of friendship or one of conflict — especially when it comes to your health. Just because something tastes good, doesn’t mean your body will appreciate it later. What you eat can directly impact your risk for heart disease and other health complications. By making the right choices at the dinner table, you can improve your cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight, helping you have a healthier heart. Eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, nuts, lean meats and fatty fish at least twice a week, which are all good for the heart. Oils with high levels of mono-unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and peanut oil, are also a healthy addition to your diet. Flavonoids may help protect artery walls from heart disease and stroke, as well as help lower blood pressure. They are found in fruits, tea and soybeans. Limit foods with trans-fat and saturated fat, such as dairy and meat products that are high in fat and margarine. Many processed foods have trans-fat. Look at the nutrition labels when buying food so you know exactly what you’ll be consuming. Avoid foods that list “hydrogenated” and “partially hydrogenated” ingredients. Fiber can reduce your risk of heart disease. Sources of fiber include whole grain pasta, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Set a goal to eat 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day, then work to gradually achieve that goal. Make sure you drink plenty of water, too, as that helps fiber do its work.

Dining Out:

Eat Thi

Instead of: Cream and cheese-based soups Try: Broth-based soups, such as minestrone

Not Tha

Instead of: White bread with butter Try: Whole wheat bread dipped in olive oil

Every once in a while, most of us love to let someone else do the cooking. Here are some healthier options to try when in a restaurant.

Instead of: Pasta with cream, cheese or red meat sauce Try: Pasta with marinara sauce and grilled chicken

Instead of: Steak with mashed potatoes and deep fried onions Try: Broiled fish with steamed vegetables

Instead of: Crème brûlée with berries Try: Fresh seasonal berries with a dollop of nonfat whipped cream

Instead of: Flourless chocolate cake Try: Fresh fruit sorbet

Northside Hospital has been recognized by some of the nation’s leading health care organizations for providing a high level of expertise in treating patients with chest pain, heart attack symptoms, heart failure and stroke. For more information about how you can be heart healthy, visit Northside.com/heartandvascular.

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Community Feature

Cherokee Community Examines Adult Literacy With 16 percent of adults in the state of Georgia lacking a high school diploma, communities like Cherokee County have stepped up to the plate to help those individuals create a new life for themselves and their families. In order to raise awareness of the need for increased adult literacy, Chattahoochee Technical College joined with various business agencies and community representatives during Summit 2016. “We talk a lot in this state about economic development. Well, economic development does not happen without a sound education system,” said Shan Cooper, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin. “That means our adults, kids and students have to be literate.” A combined effort among MUST Ministries, the Sequoyah Regional Library

System and the Cherokee Learning Center, Summit 2016 featured Tamika Phillips, who serves as Chattahoochee Tech’s executive director for Adult Education. Phillips was joined by Billie Izard, executive director of the Certified Literate Community Program of Georgia and Rep. Wesley Cantrell of Woodstock. In addition, the event included a breakout session for members of the community who work daily to increase the literacy level in Cherokee County. “Every nine seconds someone drops out of high school,” Phillips said. “In the state of Georgia, it is necessary for adult education to exist and even more important for adult education programs to have the support of local lawmakers, businesses, community agencies and others in the community, because it’s critical to Georgia’s bottom line.”

Beyond exploring the economic impact that adult literacy has on Georgia, the event featured Alex Byrne, a Cherokee Learning Center GED student, who shared his personal story. In addition to CTC’s GED preparation site at the Cherokee Learning Center, the college also has GED preparation centers in Ellijay, Jasper, Acworth and Canton, as well as in Bartow and Cobb counties. “I had a troubled childhood. It was difficult coming home from school, and I could never really ask my parents for help with my homework,” Byrne said. “When I got to high school, I ended up dropping out and becoming one of the statistics.”

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

ArtistProfile BY NATALIE DEL VALLE

eginning when he was only 13 years old, Bill Moore discovered his talent for working with wood. After 71 years of fine tuning his talent, he can now turn old pieces of wood into stunning furniture. Bill Moore was born in a small town in Alabama, and he lived in the Chicago area for 25 years before moving to

Georgia in 2002. He started working with wood in the 7th grade when he took an industrial arts class at his school. That’s when he discovered his passion for woodworking. “I was given a saw and a planer and some wood,” he says. With these materials and basic tools, he created a footstool, a set of bookends and a hanging shelf. From that day on, he was hooked. Amazingly, other than his 7th grade class, Bill is completely self-taught. He uses several types of wood, including black walnut, maple, oak and cherry. He looks for pieces of wood according to the beauty of the lumber. “Just recently, I came across a scrap in the lumberyard. It was a

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Artistic Woodworking for More Than 7 Decades nice piece of black walnut. I bought it, and I turned it into a bench and table,” he explains. Even now, Bill only uses standard woodworking tools like saws, hammers, sanders and a lathe to create his pieces. Among his creations are shelves, bed frames and cradles. One piece of work he created years ago is now an heirloom in his family. “I made a cradle for my son when he was a newborn, and his sibling also used it. Now my son’s children have used it, and my great-grandchildren will use it in the future,” he says. Bill has created several memorable projects. “It’s hard to say which has been the most memorable. I’ve enjoyed all the pieces I’ve created,” he says, “but one of my favorites has to be a casual black walnut table.” He loves being able to envision what he can make from the wood and then

bring his vision to reality. He’s been selling his hand-crafted furniture for about 25 years, but in the last 10 years, he has doubled his effort in selling his work. Bill is constantly working on new pieces to sell between two different galleries. “I’m currently working on a half dozen different pieces,” he says. It usually takes him about 2-3 weeks to create a piece from start to finish. He takes pride in the finish, or the protective glaze that he uses on his pieces. “I take my time and sand my work down super smooth before putting on the finish,” he explains. Although he mostly focuses on creating pieces for the galleries, he also occasionally takes part in art and craft shows. To view his work or inquire about a custom piece, visit the Ann Art Gallery in Canton or the Westside Market in Atlanta.

Your Annual Medication Review By Pamela S. Marquess, PharmD

We actively schedule our annual physical with our doctor, but have you ever considered scheduling an annual medication review with your pharmacist? Did you know you can make an appointment with your pharmacist to review this information? An appointment lasts about 15 minutes and can positively contribute to your health for the coming year. Doctors are trained to diagnose a health condition, then provide a drug therapy that manages or heals. However, it’s the

pharmacist who knows the action of the medicine in great detail, in order to know how it can work when taken with other medicines. Pharmacists PARTNER with your doctor for your medication therapy. February is Heart Health Month — many who take blood pressure or cholesterol meds, take additional meds for related health issues. As you think of your heart — think of the entire body that your heart supports. The medication check-up is important for anyone who takes multiple medications, some of which are prescribed by different doctors. The check-up also reviews any over-the-counter medications, along with nutritional supplements. There are instances when an over-the-counter medicine or a nutritional supplement could have a negative impact on the prescription medication. This impact can be a side effect that causes another problem or a reduced effectiveness that you may not recognize.

Your pharmacist works with your doctor directly alongside you, to offer alternate choices so that the prescribed medication achieves the desired outcome. The pharmacy team is also aware of the insurance plan you have, so that the right medication is covered under your plan, with the least out-of-pocket expense to you. Medicare led the way to provide the opportunity for pharmacists to have a personal relationship with patients, through a scheduled appointment to review the medication plan they’ve been given. Today, the majority of insurance plans support an annual medication review as part of their proactive wellness effort. Stay healthy so you can enjoy times with family and friends. Schedule your annual medication review!

Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D. is Co-Owner of PharMoore Health Mart Pharmacy, 3422 Sixes Road, Canton. 770-213-3341. PharMoore.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

When Shopping for a New HVAC System?

What Should You Ask

By Robbie Matiak

As is typical with a large investment, consumers want to know all the pertinent information so that we can make the most educated decision for our family. So here’s what we should ask the HVAC contractor: What size HVAC system do I need? When a contractor is reviewing your home’s current system for replacement, they shouldn’t simply replace the system with a “newer” model of what is currently in place. A contractor should take into account additions to the home, as well as any energy saving upgrades you may have already completed, such as double pane windows or new insulation, or those you intend to make, such as adding a sunroom. Even an energy efficient HVAC system will waste energy if it’s incorrectly sized. What’s the best type of HVAC system for my home? There are a variety of HVAC systems available on the market. The best type for your home depends on the climate and your family’s needs. Heating and cooling systems are available as naturalgas powered systems, all electric systems or a combination thereof. The HVAC contractor should review your climate,

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

comfort standards and heating and cooling needs to establish the best options for your home.

contractor which manufacturers are offering their own rebates in order to maximize your savings.

What are the lifetime operating costs? Look beyond the price of the system. Contact your local power provider for information on annual energy costs in your area; ask questions about the cost to replace parts that are designed to wear out.

Does the HVAC system have moisture control elements? Moisture levels that are too high or too low in your home can create an uncomfortable living environment. Air that’s too dry can prolong the life of certain viruses; air that’s too moist can lead to mold and bacterial growth. Moisture control elements in an HVAC system can help keep you comfortable and healthy.

Do I need to replace all of the HVAC equipment? In order for an HVAC system to work optimally, the ductwork must match the needs of the system; if the ductwork doesn’t match the system, the home will experience energy losses. The HVAC contractor should be able to speak to the needs of the duct requirements of the replacement system. What rebates and tax incentives are available for new energy saving HVAC systems? Research local, state and federal tax laws and energy providers, natural gas and electric, to determine if there are systems available for a rebate or incentive. Discuss with the HVAC

The process of shopping for and purchasing a new HVAC system for your home shouldn’t be a confusing and overwhelming experience. When working with a trusted HVAC contractor, you should receive personalized assistance to determine the best energy-efficient products for your family’s needs.

Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net

clothing, you may need to seek help.

Last month, many of us made resolutions to lose weight. We vowed to stick to our diets and get fit. However, not all weight loss is good for you. New diets can create abnormal eating patterns, which can lead to eating disorders. Eating disorders may begin with a preoccupation with food and weight, but they are most often about much more than food. They generally arise from a variety of physical, emotional, social and familial issues. Self-esteem problems are at the core of many eating disorders. Depression may precede eating disorders and also contribute to their onset. It has also been observed that living with the eating disorder leads to depression. Some common eating disorders are anorexia, compulsive eating, binge eating and bulimia. Eating disorders can be dangerous and eventually lead to poor health.

By Christopher Anderson, MD Americans can be obsessed with their appearances and their bodies. We spend more than $40 billion a year on dieting and diet-related products. In the U.S., as many as ten million females and one million males are battling an eating disorder. Approximately 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorders. Not all diets are bad, but not all diets are good. If you find yourself becoming absorbed in your diet and you begin doing extreme things, such as making excuses for not eating, avoiding eating in front of others, or you’re trying to hide your dramatic weight loss behind baggy

Dealing with an eating disorder may not be easy. It’s very important for you to be aware of the disorder, and adopt the required corrective approach as soon as possible. See your physician if you or someone you love may be dealing with an eating disorder. Recognize that bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. There’s no one right body size. Your body is not (and should not be) exactly like anyone else’s. Information obtained from MayoCo-Clinic.com, NationalEatingDisorders.org and EZineArticles.com.

Christopher Anderson is a physician with M.D. Minor Emergency & Family Medicine in Canton. 770-720-7000. MD0911.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

HAIR

911 By Jyl Craven

LIFESTYLE Have you ever seen that professional athlete on TV and thought, “I can do that.”? Or, have you ever watched that “how-to” video online and thought, “Wow! That looks easy! That repair should only take ten minutes!” only to find out later that the feat on TV was more difficult than imagined, and that repair was actually going to take you an entire weekend? Doing your own hair, either for a quick fix or for a more dramatic change, can sometimes require more skill than the average person thinks. Here are three popular misconceptions that when performed incorrectly, may land you in the salon’s ER.

Color Touch-Up – Whether its covering up those first signs of gray or touching up the beginning signs of regrowth, blending that new growth on your own can be more challenging than you think. Since most salon professionals customize hair color formulas specific for each individual, matching the color shade and tone, combined with identifying the correct undertones, can be somewhat complex. If done improperly, you may damage your hair or end up needing a complete color correction to fix your botched endeavor. Consider: There are professional root concealer products that can help cover up regrowth in between your regular salon appointments.

Trimming Your Own Bangs – Yes, most anyone can cut

their own fringe (a.k.a. bangs), but to do it correctly involves some skill. Simply cutting your fringe straight across your forehead to quickly remove length can dramatically harm your look. An incorrect fringe snip can take away from the overall hairstyle, leaving unwanted facial features exposed. Understanding which fringe styles (such as round, square, bowed or side-swept) looks best with your face shape and hairstyle is essential if you want to maintain a stylish look. Consider: Most salons offer fringe trims in between services either for free (for current guests) or for a minimal fee.

Thermal What – If you’re blow-drying, curling or straightening your hair daily without using a heat protectant, then you may be damaging your hair. Improper use of heating tools can cause irreversible damage. Since hair is made of keratin protein and hydrogen bonds, too much high heat can strip hair of its natural oils and proteins, thus breaking down its hydrogen bonds. Consider: Protect your hair as you would your skin. A thermal protectant for the hair is like sunscreen for the skin.

Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Those quick fixes or weekend makeovers done on a whim can often turn tragic unless performed by a professional. Just as you wouldn’t be foolish enough to think you’re TV’s next American Ninja Warrior, don’t be misled to believe that just anyone is qualified to style your locks. So be careful out there, remain conversant and stay out of your salon’s ER. L

What You Need to Know

Dental Sedation for Your Child there are risks involved. That’s why it is so important to weigh the risks when choosing sedation as an option. Oral sedation can be inconsistent in its results. This type of sedation is usually administered and monitored by the dentist.

When a child is prescribed a certain dental treatment, there are usually several options for completing the treatment. It’s important to speak with your dentist to fully understand the options and allow them to guide you in choosing the best option for your child. Sedation can be an option for completing treatment. There are several types of sedation. As with any type of sedation,

General anesthesia and IV sedation are administered and monitored by an MD anesthesiologist. The dentist focuses only on completing dental treatment when one of these sedation options is chosen. General anesthesia is usually a better option for procedures lasting longer than 1 hour. It is a more involved procedure. IV sedation is typically useful when less than an hour of treatment is anticipated. There are many factors that will determine which form of sedation is the best option

By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

for completing your child’s treatment; so ask your pediatric dentist many questions to understand which option is the safest. For some children, especially those who are medically compromised, have high anxiety levels and/or special needs, it can be better to complete the treatment all at once. Therefore, those conditions also need to be considered when making your sedation decisions. Many dental offices offer a variety of treatment options. Speak with your dentist extensively to better understand the best treatment option for your child.

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

1 swordfish filet, cut into 1 inch pieces 8 large Gulf Shrimp, peeled 12 mussels, cleaned 4 large sea scallops

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

- Add oil to a medium stock pot over medium heat. - Add anchovies, and sauté for 2 minutes. - Add celery, leek, carrot, garlic, onion and all dry seasonings, and cook until translucent. - Next, deglaze with Chablis; reduce by half. - Add ground tomatoes, shrimp stock, corn and potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. - Add swordfish and scallops, and cook for 3 minutes. - Add mussels and shrimp, and continue to cook until mussels open. - Finish with hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste. - Ladle into bowls, and enjoy.

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsps. oil 1 celery stalk, diced small 1 leek, julienned 1 large carrot, diced small 2 garlic cloves, chopped 3 anchovies, minced 1 yellow onion, diced small 1 tsp. fennel seed 1 tbsp. dry tarragon 1 tbsp. seafood seasoning ½ cup Chablis 2 cups ground tomato 3 cups shrimp stock 1 tbsp. hot sauce 2 ears of corn, shucked 3 red potatoes, diced ½ inch salt and pepper to taste

Education Outside the Classroom By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Can your children set a proper place setting at the dinner table? Can they load the dishwasher or make a bed that is wrinkle-free with tight corners? Can they sort laundry into whites, lights and darks? Can they fully wash, dry, fold and put away a load of laundry? How about cleaning a toilet or a sink? Can they make a handful of meals, start to finish, without the aid of a cook book or a microwave? These are all necessary life skills, and more and more children aren’t learning them. We pride ourselves on being good parents, and yet many of us are guilty of doing too much for our kids. Often, it’s just easier and faster for us in our hectic worlds to do these things ourselves. However, the day will come when they grow up and move away, either to school, work or even into a marriage and family all their own. My husband is a very tidy man. His mother taught him to garden, cook and clean. He and his two brothers learned these skills.They can bake, can vegetables and iron, too. He is very

helpful around the house, and I thank his mother so much for raising him to know these things. In today’s society, more and more women are working longer hours away from home, thus having a capable husband is not just a blessing, but a virtual necessity. Do your kids a favor. Let them help you around the house to equip them to better care for themselves. My girls got a new household chore for their birthday present each year. I figured they were a little older and therefore, could do more. You can start small, such as feeding a pet, watering plants or taking out the garbage.These skills make them feel helpful and part of their family at any age, and prepare them to be responsible adults and/or helpful partners within their future relationships.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the President of Georgia PTA. 404-659-0214. LMHaygood@GeorgiaPTA.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

of Canton Faces FACES By Micah Fowler

Canton is growing every day. While bringing new outside businesses to our city is always exciting, inspiring our own to stay local with their business ventures is heartwarming. Three such home-grown pioneers are Mandy Spell, of B.Loved, and Carla Chambers Roach and Cleveland Chambers, of Chamberhouse. On the east side of Main Street, sits Mandy Spell’s quaint and cozy Mandy Spell boutique, B.Loved. Born and raised in Cherokee County, she graduated from Sequoyah High School before attending American Intercontinental University, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Fashion Marketing. Like so many young people during the economic downturn, Mandy faced the challenges. Not one to give up, Mandy partnered with a friend, and together, they launched their own online clothing boutique, ShopBLoved.com. The store’s name comes from the meaning of Mandy — “someone who must be loved.” After three years of being solely online, Mandy opened her first

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

women’s boutique in downtown Canton. As a young entrepreneur, she taught herself the business insand-outs and has been fortunate to see her business continue to grow. “My true passion is helping others find items that truly make them feel good about themselves, inside and out. When that is accomplished, I feel my job has been done… I want my customers to feel good about their purchases; just rock it! Be confident! Be yourself!” B.Loved’s clothing varies from lower priced, contemporary brands to higher priced, unique women’s lines. However, their main focus is to make a personal connection with their customers and create a genuinely unique shopping experience.

After high school, Cleveland studied at Reinhardt University. In 1981, he landed a job working with The Georgia Company of Six Flags Corporation, doing shows through the 80’s and into the early 90’s, with added work in television and theater. Cleveland found himself performing all over the southeast and other parts of the U.S. and Mexico, with his claim-tofame being his opportunity to sing for Presidents Reagan, Ford and Carter with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Governor of Georgia’s Inauguration. He managed all this while working the family business.

On the west side of Main Street sits the enchanting Chamberhouse. Currently operated by siblings (and life-long Canton residents) Carla and Cleveland, this shop has been family operated since it opened in 1984.

Cleveland Chambers & Carla Roach

After graduating from Cherokee High, Carla left to study Business at Brenau University. After her studies, Carla found work at a bank back in her home town. Carla moved on to business ownership when she operated Reinhardt’s student bookstore. When her parents retired, Carla sold her store to Barnes and Noble, so she could take over Chamberhouse with her two brothers.

Carla and Cleveland are fourth generation business owners in downtown Canton, as their grandfather had a plumbing business downtown, as well, where Downtown Kitchen is currently located.

Micah Fowler is Canton’s Main Street Director, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. Micah.Fowler@ Canton-Georgia.com

Get Wise About

Wisdom Teeth By Dr. L. Michael Cox, DMD Wisdom teeth are a frequent topic of conversation among dentists and families with young adults. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, a period known as the “Age of Wisdom.” Here are the answers to the 2 most common questions:

Why have wisdom teeth removed? Wisdom teeth should be removed when they begin to cause problems … or it’s foreseeable that they will cause problems. It’s important to recognize that dental problems associated with wisdom teeth may exist even if there are no noticeable symptoms. The best way to identify issues is through routine examination and x-rays, which will show infection, cysts, tooth

decay, periodontal disease, pressure on the sinuses and damage to nerves or neighboring teeth. If these conditions exist and are caused by wisdom teeth, it’s likely time to have them removed. The potential for future problems caused by wisdom teeth is somewhat less straightforward and will depend on many factors, including size, angle, relationship to other teeth, existence of gum disease and whether or not they’re impacted (i.e. below the gum surface). One of the biggest health challenges with regard to wisdom teeth is keeping them clean. Because of their position in the back of the mouth, bacteria often forms, which can lead to gum disease or other systemic health issues, such as diabetes and heart and kidney disease.

When should wisdom teeth be removed? In most cases, it’s preferred to have wisdom teeth removed at a young

age. This is due to a number of factors, including: •

• •

Newer wisdom teeth have incomplete root systems, which makes extraction easier. Younger individuals have softer jaw bones and tend to heal faster. Wisdom teeth can contribute to periodontal disease, which is a process that occurs over time.

While most people don’t necessarily look forward to wisdom tooth extraction, there’s good news. The procedure is very common, with one study noting that over 5 million people have the surgery each year. This means that the process and quality of care is well-refined.

Dr. Michael Cox is a dentist with BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

Adult Night Care of Woodstock 604 Industrial Ct, Suite A Woodstock 770-485-4580 Senior Care

Planet Fitness

299 Molly Lane Woodstock 678-903-8846 Health/Fitness

Sears Hometown Store 110 Bluffs Pkwy, Suite 100 Canton 770-720-9020 Retail Department Stores

North Georgia Tax Solutions

157 Reinhardt College Pkwy., Suite 200 Canton 770-735-3336 Accounting & Tax Preparation

For information on upcoming events, please visit CherokeeChamber.com

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

Are You Aware of Electrical

Recalls and Hazards?

By Nick Roper

It seems that quite frequently the news channels will report on items from vehicle manufacturers, car seats and food products being recalled to protect consumers from danger. However, there are a lot more products that could pose an equal or greater danger to you and your family. The electrical components of your home are by far not immune to these recalls, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for you to keep a regular check on these items to avoid personal injury, fire or explosions within your home. CPSC.gov is a reliable, government sponsored site that lets you sort through countless items. In the past few years, some of the most commonly used items that have

been recalled are Kidde Smoke and Combination Smoke/C02 Alarms, Legrand Under-Cabinet Power Strips and Eaton MBED 3042 series residential meter breaker. In regards to the Smoke and Combination Smoke/ C02 detectors, it was found that the units (originally sold JanuaryJuly, 2014) could fail to alert the occupants of fire or C02 danger. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommended by manufacturers that these be replaced every 8-10 years, but if you have one of the recalled units, it should be replaced immediately. The Legrand Under-Cabinet Power Strips that were originally sold from February-August, 2011 were manufactured with the electrical wires reversed, which could put the owner at a risk of shock when using it. If you have one of these units, Legrand will issue a refund for your

purchase. The Eaton meter breaker with catalog numbers MBED3042B200BF, MBED3042B200BF6, MBED3042B225PV or MBED3042PV200BF were found to allow too easy of an access point to the components of the meter, also posing a shock hazard to owners. If you have one of these units, a licensed electrician can contact Eaton for you, and Eaton will send a replacement to be installed by the electrician. Please take the time to review the CPSC.gov website to protect your family, and make sure your home is safe. Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136. MyAtlantaElectrician.net

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Advertiser Index Arranged To Eat 11 Atlanta Hand Specialist 9 Bistro C 41 BridgeMill Dentistry 45 Budget Blinds 17 Camp Juliette Low 23 Canton Main Street & Canton Tourism 51 The Carpenter’s Shop Inside Front Christian Preschool Cherokee Children’s Dentistry Cover, 28 & 29 Cherokee Theatre Company 27 Crossfit Cherokee 56 Dentistry at Hickory Flat 21 Downtown Kitchen 3 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 33 DV Pediatrics 49 The Goddard School 31 Goin’ Coastal 50 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 55 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy 17 Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA LLC 31 Jyl Craven Hair Design 25 LaVida Massage 31 LGE Community Credit Union 5 Masterpiece Framer 53 MD Minor Emergency 47 Medical Associates of North Georgia 7 Nelson Elder Care Law 39 Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 13 Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 10 Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 Northside Vascular Surgery Inside Front Northside Cherokee Women’s Specialists 3 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 41 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 13 and Dentistry at Canton Pharmoore & Woodstock 19 Health Mart Pharmacy PhotoJack.net 35 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 22 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Inside Back Rejoice Maids 33 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. 12 & Aesthetic Center Superior Healthclub 56 Technical Resource Solutions 41 Three Sisters Gifts 17 Urban Secrets Boutique 11 WellStar Health Systems Back Cover Windsor House Assisted Living 38 56

Canton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2016

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037