400 Life April 2023

At John Megel Chevrolet, we have an excellent selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. You can also enjoy the current financing specials and lease offers we have on all of the most popular Chevy models in the lineup. We pride ourselves in being the used car dealer that has options for almost every kind of driver and budget.

When you want to shop with a car dealer that cares about customer satisfaction, you should find your way to us. Over time, we have served the automotive needs of many customers who were looking to find a car dealership they could trust to offer a full-service experience.

Pick the right plants for your landscape

Each year, gardening enthusiasts anxiously await the arrival of spring. Spring is a great season to plant new flowers, plants, grasses, and trees, making it a popular time of year to spend sunny days out in the yard.

Veteran gardeners may know their landscapes well and be able to pick the right plants on their own. Novices may need a little help as they look to give their landscapes a whole new look.

Here are some tips to help make your yard look amazing

t CONDUCT A SITE EVALUATION. A colorful landscape featuring an array of plants and flowers can be eye-catching and add curb appeal to a property. However, where plants will be planted is a significant variable that must be considered before homeowners choose what to plant.

“The mature size of the plant is an important consideration that’s often overlooked in the excitement of spring plant selection,” said Heather Kolich, Forsyth County Extension Coordinator and Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent.

“The description on the tag should state the mature height and spread of a plant, but for many cultivars, the measuring stops after about 10 years,” she said. “Healthy plants continue to grow throughout their lifespan, so it’s important to select plants that won’t outgrow the planting space.”

A number of factors must be evaluated, including light availability; water availability; exposure to the elements, including wind and extreme temperatures; and competition from existing vegetation, among other things.

Document these variables prior to picking plants. For example, take note of the area you plan to plant to see if it is full sun or partial shade, and then pick plants whose growing conditions align with those you observe.

t LOOK AT MORE THAN LOOKS. Aesthetic appeal might be what homeowners most desire from their landscapes, but that appeal is only achieved when the right plants are chosen for a space. If the wrong plants are chosen, they’re unlikely to thrive or they could threaten existing vegetation, thus compromising the overall appeal of the property.

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Native plants can often handle local weather conditions, so prioritize natives over more exotic plants whose key attribute is aesthetic appeal. If jaw-dropping aesthetic appeal is your top priority, speak with a local landscaping professional about which natives can provide that without compromising surrounding vegetation.

t CONSIDER MAINTENANCE PRIOR TO PLANTING.

Maintenance is another variable gardeners must consider. Newly planted trees may require substantial watering until they’ve fully established their roots, and some homeowners may not have time for that. In addition, certain plants may require a considerable amount of pruning in order to create and maintain the look homeowners desire.

Individuals must be willing to invest the time and effort necessary to maintain new plantings that require such diligence. If not, look for plants that don’t require much maintenance while keeping in mind that even low-maintenance plants still require some effort and attention.

t CONSIDER LOCAL WILDLIFE.

If your lawn is routinely visited by local wildlife, then look for plants that won’t look like a meal to these welcome, if uninvited, guests.

For example, if you routinely see deer lounging around in your backyard, look for deer-resistant plants. This is a good way to protect your investment, of both time and money, and ensure minimal wildlife traffic through your newly landscaped yard.

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Spring gardens are awe-inspiring, especially when homeowners embrace various strategies for successful planting.

How to build your case after an accident

There are many ways for people to resolve their differences without resorting to violence.

As we are a personal injury practice, we operate under the rules in helping clients obtain compensation when they are injured by the negligence of others.

Often times we obtain compensation through the legal system by bringing lawsuits in the various courts.

However, before getting to that step, we must build a case by first assessing the facts of and gathering all the information that is necessary for the prosecution of the claim.

We first start by meeting with the potential client to interview and gather all the facts to determine fault and review injuries caused by the accident. Next, we find out all insurance policies that apply.

Health Insurance, Medpay, Medicare, Medicaid can all come into play. We then request our clients’ medical records and bills. We have to review them along with medical records from before the accident.

In building a case we must find out what the accident caused. We also assess the financial condition of our injured client and how an accident stopped or reduced their ability to work. We also can get that information from tax returns and employer records.

An important review of how an accident affected a spousal relationship is also important. When a person who is married suffers

physical and mental damages their spouse suffers along with them, and they are entitled to damages under a claim called loss of consortium.

Depending upon the complexity of the medical condition this information is often difficult to get quickly and may take many months for requests to be filled.

Finally, after gathering all of the information, we are in a position to draft a demand package. The law allows insurers time to respond and ask questions of the lawyers.

After their review, insurance adjusters begin the negotiations. We then have to weigh their offers with the amounts our client will receive.

We have to check on various claims made against the proceeds of the settlement like eligible health care liens, hospital liens, etc. Finally, if we can’t resolve the case we file suit.

In our next article I will discuss how the legal process works after a lawsuit is filed.

Building a case for our clients is something we take seriously. We hope by building a solid case we can settle it without having to file suit. Depending on the insurer that sometimes just doesn’t happen.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.” — Sponsored content

Steven Leibel

Poisonous plants to avoid around the house

Homeowners must consider various factors when choosing plants to display in and around their homes. That’s because, despite their beauty, various plants are toxic to humans and animals. Avoiding potentially poisonous plants can prevent injuries and even deaths. Here’s a list of some plants homeowners may want to avoid.

t RHODODENDRON

Rhododendrons produce flower clusters that bloom in the spring. They also produce thick, glossy leaves that thrive in the fall and winter in many areas. If any part of the plant is swallowed it can cause vomiting and potentially slow the pulse.

t LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY

This popular plant grows close to the ground, blooming bell-shaped, sweetsmelling flowers. If large doses of the toxin in this plant are ingested, it can gradually slow the heart down and potentially prove fatal.

t DUMB CANE

The houseplant dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb cane, adds tropical appeal indoors. The sap of the plant causes the tongue to burn and swell, enough to block off air to the throat. It can be fatal if ingested by both pets and humans.

t ENGLISH IVY

This go-to draping vine looks lovely cascading down from planters or shelving. While its toxins need to be ingested in large amounts to cause problems, English ivy can cause skin irritation, rash and fever, particularly after eating the berries.

t BITTERSWEET NIGHTSHADE

Bittersweet nightshade grows as a weed on some properties. It’s particularly problematic for those who have pets or young kids because of the brightly colored berries it produces. The highest level of toxicity comes from these berries.

t FOXGLOVE

According to The Spruce: Decor, foxgloves are among the most toxic specimens commonly grown on landscapes. They are widely coveted for their pink, purple and white bell-shaped flowers that grow in tall spires. They’re also deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them especially popular. However, foxgloves contain potent cardiac glycosides that can be lethal in high doses.

t PHILODENDRON

Philodendron are easy to care for and hearty. While not fatal, a bite of philodendron can irritate the skin and cause nausea and swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue. Similar effects occur with Pothos, anorther common and hearty houseplant.

t YEW SHRUBS

The needlelike leaves of this shrub are

toxic to humans and animals, as are the fleshy, bright red berries that grow toxic seeds. Kids may be tempted to pick and consume these bright berries.

t PALMS

Several different palm trees are poisonous to people and pets. Palms are an overlooked source of poisoning tragedies in warmer climates. Formosa palm, Sago palm, Queen Sago, and Cardboard palm are some of the varieties that can cause issues if ingested or allergic skin reactions if touched.

When planning a landscape, work with a skilled garden expert to choose plants that will not be hazardous to family and pets.

Foxglove

Rhododendron

Philodendron

You can repel insects with these beautiful plants

Homeowners choose plants for their properties based on several variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire gardens to be an aweinspiring mixture of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects.

Insects can be a nuisance and a threat to individuals overall health. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, insect-borne diseases are viral and bacterial illnesses that develop from insect bites. Mosquitoes, sand flies and fleas are some examples of insects that can pass on disease. Fever, chills, headache, and muscle soreness are just a few of the more common symptoms linked to insect-borne diseases.

The good news for avid gardeners is that certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love.

t BASIL: The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the Farmers’ Almanac notes it can be used to repel mosquitoes and moths.

t LAVENDER: Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful member of the mint family. Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable plant that many garden centers recommend in areas prone to drought or hot summers without much precipitation.

t MINT: Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint also can be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers’ Almanac notes mint is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden. Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other plants’ domains.

t LEMONGRASS: Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes. Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long.

t CHRYSANTHEMUMS:

The Farmers’ Almanac recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a home. That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home.

Insects are unwanted guests around a home each spring, summer and fall. Certain plants can help repel insects and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides.

Budget friendly ways to tweak your home’s exterior

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money.

The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.

Though there might not be an ‘average cost’ of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale.

Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.

t POWER WASHING

Power washing won’t break the bank, but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways, and patios as well. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior.

t WINDOW BOX INSTALLATION

Installing window box planters is another costeffective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors.

t FURNISHED FRONT PORCH

A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.

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t REPLACE HARDWARE

Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Doorknobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.

400 health

What’s the dish on low-carb diets?

By Sudie Crouch | Health & Wellness columnist

With the weather warming up, we start thinking about getting ready to hit the beach or the pool.

We’re getting ready for Spring break and vacations – and that often means we start to think about losing weight.

There’s countless diets and weight loss gimmicks available, so it can be hard to know which one to follow. We wonder how much weight can we lose? How fast? How safe is it?

One popular weight loss method that has been around for a number of years is a low-carb approach.

Reducing the amount of carbs consumed has been shown to help many lose weight, and most people see results within the first two weeks, which is typically water weight.

Another approach, the ketogenic (keto) approach, uses a reduced carb approach as well and has also been used effectively to treat different health issues.

Let’s break it down

LOW CARB OR KETO –WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Many people use the terms low carb and keto interchangeably but there are differences between the two. Low carb typically is any approach that reduces the amount of carbohydrates that are consumed each day.

The most popular low carb diet, Atkins, usually starts by restricting the carb intake to around 25 grams a day and focuses on consuming lean protein and lower fat vegetables.

Other low carb approaches keep the carb intake to 50-100 grams. Similarly, keto reduces the carbohydrate intake but focuses on increasing fat intake to help put the body into ketosis so it can burn fat. The carb intake on keto is usually kept to 50 or less.

WILL IT WORK?

Reducing your carb intake can result in weight loss, with many people experiencing the most weight loss in the first two weeks.

The weight loss may slow down after that initial water weight drop. Additionally, many people have said they have more energy and sleep better when they follow these ways of eating, probably because of the reduction of sugar by proxy.

THE CAVEATS

Even though both approaches can provide some results, neither are without their pitfalls. Many people have found that they gain the weight back when they return to their regular way of eating.

Reducing your carb intake can lead to weight loss, but it may not be sustainable long term. Whenever we restrict certain foods, it can cause us to crave them more, which can lead to us over-indulging in them when we do have them.

Have you ever found yourself eating way more cookies or donuts than you planned to simply because you ‘fell off your diet?’ That’s why.

It would not be sustainable to think you’d never enjoy a slice or two of pizza the rest of your life. But the downfall of low carb diets is, you will have rebound weight if you do – simply from the water weight.

Rather than approaching it as if you can’t have any carbs, focus on the quality of your carbs. Processed foods tend to be higher in carbs and sugar. Reducing your intake of those or using portion control can be one way to limit the carb intake that comes from them. Since the majority of the carbs that impact our weight come

from those processed sweets, finding healthier, homemade versions of our favorites can help too.

As with any diet change, it is always advisable to speak with your medical professional before you begin. It can also be helpful to have bloodwork taken prior to starting and then a few months later to see what has changed, since losing weight can also reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and have other positive health impacts as well.

Low carb and keto can both allow you to focus on healthy, whole foods that are less processed and those can always be great choices. While losing weight can be beneficial to our overall health, there are other factors beyond the scale that are important too.

Make sure whatever method you choose is something that fits your lifestyle, is sustainable, and helps you feel good about the changes you’re making.

Some people may experience flu-like symptoms the first few weeks because of the body adjusting to the lack of sugar and starches. Anytime we’re making a huge adjustment like that we will experience a ‘detox’ of sorts.

Some people have also reported having intestinal distress with keto if they choose to consume things like MCT oil and the increase in fats in their system. Another potential caveat may be not getting all the macronutrients needed because of the limited fruits and vegetables.

A COACH’S TAKE

As a coach, I prefer to look for approaches that are sustainable and focus on overall well-being. Some people have found following one of these methods to work long term.

Individual results may vary from person to person due to many different factors and it can be so important to learn how to listen to your body on your weight loss journey.

6 Free Hidden Gems

available at the library

There are a number of lesser-known library card benefits that often surprise even our most ardent patrons. Here are a few of my favorite “hidden gems” you might not know are free with your library card:

FREE MUSEUM AND PARK PASSES

Forsyth County Public Library partners with a variety of organizations across the state to provide free access to popular destinations including Alliance Theater, Georgia State Parks, Chattahoochee Nature Center and Zoo Atlanta.

FREE EBOOKS AND EAUDIOBOOKS

You don’t need a special device to access thousands of free eBooks and eAudiobooks on demand. If you have a smart phone and a library card, you can start enjoying eBooks and eAudiobooks immediately through free apps like Libby. My favorite part about using Libby is that all borrowed items get returned automatically so there are never any overdue fines.

FREE MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

If you haven’t thoroughly explored any of our four libraries, you may not have noticed our extensive print magazine and newspaper collection. We also have a huge assortment of digital magazines and newspapers.

From popular titles like Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and US Weekly to more obscure titles about hobbies you didn’t even know existed, if you have an interest in something, we probably have a magazine or newspaper about it.

FREE CLASSES

Is there something you’d like to learn more about from the comfort of your own home? Use your library card to log in to Universal Class, Learning Express Library, or ArtistWorks and choose from over 500 free classes on everything from aromatherapy to web development.

FREE TUTORING

Need a study partner on demand? Connect with a profes-

sional subject expert for free, live, online tutoring, test prep, and career support through our partnership with Tutor.com.

One of our patrons recently told me that her 10th-grade son would not have passed his last AP Chemistry test without all the free help he received from Tutor.com.

FREE ACCESS TO GENEALOGY RESOURCES

Research genealogy with Heritage Quest, Ancestry (only available inside the library), FamilySearch, and Fold3. I recently looked up my Grandpa’s World War II draft card and seeing his signature as an 18-year-old brought me to tears. This is just a small sample of the countless free resources available at FCPL.

Visit www.forsythpl.org for more information about any of these hidden gems or to get your free Forsyth County Public Library card today.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, employees of Forsyth County government, currently enrolled students or employees of any

For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any resources or upcoming events, visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @forsythpl

Leslie Marinelli has lived in Forsyth County for 20 years with her husband and three children and is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library.

public or private educational institution in Forsyth County.