Generations Magazine - Summer 2020

INSIDE:

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SENIOR FRAUD PREVENTION

GWINNETT COPING WITH COVID-19

OPTIONS IN GRAYSON

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6 DENNISON HEARING –

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CANCER CARE – NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER

Generations Summer 2020 Edition Features:

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SENIORS OFFERED OTHER

HEARING LOSS LINKED TO DEMENTIA

STAFF PROVIDES OUTSTANDING SERVICES IN BUFORD

LAWRENCEVILLE STANDING STRONG TAKING YOUR MEDICATION ON TIME PATIENTS FIND HELP FROM DR. ROBERTO NORNIELLA

ON THE COVER: A Lifestyle, Health & Active Aging Magazine ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS — Janet McCray, Janie Roling, Mary London, Chad Ross, Beckie Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS — Beth Slaughter Sexton GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM ­— Windsor Armour – SCNI Creative Team GENERATIONS MAGAZINE (ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT): Gwinnett Daily Post / SCNI Events — (770) 963–9205 x1203 — Events@Scompapers.com — GwinnettDailyPost.com — SCNIevents.com Generations 50+ Boomers & Seniors magazine is published twice a year by the Gwinnett Daily Post / SCNI Events

LOCAL’S 50+ LEADING THE CHARGE, DURING COVID-19

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Greatest Honor Is Helping Seniors Offered Other Children, Parents & Grandparents GWINNETT NATIVE, DR. AMITA NAWATHE Options in Grayson

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erhaps Michelle Enter says it best. “One of the most difficult tasks we face as humans living in a society is how we take care of our senior parents.” Enter should know. As community relations director for Dogwood Forest of Grayson, she spends each day helping families and individuals make those sometimes-hard choices on where an older loved one will live and how will they be taken care of.

“There may come a point in time when a senior can no longer live on their own, though, as members of their families, we must make difficult decisions regarding how we handle this situation,” she said. “On one hand, it's emotionally taxing to see someone you love not be able to take care of themselves when they use to be the one taking care of you. The duty of being a caregiver to an elderly parent is an important one but can often be stressful. When the child becomes the parent, the change in roles can be challenging if you don’t find the right balance.

Assisted living communities, such as Dogwood Forest of Grayson can sometimes offer the best solution by allowing the senior to remain independent yet assuring the family that their loved one will be cared for and secure.

“Assisted living communities provide support with what are referred to as ADLs, or activities of daily life, which includes bathing, dressing, grooming, continence, feeding and transferring,” Enter said. “Assisted living communities also offer help with medication management, life enrichment programs, a secure environment, well-balanced meals, housekeeping, and laundry services, just to name a few.”

Dogwood Forest of Grayson features 99 units, 74 of which are assisted living and 25 are memory care apartments. Amenities are numerous and include a courtyard and fountain, a garden, walking trail and outdoor fireplace. There are multiple dining options from casual dining, bistro dining and formal dining rooms for private functions. Dogwood Forest has a wellness center with physical rehabilitation programs, a concierge physicians’ program, and a podiatrist and dentist that comes on site to see residents.

“We have individualized wellness plans, on-site nurses, holistic wellness and fitness programs, daily activities, outings and enrichment programs,” Enter said, adding that the community also offers local transportation, weekly devotional and spiritual events, three chef-prepared meals a day, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, concierge services, inhouse beauty and barber shop and a movie theater.

With an attractive stone facade covering the steel and cement infrastructure, Dogwood Forest of Grayson is situated on manicured acreage at 1754 Grayson Highway in Grayson.

“Our environments are clinically proven to produce positive outcomes for our senior residents,” Enter said. “We firmly believe our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart and above all other senior living providers. We believe that personal spiritual enrichment is a key element in maximizing quality of life.

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT

School of Medicine and says it was “one of the best decisions I ever made.”

lassmates at Collins Hill High School probably remember Amita Nawathe as a smart young lady who played violin in the school orchestra, served in the Beta Club and whose passion was volunteering.

She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Mercer University/Navicent Health in Macon, where she received her second Gold Foundation Award for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching.

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“The experiences of volunteering in our community still shape who I am and how I see the world,” she said.

Indeed, the volunteering she did in high school led her to now become Dr. Amita Nawathe, M.D., a primary care physician with Emory Healthcare.

“I could spend hours talking about the people I met and the stories that shaped me from helping children and parents at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to spending time volunteering with a local skilled nursing facility over the holiday seasons,” Nawathe said.

A native of Gwinnett County, Nawathe grew up in Duluth, Lilburn and Suwanee, attending district schools all 12 years.

“Attending Collins Hill High School was an incredible experience and a lot of what I learned remained pertinent through my life from macroeconomics to psychology—a course that was taught so well that it not only influenced my choice of majors in college, but continued to serve me well through medical school,” she said. “I visited Arabia Mountain in Lithonia...and realized that a lot of my knowledge about rock formation and biomes came from Ms. Brace, who taught biology to both my brother and me at Collins Hill.”

Nawathe said Gwinnett was an “incredible place to grow up.” She graduated from Hopkins Elementary, Creekland Middle School and with honors at Collins Hill High before enrolling at The University of Georgia..

“UGA is where I found myself and who I wanted to be,” Nawathe said. “Amidst the expansive grounds of the beautiful campus, I not only found lifelong friends but also professors who I keep in touch with to this day. Thanks to the strong Advance Placement program at Collins Hill, I was able to join the Honors Program and have the credits to complete majors in biology, psychology and broadcast news and minor in Spanish.”

Nawathe became part of think tanks and the debate club and continued her passion for volunteering, including helping out in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. She also did research focusing on genomics to blood bank to gestational diabetes.

“What I was most proud of was my work with women, from the mentoring program I founded through the Association for Women in Science, to working to help foster healthy pregnancies and teaching science to Girl Scouts in Athens,” she said.

Nawathe decided to attend Mercer University

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“The school's problem-based learning program and intentionally small class size fostered a strong sense of community and lifelong connections,” she added. “I went on to graduate from Mercer's Family Medicine Residency where I was able to fully engage in the full spectrum of life from newborn care to adolescence, young adulthood, helping women navigate through parenthood while staying healthy themselves and spent a lot of time developing skills in geriatric medicine.

“What I love the most about family medicine is that my work allows me to be fully present in the lives of my patients and stay with them through the ups and downs of life. My goal is to help each of my patients fully understand and take charge of their health so that together we can create fuller, healthier lives.”

Nawathe is a board-certified family medicine physician. Her academic interests included preventative medicine, family planning, women's health, adolescent medicine, obesity, nutrition/ exercise, geriatric medicine and healthy aging, as well as management for chronic disease.

“One of the greatest honors of my life is caring for patients from children to parents and grandparents,” Nawathe said. “I am devoted to helping my patients navigate through the complexities of their illness and empower patients and families toward achieving wellness.”

Nawathe and her husband, Arvind Shrihari, who is a software engineer, have been married four years. When not working, the doctor enjoys traveling, reading, art, cycling and spending time with friends and family.

The daughter of Dilip, an engineer who works through Warner Robbins Air Force Base and Veena, a retired preschool teacher from Berkmar Church School in Lilburn, Nawathe has a brother, Anay Nawathe, who recently graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer engineering and a business minor for Scheller College of Business. He is a consultant in Washington, D.C. “My array of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings have given me a passion for evidence-based care,” Nawathe said. “In addition to physical health, I strive to care for the whole person. This includes their mental health, social health and emotional well-being. I realize achieving good health is an on-going process and no matter what your age, I want to help you thrive.”

Dr. Nawathe's office is located at Emory at Snellville at 1790 Presidential Circle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 678-495-2843.

Study Shows Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT

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t was a headline grabber for sure. When a study that linked untreated hearing loss and dementia was first released, this major revelation was featured on The Today Show, The Charlie Rose Show and other TV programs. The study began connecting the dots.

That report came out about seven years ago after Johns Hopkins University began an in-depth look at how we age. It was said they “studied everything from toenail fungus on up.” But the biggest news they found by far was that untreated hearing loss increases the risk for developing dementia 200-500 percent.

“So with normal hearing you have no increased risk of dementia,” explains William Dennison, a hearing healthcare professional board-certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. “With a mild hearing loss, you have a 200 percent increased risk of developing dementia. With a moderate hearing loss, you have a 300 percent increased risk of developing dementia. And with a severe hearing loss, you have a 500 percent increased risk of developing dementia. You may be asking, 'Can I treat my hearing loss and decrease my risk of developing dementia?' And the answer would be, 'Yes, you can.'”

Dennison is the founder of Dennison Hearing Solutions and has worked in the hearing healthcare field for almost a decade. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree and a Master's of Arts degree from Georgia College and State University. Dennison is the only tinnitus care provider certified by the International Hearing Society in the state of Georgia. He has helped thousands of patients by providing hearing evaluations and screenings, customized hearing aid fittings and tinnitus management.

He is also the son of Dr. Laura Dennison, who has more than 35 years in the hearing healthcare field and helped more than 10,000 patients on their path to better hearing. She is nationally board-certified in the Hearing Instrument Sciences and holds a doctorate in audiology from AT Still University, as well as a Bachelor's of Science degree and Master's of Arts degree from East Tennessee State University. She has held numerous leadership posts on both the executive council and the exam committee of the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Dr. Dennison is the chief audiology adviser for Dennison Hearing Solutions, which is located at 3511 Braselton Highway in Dacula.

Together, the Dennisons have authored a booklet titled Hearing, Dementia and the Brain to provide the latest information regarding the link between hearing loss and dementia and what a person can do to help prevent it. In four sections, the booklet examines the following topics: How We Hear; The Negative Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss; Hearing Loss and Dementia and The Positive Impact of Treating Hearing Loss.

“So when your ears are young and healthy there are 60,000 nerve fibers that leave the ear and by the time they get to the brain, it is estimated that there are tens of millions of neurons devoted to hearing,” William Dennison said. “But what happens as we age is that not only do we lose hair cells and a bunch of those neurons, but the quality of the nerve fibers we have left diminishes. So just making the sound louder doesn't help. We need help with the processing. When you take a standard hearing test, it takes no effort to hear a beep-beep-beep sound—unless you have tinnitus and that's a whole different topic. That standard hearing test doesn't really tell us anything about how the brain is processing sound. The brain does four different things for us when we are hearing. One, orientation. Two, recognition. Three, focus. Four, filter.”

That Johns Hopkins study connected untreated hearing loss to dementia.

What is dementia? Dennison explains it is decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. For a dementia diagnosis, medical professionals say at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired: Memory; communication and language; ability to focus and pay attention; reasoning and judgment and visual perception.

“Have you ever forgotten where you put your keys?” Dennison asked.

“Have you ever gone shopping and forgotten where you parked the car?

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Have you ever gone to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and forgotten what you came in there to do? Good news—these are not signs of dementia.

But have you ever picked up keys and not known what to do with them? Or have you gotten in your car and not known how to get home? Or choked on a midnight snack because you forgot how to swallow? Those are signs of dementia. That's how disabling and mind-robbing this disease is.

“Hearing is involved in the top three mental functions. That's how important hearing is to your day-to-day cognitive function. If you have any sense of any hearing loss, you need to use it or lose it. You need to catch it early and treat it early.”

Dennison offers what he calls four take away messages from his published booklet.

“If you treat your hearing loss like any other chronic medical condition, you will have increased quality of life; improved cognitive functions; reduce the risk of dementia and provide proper stimulation to the brain,” he said.

He also encourages patients to treat their hearing loss as they would any other major disease, such as diabetes. A doctor tells a patient he has diabetes and to take this pill and the patient takes it, or a doctor tells a patient she has cancer and must have a certain surgery or take a course of chemotherapy, and that patient does it.

“So, if you have hearing loss, you should listen to your hearing health professional and treat your hearing loss early,” he said. “...So why would you treat your hearing loss? Why would you make the financial commitment, the investment of time to treat your hearing loss? Because let me tell you, treating hearing loss is not like eyes. You don't pop on a pair of glasses and come back once a year for a test and just fix the prescription. That is not how treating hearing loss works. It's an adaptive process. Your brain has to retrain itself to hear sounds.”

Dennison cites numerous studies and quotes several researchers throughout his booklet, including Dr. Murali Doriaswamay of Duke University, who commented regarding the billions of dollars spent by private industry and government on developing medicines to slow or prevent dementia.

“The benefits of correcting hearing loss on cognition are twice as large as the benefits from any cognitive-enhancing drugs now on the market,” the Duke doctor said. “It should be the first thing we focus on.”

“So what can you do about it today?” Dennison asks. “Have your hearing evaluated by Dennison Hearing Solutions. Call us at 770-209-2627 to set up an appointment. Develop a treatment plan with your hearing healthcare professional. The best thing you can do is have that hearing test and everything is normal. And that's good-- we've got a baseline to compare it against future tests.”

One of Dennison's favorite sayings is, “Aging is inevitable and irreversible, but decline is optional.”

Senior Fraud

Prevention & Action

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YOUR GREEN - WITH ROGER S. GREEN, MSFS, CFP

cams to exploit money and information from consumers age 60+ are at an all-time high. One in five older Americans are victims of financial exploitation each year, according to a 2016 report by the AARP Public Policy Institute.

The researchers found that these victims lose $3 billion annually, or more than $120,000 each . Those at highest risk are physically disabled, living alone and isolated from family. Victims are not always disabled or in a state of diminished capacity – more than 1 out of 18 cognitively intact older adults are victims of financial scams, fraud, or abuse.

Scams might seem easy to spot, but many fall victim because scams are more emotional-based than intellect-based. Humans can be bad at realizing how much our emotions impact our behavior. Scammers know how to play to emotions which is why smart people get defrauded all the time. The con artist will look for ways to move you out of logical thought and into an emotional reaction by asking a series of personal questions. Once they find something that bothers you, they’ll get you to focus on it until you’re in a heightened emotional state.

According to Money Saver magazine, some tactics used to appeal to emotions include: Phantom riches – Offering you something you want but can’t have. According to the Financial Industry Regularity Authority (FINRA) this is one of the most common tactics. It can be in the form of a sweepstakes win, or a no-risk investment with a huge return, or even use a dating website tactic to present themselves as exactly what you’ve been looking for to prompt an impulsive decision.

Fear - One of the biggest emotional drivers is fear. Scammers use threats of IRS audits, jail time, computer meltdowns, or a grandchild in trouble. Any of these can spark an instant emotion-driven misjudgment.

Intimidation - Calling you 50-60 times a day, claiming to know where you live, and threatening bodily harm is a tactic sometimes used.

Scarcity - The notion that something is rare means it must be valuable. They’ll say the product is limited, and the offer expires soon, and only 1 in 10 million win.

Source credibility - Defrauders will do everything they can to convince you they are the FBI, police, IRS, or from your bank or financial institution to get personal information from you.

Commitment - Most people innately want to keep their promises, so scammers will try to get you to make a commitment, such as to follow instructions. Later, if you resist, they’ll accuse you of going back on your word.

Reciprocity - The idea that if I do something for you, it’s natural for you to return the favor is a cultural norm that scammers use by granting their victims small favors, like free shipping, and ask for a bigger one in return .

Never make a financial decision immediately. Always wait 24-48 hours. Never engage a stranger in a dialogue about your personal life.

What kind of scams are common? Medicare and other health insurance scams where the perpetrator poses as an insurance representative seeking to collect personal information or send fraudulent bills are common; as are reverse mortgage scams. Funeral and cemetery scams may involve someone going through obituaries to contact surviving family members and claiming the deceased has outstanding debts. Phone scams wherein the perpetrators pose as someone selling a good or service, or even as a grandchild; are common. With COVID-19, new ways of exploitation have arisen, including email scams purporting to contain helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical sources, and phishing emails that ask recipients to provide their personal

information in order to supposedly receive an economic stimulus check. And there are countless others. I encourage you to do your research and work with your advisor to be best prepared when things like this threaten your assets.

I have an elderly relative, what can I do to protect them? - Watch out for “odd” behaviors, forgetting making a major purchase, unexplained decisions not in their best interest, suspicious personal contact with a new “friend” or absentee relative, or reluctance to talk about their financial activity. Signs of dementia or other cognitive problems include memory loss, challenges in planning or solving problems, personality changes, and having a hard time completing ROGER S. GREEN, MSFS, CFP familiar tasks. Advice from a healthcare professional may be necessary. Help make sure they stay on top of their accounts and that financial obligations are being met, especially when dealing with medical issues or memory loss. Consider a credit freeze to restrict access to their credit report, and check or have them check their report regularly.

What do I do if I suspect something is wrong? - If you suspect financial exploitation, we encourage you to seek help immediately. Evidence is not necessary – just reasonable suspicion. You can contact Adult Protective Services (APS), local law enforcement, or their financial institution. Don’t allow fear of getting involved stop you from helping to save someone’s lifetime accumulated assets from being stolen from them. As always, prevention is the best form of medicine.

How can my financial advisor help? - Financial advisors have a vantage point that others don’t and are able to spot signs of exploitation that might otherwise go undetected. These might include being able to see suspicious transactions, a change to their long-established pattern of investing, sudden change in their Power of Attorney (POA), being unable to access their own funds, and large and unexplained withdrawals. There are laws within the financial industry to guide advisors as they see these issues arise. Please take their feedback seriously. I have personally seen some of my clients victimized by the very scams described in this article.

It is helpful for investment account owners to designate a trusted contact. We should all designate a Financial Power of Attorney (POA) early on to help ensure we trust who handles our affairs, well before any issue with incapacity or mental decline begin. Forms to draft your own Georgia Financial Power of Attorney are available at www.RogerSGreen.com under our Helpful Web Links tab. Make sure to provide your financial advisor and trusted family members with copies of these important documents.

Plan for these possibilities with your loved ones under the guidance of a financial advisor and an estate planning attorney.

Some additional resources: • www.AARP.org/content/dam/aarp/money/scams_fraud/2013-10/The Con-Artists-Playbook-AARP.pdf • https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200320.aspx Roger S. Green is an independent Investment Advisor Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor and Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. His office is located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096.

1 Sackett, Victoria. “New Law Targets Elder Financial Abuse.” AARP.org, May 2018.

2 Burnes, et al. “Prevalence of Financial Fraud and Scams Among Older Aults in the US: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” NCBI.gov, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28640686 3 Doug Shadel, Outsmart Fraud. Moneysaver. May 2020.

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Safeguard Against COVID-10 When Grocery Shopping

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upermarkets and other food merchants are allowed to stay open as “essential” retailers amid the mass shutdowns prompted by the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Along with banks, gas stations and takeout restaurants, supermarkets are among the few places that people are allowed to visit to procure the necessities of everyday life.

it can be helpful to wipe down surfaces, including non-porous packaging, once items are brought home, as well as counters or tables used to unload packages.

Even with social distancing and other precautions in place, Wiping down a shopping cart grocery stores remain high-traffic locations. As a result, many handle also may be helpful. people feel concerned about how to best protect themselves • Wash produce. Consumer when turning to in-store visits or grocery delivery services to stay Reports suggests washing stocked on food and other essentials. fruits and vegetables in a • Maintain a six-foot distance. As with other locations, shoppers mild soap-and-water solution should keep a distance of six feet between themselves and other to eliminate any possible live shoppers. Do not hesitate to move back or ask someone to move virus and pesticides. away if you feel concerned about proximity. Shopping during • Avoid direct contact. “off-peak” hours may help thin out crowds and make it easier to Whether items are delivered maintain social distance. or purchased in-store, avoid personal contact with cashiers or • Shop small retailers. It can be beneficial to visit independently other store employees. Pick up and pack your own groceries. owned retailers, like local markets, delis and specialty food stores. Opt to pay with a credit card or another digital pay option like Crowds at such stores will likely be smaller than the crowds at Apple Pay instead of handing over cash. Use your own pen to sign receipts. Scan your own frequent shopper card or have the cashier large chain stores. use a scan gun, rather than taking your key ring to hold. Delivery • Wipe down products. Data published in The New England services can place the bags outside of your front door. Tips also Journal of Medicine that tested how long COVID-19 survived on can be exchanged electronically for delivery services through an surfaces found the virus was detected up to 72 hours on plastic, app or online or over the phone.

48 hours on stainless steel, 4 hours on copper, and 24 hours on cardboard. While infection from touch may not be as likely as it Some simple shopping strategies can help people prevent the is from direct inhalation of COVID-19 from an infected individual, spread of COVID-19.

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Staff Provides Outstanding Services in Buford

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT

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suggestions are always considered and implemented to build a more cohesive community for everyone's satisfaction.”

yan Lenox and his wife and dog had visited five other independent The Mansions at Gwinnett Park offers three chef-prepared meals each living facilities before choosing their new home at The Mansions at day; washer and dryer in every apartment; fully-equipped kitchen with Gwinnett Park. granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; dishwasher; 24-hour “The staff from top to bottom for all of the residents is outstanding,” emergency cords in bedrooms and bathrooms; regularly scheduled Lenox said. “There have been some hard decisions made due to the housekeeping; social activities; transportation; on-site beauty and barber COVID-19 situation, but thanks to Kris (Brant) and the entire staff, we shop; storage available; gated courtyards; fitness and wellness center; pool; balcony or patio for each apartment; sports lounge; card room; arts have come through without a single case among the residents.” and crafts room; library; private dining room; clubhouse; FOX Optimal Brant, executive director of The Mansions at Gwinnett Park serves Living Wellness Program, as well as all utilities paid including gas, water, residents living in the large villas, cottages and apartments on the electricity, trash, local phone, expanded basic cable and internet. property at 2400 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville.

“Aside from our excellent resident-focused customer service, we offer Owned by Kim Davis with her daughter, Amy Davis serving as executive on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy,” Amy Davis said. “Our vice president, The Mansions at Gwinnett Park offers senior living with exercise classes are led by an exercise physiologist and The Mansions dozens of amenities and housing ranging from one- and two-bedroom also offer active lifestyle amenities like a full wellness center with pool, apartments to two-bedroom cottages to 1,443-1,694-square-foot villas beautiful clubhouse for community and family use and beautiful walking with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. trails. For easier aging and care transitions, we offer a Memory Care and “Last but not least, The Mansions are extremely pet friendly,” Lenox Assisted Living community on campus in a separate building.” said. Indeed, among its many features, The Mansions at Gwinnett Park The Mansions was awarded the Top 50 Places to Work for Aging welcomes its residents' small pets.

Services by Forbes in both 2018 and 2019.

Another resident, Donna Gentry is also excited about her new home.

“The Mansions is a family-owned business that has been developing “Within 20 minutes of touring The Mansions, I knew it was a perfect communities for over 20 years,” Kim Davis said. “Before getting place to live, not only for the beautiful facility and professional staff, but into senior living 20 years ago, the company developed apartment for the lifestyle of enjoying retirement,” Gentry said. complexes.”

The Mansions at Gwinnett Park opened in April 2019, and is Davis' Lenox is glad the company decided to build senior living developments newest property. Other Georgia sites include The Mansions at Alpharetta, and constructed his new home at The Mansions at Gwinnett Park.

The Mansions at Decatur and The Mansions at Sandy Springs, with two properties in Oklahoma, including Hefner Mansions and Southwest He, his wife and dog moved in last July and from the start, he said they felt “very much at home.” He has high praise for the people who work Mansions. at The Mansions.

“We saw a need in the community for our product and have watched the growth of this area over the past years,” Kim Davis said regarding the “The entire staff projects professionalism along with a direct personal Gwinnett location. “We take great pride in the aesthetics and comfort touch and a willingness to do just about anything to make the residents' for all the Mansions communities. Offering our residents a beautiful, lives safe, secure and enjoyable,” Lenox said. safe and fun surrounding to better enjoy their retirement, their friends For more information or to schedule a tour, visit and families is The Mansions' focus and goal. The residents' ideas and https://www.themansionsatgwinnettpark.com.

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What to do if you suspect you’re sick with COVID-19

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he outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 compelled many people to pay close attention to their personal health. Minor issues that might once have been written off as indicators of the common cold were now being treated with extra caution, as the World Health Organization noted that some of the symptoms of COVID-19 were similar to those of the common cold and influenza.

in a lined trash can. After coughing or sneezing, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol can be substituted for soap and water for people who do not have soap on hand.

• Clean your hands often. Follow the aforementioned handwashing guidelines frequently if you suspect you have COVID-19, making sure The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge people who you do so after coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, and before exhibit certain symptoms associated with COVID-19 to take the following eating or preparing food. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth steps to protect themselves and others in their homes and communities. with unwashed hands.

• Stay home except to receive medical care. The CDC notes that the • Avoid sharing personal household items. The CDC urges people who majority of people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover suspect they have COVID-19, as well as those who have already been at home without the need for medical care. The CDC advises people with diagnosed, to avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, mild symptoms to stay home except to get medical care and to avoid towels, or bedding with other people in their homes. Wash each of these public areas. Stay in touch with your physician, being sure to call your items thoroughly after use, using soap and water or placing them in the doctor if you are having difficulty breathing. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face dishwasher if possible. are some emergency warning signs of COVID-19, and the CDC advises • Clean all high-touch surfaces everyday. People who are isolating anyone exhibiting these signs to seek immediate medical attention. themselves from the rest of their household should clean high-touch • Wear a facemask in certain situations, if possible. The CDC advises surfaces, including phones, remote controls, counters, doorknobs, and people who are sick with COVID-19 to wear a facemask when around bathroom fixtures, every day. People infected and those who suspect other people, including before entering a health care provider’s office. they’re infected should clean these surfaces themselves and allow others Caregivers also should wear facemasks when in the same room with to clean remaining surfaces throughout the house. someone with COVID-19 who is incapable of wearing his or her own Various strategies can prevent people with COVID-19 or those who facemask. suspect they have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to their loved • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose with a ones. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov or tissue when coughing or sneezing, making sure to discard used tissues contact the Gwinnett County Health Department at www.gnrhealth.com.

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GNRHD conducting COVID-19 drive thru testing at the Infinite Energy Center PHOTO CREDIT GRNHD

Meet The Leaders Dr. C. Douglas Johnson, professor of leadership and management at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), and the Center for Teaching Excellence Faculty Affiliate for Experiential Learning.

Betsey and Paul Allen, founders and managing partners of Hope Springs Distillery, a small boutique distillery in Old Town Lilburn.

Dr. Kelli McCain, principal in the Gwinnett County Public School system at Partee Elementary School in Snellville.

Andy Darnell, Marketing Director at Howard Brothers Outdoor Power and Hardware Store in Duluth.

Bruce Kennedy, owner of the Universal Joint restaurant in Lawrenceville.

Nick Masino, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett, one of the largest suburban Chambers of Commerce in the nation, located in Duluth.

John Davis, Public Works Superintendent for the City of Norcross.

Charlotte Nash, chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and is empowered by local ordinance to issue executive orders during emergencies and disasters.

Dr. Audrey Arona, CEO and District Health Director for Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments (GNRHD).

Locals 50+ Leading the Charge Against COVID-19 Pandemic in Gwinnett

How is this Covid-19 pandemic affecting the way your organization operates?

“COVID-19 has made public health part of everyday conversation in our community and we’re participating in the conversation!”

“We went from a full service restaurant and bar to a grocery store/market overnight.

Early into the pandemic, I was in the grocery - Dr. Audrey Arona store with my wife thinking I was touching everything too much and I noticed the store “We recognize that companies join was out of staples like ground beef, cheese the Chamber primarily for networking and toilet paper. I figured with our supply opportunities, so within days, we pivoted our chain, people would not have to subject online offerings from simply educational to themselves to that experience” include virtual networking opportunities. In - Bruce Kennedy our first week of quarantine, we held multiple virtual networking meetings daily.”

We modified the stores with panels for the - Nick Masino cashiers, touchless keypads and installed 6 feet apart line spacing. We limited the “Gwinnett County has continued to provide number of parties entering the store and essential services without missing a step. hand sanitizer in necessary locations across This resulted from good emergency planning the store.” done in advance and quick action by our - Andy Darnell County Administrator, Glenn Stephens. He recognized the potential serious nature “The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected of the threat early on and organized an the way we do business in the local school internal task force that worked across and within the district. Everything from departmental boundaries to drive the shift of the way we provide instruction to how we the organization’ operations to meet the new provide meals for our students has changed challenges.” dramatically. We have to rely more on the - Chairman Charlotte Nash parents to make sure that students are logged on and ready for learning each day.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the Additionally, we have had to find resources City to make significant interventions in and be creative in order to make learning fun, its operation to ensure the safety of our engaging and hands on when appropriate.” employees, residents and contractors. The - Dr. Kelli McCain City continues to operate on the front line fulfilling its commitment to maintain its “While change has been ongoing and part infrastructure.” of our vocabulary, online or digital learning - John Davis was almost taboo as we pride ourselves on offering a private school education at a public school cost where students were afforded small classrooms and face-to-face interactions directly with their professors. COVID-19 has turned that model on its head as what once was rarely discussed or offered in a hybrid format on a limited basis has become our reality.”

Betsey Allen filling hand sanitizer at Hope Springs Distillery PHOTO CREDIT GWINNETT DAILY POST

-Dr. C. Douglas Johnson

G EN ERATI O N S M AG AZI N E 1 3

How has your organization evolved during the pandemic?

“We determined that there was a need to make hand sanitizer. After some sourcing difficulties for ingredients and the packaging, we started production early in April...

We feel we have done the best we can to support our community, in that we donated it to the Lilburn Police Department and sold it to the community rather than taking orders for large quantities. We are now in a position to sell larger quantities, as we are seeing orders from churches that are preparing for re-opening.”

“First and foremost, we had to shift most of our office-based workforce to a remote workforce and we had to do it quickly.

We are using social media more to inform people about County services, information, and events.

While adapting our public spaces to accommodate social distancing may be a temporary change, we have made changes to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at County facilities and to provide additional protection for both the public and employees during – Betsey and Paul Allen interaction.”

- Chairman Charlotte “Gwinnett County Public Nash Schools did an exceptional job making adjustments to support the staff, students, parents, and the community. The district communicated the updates from the district office to staff through multiple channels – email, robo call, website, local school principals.”

“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and specifically the state of Georgia, the Gwinnett Chamber immediately pivoted from what we knew as our normal programming for members to a new, virtual world of - Dr. Kelli McCain programming. Following the stay at home order, “The City has our staff began to work implemented social remotely as necessary distancing, hand sanitizing, with infrastructure that employees are required was already in place. Since to wear masks, staff are our team was prepared working staggered shifts, and ready to switch gears, others are working from our focus was our 2,400 home. City building and members.” parks are closed to the - Nick Masino public. Buildings and offices are disinfected “GNRHD has expanded every night.” the epidemiology division - John Davis extensively since the onset of the pandemic. Every single positive COVID-19 patient is investigated and educated about isolation and disease control strategies, including identifying and enrolling close contacts in contact tracing and quarantine measures.”

- Dr. Audrey Arona 1 4 GENERATION S MAGAZINE

Nick Masino, President CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce PHOTO CREDIT GWINNETT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

John Davis, City of Norcross Public Works Superintendent PHOTO CREDIT CITY OF NORCROSS

Dr. Audrey Arona, Director of the GRN Health Departments PHOTO CREDIT EAST2WEST CREATIVE

GNRHD conducting COVID-19 drive thru testing at the Infinite Energy Center PHOTO CREDIT GRNHD

How have you supported your community/employees/members/ constituents during the Covid-19 situation?

“We are most proud of, during this entire situation, our community’s participation in the Universal Joint Lawrenceville ‘Feed the Heroes’ project. Individuals and community groups could donate to purchase lunches for the workers at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. We delivered 2500 meals over eight weeks, and the hospital staff were extremely grateful during this stressful and busy time.”

“We have looked for ways to support the local community. For example, some of the IT students were using the 3-D printer to make masks and other PPE for those on the frontlines.

Our nursing students went through some expedited training such that they too could join the front lines and assist with the pandemic.”

- Dr. C. Douglas Johnson

“In March, just prior to Governor - Bruce Kennedy Kemp issuing a series of orders to “Early in the pandemic, GNRHD uniformly ensure a safe and healthy worked closely with key community Georgia, I issued a series of similar partners like the school systems and executive orders for Gwinnett colleges, hospitals, EMAs, City and County. This action was coordinated County officials, first responders, with Gwinnett’s 16 cities to ensure churches, volunteer organizations that we all had similar orders; this and others to coordinate joint coordinated effort demonstrates planning and response efforts. the importance of cooperative Early in the pandemic, the Health relationships among the 16 cities in Department initiated and continues Gwinnett and the County. We closed to conduct weekly community GJAC and several other buildings partner conference calls, daily calls for three days to do a deep clean of with local emergency management the facilities and to implement social agencies, virtual meetings and distancing measures. We postponed conference calls with the Chambers the March and April public hearings of Commerce and other city councils, but implemented new procedures county commissioners and state/local so that we were able to conduct the government entities, all in an effort May public hearing.” to provide education and guidance - Chairman Charlotte Nash for state and local decision-making “We supported the community by officials.” staying OPEN and being a resource - Dr. Audrey Arona for their projects (lots of paint and “We turned our attention to yard projects). Our employees make providing information and resources up a diverse demographic of high regarding doing business during schoolers to retirees. We gave them COVID-19 (SBA loans, PPP loans, the flexibility to manage their work unemployment information, etc.). schedule based on their needs for Partnership Gwinnett, the Gwinnett class and concerns for their health.”

Chamber’s economic development - Andy Darnell arm, was instrumental in assisting “The district organized meal delivery its industries to shift their business models to include producing Personal to support students and families who may have experienced food Protection Equipment. During the insecurities by offering breakfast confusion of the first few months of our stay at home order, the Gwinnett and lunch for children 18 and under.

At our local school, we supported Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett families with limited/no technology made connections for anyone trying by loaning out computers to help to be designated as an essential support learning at home. We business as well as opening a 24/7 call center to field questions from our provided approximately 75 students with laptops and information members and the general public. “ regarding low to no cost internet - Nick Masino service.”

- Dr. Kelli McCain

Dr. Kelli McCain, Principal at Partee Elementary School PHOTO CREDIT EAST2WEST CREATIVE

How prepared was your organization/department pre-pandemic?

“Our president, Dr. Jann Joseph, and the University System of Georgia have made safety of the various stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff) a priority and making data-driven decisions that will minimize any disruption in our operations. For us, the Center for Teaching Excellence was actively involved in providing training for those who were not aware of or comfortable with the technological tools and platforms that were available.”

- Dr. C. Douglas Johnson “Gwinnett has had a robust emergency planning process for decades, and we have staff dedicated to this effort. In coordination with agencies and organizations across the community, the County adopted and has regularly updated an extensive plan for emergencies. The protocols contained in the plan have been utilized in the current situation to ensure sharing of accurate information and coordinated action across the community on critical issues such as sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE).”

- Chairman Charlotte Nash

“For years GNRHD’s emergency preparedness division has planned for a pandemic, like COVID-19 . In preparation for emergency public health events, GNRHD had stockpiled thousands of personal protective equipment items, such as N95 masks, procedural masks, gowns, gloves and face shields. GNRHD had previously purchased portable ventilators that we supplied to our hospitals, helping greatly in the early phases of COVID-19 in anticipation of potential ventilator shortages. And, over the years, plans for drive-through mass vaccination and drug dissemination events were developed and exercised, which were easily adapted for our COVID-19 mass testing sites.”

- Dr. Audrey Arona “GCPS was prepared for digital learning as we already had a digital platform that has been in use for several years. The platform is used daily in the classroom and for digital learning days during inclement weather times. ” - Dr. Kelli McCain

G EN ERATI O N S M AG AZI N E 1 5

What are the takeaways and best practices you will continue to implement moving forward in your organization?

“The work that had been done in creating an emergency plan for the County and practicing it across the years was immeasurably helpful as we faced COVID-19 impacts. The lessons learned and issues faced during the pandemic will be incorporated into the emergency plan to strengthen it for the future. Specifically operational items, we likely will continue to utilize virtual platforms for internal meetings and offer remote options for some external meetings, as well as further exploration of remote workforce opportunities. We also are actively preparing for potential future needs through steps such as acquiring additional inventory of essential supplies like PPE and sanitizing/cleaning supplies.”

- Chairman Charlotte Nash “While we move forward, this pandemic helped us understand that our virtual offerings should be expanded in the future – particularly when it comes to public policy. We were pleasantly surprised by the reception of our virtual meetings and plan to continue by offering hybrid in-person/virtual meetings well into the summer and perhaps beyond. It’s also given us the opportunity to reevaluate our office space usage. We have converted one room into a permanent studio for broadcasting virtual meetings and webinars.”

- Nick Masino

CONTENT PROVIDED BY:

An A-Z marketing & design agency run by some pretty cool people. We're as elegant and professional as we are quirky and fun, and we live by the motto "we create". Also publishers of The DiG (see @diggwinnett).

1 6 GENERATION S MAGAZINE

“We learned how to communicate with customers better through text/email and via online platforms while customers sheltered in place. We want to be service oriented and solving problems with knowledgeable employees in the store, even if we have to do it over social media” - Andy Darnell “While we had a platform for delivering instruction and student learning, we had to make adjustments in how we delivered new content to the students.

Additionally, we had to realize that the parents were not familiar with the cClass platform so we had to clearly communicate the instructions to the parents.”

Chairman Charlotte Nash, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners PHOTO CREDIT EAST2WEST CREATIVE

- Dr. Kelli McCain “Beyond COVID-19, we will continue planning for our response in any emergency relating to the health and safety of our community. As with every response, our staff compiles after-action reports and improvement plans, so we can better prepare for the next event. As GNRHD sees new challenges, our teams focus on innovative solutions and creative ideas to improve our processes and ability to deliver services to our community members.”

Studio for filming for live online events.

PHOTO CREDIT GWINNETT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

- Dr. Audrey Arona “I think the streamlined communication and an ongoing focus on employee well-being will remain as best practices...

I think there will also be more willingness to consider how to integrate digital/remote learning in our course offering as we look at ways to foster student success and engagement.”

- Dr. C. Douglas Johnson

County employees cleaning podium during the May Board of Commissioners Rezoning Meeting PHOTO CREDIT PHIL SKINNER

IN RESPONSE TO CRISIS

Lawrenceville Standing Strong

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT

D

espite the COVID-19 pandemic that economically and emotionally flattened cities and towns across America, the City of Lawrenceville has come through the battle with its flag still flying and a list of accomplishments that would make Commodore James Lawrence salute. Lawrenceville, named for the famous commander of the frigate Chesapeake during the War of 1812, and incorporated in 1821, is the second oldest city in metro Atlanta and continues to be an example to other communities on how to lead, serve and succeed.

“As a Lawrenceville native, my love for this city and its residents runs deep,” Lawrenceville Mayor David Still said. “The pride I have in my community has grown exponentially as I have witnessed the innovative responses of our citizens, leaders, faith-based organizations, non-profits and businesses over the past three months in dealing with COVID-19, an economic decline and the discussions on racial tensions exposed recently in other cities in our country.

City of Lawrenceville's Director of Community Relations Melissa Hardegree said. “Universal Joint converted to a family market type business. Local Republic closed for a period of time, but reopened and offered a similar service and has now fully reopened. AR Workshop offered weekly art projects customers can pick up curbside. Fleet Feet offered virtual shoe fittings and curbside pick-up. Cotton Lace Market completely renovated their store during the pandemic and recently held a grand reopening. Performance Power Yoga live-streamed yoga classes to customers from their studio. It was so popular that once the studio reopened for classes, they are continuing to offer some livestream classes.

“Aurora Theatre continues unique digital performances online throughout the pandemic. Galactic Quest offered curbside pick-up of comic books to their loyal customers and is now reopened. Sweet Joy Ice Cream offered curbside delivery of delicious treats. Slow Pour Brewing Company, Gwinnett’s first brewery, created a special beer called “Thank You” and gave away free packs of beer to first responders while supplies lasted. These are just a few examples of our innovative “I am proud to be Lawrenceville's mayor and excited for our future as and dedicated merchants in downtown Lawrenceville.” we all work in unison with all our partners on these issues.”

In response to COVID-19, the City of Lawrenceville designated Once COVID-19 became a pandemic, the county seat of Gwinnett was $125,000 in matching funds for the Lawrenceville Response Center, swift to act. In mid-March, the Lawrenceville City Council declared a a partnership between the city, Impact46, the Lawrenceville Housing local state of emergency, which provided for the creation of designated Authority, Georgia Center for Opportunity, Lawrenceville Co-Operative lanes on the square for downtown merchants to use for drive-through ministry, Home First Gwinnett and other non-profits. The purpose is and curbside service, as well as allowed city restaurants to offer beer and to create an emergency intake center as well as develop a long-term wine sales with take-out orders, and delayed the due date for alcohol sustainability model for services to vulnerable Lawrenceville families/ excise tax payments for restaurants licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. residents. The LRC refers residents to industry leaders in the following The local emergency order also allowed the city council to conduct areas: Homelessness prevention, income loss recovery, and food meetings and take votes via teleconference. The city maintained distribution. communication through its website and social media and through a In May, the cities of Lawrenceville, Duluth and Suwanee jointly special COVID-19 webpage, which included links to important resources announced their decision to cancel all special events through the end and information from Gov. Brian Kemp's office. of July in support of public health, Hardegree said. On Sept. 11, the City staff worked in shifts to keep the city operational. All city buildings newly renovated Lawrenceville Lawn will open with a Live at The DTL were closed in support of public health, leaving the City Hall drive- concert and fireworks spectacular. The city is completing a $1.5 million through open for customers to make utility payments. Payment plans renovation to the Lawrenceville Lawn, which includes an amphitheater, and deposit refunds were offered to qualifying utility customers during arbor shades for tables, additional bathrooms and public parking. the pandemic. Convenience fees were also removed from online credit In April, the City of Lawrenceville expanded its #LightLawrencevilleBlue card payments for utility services. A new Lawrenceville Utilities site was program, which traditionally honors police, to include a #LightItBlue launched to provide additional online services for utility customers and aspect, honoring health care workers and other front line heroes. Citizens to decrease the need for customers to visit City Hall. purchased blue light bulbs from corporate sponsor Renasant Bank’s In February, downtownlawrencevillega.com was launched as the new drive-through window. All proceeds benefit the Police Benevolent Fund. tourism site for the City of Lawrenceville, along with a new Instagram City Hall and other buildings are now reopened, as have many handle, @The_DTL, providing two specialized locations for visitors downtown businesses and Lawrenceville is once again looking forward and residents to find details on shopping, dining and entertainment. to a bright future. Cranes currently dot the skyline on multiple Throughout COVID-19, this site was used as a location to share the construction sites. current status of Lawrenceville's downtown businesses.

Currently under construction downtown are the Expanded Amazingly, during these difficult days, Lawrenceville's businesses Lawrenceville Performing Arts Center, The Lawrence Hotel and Parking stepped up to make a difference in the community. Universal Joint, Deck, the SouthLawn Development, Iron Shield Brewing, Lawrenceville Cosmo's Little Italy and Blue Rooster Bake Shop & Eatery on the Square Lawn Renovation, LPAC OutParcel Mixed-Use Project, School of the worked together to provide meals for the COVID health care teams Arts at Central Gwinnett High School and the final phase of the College at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. Universal Joint recently shared on Corridor linear park.

Facebook they have served 2,000 meals to Northside Hospital Gwinnett For more information or to connect with the City of Lawrenceville, workers since March. visit its website, lawrencevillega.org or Instagram at @The_DTL “Many of our businesses were quite innovative during the pandemic,” 1 8 GENERATION S MAGAZINE

or downtownlawrencevillega.com.

Taking Your Medication On Time DR. KARL SIMON, PHARMD, BCGP & DR. JONATHAN PARK, PHARMD

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ifty percent of individuals do not take prescription medications as prescribed. This non-adherence can cause a decrease in overall health and is the leading cause of preventable death and increased healthcare costs around the world.

management of your medications. Each “bubble” contains your medication for that day and you will “punch” that bubble on the calendar date.

•

Medication Synchronization: If you are on several medications and make multiple trips to the pharmacy, this will allow your medications to be filled at the same day every month. Saves times and money!

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Additional Support Resources: Your local community or pharmacy may have additional programs to support your medication and lifestyle needs. Ex. Free blood glucose or blood pressure screenings.

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Consult with your primary care physician or senior care pharmacist: If you think you are experiencing side effects or do not fully understand the reasons for taking your medications speak with your physician or senior care pharmacist to discuss alternative therapies. Your pharmacist will also be able to help with managing the costs and complexity of your medications.

Why don’t patients take medications on time?

Patients who intend to take medications as prescribed usually encounter one or more barriers that cause medication non-adherence.

There are several barriers and they can be classified as patient related or treatment related.

Patient related barriers are behaviors exhibited by the patient and includes forgetfulness/motivation, denial of medical condition, lack of understanding of treatments and lack of support.

Patient Related Barriers •

Forgetfulness/Motivation: Not remembering to take medications on time

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Denial: Thinking that medication is not necessary, will try other methods to treat medical condition

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Health Literacy: Not fully understanding the importance for medications especially for diseases with no physical symptoms ex. high cholesterol

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Lack of Support: No family or social support to encourage healthy lifestyle habits

About the authors: Dr. Karl Simon is a Board-Certified Geriatric (Senior Care) Pharmacist and the owner of Suwanee Pharmacy in Suwanee, GA. Dr. Jonathan Park is a recent graduate of the Philadelphia College of Medicine (PCOM) School of Pharmacy in Suwanee, GA and is seeking employment opportunity within Geriatrics or Outcomes Research.

Treatment related barriers are directly related to the medication and includes cost, side effects, complexity of therapy and accessibility.

Treatment Related Barriers •

Cost insurance

: Cannot afford medications with or without

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Side Effects: Medication causing undesired effects

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Complexity: Too many medications at different times of the day

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Accessibility: Lack of transportation, medication unavailability, long wait times

What can I do to help me take my medications on time?

Taking medications on time can be challening and requires a personal commitment to your health. After all, how would you know if your medications are working if not taken as presrcibed? Here are a few ideas to help with managing your medications.

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Use a pill box: Place your medications in a pill box, depending on your medication regimen there are various types of boxes that will allow multiple administration times.

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Set a reminder/alarm on your cell phone: If you are taking medications throughout the day set an alarm on your phone.

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There’s an app for that! There are several “medication reminder” apps for your smart phone both on the android and apple operating systems.

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Daily Routine: Create a daily routine and incorporate your medications into it. Ex. If you take a medication at bedtime then leave that medication on your night stand next to your favorite book or next to your phone charger.

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Bubble Packaging/Punch Card: This allows easy access and G EN ERATI O N S M AG AZI N E 1 9

Listen To Your Heart

A

fter an unexpected outcome from HeartFlow Analysis, Doris Croker has never been so certain that everything in life happens for a reason.

Doris Croker has no shortage of things keeping her busy. Whether she’s spending time with one of her five grandchildren, going bowling with her Village of Deaton Creek teammates, playing Bocce or cheering on her husband Phil at his softball games, she enjoys living life to the fullest. Even when a sudden jolt of chest pain and shortness of breath caught her off guard, Doris didn’t let it stop her.

“I didn’t have chest pain all the time, it was only when my heart rate was elevated from moving quickly or exerting myself,” Doris explained. “So I wasn’t too worried.”

While she knew this was something abnormal, she thought it may just be a part of growing older. As long as she could control it and avoid that dreaded feeling of someone grabbing and squeezing her chest, she could continue on with her daily life.

Doris was finally forced to confront this feeling when a trip to Washington, D.C. with her husband, Phil, had her doing the very activities she had been avoiding — walking fast, going up and down stairs and doing this for days on end. She had to tell her husband.

“With all the different sites and the walking tours, we were going up and down stairs and trying to keep up with tour guides, I just couldn’t avoid the chest pain,” Doris said. “As soon as I told Phil about this symptom, he made me promise to go to the doctor as soon as we got home.”

Having been a longtime resident in Braselton, Doris chose to schedule her appointment at The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). After she described her symptoms to the physician assistant, the first step was to have an echocardiogram, a test that uses ultrasound to create a picture of the heart and enables the physician to evaluate heart structure and function

I could my hair couldn’t anything

When Doris went in later that day, she learned that one of her coronary arteries had a 75% blockage and another had a 50% blockage. “I had absolutely no idea,” Doris recalled. “None of my routine tests had ever detected any issues.”

To ensure that she received care as quickly as possible, Ryan Whitney, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at The Heart Center of NGMC, placed three stents that same afternoon.

“Since having those stents placed, I haven’t had any chest pain at all,” Doris said. “But in looking back, I realize that all those episodes of chest pain happened for a reason — they were telling me to go to the doctor before it was too late.”

What is HeartFlow?

HeartFlow Analysis in a non-invasive medical procedure used to asses coronary artery disease.

We take data from a standard CT scan to create a 3D model of the coronary arteries & analyzes the impact blockages have on the flow of blood your heart.

However, because the results of the test were inconclusive, Pavani Kolakalapudi, M.D., a non-invasive cardiologist at The Heart Center of NGMC, was consulted.

“What was most concerning about Doris’ case was the fact that her symptoms and the results of the echocardiogram didn’t match up,” said Dr. Kolakalapudi. “Because the underlying cause of her symptoms remained unclear, I knew she would be a great candidate for HeartFlow Analysis.”

Traditionally if coronary artery disease was suspected, doctors had to rely on invasive heart procedures such as catheterization to make an official diagnosis. Now, with HeartFlow Analysis, providers are able to get this same in-depth information by utilizing a CT scan to create a 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries and uncover any potential blockages.

“We are excited to have been the first in the state of Georgia to offer this life-saving technology,” Dr. Kolakalapudi said. “With HeartFlow analysis, we can detect partial blockages in the coronary arteries — and treat them — before a patient suffers a heart attack or cardiac event.”

The day after Doris’ screening, Dr. Kolakalapudi called her. “You know it’s never a good sign if the doctor calls you the very next day and asks you to come in,” Doris said. “I still remember that phone call and asking Dr. 2 0 GENERATION S MAGAZINE

Kolakalapudi if come in after appointment, I believe it was too serious.”

Unfortunately, it’s not all that uncommon for health warning signs, like chest pain, to be ignored or missed.

“When it comes to heart disease, we frequently see women downplaying their symptoms or delaying care,” said Dr. Kolakalapudi. “As a result, when women finally do seek treatment, they’re often diagnosed with more severe or advanced levels of heart disease.”

While reflecting on her experiences at The Heart Center of NGMC, Doris said she feels grateful — for HeartFlow Analysis, for her extraordinary support system and most of all, for a life free of chest pain and limitations.

“You may think that you have control over your health, or you may tell yourself that it’s something that will eventually just go away,” Doris said. “But I’m living proof that isn’t always the case.”

To learn more about The Heart Center of NGMC, or to request an in-person or video visit with one of our distinguished cardiologists, call 770-343-4239 or visit heartngmc.org/beat.

How To Wear Cloth Face Coverings

I

n an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where it can be difficult to maintain social distancing measures. That means people are advised to wear cloth face coverings while shopping for groceries or in any other settings where it might be difficult to stay at least six feet away from other people.

In recognition that the notion of wearing face coverings while in public is foreign to many people, the CDC issued instructions on how to wear such coverings to ensure they provide as much protection as possible.

HOW TO WEAR CLOTH FACE COVERINGS The CDC notes that cloth face coverings should: • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face • Be secured with ties or ear loops • Include multiple layers of fabric • Allow for breathing without restriction ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES The CDC says face coverings should be avoided by certain people. Such coverings should not be placed on children under age two. In addition, people who have trouble breathing, those who are incapacitated and people who cannot remove coverings without assistance should not wear them.

The CDC also notes that cloth face coverings does not refer to surgical masks or N-95 respirators. The CDC urges everyone to reserve such supplies for health care workers and other medical first responders.

Cloth face coverings should be routinely washed. A washing machine should be enough to clean these coverings.

When removing cloth face coverings, do so carefully. The CDC urges people to avoid touching their eyes, nose and/or mouth when removing their face coverings. Once the coverings are removed, people should wash their hands immediately.

Cloth face coverings can help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

While wearing such coverings is a simple gesture, it’s also one that can save lives. More information is available at www.cdc.gov.

G EN ERATI O N S M AG AZI N E 2 1

COVID-19 has more people relying on digital communication. It’s still important to remain safe online.

A

Practice Digital Safety While Social Distancing s COVID-19 spread across the globe, it was evident that strong measures would need to be taken to help slow the rate of infection so as to not overwhelm the health systems. Schools shifted to remote learning, nonessential workers were asked to work remotely and families were told to engage in internet-based chats in lieu of in-person gatherings.

Staying home dramatically increased reliance on the internet. Heightened use of the internet and digital products puts users at risk when they go online. Brandongaille Small Business & Marketing Advice offers that 82 percent of predators use social networking sites to target victims by learning about them. In addition, many identity theft crimes are perpetrated online.

The following are a handful of ways people can stay safe as they rely on the internet more and more.

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Limit the information you share. Children and adults should limit how much personal information they share online. Do not share bank account numbers, birth dates, addresses, and other information readily - especially on unsecured sites.

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Utilize private browsers. It's possible to set browsers to private mode and lock down social media accounts to offer the bare minimum of information to the public. However, even with such precautions, websites and applications may be collecting information and using it for marketing purposes. Law enforcement, website administrators and even hackers may be able to access private information, according to the computer security company Norton.

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Take note of your surroundings. People who engage in video chats or share images online should be aware of their immediate surroundings. Do items in the house in view of the camera give indication of personal identity details? Are there any embarrassing or inappropriate belongings in view? Check reflections in windows and mirrors to make sure that others in the house are not inadvertently showing up online as well. Consider limiting video or photo use in bedrooms, especially for children.

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Be careful of attachments. Exercise caution when downloading attachments from unknown sources through social media, chat rooms or email. Do not click on unrecognizable links, which could be harboring viruses that steal data.

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Use only a secure internet connection. Always use a secure internet connection when sharing important data, such as credit card numbers or banking information. Password protect all Wi-Fi networks.

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These are some ways to stay safe as internet activity increases in the wake of social distancing mandates.

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Patients find help from Dr. Roberto Norniella & staff at Monroe’s Ridgeview Institute

BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT

W

hether it’s help surviving a world-wide pandemic or navigating the dayto-day struggles of living, keeping a check on one’s mental health can be as important as life or death. Since 1976, more than 90,000 people have turned to Ridgeview Institute during crisis, despair and in search of hope.

From its first campus in Smyrna and now with a second campus in Monroe, Ridgeview Institute offers a range of services for youth, young adults, adults, senior adults and professionals in need of behavioral health and/or addiction intervention.

As Dr. Roberto Norniella, M.D. explains, psychiatrists are primary care doctors for the mind. As chief mental health officer and medical director for the hospital, Norniella and other Ridgeview doctors and staff focus on treating the overall mental well-being of patients. They diagnose and treat numerous types of mental illness, such as depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorders, to name a few. Treatments may range from medication management plans to different forms of therapy, all designed to help patients and families acquire the courage and skills to begin a new life.

Through its Women’s Connection, Ridgeview has designed a behavioral health program to assist women in overcoming problems stemming from trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and substance abuse.

Located at 709 Breedlove Drive in Monroe, Ridgeview Institute is an 88-bed mental health acute psychiatric hospital.

“Right now, it’s really interesting,” Norniella said. “Some areas have decreased in demand, like the adolescent unit where we usually have 20-26 adolescent patients.

We’re now running 8-10. Schools are closed and kids are home. There has been a decrease in the adolescent (unit), however demand for adult beds has increased significantly with depression, people losing their jobs and anxiety because of the

pandemic...or an increase in alcohol and drug abuse.”

Some patients are hospitalized at Ridgeview while others come and go for outpatient therapy programs.

The adolescent unit is usually busy this time of year with kids facing such issues as bullying, stress of academic pressure, fighting at school and truancy, as well as drug use in school and suicide concerns, the doctor said. He added that being home all the time due to schools being closed takes away certain components and while Ridgeview is still helping a number of young people, the numbers for that unit are considerably less right now.

Norniella is the father of two daughters, one of whom is an ICU nurse in Alabama working on the front lines of the virus pandemic and his younger daughter is a psychology student at Georgia State University.

Born in Puerto Rico, Norniella graduated from the University of Massachusetts followed by medical school and an internship at Central University of The Caribbean School of Medicine. He did a fellowship at Yale University and is board certified in psychiatry. He had a practice in Alabama before moving to Georgia and is in now in his 26th year in the medical field. He worked at both Ridgeview Institute and was medical director of Lawrenceville’s SummitRidge before being named medical director of Ridgeview. Norniella also has a medical office in Watkinsville.

While his work is demanding, the doctor makes time to relax by playing golf, writing, and traveling, especially going back to Puerto Rico to visit friends.

Norniella’s mental health advice to others is simple.

“In general, one of the most important things is not get overwhelmed with work,” he said. “Get some rest. Sleep is super important not only for mental, but physical health. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid excess alcohol and stay away from drugs.”

For more information, visit Ridgeview’s website at https://ridgeviewinstitute.com/monroe.

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Northeast Georgia Health System First In State To Receive Emergency Cardiac Care Center Designation

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AINESVILLE, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) continues to lead the way in life-saving heart and vascular care by becoming the first health system in the state with hospitals designated as Emergency Cardiac Care Centers (ECCC). This new designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) means that when you or someone you know has a heart attack, you can trust Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) to provide fast and effective treatment.

“Receiving the ECCC designation is such a tremendous accomplishment for our team,” says Jason Grady, NGMC regional STEMI coordinator. “But this achievement extends far beyond the walls of our system – connecting first responders, emergency departments and cardiologists throughout the regions to ensure each patient receives the level of care they need.”

Healthcare organizations seeking ECCC designation by the Georgia DPH undergo a thorough evaluation process, including a site inspection and an assessment of emergency cardiac care processes and equipment. Once these steps are complete, the Georgia DPH uses a three-level designation system to rank the capabilities of each facility: • Level 1 hospitals perform open heart surgery and interventional cardiac catheterizations • Level 2 hospitals perform interventional cardiac catheterizations • Level 3 hospitals stabilize patients until they are transported to a Level 1 or Level 2 center.

Based on these specifications, NGMC Gainesville received Level 1 designation, NGMC Braselton received Level 2 designation and NGMC Barrow and NGMC Lumpkin both received Level 3 designation.

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“Receiving ECCC designation speaks volumes about the level of cardiac care NGHS provides,” says Ryan T. Whitney, MD, FACC, interventional cardiologist and chairman of The Heart Center of NGMC. “Our continued dedication to excellent heart and vascular care – both routine and in emergency situations – is saving lives throughout our community and beyond.”

The designation comes almost three years after legislation that created the concept of Emergency Cardiac Care Centers in Georgia was signed into law at NGMC Gainesville on May 3, 2017.

“Jason, our cardiologists and our entire team worked tirelessly for this designation to become a reality – and we had strong support from Gov. Nathan Deal, Sen. Butch Miller, Sen. Renee Unterman and Rep. Lee Hawkins,” says Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System. “NGHS has a rich history of being the leader in cardiac care, and that legacy continues today.”

Cardiologists with The Heart Center of NGMC continue to provide routine heart care during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can even schedule an appointment via video chat, so you don’t have to come to the office. Schedule your video visit today by calling 770-534-2020 or request an appointment at heartNGMC.org.

ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through four hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega – with a total of more than 700 beds and more than 1,100 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.

What Causes Cataracts?

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hen a brand new car is driven off a dealership lot, its plastic headlight lenses are clear and pristine. Over time, due to contaminants in the environment and oxidation from ultraviolet rays, those same lenses can become cloudy, yellow and opaque. Cloudy headlights can decrease visibility and potentially put drivers at risk.

Similar scenarios sometimes unfold involving the human eye.

Starting around age 40, proteins in the eye may begin to break down and cause lenses to become cloudy. UV rays can be damaging to the eyes and contribute to this natural protein degradation. While pronounced vision problems may not occur immediately, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says vision can be impaired later in life. The organization All About Vision states cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and also are the principal cause of blindness in the world.

Unprotected exposure to the sun is just one contributor to cataracts. Certain medical problems, such as diabetes, also can cause cataracts. An eye injury, eye surgery or radiation treatments on the upper body also can cause cataracts, as can corticosteroids, advises the AAO. Congenital cataracts, which occur when infants are born with cataracts, may be caused by infection, injury or poor development in the womb; otherwise, they can form in childhood.

Cataracts form in various regions depending on the cause, according to AAV. • Subcapsular cataract: A subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. People with diabetes or those who take high doses of steroid medications have a greater risk of developing this type of cataract.

• Nuclear cataract: This cataract forms in the central zone of the lens and is often associated with aging.

• Cortical cataract: This cataract is characterized by opacities that are white and wedge-like, which form on the periphery of the lens. Eventually they work to the center in a spoke-like fashion. Cortical cataracts can result from aging.

Symptoms of cataracts often can be slow to form, so people may not even notice they have cataracts until they start to block light, while others may learn of their presence during vision exams. Cataracts may cause vision that is filmy, blurry or foggy, indicates WebMD. In older adults, nearsightedness may be attributed to cataracts. Glare, both during the day and at night, also may affect vision due to cataracts. Double vision or changes in the way one sees color can be symptoms of cataracts as well.

Eye professionals can diagnose cataracts and make recommendations on the course of treatment. Cataract removal surgery is highly effective. More than 95 percent of people who have undergone the surgery experience improvements. Such surgeries are often performed on an outpatient basis.

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Cancer Care Never Stops at Northeast Georgia Medical Center

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hyllis Wiley, grandmother of 4 and long-time Gainesville resident, wasn’t sure what to expect when news began to spread of the COVID-19 virus. Businesses began closing temporarily, and soon, Governor Kemp was urging the community to take necessary precautions, such as staying home and only going out for essential items or services. But what did this mean for Phyllis, who was in the thick of treatment for stage 3 lung cancer?

“Cancer is relentless. It doesn’t stop, even for a pandemic,” says Charles Nash, MD, medical director of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s (NGMC) Cancer Services.

“But so are we,” he adds. “Our cancer team at Northeast Georgia Medical Center never stops fighting.”

Thanks to NGMC’s continual adjustments and increased safety precautions, patients like Phyllis are still able to receive quality cancer care. In fact, Phyllis recently completed her 30th radiation therapy treatment. She celebrated – COVID-19-style – by ringing a bronze bell adorning the wall of the radiation therapy suite at NGMC Gainesville, with her mask on and husband Loyal six feet away. And what a celebration it was.

“At NGMC, we’re constantly evolving the way we care for our cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Jayme Carrico, executive director of NGMC’s Cancer Services. “What hasn’t changed, however, is our commitment to providing the safest, highest quality cancer care to our patients. We want you to know that we’re working tirelessly to keep our community safe so you can receive the advanced treatment you need.”

In addition to the increased safety precautions, cancer patients at NGMC also benefit from: 2 6 GENERATION S MAGAZINE

Experience: At NGMC, we treat almost 3,000 new cancer patients each year, so you can trust our ability to treat your cancer.

Convenience: We offer access to cancer treatment in four convenient locations – NGMC Gainesville, NGMC Braselton, NGMC Barrow and the Toccoa Cancer Center – so our patients never have to worry about traveling far from home to receive quality cancer care.

National Clinical Trials: Through our network affiliation with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, patients have access to more than 275 existing therapeutic clinical trials and research projects led by some of the top clinical investigators in the country.

Collaboration: Physicians across multiple specialties within NGMC combine their expertise to determine the best treatment plan specifically for you. Additionally, as an affiliate of the Winship Cancer Network, our physicians and patients benefit from direct access to Winship's tumor boards and multidisciplinary cancer team meetings for even more collaboration in cancer care.

Personal Support: Our patient navigation program provides clinical, emotional and financial guidance and support throughout your cancer journey.

Advanced Treatment Options: Patients have access to the latest screening and treatment options including 3D mammography, lowdose CT scans for lung cancer screening, state-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques, advanced chemotherapy, gynecologic oncology, robotic and minimally invasive surgery and many additional therapies, including biologic, hormone and prostate seed implant.