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A Lifestyle Resource for Adults 55+ Vol 9 Issue 3
Vitamin D - for Better Health - page 10 -
Local Medical Directory Senior Housing & Independent Living
www.HighroadsLiving.com
To Advertise, Please Contact: Mountain Lake Publishing 888-896-2412
2 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 3
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MELANOMA CAN’T WAIT What Everyone Should Understand About This Deadly Cancer
While the summer months often serve as an important reminder on the dangers of sun exposure, many people may not realize that skin cancer can happen to anyone at any time of the year. With more than five million new cases diagnosed each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. There are many different types of skin cancer, and while the majority can be relatively slow growing, melanoma, the faster growing cancer, is an exception to this rule. For every 30 days that early stage melanoma treatment is delayed, there is a negative impact on overall survival. Advances in Skin Cancer Detection - No Scalpel Needed: For decades, biopsies have been the standard way to test growing skin spots or suspicious moles for melanoma, but using a scalpel to remove a portion of the mole is not always necessary, can be painful, and can leave scarring behind. What’s more, of the
4.5 million biopsies performed annually, only around 180,000 cases of melanoma are detected, or 1 melanoma for every 25 biopsies. Today, however, advances in science and the precision of genomics enable melanoma to be detected at the earliest stages without a biopsy using a non-invasive adhesive patch test. This adhesive patch test, made by DermTech, collects skin cells from the surface of an entire lesion without a biopsy and reduces the chance of missing a melanoma to less than 1%, where a biopsy has as high as a 17% chance of missing a melanoma. “Being able to rule out melanoma without a biopsy is an option every patient should know about,” said Nora, a melanoma survivor. “Having this testing option can mean greater peace of mind and help eliminate unnecessary watching, waiting, worrying and even scarring.” “It is critical to catch and treat melanoma early for the best chance of survival. Having this adhesive patch test offers a way to effectively rule out melanoma
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and objectively assess a suspicious lesion in a noninvasive manner,”said Dr. Julie Karen, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in skin cancer and laser surgery. “This test is also a critical tool that can be extraordinarily helpful when practicing dermatology via telemedicine, as a doctor can order the test to be sent to the patient’s home to be administered by the patient under their doctor’s supervision, and results are achieved within a few days after test completion.”
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Dr. Karen shared that, “The good news is, there are a few simple steps people can take to be vigilant about finding melanoma in its early stages. I stress each of these key actions with all of my patients, but everyone can and should implement these as part of their regular health habits, because melanoma won’t wait.”
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“When I saw a new spot on my shoulder during a self-exam, I called my physician immediately and it was diagnosed as melanoma. I encourage everyone to know their skin, check it often and advocate for yourself if something doesn’t look right,” added Nora.
2. Remember Your ABCs as You Assess Your Moles If you’re trying to determine when to see a dermatologist about one of your moles, let the rules of ABCDE guide you. • Asymmetrical: One half is different than the other. • Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border. • Color: Varied tones from one area to another. May include shades of tan, brown, black, white, red or blue. • Diameter: Melanomas are typically 6 millimeters or larger.
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How to Spot Skin Cancer Early (Hint: Check Often):
1. Perform Regular Self-Exams and Note Observations Performing regular skin self-exams allows a person to more easily spot new growths or abnormal changes in existing moles and freckles. It is best to write down notes on changes you observe and take photos to keep track of changes or concerning areas. Any spot, new or old, that is changing in appearance or symptoms or stands out should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician.
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Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
3. Visit A Dermatologist Every Year A visit to the dermatologist for a full-body skin check is recommended on an annual basis even for completely healthy individuals who have no history of skin cancer. However, if you find something suspicious during your self-exam, don’t wait for your annual visit. Finally, Dr. Karen stresses that, “If an in-person visit isn’t possible, virtual telehealth visits are always, without question, a better option than delaying a visit with your dermatologist, especially if you have a concerning lesion or skin spot.” For more information on the importance of early melanoma detection, visit: dermtech.com/early-melanoma-detection. (BPT)
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REDUCE YOUR RISK
After a heart attack or stroke, as many as 1 in 4 survivors will have another one. However, lifestyle changes and working closely with your doctor to manage your health may minimize the risk of a repeat event. Sticking to secondary prevention routines - by eating healthy, being active and taking medications as prescribed - is important as cases of COVID-19 increase.
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of Another Heart Attack or Stroke
Up to 80% of second clot-related strokes and heart attacks may be prevented by making healthy choices. Consider these tips from the American Stroke Association’s secondary heart attack and stroke prevention initiative, sponsored nationally by Bayer. Blood Pressure: Work with your doctor to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy blood pressure level below 130/80. High blood pressure is both a leading cause and major risk factor for stroke and heart attack.
“A heart attack or stroke is a very scary experience, and people try to avoid revisiting that difficult time,” said neurologist Lee Schwamm, MD, chair of the American Stroke Association and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School “Unfortunately, the Cholesterol: Medication and healthy lifestyle habits risk of a repeat stroke is high, and lifestyle can help keep high cholesterol in check. changes to reduce a person’s risk are almost always necessary to reduce those odds.”
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Blood Sugar: Having diabetes, which is caused by high blood sugar, more than doubles your risk of stroke. Some people have diabetes and don’t know it until a medical emergency happens.
Live Well
Medications: If you are prescribed medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, make sure you take them as prescribed. If you had a clot-related stroke or a heart attack, your doctor may recommend aspirin to help prevent another event. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so talk to your doctor before beginning an aspirin regimen. Smoking: If you smoke, stop. Smoking increases the risk of stroke and heart attack because it damages blood vessels, which can lead to blockages. Physical Activity: Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week or 150 minutes per week is recommended by the American Stroke Association.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS FOR STROKES AND HEART ATTACKS Even as COVID-19 cases strain emergency medicine, experts say calling 9-1-1 is still the best way to access life-saving treatments for people who are experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms. Heart attacks and strokes are medical emergencies. If someone is experiencing stroke or heart attack symptoms, he or she should call 9-1-1. Emergency medical responders can assess symptoms, begin treatment in the ambulance and transport the patient to the most appropriate hospital, if necessary. Hospitals have plans in place to keep potentially contagious patients away from others and keep surfaces clean. Calling 9-1-1 and activating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ensures you have the best possible chance to beat a heart attack or stroke. EMS can begin treatment in the ambulance and take you to the hospital best suited to care for you in an emergency.
Chatuge Family Practice A non-profit organization
828.389.6383 Teresa A. Heavner, M.D.
241 Church Street, Hayesville, NC 28904
Jill M. Brinke, M.D.
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Stroke warning signs can be remembered using the acronym F.A.S.T.: * F - Face drooping * A - Arm weakness * S - Speech difficulty * T - Time to call 9-1-1 Heart attack warning signs include: * Chest discomfort. * Discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. * Shortness of breath. * Breaking out in a cold sweat * Nausea * Lightheadedness
(Family Features) Photo courtesy of Getty Images #15098 Source: American Stroke Association
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How to use the 6 dimensions of wellness to choose SENIOR LIVING
“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can,”wrote Danny Kaye, beloved Hollywood performer. Kaye’s advice certainly reflected his colorful career. It’s true that the more one expands one’s palette of experiences, the more vibrant life becomes.
The finest senior living communities offer healthful meals prepared from scratch by professional in-house chefs to meet residents’ dietary needs. Look for a variety of dining venues, from casual bistros to formal restaurants with gourmet cuisine.
As you evaluate senior living communities for the next step in your or a loved one’s life journey, look for environments with an array of resources conducive to flourishing. The National Wellness Institute defines Six Dimensions of Wellness - physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and environmental - which can serve as a guide to enrichment and growth.
For example, Anthology of Clayton View boasts chef Adam Shaw, former head chef for Ritz-Carlton. Anthology of The Plaza chef Sam Hudging prepares happy hour appetizers highly enjoyed by residents, and his themeinspired meals have delighted residents and families alike.
1. Physical. Look for a community fostering physical wellness through excellent health care, nutrition and exercise. Confirm that each resident receives a care plan tailored to individual needs, and that services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy are available onsite. There should be ample access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment designed for older adults and daily group-led exercise programs.
2. Emotional. Emotional wellness means having a positive sense of self and feeling connected to others. Consider senior living communities whose staff and environment encourage connectedness. Do compassionate care providers ensure that each care plan promotes independence? Are staff aware of individual care plans, so they have a holistic understanding of each resident? Does the community provide opportunities for emotional development, such as intergenerational art therapy for individuals with memory loss, plus pet therapy and music therapy?
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Another key to emotional wellness is a sense of fun. At Anthology of Louisville, management and staff lead by example. They turn Kentucky Derby day into a highlight of the year. And when many residents had birthdays the week the COVID-19 crisis hit, they organized a family parade of cars for a motorized birthday party. 3. Intellectual. Intellectual wellness is cultivated through stimulating mental activities and access to opportunities to expand and share knowledge and creativity. Look for a senior living option offering opportunities to expand residents’ minds. Learning experiences like language courses, sewing classes and lectures by guest speakers should be listed in their calendar. 4. Social. For social wellness, residents need to feel connected to family and community, with opportunities to enhance friendships. This has been severely challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior living communities nationwide have had to implement strict safety protocols such as in-room isolating, social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, screening and testing. Inquire if the community you are considering acted quickly to put programs in place to help residents maintain connectedness to loved ones. Despite difficult circumstances, premium senior living communities still provide creative and engaging socially distanced activities to promote residents’ mental and emotional wellness and use technology to help residents connect with loved ones. “Our Socially Distanced Engagement Program provides residents with daily activities that focus on the mind, body and spirit to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active,” says Anthology Senior Living president Benjamin Burke. “We continue to look at the best ways to keep lines of communication open, and we encourage residents and loved ones to stay connected through phone calls, video chats and email. The safety and well-being of our residents and team members is always our true north.” 5. Spiritual. Spiritual wellness encompasses the need for meaning, as expressed in spiritual beliefs and practices. Look for senior living communities providing opportunities for spiritual growth, with spiritual gatherings such as non-denominational services, rosary prayer, hymn singing, devotionals and Shabbat celebrations.
When LIFE matters most... why not get the best LOCAL care? Your local hospice with local staff caring for our community for over 15 years.
706-896-1251 www.regencyhospice.com 6. Environmental. Our feeling of wellness is profoundly affected by our environment. Look for a beautifully designed community with welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces. Seek sophisticated accommodations with spacious private suites and a variety of floor plans to meet individual preferences. The best-designed communities offer well-appointed public spaces such as meeting rooms, landscaped courtyards and raised planters for resident gardening. Keep these Six Dimensions of Wellness in mind as you research your or your loved ones’ next home. All six dimensions should be interconnected, strengthening residents as individuals and the community as a whole. With many senior living options available, thoughtful evaluation will help you find a community that provides the enrichment and care needed for a flourishing lifestyle. To learn more about independent living, assisted living and memory care, visit AnthologySeniorLiving.com. (BPT)
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Fuel your fitness at home:
5 TIPS AND TRICKS Face it, finding time to achieve your fitness goals while balancing work and home life can be a struggle. However, while many people are spending more time at home, here’s a great opportunity to start fresh with a new fitness routine. Here are some helpful tips for helping you live your best, healthiest life: 1. CREATE A REALISTIC SCHEDULE
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“It’s important to fuel your body with high-quality ingredients all the time, but especially when you are being more active,” said Blatner. “For example, Eggland’s Best (EB) eggs make a perfect pre- or post-workout snack or meal because they offer superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs at the grocery store. EB eggs contain six times more vitamin D and double the omega-3s compared to other eggs, which aid in muscle recovery and strengthening bones. Plus, they contain double the vitamin B12, which can help boost energy and keep you fueled throughout the day.” If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious meal that will help keep your fitness goals on track, try the Fish Taco Bowl from Eggland’s Best:
It’s a lot easier to blow off your at-home workout than a oneon-one training session or group class. What’s the secret to success? Put your fitness routine on your calendar! Instead of telling yourself, “I’ll exercise after I’m done with work,” switch your thinking to, “I’ll exercise at 6 p.m,” that way you’re more likely to hold yourself accountable. Pro-tip: Make sure it’s actually written in your calendar and set an alarm to remind you. 2. PRIORITIZE SLEEP To maximize the work you put in during exercise, be sure to get enough rest every night. A full night’s sleep aids your muscle growth, enhances muscle recovery, regulates weight management and can help boost your metabolism. Turning off electronics and other distractions at least 30 minutes before bed helps you fall asleep faster and achieve a higher quality sleep. 3. DESIGNATE A FITNESS SPACE You don’t need a full in-house gym to have a successful workout, but it is important to think about what you’ll be doing. Yoga, core exercises or Pilates only require enough space for a yoga mat, whereas a cardio workout may need a larger area or harder surface. Consider your preferred activities before you set up your space and try to set up camp somewhere quiet with few distractions. 4. STAY HYDRATED Caffeinated energy drinks are a trendy pre-workout beverage, but they can lead to negative side effects like jitters and energy crashes. The best way to avoid cramps and fatigue is to drink water before, during and after a workout. Sports drinks with electrolytes are a good option for high-intensity exercise, but be mindful of their sugar content. 5. ADD FUELING INGREDIENTS TO YOUR DIET Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner recommends incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet that support your fitness goals.
EB FISH TACO BOWL Time: 25 minutes. Makes 6 servings. Ingredients: 2 tilapia fish fillets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup kale 1/2 cup corn 1 cup black beans 1/2 avocado, sliced 2 cups cooked white rice 4 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large), scrambled Preparation: - Cook 1 1/2 cups of white rice as directed. - Mix cumin, cayenne pepper and chili powder in small bowl. Rub generously over tilapia fillets on both sides. - Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add fish and cook about 3 minutes each side until almost blackened and fish is cooked through. Remove from skillet and shred with fork. - In same skillet, add garlic, corn and kale. Stir and cook until kale is wilted. Add beans and cook until heated through. - Crack 4 eggs into bowl and whisk. Pour eggs into kale, corn and bean mixture and allow to sit for a minute until they begin to cook through. Then scramble everything together. To serve: Layer rice, egg, corn, kale and bean mixture, fish and avocados. (BPT)
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MedicalDirectory BLAIRSVILLE
CLAYTON
Brasstown Pharmacy Drug & Gun 23 B Murphy Hwy. 706-745-2303
Family Care Clayton 563 Mountain City Road
Blairsville’s most reliable Pharmacy for all your prescriptions, including hormone replacement therapy, vaccinations, & compounding for your specific needs. Firearms and ammunition plus parts or accessories. brasstown.biz
Happy Heart Home Care 706-781-0906 341 Gainesville Hwy STE D We provide joyful personal care assistance to our clients by offering meal prep, transportation, medical appointment assistance, medication reminders,sick child care, hygiene and toileting assistance, house keeping, companion care, ambulation assistance, shopping, and much more (even a boat ride or two). happyhearthomecare.com See pg 13
N. Georgia Hearing Aid Specialist, LLC 281-C Young Harris Street 706-745-1861 Connie Duncan hearing aid specialist serving the local area for over 25 years. All make repair, new digital technology, any brands except franchise. “Hearing Aid Specialist of the Year - 2012” Conviently located for over 15 years, next to the Blairsville Post Office.
BLUE RIDGE Blue Ridge Wellness & Massage 2710 E First Street 706-946-9355 We offer a full array of holistic/wellness services. Massage, Skin Therapy, Wellness Coaching, Natural Healing and Fitness Classes, Diagnostic Testing and more... blueridgewellnessmassage.com
See pg 3
DEMOREST 706-960-9026
MedLink GA
706-754-4348 ext 2018
WE ARE OFFERING 3 TYPES OF COVID19 TESTING! Due to a federal grant we are able to see uninsured patients at no cost to the patient for COVID-19 related visits! TEMPORARILY reduced hours to 9am-2pm due to COVID-19. Primary Care and Urgent Care services that include exams, sick visits, DOT physicals, IV fluids, blood work, stitches, sports/school physicals, and more. TeleMed available. Walk-ins always welcome. familycarega.com
396 Historic Highway 441 N.
MedLink GA 896 US-441
practice that offers many services. Variety of
706-754-4348 ext 2018
Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org See pg 15
CLEVELAND MedLink GA 17 White St.
706-754-4348 ext 2018
Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org See pg 15
DAHLONEGA Family Care Dahlonega 400 Walmart Way Suite F
Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org
See pg 15
HAYESVILLE Chatuge Family Practice
828-389-6383
241 Church Street Established 42 year Community medical Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and Assistant Payment programs available. chatugefp.org
See pg 5
MURPHY Murphy Dental Center
828-837-5911
119 Natural Springs Drive Modern Dentistry in a caring, home-like atmosphere including General Dentistry, CEREC Dentistry, and Oral Conscious and IV
706-867-7666
WE ARE OFFERING 3 TYPES OF COVID19 TESTING! Due to a federal grant we are able to see uninsured patients at no cost to the patient for COVID-19 related visits! TEMPORARILY reduced hours to 9am-2pm due to COVID-19. Primary Care and Urgent Care services that include exams, sick visits, DOT physicals, IV fluids, blood work, stitches, sports/school physicals, and more. TeleMed available. Walk-ins always welcome. familycarega.com
Sedation. murphydentalcenter.com
HIAWASSEE Regency Hospice
706-896-1251
236 S. Main Street When Life matters most… why not get the best local care? Serving North Georgia for over 14 years with hospice care. regencyhospice.com
SeniorLiving BLAIRSVILLE
Wesley Mountain Village / Simpson Estates 493 Wesley Mountain Drive 706-745-5565 The independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for! Enjoy your own home in the mountains without the burden of lawn care and maintenance (for those 55+) simpsonestates.org / wesleywoods.org See pg 15
See pg 7
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VITAMIN D, The
“Sunshine” Vitamin
What do obesity, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and fibromyalgia have in common? The answer is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for several reasons, including maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Vitamin D plays a role in immune, brain and nervous system health, aids in regulating insulin levels, supports lung function and cardiovascular health, and influences the expression of genes involved in cancer development. Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It’s estimated that 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of vitamin D in their blood. According to a 2011 study, 42% of adults in the US are deficient. This number goes up to 69% in Hispanics and 82% in AfricanAmericans mainly due to the higher amounts
of melanin in the skin which reduces the body’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. Some other common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are being over age 65, being overweight or obese, living far from the equator, always using sunscreen or staying indoors, and diets that limit fish or dairy. Low vitamin D levels have also been found in those who take prescription medications for heartburn and acid reflux and in those with certain chronic conditions such as celiac disease, bariatric surgery, and with chronic kidney and liver disease. The latest research links vitamin D deficiency with low immunity, fatigue, bone and back pain, depression, impaired wound healing, chronic skin conditions, bone loss, hair loss, muscle pain and even reduced sleep quality. One study of children with low vitamin D levels and growing pains, found that a single dose of vitamin D reduced pain scores by 57%. So how can we increase our levels of vitamin D? Spend time in the sunlight. Summer is naturally a great time to take in more vitamin D through your skin. Yet, this has to be balanced with protection
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from extended sun exposure. Studies have found that being in direct sunlight daily (arms and legs exposed) 20-30 minutes before applying sunscreen can help improve vitamin D levels. Consuming fatty fish, pasture raised egg yolks, mushrooms and certain fortified foods can be helpful. For many people, taking a vitamin D supplement may be the best way to ensure adequate intake. For most people, 1000-5000 IU is considered a safe daily dose for maintaining healthy levels. If supplementation is recommended, remember to take it with a meal and on a full stomach to help absorption. We are always here to help you and answer any questions you might have about natural solutions to good health. A to Zinc Health Store & Smoothie Bar, Reader’s Choice for Habersham’s Best Health Store. Located at 204 E Louise St. in Clarkesville, always open at AtoZincHeath.com. by Tracy Pato
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Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space Home improvement projects aren’t limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home’s value. Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The findings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year. “Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola,” said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. “We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood with a granite countertop. It has clean lines and a unique custom look.”
Custom-built and prefabricated kitchens are also in high demand, Garcia said, along with recreation features like putting greens, bocce ball and basketball courts. Hardscape features that add function and ambiance top many homeowners’ lists, as well. Examples include fire pits and fire tables, as well as water features like fountains, waterfalls, basalt columns and bubbling urns. Understanding Landscaping Elements Creating the ideal outdoor living space requires thoughtful planning and a holistic approach to landscaping. Typically, when people consider landscaping, they think of plants and flowers. However, landscaping includes a wide range of elements in an outdoor design that can generally be grouped into two main categories: hardscape and softscape. Understanding the components and options within each category can help you create a cohesive design for maximum enjoyment. The hardscape encompasses the man-made elements that bring function and aesthetic appeal to the design.
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PROVIDING JOYFUL PERSONAL CARE & HOME REPAIR SERVICES Superior Service in Overall Home Care - Meeting • Senior Care the Healthcare Services • Home Repair/ Industry’s Maintenance & Cleaning Services Highest • Home Monitoring • Registered Nurse for Stanclient care & ongoing assessments • Safety checks dards.
Terri Worthey PhD, RN
706-781-0906
• 24-hour service, plus holidays & weekends • Cost-effective solution for patients • Safety equipment installation
HappyHeartHomeCare.com happyhearthomecare@gmail.com
Senior Living in the North Georgia Mountains
BRANAN LODGE
An affordable community of apartments in a beautiful mountain setting. (Federal rental assistance for those 62+ or mobility impaired.) Examples include concrete pavers, natural stone features, seating and retaining walls, wood and composite decks, pergolas, fencing and synthetic lawns. Softscape elements are the living components that add beauty and character to your outdoor space. These include the grass, shrubs, trees, flowers and plants. Your softscape may also include enhancements like mulch and an irrigation system to help care for the vegetation. Although the hardscape and softscape elements are distinct, an effective landscape design integrates both to create the look and feel you want for your outdoor living space. Getting Started Once you’ve considered the landscaping features necessary to bring your vision to life, it’s time to get
SIMPSON ESTATES
The independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for! Enjoy your own home in the mountains without the burden of lawn care and maintenance. (for those 55+)
leaders in senior living
493 Wesley Mountain Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512 www.wesleywoods.org 706-745-5565 your project in motion. Set a budget and consider whether you will need professional support to make your design ideas a reality. A remodeling expert can guide you on how to achieve the look you desire with your home’s unique characteristics in mind, while helping manage your timeline and expenses. Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your community at remodelingdoneright.com. (Family Features) #15218
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Practical Tips for Caregivers Facing a Pandemic Whether your role as a caregiver has you looking out for an elderly relative, children or both, chances are good that you’ve worried about how the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to affect your ability to provide necessary care.
dialysis, wound care, etc.) and common supplies such as tissues and cough syrup. * Those with a loved one in a long-term care facility should inquire about any positive COVID-19 cases in the facility, testing procedures for the residents and staff members and be aware of the facility’s protocol if there is an outbreak or positive tests among residents and staff.
Following the most up to date guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and These additional tips can help caregivers Prevention is the first step for caregivers reduce the pandemic’s impact: who are looking after loved ones. As caregivers continue to adjust during the Make backup plans. Most caregivers have plans in pandemic, keep these considerations in place for temporary assistance when things go awry, but COVID-19 is putting many of those short-term mind: * Contact health care providers to obtain extra necessary medications and stock up on over-the-counter drugs. * Monitor needed medical supplies related to a loved one’s condition or treatments (oxygen, incontinence,
solutions to the test. It’s a good time to pull in additional resources so you have extra help waiting if someone you’re counting on falls ill or can’t fill in as planned. A meal delivery service may be a good option if grocery shopping and meal preparation continue to be affected.
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Reduce exposure. Those who take care of loved ones in their homes or are regular care providers to family members and friends have concerns about exposing this vulnerable group to the virus. Many long-term care facilities have changed their visitation policies. You might be able to visit a loved one through a window, via a balcony or through video chat. It’s also important to minimize time spent out in the community where you could unknowingly contract the virus and pass it to a vulnerable loved one. Shop smart. Because supermarkets and stores with goods identified as “essential” are still bustling with people, it’s important to minimize extra trips and wear a mask when in public. If possible, drop groceries and essentials at the door or arrange for delivery. In addition, some major pharmacies, where AARP members get special benefits on health, wellness and beauty purchases, have introduced special shopping hours for seniors and drive-thru shopping options to minimize person-to-person contact. Reschedule wellness appointments. Not only are doctor’s offices short on resources, a waiting room can be filled with germs that may cause illness. Try to arrange for telephone or video-based appointments when possible and cancel any appointments that aren’t urgently necessary.
NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS We offer primary care for families and children, along with dental, pharmacies, rehabilitation, diabetes education & behavioral health. Accepting most insurances including MEDICARE & MEDICAID.
RABUN
896 Highway 441 S Clayton, GA. 30525
HABERSHAM
396 Historic Highway Demorest GA 30535
RABUN NORTH
773 North Main Street Clayton, GA. 30525
BANKS
1244 Historic Homer Hwy Homer, Georgia 30547
706.521.3113 For other locations and information visit:
medlinkga.org
Yes, we are OPEN. Exercise is GOOD for you!
Keep germs away. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is critical. In addition to washing hands after eating and using the restroom, anyone entering and leaving the house should wash his or her hands. Also wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, remotes and phone keypads. Combat boredom. Despite the good intentions of staying away, social isolation can be a real concern for seniors. Practicing social distancing is important for their health, but you can help keep them engaged by increasing phone, video and online interaction, and encouraging family and friends to do the same. If your loved one doesn’t already have a cell phone, contractfree plans are available with free activation and special rates for senior users. Many long-term care facilities also offer social distancing activities for residents. Find more resources for caregivers at aarp.org/save. Family Features Photo courtesy of Getty Images #15183 Source: AARP Services, Inc.
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16 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 3
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