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A Lifestyle Resource for Adults 55+ Vol 9 Issue 4
Local Medical Directory Senior Housing & Independent Living
www.HighroadsLiving.com
To Advertise, Please Contact: Mountain Lake Publishing 888-896-2412
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What Happened to The Family Doctor? How many people remember the family doctor who came carrying a black bag and had a familiar face everyone knew? He knew your parents or grandparents and treated them for their health ailments. He knew you growing up, took care of your sprained joints, sports injuries, knew what work your family did and the stresses in your life. Many times he not only helped your ailments, but gave you wise advise that you admired for years. Today, some practices have evolved to combine the family approach in treating the whole person with primary care to “Integrated Behavioral Health�. These type of services have better ways to help treat you in your overall primary health care. Everyday stress, anxiety, adverse behaviors, emotional concerns, or other life circumstances can interfere with your daily life and overall health. The approach of the mind-body-behavior connections can help in order to provide solution-focused care and interventions. Integrated Behavioral Health helps resolve conditions such as headaches, sleep problems, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, obesity, or bereavement. When emotional or behavioral issues such as depression, anxiety, or addiction happens, behavioral plans for smoking cessation, weight loss, alcohol/drug use, exercise and lifestyle modifications are integrated for complete help. This type of approach is combined with a primary care doctor to provide a relationship with your best interest in mind. Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers welcomes you to let them help provide a Behavioral Health Consultant in person or over the phone to serve as a resource to you and your provider in developing and implementing the best whole person integrated Health care plan for you. Integrated Behavioral Health is available to patients at their facilities and may have copay for individuals with private insurance or Medicare. Visit their website at amchc.org to find a location near you.
Peachtree Community Health Center
WHOLE PERSON WHOLE FAMILY
HEALTH CARE
EVERYONE IS WELCOME! PRIMARY CARE | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Whole Person Healthcare Includes: • Preventive Care • Complete Physical Exams • Treatment for Acute Illnesses and Minor Injuries • Women’s Services • Minor Office Procedures • Chronic Disease Management • Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services • Care Management for Primary Care: • Resource connections • Care plans • Basic counseling services • Medication monitoring and management • Medical appointment coordination Peachtree Community Health Center participates in a Medicare Shared Savings Program, resulting in coordinated care and additional resources for our Medicare patients. • Home visits • Pharmacy reviews • CaraMedic programs that integrate paramedics into the multidisciplinary care team - bringing compassionate care truly closer to home. Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Self-pay and sliding scale options available.
PEACHTREE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 4048 E US 64 Alternate, Suite 1 Murphy, NC 28906 Phone: 828-837-8131 Fax: 828-930-7732 Monday - Friday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Murphy, Cherokee County) An affiliate of
amchc.org TALLULAH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 409 Tallulah Rd. Robbinsville, NC 28771 Phone: 828-479-6434 Fax: 828-479-2917 Monday-Friday | 7 am - 6 pm (Robbinsville, Graham County)
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How does telehealth really compare to inperson health care?
F
ollowing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the adoption of telehealth services has been on the rise and people are turning to digital technology more than ever to address their personal health care needs without having to leave their homes. But while many have begun to embrace telehealth offerings as a new way to connect to care and address their personal health needs, myths surrounding what telehealth services are intended for and how they compare to in-office visits continue to prevail. To help determine how digital care can best meet health care needs during quarantine and beyond, here are the facts behind four common misconceptions about telehealth: MYTH #1: Telehealth is only for basic or urgent care needs. FACT: Telehealth can often be the first stop for preventive, primary care and other health and wellness needs. Patients can connect with a doctor or nurse practitioner to receive care for a range of acute, preventive and chronic care needs, including illness and injury, mental health services, and management of conditions like asthma, diabetes and more. Whether patients live in a rural area or simply want an easier way to manage their health, telehealth can adapt to their needs. MYTH #2: There aren’t any telehealth providers in the area. FACT: Many trusted local and national health care systems
provide telehealth services across the nation. Today, more than half of providers in the United States offer some form of telehealth service, according to an April 22, 2020, Merritt Hawkins survey, “Physician Practice Patterns Changing as a Result of COVID-19.” Additionally, recent government, health system and reimbursement policy changes have improved patient access to telehealth services and are encouraging use as a safe way to access care during the pandemic. In fact, locating telehealth providers is easier than ever before with platforms like Walgreens.com/FindCareServices, which helps patients access care when and how they need it. Patients can choose from more than 30 telehealth providers treating over 100 conditions, while searching from the comfort of their own home. Available through an app and online, the platform makes it easy to find and compare available providers by location, preference, insurance coverage, services and price. MYTH #3: Virtual care isn’t as good as in-person care. FACT: Telehealth services can offer high-quality, convenient access to care. Much like face-to-face office visits, telehealth visits can facilitate a trusting, open dialogue with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Most providers have a web-based interface or mobile app, making it easy to log onto and use secure, quality video for consultations and to visually help communicate about injuries or conditions. Telehealth also reduces time spent in waiting rooms and commuting to appointments, putting more power in the hands
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Yes, we are OPEN. Exercise is GOOD for you!
Personal Training • Group Fitness • Zumba Yoga/Pilates • Spin • Tanning • Childcare Now Accepting
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of patients. It can be particularly valuable for enabling remote monitoring and regular check-ins for patients with chronic conditions. While telehealth can be a convenient alternative to in-person care, there are still instances where in-person appointments are recommended, such as in the case of a medical emergency. To consider the best option for care needs, check with a doctor. MYTH #4: Telehealth is too expensive. FACT: Telehealth and other services can help save money while expanding access to care. When looking for a telehealth provider, it can prove cost-effective to compare options based on pricing, insurance coverage, preferences and services provided. Look for telehealth options that list transparent pricing information to help guide the search. If a consultation requires a prescription, Walgreens also has 24/7 pharmacy chat capabilities through its app and Walgreens.com/SaveOnRX with discounted pricing on a range of medications. Telehealth is more accessible than ever as more providers evolve and adapt technologies to meet patient needs at a safe distance. But even as social distancing constrictions lift, digital wellness offerings will present greater flexibility and convenience in meeting individual health care needs. (BPT)
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.
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medlinkga.org
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PROFESSIONAL
Skin Therapy FOR YOUR HEALTH
W
hat is a professional skin therapist and why should you see one? This is a question I hear a lot. A professional skin therapist is a state licensed professional that works with skin. They may be an aesthetician, a master cosmetologist, or an RN. Some professional skin therapists (PST) work in medical clinics, some in wellness centers, and others in spas and solo suites. There are a variety of reasons you should see a PST. I recommend seeing one quarterly for routine skin maintenance and more often if you are having any issues with your skin. Your PST can work hand in hand with your dermatologist or medical doctor to treat dehydration, sensitivity, breakouts, and more. Even if you see a dermatologist for a yearly skin scan, you should also visit with a PST who has been trained to keep your skin healthy and glowing. A professional skin therapist takes over 600 hours of classes in anatomy, physiology, skin diseases and disorders, treatment protocols, product ingredients, safety and sanitation, in addition to receiving hands on training
using a variety of techniques and machines. They take a state licensure national board written and practical exam in order to earn their license. They also undergo frequent post graduate continuing education to keep up to date with the latest treatment practices and skincare ingredients. Your PST is trained to look at your skin and make recommendations for results-oriented treatments and procedures, so you look and feel your best. During your visit, your PST you will perform a thorough consultation where they will ask about your homecare regimen and make a detailed examination of your skin. Based on the information they gather from these two processes they will custom design a treatment based on your wants and your skin’s needs. During your treatment you will receive a thorough cleansing, a professional exfoliation of dead skin cells, extractions of clogged pores if needed, a relaxing and therapeutic facial massage, a targeted skin treatment, and moisturization. If you are pressed for time, many PST’s do mini treatments without massage.
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Your PST may use electrical or ultrasonic devices to thoroughly cleanse your skin, mechanical exfoliators such as a microdermabrasion machines to exfoliate your skin, and/or brushes. They will also use towels, sponges, and their hands.
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When your treatment is over, your PST will go over their findings and make recommendations for home care. Picking out the best products for your skin isn’t easy – if it were, we would all have perfect skin – that is why you need to visit a PST 4 times per year. As the seasons change, your skincare needs change and a professional evaluation and product recommendations will help you keep your skin in it’s best shape. Your PST must think like a chemist, train like a doctor, listen like a therapist, and make your feel like a million bucks. Visiting with a professional skin therapist is relaxing and educational. Schedule a visit with a skin therapist at Blue Ridge Wellness & Massage today. Your skin is worth it!
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ways to help keep your dog protected and happy this summer
W
ith the country beginning to reopen, don’t forget about your pet. While you return to your favorite summer activities including hiking and swimming with your dogs, it is important to be aware of a few things first. Senior Technical Services Veterinarian at Bayer Animal Health, Dr. Zach Miller, shared these four simple tips to keep your pets happy and active in the coming months: TRANSITION YOUR DOG BACK INTO A NORMAL ROUTINE Many Americans have been home due to COVID-19 restrictions, in turn making their pets very happy. Over time, your dog may have become used to the non-stop attention, so reverting back to our normal schedules where many will be out of the house more often may cause separation anxiety among pets. To help ease your dog into the transition, start by creating a predictable routine and slowly getting them used to you not being home. Grab your keys and leave the house at the same time each morning for a short period of time. This will help them get used to the action of you leaving, without going cold turkey. As time goes on, you can stay away from home longer, until your pet no longer experiences anxiety.
DON’T FORGET TO STAY ON TOP OF FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION During the summer months, pet owners tend to bring their pets along for their many outdoor adventures. While enjoying the great outdoors, whether you’re on a hike or going for an afternoon walk, it’s important to help protect your pets from pests including fleas and ticks. A recent survey conducted by the makers of Seresto® found that nearly half (48%) of pet owners who use a monthly flea and tick medication forgot to apply the treatment at least once over the past six months. These lapses in treatment can open pets up for new infestations or cause expensive treatment setbacks. A great way to overcome these forgotten doses is to instead use a flea and tick preventative that doesn’t require monthly application - like a Seresto® collar, which prevents fleas and ticks for eight continuous months. This eliminates the hassle of remembering and applying monthly treatments and creates no mess because of its non-greasy formula. BE CAUTIOUS OF STAGNANT BODIES OF WATER It’s natural to want to let your pets play in a body of water in warmer temperatures, especially if you begin venturing out for hikes or camping. However, many pet owners are
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unaware of the danger that swimming in stagnant ponds or lakes may pose for animals. Blue-green algae, commonly found in stagnant bodies of water, can be potentially lethal to animals when ingested, causing particularly catastrophic harm to their liver. As a pet owner, it’s best to make sure your dog avoids drinking or playing in standing water with a visible film on its surface. Help your dog cool down by bringing plenty of water along with you instead! REACH OUT TO YOUR VET TO FIND OUT ABOUT ANY NEW PROTOCOLS Because COVID-19 restrictions vary by state, one of the most important things to do as a pet owner is proactively reach out to your local vet clinic to find out more about their current policies. If you have an emergency, are they accepting walk-ins or are they by appointment only? Are they currently doing wellness exams? By taking the time to find out protocols of these locations, you and your pet will be prepared in case of an emergency. There are still many unknowns about what the future will hold. Keeping your pet happy and protected doesn’t have to be one of them! (BPT)
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Ways Youth Can Connect Food Choices to a Healthier Planet
A
lthough many young people care deeply about global issues like food and the environment, they don’t necessarily see these matters as connected. By learning more about the source of their food and the benefits of making nutritious choices, eating appropriate portions and minimizing food waste, youth can better understand the positive impact on their own and the planet’s health. “America’s teens don’t think about or understand the relationship between food, their health and the health of our planet, yet they have a strong desire to connect the food they eat with the world they live in,” said Alexis Glick, CEO of GENYOUth, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating healthier school communities. “It’s crucial that they have the knowledge to serve as smart stewards in support of a healthy planet and its people.” Help the kids in your life begin to understand how food and the planet are closely connected through these ideas. Be informed about how food choices impact Earth. Learning about the way food choices affect the environment can lead to changes in behavior. All foods require some degree of natural resources to be grown or produced, and nutrient-rich foods are required to survive and thrive. By using sustainable agricultural practices and minimizing the use of natural resources, farmers can provide nourishing food while being mindful of the planet. Eat sustainably. Youth are twice as likely to think about the healthfulness of their food as its environmental impact, according to Youth & the Future of Food, a national survey of teens published by GENYOUth. While 65% of youth say they regularly think about how healthy or nutritious their food is, only 33% think about whether the food they eat has an impact on the environment. One way to eat sustainably is reducing, recovering and recycling food waste at home.
Plant or get involved in a community garden. A community garden offers multiple benefits, including turning eyesore locations into places of beauty and providing a source of fresh local produce. Community gardens have become especially important in urban areas where access to fresh food may be limited. Research gardens in your community to learn how you can help. Or gather a group and find a spot to start your own garden, such as your local school, using grants and local donations. Visit a local farm. Those closest to the land and food production offer a wealth of knowledge about where food comes from, how it’s grown or raised and what is added to it to make it wholesome and safe to consume. According to the survey, farmers are seen as trusted allies, with 64% of young people saying they would like to visit a farm and talk with a farmer and 83% interested in hearing more from those who work directly in agriculture. Many dairy farms host school and community group tours to help teach children about where their food comes from. Learn how to cook. A passion for food that is responsibly produced can be motivated by your taste buds and curiosity in the kitchen. Start by learning about locally sourced foods or buying fresh foods when they are in season. In fact, milk is a local food, and there are dairy farms providing fresh, local milk to grocery stores across America. By exploring different recipes that use locally sourced ingredients, you can create a nutritious meal or snack that is good for you and the planet. To find more ways to build a connection between food, your health and the environment, visit genyouthnow.org/reports. Family Features, Source: GENYOUth Photo courtesy of Getty Images #15305
HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 4 - Highroads Living 11
MedicalDirectory BLAIRSVILLE
CLEVELAND
MURPHY
Brasstown Pharmacy Drug & Gun 23 B Murphy Hwy. 706-745-2303
MedLink GA 17 White St.
Murphy Dental Center 828-837-5911 119 Natural Springs Drive
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
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 7
CLAYTON Family Care Clayton 563 Mountain City Road
706-960-9026
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! 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
MedLink GA 896 US-441
706-754-4348 ext 2018
706-754-4348 ext 2018
medlinkga.org
See pg 5
DAHLONEGA Family Care Dahlonega 400 Walmart Way Suite F
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! 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.
DEMOREST MedLink GA 706-754-4348 ext 2018 396 Historic Highway 441 N. Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org
See pg 5
HAYESVILLE Chatuge Family Practice 241 Church Street
828-389-6383
Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org
chatugefp.org
See pg 15
Peachtree Community Health Center 4048 E US 64 ALT, Suite 1 828-837-8131 Providing whole person care by integrating primary care and behavioral health at one location, during one visit. Our services encompass individualized treatment, health education, and community assistance from a team of providers that include physicians, nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), community health workers, and peer support specialists. Monday - Friday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm amchc.org See pg 3
familycarega.com
Established 42 year Community medical practice that offers many services. Variety of Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and Assistant Payment programs available.
See pg 5
Modern Dentistry in a caring, home-like atmosphere including General Dentistry, CEREC Dentistry, and Oral Conscious and IV Sedation. murphydentalcenter.com
Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid
ROBBINSVILLE Tallulah Community Health Center 409 Tallulah Rd. 828-479-6434 Providing whole person care by integrating primary care and behavioral health at one location, during one visit. Our services encompass individualized treatment, health education, and community assistance from a team of providers that include physicians, nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), community health workers, and peer support specialists. Monday-Friday | 7 am - 6 pm amchc.org See pg 3
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 9
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Support Your Immune System with Grapes Boosting immune function through a healthy diet has become an important new focus for many people these days. One key dietary recommendation is to eat more fruits and vegetables each day to improve immune function and prevent heart disease and diabetes. When looking to guide your family to healthier snacks and meals or simply trying to mix up your at-home menu, success can be as simple as rethinking the ingredients you choose to use, including your favorite produce, such as grapes. Fresh California grapes, for example, make for an ideal snack because they are tasty, healthy, hydrating and refreshing, but grapes can also be used to make good-for-you dishes that are also satisfying and delicious. Grapes of all colors - red, green and black - are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. Plus, they are naturally fat-free, cholesterolfree and contain virtually no sodium.
Moroccan Grape and Grilled Chicken Bowls with Grape Vinaigrette Servings: 4 COUSCOUS INGREDIENTS: 1 cup Israeli couscous 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup parsley, leaves only 1 1/2 teaspoons ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend) 1 teaspoon salt CHICKEN INGREDIENTS: 2 chicken breasts (8 ounces each) 1 tablespoon harissa paste 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup green California grapes 1 lemon, juice only 1 preserved lemon, rind only 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped salt, to taste ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup red California grapes, halved 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
TO MAKE COUSCOUS: Cook couscous in boiling salted water. Drain, rinse with cold water and combine with olive oil. Add carrots, tomatoes, parsley leaves, ras el hanout and salt. Mix well and set aside. TO MAKE CHICKEN: Heat grill to medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with harissa paste, olive oil and salt. Grill on both sides until just done. Set aside to cool. Slice into 1/4inch slices. To make vinaigrette: In blender, puree green grapes, lemon juice, lemon rind, olive oil and cilantro until smooth. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Toss couscous mixture with vinaigrette and portion into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, red grapes and almonds. Nutritional information per serving: 590 calories; 30 g protein; 44 g carbohydrates; 32 g fat (49% calories from fat); 4.5 g saturated fat (7% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 720 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.
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Cauliflower Steaks with Grapes
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 large head cauliflower, leaves trimmed off 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 cup halved California grapes 1/4 cup chopped Castelvetrano olives 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley 2 tablespoons chopped, toasted pistachios
GREAT FOR PETS TOO!
Just off the square in Clarkesville 1386 Washington St., Clarkesville, GA 30523 www.SweetReleafStore.com • (706) 839-7225 Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm
Heat oven to 450 F. Cut stem off cauliflower and cut remaining head crosswise into four 1-inch-thick slices, keeping as intact as possible. Place on sheet pan and brush sides with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast until browned and tender, about 25 minutes. Combine remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, grapes, olives, parsley and pistachios. When cauliflower is roasted, transfer to serving plates and top with grape mixture. Nutritional information per serving: 210 calories; 5 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 14 g fat (60% calories from fat); 2 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 480 mg sodium; 5 g fiber. Family Features - #15239 Source: California Table Grape Commission
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YOUR EYES ARE A WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH: Why you need regular exams
L
ike many Americans, you may be putting off regular health appointments like eye exams because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, your optometrist may have been closed for some time, depending on where you live.
It may seem less urgent to have an eye exam if you’re not experiencing vision problems, but more than 270 serious conditions can be detected - which may affect the way you see and your overall health. Most are asymptomatic, so an annual eye exam by a doctor of optometry is recommended to keep you healthy. For those working - or attending school - from home now, increased screen time can cause eye strain, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches and blurry vision. Whether you’re experiencing digital eye strain or dry eyes, or if you have health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, comprehensive eye exams are vital. Anyone with risk factors for glaucoma such as being over age 60, having a family history of glaucoma or physical injuries to the eye should have regular appointments for eye pressure. And being checked for cataracts from age 60 can help prevent loss of sight.
For kids, spending each day looking at screens and less time outdoors could also increase their risk of myopia (nearsightedness). Scheduling an eye exam is a good idea before the start of every school year. DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY ARE REOPENING Practices are open nationwide to provide the full range of comprehensive eye health and vision care. If you’re unsure about in-person appointments, your optometrist may offer telehealth consultations, but there is no substitute for an inperson comprehensive eye exam. If you experience an emergency eye-related issue, like a painful scratch, contact your optometrist first rather than going to an emergency room. A 2017 study from the University of Michigan found that only about 6.7% of eye-related emergency room visits were for true eye emergencies, and the rest could likely have been treated by an eye care professional outside the ER. If there is an immediate threat to life or limb, patients should still go to the emergency department. Otherwise, call your optometrist first. PREPARING FOR AN OFFICE VISIT Plan ahead for any medical appointment. Offices may operate at reduced volume, giving priority to patients requiring urgent or
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emergency care. Practices have also adopted new sanitization protocols to ensure patient safety that may affect the timing of an appointment. “Doctors of optometry, like all medical professionals, are adhering to guidance from the CDC as well as federal, state and local health directives to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr. William T. Reynolds, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Procedures patients can anticipate include screening for symptoms of COVID-19 and taking each patient’s temperature upon arrival, limiting the number of people in waiting rooms and requiring everyone to wear face masks and/or gloves before entering.” HERE ARE TIPS FROM THE AOA TO PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT. • When scheduling your appointment, ask about health and safety protocols. • If you do not need someone with you, attend your appointment alone to help the office manage physical distancing and safety. • Wearing a face mask or cloth face covering and gloves is strongly recommended, and may be required by your state or your optometrist. • Follow staff instructions on how to maintain safe social distancing. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth while in the office. • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting public places or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • Bring hand sanitizer in case you are unable to wash your hands. • Fill out paperwork in advance or online if possible to reduce time in the waiting room. FOR INSURANCE CONCERNS Check your current policy to determine what vision services are covered. Some health insurance plans cover eye exams, even if corrective lenses are not covered. Ask your employer about your benefits if they are unclear. If you’ve just been laid off, you have until the end of the month to access your healthcare benefits. If you have no coverage, look into low-cost vision insurance at Healthcare. gov. Ask your doctor of optometry about out-of-pocket prices for services. To find a doctor of optometry near you, check out AOA.org/ doctor-locator-search. (BPT)
Live Well 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.
www.chatugefp.org Sally Cody, FNP-C
Services Offered CDL Exams Preventative Care Laboratory Work Minor Surgery
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8 am - 6 pm Wed and Fri: 8 am - 4:30pm
Sports Physicals Acute & Chronic Disease Management Weight Loss Management
Acupuncture Dermatology/Skin Checks Medication & Medical Assistance Programs
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