Canton Family Life 6-16 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

June 2016

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11

32-33 On the Cover:

The Goddard School

35-46

Health & Wellness Guide

50-52

Peach to the Beach

56-57

[32-33]

35-46

50-52

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

56-57

Northside Vascular Surgery

.......................... Perspective

.............................. Calendar

....................... Business Life

..................... Canton Minute

........................ Capitol Ideas

............... Community Partner

........................ Book Review

......................... Taste of Life

......................... Artist Profile

................... Faces of Canton

.................... Ribbon Cuttings

Publisher’s Perspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

Be True

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com Rachel Sprouse Rachel@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

After the first person stood to speak, I immediately knew we were going to hear some strong opinions. There was plenty to be said about the confusion of being “politically correct” and the weak posture within our society when it comes to taking a stance. Much of what these men stated, many admittedly from simple upbringings, was about the importance of standing up for our beliefs. One gentleman made it crystal clear when he said, “People can’t be wrong when telling the truth. There is no need to ever fear truth.”

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of 24,000, direct mailing over 22,000 copies to Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher, and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. © 2016 All rights reserved.

E R EC Y C LE

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

Just because the truth may hurt someone’s feelings, does not mean we should govern or dictate the value of it by holding back. In truth, there is no confusion. If your beliefs are proven alternatively, then you just learned a valuable lesson that you would not have learned otherwise. Truth is based on facts. There is no arguing, no gray area; it is true or it’s false. There is zero benefit to any backtalk with your personal character, your morals, your country or your God. Be true to yourself by being honest about how you really think and feel. Our world will be a much less confusing place when we stop fearing the truth.

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.

Sunday, we woke up, got dressed and drove to the first church we found off of a little gravel road near the cabin. We were greeted by a couple dozen folks and felt really comfortable in such a genuinely welcoming environment. The membership of the little church was sparse, and at first, it seemed that everyone was going to say something, and my mind was racing for a little something introspective, just in case.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessica Asbell, Jose Baez, Rep. Mandi Ballinger, Kathleen Boehmig, Cyndi Braun, Michael Buckner, Jyl Craven, Natalie del Valle, Micah Fowler, Joshua Fuder, Hillary Gallagher, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Vicki Knight-Mathis, Pamela Marquess, Robbie Matiak, Jim McRae, Scott Merritt, Tim Morris, Erin Myers, Vishant Nath, Juan Reyes, Nick Roper, Mark Russell, Matthew Thomas

M AG A ZI

ast month, I was fortunate enough to take a little break from the home zone. The little cabin where we stayed was down in a valley, where the only rush we had was the soothing, rumbling water of a wide mountain creek. There was no cellular service, so no fussing over devices, and no television, so no drama over channels. We made sure the children knew what to expect, and we were upfront about the pending uselessness of their electronics on the journey north. Saturday was spent mostly in or near the water, next to a roaring campfire or relaxing with board games after dinner.

PLE

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

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Calendar Ongoing Canton Farmers Market Each Saturday in downtown Canton, you can find locally grown produce, baked goods, food specialty items, fresh flowers and bedding plants, along with handmade crafts. 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonHDL.com

4-5

JUNE

1-25 Captured Memories: Cherokee County Through the Lens of Buddy Alexander

This exhibit explores Cherokee County during the 1950s-1970s, with images from the popular photographer. The Alexander family donated the expansive collection, consisting of almost 80,000 images, to the Historical Society in 2004. The current exhibit highlights some of Alexander’s favorite subjects, including schools, churches, businesses and aerial views of the county. Free! WednesdayFriday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Cherokee County History Museum, 100 North Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn.org

Waleska Farmers Market Sponsored by Reinhardt University, the Waleska Farmers Market is in the parking lot behind the North Cherokee Church of Christ, at the corner of Highway 140 and 108 in downtown Waleska. Admission and parking are free, and the market operates rain or shine every Thursday through September. 3:00-7:00 pm, 7198 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska. 770-720-5988. CherokeeChamber.com

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

Cherokee Chorale’s Pops Concert: America Musical Heritage and Favorites from the Stage Harris Wheeler will conduct this fun show! Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm, Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

4-5

11th Annual Wing and Rock Festival — Free, 2-day family friendly, food and music event that has something for everyone! This event is the 3rd largest chicken wing festival in the country, featuring some of the region’s best tasting wings. Wing vendors compete in several competitions throughout the weekend, and of course, there will be a wing eating contest. Saturday 12:00-9:00 pm, Sunday 12:00-6:00 pm, Etowah River Park & Amphitheatre, 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton. WingAndRockFest.com

4-5

Ball Ground Summer Fest There will be something for everyone, including: a 5k run, youth baseball tournament, car show, helicopter rides, live entertainment, a kids’ corner, specialty food concessions and top-end arts and crafts vendors. Saturday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00–6:00 pm, BGSummerFest.net

Main Street Morning — Take part in this networking meeting opportunity. This event is free and open to the public. Come get updates on Main Street and Downtown as well as hear a short presentation from our host. Free coffee and pastries from CupUp. 8:00 am, Oak Leaf Church, 151 E Marietta Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonHDL.com

Heavenly Hydrangeas — Learn secrets to growing this glorious plant. 10:00 am, Hickory Flat Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-721-7803. CAES.UGA.edu/ extension/Cherokee

2016 C.O.P. Shop — In the event of an emergency, your CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training could mean the difference between life and death. A representative from the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services will teach the class. Must be 14 years of age to receive certification. 8:30 am-12:00 pm, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

Cherokee Aquatic Center’s Teen Night — Teen Nights are good, wholesome fun for your teen! There will be different, fun activities like inner tube water polo, log rolling, etc. Pizza dinner is included! This is for ages 13+. 6:00-9:00 pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Pkwy, Holly Springs. 678-8804760. CRPA.net continued on

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Calendar 18

Insect and Disease ID — Even the pros have to manage plant diseases and insect pressure. This class will provide you with information on how to prevent and spot plant diseases and how to distinguish the good bugs from the bad. 10:00 am, Ag Agent Research Garden, 137 Ellenwood Drive, Canton. 770-7217803. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/Cherokee

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Concert in Brown Park: Thomas Fountain — Thomas Fountain launches his new CD in Downtown Canton’s Brown Park in a special Main Street Concert Event! Food trucks/ tents will be available. Bring your blanket to pick your spot on the lawn! The Foti Brothers open the show. 7:00 pm, 223 E Marietta Street, Canton. 770704-1548. CantonHDL.com

“Rock Camp” — presented by Canton Music Shoppe. 6:30 pm, Canton Historic Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-720-2698. CantonTheatre.com

The Collingsworth Family in Concert — Gospel music, 6:00 pm, First Baptist Canton, 1 Mission Point, Canton. 678-796-8578. ShadyGroveEvents.com

JULY

First Friday — Canton’s monthly block party, featuring live music, food and good times! July’s theme is “At the Beach,” with music by Kid Brothers Band. 6:009:00 pm, Canton Historic Downtown Loop. 770-704-1548. CherokeeChamber.com

Scan to submit your upcoming event!

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

July 2nd Faith and Freedom Festival 2016 — Bring your lawn chair and enjoy music, food and beautiful fireworks! 3:0010:00 pm, Ball Ground’s City Park, 200 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-6247. FaithAndFreedomFestival.com

City of Canton 4th of July Celebration — Patriotism and fireworks at its finest, the fun starts in Downtown Canton with fun activities, followed by the American Legion Parade and a fireworks display at RiverStone Shopping Plaza at dusk. 4:00 pm, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1548. CherokeeChamber.com

ZOO ENCOUNTER June 8, 10:30 am, R.T. Jones June 10, 10:30 am, Ball Ground Let the zoo come to you! Join us for a Zoo Atlanta Animal Encounter. For the safety of the animals, this program is limited to 60 guests and requires registration. It’s designed for ages 5 & up. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early. No admittance after 10:30 am. Due to space, strollers are not permitted.

ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS: THE LONGEST DAY June 20, 10:15 am, R.T. Jones Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters. In this program, you’ll learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s in America. Hear from people who have the disease, and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others.

LITTLE RED BARN MOBILE PETTING ZOO June 10, 1:00-2:00 pm, Hickory Flat This is a fun, hands-on, family outdoor event with animals.

FUN FOOTBALL SCIENCE June 22, 3:00 pm, R.T. Jones Ever wonder why a football is shaped so differently? Retired science teacher and Tellus Museum volunteer, Sharon Christensen, will teach us this and much more about the science behind football though fun hands-on activities. This program is for ages 8-12. Space is limited; registration is required.

HOW TO INCREASE VISIBILITY & SEARCH TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEB SITE: SEO BASICS PT. I June 13, 6:00 pm, R.T. Jones Local businessman, Barry Zuber, is discussing Search Engine Optimization techniques to help your small business. Part I of this interactive seminar will teach you real-world Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to improve website rankings, and get the high quality search traffic you deserve. DUCT SPARKLERS June 14, 10:30 am, R.T. Jones June 22, 10:30 am, Hickory Flat Learn how to get the illusion of a sparkler as we make this craft with duct tape. All materials will be provided. This program is for ages 9-12. Space is limited; registration is required. THE HUNGER GAMES! June 14, 4:00 pm, Ball Ground Hunger Games activities, trivia and games, may the odds be ever in your favor! This program is for grades 6th-12th.

HOW TO AUDITION FOR A LIVE THEATRE PRODUCTION! June 28, 4:00 pm, R.T. Jones Discover the actor in you! Our favorite local actress, Teresa Harris, is conducting a cold read audition program for adults ages 18+. We have lots of local community theatres in our area. Topics covered include: how to audition, items to bring with you, what to expect and how rehearsals work. Please call to reserve your space. OUT OF THE PARK SCIENCE! June 29, 3:00 pm, Ball Ground Retired science teacher and Tellus Museum volunteer, Sharon Christensen, will teach us the science behind the speed and skill of baseball. There will be fun hands-on activities! This program is for ages 8-12. Space is limited; registration is required. THE FOURTH: WHY WE CELEBRATE June 29, 6:00 pm, Ball Ground Christiana Loudermilk leads a historical exploration of the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents. All ages are welcome.

For more June events, please visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

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Business

Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) President Misti Martin has been named among “North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.” This list is created annually by Consultant Connect and recognizes economic developers and site consultants for “excellent innovation and success in building the communities they serve.” “This annual list recognizing ‘North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers’ is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect. “Each of the leaders represented on this year’s list are beyond deserving of this recognition for their efforts in building our communities, brick by brick and job by job.” “We have always known Misti to be exceptional and an expert in her field. It is no surprise that others recognize her talent,” said COED Chairman Marshall Day. “We are proud to have her as our President, and it’s a pleasure to work with her. She does a great job for the citizens of Cherokee.”

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

Acupuncture is a healing technique that originates from China and is used for balancing energy meridians within the body. Dr. Ana Villanueva, of

Jabez Wellness, specializes in acupuncture and the practice of Oriental medicine. Her studies of integrated medicine took place at East West College of Natural Medicine. She is nationally board-certified, has a Diplomat of Acupuncture, and is licensed in multiple states. Dr. Ana has also held a license in aesthetics since 2000. She has a passion for health and wellness and a vested interest in enabling her patients to achieve maximum capacity of quality of life and overall balance. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on meridians (pathways) that run throughout the entire body and directly correlate to the organs, structural body and emotional body. In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is treated as a whole on the three levels: physical, emotional and spiritual. They believe that energy goes where intention flows. Jabez Wellness is located at 321 E. Main Street in Canton. For more information, call 813-758-5222, or visit jabezAcupuncture.com.

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ou’ve probably seen them before. They’ve become more frequent visitors to the area. They travel in a fleet of vehicles; they occupy buildings and pause traffic. They carry heavy duty equipment. More often than not, they wear street clothes, and they’re notorious for bringing a celebrity or two with them in each of their visits. Can you guess who? It’s film crews! The film industry in Georgia is booming, and our community is witnessing the influx. Much of the film activity is attributed to the State of Georgia’s Film, Television and Digital Entertainment Tax Credit, which provides a 20% tax credit for companies that spend $500,000 or more on production and post-production in Georgia, either in a single production or on multiple projects. The State also grants an additional 10% tax credit if the finished project includes a promotional logo provided by the State, most often in the form of the big Georgia peach you see at the end of the production after the film credits. As a result of the State Legislature’s commitment to the film industry, Georgia now ranks as the number three location for film production in the U.S., only behind California and New York.

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Cherokee County is getting its share of the pie, too. Thanks in large part to the incredible team at the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, cities and properties all across Cherokee County are on the radars of film scouts, on the maps of site selectors and welldocumented by the State of Georgia’s Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office. Canton, in particular, is reaping benefits of film investment. In the past two years, two feature films and two top-rated shows have filmed in downtown Canton. Canton’s first cameo on the big screen was Disney’s The Odd Life of Timothy Green, starring Jennifer Garner. This is a chronological exception to the four cinema projects we have welcomed since 2015. The recent resurgence began with Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots filming extras at the 151 West Main building in April 2015. Two months later, the filming of The Founder brought Michael Keaton to Canton in a 1950s-1960s period film about Ray Kroc and the story of how McDonald’s grew to be an international powerhouse. Earlier this year, the two former Board of Education buildings were used in Hidden

Figures, bringing the Oscar-winning actress, Octavia Spencer, and Grammy-nominated singer, Janelle Monae, to Canton to portray the story of four African-American women who helped launch the first man on the moon. Hidden Figures was followed by another Tyler Perry production, If Loving You is Wrong. Film production creates a positive economic impact. Crews or adoring fans wanting to see their favorite actors in person often eat or shop at restaurants and stores near the film location, so the film industry has been a significant contributor to Canton and Cherokee County. We hope that more activity will follow as more crews and producers discover our picturesque community.

Matthew A. Thomas is the economic development manager for the City of Canton. 770-704-1516. Matthew. Thomas@Canton-Georgia.com

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Comfort in Connection By Robbie Matiak

HVAC system notify you that you have no heating or cooling in your home? Honeywell’s Total Connect Comfort Services, supported by their exclusive RedLINK™ Wireless Technology and their full-suite of wireless-enabled comfort systems, allows you, the homeowner, to connect to your home anytime you’re away through your PC, smart phone or tablet. Once you’ve registered through the Honeywell RedLINK™ Internet Gateway, you have the ability to customize your system and alert settings as well as download the mobile app. Depending upon the combination of products installed from the RedLINK™ suite, homeowners are able to program schedules, view and change HVAC system settings (heat, cool, fan, humidification, etc.), view and set the temperature in the house, receive temperature and humidity alerts via the web, access over 90 system alerts via the web, and get automatic upgrades as new features are made available. Late getting home? With the Total Connect Comfort Service, you have the ability to access your home thermostat and make adjustments to your programmed setting in order to save on energy bills by not heating or cooling an empty home. The Total Connect Comfort Service also has the capability to store data logs of your system’s operation, not only alerting you while you may be away that you have no heating or cooling, but also allowing for system analysis, which enables you to make a call for service or replacement prior to a complete loss of heating or cooling. You can count on Total Connect’s system performance alerts for peace of mind and a level of awareness that is unmatched. You’ll be able to remain connected to your home from anywhere in the world. Via the web portal or the mobile app, you’re able to establish and adjust alerts to monitor the comfort of your home, based on the needs of your family. Because you’re receiving alerts instantly when there’s a problem or deviation from your programmed setting, you can make a decision to take action immediately, potentially avoiding costly damages in your home.

Constant motion is the present theme in many of our lives. Whether we’re running from work to home, home to sports practice, a weekend at the grandparents’ or the beach, the activities in our lives have us constantly moving. In order to manage the minutiae, we’ve come to rely on technology to remain connected; we consistently seek out and discover new ways to connect our lives with others and our homes. We all have an “app for that,” ranging from managing our budgets, grocery lists, satellite or cable TV service and home security system settings. What if you had an app to help you manage your home energy bills or to have your 14

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As we continue to lead fuller and more enriched lives, it’s not necessary to sacrifice your family’s comfort. Honeywell’s Total Connect Comfort Services allow you to remain connected and manage your home comfort while leading an active life.

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

Community Feature Reinhardt Receives Two Partners in Education Awards

Cherokee County’s Michael Gustafson Achieves Rare Boy Scout Honor Michael Gustafson recently became the first Boy Scout in Cherokee County to ever earn all the merit badges that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) offers. Currently, there are only 136 merit badges. But in addition to those 136 badges, Michael also earned the only 4 historical merit badges earned in 2010, and he earned a computers merit badge before it became digital technology. So Michael has 141 total merit badges. There have only been 7 other Boy Scouts in Georgia to ever accomplish this goal in the past 100 years, and no Boy Scout in Cherokee County has ever accomplished this feat. Judge Frank C. Mills was Michael’s first merit badge counselor in swimming in 2009, and he recently presented Michael with his 141st merit badge at the Boy Scout Court of Honor at the Cherokee Arts Center. To understand how rare it is for a Boy Scout to accomplish this, there are only about 2 or 3 Boy Scouts in the U.S. who reach this goal each year.

The University was honored as R.M. Moore Elementary School’s Partner in Education of the Year and the Reinhardt University Football Team and head coach, Drew Cronic, were awarded Partner in Education of the Year for Clayton Elementary School.

RU’s head football coach, Drew Cronic, is pictured accepting the Partner of the Year Award from Dr. Brian Hightower, superintendent of CCSD.

Congratulations to our October “7 Differences” winner, Melanie Tugman!

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Community Feature

Local Youth Selected for Extreme Mustang Makeover Molly Johnston of Ball Ground, GA has been selected to compete in the Fort Worth Extreme Mustang Makeover held in Fort Worth, TX. Molly will have approximately 100 days to gentle a randomly assigned, wild horse and compete for cash and prizes. Molly is a 7th grade honor roll student at Teasley Elementary, and she loves riding and training horses. Her love for horses began when she started volunteering at Trinity Horse Rescue in Acworth. The mustangs competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover challenge, which were virtually untouched prior to being picked up by the contestants, will compete in Fort Worth in September. The youth, ages 8-17, and the mustangs will compete in a series of classes that will showcase their new skills. The horses will compete in handling and conditioning, leading trail and a freestyle class. Event information about the Fort Worth Extreme Mustang Makeover is available at ExtremeMustangMakeover.com. The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility and trainability of these rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the west, where they are protected under federal law.

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Dealing With

Dental Anxiety in Children By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. The dental office can be an intimidating environment. This is true even for adults who have some experience and rationale for knowing the importance of going for regular dental visits. So you can imagine the anxiety it can cause in some children. Fortunately, pediatric dental offices offer many options for calming anxious children. Pediatric dentists will use child-friendly verbiage to explain to young patients what will occur during the dental visit. Many will utilize a “tell-show-do” method. An example of this would be to name a dental instrument, then to show how it works (possibly by placing it against the child’s hand), then to use the instrument in the dental procedure.

There are a variety of different reactions that children will have in a dental office. The goal is to create as many positive experiences as possible to ease any anxiety that might be present for the child. It’s best to begin creating these experiences at an early age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child have their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting or at the age of 1, whichever occurs first. These early experiences serve to introduce the young patient to the dental office. The first visit may only involve the dentist counting their teeth, but it can go a long way towards creating a healthy attitude for the child towards their dentist. Imagine how much more smoothly dental visits will go for a child who only needs to come in for exams and cleanings twice a year. As a parent, you can help to prevent the need for dental treatment by instilling great oral hygiene in your child. The simple act of brushing at least twice a

day and flossing daily can help to prevent your child from developing dental anxiety.

As parents, we know what a powerful influence we are on our children. Be a good example by not sharing any dental office anxieties you may have with your child! And also, be a good role model with your own brushing and flossing habits!

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

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CCSD School Operations Director Honored as a KSU Outstanding Scholar of the Year

Community Feature Creekview HS JROTC Cadets Win First Place at State, Rank Nationally The Creekview High School Army JROTC Program can claim a State Championship title and National ranking!

Cadet Majors Caleb Rudin and Hunter Robinson placed 18th in Dual Exhibition at the National JROTC Drill competition.

Six of its teams won first place at regionals, and the cadets then competed against students from 42 schools across the state.

The program placed sixth overall in the state; the Squad Exhibition Team placed fourth, and the Dual Exhibition Team of Cadet Majors Caleb Rudin and Hunter Robinson placed first and earned State Champion honors! The Dual Exhibition Team qualified to compete in the Drill Nationals competition held in Daytona Beach, FL. Fifty teams from across the nation competed, and Cadets Robinson and Rudin placed 18th!

Sequoyah HS Students Named Waste Management Scholarship Winners The Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools recently recognized winners of the annual Waste Management Scholarship. As part of its Partnership Agreement with the Cherokee County School District, Waste Management of Metro Atlanta Inc. awards two scholarships per year in the amount of $1,000 each. This year, the scholarship applications were open to 2016’s graduating seniors from Sequoyah High School. A Pine Bluff Community Advisory Board scholarship committee reviewed the applications, and Madison Evans and William “Will” Garrett Sanders received the highest rankings and were selected as the scholarship recipients!

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A CCSD Office of School Operations Director has been named the Outstanding Scholar of the Year in the Educational Leadership program at Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education. Debra Murdock, who in her director role oversees the District’s middle and high schools and athletics, was honored in a ceremony on May 10th. One Scholar is named annually for each degree program based on outstanding achievements in the major field, including an exceptional GPA and notable achievements in extra-curricular, civic or professional activities. The honor is considered one of KSU’s most prestigious awards, and recipients earn the designation “University Scholar” for their achievement.

A Cherokee County School District Principal has been named a 2016 Georgia Distinguished Principal! Free Home Elementary School Principal Karen Carl will receive the honor, which includes a $1,000 award, from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals at its fall conference. The prestigious recognition is awarded to one principal in each of the Association’s regional districts, and winners are selected by their peers based on exemplary educational leadership. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower praised the school’s successful efforts to increase student literacy and achievement as well as its focus on character education and community through projects such as the Rocket Pantry for families in need. Ms. Carl was praised by the Association for her dual focus on new innovations in teaching and traditional lessons of ethics and good citizenship.

Medicine Literacy and Safety for Children By Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D. For all generations, children have been considered the joy of our lives, the pride of our lives. We exert extra energy to find the right activities for our children, the right experiences, the right places. When it comes to choosing medical care, we choose the right pediatric practice and the right doctor. There are a few pointers to educate our children about medicine safety in order to keep them safe and healthy, particularly during the summer. First — Medicine is NOT candy. Often, tablets, capsules and liquids are colored, and children think of them as candy or fruit juice. Teach your children to

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recognize the container of medicine, so they do not think of it as candy, drink or snack food. Second — Teach your children that only adults, parents or designated caregivers can give them medicine. Medicine should come from adults that your children know. Third — Medicine should only be taken when they are really sick. Let them know that there are different medicines for different illnesses. What they took this past winter may not be the medicine that is needed this summer. Make sure your household, or any

household where your child will be spending time, keeps all medicine high on a shelf and away from the reach of children of all ages. Even vitamins should be kept out of easy reach. A website that offers parents and teachers health literacy tools for children to learn medicine safety is AZPharmacy.org (with the program Katy’s Kids). It is sponsored by the Arizona Pharmacy Association. As your children encounter typical summer discomforts, injuries and simple sickness, your pharmacist is your best resource for over-the-counter solutions to your children’s health needs.

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

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Capitol Ideas

s a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, I vote on and consider hundreds of bills, many of which are arcane and obscure, but from time-to-time, I have the opportunity to work on something about which I feel passionate. One of my greatest passions is helping prevent and protect victims of domestic violence. I have worked with victim advocates and prosecutors on these matters throughout my tenure in the legislature. This was the reason that I agreed to carry Senate Bill 193 in the House. Senate Bill 193 closes the loophole for repeat offenders who commit acts of family violence. Under Senate Bill 193, any prior offense of family violence, or prior offense that is more serious that was committed against a family member, triggers the same repeat offender punishment and allows for these cases to be prosecuted as a felony. The impetus for this bill came from the prosecution of a man who assaulted his domestic partner. During the prosecution of this case, it came to light that this was not the first time the defendant had committed an act of domestic violence. After conducting a thorough investigation, investigators discovered he had previously been arrested in another state for murdering his wife. In the estimation of the prosecutors, this prior history should’ve been considered when charging the accused with misdemeanor family violence battery, and the prior record should’ve made it a felony. However, because the prior conviction was not specifically for “family violence battery,” the current law did not consider this an aggravator, and the defendant’s new charge of family violence battery was only a misdemeanor. As far as the law was concerned, this new offense was a “first time family violence battery.” Therefore, he was charged with a lesser misdemeanor. This oversight in the existing law prevented a violent repeat offender from facing the harsher penalties that would’ve been imposed on others. Without making changes, we will continue to see miscarriages of justice. This law creates the necessary protection for victims of domestic violence and ensures that abusers receive the punishment they deserve. Senate Bill 193 provides that if the accused has previously been convicted of a forcible felony committed against another member of their household, either in Georgia or in another state, then they will be charged with felony. If convicted, they shall be sentenced to a prison term of not less than one but no more than five years. I am thankful that this is being addressed and that I have the opportunity to work on behalf of victims and families. Shepherding this change through the process is a small, but I hope meaningful, victory against domestic violence.

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

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Senate Bill 193:

Closing the Loophole for Repeat Offenders of Domestic Violence By Representative Mandi L. Ballinger

Spotting

Dangerous Trees By Mark Russell

Trees are beautiful, but come with a risk. Here are some basic tips to identifying potential defects that may need to be assessed by a Tree Risk Assessment qualified arborist. Unlike fleshy humans that can regenerate new cells anywhere in the body, tree trunks can only create new cells in the “cambium” layer just under the bark. So if a decay pocket forms or injury happens, tree trunks can never “heal” the deep inclusion. Instead, the tree compartmentalizes the inclusion by growing around it. Bulges in trunks signify a weak spot in the tree. As a decay pocket grows in a tree, the remaining live wood bears the load that the decayed wood no longer supports. Like lifting weights causes our muscles to grow, the extra stress exerted on the remaining healthy wood causes a bulge of “response growth” to compensate and hold up the tree.

or root flair, are positive indicators of decay and weak spots in trees. A line of mushrooms near the tree can also indicate decaying roots. Carpenter ants are advantageous scavengers, seeking out decayed wood. If you see them, you can guarantee that your tree has decay. Overall health — Tip Dieback, small leaf formation, or dying limbs can all indicate a stressed tree that may be weaker, causing the tree to fail. Mechanical issues — dynamic changes in a tree’s lean is a big deal. Trees should never change their lean, and any change likely indicates that the tree has been put under heavy load and is beginning to fail. Mark Russell is the owner of 770-Arborist Tree Health Care in Canton. 770-272-6747. 770Arborist.com

Fungi, such as conks on the trunk

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By Juan Reyes

ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS of an Effective Flat Roof Maintenance Plan

Flat roofs are different from the gabled roofs on most homes, but they have one similarity — proper maintenance is not optional. Developing a functional maintenance plan is essential for extending your roof’s functional lifespan.

1 Keep Detailed Documentation

Effective documentation includes an energy audit, product sheets from the roofing company and the specs of the roof. Also, keeping construction reports and warranties of every repair or change to the roof is useful. This way, anything

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you need to know can be referenced immediately. Keep both a hard copy of these reports and a digital copy in case of a systems failure or natural issue, such as a flood, occurs.

2 Make Routine Inspections

A full inspection by a professional should happen at least once a year. Quarterly inspections, combined with a post-storm inspection, are the optimal choice. Catching flat roof repair projects early will help you save thousands over the lifespan of your roofing system. If your building’s maintenance manager is not familiar with your roofing system, team up with a local contractor.

3 Enforce Roof-Preserving

Precautions An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Those maintaining your roof should be trained in the essential basics of flat roof maintenance and upkeep. This includes:

• • • •

Walking only on designated paths Avoiding smoking on the roof Cleaning out any clogged drains Never leaving tools or equipment on the roof • Utilizing proper safety equipment when on the rooftop a Budget Item for Repairs 4 Include Free up your finances by building maintenance/repair costs for your flat roof into your budget. Integrating small costs today will help to ensure that costly repairs are avoided later. These are just a few of the basic requirements of developing a solid flat roof repair and maintenance plan to keep your building and your assets secure.

Juan Reyes is owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing. com

What You Should Know About

Zika Virus By Vicki Knight-Mathis, M.D.

Most people who contract the Zika virus do not get sick, or if they do, they only feel mildly sick with fever, rash, pink eye and joint pain. Women who are pregnant are a major exception to this rule, as infants born to women who had Zika virus during their pregnancy may develop microcephaly. Microcephaly is a neurological condition in which an infant’s brain is significantly smaller than other infants of the same age and sex. Microcephaly may be present at birth or develop over the first few years of life. It can occur for many reasons other than the Zika virus such as certain other infections, genetic conditions and alcohol exposure. Children with microcephaly are usually developmentally delayed, intellectually and physically. Therefore, it’s critically important that pregnant women protect themselves and their unborn children from the Zika virus. Zika virus has been predominately found in the Caribbean and Latin America. The CDC offers the most current, up-to-date information on countries reporting Zika. So avoiding these areas, if possible, is a reasonable first step to prevent disease. If you must travel to these areas, consider postponing pregnancy. If your male partner is traveling to these areas, wear condoms, as the Zika virus has been known to be sexually transmitted. Preventing mosquito bites prevents disease. To prevent mosquito bites: 1. Stay in homes with screen-covered windows and doors. 2. Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. 3. Avoid standing water, like swimming pools, pots and buckets. 4. Wear mosquito repellent that is safe during pregnancy. According to the CDC, products containing DEET and picaridin are safe and offer long-lasting protection when used as directed. Permethrin is NOT safe to use on skin but can be used on clothing, shoes, camping gear or netting. When using insect repellent, apply only to exposed skin, not to open wounds, face or eyes, and wash off with soap and water after you come inside for the day. So pregnant women, don’t panic this summer, but take precautions when choosing travel destinations, and most of all, avoid mosquito bites.

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

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Community Partners Empowering Children and Teens Facing Life After the Death of a Close Family Member It is hard to imagine a more heartbreaking situation than a child who is grieving the death of a parent or sibling. However, research shows that 1 in 20 children will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18. Kate’s Club, a local nonprofit, works to empower children who are facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. They build healing communities through recreational and group programs, education and advocacy. Kate’s Club was founded in 2003 by Kate Atwood, a 24 year-old woman whose mother died from breast cancer when Kate was only 12. Like most children who experience such a devastating loss, Kate received no formal support, as she faced her teen and young adult years. As a college student, Kate volunteered at a bereavement camp in Virginia. This experience transformed her life and inspired her to create an organization to provide year-round support for grieving children in Atlanta. She named it after herself intentionally, as a statement of empowerment to focus on the surviving children. Kate has since turned operations over to professionals in bereavement support and nonprofit management, but remains highly involved as a board advisor and as a mentor to Kate’s Club members. Kate’s Club serves hundreds of children each year, at no cost to their families. Member children are 5-18 years old, from 20+ metro counties, with diverse family and socio-economic backgrounds. Kate’s Club offers time-tested therapeutic and recreational programs that help grieving children reduce isolation, build peer support networks, improve emotional health and develop positive coping skills. Young people who are mourning the loss of a close family member often face unforeseen challenges such as having to move, change schools and/or deal with economic hardships. Birthdays, holidays and milestone events can be particularly difficult. Through it all, Kate’s Club provides a constant loving presence in children’s lives by offering them longterm grief support. Kate’s Club is also a critical resource to schools and other organizations seeking crisis intervention, grief education and grief counseling support. Kate’s Club has grown steadily over the past thirteen years, supporting grieving children and teens, in ways both large and small, offering them opportunities to relax and be themselves, surrounded by caring staff, licensed therapists, volunteers and peers. For more information about Kate’s Club, please visit KatesClub.org, or call 404-347-7619.

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

KatesClub.org 404-347-7619

Summer

with

Grandma By Tim Morris

LIFESTYLE Growing up in a small town in central Georgia, June was always special to me and my brothers. School was out, and both parents worked, so we were being shipped out to grandma’s farm for the summer. Now, this wasn’t like going to summer camp, it was more like labor camp. My dad was a state trooper and a

farmer, and he believed in working the grounds on which that farm sat. Planting the garden started in spring, but it wasn’t your normal garden. Dad would grow acres of things. My brothers would say he did this for no reason other than to keep us busy. He had four sons, and we could count on a couple of our friends to accompany us to White Oak Farm, but as the summer got hotter, our friends would disappear. Our main jobs were keeping the grass cut, feeding the cows, hoeing the garden, watering tomato plants with five gallon buckets, picking beans and pulling corn. One particular job my brothers and I will never forget was moving a 15-foothigh sawdust pile from one location to another. Using wheel barrows and an old truck, we moved it over 30 yards from where it was originally. That job left us scratching our heads

for years trying to figure out why. Years later, before my dad passed at a young age, I asked him why we moved that sawdust pile. His reply was because he needed to build a deer stand on top of it so he could see over the trees. I then asked him, “Why didn’t you just cut down the tree?” I knew then that it wasn’t about a tree; it was about keeping us busy. I’ll never forget those memories at the farm. In sharing this story, I hope it will bring back memories for you of spending time with your grandparents. I hope you cherish every bit of it. I can still hear my grandmother ringing that lunch bell…

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

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A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone of the wrist. The wrist is made up of two rows of bones, one closer to the forearm (proximal row) and the other closer to the hand (distal row). The scaphoid bone spans the two rows. Its unique position puts it at greater risk during injury, making it the most commonly fractured carpal bone.

How do Scaphoid Fractures Occur? Fractures are most often caused by a fall onto the outstretched hand. You may experience pain initially, but it will decrease after a few days or weeks. Bruising is rare, and swelling is minimal. Since there is no deformity, people with a scaphoid fracture often mistakenly assume their wrist is sprained and delay seeking treatment.

Treatment If the fracture is non-displaced, it can be treated by immobilization in a cast. The cast usually covers the forearm, hand, thumb and sometimes the elbow for the first phase. Although the fracture may heal in as little as six weeks, healing can be delayed. The fracture can disrupt the bone’s blood supply, which impairs healing. Part of the bone might even die after the fracture due to the loss of blood supply, particularly in the area of the bone closest to the forearm. If the fracture is in this zone, your doctor may recommend

Diagnosis A scaphoid fracture is usually diagnosed by x-ray of the wrist. However, if the fracture isn’t displaced, an x-ray taken within the first week after the injury may not reveal the fracture. A non-displaced scaphoid fracture is sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as a “sprain” because the x-ray came back negative. If you have significant tenderness directly over the scaphoid bone, which is located in the hollow at the thumb side of the wrist, this indicates that the bone may be fractured and should be splinted. You should be re-evaluated about two weeks after the initial x-ray. If findings are still suspicious, x-rays usually reveal the fracture due to changes in the bone at the edges of the fracture. In cases where using a splint may cause undue hardship, or if the x-rays remain negative but the clinical exam is still suspicious, your doctor may recommend using more sophisticated imaging techniques such as a CT scan, bone scan or MRI.

By Jose Baez, M.D. 28

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surgery. With surgery, a screw or pins are inserted, often with a bone graft to help heal the bone. This stabilizes the fracture. Your doctor may recommend surgery fixation, even in non-displaced cases, so as to avoid prolonged casting. If you think you may have a scaphoid fracture, contact your doctor for proper diagnosis.

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

Book Review BY JESSICA ASBELL

The tragedy of the Hindenburg is one of the most enduring mysteries of the twentieth century. In Flight of Dreams, Ariel Lawson’s fictional account of that fateful flight, she posits an interesting theory as to why the world’s largest airship went down. With its cast of characters, Flight of Dreams uses a kaleidoscope effect in order to achieve a fully realized story of what it was like to ride in this airship. As it tilts between the American, the Stewardess, the Navigator, the Journalist and the Cabin Boy, we begin to see that all is not what it seems. The American is out for revenge. The Stewardess has plans to defect to America before the dangerous secret in her past is known. The Navigator is desperately in love with the Stewardess. The Journalist sees a story everywhere, and the Cabin Boy is pressed into service to help each of them. As they move ever closer to New Jersey and their destination, some of the characters grow more desperate. This adds fuel to the fire of emotion that will eventually explode and bring down the Hindenburg. This book has it all: intrigue, suspense, adventure and a dash of romance. Each intricate detail of the Hindenburg is there, from the acrobat who was on the plane to the dogs in the cargo hold, to the way the smoking room is pressurized so that it is safe to smoke on a hydrogen-filled airship, to the undercurrent of fear some have of the Nazi party. The people on the Hindenburg unknowingly move closer to their fate and the explosion of the Hindenburg. But the question is, who will survive?

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

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Tasteof BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER

Ingredients:

Procedure:

• 4 salmon fillets

1. Prepare the rice according to package instructions, and fold in the lemon zest.

• 1 bunch asparagus

2. Blanch the asparagus by boiling it for 3 minutes in salted water, and then shock it by removing it and plunging it into an ice water bath to stop the cooking.

• 1 pt. baby heirloom tomatoes (if unavailable, substitute cherry or grape tomatoes) • 2 ears corn, kernels removed • ½ package of basil leaves, torn • ½ lemon, juiced and zested • 1 cup uncooked Carolina Gold Rice • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste

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1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper, and grill to desired temperature. 2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a sauté pan on medium heat, then add the corn, and cook for 3 -4 minutes. 3. Add the tomatoes and blanched asparagus to the sauté pan, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Add the torn basil leaves to the vegetables in the sauté pan, and season with the lemon juice and salt and pepper. 5. Serve each salmon fillet with the Carolina Gold Rice and the vegetables

Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu

Some â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seedyâ&#x20AC;? Things Happening at Hickory Flat Library By Joshua Fuder The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension-Cherokee County and Cherokee County Master Gardeners have partnered with the Sequoyah Library System to open a unique program at the Hickory Flat Library. The Cherokee County Seed Library, which is housed in an antique dresser, is a place where gardeners can learn about seed saving and borrow vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Seed saving is a timehonored tradition that allows the selection and perpetuation of plants that have

particular value to a gardener, whether it is an especially early and tasty tomato or an especially vigorous and drought adapted hollyhock. Saving the seeds of favorite plants contributes to the biodiversity of local communities. Saving seeds also helps to connect generations within families; many gardeners enjoy the same beans or okra their parents or grandparents grew. The seed library is free to the public, and interested gardeners are simply asked to fill out a membership form when they check

out seeds. The seeds are organized by difficulty of seed saving, and borrowers are asked to return some of the seeds from their successful plants at the end of the season. As growers deposit seeds, the seed library will maintain its inventory and will contain plants that are better adapted to growing in our unique growing environment. The Cherokee County Seed Library is open during the normal business hours of the Hickory Flat Library. Interested gardeners can also find information on the great public education programs led by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension-Cherokee County and Cherokee County Master Gardeners at the Hickory Flat Library.

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

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COVER STORY

By Kathleen Boehmig

n 2009, Mary Kay Buquoi and her husband, Matt, sought out the best

possible school for their daughter Madison’s early childhood education. They wanted a friendly, stimulating learning environment, where the teachers and staff hold the students’ best interests at heart, provide intelligent strategies for socialization, and use their skills and imagination to see that each child is nurtured as a unique, valuable individual. They found it at The Goddard School of Cumming. After their daughter’s wonderful experience there, the Buquoi’s purchased the Hickory Flat/Canton school in 2011, and they have been thrilled to continue providing the high-caliber tradition of The Goddard School to area students, including their son Brayden, since 2012.

Mary Kay, who taught kindergarten for five years and ESOL and EIP for two years, also holds a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Research and a certificate in Special Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Leadership. She is a self-described “master of differentiation.” “I know how to structure and implement positive behavior management plans. I can help teachers figure out what to do to help each individual child,” Mary Kay explains. “We have a familyoriented philosophy, and we want to keep the children, parents and teachers happy.” The Goddard School’s fourpronged approach emphasizes fun while learning, individualized development, educational enrichment programs and specially trained teachers. Mary Kay says, “We wholeheartedly embrace The Goddard School philosophy of using the most current academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun, while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Teachers collaborate

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with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners.” To that end, The Goddard School combines proven, play-based methods, such as circle time and exploration, with cutting-edge technology. “We stay ahead of the game in the area of educational technology, which is constantly changing,” Mary Kay says. “But making learning fun is at the core of our program. Each day, our highly trained teachers guide the children as they select activities and materials to explore and use creatively.” Daily enrichment programs foster children’s self-esteem and set the foundation for a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. Students are also encouraged to take part in special programs such as science fairs, book drives and the recent “Root for Earth” campaign, which celebrates the environment. Diligent hiring practices ensure that the best people work at The Goddard School. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and accredited training through Goddard Systems University. Mary Kay says, “Our teachers use proven, play-based methods to nurture healthy development in children and encourage a lifelong love of learning.”

Many schools incorporate the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum platform, but The Goddard School also emphasizes art, implementing the S.T.E.A.M. curriculum, to further advance creativity and critical thinking skills, while

Science

nurturing each student’s creative vision. “This provides balance and encourages kids to use their imagination, think outside the box and deepen confidence and self-esteem through creative expression,” Mary Kay declares.

Technology

Engineering Art

Mathematics The Goddard School accepts students from infancy through kindergarten, with before- and after-school programs available for students up to age twelve. Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace academically and socially, and are taught accordingly. “We know what each child’s interests are, and we believe that if students can grasp a concept, they deserve to be encouraged, and we give it to them,” Mary Kay says. “We don’t hold them back.”

The F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), a comprehensive play-based curriculum developed by early childhood education experts, provides programs such as sign language, yoga, Spanish, computers and world cultures to enhance students’ education. As well, students get to enjoy a diverse learning experience, both inside and outside. Goddard School playgrounds are an extension of the classroom. Teachers provide outdoor playtime and plan nature walks, picnics and other

outdoor learning opportunities. “At The Goddard School in Hickory Flat/Canton,” Mary Kay says, “We love what we do! We are more than a typical daycare; we are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in our community. Our unique nurturing approach will give your child the opportunity to develop into a joyful, confident learner, who is prepared for success in school and in life.”

Canton/Hickory Flat 140 Foster Road, Woodstock, GA 30188 770-720-1311 Facebook.com/GoddardSchoolCantonIGA

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summer, it seems it gets even more hectic. The question is: How will you take a break and feed your spirit?

Feed Your Spirit By Rev. Jim McRae Life is always a whirlwind. It never stops. Bills, deadlines, family, errands and a whole host of things can make life spin out of control. As families gear up for

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

Think about it for a second. We spend the majority of our lives feeding our body. We workout to try to look good and impress our peers. Our eyes are wide open to materialism and all the things money can buy. Yet, the more we “feed” our bodies, the more tired, frustrated and “put out” we seem. The answer is simple…your spirit is starving. When a life experiences spiritstarvation, many things happen, and the symptoms are obvious. You begin to feel a lack of purpose or meaning to your life. Life has lost its glow. You might even feel “lost” at times. You begin to get aggravated, angry, and sometimes, you just feel hopeless. Spirit-starvation is real and affects all of us. So what is the cure? There is only one

cure…God! God is the only thing that can feed your spirit the way it was intended to be fed. More specifically, when we worship God, pray to God, serve God, give to God, study God, tell others about God, and finally, surrender to God, then our spirit begins to come alive in ways we never dreamed possible. Your spirit needs God, not the world! Don’t let your spirit starve this summer. Find a good church; there are many in Cherokee County. Take time to pray, serve, love and give. Spend time with your Lord. When you do, watch your life come alive. Remember, He loves you.

Jim McRae is the pastor at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. 770-479-2502. CantonFirstUMC.org

36 37 38 39 39 40 41

Fyzical therapy and balance centers northside hospitalcherokee pinnacle orthopaedics and sports medicine specialists Georgia Breast Care Atlanta Gastroenterology northside cherokee surgical associates plastic surgery center of the south

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wellstar family medicine georgia cancer specialists piedmont heart of canton childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthcare of atlanta at cherokee sports medicine

Thomas eye group

dv pediatrics

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fyzical therapy & balance centers for our therapists and patients while they undergo treatment is crucial. Our railing and harness system will enable us to safely challenge our patients in ways they could never duplicate without this setup.”

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers recently added its first north-metro Atlanta location in Woodstock. Its mission is to deliver the most advanced physical therapy to its patients, wellness services to the community and to “stop America from falling.” FYZICAL of Woodstock was formerly known as SOAR Physical Therapy. Clinical Director, Dr. Burt Stevens, PT, and General Manager, Brian Stevens, MHA, still lead the highly skilled team they have assembled over the years as they transitioned from SOAR to FYZICAL earlier this year. “We are still locally owned, but now nationally known,” says Brian Stevens. SOAR Physical Therapy was opened in 2009 in the Hickory Flat community. When asked why Burt and Brian decided to invest in and join FYZICAL, the response was pure excitement. “Burt and I are constantly searching for ways to deliver the best care and service to our community. The shared vision and ethical standards we have with FYZICAL ultimately helped Burt and I make this major change,” Brian says. There are many reasons people need physical and certified hand therapy. Brian 36

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says, “We regularly treat patients recovering from various types of surgeries, including total joint replacements, ligament and tendon repairs, hand injuries, rotator cuffs, ACLs, etc.” FYZICAL has made enormous investments to acquire the technology, protocols and education to “stop America from falling.” “We now have the training and a state-of-the-art Balance Center to help those suffering from balance/dizziness disorders, including vertigo. We are very excited to be able to offer solutions to problems our local population and medical community have struggled with for years. Almost everyone knows of, or has heard of, someone who has been injured from a fall. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older people,” Brian adds. Dr. Danielle Ritchie, PT, the lead therapist for FYZICAL Woodstock’s Balance Center, says, “Being able to provide therapy in a safe environment

FYZICAL has made a major investment to be able to provide wellness services. There are many members of our community who feel they have physical conditions that prevent them from safely exercising. These include previous injuries or medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, back pain, etc. Physical therapists regularly treat people with these issues and are the perfect solution to develop, implement and monitor exercise and wellness programs. FYZICAL has developed the first of its kind, whole body physical health exam called BodyQ. BodyQ is a unique testing tool used for assessing movement, function, general health, balance and recovery. Knowing your BodyQ score will help your physical therapist outline a plan for wellness and improved quality of life. Olivia NewtonJohn recently joined FYZICAL as their spokesperson. “FYZICAL is an innovative group of physical therapists who are bringing prevention and holistic care to people across the United States,” Olivia says. Her BodyQ is 90, what’s yours?

6884 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 770-704-8244 FYZICALwoodstock.com

Northside Hospital-Cherokee (Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillators) implantation, cardiac catheterization and stent placement. All three Northside hospitals offer Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) and are nationally recognized for quality patient outcomes.

Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute Cardiology and vascular care go hand in hand when it comes to maintaining cardiovascular health, but they also have important differences. Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart disorders like congenital heart defects, coronary artery blockages and heart failure, whereas vascular surgeons diagnose and treat diseases of the body’s veins and arteries. For Georgians at risk for heart disease, the Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute’s board-certified cardiologists and vascular surgeons, working alongside cardiovascular-trained nurses and technologists, have the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating these conditions.

From the Simplest to the Most Complex Cases With locations in Cherokee, Forsyth and North Fulton counties, the Northside Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute offers an integrated approach to cardiovascular care, which incorporates the latest technologies and surgical techniques, along with a comprehensive network of preventive, diagnostic, medical and support services, for treating patients with cardiovascular disease. At Northside Hospital-Cherokee, boardcertified cardiologists use state-of-the-art technology to perform a full-spectrum of non-invasive diagnostic testing and interventional cardiology procedures, including pacemaker and AICD

Other diagnostic cardiac testing includes stress tests, echocardiograms and nuclear medicine cardiac studies. Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s Stress and Echo Lab is staffed with cardiology nurses and technologists who specialize in assisting physicians with these non-invasive exams that provide valuable information about the health of the heart. Northside’s highly-skilled vascular surgeons treat everything from the simplest to most complex arterial conditions, including aortic aneurysms, blockages in the carotid arteries, peripheral artery disease (leg artery blockages), venous disease (blood clots, varicose and spider veins), and artery problems of the intestines and kidneys, among others. Additional services, such as diabetes education and smoking cessation classes, are also available. Cardiac rehabilitation (medically supervised exercise to help patients regain their heart health) will be available at Northside Hospital-Cherokee starting in January 2017.

Award-Winning Cardiovascular Care Despite advances in technology and research, according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. and the world. It’s the reason for about one of every three deaths in the U.S., claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Northside Hospital has been recognized by some of the nation’s leading health care organizations for providing a high level of expertise in treating patients with chest pain, heart attack symptoms, heart failure and stroke. All three hospital campuses have achieved Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers and multiple awards from the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® and Get With The Guidelines® programs.

Always on the Forefront of New Treatments and Technologies Clinical trials translate results of scientific research into ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating disease. Northside cardiologists and vascular surgeons work alongside respected industry partners and nationally recognized clinical trial networks to study new, investigational devices and medications. Many of these trials were previously only available at academic or research institutions. However, patients can now benefit from these latest treatments close to home. For more information about Northside Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute, visit Northside.com/heartandvascular.

201 Hospital Road 770-720-5100 Northside.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Pinnacle Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Specialists

Getting You Back to the Life You Love be scheduled in a timely manner.

Pinnacle Orthopaedics Ambulatory Surgery Center The staff at Pinnacle is constantly striving to increase the level of service and convenience offered to their patients. With this in mind, they opened an on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) in 2011 at their Woodstock location. This ASC has fully functioning operating rooms for all types of outpatient orthopaedic surgeries. Since opening, thousands of outpatient surgeries have been performed, providing patients the convenience of having surgery close to home. As an orthopaedic specialty facility, they treat all orthopaedic sports-related injuries and perform many outpatient procedures, including total knee and hip surgery and certain outpatient spine procedures. With 20 employees within the center and more on call, they perform over 400 procedures a month. The most common surgeries performed are knee and shoulder arthroscopies, carpal tunnel procedures and spinal pain management injections. Pinnacle has 6 offices, with 2 in Cherokee County. Patients at any Pinnacle office can have procedures at the ASC. The physicians will evaluate a patient, and if a surgical procedure is needed, surgery will Acworth 678-213-5717

Canton 770-345-5717

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Woodstock resident Cindy Cook experienced firsthand the expertise of the surgery center. She was unable to extend her leg comfortably, and pain was gradually developing along her knee cap. She went in to see Dr. Brandon Burris at the Woodstock office, who diagnosed a medial meniscus tear. She would need a knee arthroscopy with a partial medial meniscectomy to repair it. This procedure takes about 20 minutes. She was in and out of the facility in no time. “It felt like I was going to a regular appointment at a doctor’s office. The staff made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I had no idea that it was so quick and easy, or I would’ve had it repaired much sooner,” said Cindy. For more information about the procedures that can be performed in the Pinnacle ASC, speak to your Pinnacle physician, or call 770-926-6975 for information regarding the Pinnacle Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Hours: 6:30 am-4:00 pm 1505 Stone Bridge Parkway, Ste. 120 Woodstock, GA 30189 770-926-6975 • Pinnacle-Ortho.com East Cobb 770-579-8558

Hiram 678-453-5717

In November 2010, Pinnacle relocated its Woodstock office to its own building at 1505 Stone Bridge Parkway, next to Walgreens at Towne Lake Parkway and I-575. “Pinnacle Orthopaedics has been in Woodstock for over 19 years now, and we have seen the area grow and have grown with it,” states Dr. Michael Kuczmanski, managing physician of the Woodstock office and medical director of the surgery center. This building, at just over 33,000 square feet, houses the Pinnacle Physicians’ Office, Pinnacle Physical Therapy and Pinnacle Imaging Center, including MRI and the Outpatient Surgery Center. “This full service office is a way to better serve our patients, with better space, equipment and technology,” says Dr. Kuczmanski. “This is a great asset to our patients.” Pinnacle Orthopaedics provides quality care, convenience and assurance that our patients are receiving the most advanced and comprehensive orthopaedic care, in a professional and courteous manner. Pinnacle has offices throughout the northwest Atlanta area, including Cobb, Cherokee and Paulding, Counties. Pinnacle has 20 physicians with experience in correcting skeletal abnormalities and injuries. Our physicians have a wide range of orthopaedic interests and specialties for children and adults, including arthroscopic surgery, surgery of the spine, total joint replacement, surgery of the hand and foot, fracture care, pain management, traumatic injuries, limb lengthening and deformity and treatment of work-related and sportsrelated injuries. For more information on our services and locations, please visit Pinnacle-Ortho.com Marietta 770-427-5717

Woodstock 770-926-9112

Georgia Breast Care Did You Know? In 2016, it is estimated that 246,660 new cases of invasive female breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States alone. Statistically, 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Fortunately, women have the resources needed for early detection, and when diagnosed at early stages, breast cancer is highly curable.

Rhonda Wachsmuth, M.D. Cathy Graham, M.D.

Georgia Breast Care is a surgical oncology practice that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and all breast-related disorders. Their mission is to identify and treat breast cancer early and efficiently. They implement a team-based approach to thoroughly evaluate all patients. This includes an in-depth medical history, a complete breast exam and utilization of the most advanced, minimally invasive biopsy techniques when indicated. They then provide individualized, patient-appropriate management as outlined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for breast care. Fortunately, most of their patients will only be managed for benign disorders. For those facing the diagnosis of breast cancer, they offer superior, state-of-the-art surgical care in a compassionate and comfortable environment. 780 Canton Road, NE, Marietta, GA 30060 678-370-0370 • GeorgiaBreastCare.com

Atlanta Gastroenterology

Expert GI Care for Your Children

Dr. Nirav Patel (left) and Dr. Tejas Mehta (right).

Pediatric and Adolescent Division When it comes to caring for children with GI issues, personal and comprehensive care is a top priority at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates’ (AGA) Pediatric and Adolescent Division. With two boardcertified pediatric gastroenterologists on staff, Dr. Tejas Mehta and Dr. Nirav Patel, infants, children, ‘tweens and teens receive the same high level of care AGA has been providing to adults in metro Atlanta for 40 years. While all types of digestive and liver disorders are evaluated and treated by AGA’s pediatric specialists, “some of the

more common digestive issues seen in many young patients are acid reflux and constipation,” says Dr. Patel. “Where possible, I like to take an approach focused on nutrition and lifestyle changes in addition to traditional medicine.” Children and adolescents can also suffer from many of the same GI issues that affect adults, including abdominal pain, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, esophagitis, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease and motility disorders. For example, chronic abdominal pain can be a sign of a food allergy or something more serious, like inflammatory bowel disease. “The incidence of food allergies and hypersensitivity to foods is on the rise,” says Dr. Mehta, “and that can result in more serious gastrointestinal disorders.” To help with these issues, nutrition counseling is available for patients and their families.

“We can really make a difference in a child’s life,” says Dr. Mehta. “When families walk in the door, they should expect to receive high quality care and responsiveness,” adds Dr. Patel. “Dr. Mehta and I are dedicated to offering complete pediatric digestive healthcare services to our patients.”

Sandy Springs 5445 Meridian Mark Rd., Suite 490 Alpharetta 3300 Old Milton Pkwy., Suite 225 Duluth 2660 Satellite Blvd. 404-843-6320 • AGAPediatrics.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Northside Cherokee surgical associates critical care fellowship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Recognized for his outstanding and empathetic patient care, Dr. Wolfe was a recipient of the Palmetto Care Award in 2009. He is board-certified in general surgery by The American Board of Surgery. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association. Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates is a full-service practice that specializes in the wide scope of general surgery. Additionally, the latest minimally invasive and robotic techniques are used whenever possible, including single incision procedures. “These procedures are much less invasive,” Dr. Wolfe says. “The small incisions cause less trauma to the patient and allow for a faster recovery and a reduced risk of acquiring infections.” Treatments are offered for gallstones and gallbladder problems; hernias; GERD and hiatal hernias; stomach, adrenal gland, pancreas and spleen disorders; diverticulitis and colon cancer; breast cancer and breast masses; thyroid and parathyroid problems; skin and soft-tissue lesions. What patients notice immediately about Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates is its friendly and empathetic medical staff, its attention to patient comfort and its above-average level of customer service. That’s the personal and attentive care patients have come to expect from Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates, a practice that has served the Woodstock community since 2013. Led by Dr. Grant Wolfe, a skilled and award-winning, board-certified physician with extensive experience in a wide variety of surgical procedures, the comprehensive 40

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general surgery practice specializes in minimally invasive procedures, including robotic techniques, and serves patients with a kind approach to care. “As a surgeon, I want to make sure my patients have access to the most effective treatments and technologies that are going to give them the best possible outcomes,” Dr. Wolfe says. “I’m excited to take part in the care of the Cherokee County community.” A graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Dr. Wolfe completed a general surgery residency and surgical

Dr. Wolfe and his team are invested in serving the Cherokee community members and their surgical healthcare needs.

900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412 Woodstock, GA 30189 770-924-9656 NCSurgicalAssociates.com Hospital Privileges: Northside Hospital-Cherokee

Plastic Surgery center of the south the face, legs, arms or stomach while improving the skin’s tone and texture. ThermiVa’s multiple benefits include feminine youthfulness and well-being as well as relief from urinary stress incontinence.

This past November, Plastic Surgery Center of the South celebrated its 18th anniversary of providing over a decade of beauty as one of the area’s premier cosmetic surgery practices. Eighteen years ago, the physicians decided they could provide more comprehensive services to their patients by working together. In August 2014, the team at Plastic Surgery Center of the South added a fourth doctor to its trio of plastic surgeons. This team has built the practice into a leading cosmetic surgery center in the southern U.S. Today, they could not be more pleased. The office is an independent, comprehensive, state-of-the-art surgical facility that includes two state-certified operating suites as well as medical exam rooms and recovery areas. Most cosmetic surgical procedures are performed in the facilities by a well-trained surgical team.

The practice also employs a full-time medical aesthetician who assists patients who are looking for alternatives to surgery such as CoolSculpting or ThermiVa. They offer a full array of products and services to help the aging process. Specializing in the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery techniques, its renowned surgeons are dedicated to providing you with the best care in a safe, private environment. Offering a wide range of procedures, including, but not limited to, breast enhancements, facial surgery, liposuction (also known as body contouring), tummy tucks and injectable fillers. One of the hottest, most popular procedures is ThermiRF. As seen on The Doctors, ThermiRF is a non-invasive procedure using unique radiofrequency technology to safely tighten skin on

Plastic and reconstructive surgery has changed dramatically over the years, and one of the biggest changes has been better informed patients. Patients are much savvier nowadays. There is a wealth of information at their fingertips. The physicians at Plastic Surgery Center of the South seek to provide additional, comprehensive information on all procedures, so that the patients can achieve the results they desire and deserve. It’s all about making a patient feel comfortable with the decision they are making. Their doctors will be the first to offer an alternative if they feel the patient does not need or is not quite ready for a procedure. Consultation is a big part of their business. The physicians take the time to meet with each patient about all of their choices. If the patient’s demands are not realistic, the doctors are upfront about it. Plastic Surgery Center of the South is extremely excited about their over 98% patient satisfaction rating, as posted on Demand Force. That says it all…

OF THE SOUTH 120 Vann Street, Ste. 150 Marietta, GA 30060 770-421-1242 PlasticSurgeryCenterOfTheSouth.net WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

wellstar family medicine Digital Health Records Improve Care Coordination At WellStar, paper medical records are a relic of the past. WellStar patients’ information is now accessed through an Epic© “WellStar Connect” Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Important patient information — which can include allergies, medical history and prescriptions — is accessible to WellStar providers who access the EMR from any location, whether they are in the family practice office, imaging facility or hospital. Patients can securely view their personal data through WellStar’s “MyChart” application or website. This solution allows patients to maintain their privacy while accessing their record with an application on their smartphone or over the internet, better coordinating care and improving patient-to-health provider communication. These benefits improve outcomes and patient satisfaction, while saving patients time and money.

Open Notes WellStar recently became the first Georgia-based health system to provide patients with access to their outpatient providers’ notes. Evidence has shown that patients who become part of the care team are more actively involved in their healthcare and experience better outcomes with lower costs. When a patient is sick, tired or stressed during a doctor’s visit, they or their caregivers may forget what the doctor said or prescribed. WellStar takes away the need to remember every detail by allowing patients access to important information on their own schedule. “By implementing ‘Open Notes’ in our WellStar MyChart patient portal, we created a more transparent and collaborative atmosphere for patients 42

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to better and more easily understand and access their health information,” said Jon Morris, M.D., WellStar Health System’s chief information officer. “This strengthens the relationship between our No more waiting for a phone call or follow up appointment from your doctor providers, — view test results and physicians’ comments promptly on WellStar’s MyChart. their patients and caregivers, resulting in better Find your Wellstar care. We believe it’s critical that we expand WellStar.org our care teams to include the patient and Attri Datta, M.D. others. We know this will help patients WellStar Family Medicine manage their care more effectively, better at Woodpark Place understand any medical problems and 203 Woodpark Place engage more effectively with their care Building C, Suite 100 Woodstock, GA 30188 providers.” 770-926-4150

MyChart also helps physicians to better coordinate care. For example, a family practice provider may need to check a patient’s cholesterol. But if that same patient’s cardiologist recently ran the same test, the provider can access that information immediately. In this case, the patient was saved the added expense and inconvenience of a duplicated test. Patients can access MyChart on any computer with web access or download the MyChart application in Google Play or Apple App stores for smartphone access. For more information about MyChart, visit WellStar.org, or contact the MyChart Helpdesk at 470-644-0419 or MyChartHelp@WellStar.org. World-class healthcare, close to home, WellStar’s newest healthcare providers offer healthcare for children and adults, as well as same-day sick appointments; wellness screenings and immunizations; and chronic disease management, at four convenient locations in Cherokee.

Sharnee Straub, CNP WellStar Family Medicine at Edgewater Hill 687 Marietta Hwy. Canton, GA 30114 770-479-8040 Nathan Kaller, D.O. WellStar Family Medicine at BridgeMill 3755 Sixes Rd., Suite 202 Canton, GA 30114 770-720-1880

Samina Fakhr, M.D. WellStar Towne Lake Medical Center 145 North Medical Pkwy. Woodstock, GA 30189 770-592-3000

georgia cancer specialists “I am elated that we are progressing and using targeted therapies that enhance patients’ quality of life, while also maintaining their quality of life,” Dr. Volas-Redd said. “As an affiliate of the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, we have the honor of being a part of a health care system that earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for health care, and we treat more breast, gynecologic and prostate cancers than anyone else in Georgia.” Dr. Zemsky said the specialists at GCS believe in a patient-focused approach. Dr. Zemsky is board-certified in oncology and hematology. Her special interests include hematological disorders, coagulation and breast cancer. Dr. Zemsky received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and a fellowship and residency at the university’s hospital, Montefiore Medical Center.

Patients choose Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) because they are recognized as a national leader in advanced cancer treatment and research. Serving 26 locations across metro Atlanta, as well as central and north Georgia, GCS has built a solid reputation as Cherokee County’s “hometown cancer answer.” Three excellent physicians are providing quality care in Canton, including Dr. L. Crain Garrot, Dr. Gena Volas-Redd and Dr. Lynn Zemsky. Dr. Garrot, who joined the GCS practice in 2007, completed his fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and his residency at Louisiana State University’s Earl K. Long Hospital. He received his medical degree from LSU’s School of Medicine.

“We are committed to excellence in patient care,” said Dr. Garrot, who is board-certified in oncology and hematology. “My special interests include gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers, as well as lymphomas and myeloma.” Dr. Volas-Redd was selected as one of Atlanta’s Top Docs in 2009 and 2015. Her special interests include breast cancer, brain tumors and cancer genetics. Dr. Volas-Redd, who is board-certified in oncology, completed her fellowships at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and at Emory University Hospital. She earned her medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine and completed her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

“The reward we get from the work we do is the confidence and trust that patients and their families place on our team of oncology specialists,” Dr. Zemsky said. “In conjunction with other medical specialists, we develop the best treatment plan to provide the best quality outcome for each person’s unique case. This is also the most challenging aspect.”

228 Riverstone Drive Canton, GA 30114 770-479-1870 • GaCancer.com Hospital Privileges: Northside Hospital-Cherokee

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Piedmont heart of canton

Canton Cardiologist Says Heightened Awareness is Key to Heart Attack Survival warning signs of a heart attack

Ashish Kabra, M.D., cardiologist with Piedmont Heart of Canton, is on a mission to help local residents increase their chances of survival if a heart attack strikes. “I tell my patients that the first and arguably most important line of defense is to know your family history of heart disease,” says Dr. Kabra, who is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. “Oftentimes, we learn a lot about what a patient may be at risk for just by knowing who in his or her family has suffered from heart disease in the past.” The second step, Dr. Kabra says, is to evaluate risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of a heart attack. 44

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•

Chest pain or discomfort — feelings of pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that usually present in the center of the chest and last longer than a few minutes are a definite cause for concern. Sometimes, the discomfort can go away and come back.

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Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach

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Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort

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Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

According to the American Heart Association, someone suffers a heart attack every 43 seconds in the United States. Dr. Kabra cautions patients, namely women, not to overlook the more subtle symptoms if they do not experience any chest pain or discomfort. “When people think of heart attacks, they immediately think of excruciating chest pain like we see in the movies,” says Dr. Kabra, who takes special interest in women’s heart health. “This isn’t always the case, especially for women. Feelings of nausea, lightheadedness, jaw pain and upper back pain are also quite common. When patients experience this, it is important that they do not attempt to drive themselves to the emergency room, and instead, call 9-1-1 immediately.” To aid in the quest to stop heart disease from claiming the lives of so many, Dr. Kabra uses his extensive background in cardiac imaging to determine which tests are best for his patients. “Exposing young women to a high radiation nuclear scan, for example, may not be appropriate because of the added cancer risk,” says Dr. Kabra.

“I think carefully when choosing the correct imaging modality based on a number of factors, such as appropriateness, patient comfort and affordability.” Dr. Kabra earned his medical degree from the University of Manchester School of Medicine in Manchester, UK and completed his internal medicine residency and fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Healthcare Network in Allentown, PA. Dr. Kabra also completed a fellowship in advanced cardiac imaging at the Scripps Clinic and Green Hospital in San Diego, CA. Available at Piedmont Heart of Canton, located at 15 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 110A in Canton, GA, Dr. Kabra welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, call 770-720-2383.

15 Reinhardt College Pkwy., Ste. 110A Canton, GA 30114 770-720-2383 Piedmont.org

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Cherokee Sports Medicine

Since opening its doors in October 2015, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Cherokee Sports Medicine has had nearly 2,000 visits from children and teen athletes. The new 2,800-square-foot space, complete with 1,600 square footage of gym space, allows sports physical therapists to evaluate everything from a pitcher’s throw to a dancer’s mechanics. With a dance floor and portable barres, a throwing lane and Dartfish motion analysis, the therapists are equipped to help young athletes get back to the sports they love.

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With summer here, the sports medicine team at Children’s stresses the importance of staying cool and hydrated when children and teens are more active outdoors. Whether playing outside or training for fall sports, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s hydration. Here are some tips to help prevent dehydration this summer:

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Never rely on thirst. Thirst is a poor indicator of the body’s level of hydration. When a young athlete begins to feel thirsty, he or she may already be dehydrated. Pre-hydrate. Thirty minutes before activity, have your child drink until he is no longer thirsty, plus an additional eight ounces. Kids weighing less than 90 pounds should drink five ounces for every 20 minutes of activity. Kids weighing more than 90 pounds should drink eight ounces for every 20 minutes of activity. Choose the right drink. If the activity lasts one hour or less, water is best. For activities lasting more than one hour, kids should drink a fluid with carbohydrates (sugar) and electrolytes. Drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde are specially formulated for rehydration during exercise and contain the

proper amount of carbohydrates. Fluids like fruit juice and soda have too much sugar and can cause cramping. • Drink it, don’t pour it. Your child may think pouring cold water on his head or face feels great, but it will not make him more hydrated. To learn more about our program and for other sports-related tips, visit choa.org/sportstips.

Children’s at Cherokee A service of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital

1554 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 160 Canton, GA 30114 404-785-4268 choa.org/sportsmed

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Thomas Eye Group a lifetime of outstanding eye care.”

Founded in 1974, Thomas Eye Group is a full-service eye care center, providing routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, as well as medical, surgical and cosmetic services. They serve all ages, with seven offices in metro Atlanta and a stateof-the-art surgical center in Sandy Springs. Their mission is “to improve the quality of people’s lives by compassionately providing

DV Pediatrics “Where Kids Count!” Times change at DV Pediatrics, but one thing remains constant…after more than 15 years in the same location, pediatric care remains their primary focus. Vicki Knight-Mathis, M.D. is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her internship and residency at the University of Kentucky, is boardcertified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has practiced in the pediatric field for more than 22 years. Additionally, DV Pediatrics employs two nurse practitioners, with a combined twenty years of pediatric practice experience. 46

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Thomas Eye Group is a carefully selected team of boardcertified doctors, including Dr. Mark Berman, Comprehensive Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist; Dr. Paul Kaufman, Retina Specialist; Dr. Jerry Berland, Pediatric Ophthalmologist; Dr. Lakhvir Singh, Optometrist, and Dr. Mindabeth Jacobs, Optometrist. This team cares deeply about the welfare of their patients. In the rapidly changing world of medical technology, ophthalmic knowledge is

By Kathleen Boehmig

constantly evolving and being updated. The professionals at Thomas Eye Group are on top of it, bringing years of experience, leading-edge technology and the best possible ophthalmic care to Woodstock and across metro Atlanta. “We understand that people have a choice,” Dr. Kaufman says, “and we appreciate it when they choose Thomas Eye Group.”

149 Towne Lake Parkway, Ste. 102 Woodstock, GA 30188 770-928-4544 • ThomasEye.com Twitter.com/thomaseyegroup Youtube.com/user/ThomasEyeGroup1 ThomasEye.com/thomas-eye-group-blog.htm

Dr. Vicki believes that a child’s health is influenced by family and its medical history, social environment, diet and exercise. DV Pediatrics offers an organized, family-centered source of care. This improves outcomes in both acute and chronic medical problems.

two fabulous children, one of whom was adopted as an infant,” she says. Dr. Vicki enjoys being involved in her children’s activities. She’s a long-term supporter of the YMCA, local schools and charities, including Relay for Life, Donate Life, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and BSA of America.

DV Pediatrics is modern medicine meets old-fashioned care. DVPediatrics.com is a convenient web site, with links to a patient portal, electronic prescription offerings, and soon, telemedicine opportunities and online bill payment. However, according to Dr. Vicki, it’s not about how big the office is nor how modern the equipment. “It’s about the kids,” Dr. Vicki says, “I treat each patient as my own child, which puts them at ease. Interacting with them on their level encourages their cooperation and makes their visit less stressful for all concerned. We appeal to those who want a small, personal practice.”

The staff at DV Pediatrics realizes that today’s economic conditions have impacted everyone. They work hard to keep medical costs down, and they’ll always work with a patient’s family, so they’re confident that their child’s welfare is DV Pediatrics’ primary concern. DV Pediatrics believes in pediatric excellence, in a child-friendly environment.

Dr. Vicki’s love for pediatrics is second only to her love for family. “I’m blessed to have

2920 Marietta Hwy., Canton, GA 30114 770-704-0057 • DVPediatrics.com

traight Forward Pricing for the Customer

By Nick Roper Most people have encountered the issue of being given a quote for a job and then received a bill that’s much higher than what they were quoted. People are not happy when they are told one price and have to pay another. However, some companies are taking a stance to ensure this does not happen. Various service-based companies have implemented a solution to this issue by using a variation of what we call “straight forward pricing.” Straight forward pricing allows businesses to give

their clients a 100% accurate investment total, upfront, before any work is done in their home. The first step in this service is when a company sends one of their well-trained, certified, drug-tested and background-checked technicians to your home. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the technician before you schedule work to be completed. The technician should then sit down with you and explain every detail of what will be done as well as the cost for completing the work. This allows you to know, to the penny, what you’re receiving for your investment. So if the job takes a little longer than expected or in the extremely rare case that a problem is misdiagnosed, you can have peace of mind that your needs and concerns will be taken care of, and the up-front price should never change.

low-ball price over the phone to get their foot in your door. However, once they are in your home and see what the work will actually consist of, they are likely to raise the price. Quality companies do not believe in that philosophy. You wouldn’t like it if your favorite fast food restaurant gave you your total when you placed your order, and then when you got to the window to pay, the price was 20% higher. That definitely wouldn’t fly in that industry, so why should your service work be any different? Always ask for upfront pricing on service work as well as the technician’s credentials to determine that they’re well qualified.

Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136. MyAtlantaElectrician.net

A lot of companies will gladly give you a

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ArtistProfile BY NATALIE DEL VALLE

eautiful images can be captured by camera, but Jeff Kerns, a local Georgian artist, doesn’t just capture images with the push of a button. Rather, with the skillful strokes of his paintbrush, Jeff turns any snapshot into a beautiful work of art. Jeff’s father taught him how to draw and paint. “I started painting in the first grade. My dad taught me what he learned from his art major, and I loved it,” he says. His interest in art took off, as he honed in on his portrait skills by practicing how to draw his favorite musical group, the Jackson 5. From there, Jeff moved on to drawing his friends. Soon, everyone noticed his skill and talent, and many people in his school wanted their portrait drawn, too. With such recognized ability, Jeff started taking art classes at school. His teacher admired his talent with a paintbrush and decided to enter his work into contests like the National Scholastics Art Awards. He ended up winning several awards in the

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National Scholastic’s for his art throughout his high school career. “After winning these awards, I became interested in art as a career,” Jeff says. While still in high school, Jeff unofficially began his art career after realizing the demand for people wanting portraits of themselves. He began accepting commissions, and Jeff’s beautiful artistic skill drew in quite a few customers. Like his father, Jeff wanted to further his artistic knowledge, so he moved to Georgia in 1977 to attend college at the Art Institute of Atlanta. He studied several different styles of art, including advertising, illustration, graphic design and photography. While still in art school, Jeff was asked by a local restaurant owner to design the restaurant’s logo. This job would be the first of many design and graphic assignments Jeff would be commissioned to create for other companies in the Atlanta area, but his passion lies in creating portraits. “I’m inspired and fascinated by people, and it’s the most awesome feeling selling one of my

portraits,” Jeff says. He graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1980. Jeff now focuses on painting portraits and any commissions he receives. “I mostly work from photographs, but I can also work with live models,” Jeff says. He spends 6 to 10 hours every day painting in his studio in Roswell. He uses materials like oil paints and chalk pastels to create his gorgeous works of art. “The number of paintings I create within a single week and the amount of time it takes to complete one of those paintings varies. It’s the same with the cost of the painting, as well. Larger, more detailed works take longer to complete, so they cost more than smaller ones I do,” Jeff explains. He has completed hundreds of paintings for people all across the United States, earning wide recognition, but he considers his biggest accomplishment to be that he’s been able to earn an income doing what he loves for the last 30 years.

Je ffKe r ns. com

he Burns Law Group, PC, has been representing citizens of Cherokee County and northern Georgia for over 23 years. Their staff has over 125 years of combined legal experience. They have successfully represented thousands of clients and have built a highly respected practice. Most people never expect to need an attorney; however, when or if the need arises, you need a firm you can trust. You need a firm that inspires confidence and provides quality representation. The Burns Law Group, PC, is extremely knowledgeable and experienced with the local legal system. They’re constantly in the courthouse representing clients and are well-versed within the legal community. The firm handles two types of cases. They represent clients in domestic court by handling divorces, child

support cases and modifications, contempts, DFCS matters and other family law issues. They have a team that concentrates only on domestic matters. They understand that each case presents unique facts and circumstances. They begin each case by assessing the needs and desires of each client, and then they develop a personalized case strategy. They recognize that many cases can and should be resolved amicably and quickly. Other cases may need investigation and litigation. Their team can assist in making decisions about the best way to approach your case. The Burns Law Group, PC, also has a team that concentrates only on criminal cases. Their founding member, J. Daran Burns, has successfully tried several murder cases, all ending in “not guilty” verdicts. Additionally, the team includes a 13-year former prosecutor.

The firm has successfully represented thousands of accused individuals. The Burns Law Group, PC represents people with criminal charges of all ranges. They handle DUI cases and misdemeanors. They’ve also tried and/ or resolved some of the biggest and most complex cases Cherokee County has ever prosecuted. They provide clients with a clear understanding of the criminal prosecution process. If you have a legal matter in Cherokee County, it’s important to make the right choice. The Burns Law Group, PC, will put their experience to work for you.

The Burns Law Group, PC 181 East Main Street, Canton 770-956-1400

BASLG.com

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By Julie Senger

Many of us are familiar with Georgia’s Tybee, St. Simons and Cumberland Islands. However, Georgia’s other, less publicized beaches also have a story to tell, a story that’s undisturbed by chain hotels, restaurants and shopping establishments. Sapelo, Ossabaw and Wassaw are barrier islands off the coast of Georgia that are exclusive, exquisite and have much to offer in the way of breathtaking scenery, wildlife, nature and history.

Sapelo Island is home to the last remaining Geechee/Gullah community in the U.S., which is known as Hog Hammock. The Geechee/Gullah community members are descendants of slaves who worked the plantation of Thomas Spalding. They have retained much of their African culture, and they have their own distinct language. They also have their own burial ground, Behavior Cemetery, which reflects AfricanAmerican burial customs.

Things to See

Sapelo Island Lighthouse — This lighthouse was built in the 1800s. It has a very rich history and is currently still in operation. RJ Reynolds Mansion — The Mansion served as the Spalding Plantation Manor from 1810 until the Civil War. Visitors can rent one of its 13 bedrooms and enjoy its game room and exploring the grounds, which have beautiful sculptures and massive live oaks. The Mansion also has a library containing many old, original volumes of Mr. Reynold’s private collection. Chocolate Plantation — This was once a prosperous sugar cane and Sea Island cotton plantation. The remaining ruins are of slave cabins, the main house, the restored tabby barn, the Sears Roebuck house and many others. Sapelo Indian Shell Ring Complex — This mysterious site consists of three doughnut-shaped Indian mounds left centuries ago by Native Americans. It was formed over a period of hundreds of years. The site has been radiocarbon dated at 2170 B.C., making it older than many of Egypt’s pyramids!

When Should I Go? A great time to visit the island would be during its Culture Day Festival, which is held each year on the second Saturday in October. The festival features West African food, music, arts and crafts and storytelling.

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

Ossabaw Island is a 20 minute boat ride from Savannah. It has been preserved by the state of Georgia for natural, scientific and cultural study as well as research and education. Its unspoiled beauty has attracted creative types to live on the island for short periods of time while researching and creating new works. Ralph Ellison, Annie Dillard and Alice Walker have all spent time on the island.

Things to See

Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Endangered Wood Storks — Both of these precious animals nest on Ossabaw Island. Ossabaw Hogs — The Ossabaw hog is the closest genetic representative of historic Spanish stocks because the population remained on the island, where it didn’t come into contact with mainland breeds. They are biologically unique because they’ve adapted to the island’s heat, humidity and seasonal food scarcity. North End Plantation Tabbies — The Plantation Tabbies are 3 surviving slave quarters dating back to the antebellum period that are considered to be some of the best preserved examples of slave settlement architecture in the southeast.

Main Road — This dirt road was carved into the island in the 1760s and is considered to be one of the oldest continually used roads in America.

When Should I Go? In October

and November (annually), the Georgia Department of Natural Resources conducts controlled hunting for Ossabaw hogs, deer and alligator for population control. There’s also an annual fundraiser, usually held in October, called the Ossabaw Island Pig Roast and Art Auction. If you’re a writer, you may want to look into the Ossabaw Island Writers’ Retreat, held once in spring and once in autumn each year. And if you love turtles, you can book a trip through the Ossabaw Island Foundation for a two-night weekend to observe seasonal turtle hatching. continued on page 52

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Things to See

continued from page 51

Wassaw Island is a designated National Wildlife Refuge and is the most primitive of all of Georgia’s barrier islands. If you want to see what Georgia’s islands looked like before the Europeans arrived, Wassaw Island is the place for you. Boneyard Beach — Beachcombing at Boneyard Beach can be breathtaking. The beautiful shapes of the twisted driftwood that rests here for unknown periods of time can make for some very dramatic photo opportunities. Since the ocean is this beach’s decorator, its landscape changes with the tide, so no two visits to Boneyard Beach are likely to look the same. You may also catch sight of a bottlenose dolphin, as they like to hang out around the island. Loggerhead turtles also come to shore to nest here.

If you’re looking to leave your footprints in some less-populated beach sand, Sapelo, Ossabaw and Wassaw are the ideal beaches for you!

Fort Morgan — This structure was built during the Spanish-American War. As it was only constructed several hundred feet from the shore, the ocean tide has begun to erode and bury this bit of history. It looks as though its days may be numbered before it is overtaken by the sea altogether.

When Should I Go? Since the island is only open for visitation during the day, it is highly

recommended that you time your visit to allow for you to experience Boneyard Beach at sunset! There is also seasonal deer hunting, by permit only. Loggerhead turtles usually come to nest in April each year.

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*Sources: GeorgiaStateParks.org, TourSapelo.com, LostWorlds. org, OssabawIsland.org, FWS.gov, SlowFoodUSA.org

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Procedure: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the octopus, and cook over medium heat, turning until lightly brown. Add the garlic cloves, crushed red pepper and white wine, and bring to a boil. Cover the Dutch oven, and braise over medium-low heat until very tender, about 1.5 hours.

Ingredients:

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1, 2 ½ lb. octopus, cleaned, head and tentacles separated 6 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1, 750 ml bottle of dry white wine 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano 1 fennel bulb, halved, cored and thinly sliced 1 carrot, thinly sliced ½ red onion, thinly sliced 3 scallions, thinly sliced 1, 15 oz. can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained Kosher salt to taste 1-2 cups arugula leaves ½ cup parsley leaves

Transfer the octopus to a plate, and let it cool completely. In a large bowl, combine red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add the fennel, carrot, onion, scallions, chickpeas and a generous pinch of salt. Wipe the purple skin off the octopus with a paper towel, leaving the suckers intact. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Add the octopus tentacles, and cook until well-browned, about 1-2 minutes. Then, transfer the octopus to plates. Toss the arugula in the vinaigrette with all the vegetables, and transfer onto plates. Garnish with parsley, and enjoy!

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that the promotion and use of sports/energy drinks has grown exponentially over the past 20 years. For example, sports drinks, such as Gatorade and PowerAde, are a good source of hydration and can help replenish valuable electrolytes that are lost through perspiration during workouts.

Acidity in Sports Drinks

both elite athletes as well casual drinkers. These problems include tooth decay, gum disease and enamel erosion. This is due to the high level of acid in sports drinks. Without getting too technical, tooth enamel and dentin are weakened and broken down by acids with a pH lower than 5.5. Many sports drinks, gels and supplements contain citric or malic acid with a pH between 2.4 and 5.

Unfortunately, education about The way sports the negative drinks are often effects sports consumed drinks have on Dr. Scott V. Merritt, D.M.D. during exercise dental health has also has negative effects. For example, not kept pace with their promotion and many athletes will drink these liquids in usage. A number of studies have shown small quantities throughout a workout that the consumption of sports drinks is or game that may last 1-2 hours. This leading to serious dental problems for

increases both the exposure and length of time acid is allowed to remain on the tooth surface, compounding the problems previously noted.

Steps to Take

If you really enjoy the benefits of acidic sports drinks, there are steps you can take to help protect your oral health. First, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after consuming a sports drink. If water is not available, try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum. Brushing your teeth is also an effective way to remove the acid left behind by sports drinks, but do not do so for one hour after consumption, as it is possible to spread the acid via the toothbrush. And finally, never drink a sports drink before going to bed.

Dr. Merritt has been helping families in and around Canton since opening BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road in 2002. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

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Northside

Vascular Surgery Offering the Full Breadth of Vascular Care

By Cyndi Braun

Dr. Edward Kang

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re like most people, you give little thought to your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast network of veins and arteries carrying blood to and from your heart. You barely notice this essential system, until you encounter a problem. It could be the growing collection of varicose veins creating undesirable designs on your legs, or maybe your doctor has diagnosed an abdominal aneurysm needing immediate treatment. Especially common as we get older, vascular disease is linked to trauma, illness, diabetes, sitting or standing still for long periods, family history, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. If you are suffering from vascular disease, it is time to see a vascular surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. 56

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Northside Vascular Surgery specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the blood vessels in the body. Surgeons perform both traditional open surgery and the latest minimallyinvasive endovascular techniques. Established three years ago, the practice has three locations: Forsyth, Cherokee and Atlanta. The Cherokee practice is headed by Dr. Edward Kang who assists patients with the entire scope of vascular diseases, from the simplest to the most complex. In addition to Dr. Kang, the Cherokee location includes an experienced team of physician assistants, nurse practitioners and technicians. Dr. Kang graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois, then completed a residency in general surgery at Michigan State University, followed by a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Kang was a staff vascular surgeon at the Minneapolis Heart Institute prior to joining Northside Vascular Surgery in 2013.

Northside Vascular Surgery provides patient care for Canton residents and beyond. “Before this office was established, many people from rural areas did not have access to specialized care for vascular disease. People are less reluctant to seek care when they don’t have to travel a great distance,” says Dr. Kang. “Having convenient access to specialists ensures they get the care they need.” In addition to rural residents, the population of Cherokee County is growing so rapidly that medical services must follow. With the new hospital opening in spring 2017, Canton area residents are already seeing an expansion of specialists providing much needed services.

lifelong surveillance and prevention,” says Dr. Kang. “It’s important that they are active participants in their healthcare. They can’t just show up and get a prescription, and that’s it.” When surgery is needed, Dr. Kang performs most procedures at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. Like the other doctors in the practice, he performs all vascular procedures, both open surgeries and minimally-invasive procedures. Dr. Kang enjoys the technical aspects of vascular surgery and the rapidly developing technology. For example, the outcome of aneurysm surgery has changed dramatically over the past 20 years with the advent of minimally-invasive abdominal aneurysm repair. Minimallyinvasive procedures require a one-night

stay at the hospital, versus a week in the hospital and six weeks recovery for the traditional open procedure. “Patients have basically a couple of pokes in the groin versus a large incision in their belly,” says Dr. Kang. “When you don’t make big incisions, there’s not a lot of blood loss, and it’s not as difficult for the body to heal.” New technologies have also made a difference in limb-salvage techniques. “Through today’s technology, we can get through blockages that are longer and more severe than we used to,” says Dr. Kang. “The techniques and technology we have today give us the opportunity to provide better services with better outcomes.”

“By providing better access to healthcare, we can intervene earlier and prevent a lot of the devastating complications of vascular disease,” says Dr. Kang. The practice, as a whole, does not recommend surgery as the first approach. Instead, Dr. Kang starts with conservative measures like lifestyle changes and medication adjustments. “When patients come in for a consultation, our first approach is usually disease risk factor modification to try to prevent the progression of the disease,” says Dr. Kang. Dr. Kang and his staff sit down with patients to make sure they understand how preventive measures can slow the progression of disease. Depending on the patient, preventive measures might include: quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, adjust medication to lower cholesterol, and wear compression stockings. “For a lot of patients, we establish a lifelong relationship because vascular disease is progressive. You can’t cure someone of vascular disease, not even varicose veins. So we have to educate patients as to why they need to continue

770-292-3490 • NVS-GA.com CHEROKEE 145 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 101, Canton, GA 30114 ATLANTA 980 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 1040, Atlanta, GA 30342 FORSYTH 1505 Northside Boulevard, Suite 2400, Cumming, GA 30041 WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

3 Ways

You Could Be Damaging Your Hair (and Not Even Know It) By Jyl Craven LIFESTYLE Worried about dull, brittle or broken hair? Things that you do every day could be damaging your locks without you even realizing it.

Hair is primarily composed of proteins and made up of three different layers: the medulla (the innermost part of the hair), surrounded by the cortex, and then the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair. When hair is damaged, the protein bonds become broken, and the hair can feel dry and brittle. Here are the three primary ways you may be damaging your hair, and what to do about them:

MECHANICAL DAMAGE

Excessive heat styling is a leading cause of damaged hair. Extreme heat causes temporary changes to the hydrogen bonds that hold hair together. Over time, these temporary changes can lead to more permanent damage, especially if you tend to blow dry or iron on a daily basis. To avoid mechanical damage: • Use a thermal protector that’s heat activated and protects the hair fiber inside and out. Also, try to stay under 400 degrees when using any styling iron. • Wait until the hair is at least 50 percent dry before beginning to blow dry. 58

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CHEMICAL DAMAGE

Chemical damage can occur if you’re attempting to make extreme changes to your hair. A chemical perm is an example by which extreme heat is used to change the natural shape of one’s hair. Just like with heated styling tools, if care isn’t taken, damage can occur during the perming process. Over-processing is another form of chemical damage, where the outer portion of the hair is opened so that the product can reach the inner section. Overuse or improper use of color and bleaching agents can weaken hair strands and permanently damage your hair. Damage can occur if the concentration of the chemicals is too high or if the products are left on for too long. To prevent chemical hair damage: • Always consult with a professional who knows how to properly perform any chemical service. • Color your hair on average only every six to eight weeks.

DIET DAMAGE

You are what you eat, and what you eat often shows through in the strength and luster of your locks. Proteinrich foods provide your body with amino acids, which produce the keratin that makes your hair strong. In fact, a deficiency in keratin may cause hair to grow more slowly and cause alreadyexisting hair to be weak. Other diet considerations for damaged hair: • Vitamin C helps absorb vegetable-based proteins in the body, which are the building blocks for keratin. Eat citrus fruits, fresh peppers and Brussels sprouts, as these foods can help promote keratin development. • Ensure you get enough Omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients, found in foods like salmon, walnuts and flax seeds, are known to benefit not only the hair but the skin as well. Embrace Omega 3’s for a generally healthy look.

If you’re dealing with damaged hair, take some of these precautions, so your locks can look as good as you feel! L

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

As a young girl, I spent a great deal of time outside playing. Sun up until sundown, we were outside. My folks had a giant cow bell they would ring to call us in for dinner. I was often sun-burned, to some degree, for the bulk of my childhood. I didn’t hear about sunscreen until I was in 8th grade. I was invited to go to Panama City Beach with my best friend’s family. We excitedly went to the shore and rode the beach waves for the entire afternoon.

Don’t Forget

the Sunscreen! By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Later, when I showered, I noticed how tender my back felt. I had a very serious sunburn; in fact, I had sun poisoning and was covered in painful blisters. All the aloe in the world could not take away the pain, and the rest of the trip was ruined for everyone because I didn’t protect myself from the sun. I’ve spent my adult life paying the price for that sunburn and the many more that followed. Lathering on baby oil and sunbathing on aluminum foil were

normal teenage pastimes for girls my age. As a result of my carelessness, I now have a constant struggle with skin cancer. Twice this past year, I’ve undergone surgical procedures to remove cancer from my face. I have the very best doctors, and even with all the advances in laser technology, it’s a very uncomfortable procedure. They cut away a layer at a time, and then send it to an on-site lab to see if the margins are clear. If not, they go back in and take away another layer. This process is painful and can be a serious blow to your self-esteem. It only takes a few minutes to apply sunscreen, toss on a hat, or put on a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt. A few minutes of prevention can save your skin; it may even save your life.

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

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of Canton Faces FACES By Micah Fowler

R&M Hoagie Shop is widely known as the lunch destination in downtown Canton. It has been recognized both locally and state-wide for its good food and great prices. And if there is one character in Canton with a story to tell, it is R&M’s Mike DeLuca. In 1971, 5 years after their first family visit to Canton, the DeLuca family rolled into town to stay. One year later, Mr. DeLuca opened what would soon be the family’s trademark hoagie shop, R&M (the letters standing for Mr. DeLuca’s sons Ray and Mike). Mike grew up in R&M. A naturally social child, Mike estimates that while spending his after-school hours at his family’s shop, he met at least 3 new people every day. One of those new faces would change his world forever.

In 1975, Jamie walked into the hoagie shop, ordered a sandwich, and sat down at the 1st table by the front door. “She always sat at that table…” he says, pointing. She caught his eye immediately, and after she’d begun to frequent the shop, they clicked. Young and in love, Mike escorted Jamie to her high school prom. Just 5 years after she walked into his life, Mike and Jamie got married. By this time, Mike had spent enough of his childhood in Canton to know that life in those days took a pretty predictable 60

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turn. “Back then, most people followed one of two paths: join the family business or work at the mill. So from that, I knew I would eventually Mike DeLuca take over the & Donna DeLuca hoagie shop.” But while life at the hoagie a great attempt to keep it alive. In the shop might’ve been inevitable for Mike, end, Canton saved the hoagie shop. he had other dreams to chase first. In Successfully running again, the shop ’76, Mike had opened a glass tinting underwent a remodel 2 years ago that shop in downtown. In business until proved to be their best business move 2000, Old Pros Glass Tinting opened yet. With its new look, R&M has had its many doors for Mike, giving him the best 2 years ever. financial start to open his real passion, Progressive Skate Park. Open from 2002Now, the DeLuca family still operates 2011, Progressive Skate Park put Canton Canton’s favorite hoagie shop. The on the map in the world of professional best part of owning the hoagie shop, skating, making the list of Top 10 Skate according to Mike, is having worked Parks in the U.S. In what Mike refers with his 3 kids. A close second is seeing to as “the greatest 9 years,” he worked Canton’s different generations enjoying with every major skater of that time his shop. “Even when you leave Canton,” period, and by the time the park closed, Mike says, “when you come, you come 33,000 kids from all over the globe had to the hoagie shop!” And he’s right; registered to skate at Mike’s Cantondowntown Canton would never be the based skate park. same without R&M. So when you come home to Canton, stop in. Mike’s sister Then, 4 years ago, on harder times, there and shop co-owner, Donna, makes a was talk within the family of closing mean Donna Special that’ll make your R&M. Mike knew the time had come to mouth water! return to take over the family business. But while the DeLuca’s contemplated their next move behind the scenes, the Micah Fowler is Canton’s Main Street local paper ran a story on the shop’s Director, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. Micah.Fowler@ 40th anniversary with a headline title of Canton-Georgia.com “Sub Shop Sinking.” Instantly worried, the community rallied behind R&M in

Should I Wait to Buy a New TV? By Michael Buckner I was recently on a long drive with a friend, and he told me that he was still waiting to buy a new TV because all the new UltraHD stuff seems to be ever-changing. I completely understand his position. After all, millions of people were burned when they bought HDDVD players, and then Blu-Ray made them obsolete. Now, UltraHD had a major change called HDCP 2.2 that made new TV’s tough to trust. The problem is this: Samsung and others made a year’s worth of UltraHD TV’s in 2013/14 that will not accept a brand new Roku or Sony UltraHD Media Player (and others) because it’s not HDCP 2.2 compatible. Can you imagine being one of the first to spend thousands on the new sets with UltraHD, only to find out that it’s incompatible? This was because

of some Hollywood craziness, where they suddenly injected extra copyright protection with UltraHD signals. On top of this, there is now an upgrade to UltraHD that just arrived, called High Dynamic Range. We nerds refer to it as HDR. It adds millions of more colors on top of UltraHD resolution and looks amazing. Luckily, the HDMI cable that you use to plug in your HD equipment is actually stamped and approved by a licensing corporation. Since they’re the ones that force all the TV companies to conform, it’s great that they finally have their act together, in conjunction with Hollywood’s blessing. With the introduction of HDMI 2.0a, any TV company that has this stamp will work with any of the new UltraHD and HDR media players, as well as future DirecTV, Dish and Comcast Ultra HD equipment.

So while I’ve eaten words before and said things like, “I can never see how we will need a new music format beyond CD’s,” I truly believe that if you buy a TV today that is HDMI 2.0a compliant, you’ll be making a safe purchase, that’s future-proof for at least the next 5-7 years, minimum. Beyond that, watch out for 8K!

Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

Cherokee Veterans Park 7261 Cumming Highway Canton 770-924-7768 Government â&#x20AC;&#x201D; County

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2016

Advanced Pain and Spine 246 Creekstone Ridge Woodstock 678-494-9668 Chiroprator

Scolios is A w areness

Scoliosis is defined as the lateral bending curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more, and it affects some six to nine million people in the U.S. alone.* Teenagers, as they continue to grow, can be impacted both by the physical and psychological pain of scoliosis, which often leads to depression, body dysmorphia and negative self-esteem. These conditions can last a lifetime. The more you know about scoliosis, the better equipped you’ll be to handle a diagnosis – whether it’s your own, your child’s or a friend’s.

Here are some important things so know: • •

By Erin Myers

Scoliosis is NOT fatal. There is no evidence to support this. Spinal fusion surgery cannot ‘fix’ scoliosis; you simply trade a curved, mobile spine for a straight, immobile spine. In a case where internal organs are comprised by

•

scoliosis, spinal fusion surgery can be a necessity. However, know that having a straight, immobile spine comes with its own set of challenges. Surgery should be a last resort. People with scoliosis should ABSOLUTELY exercise. This can’t be emphasized enough. You have to be diligent to discover what types of exercise help your scoliosis, but ultimately, you want a strong, mobile back and spine. Oftentimes, a variety of different exercises and therapies can help scoliosis, including (but not limited to) Pilates, GYROTONIC®, and myofascial massage. Finding a skilled movement practitioner in your area, who is experienced in working with scoliosis clients, is also very important.

You can take an active role in determining whether your scoliosis advances or stays under control. Educate yourself about your individual scoliosis, and find some exercises and therapies that work best for you. For more information, visit SpiralSpine.com. *Source: National Scoliosis Foundation

Erin Myers is a Certified Pilates instructor and the founder of Spiral Spine, the leading online scoliosis resource. She has authored two books, created an exercise DVD and a scoliometer app, all for those with scoliosis.

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Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates 39 Atlanta Hand Specialist Inside Front Audio Intersection 61 Burns Law Group 49 BridgeMill Dentistry 31 Budget Blinds 13 Canton Arts Academy 29 Canton Historic Downtown Loop 21 Canton Wellness Center 17 The Carpenter’s Shop 5 Christian Preschool Cherokee Children’s Dentistry 63 Cherokee County Historical Society 11 Cherokee Theatre Company 25 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 45 at Cherokee Sports Medicine Cloud Supply 16 Collins Dixon Bend Your Knees 5K 7 Dance Imagination 16 Dentistry at Hickory Flat 13 Downtown Kitchen 20 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 29 DV Pediatrics 46, 53 Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers 36 Georgia Breast Care 39 Georgia Cancer Specialists 43 Georgia Highlands Medical Services, Inc. 10 The Goddard School Cover, 32 & 33 Goin’ Coastal 54 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 47 Howard’s Auto Body 52 Jyl Craven Hair Design 19 Landscape Matters 13 LGE Community Credit Union 3 Masterpiece Framer 23 Medical Associates of North Georgia 5 Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates 40 Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1, 37 Northside Vascular Surgery 56 & 57 Paper.Scissors.Cake Art Studio 24 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 23 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 59 and Dentistry at Canton Pharmoore & Woodstock 27 Health Mart Pharmacy Piedmont Heart of Canton 44 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 38 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 41 Pro Roofing and Siding 34 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Inside Back Rejoice Maids 11 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. 55 & Aesthetic Center Technical Resource Solutions 53 Thomas Eye Group 46 Wellstar Family Medicine 42, 64 WellStar Health Systems Back Cover Woodstock Freedom Run 2016 8 64

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