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Assisted living with passion and purpose
Skin Myths
We had a chance to catch up with the President of Brickmont Senior Living, Cheryl Kochensparger, to find out how Brickmont Senior Living at Milton came to be. Here’s what Cheryl had to say.
By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and MOHS surgery of Atlanta Distinguishing fact from fiction is key when it comes to health care related matters. Multiple misconceptions exist when it comes to our skin. Some myths likely don’t cause much harm – like the myth that 8 glasses of water TAYLOR is all that you need for healthy skin or that shaving makes hair growth thicker or that apple cider vinegar cures smallpox, leprosy and bubonic plague. But some myths bear repeating and correcting. Myth #1: Basal cells are just cosmetic. Some patients occasionally mention that they were told by a family member or even a health care worker that basal cell carcinomas are just cosmetic and that treating them is elective. This myth arose because basal cell carcinomas, the most common type of skin cancer, are sometimes slow growing and can occasionally smolder on for multiple years before they cause any significant damage. However, left untreated they can be disasters. Basal cells are locally destructive cancers that, when allowed to grow, can spread to other parts of the body. All too often, patients allow basal cells to grow unnecessarily large. Untreated, these cancers can cause significant morbidity. By the time it becomes clear that a basal cell is not just cosmetic, a large painful and draining sore can already have begun posing a threat to nearby structures like eyelids or ears, nerves, muscle or cartilage. Especially when caught early, basal cell carcinomas can often be treated without significant inconvenience. They are worth treating before they become a problem. Myth #2: Cold sores are caused by the sun. Misinformation exists about cold sores, and as a result cold sores often go untreated or undertreated. This myth arose because the sun does actually decrease the strength of the immune system in the skin. When someone gets a sunburn on the face, a cold sore break out is more likely to occur. Sunlight inactivates skin immunity, which is why sunlight can sometimes help people with diseases of excess immunity such as psoriasis. But preventing cold sore outbreaks requires a functioning immune system. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). This virus is a cousin of the viruses that cause chicken pox and genital herpes. HSV1 lives in a person’s sensory nerves.
NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | June 28, 2018 | 25
No cure currently exists, so the virus is with the individual for life, but very effective treatments are available to decrease outbreak severity and shorten the contagious period. A few of the real dangers of cold sores occur when infants and small children and those with compromised immune systems are exposed. These patients can develop infections in the brain, liver, lungs and other organs and even die from infection. Never allow someone with a cold sore to kiss a newborn. Myth #3: Changing my diet will cure my skin condition. This myth is grounded in intuition and likely historical reality. For centuries, vitamin deficiencies resulted in diseases like scurvy, which famously caused sailors low on vitamin C to lose their teeth. In the modern era, a balanced diet prevents most vitamin deficiencies, and rarely is someone’s diet responsible for or able to cure their skin disease. Indirect links exist between diet and skin health. For example, obesity results in numerous skin conditions and can disrupt circulation and result in skin problems of the lower legs. But there is little evidence to suggest that pizza causes acne or that chocolate or caffeine hurt one’s skin. True gluten allergies are also relatively rare as a cause of skin disease. Far more commonly, skin health is related to present or past sun exposure or to moisturization status. Eat a balanced diet and exercise and enjoy chocolate. Myth #4: The higher the SPF the longer I can stay in the sun. SPF is only one factor that determines the time before you burn. Whether the sunscreen is waterproof, whether you are swimming or sweating, how thickly the sunscreen is applied, whether the sunscreen is a durable physical blocker (like zinc) or a chemical blocker (which can effectively get “used up” by the sun’s rays), all are also important factors in whether a sunscreen maintains its high SPF number for a few minutes or several hours. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF that you don’t mind putting on, that doesn’t cause acne (Non-comedogenic) and that matches your activity (waterproof or not). Then, Reapply. Reapply. Reapply.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN SENIOR LIVING? My brother and I were searching for the perfect senior living setting for my mother. We wanted certain amenities with a nicely appointed feel, larger living suites and an overall elegant, vibrant atmosphere that was affordable. We really couldn’t find anything that fit the bill. WHAT IS IT ABOUT BRICKMONT THAT SETS IT APART FROM THE OTHERS? In our research, we found that pricing for assisted living and memory care was really confusing and never really consistent. Most pricing is dependent upon “levels of care” which can always be increased. We have all inclusive pricing which gives our residents and families peace of mind. Additionally, we had been in the hotel business for many years we knew we could build and create a
beautiful environment with a strong focus on customer service and hire experienced professionals to ensure the best care, activities and dining; all for an incredibly affordable price. We are a smaller company and that allows us to be really nimble and accommodating – we want to be the community of choice. IS THERE ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON WITH BRICKMONT SENIOR LIVING? We have all kinds of exciting things in the works. We continue to add to our resident engagement activities which is truly exciting and we have a new community under construction in Woodstock, Georgia that’s scheduled to open late summer of this year. Honestly, we have experienced such a great reception to our Milton community that we felt compelled to offer this kind of value in other locations. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY? We are just honored to be doing what we are doing. We care for very special people and feel a sense of pride every day. www.BRICKMONT.com
Live Where You’re Loved! Welcome to Carefree Living at Brickmont.
All inclusive pricing starting at $3500 a month. • Wellness & Engagement Programs • Spacious Studios, One Bedrooms and Two Bedroom Suites in Assisted Living
Schedule your personal tour today! 678.765.9882
• Memory Care Shared Suites and Studios Available
2925 Webb Road Milton, GA 30004 Brickmont.com