Appen Media Group
July Special Section
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Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans Serving North Atlanta Seniors for More Than 15 Years Representing Most Medicare Insurance Companies
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
• Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis • Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services • Individual Health Coverage for those under 65
770.913.6464
www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.”
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How does medicare work when I travel? Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare With Summer in full swing and many of us traveling stateside and internationally, it’s important to understand how your Medicare insurance coverage works outside of where you live. This will vary depending on your type of plan. If you have Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Plan, you may see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, either for emergency or non-emergency care. Coverage outside of the United States is not covered by Traditional Medicare; however, your Medicare Supplement plan will provide emergency coverage while traveling outside of the United States. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage will depend on your network type, typically a PPO or an HMO. A PPO style network will give you national coverage for emergency, urgent care and non-emergency services. An HMO style network would only provide for emergency and urgent care services outside of your plan’s service area (typically the county or a group of counties around where you live). For foreign travel, the Medicare Advantage
plan will provide emergency coverage only. When traveling internationally, we recommend acquiring Trip Insurance. This will typically give you additional health insurance protection when traveling. Most Trip Insurance policies will bundle other protections into the policy, such as lost baggage and last minute cancellation coverage. While your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans cover any emergencies internationally, they do not cover medical transportation. Make sure you examine your trip insurance to ensure it includes transportation back home, should you encounter a medical event on your travels that prevents you from traveling in a regular plane seat. Also, when planning international travel, it is a good idea to touch base with your Medicare insurance carrier to fully understand coverage outside of the United States. If you have questions about your Medicare insurance coverage when you travel, if you are turning 65 soon, or if you are leaving group insurance give us a call today! Call us at (770) 913-6464 or reach out using our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contactseniorsource.
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A tale of two sunscreens How the FDA helped us finish first by finishing last Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology For more than thirty years, the US and Europe have followed different sunscreen paths. In Europe, twelve new sunscreen filters have been approved since 1996. In the US, as of August 2026, the FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) as a safe and effective over-the-counter sunscreen ingredient—the first new sunscreen filter approved here in twenty years. Europe approved BEMT in 1999, and the US approved BEMT in 2026. But who really won: the turtle or the hare? The Bullet We Dodged Patients often ask why the United States has taken so long to approve newer sunscreen filters available in Europe for years. The answer lies in a fundamental regulatory difference. Europe generally regulates sunscreens as cosmetics, while the United States classifies them as over-the-counter drugs and is very concerned with how much sunscreens are absorbed through the skin. That higher standard requires manufacturers to demonstrate multiple indicators of safety before products reach consumers in the US. The contrast became especially clear with 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). This UV filter was approved fifty years ago in Europe and was widely used for decades but never gained FDA approval because it failed to satisfy the agency’s safety requirements. Subsequent research confirmed that 4-MBC acts as an endocrine disruptor with estrogenlike activity, alters thyroid hormone levels, may be genotoxic, and causes significant environmental toxicity, including developmental abnormalities in some vertebrates. The European Union ultimately banned retail sales of products containing 4-MBC beginning May 1, 2026, after fifty years of use. It was never allowed to be sold in the United States. Meanwhile, twenty-seven years after its European approval, bemotrizinol has finally gained FDA approval. Getting to know BEMT Bemotrizinol’s story is an unexpected one. In the early 1990s, Swiss chemists developed it as an industrial plastic stabilizer to protect outdoor materials from UV damage before realizing it absorbed ultraviolet light remarkably well while remaining exceptionally stable. Most importantly, its stability, negligible skin absorption, and reassuring toxicity data make it an ideal sunscreen ingredient. Its unusually large molecular structure limits penetration into the bloodstream while providing excellent protection against both UVA rays, which accelerate skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Its broadspectrum protection rivals zinc oxide without
leaving the heavy white residue many people dislike. Bemotrizinol also stabilizes older ingredients such as avobenzone, helping some sunscreen formulations remain effective longer. Cleaner for the Ocean? Mineral sunscreens have long been promoted as the only “reef-safe” option. However, growing research suggests that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles may stress some marine organisms and contribute to coral damage under certain conditions. Bemotrizinol appears environmentally promising. It is highly stable, does not readily dissolve into seawater, and produces few reactive breakdown products. Although long-term studies are still underway, early evidence suggests it may prove less disruptive to marine ecosystems than some mineral formulations. When Can You Buy It? DSM-Firmenich first applied for FDA approval in 2005, but the application stalled for years under the previous review process. The 2020 CARES Act modernized that system, allowing the FDA to evaluate sunscreen ingredients more efficiently. As an incentive for the company’s extensive safety testing, Congress granted DSM an 18-month exclusivity period through February 2028. The parent company of Neutrogena and Aveeno has already announced plans to incorporate bemotrizinol into selected sunscreens under the trade name “Parsol Shield.” Premium formulations containing bemotrizinol are expected to reach U.S. store shelves around September 2026, followed by generic versions in 2028. The FDA’s streamlined approval process and exclusivity incentive may also pave the way for several additional modern sunscreen filters including Tinosorb M to come to the US. The FDA’s review process may sometimes seem frustratingly slow. We waited a long time for BEMT, but we also avoided toxic 4-MBC while it was used for fifty years in Europe. When protecting both our skin and long-term health, caution can be one of medicine’s greatest strengths. In this case, the tortoise beat the hare. If you have concerns about sun damage, a non-healing spot, or any other skin condition, a consultation with a qualified dermatology provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment options. If you are in the Atlanta area, we would be honored to help. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, and our staff are privileged to care for patients and families throughout our community.
Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services
Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist
Insist on the BEST Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables. Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care. WINNER
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
2025 WINNER Best Of WINNER Best Of WINNERBest Of WINNERBest Of Of 2021 Best North 2018 North 2020 North 2023 North Atlanta Best Of Atlanta Best OfNorth Best Of Atlanta Best OfAtlanta North North North North Atlanta AtlantaAtlanta Atlanta Atlanta Presented By 2017
2019
2022
2024
Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
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Presented By
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Accepting new patients. We accept Medicare. Schedule your appointment with Premier Dermatology today. 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 • Alpharetta, GA 30005 PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899
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Navigating the Caregiver Support Network A complete guide for seniors and families in Georgia Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta Building a strong caregiver support network is one of the most important steps a family can take when helping an aging loved one stay safe and independent at home. Key roles in the Senior Care Team Primary Care Physician (PCP): The First Point of Contact The primary care physician is typically the quarterback of everyday senior health. PCPs manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, order routine screenings, and are usually the first call when something feels off. Geriatrician: Specialized care for complex aging needs A geriatrician is a physician with specialized training in the health issues that accompany aging — multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, cognitive changes, frailty, and fall risk. Not every senior needs a geriatrician, but when it comes to a geriatrician vs. primary care physician decision, geriatric specialists become especially valuable once health issues start to overlap and interact. Occupational Therapist (OT): Home safety and daily living Occupational therapists focus on helping people safely manage everyday activities — bathing, dressing, cooking, getting in and out of bed. For seniors, occupational therapist home safety assessments are essential: an OT can walk through a house and identify specific hazards, from a bathroom missing grab bars to a bedroom that's become difficult to navigate. OTs are also frequently the professionals who recommend adaptive equipment and home modifications, including stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, or home elevators, based on a senior's
specific mobility limitations. Physical Therapist (PT): Strength, balance, and fall prevention While OTs focus on daily function, physical therapists focus on the body itself — strength, balance, range of motion, and mobility. PTs are the go-to resource after a fall, a surgery like a hip or knee replacement, or a hospitalization that's led to muscle weakness. A PT -designed exercise program aimed at rebuilding strength and improving balance directly reduces fall risk, and PTs frequently work alongside OTs to translate physical gains into safer daily routines. Home Mobility Equipment: Stairlifts, platform lifts & home elevators Once an OT or PT identifies a mobility barrier at home, the conversation often turns to equipment — stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, or residential/home elevators. These are mechanical systems a senior relies on daily, often without supervision, which is why proper installation isn't optional. This is also the point in the caregiver journey where medical guidance and home modification decisions intersect most directly. Why choose Mobility Plus Alpharetta At Mobility Plus Alpharetta, every installer is fully licensed and experienced — and every one of them is a W-2 employee of our company. We do not contract our installations. That means the person who assesses your home, the person who installs your stairlift, vertical platform lift, or home elevator, and the person who stands behind the finished job are all accountable to the same company you hired. Call us at 470-545-1827 to schedule your free in-home stairlift, ramp, vertical platform lift or residential elevator installation today!
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UV safety awareness month: Protecting every skin tone Brought to you by – Dr. Tiffany ClayRamsey, Epiphany Dermatology July is UV Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to remind ourselves that protecting our skin from the sun is one of the most important investments we can make in our long-term health. As the newest dermatologist at Epiphany Dermatology – Brookhaven, I’m excited to partner with patients in our community to help them keep their skin healthy through prevention, education, and early detection. One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that people with darker skin don’t need to worry about sun damage or skin cancer. The truth is that skin cancer can affect people of every skin tone. While individuals with more melanin may have a lower overall risk of developing certain types of skin cancer, they are often diagnosed at later stages, when treatment can be more difficult. Avoidance of daily sunscreen in darker skin tones may also lead to hyperpigmentation. No matter your complexion, protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential. Make sunscreen with an SPF of 30
or higher part of your daily routine, wear protective clothing when spending extended time outdoors, and seek shade whenever possible during peak sunlight hours. These simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer while helping prevent premature aging. Just as importantly, become familiar with your skin. Watch for new or changing moles, sores that won’t heal, or growths that look different from the rest. If you notice anything concerning, don’t wait to have it evaluated. Regular skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist are one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. During your visit, we can also answer questions about your skin, discuss your individual risk factors, and develop a personalized plan to help keep your skin healthy year-round. This UV Safety Awareness Month, remember that sun protection is for everyone. Whether your skin is fair, olive, brown, or deeply pigmented, it deserves expert care and attention. I look forward to helping patients throughout Brookhaven protect their skin for years to come.
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How does medicare work when I travel? Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare With Summer in full swing and many of us traveling stateside and internationally, it’s important to understand how your Medicare insurance coverage works outside of where you live. This will vary depending on your type of plan. If you have Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Plan, you may see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, either for emergency or non-emergency care. Coverage outside of the United States is not covered by Traditional Medicare; however, your Medicare Supplement plan will provide emergency coverage while traveling outside of the United States. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage will depend on your network type, typically a PPO or an HMO. A PPO style network will give you national coverage for emergency, urgent care and non-emergency services. An HMO style network would only provide for emergency and urgent care services outside of your plan’s service area (typically the county or a group of counties around where you live). For foreign travel, the Medicare Advantage plan will provide emergency coverage only.
When traveling internationally, we recommend acquiring Trip Insurance. This will typically give you additional health insurance protection when traveling. Most Trip Insurance policies will bundle other protections into the policy, such as lost baggage and last minute cancellation coverage. While your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans cover any emer gencies internationally, they do not cover medical transportation. Make sure you examine your trip insurance to ensure it includes transportation back home, should you encounter a medical event on your travels that prevents you from traveling in a regular plane seat. Also, when planning international travel, it is a good idea to touch base with your Medicare insurance carrier to fully understand coverage outside of the United States. If you have questions about your Medicare insurance coverage when you travel, if you are turning 65 soon, or if you are leaving group insurance give us a call today! Call us at (770) 315-8145 or reach out using our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contactT:\ADS_2025\Appen Media Group\Filler Ads\ seniorsource. Shop, Eat, Read Local
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Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans Serving North Atlanta Seniors for More Than 15 Years Representing Most Medicare Insurance Companies
Paige Gorman Agent
• Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis • Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services • Individual Health Coverage for those under 65
770.315.8145
www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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