Empty Nest - May 2025

Appen Media Group

May Special Section

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2 | May 2025 | AppenMedia.com

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 • Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis Jay Looft Owner/Agent

• Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services

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.”

The right Medicare path for you Brought to you by – SeniorSource Medicare Solutions Now having 16 years in the Medicare insurance business, I’ve been able to see over the long term how each path “plays out”. When choosing a Medicare insurance plan, you’ll either go with 1) Original Medicare, paired with a Medicare Supplement and a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan or 2) the Medicare Advantage path.

What I have discovered over time, first hand, is that neither path is bad. The only thing you need to decide is, which path fits your individual needs better? The Medicare Supplement Path OR The Medicare Advantage Path…no bad option, but which is right for you?! You’ve paid into the Medicare System by virtue of paying federal taxes for so long that either path should be the best health coverage of your life, and it really is.

With either of these Medicare Insurance pathways, you still have to do your homework. Don’t choose a plan just because your best friend or family member selected that plan. There are several ways to end up unhappy with your plan choice. Here are a few common parts of the plan that must be understood before joining: 1. Doctor and Hospital Networks- do you know whether your doctors and hos-

pitals are in-network, and do you have an understanding of how the plan’s network functions (i.e. PPO/HMO)?

2. Copays- do higher copays such as Inpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Care, and Chemotherapy drugs line up with your expectations and copay risk tolerance?

3. Additional Benefits- if you are needing other benefits like dental, vision, or a gym membership, are they covered and do they meet your expectations?

These are just a few common benefit details some clients may disregard early in the year that become needed later on. It's important to realize that the details matter and knowing the details can help provide you a positive Medicare insurance experience.

Explore BOTH Medicare insurance paths!

By knowing all of your options, it allows you to be confident that the plan you choose is truly the right path for you.

We are a local Medicare insurance agency and can help you choose the plan that will meet your expectations and provide a Medicare insurance experience that makes you smile. Call us today at (770) 913-6464 or reach out to us online at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contactseniorsource.

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AppenMedia.com | May 2025 | 3

Can a foot injury cause skin cancer?

The curious case of Acral Melanoma Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Of all the types of melanomas, acral melanoma is perhaps the most intriguing. This rare form of skin cancer sometimes arises from pressurerelated injuries, especially on the soles of the feet. Melanoma develops from melanocytes—the pigment-producing skin cells responsible for tanning.

Acral melanoma occurs on the palms, soles, or beneath fingernails and toenails. While rare in countries with predominantly light-skinned European populations—where most melanomas stem from sun exposure—acral melanoma is the most common form of melanoma in many darker-skinned populations across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

What makes acral melanoma especially fascinating is that, unlike most cancers, it is not usually caused by sun damage or other typical carcinogens. If asked to name things that cause cancer, most people would list tobacco, alcohol, sun exposure, radiation, or viruses like HPV. But few would think to include stubbing a toe or stepping on a rock.

Yet, injuries to the feet may contribute significantly to acral melanoma. A study in China found higher melanoma rates in the south compared to the north and hypothesized that this was due to the greater prevalence of barefoot walking in the south. These individuals experienced more foot trauma— contusions and punctures—compared to their northern counterparts, who more often wore shoes. In nonEuropean populations, melanomas on the soles are reported to be four to eight times more common than those on the palms, further supporting the idea that physical injury may be the key factor that originates most acral melanomas.

But how does trauma or pressure damage DNA to the point of causing cancer?

The answer may lie in the differences between the types of mutations seen in acral melanomas versus other forms of melanoma.

Sunlight typically causes smallscale mutations—so-called “point mutations.” A photon of UV light acts like a microscopic laser, striking DNA and altering a single molecule within a gene. These UV-induced cancers display a characteristic “UV signature” in their genetic code – small and hyper focused mutations.

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist PEXELS

By contrast, the mutations in acral melanoma are large-scale.

Entire sections of DNA can be broken, duplicated, or mis joined—suggesting massive structural damage. Rather than resembling the precision of a laser, these mutations look as if the entire DNA strand has been snapped in multiple places and clumsily reassembled. One researcher compared the pattern of damage to the chaos of a typhoon.

As a student of biology, I found this puzzling. How could something like stepping on a rock cause such profound genetic disruption? I had always imagined DNA as strands of spaghetti floating gently in a watery nucleus, well cushioned from most physical forces.

However, recent findings suggest that DNA may be more structurally constrained than previously thought and therefore more vulnerable. DNA chromosomes are not merely suspended in nucleoplasm—a watery fluid inside the nucleus. Instead, DNA appears to be anchored to a framework – the nucleokinetic or nuclear matrix.

This scaffold, made of firm proteins, is attached to the DNA and actively interacts with it. If a mechanical shock is transmitted to this scaffold, it could create enough force to fracture or distort large sections of DNA— explaining the large-scale damage seen in acral melanomas.

Acral melanoma remains one of the most understudied forms of melanoma, and the precise mechanisms behind its mutations are still unclear. Yet the hypothesis that mechanical stress, rather than chemical or radiative exposure, might be a major driver offers a compelling and mysterious contrast to other skin cancers. It is this mystery—and the possibility of a physically induced origin—that makes acral melanoma so captivating.

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 22 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.

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

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WINNER

WINNER

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Best Of WINNER Best Of WINNER Best Of WINNER Best OfWINNER North 2018 North 2020 North 2022 North 2024 Atlanta Best Of Atlanta Best Of Atlanta Best Of AtlantaBest Of North North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta 2017

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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

4 | May 2025 | AppenMedia.com

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The right Medicare path for you Brought to you by – SeniorSource Medicare Solutions

Care INSPIRED BY his story.

At Alto, we understand that each resident has a unique story, and we take the time to know it.

From favorite meals to engaging activities, every detail is designed to create moments of joy, connection and comfort. Discover care that’s as personal as it is attentive. Discover Alto — dedicated to you.

Now having 16 years in the Medicare insurance business, I’ve been able to see over the long term how each path “plays out”. When choosing a Medicare insurance plan, you’ll either go with 1) Original Medicare, paired with a Medicare Supplement and a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan or 2) the Medicare Advantage path.

What I have discovered over time, first hand, is that neither path is bad. The only thing you need to decide is, which path fits your individual needs better? The Medicare Supplement Path OR The Medicare Advantage Path…no bad option, but which is right for you?! You’ve paid into the Medicare System by virtue of paying federal taxes for so long that either path should be the best health coverage of your life, and it really is.

With either of these Medicare Insurance pathways, you still have to do your homework. Don’t choose a plan just because your best friend or family member selected that plan. There are several ways to end up unhappy with your plan choice. Here are a few common parts of the plan that must be understood before joining: 1. Doctor and Hospital Networks- do you know whether your doctors and hos-

pitals are in-network, and do you have an understanding of how the plan’s network functions (i.e. PPO/HMO)?

2. Copays- do higher copays such as Inpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Care, and Chemotherapy drugs line up with your expectations and copay risk tolerance?

3. Additional Benefits- if you are needing other benefits like dental, vision, or a gym membership, are they covered and do they meet your expectations?

These are just a few common benefit details some clients may disregard early in the year that become needed later on. It's important to realize that the details matter and knowing the details can help provide you a positive Medicare insurance experience.

Explore BOTH Medicare insurance paths!

By knowing all of your options, it allows you to be confident that the plan you choose is truly the right path for you.

We are a local Medicare insurance agency and can help you choose the plan that will meet your expectations and provide a Medicare insurance experience that makes you smile. Call us today at (770) 315-8145 or reach out to us online at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contactseniorsource.

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 • Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis Paige Gorman Agent

• Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services

Live Beautifully!

Visit AltoJohnsCreek.com or call 706.252.3848.

10595 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097 AltoJohnsCreek.com | ALF #: ALC000709

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.

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Facts about sunscreen Brought to you by - Dr. Titilola “Lola” Sode of Epiphany Dermatology Brookhaven What type of sunscreen should I use? The best sunscreen is one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum” to ensure protection against both types of harmful rays. Additionally, consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns when choosing a sunscreen.

For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas.

If you have sensitive skin, choose sunscreens labeled hypoallergenic or fragrance-free. Water-resistant sunscreens are ideal for outdoor activities or swimming. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is one that

you will use consistently and reapply as needed.

How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen? It’s essential to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently for adequate protection against sun damage. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin fully.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily. Remember to reapply after towel drying as well. Additionally, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other uncovered areas. Sunscreen is a vital component of sun protection, but it’s also essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.

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