Appen Media Group
October 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.” PROVIDED
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Medicare Annual Enrollment is HERE! Is your plan ending? Brought to you by - SeniorSource Medicare Solutions
Advantage insurance companies that might hold a competitive edge in a benefit category you will use more of next yearThe Medicare Annual Enrollment Period like dental, vision, grocery allowance, or a began on October 15th and runs through Part B Premium Reduction plan- then we December 7th, 2026. During this time, any- should talk. one on Medicare can make changes to their For Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees, Medicare Advantage Plan (also referred to you are allowed the first 3 months of the as “Medicare Plans”). These changes will year to make one change, either to another then take effect on January 1st, 2027. Medicare Advantage plan or enroll into TraEvery year, Medicare Advantage Plans ditional Medicare. Knowing that you have are subject to change OR a PLAN END. a “do-over”, so to speak, during the first 3 Some of you reading this might be on months of the year, why not try something an Aetna PPO or Humana PPO that is end- new! ing. If you are not sure, check your mailIf you choose SeniorSource as your box, call your insurance company, or give agent for this Medicare AEP, I can assure us a call. you that the good and the bad about any Remember, we are unbiased indeplan change will be discussed with you pendent agents that help guide Medicare before you enroll. beneficiaries through the options. Every It’s important to know all the pros and year we have our finger on the pulse of cons of your new plan so you can make the these plans. best plan choice for your needs for 2027. If you are on a plan that is ending, are We are here to help, we are local, and we you looking to stay with your current insur- don’t charge a fee for our services, because ance company? the insurance companies pay us directly. Great! With big carriers like Aetna and We want to work with you this fall on Humana, they will have other plan offerings your Medicare insurance now through that we can guide and enroll you into that December 7th (and beyond!) Give us a call best fit your needs for 2027. today at (770) 913-6464 to schedule your If you want to explore other Medicare Medicare AEP appointment.
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The new Melanoma ‘vaccine’ Brought to you by - Brent Taylor, MD, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta There is a real reason to be very excited about a recent advance in the treatment of melanoma, but when it comes to the word “vaccine,” it seems the marketing departments at the pharmaceutical companies have been exercising poetic license. In August, headlines exploded with the news that Moderna and Merck announced landmark interim data from their Phase 3 clinical trial for a new melanoma “vaccine.” If you are picturing a quick poke in the arm at your pharmacy that prevents you from ever getting skin cancer, you are not alone. Many of my patients have asked about it. But the truth is, this is not a vaccine in the traditional sense. To a doctor or a historian (or almost any patient), a true vaccine prevents disease. Think of Edward Jenner in 1796, who brilliantly used the mild cowpox virus to immunize a boy against smallpox, effectively saving millions of lives from an infectious disease. But modern pharmaceutical lingo plays by different rules. Today, drug companies label any therapy a “vaccine” if it stimulates your immune system to mount a highly targeted counterattack or if it offers a personalized immunologic attack against a cancer. Under this definition, existing immunotherapies like Keytruda are not vaccines. Keytruda acts like an immune system booster, globally taking the “brakes” off your body’s T-cells so they fight harder. The new Moderna shot is completely different. It is a highly customized, built-to-order means of training one’s immune system to fight one’s own individual melanoma. How Moderna’s vaccine works shares a lot with its even more famous COVID vaccine. When a patient is diagnosed with high-risk melanoma, surgeons first remove the tumor. Moderna then analyzes the unique proteins of that specific patient’s tumor, identifying how they differ from normal cells. They engineer custom messenger RNA (mRNA) to match those exact cancer targets. When injected, the mRNA forces your own cells to temporarily replicate these targets— essentially handing your immune system a hyper-specific “wanted poster” of the enemy. This technology has evolved rapidly. As Moderna’s CEO famously noted, the company has transformed from an infectious disease company into a true oncology pioneer. The clinical results back it up. In their landmark trials, adding this
Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services
Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist PROVIDED
personalized mRNA vaccine to standard Keytruda therapy reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or death by a staggering 49%, and cut the risk of the cancer spreading to other organs by 59%, compared to using Keytruda alone. Exact details are expected upon full publication of their results with more data expected soon. However, because this is an adjuvant therapy, it is strictly for patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced melanoma and undergone surgery. It cannot prevent you from getting skin cancer in the first place. I value clarity in language and communication, and I would still call this a treatment – not a vaccine. For the general public, a vaccine does not exist, and the most effective prevention against melanoma remains the same: broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and professional skin exams. For patients at a high risk of developing skin cancers, dermatologists can recommend highly effective, truly preventative interventions for some types of skin cancer. At our practice, we frequently utilize topical field treatments like imiquimod cream, 5-fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy to target and destroy precancerous cells before they ever turn into a threat. Furthermore, when localized skin cancers do arise, timely, expert surgical removal remains the definitive gold standard to eliminate cancer before it has a chance to move to other parts of the body. If you or a loved one has a spot worrisome for skin cancer or any other skin concern, please consider Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for your skin care needs. It is our pleasure to take care of you and your family.
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 24 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 WINNER
WINNER
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2026 WINNER Best Of WINNER Best Of WINNERBest Of WINNERBest OfWINNER Of 2021 Best North 2018 North 2020 North 2023 North 2025 Atlanta Best Of Atlanta Best OfNorth Best Of Atlanta Best OfAtlantaBest Of North North North North North Atlanta AtlantaAtlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Presented By 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
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Choosing the right home access ramp What every homeowner should know Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta
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For many older adults and people with mobility challenges, staying in the home they love depends on getting in and out safely. A well-chosen access ramp can be a vital part of any aging-in-place plan. Here is what to know before you decide. Aluminum or wood? Wood is the traditional material for mobility ramps, but aluminum offers several advantages. Aluminum ramps are weatherproof and will not warp, splinter, or rot. Wooden ramps are permanent fixtures that require surveying and permitting, while aluminum ramps do not require permits. Aluminum systems are also tangible assets that can be resold when they are no longer needed. Modular systems. Modular ramp systems work well for frequently used entrances, such as a front or side door. They suit homes where a higher elevation or uneven terrain calls for a longer, more permanent system. Platforms create smooth transitions from one ramp section to the next, and handrails along the full length provide safety for every user. Some American made systems, such as EZ Access Ramps, have connection points on the handrails that form a seamless, continuous line. Weight capacities range from 850 to 1,000 pounds, enough to accommodate the user, a mobility device, and a caregiver.
Getting the length right. Ramp length is critical. ADA regulations call for a 1:12 ratio, which means every inch of rise requires a foot of ramp. Measure from the ground to the highest point, such as the top of the landing or the door threshold. If that measurement is 24 inches, you need 24 feet of ramp. Residential use allows some flexibility with ADA guidelines, but you should always consult an expert before starting a project. A ramp that is too short can pose a serious safety risk to you or a loved one. Portable options. Portable ramps are lightweight and easy to carry or load into a car. They are a good fit for travel, one-time access, or, in some cases, a substitute for a permanent ramp. Some fold in half or thirds, while others roll up for storage. Suitcase ramps are hinged in the middle and have a padded carrying handle. Threshold ramps are smaller removable plates or adjustable wedges, made of rubber or metal, that solve the problem of a raised door threshold. The American-made RollA-Ramp is the most unusual of the three. It rolls up like a sleeping bag and unrolls whenever you need it. Take the next step. The right ramp depends on your home, your budget, and your mobility needs. Don’t guess at measurements or materials when safety is at stake. Call Mobility Plus Alpharetta today at 470545-1827 for your free ramp estimate!
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Understanding Eczema: When it's time to see a Dermatologist Brought to you by - Dr. Tiffany ClayRamsey, Epiphany Dermatology National Eczema Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on one of the most common skin conditions I treat as a dermatologist. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects millions of children and adults and can have a significant impact on daily life. While it may seem like “just dry skin,” eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that often requires more than over-thecounter moisturizers to effectively manage. Eczema can appear differently from person to person. Some people experience dry, rough, or scaly patches, while others develop red or darker discolored areas that itch intensely. The skin may crack, ooze, or become thickened from repeated scratching. In infants, eczema often develops on the cheeks and scalp, while children and adults commonly experience flare-ups in the creases of the elbows and knees, on the hands, neck, face, or around the eyes. Because eczema can look different across various skin tones, it’s important to have any persistent rash
properly evaluated. If your skin is persistently itchy, painful, interfering with sleep, becoming infected, or not improving despite using moisturizers and overthe-counter treatments, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. We can determine whether eczema is the cause of your symptoms or if another condition—such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis, or a skin infection—is responsible. The good news is that eczema is highly manageable with the right treatment plan. Your dermatologist can identify your triggers, recommend skincare products that support your skin barrier, and develop a personalized treatment approach that may include prescription topical medications, oral therapies, or advanced biologic treatments when appropriate. You don’t have to live with constant itching or uncomfortable flare-ups. This National Eczema Awareness Month, take the first step toward healthier skin by partnering with a board-certified dermatologist to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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BROOKHAVEN, GA 4360 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd Ste 280 Atlanta, GA 30341
CALL OR SCAN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
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Is it better to leave a house in a special deed, will or a trust? Brought to you by - Love Legacy Estate Planning The best thing to do is to understand your options by hiring professionals and asking questions so that you understand the benefits of using more than one legal planning tool. Last week, I spoke to someone who said she wanted a cheap option to transfer her home to her partner but after a longer chat she told me that she wanted her partner to use the home for a period of time and for him to pay for the utilities and expenses, then for the home to go to her niece. She could not accomplish her wishes using a cheap option. Cheap options such as a Transfer-On-Death Deed, Life Estate Deed, or Will do not allow a person to: 1. Require a beneficiary to pay for utilities, repairs or maintenance, taxes or insurance 2. Limit ownership to months versus a lifetime after a death & give 100% all at once 3. Will not always require a sale of the property and subsequent uses
of proceeds Often someone has a specific outcome(s) in mind such as: A. Taking care of a partner for a period or years after death and then providing financially in some way for a partner’s care B. Giving to beneficiaries who are minors or special needs or simply spend thrifts and in need of supervision or assistance with management of real property C. Organizing a transfer at a certain time or certain ages regardless of when a person passes away. If you want a specific outcome for your loved ones, talk to a lawyer who begins with your wishes for how you want to take care of your people and fits the legal tool so the situation. Do not trust the lawyers who gives you the cheapest option without a conversation about all of your wishes. At Love Legacy Estate Planning, we provide low-cost and free opportunities to learn about the basics. Check out our website for event dates and locations!
Medicare Annual Enrollment is HERE! Is your plan ending? Brought to you by - SeniorSource Medicare Solutions
Advantage insurance companies that might hold a competitive edge in a benefit category you will use more of next yearThe Medicare Annual Enrollment Period like dental, vision, grocery allowance, or a began on October 15th and runs through Part B Premium Reduction plan- then we December 7th, 2026. During this time, any- should talk. one on Medicare can make changes to their For Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees, Medicare Advantage Plan (also referred to you are allowed the first 3 months of the as “Medicare Plans”). These changes will year to make one change, either to another then take effect on January 1st, 2027. Medicare Advantage plan or enroll into TraEvery year, Medicare Advantage Plans ditional Medicare. Knowing that you have are subject to change OR a PLAN END. a “do-over”, so to speak, during the first 3 Some of you reading this might be on months of the year, why not try something an Aetna PPO or Humana PPO that is end- new! ing. If you are not sure, check your mailIf you choose SeniorSource as your box, call your insurance company, or give agent for this Medicare AEP, I can assure us a call. you that the good and the bad about any Remember, we are unbiased indeplan change will be discussed with you pendent agents that help guide Medicare before you enroll. beneficiaries through the options. Every It’s important to know all the pros and year we have our finger on the pulse of cons of your new plan so you can make the these plans. best plan choice for your needs for 2027. If you are on a plan that is ending, are We are here to help, we are local, and we you looking to stay with your current insur- don’t charge a fee for our services, because ance company? the insurance companies pay us directly. Great! With big carriers like Aetna and We want to work with you this fall on Humana, they will have other plan offerings your Medicare insurance now through that we can guide and enroll you into that December 7th (and beyond!) Give us a call best fit your needs for 2027. today at (770) 315-8145 to schedule your If you want to explore other Medicare Medicare AEP appointment.
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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