Appen Media Group
August Special Section
2 | August 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Empty Nest• Sponsored Section
Have you had your Medicare annual wellness visit? Older adults with complex chronic conditions are increasing patient population. In 2015, those older than 65 years accounted for 31% of all U.S. office visits, and that proportion will continue to grow. Since 2013, every day 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 years of age and enter Medicare. By 2030, the population older than 65 years will double to 72 million (20% of the total U.S. population). Individuals are living longer, with multiple chronic illnesses, making them vulnerable to disability and diminished quality of life. Although 95% of older adults with complex needs have regular access to care, 58% struggle to navigate the system, and 62% are stressed about their ability to afford housing, utilities, or meals. Skilled physicians performing a geriatric assessment, can evaluate medical problems; cognitive, affective, and functional abilities; and social and environmental factors to identify these unrecognized needs to improve the wellbeing of older adults. There are key elements of a geriatric assessment. Having the right physician and being proficient in performing a geriatric assessment is important because, as society ages, older adults will constitute an increasing proportion of the population.
The geriatric assessment evaluates medical, social, and environmental factors that influence overall well-being, and addresses functional status, fall risk, medication review, nutrition, vision, hearing, cognition, mood, and toileting. Immunizations and advance care plan-
ning are also important components of the geriatric assessment. The physicians at Alpha Family Medicine can tailor an assessment to your goals of care and life expectancy. By identifying specific areas for thorough intervention along with periodic geriatric
assessment over several visits can also effectively identify subtle or hidden problems. Dr. Shyla Ready and Dr. Michelle Lee can perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment which can lead to early recognition of these problems that could impair the quality of your life.
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NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 2018 | 3
Accepting Patients Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services
Insist on the BEST WINNER
Could your golf game be hazardous to your health By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta I recently had a conversation with a patient about tick-borne illnesses, and our discussion reminded me of an interesting study that Iearned about in medical school – a tale that ended with the warning “don’t go into the rough.” If you haven’t heard of it, ehrlichiosisis is one of numerous diseases that ticks carry and that humans can catch when ticks bite them, but this disease was not always so well known. The year is 1993, and four men who lived in a golf-oriented retirement community in Tennessee were hospitalized with fever, headache, vomiting and abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed abnormally low white blood cell counts, low platelets, as well as inflammation of the liver. Two of these men ended up in the intensive care unit. An astute physician ordered a test for ehrlichiosis, and all four men tested positive for this illness. This outbreak prompted the physician to assign several residents and medical students (aka “underlings”) to tramp through the woods and go door to door in this golf community gathering information about other people who might be infected. People were asked for blood samples and patients admitted to the local hospital with fever of unknown origin also had their blood tested. An “environmental survey” was conducted of local animals to identify ticks and the
diseases that they carried. As the results came in, a picture began to emerge. Most of the patients were golfers. There was a trend towards higher rates of infection in people who golfed more often. But, compellingly, it was only the bad golfers – those who averaged high scores – who seemed to be getting infected. What could be causing the bad golfers to be infected while the good golfers remained healthy? Are their immune systems, like their golf swings, simply superior to those of the bad golfers? Is charisma a factor? No, it turned out that the single factor that was most strongly associated with ehrlichiosis infection was retrieving a golf ball that was hit off the golf course instead of using a new ball. And bad golfers hit the golf ball in the rough or in the woods more often than the good golfers. In fact, golfers who retrieved their balls from the woods were 270% more likely to be infected than those who simply used a new ball. The case was cracked and the lesson was clear – don’t go into the rough. Or, if you do, use a lot of insect repellant. This tick season, remember to protect yourself. If you know a golfer, warn him or her about ehrlichiosis. And if you or a loved one has a spot worrisome for skin cancer, a complaint of varicose veins or swelling in the legs, or any other dermatologic complaint, please consider Dr. Brent Taylor of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for your skin care needs.
2017
Best Of North Atlanta
Voted: •Best Vein Specialist •1st Runner Up for Best Dermatologist
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 Presented By field of Vein Care. Dr. Taylor has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and reconstructions, dermatologic surgeries and procedures while in private practice in Florida where local and even international patients have sought him out for the best 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. He now brings his highly sought after expertise back home to Alpharetta with the opening of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta!
Now accepting patients. We accept Medicare. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Taylor today.
Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 Dr. Brent Taylor
PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899
4 | August 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Empty Nest• Sponsored Section
Longleaf Communities Brought to you by Kathy Rice Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Longleaf Communities is the premier luxury homebuilder for active 55+ adults in metro Atlanta. Their spectacular, English Cottage style homes and communities are designed to meet the lifestyle needs Rice and wishes of active seniors while providing low maintenance living. With three convenient locations, Longleaf Communities provides things other Active Adult communities provide: proximity to area attractions and life necessities, low maintenance and ease of living, a lock and go lifestyle and neighborhood amenities. With a Longleaf home, you can have all that plus the distinguished architecture, attention to detail and superb craftsmanship you’re accustomed to.
Our elegant homes feature airy floor plans with lofty 10-foot ceilings and solid 8-foot doors outfitted with generous millwork throughout. Choose from a variety of custom cabinetry for your designer kitchen and select your preferred finishes for your designer bath. All of our homes feature
two main floor bedrooms, each with a full bath and laundry on the main. The upstairs includes a finished loft, additional full bath and the option to add another bedroom for more livable space to welcome guests. Longleaf currently has 3 communities: Village Green of East Cobb in Mari-
etta, Longleaf Woodstock in Cherokee County and Longleaf Battle Park in West Cobb. Our thoughtful floor plans and Longleaf’s reputation for superior craftsmanship are what makes Longleaf the luxury builder of active adult communities. www.longleafsouth.com (678) 697-4984
Battle Park • East Cobb • Woodstock 678.523.7063
THREE NEW LUXURY 55+ COMMUNITIES
Marketing and Sales by Atlanta FIne Homes Sotheby’s International Realty - 770.442.7300. © All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to change without notice.
678.523.4872
678.525.0823
Call today for a private tour.
d. 678.697.4984 o. 770.442.7300
LONGLEAFSOUTH.COM
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NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 2018 | 5
Good news for older drivers (NAPSI)—Staying on the road to safety and savings can be easier for many mature Californians than they realize. That’s because you can now take a “mature driver” course from the comfort of your home to tune-up your driving skills and save hundreds of dollars on your auto insurance. Auto insurance rates increase after the age of 55 even if you have a spotless driving record but California State Insurance Law Section 11628.3 mandates that auto insurance companies give drivers 55 or older a discount on their auto insurance premiums if they complete a mature driver course. Fortunately, getting a senior discount on your auto insurance can be as simple as signing up for an online class such as the one offered by Mature Driver TuneUp. About The Course There are many good reasons to take the course. For one thing, it’s good for three years of insurance discounts. On average, people save $90 a year on their auto insurance, but you can find out how much you’ll save by contacting your insurance agent before taking the course. For another, once you do, you’ll be up to date on the latest rules of the road
and defensive driving techniques. Plus, it’s easy to do. You take it in the comfort of your home using a computer or tablet—not sitting in a classroom for eight hours to which you have to travel. There are no stressful tests. You just read and watch the online videos
to pass. You can also take it anytime you want, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because there’s no deadline by which you must finish, you get to take your time and start and stop the course as many times as you’d like. Your Official DMV Mature Driver Im-
provement Course Certificate is mailed at no cost to you. Just give it to your auto insurance company to start getting your discount. Learn More: For further facts or to register for the course, visit www.MatureDriverTuneUp.com.
6 | August 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Empty Nest• Sponsored Section
Vickery Rose Retirement Resort Imagine coming home to a warm, friendly community that’s luxurious, safe and comfortable. Maintenance and housekeeping included, and every meal of the day is expertly prepared and pleasing to the palette. With all the work done, you have time for family, friends and the important things in life. That can be your life at Vickery Rose Retirement Resort. Designed for your comfort, our community will feature studios, to 3-bedroom apartments with a variety of floor plans and smart details. Each apartment will feature window coverings, climate-controlled thermostat, ceiling fans, and ample closet space. Our kitchens will be fully equipped with a dishwasher, range, microwave, refrigerator and a garbage disposal. Washer/dryer hook-ups are located in a separate laundry closet within the apartment. Our professional staff will provide as-needed maintenance repairs and light housekeeping on a weekly basis. Vickery Rose’s stunning main dining room is the perfect setting to savor meals prepared fresh daily by the chefs in our state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Experience our signature Freedom Dining program, which includes flexible dining hours throughout the day, plus these dining experience options: • Fine dining • Casual buffet • Chef’s Pantry on-the-go snacks • Room service Residents can access to on-site banking, salon, general store, and pharmacy services. Through our 24/7 concierge services, everything you need will be available at the touch of a button, even scheduled transportation on our shuttle. Relax by the fireplace in our community lounges, or a night of movies or live entertainment in the 150-seat theater. At Vickery Rose, there will be no shortage of social activities. Our community Lifestyle Directors consistently schedule unique activities designed to meet the resident’s requests. Ultimately, companionship and interaction with others are powerful tools to enjoy retirement and with so many entertaining options and the caring community staff on hand, Vickery Rose brings residents together.
Empty Nest • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 2018 | 7
Laser Therapy Comes to Johns Creek Class IV Laser Therapy is the most advanced pain relief technology available to the public and it’s now available right here in Johns Creek. Laser therapy uses a process called photo-bio-modulation to enhance your body’s ability to heal itself. Laser Therapy works by flooding the tissues with photons, energizing the damaged cells and increasing circulation to the painful area. Treatments are fast, painless and don’t require any down time but the therapeutic effect continues to soothe and heal long after you leave the office. Laser Therapy is FDA cleared to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis, and muscle spasms and are a great alternative to medications and injections. Laser Therapy can treat a host of conditions including rotator cuff injuries, post operative pain and soreness (for any surgery), frozen shoulder, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, neck pain, muscle strains, low back pain, migraines, and can even be used to relieve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Johns Creek Physical Therapy is the only medical practice in the area to offer Laser Therapy technology. “In the fourteen months we’ve had the Laser, I am constantly amazed at what it does for our patients,” says Marc Stewart, PT, owner at Johns Creek Physical Therapy. If you are experiencing any type of pain, Call 770-6225344 to schedule your Free Consultation. Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344 PAID ADVERTISEMENT
ATTENTION: Do You Have Shoulder Pain? Sponsored by JOHNS CREEK PHYSICAL THERAPY
Whether it is playing tennis, a home renovation project, or just getting out of the house, this is the time of year shoulder injuries are prevalent. The most common injuries involve the rotator cuff. This normally presents itself with pain while reaching out to the side, over your head, or behind your back. If you are having this type of pain then you won’t want to miss our next Free Shoulder Pain Workshop on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 am.
During the workshop you will learn the top three common causes of Shoulder Pain. During the workshop you will learn the top three common causes of Shoulder Pain. You will also learn why the pain in your shoulder may actually be coming from another area of your body. If you don’t find the source of the problem you can find yourself constantly chasing your symptoms. When you come to the workshop, we will
teach you how you can find the real source of your pain and treat yourself naturally, without medications, injections or surgery and get back to being active again. Don’t let shoulder pain keep you sidelined. Register for the FREE Shoulder Pain workshop on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 am by visiting johnscreekpt.com Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Pkwy,, Ste. H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344
Marc C. Stewart, PT Johns Creek Physical Therapy, LLC
8 | August 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Empty Nest• Sponsored Section
Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek cares Imagine a community where people truly know and appreciate each other. Where deep, personal and trusting connections are forged and nurtured daily. At this award-winning community, the staff builds deep connections with their residents and families. As part of “The Arbor Service Way” the staff learns resident’s life stories before they move in, helping to ease the uncertainty the families may feel about moving to a new home with new people to meet. Recently a daughter shared her feelings about her Father’s move to the community. “I was so impressed with
the way the staff got to know his life story. I feel like they know the Dad we knew growing up but also appreciate and value him as he is now. The premove in social profile showed me how valuable this knowledge was in their conversations with Dad. The interactions were more that a casual “Hello or “Good Morning. Dad felt good, he felt at home.” This is the pinnacle of what the “Arbor Service Way” represents states Beth Richardson, Executive Director. If you would like to learn more about this award- winning community, call Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek at 770999-9577.
remember b
THE MOM YOU IS STILL IN THERE ...
SHE DESERVES PREMIERE MEMORY CARE at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek
• Positive, personalized approach • Activities tailored to needs at each stagee • Dedicated, trained staff CALL 770-790-0893 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR. ASK ABOUT OUR SUMMER SPECIAL RATES!
3180 Karen White Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024 | www.at-johnscreek.com
Empty Nest • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 2018 | 9
The Memory Center Atlanta The Memory Center Atlanta is the Southeast Region’s most unique, allinclusive, residential memory care community for people living with Alzheimer’s and any other form of dementia. A diagnosis of dementia does not mean that you cannot keep many aspects of your current lifestyle. It simply means you may need assistance maintaining that lifestyle. At The Memory Center Atlanta, we strive to ensure you truly live with us. Daily activities include Music, Dancing, Local Entertainment, Outings, Art Therapy, Pet Therapy, Religious Services and more. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or enjoy an ice cream cone at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socialization and activities and those who need 24/7 medical care will benefit from the care provided at The Memory Center Atlanta. We are proud to
have Dr. Gary Figiel, M.D., a locally and nationally renowned expert in the field of geriatric healthcare, as the Medical Director. Dr. Figiel works with our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants to provide 24/7 care within the comfort of your loved one’s new home. Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one can receive care. Deciding on memory care early enough, will allow your loved one the opportunity to have the best quality of life and that decision is priceless. Schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta and learn more about how our entire team works together to provide a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home. Located at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile in from Medlock Bridge Rd. and directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today – (770) 476-3678.
Do You Provide Care for Someone With Dementia or Alzheimer’s?
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Luau Party
Wednesday, August 29th at 4pm You’re invited to a Hawaiian Luau Party. Enjoy music by Caribbean Steel
VISIT NORTHFULTON.COM/PODCASTS AND LISTEN TODAY
and a hula performance by Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment. There will be tropical drinks and Island inspired appetizers. We’re raising money for SeniorServices North Fulton at this free family event.
Please RSVP to 770-476-3678.
Thank you to our sponsors Bridgeway Hospice and Pruitt Health.
12050 Findley Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30097 (Behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital)
10 | August 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Empty Nest• Sponsored Section
Thank You
2018 Best of North Atlanta voting has officially closed with a record-breaking 23,000 votes cast!
Who were your favorites?
Winners will be announced in a special edition of the Herald Newspapers on September 20th!