Empty Nest - February 2022

Appen Media Group

February Special Section

2 | February 2022 | AppenMedia.com

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Stool Transplants –

A new melanoma treatment?

Brought to you by - Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Stool (yes, feces) transplants are a real thing. In a world with virtual reality goggles, privatized space exploration, and children who think they know more than their parents, who would have thought that the most innovative medical technology available might be poop? But it’s true.

During 2021, increased articles have been published supporting the idea that the bacteria in the gut might have a tremendous impact on our health and immune system. And stool transplants could become part of state-of-the-art cancer care.

In February 2021, an article was published in the reputable journal Science. Researchers affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified fifteen melanoma patients who had failed to respond to immunotherapy-type melanoma drugs. These patients received stool transplants via colonoscopy from a melanoma patient who had responded to therapy. The fifteen patients were retreated with the cancer drug, and this time, six of those fifteen patients responded with either tumor reduction or long-term disease stabilization.

The type of bacteria that someone has in the gut likely influences how pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory one’s body is overall. Indeed, patients who responded to the stool transplant had molecules associated with resistance to immunotherapy decrease in their system.

In October 2021, an article published in Cell showed that the absence of gut bacteria creates a “pro-tumorigenic” environment – one that allows tumors to grow. Certain bacteria activate “STING” genes (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) that make our white blood cells better able to fight tumors. Interferon is a molecule that has long been known to activate white blood cells and help fight cancers. The fact that gut bacteria help activate interferonassociated genes supports that one’s gut bacteria might affect one’s ability to fight cancer. This same article found that a high fiber diet also activated these anti-cancer genes. That an absence of bacteria created an environment that allows tumors to grow raises interesting questions about unintended consequences of using antibiotics that kill gut bacteria.

This is a hot topic. A search for “fecal microbiota” at the website clinicaltrials.gov identifies more than one thousand studies related to gut bacteria, feces and treatment of disease such as fecal transplantation for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fecal transplantation for severe acute

SOURCE PHOTO: SPECIAL/ USF HEALTH COLLEGE OF NURSING

pancreatitis and many, many more.

I’ll never forget the time that I first learned of stool transplants. One of my professor’s daughters had been gravely ill for more than 6 months with a type of diarrhea caused by the bacteria Clostridium dificil, and the infectious disease doctors had not been able to cure her. She had lost weight to dangerous levels, could not go to school, could not function and was devastated by her condition. As a last-ditch effort, they performed a stool transplant from her sister to her, transferring the stool-saline mixture into her stomach by means of a nasogastric tube. My professor told us that she vomited once and that her breath was terrible for a day but that she was completely cured.

Her story is amazing, but not completely shocking. It makes sense that if someone is colonized by bad bacteria that a stool transplant might help replace the bad bacteria with the good. But who would have imagined that stool transplantation and gut bacteria management might find its way into cancer management?

Currently, stool transplantation is usually performed by gastroenterologists and oncologists at research centers and should likely be performed as part of a clinical trial. At our dermatology clinic, we do not perform stool transplantation. But, as you can see, we are open-minded and always looking for ways we can help. And thank goodness, we can cure 99% of skin cancers with Mohs surgery and traditional dermatologic techniques.

If you or a loved one has a skin cancer or a skin care need, please consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C are delighted to help you achieve your skin health goals. Dr. Taylor is fellowship-trained and “triple board certified” -- board certified in dermatology, board certified in micrographic dermatologic surgery (Mohs surgery) and certified in varicose vein treatment by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Ms. Kathryn Filipek has greater than 15 years of dermatology experience with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

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Live-In Care can be the answer

ISTOCK PHOTO

Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs Home is a source of comfort and the place where the vast majority of seniors want to age in place. If you or your older loved one are faced with current health care issues it’s time to consider the long-term benefits, increased safety and potential cost savings of live-in care.

Finding appropriate care for those most at risk, especially with the additional challenges posed by COVID-19, makes this a wonderful alternative that may be a perfect fit.

What is Live-In Care?

In time, we all need some help and in-home care provides both personal care and emotional support. Whether in your own home or an assisted living community, challenges like decreased mobility, increased fall dangers, occasional nighttime help or conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may make 24-hour support a necessary and ideal choice. Here’s how 24-hour live-in care works.

A heart-centered skilled Home Helpers caregiver lives in your older loved one’s home for at least four or five days a week, with another live-in caregiver completing the weekly schedule. The caregiver supplies all the daytime support care needed and sleeps there, so they are available at night for minimal quick toileting assistance or when emergencies might happen. A caregiver needs five hours of uninterrupted sleep and eight hours total sleep for a good night’s rest.

They will also take a break at opportune times, like when your loved one is napping, but always be there to provide a safe and secure environment.

The continuity of care a live-in

caregiver provides is a major benefit for your older loved one. One-on-one care is round the clock, totally customized and dedicated to their special needs. There are only two caregivers involved, well trained in infection control. The warm emotional bonds formed with a carefully selected caregiver can truly help with the social isolation that can be devastating during these times. With no shift changes during a day, this reliability and constancy can create a safe, calming environment for your older loved one.

There are many additional advantages to live-in care. Cost savings can be considerable, as live-in care has a daily versus hourly fee. You get the security of 24-hour assistance but you don’t pay for sleep time for the caregiver. Your older loved one stays in their home with the familiar belongings and surroundings they prefer, or even remain with a beloved pet and still have the space, privacy and independence they desire.

A carefully matched live-in caregiver provides the security of a trained professional who can make sure connections with family members are maintained, manage safe interactions with friends and neighbors, assist with food preparation and allow your older loved one to thrive. Our caregivers wear protective gear like face masks and gloves when appropriate, can take frequent temperature readings, check vital signs and prompt frequent hand washing.

A skilled, trained and caring Home Helpers caregiver not only brings skills, but a heart centered approach that provides the best quality of life for our clients and their families. For a free in-home consultation to determine if live-in care is right for you contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs today at (770) 681- 0323.

AppenMedia.com | February 2022 | 3

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4 | February 2022 | AppenMedia.com

Can Wordle help exercise your mind?

Brought to you by- Jay Looft, Medicare Insurance Broker, SeniorSource Medicare Solutions Healthcare is now all about prevention.

Through preventive screenings, doctors can catch diseases early and help keep you on track to live a long and healthy life. Many people also enjoy keeping their body fit and healthy through walking, going to the gym or playing pickleball.

Along with exercising your body, are you exercising your brain?

There are tons of word games that you can play online or in the newspaper, but a new one that is simple and accessible for everyone with an internet connection is Wordle.

You must give it a try! Our entire family is now playing Wordle.

The point of the game is to guess the 5-letter word of the day (everyday they put out a new word). Everyone who plays has the same word. You get six tries per day

and with each try, they will provide you clues as to what letters are in the word or not. It really gets you thinking!

It’s a website, not an app, so just use your search engine and search for “Wordle”. It should be the first listing in your search results.

Word games, such as Wordle, have been proven to help with brain functionality like problem solving. Another positive effect of Wordle is the social aspect. Get a group of friends started with Wordle and it will be something to talk about…everyday!

If you are looking for assistance with your Medicare insurance, give us a call today at (770) 315-8145 or check us out online at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com. We are insurance brokers specializing in Medicare insurance. We look forward to helping you!

Also, we are looking for insurance agents who would like to specialize in Medicare insurance with us. Give us a call today to discuss this opportunity!

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Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans

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AppenMedia.com | February 2022 | 5

Picking Up the Pieces: Love After Loss Brought to you by Village Park Senior Living Valentine’s Day is often advertised to celebrate love in the present moment, however, it is also a day to reflect on the love of those who have passed. Village Park Senior Living resident, Rose Marie discussed her memories of the love she shared with her late husband and how she picked up the pieces after he passed.

Rose Marie was first introduced to Nick by her friends when she was 15. Nick was at her friend’s house and he tried to talk to Rose Marie all night, but she did not like him because of his forwardness. Several months later on Independence Day, Rose Marie saw Nick again at the beach. This time, he would not let her go until she agreed to go on a date with him. So she agreed. After a whirlwind romance, they got engaged but, a week later the Army sent him to war.

Two days after his return, they got married in front of 300 people. Through the highs and lows, the pair stuck together, even at the end of Nick’s life. She recalls the day he told her he was going to die. She questioned him, “You met the Lord and he told you you were going to die?”

Beyond this statement, Rose Marie never answered her husband’s comment about death. Rose

Bungalows & Cottages City Homes Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Village Park Milton 555 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 470.509.4557

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Marie and her husband went to Thanksgiving dinner. She recalls him eating everything, which was unlike him as he was careful about his diet. Shortly after, Nick passed away in their son’s arms.

After her husband passed, Rose Marie says the whole family came together for the first time in a long time. While it was a daunting day, seeing her family together brought happiness.

Recently, her granddaughter reached out and asked if they could bake together. This family inter action is important to her life and brings joy to the little moments.

Moving on from grief was hard for Rose Marie but she contributes it all to God and the community around her. She became involved with the non-denominational devotion group at Village Park Alpharetta. She also found a supportive group of women that helped her along the way.

It is important to hold onto the memories of our loved ones. It is also cathartic to share these memories with friends and family. At Village Park Senior Living, we believe fellowship and support groups provide the opportunity for these memories to live on. We encourage you to surround yourself with a great community. Learn more about how we embrace fellowship and give us a call at (470)5094557. We look forward to hearing from you.

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6 | February 2022 | AppenMedia.com

We take care of moms and dads Brought to you by: Inspired Living Alpharetta

homes offer studio, one- and two- bedroom layouts and include wood-look tile flooring, walk-in showers, kitchenettes, vista and patio views and so much more.

What really makes the community special is the professional team members that provide world-class dining, recreation and care services for the residents and their families. Any community can look beautiful, and it’s up to the people to make it truly special. From the professional Chef who has cooked for past Presidents to the Executive Director who has made her life’s passion helping seniors live out their golden years with exuberance, you will find smiling faces and warm embraces throughout this endearing community.

Every resident that moves in is given a complete personal, health and lifestyle assessment so that a personalized care plan can be developed to best meet their needs and wishes. Inspired Living’s iCare program supports residents’

Inspired Living’s Assisted Living and Memory Care community has been Alpharetta’s best-kept secret caring for moms and dads within our community for the past four years. Well, the secret is now out as they welcome new residents and their families into their luxury senior living community. Located in Alpharetta off Old Milton Parkway and perched at top a hill behind the Waffle House, the community is an experience like no other. Gone are the days of tired, old, assisted living communities ushering in a new era of refinement, engagement and enriching lifestyles. Inspired Living’s resort-style offerings include a pool, cabana, outdoor spaces and walking paths, formal dining areas and casual country kitchens, wellness center, salon, game rooms, club rooms, lounge, and billiard room. Luxury apartment PROVIDED BY ADVERTISER

Complimentary

Medicare 101 Workshop

Are you nearing age 65? Are you approaching retirement and losing group health coverage? Are you currently on Medicare?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you might want to attend this brief 60-Minute Medicare Info Presentation!

You’ll learn about the parts of Medicare and which options might work best for you. Also, you’ll discover how to avoid enrollment penalties.

Plus, you’ll find out how different coverages coordinate with Medicare and how Medicare works if you go outside of the United States.

To reserve your seat, call 404-551-4274 or register online at www.1MedicareUSA.org

Alpharetta Public Library

East Roswell Library

Roswell Library

10 Park Plaza Alpharetta, GA 30009

2301 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Roswell, GA 30076

115 Norcross St. Roswell, GA 30075

Tues, Mar. 3 8 •• 10:30 6:30 p.m.

Thurs, a.m.

Thurs, April87••6:30 6:30p.m. p.m.

Tues, Mar.

Thurs, Mar. 10 • 10:30 a.m.

Mar 15 Tues, Mar. 15 •• 6:30 6:30 p.m. p.m.

Thurs, 10:30 a.m.

Thurs, Mar. 17 • 10:30 Tues, 26 • 6:30 p.m.

Tues,April Mar. 22

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or federal Medicare program. For accommodations of persons with special needs, call 404-551-4274, TTY 711.

health daily meeting them where they are at and assisting them with grace while Inspired Livings Thrive program goes to work caring for the mind, body and spirit.

The community also features a secure memory care neighborhood for those resident’s afflicted with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory related diseases. The specially trained team members offer support to residents and their families focusing on minimizing the difficult aspects of memory loss while supporting continued relationships so you can all live happier, healthier and more fulfilled.

If you have been looking for that special place for your mom or dad to live with less worry while maintaining a lifestyle that is meaningful to them, you have just found it. Community tours are scheduled daily so please call 470-5095995 or visit www.inspiredliving.care for more information.

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AppenMedia.com | February 2022 | 7

Solutions that Work –

A tip from the attorney Brought to you by - Michelle Wilson, Wilson Legal, PC Home is a source of comfort and the At Wilson Legal, we talk about creating solutions that work. What we mean is that you (if you’re a client of ours) leave knowing what to do with what you ordered. But whether you are a client or not, I want the people in our community to know how to stay home longer with less aggravation. Follow these easy steps to make your life happier at home. Take your financial power of attorney to your bank. Ask them to scan it into their system and send it to the legal department to be approved. Then ask them if they have a separate proprietary form – that means a bank power of attorney form – that they would want you to sign to make sure your loved one can help you when you need it. If they have a special bank only power of attorney form, put your agents in and sign it. If you don’t your agents may be stopped in their tracks when

they try to help you later – later when you have lost capacity and cannot sign.

Now repeat this process of getting your financial power of attorney approved by every insurance company, brokerage, credit union WILSON and bank that you use.

After following this process with each company, take a deep breath and relax knowing that your document is in ALL the places it needs to be so that your agents can help you when you need it. You have just smoothed the way for your helpers to help. And your helpers will really appreciate that.

If you’re reading this and thinking “I don’t have a financial power of attorney” or “I have one but it’s 5+ years old”, then give us a call. We can fix that for you. At Wilson Legal, we are the firm where preparation meets peace of mind because we create solutions that work.

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8 | February 2022 | AppenMedia.com

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Why your Cardiologists wants you to know about Peripheral Arterial Disease…

Brought to you by – Heart and Vascular Care With February being Heart Health Month, Heart and Vascular Care wants to make sure that you have the tips and understanding to maintain healthy heart function and a high quality of life.

Did you know that chronic lower leg pain can be an indicator of increased cardiac risks? Peripheral Arterial Disease also known as PAD, is an incredibly common medical diagnosis that affects millions a year however the long-term potential effects require added attention.

As a cardiovascular practice in the area, we treat many patients who come in experiencing cramps, fatigue, aching, pain, or discomfort in

the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. And while this pain usually goes away with rest, it almost always returns when they start to walk again. While many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else and write it off until the discomfort is too persistent, they fail to realize that these symptoms also relay to a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Additionally, when left untreated PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.

With an increase of heart disease within our communities, education and awareness is critical to help everyone live healthier and longer lives.

The good news is that even if you are at risk for peripheral arterial disease or have been diagnosed with PAD:

1. PAD is diagnosed in a simple, painless way.

2. You can take control by following your doctor’s recommendations and strive to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.

3. Some cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

It’s important to understand the facts about PAD- the more you understand, the more you can identify potential common symptoms. Call us at 678-513-2273 to take control of your cardiovascular health today.

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AppenMedia.com | February 2022 | 9

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10 | February 2022 | AppenMedia.com

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