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March Special Section
2 | March 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Longleaf Communities Brought to you by Kathy Rice Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Final opportunites available at Longleaf Communities Woodstock. Longleaf is a luxury homebuilder for active 55+ adults in metro Atlanta. Their spectacular, English Cottage style homes are designed to RICE meet the lifestyle needs and wishes of active seniors while providing low maintenance living. Longleaf Woodstock 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 Woodstock in Cherokee County has a Clubhouse and Pool, bocce
court, community gardens and a dog park) Our thoughtful floor plans and Longleaf’s reputation for superior craftsmanship, are what make Longleaf the luxury builder of active adult communities. www.longleafsouth.com (678) 697-4984
Timeless Design. Superior Quality. Carefree Community Living. A LUXURY 55+ COMMUNITY IN WOODSTOCK
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d. 678.697.4984 o. 770.442.7300
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.
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Addicted skin – Does your skin have a habit? By DR. BRENT TAYLOR Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Many people assume that medications that do not require a prescription are relatively harmless. Over the Counter (OTC) DR. TAYLOR medications include drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen, aspirin, and, in dermatology, hydrocortisone. Given the current opioid epidemic, almost everyone is aware of the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, but I have found that a fair number of my patients have caused themselves harm with some very common OTC medications. Medications like Tylenol have a lower therapeutic window meaning that the toxic dose is not much higher than the recommended daily dose. A toxic does of Tylenol causes liver failure. Other medications like aspirin can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding when taken in abundance. In dermatology, the over the counter medication with which patients often have the most problems is hydrocortisone. It is present in numerous medications including Cortizone-10® and some types of Preparation H® as well as eczema and itch-relief creams. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid. Steroids are wonder drugs in medicine. Before steroids were available, many diseases were a death sentence or at least a sentence to a life of pain and disability. Steroids suppress the immune system broadly. They have the ability to treat patients with diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and a host of other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Steroids are also “dirty drugs” in the sense that they carry a host of side effects ranging from increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes to osteoporosis, trouble sleeping, anger issues and the list goes on. Nowadays, medications with fewer side effects are available, but steroids remain indispensable in many circumstances. When used on the skin, topical steroids are also a mixed blessing. They are amazing at helping with poison ivy and are still the go-to medication for most cases of eczema and many nonspecific itchy rashes. However, topical steroids used chronically will thin the skin, cause easy bruising, stretch marks and fragile skin. And even a few days of applying topical steroids to the face
can sometimes lead to “addicted skin,” that breaks out in acne-like lesions or rashes whenever someone stops using the topical steroid. If someone unwittingly uses hydrocortisone on the face, he or she may develop a case of perioral dermatitis or steroid acne that can take weeks or months of oral antibiotics and other topical medications to quiet down and control. Another pitfall of topical steroids like hydrocortisone is their potential to make infections worse. Because steroids suppress the immune system, conditions of inappropriate immune activation like eczema and poison ivy rashes get better with steroids. Unfortunately, infections can get worse because we rely on an intact immune system to fight bacteria, yeast and viruses. If that rash you thought was eczema turns out to be fungus, then putting a steroid on it can allow the fungus to grow. Certain medicated lip balms contain hydrocortisone and cause viral outbreaks. Again, topical steroids suppress the immune system. So, if someone has ever had the “cold sore” virus HSV-1 (which between half and two thirds of the population has), then applying a topical steroid can allow the virus to reactivate and cause more frequent and worse cold sore outbreaks. Likewise, I have seen many cases recently of parents putting hydrocortisone on their children’s eczema in the setting of a molluscum infection, and the molluscum has spread and become very severe. A final important note: topical steroids generally do not cure anything – they merely control certain diseases. Whenever possible, it is important to identify the underlying cause of the disease so that it can be addressed. As a vein specialist and dermatologist, I have many patients who thought they simply had “eczema” on their legs when in fact they had “stasis dermatitis” due to underlying vein disease. Curing vein disease not only often eliminates lower leg eczema but also often cures symptoms of leg pain, heaviness, night cramps, restless legs and other lower extremity complaints. If you or a loved one has a skin ailment, particularly a concern for skin cancer or vein disease, consider making an appointment with Dr. Brent Taylor of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Taylor is a board-certified dermatologist, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. We look forward to taking care of you.
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The Memory Center Atlanta The Memory Center Atlanta is the most unique and comprehensive community for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Devoted specifically to memory care, our expertly designed program meets the challenging conditions of an aging brain with a caring, interactive community. We understand a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean you or your loved one stops living, rather it means finding new ways to live by providing assistance to maintain an active and meaningful lifestyle. Our residents enjoy music, dancing, live entertainment, art, gardening, - even outings, pet therapy and religious services. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or ice cream at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socializa-
tion and activities accessible across all levels of dementia. Even those who need 24/7 care benefit from life at The Memory Center. Overseen by our medical director who specializes in the field of geriatric healthcare, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants provide the best 24/7 care. Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one receives care. If you are considering memory care, we encourage you to explore options as early as possible. Take the time to ask questions, tour and include your loved one in the decision making process. Transitioning to memory care early ensures the best quality of life with daily socialization and engaging activities designed to meet the needs of you or your loved one.
Get in touch - ask us a question or schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta to learn more about how our team provides a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home. Lo-
cated at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile from Medlock Bridge Rd. directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today, (770) 476-3678.
NORTH ATLANTA’S HOT TOPICS ON PODCAST
Go to NorthFulton.com, click on Podcasts and select Inside The Box
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COVID-19: When you need help staying safe at home Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta Home has a unique place in our lives as a place to be safe and secure, especially under the most trying circumstances. For older adults over the age of 60, this has even more meaning today as we all come together to face the challenges of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The most recent guidelines of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that older adults severely limit personal contact and stay home altogether to reduce risk of exposure, as the virus impact is considerably more serious for those over 60 and individuals with preexisting conditions. Here are some things to consider when staying home is your new norm: • Consult your doctor to obtain extra medications. Most prescription programs have mail order service that can deliver them directly to your door. • Consider what groceries and home supplies you need to have for an extended home stay. At home delivery service is now available from many supermarkets, and you can request to have them left at your door to minimize contact. • Call your doctor if you have an appointment to discuss whether you should postpone it or have a phone or online consult. • Don’t forget to work in some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature. Spending time in your garden, birdwatching or stretching on your patio can be a refreshing break. • Create a plan to call or video chat regularly with family and friends. Staying in touch and catching up with loved ones can help warm our hearts even if
they can’t be physically at hand. • Call your more technically adept loved ones if you need help scheduling grocery deliveries, video chats, etc. In these uncertain times, sheltering in the safety and security of home with limited exposure to others is recommended by experts to minimize the risk of contracting coronavirus. However, this may not be possible for your older loved one without some dedicated help that provides a safe alternative that also helps limit their chances of virus exposure. Whether it’s a concern about their ability to navigate daily tasks, being socially isolated, making sure their environment is secure and clean or needing a caregiver you can trust when you can’t be there, we’re here to help. As part of our community, we are committed to keeping our older loved ones safe and help them thrive – never more so than in these times. Home Helpers is dedicated to providing truly personalized care delivered by carefully matched, heart-centered professional caregivers. Well trained in infection control, you are working with skilled professionals that have been trained to work with a personalized care plan. They can assist with all personal care, help around the house, follow proper disinfectant practices, provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. The companionship and assistance a caregiver can provide can help calm anxiety and boost self-confidence. We’d be happy to discuss the needs of your older loved one. For a free in-home consultation and personalized plan contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta today at (678) 430-8511.
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Protecting the seniors who protected us The American lifestyle has vastly changed in the past month. COVID-19 is now a global pandemic causing a feeling of uncertainty. While the virus has closed down schools, businesses, and events, it most severely impacts the elderly. Seniors like Warren Holder, who have fought in wars and lived through historic moments, are at a greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Village Park Senior Living would like to emphasize the important role every person in the local community plays in protecting the seniors who protected us. Warren Holder was born in 1925, during a time of uncertainty. He was one of 13 children growing up in an orphanage. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. He soon became one of the first black officers and served as a Frogman (predecessor to Navy Seals). As a Navy Frogman, Holder swam through the ocean to disarm underwater mines. The dangerous task often placed him in harm’s way. One incident in the Pacific Theater nearly led to him losing his leg. He also faced continuous adversity and prejudices as a black officer in the World War II era. His achievements can be seen
through the many medals and awards he has been given, including a Purple Heart. Throughout his lifetime, he has protected future generations and his experiences have since turned into wisdom.
At the age of 94, Warren Holder remains compassionate and uses his experiences to inspire others. Every Friday, he speaks to other veterans about overcoming the hardships of war and coping with the residual impacts.
Warren’s story is just one of the many amazing stories of bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice that older Americans have made for future generations. At Village Park Senior Living, our residents have contributed as teachers and professors shaping the future, inventors and entrepreneurs innovating for a better tomorrow, and nurses and doctors caring for those in need. Many residents continue serving their communities through volunteering, donating, and supporting local organizations. To protect our loved ones, it is important to closely follow the COVID-19 guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials. Staying home and away from large crowds, frequently washing hands and practicing good hygiene, and checking in with loved ones via phone call and video conferencing is vital at this pivotal time. These efforts may seem small but can ultimately be heroic. This is how younger generations can return the favor to the men and women who fought for the future. We must protect heroes like Warren Holder, as they have once protected us.
Bungalows Cottages Independent Assisted Memory Care Village Park Milton 555 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 470.509.4557
WINNER 2019
Best Of North Atlanta Presented By
Village Park Alpharetta 12300 Morris Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 678.740.3499
villageparkseniorliving.com
Experience Attiva by Cortland
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A new way of apartment living for today’s 55+ active adult
Located in the dynamic neighborhood of Chamblee, just minutes from Buckhead and Northeast Atlanta life, Attiva Peachtree is your solution to vibrant living. Whether you’re hosting the kids or grandkids for the weekend, commuting into town, or heading over to Whole Foods to grab a bite or to Octane to grab coffee with a few friends, you’ve got countless options for both quality time and quality fun. Modern features like stainless steel appliances, expansive kitchen islands, granite countertops, and large walk-in closets will make you proud to come home -- or just be home. With our array of amenities and social events, you can always plan on a glass of wine, a meal al fresco, a fitness class, or a spirited game with neighbors. Or you can just enjoy some you-time by the heated, saltwater pool or on your private balcony. However your day unfolds, it’s yours – your everyday series of moments to connect and savor.
470.206.1842
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