Health & Wellness – April 2021

April Special Section

2 | April 2021 | NorthFulton.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Small Business Benefits. Are they worth it?

Brought to you by Josh Dougherty josh.dougherty@xperiencebenefits.com Why are benefits such an annual challenge for small businesses?

Each year, the health insurance options DOUGHERTY change, price typically increases, and most of all, there is a significant amount of time that it takes to research these options. Although it can be a major investment of both time and money, it is a critical component of retaining and attracting quality employees to work for a firm. Studies show that primary reasons why people stay with a job is for the quality and levels of benefits. So why doesn’t everyone offer benefits?

For starters, employers generally need to contribute at least half of an employee’s monthly premium to sponsor a plan. Also, small businesses do not have the options that are afforded to larger companies because of the ability to mitigate risk with a large number of people on the plan. It is extremely important to understand

your budget and have the capital to afford a plan for years on end. Lastly, employees that qualify for subsidies on a plan via healthcare.gov may elect to waive employer plans for a more affordable option there.

All these items said, the answer to the posed question is “it depends”! It depends on your budget. It depends on the purpose of the policies being placed. It depends on the trajectory of your business. It depends on the amount of participation of employees within your benefits plan. It all just simply depends on your situation and analyzing all the components.

So, what do you do? Speak to a local insurance broker that will objectively analyze your situation and assess whether it makes sense to offer benefits or not. Discuss options between HMO, POS, PPO, self-funded, level-funded, Chamber plans, Association plans, and much more! Explore various quotes and explore the pros and cons of different plans.

Xperience Benefits is an independent brokerage and does not represent one specific carrier of insurance products. We believe in building a quality business with authentic lasting relationships.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Self-Advocacy and Second Opinions Brought to you by - Premier Dermatology and Mohs of Atlanta Second opinions can be invaluable. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that a diagnosis was changed or discovered in 21% of patients seeking a second opinion, and nearly 66% of all patients seeking a second opinion had their diagnosis refined. Receiving care for the wrong diagnosis or, more often, not receiving care for an undiagnosed issue can be life altering or sometimes even prove deadly.

Recently, a surprising number of patients have told me about experiences when their own initiative or a second opinion proved to be lifesaving. One patient was told that an incidental finding of low platelets (thrombocytopenia) was dismissed by his first physician as likely of little consequence. This patient sought a second opinion, and a bone marrow biopsy identified leukemia and led to treatment.

Another patient’s doctor told her that a mass could be watched and that since imaging was not necessary, it would not be covered by insurance. She paid out of her own pocket for a CT scan that identified the cancer that she suspected she had. Multiple other patients shared similar stories. And whereas this may come as a shock to some, it is, sadly, not surprising to me. Physicians are not infallible. I genuinely believe that patients should be their own advocate. Good physicians support their patients seeking additional professional opinions. In fact, my patients and I share similar stories because a second (fifth actually) opinion saved the life – or more accurately the quality and course of life – of my son: I count my blessings that my wife holds to her convictions and advocates for our family. Multiple “second” opinions at her insistence saved my oldest child from a lifetime of developmental struggles and unnecessary deafness. Our oldest effectively stopped talking at about 14 months old.

He never had a diagnosed or suspected ear infection. And although he would eventually turn towards us when we called his name, my wife was convinced that he could not hear. She took him to multiple pediatricians and was repeatedly dismissed with the counsel that “boys will be boys” and “not everyone is a talker.” These were board-certified, well-trained physicians.

Over the course of a year, his speech deteriorated from a dozen words at 14 months to only 2 words at 2 years old. A pediatric ENT, an audiologist and another pediatrician examined him and suggested autism, but when asked, they could not support their conclusions convincingly. The diagnosis just didn’t fit, as there were no other symptoms of autism.

Finally, at our second pediatric ENT and audiology appointment, the audiologist determined that the way sound waves

bounced back from his ear drums was not consistent with open, air-filled middle ears. Dr. Matthew Whitley (Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat of Atlanta) scheduled an appointment to place tubes in his ear drums and explore further. Shortly into the surgery, Dr. Whitley discovered that my son had “glue ear,” which is when a gluelike semisolid forms behind the ear drum.

Our son could hear sounds, which explains how he passed his first hearing test at one year old, but sounds were heard as if underwater, and he could not differentiate between many sounds which made speech unintelligible. Dr. Whitley inserted tubes, removed the glue-like material from our son’s middle ear and restored his hearing.

Within one week our son went from speaking two words to twenty words. We were informed that in a case such as our son’s, it would likely have taken years for the glue ear to resolve on its own. Had we stuck with our first, second, third, or fourth opinion, our son would have been severely affected by deafness (and thus speech) during critical developmental years.

Mohs surgery is a method of curing skin cancer by removing small pieces of tissue and checking the edges under the microscope until clear, cancer-free margins are obtained. Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate (usually 99%) of any procedure for the most common skin cancers and is considered the gold standard treatment for skin cancer on the head and neck.

Physicians have an obligation to present patients with the most reasonable treatment options, even when that treatment option is not available in their own practice. I sleep well at night knowing that I genuinely give my patients treatment that I would not necessarily pick for myself. My job is to present facts and to be a guide but not to choose for my patients. Just today, I saw a patient who was referred to me for Mohs surgery of a basal cell carcinoma on the lower edge of the nose. We reviewed his treatment options together. He had never considered radiation therapy until I presented it as an alternative to Mohs surgery, and ultimately radiation therapy is what he selected. Likewise, I occasionally have patients referred to me for Mohs surgery who select imiquimod cream instead of surgery after I present it as a treatment option for certain types of basal cell carcinoma. When non-surgical options exist, it is a surgeon’s responsibility to help educate a patient about treatment options worth considering.

The providers at Premier Dermatology believe in second opinions and in patient advocacy. I, along with Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, strive to truly listen to our patients and empower them to seek second opinions and alternative courses of treatment.

At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, whether we are your first or second (or fifth!) opinion, we make you and your family our priority.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Helping Your Older Loved One Move Ahead Older adults often have a great amount of resiliency, as they’ve seen and lived through many trying experiences in life.

The extended impact of the COVID pandemic, however, can be especially hard on them as the isolation of staying home and avoiding large gatherings can lead to a decline in both physical and mental health.

As record numbers of the population over age 65 who are most at risk receive a COVID vaccination, you may find it possible to begin to reconnect with your older loved ones beyond a phone call or online zoom session. As we start to emerge from this pandemic, it’s important to take stock of things that may have changed or are different with them and their environment.

The CDC notes that even under normal conditions the signs of depression, anxiety or worsening memory loss often go unnoticed in seniors. Here are a few things to watch for and some ideas to help transition as we begin to look forward to brighter days.

Some cautionary flags to watch out for include a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Is their house or yard messy when it was previously well kept? A loss of weight may mean they’re not cooking or eating like they used to.

New or increased sleeping difficulties along with forgetting to take or skipping medications are critical signs. Are they having more difficulty with personal care, showering less or wearing the same clothes repeatedly? Are their finances in shape, with bills paid or do they miss or overpay them? Has their energy level

changed, or have chronic conditions worsened?

Consulting with their primary doctor is important when you see your older loved one struggle. Taking some steps to help boost their spirits can make a big difference as well. Helping with some backyard cleanup and new spring plantings can help create a peaceful little oasis to enjoy spring and nature. Consider a daily calendar that can help organize their daily routine. Take on some home repairs and refresh their environment.

Plan for some safe social engagements with a neighbor or small group they used to participate in to increase interest and new learning.

It’s also an appropriate time to consider the benefits a skilled in-home care professional can provide. Even if your older loved one is in a care facility, the one on one dedicated care and warm emotional connection a heart centered Home Helpers caregiver provides can be life changing. We also provide proactive attention to detail by a team that has depth and skill. Our Care Managers form a critical link with our families as needs arise so we can quickly address questions and concerns in real time.

From several days a week to 24/7 full time or live in care, a Home Helpers caregiver has the skills to assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely speed up recovery from surgery, or provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of North Atlanta at (678) 430-8511.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

7 Ways to Personalize Wellness with Hydralive Therapy

By Hydralive Therapy Wellness encapsulates so much, and we’re using it as a catch-all here. Think about your health as one big puzzle with lots of little pieces that work best when they fit together. At Hydralive Therapy, we will set you up to approach health and wellness from the inside out.

IV THERAPY IV cocktails help fight a myriad of ailments compounded by dehydration including fatigue, stress, anxiety, weakened immunity and even hangovers.

Our IV cocktails not only provide an abundance of key vitamins, but also other necessary nutrients, such as minerals and amino acids!

COMPRESSION THERAPY Compression Therapy increases blood flow to specific parts of the body, encouraging your body to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to those areas!

Through Compression Therapy you can speed up recovery, relieve pain and improve athletic performance.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY Feel like yourself again with Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hydralive Therapy® has two hormone therapy treatments to choose from which can improve your energy level, strength, mood and so much more!

VITAMIN INJECTIONS Our vitamin injection therapies take less than one minute and are a safe, easy way to get fast, long-lasting results. Injections are packed with vitamins and minerals to impact weight loss, energy, mood, stress, anxiety and MORE!

CBD PRODUCTS All Hydralive Therapy® locations carry CBD Gummies and all-natural caffeinated CBD beverages with zero-calories and zero sugar. CBD can be added to your health regimen to treat a variety of symptoms like pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, muscle aches, to improve heart health. Plus, ALL products are 100% THC Free!

CRYOTHERAPY Cryotherapy is the practice of using cold temperatures to promote natural healing and wellness. In just three minutes, Cryotherapy can alleviate muscle and joint pain, promote weight loss, relieve anxiety and depression, reduce signs of aging as well as improve sleep patterns!

COVID ANTIBODY TESTING COVID-19 antibody testing is available at ALL Hydralive Therapy® locations. Administered by registered nurses, this test will determine whether or not you carry the antibodies for COVID-19 in just 15 minutes.

Valid through April 30, 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Make your smile beautiful with veneers

By Dr. David Remaley Your smile speaks volumes about you. A wide, full smile usually tells others that you are open and friendly. A pursed, straight-line smile typically indicates that you are shy and closed off. Healthy, clean teeth are the mark of someone put together and organized. Have you stopped and taken a second to consider what your smile is saying about you? If it’s not very positive, chances are that your teeth are to blame.

• Common Causes of Unsightly Teeth • Discolorations • Stains • Chips • Gaps • Crookedness DISCOLORATIONS/STAINS Your morning coffee and that glass of wine at dinner, while making you extremely happy, are staining your teeth.

Discolored teeth can age you and make you appear unattractive. It is important to maintain a regular cleaning routine to keep your pearly whites, well, white.

CHIPS/BROKEN TEETH Only pro hockey players can pull off chipped or broken teeth, and that’s because they have the amazing story to explain it away. For the everyday person, chipped and broken teeth create an unbalanced smile. Tooth decay can cause your teeth to become weak and break easily. So, even if your tooth loss is due to an accident, people may take it as a sign that you don’t have the best oral hygiene. Talk about embarrassing.

GAPPED/CROOKED TEETH Gapped and crooked teeth throw off the uniformity of a smile. In regard to beauty, balance and symmetry are very

important for creating an appearance that is attractive to the eye. Gaps and crookedness that create an asymmetrical look can affect how appealing your smile is.

When Brushing Just Isn’t Cutting It It can’t be stressed enough that a daily, thorough oral regimen will help by leaps and bounds in providing you with an attractive smile. Healthy teeth are the most important part of a smile.

But even if your teeth are healthy, they may not be aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes it’s impossible to fight discoloration and the fact that you are sporting a huge front gap. Brushing certainly isn’t going to bring back a chipped tooth, and it can be embarrassing living with unattractive teeth. Luckily, you don’t have to. You can reclaim your beautiful smile with the help of porcelain veneers.

Thank You for Voting US Best Dentist in North Atlanta for 6 Years!

Dr. David Remaley

2015

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Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like sheets that cover the outside of damaged teeth. They require little alteration of the existing tooth structure and become very strong once bonded. Veneers can last over 15 years with good detail care.

BENEFITS OF PORCELAIN VENEERS • Make teeth appear whiter • Obscure crooked and gapped teeth • Are customized to match existing tooth color and shape • Are non-porous and resistant to staining • Have minimal pain associated with the application procedure If your teeth could use a little improvement to give you a gorgeous smile, see how porcelain veneers can help you.

Set up your consultation with Dr. David Remaley to discuss your options today!

Call 470-375-9244 to schedule your appointment today.

Dedicated to providing exceptional dentistry and creating beautiful, healthy smiles for over 30 years.

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Crowns and Bridges in a few days • Custom Baked Cookies Daily Porcelain Veneers • FREE Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Tooth Colored Composite Fillings • Facial Aesthetic Enhancements Teeth Whitening- no sensitivity including BOTOX and Dermal Fillers Oral Cancer Screenings on all patients Teeth Cleanings, Digital X-Rays and Comprehensive Oral Exams on all new patients Cosmetic Smile Makeovers and Full Mouth Digital X-Rays Reconstruction (Complimentary Consultation) $100 Value Occlusal Guards and Bite Adjustments New patients only.

Snore Guards and Sleep Apnea Analysis Digital X-Rays (90% less radiation) and Intra-Oral Photos Digitally Scanned Dental ImpressionsNo more gooey impressions!

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8 | April 2021 | NorthFulton.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Specialist in Integrative Oncology

Three reasons to take CBD today Brought to you by – The Hemp Farm Store

Cancer Treatments Including: IV Vitamin C Fractionated Chemotherapy Nutrition Supplementation

Should You Get the COVID Vaccine?

Jonathan Stegall, MD

Jonathan Stegall, MD 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Holistic/ Alternative Medicine

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Oncology

3333 Old Milton Pkwy.

Suite 560 • Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 551-2730 www. drstegall.com

We recently reached the one-year point since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. Now that the vaccine is becoming widely available, you might be asking if you should get the shot.

STEGALL When it comes to cancer, research over the past year tells us some dismal statistics. Compared to those who don’t have cancer: Cancer patients are at a significantly increased risk of serious infection and death from COVID-19 Patients with a solid tumor such as breast, colon, or lung are nearly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 Patients with liquid cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma are nearly four times as likely to die from COVID-19 Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, I am pleased with the extensive research which has been done. I feel that it is a very safe and highly effective vaccine. I recommend all cancer patients be vaccinated unless their doctor has a significant reason for them not to.

As always, please discuss this with your doctor and obtain his/her approval.

For an in-depth discussion on this topic, please listen to episode 51 of my podcast, the Cancer Secrets Podcast.

You can listen for free at cancersecrets. com/podcast, or on iTunes or Spotify.

The most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. CBD has become increasing popular for in’s non-psychoactive health benefits that do not produce the “high” experienced with THC. You have heard about CBD, but why do people take it?

Remember Sleep? As more innovative products hit the market, CBD and other minor cannabinoids like CBN are formulated with lavender, chamomile, and other sleep-inducing remedies.

CBD works with your endocannabinoid system to regulate your circadian rhythm helping you get more consistent and restful sleep.

Life is Stressful. Pandemic, work, kids, bills, oh my! Who isn’t faced with a daily stress battle? Whether via the endocannabinoid system or modulating serotonin’s pathway, CBD can help alleviate effects of daily and chronic stress. CBD also encourages neural regeneration, specifically in the hippocampus, which also provides reduction in stress and its damaging properties.

Inflammation. Numerous disease states have a basis of inflammation.

Whether you suffer from rheumatoid

arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or eczema CBD’s ability to regulate your endocannabinoid system can offer health benefits.

Only take products that third-party tested for purity and quality. Each body is unique and at The Hemp Farm Store we pride ourselves with a broad range of products to suite individual wellness.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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10 | April 2021 | NorthFulton.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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