October Special Section
2 | October 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis Brought to You by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs October 20th is annual World Osteoporosis Day, marking an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the most common bone disease that affects millions. The prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis is critical to prevent the weakening of bones, muscles and joints. With osteoporosis bones become more brittle, and more likely to fracture or break. The likelihood of osteoporosis increases with age, and over 14 million Americans over age 50 have it. More women are impacted, affecting over 20 % of women and 6% of men in this age group. After age 65, those numbers rise to 27% of women and 6% of men. Breaking a bone is often the first clue of osteoporosis, and it’s estimated over two million bones are broken due to this “silent disease” every year. Being informed means you can act and work to maintain your best quality of life. It’s important to consult your doctor about appropriate steps to test for low bone mass, which makes breakage more likely and increases your risk of progressing to full blown osteoporosis. Over 48 million adults, or 43% of adults over 50 have this precursor condition, and many people are unaware of the risks posed by low bone mass. There are steps you can take to help manage and improve your bone strength. A diet high in Calcium, Vitamin D and fruits and vegetables plays a key role, so consult a nutrition expert for a plan to fit your situation.
Weight bearing exercises are critical, with walking, stair climbing, dancing and exercising with weights as options that can help with ongoing fitness. Protect your bones and avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption. There are also medications your health professional can provide that can slow the rate of progression. At Home Helpers we understand the challenges posed by conditions like osteoporosis and are here to help you or your older loved one navigate your unique care needs. We know quality care management requires hands on attention to detail by a team with depth and skill. While it starts with matching a heart centered caregiver to each client, there’s also a care management liaison who provides a critical link as needs arise. Our commitment to proactive care management helps us recognize changes in our clients and work to offer solutions and ideas before issues become critical. In the midst of COVID-19, extensive training in infection control and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps our skilled caregivers elevate hands on care management to a new level. We’re here to help - from eight hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and 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, Dementia, Parkinson’s, etc. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | October 2021 | 3
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 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 DOUGHERTY 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,
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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.
4 | October 2021 | NorthFulton.com
Specialist in Integrative Oncology Cancer Treatments Including: IV Vitamin C Fractionated Chemotherapy Nutrition Supplementation
Jonathan Stegall, MD 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020
WINNER 2016
Best Of North Atlanta Presented By
WINNER
WINNER
Best Of North Atlanta
Best Of North Atlanta
2016
Presented By
Presented By
Holistic/ Alternative Medicine
Nutritionist
Oncology
3333 Old Milton Pkwy. Suite 560 • Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 551-2730 www. drstegall.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Brought to you by – Jonathan Stegall, MD October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women, and the third leading cause of cancer death in women. Approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Although there are several different subtypes of breast cancer, the standard of care for treatment is typically some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Women who have hormonal involvement will also be prescribed medication to address this. The success of these treatments typically hinges on how early the cancer is diagnosed, as cancer which has spread throughout the body has a much worse prognosis. For this reason, being proactive in terms of screening (e.g., routine breast exams and mammograms) is very important. In addition, I believe strongly that nutrition, supplementation, exercise, stress reduction, and a keen eye toward limiting harmful environmental exposures is critical in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. This well-rounded integrative approach, which embraces both conventional and natural therapies, is the future of breast cancer management! For more information about breast cancer, as well as other cancer types and anticancer strategies, please check out my bestselling book and podcast at cancersecrets.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | October 2021 | 5
Thank You for Voting US Best Dentist in North Atlanta for 7 Years! WINNER 2015
WINNER
2016
WINNER
2017
2018
Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of WINNER WINNER North North North North Atlanta2019 Atlanta2020 Atlanta2021 Atlanta Best Of Best Of Best Of North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
Presented By
Dr. David Remaley
Dr. Destinee Hood
Treating cavities without a drill? Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood
One in 7 U.S. children ages 2 to 8 years old has untreated dental decay. While fluoride varnish application is a wellestablished, highly effective intervention for preventing decay, it does not restore cavities extending deeper into teeth. Traditional treatment for cavities was limited to removing the decay with a drill. Now, there’s an alternative for treating decay- Silver Diamine Fluoride. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid applied to teeth with a small brush. The use of silver nitrate, precursor to SDF, dates to the 1800’s. Its natural antimicrobial properties have given silver nitrate a large field of treatment applications, such as wound care. The combination of silver, ammonia, and fluoride provides immediate relief from dental hypersensitivity, kills cavitycausing bacteria, and hardens softened tooth-structure caused by demineralization. Initially, SDF received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2014 for treating dental hypersensitivity, much like its predecessor, fluoride varnish. However, dental practitioners have seen the resulting arrestment of decay, and, in 2016, the FDA designated SDF as the “Breakthrough Therapy” for treating
cavities. Once treated, it is advisable to reapply SDF at every cleaning appointment. An additional benefit of silver diamine fluoride is that it has very few risks associated with it because it only affects the areas with decay. Once applied, SDF oxidizes and leaves a dark stain limited to the cavity. Acknowledging the importance of esthetics, oral health remains the priority. A skilled dental health professional will maximize effective treatment while minimizing esthetic impact. Understandably, many patients and parents choose SDF treatment to get tooth decay under control because it is highly effective, and the benefits outweigh the risks for nearly all patients. Due to its low cost, simple and painless application, and clinical efficacy, SDF is advantageous especially for vulnerable patient populations, such as children and older adults. However, patients of any age or health status can benefit from SDF treatment and should be given the option, especially if demineralization or small cavities are noted at check-ups. Schedule your appointment with Roswell Dental Care by calling 470-2881152. More information at www.roswelldentalcare.com.
Dedicated to providing exceptional dentistry and creating beautiful, healthy smiles for over 30 years. Our services include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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! Electronic Records Accept and File all Major Insurances Implants Root Canals Extractions Same day appointments available! Spa-like Relaxing Atmosphere
FREE
Excellence in Dentistry
470.288.1152 • roswelldentalcare.com 1570 Old Alabama Rd • Ste 102 • Roswell, GA 30076
6 | October 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Providing excellence. Every patient. Every time. Brought to you by - Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Congratulations to Premier Dermatology and Mohs surgery of Atlanta for its fourth year in a row of being voted Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist of North Fulton! Since opening in 2017, Premier Dermatology has quickly become the go-to dermatology practice for quality and comprehensive dermatologic care. As in years past, I decided to sit down with Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C to get their take on their success and to learn a bit more about them. Alyssa: Hey you two! Thanks for meeting with me again. Winning the Best Dermatologist and Best Vein specialist for four years in a row means you must be doing something right! To what do you contribute your continued success? Dr. Taylor: Thank you! Well, I believe that my patients understand our sincerity and our dedication to their healthcare. Kathryn and I and our amazing team all honestly care about our patients and their well-being. I hope that that sincerity comes through during our interactions. We always strive to give our
patients our complete attention and to learn more about an individual as a person as well as a patient. There are plenty of times when a patient brings something to our attention or when a case compels us to do additional research. Kathryn and I are constantly collaborating and advocating on our patients’ behalf. I believe that comes through. Kathryn: I agree with everything that Dr. Taylor said, our team really is wonderful. And we have received a lot of compliments that the practice has a personal and “boutique” feel, even as we deliver care that is scientific and academic. Alyssa: Dr. Taylor we all know that you are a board-certified dermatologist, and a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. There is no doubt of your ability to skillfully handle dermatology and skin cancer patients. How many surgeries have you performed now? Dr. Taylor: Oh, probably over 10,000, but more important than the number is the type of cases that we are treating. I believe that we are one of the only practices in the state of Georgia that performs true Mohs surgery
See PREMIER, Page 7
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Premier: Continued from Page 6 for melanoma on the face. Many of the surgeries that we perform are truly lifesaving, and I am proud of the type of work that we perform. Alyssa: How does varicose vein treatment fit into your practice and what advancements did Kathryn Filipek bring? Dr. Taylor: We are beyond grateful for the addition of Kathryn! She really is a fantastic and knowledgeable provider. Most importantly, our skillsets really complement one another. For example, my focus in the vein clinic portion of our practice is on treating venous disease that results in leg swelling or pain, and Kathryn has years of experience performing aesthetically-focused cosmetic sclerotherapy. She brought PRP for hair rejuvenation to the practice as well as chemical peels and is a truly outstanding injector of Botox® and cosmetic fillers. The addition of another provider also means that we are frequently able to accommodate patients for same day or next day appointments. Alyssa: Well, I think that will help our readers understand more of what helps you both win Best Of year after year. But, as is now tradition, I thought we could ask a few casual questions to
allow your readers get to know you both a little better. When you started working at Premier Dermatology, what surprised you? Brent: The administrative side of running a practice was more complicated than I had anticipated. I was not wearing rose-tinted glasses when we opened, but electronic medical records, government reporting, and the insurance-side of medicine all were more challenging than I expected. I want to thank all the patients who put up with the hiccups in the first two years for their understanding as we were working out some of the kinks. Kathryn: Prior to joining Premier Dermatology in early 2020, I had spent almost 19 years working in larger dermatology practice settings. In starting here, I was pleasantly surprised by the “family” feel of the practice and not only how close the staff were to each other, but how close some of the patients were to my current coworkers. It is comforting to be a part of a true “work family.” What are your pet peeves? Brent: I think most of my pet peeves involve reckless or aggressive driving. On the road, people all too often act like they see cars as obstacles rather than as fellow travelers. Kathryn: Expecting instant gratification without the willingness to do the work. I believe hard work is
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often necessary to achieve your goals. This is something I tell my kids about homework and good grades, as well as my patients who often require a regular routine to maintain or improve their skin conditions. If your childhood had a smell, what would it have been? Brent: Blueberry pie and fresh cut grass. My grandfather had a blueberry and Christmas tree farm and my mom is a fantastic baker. I am beyond lucky to have been able to play outside all day, explore the farm, catch various critters then come inside to homemade desserts. I had a fantastic childhood. Kathryn: Basically, the outdoors in Michigan. Nose-closing crisp air in the winter, water (from the snow melting) in the spring, fresh grass and dirt or sap on my hands as a kid, and leaves in the fall (which basically ended in September for me.) What is the most ridiculous outfit you’ve ever worn? Brent: I once won a Halloween contest by dressing up as a bag of Jelly Belly jellybeans. My neighborhood Costco gave me a huge clear plastic bag, and I punched holes in it for my arms and legs and filled it up with dozens of different color balloons then taped a Jelly Belly logo across it. My costume was the hit of the party, and nobody could get past me because I was seven feet wide.
Kathryn: Anything in the 80’s. Don’t even ask about my hairstyle. Perms rocked! Lastly, if you could tell your 16-year-old self something, what would it be? Brent: To not put too much stock in timelines. I was raised very traditionally, and I thought that I was going to meet my wife in college, get married right after we graduated then start a family a few years later, and it made me worried when I hadn’t met the right person by the time that I expected. My advice to the teenage me would be to just pour yourself into positive and worthwhile activities and that the result would be becoming who you are supposed to and meeting who you are supposed to all in its own time. Kathryn: Stop stressing. You’ll make it happen. I was so focused on my future, worrying about not achieving my goals, and how I was going to put myself through school that I didn’t stop to enjoy being 16. In hindsight, I realize that having a bit more faith would have gotten me to the same endpoint without all of the pressure I put on myself. Thank you to Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek for sharing a little more about themselves and congratulations again for winning both Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist in North Fulton for 2021!
Feel good about your teeth. 2020
Best Of North Atlanta
2018
Best Of North Atlanta
Presented By
Presented By
Honored as 1st Runner Up Best Dentist 2018
2020
Best Of North Atlanta Presented By
Honored as Honored as 1st Runner Up 1st Runner Up Best Dentist 2020 Best Dentist 2021
Honored as Winner Best Dentist 2019
We provide full-service general and cosmetic dentistry for our valued patients and measure our success in our ability to always exceed your expectations.
• One-Day Crowns •
• Implant Therapy • General and Cosmetic Dentistry
770 569-0613
northfultonsmiles@gmail.com | www.northfultonsmiles.com 12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 121, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
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8 | October 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
Look years younger with Cosmetic Dentistry Brought to you by – Dr. Bradley Hepler, The Atlanta Center for Dental Health Modern minimally invasive procedures will improve your smile. Through the ages, people have searched for ways to look younger and reverse the aging process. Often someone’s smile can be a “tell”. When someone smiles and you see their teeth, it can give away their true age. If the teeth are worn down or broken, a person looks older than they really are. An attractive, healthy-looking smile allows you to look younger. A smile of straight white teeth with balanced proportions makes you look and feel confident when smiling and laughing with friends and family. Strong, healthy teeth are part of a vibrant life of joy and accomplishment. You have so many options these days with the advances in materials and technology. Improving your smile might be as easy as Tooth Whitening. Years of stain and discoloration can be reversed with our in-office and take-home prescription whitening procedures. Cosmetic Recontouring is simple reshaping of the teeth to eliminate chips and broken teeth and make them look much straighter.
Moving your teeth to make them straighter and have a healthier bite is a great minimally invasive choice. With the latest advances in clear aligner therapy, like Invisalign®, you can have a straighter, healthier smile in a very short amount of time without having metal brackets and wires on your teeth. The latest materials allow the teeth to be gently and comfortably repositioned in just a few weeks. Cosmetic Bonding may be your best choice. Adding tooth-colored restorative materials can repair worn teeth with chips and cracks and make your teeth appear normal, natural, and vibrant again. Minimally invasive Porcelain Veneers are thin shells of porcelain, like new enamel made for your teeth, that allow you to change the color, size, shape, and position of your teeth. They are your teeth only better! Porcelain veneers are bonded on the front of your teeth to change your smile and give you the smile you have always dreamed of. Botox and Juvéderm is used for therapeutic and cosmetic improvements to your lips and face to rejuvenate your smile. Dr. Bradley Hepler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck and the experienced team at the
Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the modern advances that contemporary esthetic dentistry offers. You will experience immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler and
Dr. Jeffrey Priluck have spent hours and hours dedicated to continually learning about the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they fit each person with the perfect solution for their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and to help as many people as possible live their best life.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | October 2021 | 9
Boost Your Tailgate Experience This Year – By Having A Safe One! Brought to you by – Hydralive What’s football season without at least one epic tailgate party? Tailgates are as important to the football experience as the game itself. The atmosphere is high-energy and everybody’s in a mood to party – which means chances of dehydration, indigestion and sunstroke are pretty high too. If you’re attending a tailgate this season, enjoy the heck out of the event, but make it a safe one as well! # 1: Hydrate with IV Therapy Before You Go Tailgating One of the safest ways to avoid the sudden onset of dehydration from too much sun exposure or `frontloading’ (drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a short space of time) is to prepare your body in advance with minerals and nutrients. At Hydralive, we offer a wide range of IV therapy treatments to help you hydrate. # 2: Snack Before You Feast One of the biggest attractions of a tailgate party is of course the food but eating a high-protein/high-fiber snack beforehand will reduce temptations to binge on all the greasy tailgate fare that can cause indigestion and heartburn. # 3: Use A Plate Instead of grazing at the tailgate buffet, serve yourself on a plate. You will be fully aware of how much you are eating then, and also be able to balance your intake with fruits and salads.
# 5: Focus On Socializing Tailgates are a great time to make new friends while catching up with old ones. Use the opportunity to enjoy conversations with others, as this will keep you engaged in activities other than the food and drink. # 6: Move At Half Time Go for a brisk walk, for example, at half time to get an energy boost and work off some of the food and
drinks you have consumed. # 7: Resist The Temptation To Nibble And Sip Food and drinks at a tailgate are like popcorn at the movies. Be aware of mindless eating and keep a bottle of water in your hand instead of reaching for another beer. Come visit our Hydralive Therapy Milton location for all of your pregame and hydration needs!
10 | October 2021 | NorthFulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section