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Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the

BEST

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 field of Vein 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.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

A pilot dies of Alpha Gal syndrome

gal syndrome, also known as “red meat allergy,” is a disease on the rise. Sadly, a November 2025 publication describes the first well-documented death resulting from alpha gal syndrome.

In the summer of 2024, a New Jerseybased airline pilot went camping with his family and suffered multiple bites believed to be either lone star tick larvae or nymphs which the family identified as “chiggers.” He and his family typically ate chicken. However, two weeks after camping, he ate a steak. Four hours later, he developed diarrhea, vomiting and such severe abdominal pain that he told his family “I thought I was going to die.” Symptoms lasted two hours, but the next day he felt so good that he saw no reason to seek medical attention.

Two weeks later, he had an additional exposure to red meat. At a barbecue, he ate a hamburger. Four hours later, he became ill again. Within minutes, he was dead. Post-mortem blood testing revealed extremely high tryptase levels – consistent with an anaphylactic reaction, a severe type of allergic reaction in which difficulty breathing or a sudden drop in blood pressure can result in death.

Alpha gal syndrome was first discovered around 2007 when a physician in Virginia identified that lone star tick bites could cause red meat allergy. A sugar called galactose-alpha 1,3-galactose (aka “alpha-gal”) is found in many types of mammal meat and dairy but not in humans, so humans can become allergic to this sugar if they are exposed in the right circumstance. A tick bite is just such a circumstance.

Lone star ticks are on the rise. Expanding deer populations and tick populations are likely resulting in an increase in tick bites and disease in humans. Increased testing certainly plays a factor, but between

2013 and 2024, a 100-fold increase in positive test results for alpha-gal occurred, and the CDC estimates as many as half a million people may be affected by this disease.

What makes the death of the New Jersey pilot so startling is the nature of the alpha gal allergic reaction. Most of the time, when we think of allergic reactions, we think of hives and rashes. If we think of death, we usually think of reactions such as those to peanuts which often involve difficulty breathing. The symptoms of the pilot would normally make someone worried for food poisoning or a severe stomach bug – not an allergy.

But diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain can be signs of an allergy. With alpha gal on the rise, severe abdominal pain following red meat or dairy ingestion should raise concern for alpha gal syndrome, which we now know can be fatal. In the right context – a recent hike, camping trip or other potential exposure to ticks, someone with severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea should consider getting tested for alpha gal before ingesting red meat, dairy or other cross-reacting substances a second time.

Reportedly, numerous individuals on Martha’s Vineyard are now unwillingly having to live essentially a vegan lifestyle due to the number of meat and dairy products that they now must avoid. Deer, ticks and alpha gal are on the rise and apparently here to stay.

As a Mohs surgeon and dermatologist, I have learned that the beach-goer has more to fear from the Sun in the sky than from a shark in the water. As someone who loves the great outdoors, I would add that I am more afraid of the tick on the leaf than the bear in the woods. If you, like me, have ever been sun-kissed or tick-bitten and are concerned about tick-born illness, Premier Dermatology is here to help.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology

Alpha

Geriatrics in primary care: Meeting the unique health care needs of older adults

Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine

Geriatrics in primary care is the specialized approach used to care for people as they age. Geriatric primary care recognizes that older adults often experience multiple chronic conditions, functional limitations, and changing social circumstances.

Through this, there is an emphasis on maintaining health, independence, and quality of life.

To achieve best health, the care plan begins with a comprehensive assessment, in which a healthcare provider evaluates medical conditions, medications, cognitive function, emotional well-being, mobility, nutrition, and social support. Another essential component is medication management, since older adults often take several prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, increasing the risk of side effects or interactions. Geriatric care also includes prevention and early detection of common age-related issues such as falls, memory decline, osteoporosis, and sensory impairments. Additionally, providers coordinate care among specialists, caregivers, and community resources, ensuring

that the patient’s needs are addressed in a holistic and organized way. Advanced care planning—discussing preferences regarding future medical treatments—is also a valuable part of geriatric primary care.

The benefits of incorporating geriatrics into primary care are significant. First, it leads to better health outcomes, because problems are identified early and managed proactively. Second, geriatric-focused care improves patient safety, particularly by reducing medication-related complications and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. Third, it enhances quality of life by supporting independence, promoting mental and emotional well-being, and helping patients stay active and engaged. For families and caregivers, geriatric primary care offers guidance, reassurance, and support in navigating complex health decisions.

Overall, geriatrics in primary care ensures that older adults receive thoughtful, personalized, and coordinated care that promotes healthy aging and preserves dignity throughout life’s later stages. If you have multiple medical issues, a geriatric specialist may be the right choice to achieve your best health.

Trusted Geriatric Experts

Dr. Nandi has practiced medicine in north Atlanta for over a decade and brings expertise to her patient base in the areas of elder care, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Her approach is rooted in connection—using her clinical expertise to create trust, foster meaningful relationships, and elevate the patient’s experience. she blends exceptional clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the aging journey. She builds long term relationships with her patients and coordinates care with consulting physicians. She is fluent in Hindi and Bengali.

Shruti Patel, M.D.

Dr. Patel is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has a special interest in geriatric care, hypertension, and diabetes management. She is passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered care with a focus on chronic disease management and preventive health. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Patel is eager to help patients achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives through evidence-based practices and compassionate guidance.

Kellie Kozma - is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in family medicine with a post-master’s in geriatric medicine and more than 20 years of clinical experience. She offers a level of clinical insight that brings clarity, confidence, and comfort to her patients. Her care philosophy blends expertise with genuine human connection, creating relationships that feel both supportive and truly transformative. She specializes in both acute and chronic disease management, using an evidence-based approach that emphasizes individualized patient needs.

Sudeshna Nandi M.D.

Kellie Lozma, APRN, MSN, NP-C

From Symptom to Surgery: The Value of Comprehensive Heart Care Teams

Brought to you by –

Emory

Heart & Vascular

The signs of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States, are not always straightforward and symptoms can vary.

To have a comprehensive care team engaged from first symptoms to post-op appointment can greatly enhance your cardiac care and give you a better chance of surviving and thriving after a cardiac event.

How comprehensive heart care works

When every second counts, having a team that works as one can make all the difference.

• A primary care physician who listens carefully to all symptoms — even those that seem unrelated — and quickly connects patients with a heart specialist when needed.

• Cardiologists who act fast to order advanced diagnostics like stress tests, imaging and lab work to pinpoint the problem.

• Surgeons and interventional specialists on standby for urgent cases, ensuring no time is lost when surgery or a procedure is required.

• Advanced practice providers, dietitians and rehab teams who guide recovery and help patients adopt heart-healthy habits post-surgery.

• Seamless communication across every step, so patients never feel like they’re navigating care alone.

A real-life example: seamless care in action

Matthew Topel, MD, a cardiologist at Emory Healthcare, had a recent patient encounter that illustrates the benefits of comprehensive care at Emory. A patient went to their Emory primary care physician for symptoms they thought were gastric reflux, which got worse with exercise. Their doctor was concerned these symptoms could indicate heart disease and referred the patient to Dr. Topel.

After evaluating their health history and worsening symptoms, Dr. Topel ordered a treadmill stress test. The results prompted a heart catheterization at Emory Decatur Hospital, which confirmed severe blockages in multiple heart arteries. The patient was then transferred to Emory University Hospital, where they underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery.

In under a month, Emory’s coordinated care team guided the patient from a primary care visit to life-saving open-heart surgery.

“The timeliness from first symptom to surgery really highlights the benefits of having an integrated care team providing care each step of the way in a highly collaborative environment,” Dr. Topel says. “We spend a lot of time communicating with our primary care physicians. Our team recognized the need and got our patient on the path to diagnosis and treatment immediately.”

Collaboration that improves outcomes

A comprehensive care team ensures patients receive coordinated, personalized care at every stage. Collaboration among primary care physicians, cardiologists and surgeons reduces delays and improves patient outcomes. Patients also benefit from having a single, integrated team guiding them through complex decisions and treatments.

“Heart health doesn’t always wait,” says Dr. Topel. “Integrated care is a benefit of being in a large, integrated health system like Emory Healthcare with experts in so many fields and high-volume surgical centers.”

He also asks that people take their symptoms seriously. “If someone has symptoms of heart disease and typical risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, he or she should be evaluated by a cardiologist.”

Heart care is most effective when it spans the entire continuum — from initial symptoms and diagnosis in the primary care setting, through advanced diagnostics and interventions, to surgical management and

post-operative follow-up. “Every step involves intensive communication,” says Dr. Topel. “The goal is to make the whole process as seamless as possible.”

Ready to transform your heart treatment?

If you are concerned about your heart health, turn to doctors at the top of their field. Emory Heart & Vascular brings together more than 150 physicians and 18 specialized programs in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery.

Next-day new patient cardiology appointments are available at one of our 24 locations.

Visit emoryhealthcare.org/transform to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Family history of heart disease? Emory Heart & Vascular can help rewrite it.

MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS

Our expert heart & vascular team pioneers the most innovative techniques and treatments. Giving you more options and better outcomes than anywhere else. To make more “tickle monster!” moments like this possible.

The difference? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home. From routine gynecology and menopause management, to high-risk pregnancies and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.

Visit emoryhealthcare.org/history to schedule an appointment.

Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.

Cancer fighting drugs in your medicine cabinet

When we think of cancer treatments, we typically think of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. But did you know that you might already have some cancer-fighting drugs in your medicine cabinet at home which complement these treatments very well? It turns out that many drugs which are approved for non-cancer indications have been found in subsequent research to have an anticancer effect. The most well-known of these is the diabetes drug metformin. In addition to its blood sugar lowering effects, metformin has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, a key in cancer’s spread.

The cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins have also been found to have an anticancer effect; by affecting the way cancer cells use fat and carbohydrates for fuel. Even baby aspirin, taken by millions of Americans each day for its cardiovascular benefits, has anticancer activity by reducing inflammation.

Since these medications are not FDA approved to treat cancer, their use is considered “off-label.” Interestingly, there are now dozens of medications we can repurpose to treat cancer better and more thoroughly. I routinely include these repurposed medications as part of my integrative cancer treatment protocols.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

ISTOCK

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…

You must remove them.

“Just like the ones I used to know.” I love the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas. It’s getting colder and I’m getting excited for the holidays this year. I look forward to all of it. The lights, the decorations, the cookies, the food, the drinks, the special times with those you love. I could go on and on.

During the holidays, everyone is happy and smiling and thankful. An important part of that is a healthy, white smile. Your dentist can help you get a healthy, white smile for the holidays. Let’s talk about the best ways to get your smile as white as possible.

The first step is making sure that your teeth are clean. And I do mean professionally cleaned. Over time, your teeth build up surface stains and tartar. This needs to be removed with the special instruments that your dental hygienist uses. Afterwards, your gums will be healthier, and you won’t have anything in the way of getting your teeth as white as possible. You can’t whiten tartar and stains.

There are three ways to whiten your teeth: Whitening strips, Whitening trays, and Professional Whitening . Whitening strips are the quickest, easiest way to whiten your teeth. These are plastic strips with whitening gel on them. After cleaning your teeth, you place the whitening strips on your front teeth and adapt it as well as possible to your teeth. Whitening trays are custom trays for placing the whitening gel precisely on your teeth. Your dentist can make these for you and provide you with strong, prescription strength whiten gel for you to whiten your teeth with a series of home treatments. The best and fastest way to whiten your teeth is Professional Whitening at a dental office. In about an hour, your dentist can place a protective barrier on your gums and place powerful whitening gel on your teeth to get your teeth super white. People love this option because your teeth are as white as they can get in about an hour and you do not have to do multiple treatments at home. Everyone has a biologic limit to how white they can get their teeth with these whitening procedures. Porcelain

veneers and cosmetic bonding can get your smile even whiter and more perfect. Modern dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the advances in materials and technology. Tooth Whitening removes years of stain and discoloration. Cosmetic recontouring is a simple process of re-shaping your teeth to make them look more attractive, healthier, and straighter. Clear, nearly Invisible Aligners can straighten your teeth quickly and easily without metal braces. Cosmetic Bonding repairs chips and cracks to make your teeth look beautiful, natural, and vibrant again. Porcelain Veneers is

like adding new enamel to your teeth to make them whiter, straighter, and change the shape to the perfect length and proportions.

“May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary esthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

Rethinking what counseling means for children

When most people hear the word therapy, they often picture trauma, or a problem that needs to be fixed. But for children, therapy is so much more than that. It’s not just about healing, it’s about learning, growing, and building skills that help them in everyday life.

In counseling, children learn tools that don’t always get taught in the classroom. They practice handling frustration without shutting down, expressing feelings in a healthy and respectful way, making and keeping friends, and building confidence after mistakes or failures. Therapy gives kids the chance to practice these skills in a safe and supportive space. They get to experiment, learn about themselves, and feel proud of their growth along the way.

I often compare therapy to exercising, it’s about maintenance, not just repair. When children learn emotional regulation early, they develop the tools to handle life’s challenges before they start to feel too overwhelming. By building that emotional foundation early on therapy helps prevent behavioral issues, anxiety, and low self-esteem from taking place later in life. It’s about giving kids the skills and confidence to manage their big feelings.

Therapy also supports healthy relationships with family, friends, and teachers. When kids understand themselves better they are able to communicate more clearly and feel more confident in social settings. Parents often notice their child becoming more flexible, empathetic, and calm in situations that used to feel difficult or triggering.

Ultimately, therapy isn’t a sign that something is wrong or broken, it’s a way to help your child grow stronger. Whether a child is struggling, shy, or simply learning to navigate a busy world, therapy can help them build resilience, confidence, and self-awareness that they’ll carry throughout their lives.

Find expert epilepsy care at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

Brought to you by – Wellstar Neurologist Dr. Ericka Bennett

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent seizures and affects millions of people worldwide. These seizures result from sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can cause temporary disturbances in movement, behavior, sensation or awareness. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center provides expert, specialized care for epilepsy.

The new The Epilepsy and Seizures Program at Wellstar, one of only a few programs of its kind in Georgia, provides comprehensive care to help people manage several types of seizures, including absence, tonic, atonic, clonic, myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures. The expert team surrounds patients with support throughout their entire care journey, providing specialized outpatient and inpatient treatment.

Which types of doctors diagnose and treat epilepsy?

Diagnosing epilepsy requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary medical team. Each specialist brings a different perspective and skill set to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan:

• Neurologist: Performs initial assessments, orders imaging and begins treatment

• Epileptologist: This is a neurologist with specialized training in epilepsy. They lead the diagnostic process and manage complex cases.

• Neuropsychologist: They conduct cognitive and behavioral evaluations, especially in preparation for epilepsy surgery.

• Neurosurgeon: They assess whether surgical treatment is a viable and safe option for epilepsy that isn't helped by medications.

• Nurse Coordinator: They are here to help you navigate through your diagnosis and treatment. They can help with scheduling, educating you about your diagnosis and connecting you with community resources.

What is the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and how can the EMU at Wellstar North Fulton help with management of your epilepsy?

An epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is a specialized inpatient facility designed

to diagnose and evaluate seizure disorders. Patients are voluntarily admitted, on average between three to five days, for continuous video electroencephalogram monitoring. This comprehensive assessment helps differentiate epilepsy from other conditions that mimic seizures, such as movement disorders, fainting spells or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Why is an EMU hospitalization essential for epilepsy diagnosis and treatment?

1. Accurate diagnosis: The EMU provides high-precision monitoring, ensuring that patients receive the correct diagnosis and, consequently, the right treatment.

2. Personalized treatment plans: By analyzing seizure patterns, neurologists can tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient and their diagnosis.

3. Identifying surgical candidates: For patients whose seizures are not well-controlled with medication, an EMU evaluation can determine if epilepsy surgery is a viable option.

What are the next steps after spending time in the EMU?

Once the EMU hospitalization is complete, your epileptologist will review important data collected from the hospitalization, confirm the diagnosis, discuss if you are a surgical candidate and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Learn more about neuro care at Wellstar at wellstar.org/neurocare. To schedule an appointment with Wellstar Neurologist Dr. Ericka Bennett in Roswell, call (770) 663-4649.

BENNETT

Brought to you by – Caroline Buttrey, M.S.W

BUTTREY

At Wellstar, our epilepsy and seizure program, one of only a few of its kind in Georgia, provides multidisciplinary care to help people manage these neurological conditions with specialized treatment plans including advanced functional brain surgery options for those with severe seizure conditions. Our in-hospital epilepsy monitoring units use advanced technology to diagnose and treat seizures.

With Wellstar’s Neuro Care services your health is in the right hands with more than 200 neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and advanced practice providers to deliver expert neuro care and surround you with support throughout your care journey. wellstar.org/epilepsy

9 out of 10 dentists disagree….with insurance

services include:

• Spa-Like Relaxing Atmosphere

• Free Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation

• Cone Beam 3D Radiography

Digital Scanner – No More Gooey Impressions

• Botox and Dermal Filler

Master Injector

• Platinum Invisalign Provider

Most people expect dental insurance to work like medical insurance: pay monthly premiums and be protected from large, unexpected bills. In reality, dental insurance is built very differently. It isn’t a catastrophe safety net—it’s essentially a prepaid discount plan with a small, set annual benefit. That’s why many people are surprised when significant treatment isn’t “covered.”

A cap on benefits—not on expenses

Most dental plans limit what they’ll pay each year, typically between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you reach that number, the plan stops paying regardless of what care you still need. Medical insurance usually flips that model: after you meet your outof-pocket maximum, coverage expands. With dental insurance, the ceiling is on the insurer’s payout, not on your costs.

Cost-sharing that erodes coverage

Many policies haven’t changed their reimbursement fee structure since the 1960’s and still follow an old 100/80/50 schedule—preventive care at 100%, basic care at 80%, and major care at 50%—only until the annual maximum is hit. Deductibles, waiting periods, frequency limits, “missing tooth” clauses, and downgrades (for example, paying at the rate of a silver filling instead of a tooth-colored composite) further reduce the contribution.

A quick example

If you need a root canal and crown totaling $3,000, 50% coverage suggests $1,500 from insurance. In practice, after deductibles, downgrades, and earlier hygiene visits count toward your annual max, the plan often hits its $1,000–$2,000 cap quickly, leaving the rest to you. Your oral health needs don’t pause at the cap—only the plan’s payments do.

So, is it really “insurance”?

True insurance pools risk for rare, highcost events. Dental conditions are common and largely preventable, so dental plans are designed to emphasize maintenance— cleanings, exams, and X-rays—rather than absorb the full cost of complex care. Think of dental insurance as a coupon with rules, not a blank check for treatment.

Where dental insurance helps

Most plans reward prevention. Two “healthy-mouth” cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays are often covered at or near 100%. Using these benefits consistently helps catch issues early, when they’re simpler and less expensive to treat.

A simpler, more predictable choice: our in-house Wellness Plan

If you prefer transparency over fine print, our Wellness Plan replaces uncertainty with clear value:

• Professional cleanings included

• All X-rays included

• Doctor exams included

• Plus 15% off any needed restorative treatment

Because it’s our plan, not a thirdparty policy, your care isn’t dictated by exclusions or downgrades. There are no rejected claims, no enrollment windows, no waiting periods, no racing the calendar, and no shrinking annual maximum. You and your dentist decide what’s best; the Wellness Plan makes it more affordable.

Tips to maximize value either way

• Know your numbers: annual maximum, deductible, waiting periods, frequency limits, and coverage percentages.

• Time your care: for larger cases, phasing across benefit years can stretch limited dollars.

• Use tax-advantaged funds: Use HSAs/ FSAs to lower your net cost.

• Choose quality, not just “in-network”: materials, precision, and durability matter.

Bottom line: dental “insurance” is a small yearly benefit with limits. Our Wellness Plan makes preventive care simple and takes 15% off restorative treatment so your decisions are guided by health—not caps and clauses.

At Roswell Dental Care, we offer the best of both worlds: we’re fee-for-service and will file out-of-network claims to help you maximize any insurance benefits if you choose that instead of the Wellness Plan. Dr. Hood and her team personalize care, ensure you feel confident before treatment begins, and for added comfort we offer FREE nitrous oxide. Call 770998-6736 or visit www.roswelldentalcare. com to start your path to comfortable, confident oral health.

Dr. Destinee Hood

Dr. Destinee Hood at Roswell Dental Care

OPEN! Fast, expert orthopedic care is now available in Roswell at OrthoXpress

The brand-new OrthoXpress Bone & Joint Center in Roswell, GA is now open — bringing fast, convenient bone, joint, and sports-medicine. Headed by the experienced Ashlei Layton, PA-C, the OrthoXpress team offers everything

from fracture care and sprains to treatment for tendonitis, meniscus tears, joint injections and more.

OrthoXpress is redefining orthopedic services in Roswell with availability every weekday. Stop letting pain hold you back — visit us at 30 East Crossville Road, Suite 180 or make your appointment online at www. speedheals.com/roswell. Call (470) 233-7630 today and get back on your feet faster!

Find relief with North Fulton Rheumatology Expert care in Roswell, GA

Brought to you by - North Fulton Rheumatology

Are joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue holding you back? At North Fulton Rheumatology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, lupus, gout, and fibromyalgia. Our board-certified rheumatologists provide personalized care designed to reduce pain, restore function, and help you live your best life. Conveniently located in Roswell, Georgia, we offer the latest treatments and advanced medications. At North Fulton Rheumatology, we focus on compassionate, patient-centered

care tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let joint discomfort slow you down—take the first step toward feeling better today.

Call 770-619-0004 | Visit www. northfultonrheumatology.com

North Fulton Rheumatology –Where Your Mobility Matters

North Fulton Rheumatology diagnoses and treats patients suffering from various types of arthritis and other autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, and we use the highest, most progressive medical standards.

Our board-certified physician, Dr. Ciela Lopez-Armstrong, and board certified nurse practitioner, Maria Betancur, AG-ACNP are qualified to manage all autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including:

Our board-certified physician, Dr. Ciela Lopez-Armstrong, and certified family nurse practitioner, Heather Grafton, DNP, FNP-C, are qualified to manage all autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Systematic Lupus

• Scleroderma

• Vasculitis

• Gout

• Sjogrens

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Fibromyalgia

• Osteoporosis

• Osteopenia

11685 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 170, Roswell, GA 30076

1300 Upper Hembree Road, Building 100, Suite A, Roswell, GA 30076 Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed on Fridays P: 770-619-0004 | F: 770-619-0252 northfultonrheumatology.com

Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed on Fridays P: 770-619-0004 | F: 770-619-0252 northfultonrheumatology.com

Local news is vital for staying informed and connected, and through this collaboration, we’re making it easier than ever. Now, you can access timely updates and our stories about the things happening in your area, all while engaging in meaningful conversations with real neighbors.

Don’t miss out on the stories that matter most to you –join us on your favorite social media platform to stay connected with everything that’s happening. Together, let’s build stronger, more informed communities!

Heather Grafton, DNP, FNP-C

Ceila Lopez-Armstrong, MD

Celia Lopez-Armstrong, MD

Maria Betancur, AG-ACNP

New era for hormone therapy

What you need to know about the FDA’s recent move

Brought to you by – OlympusMD

Milton

In a significant shift, the FDA recently removed its long-standing “black box” warning from many hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications used for menopause. For years, women were told to fear HRT — associating it with increased risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular issues. That fear led many to suffer in silence through debilitating symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog, low libido, and mood swings. This decision acknowledges what many practitioners in integrative and regenerative medicine have observed for years: when appropriately prescribed and monitored, HRT can be life-changing — and life-enhancing — for many women. Especially when started within the first 10 years of menopause, hormone optimization may support cognitive health, bone

density, cardiovascular function, and overall vitality.

One option gaining momentum is bioidentical hormone therapy using subcutaneous pellets. This method delivers a consistent release of hormones — typically testosterone and/or estradiol — directly into the bloodstream. Pellets are customized based on labs and clinical symptoms, and only need to be placed every 3–6 months.

Many patients find that pellet therapy eliminates the hormonal “rollercoaster” that can come with pills, creams, or patches. And because the hormones are bioidentical — meaning their molecular structure is identical to the body’s own — they may be better recognized and utilized by the body.

The FDA’s shift is not just a regulatory change — it’s a green light for more women to seek individualized care and evidence-based options. If you’ve ever wondered whether hormone therapy is right for you, now is the time to have that conversation. Your journey through midlife doesn’t have to mean decline — it can be a powerful time of transformation.

Introducing Nutrigenomics – precision nutrition powered by you unique genetic code. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to science-backed wellness tailored just for you.

Custom formulated nutraceuticals

Targeted peptide stacks

Personalized IV protocols

Optimized GLP-1 weight loss plans based on your DNA

CONGRATS DAWGS!

Atlanta

Atlanta Hearing Associates is a large audiology practice that encompasses 5 different locations throughout Georgia. Our offices provide comprehensive hearing tests, tinnitus assessments, ear cleaning, and hearing devices for all ages.

Every doctor you will meet is focused on your needs as a patient and works with every manufacturer to provide

a personalized fitting. Each location utilizes state of the art technology and family-oriented care to help guide our patients to the best hearing devices and information on hearing healthcare.

We also partner with different agencies to provide audiological care to veterans, ATF officers, reservists, police departments, Cochlear implants recipients, and community wellness groups.

We accept all major insurances for patients who have a hearing healthcare benefit that they are eligible to use.

Our offices are located in Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Lake Oconee, and Milledgevile.

Importance of skin checks for mature skin

Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany DermatologyBrookhaven

As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.

Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures

Dermatologists can assist with a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.

In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting longterm skin health and vitality.

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Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta

Mobility Plus Alpharetta is humbled by earning a top spot in the Best of North Atlanta rankings during its’ third year in operation!

This family-owned small business, owned by Scott and Mary Block of Alpharetta offers a customer-focused experience for those needing powered or manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters, stairlifts, lift recliners, walkers, portable and modular ramp systems or home health items.

Mary, a former Fulton County teacher, was led to working with seniors after caring for her father. She quickly realized how difficult it was to find informational resources, products and support services. When seeking a professional change, she wanted to address some of the deficits that she had previously encountered by offering as many products as possible under one roof, and by serving as a community educational resource.

The Blocks partner with local experts like move managers, senior living placement specialists, and occupational therapists to be as informed as possible about the variety of needs that their customers have. They host lunch and learns in their 3500 sq. ft. Space on a variety of topics once a quarter. “No one that comes in for a wheelchair, stairlift, or ramp, needs just that one item. Our customers are seniors, children supporting aging parents, or those living with chronic degenerative diseases. There are always other needs besides a product purchase” says Mary.

They look forward to serving the North Atlanta community for many years to come and are so grateful for your votes, and support!