Best Self Atlanta 0621-0721.pdf

bes be stself June/July 2021

F E EL GOOD • L O O K G O O D • D O G O O D

Live Strong, Live Long

Father's Day Fun: Local ways to show Dad you care p. 18

Steer clear of these top 10 men's health risks p. 39

Breaking Down Barriers Men open up and find solutions to address mental health p. 52

Building a Safe Haven Kerry Stumpe and Michael Thomas work to protect a wildlife sanctuary p. 57

THE MEN'S ISSUE

Get in the Game:

11 Atlanta athletes, including the Braves third baseman Austin Riley, share what keeps them fit, healthy and happy. p. 25

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

bestselfatlanta.com

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FOUNDER Sherri Adair PUBLISHER Patti Stephens EDITOR Cory Olesen COPY EDITOR Alexandra McCray ART DIRECTOR Dona Halliday GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION A.J. Weston MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Wyndi Kappes MEDIA CONSULTANTS – PRINT/DIGITAL David Leonard dleonard@atlantabestmedia.com Dawn DeSantis ddesantis@atlantabestmedia.com Amy Smith asmith@atlantabestmedia.com SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT/ NORTH ATLANTA REGION Witt Beckman witt@atlantabestmedia.com OFFICE MANAGER Gail Sawyer CONTRIBUTORS Jill Becker India Leigh Kevin D. Liles Lisa R. Schoolcraft Kerry Stumpe Elle Wood

For print, web, email and digital advertising information, contact us at: 4279 Roswell Rd. NE., Ste. 208, #217 Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 303-9333

Inquiries and submissions regarding advertising and editorial should be directed to the address above.

Atlanta Best Media does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Readers are encouraged to notify Publisher when they suspect false advertising. Atlanta Best Media reserves the right to edit editorial for clarity and space availability. No content i.e. articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Publisher.

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CONTENTS JUNE / JULY 2021

THE GAME p. 25 (L TO R): Austin Riley, Kacy Henderson, Desmond Mason, Richie Shapiro

11 Atlanta athletes, including the Braves third baseman Austin Riley, share what keeps them fit, healthy and happy.

Thank you to Concourse Athletic Club for hosting our Get in the Game photoshoot!

39 Live Strong, Live Long

Steer clear of these top 10 men’s health risks

52 Breaking Down Barriers

Men open up and find solutions to address mental health

57 Building a Safe Haven

Kerry Stumpe and Michael Thomas work to protect a wildlife sanctuary

ON THE COVER: Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley gears up for his first full season of Major League Baseball. Photo courtesy of Atlanta Braves, photography by Kevin D. Liles.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Photos courtesy of (Riley) Atlanta Braves, photography by Kevin D. Liles; (Henderson, Mason, Shapiro) photography by Elle Wood Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

GET IN

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KERRY STUMPE TALKS ABOUT HIS TRIP TO UGANDA WITH FRIEND MICHAEL THOMAS TO HELP SAVE A CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY FROM LAKE VICTORIA’S RISING WATERS. Photography by (top left) Elle Wood Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Shapiro) photography by Elle Wood Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

SPECIAL SECTIONS

8 From the Founder

23 Best Rx

Men Who Play Games ... and It’s a Great Thing!

13 Local Biz Love

Check out these businesses that help you be your best self

15 Mindfulness + Joy

Tips for self-care when it doesn’t come naturally

16 Beauty + Anti-aging

Atlanta Experts Answer Your Health and Beauty Questions

42 The Men’s Directory Atlanta’s Top Experts for Health & Aesthetics

44 2021 Partners in Health Learn From Atlanta’s Top Healthcare Experts

Tips to tame your beard from expert stylists

18 Relationships + Family

Local ways to show Dad you care

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{From The Founder} Men Who Play Games … and It’s a Great Thing!

I am so proud to bring back our annual Men’s Issue. We were unable to have an issue in 2020 due to COVID-19, so this one is extra special! The focus of this issue is on men who play sports into their adult years, and what I learned from meeting this amazing group of guys was both enlightening and inspiring.

As a woman, I treasure my relationships with my girlfriends. Many of these friendships are 30 years long or more, and the connections are deep. We never run out of ways to connect and socialize, whether it’s getting together over dinner and a glass of wine, a walk at the river, checking out some live music, book clubs, a spa day or well ... you get the idea.

These friendships and the socialization that comes with them are very important to my happiness and well-being.

Meeting the guys profiled in this issue and learning about their sports reminded me that men, while different from women in many ways, also have a lot of the same needs we have. They, too, thrive with socialization, struggle with physical and mental health issues, In fact, I was surprised to learn that studies show the number one benefit men get from playing recreational sports is social engagement, which is followed by the benefits of physical exercise and mental health!

And all of this combined helps men stay connected and youthful.

You are in for a treat because you will meet some great men who have learned how to turn their passion and love of sports into a recipe for longer, happier lives. And hopefully, you will be inspired to find something you love that keeps you active, social and healthy for many years to come.

Sherri’s Shout-Out As we transitioned to our newly found freedom from the mask, I quickly discovered I had been less than diligent about my skincare and decided to do something about it.

{

and generally seek a life of happiness and personal fulfillment.

I was surprised to learn that studies show the number one benefit men get from playing recreational sports is social engagement, followed by the benefits of physical exercise and mental health!

{

My go-to is Karen Harris at Institut’ DERMed. She is a genuinely caring and extremely knowledgeable professional with over 30 years of experience. Last week I finally went for a visit and my dull, tired-looking skin was transformed to glowing, hydrated, happy skin that made me feel great about removing the mask. If Buckhead is convenient for you, she’s a sure bet. However, we are fortunate to live in a city with many talented and knowledgeable skincare experts. If you are looking for skincare experts in other areas of the city, check out my recommendation list at www.bestselfatlanta.com/sherrisbestlist.

Sherri Adair, Founder

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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REAL People.

REAL Smiles.

Let Your Smile Change The World “Dr. Kovitch and her team at Atlanta Smiles went above and beyond to take care of me. She made sure to put my health first and now, I could not be happier with the work they have done. I am grateful for what they have been able to do for me and my smile.”

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Jill Becker

India Leigh

Kevin D. Liles

Jill Becker has been a professional writer and editor for more than 30 years. Her work has appeared in everything from national magazines to global news sites to corporate newsletters. She is also a skilled copy editor and proofreader. www.jilbecker.net See article on p. 52

Intuitive reader and spiritual coach India Leigh uses an array of modalities and gifts to help others clearly understand the messages they are being sent. She also empowers others in coming into more connection with their own divine creative power, aligning their energy, thoughts, words and actions with their greatest good and highest purpose. www.indialeigh.com See article on p. 15

Kevin D. Liles is a documentary, commercial and sports photographer based in Atlanta. Kevin specializes in creating narrative, layered and powerful images, and has photographed assignments for The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and many more. Since 2018, he has served as the team photographer for the Atlanta Braves. www.kevindliles.com

Alexandra McCray

Lisa R. Schoolcraft

Elle Wood

Lisa R. Schoolcraft is a writer, editor and former journalist who loves to travel and run. She’s combining those interests by trying to run a race in all 50 states. She’s written four romance novels and lives near Atlanta. www.amazon.com/author/ lisaschoolcraft See article on p. 18

Elle is an Atlanta native photographer.

She earned her bachelor’s in photography from The Art Institute of Atlanta, and also enjoys painting and drawing. Her favorite things are dark chocolate, walks with her dog Hercules, and making people feel beautiful through photography. www.ellewood.com

Alexandra is a passionate freelance writer and marketing communications professional. When she isn’t glued to a keyboard, her pastimes include pursuing her only bucket list item of seeing all seven continents (of which she has already been to five!), attending kick-butt workout classes, and trying new recipes. www.mccrayalexandra. journoportfolio.com See article on p. 39

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Photography by (Becker) The Headshot Truck, (Liles) Tina Liles, (McCray) Sarah Diller's Photographs, (Schoolcraft) Joann Vitelli, (Wood) Elle Wood Photography.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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{Local Biz Love} Check out these businesses that help you be your best self Break out those running shoes and jog on over to register for ProstAware’s run4DAD on Sept. 19. An annual race that

This Father’s Day come out to Family Food Fest Atlanta at the Georgia Freight Depot. A multicultural Father’s Day celebration, chefs,

helps raise funds for prostate cancer awareness, the event

Photos courtesy of (top right) Atlanta Culinary Charities; (middle right) Unexpected Gifts, photography by Woodie Williams; (middle left) Tuxedo Pharmacy & Gifts.

includes a 5K run, a 1-mile walk, kids’ run for those 9 and under, plus options to participate virtually.

Registration opens on Father’s Day. Details: 6400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Sandy Springs. www.prostaware.org

caterers, cooks and dads alike will be coming from around the city to put their culinary skills on display with dozens of tastings

For more than 60 years, Tuxedo Pharmacy & Gifts has been Buckhead’s go-to spot for everything from prescriptions to unique presents. Now, they offer residents even more — peace of mind with a COVID-19 vaccine. With help from Mercer University and University of Georgia medical students,

the staff has vaccinated hundreds of teachers, seniors, and low-income families.

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and samples available. Proceeds will be donated to Atlanta Culinary Charities after-school program and Communities In Schools of Georgia, the state’s leading drop out-prevention organization.

Details: 65 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW., Atlanta. www.familyfoodfest.org

Details: 164 W. Wieuca Rd. NE., Ste. 7, Atlanta. www.tuxedopharmacy.info

TUXEDO PHARMACY PARTNERS WITH FULTON COUNTY TO PROVIDE COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINES TO THE COMMUNITY.

Between cyberbullying, inappropriate content and online predators, it can be scary letting your child wander the digital landscape. Fortunately, Bark, an Atlanta Tech Village startup, helps you rest easier with an easy-to-use

monitoring tool that alerts you to suspicious activity without invading

your child’s digital privacy.

Details: www.bark.us

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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{Mindfulness + Joy} Tips for self-care when it doesn’t come naturally

By India Leigh One of the positive changes that has come out of our collective experiences of the past year is an acceptance and deeper understanding of the importance of self-care. The intense stress of the pandemic turned up the heat on everyone mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically, and tuning in and taking good, gentle, centering care of ourselves was upgraded from luxury to necessity.

Many men, however, may still face a few extra layers of resistance and difficulty when it comes to taking loving, preventive care of themselves. Centuries of conditioning and training to override their feelings on all levels and tough things out no matter what makes it extremely challenging to move into receiving mode and feel safe letting their guard down and letting go.

When you are putting the time, focus and energy into taking care of you, it will show in every way! You’ll feel better in general, the quality of your work and relationships will improve…

Here are a few bits of guidance to help men practice better self-care in whatever way feels best.

Think about what makes you feel relaxed, clearminded and free. Is it hiking? Relaxing in a lawn chair in the sun? Listening to music? Taking an aimless drive? Hitting golf balls? Reading a great thriller?

Anything that takes you out of your head in a healthy, uplifting, connected way totally counts as self-care!

Pay attention to what does it for you and do more of that, plain and simple.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Our bodies are astoundingly accurate barometers for how well we’re staying in balance and doing what’s bestselfatlanta.com

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right for us. Listening to the symptoms of anxiety, tension, discomfort or pain and noticing when and where those are popping up will tell you volumes about what you need to reduce or cut out completely as an act of self-care. Often self-care can look like dropping a client that gives you headaches or a toxic friendship that constantly leaves you drained.

Schedule it, write it down, put reminders on your phone … anything that will tell your brain you are serious about taking care of you and that you are making it a priority. Don’t get too stuck on the frequency or duration of your self-care time. Just be consistent, and don’t bump it off your schedule. The feeling you’ll have inside from putting yourself first and seeing concrete proof that you’re doing that is powerful self-care in itself!

Let the results speak for themselves. When you are putting the time, focus and energy into taking care of you, it will show in every way! You’ll feel better in general, the quality of your work and relationships will improve, and you’ll be able to tune in to your higher knowing, or intuition, much more consistently and clearly. Give it a couple of weeks and see for yourself.

Voice your self-care needs vulnerably. Men in relationships have historically been known to fall into patterns of using the things they love to do as “escapes” from connecting and staying involved with those they love. This is because men sadly have not been taught to voice their needs for self-care in a vulnerable way that lets them speak from the heart instead of the defensive mind. Talk openly about the ways you are trying to be more present and connected within yourself in order to be the best self and partner you can be, and you may find you are much more supported in doing the things you truly love than you ever thought you could be.

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{Beauty + Anti-Aging} Tips to tame your beard from expert stylists

Hair care is important. And the hair on your face is just as important as the hair on your head. So to make sure you’re doing right by your bushy bristles; we’ve talked to some of Atlanta’s hair (and beard) experts at Bob Steele Salon and 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon - Brookhaven to bring you some tips, tools and products to keep your beard looking its best.

TOOLS Every man knows the importance of having the right tool for the job. Caring for your beard is no different. In order to shape and groom your beard, there are a few tools that you need to have on hand.

• CLIPPERS - Andis® and Wahl® are both professional brands and come with guards to help you with the consistency and length of your beard.

• HAIR CUTTING COMB - It’s important to have a comb when trying to line off your beard along the jawline.

• SMALL HAIR CUTTING SHEARS These should only be used for trimming your beard, lining around your lip as well as your nose.

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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BEARD Beard hair is a different texture than the hair on your head. It needs daily cleaning and conditioning. Depending on your activities during the day, it may need it more than once in a day. Every time you shampoo your beard, it should be conditioned to avoid it becoming dry.

REDKEN® BREWS 3-in-1 A great shampoo, conditioner and body wash. This tackles all of a man’s cleaning and conditioning needs in one bottle. ➝

REUZEL® BEARD FOAM ➝ A fast and easy leave-in conditioner. It absorbs quickly, deodorizes, helps to soften your hair and reduces itchiness.

TAKING CARE OF WHAT LIES BENEATH Caring for the skin beneath your beard is essential. Using beard oils can be a great way to protect your skin. They will also add shine and protection to your beard. For a little more hold or styling capability, you can opt for a beard balm instead. Here are some recommended products to try: • REDKEN BREWS BEARD OIL

• BAXTER BEARD OIL

• REUZEL BEARD BALM

Got sensitive skin? Try ANTHONY’S PRE-SHAVE + CONDITIONING OIL or REDKEN BREWS CLEANSING BAR

Photos courtesy of (top left) Redken®, (middle left) Reuzel®.

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS Make sure to always trace the upper lip line of your mustache, it really cleans up the overall look.

To play it safe, always use your trimmer in a down motion, it takes off less hair than going upwards.

Regular combing and brushing your beard will help train the hair to go where you want it to.

18|8 Fine Men’s Salon - Brookhaven

305 Brookhaven Ave., Ste. A1140, Atlanta, www.eighteeneight.com After applying product to your beard, make sure you always comb it through, starting at the beard line closest to your eye and working down to the chin.

At the time you purchase the clippers, get a set of clipper guards by matching up the guard with your beard. This way you will be able to keep or adjust your beard to your desired length.

Bob Steele Salon

Five metro Atlanta locations, www.bobsteele.com

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{Relationships + Family}

Father's Day Fun: Local Ways to Show Dad You Care

By Lisa R. Schoolcraft

This June, celebrate that special man in your life called Dad. Whether he enjoys some friendly competition, a glass of fine spirits or listening to his favorite album, we’ve rounded up some of the best local gifts for Father’s Day.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

5/27/21 8:15 AM

Swanky Staycation Located in West Midtown at The Interlock, the 161-room Bellyard hotel offers guests a lively atmosphere to stay, work, dine, lounge and connect in Atlanta. Treat Dad to a staycation that includes a

two-night stay in a junior suite, a whiskey tasting for two at Drawbar, $45 in food and beverage credit and valet parking. Dates are available June 14-30, with booking beginning May 18. Bookings must be made a minimum of five days in advance. $800 with taxes.

Details: 1 Interlock Ave. NW., Atlanta. www.bellyardhotel.com

Awesome Audio Is your dad a music guy? Then Audality wireless speakers are the perfect gift. Audality is an audio technology company based in Lawrenceville with a line of wireless speakers that can transmit

Photos courtesy of (top right) Bellyard, (left) Onward Reserve, (bottom right) Audality.

uncompressed, 24-bit HD audio for a better listening experience using their proprietary WiC®

technology. Being wireless, setup and transport are a breeze. Use the transmitter provided to connect to your device and listen away! Audality currently has four models available, ranging in price from just under $400 to $1,300.

Details: 1730 Spectrum Dr., Ste. 204, Lawrenceville. www.audality.com

The Perfect Polo Work from home means every day is casual Friday, but if Dad is in need of a new look, try Onward Reserve’s line of performance polos. Made with moisture-wicking fabric and available in stylish prints like the fun

cocktail-themed transfusion print, these polos are great for an afternoon on the green or a day at the office. Use the code BESTSELF at checkout to get free shipping with no minimum purchase. $95.

Details: www.onwardreserve.com

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Puzzles With Pops Located at The Battery Atlanta, The Escape Game is an immersive 60-minute adventure great for competitive Dads. Participants start with a theme — Prison Break, Gold Rush, The Heist and more — and then follow clues,

solve puzzles, overcome challenges and work together to complete the mission within the

time limit. Games provide a unique hands-on experience designed for an elevated, unplugged adventure! Tickets are $35 each, with most games for two to eight players.

Details: 900 Battery Ave. SE., Ste. 1020, Atlanta. www.theescapegame.com/atlanta

Pick Up a Picnic Give Dad the gift of family time with a picnic in the park, featuring a delicious basket put together by the brand-new provisions shop, Kinship Butcher & Sundry.

Packed to the brim with delicious treats like house-

made pork rillettes, freshly baked bread, artisan spreads and gourmet cheeses, this is

one meal he won’t forget (and neither will you).

Details: 1019 Virginia Ave. NE., Atlanta. www.kinship-atl.com

It’s your turn to treat Dad to brunch at C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar. Choose from a delicious menu of classic dishes like their shrimp and grits, made with jumbo shrimp,

New Orleans barbecue sauce, lardon, green onion, red bell pepper and creamy

Logan Turnpike Mill grits. Don’t forget to pair it with a tasty cocktail or two.

Details: www.candsoysterbar.com

Wow With Whiskey Take Dad on an adult field trip! ASW Distillery at The Battery Atlanta offers tours and tastings. Choose an experience featuring his favorite ASW spirit, with options like Fiddler Unison Bourbon or Resurgens Rye. Experiences include one souvenir bottle, one distillery tour and three tickets toward whiskey samples and/or half cocktails (cocktails are two tickets each). Prices range from $37 to $53. Distillery tours are on Saturdays only at this location.

Details: 900 Battery Ave. SE., Ste. 1035, Atlanta. www.aswdistillery.com

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Photos courtesy of (top right) The Escape Game; (middle left) C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar, Sandy Springs, photography by Mia Yakel; (middle right) Butcher Kinship & Sundry, photography

by Heidi Harris Photography; (bottom left) ASW Distillery.

Brunch Buddies

BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

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Drive a Dream Car Has Dad always dreamed of driving a Porsche? Now, he’ll have his chance at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta.

Select Dad’s favorite model (or even compare two) and let him zip his way through the 1.6-mile track with six modules designed to show off the world-renowned performance and handling of a Porsche. Starting at $365.

Details: One Porsche Dr., Atlanta. www.porschedriving.com/atlanta

A Spa Day for Pa’s Day Spa days aren’t just for Mom! Dad could use a little pampering, too. Institut’ DERMed has just the thing with its men’s clarifying facial treatment, which purifies pores, exfoliates dead skin, helps to restore the skin’s moisture balance, and can even reduce the appearance of fine lines while leaving skin feeling refreshed and invigorated. $95.

Photos courtesy of (top right) Porsche Cars North America; (middle left) Puttshack, photography by Parrish Ruiz.

Details: 3726 Roswell Rd. NE., Atlanta. www.idermed.com

Score a Hole-In-One Take Dad for a round of minigolf like he’s never experienced before at Puttshack. This high-tech experience combines all the fun of putt-putt with crazy themed holes like beer pong, Skee-Ball, trivia and more for a game that’s like no other. While you’re puttering around the course, enjoy craft cocktails and plates to share. Tickets start at $12 per game for players 13 and older, $8 for 12 and under.

Details: 1115 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta. www.puttshack.com

bestselfatlanta.com

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5/25/21 3:12 PM

run4DAD 5K Run/Walk Sunday, September 19, 2021 5K Run/Walk • 1 Mile Walk • kids4DAD Run Home Depot/Costco Parking Lot 6400 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Benefiting ProstAware Help bring prostate cancer awareness to men and their families.

Every 20 minutes a man we love loses his life to prostate cancer.

You Can Help Save Lives Registration opens on Father’s Day, June 20, 2021 at run4DAD.org Join us in-person to participate, virtual option also available!

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5/24/21 10:51 AM

{Best Rx} Atlanta Experts Answer Your Health & Beauty Questions

Paul Spiegl, M.D.

Tannaz Modaresi, DC

Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS

Perimeter Orthopaedics

Injury & Wellness Specialists of Georgia

Vital Living Healthcare

As with any condition, you want to start with treating the most common and typical cause of the pain and symptoms first. Misalignment (subluxations) of the vertebrae in the neck and lower back are responsible for the vast majority of arm and leg pain. When bones or discs are out of position, and lose their ability to move properly, they often cause irritation to the surrounding tissues, including the nerves.

Testosterone loss in men occurs slowly over time. Thus, most men contribute many of the warning signs to “normal aging.”

Healthcare professionals may also make the same mistake.

If you are a man over 40 who is noticing that you have trouble with low energy, less restful sleep, moodiness, anxiety, weight gain, decreased sex drive, memory loss and an overall feeling of not really caring about much anymore, you need to get your testosterone levels assessed. If this describes you, call the experts at Vital Living Healthcare today for your complimentary consultation.

What Are the Advantages How Can Chiropractic of Minimally Invasive Care Help My Arm and Surgery (MIS) Over Traditional Foot Surgery? Leg Pain?

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is always of interest to patients and surgeons alike. This less invasive type of surgery can result in better cosmetic results, quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain.

Many diagnoses can be made by a thorough history and physical examination. Others require carefully thought out laboratory testing or imaging. Each person is treated with a multifaceted approach, including medical management, physical therapy, orthobiologics, shockwave therapy and functional medicine with time-tested and innovative surgical techniques.

MIS treats foot and ankle conditions and deformities using very small incisions. In these procedures, Dr. Spiegl uses special instruments to cut bones under X-ray guidance and inserts screws through very small incisions.

Contact 404.255.5595 lmueller@perimeterortho.com www.perimeterortho.com bestselfatlanta.com

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Many patients are surprised when they see that the nerves in our body travel from the spine all the way to the ends of our fingertips and toes.

As a result, injuries to the vertebrae in the spine can create the sensation of pain anywhere along our arms and legs. Through this pattern of treatment, patients at our clinic have experienced high levels of success through chiropractic treatment.

Contact 770.800.1000 info@injurywellnessspecialists.com www.injurywellnessspecialists.com

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels in Men?

Contact 404.843.3636 info@vlhmd.com www.vlhmd.com

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5/26/21 5:12 PM

Mis-Diagnosed Hip, Low Back and Groin Pain? ...You may be suffering from Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction The sacroiliac joint is often overlooked by most doctors. Symptoms may include unexplained groin pain, back pain, leg pain, leg inflammation and even sciatic type nerve problems. Many options for treating the S/I joint are available.

The goal of these treatments are NOT only pain suppression, but rather to eliminate the cause by correcting mal-aligned structures, improving the health of the joint and reducing the ligament laxity or weakness. Call to schedule an appointment with the physicians at Atlanta Innovative Medicine to see if you may be experiencing sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

We are in-network.

Our Treatments Are Covered by

Medicare • Blue Cross • Aetna • Cigna United • Humana • Coventry • Great West and most others.

8460 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Ste. 200 Alpharetta, Ga. 30022 Tel: 770-416-9995

www.AtlantaMedicine.com CALL TODAY FOR APPOINTMENT 0621_024-037_Mens Sports.indd 24

5/24/21 10:51 AM

GET IN

The Game

11 Atlanta Athletes Share Their Secrets for Staying Happy and Healthy

By Wyndi Kappes

THANK YOU TO CONCOURSE ATHLETIC CLUB FOR HOSTING OUR GET IN THE GAME PHOTOSHOOT!

From walk-off homers to buzzer beaters and game clenching serves, few things excite and inspire quite like sports. Not only are they inspiring for the fans but also those playing on the field. Recently, we sat down with 11 outstanding Atlanta athletes, from the Braves’ Austin Riley to the Atlanta Pickleball Association’s Chris Wolfe, to ask them how playing the game motivates them to be their best selves. Read on to learn their advice for staying healthy, happy and fulfilled, and how you too can join in on the fun. bestselfatlanta.com

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Austin Riley | Age: 24 Sport: Baseball

Atlanta Braves Third Baseman From tottering up to the T-ball plate at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven, Mississippi to being called up by the Braves in 2019, baseball has always been Austin Riley’s passion. After an injury in 2019 and an abbreviated 2020 season, the high school pitcher turned third baseman is set to excel in his first full major league season. While the jury is still out on what his 2021 season has in store, Austin is staying focused on delivering his best performance yet.

Q: Outside of the training and practice with the Braves, what do you do to stay in shape?

Austin Riley: I do a lot of stretching. I’ve found that making sure to stretch and stay loose really helps me with strength training and mobility. Even in the off-season, we have a pretty extensive program that I stick to. I also make sure to eat right, drink tons of water and get plenty of sleep.

Q: Can you share any of your pregame rituals with us?

AR: I’m very routine-oriented, so I like to make sure I stick to the same pregame routine every day. I’ll try to do my pregame work at the same time, eat at the same time and get all my stretches done at the same time. I find it helps me stay focused and prepare for each game.

Q: Do you have any fitness or wellness role models?

AR: I really respect our strength coaches Brad Scott and Jordan Wolf. They put together some great programs for the guys and tailor them for everyone’s individual needs.

Q: How do you balance your marriage with training and playing?

AR: I always make sure to find time for my wife, Anna, and me to do something together. Whether that’s making dinner together, watching Netflix, or getting out and doing something outside.

The season is extremely long, so we make sure to spend as much time together as we can.

Q: What does your diet look like?

AR: I try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. I also drink a lot of water to make sure I’m hydrated. I’ll have a light meal pregame and then try to get something a little more filling after the game.

I especially love hitting up Atlanta’s best barbecue joints!

To snag tickets to see Austin hitting homers in person, visit www.mlb.com/braves/tickets.

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Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Braves, photography by Kevin D. Liles.

Q: What is your advice to men looking to live their best life and achieve lofty goals?

AR: Always give your best effort with whatever you are doing, no matter what it is. At your job, in the office, in the gym, even with hobbies in your free time. Stay committed to what you are doing.

BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

5/25/21 3:47 PM

Sport: Flag Football

Atlanta Sport and Social Club Kacy Henderson describes himself as the laziest person he knows, but his friends and teammates know that’s not true.

A runner, weight lifter, cyclist, swimmer and yogi, Kacy’s evenings are filled with more than just flag football. Looking for a way to connect when he moved to Atlanta for his job in information technology at the CDC, Kacy discovered Atlanta Sport and Social Club when it was just getting off the ground, and he hasn’t looked back since. From playing quarterback to safety, Kacy has been an integral part of Atlanta Sport and Social Club flag football teams for over four years.

Q: How did you first get involved with Atlanta Sport and Social Club?

Kacy Henderson: I was walking in Piedmont Park when I saw a flag football team playing, and the first thing I said when I walked up was, ‘Hey! Y’all sorry!’ Needless to say, I struck up a conversation with the quarterback of the team, Cory Ezzard, and we spent hours talking sports after that game. He is the reason I play with Atlanta Sport and Social, and we’ve been on the same team ever since!

Q: What helps you perform best during a game?

KH: I love listening to music when I am playing. As of late, I always have one AirPod in throughout the game listening to soca or reggae music. It helps me with my flow and keeps me focused and having fun.

Q: Do you put much thought into what you eat, or do you ascribe to any special diets?

KH: I was a vegetarian for a while but struggled to keep up with cooking at home. I am on a juice kick right now.

I love going to the farmers market and picking up fresh fruits and veggies to make into a nutritious blend.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Braves, photography by Kevin D. Liles.

Kacy Henderson | Age: 32

Q: Why do you think more men should get involved in nonprofessional sports?

KH: Aside from being a great way to socialize, it’s a healthy outlet for stress and is way less boring than just going to the gym. I think it also brings out your inner kid.

Q: What else do you do to stay happy and healthy across the board?

KH: I have gained quite a few plants over quarantine and now have around 60 plants in my man cave.

I have always had a green thumb and enjoy taking care of my plants and doing yoga surrounded by them.

For more information on how to get involved with Atlanta Sport and Social Club, visit www.atlantasportandsocialclub.com. bestselfatlanta.com

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Jeret Adair | Age: 33 Sport: Baseball

International Baseball Player Australia, Puerto Rico, Amsterdam and more — for many, traveling the world is the dream and getting paid to play the game you love while doing it, even better. For Jeret Adair, that dream became a reality when he happened upon an Australian baseball game during a cross-country backpacking trip. A few conversations and a whole lot of baseball later, this pitcher-turned-infielder has spent the past 10 years playing international baseball. Now back in the United States working as an ad tech consultant at Vivial, this multicontinent athlete stays fit locally.

Q: How is international baseball different from Major League Baseball?

Jeret Adair: Baseball is actually a newer game still gaining popularity in most countries, so many Americans who play for international teams function almost as ambassadors for the game. Even in countries with larger professional leagues that attract more enthusiastic crowds, they still look for Americans to help out and teach kids more about baseball. I loved being able to share what I knew with others and learn more about their culture throughout my travels.

Q: How do you stay in shape outside of playing baseball?

JA: I spend a lot of time weight lifting at Concourse Athletic Club. It is practically my second home! Outside of biking and the occasional yoga class, I swear by the benefits of a hot sauna session followed by a cold shower. It really clears your mind and makes you feel refreshed and amazing.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: What are some of your other favorite recreational sports?

JA: I like to golf and play all around Atlanta, with my favorite course being Bobby Jones Golf Course. That being said, I prefer a driving range any day because you can just go out there to hit balls, and it’s zero stress and all fun. I also enjoy playing Ping-Pong and often joke with my friends that we should start a Ping-Pong bar in Alpharetta.

Q: What are some of your go-to healthy food favorites?

JA: I love the collard greens from the hot bar at Whole Foods Market and the sushi there is also amazing.

The spicy veggie ramen at JINYA Ramen Bar is perfect when I need a pick-me-up after a long weekend. For a game, I have to have ranch sunflower seeds!

Q: Why do you think more men should get involved in nonprofessional sports?

JA: It’s good to keep your competitive fire alive, and playing helps you stay young. Every time you play, it brings back that competitive childlike spirit that you would miss out on otherwise.

To learn more about playing baseball internationally, visit www.baseballjobsoverseas.com.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

bestselfatlanta.com

5/25/21 3:47 PM

Desmond Mason | Age: 37

Sport: Tennis

Founder of nüber-T Men’s Wellness League, and Recreational Tennis Player From basketball to Ping-Pong and tennis, Desmond Mason does it all. But when this busy dad of three couldn’t find it all when it came to his health and wellness, he did something bold — he started his own center for wellness. Founded just two years ago, nüber-T Men’s Wellness League is a unique blend of tailored nutrition, workout plans, medical treatments and more for men all under one roof. This holistic approach helps Desmond and men like him perform their best on and off the court.

Q: What do you think is a common misconception when it comes to men’s health?

Desmond Mason: I think oftentimes people think men don’t need help. We can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and do everything so independently that we don’t need community. We don’t need medical advice or to be encouraged, but we really do.

Men need community and care just like everyone else and function best when they are surrounded by those pushing them to be and do their best. That’s part of why I love nüber-T because of the community we’ve been able to create.

Q: What tips would you give to those struggling to stay on track with their fitness?

DM: Set quantifiable goals to track your progress. Check in on a monthly basis instead of every day because that’s really where you will see results. Also, have someone to hold you accountable.

I highly recommend workout buddies!

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: Why do you think a holistic approach to health and wellness is so important?

DM: You can’t achieve true health and wellness without focusing on all aspects. You need a balanced meal and exercise plan, mental healthcare, regular physical checkups, wellness accountability, coaching and more to truly succeed.

Q: What things outside of the norm do you think really help men feel their best?

DM: We have seen a lot of success lately with PRP (platelet-rich therapy) therapy for joint pain and testosterone replacement therapy for overall wellness. A testosterone deficiency can be the difference in a man living his best and most fulfilling life.

Q: Although you play many sports, what is your favorite at this time?

DM: I currently enjoy playing tennis with my 8-year-old daughter. She is taking lessons at Horseshoe Bend Country Club and learning all the important things that come along with playing sports, like teamwork, how to be graceful in winning and losing and more. I love being a role model for her and treasure the time we get to spend together.

Are you interested in getting involved with nüber-T? Visit their website at www.nuber-t.com and click League Overview to get started! bestselfatlanta.com

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Chris Wolfe | Age: 44 Sport: Pickleball

Atlanta Pickleball Association Co-Founder, USAPA Ambassador and Certified PPR Teaching Professional After years of feeling burnt out from playing highlevel tennis, Chris Wolfe discovered pickleball while out on assignment as a radio host in Greensboro, North Carolina and fell in love. Defined by USA Pickleball as “a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong,” the game can be played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Five years later, Chris is now a sponsored player, teacher and co-founded the Atlanta Pickleball Association to provide Atlantans with resources to play the game.

Q: How does playing pickleball keep you in shape?

Chris Wolfe: Obviously, pickleball is a cardio sport on a one-on-one level, but it also tests your flexibility! To play with skill and abide by the rules, you are often stretching and working smaller muscles that help with balance and coordination. It also really improves your mental health. I think of it as a moving meditation, with the game being the only thing I think about for two to three hours.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: What do you think sets pickleball apart from tennis?

CW: It’s not intimidating and can be much more welcoming and friendly than tennis for those new to the sport. You don’t have to be a pro athlete, know a long list of rules or have played before to pick it up and play a game. It’s primarily a fun social thing!

Q: How do you stay fit outside of pickleball?

CW: I do tons of cardio, including walking on the treadmill at a 10-12 incline. Pickleball has a lot of crouched side-to-side movement, so I also do plenty of squats. I weight lift to strengthen my shoulders and triceps so I can perfect my backhand.

Q: Why do you think pickleball is so hot right now?

CW: Outside of being an accessible sport for all ages, fitness levels and economic backgrounds, I think communities are beginning to realize that pickleball courts take up less space than tennis and get more people involved.

Q: Outside of pickleball, what else keeps you happy and inspired?

CW: From 2-7 p.m. on Sundays, you can catch me on air at B98.5 as an evening radio host! I love yapping about life and Atlanta. I also enjoy dabbling in residential real estate and own my own clothing company, ElevenOSouth.

For more information on where to play pickleball, how to get involved or to find lessons, visit www.atlpba.org.

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bestselfatlanta.com

5/25/21 3:48 PM

Tim Heigl | Age: 27 Sport: Soccer

Sons of Pitches FC, Game of Throw-Ins Captain Tim Heigl is rarely found without a ball underfoot. From growing up playing soccer in Bolivia and Brazil to finding a team in Atlanta to play pickup with, Tim has had to stay in tiptop shape to sprint up and down the field as a forward. But with the pandemic and a busy schedule as a sales representative at The Hartford, this leftie has had to get creative with his fitness and food routine.

Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the game?

Tim Heigl: I am an avid hiker and like to focus on a full-body workout while in the gym. I am a big fan of biking and rowing for low-impact cardio and weight lifting to improve my endurance on the field. I currently have a goal to do 2,000 squats by the end of the season!

Q: Where do you work out?

TH: I actually built out my own gym in the basement right before the pandemic hit. I have a rowing machine, bench press, pull up bar, squat rack and more. My favorite addition has to be my Peloton® bike, though!

Q: What do you eat to prep for the game?

TH: I believe everything starts with nutrition. I generally try to stay away from bread and cheese as I feel these slow me down.

For a pregame meal, I enjoy protein-packed burrito bowls and, for a snack, Cuties® tangerines.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: What are your favorite places to grab a bite when out?

TH: There are plenty of delicious and clean options around Atlanta for on-the-go eating. I love Atlanta Bowl Lab and Tuza Taco on the Westside. When I’m not eating so clean, I’m always a sucker for the bulgogi at Hankook Taqueria.

Q: Why would you encourage men to play recreational sports?

TH: Join for the game and stay for the friendships. I’ve met many of my roommates playing the game and have made lifelong friendships in the three short years I have played with Sons of Pitches.

Q: What are you passionate about outside of sports?

TH: I am a sucker for animals. I was recently convinced to adopt not one but two kittens. They were in love and just couldn’t be separated so now I am the proud owner of Bibo and Krunkles, both named after my favorite beers.

Also, those with special needs will always have a special place in my heart as my sister AnnCatherine has Down syndrome and is currently making history as the first D1 collegiate cheerleader with special needs at George Mason University.

You can start a team or join a pickup game with Sons of Pitches FC by visiting www.sonsofpitchesfc.com.

bestselfatlanta.com

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5/25/21 3:48 PM

Eddie Lacher | Age: 31

Sport: Softball

Hotlanta Softball League, Wet Demons Second Baseman and Dirt Qweens Coach When it’s the seventh inning, and you are down by one, you want Eddie Lacher stepping up to the plate.

A team player with LGBTQ softball league Hotlanta for over four years, Eddie recently was the leadoff hitter for his team when they won the 2019 C Division North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance Championship.

From championship winner to assistant recreation coordinator for the City of Acworth, the title Eddie is most proud to earn is coach.

Q: Why do you love playing with Hotlanta Softball League?

Eddie Lacher: Obviously, it being an LGBT league was a great aspect. Just being around people that get it matters. I also love that it’s very competitive and has allowed me to meet people from around the world. We have played teams in Portland, Canada and more.

Q: What do you do outside of Hotlanta to stay in shape?

EL: I love the mixed variety of workouts that Orangetheory Fitness provides. From running the bases to throwing a player out, they have an exercise to tune up my gameplay.

I also enjoy taking my Rottweiler-black Lab out for a walk at Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Q: Why are you so excited to coach a team for the first time this year?

EL: Watching players develop and get better as the weeks go on encourages me, but I really enjoy seeing the team bond.

Everyone on the team has started to build relationships, and the camaraderie and connections are really the best part for me.

Q: What else do you enjoy doing outside of softball?

EL: When not playing, I am usually traveling or working out.

I also love giving back to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue.

You can sign up to join a Hotlanta team at www.hotlantasoftball.org or give back to the organization by shopping through AmazonSmile.

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Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: What are some common injuries you see when playing and how do you combat them?

EL: We see a lot of people pulling their hamstrings or back muscles, so I put a huge emphasis on stretching to help prevent these injuries or soreness.

BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

5/25/21 3:48 PM

Jeff Dunovant | Age: 55 Sport: Golf

Georgia PGA Player and Director of Golf Operations for First Tee - Metro Atlanta A groundbreaking golfer, Jeff Dunovant finds his purpose and passion in giving back and educating young people of color on how to get into the game of golf. With a golf lineage steeped in Black history, Jeff is also the president of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame and enjoys competing in Georgia PGA tournaments. A role model on multiple fronts, Jeff recently went on a health journey to lose 40 pounds and now models even more healthy habits for his pupils.

Q: How did you get into golf?

Jeff Dunovant: My dad Harold Dunovant was the first Black man to graduate from PGA’s Business School and, along with many other Black golfers, paved the way for a path of inclusion. I always had a golf club in hand from the time I was born, but when I was 13, I decided to dedicate my life to golf. In 1993, I became a member of the PGA, and my father and I became the first Black father-and-son pair in the organization!

Q: How did you begin your journey to getting healthier and happier?

JD: It was 2018, and I realized I just didn’t feel comfortable in my clothes and wanted to feel and do better. Something I teach the kids I work with is healthy habits, and I took it upon myself to model those habits by working out at the YMCA, doing cardio exercises and cleaning up what I ate.

I lost 40 pounds within the year and have kept it off since!

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: What would you tell someone who is intimidated to pick up golf recreationally?

JD: The first thing I would say is that everyone can pick up golf, and you can do it at any age. Before you hop on the course and start hitting balls, I would advise you to get some instruction because golf is a sport of habits, and once you develop bad habits, it’s hard to ditch them.

Q: What is the most memorable putt you have ever been a part of?

JD: I, along with 11 other Black PGA professionals, was recently invited to watch Lee Elder be a part of the prestigious first tee ceremony at the 85th Masters.

Seeing him recognized for all he has done was truly an emotional experience.

Q: Why do you love working with youth?

JD: I love reinvesting in the futures of kids of color. If they see me as a professional making a living working with and playing golf, they can imagine the same or a better future for themselves.

For more information about First Tee and the National Black Golf Hall of Fame, visit www.firstteeatlanta.org and www.blackgolfhof.org. bestselfatlanta.com

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Tecumseh Peete Age: 51 Sport: Track & Field Atlanta Track Club Sprinter

Q: Why do you love running?

Tecumseh Peete: Sprinting keeps me young, and it fosters a competitive edge in me that I can transfer to my job. As a business owner, it keeps me sharp, focused and healthy, all things that help me deliver the best to not only my customers but everyone I interact with.

Q: What is the secret to running long term without injury?

TP: The older I get, the more I see the importance of training smart, not necessarily hard. I put an increased emphasis on recovery and really listen to my body. If you want longevity, you have to make sure you are in shape to train. During the off-season, I do Orangetheory Fitness two days a week, which ensures when I am pushing my body to train, I am not at a high risk of hurting myself.

Q: How do you take care of your mental health to help with your overall wellness?

TP: Running is my therapy. Many track athletes, myself included, often train by themselves, so you have a lot of time alone with your thoughts. While I don’t meditate in the traditional sense, what I have is more of an inner dialogue with myself understanding who I am, what I stand for, and what I’m trying to achieve, whether that be athletically, personally, with my business or with my family.

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Q: How do you think being an athlete makes you a better father?

TP: I have three kids, and I think sports model and reinforce a lot of things I wish to teach my children, whether that lesson is to be consistent, focused, or not giving up when things get tough. I always tell my girls if someone is better than you, don’t shy away from them but figure out what is making them the best! Then you not only come away with a friendship but also more information on how you too can be your best.

Q: When do you plan to retire or stop running?

TP: I hope to run until I can’t anymore, or I lose interest.

I love the competitive nature behind the sport and what inspires me is that I see men competing in their 60s and 70s having a great time. In my mind, if they can still run, so can I. Regardless of whether I can run or not, I will always keep moving.

For more information on getting involved with the Atlanta Track Club, visit www.atlantatrackclub.org.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

For many years, running was just a side gig for Tecumseh Peete, as football was his main focus throughout middle and high school.

But after a short stint running in college, he found his passion for sprinting 15 years post-graduate with Masters Track & Field and the Atlanta Track Club. The former college professor, now UPS Store franchise owner, clocks some of the top times in his age group and competes for the United States everywhere from Toronto to France and Austria for world championships and international meets.

BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

5/25/21 3:49 PM

Nei-Kuan Chia | Age: 43

Sport: Swimming

Atlanta Water Jocks Swimmer It may be hard to believe now, but when Nei-Kuan Chia was just 11 years old, he was rescued from nearly drowning in a wave pool. The solution to her worries, his mom thought — putting him on the swim team. After a rewarding high school and college career and two Olympics, Nei-Kuan was burnt out and left the world of swimming. Nine years later, when his health declined, the Cox Enterprises senior director reignited his passion for swimming and competition, giving him a new lease on life, and earning him two gold medals at the 2019 World Masters Swimming Championships.

Q: How did you get back on the horse when you had become so unhealthy?

Nei-Kuan Chia: I started small. In the beginning, I just got in the pool every day and did a couple of laps. I’m not going to lie, in the beginning, it was torture, but then the more I went, the more I got into it. However, swimming by yourself is boring after a while, and I found myself wanting to quit again.

So I had advice from a friend to get back into competing with a club team, and that is really when I found a sustainable form of exercise.

Q: What is your advice for someone restarting their fitness routine?

NC: You have to find a strong purpose behind why you are getting fit. My purpose isn’t breaking records anymore; it is all about maintaining my health. Whatever else comes out of it, that’s just gravy. My main goal is to be healthy, so I can live a long life and see my son grow up.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: Do you put much thought/philosophy into what you eat? What is your favorite pregame snack?

NC: A while ago, I went to the EXOS performance training center, and they developed a nutrition plan for me that emphasizes lean meats, low sugars and fats, and light snacks throughout the day. I can still eat pizza and doughnuts every once in a while. For me, it’s just being mindful of what I eat and when I eat it.

Q: What would you say to men looking to get into nonprofessional sports?

NC: Don’t fear failure because it doesn’t matter; we are all going to fail at something in our lives. Also, don’t let pride get in the way. I thought I had a reputation to maintain, which I might not live up to by playing club sports, but that wasn’t the purpose of why I was doing it.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of competing?

NC: I am involved in Swim Across America, which helps raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatments, as well as local charities like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. I also spend my free time with my 9-year-old son, who trash-talks me while we play video games and aspires to be a professional esports player!

To get involved with Atlanta Water Jocks, visit www.atlantawaterjocks.com or to just get back in the pool, visit www.wellbridge.com/concourse-athletic-club. bestselfatlanta.com

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Richie Shapiro | Age: 49

Sport: Tennis

18+ Men’s and 40+ USTA Captain and ALTA Co-Captain While the pandemic brought many things to a halt, it ignited a new passion for tennis in Richie Shapiro. A regional sales director for EmployBridge, caring father and dedicated basketball player, Richie turned to tennis when play was stopped due to concerns around the coronavirus. After just a year spent shifting his focus to a new sport, Richie has already garnered city titles and competed at the state level. The key to his success? Preparation, visualization and plenty of water.

Q: What do you think is a common misconception around nonprofessional sports?

Richie Shapiro: Guys tend to have a weekend warrior mentality around sports, like, you can get up and play without training.

You really can’t do that and not get hurt at this age. You have to prepare if you are going to be competitive.

Q: How do you train in preparation for a match?

RS: I think it often goes understated, but I am a big believer in walking, adequate stretching and hydrating! I have never been a big runner, but I invest in taking care of my body, whether that be stretching for several minutes before a match or going to Dr. David Levinson, my chiropractor, once or twice a week.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography. Hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?

RS: Before I start a match, I prep, plan and think out my strategy. I spend time visualizing specifics like where I want my serve to land. I also prefer to carb load (rice, pita bread, etceteras) before matches, although some might say I like to carb load too much in life!

Q: Why do you think more men should get involved in recreational sports?

RS: There are so many pressures on all of us in life.

Playing tennis is one of the few places I can carve out ‘me time.’ This dedicated time allows you to joke, have fun and fill your bucket back up before going out into the world again.

Q: What else do you do to stay healthy and happy across the board?

RS: The two easy answers, spending time with my family and spending time in my faith. Over the years, I have found I am happiest when I am in a situation to bond, grow and develop relationships with others.

Interested in joining a USTA or ALTA team? Visit www.ustaatlanta.com or www.altatennis.org.

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Live Strong, Live Long

Steer Clear of These Top 10 Men’s Health Risks

By Alexandra McCray

When it comes to the longevity of men’s health, there’s no getting around it, the numbers are bleak. According to Harvard Health Publishing, women live an average of five years longer than men in the U.S. While there isn’t much that can be done about that Y chromosome, advancements in modern medicine and a slew of health information can empower you to take your lifespan into your own hands as much as possible. Here, we’ve listed the top 10 causes of death among men according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) reports. Plus, we provide tips to live longer, and we break down symptoms you should never ignore. bestselfatlanta.com

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24.2% Heart Disease

When it comes to heart disease, the most important thing cardiologist Tara Hrobowski, M.D., advises is being an engaged patient and knowing your numbers for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. Aim for blood pressure less than 130/80, get 30 to 40 minutes of exercise four to five days a week, and limit sweet treats and saturated fats.

21.9% Cancer

Lung, prostate and colorectal cancer are the leading causes of cancer death in men, according to the CDC. Smokers are the most likely to die from lung cancer, but those who have never smoked are still at risk. Because lung cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until it is advanced, it is of the utmost importance to see a doctor if you begin to cough up blood or experience chest pain that is more intense when breathing, coughing or laughing.

Also, beware of a new onset of wheezing, hoarseness, or bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t go away or recurs.

The American Cancer Society recommends people with average colorectal cancer risk begin screening at age 45. Screenings are the most important way to prevent colon and rectal cancer. You can lower your risk by sustaining a healthy weight, exercising often, understanding your family history and paying attention to symptoms.

Beware of changes in stool, cramping or abdominal pain, and weakness and fatigue, advises Richard C. Wender, M.D., who previously served as the chief cancer control officer for the American Cancer Society.

7.6%

Unintentional Injuries

Risky behavior is just that, risky — and men are often more likely to die because of it. “Men 35 to 44 are nearly three times

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more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than women,” says Andrea Stevenson, senior vice president and chief clinical officer of Visiting Nurse Health System/Hospice Atlanta. Men 45 to 64 face a new threat that is on the rise: drug overdose. For older men, declining health and a loss of mobility, flexibility and independence can lead to serious falls. Make responsible behavior a lifelong habit.

Wear your seat belt. Don’t eat, drink or text while driving. Ask questions about prescription drugs and understand how they work. Pay attention to your surroundings and remove hazards that can cause falls, if possible.

5.2%

Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases Because the lungs work with so many other organs in the body, deciphering their symptoms can be tricky.

Common ones to keep an eye on include shortness of breath that is out of proportion to the level of exertion, coughing, wheezing, chest pain, lightheadedness and leg swelling, says Juan Israel Gaitan, M.D., pulmonologist and intensivist with Piedmont Fayette Hospital. Keep your lungs healthy by avoiding cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, maintaining the health of your teeth, and getting recommended vaccines and regular checkups.

4.3% Stroke

Issues that creep up over time and can lead to strokes include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and a history of smoking. Immediate signs of a stroke are facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty, explains Northside Hospital Gwinnett neurologist Rizwan Bashir, M.D., and Susan M. Gaunt, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, ANVP, CCRN, CNRN, stroke program coordinator at Northside Hospital Gwinnett.

P R O S TAT A W A R

Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA, a urologist at Wellstar, is co-chair of the Georgia Prostate Cancer Roundtable, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Health. Here, he shares lifesaving information about what’s new in the fight against prostate cancer.

Screenings Should Start Earlier Dr. Miller, who serves as co-chair of the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Control’s (GC3) Prostate Cancer Subcommittee, agrees with the suggestion from the GC3 Prostate Cancer Task Force that high-risk populations should begin screening at age 40, not 50. High-risk populations include the following: • African-Americans • Those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer • Those who possess the BRCA gene

BRCA Testing Could Be Lifesaving Although the BRCA gene has been linked to both breast and prostate cancers, research suggests anyone with a high risk of prostate cancer should undergo genetic testing. If they have the BRCA gene, their male and female first-degree relatives should be tested, too. This could save lives from either prostate or breast cancer.

MRI Scan With a New Twist An MRI scan of the prostate not only shows the detailed structure of this deeply situated organ, it can now also measure the behavior of cancer tissue within the prostate. This information allows a physician to target

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S TATE CANCER

2.6%

3.2%

Suicide

Diabetes

This tests the genes of a person’s cancer. It not only reveals the genes, but it shows how they behave.

Specialists can compare that data to known outcomes of patients treated 10 or more years earlier. This helps predict patient outcomes. “It’s one more essential tool for managing someone’s cancer care,” Dr. Miller says.

“Research has shown that men are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than women due to differences in insulin sensitivity and regional fat deposition,” says Tasneem Bhatia, M.D., of CentreSpringMD. Cut back on highfat dairy products and fried foods.

Take note of unexplained weight loss — it isn’t always a good thing.

Susan Chapman, licensed dietitian and clinical nutrition manager at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, reveals that unexplained weight loss, increased thirst and frequent urination could be ways the body is trying to normalize blood sugar levels due to diabetes.

A combination of these symptoms with blurred vision are signals it’s time to make an appointment with a doctor. Chapman also notes, “The vast majority of people will experience no symptoms at all. That is what is so scary and why there are so many people walking around undiagnosed with the more common form of diabetes, Type 2.

Immunotherapy Can Aid in Fighting Cancer

For the rarer Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), those patients always experience the classic signs.”

A R E N E S S

specific areas for biopsy or tailored treatments. “Such technology has caused a paradigm shift in our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer,” says Dr. Miller.

Genomic Testing May Guide Your Cancer Care

Through the use of medication, the body’s own immune system can be used to fight a person’s respective cancer. Immunotherapy is tailored to battle individual cancers, including prostate, kidney and bladder.

According to Dr. Miller, urologists have found immunotherapy to be particularly effective against bladder cancer. They now use a similar approach for men who have not responded to other treatments for prostate cancer.

Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital 470.956.4230 www.scottdmillermd.com

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According to psychiatrist Andro Giorgadze, M.D., “Women attempt [suicide] more often, but men complete suicide more often.”

In addition, feeling low, loss of interest in something you once loved, fatigue, insomnia and a general decrease in activities for more than two weeks are hallmark signs of depression, he says.

If you notice these signs, take action and let someone know — don’t suffer in silence.

1.8%

Influenza & Pneumonia While influenza might make you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, it can usually be resolved on its own or with antiviral medication, says Peter R. Jungblut, M.D., MBA, of WellStar Medical Group. Take everyday precautions like washing your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose and throat to diminish contact with germs.

1.8%

Chronic Liver Disease

2.6%

Alzheimer’s Disease “Scientists are beginning to identify links to issues that can potentially increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, such as conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels like high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and high cholesterol,” explains Bhatia. She goes on to note, “Autopsy studies show that as many as 80% of Alzheimer’s patients also had cardiovascular disease.” On the upside, there is evidence that exercise and a Mediterranean diet can decrease risk.

An estimated three million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis C, one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, otherwise known as cirrhosis.

Because of its role in chronic liver disease, the CDC recommends that baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965 talk with their doctors about screening for hepatitis C. It’s the ongoing fibrosis (creation of scar tissue) of the liver that eventually affects the liver’s ability to function normally. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. Certain lab abnormalities might be apparent on routine testing, or at least suggestive of the need for further investigation, explains Jungblut.

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THE MEN’SDIRECTORY Atlantas Top Experts in Men’s Health & Aesthetics

HAIR RESTORATION

Anderson Center for Hair, an internationally recognized leader in the hair restoration field, provides solutions for those suffering from hair loss with a dedicated team boasting over 150 years of experience.

Men and women receive surgical and nonsurgical treatments, natural results and unparalleled patient care to ensure complete peace of mind at state-ofthe-art offices in Atlanta and Alpharetta. Dr. Ken Anderson also trains physicians from around the world in hair restoration surgery.

ATLANTA SMILES

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

ANDERSON CENTER FOR HAIR

2710 Old Milton Pkwy Suite 170, Alpharetta, GA 30009 (404) 256-4247 atlantahairsurgeon.com

FITNESS

Welcome to your club. Feel the difference when you walk through the doors of Concourse Athletic Club.

Our friendly, dedicated staff greets you before you head off to our executive locker rooms. Get energized in one of the many studios or fitness classes, where you’ll be challenged and motivated by the best instructors in Atlanta. Unwind at one of our many happy hours or family events with other members.

You belong here.

8 Concourse Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30328 (770) 698-2000 concourseclub.com

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4405 Northside Pkwy NW Ste 110 Atlanta GA 30327 (404) 262-7733 atlantasmiles.com

RESURGENS SPINE CENTER

SPINE HEALTH

CONCOURSE ATHLETIC CLUB

Our Atlanta Smiles dental team views comprehensive dentistry as a life-long commitment to your health, appearance and selfimage. One element of our comprehensive care is cosmetic dentistry. We are passionate about enhancing your beautiful smile, and are highly skilled in every space of cosmetics, including veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, invisible orthodontic aligners, braces and tooth-colored fillings.

Resurgens Spine Center has the most trusted physicians in Georgia for the diagnosis and treatment of neck and back pain. Our board certified physicians offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options in 24 convenient locations.

If your new year is starting off with neck or back pain, schedule an online appointment today with one of our spine experts.

Non-surgical & Surgical Spine Care 24 Convenient Atlanta Locations resurgensspine.com

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THE MEN’SDIRECTORY Atlantas Top Experts in Men’s Health & Aesthetics SURGERY

SKINCARE

Institut’ DERMed clinical skincare founder, master esthetician Lyn Ross created the product formulations and facial treatments that have earned the trust of the Atlanta community for 31 years. The Dermed Difference is the combination of the staff’s aesthetic knowledge, their many years of experience and superior client care standards. They are honored to add the Best of 2020 for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments to their many awards.

Institut’ DERMed Spa 3726 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 261-5199 idermed.com

ATLANTA INNOVATIVE MEDICINE

8460 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 416-9995 atlantamedicine.com

VININGS SURGERY CENTER Vinings Surgery Center offers a variety of minimally invasive hair restoration procedures and options for both men and women with thinning and balding hair, including the stateof-the-art ARTAS robotic hair restoration procedure, shaveless and long hair FUE, and FUT procedures.

Schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation with us today for more information!

HAIR RESTORATION

BOTOX & FILLERS

ELYSIUM PRIMARY CARE Dr. Elliott is a Harvard-trained board certified physician specializing in men’s health and male facial aesthetics using botox and fillers. He spent years mastering male facial anatomy, giving him a deep understanding of the aging process and how to correct these losses with natural-looking results.

Dr. Elliott’s specialty is using fillers to give men a more defined jawline, masculine chin, and chiseled cheekbones (the “male model makeover”). Dr. Elliott’s goal is enhancement of male facial features giving a balanced, natural, and masculine look.

Atlanta Innovative Medicine specializes in regenerative medicine which focuses on the body’s natural healing process.

Some of the practice’s more popular treatments include PRP (platelet-rich plasma) which is used to stimulate healing and relieve joint pain.

More recently it is being used for nonsurgical aesthetic procedures including facial rejuvenation and hair restoration. Because platelets contain growth factors, when they are injected into the face collagen production is stimulated resulting in a more rested and youthful appearance.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

INSTITUT’ DERMED SPA

1900 The Exchange SE Bldg 300, Ste 300 Atlanta, GA 30339 (770) 955-9000 colgrove.com

5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 201, Atlanta, GA (470) 663-6622 elysiummd.com

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2021 LEARN FROM ATLANTA’S TOP HEALTHCARE EXPERTS

Partners In Health 46

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BALANCING STRESS FOR BETTER MEN’S HEALTH WHY IS EVERYONE SUDDENLY OFFERING TESTOSTERONE THERAPY FOR MEN?

Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS Vital Living Healthcare

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50 SLEEP APNEA: NOT ONLY A PROBLEM FOR PATIENTS

PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME: WHEN SCIATICA ISN’T SCIATICA

Dr. Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM Atlanta Smiles

Reuben Sloan, M.D. Resurgens Spine Center

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2021 Partners in Health

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Offering Testosterone Therapy for Men?

By Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS

Testosterone treatments are the new “hot topic” in men’s health lately. There are clinics opening everywhere to take advantage of the financial opportunities available from testosterone therapy.

This is both an opportunity and a problem. Most of the clinics are businesses that are marketed as a “turnkey” approach to helping men with hormonal difficulties.

The problem with this model is that the medical professional treating the patient does not really know much about the intricacies of hormonal optimization in men and how the treatments can differ based on a man’s age, weight, symptoms and metabolism. And all of these metrics matter.

There are no two male bodies that need the same amount of testosterone or metabolize it the same. Too much or too little testosterone can affect a man's health in a negative way and result in a treatment that can be worse than the problem. Testosterone treatments must be individualized for each person by an expert in the field, not by a computer program developed by a marketing department for a franchise clinic. Make sure your testosterone health professional has experience and

training in the field. At Vital Living Healthcare, Paul Cox, M.D., and Jordan Carney, FNP, are the experts at hormone optimization for men of all ages. They are literally Atlanta’s hormone whisperers for men looking for expert, science-based, individual care for their testosterone therapies. Do not trust your body or your health to an amateur. Call the experts at Vital Living Healthcare today.

Board-certified in anti-aging and family medicine, Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS, is an expert at turning back time. Firmly rooted in a scientific approach, Vital Living Healthcare focuses on early detection, prevention and innovative treatments to reverse age-related decline. By using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, along with focusing on all aspects of your health (mind, body, spirit and surroundings), Dr. Cox will create a comprehensive and personalized design for maintaining or reclaiming your health and vitality.

Experience the healthcare you deserve and schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Cox today.

Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS • www.vitallivinghealthcare.com • 404.843.3636

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2021 Partners in Health Balancing Stress for Better Men’s Health

By Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA

We spend a lot of our life balancing “things” — work and family, diet and exercise, time and money. We all want a stress-free life. Although stress is frequently unavoidable, at times it can be beneficial. The key is learning how to manage both good and bad stress. Although reaching our goals is often the best stress-reliever, focusing on the journey will not only allow us to face these challenges but also reap some rewards along the way.

Let’s first talk about “bad” stress. We’ve all been there — an impossible deadline at work, a family health issue, a personal financial crisis. Stress can lead to more stress, almost to the point that it can paralyze you. Over time, these stressors can lead to significant health issues.

Not only does stress affect mental well-being, but the longstanding elevation of stress hormones can also contribute to your risk of cardiovascular events (stroke and heart attack), high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels and weight gain. These effects are compounded in those who have underlying medical conditions.

What is “good” stress?

Actually, bad stress can be good. In fact, the unavoidable stresses in life can prepare us for future challenges. However, this resiliency should be developed over time. You wouldn’t teach your child how to drive on the expressway during rush hour; those first few Sunday rides on the backroads are stressful enough for both of you. In this case, stress will provide protection by encouraging caution. Stress can also be a great motivator. An impending deadline can often be the best kick in the pants. Of course, moderate exercise and learning something new are the two best examples of good stress for the body and the mind. So, how do we manage stress?

Here are some tips: • Make an inventory — The first step to solving any problem is assessing the situation. Sometimes you just need to write things down. Make a list of tasks and rank them.

Are there any that you can eliminate or delegate? Can you assign them to a particular time of day or day of the week when you are best equipped to deal with these challenges?

• Add some good stress — The obvious answer here is to hit the gym. However, sometimes just focusing on some simpler items on our to-do list is enough to relieve the pressure.

• Practice mindfulness — Focus on being in the moment rather than reliving missed opportunities or worrying about future goals.

• Focus on your talents — Improving on our strengths is usually much easier and more beneficial than correcting our weaknesses. Look for those small wins. Extra points for tapping into your creative side.

• Re-evaluate — Are your goals realistic?

Will they bring the satisfaction that you need? Is there an alternate journey to the same destination?

• Just take a break — Even if it is just 15 minutes per day, schedule time to do nothing. This time should be separate from time for fun activities (TV, web-surfing, eating) that can lead to procrastination and guilt.

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• Find a partner — This person can serve as a guide to, or an escape from, life’s challenges.

• Help others — The resulting satisfaction can release a mood-enhancing hormone (oxytocin) that counteracts our body’s stress-inducing hormone (cortisol).

• Sleep — This one cuts both ways. Stress affects sleep quality, and sleep deprivation worsens stress. Make sleep a priority with a regular routine.

• Diet — What we eat influences our mood and energy levels.

A healthy diet and plenty of water are essential for avoiding that stress rabbit hole.

• Exercise — A brisk walk can be just what the doctor ordered.

• Become more productive — No, this does not mean work harder.

Rather, try to develop ways to produce more with less effort (see sidebar, “Tips for Improving Productivity”).

• Manage procrastination — We all procrastinate. Procrastination is like a credit card; it’s fun until you see the bill. Procrastination is all about fear. Will I do a good job? Will I be able to complete the task? Will I live up to my previous performance? When the deadline is fast approaching, these fears are overtaken by the fear of not finishing on time. Once you first realize that you are procrastinating, commit to just 10 minutes of work. Often, once you start a project, it becomes much easier to complete.

• Seek professional advice — Sometimes a therapist or a life coach is the best answer. However, if life seems insurmountable, contact your doctor immediately.

Just like a tightrope walker, the key to balance is avoiding extremes.

Don’t confuse balance for the common piece of advice, “everything in moderation.” You wouldn’t drive 100 mph in your neighborhood, even if it was only occasionally. Look for my article on “The Healthy Road to Weight Loss for Men” in the next issue.

Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA, is the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

He is a urologist with Wellstar Urology in Roswell and has practiced in Atlanta for over 20 years.

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital offers the Know Your Heart Screening that can determine your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.

Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Tips for Improving Productivity  Make three to-do lists — Sticky notes for tasks to be completed within an hour, a smartphone list for daily and weekly items, and a spreadsheet for projects and long-term goals.  Schedule everything — The best to-do lists are ones that live on a calendar.  Reserve your prime hour (or even 10 minutes) — We are usually most productive in the morning, especially for creative tasks.  Create calendar blocks — Slices of time set aside for essential or recurring tasks (include one empty slot each day).  Follow the 80:20 rule — 80% of work output comes from 20% of the effort (choose what you do wisely).  Avoid perfectionism — An adequate completed task always trumps perfection in the making.  Obey the 2-minute rule — If it will take less than two minutes, complete the task immediately.  Recognize Parkinson’s Law — Work expands to the time that we allocate to it (don’t take all day for a one-hour task).  Break large undertakings into smaller chunks — Then commit to shorter deadlines that are now more achievable.  Go digital — Create, read and check off items anywhere (adds convenience and avoids redundancy).  Go analog — Print your daily calendar so that you can modify it on the fly.  Delegate — The best person for the job is often someone else.  Outsource — Since time is money, it’s certainly reasonable to pay for it.  Automate — Those minutes add up when you eliminate repetitive tasks with email and document templates, word replacement shortcuts and specialty software.  Plan tomorrow — Make this a nightly routine.  Set weekly goals — A great start for a great week.  Manage your environment — Gather the essential tools and eliminate time-killing distractions.  Batch similar tasks — Consistent focus leads to efficiency.  Do one thing — Commit to doing the one most important task each day. (That’s 250 valuable accomplishments each year!)

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital • 470.956.4230 • www.ScottDMillerMD.com bestselfatlanta.com

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2021 Partners in Health Piriformis Syndrome: When Sciatica Isn’t Sciatica

By Reuben Sloan, M.D.

What is piriformis syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome is what we, in medicine, call a “zebra.” You might ask, “What does that mean?” I will get to that later in this article.

To fully understand what piriformis syndrome is requires breaking down the words.

The piriformis is a muscle in the inferolateral (lower outer part) of the buttock and is mainly responsible for rotating the hip and leg externally (outwardly).

A syndrome is defined as a collection of signs and symptoms associated with a specific health-related issue.

So, piriformis syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms attributable to the piriformis muscle. More specifically, it’s sciatica that is not attributable to the low back. In other words, it is not attributable to a herniated disc, stenosis (tight nerve canal(s) due to arthritis) or some other nerve compression condition originating in the back. Rather, it is attributable to an issue in or abnormality of the piriformis muscle. It is extremely rare for the lumbar spine to not be responsible for sciatica, which leads to piriformis syndrome a being termed a “zebra.”

During the many arduous years of medical education training, medical students and residents are trained to think in terms of differential diagnoses. When a patient presents with a collection of signs and symptoms, we are taught to go through a mental checklist of all of the possible diseases or conditions that could be responsible, even unusual or rare ones. While we were encouraged to (and often rewarded for) come up with unusual or exotic “differentials,” our professors would often redirect our tangential thinking by saying, “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras!” Meaning, common causes are far more likely to be responsible—common is common, unusual is rare.

What causes piriformis syndrome?

• Microtrauma/repetitive trauma due to prolonged sitting on hard surfaces • Overuse of the piriformis muscle due to long-distance walking or running • Direct compression or “wallet neuritis” compression of the piriformis and, hence, the sciatic nerve due to sitting on a fat wallet · Anatomical variations o Typically, both divisions (peroneal and tibial) of the sciatic nerve pass underneath the piriformis muscle (89%) o One of the divisions runs superior to (above) or through the piriformis muscle (11%)-and is more susceptible to compression How common is piriformis syndrome?

It depends on the source, but prevalence is estimated to range from 0.3 to 6%, or anywhere from three cases per 1,000 to six cases per 100. Regardless of what the actual prevalence is, it is not very common. Nevertheless, someone with pain radiating down the leg will have piriformis syndrome.

Signs and symptoms: • Tenderness and pain in the buttock area • Sciatic-like pain with tingling and numbness and/or weakness radiating down the back of the thigh, calf, and foot • Worsening of symptoms after prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, walking or running Diagnosing piriformis syndrome: • While signs and symptoms are often identical to sciatica attributable to the spine (aka lumbar radiculopathy, or nerve-root irritation or impinging in the spine) there are a couple of defining features seen only in piriformis syndrome • Sciatica-type symptoms in the absence of a herniated disc, stenosis or other condition of the lumbar spine on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) • Electrodiagnostic (EMG/Nerve Conduction Study) revealing sparring of muscles proximal to (above) the piriformis muscle, namely the lumbar paraspinals and some of the gluteal (buttock) muscles

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Treating piriformis syndrome: • Anti-inflammatory medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or oral steroids • Stretching program, mainly focused on the piriformis muscle, often physical therapist directed • Therapeutic ultrasound and/or iontophoresis (the use of electric current to transport solubilized medication across the skin barrier) • Massage • Injection(s), typically of an anti inflammatory medication such as methylprednisolone (cortisone), preferably with guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) in an attempt to relax the piriformis can be utilized if other, non-interventional treatments fail • Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic care may be appropriate in some cases • Botulinum toxin (BOTOX) injections have been used in rare, extremely refractory cases to relax the piriformis muscle for an extended amount of time when other injection treatments have provided relief, albeit temporary relief Preventing piriformis syndrome: • Avoid the causes mentioned above, including prolonged sitting on a hard surface or thick wallet, long-distance running or walking • Maintain piriformis muscle flexibility • Stretch frequently. It’s better to stretch 20 times for one minute than one time for 20 minutes!!

Though horses are far more common, zebras do exist!

Reuben Sloan, M.D., received his medical degree from University of California, Irvine/California College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at ColumbiaPresbyterian Medical Center and his fellowship in Sports Medicine at The Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia Dr. Sloan is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and in Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Additionally, he is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the North American Spine Society, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and the Spine Intervention Society. Dr. Sloan practices at the Resurgens St. Joseph’s/ Sandy Springs office.

24 Convenient Atlanta Locations • www.resurgensspine.com

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2021 Partners in Health Sleep Apnea: Not Only a Problem for Patients

By Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM

Sleep apnea is a widespread medical issue affecting approximately 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Many individuals suffer from the effects of sleep apnea (commonly characterized by cessations in breathing during sleep) and aren’t even aware that they have this condition.

Only about 16% of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea receive any treatment at all. Considering that sleep apnea can increase the risk of severe conditions, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and even heart attacks, it’s shocking that more patients don’t seek out treatment.

Challenges With Traditional Treatment The reason for this is simple. The primary treatment prescribed for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. These bulky and noisy machines help regulate your breathing throughout the night.

Many patients find that wearing a full-size face mask attached to a bedside machine limits sleeping positions and personal comfort.

Many patients find it a hassle to wear, difficult to sleep comfortably, and bulky for travel. The other primary problem with CPAP is that if you share a room, you’re trading one person's good night's sleep for another. It’s extremely common for the CPAP machine to be just as disruptive to your partner's sleep as sleep apnea can be to yours.

Alternative Treatments Atlanta Smiles is a comprehensive dental practice that has helped hundreds of sleep apnea patients and their partners get the good night’s sleep they deserve. We do this by providing a highly effective oral appliance. The mandibular repositioning device (MRD) is designed to simply hold the lower jaw in a protruding position during sleep, creating more space at the

back of the throat, allowing air to flow freely. This process eliminates snoring. MRDs are even available for people missing many or all of their teeth. These oral appliances are created with a custom fit-out of high-quality materials that are latexand metal-free.

Comfortable, Portable, Silent and Effective Our patients love that these oral appliances are so comfortable to sleep in. They solve the problems caused by sleep apnea with no bulky machine. They are small and portable with no electricity necessary and are even more popular among family members of sleep apnea patients. They don’t just eliminate snoring; they also eliminate the noise created by a traditional CPAP machine, allowing everyone to get the sleep they deserve.

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I have tried everything, surgery, CPAP — you name it, I’ve tried it. Then Dr. Kovitch made me an appliance and changed my life.

I do not snore anymore at all, and finally, I get to sleep in the same room with my girlfriend all night.”

-M. Reeves, Atlanta Smiles patient Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (DABDSM). Dr. Kovitch received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia after earning her Bachelor of Science with honors in chemistry as well as recognition in research publications for her work in biochemistry from Georgia State University. Dr. Kovitch has been an active board member of the Academy of General Dentistry since 2013 and has been a contributor to the development of dentistry excellence in Georgia.

Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM • Atlanta Smiles • www.goodnightsleepga.com • 404.262.7733 50

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5/24/21 10:55 AM

Breaking Down Barriers

Men open up and find solutions to address mental health

By Jill Becker

His smile does not always mean he's doing OK.

With June being Men’s Health Month, it seems an appropriate time to address the gender gap between males and females when it comes to mental health and men’s general reluctance to express their emotions and ask for help with issues such as depression and anxiety. “It starts in childhood,” explains Matthew Quick, the director of North Atlanta Psychotherapy and a licensed professional counselor with more than 15 years of experience treating men battling everything from work stress to midlife crises. “Most men were taught as boys not to show or express things like fear, sadness and disappointment.

These are things [you’re told] you either shouldn’t feel or just dismiss and keep moving.”

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Lorenzo P. Lewis seconds that notion. The founder and CEO of The Confess Project, an organization devoted to “building a culture of mental health for boys, men of color and their families,” Lewis echoes the fact that young men are often told to keep their problems to themselves. He adds that this naturally “leads to mental health issues in adulthood, which also creates a generational problem for many men and their families.”

An Illness, Not a Weakness According to the national nonprofit Mental Health America, more than six million men are affected by depression each year. Male depression often goes undiagnosed, though, so the actual number is likely even higher. And that’s not counting the men suffering from anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder or other mental health issues.

Men often fail to realize that mental illness is a medical condition, not a failing or defect. “Men are notorious for underreporting emotional difficulties and seeing a therapist,” says Quick. “For many of them, asking for help is seen as a weakness, so, unfortunately, many guys struggle in silence, get angry or turn to addiction instead.”

Fear of the Unknown Another reason men may be hesitant to seek help from a trained professional is that they have no idea what that might look or feel like. They might have outdated visions of having to stretch out on an uncomfortable sofa in a dark, stuffy psychiatrist’s office with a somber figure dressed in tweed quizzing them about why they hate their mother. “It’s not like in the movies or on TV,” insists Quick. “He doesn’t have to lay on a couch, I’m not going to blame his parents, and he doesn’t have to cry.”

Because of the pandemic, some therapists are doing virtual appointments these days, which may make sessions easier for some men. They may also want to look into the growing number of online mental health services. BetterHelp, for example, is one such service that lets you text chat with an accredited therapist from the comfort of your living room through either a browser on your computer or a smartphone, similar to that of instant messaging on Facebook or Google.

Just as they do when it comes to picking a general practitioner, some men may feel more comfortable choosing a male therapist rather than a female one.

“I think for deeply personal issues related to shame, embarrassment and vulnerability, both men and women generally seek the same gender. Not surprisingly, men might not want to talk with a female therapist about sexual dysfunction, performance anxiety in the bedroom or sexual inadequacy,” says Quick.

“Conversely, someone in a heterosexual relationship may seek out a therapist of the opposite sex to try and understand their partner better. The most important aspect of psychotherapy is the therapeutic relationship defined by unconditional positive regard for the client, a nonjudgmental posture and empathy. As long as a man experiences that, then gender may not matter at all.”

For some, choosing virtual appointments makes it easier to be open and vulnerable.

This is particularly true for men of color, says Lewis.

“Black men are culturally influenced to not care about their mental health as much as others,” he explains.

“Due to racism and imagery through media, as well as complexities of identity, this causes Black men a lot of uncertainty and high levels of stress.” bestselfatlanta.com

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zone’ in which men get to feel what it’s like to connect with one another beyond the confines of, say, watching football or playing video games,” says Fogleman. “Once men have the opportunity to see other men share and to hear their stories, a powerful and immediate thing happens: They realize that they’re not alone in their experiences.

Those who participate often speak of it as one of their most powerful experiences.”

Places of worship are a good potential source of refuge for those with a spiritual background, says Quick. Yoga and meditation are other tools men can add to their mental health toolbox. They don’t even need to leave the privacy of their own homes to participate, as countless videos are available to stream on sites such as Amazon Prime and YouTube, as well as through apps such as Pocket Yoga and Headspace.

Faith can be a source of strength during challenging times.

How and Where to Get Help Of course, a trip to the barbershop or the therapist’s office isn’t the only way to combat any emotional issues men may be dealing with. Support groups are a great resource, whether it’s a general processing group or one with a more specific focus, such as divorce or adult children of alcoholics.

One such Atlanta men’s therapy group, led by Drs. Steve Fogleman and Andy Smith, meets virtually once a week to explore issues such as relationships, anger, grief, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

“A men’s therapy group can act as a safe ‘practice

No matter what methods they use, though, more men must learn to recognize when they’re suffering from mental as well as physical pain and seek help for their psychological issues just like they would a bad tooth or a broken arm. “I believe the wide margin between men who are suffering and men who seek help is closing with each successive generation,” says Quick. “For example, today we have organizations like Mission 22, which brings awareness to PTSD and suicide in a profound way that resonates with men. They see organizations like this and think, ‘These guys went through some pretty bad stuff, and their emotions got to be overwhelming.’

Now all of these men are saying it’s OK to talk about emotional pain.”

Turning a Negative Into a Positive Lorenzo P. Lewis knows whereof he speaks. He has been able to fearlessly reflect on his emotional issues over the years and channel them into a passion project that won him an Oprah Health Hero award in 2020 from O Magazine. Labeled “America’s first mental health barbershop movement,” his organization, The Confess Project, trains barbers across the country to become mental health advocates and encourage their customers to talk openly and honestly about their true feelings and concerns. “Black men are more comfortable sharing their feelings with their barbers because the barbershop has been a staple in their lives for many years. It’s a place they can go to become their best selves in an environment that’s nonjudgmental and where they can feel seen, heard and validated by other men like them.” As of January, 25 Atlanta barbers had been through the program, with another 175 scheduled to be trained by the end of the year.

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For more information on how to participate in Dr. Fogleman’s men’s group, email him at email@drstevefogleman.com or Dr. Andy Smith at drandy007@hotmail.com.

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What Women Can Do Ladies, do you have a male spouse, friend or family member you suspect is having emotional difficulties? Given men’s usual resistance to expressing their innermost thoughts, you may feel intimidated about addressing it with them. There’s an equally good chance you may not even recognize they’re struggling emotionally because mental health issues often present themselves in men as something totally different.

So, how can you pinpoint the signs, and how can you help?

Atlanta psychotherapist Matthew Quick has some answers.

How does someone recognize signs of emotional issues in their male partner?

Men can show all of the signs of emotional distress that women can. This includes avoidance, sadness, quietness, irritability, loss of interest, appetite issues, sleep problems and substance abuse. One symptom that men tend to display more of than women is anger. For men, anger is a socially ‘acceptable’ way of emoting. However, an angry man is typically a man who is depressed, anxious or overwhelmed.

Since it’s such a sensitive subject, what’s the best way for someone to approach their male partner if they’re concerned he’s suffering from emotional issues?

Genuine empathy. It’s important for women to recognize their emotional power with men. A woman can hurt or heal a man with just one word. Women don’t have to tell men that it’s OK to cry (he probably won’t). She just needs to start with, ‘I could see why you would be feeling this way.’

Can you name a few of the top things women can do to help their male partners address and deal with their issues?

Reassurance – Men need to know that their partners won’t reject them or perceive them as weak.

Validation – One of the best things women can do is avoid diminishing what he’s going through. Diminishing sounds like, ‘Suck it up.’ Validation sounds like, ‘You’re not alone.’

Problem-solving – This is the way most men operate.

Reframing ‘help’ as a solution will go a long way.

Editorial Resources The Confess Project, Lorenzo P. Lewis | www.theconfessproject.com Dr. Steve Fogelman | www.drstevefogleman.com Mental Health America | www.mhascreening.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness | www.namiga.org North Atlanta Psychotherapy, Matthew Quick, MDiv, LPC, NCC | www.northatlantapsych.com

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Building a

Safe Haven

Kerry Stumpe and Michael Thomas work to protect a wildlife sanctuary

Photo courtesy of Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

By Kerry Stumpe

KERRY STUMPE (MIDDLE OF TOP ROW) AND MICHAEL THOMAS (FAR RIGHT OF BOTTOM ROW) SHOW OFF THEIR HARD WORK WITH THEIR CREW.

A lot of people talk about saving the world. Many lament over how climate change is impacting the planet, but rarely do we run across people actually doing something about it. Recently, Best Self Atlanta caught up with two Atlanta businessmen who decided to turn their words into action and made an extraordinary journey to Africa to help save an island full of chimpanzees from devastating floods.

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MICHAEL THOMAS WORKING INSIDE A GUEST TENT THAT COMES EQUIPPED WITH HOT WATER AND INDOOR PLUMBING.

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Photo courtesy of Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

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facility and an enclosure for orphaned baboons.

In January, Kerry Stumpe, founder of the Atlanta However, this is the organization’s first project to nonprofit Children of Conservation, and fellow board address the devastating effects of a natural disaster member, Michael Thomas, left their Buckhead due to climate change. At its peak, Ngamba Island is boardrooms to embark on a 12-day working vacation only 19 feet above the water’s edge. to build a sea wall that will In the past year, Lake Victoria, the ultimately preserve and rebuild world’s second-largest freshwater the flooded and shrinking “Kerry and I are lake, has risen by a record-breaking shoreline of Ngamba Island 5 feet, claiming around 30% of Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Ngamba constantly reminded Ngamba’s shoreline.

Island is located in Lake Victoria, of our privileged 45 minutes south off of the For the past nine years, Children of existence as we’re out coast of Entebbe in Uganda. This Conservation has run a scholarship there donning fishing 100-acre island is home to 50 program that provides an education orphaned chimpanzees as well as waders while the rest for more than 55 children of hundreds of species of vulnerable of the guys simply Ngamba’s staff members. The and endangered birds. organization has established a walk into the lake strong relationship with the island Stumpe is no stranger to wearing their jeans staff, so management was aware construction projects in Africa. and polo shirts." of Thomas’s construction Through his work with Children of —Michael Thomas background and Stumpe’s Conservation, whose mission is to experience as an architect. “When partner with local communities in they called in early December and Africa to empower people living asked us to lead a team to build a gabion wall that in poverty to prosper in ways that also benefit and could save the island, we couldn’t say no,” promote conservation, he has led teams to Zambia Thomas recounts. and Cameroon to build a middle school, a veterinary

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Stumpe: It’s actually one of our favorite places to bring donors who want a one-of-a-kind, off-thebeaten-path African experience.

The island is 100 acres sectioned into two parts: 98 acres are made up of wild jungle for the chimpanzees to roam, with the remaining two acres, separated by an electric fence, for the workers and guests. There’s no tourism right now due to the flooding and COVID-19, so we stayed in the guest WHILE ENJOYING A BREAK FROM BUILDING THE GABION WALL, KERRY STUMPE TAKES IN THE ISLAND'S BEAUTY. tents. They may not be luxurious, but they are very comfortable with hot water and indoor plumbing. We’re careful to always keep our screen doors closed as open doors are a billboard“The gift of perspective sized invitation to any one of the tens of thousands of fruit bats that it gives is worth so that emerge at dusk, not to mention the friendly 6-foot iguanas that live underneath the lakefront cabanas. As the sun sets, the much more than a few sky is filled with more stars than you can imagine and the black aching muscles and sore horizon of the lake becomes alive as the water becomes dotted joints. Every day, with hundreds of tiny lights from the rustic incandescent lamps we were surrounded by the of the night fishermen that remain until daybreak. We’re lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sound of gently lapping waves that meld continuous sounds into the makeshift shoreline and a steady breeze that flutters our of nature and harmony." tent flaps. Occasionally, we’ll hear the grumblings of a disgruntled —Kerry Stumpe chimp who got pushed off a prime bed of hay or squeals of delight when one finds a mango that somehow got overlooked during their pre-bedtime snack session.

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Photo courtesy of Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

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Photo courtesy of Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

Q: Ngamba Island sounds like an interesting place, can you describe what it’s like to stay there?

NGAMBA ISLAND AT NIGHT. THE TINY LIGHTS ON THE HORIZON OF THE LAKE ARE FROM THE RUSTIC INCANDESCENT LAMPS OF THE NIGHT FISHERMEN.

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crucial areas on the island to rebuild what’s been lost Thomas: At 6:30 a.m., we start with coffee and tea in the by the flooding. Our wall is created by filling gabion cages with large rocks, some the size of our heads. thatched-roofed dining hall, also at Victoria’s edge. We Our crew assembles galvanized panels in the evenings begin work at 7 a.m. It’s easy to tell the time as that’s to make the cages. Each cage is approximately 6 feet also when the chimps start breaking out into excited long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. We pant-hoots [calls] in anticipation install six cages tied together at one of their breakfast being served, time, running perpendicular to the followed by another day in the “We’re building a sea shore. The cages are filled to create forest. Unlike the chimps, wall around crucial a continuous wall 30 feet from our breakfast isn’t served until the shore. Eventually, that 30 feet 9:30 a.m. And, yes, in Uganda, areas on the island to between the shoreline and our new human workers like us work before rebuild what’s been wall will be backfilled and planted to we eat. So is the life of a laborer in lost by the flooding. reestablish the washed-out land. this region.

But, first things first.

Our wall is created by

Q: Tell us about the work you’re doing.

filling gabion cages with large rocks."

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Thomas: For much of the day, we’re working in chest-high water, first Stumpe: Our crew is a ragtag positioning the gabions to assure group of Mike and me, along with —Kerry Stumpe they’re level and secure from the five hardworking 20-something possible undertow. Kerry and I Ugandan men from Kampala. are constantly reminded of our They’re dressed in an array of privileged existence as we’re out there donning fishing denim jeans and work pants with miscellaneous waders while the rest of the guys simply walk into the T-shirts and polos. Some have boots and gloves, while lake wearing their jeans and polo shirts. others are without. We’re building a sea wall around

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Photo courtesy of Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

Q: How does your typical day start?

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Photo courtesy of Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

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Stumpe: There is no Home Depot or Lowe’s in these Q: This seems like a lot of work, why do you parts. The rock for the project is being hand-mined do it?

Stumpe: It’s so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day with pickaxes by a crew of a dozen men from the lives. We take so many things for granted neighboring island of Koome. and, especially during COVID-19, it’s easy They deliver our rock twice to lament the things we’re missing out on. a day on two overloaded, “ …we’ve been given You come to a place like this, a place where beat-up boats and dump it on none of those things even exist and you a gift of experiencing the shore. Using some very have a chance to be a part of something something amazing. old and leaky canoes as rock bigger than yourself. The gift of perspective caddies, we transport the We both agree that that it gives is worth so much more than a rock from the shore to the this is what it would few aching muscles and sore joints. Every cages, where it’s then packed day, we were surrounded by the continuous be like to be laborers in. Every 10 to 15 minutes sounds of nature and harmony. Whether in heaven, or at the one of the crew members at it’s the chirp and chatter of the lapwings, the gabion cages disappears very least heaven the laughter and sense of community with beneath the water’s surface on earth." our crew, the hum of weaver birds flying to install crosswires, which past our heads, the occasional hoots of —Kerry Stumpe have to be done every 8 inches the chimpanzees or the water lapping to stabilize and secure the against our legs or tired forearms, sides from buckling. Mike and we’ve been given a gift of experiencing I revel in the securing of the something amazing. We both agree that this is what it crossties as it allows our 55-year-old backs to rest would be like to be laborers in heaven, or at the very for a bit. least heaven on earth.

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(L TO R): KERRY STUMPE, MICHAEL THOMAS

Q: How much of the sea wall did you build during your stay?

Stumpe: We built 100 yards! We constructed 52 gabion cages and moved over 200,000 pounds of stone. Keep in mind, this was 100% manual labor in the water.

Q: What’s the next project for Children of Conservation?

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“Our next big project is the creation of a model conservation community in Uganda … which will include construction of a primary school, vocational education center, health clinic, a regenerative agriculture teaching farm, [and more]."

—Kerry Stumpe

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To help support Children of Conservation and its mission, please donate at www.childrenofconservation.org.

To learn more about Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, visit www.ngambaisland.org.

THE ORGANIZATION'S WORK IN UGANDA WILL INCLUDE A PRIMARY SCHOOL AND A CLEAN WATER PROGRAM.

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Stumpe: Our next big project is the creation of a model conservation community in Uganda (on the very island that is mining the stones and dirt for the gabion wall project at Ngamba) where we’ll be addressing all 17 of the UN’s sustainable development goals, which will include construction of a primary school, vocational education center, health clinic, a regenerative agriculture teaching farm, a recycling facility, and a clean water and energy program.

Photos courtesy of (top left) Children of Conservation, (top right and middle) Children of Conservation, photography by Michael Thomas.

THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE ON THE WALL.

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