2021 Partners in Health

LEARN FROM ATLANTA’S TOP HEALTHCARE EXPERTS 2021

Partners In Health

45

WHY IS EVERYONE SUDDENLY OFFERING TESTOSTERONE THERAPY FOR MEN? Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS Vital Living Healthcare

46

BALANCING STRESS FOR BETTER MEN’S HEALTH Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

48

PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME: WHEN SCIATICA ISN’T SCIATICA Reuben Sloan, M.D. Resurgens Spine Center

50

SLEEP APNEA: NOT ONLY A PROBLEM FOR PATIENTS Dr. Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM Atlanta Smiles

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

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.

motivator. An impending deadline can often be the best kick in the Let’s first talk about “bad” stress. We’ve all been there — an pants. Of course, moderate exercise and learning something new are impossible deadline at work, a family health issue, a personal financial can paralyze you. Over time, these stressors can lead to significant health issues. Not only does stress affect Make an inventory — The first step to solving any problem is mental well-being, but the assessing the situation. Sometimes you just need to write things longstanding elevation down. Make a list of tasks and rank them. of stress hormones can Are there any that you can eliminate or delegate? Can you assign also contribute to your risk of them to a particular time of day or day of the week when you are cardiovascular events (stroke and best equipped to deal with these challenges? heart attack), high blood pressure, • Add some good stress — The obvious answer here elevated blood sugar is to hit the gym. However, sometimes just focusing levels and weight on some simpler items on our to-do list is enough to gain. These relieve the pressure. effects are compounded in those who have underlying medical conditions. • 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 — 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.

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.

• 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.Delegate — The best person for the job is often someone else.   Outsource — Since time is money, it’s certainly reasonable toOutsource — Since time is money, it’s certainly reasonable to pay for it. pay for it.  Automate — Those minutes add up when you eliminate repetitive Automate — Those minutes add up when you eliminate repetitive tasks with email and document templates, word replacement tasks with email and document templates, word replacement shortcuts and specialty software. shortcuts and specialty software.  Plan tomorrow — Make this a nightly routine.Plan tomorrow — Make this a nightly routine.  Set weekly goals — A great start for a great week.Set weekly goals — A great start for a great week.  Manage your environment — Gather the essential tools Manage your environment — Gather the essential tools and eliminate time-killing distractions. and eliminate time-killing distractions.  Batch similar tasks — Consistent focus leadsBatch similar tasks — Consistent focus leads to efficiency. to efficiency.  Do one thing — Commit to doing the one most Do one thing — Commit to doing the one most important task each day. (That’s 250 valuable important task each day. (That’s 250 valuable accomplishments each year!) accomplishments each year!)

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

Resurgens Spine Center • Non-surgical & Surgical Spine Care

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

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 latex- and 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.

What Our Patients Are Saying “I’ve had sleep apnea and snoring problems for over 20 years. 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

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.”

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.”

Fear of the Unknown

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.”

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.” 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 For some, vulnerability, both men and women generally seek the choosing same gender. Not surprisingly, virtual 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.”

appointments makes it easier to be open and vulnerable.

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 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.

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 refl ect 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 fi rst 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.

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.

What Women Can Do

Ladies, do you have a male spouse, friend or family member you suspect is having emotional diffi culties? 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.

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

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.

National Alliance on Mental Illness | www.namiga.org

North Atlanta Psychotherapy,

Matthew Quick, MDiv, LPC, NCC | www.northatlantapsych.com

represents top talent in the fields of in the fields of HAIR, MAKEUP, HAIR, MAKEUP, NAILS, AND NAILS, AND WARDROBE. WARDROBE.

The Green Room Agency represents award winning image creators that award winning image creators that are ready to help you become your are ready to help you become your best self! Let us handle all your best self! Let us handle all your hair, makeup and wardrobe needs! hair, makeup and wardrobe needs! Follow us on FB/IG Follow us on FB/IG @TheGreenRoomAgency @TheGreenRoomAgency thegreenroomagency.com thegreenroomagency.com

BLO BUCKHEAD

blobuckhead@blomedry.com 404 390 3552

BLO PONCE

bloponce@blomedry.com 404 549 3363

678.772.5088

Building a Safe Haven

Kerry Stumpe and Michael Thomas work to protect a wildlife sanctuary

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.

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

In January, Kerry Stumpe, founder of the Atlanta facility and an enclosure for orphaned baboons. nonprofit Children of Conservation, and fellow board However, this is the organization’s first project to member, Michael Thomas, left their Buckhead address the devastating effects of a natural disaster boardrooms to embark on a 12-day working vacation due to climate change. At its peak, Ngamba Island is to build a sea wall that will only 19 feet above the water’s edge. ultimately preserve and rebuild the flooded and shrinking shoreline of Ngamba Island “Kerry and I are { In the past year, Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, has risen by a record-breaking Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Ngamba constantly reminded 5 feet, claiming around 30% of Island is located in Lake Victoria, of our privileged Ngamba’s shoreline. 45 minutes south off of the coast of Entebbe in Uganda. This existence as we’re out For the past nine years, Children of 100-acre island is home to 50 there donning fishing Conservation has run a scholarship orphaned chimpanzees as well as hundreds of species of vulnerable and endangered birds. waders while the rest of the guys simply walk into the lake program that provides an education for more than 55 children of Ngamba’s staff members. The organization has established a Stumpe is no stranger to wearing their jeans strong relationship with the island construction projects in Africa. Through his work with Children of and polo shirts." staff, so management was aware of Thomas’s construction Conservation, whose mission is to partner with local communities in Africa to empower people living —Michael Thomas { background and Stumpe’s experience as an architect. “When they called in early December and in poverty to prosper in ways that also benefit and asked us to lead a team to build a gabion wall that promote conservation, he has led teams to Zambia could save the island, we couldn’t say no,” and Cameroon to build a middle school, a veterinary Thomas recounts.

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

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 tents. They may not be luxurious, ISLAND'S BEAUTY. 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 billboardsized invitation to any one of the tens of thousands of fruit bats “The gift of perspective { that emerge at dusk, not to mention the friendly 6-foot iguanas that it gives is worth so 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 with hundreds of tiny lights from the rustic incandescent lamps joints. Every day, of the night fishermen that remain until daybreak. We’re lulled to we were surrounded by the 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 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. —Kerry Stumpe { NGAMBA ISLAND AT NIGHT. THE TINY LIGHTS ON THE HORIZON OF THE LAKE ARE FROM THE RUSTIC INCANDESCENT LAMPS OF THE NIGHT FISHERMEN.

XXX XXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXX

Q: How does your typical day start?

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 thatched-roofed dining hall, also at Victoria’s edge. We cages with large rocks, some the size of our heads. begin work at 7 a.m. It’s easy to tell the time as that’s Our crew assembles galvanized panels in the evenings also when the chimps start breaking out into excited to make the cages. Each cage is approximately 6 feet pant-hoots [calls] in anticipation long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. We of their breakfast being served, followed by another day in the forest. Unlike the chimps, “We’re building a sea { install six cages tied together at one time, running perpendicular to the shore. The cages are filled to create our breakfast isn’t served until wall around crucial a continuous wall 30 feet from 9:30 a.m. And, yes, in Uganda, areas on the island to the shore. Eventually, that 30 feet human workers like us work before we eat. So is the life of a laborer in this region. rebuild what’s been lost by the flooding. between the shoreline and our new wall will be backfilled and planted to reestablish the washed-out land. Q: Tell us about the work you’re doing. Our wall is created by filling gabion cages But, first things first. Thomas: For much of the day, we’re Stumpe: Our crew is a ragtag with large rocks." working in chest-high water, first group of Mike and me, along with —Kerry Stumpe positioning the gabions to assure five hardworking 20-something Ugandan men from Kampala. { they’re level and secure from the possible undertow. Kerry and I They’re dressed in an array of are constantly reminded of our denim jeans and work pants with miscellaneous privileged existence as we’re out there donning fishing T-shirts and polos. Some have boots and gloves, while waders while the rest of the guys simply walk into the others are without. We’re building a sea wall around lake wearing their jeans and polo shirts.

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

THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE ON THE WALL.

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?

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.

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.

(L TO R): KERRY STUMPE, MICHAEL THOMAS

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

{“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 {