Things Every Georgian Should Know About the Annual Wellness Visit

The Annual Wellness Visit is a way older Georgians, and their Primary Care Providers, can monitor their health and work to prevent future illness. We asked Georgia Memory Net’s Dr. Ted Johnson to share the five things every Georgian should know about the Annual Wellness Visit:

1. What is the Annual Wellness Visit?

An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a check-up for seniors that Medicare covers each year. During the visit, your provider reviews your medical history, checks your current health, and makes a prevention plan to help you stay healthy.

2. Who qualifies?

You must have Medicare, not be in a hospital, and be over 65 years of age. If you receive other services or treatments during the visit Medicare may charge a fee. Before getting any additional services, talk to your primary care provider about what is covered and any potential costs.

3. What is the Mini-Cog?

The Mini-Cog test is part of the AWV that checks a person's thinking ability. It only takes a few minutes and can help detect early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. However, it's not a diagnosis, and further testing may be necessary to confirm any cognitive impairment.

4.

What’s next if dementia symptoms are found?

If your provider believes you’re showing signs of dementia, Georgia Memory Net (GMN) is available to help with accurate and accelerated diagnostic services. If diagnosed, GMN specialists will develop a treatment plan for you based on your needs, and you can work with your primary care provider to help manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.

5. How do I find info on referrals to GMN?

If you’re worried about your memory or thinking skills, ask your primary care provider to refer you to Georgia Memory Net. You can get information for patients and providers at gamemorynet.org.

Georgia’s Leanna Pierre Brings Traditional Caribbean Cuisine with a Twist of Southern

Norcross resident, Leanna Pierre, laughed as she recalled the conversation she had with her supervisor when she asked him for time off to participate in Season 2 of The Great American Recipe. “Who walks into their boss’ office and says, ‘I may need to leave for up to three weeks to film this TV show, but I can’t talk about it’?”

But as an attorney, Pierre undoubtedly made a compelling case and, to our viewer’s delight, participated in the second season, which premiered on GPB on June 19.

Featuring home cooks from across the country as contestants, The Great American Recipe celebrates the multiculturalism that makes American food unique and iconic, from family favorites passed down through generations to internationally influenced recipes. Each week, the contestants are judged on different cooking challenges and face elimination if they have the judges’ least favored dish. The series airs Mondays at 9 p.m., and the competition culminates with the selection of the winner during the finale on August 7.

-Leanna Pierre

In addition to her day job as an attorney, Pierre is a wife, mother, food blogger, world traveler and proud daughter of Caribbean-born parents. Her mother, Pat, and paternal grandmother, Felis, started teaching her how to cook at the age of eight. Today, her cooking style is an eclectic mixture of traditional Caribbean cuisine from their influences, with a twist of “southern comfort” that was developed over her 15 years as an Atlanta resident.

Pierre’s journey as a contestant on The Great American Recipe began when her recipe blog, Mrs. Island Breeze, caught the attention of a casting agent. You can view it at mrsislandbreeze.com. Her signature and fan-favorite dish, Caribbean Stewed Chicken with allspice and fresh thyme, “captures so many different parts of who I am,” Pierre explains. “Both of my parents are from Barbados, so I’m a first-generation American. The flavors bring me back to that special connection I have in the kitchen with my mom and grandma.”

Pierre believes great food plays a powerful role in bringing people from all walks of life together. “Food is one of those great unifiers across culture, place, race and time,” she says.

Tune in Mondays at 9 p.m. to see how Pierre fares with her fellow contestants during The Great American Recipe and join the conversation on social media at @gpbmedia.