Highroads Living - 9.1

FREE

A Lifestyle Resource for Adults 55+ Vol 9 Issue 1

55+ RECEIVES

FREE FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS TO

(located next to Home Depot)

Provided by Silver Sneakers and most other senior health insurance plans

See Pg. 11 for more information

Local Medical Directory Senior Housing & Independent Living

www.HighroadsLiving.com

To Advertise, Please Contact: Mountain Lake Publishing 888-896-2412

2 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

HighroadsLiving.com

Sweet and Luscious Snacks for Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness and love. Because it also occurs during American Heart Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to start taking care of your own heart and the hearts of loved ones.

Part of the charm of the day’s celebrations is in giving family and friends flavorful foods to enjoy from chocolates and candies to other sugary treats. However, the festivities don’t have to be completely focused on unhealthy bites in order to make someone feel special.

Frosted Watermelon Cutouts 1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices 4 brownie bites 1 cup frosting (any flavor) Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon slices or simply use cut watermelon wedges, if

Welcome to A Community Lifestyle Resource for Adults 55+

Featuring health, fitness, nutrition and helpful information for outdoor & indoor activities.

Helpful Regional Resources Featured in Every Issue Articles for Health and Wellness from trusted medical sources that include fitness tips for a balanced lifestyle. Nutritional information for fresh markets, family regional farms, and healthy food sources. Regional recreational activity information for clubs and community outreach programs in your area.

Call to reserve space:

706.896.2412 1.888.896.2412

email: info@mtnlakepub.com

FREE

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for Adults

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FREE

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See Pg. 11

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To Advertise

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roadsLiving

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896-2412

Let Us Help Promote Your Business & Services • Hospitals, Clinics, & Home Health • Drug Stores, Pharmacies • Doctor & Dentist Offices • Financial Institutions • Salons & Spas

55+

Vol 9 Issu e1

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• Health & Fitness • Health Food Stores • Professional Offices • Worship Centers • Variety & Specialty Stores • Regional Community Resource

www.HighroadsLiving.com

HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 1 - Highroads Living 3

desired. Top heart shapes with brownie bites and add frosting as desired.

Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board Servings: 6-8 1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges and cubes 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh red cherries 1 cup strawberries, trimmed and halved 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashews 1 cup chocolate covered almonds 1 bar dark chocolate, broken into squares 1 cup coconut chips mint leaves, for garnish On serving board, arrange watermelon in center and surround with raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cashews, almonds, chocolate and coconut chips. Scatter mint leaves around board for garnish.

Family Features #15077 Source: Watermelon Board

4 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

HighroadsLiving.com

CBD and Your Pets

By: Tracy Pato

When it comes to your pet, you’d do anything for them.

That’s why when they are in pain and discomfort, relieving that is of your top priority. Using pure CBD oil to aid in the wellness of your pet has been proven highly effective and a more natural resolution compared to expensive medications with risky, undesirable side effects.

We hear a lot about CBD (Cannabidiol) and its use and effectiveness in humans using our internal Endocannabinoid System (ECS). But what you may not realize is that all mammals have an Endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a biological system that is involved in managing a wide variety of biological processes including memory, sleep, immune response and more.

The effects of plant-derived CBD are similar in humans, dogs, cats, and even horses.

Some of the most common CBD benefits for dogs and cats are: • CBD is a powerful pain reliever • CBD is a known anti-convulsant. One of the best known medicinal uses of CBD is its ability to help control seizures, tremors, tics and spasms.

• CBD is anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD are one of the main reasons the compound is so useful in a wide variety of conditions.

• CBD reduces anxiety and stress. Many studies have shown that CBD can help manage the symptoms of a variety of mental conditions, including anxiety, stress, and even specific phobias.

• CBD is anti-emetic. Strong evidence shows that CBD is very successful at controlling nausea and vomiting while also stimulating appetite.

• CBD may slow tumor growth • CBD promotes homeostasis. Many pet owners choose to use CBD not only as a medicine to treat specific conditions, but as a regular supplement to promote overall health and well-being of their pet.

HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 1 - Highroads Living 5

When choosing a CBD product for your pet, it is important to select a product that has been specifically formulated for use in animals. Many products formulated for human consumption contain ingredients that may be harmful to pets. For example, some gummy products contain xylitol as a sweetener.

Xylitol is toxic for dogs.

Pet CBD comes in many forms. The most popular are the CBD oils or CBD-infused treats. Oils can be added to your pet’s food or administered directly in the pet’s mouth and come in many pet-friendly flavors such as bacon, chicken, tuna, even peanut butter. Treats are also a convenient way to get your pet to take their daily dose of CBD. Pet CBD Salves for wounds, hot spots and other skin conditions should be made entirely edible to prevent poisoning. CBD Dosage is dependent on weight and breed and the condition being treated.

Small pets may do well with 1mg-4mg doses daily while larger pets can require up to 20mg per dose.

If you are interested in trying CBD for your pet, come

by Sweet Releaf in Clarkesville and let us guide you to the best product and dosage for your fur baby.

HABERSHAM’S 1ST HEMP/CBD STORE

CBD from Hemp is legal in all 50 states CBD BENEFITS*: Reduces Blood Sugar Levels, Inflammation, Vomiting/Nausea, and Small Intestine Contractions Increases Immune Function Relieves Anxiety and Pain Supports Healthy Sleep Cycles Suppresses Seizure Activity *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

GREAT FOR PETS TOO!

Just off the square in Clarkesville 1386 Washington St., Clarkesville, GA 30523 www.SweetReleafStore.com • (706) 839-7225 Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm

EVERYTHING A BODY NEEDS

Health Store & Smoothie Bar • All-Natural Smoothies • Vitamins • Bulk Herbs • Supplements • Ionic Foot Bath • Essential Oils • CBD/Hemp Oil • Local Baked Goods• Kombucha • Honey • Skincare • Teas & Spices • Milk & Meat Open 7 Days a Week • FREE WiFi

204 E Louise St • Clarkesville (across from Ingles)

AtoZincHealth.com • 706-754-0247

6 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

HighroadsLiving.com

OFFERING MEDICARE WELLNESS EXAMS & WELCOME TO MEDICARE EXAMS 15 Health Centers, including dental, pharmacies, rehabilitation, diabetes education & behavioral health.

Accepting all insurances including MEDICARE & MEDICAID.

RABUN

RABUN NORTH

896 Highway 441 S Clayton, GA. 30525

773 North Main Street Clayton, GA. 30525

HABERSHAM

BANKS

396 Historic Highway Demorest GA 30535

1244 Historic Homer Hwy Homer, Georgia 30547

706.521.3113 FLU SHOTS - no appointment necessary

Visit medlinkga.org for other locations and information

5 Tips to Refresh Your Home in the New Year Each new year gives you the chance to reset and start new routines.

When you’re considering new approaches to healthy living - whether eliminating or adding habits to improve your daily life - beginning with your home is an optimal choice.

Your living environment has a strong influence on your life, and it’s worth evaluating how you can make updates that create a positive space for you and all that the new year will bring. Consider these ideas to refresh your home and simplify your housecleaning routine so you can spend more time focusing on your goals this year.

Start by Decluttering It’s practically impossible to get excited about a fresh start when you’re surrounding by last year’s junk. Make decluttering and purging unnecessary items a top priority for your refresh. Clear counters and tables to create more inviting surfaces and force yourself to assess which items are worth keeping.

Simplify Your Laundry Routine Whether it’s the frustration of having no clean laundry or neverending baskets filled with clothes that need folding, laundry is an area where nearly every home can use a refresh. Start with the basics to make laundry easy and quick.

Create a Fitness Space One way to stay committed to a new workout regimen is to create a place where you enjoy spending time. Even if you don’t have a room to dedicate to fitness, you can make a fitness corner feel more intentional and less like an afterthought with some simple changes.

Personal Training • Group Fitness • Zumba Yoga/Pilates • Spin • Tanning • Childcare Now Accepting

3 Locations / 24 Hours Cleveland, GA 868 S. Main St. 706-219-7690

NOW OPEN! Blairsville, GA Dawsonville, GA 1741 Blue Ridge Hwy. 749 Hwy 53 706-781-5320 706-265-7093

TheGymGA.com

Reconfigure Your Furniture A full-fledged renovation may not be in the cards (or budget), but you can give your living space a quick facelift by simply rearranging the furniture. Beyond simple aesthetic changes, think about how you can make better use of natural light and improve traffic patterns.

Add Greenery The middle of winter may not seem like an ideal time to hone your green thumb, but adding a few plants can make your home feel more inviting and chase away the cold weather blues.

Family Features - Photos courtesy of Getty Images

HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 1 - Highroads Living 7

ANDREWS

MedicalDirectory

Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital 2751 Business 19 828-321-4510 Murphy Medical Center is now Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. Our shared goal moving forward is to provide world-class healthcare for the 45,000 residents we serve—while offering access to specialized resources unique to a major academic health system. erlanger.org

See page 15

BLAIRSVILLE Brasstown Pharmacy Drug & Gun 23 B Murphy Hwy. 706-745-2303 Blairsville’s most reliable Pharmacy for all your prescriptions, including hormone replacement therapy, vaccinations, & compounding for your specific needs.

Firearms and ammunition plus parts or accessories. brasstown.biz

Happy Heart Home Care 341 Gainesville Hwy STE D

706-781-0906

We provide joyful personal care assistance to our clients by offering meal prep, transportation, medical appointment assistance, medication reminders,sick child care, hygiene and toileting assistance, house keeping, companion care, ambulation assistance, shopping, and much more (even a boat ride or two). happyhearthomecare.com

See pg 8

N. Georgia Hearing Aid Specialist, LLC 281-C Young Harris Street 706-745-1861 Connie Duncan hearing aid specialist serving the local area for over 25 years. All make repair, new digital technology, any brands except franchise. “Hearing Aid Specialist of the Year - 2012” Conviently located for over 15 years, next to the Blairsville Post Office.

Peachstate Prosthetics 178 Bracketts Way, Suite 3

706-400-5750

Fabricators of custom upper and lower extremity orthotics and prosthetics. Certified and licensed Georgia orthotist and prosthetist. Approved Vendor for the Veteran’s Administration in orthotics and prosthetics. peachpror@hotmail.com

See pg 11

BLUE RIDGE Blue Ridge Wellness & Massage 2710 E First Street 706-946-9355 We offer a full array of holistic/wellness services.

Massage, Skin Therapy, Wellness Coaching, Natural Healing and Fitness Classes, Diagnostic Testing and more... blueridgewellnessmassage.com

See pg 9

Peachstate Prosthetics 5425 Appalachian Hwy

706-946-8009

Fabricators of custom upper and lower extremity orthotics and prosthetics. Certified and licensed Georgia orthotist and prosthetist. Approved Vendor for the Veteran’s Administration in orthotics and prosthetics. peachpror@hotmail.com

See pg 11

CLAYTON

Georgia Mountains Hospice 70 Caring Way

706-253-4100

Serving 10 North Georgia Counties since 1993.

Medicare & Medicaid Certified, plus contracted with VA providing local non-profit hospice. georgiamountainshospice.org

HAYESVILLE

MedLink GA 896 US-441

706-754-4348 ext 2018

Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org

See pg 6

CLEVELAND MedLink GA 17 White St.

ELLIJAY / JASPER

706-754-4348 ext 2018

Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org

See pg 6

DAHLONEGA 706-867-7666

Primary Care and Urgent Care services that include exams, sick visits, xrays, dot physicals, IV fluids, blood work, stitches, sports/school physicals, and more. Open Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm and Sat-Sun 9am-2pm. Walk-ins Welcome www.familycaredahlonega.com

DEMOREST

chatugefp.org

See pg 12

Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital 146 Hwy. 64 E. 828-389-3608 Murphy Medical Center is now Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. Our shared goal moving forward is to provide world-class healthcare for the 45,000 residents we serve—while offering access to specialized resources unique to a major academic health system.

See page 15

MURPHY Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital 3990 E U.S. Highway 64 Alt 828-837-8161 Nationally-acclaimed, multi-hospital health system with a team of healthcare professionals. Murphy offers a 24hour emergency dept. with critical urgent care center and highly-trained staff. The PARC Fitness Center offers outpatient rehabilitation services at our fitness complex conveniently located near the hospital. erlanger.org

MedLink GA 706-754-4348 ext 2018 396 Historic Highway 441 N. Your Link to Quality Medical Care, Accepting all insurances including Meicare & Medicaid medlinkga.org

See pg 6

Habersham Medical Center 541 Historic Hwy. 441-N

706-754-2161

Conveniently located in Demorest, Habersham Medical Center is a 53-bed not-for-profit acute care facility providing health care to more than 80,000 residents of Habersham and adjoining counties See pg 3

828-389-6383

Established 42 year Community medical practice that offers many services. Variety of Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and Assistant Payment programs available.

erlanger.org

Family Care Dahlonega 400 Walmart Way Suite F

habershammedical.com

Chatuge Family Practice 241 Church Street

See page 15

Murphy Dental Center 119 Natural Springs Drive

828-837-5911

Modern Dentistry in a caring, home-like atmosphere including General Dentistry, CEREC Dentistry, and Oral Conscious and IV Sedation. murphydentalcenter.com

HIAWASSEE Regency Hospice 236 S. Main Street

706-896-1251

When Life matters most… why not get the best local care? Serving North Georgia for over 14 years with hospice care. regencyhospice.com

SeniorLiving

ANDREWS

BLAIRSVILLE

HAYESVILLE

HIAWASSEE

Elaine’s Care Home 828-321-9501 288 6th St. & 17 Moore Street

Wesley Mountain Village / Simpson Estates 706-745-5565 493 Wesley Mountain Drive

Clay County Care Center 828-389-9941 86 Valley Hideaway Drive

Hiawassee Park Baptist Retirement 762-500-2021 89 Hiawassee Park Drive

Long-term care residence for the elderly and providing hospice and respite care.

Medication management, personal care, home-cooked meals, private rooms, WiFi, satellite TV & more. elainescare@outlook.com

The independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for! Enjoy your own home in the mountains without the burden of lawn care and maintenance (for those 55+) simpsonestates.org / wesleywoods.org See pg 8

Skilled Nursing Facility providing rehabilitation, long term care, respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia secured care. Clay County Care Center is a place to get better, a place for living. centers.consulatehealthcare.com

See pg 12

Independent living units overlooking Lake Chatuge and North Georgia mountains. 1700 sq.ft 2 BR/ 2 BA, full kitchen, dining, LR, sunroom, 2-car attached garage, Clubhouse, and more! brcga.org

See pg 12

8 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

HighroadsLiving.com

Providing Joyful Personal Care & Home Repair Services Superior Service in Overall Home Care - Meeting • Registered the Healthcare Nurse for client care & Industry’s ongoing assessments Highest • Safety checks • 24-hour service, plus Standards.

341 Gainesville Hwy Ste D Blairsville, GA 30512

706-781-0906

holidays & weekends • Cost-effective solution for patients • Home repair & maintenance • Safety equipment installation • Home monitoring

HappyHeartHomeCare.com happyhearthomecare@gmail.com

The China Study More than just a magazine!

Benefits of the Whole Food Plant-Based Diet

highroadsliving.com

by Laurie Grant

Senior Living in the North Georgia Mountains

BRANAN LODGE

An affordable community of apartments in a beautiful mountain setting.

(Federal rental assistance for those 62+ or mobility impaired.)

SIMPSON ESTATES

The independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for! Enjoy your own home in the mountains without the burden of lawn care and maintenance. (for those 55+)

E

at more protein, eat less carbs, eat chocolate, no grains, eat organic, eat whatever you like, eat only raw. I’m exhausted just thinking about all the do’s and don’ts, and REALLY who should we listen to?

leaders in senior living

493 Wesley Mountain Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512 www.wesleywoods.org 706-745-5565

How about 20 years of scientific research done on diet and nutrition? You may have heard of it, The China

HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 1 - Highroads Living 9

Study. It is one of the most extensive nutritional studies ever done. This study examines the link between the consumption of animal products (including dairy) and chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and bowel cancer. Their findings are astounding and it is worth reading the book if you want all their scientific researched finds.

Your wellness is our priority

Here are a few benefits of the whole food plant based diet.

• • • • • • • •

Lose weight Live longer Look younger Feel more energetic Lower cholesterol Lower blood pressure Reduce the need for expensive surgeries Reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis, among other illnesses.

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2714 East First St • Blue Ridge 706-946-9355 • blueridgewam@gmail.com blueridgewellnessmassage.com

Listed below are just some of the recommendations that came from the study that will help you live a healthier life.

Eat 10 extra grams of fiber a day, from real foods.

Eat plant-based proteins. Eat as much as you want, as long as you are eating plant based, unrefined foods in the forms of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

I love this one since everyone is screaming the opposite - Eat a high-carb, rather than a low-carb, diet. BUT make sure you’re getting your carbohydrates from whole, not refined, foods.

Avoid animal-based proteins to decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and kidney stones, among other illnesses and health issues. Animalbased proteins are those in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

Reduce your intake of milk products—casein has been shown to increase cholesterol and promote tumor growth.

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some say eat the rainbow in your fruits and veggies each day. This will increase your antioxidant intake and protect yourself against free radicals, and make sure you are getting all the essential amino acids needed.

Eat three or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day to cut your risk of stroke.

Get as much Vitamin C as you can from whole foods like peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and peas.

Get your vitamin D by spending 15-20 minutes in the sun every few days.

Eliminate saturated fat from your diet. Saturated fats are generally found in animal products.

Well there you have it… we can all choose to live a healthier lifestyle and live the life we love without our body slowing us down with the help of Blue Ridge Wellness & Massage. Visit us for more information and to make your wellness a priority!

10 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

The best fall prevention program consists of exercises designed to improve strength, balance, agility and coordination.

Please remember to consult your physician before beginning any workout program, and if you are Medicare-eligible, do not forget to contact Bodyplex Blue Ridge to see if you qualify for a free fitness center membership under your current health plan.

With winter weather everyone should be carelful of risks outside and in your home. Falls can be disastrous for older adults, possibly leading to longterm immobility and loss of independence. To help prevent falls, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that seniors participate in an exercise program designed to improve strength, balance, agility and coordination.

For assistance in developing a customized fall prevention program, you should speak with a certified personal trainer or your physical therapist. Medicareeligible seniors qualify for free fitness memberships through Silver Sneakers under many health plans, and many health clubs such as Bodyplex Blue Ridge, include free group fitness classes and complimentary exercise program for seniors.

To help you or your loved ones ward off falls this new year and beyond, here are some exercise recommendations from Stephanie Betts, American College of Sports Medicine member, Wellness Coach, certified personal trainer and owner of Bodyplex Blue Ridge. Stephanie suggests these exercises should be performed in addition to a regular stretching and cardiovascular exercise routine.

HighroadsLiving.com

STRENGTH EXERCISES 1. Chair squats (2 sets of 10–20 reps) Sit on the edge of a firm chair or bench.

With arms in front of your body slightly lean forward.

Push through your heels and rise to a standing position.

Sit back down slowly.

2. Wall press (2 sets of 10–20 reps) Leaning slightly forward place your hands in front of you on a wall or high counter top.

Keep your abdomen tight and body straight while bending your elbows and moving your chest towards the wall.

Push through the wall until your arms are straight and you are back in the beginning standing position.

3. Heel raises (2 sets of 10–20 reps) From a standing position, push through the toes of both feet and raise the heels off the floor while keeping your body upright.

Pause at the top then slowly lower your heels to the floor.

4. Bridge on stability ball (2 sets of 10–20 reps) Lie on your back on a mat with your legs straight out.

Keeping your legs together, place your heels on top of a stability ball.

Place your arms straight out to the side of your body on the floor to assist with balance.

Tighten your buttocks and abdomen, and then push through your heels to raise your buttocks off the mat, making a straight line from your heels to shoulders.

Hold for a couple seconds then slowly lower back to the starting position.

AGILITY AND COORDINATION EXERCISES

1. Front leg swings (2 sets of 10–20 reps per side) Begin by standing tall next to a wall, using your hand closer to the wall to assist with balance.

Swing your leg farthest from the wall forward, with leg straight, then back behind the body while maintaining an upright posture and straight leg.

2. Side leg swings (2 sets of 10–20 reps per side) Stand tall with your side facing a wall, using your hand against the wall for balance if needed.

Swing your leg farthest from the wall out to the side while maintaining upright posture and a straight leg.

HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 1 - Highroads Living 11

3. Heel-toe walking (2 times, 1–2 minutes each) Take a step forward, positioning your heel of one foot in front of the toes of your opposite foot. Try to have the toes touch the heel of the shoe each time a step is taken.

Move forward or backward using this heel-toe pattern.

DISCOVER YOUR GREATNESS.

BALANCE EXERCISES

BODYPLEX BLUE RIDGE OFFERS:

• FREE Memberships for 55+ provided by Silver Sneakers • • Tons of Cardio Equipment with Apple Touchscreen with Bluetooth including Internet, Virtual Active & Much More.

Instructor-Led Classes in our CrossFit equipped training studio, Cycle studio, Bodypump, Yoga, Zumba and more.

• FREE Silver Sneakers Classes • LesMills Group Fitness Classes • Locker Rooms and Showers • 24/7 Access to private locker rooms and showers.

Onsite Tanning Salon and Supplement Store open during business hours.

1. Stork poses (2 reps per side) Stand next to a wall or countertop, using a hand to maintain balance.

Lift one foot off the ground to the front of your body Close your eyes while on one leg and hold for 10-30 seconds.

2. Pendulum (2 sets of 5–10 reps per side) Stand next to a wall, facing the seat of a chair placed 1–2 feet in front of you.

Stand on one leg with your knee slightly bent, Bend at the waist and reach forward to tap the chair seat while push your leg that is off the ground behind you as you lean forward.

Return to the starting position and repeat without placing the lifted foot back down on the floor.

Shane Betts is a wellness coach and certified personal trainer. He and his wife, Stephanie, are owners of Bodyplex Blue Ridge (706946-2639), a preferred provider for Silver Sneakers.

Bodyplex Blue Ridge works with Stacey Davis, D.C. of Family Life Chiropractic Center of Blue Ridge to bring health back to our Senior Community.

55+ RECEIVES FREE FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS TO BODYPLEX BLUE RIDGE provided by Silver Sneakers and most other senior health insurance plans

706.946.2639 140 Progress Circle, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

www.bodyplex.com Integrity | Professionalism Custom Artificial Limbs & Orthopedic Braces

Sheri Mills Masectomy Fittings Nancy Dean Diabetic Shoes & Orthotic Inserts 2 Locations to Serve You! 178 Bracketts Way, Suite 3 • Blairsville 706-400-5750 5425 Appalachian Hwy • Blue Ridge 706-946-8009 Email: peachpror@hotmail.com

Susan G. Semmes, LCPO

Certified Prosthetist/Orthitist by American Board for Orthotics and Prosthetics and Licensed

by Composite State Board of Medical Examiners of Georgia

A Veteran Owned Business.

Certified Vendor for the Veteran’s Administration.

We fabricate our own prosthetics & orthotics. Made in the USA.

12 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

When LIFE matters most... why not get the best LOCAL care?

Your local hospice with local staff caring for our community for over 15 years.

HighroadsLiving.com

Live Well Chatuge Family Practice A non-profit organization

828.389.6383 Teresa A. Heavner, M.D.

241 Church Street, Hayesville, NC 28904

Jill M. Brinke, M.D.

www.chatugefp.org William Kyle Cody, PA-C

Sally Cody, FNP-C

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8 am - 6 pm Wed and Fri: 8 am - 4:30pm

Services Offered

706-896-1251 www.regencyhospice.com

CDL Exams Preventative Care Laboratory Work Minor Surgery

Sports Physicals Acute & Chronic Disease Management

Acupuncture Dermatology/Skin Checks Medication & Medical Assistance Programs

Mens Health Matters

HighroadsLiving.com Volume 9 • Issue 1 - Highroads Living 13

W

hile family history and age cannot be changed, there are everyday steps men can follow to take charge of their health, including prostate health, and maybe even prevent problems down the road.

Consider these tips to help lead a healthier lifestyle.

Get checked out regularly. Just because you’re healthy doesn’t mean you should eschew routine checkups, and that includes self-examinations.

While regular visits to your health care provider can keep you up-to-date on preventative screenings and immunizations, getting to know your own body can have similar benefits.

Care for your prostate. If you’re experiencing frequent urination, a weak or slow urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty or delay in starting urination or a urine stream that stops and starts, these may be signs you may be suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as enlarged prostate.1 Enlarged prostate, which is non-cancerous and affects more than 40 million American men, can also cause loss of productivity and sleep, according to research published in the “Journal of Urology.”2,3 Medication is often the first line of treatment, but some patients may suffer uncomfortable side effects including dizziness, headaches and sexual dysfunction, which can prompt them to quit using their medications.4 “Many men living with BPH symptoms take prescription medications after they have been diagnosed, but relief can be inadequate and temporary,” said Dr. Peter Walter, M.D., urologist and paid consultant for Teleflex Incorporated, the manufacturer of the UroLift(r) System.

As one alternative to medication, an option like the UroLift System treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue.5 A urologist places small implants to lift and move enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra and can allow for normal urine flow. Most common side effects are mild to moderate, and patients generally can return to their normal routines with minimal downtime. For more information about treatment options, or to find a urologist near you who treats BPH, visit UroLift.com.

Focus on a more nutritious diet. Aim for a pattern of healthier eating that includes more fruits, vegetables and leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale and broccoli, which can help keep you - and your prostate - healthy.6 Also try to cut back on consumption of red meat - specifically processed meat - as well as salt and sweets.

Know your numbers. Be sure to discuss your family history and lifestyle with your doctor as he or she may recommend screenings for diseases and common ailments. Be sure to keep up with these screenings and check in with your doctor to make sure you’re accounting for milestone ages and common ailments associated with aging.

Make exercise a priority. Exercise is a key to maintaining quality of life.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for adults.7 Even shorter increments of physical activity multiple times a day such as a walking meeting, opting for the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther from your destination can provide health and stress-relieving benefits.

1. Speakman et al. 2014 BJUI International 2. Berry, J Urol 1984 and 2017 U.S. Census population estimates.

3. NeoTract US Market Model estimates for 2018 based on IMS Health Drug and Procedure data 4. AUA BPH Guidelines 2003, 2010, 2018 5. Roehrborn J Urol 2013 LIFT Study 6. Tips for Keeping a Healthy Prostate. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine. org/health/wellness-and-prevention/tips-for-keeping-a-healthy-prostate 7. www.heart.org. (2019). American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. [online] Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/ fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

Family Features - Photos courtesy of Getty Images - #14964 Source: UroLift

14 Highroads Living - Volume 9 • Issue 1

HighroadsLiving.com

GET THE SPRING BACK IN YOUR STEP! Spring has finally sprung. The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, and sunshine lingers a few more minutes every day. It’s time to shed our winter coats. Spring is a time of renewal, so what better time to feel a sense of revitalization and work with a primary care provider (PCP) to improve and maintain your health!

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies, need a check-up, or are looking to hit the health refresh button after the winter season, a PCP can help.

Here are just a few ways a PCP can help you this spring season: A PCP CAN PERFORM A SPRING CHECK-UP If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, now is the perfect time. Your PCP can help you manage your seasonal allergies, do a full-body check for skin cancer, and make sure you’re “fit as a fiddle” before you enjoy the spring outdoors and warm weather activities. A check-up is a great opportunity to bring up new and ongoing health concerns.

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A PCP CAN REFER YOU TO A SPECIALIST IF NEEDED If your PCP believes you would benefit from seeing a specialist, he or she can refer you to one – a nutritionist, a dermatologist, a physical therapist, etc. After you see a specialist, your PCP will receive your results so your full health record is all in one place and there is continuity of care.

A PCP CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR HEALTH GOALS Spring is a great time to check-in and assess your progress or get help to recommit yourself to your health goals – or create new ones. A PCP can help you with any of these. As the keeper of your health history, your PCP can look at your records to see where your current health is and suggest strategies to help you reach your health goals. From weight loss and healthy eating to lowering your blood pressure or reducing daily stress, a PCP can help

get you on the path you need to be on to achieve your spring health goals.

Looking for a primary care physician? Erlanger primary care physicians in western North Carolina are accepting new patients in Andrews – internal medicine physicians Dr. Dena Snead and Dr. Matthew Snead – and in Hayesville – general practitioner Dr. Karen Davis.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dena Snead or Dr. Matthew Snead, call 828-321-4510; for Dr. Karen Davis, call 828-389-3608. Erlanger Primary Care Andrews is located at 2751 Business Hwy 19, Andrews, NC. Erlanger Primary Care Hayesville is located at 146 Hwy 64 E., Hayesville, NC. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

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