You Mean Insurance Companies Don’t Pay?

By Michael B. Weinstein, Esq.

In late December 2022, the Atlanta metropolitan area was hit with a winter freeze. You may have a friend or family member who had water damage in their home due to a burst pipe. And maybe they were one of the lucky ones who contacted their insurance company, and the adjuster came to their house and agreed to pay for the damage. After all, that is what is supposed to happen and is why you have insurance.

However, what if the adjuster did not agree to pay for the damage? Or what if the adjuster did not pay enough for the damage? Well, it happens more often than you think, and most people do not know they have options. One of the options is to hire a public adjuster. Public

Health Talk: Older Adults Should Protect Their Health This Fall

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

With cold and flu season upon us, it’s time to protect yourself from those seasonal threats and other health risks. “During the holidays, our lives get very busy with family and friends,” said Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business. “Before then, please take time to ensure you get the preventive care you need to stay healthy.” adjusters are licensed professionals who perform adjusting services only on behalf of property owners, not insurance companies. A public adjuster will review your insurance policy, prepare damage estimates, and communicate directly with the insurance company. Another option is to hire a lawyer. Public adjusters and lawyers will fight for you to ensure you receive the money you are entitled to under your insurance policy.

Preventive care is critical for everybody, but particularly for older adults, and especially in fall when risks can increase. Recommendations vary based on age, gender, and health status, but the following are some Sobel says are the most common for seniors.

Vaccinations: There are several vaccines older adults need to consider to protect themselves. For example, flu and pneumonia are among the most common causes of senior deaths. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to vaccination. Timing and frequency vary, depending on your health history. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are appropriate for you.

• Flu. This vaccine is administered annually, generally before the end of October, and is designed to match the latest circulating flu strains.

• Pneumonia. Administration varies based on health history. If you’re 65 or older and you’ve never had the vaccine before, you’ll likely need two shots administered a year apart.

• Shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine for healthy adults aged 50 and older, spaced two to six months apart, to prevent shingles and related complications.

• COVID-19. Ask your doctors about current recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19 infections.

• RSV. Earlier this year, the Federal Drug Administration approved two separate vaccines to address respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. RSV, a common respiratory infection, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can be more severe in older adults and children. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get an RSV vaccine.

At its very basic level, your homeowner’s insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. In exchange for paying an annual premium, the insurance company is supposed to pay for claims covered under your policy. Now, if your home suffers damage and the claim is a covered loss under your policy, and the insurance company does not pay or does not pay enough, the contract has been breached. If the insurance company breaches the contract, you are entitled to recover all the money that should have been paid so that you can repair your home. Furthermore, if the failure to pay is egregious, you may be able to recover bad faith damages, which can be an additional 50% of your damages plus your attorney’s fees and court costs. However, your insurance policy outlines the time you are required to file a lawsuit, which will be one or two years from the date of loss. If you let this time expire, you may lose your right to collect all the money the insurance company owes.

Michael Weinstein is a Partner at the law firm of Weinstein & Black. More information at www.wblegal.net or call (404) 228-2629.

Health Screenings: The following health screenings are commonly recommended for older adults.

• Mammogram. According to the CDC, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Every woman is at risk, and risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast cancer can often be treated successfully when found early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women 50 to 74 years old at average risk get a mammogram every two years.

• Colorectal screening. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age. Screenings can find precancerous polyps early, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults age 45 to 75. Though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, there are other options you may consider with the help of your provider.

• Bone density scan. USPSTF recommends women aged 65 and older and women 60 and older at increased risk be routinely screened for osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. Screening may facilitate treatment that helps prevent fractures.

• Eye exam. Routine eye exams can identify early signs of eye disease that are more likely as people age. People with diabetes, in particular, are prone to retinopathy, which leads to vision loss. It’s recommended that people with diabetes have annual retinal screenings.

• Mental health checkup. Many people experience seasonal depression during the fall. Mental health is strongly linked to physical health. Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal and family history. They can connect you with additional mental health resources. To prevent unpleasant surprises, Sobel suggests talking with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or insurer about preventive care costs. Fortunately, costs are often covered entirely by Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

Note: The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. (StatePoint)

Chess for Champs

By Traci Sanders

When Chris and Megan Suli formed Chess for Champs in 2021 – to offer socializing experiences and constructive activities for youth – they had no idea what it would become in such a short time.

Chris has played chess since childhood, having learned from his father and grandfather. However, he took a more serious interest in the game as a young adult and began playing in local chess clubs and competing against online players. His highest Elo rating so far is 2000, and he won second place in his division at his most recent tournament. Chris decided to study under Championship Chess instructors around the greater Atlanta area, and began teaching the game locally.

As a teacher at Lilburn Elementary School, Chris’ wife Megan became interested in the sport when she saw how well the chess students performed in Chris’ classes and how much fun they were having. Megan now attends every class to assist coaches and students. She even won a grant from Resurgens Charitable Foundation (and United Way funding) to build an all-inclusive playground for Lilburn Elementary School students and the local community to enjoy.

Chris and Megan have reached over thirty families thus far. They usually see around fifteen kids on a weekend, and they host a free chess club on the first and second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stone Creek Pizza.

“It’s a very family-friendly environment,” Megan shared, “and we typically have at least fifteen people per night, since we are one of the only active chess clubs near the metro Atlanta area.”

Classes are offered on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Citizen Exchange for one-and-a-half-hour sessions from Coach Chris

Getting to Know: The Sheridan at Eastside

By Kristen Eleveld

We always want to give ourselves and our loved ones the best care possible. But knowing how to do that can be difficult and overwhelming, especially when we aren’t sure which path we should choose. Luckily, for residents in the Gwinnett area and beyond, there is a great resource to be found in The Sheridan at Eastside in Snellville.

As part of the Senior Lifestyle community, The Sheridan at Eastside prides itself on offering multiple options for those who are ready to step into the next phase of their life. Whether a potential resident is dealing with memory issues or just wants a walkable community that allows them to retain their independence, the team at The Sheridan at Eastside is ready to help.

“We think of it as a resort lifestyle,” said Julia Westover, who serves as Director of Sales and Marketing for The Sheridan. “It’s like a cruise ship that never leaves the dock. There and another experienced mentor, Coach Jack. Snacks and prizes are provided, and students can enjoy playing at the park or inside.

“We’ve really watched these kids grow,” Megan said, “not only in chess, but socially as well, especially those for whom social skills do not come naturally.”

Saturday class is from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and is open to ages seven and older, novice to intermediate skill level. Students can pay per class attended. No membership fees are in place.

Chess for Champs has been partnered with Salon Nine Seven from the beginning, which is where Sunday classes are held in the event of bad weather. Recently, they partnered with Citizen Exchange, The Nett Church at Berkmar, and Mosaic Minds Art Academy to offer more options for chess classes to the community. Chris and Megan are in conversation with Lilburn Choice Preparatory Academy to offer yet another location soon.

Summer Chess and Art Camp is another program Chris and Megan offer. The camp is held at Music on Main Street, and students are taught tactics, strategies, and the basics of chess from Coach Chris and Coach Jack.

Megan teaches arts and crafts based on students’ interest levels, and draws inspiration for these activities from being an oil artist. Of course, there is always time allotted for socializing and free play.

“We have quite a few students with special needs,” Megan said, “whether they are on the spectrum or have sensory issues, and they flourish in our class because of our patient coaches and opportunities for free expression in play.”

Chris manages a disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), which involves the peripheral nerves that control muscles and can cause progressive loss of function and sensation in the hands, arms, legs, and feet.

Continued on page 23 is a full calendar of activities and events, and you choose what you want to do.”

Situated in downtown Snellville, The Sheridan at Eastside is perfectly tucked away in an area that provides safety on multiple levels. For starters, even though the facility is downtown, you would never know that just from looking down the street – which, as Executive Director Dan Bohler points out, is helpful when it comes to maintaining their residents’ privacy and security. Even better, The Sheridan is very close to a medical center, which has already proven to have saved the life of at least one resident on campus.

The move-in process is designed to be as seamless as possible. Move-In Coordinator Misty Page is an invaluable resource to the team as she works with new residents and their families to ensure that they have everything taken care of. From scheduling furniture moving to filling out the necessary paperwork, Misty remains available to help in the transition. Beyond wanting to provide excellent care for seniors who need and want it –

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