Consumer Guide 2022

Consumer Guide 2022 Finding the products and services you need, right here in Newton County.

A special publication by

HAIR AGING

LOOK AESTHETIC

BODYSCULPTING

CLEAR BEAUTY

TREATMENT

LIFTING LASERS

NAILS HEALTH GLOW

MEN FRESH SKIN FILLERS

FACIAL

WOMEN

WELLNESS SKIN CHECKS

REJUVENATION ATLANTA (404) 351-7546 3280 Howell Mill Rd. NW

COVINGTON (770) 784-0343 4151 Hospital Drive

Board Certified Dermatologists and Expert Injectors Anna Paré, MD

Michelle Juneau, MD Elise Barnett, MD Emily de Golian, MD Anjeli Laungani, MD Zachary Eyre, MD Jennifer Avaliani, PA-C Chhavi Lal, PA-C Kate Kaufman, PA-C Rob Whiddon, PA-C

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Consumer Guide 2022

Turn your skin care into self-care

S

elf-care can mean a variety of things – but when it comes to taking care of the skin, there are several tried and true steps you can take to benefit your epidermis. Finding the right products for you, using them regularly and implementing treatments where necessary will help your skin and go beyond just appearances. Here are a few tips to get you started: YOUR SKIN IS UNIQUE — YOUR TREATMENT SHOULD BE, TOO It’s no secret that your skin is unique. Some struggle with oily skin where others battle dryness or sensitivity. No matter your skin type, there is a regimen that works best for you.

Consult a dermatologist to learn more about your skin type and to help you find the right products to match.

USE SUN PROTECTION No matter the season, applying sunscreen is a must! Protecting your skin from the sun is a simple – and very effective – way to help your skin look younger, have fewer wrinkles, and overall health. Ensuring you take this step daily will have you thanking your future self.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY Finding products that work for your skin takes time. When starting a new

The Covington News | February 2022

skin care regimen, being patient to find which products fit you best is an important step in the self-care discovery process. When implementing a new product into your routine, it can take up to six weeks until you start to see results. So, keep this timeline in mind as you go on your journey for great skin!

FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE Incorporating regular treatments at a pace that works for you and your skin will help you find the perfect balance alongside your daily routine.

• Microneedling can reduce acne scarring or wrinkles • Laser treatments treat fine lines • Get facials regularly for an extra glow and to help ensure your skin is at its best.

LET US HELP YOU KICKSTART YOUR SELF-CARE JOURNEY! At Dermatology Consultants, we can help you find the best products for you, recommend treatments based on your skin concerns – and provide guidance on next steps for you to take! We know starting the journey to better skin seems intimidating, but we’re here to help!

Looking to turn your skin care into self-care? Book a consultation with us at our Covington office (4151 Hospital Drive, Covington, GA 30014) or at our Atlanta location (3280 Howell Mill Road. NW. Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30327) Visit dermatologyconsultants.org to learn more.

Dermatology Consultants

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Turn your skin care into self-care.............................................................3 Dermatology Consultants

Look ‘above’ for your future tree service needs.......................................5 Above All Tree Service

Genetic Evaluations can estimate lifetime cancer risks...........................6 University Cancer & Blood Center

Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market.........................................8 Hometown Realty Consultants

Keeping your pet’s health a top priority...................................................10 Oak Hill Animal Hospital

Choosing an insurance policy..................................................................12 Piedmont Insurance Associates

Stay comfortable with A Team Home Services.......................................14

Index of Advertisers A Team Home Service - 15 Above All Tree Service - 28 Ace Pro Forestry - 21 Athens Orthopedic Clinic - 27 Dermatology Consultants - 2 Family Health/Natural Path - 17 Hometown Realty - 9 Iron Will Dog Training - 25 J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home - 23 Oak Hill Animal Hospital - 11 Piedmont Insurance Associates - 13 University Cancer & Blood Center - 7 Wildflower Collective - 19

A Team Home Services

Finding relief for acute and chronic pain...............................................16 Family Health Nutrition Center/Natural Path

CONSUMER GUIDE 2022 is a special presentation of

Finding the right hairstylist.....................................................................18 Wildflower Collective

Best forestry mulching providers in the business................................20 Ace Pro Forestry & Land Management

Published weekends by Newton Newspapers Inc., 1166 Usher St., Covington GA 30014.

Taylor Beck

Value of a funeral director......................................................................22 J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home

Editor & Publisher

Advertising Director

Tom Spigolon

Lee Ann Avery

Phillip B. Hubbard

Alicia Goolsby

News Editor

Proper training makes for happy pet.....................................................24

Cynthia B. Warren

Sports Editor

Circulation Director Legals Clerk

Iron Will Dog Training

Understanding, treating sciatica pain...................................................26

Telephone 770-787-6397 Online covnews.com

Athens Orthopedic Clinic

Consumer2 Guide 202 es you and servic e products County.

Finding th in Newton re he ht need, rig

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ON THE COVER Consumer Guide is your how-to guide for finding the products and services you need, right here in Newton County.

The Covington News | February 2022

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Consumer Guide 2022

Look ‘above’ for your future tree service needs I f your property’s landscape is in peril, look to a Conyers-based tree service that has separated itself from the rest for help.

In business now for more than 23 years, Above All Tree Service, Inc. offers a variety of services that can fit any customers’ needs, specializing in tree removal, tree trimming and stump grinding or removal.

TREE REMOVAL Ever wonder how much larger your yard could look and how much leaf cleanup you could avoid by removing that tree? Maybe you have multiple scrub bushes that have become an absolute eye sore.

Do you have a hazardous tree that could potentially cause serious damage to your property or to your neighbor’s if it ever were to fall? It is for dilemmas such as these that Above All Tree Service provides large-scale and small-scale tree and shrub removal.

One of the company’s certified, highly experienced crews can solve these issues by removing your unwanted or dangerous trees and stumps quickly and effectively.

Above All Tree Service has various methods of removal depending on the size, location and level of difficulty. The company has a quality fleet of trucks, cranes and equipment. Its crews of certified climbers can make any job possible no matter how difficult it may be.

Property is treated as carefully and respectfully as possible. All removals The Covington News | February 2022

Hazard reduction tree pruning addresses a specific danger caused by visibly defined safety issues in your trees. Maintenance tree pruning preserves or improves tree health and structure. Special care is taken to encourage structural integrity, appearance, tree safety and the overall health of your trees.

are worry-free, clean, precise and absolutely, fully insured.

TREE TRIMMING Tree pruning and tree trimming is needed to help your landscape flourish. Tree trimming addresses architectural tree care concerns such as safety, structural integrity, shape and appearance. Professional tree pruning services enhance the natural beauty of your trees and shrubs and help you preserve the strength, stature and seasonal character they add to your property.

Tree trimming is one of the most important maintenance practices in professional tree care, and can go a long way towards helping you achieve your dream landscape. There are essentially two tree care objectives in pruning trees and trimming shrubs.

STUMP GRINDING/REMOVAL After you have had a tree removed, you find yourself left with an unsightly stump in your lawn or garden. Why live with this eyesore while you wait for nature to take its course? When Above All Tree Service can handle it for you. Stump grinding is an affordable way to remove the stump, grinding the stump and root structure 6-10 inches below ground.

The process takes only about an hour, depending on how many stumps need grinding; leaving you only with a small fresh pile of mulch, that can be used in your home garden or flower beds.

Above All Tree Service also offers: • Storm Damage/Emergency Service • Dangerous Tree Removal • Insurance Claims • Crane Service • Chipping/Logging Contact the team at Above All Tree Service at 770-922-5356 for a free estimate, or visit abovealltrees.com to learn more.

Special to The News Consumer Guide | 5

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Genetic Evaluations can estimate lifetime cancer risks

By KRIS SCHULTZ-TANNER

M

University Cancer & Blood Center

ost of us will have some experience with cancer in our lifetimes.We may personally have a diagnosis, or we may find our friends and family members receiving similar news.

Most cancers are sporadic, meaning that they developed as a result of damage somewhere in our DNA that our body was not able to correct. Our DNA can be damaged by chemicals, radiation or cells that don’t divide correctly. We can control some of those factors like not using tobacco and limiting sun/UV exposure, but other factors like aging are not necessarily something any of us can avoid, unfortunately.

Sometimes, we may see the same kinds of cancers appear in our families, such as multiple female relatives with breast cancers. Does that mean there is something built into the family’sDNA that puts them at higher risk for developing those cancers? The short answer: Maybe.

Contrary to popular belief that cancers “run” in families, only about 5-10% of all the cancers out there actually stem from something that was found in a person’s DNA from birth.

Although rare, these changes to the DNA, also known as “mutations,” can be passed to the next generation and can greatly increase a person’s risk for certain cancers.

As University Cancer & Blood Center’s specially trained Nurse Practitioner credentialed in cancer genetics, myself and our team will help clarify 6 | Consumer Guide

if cancers seen in a family are more than just chance. We educate patients about cancer development and discuss the risks and benefits of genetic testing with those who wish to pursue it. Our team can estimate a person’s lifetime risk of certain cancers and help guide him or her through appropriate prevention and screenings.

Who could benefit from risk assessment or genetic evaluation?

• Anyone who personally has had a cancer diagnosed at an earlier age, such as breast cancer under age 46 or colon cancer under the age of 50.

• Anyone with a rare cancer such as male breast cancer, sarcoma, ovarian or pancreatic cancer.

• Anyone who has had more than one kind of cancer.

• Anyone who has the same kinds of cancers on one side of the family.

• Anyone who has had close blood relatives with the above scenarios.

• Anyone who wants to know more about the risks of certain cancers and how to reduce that risk.

Kris Schultz-Tanner serves patients at UCBC’sAthens locations. She is a certified Family NursePractitioner and Advanced Clinical GenomicsNurse.

Learn more about Kris, the UCBC family, and Genetic Evaluations at www.UniversityCancer.com .

The Covington News | February 2022

SEE YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR TODAY

Around the country, healthcare systems are seeing alarming drops in patient visits for cancer screenings and followup appointments. Experts warn that delaying tests like mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, and other intervention Learn more by calling 800-892-2806 or visiting

screenings could result in more late-

UNIVERSITYCANCER.COM

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4181 Hospital Drive NE Suite 202 Covington, GA 30014

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stage diagnoses with worse prognoses. is critical to make sure you call and schedule your next wellness appointment as soon as possible and get the tests and treatments you need to stay on top of your health. Because cancer can’t wait, so neither can you.

A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute

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The Covington News | February 2022

1/13/2022 10:00:08 AM

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Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market A

combination of factors, including low interest rates and a pandemic-driven decision by many city dwellers to look for houses in the suburbs, has created a housing boom for much of 2020 and 2021. That boom has created an undeniable seller’s market in real estate.

Just what is a seller’s market? The financial resource Investopedia defines it as a marketplace in which there are fewer goods for sale than there are interested buyers, giving sellers the ability to dictate prices. Since mid2020, there has been an extremely low inventory of homes for sale but a very high interest among purchasing parties.

Data from the National Association of Realtors indicated that, by the end of February 2021, housing inventory fell to a record low of 1.02 million units. These factors have led to a surge in competition from buyers, including bidding wars on homes and all-cash offers to entice sellers. In December 2020, the median listing prices for single-family homes shot up 13.4% from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor. com, and it hasn’t slowed down much since. Many veterans of the real estate industry believe now is possibly the best ever seller’s housing market.

So where does this leave buyers interested in relocating? Here are some tips.

• Consider areas with slower overall price growth. Experts say the south8 | Consumer Guide

ern and midwestern United States offer the best value for home shoppers because of their meager price growth.

ClearCapital, which tracks housing values, says San Antonio, St. Louis and the Dallas/Fort Worth areas experienced the least price appreciation from 2019 into 2020.

• Get preapproval or have your funds ready. Speed is the way to go if a buyer is interested in a property and wants to make an offer. Real estate professionals say buyers should be “offer ready,” which means having a mortgage preapproval letter or proof of funds for a down payment ready

to go. Failure to have funds in check can slow down the process or compel sellers to reject an offer.

• Work with a real estate agent.

These are complicated times and it pays for buyers to have a professional working in their corner. A real estate agent uses his or her knowledge to make a timely offer and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf. He or she also will provide insight into specific neighborhoods, amenities and school districts.

• Eliminate certain contingencies from the equation. Contingencies are factors that must be met before a sale can go through, according to the relocation site Moving.com. A common contingency is the need to sell one’s current home before closing on another. Asking for extended closing periods or certain home repairs are some additional contingencies that can make buyers less attractive to sellers.

• Make it personal. Buyers can offer a personalized note with the offer that may connect with the seller emotionally and set one them apart from others who have made similar offers.

Buying in a seller’s market can be challenging. But some strategies can set buyers apart from the pack.

If you’re selling or buying, contact your local real estate professionals at Hometown Realty Consultants, Inc. Content from Metro Creative Services The Covington News | February 2022

HOMETOWN REALTY CONSULTANTS, INC.

™ ®

™

Hometown Realty Consultants, Inc. has been helping buyers and sellers in the community since April 2003 to help them to acquire their dream of home ownership. We are still operating Hometown Realty with that purpose in mind.

Hometown Realty have over 100 years’ combined experience in the real estate market.

With three associate brokers and agents who have received awards for Million Dollar, Multi-Million, Life Multi-Million and Top Producer Awards, that is why Hometown Realty has been voted “The Best of Newton” for three consecutive years 2019, 2020 and 2021. We would like to say Thank You to all our clients, customers, friends and family that voted for us.

Front l-r Kenneth Smallwood, Owner/Agent; Darlene Smallwood, Owner Broker; Back l-r Donna Carithers; Bobby Sigman, Associate Our main goal at Hometown Realty is to take care of our Broker; Pat Swords-Smith, Associate Broker; Vicky Mason; Teresa Casteel; Bonnie Cowan; Travis Moore, Associate Broker; clients, customers and friends’ real estate needs for many years to come.

Sherry East; Amy Bouchillon

We still have the Hometown Value you are looking for in a Real Estate Agent.

Whether you are selling or buying.

Darlene Smallwood (Broker/Owner) Kenneth Smallwood (Owner/Agent) 2135 Pace Street • Covington, GA 30014 (Morgan Plaza)

678-878-9811 • 770-786-7979

The Covington News | February 2022

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Keeping your pet’s health a top priority

D

o you want to know the secret to helping your pet enjoy a long, happy and healthy life?

As loving pet parents, we want our animal companions by our side for as many years as possible. At Oak Hill Animal Hospital, we believe the best way to ensure this happens is by making a commitment to their ongoing wellness. By bringing your pet in for regular checkups, you’ll help protect him or her from many of the common ailments that can affect companion animals. You’ll also give us the opportunity to identify and address potential health problems early, before they have a chance to develop and worsen. These simple things can add years to your furry or scaly friend’s life.

An Ounce of Prevention Our wellness services are comprehensive and extremely thorough, because we want to do everything in our power to keep your loved one healthy.

At each visit, the doctor will examine your pet from nose to tail, looking for anything out of the ordinary. We will also develop and implement a customized preventative care plan tailored to your best friend’s unique needs, lifestyle and risk factors. This will include vaccines, blood testing, parasite control, nutrition and weight management and anything else we deem relevant to your companion.

We also recommend nutraceutical supplements that may be of holistic benefit.

10 | Consumer Guide

Ongoing Health Management Wellness visits also provide us with regular snapshots of your pet’s health status at each appointment. We can then compare this information against previous exams to identify any changes. This allows us to detect the signs of illness early and develop an effective treatment plan in a timely manner. With many ailments, an early diagnosis can vastly improve the outcome for your pet. For seniors over 8 years of age we strive for biannual visits every six months because the more we stay on top of these things, the better chance we’ll have of extending and improving the quality of your companion’s life.

Getting to Know You Finally, annual and biannual visits give all of us at Oak Hill Animal Hospital the chance to truly get to know you and your pet. Developing

a relationship with you and forging a bond with your animal friend is an integral part of the care we provide.

This allows us to partner with you in managing your loved one’s health, and also makes visiting the vet a more positive experience. The more we understand your companion’s needs, the more precisely and effectively we can develop a health care plan.

You want to see that beloved companion enjoy many wonderful years.

We’d love to help you achieve that goal.

To schedule an appointment call 770-728-9976. Visit https://www. myoakhillvet.com to learn more about all services offered. Oak Hill Animal Hospital is located at 5274 GA Hwy. 20 S in Covington.

Content from Oak Hill Animal Hospital The Covington News | February 2022

5274 GA Hwy 20 S • Covington, GA 30016 770-728-9976 www.myoakhillvet.com The Covington News | February 2022

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Choosing an insurance policy

A

dults need insurance for a variety of reasons. Insurance provides a safety net when accidents or injuries occur, and the right insurance policy can help policy holders make it through such instances as smoothly as possible.

Television commercials promoting insurance companies often tout low rates, but shopping for the right insurance policy is about more than finding the lowest rates. The following are some tips consumers can consider as they shop for insurance policies.

• Research ratings. Various groups rate insurance companies based on everything from the usefulness of their websites to how satisfied their customers are with the claims process. J.D. Power conducts surveys of customer satisfaction and product quality for various industries, including insurance. The results of those surveys can be found at www.jdpower.com and can provide valuable insight into insurance providers, giving prospective policy holders a good idea of how their interactions with an assortment of agencies may go.

• Emphasize customer service. Customer service reputation should bear considerable weight when shopping for an insurance policy. Many policy holders want readily available access to a human being when they have an insurance question or need to submit a claim. When shopping for policies and seeking estimates, take note of how easy or difficult it is to speak with an agent at each company. Is the quotes process entirely automated, or is an agent walking you through the estimate and carefully explaining each component of the policy? Rating agencies rank companies based on 12 | Consumer Guide

customer service offerings, and those ratings should not be overlooked.

• Seek recommendations. Wordof-mouth can go a long way toward finding the right insurance provider.

Ask friends or relatives which companies hold their policies and how easy or difficult it’s been for them to file claims in the past. Google reviews and other online review boards also can be great resources to see how existing or past policy holders feel about a given provider. Pay attention to how quickly claims are settled and paid out, as policy holders, in most instances, should not have to wait months or years to be reimbursed for costs covered by their policies.

• Avoid being fixated on cost. Cost is a significant consideration when shopping for insurance policies, especially costly policies like homeowners and auto insurance. But cost should not be the deciding factor. A company that offers especially low

rates may only do so because it offers very limited coverage, while a more expensive policy may provide more extensive coverage that helps policy holders make it through accidents or injuries with their savings intact.

Carefully read estimates to determine how much coverage you will be getting with each policy.

Adults need insurance and have many options at their disposal.

Finding the right fit requires careful consideration of a host of factors.

Piedmont Insurance Associates in Covington, a division of King Insurance, offers a variety of insurance services including auto, business, home, motorcycle, boat, group health and life. Call 770-788-9000 to get a quote today, or stop by the office located at 10243 Dearing St. SE, Covington, GA 30014. Visit piedmontins.com to learn more.

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The Covington News | February 2022

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www.piedmontins.com CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE The Covington News | February 2022

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Stay comfortable with A Team Home Services

I

f you’ve lived in Georgia long enough, you know just how crazy the weather can be.

On any given spring morning, temperatures can be near freezing. But by the afternoon, it can almost feel like summer.

Peculiar weather patterns can sometimes throw quite the wrench into a person’s wardrobe. But it’s important to never let such weather get the best of your home’s air conditioning unit.

However, if your AC or furnace is ever on the fritz, A Team Home Services has you covered.

“At A Team Home Service, we provide more than just heating and cooling solutions,” a spokesman said.

“We provide the means of being comfortable in your own home, having complete control over your desired temperature. Whether you want to be warm during the winter or cool during the summer, you can trust us to provide you with the means of achieving complete comfort.”

With 13 office locations across Metro Atlanta, A Team Home Services boasts over two decades of experience in the industry, so you can expect nothing but the best workmanship paired with incomparable customer service.

A Team Home Services prides itself in being able to offer all-inclusive services, ranging from routine service calls to complete unit installations. With new installations, A Team Home Services offers a 10-year warranty.

14 | Consumer Guide

Contact A Team Home Services at 678-608-7739 or email ateamhomeservice@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment and get a free estimate on any repair or installation

needs. The office location nearest Newton County is in McDonough.

Visit ateamhomeservicesga.com to learn more.

From staff reports The Covington News | February 2022

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Best prices in Georgia.

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The Covington News | February 2022

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Finding relief for acute and chronic pain W hen you’re in pain, you want something that works fast. You want relief that does more that simply mask pain, but also stops inflammation without the risks to your kidneys, stomach, liver and heart.

Most people don’t realize, but there are natural ingredients that can reduce inflammation and relieve pain by inhibiting the COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase) enzymes, without the side effects.

In fact, these natural ingredients are superior to conventional drugs in both efficacy and safety.

Inflammation is the beginning of all pain. It is triggered by damage to your body. Typically, when we think of inflammation we think of heat, redness, swelling and pain. Pain is our warning signal that something is in need of repair. Inflammation and pain are normal and necessary when we have an injury, such as a sprained ankle. Chronic inflammation that lasts and lasts, however, is not normal and is, in fact, a disease. This type of inflammation is at the root of almost all serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and painful conditions such as arthritis.

Inflammation is triggered by the release of hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins, especially PGE2, and is sustained by the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme. If it were possible to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, it would be possible to control inflammation and possibly even 16 | Consumer Guide

cancer. Did you know that cancer cells are surrounded by an abnormally heavy concentration of COX-2 enzymes?

In fact, many years ago, drug companies found that aspirin inhibited COX-2, and that aspirin users have less cancer. But of course, there is a downside to chronic aspirin use. At the same time it inhibits COX-2, it also inhibits COX-1, which is a protective prostaglandin for the lining of the digestive tract and blood vessels.

Therefore, without adequate COX-1 protection, you can have ulcers and leaking of the blood vessels. While aspirin is fine for temporary use, extended use may cause serious side effects and even death. One report has estimated that over 40,000 people die annually from the overuse of drugs in the aspirin family.

Also, consider the “advanced” COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex, etc. These drugs did not cause ulcers or weak blood vessels so the expectation was extremely high.

Scientists later found that the results experienced were offset by the fact that these anti-inflammatories caused heart attacks and stroked because they induced clots in the blood. The risks were so great that the FDA took Vioxx and Bextra off the market, and now requires a “black box” warning on Celebrex, which is the strongest warning class for prescription drugs.

The natural ingredients recommended have been traditionally used and clinically studied, and provide the

relief you need without side effects or worry. Additionally, they work quickly — some report relief in as little as 45 minutes. I consider them to be truly advanced pain relieving ingredients.

What people truly need is an anti-inflammatory product that inhibits COX-2 and 5-LOX, without side effects, and that product exists. It includes two common herbal ingredients — curcumin and boswellia — and it stops the cause of pain fast.

Curcumin is a compound from the herb turmeric. It is extremely effective in relieving inflammation, which, along with oxidation, is the cause of all chronic disease, including cancer.

It has also been clinically studied to stop pain and inflammation, and heal joint damage.

One of the studies followed 45 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, randomized to three groups. Group one received 50 mg of diclofenac sodium twice daily; group two received 500 mg of high-absorption curcumin twice daily; and group three received both. The curcumin was more effective at reducing joint pain and swelling than the other … Makes you wonder why the effective natural products aren’t the first course of action right away, doesn’t it?

Content from Terry Talks Nutrition via Natural Path/Family Health Nutrition Center

The Covington News | February 2022

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Consumer Guide 2022

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Finding the right hairstylist

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t’s time for a haircut. Choosing a new hairstylist can be downright scary. We’ve all ventured into uncharted hair territory only to walk out with an accidental bob, botched bangs and probably some tears. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area, lost your hair stylist or just looking for a change, finding the perfect hair stylist can be a daunting task. Especially since you can’t exactly ask for a trial run—once it’s chopped, it’s chopped!

Here are a few tips to help you chose the right salon and get you looking your best.

• Research local salons and stylists - Use social media and read reviews.

Look for a salon with actual clients pictured in their posts, not just celebrities.

• Ask for recommendations - If you see someone with hair you adore, don’t be afraid to ask who their stylist is.

• Schedule a consult and bring photos - It might be difficult for you to describe exactly what you want.

During the consultation, a good stylist will consider your face shape, hair type, check for unusual growth patterns and take into consideration how your hair looks when its natural. They should also prioritize the health of your hair. A good stylist will manage your expectations. Not all cuts look the same on different hair types and it won’t matter if you achieve the color of your dreams if your hair is fried!

• Look for a stylist who specializes in the services you want – choose the right stylist for you. Whether you’re looking for precision cuts, extensions or color, base your choice in stylist on the service that’s most important to you.

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Finding a new stylist isn’t just about their talent, it’s about how well the two of you communicate and building a relationship. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up or feel like your stylist isn’t hearing your feedback, you’re probably not going to be happy with the result.

Invest in your hair, after all it’s a crown you wear every single day.

A great hairstyle is the first thing people notice about you. Every woman, at any age, in any culture, knows that hair is a big, big deal. A “good hair” day boosts our mood and self-confidence; a “bad hair” day can put us in a downward funk. The possibilities are endless, from hair extensions to color trends like balayage, you can have the hair you’ve always

dreamed about.

The Wildflower Collective is a hidden gem in Covington specializing in high level services like extensions, balayage, precision cutting and more.

They are a versatile team of dedicated and highly-educated hair stylists who can make your vision a reality.

No matter what your beauty needs are, you can count on The Wildflower Collective to give you completely personalized services to fit your specific needs.

Check them out at www.thewildflowercollectivecov.com. Appointments can be booked online or call 678-660-3201.

Special to The Covington News

The Covington News | February 2022

The Wildflower Collective is a collection of innovative artists specializing in customized hair coloring, extensions, precision cuts, lashes & microblading. We offer our exclusive in-house hair extension line Bloom & Vine, luxury, full cuticle hair. We have a versatile team of talent to meet your specific needs.

8230 Hazelbrand Road Northeast • Suite A Covington, GA 30014

678-660-3201

www.thewildflowercollective.com The Covington News | February 2022

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Best forestry mulching providers in the business

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f you’re in need of a forestry mulching service provider, look no further than Ace Pro Forestry & Land Management.

Ace Pro is an eco-friendly company that offers a range of services, but specializes in forestry mulching.

“Our forestry mulching service is some of the best in the business,” an Ace Pro spokesperson said. “Whatever your needs, we will be able to satisfy your exact needs.”

Forestry mulching is a land clearing method that uses a single machine to cut, grind and clear vegetation. Forestry mulchers are often used for land clearing, right-of-way, pipeline/power line, wildfire prevention and management, vegetation management, invasive species control and wildlife restoration.

Right-of-way clearing and maintenance Forestry mulching is used in the right-of-way clearing and maintenance for roads, highways, pipelines and other utility lines. This process often requires complete removal of standing trees, stumps and vegetation.

Land clearing Forestry mulchers can be used in commercial and residential land clearing projects such as site preparation and development, cutting and clearing brush, nature and recreational trail creation and seismic exploration.

Wetlands and riparian habitat conservation Forestry mulching has become 20 | Consumer Guide

popular among nonprofit riparian conservation organizations, government agencies, hunt clubs and private land owners in attempts to maintain habitats for pheasants, doves, elk, deer and various other animals. Maintaining an animal habitat encompasses several different aspects: food, water, shelter and space, and there are many products that can help reclaim and maintain wildlife habitats for these animals.

• Food: Forestry mulchers and forestry mowers are often used for removing underbrush and invasive species, such as buckthorn and multiflora rose, in order to allow the rejuvenation of grasses and other eating sources.

• Water: Forestry mulchers and tree shears can be used to restore water source access that has been blocked due to tree and understory growth, allowing animals to access the water.

• Shelter and space: Mulching can remove invasive underbrush that prevents the growth of the grasses required by certain animals for shelter, breeding, escaping the summer heat and protecting themselves from cold temperatures.

Invasive species control Some common invasive plants such as tamarisk (salt cedar), Pinyon-juniper, Russian olive, Juniperus virginiana, buckthorn and multiflora rose can invade a natural habitat, soak up a tremendous amount of ground water, and need to be removed to reestablish the native habitat or to preserve the

water table. Invasive insects such as pine beetles can also devastate forests, leaving behind rotting trees with diminishing timber value and that may become falling hazards if they lose their ability to stand up against wind.

Wildfire prevention and management • Proactive mulching: Mulching reduces the potential for wildfires by eliminating small leafy plants, fallen or rotten trees, and other fuel sources. If left untreated, these fuel loads increase potential for fire, increase the heat intensity and serve as fire ladders that enable fire to elevate quickly to the tops of trees which is where a fire can spread most quickly.

• Reactive mulching: In addition to proactive thinning of vegetation to mitigate fire fuels, forestry mulching can be used for reactive cutting of lines (fire breaks) on active fires.

Larger forestry mulchers leave minimal cleanup requirements and can help reduce the overall costs of active fire mitigation.

• Cleanup: After the fire is out and cleanup efforts are under way, tracked forestry mulching machines, mulching attachments and an excavator with a mulching attachment can provide a top layer of mulch to prevent soil erosion on slopes and minimize water pollution.

Learn more about forestry mulching from Ace Pro Forestry & Land Management at aceproforestry.com.

Call 770-366-4535 to request an estimate or schedule an appointment.

The Covington News | February 2022

Forestry mulching, underbrush clearing, overgrown brush, down trees, clear vegetation, property line clearing, thicket, and real estate improvement.

ADVANTAGE OF FORESTRY MULCHING: * Eco & Environmentally Friendly * Cost Effective * Remove Invasive Species * Eliminate Hauling & Landfill Fee * Prevent Soil Erosion

BEFORE

AFTER

* No Unwanted Piles of Debris * Put Nutrients Back Into The Soil * No Disturbance To Large Trees Root Systems * Act As A Fire Buffer * Create Usable Land Space

BEFORE

AFTER

Reclaim your Property We mulch trees up to 12” in diameter

Licensed and Insured • No Contract Required • Free Estimates

770-366-4535

www.ACEPROforestry.com The Covington News | February 2022

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Consumer Guide 2022

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Value of a funeral director T he average person makes funeral arrangements for a loved one only once or twice in their lifetime. It is natural to feel overwhelmed or perhaps have a fear of the unknown. If you’re unsure of where to start, begin by finding a National Funeral Directors Association member funeral director near you.

First and foremost, NFDA member funeral directors like Tommy Davis of J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home in Covington want to make this time as easy as possible. They are familiar with the laws of your state as they pertain to your loved one’s arrangements and will help take care of all necessary details, including taking your loved one into his or her care from the hospital, nursing home or home. They will contact all interested parties on your behalf, obtain all required permits, file the death certificate and guide you through the decision making process as it relates to services and funeral merchandise.

Funeral directors are skilled in creating memorable life tribute events.

Your NFDA member funeral director will have unique ideas and access to special resources to help your family be as creative as they need to be when planning a service that captures the essence of one’s life.

By agreeing to comply with the NFDA Code of Professional Conduct, NFDA member funeral directors are committed to honesty and integrity.

You are in charge of all decisions that are made; they are there to accompany you during this time to help make things as easy as possible.

There are many services that your NFDA funeral director can provide for you. The following is a partial list of how your NFDA funeral director 22 | Consumer Guide

can assist you: • Creating a personalized and meaningful funeral honoring your loved one’s life.

• Explaining your full range of service and merchandise options.

• Coordinating a newspaper or online obituary.

• Preparing and filing the death certificate.

• Coordinating with the clergy and/ or your church.

• Arranging for a funeral celebrant or clergy if you do not have one.

• Coordinating cemetery arrangements.

• Coordinating crematory arrangements.

• Securing musicians.

• Securing flowers.

• Coordinating memorial contributions to your favorite charity.

• Notifying the Social Security Administration of your loved one’s death.

• Providing information on Veter-

ans benefits and military honors.

• Arranging or assisting with meals and receptions.

Prior to making any decisions regarding funeral services or merchandise, your NFDA member funeral director will provide you with a copy of the funeral home’s General Price List. This document will help you understand all of your options with regard to funeral services and related merchandise. He or she will provide guidance and assist you in making decisions that are most appropriate for you and your family.

J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel is a family owned and operated funeral home that has provided compassionate services to the Covington, Newton County community since 1893. Call 770-786-2524 or visit harwellfuneralhome.com to learn more.

Content from the National Funeral Directors Association The Covington News | February 2022

Since 1893

J.C.Harwell & Son FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CHAPEL 2157 East Street SE • Covington, GA 30014

770-786-2524 A Traditional Funeral Home Offering: Traditional Funeral Services, Cremation and Pre-Need Arrangements

“Dependable friends in time of need.”

Tommy & Mary Evelyn Davis www.harwellfuneralhome.com

Celebrating 129 Years of Service to the Community We Call Home The Covington News | February 2022

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Proper training makes for happy pet H

ave you ever stopped to think about how your dog sees the world around them? Understanding Dog Psychology may help to give “man’s best friend” the happiest and healthiest life possible.

You see…how dogs think, their social interactions with other dogs, and how they bond with humans are skills that can be taught to most dog breeds.

In fact, dogs are happiest when they are well trained and properly socialized. Training your pet will help to discover what type of environmental stressors and pressures may cause your dog to react.

You may also find it helpful to know that dogs are happiest when there is a well-established social hierarchy in 24 | Consumer Guide

your family environment. And, dogs do bond with humans living together in the same household because we humans are part of their dog pack.

They even find it comforting knowing what human “dog” is in charge.

As you may have discovered, there are multiple dog training methods available to help with your pet.

Whether you need help with a dominant and/or “Alpha Dog” mentality, behavioral or anxiety issues, it is important to know which method is right for you and your pet.

You play a major role in helping your dog to live a happy life by understanding how important it is to know what your pet needs, and then choosing the best training methods which

will give you the results you and your family expect. This will help to keep your entire family closely bonded at the same time showing everyone a well-behaved dog…in any environment.

At Iron Will Dog Training, we are family-oriented, professional, dog trainers with extensive backgrounds and experience in dog behavior and psychology. You can expect a safe, controlled environment that is solely established to address the needs of your dog and meet the goals of you, the owner. We are here to assist you in reaching all your dog training goals and needs.

Special to The News The Covington News | February 2022

IRON WILL DOG TRAINING • Basic Obedience • Advanced Obedience • Problem Solving • Personal Protection • For All Breeds Large and Small • Specialized Training to Fit Your Dog’s Needs

INSURED AND BONDED 6101 Turner Lake Rd, NW • Covington, GA 30014 470-441-9272 • 470-238-9310 IRONWILLDOGTRAINING.COM

The Covington News | February 2022

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Sciatica pain is a symptom of an underlying medical condition

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hen it comes to back pain, sciatica is a term that is often overused and misunderstood. Julian Price, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Athens Orthopedic Clinic (AOC), specializes in neck and back pain. He explains that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires proper evaluation for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Price defines sciatica as pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the back and leg. “Persistent weakness, numbness or pain in the leg may be caused by an injury to, or pressure on, the sciatic nerve,” says Dr. Price.

“If left untreated, it could lead to permanent damage.”

According to Dr. Price, the gold standard for a clinical diagnosis of the root cause of sciatica is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

“At AOC’s outpatient facilities, we use special techniques with the MRI to examine discs for the source of the pinched nerve,” says Dr. Price. “Often, sciatica is caused by a herniated or bulging disk, bone spur or spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal. After diagnosis, our orthopedic specialists work with patients on a tailored treatment plan that best fits their needs and desired outcomes.”

Dr. Price also points out that when pain, numbness or tingling of the arms occurs, this can be an indication of injury to, or pressure on, the nerves of the neck. “Although there is not

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a coined term like “sciatica” for arm pain, weakness and tingling, if you are experiencing such symptoms, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist as well.”

Treatment options include anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, physical therapy or epidural injections. If these options do not help, surgery may offer the best chance for recovery.

“In most cases, surgery can be performed using less invasive approaches—smaller incisions, specialized equipment and innovative techniques—for less pain and a faster recovery,” says Dr. Price.

Dr. Price advises that with any pain, it is important to not take a wait-and-

see approach. “There is no reason to live with pain. At AOC, you can receive customized, complete, well-coordinated care for all causes of spine, neck and back pain.”

In addition to more than 20 orthopedic surgeons, AOC has clinics, imaging centers, outpatient surgery centers, physical and occupational therapy centers and walk-in orthopedic urgent care facilities throughout Northeast Georgia. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic spine specialist, call (706) 549-1633 or visit www.aocspinehealth.com.

Content from Athens Orthopedic Clinic

The Covington News | February 2022

We’re experts in what moves you Advanced care for hip and knee joint pain.

From the most advanced minimally invasive surgery using robotic technology, to interventional pain management and rehabilitation therapy, our specialists offer complete, well-coordinated care for hip and knee joint pain. Visit one of our convenient locations throughout Northeast Georgia and we’ll get you moving again.

Athens Orthopedic Clinic 1765 Old West Broad Street Athens, GA 30606

Call us at 706-549-1663 or visit aoctotaljoint.com for more information.

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