Appen Media Group
August Special Section
PEXELS
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Change is right around the corner for your 2027 plan Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare
insurance agent to confirm your findings.
In life, change is inevitable. This is also reflected in the world of Medicare insurance. Medicare is health insurance for individuals age 65 and older, or for those under age 65 who have certain disabilities. Medicare itself, meaning traditional Medicare, stays very consistent through time. It’s the private-sector options like Medicare Advantage Plans and StandAlone Prescription Drug Plans that need to be reviewed every year. Medicare Supplements Plans DO NOT change in benefit year over year, but they do go up in price every year and should be “price-shopped” every so often (suggested every 3-5 years).
Why not just sign up for a Medicare insurance plan on my own? There is a traditional proverb, “To know the road ahead, ask those who are coming back”. Independent Medicare insurance agents/brokers have already been there, they’re the ones coming back (using the proverb mentioned above)! Asking a Medicare insurance agent for help with plan knowledge and enrollment help could save you a lot of time, money and frustration. And, it will cost you $0 for their services. We are a local Atlanta independent insurance agency with a specialty in Medicare insurance. We are independent Medicare insurance brokers. I live in Alpharetta, but we have agents throughout the Atlanta area that can help you this Fall during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (runs from October 15th - December 7th, 2026). Give us a call at (770) 9136464 or reach out to us online at SeniorSourceMedicare.com. Schedule your Annual Review appointment TODAY!
Here is a strategy for your Medicare Insurance Plan Search this Fall: 1. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) booklet. This booklet will review the changes to your current plan for 2027. Insurance companies are required to mail these to you and must be sent out no later than September 30th, 2026. NOTE: Right now is a good time to call your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan carrier to confirm
PROVIDED
your accurate mailing address so that you don’t miss your ANOC booklet. 2. Make note of the benefits that matter most to you for 2027! Examples could include low doctor copays, more dental insurance, hearing aid coverage, grocery allowance, strong coverage for brand-name prescriptions, or having a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B Premium Reduction included. Of course, the plan you go with needs to cover your doctors, hospitals,
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans Serving North Atlanta Seniors for More Than 15 Years Representing Most Medicare Insurance Companies
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
and prescriptions. That's a given, but ask yourself- what else would I like?! 3. Research what other options are available. Many of you may like to do the research yourself, and I love that! It’s a great way to start, but ultimately I advise you to discuss with an independent/non-biased Medicare insurance agent. If you are exploring and researching using an AI platform, start your research there, but bring your findings to a real-life independent Medicare
Would you like your business included in the next Empty Nest Section?
• Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis • Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services • Individual Health Coverage for those under 65
Reach affluent North Atlanta communities with a
circulation of 114,000 the fourth week of each month. 770.913.6464
www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.”
To learn more, call 770-442-3278 or email: mike@appenmedia.com
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AppenMedia.com | August 2026 | 3
Odysseus and medicine in the age of Homer Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology Medical science can sometimes help us step back in time and understand the past as though centuries no longer separate us. Homer's The Odyssey has received renewed attention through Christopher Nolan's recent film adaptation, providing an opportunity to revisit medicine in Homer's world. By understanding the effects of two plants— nightshade and snowdrops—modern pharmacology sheds light on one of the epic's most perplexing episodes: the transformation of Odysseus's men into swine. Christopher Nolan's adaptation includes the startling scene in which the sorceress Circe turns Odysseus's men into pigs. In Homer's original epic, Circe poisons the soldiers' drink. The god Hermes gives Odysseus an antidote in the form of a plant called Moly, described as having a black root and a white flower. Odysseus consumes the herb, drinks Circe's poisoned brew without harm, then confronts Circe and rescues his men. To modern audiences, Circe's potion seems fantastical. But to ancient listeners familiar with local plants and traditional healing, it may have suggested something far more recognizable. One influential interpretation proposes that Circe's potion was inspired by poisonous plants of the nightshade family, which profoundly affect the nervous system. Normally, the body shifts between "rest and digest" and "fight or flight" through the action of acetylcholine. Nightshade blocks acetylcholine, pushing the nervous system toward "fight or flight." In larger doses, the consequences become severe. Poisoning by nightshade produces the classic symptoms: "blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone." Victims may suffer blurred vision, impaired sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and delusions. Nightshade is among history's most famous poisons, appearing in Homer, Shakespeare, and countless ancient texts. Homer's audience would likely have recognized its effects. Nightshade could leave Odysseus's men as helpless as pigs—or even convince them they were pigs. Medical historians have suggested that Moly may have been the snowdrop (Galanthus), which has a white flower, dark roots when freshly dug up, and which contains galantamine, a compound that increases acetylcholine activity and largely counteracts the effects
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of nightshade. But snowdrops are not harmless. In excessive doses, they can slow the heart, weaken breathing, lower blood pressure, and become poisonous themselves. Only a master herbalist or a hero with Hermes as his guide could have chosen the proper balance. For ancient audiences, the story likely gained another layer of suspense now largely lost on us. They may have recognized that Moly itself was dangerous. Once Odysseus swallowed it, the clock began ticking. Odysseus had to drink Circe’s nightshade before the snowdrop killed him. The antidote became the poison, and the poison became the antidote. When Odysseus consumed Moly, ancient listeners may have experienced the same suspense we feel watching heroes race to obtain an antidote in modern films. When Odysseus swallowed one poison in preparation for another, ancient listeners, too, were likely on the edge of their seats. Almost any substance can be a medicine at one dose and a poison at another. That paradox—and the knowledge that Hermes' "gift" was both antidote and toxin—deepens our understanding of the peril Odysseus faced. Between Circe and Hermes, nightshade and snowdrops, he navigates a medicinal Scylla and Charybdis in which each plant is both poison and cure. A knowledge of ancient herbal medicine and modern pharmacology makes sense of a scene of soldiers turned into pigs and helps us appreciate a moment of tremendous danger and suspense for our great ancient hero Odysseus.
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables. Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care. WINNER
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
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Accepting new patients. We accept Medicare. Schedule your appointment with Premier Dermatology today. 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 • Alpharetta, GA 30005 PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899
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“If I purchase a lift recliner, I will stop moving!” This is a concern for many people living with diminished mobility, but the situation may not be as clear as you think. Read on to discover how a lift recliner can mitigate fall risk, potentially reduce UTI occurrence, and increase circulation and lymphatic drainage. Aesthetics- Modern lift recliners have evolved to include a variety of sizes, colors and upholstery options to enhance your home’s decor. Many manufacturers make streamlined styles to economize space and offer upholstery choices such as genuine leather or the same breathable urethane that is found on Maserati and Lear Jet seats! Features- Today’s lift recliners provide options for integrated cup holders, heat, roller or air bladder massage, and full-chair tilt to rejuvenate circulation and improve lymphedema. Additionally, you might find storage compartments, ambient lighting, tray tables, built-in speakers, and aromatherapy accessories! Wellmade lift recliners will last for many years. Replacing your favorite 30-yearold football watching chair with a lift recliner that will evolve with your needs for the next 20 years can be a wise (and VERY comfortable) investment! After all, you don’t need to use the lift assist function until you really need it! Care and Maintenance- Highquality lift recliners will have frames built of hardwoods like Northern White Maple or other furniture-grade hardwoods. They will have reinforced stress points and will be engineered for high weight capacities and repeated use. Purchasing from a local dealer will
ensure worry-free service and repair should parts require replacement. Look for a lifetime warranty on the chair frames and at least a 7-year prorated warranty on other components. Upholstery can range from microfiber or high-performance fabrics that can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution to wipe-clean breathable urethane or natural leather. Sizes and Proper Fit- You may not know that lift recliners come in petite, small, medium, large/tall and heavy duty! Proper sizing by someone trained by an occupational or physical therapist is key! Knowledge of how neurological changes impact movement patterns, and the effects of brain changes on one’s ability to navigate a remote control can be vital in finding the perfect chair. Physical Benefits- Many customers report fewer challenges with UTI’s due to the ability to easily get to the restroom. Without the lift assist of a lift recliner, your loved one might be inclined to sit for long periods of time without voiding. Those living with lymphedema can relieve leg swelling by choosing a lift recliner with a “twilight tilt” or “zero-gravity” function. These positions allow legs to raise above the heart to aid fluid drainage and alleviate heaviness in lower extremities. Lift recliners that are designated as Class II medical devices are regulated by the FDA and have a standardized slow and steady lifting motion to ease users to a standing position. Positioning a rollator or cane directly in front of the chair can limit fall risk. Shopping for your new favorite chair? Visit Mobility Plus Alpharetta Monday-Friday 10am-5pm or Saturdays 9am-1pm. We look forward to helping you find the best lift recliner for you or your loved one!
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Psoriasis Awareness Month
Understanding your triggers and finding the right treatment Brought to you by – Dr. Titilola “Lola” Sode, Epiphany Dermatology August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of a chronic inflammatory condition that affects more than 8 million Americans. While psoriasis is often recognized by its thick, scaly patches of skin, it’s much more than a cosmetic concern. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that can impact your overall health, making proper diagnosis and treatment essential. One of the challenges of living with psoriasis is that flare-ups can be unpredictable. While every patient’s experience is different, common triggers include stress, skin injuries such as cuts or sunburns, certain infections, changes in the weather, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and even some medications. Identifying your personal triggers is an important part of managing the condition and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Because psoriasis can affect more than just the skin—including the joints in some individuals—it is important
to partner with a board-certified dermatologist who can develop a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your needs. Whether your psoriasis is mild or more extensive, there are more treatment options available today than ever before. From prescription topical medications and light therapy to advanced oral medications and biologic therapies, we can customize an approach that fits your lifestyle and treatment goals. Living with psoriasis doesn’t have to mean living with constant discomfort or frustration. By understanding your triggers, following a consistent treatment plan, and working closely with your dermatologist, you can achieve better control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you’ve been struggling with persistent patches of dry, itchy, or scaly skin, don’t wait to seek care. This Psoriasis Awareness Month, make your skin health a priority by scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist and taking the first step toward clearer, healthier skin.
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BROOKHAVEN, GA 4360 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd Ste 280 Atlanta, GA 30341
CALL OR SCAN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
(470) 903-8886 E P I P H A N Y D E R M AT O L O G Y. C O M
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Change is right around the corner for your 2027 plan Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare In life, change is inevitable. This is also reflected in the world of Medicare insurance. Medicare is health insurance for individuals age 65 and older, or for those under age 65 who have certain disabilities. Medicare itself, meaning traditional Medicare, stays very consistent through time. It’s the private-sector options like Medicare Advantage Plans and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans that need to be reviewed every year. Medicare Supplements Plans DO NOT change in benefit year over year, but they do go up in price every year and should be “price-shopped” every so often (suggested every 3-5 years). Here is a strategy for your Medicare Insurance Plan Search this Fall: 1. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) booklet. This booklet will review the changes to your current plan for 2027. Insurance companies are required to mail these to you and must be sent out no later than September 30th, 2026. NOTE: Right now is a good time to call your Medicare Advantage or Pre-
using an AI platform, start your research there, but bring your findings to a reallife independent Medicare insurance agent to confirm your findings.
PROVIDED
scription Drug Plan carrier to confirm your accurate mailing address so that you don’t miss your ANOC booklet. 2. Make note of the benefits that matter most to you for 2027! Examples could include low doctor copays, more dental insurance, hearing aid coverage, grocery allowance, strong coverage for brand-name prescriptions, or having a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B Premium Reduction included.
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans Serving North Atlanta Seniors for More Than 15 Years Representing Most Medicare Insurance Companies
Paige Gorman Agent
• Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis • Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services • Individual Health Coverage for those under 65
770.315.8145
www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Of course, the plan you go with needs to cover your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions. That's a given, but ask yourself- what else would I like?! 3. Research what other options are available. Many of you may like to do the research yourself, and I love that! It’s a great way to start, but ultimately I advise you to discuss with an independent/non-biased Medicare insurance agent. If you are exploring and researching
Why not just sign up for a Medicare insurance plan on my own? There is a traditional proverb, “To know the road ahead, ask those who are coming back”. Independent Medicare insurance agents/brokers have already been there, they’re the ones coming back (using the proverb mentioned above)! Asking a Medicare insurance agent for help with plan knowledge and enrollment help could save you a lot of time, money and frustration. And, it will cost you $0 for their services. We are a local Atlanta independent insurance agency with a specialty in Medicare insurance. We are independent Medicare insurance brokers. I live in Alpharetta, but we have agents throughout the Atlanta area that can help you this Fall during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (runs from October 15th - December 7th, 2026). Give us a call at (770) 315-8145 or reach out to us online at SeniorSourceMedicare.com. Schedule Annual Ads\ T:\ADS_2025\Appen Mediayour Group\Filler Review appointment TODAY! Shop, Eat, Read Local
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Appen Media Wins 2026 Georgia Press Association General Excellence Bringing Journalistic Excellence to North Atlanta 1st Place
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