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September Special Section

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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Odysseus and medicine in the age of Homer Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the BEST 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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2025 WINNER Best Of WINNER Best Of WINNERBest Of WINNERBest Of Of 2021 Best North 2018 North 2020 North 2023 North Atlanta Best Of Atlanta Best OfNorth Best Of Atlanta Best OfAtlanta North North North North Atlanta AtlantaAtlanta Atlanta Atlanta Presented By 2017

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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.

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Understanding the common causes of bad breath Brought to you by - Atlanta Center for Dental Health

6. Visit the dentist: Regular cleanings and exams can catch issues like gum disease or tooth decay before they worsen.

Bad breath—also known as halitosis—is something nearly everyone experiences at some point. Whether it’s morning breath or a more persistent issue, it can be embarrassing and even impact your social confidence. Fortunately, understanding the causes and solutions can help keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy. Most cases of bad breath start in the mouth. The leading culprit? Bacteria. Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria, and when they feed on leftover food particles, they produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds.

• Medical conditions: Though less common, chronic bad breath can be linked to conditions like sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes, or liver/kidney problems.

Here are the most common sources of halitosis: • Poor oral hygiene: Infrequent brushing or flossing allows food debris and plaque to accumulate, leading to odor-producing bacteria. • Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash away food and bacteria. If your mouth is dry—due to dehydration, medication, or mouth breathing—bad breath can result. • Food choices: Garlic, onions, and spicy foods can contribute to temporary bad breath, as can high-protein or low-carb diets. • Gum disease: Persistent bad breath can be an early warning sign of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), where bacteria infect the gums and bone supporting the teeth. • Tongue coating: A coated tongue, especially at the back, is a common and overlooked source of odor.

Prevention tips The best way to fight bad breath is to maintain excellent oral hygiene and healthy habits. 1. Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. 2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and stimulate saliva production. 3. Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco dry out the mouth and leave behind strong odors. 4. Watch your diet: Limit odor-causing foods and try to eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables, which help clean the teeth and boost saliva. 5. Chew sugar-free gum: This stimulates saliva flow and can help mask temporary odors.

Treatment options If you’ve tried basic hygiene improvements and bad breath persists, it’s time to dig deeper: • Professional dental cleaning: Removing tartar and plaque buildup can dramatically reduce odor. • Treat underlying infections: Cavities, gum disease, or abscesses may need treatment to eliminate the source. • Manage dry mouth: Over-the-counter rinses or medications may help, especially if it’s medication-induced. • Medical consultation: If your dentist rules out oral causes, a doctor can check for gastrointestinal, sinus, or metabolic conditions. Bad breath is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With good hygiene, regular dental care, and a little attention to diet and lifestyle, you can keep your breath fresh—and your confidence high. “Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life." -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Nicole Sykora, and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770-992-2236.

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Thank You for Voting for Us 11 Years in a Row! 2015, 2019, 2023 - 2025

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Dr. Destinee Hood

Why morning breath happens and when bad breath means something more Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care Dr. Destinee Hood

or gently brushing the tongue can make a dramatic difference.

We’ve all been there: you wake up, say good morning, and immediately realize your breath is anything but fresh. The good news is that morning breath is extremely common and, in most cases, completely normal. But when bad breath lingers throughout the day or keeps coming back despite brushing and flossing, it may be your body’s way of telling you something more is going on.

Sometimes the source isn’t your teeth Bad breath can occasionally come from areas beyond the teeth and gums. Tonsil stones are small collections of bacteria and debris that become trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. They are usually harmless, but they can create surprisingly strong odors. Acid reflux can sometimes contribute as well. If bad breath is accompanied by frequent heartburn, a sour taste, hoarseness, or chronic throat clearing, it may be worth discussing those symptoms with your physician.

Why morning breath happens During the day, saliva is constantly helping rinse away food particles, neutralize acids, and keep bacteria in check. While we sleep, saliva production slows down significantly. That gives odorproducing bacteria more time to build up on the tongue, between the teeth, and along the gumline. These bacteria release sulfur-containing compounds that create the familiar smell we associate with morning breath. Anything that makes the mouth even drier can make morning breath worse. Sleeping with your mouth open, snoring, dehydration, certain medications, and nasal congestion can all contribute.

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When bad breath sticks around Persistent bad breath, also called halitosis, deserves a little more attention. One of the most common causes is gum disease. When bacteria collect below the gumline, they can create inflammation and deeper spaces around the teeth where plaque and food debris become trapped. Because these areas are difficult to clean at home, they can become a significant source of odor. Cavities, infected teeth, and food consistently getting stuck between certain teeth may also contribute. Don’t forget about your tongue. The surface of the tongue contains tiny grooves and projections that can hold bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. For some people, simply adding a tongue scraper

What can you do? Good oral hygiene is still the best place to start. Brush twice a day, floss between your teeth daily, gently clean your tongue, drink plenty of water, and stay consistent with your dental cleanings and exams. Persistent bad breath can sometimes be one of the earliest signs of gum disease, dry mouth, decay, infection, or another condition that deserves attention. At your dental visit, we can help determine whether the source is coming from your teeth, gums, tongue, or something else and guide you toward the right solution. Fresh breath may be what you notice first, but ultimately, it is often a reflection of something even more important: a healthy mouth. Here at Roswell Dental Care, Dr. Hood and her team of elite healthcare providers evaluate each patient to gain a complete picture of your overall health. We assure you will feel confident before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at 770.998.6736, or visit us at www.roswelldentalcare.com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!

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770.998.6736 • roswelldentalcare.com 1570 Old Alabama Rd • Ste 102 • Roswell, GA 30076

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Personalized Home Care – Going Above & Beyond

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Thriving while aging Brought to you by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs Every September we celebrate Healthy Aging Month, marking ways to thrive while we age. It’s a time to recognize that learning is a lifelong process, with engagement and wellness habits that we can adopt to enhance our quality of life. Far from denying aging or health challenges that come our way, thriving emphasizes resilience, adaptability and a positive mindset to meet them and find joy and value in life. The daily choices we make over the years impact how we age, and actively managing or changing our daily habits in key areas can make a critical difference. Physical activity and vitality are partners. There are many options like brisk walking, dancing, gardening, yoga or online work out videos that provide an appropriate exercise level that helps move your body daily. Strength and resistance training helps maintain muscle mass and bone density. Your doctor can help advise a course of regular moderate exercise that reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers stress levels and decreases your fall risk. Prioritize supporting your nutritional needs and you’ll find that the saying “you are what you eat” was right. Choose whole foods over ultra-processed options and follow a nutrient rich diet with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Hydration is also important because our sense of thirst diminishes as we age. Following a water consumption schedule can help prevent dizziness, confusion and UTI’s. Avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol

use helps round out your healthy path. Cognitive engagement keeps our minds in shape by learning new skills, taking classes, playing music, singing, doing puzzles or brain games - even spending time in nature to boost our brain power. Curiosity has no age limit, and keeping your brain active can help mental sharpness. Social connections are one of the most powerful keys to a longer, healthier and happier life. Studies show that loneliness and isolation increase illness and depression. The Harvard Study of Adult Development followed participants for over 80 years and found that the strongest predictor of longevity was the quality of relationships. A positive mindset is also linked to a significantly longer lifespan. Embracing aging and focusing on practices like keeping a gratitude journal, maintaining a sense of purpose, and facing changes with a “can do” attitude improves our well-being and our ability to face change. A heart-centered and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can help your loved one with these ways to thrive and focus on their safety, wellness and independence in the warmth and comfort of home. We can assist with all personal care needs, support recovery from surgery, a stroke or return home from a rehabilitation stay. Along with specialized Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s care, we now have Nursing Services as an added support for families. From four hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care we’re here to help. For a free consultation call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match. Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.

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For a free consultation, please call 770-681-0323

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

The three things that change how you age: Strength, balance and flexibility Brought to you by – The Exercise Coach Alpharetta Most people expect to slow down as they get older. But many of the changes we associate with aging is tied to three things that can be improved: strength, balance and flexibility. Strength affects far more than how much weight you can lift. It plays a role in everyday tasks like getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, carrying groceries and staying active without relying on others. Maintaining strength can make a significant difference in how capable and independent you feel. Balance is just as important, yet it often gets overlooked. Small changes in stability can affect confidence, movement and the willingness to stay active. The less confident people feel on their feet, the more likely they are to avoid activities that challenge them. Over time, that can become a cycle that leads to even less movement and confidence. Flexibility and mobility also influence how you feel every day. Reaching, bending, turning and moving comfortably all depend on your ability to move through a healthy range of

motion. When that range begins to decrease, everyday activities can start to feel harder than they should. The good news is that you do not have to guess where you stand. On Saturday, September 12,

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Exercise Coach Alpharetta will host a Wellness Saturday Open House featuring free strength testing, free balance testing and free 5-minute coach-assisted stretches. The goal is simple: give people a

chance to learn more about how they are moving today and what they can do to stay stronger, steadier and more capable in the years ahead. Because getting older is inevitable. Getting weaker does not have to be. happy and pain-free oral healthcare!

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

A network of lung cancer specialists means more sighs of relief.

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At Wellstar, you’ll find a multidisciplinary team of lung cancer experts built around your needs and providing comprehensive, personalized treatment plans.

We are a leader in cancer care, embracing innovation to improve patient outcomes. Our surgeons perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures—providing patients with smoother recoveries and less pain. We also support you during your cancer journey with Lung Cancer STAT Clinics, which bring cancer care experts together to meet with you on the same day to diagnose, stage and initiate treatment sooner. wellstar.org/northfultoncancercare Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center

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Specialist in Integrative Oncology Cancer Treatments Including: Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Nutrition Supplementation

Exercise fights cancer Brought to you by – Jonathan Stegall, MD Did you know that exercise is a powerful anticancer tool? Research has found that exercise reduces the growth and division of cancer cells and STEGALL stimulates cancer cell death. Exercise has even been shown to improve immune system function as well. Whether you have cancer or are trying to prevent it, the best time to start exercising is now. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing cancer and tend to have better treatment outcomes if they do get cancer. Even if you have cancer and have not been participating in an exercise regimen, research tells us that you will benefit from starting an exercise program now. In addition to improving treatment outcomes, exercise also helps with fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even sleep. The good news is that you only need to exercise 30 minutes a day, three

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times a week, to derive these benefits. An activity such as a brisk walk is perfect, at a pace which allows you to talk but not sing. Resistance training also has many benefits.

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As always, please get approval from your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regimen. Choose an activity you enjoy, and make it a regular part of your life. You’ll be glad you did!

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For more Information About us

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Are you getting everything you should from your GLP-1, HRT or peptides? Brought to you by – Olympus MD Milton The missing piece may have nothing to do with your dose. When results fall short, the instinct is often to increase the dose, change the medication or add something new. But what if the better first question is: What are we overlooking? If you’re investing in GLP-1 therapy, hormone optimization, peptides or supplements, it may be worth paying attention to something far less exciting — your gut. Gut health has become one of the biggest conversations in wellness, and for good reason. Your gastrointestinal system does much more than digest food. It plays important roles in nutrient absorption, metabolism, immune function and communication with other systems throughout the body. That doesn’t mean every symptom starts in the gut — or that a trendy “gut reset” magically fixes everything. Be skeptical of anyone who tells you it does. But digestive health deserves a place in a thoughtful, whole-person approach to wellness. The GLP-1 connection GLP-1 medications intentionally affect the gastrointestinal system, including slowing gastric emptying. Nausea, constipation, diarrhea and other GI symptoms can occur. Rather than sim-

ply accepting significant discomfort as the price of losing weight, talk with your medical provider. Nutrition, hydration, dosing and other factors may deserve attention. What about hormones and peptides? Hormone therapy and peptide therapies are very different treatments, and gut health shouldn’t be presented as the secret to making either one “work.” The better question is: Are you looking at the whole picture? Sleep, nutrition, hydration, body composition, stress, activity, medications, underlying health conditions and digestive health can all matter when evaluating how you feel and how your wellness plan is progressing. Stop chasing the next thing Modern wellness offers more options than ever. The temptation is to keep adding treatments when results aren’t what you hoped. Sometimes the smarter move is to evaluate the foundation. If you’re already investing in your health but still dealing with poor energy, digestive issues, stalled progress or simply not feeling like yourself, consider having a conversation with a qualified medical provider about the bigger picture. The goal isn’t more treatment. It’s finding the right strategy for you. For more information, please contact OlympusMD Milton at 470.359.4815

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Skin Care Awareness Month Understanding your skin’s unique needs

Brought to you by – Dr. Kehinde R. Olumesi, Epiphany Dermatology September is Skin Care Awareness Month, a wonderful reminder that healthy skin begins with understanding your skin’s unique needs. While a consistent skincare routine is important for everyone, no two people have the same skin, which is why individualized care is so valuable. As a dermatologist, I believe that awareness is the first step toward healthier skin. That means protecting your skin from the sun every day, becoming familiar with new or changing spots, and seeking care for concerns such as acne, eczema, hair loss, or persistent rashes before they become more difficult to manage. Preventive care and early intervention can make a meaningful difference in both your skin’s health and your confidence. For patients with skin of color, there are often additional considerations. Conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis may present differently than they do in lighter skin tones, and inflammation can sometimes lead to lingering dark spots, known as post-inflammatory

hyperpigmentation. Some patients may also be more prone to concerns such as melasma or keloid scarring. These differences don’t mean skin of color is more difficult to treat—they simply reinforce the importance of receiving care from a dermatologist who understands how skin conditions can present across all skin tones and can tailor treatment accordingly. Partnering with a board-certified dermatologist allows you to receive a personalized plan designed specifically for your skin, hair, and nails. Whether your goals include managing a chronic skin condition, preventing skin cancer, improving pigmentation, or exploring cosmetic treatments such as laser procedures or injectables, expert guidance helps ensure your care is both safe and effective. This Skin Care Awareness Month, take the opportunity to invest in your skin’s long-term health. Healthy skin isn’t about having perfect skin—it’s about understanding your unique needs and working with a trusted dermatologist to help your skin look and feel its very best.

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