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May 18, 2020

When it comes to finding a place to put down roots, you want it to be top of the line. These senior living communities in metro Atlanta exceed expectations with high-end amenities, fantastic programming and events, and missions focused on building and continuing healthy lifestyles.

Celebration Village: A Celebration of You

Designed and built to inspire a brighter view of aging with purpose, Celebration Village is not simply a place to reside—it’s a place to thrive.

At both Celebration Village Acworth and Celebration Village Forsyth, each resident is viewed as an essential part of a community culture rooted in the successful aging principles of the nationally recognized Masterpiece Living initiative. Masterpiece Living has a focus on holistic wellness, bringing together physical, mental, social, and spiritual elements to promote an overall healthy lifestyle. This includes measurement and feedback tools for individual growth, an emphasis on encouraging community, and programming to reduce aging risks.

The Celebration Village mission is to heighten all the best parts of residents’ lives, which is why these communities have earned recognition as two of the area’s finest senior living destinations. Today, their dedication to wellness is exemplified by recent expansions that bring stunning, brand-new additions to both locations. Stop into either campus and you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and shown an impressive selection of new luxury senior apartments complete with high-end finishes and a range of club-style services, features, and amenities.

Stick around and you’ll find that everything about life at Celebration Village makes it easy to embrace the endless opportunities around you. If this sounds like the enriching, purposeful senior living experience you’ve been looking for, we recommend stopping by sooner rather than later. The new residences are filling up fast, and now’s the time to learn more about what your future could look like at two of Atlanta’s most innovative senior living communities.

Christian City: Affordable, Neighborly, and Vibrant

Emphasizing both physical and spiritual health, Christian City’s 500-acre community offers an abundance of activities and volunteer opportunities to enrich the lives of our active senior residents. Patio homes at Christian City are designed for active senior living
in a beautiful, peaceful, neighborly setting. Our life-lease program allows seniors ages 65 and older to lease a patio home for the duration of their lifetime.

A strengthening center, indoor swimming pool, and walking paths, as well as planned activities, events, and classes are at our residents’ fingertips. A community garden, pet park, putting green, bocce ball, and shuffleboard court are available for use by residents as well. The recreation center offers senior residents a variety of educational, social, and entertainment programming without leaving the Christian City community, and a variety of volunteer opportunities are available across the campus.

Four neighborhoods of duplex, triplex, and quadruplex patio homes offer one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Renovated home interiors feature stainless steel appliances, granite/quartz countertops in kitchen and bath, upgraded flooring, ceiling fans, quality window blinds, washer/dryer hook-ups, large closets, a sunroom or patio, an attached garage or carport, and landscaped lawns.

Frequent travelers enjoy the convenient location of our beautifully wooded 500-acre campus, just 15 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With lawn care and home maintenance covered, your active senior life will be more carefree at Christian City.

To tour the community and view available homes, contact Carmen Thill at 770-703-2749 or cthill@christiancity.org.

St. George Village: A Wise Choice Preserves Independence

In 2005, three seniors made a shrewd decision that resulted in their ability to live independently 15 years later. Joyce Nunn, Maurice Turcotte, and Jewel Lamica—now with an average age of 96—chose to move to St. George Village while in their early 80s. To- day, they still reap the benefits of that conscious decision to plan for their retirement futures by moving to a community that supports active engagement at every stage of life.

Jewel, who moved from nearby Alpharetta, loves the familiar neighborhood. She’s still able to go to places like her regular grocery store, but she also has opportunities for brand-new experiences, such as basic technology classes that have taught her how to use her tablet and smartphone. “The classes have been such a gift,” she says. “I love to read and now I download books to my iPad.”

Joyce, who recently turned 98, has never regretted her decision to move to St. George Village. “One night I was eating dinner on a TV tray and realized I was tired of living alone. I wanted to be with other people, but I also wanted to maintain my independence,” she says. “I decided right then that this is where I wanted to move.” Joyce continues to be active and do things she loves, like baking sweet treats that she delivers to her neighbors in the community.

Dr. Maurice Turcotte moved to St. George Village with his first wife after caring for their large home became too much. The continuum of care and skilled staff were a blessing during his wife’s illness and subsequent death. When Maurice remarried, that same care became an even bigger blessing during his second wife’s illness. Still agile at 96, he credits his health to regular walks around the community’s outdoor trails. “I’ve had a little setback that requires me to use a walker these days, but I’m still walking,” he says.

Jewel, Joyce, and Maurice are perfect examples of the impact that making a wise choice can have over time. Their decision to move to St. George Village, a life plan community where every aspect is designed to help residents experience an active lifestyle, has provided them a confident and independent retirement.

We invite you to come and discover St. George Village for yourself. We offer a variety of ongoing opportunities to explore our community, from the social to the informative. Call 678-987-0409 for more information about upcoming events.

Health Innovations 2020

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May 13, 2020

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The latest procedures and newest technologies from some of metro Atlanta’s top medical practices.

Georgia Urology: Leading the Charge in BPH Treatment

It is estimated that almost 40 million men in the United States have BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), a noncancerous growth of the prostate which can significantly impact a man’s ability to empty his bladder and his quality of life.

BPH is the number one reason why men visit my office. Over the years, many different treatment options for this issue have ranged from medications to surgical removal of the prostate. The newest therapy is called Aquablation from Procept BioRobotics, a unique, minimally invasive option that uses a robot to deliver a high-pressure water jet within the prostate tissue to create a large channel through which urine can flow more easily. Each case is customized to the exact shape of the patient’s prostate anatomy using real-time, multidimensional imaging.

Aquablation is clinically proven to be both safer and as effective in relieving symptoms as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which has been considered one of the gold standards of treatment for many years. It is FDA-approved and provides some distinct advantages over traditional surgical therapies.

As the first surgeon in Georgia to perform Aquablation, I’ve learned most prostates, regardless of size, are amenable to Aquablation. One significant advantage of Aquablation is there are fewer sexual side effects using this technology when compared to all other types of surgical removal of the prostate.

My colleagues at Georgia Urology and I have performed more than 50 Aquablation cases. We have been very impressed with the versatility of the system as well as the significant and safe symptom relief seen by our patients. Additionally, Aquablation allows for personalized treatment of each patient with physician-supervised robotic precision. It’s a very nice option for patients considering BPH treatments.

Peachtree Orthopedics: Timely Orthopedic Care Without an ER Visit

Why go to the emergency room if you don’t have to? UrgentORTHO, the latest innovation from Peachtree Orthopedics, is designed to help get you back to feeling like yourself even quicker.

Emergency rooms expose you to sick people, creating a greater risk of infection. They cost more than going to your physician, and they can be painfully slow. Now, with any bone, muscle, or joint problem—whether urgent, chronic, or simply nagging—you can come straight to Peachtree Orthopedics. You can be seen the very same day, in the evening, or even on Saturdays. Whether after work, after school, or after hours, you can now be seen for urgent orthopedic issues or injuries on your time, for a lower cost than the emergency room.

For more than 65 years, people of all ages have turned to Peachtree Orthopedics with injuries because they are dedicated to getting you back to doing what you love. And now they are open later and longer to make sure you don’t have to wait in pain.

With 34 doctors, eight locations, three MRI facilities, seven physical therapy clinics, and leading specialists for every body part, you are ensured convenience, the best possible outcome, and the easiest recovery.

Wellstar: High-Tech Healthcare in Your Neighborhood

The most advanced medical technology is right here in metro Atlanta—and it’s at Wellstar. You may have stopped at a convenient Wellstar Urgent Care location or passed one of the hundreds of medical practices on your way to work, but that’s just the start of the possibilities. Wellstar has the technology to take your care to the next level, whether you’re dealing with a new diagnosis, a chronic illness, or being rushed into emergency surgery.

Every day, Wellstar provides state-of-the-art treatments for people like Zac. After suffering a traumatic fall from the roof of his parents’ home, he almost didn’t make it. But his Wellstar care team acted fast to save his life. Then, when his respiratory system went into distress, Zac was treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to reoxygenate his blood, circulating it in and out of his body—and saving his life once again.

Wellstar offers new advancements for breast cancer patients like Nan. Less than five miles from her home, she received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), a groundbreaking procedure that delivers concentrated radiation in a single dose during surgery. For Nan, that meant getting back to her law practice and skipping weeks of time-consuming radiation appointments.

For stroke survivors like Ashley (pictured), Wellstar’s quality and compassionate care made all the difference in her treatment and recovery. To relieve swelling in her brain after a stroke, she had part of her skull removed and stored in her abdomen to preserve it. Six months later, her skull was perfectly reattached. Today, she gets to experience a different kind of challenge: becoming a mother to her newborn son, Luke.

Investing in new technology means investing in you. That’s why at Wellstar, it’s about more than healthcare. It’s PeopleCare.

AllSpine Laser & Surgery Center: Laser Spine Surgery, Myth or Reality?

Laser spine surgery has made life better for thousands of people who thought they would suffer with back pain for the rest of their lives. It’s been nothing short of a miracle. The problem? When you think you’re getting laser spine surgery and you’re actually not.

Laser spine surgery is a highly successful procedure with no scarring, hospital stays, or cutting whatsoever. It works by decreasing the size of bulging disks with highly precise laser energy. Numerous people are now living pain and drug free from laser spine surgery.

However, some doctors use the word “laser spine surgery” as a marketing tool and then use traditional surgical techniques. These false marketing practices create disinformation for patients. What you want to look for is a doctor who performs “percutaneous laser disc decompression surgery,” or PLDD surgery.

With no hospital stay needed and no cutting or scarring from the procedure, PLDD surgery at AllSpine Laser & Surgery Center is the answer to your chronic back and neck pain.

Treating Cancer in Atlanta

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May 1, 2020

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Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in metro Atlanta is part of the CTCA Comprehensive Cancer Care Network and is located in historic Newnan, just outside of Atlanta. Specializing in treating adult cancer patients, CTCA Atlanta offers an integrative approach to care that combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and advancements in precision cancer treatment with supportive therapies designed to manage side effects and enhance quality of life, both during and after treatment. CTCA Atlanta also offers qualified patients a range of clinical trials that may reveal new treatment options supported by scientific and investigational research.

If you or a loved one have cancer, you want the smartest way to fight it. Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is the National Cancer Institute (NCI)–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Georgia, the highest designation given by the NCI to cancer centers in the nation. Winship offers expertise in cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment with the most advanced therapies—providing treatments years before others can. Our expert team coordinates every detail of your visit to meet your individualized treatment plan. To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-WINSHIP or visit emoryhealthcare.org/cancer.

As a lawyer, Nan Harman-Dempsey has never been afraid of a challenge. But after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Wellstar came to her defense. It wasn’t just the calm reassurance that made her feel like she was in good hands. At Wellstar, she received complete cancer care, just miles from her home. Two weeks after her diagnosis, she was the first treated with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), which delivers radiation in a single dose rather than weeks of follow-up appointments. For Nan, that meant getting back in the courtroom in no time, confident and cancer-free.

At Georgia Urology, our expert physicians are recognized leaders in the treatment of urological cancers. We offer the most advanced and innovative treatments for all types of cancers of the genitourinary system, including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and cancer of the adrenal glands, penis, ureters, and urethra—some of which are not available anywhere else in the region. No matter your healthcare need, you deserve to be confident. You deserve a partner you can trust. You deserve the experts at Georgia Urology. To make an appointment, visit us at gaurology.com.

The Power of Plasma: How Your Plasma Can Make a Difference

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March 6, 2020

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The Power of Plasma: How Your Plasma Can Make a Difference

BioLife Plasma Services, an industry leader in high-quality plasma collection, is opening a new, state-of-the-art center in Morrow on February 29^th and welcomes you to learn more.

Did you know millions of people with rare and chronic diseases depend on therapies that are produced directly from donated plasma? Yet only a small percentage of the people in the United States who are eligible to donate plasma actually do. Plasma donation is safe, easy, and rewarding—donors help save lives.

So, how can you help and just how does this life-changing substance benefit those living with rare diseases?

What you need to know about plasma

Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood that carries blood components throughout the body, and is essential in creating a wide variety of therapeutics, including blood clotting proteins to treat hemophilia, immune support therapies, blood volume replacements, and surgical sealants. After plasma is collected, it is screened and sent to facilities for processing into therapies that benefit thousands of people every day.

Check out the top reasons to consider donating plasma:

1. Plasma donation is easy and low risk.

BioLife is committed to the highest standards of safety and employs numerous measures to ensure the safety of its donors and its products. This includes careful screening measures and safety processes—donor selection and screening, plasma screening and inventory hold, and virus inactivation and removal. Plasma collection in the U.S. is strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Prior to coming in, donors can easily check eligibility requirements, schedule appointments, and check for centers in their area all from their phones through the BioLife Plasma mobile app. For new donors, your first visit will take around two hours to account for an initial physical exam and medical screening, with appointments about an hour after that.

2. Plasma donors help save lives.

When you donate plasma, you are helping patients around the world who rely on the life-changing therapies processed from plasma. Plasma can’t be manufactured—it can only be obtained from healthy donors. So patients are depending on donated plasma to receive these treatments.

Plasma-derived therapies benefit thousands of people every day who suffer from conditions such as hemophilia and immune deficiencies.

3. You’re compensated for your time.

Because BioLife knows that your time is valuable, they compensate their donors for the commitment they make in regularly donating plasma. After donating, you’ll be paid through the BioLife Debit Card. Funds are electronically added to your card after each time you donate so that it’s easy to use anywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted. For more details on your compensation, you should contact your local center directly.

4. An opportunity to connect with others and sit back and relax!

BioLife wants to make your donation experience as enjoyable as possible! BioLife centers are equipped with free Wi-Fi, as well as a free supervised playroom so your children can have fun and play while you’re donating.

The staff at each center is welcoming and knowledgeable, with trained technicians on site to make sure you are comfortable throughout the entire donation process. BioLife offers flexible hours to fit your schedule and, of course, clean and comfortable centers so you can make yourself at home!

So you’re in? Here are the next steps

To learn more about plasma donation and BioLife, download the BioLife Plasma mobile app or visit their website at www.BioLifePlasma.com. There you can review the plasma donation step-by-step guide, eligibility requirements or the FAQs page. Schedule your appointment to start helping others today!

10 Reasons Georgia’s Lake Country is Atlanta’s Best Weekend Getaway

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March 3, 2020

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10 Reasons Georgia’s Lake Country is Atlanta’s Best Weekend Getaway

Within a two-hour drive from Atlanta, an adventurous yet relaxing retreat awaits along the beautiful shores of Georgia’s Lake Country. With a combined 35,000 acres of glistening waters, Georgia’s Lake Country beckons sunshine lovers to explore two expansive lakes and four picture-perfect small towns. From stunning sunset cruises to world-class fishing to idyllic shopping and dining destinations, Lakes Oconee and Sinclair offer the promise of living the best version of your lake life dreams.

The Lakes

Once you make it to Lake Country, there’s only one thing left to do: get out on the water. Go for a swim, ride a jet ski, or maybe even do some water skiing. Bring your rod and reel for world-class fishing on Lake Sinclair, or rent a pontoon for hours of family cannonball competitions from one of the many local outfitters on Lake Oconee.

Golf

If working on your swing is more your speed, Georgia’s Lake Country is home to 11 golf courses, each one offering a unique experience to the golf enthusiast. GOLF magazine continues to rank two of the Reynolds Lake Oconee courses in America’s Top 100 and four in the top 10 in Georgia. Offering an integration of superior equipment technology with golf instruction, Reynolds Kingdom of Golf presented by TaylorMade is one of only two such facilities in the country, providing an exclusive retreat for full-game improvement.

Adventure

Spend the day exploring miles of walking and biking trails, shooting clays, riding dirt bikes, and taking in the great outdoors. Durhamtown Off Road Resort offers over 150 miles of trails open to bikes, ATVs, and SXS. Hike along 30 miles of trails and wetlands that surround old cemeteries, home sites, quarries and lead to an ancient effigy at Rock Hawk. The recreation possibilities are endless.

Oconee River

The Oconee River is to thank for the creation of both Lakes Oconee and Sinclair, but more than just a source for the reservoirs, the river is a destination of its own. South of the Sinclair Dam, the river flows unobstructed. Local outfitter rentals and boat ramps at the Oconee River Greenway make it an easy float by kayak or canoe for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Spas

If your destination is relaxation, whether you’re a health novice or an experienced spa goer, Georgia’s Lake Country offers relaxing and pampering treatments. The only goal for each guest at The Spa at The James Madison Inn is to enjoy a personalized and relaxing experience of body treatments, facials, and soothing massages. Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee offers a menu infused with native Georgia ingredients, water-themed therapies, and a lodge-like space with windows overlooking Lake Oconee.

Unique Lodging

Rocking on a front porch with an ice cold sweet tea in hand isn’t just a daydream, it is a way of life in Georgia’s Lake Country. Southern hospitality flourishes among the historic antebellum era B&Bs and luxury resorts. Charming amenities, complimentary bicycles, wine and cheese hours, and full gourmet breakfasts await you. If you enjoy sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows and waking to the sunrise over the water, various lakeside campgrounds are the perfect option.

Downtown Milledgeville

Founded in 1803, Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia during the Civil War and was recently named one of the coolest small towns in America. This charming southern town boasts a hip college vibe that has an eclectic mix of locally owned shops and dining options. A popular tourist tour destination, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion was home to Georgia’s governors from 1839 to 1868 and was occupied by General Sherman at one point. Showcasing the beautiful Greek Revival architecture style, the Mansion is open for guided tours daily. The best way to take in the town of Milledgeville is aboard their Historic Trolley Tour, offered Wednesdays-Saturdays.

Downtown Madison

Discover picturesque antebellum homes while shopping boutiques and antiques to find one-of-a-kind treasures to take home. Madison is the town Sherman refused to burn on his infamous March to the Sea and its National Register Historic District is one of the state’s largest collections of 19th century architecture. Tour Heritage Hall for a classically Southern experience, as this Greek Revival home was built in 1811 and was a private residence until 1977. Madison also features one of the South’s few authentic dude ranches, Southern Cross Guest Ranch. Home to well over 150 quality Paint and Quarter horses, the Ranch is known for its exceptional 17-room inn, hands-on horseback riding programs, and unguided riding opportunities.

Downtown Greensboro

Lake Oconee’s hometown was around long before the lake was created. Greensboro was founded in 1786 and offers vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment. Grab a local beer at Oconee Brewing Company, a craft brewery housed downtown in a renovated cotton warehouse. Located directly behind the Greene County Courthouse, the Old Gaol (jail) housed Greensboro’s prisoners well into the 1890s. Today (by appointment), visitors can touch the two foot granite walls, look down over the gallows, and stand in an actual cell to imagine what life was like for the accused.

Downtown Eatonton

Nestled between the lakes and the Oconee National Forest lies the historic antebellum town of Eatonton. Heritage is deeply rooted in this community and its people understand the value of preserving the past, which you can see just by taking a stroll through downtown, lined with antebellum, Gothic, and Victorian-style homes. Find out more about the man behind the famous Uncle Remus stories, his life, and the surroundings that influenced one of America’s greatest writers at The Uncle Remus Museum. Take a scenic drive through the countryside along the Alice Walker Driving Tour. Walker, author of the award-winning novel The Color Purple, was born in Eatonton and the driving tour takes you past several important places in Walker’s life.

Strong Hearts

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February 20, 2020

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There are many doctors in metro Atlanta who can guide your heart health. Find out how each medical center can help.

WellStar

Heart health—and restoring cardiac function when things go wrong—has always been a priority for WellStar. That’s why we’re continually investing in our top-tier team and technology, so you can stay at the top of your game. Prevention is the first line of defense, and our Know Your Heart screenings provide detailed, personalized risk profiles. When surgery is called for, we offer innovative procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and breakthrough techniques for treatment of atrial fibrillation. When heart health’s top of mind, think WellStar—for cardiac care that never misses a beat.

Northside Hospital

Northside Hospital’s board-certified cardiologists and vascular surgeons have the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and circulatory system from the simplest to the most complex conditions. The system has been recognized by some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations for its commitment and success in treating patients with chest pain, heart attack, advanced heart failure, and stroke. All Northside hospitals have achieved Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers and multiple awards from the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines programs.

Innovating Healthcare

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February 11, 2020

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Innovating Healthcare

Top-Tier Treatment at WellStar Health System

Convenient healthcare, WellStar quality—that’s the idea behind WellStar’s new Avalon Health Park, a one-stop shop for many medical services. A patient can consult with a physician, then receive an X-ray right down the hall. When bloodwork is required, lab services are available on site.The range of medical offerings at the 40,000-square-foot WellStar Avalon Health Park includes urgent care and primary care, lab and imaging services, sports medicine therapy, cardiology, general surgery, pediatrics, rheumatology, and more. Avalon Health Park and WellStar’s other conveniently located health parks let patients consult with top-tier physicians and specialists right in their community. Add to that easy accessibility, plentiful parking, and a range of services under one roof, and it’s easy to see why the health park concept fits today’s busy lifestyles.

Get more information about WellStar’s convenient health parks, including the new Avalon Health Park.

Collaborative Care at Southern Regional Medical Center

Southern Regional’s Center for Bariatrics and Healthy Weight provides patients with comprehensive options for weight loss and choices for a healthy lifestyle—offering all the services needed for success under one roof. Located on the terrace level of the hospital’s Women’s Center, the program focuses on weight loss options such as laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic gastric sleeve, laparoscopic gastric bands, and healthy lifestyle choices to guide patients throughout their entire weight loss journey.The center’s team understands the struggles with weight that many of us go through; that’s why the program focuses on an individualized approach for each patient’s journey and creates a collaborative partnership for progress. Under the leadership of medical director and board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. KarleenaTuggle, the team of physicians, nurses, patient advocates, dietitians, and exercise physiologists work in partnership with each patient to ensure they are on track for continued success. Learn more at southernregional.org.

Camaraderie Through the Cancer Journey at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

The camaraderie built from a shared cancer experience can be tremendously helpful when making treatment decisions and finding strength during a cancer journey. Cancer Fighters was founded in 1990 by a group of CancerTreatment Centers of America (CTCA) patients seeking a
way to tap into the experience, knowledge, and inspiration of other cancer patients and caregivers across the country.There is a nationwide community more than 42,000 strong, with a local group at CTCA Metro Atlanta ready to encourage, engage, and empower new and current patients. CTCA Metro Atlanta features a beautiful, multipurpose “Cancer Fighters Corner,” a room dedicated to nurturing patients. Here, patients can take advantage of educational events, therapeutic activities, and support groups. Every year Cancer Fighters hosts a Celebrate Life ceremony to commemorate patients’ five-year treatment anniversaries—creating an extraordinary source of pride for attendees and an inspirational goal for patients in treatment. Learn more at cancercenter.com/atlanta.

“A Blooming Affair” at Hamilton Gardens

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February 5, 2020

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Nestled along the shores of Lake Chatuge, just two miles south of the line that divides Georgia and North Carolina, is one of the most spectacular gardens the Southeast has to offer. People from every corner of the map travel the meandering roads of Appalachia to 96 Pavilion Road, Hiawassee, Georgia to admire the beauty that is Hamilton Gardens. Year-round, this botanical refuge is a sight to see for nature lovers, but as April drifts towards May, it really starts to shine.

The warmth of springtime brings the gorgeous colors of this 33-acre woodland garden paradise into brilliant focus. Mid-April to late-May is peak season and has been celebrated annually as “A Blooming Affair,” a six-week window that brings out the garden’s most vibrant colors and biggest fans. Dogwood branches adorn themselves with pearl-to-pink petals; trillium open to reveal their burgundy and pink treasure; Solomon’s seal cups dangle in pairs; trout lilies, shooting stars, wild ginger, and more cushion the forest floor in every direction. With the serenity of the Lake Chatuge shoreline and the Blue Ridge mountains beyond, the garden’s charm is further emphasized by the surrounding scenery.

Take in the Beauty and Even Take Some Home
Springtime means the Greenhouse Plant Sale is in full bloom, too!
Weekends, 10 AM-4 PM, April 11-May 17

From its covered pavilion with picnic tables to the various garden paths, guests are invited to explore the grounds on their own or even schedule a guided tour with a master gardener. Benches are scattered throughout the fragrant garden trails and provide ample opportunity for rest and reflection. And, like the petals of spring blossoms, the Hamilton Gardens Greenhouse opens its doors during these warmer months for visitors to purchase native azaleas and rhododendron for their home gardens. Many come for the plant sale alone!

Record Rhododendron Collection & Garden History
Hamilton Gardens’ staple exhibit and the people who made it bloom

Perhaps the most alluring feature of this idyllic destination is the Southeast’s largest collection of rhododendrons—more than 1,500! A close second are the gardens’ gorgeous native azaleas. Both of these staple plant collections come from the original gardens of Fred and Hazel Hamilton, who donated the entirety of their two thriving home gardens to Towns County to be maintained and enjoyed in perpetuity. Since then, the gardens have grown in more ways than one. In 2018, a dedication ceremony was held to welcome the addition of 600 daffodil bulbs as part of The Daffodil Project, an international campaign to plant 1.5 million daffodils in a sunny, worldwide tribute to the children lost in the Holocaust.

Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge Inc., a 501C3 non-profit, is the largest rhododendron garden in the Southeast. This spectacle bloomed from nothing more than the Hamiltons’ love of rhododendrons and azaleas and the sheer joy of giving these beautiful plants a happy home. Once a Sears, Roebuck & Co. executive, Fred and his wife, Hazel, maintained two luscious gardens, one in Atlanta and one in Towns County at their summer home. The couple travelled frequently and would use their expeditions as chances to add new rhododendrons and azaleas to their large collections, resulting in some hybrids that can now only be found at Hamilton Gardens. Later in their lives, as maintenance became more challenging, the couple donated their incredible collection of flora to the citizens of Towns County, where it still lives for the public’s enjoyment today. Upon their donation in 1981, the Hamiltons’ only request was that the gardens be cared for and remain accessible to the public. Decades later, entry to Hamilton Gardens is no more than a suggested donation of $2 and the grounds are maintained by volunteers incentivized purely by a love for the natural beauty of the flora and fauna within this sanctuary, just like the founders for whom the garden is named.

Beyond Hamilton Gardens
You’ve seen the Gardens, but there’s more to do!

Whether Hamilton Gardens is your destination or simply a lucky find while visiting the area, you’ll find no shortage of natural and man-made amenities nearby. In the shadow of Brasstown Bald Mountain, where Lake Chatuge is located, there are many wonderful hiking trails and opportunities for adventure. Brasstown Bald itself is only a short drive away and, as Georgia’s highest peak, serves as the perfect observation deck to watch as spring blooms in the mountains. If looking for a full day outside, ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, golfing, camping, and more are all close by. For casual campers, outdoor enthusiasts, or just the occasional family tripper, Hamilton Gardens offers an easy and affordable way to beautify your quick getaway or mountain vacation. And with Spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to tend to this blooming affair.

A Q&A With Atlanta’s Top Health Professionals

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February 3, 2020

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A Q&A With Atlanta’s Top Health Professionals

Get fit and stay healthy this year with the following advice from Atlanta’s top health professionals.

Dr. Debra Gray King
Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
accdsmiles.com

“Smile! Studies have shown that people who smile are seen as more attractive, confident, intelligent, happier, and appear younger. Even when you aren’t in a good mood, smiling tricks your brain into thinking you
are and actually makes you happier. Smiling also relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts your immune system.This year take action toward having the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Visit us at accdsmiles.com to take your first step toward a happier, healthier you.”

Dr. Christopher Jones
Kaiser Permanente Orthopaedic Surgery
kp.org/georgia

“During 2020, I am committing to a lifestyle of wellness.The seven dimensions of wellness include social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and physical wellbeing. I currently focus on a few of these dimensions, but to truly live a lifestyle of wellness, I am committed to incorporating all seven elements. Intentionally focusing on these seven domains will allow me to more effectively deliver high-quality care to the patients that I serve. I look forward to this journey in 2020 and welcome you to join me, perhaps by doing your own wellness self-evaluation.Together, we thrive.”

Cathi Huff
Mindful Seeds

“Mindfulness matters. We need to pause, listen to our breath,
inhale positive energy, and exhale negative or unwanted thoughts. Love yourself and others, and always remember to forgive. Focus on taking care of your mind, body, and soul.This starts with small steps. Live with intention—in the moment. Surround yourself with positivity and show others random acts of kindness. Practice mindful eating instead of mindlessly eating. Set daily intentions, journal and reflect as you express your thoughts, and be present with those around you. Mindful Seeds is about encouraging others and planting the seeds for living a mindful lifestyle.”

Dr. John L. LeRoy
John L. LeRoy, MD, FACS, PC Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
johnleroymd.com

“The new year offers everyone a chance to create a fresh start. Committing to long- and short-term goals for better health throughout the year is a fantastic way to measure improvement. I’ve always believed that how you look on the outside can often have a large impact on how you feel inside.To truly make 2020 the time that you become your best self, it’s important to also improve or maintain the way you look and feel. Keep in mind that maintaining optimal health is a marathon and not a sprint, so each step toward your goal should be celebrated.”

Dr. Mark Deutsch
Perimeter Plastic Surgery
perimeterplasticsurgery.com

“The new year is a good time to make resolutions, such as exercising at least five days a week and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night. Ask yourself how you can make each day the best day ever and spend it like it’s your last day. Wake up every morning and ask yourself how you can make an impact on the world and try to pay it forward. It’s okay to splurge on yourself occasionally—you deserve it. We at Perimeter Plastic Surgery believe in a healthy lifestyle for the best results.Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.”

Winter 2019 Premier Properties

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December 17, 2019

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Find your dream home. From choosing the right realtor to selecting the perfect house, condo, or second home, let our showcase be your guide.

The Willows of Willow Point, Russell Lands On Lake Martin: Life on the Lake

The newest Russell Lands On Lake Martin neighborhood, The Willows of Willow Point features large, wooded, and secluded lots with ample shoreline and open water views, making it a new haven set among Lake Martin’s more than 40,000 acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. It offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world near the crown jewel of Lake Martin’s North Shore: Willow Point Golf & Country Club. This Craftsman-inspired neighborhood features a grand entry via a gatehouse, homes designed by some of the Southeast’s premier lake-home designers, and level lots to create your dream lake home.

A unique, new design to The Willows, the Diamond View has been carefully designed and placed to closely connect every part of its open floor plan with the quiet waters and serenity of Pitchford Hollow. Shaped like a diamond pointed to the water, every part of this plan enjoys a beautiful view of Lake Martin. This newly constructed home features two bedroom suites, a powder room, and an open kitchen-dining-living space with vaulted wood ceilings on the main level. The second level offers three bedroom suites, a second living space, and a bunkroom or nursery, creating a home that multiple generations can enjoy. The expansive covered porch, stone fire pit, and terrace, coupled with an easy walk to the water, create the perfect lake getaway. Tour this home at Russell Lands On Lake Martin and experience lake life at its best.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers: New in Newnan

Presented by Scott Cosby, this beautifully updated home with vaulted ceilings features an owner’s suite facing the lake with an attached sitting room and fireplace. Other high points include a terrace level with a theater room; a large, open rec space; a full bath; and storage galore. There’s plenty of unfinished space for a workshop or an in-law/teen suite with a private entrance. The home’s upper level features three bedrooms, two baths, and a panic room. The house also includes a three-car, side-entry garage; a fenced, backyard irrigation system; an invisible fence in the front yard; and incredible views of the golf course and pond.

Newnan became a hub shortly after it was established in 1828. Doctors, lawyers, merchants, and other professionals set up shop in the town. During the Civil War, Newnan served as a hospital city for Confederate troops. Newnan is the county seat of Coweta County and is located about 40 miles southwest of metro Atlanta. With roughly 41,000 people, this community has become a shopping hub in the area.

Scott Cosby was named Realtor of the Year in 2010. Some of his other achievements include being in the Metro Brokers Hall of Fame, Metro Brokers Millionaire’s Club, and the number three team nationally in 2010. Scott uses his real estate knowledge with the support of the largest real estate company in Georgia, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, to offer his clients everything they need—real estate, mortgage, insurance, and closing services.

Engel & Völkers Atlanta: The Next Generation of Midtown

With elaborate detail throughout each residence and chic finish options, 40 West 12th offers effortless elegance in Atlanta’s premier Midtown neighborhood. The 64-condo, luxury residential tower provides a seamless retreat from the bustle of the city life below.

From well-appointed floorplans and floor-to-ceiling glass walls delivering sweeping views of Atlanta’s densifying core, to dual-sided fireplaces opening to expansive balconies and remarkable kitchens and baths, 40 West 12th creates a superior level of comfort and an ultra-luxurious experience. Designed with thoughtful attention to detail, each residence boasts an elegant mix of marble, wood, and foliage seen throughout.

Inspired by local precedent and curated to be different, the lifestyle at 40 West 12th will dare you to imagine beyond the everyday. The vast collection of top-rate amenities—featuring an indoor/outdoor all-season pool and lounging deck, a one-acre sky park, a private grotto, and the state-of-the-art fitness center—invite residents to experience a range of energizing and contemplative moments.

We invite you to experience 40 West 12th with one- to four-bedroom residences now available from the $800,000s to more than $2 million. 40 West 12th, a Selig development, is exclusively sold and marketed by Engel & Völkers Atlanta.

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