Titles and Blurbs

By Bonnie Medford

Embracing the Unique

Local sculptor Betsy Khuri often draws inspiration from old pictures, found objects, her three children, and her two bonus kids. She says her children are her biggest accomplishment. Khuris current projects are inspired by the Renaissance. The pieces have the head of an animal and a human body feminine bodies contrasting with masculine animal features.

Khuri says that for most of her life, she thought that there was something wrong with her. Her thought patterns and visions were different from her peers. As a child, Khuri was taught that art was a hobby and not a career, so she earned an MBA and worked in the computer industry. She says, Growing up in a family that alphabetizes their spices and always has their shoes tied wasnt easy. Now, she is grateful for her unique ideas, her gifts, and for simply being herself. She also seeks to encourage similar individuals.

Khuri has always been creative. One of her favorite childhood memories is of creating art in elementary school. She made a linoleum print that she then carved into the shape of a sun entitled Sunshine. The artist says she can still remember the joy it gave her. Now, she feels that liberating joy every day.
When her children were little, Khuri created works from clay on a potters wheel but was ultimately disappointed when there was little variation. After all, Everything was round! By changing shapes and adding sculptures, she realized that there was another path she needed to follow, leading her to where she is now. She took a few classes in figurative sculpture but is primarily a self-taught artist. Some of her first sculptures were created when she worked with Debra Fritts, who is now working in Abiquiu, NM.

Since then, Khuri has been making sculptures and teaching for about 15 years. She started with childrens classes. She says, I can easily relate to children because of my own short attention span, unfiltered spirit, and unwillingness to follow the rules. Teaching adults is more of a challenge. As we age, we let go of all those things that help make great art. Her advice to other artists is to create your truth, keep working, be proud, and find your people.

In addition to her business, Betsy Oh Art, Khuris accomplishments include:

Published piece, 500 Figurative Sculptures (2014)
Best in Show, Canton Festival of the Arts (2015)
Best in Show, Roswell Art Center West (2015)
Third Place, Canton Festival of the Arts (2018)

Khuri and her apprentices are also involved in the City of Woodstocks Free Art Friday. On Fridays, they post a photo of a piece of art hidden in downtown Woodstock along with clues to its location. Whoever finds the location posts a photo of themselves and their free art using #FAFWoodstockGA on Instagram.

by Farris Yawn

The Vietnam War has been the topic of numerous books, movies, and TV series. So much so that even those of us not directly affected by the conflict almost feel like we know everything about it. Author Donnie Henriques has used his experiences in Vietnam to create a compelling story about an aspect of that terrible war.

Patrick Haney was a young Air Force clerk who, upon arriving in Vietnam, found himself assigned to a new program designed to improve race relations and curb drug use among the personnel serving in the war. Social Actions was the new program that soon brought Patrick into conflict with those profiting from the drug trade.

As if adjusting to living in a war zone was not difficult enough, Patrick also had to fend off physical and professional attacks, sometimes from those he thought he could trust. Those around him also paid the price, sometimes with their life.

Patricks troubles didnt end when he got home either.

Social Actions: A Vietnam Story is a gritty, compelling read that is perfect for anyone interested in getting a glimpse into an aspect of the war we dont hear much about.

Donnie Henriques is a first-time author, born in New Orleans, LA and is now living in Woodstock, where he has served as mayor since 2006. Henriques is a Vietnam veteran with four years of service in the Air Force. Henriques lives with his wife of over 32 years, Dr. Jan Henriques, and has three children and three grandchildren. Since graduating from Louisiana State University New Orleans in 1979, he worked in the restaurant industry followed by the medical administration field for over 20 years.

The book is available on Amazon.com, YawnsPublishing.com and at Yawns Publishing office in Canton.

By Gabriel Morley

The true irony of the opioid epidemic is that it is crippling America.

Drugs like oxycontin, which were originally intended to help relieve pain and suffering from chronic illness, have seeped their way into mainstream America to be abused by drug addicts. About 130 people died each day from an opioid overdose in 2018. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the economic burden of opioid misuse at $78 million annually.

In Dopesick, journalist Beth Macy chronicles the 20-year struggle America has had with opioid addiction. She highlights the beginnings of the epidemic in Central Appalachia to cities and suburbs throughout the country, sparing no one who had a part in the scourge. She calls out drug manufacturers who shirk blame, doctors who overprescribe in the name of customer service, and government officials who capitulated to lobbyists and refused to regulate prescription opioids.

The drugs create a powerful euphoria so powerful that abusers will do anything, including selling the family farm, to avoid its aftereffects. This feeling has been dubbed dopesick.

By focusing on the stories of real people affected by the crisis, Macys narrative is propelled forward in a kind of shocking alarm. A high school football player takes one pill and overdoses. A third-generation farmer gets hooked on oxycontin and loses not only his farm, his family, and his money, but also his dignity.

This touching account of the devastating effects of opioid addiction helps frame the discussion around addiction and how we can work together to prevent it in the future.

The Ever-Evolving Art of Jennifer Ferris

By Jennie Mayes

Local artist Jennifer Ferris has traveled a lot, picking up inspiration along the way, but she gives the lions share of credit to her mother and grandmother. When asked how her art is a continuation of or departure from theirs, she says, The most common thread is our love of nature and our choice of flowers and birds as a frequent subject matter. Also, our drive for perfecting our craft my grandmother wanted to paint a rose realistic enough that you would want to smell it, and my initial desire with my birds was to paint them so they looked like they were about to fly off the canvas. I have since tried to loosen up, and that is one indicator of how my work differs from theirs. While I like to incorporate elements of realism in my work, I tend to lean toward abstraction. My color palette is also quite different, being inspired more by trends in fashion and home decor, and theirs more closely align to those found in nature.

Ferris first started painting small birds as gifts, and its easy to see why these gifts became so popular. Her paintings are full of joy and vibrancy. My goal has always been to paint happy paintings, she says, and I would see the joy in so many of my loved ones while watching their bird feeders. She also feels that studying birds and nature has improved her work. It has helped her to become more observant over time, I feel I can see better in terms of color and structure. It is hard to improve on the beauty already provided by nature, so really seeing what is there can be key, says Ferris.

Ferris began with oils, but after an acrylics workshop, she says she was completely converted. I take photos constantly, and most of my realistic paintings are based on these. I get the most joy, though, out of painting nonrepresentational abstracts right out of my head without any reference, as that is the most freeing for me.

When asked about her daily practice, Ferris replied that she works on her paintings in a series and will typically have at least three to five paintings of a series going at once, and sometimes multiple series, meaning as many as 10-20 paintings at a time.

Ferris has also learned from her students. Paying attention to what works and what doesnt allows her to continue to evolve both as an artist and as a teacher. The students who stick out most are the ones at the opposite ends of the spectrum, those who are super excited about the lesson and seem to really get it, and then those who have more trouble understanding the process or direction. The former makes me love teaching so much, and the latter helps me get better at rescuing students before they get frustrated.

Ferris advice for beginning artists? Be authentic. Dont copy anyone elses work, and remember that goes for photographers as well. Practice your craft as often as possible. Never stop trying to learn and improve. Find a community of artists to work with, or to at least chat with frequently. Painting can be a lonely endeavor lots of ups and downs. Try to be super confident at your easel and super supportive of other artists.

To learn more about Ferris work, visit FerrisWheelArts.com or JenniferFerrisArt.com.

By Jessica Asbell

Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00pm. There are eight days and eight witnesses for you to inhabit. We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer. Stuart Turtons The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle begins with Aiden Bishop in someone elses body, with the name Anna on his lips. He sees a woman running, hears her scream and a gunshot, and is passed by the killer, who drops something into his coat pocket and whispers, east.

As Sebastian Bell tries to make his way to get help, he discovers once he arrives at Blackheath that all is not as it seems. The Hardcastles are having a party, a dreadful one to remember the anniversary of their sons murder. Everyone who is at this party was at their house long ago when it happened. Confused, Sebastian tries to figure out what happened to him, as he also tries to convince everyone that a murder has occurred. Along the way, he meets the players in this twisted game. And day after day, he wakes up as someone else, racing against time to discover who murders Evelyn Hardcastle each night. As he relives the same day through different hosts, he slowly changes the game, setting things into motion with one host, so that another host has the information they need when they need it.

Turtons inventive book is filled with twists and turns. The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle will make you examine the things you think you know, peoples motives, and the balance between grace and punishment. If you are searching for a mystery that is utterly different, pick up this book. Good luck in your quest to discover who murdered Evelyn Hardcastle. It may be more difficult than you think!

By Ryland Johnson

Adventure! Rebellion! Love and mutiny! A secret mission to save the world and a wizard named Tim! Hollis McCollums debut novel, To Save a World, delivers epic fantasy, fun, and honest, relatable characters bound together on a quest to (as you might expect) save the world.

Theres plenty of swashbuckling fun in McCollums book. First of all, To Save a World is an engaging, enjoyable read, but theres also significant depth in the tale. McCollum uses the lens of high fantasy to weave a narrative that is both a timeless coming-of-age story and a poignant parable of modern life. McCollums characters deal with alienation, prejudice, and cruelty.

Hatred abounds in fearful hearts. Honesty is scarce while monsters are plentiful. McCollum is very good at pointing at the problems in society, but she maintains an optimistic perspective: Friendship and love save the day, growth and learning are possible with hard work and a good sense of humor, and positive local engagement can bring about wider change.

Theres a library joke that young adult fiction books arent for young adults per se; theyre just entertaining books for everyone. McCollums To Save a World fits this description. Its easy to see how young adults could relate to McCollums characters and identify with her community-based ethic of care, kindness, and friendship, but its also clear that her work would appeal to readers of any age.

Hollis McCollum is a writer living in Georgia. She also dedicates her time to local childrens charities. The Ocee Library is honored to welcome her for a reading and book signing, free and open to the public, February 16 at 4:00pm.

Assistance Options

Treat Your Valentine to the Best in Senior Living

By Cyndi Braun

Looking for caring staff, beautiful accommodations, and a fun environment to enjoy your senior years? Look no further. The Arbor at BridgeMill is a place youll love to call home.

On any given day, the community is bustling. Residents are busy meeting friends for breakfast, swimming in the saltwater pool, participating in social activities, and gathering in one of many lounge areas.

The Arbor at BridgeMill is beautiful on the outside, but what makes it even more special is what you find when you walk inside a lively community of residents who feel like family. Residents build friendships and enjoy all the social activities that we offer, said Jerry Rick, executive director of The Arbor. Most importantly, our staff provides an extraordinary level of care and service. We call it The Arbor Way.

The 15-acre community offers both charm and luxury for individuals looking to transition into the next phase of retirement living.

Amenities
-Luxury accommodations, resort-like lounge and gathering areas, and upscale restaurant-style dining
-Professionally landscaped courtyards
-Indoor/outdoor saltwater pool and high-end fitness center
-Billiard rooms, art room, theater, and on-site salon and spa
-Emergency response system and 24-hour access to staff and nurses
-Transportation services and available covered parking

Services include independent living, assisted living, and dementia care. With varied care options, its easy to transition to different neighborhoods if needs change.

Independent Living
Seniors who live independently but desire the social aspects of a community enjoy beautiful courtyards, comfortable areas to catch up with friends and family, and amazing dining. They participate in an active social calendar and are free from tedious chores.

Independent residents can choose from a variety of options, including a two-bedroom cottage with a front porch, walk-in closets, all appliances, and a garage, or an apartment with an open floor plan, eat-in kitchen, granite countertops, full-size appliances, and a balcony.

Assisted Living
For residents who need a little more assistance, the community offers luxury assisted living accommodations. Each suite has a wireless emergency call system, so residents can easily summon help. Highly trained staff members support residents 24 hours a day.

Residents enjoy regular housekeeping and laundry services, delicious dining, a separate secured courtyard with beautiful landscaping, and a full social calendar. Four levels of assisted living care ensure residents receive assistance tailored to individual needs. The resident care director, with the residents and family, determines the appropriate level of care by regularly assessing each residents abilities and needs.

Memory Care
Memory care suites include the same comforts as assisted living. Memory care residents have access to their own private courtyard where they can enjoy the outdoors in a secure area. Staff members receive unique, multilevel cognitive care training, so they have the skills to interact positively with people experiencing memory loss. They pair this training with individualized programs proven to improve quality of life.

For residents requiring dining assistance, The Arbor offers their award-winning Dining with Dignity program. This program uses preparation methods to create food options that hold the same nutritional value as a regularly prepared meal but in a form that allows residents to maintain independence and dignity while eating. Chefs complete special training to learn how to incorporate ingredients for easier chewing and swallowing. Meals are offered in an elegant plate-and-table presentation.

Whats Behind the Arbor Name?
The Arbor Company manages The Arbor at BridgeMill, which includes 26 stand-alone cottage homes, plus 110 independent living, 54 assisted living, and 16 memory care apartments. Founded 30 years ago in Atlanta, The Arbor Company operates more than 40 communities in 11 states.

If youre looking for a place youd love to call home, stop by today to experience all that The Arbor at BridgeMill offers.

This sweet couple moved to The Arbor last year. Married for 72 years, Robert and Gloria Lee have three children, seven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. They are thrilled to be part of this community because it offers exactly what they were looking for in senior living.

We fell in love with this place as soon as we saw it, said Robert. The first thing we liked was not being tied up in the hustle and bustle of a downtown area and not being in a high-rise. We like the fresh air and being in the foothills of the mountains. You can walk around, and you feel safe.

Robert and Gloria have family close by and enjoy when their children visit. They are independent seniors but are comforted to know that the community offers transportation services should they ever need it.

Weve met so many lovely people here. The atmosphere is refreshing, and everyone is so friendly, said Gloria.

The Arbor at BridgeMill
700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton
770-691-0022
ArborBridgeMill.com
Facebook.com/arborbridgemill

By Geoff Smith

While the idea of maintaining a good credit score seems simple, there is an art to really boosting your scores with the three big credit bureaus. When you want to buy a home, getting your credit score up can sometimes make a deal work, and other times it can simply improve your mortgage interest rates. There are usually things you can do immediately to boost your credit score, and there are almost always things you can do to improve it over time.

Some mortgage brokers have software that allows them to plug in a clients credit profile and manipulate things like credit card balances and get instant reads on exactly how it will affect the scores from the three main bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Most buyers have a ballpark idea of what their credit scores are, but few know where they stand against everyone else.

ValuePenguin reports that the average credit score in America is 695. That has gone up dramatically since the downturn in 2008. The dividing line between what the mortgage industry usually considers a good versus bad credit score is 700. If your score is above 700, you will get better rates and have more options. That said, Federal Housing Administration loans can be created for people with scores as low as 590. Those rates and fees are not pretty, so it is important to try to get a rate of 590 up to at least 620. If your credit score is over 760, then you are likely getting the best rates available.

Having a good credit score obviously helps you with more than just getting a good mortgage rate. A good score will get you good rates on car loans, credit cards, and can make you exempt from certain fees when signing up for new utilities. So, its imperative to keep working on your score. And to do that, the basic principles always hold true: Stay disciplined, pay your bills on time, and dont max out your credit cards.

Your credit score is really affected by two things: positive and negative credit histories. Some scores are low because of a negative history filled with late payments, maxed-out credit cards, and numerous accounts in collections. Other credit scores are low due to the person simply not having much of a credit history; these individuals are usually surprised to learn they have low credit because they are proud that they have such a low usage of credit. Not using credit cards or loans of any kind certainly requires a healthy amount of discipline. The problem is, when loan officers are trying to qualify you for a loan, they want to see something that shows your repayment history, and credit scores are the easiest way to do that.

If you dont have much of a credit history, consider opening two credit cards. Use them each month (perhaps for groceries), then pay them off each month or at least keep your balance under 30 percent of your limit. Youll rack up points that can be redeemed for things like travel, and youll boost your credit score.

One other thing that catches people off guard are collections showing up on their credit report. These show up a lot with medical bill payments and utilities. If you have a dispute, or see that someone is trying to collect a debt of any kind, do not ignore it. Deal with it as soon as possible because they are quick to put that bill into collections, which will hurt your score. With all the junk mail and email scams out there, it is hard to decipher between what is real and what isnt, and our medical industry is so convoluted that if you have any kind of procedure other than a routine checkup, it is hard to understand exactly what you are responsible for paying. But if you want to have a top-tier credit score, dig in, figure it out, and either pay what they say you owe, resolve the request for payment by getting your insurance company to pay it, or get them to remove the charge in their system.

Hopefully, this will help you on your next car-loan or mortgage application. There is no time like the present to work on making your credit score better than ever.

*The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group.

By Mandy Marger

Much is made of your scores in life. Your school grades partly determine where you go to college and are sometimes considered in employment evaluations. Your health scores (weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) determine if you are high risk for certain ailments and are also considered by insurance companies when you apply for coverage. These numbers arent the best representation of an individual, but for the institution that is interested in that aspect of your life, they are a reliable, concise view of that facet of you. The same can be said for your credit score and the lenders and groups who are interested in your financial history.

Consider financing a house. Lenders with the capital to back your mortgage note need to be convinced that you are a good student who is worthy of them blindly trusting you to pay them back. And while a mortgage is a large and obvious instance where your credit score is scrutinized, there are many other reasons it is referenced when an organization is screening you. Knowing this, and considering it takes time to establish and change your score, its important to keep tabs on it and think about it when making financial decisions.

Who Uses Your Score?
It seems logical that a company that you are asking to lend you money would check your credit score. This could include credit card companies, mortgage lenders, as well as car and student loan lenders. But you might be surprised to learn that utility companies, insurance companies, cell service providers, and even your employer can use your credit score to make judgments about providing services or hiring you.

A Recipe for Good Credit
The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is one of the largest predictive analytic firms whose scoring models are used by a large portion of lenders. Their basic formula for calculating your score uses the following breakdown:

35 Percent Payment History Demonstrating that you are financially responsible by paying your bills on time is the largest portion of your score. Late payments will drastically affect your score, and in the case of mortgages, a past-due mortgage payment can keep you from obtaining a new loan for up to 12 months.
30 Percent Amounts Owed Also called credit utilization, this refers to how high your balances are compared to your credit limits.
15 Percent Length of Credit History This refers to how long your credit accounts have been open.
10 Percent Types of Credit Used This refers to the mix of accounts you have, such as revolving (credit cards, retail stores, personal loans) and installment (fixed-payment loans like mortgages, car, and student loans).
10 Percent New Credit This is about your pursuit of new credit, including credit inquiries and the number of recently opened accounts.

Planning Ahead
If you have a future major purchase that you plan to finance, it is a good idea to prepare well in advance. Check your credit annually using an accredited free service like FreeCreditCheck.com. It is estimated that one in five Americans have an error on their report, so review it carefully, and open a dispute (if needed) so problems can be resolved ahead of your application. You will save yourself time and heartache if you fully understand your budget and finance options before you begin shopping for a home or car. Make plans to speak with a mortgage broker or other finance professional several weeks before looking at homes or hitting the road for a test drive.

Maintaining Healthy Credit
As complex as your credit life can be, its important to stay mindful about your credit health. Consider your daily credit changes and the potential benefit or detriment of opening a new charge card. Plan to save and pay in full for moderately large purchases, such as jewelry and electronics, so that financing does not affect your credit utilization. Try to keep all bills current and credit utilization under 30 percent. If you are newly establishing or reestablishing your credit history, speak to a finance professional or counselor about the best way to reach your goals.

Your credit score is both a complex and overly simplified representation of you. Just as you need to work to maintain grades and your health, it takes effort to keep your credit score/profile up to par. Though it may seem complicated to build and maintain a good score, your efforts will pay off in financial savings (lower interest rates) and peace of mind.

Credit Score Conceptions True or False?
Credit inquiries will lower your score. True, but there are exceptions. Generally, when your score is pulled by an interested party, it will take a hit of less than five points. However, when shopping for a mortgage, car loan, or student loan, you will not be penalized for having credit pulled by multiple lenders in a typical shopping time frame of about 14 days. Credit inquiries remain on your report for two years, and studies show that those with six or more inquires on a report are up to eight times more likely to declare bankruptcy than people with no inquiries on their reports. With that knowledge, you can understand how an inquiry might affect your score by a more significant amount if you have a greater inquiry history.

The credit report I see on my free report is my actual score. False. There are many different credit score models; each is used for various credit purposes. So, you may have a different score depending on what an organization is trying to glean from the report. The free scores that you can (and should) be reviewing once a year are based on an educational scoring model; whereas the score your mortgage lender sees is based on a lending scoring model. Even when your scores are pulled from more than one credit scoring company, its not always your best that is used. For instance, during a mortgage application, your middle score will be used this would be the middle value of a tri-merge score, which is where lenders pull your report from each of the three major companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). And again, considering mortgages, if you have a co-borrower, it would be the lowest of the mid scores of all borrowers that would be used to tabulate qualification and interest rate.

I can pay to have my credit repaired. False. Indeed, attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nations consumer protection agency, say theyve never seen a legitimate credit repair operation making bold, boastful, or guaranteed fix claims. Instead, they suggest seeking out a certified credit counselor who can help you make the necessary repairs through education and effort.

How Good Is Your Credit?
Having a good or excellent score can make securing financing easier and offer you better interest rates, saving you money in the long run.
Excellent: 750 and above
Good: 700-749
Fair: 650-699
Poor: 550-649
Bad: 549 and below

By Hunt Anderson, M.D.

February is American Heart Month, but taking care of your heart is something you should prioritize year-round. A strong heart is essential to vitality; taking it for granted can be deadly. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease accounts for one out of every three deaths in the United States. To put that into perspective, a person in this country dies of heart disease every 38 seconds.

Much like the national statistics, Georgias own numbers on cardiovascular disease are grim. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, heart disease is responsible for 20,000 deaths a year. In addition, Georgia Health News recently cited a report that nearly one in five young Georgians (ages 10 to 17) is obese, as well as recent findings by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that this grows to one in three adults being obese. This extra body weight can significantly increase the risk for heart failure, heart disease, and stroke.

In Georgia and beyond, taking care of ones heart is a serious matter. While some are predisposed to heart conditions based on family history, making healthy choices is important in battling heart disease and other cardiovascular illnesses. Diet, exercise, scheduling regular checkups, and finding ways to manage stress are factors we can and should aim to improve and maintain, no matter what genetic factors may be at play. Here is what you can do:

Establish and stick with a smart and sensible diet.
The well-being of the circulatory system and heart is very dependent on foods that promote proper heart function. Eating healthier foods can make a big difference. Controlling portion size, staying well hydrated, limiting unhealthy fats, and consuming lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are essential to a healthy diet. Nutritionists recommend choosing options such as fish, eggs, and dairy to get your protein. Reducing sodium intake to below 2,300 milligrams per day about a teaspoon of salt is also important.

Get the right amount of exercise.
With discipline, we can keep our hearts successfully pumping oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. True to its name, cardiovascular exercise is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, which can be broken into 10-minute blocks, if needed.

Schedule regular checkups.
Some individuals wait until something is wrong with their health before seeing a doctor, but the adage is true: Early detection is crucial. Doctors use measurements like body weight and blood pressure, as well as conducting cardiovascular screenings during routine appointments, to help make recommendations about heart health. If youre older than 20, get your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index checked.

Manage stress.
The American Heart Association recommends trying stress-busting activities such as creating art, reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk, in addition to stress-stoppers like counting to 10 before reacting, meditating, and more. Similar to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, attempt to make managing stress part of your daily routine.

Know your family history.
Heart trouble (including high blood pressure), heart disease, and other related issues can be passed from one generation to the next. If your parents or grandparents have experienced a stroke, heart disease, or a heart attack, its important to tell your doctor, who may recommend further testing. If heart disease is part of your family history, its even more essential to live a healthy lifestyle that incorporates proper diet, physical activity, and stress relief.

While American Heart Month is a great reminder to take care of the bodys most important organ, we should aim to keep it a priority year-round. Statistics from the American Heart Association paint a daunting picture for those who ignore symptoms and choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. The good news? By eating better, exercising more, scheduling checkups, managing stress, and learning family history, you can soon be on the road to better heart health.


Dr. Hunt Anderson is currently in practice with WellStar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine.
4500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 230, Roswell. 770-410-4520. WellStar.org

By Jim Cheatham

Though February is usually associated with cold weather in Georgia, it could also bring warm weather and we could see both in the same week. However, its important to prepare for possible cold weather emergencies.

Lets start with some definitions:

A winter storm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance.

A winter storm warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is producing, or is forecast to produce, heavy snow or significant ice accumulations.

Georgians do not see many of these. However, they often confuse people as to what they mean. Georgians do see cold temperatures, and we do see moisture. As you know, when these two things combine, it can be a real mess.

What can you do?

Always have a plan to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Think about that. Can your family go 72 hours in the winter without power? Keep in mind that leaving the affected area and riding it out in a warmer climate is a plan. You must have a plan that you can successfully implement that works for your familys set of circumstances.
Be prepared. Have you taken precautions to keep your water pipes from freezing? Is your car winter-weather ready? Do you have the appropriate clothing? What if you had to walk home? Remember layers. Do you have the necessary items in place to make your plan successful? Have you practiced your plan? That last question is very important. Its not a plan until it is a practiced plan.

Stay weather aware. Georgians are lucky that it is rare for us to have a rapidly changing weather condition that we did not know was coming. Take advantage of all the information that comes from the National Weather Service and local news stations, and plan accordingly.

What does Alpharetta Public Safety do?

Alpharetta Public Safety (APS) is constantly monitoring the weather, and discussions and planning start early and often. APS utilizes an abundance of caution in making plans as well as in conveying warnings to the community. As previously stated, Georgians are not usually surprised by a winter weather front, but if you have lived here a few seasons, you have seen it rain on the east side of town and get inches of snow on the west side and vice versa. Depending on the forecast, APS dedicates resources to monitor conditions full-time and begins to send out real-time information. APS also shares information from other sources like Georgia Power and Georgia Department of Transportation, and makes preparations so that weather conditions have as little impact as possible on its community response.

A little forethought and prevention can go a long way. Be safe, and stay weather aware.

Useful links
OutageMap.GeorgiaPower.com/external/m.html
511ga.org
Ready.gov/winter-weather
Weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety
CDC.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/outdoorsafety.html
Osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/hazards_precautions.html

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

Each year, the Cherokee Marshalls Office keeps a statistical report of all death investigations within the county, which includes the Sheriffs Office and each of the municipalities. In 2018, there were 133 death investigations within the county. The manner of death is ruled by both the Coroners Office and the state crime lab, which may include accidental, accidental overdose, fire, homicide, natural, suicide, and undetermined. The coroner and crime lab reports often rely on toxicology results before making a final determination as to the cause of death.

Last year, there were 33 reported cases of suicide. However, that number could increase, as cases are still being finalized. These investigations are some of the most troubling, as detectives must search for reasons that may lead a person to consider suicide. According to the Georgia Survivor Family Network, an estimated 43,000 Americans commit suicide each year, and almost 1,300 of those are Georgians.

There are many risk factors that may lead a person to consider harming themselves:
Bullying
Child abuse or neglect
Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Stress
Exposure to suicidal behavior by others
History of depression or other mental illness
Family history of suicide

The warning signs of someone contemplating suicide may vary from person to person. However, there are some common factors/warning signs to consider when someone is trying to cope with pain and may be having suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

A person contemplating suicide may exhibit these warning signs:
Increased substance abuse
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
Hopelessness
Withdrawn from friends and family
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Talking or writing about death
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking

Another aspect of suicide are the loved ones left behind (survivors). A survivor of suicide is any person who has lost a loved one to suicide. It could be the loss of a family member, friend, client, or co-worker. Loss is relative to the relationship with the person, so all who are impacted by the loss are considered a survivor of suicide. -Georgia Survivor Family Network

Survivors often feel guilt, shock, and blame when learning that someone close to them has taken his/her life. Resources are available for people who are affected by suicide. One such group is the Georgia Survivor Family Network (GeorgiaSurvivors.com).

If you (or someone you know) are considering suicide,
or you are a survivor and need to talk, please reach out to someone to help you cope with your pain. There are many resources available to you.

Georgia Crisis & Access Line 800-715-4225
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
GSPIN.org

New Year's Resolution: Eat Right and Exercise in a Judgement Free Zone

By Cyndi Braun

If youre like most people, you may have overindulged just a bit while ringing in the New Year. Too many midnight snacks, cookies, and sugary beverages may have expanded your waistline enough to lead you to the conclusion that its time to lose that weight, get back into shape, and follow your doctors orders.

Whatever your reason, January is a great time to set fitness goals and start making progress for a new and healthier you. Joining Planet Fitness will help you succeed in record time, at a cost that wont exceed your budget.

We welcome anyone and everyone, but we really cater to first-time gym users. We want to help them begin their health journey, and we want them to stick to it by continuing to work out at Planet Fitness, said Jessica Vazquez, regional manager of five Planet Fitness gyms, including Canton.

Judgement Free Zone
Planet Fitness offers something unique in the industry the Judgement Free Zone a hassle-free and supportive workout environment where everyone, at all levels, can exercise on cardio and strength-training equipment.
The new Canton location offers tons
of high-quality cardio and user-friendly weight-resisting equipment, a 30-minute express circuit, an ab and strength-training circuit, and a PF360 cross-training area with adult-sized monkey bars.

Each of the cardio machines has its own TV with a remote and headphone jack. You can come in, find a show or a movie you want to watch, and plug your headphones into the cardio machine youre using, said Jessica. It makes the cardio workout much more enjoyable.

The gym includes ellipticals that accommodate members who use wheelchairs or have other physical limitations.

Experience PE Classes
Fitness classes are held throughout the day, Monday through Friday. These physical education classes focus on different exercises to strengthen and tone specific areas of the body. A fitness instructor leads the classes, all of which are limited to a maximum of five members.     
-Stretch - Enhance  flexibility with a relaxing post-workout session.
-Core - Tighten and tone abdominals, obliques, and low back.
-Chest and Biceps - Press and curl to increase strength in these muscle groups.
-Legs and Shoulders - Build strength and improve function in these areas.
-PF360 Strength - Build strength and         power in this fun-filled workout.
-PF360 Refresh - Focus on flexibility, core work, and proper breathing in this Yoga-like experience.

Best Value Memberships
Membership plans start at only $10/month, with both short-term contracts and no-contract options.

The most popular membership plan is the PF Black Card, which includes unlimited access to the home club, use of other Planet Fitness facilities worldwide, and unlimited fitness training. Black Card members can bring a guest anytime and use the HydroMassage beds, massage chairs, tanning beds, and Total Body Enhancement booth.

The club also participates in the SilverSneakers program, which is offered by many Medicare Plans.

Have Fun Getting Fit!
The gym is open and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whatever your schedule, you can fit in a workout at Planet Fitness. You might even make a new friend or two. Small classes make it easy to become workout buddies and build friendships.

Pizza and bagels? Yes, of course! Even when youre working toward fitness goals, its important to indulge occasionally. The club offers complimentary pizza on the first Monday night of every month and complimentary bagels on the second Tuesday morning of every month.

If youve never been to Planet Fitness, stop by anytime for a tour of the gym.

Im truly passionate about my job. We build relationships here that are like family, said Jessica. My favorite part is spending time with members, especially helping them achieve their goals, watching them grow from day one, and seeing them push themselves like they never thought they could.

Planet Fitness Mission
 
We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone and we mean anyone can be comfortable. A diverse, Judgement Free Zone where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. Our product is a tool, a means to an end not a brand name or a mold-maker, but a tool that can be used by anyone. In the end, its all about you. As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected. We are not here to kiss your butt, only to kick it if thats what you need.

Planet Fitness

2243 Cumming Highway, Suite 108, Canton
678-880-8113
PlanetFitness.com/gyms/canton-ga
Facebook.com/Planet.Fitness.Canton.GA