A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Choose A Retirement CommunityThe fi rst thing is to fi nd out

what retirement communi-ties are located in the area

where you or your relative(s) pre-fer to live. The weather is an im-portant factor and the proximity to hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, retail malls/stores is important. It is a good idea to ride around to the various retirement communi-ties to get your fi rst impression of the appearance, architecture and location. Once you know which retirement communities are to be considered, check the telephone yellow pages and contact the local Chamber of Commerce to inquire about which retirement commu-nities are members. The more established ones will be listed in the yellow pages and the Chamber of Commerce directory. It is also good to check the internet web site of each area retirement com-munity. The web site will provide key information about the services that are offered and the accommo-dations. Other pertinent information may be obtained from the Department of Human Resources Licensing and Survey reports. This infor-mation may be obtained via the Internet, at the local Department of Human Resources or at any retirement community that has a licensed nursing wing or as-sisted living unit. The Dunn and Bradstreet Financial rating, the State Nursing Home Association, The Better Business Bureau and Long-term-Care Ombudsman are four additional agencies where retirement community stability and historical information may be obtained.

■ INTERVIEW WITH KEY STAFF Call for an appointment and meet the staff; each retirement commu-nity is run by an executive direc-tor and managers of multiple de-partments. These include nursing, marketing, dietary, housekeeping, laundry, social services, recre-ational activities, maintenance of the physical plant and the grounds, security, business and transporta-tion.

Make an appointment with the di-rector of marketing or the admis-sions coordinator. The marketing director/admissions coordinator will explain about the history and ownership of the property, the age, permits and licenses and will pro-vide you with brochures and price lists. The marketing director will show you around the property and intro-duce you to the staff and manage-ment who will answer any ques-tions you may have. It is important to assess the length of employment of the executive director and key managers, their educational cre-dentials, experience and licenses. A strong retirement community staff is knowledgeable in the areas of geriatrics, the aging process, Medicare, rehabilitation, and all long term care issues.

■ TOUR PROPERTY AND ACCOMMODATIONSA tour of the retirement commu-nity is imperative to assess the types and sizes of cottages, apart-ments and rooms associated with

each level of care. Safety features, emergency response equipment and handicap access ability are important features of the tour. The tour allows a potential resident to evaluate the size or space needed for their furnishings, the closets and storage space. The cleanliness and maintenance or upkeep of the property may also be assessed on the tour. Staff-res-ident interaction, social activities and residents’ appearances may also be observed.

■ BECOME INFORMED ABOUT SERVICES, AMENITIES AND CONTINUUM OF CARE During the initial and follow-up interviews and tour, it is vital to be informed about the amenities, services and levels of care that are provided and included in the ad-mission contract. It is imperative that a potential resident be advised about whether the retirement com-munity is a buy-in or lease arrange-ment, the price, refund policy, pet policy, etc. All amenities such as meals, housekeeping and laundry/

linen service, telephone, cable television, transportation and so-cial activities should be explained. A full service, multi-level con-tinuum of care retirement com-munity offers levels of care that range from independent living in cottages and apartments, to as-sisted living or personal care to skilled nursing care. It is prefer-able to move into a retirement community where a resident may “age in place” and not have to re-locate to another property or facil-ity if they should have changes in their condition or require personal assistance or nursing care. The social or recreational activ-ity program should be assessed when making the decision about your future lifestyle. An activities or social calendar should be avail-able for you to study. A varied pro-gram of activities offering mental or sensory stimulating activities, physical activities and cultural en-tertainment should be included so that a resident has multiple daily options and may be as active as they choose to be.

Examples of popular activities in-clude bridge and other card games, movies, bingo, aerobic exercise classes, exercise equipment for individual or group use, birthday parties, special theme parties and seasonal or holiday celebrations. Also, outings with provided trans-portation that include tours of the area, lunches at local restaurants and trips to cultural events should be included in the social calendar. Arts and crafts classes should be available for those who enjoy cre-ative pursuits. A transportation program should be provided to assure transporta-tion to doctor’s appointments and other essential pickups, deliveries or personal transportation to shop, obtain medications and other es-sentials since many senior citizens choose to stop driving. An estab-lished retirement community will have available vehicles that in-clude cars, vans and/or a bus for individual and group transporta-tion. The safety or security of a retire-ment community should also be

assessed since this is a primary reason to leave one’s personal home. Twenty-four hour security is preferable and a gated commu-nity is a comforting asset.

■ COMMUNICATE WITH RESIDENTS, FAMILIES AND PHYSICIANS Another key way to assess that a retirement community is reputable and stable operationally is to com-municate with the residents, their families and friends. Ask pertinent questions about the staff, services, amenities and day-to-day op-erations and activities. Also, ask your personal physician about lo-cal retirement communities, and which ones they recommend for their loved ones and their patients. Also, inquire about the possibility of an overnight visit that includes a few meals and social activities to see if a certain retirement com-munity is a good fi t for you. In-quire about the length of stay for most residents and this will give you a good idea about the care and morale of the resident population.

Sunday, February 20, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 1D

DISTINCTIONPRESENTING ANOTHER

Call 770-683-6833 to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour!

Wesley Woods of Newnan-Peachtree City is part of Wesley Woods Senior Living, Inc. – a not-for-profit corporation serving Georgia seniors since 1954.

A Home of Distinction... free from property tax bills and home maintenance. At Wesley Woods the monthly service package covers utility bills, cable television, 24-hour security and emergency response, chef prepared meals and a fitness center. Join us for lunch and learn more about how you can

...Love Where You Live.

www.wesleywoodsnewnan.com

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A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Choose A Financial PlannerFinancial decisions have be-

come more complex for most individuals. Two-

income households, increasingly complex tax laws, fi nancial de-regulation and a greater variety of saving and investment options have increased the number of de-cisions an individual or family must make and the diffi culty of those decisions.Today both middle- and upper-in-come families may have a need for a fi nancial planner either at spe-cifi c times or throughout the life span of the family. Personal fi nan-cial advisers - also called fi nancial planners or fi nancial consultants - generally assess the fi nancial needs of individuals and provide them with a wide range of options, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, 2002-03 Edition.Personal fi nancial planners are professionals who design an overall strategy to meet specifi c fi nancial objectives. Some of the issues they address are retirement planning, estate planning, tax law changes, funding for college and general investment options. Most planners are generalists and offer advice on a wide range of topics. Some specialize in areas such as estate planning or risk manage-ment.

■ WHEN TO CONSULT A PLANNERMajor life changes, such as a new job, a raise, marriage, parenthood, divorce, widowhood, or substan-tial inheritance or other windfall, are events that may prompt con-sultation with a fi nancial planner. If you are within 30 years of re-tiring, a fi nancial planner can help you plan for adequate retirement income. Or, if your fi nancial affairs seem generally disorganized and with-out direction, a fi nancial planner can help you measure where you are now, help you decide where you want to be and design a plan with options to meet your goals. Generally, single persons with an annual gross income more than

$30,000 and married couples with a combined income of $40,000 or more may fi nd a fi nancial planner useful. If you earn substantially more, it is likely a fi nancial plan-ner could help you coordinate the advice you receive from other pro-fessionals and consultants such as your stockbroker, accountant and/or attorney.

■ THE PLANNER’S JOBAn adviser’s work begins with a consultation with the client, where the adviser obtains information about the client’s fi nances and fi -

nancial goals. Based on the infor-mation provided by the client, the adviser draws up a comprehensive fi nancial plan that includes an identifi cation of problem areas and recommends steps to improve the fi nancial status of the client.The plan will contain the adviser’s description of investments that would help the client meet goals, taking into consideration the cli-ent’s tolerance for risk, long- and short-term goals and current fi nan-cial status. The plan may be dis-cussed verbally, but most often it is presented to the client in writing.

Financial advisers recommend an update at least once a year to evaluate the success or shortcom-ings of the plan and to review any changes that may be indicated. Normal and unexpected events in the client’s life can affect the over-all plan, as can changes in the vi-ability of the investments. Accord-ing to the Department of Labor’s job description, personal fi nancial planners may be involved in buy-ing and selling fi nancial products, such as mutual funds or insurance. Some also assume the manage-ment of their clients’ investments.

■ EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONA college degree is not a prereq-uisite for becoming a personal fi nancial adviser, although many in the profession hold bachelor’s degrees or post-graduate degrees. Certifi cation is not required, but obtaining certifi cations, such as certifi ed fi nancial planner (CFP) or chartered fi nancial consultant (ChFC) designations, can enhance

professional standing. Certifi cations also assure prospec-tive clients that the planner has extensive training and has dem-onstrated competency in the area of fi nancial planning. The certifi ed fi nancial planner designation is issued by the CFP Board of Stan-dards, which reviews relevant ex-perience, education requirements and performance on a comprehen-sive examination. The certifying board also requires adherence to an enforceable code of ethics. The chartered fi nancial consultant designation is issued by the Amer-ican College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. This designation indicates that the planner’s experience and comple-tion of an eight-course study pro-gram have met the board’s require-ments. Both designations carry a requirement for continuing educa-tion for maintaining standing with the certifying boards. There are no requirements for licensure for personal fi nancial planners who limit their professional activities to evaluating their clients’ fi nanc-

es and making recommendations to reach fi nancial goals. Financial planners who sell stocks, bonds, insurance or real estate as part of their professional activities often are required to obtain professional licenses from the state in which they practice.

■ FEESGenerally, fi nancial planners charge the client an hourly fee for services, or they may charge a specifi ed fee for the specifi c ser-vice performed. A fee for a com-prehensive plan may vary depend-ing on the complexity of the plan. When a planner manages a client’s assets, the fee for services may be a percentage of the assets un-der management. The purchase of any stocks, bonds, insurance, real estate or other investment instru-ments is a charge incurred by the client in addition to service fees.

■ SELECTION PROCESSSelection of a personal fi nancial planner requires the same care-ful process as choosing any pro-fessional service provider. So-licit recommendations from your friends and colleagues. Schedule an introductory appointment with at least two professionals so you will have a basis for comparison. Ask about education, experience, specialties, fees and scope of ser-vices provided. Assure yourself that the person you select is someone you trust and with whom you feel comfort-able discussing personal fi nancial matters. Conduct an interview in much the same way you would conduct an interview with a pro-spective employee. In effect, this individual, although an indepen-dent contractor, will be working for you. After you have selected your per-sonal fi nancial planner, continue to monitor your investments and fi nancial status, working with your planner to evaluate your progress toward your goals and to make ad-justments if necessary. In the fi nal analysis, it is your money, your decision and your future.

An adviser’s work begins with a consultation with the client, where the adviser obtains information about the client’s fi nances and fi nancial goals.

When you stop to think about what’s happened in the past year, it’s easy to realize how quickly things can change.

That’s why you should schedule your portfolio review today. This is an ideal time to discuss how the market may have impacted your financial goals. Then we can help you decide if you should revise your investments. And even if you don’t need to make changes, it’s still important to evaluate your investment strategy and help ensure it’s still on track with your goals.

Art HolbrookCFP®, AAMS®, CRPC®

6 Jefferson Pkwy.Newnan, GA 30263

770-251-3500

Tony Bell

53 Main StreetSenoia, GA 30276

770-599-3981

Bill WhitehouseAAMS®

820 Ebenezer Church Rd.Sharpsburg, GA 30277

770-252-2391

Sam Madaris Jr.

7 East Broad StreetNewnan, GA 30263

770-251-8391

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

NOW IS THE TIMETO SCHEDULE YOUR PORTFOLIO REVIEW.

Call or visit any of our 4 financial advisors in the Coweta County area. To find an Edward Jones office near you, call 1-800-ED-JONES or visit www.edwardjones.com.

2D — The Times-Herald —Sunday, February 20, 2011

VA L U A B L E A D V I C E F O R M A K I N G I N F O R M E D D E C I S I O N S B E F O R E Y O U S E L E C T

A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Choose A NeighborhoodReady to look for the ad-

dress of your dreams? Whether you are moving

to town, are looking for your fi rst home or are ready to “move up,” there are a number of questions to ask in order to fi nd the right neigh-borhood. Most searches start with a wind-shield tour, driving through neigh-borhoods that look appealing. If you have friends living in a par-ticular neighborhood already, they can provide lots of fi rst-hand ex-perience. Drive through at different times of the day. Do families walk or socialize outside in the yard? Are pets kept on leashes? Are there lots of small children, or more retirees? Which fi ts your lifestyle? Once you’ve found several neigh-borhoods that “feel” right, it’s time to start your detective work. Today most neighborhoods have neighborhood covenants orhomeowner association bylaws that set limitations on everything from minimum square footage of homes, to whether you can park your RV in the driveway. Some new neighborhoods also include Public Improvement Dis-tricts or PIDs that assess a fee to homeowners each year - usually of several hundred dollars - to pay for shared facilities such as parks and walkways. Are there community facilities like a pool, neighborhood club-house and parks? Families with children place a high priority on the schools that serve each neighborhood. Most states have websites with exhaus-tive information about schools, in-cluding rankings and test scores.

■ HOME VALUES Next are the proximity type ques-tions: Where are the shopping, the medical facilities and the fi nancial institutions? Since your home is probably your biggest investment, it’s certainly worth investigating how home values in your potential neigh-borhoods have risen or fallen. In some areas, values have risen

dramatically, while in others they have risen only slightly.

County tax offi ces can provide a summary of appraised values by neighborhood, as can most area real estate offi ces. In gen-eral, neighborhoods with higher current prices have also seen the largest increases in values. Resale value is especially important if you expect to be relocating again within a few years. Home apprais-als also offer an idea of what taxes will be. If it’s a new neighborhood, spend time with the developer or his representatives, looking at future plans for development for the neighborhood. Give some thought into what the growth patterns of the particular part of town will be, to deter-mine if traffi c will get heavier or the outskirts of town will be the middle in 10 years. Country living can offer a peace-ful atmosphere at a lower cost, but long daily commutes may not save time or money. Check for the proximity of the neighborhood to employment, highways, entertainment, church-es, shopping, parks, schools and hospitals. How close are the near-est police and fi re departments?

■ OTHER COSTS Look at the cost and availabil-ity of utilities. Cable television is not always available in ruralareas, although satellite television is usually an alternative. Spend

time looking at your local newspa-per’s web site, getting information about mortgage rates, neighbor-hoods and a whole lot more.If you’re interested in a new home, local builders can provide infor-mation. Meeting your future neighbors is

another great way to learn about the neighborhood. Watch for pub-lic events, anything from neigh-borhood Easter egg hunts to PTA meetings, to get acquainted and ask them how they like the neigh-borhood. Would they buy there again? Does

it look like everyone takes pride in his or her neighborhood? Are the lawns mowed? Are fences and outbuildings well maintained? Inevitably, choosing a neighbor-hood is a very personal deci-sion that can be made only after deciding what your needs and

priorities are. Taking all of these factors into account will take some time, but doing your homework is the only way to truly get a feel for a neigh-borhood and decide whether it’s where you want to make your home.

Since your home is probably your biggest investment, it’s certainly worth investigating how home values in your potential neighbor-hoods have risen or fallen.

Come see why

NewnanAustin’s Creek -

Coggin’s Farm -

Drew’s Ridge -

Fischer Trace -

Hickory Hills -

Martin’s Pond -

Summer Grove -

Westwood Lakes -

Wynn Manor -

Ivy Ridge -

Morningside -

Musick Park -

Walden Pond -

Stop in to see our Newnan and Senoia communities!

770.599.8700 www.JeffLindseyCommunities.com

Visit all of our communities at

’

Senoia

Sunday, February 20, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 3D

VA L U A B L E A D V I C E F O R M A K I N G I N F O R M E D D E C I S I O N S B E F O R E Y O U B U Y

A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Select A Foot SurgeonAs it sometimes happens,

your fi rst encounter with a surgeon may be in the

hospital emergency room after you have sustained an injury -- a fractured ankle, for example, or a sprain. But how do you fi nd a spe-cialist when there isn’t an emer-gency?Here’s a look at what surgeons do and how to choose the one that’s right for you.According to the Medical College of Georgia Health System in Au-gusta, Ga., orthopaedic surgeons are educated in the workings of the musculoskeletal system. Their expertise includes (but is not lim-ited to) diagnosing a condition or disorder, identifying and treating an injury, providing rehabilitation to an affected area or function, or establishing prevention proto-col to inhibit further damage to a diseased area or component of the musculoskeletal system.Orthopaedists may practice gener-al orthopaedics, while others spe-cialize in certain areas of the body, such as the foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip or knee, or in a special-ized area of orthopaedic care (pe-diatrics, sports medicine or trauma medicine). Some specialists may provide treatment in several areas such as gout, arthritis, heel pain and diabetes and may collaborate with other specialists, such as neu-rosurgeons or rheumatologists, in caring for patients.Treatment options for patients may include medication for pain or in-fl ammation; therapy, such as ex-ercise and stretching or massage; joint immobilization and other as-sistive devices; nerve stimulation or surgery.Here are some things you should consider before making your se-lection:

■ ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS TO LOOK AT IS THE DOCTOR’S EDUCA-TION. An orthopaedist may have completed up to 14 years of formal education, including four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, fi ve years in an orthopaedic surgery residen-

cy program, and one optional year of specialized education. After becoming licensed to prac-tice medicine, an orthopaedic sur-geon becomes board certifi ed by passing both oral and written ex-aminations given by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.An MCG Health System spokes-man noted that orthopaedic sur-geons have to be recertifi ed every 10 years, so that is a good measure of competency.Next, make sure the orthopaedist you choose has experience in your injury or condition.Chances are, your primary-care physician has already diagnosed your problem and has made the referral, but if you need neck sur-gery, you don’t want to go to a

hand specialist.If your primary-care doctor hasn’t made a referral for you, ask for a recommendation of the best local orthopaedists.

■ TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS. For common conditions such as arthri-tis, bunions, etc., you are likely to have co-workers, friends, or family who know a good orthopaedist and will have fi rst hand experience.In addition, an excellent resource is the American Academy of Or-thopaedic Surgery Web site, www.aaos.org.

■ ONCE YOU’VE MADE A SELEC-TION, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO ASK THE DOCTOR. Dur-ing the course of an appointment, a surgeon will obtain a complete medical history and description of

the problem. Surgeons are skilled in the diagnosis of an injury or dis-order, prescribing treatment, rec-ommending rehabilitation, and of-fering information on prevention.But it’s still important to ask ques-tions and provide information on medications you are currently tak-ing and your medical history. Consider bringing a friend or fam-ily member with you to help you remember questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about your doctor’s credentials and experience. Here are some questions recom-mended by the American Associa-tion of Hip and Knee Surgeons:

■ Do you have written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review? ■ How much improvement can I

expect from this surgery? ■ What is your experience do-ing this type of surgery, and how many have you done? ■ Are you board certifi ed? ■ What are the risks involved? How likely are they? ■ What type of anesthesia will be used? What are the risks? ■ What type of implant will be used? What is the track record for this type of prosthesis? ■ Will I have to stop taking any of my medications before surgery? ■ What options are available to avoid a blood transfusion? ■ How much pain is normal to ex-pect and how long will it last? Will I receive medication for the pain? ■ When will I start physical ther-apy? Will I need home or outpa-

tient therapy? ■ Will I need to arrange for some assistance at home?■ What limits will there be on ac-tivities - such as driving, bathing, climbing stairs, etc.?■ How long will I be out of work? ■ How often will I need to return for follow-up visits? ■ What complications can arise af-ter surgery? What are the signs of complications? Look for an experienced, well-regarded surgeon, but also look for someone you work well with. Trust your instincts. If a meeting with a doctor does not go well it doesn’t mean they’re a bad doc-tor or you’re a bad patient, but it may mean the two of you aren’t a good fi t.

Crossroads Podiatry

Medical and Surgical Treatments:

770 -251-8940www.accesspodiatry.com

New Outpatient Surgery Center!License # 038-343

Dr. Everett J. Mason IIIBoard Certified Foot Surgeon

4D — The Times-Herald —Sunday, February 20, 2011

VA L U A B L E A D V I C E F O R M A K I N G I N F O R M E D D E C I S I O N S B E F O R E Y O U C H O O S E

A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Select An Assisted Living Residence

Assisted living residences are relatively new and rap-idly growing providers in

the health care fi eld. They can be found nationwide. The variety and availability of services provided are just as varied as the states and communities in which they are lo-cated. There are many variations and levels of care provided at As-sisted Living residences. The care services range from independent living to nursing home levels of care.Each residence defi nes the levels and types of care they will provide. It is important to know your care needs and expectations before you begin your search for an Assisted Living residence. It is important to know, not only your immediate, but your long-term expectations and care needs. It is important to explore all the varied care options

offered by different Assisted Liv-ing residences.Some important questions to ask are: What services are offered? Are they included in the base price or will there be add on fees for extra services or care? How are the fees determined? Is the resident or family informed and included in any changes be-fore they occur? What fi nancial commitment will be expected at entry into the resi-dence? What happens if the mon-ey runs out? What other funding sources can the residence utilize? What care can you expect to re-ceive for the quoted fee? When and what types of care exceed the capabilities of the residence? Can you use outside providers such as family or hired care pro-viders to supplement your care

needs? What will happen when your care needs exceed the capabilities of the residence and how will you be informed when this occurs? What services and care are provid-ed by the residence and what out-side care providers are available? Can the residence accommodate special dietary needs? Are all meals, snacks and/or supplements included in the base fee? Are meals prepared on premises or transport-ed from another location? Are housekeeping and laundry ser-vices available? Are they included in the base fee or extra? What specialized services are available?, i.e. incontinence care, therapy, exercises, injectable med-ications, treatments, wound care, etc. Is the residence handicap acces-sible? Can special accommoda-

tions be made in the living envi-ronment? What activities and socialization opportunities are available? Are they on or off premises or both? What is the residence survey his-tory? Are copies of the residences licensure and compliance records available for inspection? Are there any outstanding compliance is-sues? What do the residents say about the community? What do family members say about the care? What does the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Long-term-care Ombudsman and licensing agency say about the community? Do they have a resident or family council and what, if any, issues have been addressed? Is the resi-dence responsive to resident and family inquiries and input?

What is done in medical emergen-cies and what emergency care is available? What are the credentials and back-ground of the management and di-rect care staff? What are the staff-ing patterns in a 24 hour day and during the week and weekends? How do you access management staff and direct care staff if issues arise? What is your overall impression of the management staff, care staff, residents and the living environ-ment? Trust your instincts, if it just doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t the right residence for you. Be sure to explore all your options. Leave no question unasked and no ques-tion unanswered. Don’t be afraid to look around and ask questions. This is going to be the home of someone very special and their safety, sense of well-being and care is very important. Does it feel like a place you can call home? Senior Housing: Senior housing is also a fast grow-ing and varied market. Senior housing ranges from low income and subsidized housing to resort accommodations. Senior housing developments range from single occupant units to high rise build-ings. A variety of accommodations and services are available to the residents in Senior Housing devel-opments. There are many reasons for making the decision to make a move to a Senior housing devel-opment. Here are some important questions to ask in making the de-cision as to what is right for you and makes you feel at home: What type of housing best meets my needs? An apartment, cottage, maintenance free? What are my short and long-term needs? Will I require the availabil-ity of supportive services? Are health and medical support services available and how will I access them in the development? Is someone available on premises to respond to security, medical or maintenance issues? What type of fi nancial commit-

ment is required? What if my health changes will I lose any money I’ve invested in the devel-opment? If my fi nancial resources are limited what other funding sources are available? What limitations are set on pets, visitors, and decorating of the in-terior and exterior of the unit? Will I retain the right to make choices in my living arrangements or will the community manage-ment govern those choices should my care or health status change? What recreational and social events are available? Are they in-cluded or at an additional fee? Are transportation services avail-able? Are they included or at an additional fee? What services, shopping and re-sources are available in the sur-rounding community? If the Senior housing has other lev-els of care such as Home Health, Assisted Living or a Nursing resi-dence associated with it; how do I access those services? Who de-cides when I will be required to make a move or change? What security measures are in place? What is the surrounding community like? Are current residents available to visit with? What do the residents say about the living there? What does the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and local housing authority say about the development? What are the credentials and background of the management and staff? What are the staffi ng patterns during the day and during the week and weekends? How do you access management and staff if issues arise? The decision to move into any type of assisted living community is important. Asking the right ques-tions and getting the answers to those questions is the key to assur-ing a successful transition. Trust your instincts, if it just doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t the right move for you. Be sure to explore all your options.

Sunday, February 20, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 5D

Why is

Savannah Court“The Talk of Coweta County?”

“Our family patriarch, Thomas A. Glanton, has been a resident of Savannah Court for 9 wonderful years. “Pop” is 98 and counting! The care and services he receives from the Savannah Court team are incomparable and outstanding.”

Tom P. Glanton

“We visited several assisted living residences in the area and we made the perfect choice for mother, Dorothy Jordan. The residents and staff are kind and offer warm affection to the residents. Their experience with seniors shows in all that they do. We could not be happier!”

Dr. Harold Jordan

“My wife and I have lived at Savannah Court for nearly 8 years. We wanted a warm home full of loving people. As a bonus, there are so many programs to keep us busy! We also enjoy each afternoon, spent together on the rocking chair front porch. We wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

Reverend and Mrs. Sidney Gresham

“I have over 38 years of experience in working with seniors and am so proud to be the Executive Director of Savannah Court. It is our associates who make our assisted living community “special.” The warmth of the decor, the individualized care offered to each resident, the programming and volunteers are also wonderful. But it is the loving kindness shown to our residents that creates the magic of Savannah Court.”

Brenda Mitchell, Executive Director

A signature community of

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A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Choose An Internet Provider

These days, it seems everyone is logged onto the Internet.People surf the Worldwide Web from almost anywhere today around the clock – from home or the offi ce or the mall or you name it. And with such overwhelming usage comes the importance of both quality and reliability a user’s internet connection.That’s why it is so important – whether it’s at home or at the offi ce – to have the best Internet Service Provider (ISP) that can deliver just what one is looking for.But how do you fi nd an ISP that meets your high standards?There are some questions to ask and comparisons to consider when selecting the best ISP.

■ WHAT CONNECTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?Broadband is one place to start. It is a class of data transmission methods where a single wire car-ries several signals at once.For home and most business Inter-net access, your principal broad-band choices are cable modems,

which run on Cable TV wiring, and several varieties of DSL (Dig-ital Subscriber Line), which run on standard copper telephone lines.If you decide to go with broad-band, check with a local TV cable company fi rst. If it provides suit-able cable modem service, that’s probably your best bet, both for speed – cable modem service is fast (unless it’s oversubscribed) – and for cost – it’s generally less expensive than other broadband alternatives. If it doesn’t, then by all means consider DSL.Why is speed so essential? Con-sider this, imagine if you worked at the offi ce and all of your co-worker’s connections to the com-pany’s servers and online resources were 25-or-more times faster than yours. Who do you think would get more done? So, when working from home, fast Internet service is critical in allowing you to perform as well as (or better than) if you were physically at the offi ce.If you’re not working, but love to play online games, share photos,

download music and movies or other high-bandwidth activities, DSL or cable is the way to go.And if you are just looking to check e-mail and read some news? It may sound archaic, but a good old-fashioned, dial-up connection might be the best choice, especial-ly budget-wise. Dial-up is cheap. Just don’t expect blazing speeds, and be prepared to wait a few days for that movie to download.

■ COMPARE ISP DOWNLOAD AND UPLOAD SPEEDSTechnology has come a long way since having to choose between the original dial-up services from AOL, Prodigy and CompuServe where one speed fi t all – slow.These days, some companies offer one speed and others offer mul-tiple speeds. In making your de-cision on the best ISP, make sure you can compare on an apples-to-apples basis. An example might be if your telephone company has a plan with 15 Mbps (Mega-bits per second) download and 5

Mbps upload speeds, compare it to the closest available plan with the same speeds from your cable company. ISPs do offer similar services at competitive pricing, so download and upload speeds may tip your decision one way or another.

■ BUNDLED SERVICESChances are in Coweta County you will get your internet access by either cable through a cable company or DSL through a phone company. And when using the same provider for internet, TV and phone, a ‘Bundled’ package is cer-tainly a viable option where you get one monthly bill for all three services. It certainly saves you time since only one search is needed for a provider instead of three.

■ CONTRACT TERMSSome ISPs require at least a one-year contract, while others are generally month-to-month. Most also offer unlimited Internet ac-cess at a fl at rate.

It is also vital to be aware of any service cancellation fees before deciding to terminate a contract and switching providers.Another thing to remember, espe-cially if you work from home, is that small businesses are some-times offered specials by provid-ers, like unique data speeds, email features and pricing. And individ-ual users might qualify for those same business specials if by tell-ing the provider’s customer ser-vice representative that you work from home.

■ ASK OTHERS YOU TRUST FOR AN OPINIONChances are your neighbors have some opinions on ISPs in your area. Ask them which compa-ny they use and whether or not they like it. Be sure to fi nd out if they’ve had problems and how good the ISP was at solving their problems.And remember, just because you had a horrible experience with a company at your last residence

doesn’t mean they’re universally horrible. Many nationwide pro-viders have radically different service quality in different parts of the country.Once you’ve taken an informal survey of your neighborhood, take your search online. Head to the li-brary or use the Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop to see what people are saying about your potential ISP.Also be sure to check with sites like Speed Test to see how your ISP’s speed compares to others in your area.

■ COMPARE SPECIAL ADD-ONS AND OTHER FEATURESWhen it comes to hardware, some ISPs offer free wireless routers, while others require the purchase of equipment. Be sure to include the cost of any additional hard-ware needed in your comparison.Service providers are also offering – in some instances – free online backup services, personal web-page hosting, anti-virus program subscriptions and more with their respective plans.A particularly useful free add-on for mobile workers is free Wi-Fi hotspot access, available from the major ISPs in certain service ar-eas. This add-on alone may sway a decision toward one ISP versus another, since a user would have the ability for both home Internet service and complimentary mobile connectivity

■ WHEN WIRE IS NOT AN OPTIONIn some of the more remote areas of the region, you might not have broadband speed by wire. Instead, you will have to literally look to the sky.Cellular networks are able to provide internet service through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or PCI (Peripheral Component In-terconnect) wireless card. Speeds approach broadband speed. It might be a little more expensive, but depending on how you use the internet, it could be worth every penny. Besides, you’ll get to take your in-ternet connection with you wher-ever you go.

6D — The Times-Herald —Sunday, February 20, 2011

A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Choose A College

The best college for you is not always the one with the most recognizable name.

It’s not always the biggest, or most popular.The best college is the one that fi ts your personality and career goals, the one where you can get the edu-cation needed to succeed, while feeling most at home and com-fortable. Do not underestimate the value of feeling “at home” during your investigation of colleges, be-cause the place you choose will literally be your home for the next four years. You need to enjoy be-ing part of the daily campus life. Finding the one that most closely matches you involves doing some homework and a little bit of leg-work.

■ START EARLY When thinking about choosing a college, start planning early. It takes time to gather the informa-tion you need, plan visits, apply

for admission, and secure hous-ing. While it might all seem like a big adventure (and it is), look-ing at the process very logically, you are moving into a new phase in your life and literally moving to a new place. You need to be sure you make the right choice so you do not regret your selection a few weeks or months into your fi rst year in college. You should begin applying to any colleges you think you are interested in as soon as you have your SAT/ACT score. That way you know early which ones have accepted you for admission, and which ones haven’t, allowing you to move on and make an informed selection.

■ WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? While many students are unsure about what they want to do for a career, and many change their minds while in college, you still need to think about the kinds of

careers that might appeal to you. Explore your interests by visiting your counselor’s offi ce and by asking professionals you know about their careers. You might even visit a career center at a col-lege near you. They have written or computer-driven tests to help you pinpoint the kind of jobs that will help match your strengths and desires. While you are talking with your counselor or other adults about careers, fi nd out what kind of edu-cation it takes to succeed in those fi elds. You should be able to at least identify a general direction of study: sciences, humanities, or business.

■ NARROW THE SEARCH Once your general or specifi c educational goals are in mind, study brochures from colleges you would like to consider. You’ll fi nd plenty of information to help you narrow your search. Virtually

every college has a Web page. Ex-plore what each offers. E-mail the admissions staff for more informa-tion or to answer your questions. You should fi nd the staff eager to help you and quick to respond. Ask about accreditation. Keep in mind that every school strives to have its programs recognized by accrediting agencies. It’s their seal of approval from the professional world, showing that they offer the kinds and quality of courses you need to be successful after gradu-ating.

■ ASK ABOUT HOUSINGWould you live in a dorm or an apartment? Is the campus spread out, making it tougher to get from place to place, or compact, so you can easily get to classes, meals and recreational activities? Find out about the size of classes. It’s important that they are small enough so you can get to know your professors, and they, you.

Are they willing to work with you during offi ce hours or after class if you need help? Does the college offer tutoring, should you need it? If you have physical disabilities, how accommodating is the col-lege? Can you get in and out of buildings easily and fi nd your way around campus? Explore fi nancial matters. Talk with your parents about the cost of college and how much they can help. Then investigate what schol-arships or loans are available to help out. Don’t forget that the cost of college isn’t just tuition and fees. There’s also the cost of hous-ing, meals and books. Can you handle a part-time job while going to school? Many students work in local stores, restaurants or offi ces to help pay for college.

■ LOOK AND LISTEN After narrowing your choices to two or three colleges that seem appealing, it’s time to take a fi rst-

hand look. Contact the admissions offi ce to fi nd out when their tours or visitation days are scheduled. You’re going to learn much more with one visit than all the bro-chures in the world. Check out the atmosphere of the campus. Is it at-tractive? Are the people friendly and helpful? Or are you treated like a stranger or an intruder? Be sure to take a look at the town in which the college is located. Is it geared toward students? Are shopping and entertainment easy to access? These issues might not seem so important at fi rst glance, but they can have a dramatic effect on your college life. Make notes! Make lots of notes!

Bring along your camera or cam-corder so you can relive the expe-rience a few days later. You might not think so, but even two or three visits to places as complex as a college campus can get confus-ing without good notes about each school. Write down your impres-sions of everything as you experi-ence them. The college visit should give you a reasonable feel for what it would be like to live on that campus. Ask yourself if you and this college are a good fi t. Finally, when your decision is nar-rowed, team up with your coun-selor for some help applying for admission and fi nancial aid, if needed. Apply to more than one school, if possible, always leav-ing your options open, just in case your fi rst choice doesn’t work out. College is a great adventure! Start it with good preparation and it will be among the most exciting and rewarding times of your life.

The college visit should give you a reasonable feel for what it would be like to live on that campus.

Sunday, February 20, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 7D

VA L U A B L E A D V I C E F O R M A K I N G I N F O R M E D D E C I S I O N S B E F O R E Y O U S E L E C T

A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

How To Care for Your FeetYou can proactively and

naturally affect your en-tire body by taking good

care of your feet. Even if you have never thought of proper foot care as a priority for better health, it is not too late to begin to address this all-important part of your body.Think of your feet like the wheels on your car; when the wheels on your car are not properly aligned or balanced, the entire ride and wear and tear on your car are af-fected. In the same way, improper balance and alignment in your feet can negatively affect your body in a number of ways. In many cases, when your car’s wheels are out of alignment, there is no noticeable difference until there is some age on the tires. Only then can you see how the daily wear and tear has unevenly af-fected your tires. The human body is exactly like that. Poor alignment of the foot bones is not noticeable at fi rst, but as age increases the years of improper bone alignment and the resulting improper balance take their toll in several ways.It is a medical fact that the fat pad on the bottom of our feet disap-pears with age and is not replace-able. In years past, people walked barefoot on soft ground and on uneven ground. This supported their arches and gently kept the tendons and ligaments fl exible and stretched for optimal functioning. That seems to be how our feet were intended to walk. Now, near-ly all of us walk on hard surfaces exclusively, even if on carpeting. The cushioning and support in our shoes cannot match how gravity and hard surfaces interact. Because of gravity, our feet absorb many times what our body weight is in every step we take. On average, our feet absorb about 1,000 tons of weight in a single day. This is why 87 percent of us have feet that hurt, and even young people are experiencing chronic foot pain.

■ PROPER SHOESWearing good shoes that fi t prop-erly is part of the solution. This gives our feet the proper home.

Our toes need room to move freely while walking. Buying shoes that are the correct shoe width is very important also. Most people wear shoes that are actually too tight for their feet, causing their toes to cramp together in an unnatural way.

■ ARCH SUPPORTSIt is important to have arch sup-ports in our shoes. These provide the support for tendons and liga-ments in the entire foot. The area between the heel and ball of the foot is where the musculature needs to be supported. No shoe on the market provides the kind of arch support that seems to be necessary.Arch supports need to be made of materials that are hard yet fl exible. The supports also need to fi t the foot. Mail order or other one size fi ts all products are not specifi cally

fi tted to each foot and most likely won’t fi t most feet as an individu-ally-sized arch support will.

■ CUSHIONS Since the fat pad on the bottom of the feet disappears with age and is not replaceable, we need to ei-ther have proper cushioning in our shoes or put cushions in our shoes. If an arch support is placed into a shoe, a cushion should be placed over it. Remember that cushioning is not suffi cient by itself. Without the right size shoes and adequate support in the arch, one will still have foot pain.

How arch supports are pro-active, natural health devices:

■ BALANCE Having support under the arch is a magical thing. It actually changes our center of gravity. Simple bio-

mechanical balancing proves this to be true.

■ POSTUREThe kind of change that occurs with support in the arch area and the resultant change in one’s cen-ter of gravity produces postural change. This can be shown by measuring one’s height with arch supports and without them. Even more amazing is that posture is changed for the better even while sitting.

■ KNEE, HIP AND SPINE ALIGNMENT Some knee, hip and spine-related pain comes from defi ciencies in posture. When arches are sup-ported, many fi nd the pain they had in these areas is reduced and even disappear. This only makes sense considering how important posture is to our musculature.

Once proper balance and posture are achieved, the entire alignment of the body produces positive re-sults from the foot bones, knees, hips, and spine. Many of the ail-ments we experience from foot pain, knee strain, back pain and headaches can disappear.Where do you go to get help? Many people try mail order or over-the-counter solutions. As mentioned before, the one size fi ts all concept is why shoes are in-adequate by themselves. No shoe can offer proper support due to the varying sizes and shapes of our feet. Over-the-counter products suffer from the same shortfall. A visit to an arch support store where the foot is carefully measured and specially-made arch supports and pads are provided for each foot can be the beginning of the end of a number of problems that rob us

of our energy and proper health. In fact, many people discover that their feet are actually different and require slightly different supports and pads. The end result is better balance, improved posture and natural improvement in overall health.A word about the cost; the amount of money spent on proper foot alignment is substantially less than the medical bills that are incurred to treat the symptoms of improper foot alignment. Investing in prop-erly fi tting arch supports and pads can be a smart economical deci-sion in the long run.

The Top Five Things You Should Know...■ Wearing well-made shoes that fi t properly -- in both length and width -- is part of the solution to proper foot care.■ There are not many shoes on the market that provide the arch sup-port needed for the tendons and ligaments of the foot.■ Cushions are necessary to re-place the fat pad on the bottom of the foot that disappears as we age. ■ Arch supports are benefi cial for healthy balance, posture, and knee, hip and spine alignment.■ A visit to an arch support store where the foot is carefully mea-sured and specially-made arch supports and pads are provided for each foot can be the beginning of the end of a number of problems that rob us of energy and proper health.

Once proper bal-ance and posture are achieved, the entire alignment of the body produces positive results from the foot bones, knees, hips, and spine.

8D — The Times-Herald —Sunday, February 20, 2011

Experience Life Without Ankle & Foot DiscomfortKEEPING LIFE IN MOTION

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Gordon W. Patton, DPM, FACFAS

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www.ankleandfootcenters.com 770-251-6100

VA L U A B L E A D V I C E F O R M A K I N G I N F O R M E D D E C I S I O N S B E F O R E Y O U C H O O S E