Monday, November 23, 2009

SANTA TO USHER IN THE HO-HO-HOLIDAY SEASON IN SUWANEE DEC. 5

Suwanee will welcome Santa Claus to town on Saturday, December 5, during the annual Old Town Holiday Festival and Caboose Lighting. As he arrives on Main Street in his tractor-pulled sleigh, Santa will magically light Suwanee’s red caboose. It’s the community event that those who’ve been “nice” over the past year wouldn’t dare miss.

Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with performances of new and favorite holiday tunes by the Riverside, Level Creek, and Suwanee elementary choruses. String students from the Gwinnett School of Music also will perform. Free hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores will be available, and the Downtown Development Authority will offer hot dogs for purchase.

In addition to meeting and having photos taken with Santa – be sure to bring your own camera! – children can make holiday crafts. Carriage rides will be available as well for a fee.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

BANK OF NORTH GEORGIA HOSTS HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

ALPHARETTA, GA – Recognizing that there are literally thousands of families in desperate need of assistance during the holiday season, Bank of North Georgia is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive from November 27 through December 19 at all 43 branches in metro Atlanta.

“Bank of North Georgia is very much at the heart of community life in North Georgia, supporting those institutions and programs that make the communities we serve desirable places to live and work. Our branch teams are excited to embrace a local charity this season by collecting new, unwrapped toys to help local families. We are hoping that all children will have a joyous holiday this year,” said Kessel Stelling, President and CEO of Bank of North Georgia.

Each branch selected a local charity to support as outlined below. Customers and local residents can participate in the Holiday Toy Drive by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the following Bank of North Georgia branches:

Buford - Gwinnett Children's Shelter. This organization grew out of a volunteer effort involving the PTA, business and community leaders and countless individuals who became aware of the growing need for services for the abused and abandoned children of Gwinnett County. Currently, the shelter serves 300-500 children and their families every year. www.gwinnettchildrenshelter.org

Canton – Salvation Army of Cherokee County. The Salvation Army Cherokee County Service Center provides emergency food, clothing, lodging, transportation, supplies for infants, prescription vouchers, rent and utility assistance, counseling, and referrals to other more comprehensive Salvation Army crisis centers to individuals and families facing a financial crisis. www.uss.salvationarmy.org

Cumming – YMCA of Forsyth County. The YMCA of Forsyth County is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind, and body. The Holiday Giving Tree for Kids is organized through the YMCA, but made possible by a network of local businesses, corporations, churches and civic groups throughout Forsyth County, to provide relief to struggling families with youth by providing clothing, toys, school supplies and gifts of joy during the holiday season.

Jasper - Fill-A-Stocking Program sponsored by the Jasper Lions Club. For 70 years, this club has enjoyed a proud legacy of service in our community and around the state. www.jasperlions.com

Johns Creek - North Fulton Community Charities Santa Shop. The mission of North Fulton Community Charities is to prevent homelessness in North Fulton by supporting families in their homes during short-term emergencies. www.nfcchelp.org

Suwanee - Foster Children's Foundation, Inc. This organization serves foster children through its “Clothing and Needs” center, mentoring program, and other projects that are held year round. The FCF’s ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for foster children in our community and offer them many of the opportunities that non-fostered youth enjoy. www.fosterchildrensfoundation.org

Holiday Toy Drive – p. 2


Norcross - Sheltering Arms. This organization’s mission is to serve working families with high quality, affordable child care and education and comprehensive support services, as well as to provide professional development for early childhood educators and community outreach. BNG’s Norcross branch is accepting toys and clothing for children of all ages through December 21. www.shelteringarmsforkids.com

Woodstock - U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. www.toysfortots.org

Alpharetta, Crabapple, and Roswell - Child Development Association. The CDA serves hardworking parents who are striving to build economic security for their families despite daunting challenges. www.cdakids.org

Dunwoody - Dunwoody Police Department 1st Annual Christmas for Kids. This holiday season, the Dunwoody Police Department is reaching out and joining forces with Dunwoody citizens, businesses, and officers alike to make this Christmas a memorable one for the many children of Dunwoody who are less fortunate. www.dunwoodyga.gov

Sandy Springs - Community Action Center. The Community Action Center provides assistance to individuals and families residing in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. By providing targeted assistance to families during a time of crisis, CAC strives to reduce the number of families and individuals who become homeless or are unable to provide for basic necessities. www.ourcac.org. BNG’s Sandy Springs branch will be collecting toys for the Community Action Center until December 11, 2009.

Buckhead - Warren B. Whitehead Boys and Girls Club. The organization’s mission is to provide a quality developmental program which empowers metro Atlanta youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to become productive adults. www.bgcma.org

Chastain Road/Kennesaw, Atlanta/Galleria, Marietta/Powers Ferry and Marietta/Johnson Ferry - The Center for Family Resources. This organization’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities to become self-sufficient by providing temporary financial assistance to stabilize families in crisis, housing for low-income and homeless families in a safe and secure environment, and education and training to individuals and the community. www.TheCFR.org

Marietta/Roswell Street-Cobb Christmas. Cobb Christmas is a non-profit, non-denominational organization, solely dedicated to helping the low-income and working-poor families of Cobb County during the holiday season. In October, the organization pre-registered 1,200 families with over 3,300 children. http://www.cobbchristmas.net

Conyers – Parker Road and Sigman Road - Toys for Tots - Heritage High Schools ROTC. BNG’s branches at Parker Road and Sigman Road in Conyers will be collecting toys for the Heritage High School ROTC toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Covington – East Covington, Newton Plaza, and Salem Road - Toys for Tots - Newton High School ROTC. BNG’s East Covington, Newton Plaza and Salem Road branches will be collecting toys for the Newton High School ROTC toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. www.newtoncountyschools.org/newtonhigh/rotc.htm

Fayetteville - Fayetteville Police Department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program that partners law enforcement officers with needy children during a special holiday shopping trip.

Peachtree City - Peachtree City Fire Department. The toys collected by the bank’s Peachtree City branch will be distributed by the Marine Reserve to local military families in need.


Holiday Toy Drive – p. 3

McDonough and Stockbridge/Eagle’s Landing - Connecting Henry. Connecting Henry exists as an advocate for the well-being of children, youth and families in Henry County, and as a planning and coordinating agency for services and programs directed at improving child health, child development, family function, school performance, and family economic capacity. www.co.henry.ga.us/connectinghenry

Riverdale - Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services. The mission of the Department of Family and Children Services is to assist families and individuals to provide the care, protection and experiences essential to their well being. http://www.ccdfcs.org/aboutus.htm

Tyrone - Tyrone Police Department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program that partners law enforcement officers with needy children during a special holiday shopping trip.

Tucker - Breaking Down Walls Ministries. This organization serves underprivileged families in the Tucker area.

Bankhead, Carrollton/South Park and College Street – The Sertoma Club’s Empty Stocking Fund. The Carroll County Sertoma Club was chartered in 1986 and is part of the North Georgia District of Sertoma International. This all-volunteer civic service organization includes business and civic leaders who wish to make a difference in the lives of Carroll County residents. http://www.carrollcountysertoma.org/events.html

Bowdon - Bowdon Area United Christian Ministries. This is a joint venture of churches in the Bowdon area that has evolved into a comprehensive service center providing prayer, clothing, food, and household assistance for families in the Bowdon school district and members of supporting congregations.

Douglasville/Chapel Hill - Share House. Share House Douglas is a non-profit organization providing crisis intervention and the continuum of care to address the causes and effects of family violence. http://www.sharehousedouglas.org/index.html

Douglasville/Church Street – Annette Winn Elementary School. Donations will benefit students of Annette Winn Elementary School many of which were affected by the recent floods.

Douglasville/Stewart Parkway - Boys and Girls Club of Douglasville. For more than 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. BGCMA enriches the lives of girls and boys that other youth agencies fail to reach.

Hiram – Paulding Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Tallapoosa, Bremen, Temple - Hands of Creation is a food bank located in Bremen and Carrollton. This organization serves Haralson County, part of Carroll County and some families from Cleburne County, Alabama. Hands of Creation’s toy drive will benefit Toys for Tots. For information, visit www.westgeorgiatoys4tots.com

Villa Rica – Marine Toys for Tots. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A Special Offer Just in Time for the Holidays!

Gwinnett Medical Center would like to thank you for your continued support as we transform healthcare. We are committed to providing this community with quality services and outstanding care for you and your family.

To show our appreciation, we have partnered with The Brainy Baby Company to bring you a special offer. As an industry leader in award-winning products for infants and preschoolers, Brainy Baby® wants to help your child develop a love for learning.


Brainy Baby is pleased to offer the community 30% off its entire line of educational products designed for children up to age five. Follow the steps below to redeem your special offer:

1. Go to www.brainybaby.com.
2. Choose any of the products from Brainy Baby’s line of DVDs, CDs, books, games, plush toys and more—with no exclusions.
3. Enter the special coupon code "GMC30" before checkout and click "apply" to receive your 30% discount.

To make this special offer even better, Brainy Baby will give back a portion of your sale to the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation so it can continue to transform healthcare in
the community.

For more information on this special offer, call 877-455-BABY.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Work Ready Awards Honors Businesses, Partners, Individuals

Showcases 22 Counties Earning Certified Work Ready Community Status

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development today announced the second annual Work Ready Awards, which recognized and honored the partners, businesses and individuals who have supported Georgia Work Ready and made it a success.

“Work Ready is helping make our state a top destination for jobs and investment,” said Governor Perdue. “Through the Work Ready program, communities around Georgia have rallied together and committed to developing the talented workforce that business demands and the educational infrastructure to drive sustained economic growth and prosperity.”

Three counties have joined the list of Certified Work Ready Communities. The new counties receiving the designation are Echols, Stephens and Taliaferro counties. Nineteen additional Georgia communities achieved the title of Certified Work Ready in the last year, including: Barrow, Bartow, Bleckley, Brooks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cook, Dougherty, Franklin, Grady, Greene, Hart, Jefferson, Jenkins, Laurens, McDuffie, Pike, Upson and Ware counties.

“Earning Certified Work Ready Community status shows that local leaders understand the importance of ensuring our citizens have the skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require in the future,” said Governor Perdue.

Several Georgia employers were also recognized for their use of Work Ready to profile jobs, make hiring decisions and develop ongoing workforce development programs. The Work Ready Businesses of the Year included:

§ EVCO Plastics, Calhoun: Created job profiles for key positions, assessed 90 percent of its workforce and implemented new training programs.

§ Parker Aerospace, Dublin: Profiled its product support coordinator position, made the Work Ready assessment available on-site and incentivized its employees to become Work Ready Certified.

§ Piolax Corporation, Canton: Using the Work Ready assessment to recruit internal and external candidates with the right technical skills which has reduced training costs and increased productivity.

§ Golden State Foods, Conyers: Created profiles for two key positions and uses Work Ready to hire the most qualified candidates.

§ ProCore Solutions, Marietta: First company in Cobb County to adopt Work Ready and has made the initiative an integral part of its recruiting process, hiring 42 new employees with silver Work Ready Certification or higher.

Georgia’s Work Ready Regions, which support Georgia’s fastest-growing industries by ensuring the necessary workforce is trained and ready to meet their needs, were also recognized for their ongoing success.

The Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Work Ready Region received the 100 percent Award for assisting all eight counties in the region with surpassing their minimum Work Ready Community goals. Additionally, five Work Ready Regions received the “Go For the Gold” Award for successfully closing their skills gap and meeting their available workforce Gold-level Work Ready Certificate goals. These include:

§ Chattahoochee Valley Aerospace Work Ready Region: Developed one of the strongest and most engaged industry networks, which has led to a significant increase in the percentage of Gold Work Ready Certificates to 19.5 percent.

§ Georgia Auto Alley Work Ready Region: Used job profiles done in the region in partnership with technical colleges to quickly put a strategy in place that led to four Auto Alley counties among the first to surpass the 19 percent Gold threshold.

§ Innovation Crescent Work Ready Region: Developed a process to enroll disconnected youth and unemployed Georgians in gap training, propelling the region from 8.3 percent to 21.4 percent Gold Work Ready Certificates.

§ Middle Georgia Warner Robins Aerospace Partnership (mgWRAP) Work Ready Region: Leads all regions with the highest percentage of Gold certificates holders at 22.6 percent.

§ West Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Partners (AMP) Work Ready Region: Established a complete Work Ready approach to engage industry leaders and meet their specific needs, driving 20.6 percent Gold level certificates.
Georgia’s thriving technical college system is a key partner in the success of the Work Ready program. Each year, the Work Ready Awards also recognize the Work Ready Job Profiling Team of the Year and Work Ready Administrators of the Year from the technical college system. This year’s winners are:

§ Patty Hart, Georgia Northwestern Technical College: Ensures individuals understand the value of Work Ready and have access to both assessments and skills gap training to ensure they are ready for employment.

§ Ann Sechrist, Gwinnett Technical College: Walks job seekers through the process of earning and using a Work Ready Certificate and draws from personal experience when answering questions.

§ Central Georgia Technical College’s economic development team – Rebecca Lee, vice president of economic development, and Ann Lear, business and industry training specialist, have profiled 19 new jobs in 2009 and are vocal champions for the value of Work Ready.

The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board was recognized with the Local Workforce Investment Board of the Year Award. This group operates on the belief that true competitive advantage lies in the ability of people to think, identify and analyze problems and to work cooperatively to solve them. As such, it is engaged with leadership teams in three Work Ready Regions and has helped more than 2,400 youth and adults in these areas enroll in skills gap training and encouraged more than 4,600 Georgians to earn Work Ready Certificates.

About Georgia Work Ready:
Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at http://www.gaworkready.org/

Three Times a Charm for Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth

Duluth, GA - Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth’s associates and physicians recently celebrated the hospital’s third anniversary in October 2009. Although the hospital is only three years old, it served Duluth and surrounding communities for more than 60 years as Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital, which was Gwinnett county’s first hospital

Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth has experienced steady growth since its opening in 2006. In 2009, the hospital celebrated the introduction of new programs, facility renovations and achievements in clinical excellence.

Awards & accreditations:
Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth and Gwinnett Medical Center’s campus in Lawrenceville were once again honored with the 2010 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. This award places Gwinnett Medical Center’s two hospitals in the top five percent of hospitals in the country for clinical excellence.

Glancy Rehabilitation Center, which celebrated its 21st anniversary this month, earned re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and was re-designated a stroke specialty program. According to officials at CARF, Glancy Rehab is in the top three percent of all rehab programs nationwide.

New programs & services:
The Center for Sleep Disorders – Glancy Campus
The Interventional Radiology Suite
The daVinci Robotic Surgical System

Renovations & expansions:
The Center for Women’s Diagnostic Imaging
Glancy Campus Renovation – the new home to GMC-Duluth’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center and Community Education Center – Glancy Campus.

“It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments and to recognize the efforts of our associates and physicians,” said Lea J. Bay, president of Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth. “Without a dedicated team, we wouldn’t be able to achieve all that we have this past year. We’ll continue to strive to acquire new technology and provide programs that meet the needs of the growing communities that we are privileged to serve,” said Bay.

About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett’s Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC’s 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center’s incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

Gwinnett Medical Center Now Offering Self-Healing Sports Medicine Treatment

Athletes return to play quicker

Lawrenceville & Duluth, GA - Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging nonsurgical procedure now available at GMC to help put athletes back in the game quicker. The treatment has been around for more than 10 years, but it was used primarily on racing horses and by oral surgeons. Physicians are now finding that it helps heal human ligaments and sports injuries. PRP facilitates healing by harnessing the body's natural ability to do so and is used for the treatment of wounds, ligaments and tendons.

"I believe that PRP injection is a very promising therapy for treatment of many acute and chronic injuries to the ligaments and tendons." said Dr. Phillips, MD, radiologist for GMC. "Several of our patients have reported marked improvement after months of failed conservative treatment."

Many professional athletes, including football players in the NFL, are currently receiving this therapy. Dr. Phillips is pioneering the PRP treatment in Gwinnett. He also reads the MRI's of the UGA football team and believes this natural method of healing can shorten rehabilitation time.

The PRP treatment consists of injecting portions of a patient's own blood directly into an injured area, which stimulates the body's cells to repair damaged tissue. Platelet-rich plasma is made by placing the patient's blood in a centrifuge that rotates at high speed and isolates the platelets from the rest of the blood. Finally, a few teaspoons of platelets are then injected into the damaged area to serve as a natural catalyst for the healing process.

One of Dr. Phillips first patients, Molly Gay, is a sixteen year-old athlete from Lakeview Academy. Molly had been struggling with patellar tendonitis, or 'jumpers knee'. Her inflamed ligaments caused immense pain and resulted in Molly sitting out for half of her 2009 volleyball season.

"Participating in sports makes her high school experience whole," said Dana Gay, Molly's mother. "After trying everything but surgery, it made sense to try a procedure with no negative side effects. The procedure took minutes and Molly has even been able to perform moderate physical activity as she prepares for basketball season."

The procedure is less invasive than surgery and will help heal the injured tissue. Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery as well as a remarkable return of function. The Department of Radiology, headed by Dr. Val Philips, will be offering this quick outpatient treatment on referral by GMC's Sports Medicine physicians. GMC's sports medicine program performs the most surgeries in the state and ranks in the 99 percentile for patient satisfaction.

About Gwinnett Medical Center:
Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its flagship campus, Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network providing award-winning healthcare services to the Gwinnett community and beyond. Campuses in both Duluth and Lawrenceville provide acute care, outpatient services, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services. Digital imaging is the standard of care at all GMC facilities including the newest imaging center in north Gwinnett's Hamilton Mill area. In 2008, GMC's 4,300 associates and 800 physicians served more than 400,000 patients. Gwinnett Medical Center's incredible vision for the future is to transform healthcare. To learn more, visit http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Sanders Financial Management’s Emily Sanders Receives World of Difference Award from The International Alliance for Women

World of Difference 100 Award Recognizes Sanders’ Work to Advance Economic Empowerment of Women

ATLANTA, November 9, 2009 – In recognition of her efforts to educate women about investing, Emily Sanders, president and CEO of Sanders Financial Management, has received the World of Difference 100 Award in the Entrepreneurial category from The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). Sanders was one of just 100 women worldwide who received the award this year, recognizing women whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or globally whether they are well-known or “unsung heroines.”

The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) is an international umbrella organization of women's networks representing more than 50,000 women. Created in 2008, the World of Difference 100 Award provides an invaluable international platform for the achievements of women and will inspire others to follow their own path.

This year, TIAW received nominations from more than 20 countries across six continents, from as far afield as Iceland and Panama. Celebrating 'unsung heroes' responsible for extraordinary achievements in their communities, the award is split into six categories: Entrepreneurial, Educational, Public Service/Government, Corporate, Non-Profit, and Community. To view a full list of the 2009 Award winners, click here. To read the bios of the Award winners, click here.

Throughout her professional career, Sanders has been dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with women across a broad spectrum, improving their financial literacy, protecting them in retirement, after divorce or being widowed.

“One of my objectives is to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial acumen and to advise emerging affluent women how to use and invest their resources wisely,” says Sanders.

TIAW's mission is to further the economic empowerment of women, from supporting those running small businesses in the developing world to securing board-level representation for women at multinational companies. The organization encourages professional women and their organizations to work together, share resources and leverage ideas through best practices.

“Every day, around the world, in countless ways, there are women helping other women economically. Whether they are in the smallest and remotest of villages or the big cities of the world, many of these women are unsung heroines, just as some of them are well known, but all of them deserve recognition because we know that when women flourish, societies flourish as well,” said Diane Morris, President of TIAW.

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Donates to Shelter to Aid Victims of Domestic Violence

Lawrenceville, GA – Gwinnett Federal Credit Union raised $2,000 during a golf tournament to benefit Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). This donation will help PADV in providing emergency shelter and supportive services to abused women and their children in Gwinnett and Fulton County. Gwinnett Federal has a history of supporting PADV with shelter supplies, a leased vehicle for $1 per year, and monetary donations.

More about Gwinnett Federal Credit Union

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union is $150 million in assets and serves 27,000 members in a five county area. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and operated with the purpose of promoting thrift through convenient, competitive savings opportunities and providing low cost loans to our members. For more information about Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, visit gwinnettfcu.org.

About Partnership Against Domestic Violence

For more than 30 years, PADV, the largest domestic violence agency in Georgia, has provided professional support, safe shelter and empowering advocacy to battered women and their children. PADV transforms the lives of thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children every year through violence prevention, emergency intervention and long-term advocacy. Operating the only state-certified domestic violence shelters in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties, PADV also offers a 24-hour crisis line, long-term housing, support groups, legal advocacy, corporate and community education and a teen dating violence prevention program.

Emory Eastside Offers Free Shoulder Seminar

Snellville, GA November 5, 2009--- If you’ve been suffering from shoulder pain, join us for a free shoulder seminar on Tuesday November 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Emory Eastside’s Classrooms 1 and 2. David C. Harkins, D.O. will review treatment options – surgical and non-surgical – for rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain.

Most of us associate rotator cuff injuries with celebrity athletes, but the reality is that a surprising number of people are affected by the problem, especially as they approach middle age. The rotator cuff gives power to the shoulder, especially when the arm is outstretched or overhead. When the rotator cuff is injured, the resulting pain or shoulder weakness can make daily work and life challenging. Dr. Harkins warns, “Putting up with shoulder pain doesn’t make sense. Sure, athletes sometimes play through pain, but rotator cuff injuries don’t improve by themselves. And waiting too long for treatment can contribute to permanent weakness or damage. It’s important to find out what’s wrong and start the appropriate treatment.”

Dr. Harkins received his B.S. from Georgia Southern University and his D.O. from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently practicing at Providence Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C. in Monroe. Dr. Harkins has published numerous articles and is currently team physician for Monroe High School. His professional memberships include the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic, Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association and the Medical Association of Georgia

The seminar is free but reservations are required. Please call MedLine at 770-972-7570.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

5th Special Operations Forces Run

Local Wonded Airman to be Honored During 600-mile Run

DULUTH, GA. — Shaun Meadows graduated from Winder-Barrow High School, joined the United States Air Force and immediately volunteered for Air Force Special Forces training. In June of last year, he deployed as a member of the Special Operations Community. While serving with an Army Special Forces Team on July 31st, 2008, he was injured. Shaun was chosen by Operation One Voice, a Georgia-based non-profit organization, to be the first honoree with a Georgia connection.

Duluth Police Lieutenant, Bill Stevens, OOV CEO says “ Shaun’s mother is employed by Gwinnett County Police Department and his step-father recently retired from Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services. Since we are highlighting Air Force Special Ops this year, Shaun Meadows was naturally chosen to be the honoree of the 5th SOF Run”. Lt. Stevens goes on to say “We (OOV) became aware of Shaun early in his recovery, and once we discovered his connection with Gwinnett County Fire & Police, the pieces fit together perfectly to name him the honoree of the 5th SOF Run.”

The Special Operations Forces Run consists of a team of 24 runners, forming two squads of law enforcement, firefighters, and members of the United States Special Operations Forces. The two squads (Team Blue & Gold) participate in a relay run from Duluth in Gwinnett County, GA to Busch Gardens, in Tampa, FL. “Twenty-four runners, 600+ miles in 72 hours of running; around the clock, just like our Special Operations Troops are on the clock, 24 hours a day” “During this Veterans Day weekend, we want to remind our communities that our military families are in harms way securing our nation”

SOF Run Team –Honorary Team Captain – SSgt Shaun Meadows/ AFSOC, double amputee – originally scheduled to run, must return to Walter Reed and thus will miss the event honoring his service.

5th SOF RUN - November 7 – 11, 2009 Location
Kick off - 11/7/09 @ 8:45 am Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
Georgia Capitol 11/7/09 @ 1:45 pm State Capitol – Washington St, Atl. GA
Albany Welcome 11/8/09 @ 11:00 am Civic Center, Albany, GA
Tallahassee Welcome 11/9/09 @ 9:00 am to be announced, Tallahassee, FL
SOF Veteran’s Ceremony 11/10/09 @ 10:00 am SOF memorial, MacDill AFB, FL
* Closing Ceremony 11/11/09 @ 11:00 am Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay, FL

Gwinnett Technical College Cuisine Class is Making Your Thanksgiving Pie

Gwinnett Technical College's Contemporary II Cuisine Class is proudly making your Thanksgiving pie!

Get them while they are hot!!! They will be sold on November 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Building 100 Room #904.

They will be selling fresh baked:
Seasonal Pumpkin Pie for $8.00
Traditional Pecan Pie for $10.00
and Chef Crean's Award Winning
Sweet Potato Pie for $8.00

Pies are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Only 300 pies will be made!

Emory Eastside and H2U Welcome Dr. Elisa Bobbit, Audiologist, as Guest Speaker for November Meeting

Snellville, GA November 4, 2009--- Holiday gatherings of friends and family are so important. What a social dilemma for those who find themselves in situations where background noise, loud music, and so many voices with different pitches block theirr time of enjoyment. Dr. Elisa Bobbitt, Audiologist, will be the November guest speaker at the H2U meeting to be held November 18th, 2:00 p.m., Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road, Snellville. She will be speaking on hearing, hearing loss, its affects, and hearing aids. Make sure that you mark your calendar for this great opportunity. This event is sponsored by the H2U-Health, Happiness, You program at Emory Eastside Medical Center and is open to the public at no charge.

Elisa Tucker Bobbitt earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Florida State University in 2001 and completed her Masters of Science degree in Audiology in 2003 from the University of South Alabama. While at the University of South Alabama, she was selected as a graduate assistant and awarded Outstanding Graduate Student from her graduating class by professors and clinical staff. She completed her externship and clinical fellowship at Premier Medical Group Ear-Nose- Throat in Mobile, Alabama and subsequently worked with the practice until 2005. She completed her clinical doctoral studies from the University of Florida earning her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree in 2006.

Dr. Bobbitt is licensed by the state of Georgia as an audiologist and serves on the Georgia Lions Hearing Committee. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and American Academy of Audiology (AAA). She joined Gadlage & Associates Ear-Nose-Throat practice in January of 2007. Dr. Bobbitt is originally from Seminole, Florida and currently resides in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The H2U-Health, Happiness, You affiliate at Emory Eastside Medical Center is a unique healthcare organization that empowers its members to manage their health and live a healthy lifestyle. Reliable health information is the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Members are provided with updates on medical discoveries, advances and treatment options. Through the H2U website, newsletters, national magazine, members stay up-to-date with scheduled educational and health events. An H2U member can participate in an online assessment of his/her health and will receive recommendations on tests and exams recommended. Personal health information can be entered confidentially in a password-protected, secure area for members only. H2U members are part of a community hospital and a group of 2,400 members who share these interests and enjoy opportunities for social interaction. Local and national discounts are available. Membership is only $15 annually. For more information, call the H2U Office, 770-982-2358, or visit http://www.emoryeastside.com/ and click on the Program tab.