howto oct2013
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
OCTOBER 2013
<< HOW TO CHOOSE A DENTIST
HEALTH
<< HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BANK
FINANCE
^^ HOW TO CHOOSE A DANCE STUDIO
pErFormINg ArTS
>> HOW TO CHOOSE COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE
WELLNESS
•
PAGE 2 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose a Dentist
Choosing a dentist can make a world of difference in a patient’s smile and oral health. It can also be a daunting task, especially as the number of practicing dentists continues to increase rapidly throughout the country.
There used to be little choice as to which dentist to visit. Teeth cleaning, x-rays and dental operations were performed by whichever dentist served a particular area or insurance company.
Now, more than ever, individuals are choosing their own dentist in hopes of finding a friend and ally ready to help create a gorgeous smile while offering a pleasant dental experience.
When choosing a dentist, it is important to consider a few key things. Location and office hours are important in terms of convenience. The dental office should be located close to work or home and offer hours compatible with an individual’s lifestyle.
Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are one of the best ways to find a reputable dentist as well as knowing which dentists to avoid. Most dental offices now have Web sites that offer valuable information about the dentists practicing at the office and usually include each dentist’s basic background information, education and dental specialties.
Information to look for when reading through a particular dentist’s Web site include things such as what extra charges or costs are involved should an appointment be missed or cancelled, x-ray requirements and costs, and costs related to any extra services.
It is also important to note how far in advance cleanings and appointments should be scheduled.
Emergency dental services should be available
be obtained by calling the dental office. Look for dental offices with receptionists that are friendly, timely, and helpful.
A basic information check should be performed on any potential dentists before the initial visit. Check that they have earned a degree from a reputable school and are up to date with their licensing and educational requirements. They will preferably be keeping up with the latest dental technologies and trends.
Always be sure that they support up-to-date dental insurance. The best dentists consistently provide cutting edge dental care while striving to create and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for their patients.
Payment should be discussed ahead of time with estimates being given for any and all services. If dental insurance will be used, always check to be sure the dentist that has been chosen accepts the specific insurance. If not, a new dentist may need to be selected. Discuss payment plan options ahead of time, especially for expensive procedures.
When visiting a dentist for the first time, the dentist should be professional and friendly. Questions should be asked based upon the individual patient’s needs and concerns.
If phobias and pain are concerns, patients should express this during an initial visit with a dentist and determine what can be done to alleviate them. Many dentists are willing to go above and beyond to cater to patients with these specific concerns.
A basic oral history should be reviewed before hand, and future treatment and prevention options should be discussed. A good dentist will work to make a patient comfortable and should have a pleasant chair-side manner.
First impressions mean a lot when choosing a dentist. If the dentist, hygienists or office staff create an atmosphere that is anything less than professional or pleasant, a new dentist should be searched for.
The best dentists offer friendly, happy dental experiences. They consider the preferences and concerns of their patients and offer exceptional, cutting-edge dental services.
Teeth are important to overall health and appearance and should be trusted with only the best of dentists. Finding a good dentist should involve finding a friend and ally in the dental industry who consistently keeps the health and beauty of their patient’s smile a top priority.
Teeth are important
to overall health and
appearance and should
be trusted with only
the best of dentists.
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 3
North Cumming DentistryNew Patients Welcome
FREE TEETH BLEACHING
With Adult Exam and Cleaning(Call Us for Details @ 470-253-7349)
• MostInsurancesAccepted• EmergenciesandDentalAnxiouspatientswelcomed• FullDentalServicesprovided(Callfordetails)• WeekendandEveningAppointments• AcceptMedicaidKids&Adults
Dr. Farid Moghaddam, D.M.D.Check out our Facebook Page @ Facebook ID: North Cumming
1715 Friendship Circle | Suite 100 | Cumming, GA 30028Phone: (470) 253-7349 | Fax: (470) 253-7352
PAGE 4 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose aHospital
When suffering injury or sickness, It is important to choose the right hospital.
With many hospitals, standards of care are very much alike, but for different reasons some hospitals offer better care than others. When trying to choose the best hospital for you, those reasons need to be investigated.
When identifying which hospital is best, where the hospital is located is an important consideration. In a time of an unforeseen emergency the reason for that is clear, as the only answer is the nearby hospital. For many people only one hospital is close by, so visiting one farther away would be a problem.
For reasons of family and travel time, most people want to be treated in a hospital near their home. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, a hospital which is farther away but offers more specialized care may be a better choice.
Quite often people will choose a hospital where their primary doctor has an affiliation. Many doctors have referred patients to the same hospital for years, as they are known there and can often see and perform surgery on patients quickly.
Hospitals are categorized as preferred providers by medical insurance companies. Patients choosing a hospital that is not listed in their medical insurance plan will often pay higher fees than those which are recommended by their insurance company.
Many medical procedures that are needed, such as surgery and convalescent care, can
quickly become a large expense. When choosing a hospital, your insurance coverage may be the top consideration.
It is worth considering what other options a hospital offers if location and insurance will
not affect your decision. Many hospitals may offer different medical accreditations than others, such as the Joint Commission, or have achieved high status in treating specialized medical procedures.
If a hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission, certain areas of quality will be followed in areas that cover storage management and nursing care practice. When hospitals receive accreditation by the Joint Commission, they are subjected to frequent evaluation of their standards and keep these standards continuously updated.
Hospitals which have been awarded
certification in areas such as quality and consistency are well worth considering.
Another way of distinguishing excellence is the Magnet Program, which covers outstanding nursing work and other forms of patient care. It is awarded to select hospitals across the nation, so some are not certified. If you are able to enter a hospital that has achieved Magnet status, you can expect excellent patient care.
Although it depends on what procedures must be done, selecting a hospital specializing in a particular surgical procedure may be essential.
All kinds of patients needing medical attention arrive at hospitals every day, but many hospitals will specialize in several areas. Two hospitals within a city may offer similar services, for example, but one might specialize in gastroenterology while another supports an advanced cardiac unit. You should know which is which.
To ensure quality care, hospitals may transfer patients to a more suitable facility. Depending on the seriousness of an injury or illness, a hospital with more specialized care will receive the patient.
To be sure of the best outcome when caring for an injury or illness, choosing the right hospital is important. That’s why you should know about the strengths of your local hospitals before the need for emergency care arises.
Quite often people will choose
a hospital where their primary
doctor has an affiliation. Many
doctors have referred patients
to the same hospital for years,
as they are known there and
can often see and perform
surgery on patients quickly.
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 5
In an emergency, experience mattersEmergencies happen. And when they do, rest assured that you’ll get the best care close to home. Northside’s board-certified emergency
medicine physicians and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified nurses are just right up the road.
We hope we don’t have to see you, but if we do, you’ll be in the best possible hands.
Visit us online at www.northside.com.
PAGE 6 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose aDance Studio
Culture cannot only be classified as an era in time, a historical landmark and site of the Mona Lisa. Culture is also obtained through expression in theatre and drama, as well as movement of the body with song and dance.
Dance in itself has as many forms as the rainbow has colors, from our beloved classical ballet to our historical Irish Step Dance. When making a decision to enhance one’s dance training and/or theatre education, there are a few things to consider when choosing a performing arts studio.
Just as the reputation of any college or university rests primarily on the caliber of professors who instruct there, so too does a top-notch performing arts studio. A quality studio will employ well-rounded and experienced instructors who have been performing and teaching movement for years.
Teachers with experience will enjoy the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and love of dance and theatre through the students they teach. The best instructors have been performers themselves, and while perfectly capable of teaching recreational steps and body movement, are equally suited to preparing students for the rigors and pressures of auditions and major productions.
Professional instructors know what’s required under the glare of the klieg lights because they’ve been there themselves.
Of equal importance as tenure and performance experience, is the open-mindedness of the instructors. The performing arts, in all its various forms, is not calculus or grammar; there is more than one way of doing things. The arts of dance, theatre and song are by definition the free physical expression of that art form, and any studio employing a “My way or the highway” mentality, with
instructors who are rigid and unyielding in terms of embracing new ideas, is probably not the best available choice.
Moving beyond the essential characteristics of instructor quality, is the importance of remembering that “variety is the spice of life.”
Ideally, a quality studio will offer a variety of classes, i.e. tap, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, lyrical dance and theatrical dance. At the risk of being spread too thin, some studios will offer adjunct classes beyond the discipline of dance itself. These are all forms of self-expression and culture that could potentially be offered at the proper venue. Any studio offering such a wide range of study taught by quality instructors is most definitely worth a serious look.
Does the studio offer the opportunity to work with outside guest artists and master teachers? An experience instructor is well aware of the advantages a student will gain by studying with other mast teachers. The finer studio will not only encourage their students to study with other qualified instructors, but will provide the venue of study intensive workshops to broaden the education process
of students interested in furthering their artistic career.
Beyond the caliber of instruction and variety of classes offered by a performing arts establishment, is the physical space and location of a studio. It is said that a child will flourish in an environment he or she is comfortable in. Clean, spacious and well-lit dance spaces are essential, along with the appropriate changing and dressing facilities. Finer studios will offer state-of-the-art equipment and a wood sprung floor, in essence, a “floating” floor that minimizes impact and helps to reduce the wear, tear and injuries which are all too common in the dancing world.
And lastly, it’s important to take into consideration the ultimate achievement level of former students and the instructors. While most budding artists take classes to foster healthy bodies and friendships with others who enjoy the same forms of expression, there is always a certain percentage who aspire to greater heights. Consideration would be given to the performance opportunities available to those who desire to pursue a career in the arts.
The performance experience should exclude any envy or rivalry amongst the corps of performers. On the contrary, during competition performances, the sense of being the best you can be while striving to perform in unison with team members, builds a strong and lasting camaraderie and discipline of teamwork relationships. So too does performance, which incorporates other art forms, including musicians, actors and visual artists such as lighting technicians, build an understanding of confidence, self-esteem and the desire to strive for the best one can be in all aspects of life.
Clean, spacious and well-lit dance spaces are essential, along with the appropriate
changing and dressing facilities. Finer studios will offer state-of-the-art
equipment and a wood sprung floor, in essence, a “floating” floor that minimizes impact and helps to reduce the wear, tear and injuries which are all too common in
the dancing world.
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 7
Register Now for the Fall Dance Season!
770•781•4922419 Tribble Gap Rd. • Cummingwww.cummingdanceacademy.com
www.facebook.com/cummingdanceacademy
Owner/Artistic DirectorNiki Jernigan-Watkins
Home of CDA II Performance AcademyAges 18 Months - Adult
Cumming Dance AcademyOver 10 Years Instructional Excellence!
Voted Best Dance Studio 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013
Visit OurDance BOutique
‘tutus & taps’Find our new schedule
online!
Insta
“Calling all 2 and 3 year olds! Stop by and do a FREE trial class... and you get a free CDA Teddybear to take home with
you!’’ Call us for details today!
Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Pointe • Lyrical • Contemporary Kinder-Gym • 2 Yr. Classes• BOYS Hip Hop • Adult Classes
Performing Companies & Miss Niki’s Elite Performance Class
Private Lessons
Available!
PAGE 8 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose a Handgun
Choosing a handgun, whether for home defense or concealed carry, is a decision which takes a lot of consideration, a lot of shopping, and if you’re new to the market, probably a lot of talking to merchants and other gun owners.
Being properly informed is your first step on the road to responsible gun ownership.
Size and caliber Whatever your level of ability, there is usually
a handgun on the market that will fit your needs, both technically and physically. It’s a good idea to always make sure you physically shop for a handgun at some point, regardless of how you intend to buy it.
Pistols comes in many shapes, sizes and calibers, and the choice might seem a bit overwhelming. The first thing you should consider is size. If you aren’t going to be carrying the pistol on your person, a larger framed pistol will serve you just fine. You’ll be able to hold more ammunition in the magazine, and your recoil and sighting will be much more manageable.
If you’re trying to find a handgun to carry concealed, a smaller pistol will serve you better. While you won’t have the weight to help absorb recoil, or the longer sight plane, you won’t have to worry about it nearly as much. Most concealed carry guns are designed to be used at close ranges, as well as remain hidden when not in use.
Caliber is an important consideration as well. Larger caliber weapons will deal more damage with every hit, but at the cost of recoil and size of the weapon. While your objective shouldn’t be to kill an attacker, you’ll want to choose a large enough caliber to put a stop to any threat you might face. Smaller calibers will work better for
novice shooters and those who need a smaller weapon outright.
Other things to consider There are a few other important decisions to
make when it comes to choosing your handgun to make sure you’re buying the correct weapon. First off, you should be able to operate the weapon easily and without complication. Take time to learn about the gun you choose, and
make sure you know about loading, firing and switching the safety on and off before you attempt to use the weapon.
When it comes to handguns, there are two variations: the automatic and the revolver. The automatics are the typical clip-fed modern handgun and usually come in smaller calibers, also known as “auto calibers.” Automatics are complicated machines and can be trickier to clean and operate than a revolver, but they make up for it by being fast to fire and easy to reload.
Revolvers are much simpler machines and
have been around a lot longer than automatics. They have a wider range of calibers available, are easier to clean, but firing speed and reload time is significantly reduced. A revolver is a good option for a beginner, but there are good automatics for novices as well.
It is more important to have a gun with pointand- shoot accuracy instead of sighted accuracy when it comes to self-defense. If you are being assaulted, you are probably not going to have the need to draw a bead on your attacker, nor will you have the time. When you’re shooting for self-defense, you’re usually firing fast and instinctively, so it’s good to have a gun that reflects your firing style.
WarningsAs with any weapon, be familiar with the
use and care of your gun before you attempt to deploy it in a self-defense maneuver. Spend plenty of time with your weapon at the firing range and become familiar with the limitations of your weapon.
Responsible gun ownership starts with gun safety. Always make sure you are handling your weapon in a manner that is safe for you and those around you, and never leave your pistol where children can get their hands on it. Always treat the weapon like it’s loaded, and never point at anyone you don’t intend to shoot.
If you have further questions, your local gun shop will be the place to get answers. Most of the time the staff is very passionate about their trade and will be more than happy to help you select a weapon within your price range and abilities.
Remember to ask plenty of questions, and if you don’t quite like the answers, feel free to ask other gun shops or gun owners.
Being properly informed is your
first step on the road to responsible gun
ownership.
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 9
Open 7 Days a Week!Mon. - Fri. 11am - 9pm
Sat. 9am - 9pm Sun. 1pm - 6pm
WWW.BULLSEYEMARKSMAN.COM
Bulls Eye MarksmanBulls Eye MarksmanBulls Eye MarksmanBulls Eye MarksmanBulls Eye MarksmanBulls Eye MarksmanGun Club
Basic Handgun Training
• P• P• Private Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small rivate Small GroupGroupGroupGroupGroupGroup• T• T• T• Tactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Trainingactical Training• C• C• C• Concealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed oncealed CarryCarryCarryCarryCarryCarryCarry• P• P• Personal ersonal ersonal ersonal ersonal ersonal ersonal ersonal DefenseDefenseDefenseDefenseDefenseDefenseDefenseDefense• C• C• Cleaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and leaning and
MaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenance• A• A• A• Advanced dvanced dvanced dvanced dvanced dvanced dvanced dvanced dvanced HandgunHandgunHandgunHandgunHandgunHandgunHandgunHandgun• B• B• Basic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifleasic Rifle• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• Gunsmith Service• H• H• Hunting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All unting Trips All
Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.Across the U.S.
• B• B• Become a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range ecome a Range MemberMemberMemberMemberMemberMemberMember
• Glock• Glock• Glock• Glock• Glock• Glock• Glock• Glock• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Smith & Wesson• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Derringers• Rifles• Rifles• Rifles• Rifles• Rifles• Rifles• Rifles• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Shotguns• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Body Armor• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes• Sight/Scopes
Ladies Only
2nd Monday6pm - 9pm
1st & 3rd Monday6pm-9pm
PAGE 10 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose Complementary Medicine
The mantra for healthy Americans is expanding from diet, exercise and regular physicals to include a culture of meditation, massage, tai chi and alternative medicine.
The World Health Organization defines complementary or alternative medicine as “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition and are not integrated in the dominant health care system.”
Michael Seidman, MD, medical director for Henry Ford Health System’s Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, in Northville. He’s also a specialist in otologic/neurotologic-skull base surgery, tinnitus, nutrition/antioxidants and their relationship to health and aging, and herbal therapies.
According to Seidman, the center seeks the “most responsible, safe, scientific way” to combine complementary and conventional medicine.
“The body, mind and spirit all play a role in your ability to heal. In my mind, it doesn’t mean getting rid of your oncologist if you have cancer,” Seidman says. “It means firing up your immune system by using your mind to think about your immune system fighting off that cancer.”
Complementary medicine is used to treat chronic pain and postural problems, headaches (including migraines), cancer, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ear), anxiety, depression and stress. The center also supports wellness programs, such as smoking cessation, nutritional counseling and weight management. Treatments can be used alone or interdependently.
Herbal and nutritional counseling“You tell patients to lose weight and they say,
‘See you later’ or ‘Don’t think I haven’t tried,’” Seidman says. Changing ingrained habits is a huge challenge, he admits. “If you put fruit in front of me or a cookie, I’ll gravitate toward the cookie.”
Half of all Americans routinely use supplements to help stay healthy or promote
healing from illness: aloe, St. John’s Won, gingko biloba are a few. Nutrition counselors can help patients make good choices, as well as more fundamental lifestyle changes.
AcupunctureAcupuncture has been practiced for 5,000
years. The goal is restoring chi, the balance of spiritual emotional, mental and physical energy.
Acupuncturists insert fine needles just below the surface of the skin to restore the natural flow of the body’s energy. The needle’s sensation has been compared to a mosquito bite without the subsequent itch.
Acupuncture is used to treat chronic pain and migraines, stimulate the immune system, manage addictive behaviors, and minimize adverse menstrual cycle effects, among other benefits. Technology, in the form of electronics and lasers, is paving the way for needle-free acupuncture, according to Robert Levine, Ph.D, and research director for the center.
Massage and neuromuscular therapy
Massage and neuromuscular therapy
Massage and neuromuscular
Massage is a soft tissue therapy used to treat muscle spasms, circulatory problems, some sports injuries, to reduce stress, and help the body cleanse itself. Therapists are trained in Swedish/relaxation massage, deep tissue, myofascial release and sports massage.Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a special form of deep tissue therapy that relieves pain and bone misalignments by relaxing muscles and tendons. The basic idea is that the soft tissue is pulling the skeleton out of alignment.
The goal of this therapy is relieving pain and realigning bones, while the patient learns new ways to carry his or her frame.
HypnotherapyHypnosis, a deeply relaxed state of
consciousness, is one way to access healing power.
“Meditation is a form of self-hypnosis,” Levine says. “When someone undergoes hypnosis, they allow themselves, through the facilitation of the practitioner, to connect their conscious mind with their subconscious mind.”
A suggestion given during the hypnotic state can help replace automatic reactions, such as overeating, with conscious, health-based decisions.
Levine says hypnosis cannot be used to force someone to act against his or her will.
ResearchLevine leads the center’s nationally
recognized research program, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health.
A recent pilot study showed that neuromuscular therapy helped reduce migraine suffering by 45 percent. Later this year, a large clinical trial will examine how patients with chronic back pain respond to alternative approaches compared with traditional treatments. HTG
Massage therapists are trained in
Swedish/relaxation massage, deep
tissue, myofascial release and sports
massage.
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 11
*See clinic for details. ©2013 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC. Georgia Licensed Massage Therapists
PAGE 12 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose aCommunity Bank
Selecting a bank seems like an easy assignment. Many times the bank we select is chosen because it’s closer to where we live or work. Convenience of location has always been the number one reason customers select a bank. Convenience is important and should be considered when making a banking decision on where to bank. Some banks today offer seven-day a week banking with expanded hours and are open most holidays. This gives you flexibility to do your banking when it is convenient to you. But, you should expect more from a bank than a good location and hours.
Banks today are technologically superior and offer products that are key elements in selecting a financial institution. What do you need from your bank and what do you expect your bank to provide should be questions asked when making decisions to select a bank. Suddenly the “free” checking account with no services or options is not as important as being able to access an account and whether you feel comfortable and welcome when you enter or telephone your bank. Are you greeted with a familiar, smiling face? Do they call you by name, do you genuinely feel that the staff cares about you?
Checking products and how they are marketed to customers is another important difference to compare when selecting a bank. Most banks offer checking products that range from “free” checking to club accounts. These two types of accounts are the extreme examples of relatively no service or features from a bank with a “free” account and an account with many features that are paid for on a monthly basis.
Overdraft fees and protection vary from bank to bank as well. No customer wants to be overdrawn, but it happens from time to time and a bank may charge from $15 to $30 dollars per item for an overdraft fee. Know what you’re getting into before you open the account. You may also want to know how to visit with a customer service or bookkeeping person to answer a question or solve a problem. Most community banks have local people handling your problems such as a lost or missing check or even help balance your checking account. If the customer service is available only through a 1-800 number, you might think twice before selecting this bank.
Lending is another product that customers expect and need from banks. Most people need a loan for a car, business or home and rely on their bank to provide this service. All banks make loans, but their process of approving an application may differ. How they handle a customer may differ, if they keep the loan or sell it to another financial institution. These questions may not seem important when you open an account at a bank but when you need a loan it will matter.
Most local banks make decisions locally and have continuity in their lending staff as officers move up through the ranks in the same bank. This allows you to keep the same loan officer as you grow with the bank.
In a regional bank the decisions many times are made in the lending centers where applications are sent. They use formulas and credit scores to approve loans. The loan officer for a regional bank may work in the community for a few years and move to another community for a few years and move
to another community as they are promoted within the bank’s system.
Comparing interest rates and fees are also important in deciding on a bank as banks may differ. This would include document preparation fees, late fees, extension fees, and other fees that might relate to the type of loan you are requesting. Rates and fees are disclosed and can be compared before designing a loan application. It’s good policy to always ask what the fees and rates on a loan are before applying. Bankers do like customers who are concerned about lower rates and fees as they feel the customer will pay the loan back.
The location(s) of your bank is important. But also be sure to consider the technology the bank has installed and the products you might use such as banking with your personal computer, checking services, researching a problem, or just working with a loan officer to get a fair loan at a competitive interest rate with reasonable fees. These factors will help you to know your money is secure, and have access to it when it counts.
Last, but not least, is community involvement. In today’s hectic and sometimes seemingly uncaring world, it is refreshing to see and know that a bank and its staff are involved in your community and care. Also it is good to know that your money is being invested in your community. Community reinvestment and support are crucial to most areas. Is the bank involved in your community; are they not only giving financial support, but seen actively working for and in the community?
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 13
www.cbbga.com
Community Business Bankwould like to welcome
Carrie Garmon as Vice President - Head of Retail Banking
505 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming, GA 30041 • 770.292.8000
PAGE 14 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
Choose NewspaperAdvertising
Why Newspapers?
Targeting customers in a media-fragmented marketplace is a continual challenge for many advertisers.
The abundance of advertising sources has overwhelmed and divided consumer attention. This means media planners and buyers need the right tools to help them decide on the best allocation of advertising dollars. As advertisers strive for an effective media mix, they should know there is one medium that can deliver strength to advertising and marketing strategies.
The newspaper continues to be a powerful medium for reaching shoppers in the market for a broad range of products and services. It is a portable and convenient source of advertising information — helping consumers decide where to shop and what to buy. The newspaper delivers customers unlike any other medium each and every day, reaching an array of traditional and emerging markets with unsurpassed advertising impact.
Universal coverage, utility and power are the driving forces behind newspapers. And that is why they add value for advertisers!
Newspapers offer advertisers alternatives to reach customers — new and potential — with effective messages for long-term awareness or immediate
call-to-action responses. Whether it’s a preprint insert or run-of-paper (ROP) advertising adjacent to select editorial content, newspapers deliver the right message to the right people at the right time.
If we combine frequency measures for ROP and newspaper preprints, we have 90 percent of adults who use one or the other or in combination — a powerful pairing.
Opportunities in Newspapers
ROP: Run of Press advertising means an ad placed on the pages of a newspaper. This best-known newspaper advertising option offers short deadlines and proximity of editorial that enhances visibility.
Preprints: Preprinted inserts offer advertisers the flexibility and control of creating and printing advertising that the newspaper distributes.
Commercial Printing: Newspapers offer customers who need major printing the opportunity and cost efficiency of using their presses to print catalogs, inserts and other commercial print needs.
Niche products/special sections: Newspapers offer a myriad of opportunities where a special marketplace is created to help in targeting an advertiser’s best prospects. These products may be
inserted into the newspaper or may be distributed in other ways needed to best attract the niche audience.
Highlights
The compelling facts below underscore the strength of newspapers: — The majority of adults (54 percent) read
a newspaper on an average weekday. — More than six out of 10 adults (64
percent) read a newspaper on an average Sunday.
— More than seven out of 10 adults (73 percent) read a daily newspaper in the past five days.
— More than three-quarters of adults (77 percent) read a Sunday newspaper in the past month.
— Newspaper usage is strong among emerging markets — teens and Hispanics.
— Customers for many products and services are also the heaviest newspaper readers.
— The newspaper provides advertisers with unique targeting opportunities.
— The newspaper is the most-used advertising source for various store categories.
— Newspaper Web sites are highly rated for being useful and informative.
SOURCE: National Newspaper Association
HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013 — PAGE 15
For more information contact Ryan Garmon at 770-205-8960or [email protected].
Forsyth County’s Offi cial Local News Source for Over 105 Years.
• Enhanced Website!
• New Mobile Editi on!
• Weather, News & School Closure Text and Email Alerts!
Award Winning
News Coverage
Source for Over 105 Years.
Enhanced Website!Enhanced Website!
• New Mobile Editi on!Mobile Editi on!
Weather, News & School Closure Text and Text and
Covering Forsyth each week withDaily and Sunday Editi ons!
Spotlighti ng the affl uent South Forsyth area each Sunday!
PAGE 16 — HOW TO GUIDE— OCTOBER 2013
THE CUMMING PLAYHOUSE PROUDLY PRESENTS...
The Cumming Playhouse101 School Street, Cumming, GA 30040
playhousecumming.com770.781.9178
Talley’s FolleyOctober 24 -November 3, 2013Thur., Fri., Sat. 8:00pmSun. Mat. 3:00pm
Irving Berlin’sWhite Christmas
November 21 -December 15, 2013Thur., Fri., Sat. 8:00pmSun. Mat. 3:00pm
The Forsyth Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert “Holiday Festivities”
December 4, 2013Wed. 8:00pm
For tickets and showtime information please visit our website playhousecumming.com
OCT/N
OV/D
EC SH
OW SC
HEDU
LE