According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the benefits of a consistent workout routine may be even greater for people 65 or older. In the short term, it can improve older adults’ sleep quality, anxiety levels and blood pressure. As the years go on, the CDC says consistent fitness can assist in cancer prevention, maintaining a healthy weight and living independently longer.
ExploreNew Emory Healthcare program encourages movement, education
While your body changes, your fitness routine should change along with it. Follow these tips to make sure you continue to have the safest and most productive workouts.
Monitor your condition closely
If the workouts you have always done seem harder now, that may be a sign that your body can no longer do the same things safely. To continue working your body in similar ways, monitor your condition as you workout.
One simple way to properly check on yourself during a workout is with a simple talk test, as described by Dr. Michael Kraft, assistant professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at Emory University.
“Making sure that you’re able to talk throughout the activity is super important,” Kraft told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “If you start to become breathless, you’re starting to go up into the higher heart rate zones.”
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It is best to start any physical activity slowly and gradually work your way up to your limit, rather than the other way around. According to the National Institute of Aging, this can reduce injury and help to “build confidence, motivation, and a regular routine.”
Take your medical conditions into account
Throughout life, medical conditions or injuries have likely affected your workout routine in some way. As you get older, you may have to started taking those conditions into account even if you are presently feeling better.
One unexpected change many older adults face are the new ways their body reacts to heat, particularly because of medications that increase dehydration.
“Some of the diuretics that are out there, if you’re elderly, can cause us to not be able to dissipate the heat well,” Kraft explained.
He implores older adults to take into account if they have conditions or are on medications that predispose them for dehydration or overheating. The NIA recommends speaking with your doctor before starting a new workout and ask how any existing health issues may hinder your abilities.
Lean into the gadgets
Smart watches, heart rate monitors and other fancy workout gadgets can seem drastic, especially if you’ve watched fitness trends come and go. However, these devices can keep you safe while you exercise.
Credit: TNS
Credit: TNS
ExploreWhat your resting heart rate says about your health and how to check it
Invest in a good heart monitoring watch that checks for blood pressure, blood glucose and heart rate. With these tools, you can know exactly how your body is reacting to each workout you throw at it.
At-home fitness bikes, treadmills and walking pads can also be beneficial in providing a safe place for you to consistently workout, no matter the weather conditions.
Don’t settle on one activity
There may have been one fitness activity you stuck to throughout your life, consistently training in it until you were your very best. As you age, it’s better to diversify your workouts.
The NIA suggests older adults engage in a “combination of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and balance activities” each week.
It’s time to reframe your definition of exercise. Everything from swimming to dancing to working in the yard can be classified as a fitness activity — and can develop into a new balanced routine.
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This is the audience of the Guru of Abs, DaShaun Johnson.”},{“_id”:”GLNQHGJA6ZBQ3AOBDLEY4BLLJM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I teach seniors and other individuals how to work their abs safely and effectively from the seated or standing position,” Johnson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “},{“_id”:”FMICY3GUMBEV3LDXK23H42E3CA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The 41-year-old Decatur native conducts free in-person fitness classes that cater to the over-55 set, and he’s maximized his visibility by livestreaming these workouts online. The result has been a jump in fitness awareness among participants and wildfire popularity. “},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”syndication”:{},”auth”:{“1″:”04c6d05353007f99912c1ebe5051674976d92447fb7bdce9067f3a7c0f5e1643″},”caption”:”DaShaun Johnson leads a senior body sculpting class. 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The definition of a guru is an individual who obtains knowledge in a certain area but uses it to guide others. I took that name, did my research and lived up to it.””},{“_id”:”S27QV7SA3BB2ZGZNAA5ALDFMKY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Living up to it began eight years ago when Johnson lost his grandparents 30 days apart. He combated the ensuing depression by visiting the Exchange Park Recreation Center in Decatur and collaborating with staff to administer workout classes to a handful of seniors. Friends who he grew up with began sending their parents to work out with him in his Senior Body Sculpting program.”},{“_id”:”ZOZNR6AG7JFW7AN6KNS66YVPVY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“level”:2,”_id”:”IFPN4TCYNNHJDITWMJYMJNJKLM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”From a class to a movement”},{“_id”:”IFS6X6O6G5FW3I22EGCCTNHDKQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We started with only about eight seniors, and it just started as a community giveback in honor of my grandparents, and week after week after week, the numbers grew,” Johnson said. “What started off as a class turned into a movement.””},{“_id”:”GAQSFRTLUZAGVEE4ZXDL2PQHOI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the program shut down, Johnson decided to broadcast on Facebook Live. That first session, he said, garnered 3,000 participants gazing into their screens ready to work out from the comfort of home. “},{“_id”:”PU2KAVWW45GLXCJZY32BHZPT5A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It was at that moment that I realized this is something special,” Johnson recalled.”},{“_id”:”DOFY3RO72BBHNMYPIEDNF3O6CM”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”Why strength training is so important for people over 55″,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/aging-in-atlanta/strength-training-is-so-important-for-people-over-55/5ESXDSONQFDEXEAONBBW33TK4E/”},{“_id”:”523DHMUE7VEJVOAHTOFDMU5T4Q”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He continued the momentum by adding Instagram, YouTube and TikTok accounts. In his attempts to reach his target demographic, he found he was attracting attention from their younger relatives.”},{“_id”:”VNZUQMMI6FDU7CSF3UDXZDY24M”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“A lot of their kids and grandkids were like, ‘Hey, I can use this for my grandparents. My mom can use this. They’re sitting around the house.’” Johnson said. “It’s kind of like I’m working local and virtual, hand in hand.””},{“_id”:”ZLLB2HECCRHPDPAEHMVHT2M4QY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Although social media has given his business an undeniable boost, seniors sharing about the benefits of the workouts has gone further. He’s hearing participants are able to sit and stand more easily — and he says they’re getting positive feedback from their medical providers.”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”QBSFFWJZ6ZF33ETADGF667VSLQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”How it works”},{“_id”:”GE644OA2BNEUDNRP4VVT4C6W6M”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”As he expanded his social media reach, Johnson began making connections with health care providers, large retailers and community organizations, which helped him grow the program through backing and partnerships. “},{“_id”:”C7KL6HY5NVFKNDQAK4X2XITI4U”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He currently offers a free weekly class online through AARP Georgia. An AARP membership is not required, but you will need light weights, a towel and comfortable clothing. Once you register online, you will receive an email containing the Zoom link to join the virtual workout class. “},{“_id”:”S4TMJFCTTJEOTPPSGESJWBWJBI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”For free in-person classes, Johnson teaches on a rotating schedule at venues throughout Atlanta, including Sampson Health & Fitness Center in Stonecrest. He livestreams these classes as well, which typically boast about 200 in-person participants. To check out his class schedule, visit his website. “},{“subtype”:”instagram”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{},”provider”:”https://graph.facebook.com/v8.0/instagram_oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0Vn2dSHAC/”,”type”:”instagram”},”_id”:”KRSJMFZOXNENNCPMXSCTOLCC2I”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”theguruofabs”,”width”:658,”thumbnail_width”:640,”html”:”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by DaShaun Johnson (@theguruofabs)
\n”,”provider_url”:”https://www.instagram.com/”,”_id”:”https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0Vn2dSHAC/”,”provider_name”:”Instagram”,”type”:”instagram”,”thumbnail_url”:”https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/505603817_18028088687690072_3476479867687031888_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p640x640_sh0.08_tt6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=Q6cZ2QEO4iWVYy10vCGhIn5lBmJOFQDfVXLKlLZaHIMfO26KHlV6QnAMUyQaj5ntI_vMd6k&_nc_ohc=kcvVq9RrHBwQ7kNvwGN8Hu8&_nc_gid=jFs6-XvuzEG592e892vc_g&edm=AMO9-JQAAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfWtcz6Z5Bz1wccM8WCY-lsHu-RhawJP6qp839nUet9IiA&oe=68A106A9&_nc_sid=cc8940″,”version”:”1.0″,”thumbnail_height”:1137},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”KEXJHU4B2NDJLO7VWIZFEBXICA”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”New Emory Healthcare program encourages movement, education”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/2025/06/new-emory-healthcare-program-encourages-movement-education/”},{“_id”:”W6VKZFKF2NFK3ECWSQP2ULJIEM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”WGKVAQ62BZDELIYQMYCLOVTX7M”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“level”:2,”_id”:”FGA46W2UBFFMNH2GJGRA3CCP2U”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Looking toward the future”},{“_id”:”OQLJDVX6B5CBNPS6MTEDBEGDEE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Moving forward, he’s intent on reaching more men. Right now, he estimates participation is at least 80% female. A new class called “Muscles After 50” is designed exclusively for men looking to up their fitness levels and build camaraderie. with other participants. “},{“_id”:”I2XBNJ3SVZF5RJC5LIGM7DEZVI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Johnson has already made the body-sculpting program into a social experience, squiring seniors off on local bowling trips, to Costa Rica, and on a cruise.”},{“_id”:”SGFZPUSFNVFA7MFHODT4TJRJDU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I tell people this isn’t a class; this is a fitness community that we’re building because we don’t only just work out. We support one another,” he said. “We go to events; they bring their grandkids. We travel. We do a lot together as a community, because if we’re spending so much time together, we need to get to know each other outside of class.””},{“_id”:”BMCPHXC6FBFGDH3M3DRGCTRZPM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”UQISBAWCIVE4NJ4KY5RDSMJOYA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””}),”display_date”:”2025-08-11T10:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“org”:”For The AJC “,”name”:”Elizabeth Green”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“author_type”:””}},”type”:”author”})},”subtype”:”Article”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Decatur native grows a fitness empire around seniors”},”first_publish_date”:”2025-08-11T10:00:00Z”,”taxonomy”:{“primary_site”:{“path”:”/wellness”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Wellness”,”description”:null,”_id”:”/wellness”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”MainMenu2024″:”/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”subnav_homepage”:null},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Wellness”,”cohort_desktop_image”:null,”cohort”:”false”,”cohort_mobile_image”:null,”cohort_logo_image”:null,”cohort_image_gradient”:”true”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/”,”site_keywords”:null,”site_about”:null,”site_description”:null,”site_title”:null,”site_tagline”:null},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”name”:”Wellness”,”_id”:”/wellness”,”ancestors”:{“default”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”MainMenu2024″:(“/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”https://www.ajc.com/”),”ComposerNav”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”subnav_homepage”:()},”order”:{“MainMenu2024″:2004,”default”:1091,”ComposerNav”:1008}}},”type”:”site”,”version”:”0.5.8″},”sections”:({“path”:”/wellness”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Wellness”,”description”:null,”_id”:”/wellness”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”MainMenu2024″:”/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”subnav_homepage”:null},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Wellness”,”cohort_desktop_image”:null,”cohort”:”false”,”cohort_mobile_image”:null,”cohort_logo_image”:null,”cohort_image_gradient”:”true”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/”,”site_keywords”:null,”site_about”:null,”site_description”:null,”site_title”:null,”site_tagline”:null},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Wellness”,”_id”:”/wellness”,”ancestors”:{“default”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”MainMenu2024″:(“/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”https://www.ajc.com/”),”ComposerNav”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”subnav_homepage”:()},”order”:{“MainMenu2024″:2004,”default”:1091,”ComposerNav”:1008}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./wellness”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}),”primary_section”:{“path”:”/wellness”,”name”:”Wellness”},”tags”:({“text”:”sp-aging”},{“text”:”aging”},{“text”:”RunAutoLink_KBHGI2TVXZDLNM4IVUEB7QLMNY”},{“text”:”atlanta-news-metro.ajc”},{“text”:”health-wellness.ajc”})},”label”:{“custom_label”:{“display”:true,”text”:”Aging in Atlanta”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-08-12T12:10:50.882Z”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“auth”:{“1″:”f16c069e8598ec3b240eef579668bfe2e1af4b5d164c579f55204ff82c9f000f”},”credits”:{“affiliation”:(),”by”:({“name”:”DaShaun Johnson”,”type”:”author”,”byline”:”DaShaun Johnson”})},”subtitle”:”Senior Body Sculpting”,”width”:2048,”caption”:”DaShaun Johnson leads a senior body sculpting class. 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Whether you struggle to find the right time or place, it seems like there’s always something hindering you from getting that perfect schedule down.”},{“_id”:”XU73HKMOPJB7TP27QMDRKT47GY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”As you age, this can become even more complicated. The workouts may not come as easy as they used to. Certain times of day that used to be optimal now lead to extreme discomfort. And one major drawback may be finding a new spot to workout after a move from your longtime community. “},{“_id”:”5B5534OQXVGANMZVJBW6UH7P2Q”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”These problems, however, should never stop you from pursuing your fitness goals. “},{“_id”:”MLYSMIJDGZE77KGBC4ZVW62RMA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the benefits of a consistent workout routine may be even greater for people 65 or older. In the short term, it can improve older adults’ sleep quality, anxiety levels and blood pressure. As the years go on, the CDC says consistent fitness can assist in cancer prevention, maintaining a healthy weight and living independently longer. “},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”auth”:{“1″:”70914e5015fa95a9f4c4c47bb1ae3d9ae2de4b68bb1dde91fca82099dbb4022c”},”caption”:”Sue Ottosen (bottom right) teaches a senior water aerobics class at Roswell Area Park Pool on Monday, July 24, 2023. 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My husband Greg and I were in total shock. I ate a healthy diet, worked out 4 hours a week at the gym and was very active in my community. How could this happen?””},{“_id”:”3LGDNARL7ZHCDBMMZ2LEEXYLPU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”That’s when the Madison resident was referred to an expert out of Georgia’s University Cancer & Blood Center: Athens-based general surgeon Dr. Cody Gunn. Gunn removed her cancer and later spoke with the AJC about her treatment.”},{“_id”:”7OSVNNC2OREXDEAJ4D3UTDY2OM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”According to Gunn, cancer diagnoses and treatments are almost always very emotional moments for patients. Breast cancer, however, is often an especially difficult time. “},{“_id”:”MVQHAJTIG5G6PB3IFRDIUR735A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“And then the actual having chemotherapy is harsh,” he said. “Sometimes it can last six months. In her case, she was getting infusions for a year. So that’s a long year of just fatigue and going through it. (Thinking) ‘is this gonna come back?’ And so you have to worry about that all the time. And then, at the end of chemotherapy, she had to have radiation therapy.””},{“_id”:”PQPBWJIHD5COROK7CDBJEKW3PI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Strelecki was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ the earliest stage of breast cancer, Gunn explained. According to the American Cancer Society, it represents around 20% of all new breast cancer cases.”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”HMTH3AFDGBBELFZYLZ355Q4PTE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Fun Fights Fear “},{“_id”:”TYOQC7HYMFGK5JVJIK6DWTXOHI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”An illustrator, muralist and painter by trade, Strelecki was sorely missing her creative outlets when the cancer struck. Her husband, a professional photographer, took action. “},{“_id”:”OSYWF3UBBFDV3M4NQN4X4QTP7Y”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When the treatments began, he simply took photos to capture her progress and help her take attention away from the health challenges. During this time, Strelecki had some low moments — hard days. Her hair was falling out; food was becoming tasteless. Severe fatigue was setting in as pneumonia struck during her third week of treatments. It’s when she was feeling lowest that inspiration struck.”},{“_id”:”RPPWPABLIVA7TDYGZEH3KUZTT4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I said, Greg, let’s come up with some ideas of women in history and pop culture, successful women, tough girls — not mean girls — but tough girls,” she said, remembering how the project all began. “},{“_id”:”3NQEVZDPZ5ADFKOIOVNOSI5F7Q”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”Yes, I have breast cancer. But I’m one of the lucky ones”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/pulse/yes-i-have-breast-cancer-but-im-one-of-the-lucky-ones/7GKPXSXYGZBEFNDOUVCZD77L4Y/”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”syndication”:{},”auth”:{“1″:”9136ecc90ccd01e83d00067370213e459861adcf8c4f105707aa73c2395a6df7″},”caption”:”Breast cancer might be less dangerous than being Henry VIII’s wife, but Karen Strelecki dressed up to make other patients at her cancer center smile. 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The couple eventually moved toward a more professional setup, using photo editing for higher production value. “},{“_id”:”IG4YU2JQMBFRFM2CTHQ44SFIFM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I made a list of notable, successful, funny women in history and pop culture and we were off to the races,” she wrote. “No more ‘poor me!’ Every week I’d play dress-up for Greg to do what he does best, make me look better! And THAT made me feel better.””},{“_id”:”A5ID2ZDDIVEH7G55XFWVVXOKRY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”They would go on to label the project Fun Fights Fear, a collection of inspirational photos from her time fighting cancer. Strelecki would begin visiting the cancer center in costume, much to the surprise of her fellow patients and the UCBC staff.”},{“_id”:”Z43MDRUOD5BXDNMBN565X7QVR4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Mine and Greg’s efforts were met with big laughs, surprised looks, selfies with some patients and staff and lots of thankful hugs,” she wrote. “It didn’t hurt to bring treats to share with staff and patients. That never failed to draw them into my world.””},{“_id”:”QBARMAMAFRHMVPZFYIG3DUQL3I”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”It’s an effort Gunn expressed great appreciation for, as hospital morale can be a powerful factor.”},{“_id”:”7F4L7YOH4RHNREZIPBXU65IL7U”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Your attitude is so important, and that helped her get through it,” he said, speaking on her Fun Fights Fear project. “And it helped other people get through it.””},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”auth”:{“1″:”6aedc149bad7ad3b4d69ace933066c64560fc0050ddb1649a90a620a72f70219″},”caption”:”There is no proof Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg carried a sword in the long hall of Dublin’s Trinity College, but there’s no proof she didn’t. Cancer patient Karen Strelecki’s costumes made staff and patients smile at her treatment center. 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The staff is dealing with people going through this treatment every day and trying to be supportive, and it brightens their mood, too.””},{“_id”:”FNM6O5IBGJFPHFKU23NYPBBM2I”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Now the couple say they hope to donate the Fun Fights Fear collection to UCBC as part of an inspirational packet for future cancer patients. From writing their own experiences with battling cancer to immortalizing their hopes on paper, Strelecki wants the collection — and her story — to became an aid for others. “},{“_id”:”CJG7UPD7FJBPPIMOJNH7DKY7XE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“My hope is that people will be able to benefit from our efforts, because it sure did help me,” she said.”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”ZL53L77LJFDY5EYVKIH2NCEYZU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Is it time for a mammogram?”},{“_id”:”GHQOGVMQ6FAGTB3IADGTEO4MCE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Breast cancer will kill an estimated 42,170 women in the United States this year. Strelecki is just one of an estimated 59,080 new DCIS cases expected nationwide in 2025. The country could see 316,950 new invasive breast cancer diagnoses overall by year’s end. So what’s at the front line of defense against this deadly disease? Mammograms.”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”YMHS62FWM5AK5AQNUXQRMTXXQQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”ZVQ2SXAAVVDTZOVKZJ4NNOMWJ4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Mammograms are X-ray screenings and, according to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are the best way to spot breast cancer early. “},{“_id”:”ZZVFKJYLXJCEJN22AQ5OV7W7BI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“The most important thing, and you hear it over and over again, is early detection,” Gunn said. “I cannot stress how important it is for people to have their mammograms.” “},{“_id”:”SHEJHAA4QFE2ZMFAK5N5TLIZ3A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The sooner a medical professional can find the potential cancer, the better. According to the UCBC expert, Strelecki’s chemotherapy regimen was essentially cut in half because of how early they discovered her cancer.”},{“_id”:”GOKBSB4ZFFGIPAAOK4UEIRRFLU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“So it affects the treatments you get, how aggressive you have to be with treatment — lots of times you can just take the area out,” Gunn explained. “You don’t have to lose your breasts. “},{“_id”:”AKWP5KIW3RCNNA6AH3VCKDLSCM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:” “Our treatment has gotten better and better every year, but the sooner we find it, the better it is.””},{“_id”:”PTLKNGZU4NBSLAU2GW5I4ERRGU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”JG5MQIJG4BE4JFLGOTEFNNCKUY”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”‘The Office’ star Jenna Fischer on ‘ugly cries’ after cancer diagnosis”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/pulse/the-office-star-jenna-fischer-on-ugly-cries-after-cancer-diagnosis/TXYINYNYV5FGPDRAE6FHFLT7KQ/”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”auth”:{“1″:”2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb”},”caption”:”\”We Can Do It,\” and \”it,\” means making people smile with her costumes while Karen Strelecki underwent chemo. (Courtesy of John Gregory Strelecki)”,”source”:{“system”:”photo center”,”name”:”AJC”,”edit_url”:””,”source_type”:”staff”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.9″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:(),”by”:({“name”:”John Gregory Strelecki”,”type”:”author”,”byline”:”John Gregory Strelecki”})},”subtitle”:”Georgia breast cancer patient, 72, faces chemo in costume to spread joy”,”width”:1800,”_id”:”QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4″,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb”,”keywords”:(),”proxyUrl”:”/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb”,”link”:””,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb”,”ingestionMethod”:”manual”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb&width=300″,”version”:0,”originalName”:”Strelecki 14.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”template_id”:594,”galleries”:({“headlines”:{“basic”:”Photos: Georgia breast cancer patient, 72, faces chemo in costume to spread joy”},”_id”:”7VTMEU72T5DVDOGSWQY5HADKWQ”})},”created_date”:”2025-06-30T19:48:17Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-06-30T19:48:17Z”,”height”:2400,”image_type”:”photograph”,”resized_obj”:{“0”:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”1″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”2″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/QKXEFHXNCBGOZFYDUAHFNYNFI4.jpg?auth=2cd2838038b496624100e7601e0c542b1d13c14fec981345ee89cd1686f22bdb&width=500&height=500&smart=true”}}},{“_id”:”VV5UZSHXWJEHNFIJDOYVON26IE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The American Cancer Society recommends women of average risk (no personal history or strong family history of breast cancer) consider starting annual mammogram screenings at 40 years old. Women at high risk of breast cancer, such as anyone with certain genetic mutations or a family history, should consider getting a screening every year starting at age 30.”},{“_id”:”62HBXMM6EVGO7NGBLSWROHUS5I”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, Strelecki hopes her work can help.”},{“_id”:”ILFJT7VWMZBCFCB55LC3GXXM6M”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I hope my approach to dealing with a very difficult time in my life will inspire others who are in the same boat to express their bliss and expel the misery,” she wrote. “},{“_id”:”KSY3ZAONBNGVLBD2HAMTQZKSLM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”JVPL24J6H5BCPI37QANI6W4EPI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”3BYL6A3QRZF6BCFWWMLGTGV4PA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Strelecki finished her final treatment just days after first speaking with the AJC. But what costume best fits that most momentous of cancer battle moments, the ringing of that iconic brass bell? Tinkerbell, of course. “},{“_id”:”3NEYFGAIM5HM5KK3CR6QAQC2YE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Tink went around to all the other patients on the treatment floor and handed out Pixie Stix with which to sweeten tea and little twinkling fairy lights to light each patient’s way to the end of their treatment tunnels,” she wrote to the AJC after receiving her treatment.”},{“_id”:”QWCUAMAUX5B6VK5GJOXKU4I4MU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”There is less than a 0.02% chance of her cancer returning. “}),”display_date”:”2025-08-08T09:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“image”:{“version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/91904fe9-54cd-4e6a-96fd-e273f07ca3c4.png”},”socialLinks”:({“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″}),”social_links”:({“site”:”email”,”url”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”url”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″}),”name”:”Hunter Boyce”,”description”:”Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. 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He cut his teeth in sports journalism as a breaking news writer within the mixed martial arts industry — all after earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgia State University.\n\nHe dedicated the following years of his career to working as a digital content producer for Cox Media Group, writing stories and crafting breaking news within the multiple-time Edward Murrow Award winning 95.5 WSB-Radio newsroom.\n\nMoving from radio to television, the next chapter of his career featured a digital producer position at WXIA-11Alive, one of Atlanta’s top television news stations within the nation’s top sixth market. Throughout his career, Hunter has gone on to write sports, entertainment, political and local breaking news for a variety of outlets.\n\nA nerd at heart, Hunter usually has a video game controller in his hands when he’s not working. 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It just has to be intentional.””},{“_id”:”AUUM2FV5NFGKLAJOY26P2ZNDRE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She encourages families to create simple rituals at the table, like the “rose, thorn and bud” game — where everyone shares a highlight, a challenge and something they’re looking forward to.”},{“subtype”:”instagram”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{},”provider”:”https://graph.facebook.com/v8.0/instagram_oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYObK2xx2f/”,”type”:”instagram”},”_id”:”WF6N5UO5UJAQLENGGVZTWGPKRQ”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”littlebtherapy”,”width”:658,”thumbnail_width”:640,”html”:”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Katherine Benkeser PT, DPT (@littlebtherapy)
\n”,”provider_url”:”https://www.instagram.com/”,”_id”:”https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYObK2xx2f/”,”provider_name”:”Instagram”,”type”:”instagram”,”thumbnail_url”:”https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/522256961_17961633119949704_5228890343920380304_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p640x640_sh0.08_tt6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=Q6cZ2QGVdpeXoGPCB2nwoRONDB-Q0OL12y47P9LdtA-WufIpPHluW1zTxu8OWYtUfT22TTg&_nc_ohc=kl01ZVXov7IQ7kNvwG5BnSV&_nc_gid=rb1IOEhSYQK1STC5z4le3w&edm=AMO9-JQAAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfUZKPXVrBKq7_plOI0cUsIdHeK_ydkHAQk3P8neWTYApA&oe=68A0C3F5&_nc_sid=cc8940″,”version”:”1.0″,”thumbnail_height”:800},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”265YFM3DVZGLVCXVCE5TA6T3CM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Wellness events: Restore and explore”},{“_id”:”ZFI6UVNNXJFJFNZR53O7E6VPJY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Run Club at Pontoon Brewing: Join fellow Atlantans for a 3-mile run (or walk) that starts and ends at the taproom. All levels are welcome, and participants get a complimentary beer post-run. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 8601 Dunwoody Place #500, Sandy Springs. facebook.com/PontoonBrewing/events.”},{“_id”:”WWEFLSCBDJE73OEHDIQN5FT2WU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Pop-Up Tummy Time Class: Hosted by infant specialists and lifestyle retailer Emilia George, this event is for caregivers of pre-crawling babies (0—10 months). Attendees will learn how to support early development through purposeful play. Sign-up required. 9:30 a.m. Friday, August 15. Free. 3054 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta. “},{“_id”:”GSRFGRKITRHUPANRWXGUL2FQKA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Die Laughing Stand-Up Comedy Show: Life doesn’t always have to be so serious. Unwind with an evening of comedy at this adults-only event in Alpharetta. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 31. $20. 35 Milton Ave., Alpharetta. roaring-social.com.”},{“_id”:”SYMS2AHUYZCJRMJVJLBUTNEXDQ”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”storyId”:””,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”Laughter is good medicine for hearts, study shows”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/pulse/laughter-is-good-medicine-for-hearts-new-study-shows/JSD4LZ6MKBBOBKDBZEVGZIMCS4/”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”VDKRET7SHZAXBFUWUY6633T2FI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Eat this: Peach and prosciutto flatbread”},{“_id”:”7NMOSUZ45RB3RKYTW5XS63WXTM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”August is National Peach Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with this easy weeknight recipe: peach and prosciutto flatbread.”},{“_id”:”V4LDMTINUJFLPL56XDLNQSC674″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Using store-bought pizza dough, the flatbread is broiled or grilled, then topped with charred peaches, salty prosciutto, fresh tarragon and lemon zest. Serve with a side salad and call it dinner.”},{“_id”:”NFVSXU24NFFYLI4IU6U4F7FYGA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Get the full recipe here.”}),”display_date”:”2025-08-07T10:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“image”:{“version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/ac549c3d-bd63-47ee-87ee-e94f1f5553a5.png”},”socialLinks”:({“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”avery.newmark@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”linkedin.com/in/avery-newmark/”}),”social_links”:({“site”:”email”,”url”:”avery.newmark@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”url”:”linkedin.com/in/avery-newmark/”}),”name”:”Avery Newmark”,”description”:”Avery Newmark covers travel, wellness, events and trending news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a dual background in film production and journalism, Avery came to the AJC after working as a video editor. 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She honed her skills as an assistant video editor and through her studies at Kennesaw State University and Chattahoochee Technical College.\n\nWhen she’s not chasing the next story, Avery can be found exploring Atlanta’s vibrant music scene or capturing the city’s essence through her film photography.”,”fuzzy_match”:false,”author_type”:”Staff”,”firstName”:”Avery”,”books”:(),”podcasts”:(),”awards”:(),”_id”:”avery-newmark”,”status”:true}},”type”:”author”,”version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”/staff/avery-newmark/”,”slug”:””})},”subtype”:”Article”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Shared meals, stand-up shows and more ways to feel good this month”},”first_publish_date”:”2025-08-07T10:00:00Z”,”taxonomy”:{“primary_site”:{“path”:”/wellness”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Wellness”,”description”:null,”_id”:”/wellness”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”MainMenu2024″:”/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”subnav_homepage”:null},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Wellness”,”cohort_desktop_image”:null,”cohort”:”false”,”cohort_mobile_image”:null,”cohort_logo_image”:null,”cohort_image_gradient”:”true”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/”,”site_keywords”:null,”site_about”:null,”site_description”:null,”site_title”:null,”site_tagline”:null},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”name”:”Wellness”,”_id”:”/wellness”,”ancestors”:{“default”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”MainMenu2024″:(“/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”https://www.ajc.com/”),”ComposerNav”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”subnav_homepage”:()},”order”:{“MainMenu2024″:2004,”default”:1091,”ComposerNav”:1008}}},”type”:”site”,”version”:”0.5.8″},”sections”:({“path”:”/wellness”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Wellness”,”description”:null,”_id”:”/wellness”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”MainMenu2024″:”/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”subnav_homepage”:null},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Wellness”,”cohort_desktop_image”:null,”cohort”:”false”,”cohort_mobile_image”:null,”cohort_logo_image”:null,”cohort_image_gradient”:”true”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/”,”site_keywords”:null,”site_about”:null,”site_description”:null,”site_title”:null,”site_tagline”:null},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Wellness”,”_id”:”/wellness”,”ancestors”:{“default”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”MainMenu2024″:(“/configsection/links/lifestyle”,”https://www.ajc.com/”),”ComposerNav”:(“https://www.ajc.com/”),”subnav_homepage”:()},”order”:{“MainMenu2024″:2004,”default”:1091,”ComposerNav”:1008}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./wellness”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}),”primary_section”:{“path”:”/wellness”,”name”:”Wellness”},”tags”:({“text”:”webview”},{“text”:”RunAutoLink_KBHGI2TVXZDLNM4IVUEB7QLMNY”},{“text”:”sp-pulse”},{“text”:”wellness”},{“text”:”health”},{“text”:”health-wellness.ajc”},{“text”:”lifestyle”},{“text”:”atlanta-news-metro.ajc”})},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-08-12T07:00:50.956Z”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“auth”:{“1″:”b2636c9cf4f2c5629d0ddc686abb1e759da2a905d64efcb32a9e9eae8d6a98b4″},”credits”:{“affiliation”:(),”by”:({“name”:”Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash”,”type”:”author”,”byline”:”Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash”})},”subtitle”:”Laughing”,”width”:5472,”caption”:”A 2023 study from the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil has found that having a good laugh can cause the heart to expand, thereby letting more oxygen to flow throughout the body. 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(Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)”,”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HSO277ZR2VF3PPARCAMGUPL64Q.jpg”,”height”:3648,”resized_obj”:{“0”:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HSO277ZR2VF3PPARCAMGUPL64Q.jpg?auth=b2636c9cf4f2c5629d0ddc686abb1e759da2a905d64efcb32a9e9eae8d6a98b4&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”1″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HSO277ZR2VF3PPARCAMGUPL64Q.jpg?auth=b2636c9cf4f2c5629d0ddc686abb1e759da2a905d64efcb32a9e9eae8d6a98b4&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”2″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HSO277ZR2VF3PPARCAMGUPL64Q.jpg?auth=b2636c9cf4f2c5629d0ddc686abb1e759da2a905d64efcb32a9e9eae8d6a98b4&width=500&height=500&smart=true”}}}},{“content_elements”:({“_id”:”SAM6A5W53ZFVFLE3RG4VTB6E4A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Much of the United States has been scorched by a massive heat wave this summer, with Georgia recently hitting triple digit temperatures. “},{“_id”:”HKTOMIFBJVGHRFUITTXMDQ3MEI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”All that heat can really wreak havoc on a person. Dehydration from too much time outdoors can lead to heat stroke. A hot summer day can even biologically age you. “},{“_id”:”GRPQZ2HTVRFTNPY4SIRTGUZDWY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Now, a recent CNN report has introduced a new possible side effect of all this hot weather: a pat-down at airport security because of heavy sweating.”},{“_id”:”QUOGUKNFMFCERM4O4JA4ADODTM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:” “},{“_id”:”NBGVW6VXAZBXHO5X56EZ5UQ3CQ”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”Avoid dehydration, heatstroke with Georgia heat wave expert’s top tips”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/pulse/2025/07/avoid-dehydration-heatstroke-with-georgia-heat-wave-experts-top-tips/”},{“_id”:”JBKXX6HTS5HKDNAXKRIW2V23RA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”So why would that be? “},{“_id”:”DP2G36O2DVH4DI6NBFH576UGSU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Excessive perspiration could theoretically cause minor imaging anomalies, potentially triggering a need for additional screening, such as a pat-down, to resolve any alerts,” TSA’s Georgia spokesperson Dan Velez told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution over email.”},{“_id”:”X33JR2LNGBDZLKIQDQ2UC6UIWM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When particularly sweaty travelers make their way through airport security, it is technically possible that the scanning machines will get mixed up. The likelihood isn’t high though. Advanced Imaging Technology scanners “rely on millimeter wave technology to detect metallic and nonmetallic objects concealed on the body,” he wrote.”},{“_id”:”XEHSAJK4CFDDZCMJGWQVFB3CTU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Sweat, as a liquid, is generally not a significant issue for these scanners, as they are designed to differentiate between common substances like sweat and potential threats. However, wet clothing might cling to the body, potentially affecting the clarity of scanner images or requiring a pat-down to confirm no items are hidden.””},{“_id”:”EQOXH65YXBBQJOVTWGIYXTKXTM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Now that is a sticky situation. Still, there’s little reason to be nervous about airport security checks when it comes sweat.”},{“_id”:”GMM5WE6VCBAHPGD6UMNPR35GKY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“TSA officers conducting behavioral observation may take notice of an individual sweating profusely and acting abnormally,” Velez added. “They’re not specifically looking for sweaty people.””},{“_id”:”RLCRDPOZG5DMHAOYIT75OXBEXQ”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”storyId”:””,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”TSA backs off shoe-removal policy, including at Atlanta airport”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/07/tsa-backs-off-shoe-removal-policy-including-at-atlanta-airport/”},{“_id”:”TNWKI4R5ERC3HAVFWQGIMEIBXU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”CFKG4LGV4JFJLGWJYLCV2TG7HM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”7ZP2U3HRK5FMVJWDULEYIGVIMA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If anything, perhaps focus on keeping your hands perspiration free. There is a chance that sweat can mix with the trace chemicals on your hands and disrupt certain tests.”},{“_id”:”SKUWPXYHRVDHBAJ3JKJC5F77OY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“TSA officers may swab a traveler’s hands or belongings for explosive trace detection,” Velez explained. “Sweat itself is unlikely to interfere with ETD results, as these systems are calibrated to detect specific chemical residues associated with explosives, not natural body moisture. However, if sweat is mixed with other substances on the skin or clothing (e.g., lotions or chemicals), it could complicate the analysis, potentially leading to a false positive that requires further inspection.””},{“_id”:”UNW72P2YKVC4LG2CTFBSSLEQSU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Still, anyone who knows they sweat a lot can mention it in advance to whomever is handling their security check, says Velez. And for good measure, “they may want to carry a towel or wipes to dry off prior to screening.” “}),”display_date”:”2025-08-07T09:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“image”:{“version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/91904fe9-54cd-4e6a-96fd-e273f07ca3c4.png”},”socialLinks”:({“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″}),”social_links”:({“site”:”email”,”url”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”url”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″}),”name”:”Hunter Boyce”,”description”:”Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. Throughout his career, Hunter has gone on to write sports, entertainment, political and local breaking news for a variety of outlets.”,”_id”:”hunter-boyce”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“lastName”:”Boyce”,”education”:(),”role”:”Wellness Reporter”,”native_app_rendering”:false,”affiliations”:”The Atlanta Journal-Constitution”,”bio”:”Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. Throughout his career, Hunter has gone on to write sports, entertainment, political and local breaking news for a variety of outlets.”,”linkedin”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″,”type”:”author”,”expertise”:”19″,”contributor”:false,”custom_ajc_website”:”ajc”,”bio_page”:”/staff/hunter-boyce/”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-03-31T19:47:51.100Z”,”byline”:”Hunter Boyce”,”email”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”,”slug”:””,”image”:”https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/91904fe9-54cd-4e6a-96fd-e273f07ca3c4.png”,”longBio”:”Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. He cut his teeth in sports journalism as a breaking news writer within the mixed martial arts industry — all after earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgia State University.\n\nHe dedicated the following years of his career to working as a digital content producer for Cox Media Group, writing stories and crafting breaking news within the multiple-time Edward Murrow Award winning 95.5 WSB-Radio newsroom.\n\nMoving from radio to television, the next chapter of his career featured a digital producer position at WXIA-11Alive, one of Atlanta’s top television news stations within the nation’s top sixth market. Throughout his career, Hunter has gone on to write sports, entertainment, political and local breaking news for a variety of outlets.\n\nA nerd at heart, Hunter usually has a video game controller in his hands when he’s not working. When not leveling up in the latest game, he’s usually searching for new records to listen to or obsessing over Dungeons and Dragons.”,”fuzzy_match”:false,”author_type”:”Staff”,”firstName”:”Hunter”,”books”:(),”podcasts”:(),”awards”:(),”_id”:”hunter-boyce”,”status”:true}},”type”:”author”,”version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”/staff/hunter-boyce/”,”slug”:””})},”subtype”:”Article”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Can sweat really affect airport security checks? 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Three people were playing at the park that night, those peculiarly short paddles in hand. Davis parked her car, walked over and introduced herself. “},{“_id”:”2OW7KZEFVVFITNIZCGO5AOTSDE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“‘Hey everybody, my name’s Audrey,’” she said. “‘Is this pickleball?’” “},{“_id”:”BKFAPR5KRBDAZOFT2BLDTPMEO4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Someone in the group quickly responded. “‘Yes, get your paddle and come on,’” Davis continued.”},{“_id”:”YJTWJUFEUJARLD224VGCX3WNXI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She’s been hooked ever since.”},{“_id”:”6UXB5ZJNQJHRZL3Z7K34POUPQ4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Having met such a wonderful group of people, all ages, all ethnic groups, it doesn’t matter, we just have such a good time,” she said. “I look at it with a clarity of the letter F. It’s just so much fun. You’re working on your fitness with friends, old and new, and they become like family after a while.””},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2025 Atlanta Journal Constitution”,”address”:{“region”:”Georgia”},”auth”:{“1″:”11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561″},”caption”:”Core team members pose for a portrait during the Atlanta Pickleball Queens Play Day event at Sykes Park in East Point, Georgia, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The pickleball group was originally geared to senior women, but is now open to all women. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:””,”source_type”:”freelance”,”source_id”:”Freelancer/aajc 07292025 Atlanta Pickleball Queens ABC09.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:(“68793219451df5219ddb92ac”)},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”46cae676-4989-4b34-bc9b-906e8e9b6d59″},”version”:”0.10.9″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:({“name”:”abbey.cutrer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}),”by”:({“name”:”Abbey Cutrer”,”type”:”author”})},”subtitle”:”Atlanta’s senior women find community through pickleball”,”width”:5508,”_id”:”CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561″,”iptc_job_identifier”:”68793219451df5219ddb92ac”,”proxyUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561″,”link”:””,”takenOn”:”2025-07-26T13:44:06Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561″,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561&width=300″,”version”:1,”originalName”:”aajc 07292025 Atlanta Pickleball Queens ABC09.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:({“headlines”:{“basic”:”Photos: Atlanta’s senior women find community through pickleball “},”_id”:”J23625HORRFPBLIKPZVJHGUT5E”}),”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2025-07-28T23:28:34Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-07-28T23:28:35Z”,”slug”:”aajc 07292025 Atlanta Pickleball Queens”,”height”:3672,”resized_obj”:{“0”:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”1″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”2″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CMH7WK5FHFBXDF6WFAMEG7AJPI.JPG?auth=11c6bf4f5f42e98530808ae1022e909b467eaf65d095cbcaa529bf3438c6a561&width=500&height=500&smart=true”}}},{“_id”:”32ZAHXUMV5BRTH663GYSHXIPPA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Davis and Ockleberry would go on to meet at that same park. They quickly hit it off, sharing their ideas about the sport and how local women could possibly benefit.”},{“_id”:”EGS72GKQZFBXRGCW3LMSISONDU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”One Sunday night, back at Sykes Park, they gave it a shot. Reaching out to anyone they’d played with in the past, they organized a meetup. The word quickly spread. Two or three dozen women showed up for the first game. They tried again the next month and even more people came. It was a hit.”},{“_id”:”RPPU6CQNTJDCHB3FWCIM2A2SZ4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I mean it was just conversation, but I think it evolved into the Atlanta Pickleball Queens because it grew so fast,” Davis said.”},{“_id”:”A45Y52PIEVFUDATVGTMG3EZY5I”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”Everything you need to know to get started playing pickleball”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/aging-in-atlanta/what-do-i-need-to-play-pickleball/IU5DCT7YDBHA3M6DAPQVCVBRJE/”},{“_id”:”JBHWK7APXJC3DNRBX3JAXCQIXY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Atlanta Pickleball Queens is free to join and offers training sessions for those that have never played the sport. Food and merchandise are often available at meetups to help raise money for the volunteer group as well.”},{“_id”:”55WAQUB3NNGWFIUOTHGPAHUVHU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This is an opportunity for folks to get out and meet people, talk to people, play together, have fun,” Ockleberry said.”},{“_id”:”BKFEA375HRFVFCFPXDHFPL4GWU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Want to learn more? Join the Atlanta Pickleball Queens Group Me or email atlantapickleballqueens@gmail.com. “},{“_id”:”ZEMVFLETBJAATBYEZNLUCXENOA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And if competition is more your thing, the group will be participating in the WePickle Paddle Battle Sept. 27-28. Details can be found at pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/wepickle-paddle-battle. Registration ends September 20.”}),”display_date”:”2025-08-04T10:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“image”:{“version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/91904fe9-54cd-4e6a-96fd-e273f07ca3c4.png”},”socialLinks”:({“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″}),”social_links”:({“site”:”email”,”url”:”hunter.boyce@ajc.com”},{“site”:”linkedin”,”url”:”www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boyce-25561b133″}),”name”:”Hunter Boyce”,”description”:”Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. Throughout his career, Hunter has gone on to write sports, entertainment, political and local breaking news for a variety of outlets.”,”_id”:”hunter-boyce”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“lastName”:”Boyce”,”education”:(),”role”:”Wellness Reporter”,”native_app_rendering”:false,”affiliations”:”The Atlanta Journal-Constitution”,”bio”:”Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. 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Thirty-seven percent experienced intense anxiety, worries or fears that interfered with daily life and 39% said they felt overwhelmed with fear for no reason over the past month. “},{“_id”:”VUQ6LMXYGBACPALBWZBTYALRYM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Baumstein says that open communication is the first part of understanding the anxieties your child might be facing in the lead up to school starting again. The transition from a chill, self-directed summer to the rigid structure of school can be a challenging one for the entire family, but these four expert tips can help to smoothen out any stressors that erupt. “},{“level”:2,”_id”:”H5QSVCLMCRA5VCJOCL4V42FEJA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”1. Begin adjusting to the new schedule early”},{“_id”:”JLJFI5RIWBEC5JGUGDIFKSTCGI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If your child has been sleeping in late and staying up later all summer, the first big challenge of the school year will be reforming their sleeping schedule.”},{“_id”:”2T3WZL7DSFAVJJLMKBLNUKJB7Q”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We just want to … get closer back to those normal bed and wake times that you have for the (school) year, so that it doesn’t feel like an abrupt transition the day before,” Baumstein said. “},{“_id”:”KBKPFELV7RC2XOQGYY7DSXZQUM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”This pertains to more than just bedtimes, according to Baumstein. Getting your kids into the practice of setting out clothes, reading before bed and other facets of their daily routines during the school year will help to assuage some of their questions about what the year will look like.”},{“_id”:”YC62YUWJDVENJDJAZNXFE3DICM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I would also say one of the biggest things to help prepare for this transition is to create familiarity,” Baumstein said, “because a lot of what causes anxiety is just the unknown and the question marks in our minds.””},{“_id”:”EMXDH3REANDU5MEX77YFPTNSPY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Even things as small as making time to practice opening their lunch containers can make a huge difference in preparing young kids for school.”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”CVECOXGH7ZCIZINKIKFNZLSZZ4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”2. Be clear about expectations “},{“_id”:”FY5STYSO3JE27P2SNL2V6YI6VE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When the new school year begins, the struggles of the previous year have been washed away and new, unique challenges may appear. Kids may wonder what to expect in the new semester.”},{“_id”:”VFIVGEXV6BACRPVK3EEA3UTZJA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We really want to take perfectionism off the table here,” said Baumstein. “The goal is to learn and get better.””},{“_id”:”QLUNLF3JZRBX3MYO3ZIDLPMW6I”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”According to Baumstein, when children are unclear about their parents’ expectations for their academics, that can lead to more anxiety surrounding their performance. Instead of leaving this open, she suggests that parents are clear about their expectations, while also de-emphasizing the importance of certain outcomes. “},{“_id”:”IBGJWBYDE5CLJN3W2NHFP2Z4KY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We have got to talk to the kids about this because if we don’t, they’re making up their own ideas of what they think you want and what they think they should achieve,” she said. “},{“_id”:”NWTGOFMHUFH2BBDWAO43PRPJOE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Parents are still allowed to maintain high academic standards for their kids, but they should still “show up with as much interest when they’re struggling in the class as when they’re succeeding in another one,” she said.”},{“_id”:”QSYJVK6D5NF2LG2VYWNH3OYRPA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Overall, parents should work on providing unconditional levels of support. “},{“_id”:”LI2QIMT2RFHC7E32JLQORZEBZE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“There is a difference between having high standards and trying to attain perfectionism which isn’t possible,” Baumstein said.”},{“_id”:”FCS7ID25PZDODDRCWOUCNZHWUM”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”More than 30 back-to-school must-haves for students, parents and teachers”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/2025/07/more-than-30-back-to-school-must-haves-for-students-parents-and-teachers/”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”ZRKBEJDFLJCULK6M2AV3FYHH2A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”3. Don’t discount school events”},{“_id”:”VHZJ7GKIBZALRD7FOP7SLNHGXI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In the weeks leading up to the actual start of school, you’re probably receiving a stream of emails inviting you to open houses, meeting with teachers and even some events connecting kids together before the year starts. “},{“_id”:”NAOIQRLEGRHOZCEFWKYOAAQKYY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”While it can be tempting to skip them, they actually serve as an unmatched way to prepare your child for what’s to come during the year.”},{“_id”:”SRVPYSH63FEXHH3OM6UMLE657U”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Anything we can do to fill in those gaps is really gonna be helpful to the kids,” Baumstein said. “Going to those events, like meeting the teacher, is gonna start to create a sense of familiarity so there are less question marks in their mind.””},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2024 AJC”,”address”:{},”auth”:{“1″:”0eb27eac2c6360d8c09c27628b3eefd78105d939d8d1154e90194c9d2c0ccb27″},”caption”:”August Lockhart, 5, throws a dart at a Back To School Festival on Plaza Las Americas in Lilburn. 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Connecting with their new teachers before the year starts can prepare your entire family for what’s to come. “},{“_id”:”UMGTWWJGVZALHBZBB4ZFOXDT5A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And if you’re struggling to find events outside of school, Baumstein recommends organizing a small meetup with classmates so there’s a familiar face in the crowd. “},{“level”:2,”_id”:”HDFOROGCLRAEZGGJNZI55VUVIE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”4. Know when the concerns are more serious “},{“_id”:”AGKV2MOQ4ZCM7KN2X4SYL6UH7Y”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Dealing with stress and anxiety before the school year starts is normal but for some kids, the issues are much deeper. “},{“_id”:”KS63EM7C7ZEZJADNMYJN3JUNSE”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Some may have intense physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches, according to Baumstein. This may cause them to skip out on certain classes or generally withdraw. If these behaviors are accompanying the transition into the new school year, parents may want to consider talking with someone outside of the home. “},{“_id”:”RUJ6IOD7UJGW3EFF5DZO4RT67I”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Using the school resources, talking with the teacher, guidance counselor, social worker, administrator, or whoever you’re comfortable with … can make anxiety manageable,” Baumstein suggested. “If that’s not helping, consult with a licensed mental health professional.””},{“_id”:”ZFMJNVEG2NAJ7NMZOAHY3YQMEQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Have faith in your understanding of your child and make the choice that works best for your entire family. “},{“_id”:”QFZON7GXT5BV7IQUPS7GFCVXEM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I think we need to quiet the noise a little bit and tune in because most of the time, we know what’s best for us or for our kid,” Baumstein said. “But we tend to override that when we’re worried about the fear of judgment or somebody else telling us it’s wrong.””}),”display_date”:”2025-08-01T10:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“image”:{“version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:””},”socialLinks”:({“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”morayo.ogunbayo@ajc.com”}),”social_links”:({“site”:”email”,”url”:”morayo.ogunbayo@ajc.com”}),”name”:”Morayo Ogunbayo”,”description”:”Morayo Ogunbayo is a Health and Wellness reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the stories Georgians need to know to stay healthy and informed. “,”_id”:”morayo-ogunbayo”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“lastName”:”Ogunbayo”,”role”:”Health and Wellness reporter “,”education”:(),”native_app_rendering”:false,”affiliations”:”The Atlanta Journal-Constitution”,”bio”:”Morayo Ogunbayo is a Health and Wellness reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the stories Georgians need to know to stay healthy and informed. “,”type”:”author”,”expertise”:”19″,”contributor”:false,”custom_ajc_website”:”ajc”,”bio_page”:”https://www.ajc.com/staff/morayo-ogunbayo/”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-04-03T16:03:40.582Z”,”byline”:”Morayo Ogunbayo”,”email”:”morayo.ogunbayo@ajc.com”,”slug”:””,”image”:””,”longBio”:””,”fuzzy_match”:false,”author_type”:”Staff”,”firstName”:”Morayo”,”books”:(),”podcasts”:(),”awards”:(),”_id”:”morayo-ogunbayo”,”status”:false}},”type”:”author”,”version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/staff/morayo-ogunbayo/”,”slug”:””})},”subtype”:”Article”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Back-to-school season can mean new anxieties. 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Congratulations to Chef Charmaine with @tinylousatl for winning best dessert at Grand Tasting Midtown last week with their apple crumble dessert! 🍎🥧
Posted by Taste of Atlanta on Thursday, October 24, 2024
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HEAR YE, HEAR YE!\n\nA royal decree by his royal highness, King George III!\n\nOk not really. It’s a decree from our parade…
Posted by Dragon Con on Friday, February 14, 2025
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These tiny parasitic insects feast on human blood and it’s estimated that at least 6 million infestations occur among 8-to 11-year-olds each school year. So, beware: Lice, which have been around since at least 4,000 B.C., come for everyone.”},{“_id”:”UUGEH27I5VDI7LPIAOW2QVCFRQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Getting rid of head lice is as simple as buying over-the-counter treatments and using lice combs, but it’s a tedious process that some prefer to outsource to businesses like Lice Ladies, a lice removal company founded 18 years ago by Jennie Lasater of Cumming.”},{“_id”:”6B65ZTGIMRCLJNDVGVREXGNAC4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lasater didn’t plan on going into the lice removal business. In the late ’90s, she was in a pop group called Intrygue and toured with the Backstreet Boys. Later, she hoped to become a veterinarian and got a master’s degree in biology, but life led her to a career in mortgages. She used her degree to write continuing education courses on the side. “},{“_id”:”F73NRG4S6FD7LEBB6PRCY66SYI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I was writing a continuing education course about all species of lice for extra money, and I read about companies like this, and I thought it sounded fun and interesting,” said Lasater. “},{“_id”:”RQBMFAXUGBDQ7HQA6GHZGNI57A”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She started out as a mobile business and opened her first location in Alpharetta in 2010. Word spread like lice at a sleepover.”},{“_id”:”T5NP6H2EV5BZJPPLQE2PK3D4FE”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”It’s never too early to focus on skin health”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/2025/06/its-never-too-early-to-focus-on-skin-health/”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2025 Atlanta Journal Constitution”,”address”:{“region”:”Georgia”},”auth”:{“1″:”090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81″},”caption”:”Founding Owner Jennie Lasater and Co-owner Molly Brandenberger at the Lice Ladies studio in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:””,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/aajc 070925 lice ladies ABC04.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:(“6866be37919e6475549e2858″),”seo_keywords”:(“AJC Freelancer”)},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.9″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:({“name”:”abbey.cutrer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}),”by”:({“name”:”Abbey Cutrer”,”type”:”author”})},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”Lice Ladies”,”width”:5423,”_id”:”PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4″,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81″,”iptc_job_identifier”:”6866be37919e6475549e2858″,”keywords”:(“AJC Freelancer”),”proxyUrl”:”/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81″,”link”:””,”takenOn”:”2025-07-09T14:04:16Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81″,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81&width=300″,”version”:2,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/aajc 070925 lice ladies ABC04.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:(),”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2025-07-09T16:28:26Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-07-18T18:19:59Z”,”slug”:”aajc 070925 lice ladies”,”height”:3615,”resized_obj”:{“0”:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”1″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”2″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/PKSCKXG4AQLA5NMLMEB2WQECN4.JPG?auth=090c44dd55036de15cb132a796b185aee3a84f1a51aa7832200ed26fd8799c81&width=500&height=500&smart=true”}}},{“_id”:”LD4QFTWPKNGRLLEDJLGJIB2IQQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It was getting to be overwhelming because we got busy,” she said. “So, I called Molly, who’s been my best friend now for over 30 years.””},{“_id”:”5KS55YE4EJDOTCOF7SBFC253JA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lasater met Molly Brandenberger when they were in Intrygue together, and they quickly became close friends. Brandenberger had studied public relations in school and went on to work in event planning before Lasater called her for reinforcement. “},{“_id”:”HZQFAVLPGFAD5F5CCMS7XMJSXM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We had survived the music industry together, and I said, ‘Hey dude, do you want to come pick some lice with me?’” Lasater recalled. “},{“_id”:”64NVNQBK25BWLOMEZJ2QO6RYKA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“And I said, ‘Sure, dude, it’s got to be better than corporate America,’” said Brandenberger. “},{“_id”:”RLRS7Y4T2JA2JOQ5L4YGJK255Q”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Brandenberger became a co-owner, and together, they’ve grown the Lice Ladies from one clinic to five in the metro Atlanta area as well as franchises in Woodstock, Athens and Dallas, Texas. The offices are considered medical clinics because they’re focused on treatment, which ranges in cost from $90 to $195, depending on how severe the case is. They also offer head checks for $20.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2025 Atlanta Journal Constitution”,”address”:{“region”:”Georgia”},”auth”:{“1″:”d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c”},”caption”:”Technician Marina Birkhoff combs through a client’s hair in the Lice Ladies studio in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:””,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/aajc 070925 lice ladies ABC13.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:(“6866be37919e6475549e2858″),”seo_keywords”:(“AJC Freelancer”)},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.9″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:({“name”:”abbey.cutrer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}),”by”:({“name”:”Abbey Cutrer”,”type”:”author”})},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”Lice Ladies”,”width”:4785,”_id”:”CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c”,”iptc_job_identifier”:”6866be37919e6475549e2858″,”keywords”:(“AJC Freelancer”),”proxyUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c”,”link”:””,”takenOn”:”2025-07-09T14:45:59Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c&width=300″,”version”:2,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/aajc 070925 lice ladies ABC13.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:(),”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2025-07-09T16:28:46Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-07-18T18:19:59Z”,”slug”:”aajc 070925 lice ladies”,”height”:3190,”resized_obj”:{“0”:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”1″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”2″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/CQRFOXYSJYKUGXIGKU2Q2LDDUE.JPG?auth=d9a197a391b45f81151be283078433cc533b8d410f3612dac1108af41905629c&width=500&height=500&smart=true”}}},{“_id”:”GJFNYH6UWJHWNIRAJPWCY6WFQU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Killing lice is nearly impossible.”},{“_id”:”ALEMBVXZWNC25FYK7IHQXDPYL4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“They’ve been spreading from head-to-head for thousands and thousands of years, and they’ve had all this time to build up a resistance to pesticides,” said Lasater. The best way to get rid of them is the old-fashioned way — through removal with a lice comb, which has closely spaced teeth. “},{“_id”:”RUD5QN3HWJCWVKCYC23UMKBYU4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Myths around lice abound. While they’re associated with filth and poor hygiene, the reality is that lice love all human hair. “},{“_id”:”OY2T6PPQRFDB5OFFVTGUUQYL34″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It does not care. You literally have to be Mr. Clean-on-the-bottle bald to not be able to get it,” said Lasater. “It doesn’t matter what hair type you have, what texture hair you have, anyone and everyone can get head lice.” This includes Black hair, too, which is often believed to be immune to lice. “},{“_id”:”5HFFH4UWY5D3RHYS6V75ISMKKM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When Lice Ladies first opened, Lasater used traditional lice-removing products but was quickly turned off by their odors. “I could smell that they were (mixed) with vinegar, and I didn’t like them,” she said. “I felt like the patients smelled like mustard.” “},{“_id”:”XWXFG45PHFBFLF76DYD625B3VM”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”So, she got to work on concocting her own product line while working at her clinics. “},{“_id”:”KGPB6QGVWVBTLEKPH47UKKD46U”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I figured out the enzyme combo and had several different versions made of it,” said Lasater. The enzyme doesn’t kill the lice but breaks down their skeletons and loosens them from the hair. Later, she added peppermint oil to the formula to cool off her patients’ heads.”},{“_id”:”MO4KVHS6NBDWVDH7PMSSJVH5O4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When patients visit Lice Ladies, they’re taken into private rooms equipped with televisions, which are essential for distracting the younger patients. Then their hair is dampened and coated in the enzyme product before it’s sectioned off and combed.”},{“_id”:”C6BYR37SLBHFRPA7PMPBYKM3HU”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”I tried red light therapy. Here’s what it did (and didn’t do) for my skin.”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/wellness/2025/07/i-tried-red-light-therapy-heres-what-it-did-and-didnt-do-for-my-skin/”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2025 Atlanta Journal Constitution”,”address”:{“region”:”Georgia”},”auth”:{“1″:”ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b”},”caption”:”Founding owner Jennie Lasater smiles in the Lice Ladies studio in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:””,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/aajc 070925 lice ladies ABC07.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:(“6866be37919e6475549e2858″),”seo_keywords”:(“AJC Freelancer”)},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.9″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:({“name”:”abbey.cutrer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}),”by”:({“name”:”Abbey Cutrer”,”type”:”author”})},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”Lice Ladies”,”width”:5088,”_id”:”HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b”,”iptc_job_identifier”:”6866be37919e6475549e2858″,”keywords”:(“AJC Freelancer”),”proxyUrl”:”/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b”,”link”:””,”takenOn”:”2025-07-09T15:09:28Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b&width=300″,”version”:2,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/aajc 070925 lice ladies ABC07.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:(),”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2025-07-09T16:28:33Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2025-07-18T18:19:59Z”,”slug”:”aajc 070925 lice ladies”,”height”:3392,”resized_obj”:{“0”:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”1″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b&width=600&height=400&smart=true”},”2″:{“src”:”https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/HNSDZHDVP6LAE2UFA327VC4QXU.JPG?auth=ed70e93d80452af04390245f329331aa5873e85c0b3d3e68ab2cbbba59685f1b&width=500&height=500&smart=true”}}},{“_id”:”SMDOOXXSY5BS3EVTUKQ4JLOU3U”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“The females lay the nits on the hair, but they can lay a nit anywhere around a hair, so it doesn’t have to be on top. It can be on the side of the hair, on the bottom,” said Lasater. “So, we comb in multiple directions, kind of gently scraping the comb against the scalp, and then the little grooves in the comb actually drag the nits out of the hair.” “},{“_id”:”7YHSH7XOTNDUPL7PBD524JLKJI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Education and destigmatization are just as important as treatment to the Lice Ladies, which is why their work reaches beyond the clinics. Their summers are spent visiting sleepaway camps for lice checks and removal, while the school year takes them into some of Atlanta’s private schools. They also have a podcast with their friend and producer, Kara Kurcz, called “Oh Gross!””},{“_id”:”UVK4NLUGURFHPBN6LSTDKFBRTY”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Kara always had this vision to talk about things that have sort of a stigma attached to them, like lice and other things, and build a community where people aren’t afraid to talk about the gross or the things that have a stigma attached,” said Lasater. They are also active on TikTok, where they share peeks at patients’ scalps (with permission, of course).”},{“_id”:”NQEPIM5PKZAYHESMVHQVMYE6WQ”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”At the end of the day, the Lice Ladies remind parents that lice happen and it’s nothing to freak out about. “This is normal, this is something that happens to everyone,” says Brandenberger. “If your kids have clean hair, they like you. If they’re social, they like you.””},{“_id”:”LIRCHEONZBAHBM2QCKPCYCXKAU”,”type”:”divider”},{“level”:3,”_id”:”MBKCF6FZ3VFFXNBPGORXGKP6ME”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Lice Prevention Tips”},{“_id”:”4VYNIEIOANEC5FHN5AZF25AKPA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”‐ If your child has long hair, keep it in braids or buns.”},{“_id”:”NIU4AKEAVVHEBBVM6LL4HTQHFI”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”‐ It’s hard for little kids, but keep heads away from other heads to help prevent the spread of lice.”},{“_id”:”TL5M5T56NJGTLA5BP6DFFHLJE4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”‐ Use a product like hair spray or gel that gets on the scalp. “If they can’t smell the blood, they’re less likely to want to go on the head,” said Brandenberger. “},{“_id”:”M34EYZY5IJFYBLQVEDIUKSILZ4″,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”‐ Take disinfectant wipes with you. “We tell people if you’re flying on an airplane or go into the movies, you can wipe down those seats before you sit down,” said Brandenberger.”},{“_id”:”3UTNZZF3ZBBW5P6IQ5ZE36ADFA”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”‐ Don’t wait: Do a preventive check at home once a week using a lice comb.”},{“_id”:”U2HIMFTKKJCOPBUBC63F7YZVUU”,”additional_properties”:{},”type”:”text”,”content”:”— Lice Ladies, liceladies.com”}),”display_date”:”2025-07-30T10:00:00Z”,”credits”:{“by”:({“org”:”For the AJC”,”name”:”Lia Picard”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“author_type”:””}},”type”:”author”})},”subtype”:”Article”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Meet the former pop stars on a mission to delouse heads across 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View this post on InstagramA post shared by Discover Dahlonega (@discover.dahlonega)
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A hot summer day can even biologically age you. “,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”GRPQZ2HTVRFTNPY4SIRTGUZDWY”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Now, a recent CNN report has introduced a new possible side effect of all this hot weather: a pat-down at airport security because of heavy sweating.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”QUOGUKNFMFCERM4O4JA4ADODTM”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:” “,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”NBGVW6VXAZBXHO5X56EZ5UQ3CQ”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”openInNewTab”:true,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false},”content”:”Avoid dehydration, heatstroke with Georgia heat wave expert’s top tips”,”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/pulse/2025/07/avoid-dehydration-heatstroke-with-georgia-heat-wave-experts-top-tips/”},{“_id”:”JBKXX6HTS5HKDNAXKRIW2V23RA”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”So why would that be? “,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”DP2G36O2DVH4DI6NBFH576UGSU”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”“Excessive perspiration could theoretically cause minor imaging anomalies, potentially triggering a need for additional screening, such as a pat-down, to resolve any alerts,” TSA’s Georgia spokesperson Dan Velez told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution over email.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”X33JR2LNGBDZLKIQDQ2UC6UIWM”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”When particularly sweaty travelers make their way through airport security, it is technically possible that the scanning machines will get mixed up. The likelihood isn’t high though. Advanced Imaging Technology scanners “rely on millimeter wave technology to detect metallic and nonmetallic objects concealed on the body,” he wrote.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”XEHSAJK4CFDDZCMJGWQVFB3CTU”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”“Sweat, as a liquid, is generally not a significant issue for these scanners, as they are designed to differentiate between common substances like sweat and potential threats. However, wet clothing might cling to the body, potentially affecting the clarity of scanner images or requiring a pat-down to confirm no items are hidden.””,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”EQOXH65YXBBQJOVTWGIYXTKXTM”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Now that is a sticky situation. Still, there’s little reason to be nervous about airport security checks when it comes sweat.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”GMM5WE6VCBAHPGD6UMNPR35GKY”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”“TSA officers conducting behavioral observation may take notice of an individual sweating profusely and acting abnormally,” Velez added. “They’re not specifically looking for sweaty people.””,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”RLCRDPOZG5DMHAOYIT75OXBEXQ”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”openInNewTab”:true,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”storyId”:””},”content”:”TSA backs off shoe-removal policy, including at Atlanta airport”,”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/07/tsa-backs-off-shoe-removal-policy-including-at-atlanta-airport/”},{“_id”:”TNWKI4R5ERC3HAVFWQGIMEIBXU”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:””,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”CFKG4LGV4JFJLGWJYLCV2TG7HM”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:””,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”7ZP2U3HRK5FMVJWDULEYIGVIMA”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”If anything, perhaps focus on keeping your hands perspiration free. There is a chance that sweat can mix with the trace chemicals on your hands and disrupt certain tests.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”SKUWPXYHRVDHBAJ3JKJC5F77OY”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”“TSA officers may swab a traveler’s hands or belongings for explosive trace detection,” Velez explained. “Sweat itself is unlikely to interfere with ETD results, as these systems are calibrated to detect specific chemical residues associated with explosives, not natural body moisture. However, if sweat is mixed with other substances on the skin or clothing (e.g., lotions or chemicals), it could complicate the analysis, potentially leading to a false positive that requires further inspection.””,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”UNW72P2YKVC4LG2CTFBSSLEQSU”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Still, anyone who knows they sweat a lot can mention it in advance to whomever is handling their security check, says Velez. 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View this post on InstagramA post shared by Katherine Benkeser PT, DPT (@littlebtherapy)
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All levels are welcome, and participants get a complimentary beer post-run. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 8601 Dunwoody Place #500, Sandy Springs. facebook.com/PontoonBrewing/events.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”WWEFLSCBDJE73OEHDIQN5FT2WU”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Pop-Up Tummy Time Class: Hosted by infant specialists and lifestyle retailer Emilia George, this event is for caregivers of pre-crawling babies (0—10 months). Attendees will learn how to support early development through purposeful play. Sign-up required. 9:30 a.m. Friday, August 15. Free. 3054 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta. “,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”GSRFGRKITRHUPANRWXGUL2FQKA”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Die Laughing Stand-Up Comedy Show: Life doesn’t always have to be so serious. Unwind with an evening of comedy at this adults-only event in Alpharetta. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 31. $20. 35 Milton Ave., Alpharetta. roaring-social.com.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”SYMS2AHUYZCJRMJVJLBUTNEXDQ”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”openInNewTab”:true,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”storyId”:””},”content”:”Laughter is good medicine for hearts, study shows”,”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/pulse/laughter-is-good-medicine-for-hearts-new-study-shows/JSD4LZ6MKBBOBKDBZEVGZIMCS4/”},{“_id”:”VDKRET7SHZAXBFUWUY6633T2FI”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Eat this: Peach and prosciutto flatbread”,”level”:2,”type”:”header”},{“_id”:”7NMOSUZ45RB3RKYTW5XS63WXTM”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”August is National Peach Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with this easy weeknight recipe: peach and prosciutto flatbread.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”V4LDMTINUJFLPL56XDLNQSC674″,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Using store-bought pizza dough, the flatbread is broiled or grilled, then topped with charred peaches, salty prosciutto, fresh tarragon and lemon zest. Serve with a side salad and call it dinner.”,”type”:”text”},{“_id”:”NFVSXU24NFFYLI4IU6U4F7FYGA”,”additional_properties”:{},”content”:”Get the full recipe here.”,”type”:”text”}),”content_restrictions”:{“content_code”:”premium”},”credits”:{“by”:({“_id”:”avery-newmark”,”type”:”author”,”version”:”0.5.8″,”name”:”Avery Newmark”,”image”:{“url”:”https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/ac549c3d-bd63-47ee-87ee-e94f1f5553a5.png”,”version”:”0.5.8″},”description”:”Avery Newmark covers travel, wellness, events and trending news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a dual background in film production and journalism, Avery came to the AJC after working as a video editor. She enjoys film photography and live music in her free time. 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The partner of a pregnant woman in custody also reported to the senator’s staff that she had been bleeding for days before being taken to a hospital. Once there, the woman said she was left in a room, alone, to miscarry without water or medical assistance, for more than 24 hours.”},{“_id”:”5KKBTRVIA5E3JN7J7P5RWKVLXI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:({“date”:”2025-08-11T17:29:06.416Z”,”replies”:(),”pos”:47,”comment”:”S”,”isNote”:true,”type”:”insert”,”user”:”George Hanns”,”email”:”George.Hanns@ajc.com”}),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In another case, a pregnant detainee told the senator’s staff that she’d repeatedly requested medical attention, but was told to “just drink water.” The document also cites reports from attorneys who said their pregnant clients have been waiting for weeks to see a doctor.”},{“_id”:”WFYLNK7DPVGXNNJGKROWBAVA2A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The cases of alleged abuse of children include a 10-year-old U.S. citizen who was recovering from brain surgery while being detained with her family. She was reportedly denied access to necessary follow-up care and faces continued brain swelling and speech and mobility difficulties, the Ossoff report says. “},{“_id”:”WSMPAHPYBBFRLH4OKRCA6GI7ZM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“These detention facilities, absent some pressing threat to public safety, are no place for children or pregnant women,” Ossoff said. “},{“_id”:”7DEINZWCRRAB3LE3NFF2JY4HIA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Last week, DHS issued a press release forcefully pushing back on the findings of Georgia senator’s investigation. “},{“_id”:”BTI5XORRORHW5KFTAKHY63CEUE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Politicians stayed quiet as the Biden administration lost 450,000 unaccompanied migrant children and opened our border to terrorists and gang members. Yet now, these same politicians are peddling FALSE claims that rely on inaccurate reporting to score political points,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.”},{“_id”:”APYUKWYVKVEKXDHNCQTNEQRPRY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She added that all detainees have access to comprehensive medical care. According to DHS, that includes regular prenatal visits, mental health services and nutritional support for pregnant women. The department noted that no pregnant woman has been forced to sleep on the floor, and that the detention of pregnant women has elevated oversight and review. “},{“_id”:”XGIT4JPV6NC2DAKI3MX3TDPSSA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”DHS also defended the medical care minors have access to while in custody, noting: “For many of these children this is the best health care they have received in their entire lives.””},{“_id”:”7OGSPUTZJRCJJC2LKAEM3VOKNE”,”additional_properties”:{“nofollow”:false,”selectedStory”:false,”sponsored”:false,”openInNewTab”:true},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”County jails in metro Atlanta are funneling more immigrants to ICE”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/07/county-jails-in-metro-atlanta-are-funneling-more-immigrants-to-ice/”},{“_id”:”FJFFLKYQJNFZVPLU6OCR7EOOZQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“These false allegations are garbage and are part of the reason ICE agents are now facing an 1,000% increase in assaults against them,” McLaughlin added. “},{“_id”:”KH4XSZKG5VDDPGVBJT6PB3TXSU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On Monday, Ossoff said he stood by his office’s investigation, which he said was the product of interviews with dozens of witnesses and sources, including correctional staff, law enforcement and DHS officials, attorneys, detainees and their family members, doctors and nurses. “},{“_id”:”5BVNOKEUEBHLFHHMLRPZDHVZYA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ossoff investigators also gained access to visit six detention facilities across the U.S., including one in Georgia: the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, which began holding ICE detainees this year. “},{“_id”:”UJVRFHEYZFGSFJGPBURW6P2G4A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:(),”comments”:()},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This is a well-documented problem that, by all accounts, is becoming worse than it ever has been,” Ossoff said. “And I think for the Department of Homeland Security to immediately issue a blanket denial without any due diligence or investigations of these credible reports of human rights abuses in U.S. facilities is absurd.””}),”credits”:{“by”:({“image”:{“version”:”0.5.8″,”url”:”https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/ajc/3bda8595-d0dd-4d69-b9a1-e753689b434b.png”},”socialLinks”:({“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”lautaro.grinspan@ajc.com”},{“site”:”twitter”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”https://twitter.com/lautarogrinspan”}),”org”:”Atlanta”,”social_links”:({“site”:”email”,”url”:”lautaro.grinspan@ajc.com”},{“site”:”twitter”,”url”:”https://twitter.com/lautarogrinspan”}),”name”:”Lautaro Grinspan”,”description”:”Lautaro Grinspan is an immigration reporter at The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.”,”_id”:”lautaro-grinspan”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“lastName”:”Grinspan”,”education”:({“name”:”Northeastern University “}),”role”:”Immigration Reporter”,”native_app_rendering”:false,”affiliations”:”The Atlanta Journal-Constitution”,”bio”:”Lautaro Grinspan is an immigration reporter at The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.”,”twitter”:”https://twitter.com/lautarogrinspan”,”contributor”:false,”beat”:”Immigration”,”custom_ajc_website”:”ajc”,”bio_page”:”/staff/lautaro-grinspan/”,”last_updated_date”:”2024-07-17T14:40:09.975Z”,”byline”:”Lautaro Grinspan”,”email”:”lautaro.grinspan@ajc.com”,”slug”:””,”image”:”https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/ajc/3bda8595-d0dd-4d69-b9a1-e753689b434b.png”,”longBio”:”Lautaro Grinspan writes about immigration, labor, and daily-life issues within Atlanta’s diverse immigrant communities for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 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