A FAMILY TRADITION

Catfish Cabin of Monroe will celebrate 50 years of serving delicious meals. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by the children of original owners James Russell Hearn, Sr. and his wife Norma Moore Hearn.

on March 15, 2022, Catfish Cabin of Monroe will celebrate 50 years of serving delicious meals not only in Ouachita Parish, but also well beyond. Because of their commitment not only to their business but also to our community, Catfish Cabin of Monroe and the Hearn Family are our Bayou Icons for August. Today Catfish Cabin customers are to be found throughout north Louisiana, south Arkansas, and western Mississippi. Catering with onsite cooking available proved to be an excellent addition to their tableside offerings. It was added in 1988 when Graphic Packaging placed an order for Plant #70. Since then, they have catered events large and small, offering delicious food and personal service to groups of up to 1,300 people. The restaurant’s motto -- “Monroe Landmark & Hearn Family Tradition” – is an understatement. The restaurant is absolutely both a landmark and a family affair. Today Catfish Cabin of Monroe is owned and operated by Russell Hearn, Jr., Patricia Hearn Tolar, and David Hearn – the children of original owners James Russell Hearn Sr. and his wife Norma Moore Hearn.

The Original Fish Camp But the story of the Hearn family tradition of family and good food begins much longer ago than 50 years. To understand the Catfish Cabin story best, one has to go back to 1937 to a family home and fishing camp located on the banks of the Tombigbee River in Lavaca, Alabama. Charles Agnew Ezell, James’s first cousin, and his family lived in an old log cabin that had served as a trading post during the Civil War. Many believe that the original dogtrot log structure was built by a French fur trader. According to the family, Charles worked with his father as commercial fishermen on the river. When his family outgrew the two-room dogtrot, Charles kept the cabin as a hunting club. When his hunting club members needed a meal, Charles began frying catfish and hush puppies for the members. Word got around and his reputation for providing good food led to Charles opening Ezell’s Fish Camp restaurant in the late 1940’s. The business grew with people traveling from miles around to eat at Charles’s fish camp on the river. This original catfish cabin by the river was to be the beginning of a family food dynasty that by the mid-1960’s had spanned well over a dozen successful family-operated franchise restaurants in Albertville, Birmingham, Phenix City, Gadsden, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa,

Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; Columbus, Georgia; and Boyle, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Meridian, Taylorville, and Waynesboro, Mississippi; Pensacola, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Each would be named “Catfish Cabin” and all would use the same menus and recipes that originated at Ezell’s Fish Camp, and would recreate the rustic décor that had helped make Ezell’s such a success.

t was the economic boom in the United States after WWII that increased the demand for drive-in restaurants, according to Russell. A new industry -- catfish farming -- “took off” in the south where the large freshwater ponds were well-suited to growing catfish. “Soon, fried catfish filets were in big demand across the US,” Russell says. “Farm-raised catfish is very delicious!”

Monroe, Louisiana, Family’s Beginning

James Hearn, Sr. was born in Ward, Alabama, the youngest of 6. His father was an attorney (and classmate of Hugo Black, U.S. Supreme Court Justice), a farmer, and owner of Hearn Country Store. After graduating from Ward High School, he was introduced by friends to Norma Moore. She was born in Union, Mississippi, one of 6. Her father was a machinist and gun smith. She graduated from Union High School.

Three years after they met, James and Norma were married. He earned a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. During this time, their first child, Russell, Jr. was born. After earning his degree, James, Sr. enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Germany and had his young family with him there.

When they returned to the states, the family returned to York, Alabama, where their second child and only daughter, Patricia, was born. Both Catfish Cabin of Monroe founders acquired valuable work experience before they embarked on a franchise of their own. James, Sr. worked in medical sales, and Norma worked in retail sales management with Bill’s Dollar Stores.

In 1959, the family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where their third child, David, was born. After several years, the family moved first to Baton Rouge and then to Opelousas as James’s job required. Norma continued to work as the store manager of a Bill’s Dollar Store in Opelousas.

When their children were 18, 15, and 11 years old, James and Norma decided to make a personal dream come true by opening their own Catfish Cabin franchise. The two considered possible locations in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, but Monroe’s geographic location became the deciding factor. “My parents thought that Monroe would be ideal because I-20 was a heavily traveled, east-west corridor across north Louisiana,” Russell explains. “They were right.”

Luckily, the iconic Rendezvous Drive-In Restaurant (a very successful family-owned and operated restaurant founded by the Pappas family in the late 1930’s) was available for lease from the Johnson/Pappas family. The building continues to be leased today. In mid-March 1972, Catfish Cabin of Monroe opened its doors for business at 1400 Louisville Avenue.

Each sibling found different career paths but all eventually led back to Catfish Cabin. For all three, as Russell explains, “Continuing the legacy of our parents is our most rewarding professional accomplishment.” Growing Up a Hearn

For Russell, Patricia, and David, childhood memories center on family gatherings and learning the value of working hard. Russell and Patricia remember visiting cousins and grandparents in Mississippi and Alabama on holidays and during family vacations. “We shared lots of good food and slept on pallets with cousins and friends,” Patricia recalls. For David, it was a family trip to Washington D.C. to learn about the history of this great country that stands out the most.

The Hearn family gatherings were -- according to Russell, Patricia, and David -- always large and fun. “Christmas was the best, because somehow Santa always showed up even though we weren’t in Louisiana. The men and boys would hunt, and the women and girls cooked. It was a very special time,” they say.

Russell admits that both of their parents were good cooks, but their mother was actually the best. She prepared many memorable dishes, and her fried chicken with vegetables from their dad’s big garden was delicious. The family favorite, however, is their mom’s chicken and rice casserole which they still prepare today along with other of her best recipes.

Not surprisingly, the siblings are all excellent cooks, too. Russel learned to cook at Catfish Cabin, taught by two sisters – Hazel Bell and Evelyn Spencer – who retired after 40 years at the restaurant. David learned to fry catfish

when he was 12, cooking with Charles Ezell, the catfish cabin patriarch. Patricia remembers learning to cook at home with her “Easy Bake Oven” that Santa had brought her.

The Hearn family home epitomized “togetherness” in all of the best ways. The parents and their children worked together, ate together, talked together, and watched television together. “Our parents taught good Christian values, provided us with a loving home, and instilled in us a family orientation for the rest of our lives,” Patricia says.

Career Paths

All three Hearn siblings started working early. Russell mowed yards, and later worked in Bill’s Dollar Store doing stock work, moving lay-a-way packages, making change as a cashier, and learning how to give good service to both management and the customers. Patricia began working as a Christmas package wrapper in an Opelousas department store. At 15, she started working in Catfish Cabin doing whatever her parents asked her to do. She learned from them to always do her best and to respect people. David began working at Catfish Cabin when he was 12. He bussed tables, washed dishes – whatever his dad asked him to do. “All of the duties prepared me to understand all the jobs that have to be performed in the business,” David says.

Each sibling found different career paths but all eventually led back to Catfish Cabin. For all three, as Russell explains, “. . . continuing the legacy of our parents is our most rewarding professional accomplishment.” Russell credits his early work experience before and during his Catfish Cabin days with preparing him for the daily challenges that restaurant operations bring. “The most important lessons I learned were the significance of hard work, self-discipline, self-reliance, organization, and customer and employee relations skills – including respect and appreciation for every customer,” Russell says.

David began working at Catfish Cabin at an early age, but later worked in a food distribution warehouse and in outside contract sales before coming “home” to the family business. He credits these experiences with teaching him to work hard, persevere, and to organize carefully. “All of these experiences taught me the necessary skills for working and communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, business owners, and people at all levels in our community,” David explains.

For Patricia, her time at Catfish Cabin developed in her a passion for taking excellent care of her customers. She made a point to know them personally, and through her they got to know Patricia and the Hearn family. “Today, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of many of our earliest customers still patronize Catfish Cabin,” Patricia says. “We consider our patron customers to be part of our family!”

Patricia’s work at Catfish Cabin was interrupted when she married John Tolar (who she met at Catfish Cabin) and they moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked for Bank of America there as a teller, teller trainer, and administrative assistant in private banking. When John retired, they moved home to Monroe. She

Before he knew it, in 1980, Catfish Cabin expanded when the adjacent old Rendezvous Lounge was converted into two dining rooms. This brought seating capacity to 450. Today the restaurant has 5 dining rooms serving families, clubs and organizations, and special events.

worked at Catfish Cabin for several years, and then spent nearly a decade working at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) in the Office of Public Relations and the Office of Admissions. Although she enjoyed her work at ULM very much, she cites her work with family at Catfish Cabin with the employees and loyal customers as her greatest professional reward.

Catfish Cabin of Monroe Evolves

In 1980, Catfish Cabin expanded when the adjacent old Rendezvous Lounge was converted into two dining rooms. This brought seating capacity to 450. Today the restaurant has 5 dining rooms serving families, clubs and organizations, and special events.

The original menu has changed very little over time. At one time, steaks were offered but they were dropped from the menu. Outstanding hamburger steaks remain, however, offering a delicious beef option. Several new salads have been added, and in a tip-of-thehat to health considerations, some healthy meal options have been added.

The bestselling item on the menu is – no surprise here – catfish. One favorite is their “thin and crispy” catfish fillet option. When asked where that special item originated, Russell explained that it was added after customers began asking for it after having enjoyed it at Middendorf’s restaurant in south Louisiana. Customers have made other requests over the years, but the family tradition of serving catfish and seafood remains predominant.

Special Memories

Over 50 years, any business will accumulate special memories. Catfish Cabin is no exception. For Mother’s Day 1987, they ran an ad offering a FREE meal that day to all mothers. On another memorable day, four NBA players from the Monroe area came in for a meal together. Although all were taller than 6’7”, they sat together -- in one booth! One of the restaurant’s patrons, a 100-year-old lady, celebrated her birthday over a meal there every six months until she passed away at 104.

Two anniversaries hold very special memories. One was the 25th anniversary of Catfish Cabin, and the other marked the 50th wedding anniversary of their parents, James and Norma. Their mother passed away shortly after, and their father some years later.

There are more than a few unusual experiences that come along over time in the restaurant business. One of the most memorable was recently shared by David. It seems that the Monroe City Police Swat Team took a lunch break at Catfish Cabin while they were doing a routine training drill. They ordered lunch in the Cypress Room after parking their armored vehicles in the parking lot. Just as their meal was being brought to table, the team received an emergency call from the 911 dispatcher advising them that the bank in OIB Plaza across the street was experiencing automatic weapon fire and under terrorist attack. The team grabbed bullet proof vests, automatic weapons, and helmets and rushed to their vehicles with sirens blaring.

The story has a happy ending – for some, at least. Patricia’s husband, John Tolar, was the OIB bank security officer. He quickly discovered that a young visiting bank auditor had heard what he thought was machine gun fire, barricaded himself in an office, and called 911. The SWAT team surrounded the bank, only to discover several roofers with nail guns attaching metal flashing on the roof. The crisis was a false alarm.

“The SWAT team returned to Catfish Cabin and finished their lunch,” David explains. “This is just one more reason why we are so grateful to the police and all first responders for what they do for our community.”

Special Challenges

As with every other business, Catfish Cabin has had to deal with special challenges. With the sudden appearance of a worldwide epidemic, every sibling had to work together to adjust Catfish Cabin to the new reality that COVID created. Patience was perhaps the most important response as each sibling and their employees sought ways to keep the business open and their food available to the public. In what felt like a throwback to the distant past, tableside service was transformed back into drive-in service as the crew learned how to run a curbside business. The first few weeks were the most difficult as everyone associated with Catfish Cabin had to adapt.

“When you lose 60% of your revenue in three months’ time, it’s really tough,” Russell explains. “The PPP money helped to pull us through.” Brother David agrees, “The pandemic taught us that change is going to happen, and we need to be able to adapt to that change,” he says. “A challenge was – and still is – acquiring products (much like we experienced during the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf that made it hard to get seafood). We definitely worried a lot until we figured out a survival strategy for Catfish Cabin.”

Anyone who has been around the restaurant business knows something of the long hours that are required to make a success of it. When asked recently to talk about the amount of “work” necessary to make a good business an excellent one, all three siblings agreed -- the hours are long, and working with split schedules just complicates things. Balancing work time and family time has always been both difficult and necessary.

Russell, Patricia, and David and their spouses together have 7 children and 11 grandchildren. As one would expect, through the years there have been many activities that the children and now

the grandchildren have been involved in. Although they tried, there were still times when the siblings couldn’t be two places at once. Staying involved in family activities while working in a demanding career, according to Russell, was one of the hardest parts of his job. For example, while he managed to attend things his children were in, he was unable to coach – a personal disappointment. David and Patricia agreed, adding that all of them tried not to neglect their families.

Finding Time to Give Back

Even though they were balancing family and career, all three Hearns have found ways to give back to the community that made them feel welcome and who have kept their Catfish Cabin dishing out fried catfish and warm, personal greetings all these years.

Their choices of places to volunteer their services reflect both their love for the local community and for their industry. Russell has served on the ULM Athletic Foundation Board of Directors and received the Slim Scoggin Award for Service there. He also serves as a deacon at Parkview Baptist Church.

Patricia has also been involved in the community, but often in a behind-the-scenes sort of way. She served on a variety of service committees during her time at ULM including one that helped plan former president Nick Bruno’s Investiture as incoming president. She especially enjoyed being invited on stage to accept a plaque for Catfish Cabin, which was recognized at the 2021 Miss Louisiana Pageant for its sponsorship of the Miss Louisiana Pageant for the past 40 years.

Their father was active in the Louisiana Restaurant Association and was one of the founders of the LRA-SIF (Self-Insured Fund), a fund that is still in place today. David followed his dad in this work, and served the LRA from 2000-2018 in a variety of positions including state chairman of the board in 2013. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was named Humanitarian of the Year by Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine. Catfish Cabin has been a member of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce for 40 years.

What’s Next?

Although none of the siblings are ready to retire just yet, all of them have some idea what they would do if the business didn’t keep them occupied. All of them had early career dreams – Russell always wanted to work in the restaurant business, Patricia thought that becoming a dental hygienist would be an interesting career, and David had thoughts of becoming a police officer. Today, they are grateful for the lives they have lived and for the business that each learned “from bussing tables on up” at Catfish Cabin.

Still, retirement will someday come. All three want to spend more time with their families, but there are other dreams as well. Russell hopes to one day play 18 holes of golf at Pebble Beach, followed by dinner at sunset with his wife and golfing buddies. Patricia wants to spend time at home in her yard or boating on the Ouachita with John. David has a slightly different -- though definitely specific -- goal. He wants to be sitting in his deer stand on a cool day with 35 degree temperatures and no wind, watching several large bucks in front of him.

Who will take over Catfish Cabin when the siblings are finished? That’s a question that has yet to be even thought about. Several of the children work at the restaurant, and others pitch in especially for large catered events. All are too young yet to really tell which ones might want to take over operational duties.

One thing is certain – whoever does will understand from example the importance of good food, served with an appreciative smile. For 84 years, some member of the family has been frying catfish and hushpuppies for their family, friends, and customers. It is hard to imagine that ever stopping. Here’s to the next 50 years, Catfish Cabin of Monroe!

FOR THREE GENERATIONS, THE HARING FAMILY HAS been blessed to raise only the finest catfish. While their operation is based right here in North Louisiana in Wisner, they provide their farm raised and grain fed catfish all over the country. They are constantly working to bring the safest highest-quality catfish to plates across the United States.

Each August since 1984, when President Ronald Reagan declared it as such, the nation celebrates National Catfish Month! The Catfish Institute (TCI), the marketing arm of the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry, works throughout the year to promote the good work of the farmers it represents and the impact they have on local economy.

The Haring Family invites you to celebrate National Catfish Month by cooking some of their favorite recipes like New Orleans Style Barbequed Catfish and Catfish with Pesto Cream Sauce, which are listed below. You can also check out many other recipes from the Catfish Institute, available on HaringCatfish.com. You can even order catfish to be shipped directly to your doorstep!

▫ 4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets or steaks, quartered ▫ 3 sticks butter, cubed ▫ ½ cup Worcestershire sauce ▫ 2 lemons, juiced ▫ 4-5 Bay leaves ▫ Rosemary sprigs

Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Place the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, and microwave until melted. Add remaining ingredients to the butter; stir to combine. Arrange catfish in a casserole dish, and pour butter sauce over the catfish. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve with French bread for dipping.

▫ 2 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets ▫ 1 teaspoon vegetable oil ▫ Salt and pepper to taste ▫ 3.5 ounces pesto sauce ▫ 1 cup heavy cream ▫ 3 cups cooked pasta

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the catfish lightly with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Pan sear the fillets for 3 minutes per side. Remove fish and set aside. Reduce heat to medium low. Add pesto sauce and cook for 1 minute. Add cream and bring to a simmer. Add cooked pasta and catfish to sauce. Serve and garnish with fresh basil.

FOR OVER FOUR DECADES THURMAN DICKEY HAS created culinary dreams and delicious desserts and has become a staple on the catering scene in Northeast Louisiana. His shop on Stubbs Avenue in Monroe is known for the plate lunch specials Monday through Friday and for having casseroles and frozen dishes readily available to pick up for a sick friend, housewarming or just a Wednesday night supper.

Thurman’s freezer is full of flavor with a variety of casseroles that include creole chicken, chicken cheese spaghetti, chicken enchiladas, king ranch chicken, chicken pot pie, lasagna, Mexican casserole, spaghetti and stuffed bell peppers. Some seafood favorites include Blend of the Bayou, Seafood Spectacular, shrimp and crawfish fettuccini, jambalaya and shrimp creole. For the vegetarian lovers, there is green bean, broccoli and rice, sweet potato, macaroni and cheese and hashbrown potato. And if that doesn’t cover it all, Thurman can make other casseroles upon request.

With their extensive catering menu, Thurman’s can take care of your special event, from beginning to end. They offer some Louisiana staples like boudin balls, shrimp dip, meat pies, marinated crab claws, jambalaya, oysters and even a roasted pig for an added flair. It isn’t a party without a dip and there are plenty to choose from at Thurman’s – crab, spinach artichoke, cheese, grits and corn, B.L.T, blackeye pea, spinach, vidala onion and 7-layered Mexican dip. For the main course, you can choose from ham, beef tenderloin, ribs, brisket, turkey, Swedish meatballs, ribs, catfish and more. They also have traditional party platters with vegetables, cheeses, fruit, meat and sandwiches.

Thurman’s is not lacking in the sweets department either. They offer classic cake favorite flavors like white, chocolate and yellow, as well as specialty flavors like Italian Crème, Red Velvet, German Chocolate and Lemon Torte. If you want to sample some of the delicious desserts but don’t have a party on the books, you can always swing by the shop and pick up a sheet cake off the table that Thurman’s has readily available. Often you can find sweet flavors like Neiman Marcus, Earthquake, Fudge Factory, Heavenly Hash and more. On a daily basis, there are fresh cookies, breads and pastries like cupcakes, pralines and petit fours to choose from. If you are looking for more of a savory treat, there are always those delicious cheese straws!

When you think of food, Thurman’s Food Factory should be your first stop – whether you just want to pick up lunch, a casserole for dinner, plan a small get together or have an extravagant event. There is no party too large or too small that Thurman’s can’t handle!

TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, FACS, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

Go raise the banners high in air, And spread the tidings round! Let drums and trumpets boom and blare, For I have lost a pound! - Dorothy Parker

IF DOROTHY PARKER, THE POET laureate of witty verse were alive today she could have celebrated the loss of inches of fat not just pounds. Fat removal using liposuction has been a body-contouring mainstay for decades. In trained hands, liposuction has gotten safer, more consistent and less physically demanding on patient and surgeon than ever before. So, all things considered, my bias as a board certified plastic surgeon is that the best and most powerful option for fat removal and body contouring is liposuction with or without the surgical removal of saggy skin. However, I am also a realist, and my observation over the past decade or so is that patients want less invasive procedures, preferably done in the office, with lower cost and little or no downtime.

About ten years ago, the FDA cleared a new technique called CoolSculpting that gently chills the fat layer and has been clinically proven to reduce localized bulges of unwanted fat, without needles, without incisions and most importantly without downtime. If you think this sounds too good to be true you’re not alone. So did I – until I tried it myself. I went back to work immediately after the procedure, went to a function that evening and swam half a mile the next day!

CoolSculpting uses an ingenious concept called cryolipolysis developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School. The device delivers precise, even cooling to the fat layer causing fat cells to rupture and slowly release their contents. The fatty material is picked up by the lymphatic system and processed just like a piece of cheesecake or a Krispy Kreme donut. Studies of hundreds of patients who have undergone CoolSculpting treatments have shown no significant increase in serum cholesterol or lipid levels. Improvement is gradual and progressive, peaking at three months. Patients in the initial studies experienced a 20-25% reduction in the thickness of the fat in the area treated as measured by ultrasound. The procedure is repeated at four to six week intervals. We have found that three treatments of each area are usually needed for optimal results. With the new CoolSculpting Elite system the treatment cycle takes about 35 minutes and two areas can be treated at one time – so treating both love handles takes about 40 minutes. No sedation is needed, no compression garments are necessary after the treatments and you can literally return to your normal activities, including exercise, immediately.

Of course the procedure is not for everyone. If you are morbidly obese, you need bariatric surgery. If you are moderately obese, you need a disciplined program of diet and exercise and may eventually require liposuction and surgical body contouring for an optimal result. But if you are reasonably fit, close to your ideal weight, yet in spite of Body Pump, Spin Classes and half marathons still have localized areas of unwanted fat, then CoolSculpting may be right for you.

If Dorothy Parker were still here she might write: Go, raise the banners high in air, I’m happy to the bone, Let drums and trumpets boom and blare, For I have froze my pone!

We were proud to be the first plastic surgery practice in the region to offer this exciting technology, and our experience with hundreds of patients has been very encouraging. It was the first – and still the best – way to non-surgically remove unwanted fat. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at (318) 388-2050 and schedule a consultation to see if CoolSculpting is right for you.

ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH ESCAPE ROOMS? HAVE YOU ever wanted to participate in The Amazing Race? Are you a SUPER SLEUTH? Or do you just want to have a good time with friends after being so fun-limited for the past year? If so, ARCO has just the event for you!

An Adventure for ARCO, is an exciting event guaranteed to challenge the skills of the most avid clue finder! This unique and quirky scavenger hunt is unlike anything the Twin Cities has ever seen. It isn’t just about figuring out where you are going or retrieving an item once you arrive at said destination, it is also about deciphering clues that puzzle and challenge the physical abilities and mental acuities of an entire group, a Team, if you will, as they accumulate prize winning points! Yes, this adventure is a competitive team contest with PRIZES!

This adventurous late summer event brings team building to a new level – or it is a perfect way for friends to get together for something a little different. Each team will have a captain who will be given a “clue sheet” ahead of time so that team members can do a little (but not too much) forward sleuthing and on-line research. Planned for downtown Monroe, the clue route will include many fun stops all along the way. Teams will race to be the first to solve the problems and arrive at the final destination to claim the winners’ prizes.

Beyond the prizes. • As we emerge from the grips of COVID-19, this event brings an excellent opportunity to get reacquainted with the idea of having fun with friends and co-workers – together! • This out-of-the-box fun brings teams from many interests together for a single event that addresses something of importance to the community at large – the well-being of those with developmental disabilities served by ARCO. As ARCO continues its mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities to live fully within their communities, this fundraiser will assist with the day-to-day service needs and supports.

Now is the perfect time to make this a part of your plans! To learn more about sponsoring this event or signing up as a team, please contact Deidra Adair at 318-372-4496 or dadair@arcomonroe.org.

NOW THAT SUMMER IS NEARING AN END, YOU HAVE recovered from fun in the sun, but has your skin? After spending the past few months at the ballpark, at the beach and at the pool, you may look in the mirror and notice fine lines, wrinkles or even brown spots. You can thank the sun for that, but you don’t have to live with them.

Experts recommend that we spend 10 to 30 minutes a day in the sun to get our daily dose of vitamin D. The amount of time you spend in the sun should be determined by your skin type. If you have fair skin, you should spend less time in direct sunlight. Vitamin D regulates the immune system and keeps skin from prematurely aging. However, spending too much time in the sun can have a detrimental effect on your skin. The immediate impact of spending too much time in the sun is a sunburn. Over time, exposure to the sun can cause damage. The sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate our skin, damaging the elastic fibers that keep our skin firm and causing wrinkles to develop. The sun is also responsible for the brown spots you’ll find on your face, hands and other areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. They’re more commonly referred to as age or liver spots.

Over-the-counter skin creams can only do so much. Most of those creams just moisturize your skin, which will make it appear more supple and healthy. You have to go much deeper to repair skin damage.

At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we offer two noninvasive treatments for fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration and sun damage. HydraFacial is a 30-minute treatment that provides instant and longlasting results. It cleanses, peels and hydrates your skin. The treatment exfoliates your face and removes debris from your pores. Your skin is nourished with moisturizers and creams that protect your skin and maximize your natural glow. In addition to the glow, patients notice more elasticity and firmness in their skin. Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser works to erase fine lines and reverse skin discoloration and damage. This cutting-edge technology stimulates new collagen. The laser treatment requires minimal recovery time. You’re normally ready for makeup the next day.

We also carry the entire line of SkinCeuticals, featuring serums, antioxidants, anti-aging creams, cleansers, exfoliators and more. These products are backed by science and the company continues to pioneer next generation products that will optimize the health and beauty of the skin. We can customize a skin care regimine that is just right for your skin, concern and needs.

At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we understand the choices you have when it comes to skincare. Our team of medical experts will guide you through the process. We offer the most advanced technology at prices well-below what others charge. Give us a call today at (318) 387-3113 to learn more about our special End-of-Summer prices.

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE UPON US AS THE solar heatwave ascends on the south. On these hot August nights, humidity makes us feel as if we are serving out a life sentence in a jungle. Fiercely fighting off the monstrous mosquitoes in our outdoor refuges could at least be down in a bit of luxury.

As we try to make the best of the heat, it is refreshing to have pops of color in our outdoor living spaces. These spaces have become the common hangouts for us after a year of lock down. They become an extension of our inhabited spaces that give us extra room to breathe and enjoy nature as we move forward into fall. They have become the dining spaces to gather with friends for grilling and cocktails. They replace the outdoor arenas to catch your favorite football game. They have become the safety zones in a world of uncertainty. These spaces need that extra push from drab to fab. Adding that extra punch is easily achieved with accessories. From an interesting tchotchke to throw pillows with pops of color, you can connect the outdoor living spaces to mesh with the interior of our homes. Artwork from local and regional artists makes a great statement.

Revival is excited to have the addition of limited prints of original works by the talented Jay Davis. Native birds and blossoms to our Louisiana will make the perfect enhancement to your walls. Some of our favorites are the spoon bills, blue herons and spider lilies.

We also are excited about the beautiful tapestry pillows from Belgium feather safari life and other animals. Our favorites are the anthropomorphic tigers, monkeys, and zebras wearing fashions of eras past.

After many delays, Revival is slowly developing our outdoor space Avante’ Garde’n. We are taking a portion of our showroom to bring this vision to life until we can expand to our 2,000 sq ft patio area under construction soon. Come explore all our new arrivals and treasures from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and beyond. Revival is located at 300 Walnut Street in Historic Downtown Monroe. Our hours of operation are Tuesday- Saturday 11am- 5pm. Our transformed temporary outdoor space opens in September on our mezzanine level. Come visit North Louisiana’s premier interior consignment showroom and see what is sizzling in design at Revival now all you cool cats and kittens.

DO YOU EVER LEAK WHEN YOU laugh, walk or even cough? If so, you are not alone. For many women and men, stress incontinence is holding them back. Stress incontinence is defined as leakage that occurs as a result of coughing, exercising or sneezing. While many chalk this up to as the result of age, child bearing or strenuous exercise, stress incontinence is the result of damage to the urethral ligaments and truthfully can affect all individuals. While more common among females, stress incontinence can occur in both genders. However, stress incontinence in men is usually secondary to prostate cancer surgery.

Unlike individuals suffering from urge incontinence, stress incontinence does not affect the bladder’s ability to empty or its storage capacity. Stress incontinence is involuntary and occurs when internal forces apply additional pressure to the bladder neck.

A minimally invasive procedure done in the office might be all you need. Urethral bulking helps strengthen your urethral sphincter. This is very similar to Restylane injections used in cosmetic surgery.

In some instances, female bladder incontinence is severe and doesn’t respond to non-invasive treatments. In these cases, Dr. Marx may recommend bladder suspension surgery. This procedure can be performed through an incision in the vagina without any abdominal incisions. Each procedure involves pulling the bladder neck back into place and securing it with a sling so that it stays put. All material used is organic so there is no mesh to erode.

Success rates for bladder suspension surgery are high often depending on a patient’s medical history or other medical conditions. To maximize the effectiveness of post-op results, be sure to discuss your lifestyle, limitations and any concerns you may have with Dr. Marx prior to surgery.

Urge incontinence occurs when the urge to urinate occurs and the patient is unable to inhibit urination. It is most common with aging. Treatments include oral medications, behavior modification as well as InterStim which is sacral neural modulation. This is also known as a bladder pacemaker and is now MRI compatible. This is a therapy that has been available for 20+ years and Dr. Marx has at least 15 years experience with this device. An InterStim trial can be done in the office, allowing the patient to try the device before having it implanted.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is your hometown, board certified urologist. Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been specializing in this field for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S. Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering from these conditions find relief.

Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. Dr. Marx prides himself on the personal attention he provides each patient. He understands that this is a sensitive subject and Dr. Marx has decades of experience providing careful, appropriate treatment to put you at ease.

WHILE YOU MAY NOT HAVE been able to travel in the past year, you can always visit a culinary destination when you eat at Alex Latin Restaurant. You will instantly be transported to the tropics! Alex Cruz has opened Alex Latin Restaurant and Cafeteria in the heart of West Monroe, making popular Honduran dishes even more convenient. Alex and his mother opened Latin Food in 2012 and now Alex has opened Alex Latin Restaurant with the same dishes everyone in Northeast Louisiana has grown to love in the past eight years. The dishes boast hints of Alex’s home country, full of flavor and well herbed.

“It’s tropical food, much different from Mexico. It’s not spicy. The spicy is on the side,” Cruz says. Try one of their meat dishes—perhaps a flank steak or a grilled pork chop—and you’ll understand just what he means by tropical. A subtle citrus permeates almost every dish. And he offers up one other key fact about the food that will prepare you for the experience. “The food is fresh. Every product, fresh.”

The Honduran breakfast is still around and still a favorite. The plate features fluffy scrambled eggs, a side of fried black beans, strip steak, fresh avocado, cheese and plantains, all served with homemade tortillas. Another authentic and fresh dish the pupusas, a beloved Honduran dish made of thick corn tortilla and stuffed with a savory filling. You can even get a somewhat sampler platter with the Pupusas al Gusto, a trio where you can choose from black beans, pork, chicken and cheese. The Chicken and Shrimp platter is perfect for lunch of dinner, featuring seasoned, grilled chicken and butterflied and grilled jumbo shrimp. Other house specialties include tacos, fish filets and fried chicken. There is also quite the selection of sandwiches, burgers and salads.

And of course there is everyone’s favorite - the coffee! In fact, Alex Latin Food recently received the top award in 2021 Bayou Buzz Awards for best coffee! A rich, robust Pilan bean is espresso ground, that is then steamed in the espresso machine. Separately, a slightly sweetened whole milk is also steamed. After the espresso and milk are prepared, equal portions are blended into the cup and topped with a splash of foam. Strong, rich, and just slightly sweet, the coffee is the ideal companion to any meal. In addition to the house cup, Cruz also makes traditional espresso, both sweet and dry, and its tiny companion, a straight Cuban espresso served in a sipping cup no bigger than a thimble.

Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a tasty lunch or a filling dinner, Alex Latin Food is now open! You can find them on North 7th Street in West Monroe, near just down the street from West Monroe High School. Stop by and say hello to Alex and the entire friendly staff who are happy to serve you!

EVERY WOMAN HAS THEIR OWN version of a “typical” week. Women are dominating careers, caring for children, leading Bible studies, running a household, studying for a degree - the list goes on and on. The one thing we all have in common is we are always on the go; we’re busy taking care of all the important people in our lives. But do you take the time to care for you? I’m not talking about a mani-pedi or dinner with the girls, although those things are good for the soul! True self care is making sure you will be around to conquer your tomorrow.

I know… an annual Well Woman exam often makes you feel nervous or uncomfortable, especially if it is your first one. But just imagine catching cervical cancer early, detecting HPV before its cancer, or discovering a breast lump before a mastectomy becomes necessary! Your Well Woman exam is the only way to detect early stages of cervical cancer, and it is the first line of defense against female reproductive diseases. This is why it is so critical to schedule your annual exam. Your first Well Woman exam should be scheduled when you become sexually active or when you turn 21. Of course, you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist if you experience any menstrual irregularities or pelvic pain before then.

While it is normal to be nervous or indifferent about an annual exam, it is not okay to delay scheduling your appointment. Knowing what to expect is the best way to prepare yourself for this visit. When you schedule a Well Woman exam at The Woman’s Clinic, it will start out like any other healthcare visit - with paperwork! The difference is The Woman’s Clinic will send you a link to complete all of your paperwork ahead of time via text and email, allowing you to fill everything out while still on the go. Once you check-in to your appointment a nurse will take your blood pressure, weight, discuss your personal and family medical history, and any current problems you may be experiencing.

Next comes your physical exam, which may include a breast and pelvic exam. In the exam room you will change into a “lovely” medical gown. Your provider will talk with you about any concerns or symptoms you may be having and perform a breast exam to check for lumps or irregularities. Finally comes the dreaded pelvic exam. Though, uncomfortable, it is essential to the early detection of cancers, inflammation, and sexually transmitted infections. Women 21 and older should get a pelvic exam once per year. If you are under the age of 21, you should get a pelvic exam if you experience menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain.

During the pelvic exam, your provider may perform a pap smear, which helps to detect early forms of cervical cancer. A pap smear should not be painful, but you will likely feel a brief pinching sensation. Your provider will determine the frequency in which you need a pap smear based on your personal health and medical history.

I know that anxious “ugh” feeling about an annual Well Woman exam, especially if it is your first. That is why The Woman’s Clinic tries to make your Well Woman exam comfortable and easy, so they can detect irregularities and concerns as early as possible. Schedule your annual Well Woman exam today, either by calling the office at (318) 388-4030 or by requesting an appointment on your patient portal account.