BAYOU ARTIST

Even though Daniel Myers has only been seriously pursuing his art career for about a year now, the West Monroe native has been a professional for years. Myers has been a working artist since he was just eight years old, when Montessori school owner and teacher, Dee Scallan, began writing children’s books about the Louisiana ecosystem. She needed someone to create the illustrations that would bring the book series’ titular character, Moby Pincher, to life, so she enlisted the aid of one of her students — Myers, of course — to get the job done. “When I illustrated those books, I was like, ‘I’m young; I’m not a professional,’” Myers says of his first professional gig, “but the author’s husband was like, ‘Well, you did get paid for it.’ So, ever since then, I [called myself] one.” Myers had always been an artistic child — according to his parents, he picked up drawing somewhere around age two. However, even with clear talent, a long-held interest in art, and one job already on his résumé, the young Myers had no plans to pursue art full-time as an adult. “I did the books until I was [around] 12, I think. I switched gears in high school because in Louisiana back then, you didn’t really hear about artists. I was like, ‘I’ll just be a doctor,’” he explains before adding with a laugh, “Easy.” Though his sights were set on the medical field, Myers continued honing his artistic abilities, partially because he wanted to keep improving but also because he simply enjoyed being creative. He remembers, “It was just really relaxing. I would always doodle while I was working, [and] it would help me focus. And since I was eight years old, people would tell me I was good, so I kept practicing. I kept wanting to get better.”

After graduating high school, Myers, who had moved to Baton Rouge in the fifth grade, returned to Ouachita Parish to attend the University of Louisiana Monroe. He earned a degree in biology, and with his intent to become a doctor still alive and well, Myers enrolled in medical school post-graduation. But something didn’t feel right, he reveals.

“I had completed my first year of medical school, and I was doing fine,” he says. “I had good grades and all that, but I felt like I was putting a lot of work into something I wasn’t really passionate about.”

He had done the math, and it would take him seven years to finish medical school and residency. Would that time be worth it, he wondered? Ultimately, he decided the answer was no, reasoning that if he spent the next seven years putting the same effort into art that he had into medical school, he could surely find success as a creative.

“I was either going to have to sign up for another year of student loans, or I had to decide to cut my losses and pursue what I wanted to,” he says.

So, Myers opted to cut his losses and started back down the path his eight-year-old self had walked as a professional artist. But first, he had to do one thing: explain his sudden life shift to the people closest to him.

“Obviously, my parents were a little worried,” he says. “But they eventually came around and saw that it made me happy; they’ve seen that I can do it. All

As far as his illustrations are concerned, Myers says he ultimately wants to make art similar to the pieces that inspired him in the first place, explaining, “My interest in art started out with seeing tattoo designs, graphics for gig posters and movies, stuff like that. That got me interested in the graphic design aspect.”

my friends were like, ‘Yes, that makes sense. We don’t know why you were in medical school and trying to be a doctor. We were a little confused because this is so clearly what you like to do and have a talent for.’”

There was no clear-cut plan, Myers explains, but he was determined to start creating and see where the journey took him. He reveals that he felt a bit uncertain at first, but once he began making his art, things began to fall into place.

“There is something to be said for just starting and making the work,” Myers says. “People will hire you if they see what you do and they like it. You have to put yourself out there. That was my hesitation. That, and making time to do it. You have to make time to do the art and put it out and not be so worried with doing things the ‘right’ way. In the end, that can get in the way of actually doing it.”

Myers’ “just do it” philosophy seems to be paying off. Though he’s just in the early stages of his art career, he’s already found quite a bit of success. You’ve probably seen his work around the Twin Cities, perhaps printed on a “Funroe” t-shirt from downtown Monroe’s vintage and local goods shop, The Good Daze. You’ll also find prints of some of the young artist’s illustrations and drawings there, including depictions of a ballerina performing Swan Lake, a magnolia flower, and Lone Peak in Big Sky, Montana. In addition to selling his pieces in the local storefront and on his website, Myers does commissions, creating custom portraits, illustrations, logos, and typography.

While he continues further establishing himself in the North Louisiana art community, Myers is looking ahead and dreaming of what’s to come. On his agenda is eventually putting together and showing a collection of his pieces.

“For my traditional art, I would like to get more into having live models, figure drawing, and painting and have more time to make the pieces that are interesting to me,” he says. “[I want to] build an audience off that instead of one-off pieces here and there from commissions.”

As far as his illustrations are concerned, Myers says he ultimately wants to make art similar to the pieces that inspired him in the first place, explaining, “My interest in art started out with seeing tattoo designs, graphics for gig posters and movies, stuff like that. That got me interested in the graphic design aspect.” Take album art, for example, he goes on, “I might not have listened to that album, but there are certain [covers] I think of and I just think of the art. I really want to be a part of something like that.”

Until his traditional art and illustration dreams come true, though, Myers is simply enjoying making art. After all, he declares, the process of creating a piece is the best part.

“Today, creativity and making for making’s sake is definitely becoming a lost art,” he declares. “People have more to do than ever and with smartphones in our hands, it’s so easy to lose time. Our days are

filled with so many demands — jobs, school, children, family, fitness, social obligations — and when we do have downtime, the natural inclination is to turn on streaming services or go to social media and scroll.”

That isn’t to say modern technology is bad, Myers clarifies, but none of it, in his opinion, compares to the joy of making something. The subject isn’t even the most important part, he says; what matters most is for the creative to create without getting too caught up in what they’re working on and whether it’s good enough.

Myers used to weigh himself down with self-criticism, but that quickly became detrimental to his art, he reveals, “I was paralyzed by all my options and was comparing myself to other artists online. I would rack my brain trying to come up with a thoughtful concept and interesting composition. By the time I decided on an idea, if I did at all, all of my creative energy was zapped.”

Then, it hit him: dwelling on the subject and becoming obsessed with creating the perfect piece was sucking the fun out of his craft. That’s when Myers decided his joy would come from the process, and he holds that outlook today.

“Once I realized this, I quit worrying about my subjects and started drawing and painting whatever I felt like,” he says. “I’m creating more than ever and having fun while I do it.”

Making art is somewhat of a meditative process for Myers, but he isn’t the only one that benefits from it. His customers, of course, reap the rewards of his labor when they purchase a piece of his art from his website, www.danielmyers.myportfolio.com.

Between sessions of creating for himself, Myers will spend the foreseeable future working on several projects in the area, including participating in West Monroe’s Frame the Drain project and Ruston Artisans’ Sidewalk Chalkwalk. He also says he hopes to paint a few murals in the area, so be sure to stay up to date with all the young artist is doing through his social media accounts (Daniel Myers on Facebook and @colorblindkiddaniel on Instagram).

NO MATTER A WOMAN’S AGE, SHE WANTS TO LOOK and feel her best. Dr. Sowma and the team at DermaMediQ can help with just that. They offer a variety of skincare solutions that range from mild treatments to more in-depth targeted procedures, treating fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sagging skin and more.

Sometimes the line between Botox and fillers can be blurred…no pun intended, but Dr. Sowma and her staff can advise you on what will work best for you, without looking overdone. Botox can be used to treat dynamic wrinkles, like those that occur naturally around the mouth and eyes, as well as in between the eyebrows. Dermal fillers also treat wrinkles on the face, but are primarily used to treat smile lines and they can be used to plump the lips and cheeks.

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WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN A DANCE STUDIO! Our staff is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. We not only share a genuine passion for the Performing Arts, we also believe in teaching students important life lessons that lead them to be successful adults. Building character and confidence are so important to our youth. The lessons learned at DBK are intentionally designed to teach students the value of serving with humility and grace.

Our students become our family, so it is important that they are trained in a loving and positive environment. We share the excitement of every skill mastered and goal met with each student. We take so much pride in instilling strong work ethics and teaching our students that true quality takes time in a society where instant gratification is so prevalent.

Our curriculum is based on a syllabus set forth by Dance Educators of America, which Mrs. Debbie Bourg, Owner/ Director of DBK, is a Certified Honor Member. We offer the widest variety of classes in our area: classical ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/ contemporary, and hip hop. We incorporate quite a bit of musical theater into our jazz curriculums as well. This not only gives the students some acting skills, but helps tremendously with self expression. Our Tiny Treasures program for ages 2 1/2- 5 is a fabulous way to introduce younger students to the Performing Arts. These classes include ballet, tap, and tumbling in a format that builds coordination of motor skills, focus, as well as helping learn class structure. This is most helpful with their academic success! The variety of levels we offer can accommodate all ages from Mommy and Me through adult. Whether a dancer has inspiration to train for a professional career, prepare for high school or college dance team, get it shape, or just have fun - we have it all! Many of our dancers began as a recreational dancer and because they developed such a passion for the art of dance, expanded their training and have received amazing scholarships and career opportunities!

Through the years our staff and dancers have won many choreography awards, competitions, and even national titles. However, we are most proud of all that we have taught our students about using their talent to give back. Our company dancers spend many hours participating in local charity events. Our annual Fashion Fusion production raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana. Outstanding contributions to the community awarded Mrs. Debbie Bourg and staff the prestigious Female Champion Award from the West Monroe/ West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce for 2022.

Visit our website for information about DBK. You will find detailed information about our curriculum and schedules. Check out the bios of our incredible staff, Ms. Brittany Bourg, Mrs. Mackenzie Grassi, and Mrs. Melissa Ring.

The Performing Arts are a vital part of every child’s life. The sheer joy of music and dance are meant to be enjoyed by all! Visit our website www.dbourgdance.com and join our dance family today! “Dance from the Heart and Give God the Glory”

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 fettuccine, 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 on request. With their extensive catering menu, they 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, Vidalia onion and seven 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 dessert 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, 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!

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 regimen 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.

Let’s face it. Gardeners are, by default, foodies. And, as this is the annual food addition of BayouLife, let’s look at two fruits that are more versatile that we ever dreamed while not forgetting how to enjoy them the old-fashioned way!

We look forward to the fig harvest every summer in the ArkLaMiss. This year, it seems even fig trees are struggling with the oppressive heat and humidity. As of this writing, figs are coming in and will soon play out. Fig rust, a fungal disease typically seen in August and September is showing up early this year. It’s not lethal to the fig tree, but it may lead to a premature leaf drop and hinder ripening of the fruit. A lack of frequent rains this summer means fig trees will have to be watered regularly. Their shallow root systems are thirsty, and a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around your fig tree will help it conserve soil moisture.

However, don’t let this year’s screaming hot weather keep you from incorporating a fig tree or two into your home orchard or landscape for future seasons. Figs are likely the world’s first cultivated fruit, and there’s no wonder why we still love them: their sweetness is unparalleled! They have few if any insect pests, and aside from fig rust, they have few if any other fungal issues. Figs need as little as 200 chill hours, which we get even in a mild winter. And, the fig varieties grown in our part of the world are parthenocarpic, meaning they set fruit without the need for pollination. For these reasons, they are the most reliable fruit grown in the Deep South. In addition to the old standards, ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Celeste,’ several fig varieties developed by LSU are available and should fit nicely into your home orchard or landscape. ‘Champagne’ produces yellow fruit of medium size. ‘LSU Gold’ was released in 2001 and produces large, yellow figs that have light red to pink pulp. ‘LSU Purple’ was released in 1991 and produces medium-sized, dark purple figs. Production may last from July into November. ‘O’Rourke’ is a 2010 LSU release honoring Dr. Ed O’Rourke who initiated LSU’s fig breeding program. This fig has a slightly longer stalk than other varieties allowing ripeness to be evidenced by fruit hanging downward from the branches. Finally, ‘Tiger’ is a large fig with a dark stripe down the fruit before it ripens. I enjoy figs for fresh eating or for the old classic fig preserves on homemade buttermilk biscuits. They are a lot more versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, especially desserts like fig cobbler and fig cake.

Plant fig trees while they are dormant, which is anytime from December to March or early April for our area. As with any fruit tree, have your soil tested to make sure pH and nutrient levels are where they need to be. An area that gets full sun is best, and the soil should be loamy and should drain well. It’s best to not fertilize at planting, as young trees will be able to draw enough nutrients from stored carbohydrates. A fertilizer application in early spring should be sufficient in subsequent years. As mentioned previously, a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture and will gradually break down improving the soil. Mulch will also help suppress weeds so they don’t compete with the fig’s shallow root system for nutrients and water. Fig trees do not require a lot of pruning like most other fruit trees. Keeping dead or damaged wood cleaned out of the crown should be all that’s required. Really old fig tree specimens, such as those typically found around old home sites, may need significant pruning if their production has slowed with time and age.

Would it really be a hot summer in the ArkLaMiss without local watermelons? I think not! How could we not dive into the deep red ecstasy of these juicy, sweet fruits to both cool off (or make us think so, anyway) and quench our thirst! If you’ve been following me on Facebook, then you know I’ve been growing some watermelons developed at the old Calhoun Research Station (formerly North Louisiana Experiment Station). As far as I’m concerned, ‘Red-N-Sweet,’ a 1987 LSU release, has no parallel in terms of flavor, sweetness, and color, at least as far as this goofy gardener is concerned. ‘Calhoun Gray’ was released in 1965 and is the result of a cross between ‘Calhoun Sweet’ and ‘Charleston Gray.’ I’ve grown it for the past two years both in the Louisiana Kitchen Garden Exhibit at the zoo and at home. This is one I personally recommend for home gardens. It’s simply a great all-around melon. Watermelons seem to thrive in our heat, and dry weather improves flavor by allowing sugars to be really concentrated by harvest. Watermelon seeds can be started indoors anytime in March or early April. By planting in April or May, plants should have at least one pair of true leaves in addition to the cotyledons. Watermelons perform best in sandy loam soils with good internal drainage. They are heavy feeders, so a preplant fertilizer application can’t be ruled out, with a supplemental application of either calcium nitrate of a balanced fertilizer like 8-8-8 or 13-13-13 every three weeks or so. Give vine plenty of room to sprawl

> Calhoun Gray is a great watermelon for home gardeners. A sweet and juicy treat for hot weather! < A triumvirate of summer sweetness. Fig preserves and mayhaw and plum jelly on homemade buttermilk biscuits. Good morning!

Watermelon can be combined with other fruit like mango in this summertime creation using Red-N-Sweet watermelon by Louisiana Living’s own Ashley Doughty.

on the ground. A mulch of hay or wheat straw will conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and give developing fruit a safe layer of contact with the ground. As members of the cucurbit family, watermelon vines have both male and female flowers, produced separately on the same vine (monoecious). Flowers typically open in the mornings and should attract any number of pollinating insects. Female flowers (those with tiny watermelons under the yellow petals) can be hand pollinated by making sure the stamens from the male flower contact the lobed stigma of the female flower. You can even see the yellow, dust-like pollen on the stigma afterward! More male flowers will be produced than female flowers.

The age-old question is, how do you tell when a watermelon is ripe enough to harvest? I use a combination of cues. First, a ripe watermelon will sound hollow when it’s thumped. Second, the tendril closest to the melon’s stem (formerly the female flower’s pedicle) will be crispy brown, and third, a yellowish patch of color will be evident on the side of the melon that has been in contact with the ground while it has developed. If all three of those criteria are met, or even two out of three, the melon should be good to harvest.

I’ve been very pleased to say that all five of the Calhoun Station watermelons have been recovered! Seeds of ‘Calhoun Sweet,’ ‘Calhoun Gray,’ ‘Louisiana Queen,’ ‘Red-N-Sweet,’ and ‘Summit’ have been obtained and between myself and my colleague, Marcie Wilson, at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph, seeds of all these wonderful Calhoun melons should be available after this season.

Make plans to attend a tour of the gardens at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joe on August 5th, and like and follow Northeast Region Horticulture on Facebook! Stay safe and 88 hydrated!

BY JUDY WAGONER

THE LAWS OF GRAVITY TELL US THAT “WHAT COMES up must also come down.” Sadly, the same can be said of our skin. As we get older, skin begins to sag as a result of a natural loss of collagen and elastin — two proteins that provide the foundation of skin’s tautness and elasticity. And, thanks to gravity, our skin loses its firmness and shape over time…causing our skin to sag. But now, there’s a way to counteract those effects on the face and body…with a nonsurgical aesthetic procedure.

PDO Threading may sound intimidating, but this popular treatment is an exciting, lifting and collagen-boosting procedure that will leave you feeling and looking younger. PDO threads are hypodermic needles, preloaded with a synthetic monofilament, barbed suture containing Polydioxanone. Once placed in the face or body, these barbed threads have 3 amazing effects on the skin: instant skin lifting, instant skin tightening, and collagen stimulation.

Polydioxanone is FDA-approved and is some of the safest material that can be used in the body. Over a period of 4-6 months, your skin will fully absorb the PDO threads (sutures) without leaving any scar tissue. Then, the body’s inflammatory response continues to produce even more collagen for up two years.

The procedure is minimally invasive and is usually performed in less than an hour, with little to no downtime. Our patients love their results. Tens of thousands of treatments have been performed for decades with minimal reports of sensitivity, allergic reactions, or severe side effects.

It’s a great alternative for those who don’t wish to undergo traditional lift surgery. It’s versatile, allowing us to treat practically all areas of the face and body, including neck, abdomen, inner thighs, knees, buttocks, hands and more. Our Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Hoskins, can help identify areas on your face and body that would benefit from this procedure or maybe another. Professional Laser Center also offers Botox, Filler, IPL, Laser Hair Removal, PinPointe Foot Laser, Microneedling, Shockwave for Cellulite, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, and IV Nutrient Infusion.

If you’re looking for a safe and cost-effective treatment to lift, tighten and rejuvenate your skin, a PDO Thread Lift may be just what you’ve been looking for.

Our consultations are free. If you’d like to book an appointment or consultation, call our office at 318-361-9066. We would love to turn your dreams of beautiful, youthful skin into reality.

AS SCHOOL SESSIONS RETURNS, you may be questioning if it’s time to retire your swimmers. Don’t hesitate, now is the perfect time to schedule that procedure you have been putting off through the busy summer months.

A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure.

Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding

After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well.

If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here 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 in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

ARE YOU SEEING BLACK STREAKS on your roof? Streaks or spots on the driveway or patio? Bacteria and algae tend to build up on fences and decks. Is your home siding looking warn from dirt, grime, mildew build up or rust stains running down the side? Oil stains on your driveway? Is your brick or stucco mailbox becoming black or dirty? Have no fear, let Southern Xtreme Softwash come to your rescue.

Southern Xtreme Softwash proudly serves the North Louisiana region. Homes and businesses just like cars need to be washed on a regular basis. Playgrounds need to be cleaned and sanitized for the safety and sanitary obligations for your children. Having your home or business washed will improve the curb appeal and reduce allergens. Keeping your property clean and safe is first and foremost with our company.

Southern Xtreme Softwash will pre-treat concrete and paver stones to get rid of the problem at the root so that your home will have a clean look and last a lifetime. Driveways are the first thing visitors or family see when arriving at your home so be sure to keep it clean to improve the curb appeal. Patios are much more inviting to relax in and enjoy when they are clean and fresh. Clean walkways also help reduce allergens from being tracked in to your home. We would love to help restore your deck, fence, gutters, or statues. Bacteria, mildew, algae, dirt or grime may have taken over and made them look old and tattered.

Southern Xtreme Softwash is proud to use 100% biodegradable solutions when improving your home’s curb appeal. We use a blend of softwashing and power washing on each home except for roofs. Bacteria on asphalt shingles known as gloeocapsa magma can be visible by the black streaks seen on many roofs. Pressure washing will void the warranty on asphalt shingles, this why we use the softwash system recommended by ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association). Our solutions will penetrate, sanitize, and get rid of the issue resulting in a long lasting clean roof.

Call Danny Brown and his team at Southern Xtreme Softwash today. They offer residential and commercial services, powerwashing, softwash roofs, houses, driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, gutters, dumpster pads, outdoor athletic complexes, banks, apartments, churches and stadiums, just to name a few. They are locally owned and operated in Union Parish off Hwy. 2 in Sterlington, La. He and his family live in Frenchman’s Bend subdivision and look forward to serving their community.

BY DR. MOHAMED BAKEER

DOES FLYING TO ANOTHER country for inexpensive weight loss surgery seem too be good to be true? Well, that’s because it is. Leaving the country for weight loss surgery—also known as “medical tourism”—is alluring because the costs appear lower than undergoing the procedure in the U.S. Not only is this false, but more importantly: medical tourism is risky. The initial price of weight loss surgery in another country is less expensive due to the lower labor cost, but because of the potential risks, patients may eventually pay a lot more. Unregulated procedures, equipment limitations, undertrained staff, and sanitation issues can arise. Travel can be expensive and stressful, but travel after surgery can be dangerous. We advise patients to avoid air travel for six weeks after surgery to avoid blood clots. If the patients has any complications when they arrive home, how will their surgeon—located outside of the U.S.—help them?

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, located in downtown Monroe, offers postsurgery support and aftercare services via a thorough, multi-step surgical weight loss program. An experienced bariatric surgeon is essential to a successful outcome. In addition, weight loss surgery requires consistent followup with a surgical team. The Surgery Clinic’s program is designed to help patients through the initial stages of recovery and ensure they lose weight safely and effectively.

Our program includes support from our surgeons and dietitian; we also schedule routine follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s progress and well-being. For example, our dietitian provides in-depth counseling before and after surgery as part of our comprehensive weight loss program. In addition, she helps patients meet their nutritional needs throughout their transformational journeys.

We offer weight-loss surgeries that reduce a person’s risk of obesity-related diseases, including: • High blood pressure • Cancer • Heart disease • Diabetes • Infertility • Depression

Almost every one of our patients has used the term “life-changing” when describing our weight loss surgeries. After losing weight, many of our patients can stop taking medication for joint pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Their mental health improves, too. One of our patients, a healthcare technology executive who has maintained a 200-pound weight loss since 2013, said: “I truly embraced this journey as not just life-changing, but a change in life. It taught me portion control and the importance of eating proteins first, vegetables second, and major carbs, if any, last. With the physical activities I enjoy, I have a recipe for success.”

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, houses surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic today with your questions about general surgery and vein care procedures. For more information about weight loss surgery, visit: https://surgeryclinicnela.com/ bariatric/

BAYOUHEALTH BY SHANNON DAHLUM

For most of your life you’ve probably been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Recently, you’ve likely been hearing the opposite; a longer overnight fasting window is more beneficial, so pushing your first meal off until lunch is the way to go. Which is it? Should you eat it or skip it? Many sources site cereal creators Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and fellow 7th Day Adventist James Caleb Jackson with coining the phrase, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” They used it as a marketing slogan to sell their cereal in the 19th century. In 2019, the Kellogg company earned $1.4 billion in profit from their cereal and convenience foods. Clearly their marketing scheme hit the mark, and the idea has stuck. In this country, cereal tops the chart of highest selling breakfast food and, while bacon comes in second (with only half the amount of sales as cereal), the next four spots go to cereal bars, grocery store doughnuts, bakery doughnuts, and hot cereal. We see frozen breakfast sandwiches and sausage next on the list, then more premade baked goods, frozen waffles, bagels, toaster pastries, muffins, etc. It’s clear that of those who do eat breakfast, high sugar convenience food is the preferred choice of the majority.

In fitness and wellness circles, intermittent fasting has been the recent trend. The most common approach is to hold off until lunch to have the first meal of the day to increase the daily fasting window. The idea is that by going longer between meals, you’ll keep blood sugar levels stable for a longer period of time, which gives your system a break from consistently elevated insulin. Spending more time during the day with stable blood sugar and low insulin allows your body to utilize it’s own fat stores for fuel and helps your body maintain healthy insulin sensitivity, which prevents the cascade of blood sugar dysregulation that can lead to weight gain and type two diabetes. This makes sense in theory, but it doesn’t work quite this simply for everyone.

Cortisol, which you likely know as one of your body’s stress hormones, is also an important blood sugar regulating hormone. Its highest in the morning, which is what wakes you from sleep and gets you moving, then drops steadily throughout the day. Cortisol is also vital for helping your body maintain blood sugar balance. If blood sugar takes a nose dive, or even just gets a little bit low, cortisol is released which triggers the liver to release some of its stored sugar into the blood stream. This means that even in the absence of food, the presence of stress can raise blood sugar and insulin. For some people, going too long between meals can trigger a stress response that causes an elevation of blood sugar. The act of fasting itself can actually increase blood sugar!

Fasting helps regulate blood sugar for some, and for others it can make matters worse. This is why there’s so much conflicting advice out there. Women seem to be especially sensitive to cortisol and insulin and don’t tend to experience the benefits of regular fasting that many men do. Additionally, the higher your overall stress burden already is, the less likely it is that you’re able to tolerate the added stress of skipping meals.

A simple way you can determine how skipping breakfast affects you is to test your blood sugar. Using an inexpensive blood glucose monitor, which you can pick up at the pharmacy, test your blood sugar when you first wake up in the morning, before any coffee. A healthy fasted blood sugar is 99mg/dl or less. If your level is higher than that when you first wake up, it can indicate that you already have some blood sugar dysregulation going on. Test it again every hour until lunch. Does it consistently rise or does it stay stable? If it remains stable or decreases slightly, morning intermittent fasting is likely an approach that works for you. If it continues to climb, however, and then gets lower about 30-60 minutes

after lunch, this can indicate that extending your overnight fast is an added stress on your system that is hurting rather than benefitting you. Your tolerance for fasting will also likely fluctuate based on the other stressors you have going on at the time. If you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, have a looming deadline at work that you’re worried about, are drinking caffeine (which spikes cortisol), and started the day with an intense workout, the added stress of skipping breakfast is probably not going to be beneficial.

What if you don’t even have an appetite in the morning? If you’re skipping breakfast simply because you can’t stomach the thought of eating, this can be an indication that your body is in a state of stress. Chronically elevated cortisol triggers the break down of your own resources (muscle tissue, specifically) for fuel, which diminishes the need for food and dampens appetite. If this is the case for you, try eating at least a little bit of protein within an hour of waking to rev your metabolic engine and encourage a healthy hormonal balance. Start with a protein shake or a mug of bone broth if you can’t eat solid food. Regularly getting in at least some protein every morning will give your body the signal that it isn’t starving and your metabolism will slowly kick back into gear. When you feel that appetite start to come back, that’s a good thing! Remember that the enemy of healthy hormonal balance, metabolic function, and weight isn’t food, it’s stress.

Many of the benefits attributed to skipping breakfast could actually be due to the fact that it keeps people from eating those high sugar, carbohydrate rich breakfast foods that consumers are buying like crazy. Instead of jumping right to intermittent fasting to try and manage blood sugar, start with a breakfast that’s rich in protein and healthy fats. This will prevent the morning spike in blood sugar that leads to a roller coaster of highs a lows all day. If you aren’t big on eggs or sausage (from healthy pastured pigs raised at a local farm, of course), don’t limit yourself to breakfast food. Think of your first meal of the day as simply that; meal one. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy leftover steak and salad from last night’s dinner as your first meal of the day.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to nutrition is that not everything works the same for everyone. Rather than listening to what the latest article or study says is best, listen to your own body. Track your blood sugar. Be mindful of all the ways your body may be experiencing stress. If you have a healthy hormonal balance and no health complaints, then keep doing whatever you’re doing! If you don’t feel healthy and balanced, then take notice not of what you need to cut out, but of what you need to include more of in order to nurture healthier functioning.

THE LEGENDARY GRILL AT Aron’s Pharmacy began in 1964, when Dave Aron opened “Aron’s Luncheonette.” At the time, grills and soda fountains were staples in hometown mom and pop pharmacies across the country. When Dave passed away in 1971, his son, Carl Aron took over the family business. Times began to change and many hometown pharmacies sold out to the big box stores, leading to the demise of the popular lunch spots. Despite the trend of the times, and the grill’s modest profit margin, Carl kept it up and running to generate more foot traffic in his pharmacy, and the rest is as they say…history.

The grill at Aron’s Pharmacy has now been serving generations of Monrovians for close to 60 years. “I am now seeing my friends bring their grandkids in to eat,” says Melissa Aron Gillum, Carl’s oldest daughter. She came to Monroe in 2021 to assist at the pharmacy when her father became ill. Carl Aron passed away in January of this year and she states, “My dad loved sitting at the grill and visiting with all of his dear friends and customers who were regulars.” Gillum says, “It’s such a laid back atmosphere and on any given day you can find some of Monroe’s finest citizens, police officers, firemen, doctors, lawyers etc dining in the grill.” She adds, “My dad would always tell me that if I ever wanted to know what was happening in Monroe, I should just sit at the grill and listen in on all of the conversations.”

There have been several grill employees over the past 50 years , many whom worked at Aron’s for over 30 years. Long time customers will remember Ruth Evans and Angie Brown who were staples in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s and current customers are very familiar with Ruthie Brown who has been leading the team since 2010. Mona Jenkins, Sue Hutchinson and Michelle Thompson are now the newest members of the Aron’s Pharmacy family and have quickly become adored by customers, old and new.

The grill is famous for their homestyle hamburgers, but the menu includes so many more diner staples such as, onion rings, patty melts, hot dogs, hamburger steaks, malts and milkshakes just to name a few. Breakfast is also served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., including omelets, grits, bacon, hash browns, pancakes and waffles. You have to try a grilled honeybun, which is heaven on a plate! The grill is open Monday through Saturday, 8am to 3pm. You can dine in and sit at a table or booth, or even grab a stool at the old fashioned lunch counter where you can observe all the cooking magic! Come dine with us!

WHEN CHOOSING A HOSPITAL for your baby’s birth, you’ll want to consider whether the hospital is a good fit for your pregnancy. Ask about hospital policies; rooming options for you, baby, and your partner; and the availability of anesthesiologists and lactation consultants on site. As a rural healthcare provider, Morehouse General Hospital has been serving the needs of the community and delivering babies for over 90 years. Beyond the primary mission of providing high quality, cost effective health care services, we take pride in striving to stay abreast of the latest trends in healthcare.

In most cases, you’ll deliver your baby at the hospital where your healthcare provider has admitting privileges. So keep in mind that when you choose a doctor or midwife, you’ll likely be choosing the place where you’ll give birth. It’s worth doing some research to make sure the hospital’s policies and approach to birth fit your needs.

The Labor & Delivery Unit at Morehouse General was created with mother-baby bonding in mind. We offer private rooms that are spacious and fully-equipped with the most up-to-date monitoring equipment to ensure the safety of your newborn. All of our staff is trained in fetal heart monitoring and neonatal resuscitation. After you have delivered your baby, your newborn will be place skin-to-skin to assist with bonding. Rooming-in is encouraged for healthy babies and their mothers to stay together day and night for bonding and care. Our staff is fully trained to provide lactation assistance should you choose to breastfeed. Breastfeeding offers significant benefits for both mothers and babies.

• Play an active role in your own healthcare as an equal member of your care team. • Deliver in large, private birthing suites with the most up to date equipment, which encourages in-rooming for mother-baby bonding. • Receive educational information from our team so that you are able to make informed decisions about your own childbirth, postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding experience. • Know you and your baby will be cared for by staff that is trained in fetal heart monitoring and neonatal resuscitation. • Stay safe in our locked unit. Since the security of our mothers and babies are a top priority, strict protocols are in place to ensure your protection. • Bond with our physicians and nurses. One benefit of delivering at a rural hospital is that you can develop a closer bond with your care team. In the L&D unit, our nurse-to-patient ratios are lower than average, ensuring our patients are truly cared for like family, not simply a patient.

MGH OB/GYN Clinic Curtis Sanders, MD | Lynn Milliman, NP 430 S. Vine St., Bastrop Phone 318-283-3970 Fax: 318-239-8930

MGH Physicians Clinic- Sterlington Labor of Love Midwifery Lisa Smith, CNM 8649 Hwy 165 STE 1 Monroe Phone: 318-283-3980 Fax: 318-239-8980

Labor & Delivery Unit 323 West Walnut Ave Bastrop Phone:318-283-3600 | www.mghospital.com

YOU CAN DEFINITELY FIND AN EXPERIENCE TO remember for all the right reasons at WaterView Casino and Hotel in Vicksburg, MS. This crazy world has thrown a lot at us over the last few years, so it’s never been more important to find a happy place. WaterView has certainly seen lots of changes in recent years, many of them specifically implemented to improve the guest experience and make this a happy place for many people!

The addition of our new slot area in April, the complete renovation of our 122-room hotel, the installation of three new EV chargers, and the recent upgrades to our lobby restrooms are only a few examples of this year’s improvements to our facility and your enjoyment of it. Whether you are thinking of trying your luck at a table or slot machine, or even placing a bet on your favorite sport or team, we have the latest and greatest gaming available for our players. If you are planning a weekend getaway, a relaxing stop on your travels, or just a quick night out, WaterView is closer than the coast and has lots to offer.

Next up, we’re bringing back live entertainment in our Event Center. Showcasing two of Mississippi’s finest performers, WaterView is excited to feature these amazing LIVE shows! We always have live entertainment on weekends at the Casino Stage, but these two shows are destined to help you make some great new memories at WaterView Casino and Hotel.

Join us in the Event Center on Saturday, September 17 to be amazed by the blues artistry of Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. This Grammy-nominated young man has been called “the defining blues voice of his generation,” as he has encompassed elements of guitar greats like Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and Prince into his own sound and style. This is a show you do not want to miss.

Then on Saturday, October 15th, comedian Rita Brent takes the stage to tickle your funny bone. This multi-talented comedian, musician, writer, and military veteran has seen her star rise spectacularly in recent years. YouTube hits like “Rock Me Like a Pothole” and songs like “Raised in the ‘Sipp” showcase her talents. She’s known for her comedy performances on several comedy showcases and on tour with well-known performers like Cedric the Entertainer and recently, added awards show writing to her resume.

Has it been a while since you crossed the Mississippi River to visit our fair city? Have you seen our upgrades yet? If you have not visited recently, it might be time to come and enjoy some fun, gaming action, and relaxation at the first casino to open in Vicksburg! We’ve been sprucing the place up and we’d love for you to see what’s new here at WaterView Casino and Hotel. For more information, visit our website at www.waterviewcasino.com.

AHIP FRACTURE IS A BREAK IN THE UPPER ONE FOURTH of the femur or thigh bone. Currently there are over 350,000 hip fractures occurring yearly in the United States and by the year 2050 that number is expected to climb to 650,000. Women have almost 3 times the number of hip fractures as men but the mortality rate of men with these injuries is twice as high as seen in women.

Functional recovery following hip fractures extends up to one year but only 40 percent of hip fracture patients can expect to walk with the same level of ease or functionality as before their injury occurred. Nonetheless, researchers have documented that three fourths of hip fracture patients are able to perform basic activities of daily living within one year of their injury.

Hip fractures are classified according to their severity and by their location in the upper femur. Femoral neck fractures occur between the head of the thigh bone and the trochanters of this bone. Intertrochanteric fractures occur between the greater and lesser trochanters, and subtrochanteric fractures occur below the lesser trochanter. Each of these fracture types may be displaced, non-displaced (meaning the fracture is well-aligned), or minimally-displaced with differing treatment options based upon this criteria. Displaced femoral neck fractures usually require a replacement prosthesis while both intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures are usually stabilized with a rod & screws or a plate & screws. Non-displaced femoral neck fractures can be managed non-operatively (but must be x-rayed frequently as there is a significant risk for future displacement requiring a prosthetic) or operatively stabilized. Operative intervention for patients having sustained an acute hip fracture is preferable within the first 24-48 hours after which an early rehabilitation course should begin. In cases such as these where surgical intervention is delayed, there is a greater likelihood of morbidity and mortality.

A high percentage of hip fractures are considered fragility fractures or injuries related to osteoporosis. Any individual over the age of 50 who sustains a fracture as a result of only modest trauma (i.e. fall from standing height ) should be screened for osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D taken daily, encouraging weight bearing exercise and/or weight training, smoking cessation, and avoiding excessive prolonged alcohol intake are preventative measures for osteoporosis. Medication such as bisphosphonates (Fosamax,Boniva and Reclast) can be taken orally or by IV infusion while denosumab (Prolia) administered as a subcutaneous injection all delay bone resorption. Newer medications (Forteo,Tymlos and Evenity) are given as a daily injection and have been shown to build new bone. These pharmaceuticals should be strongly considered in individuals who have previously sustained a fragility fracture and are shown to have osteoporosis upon testing.

If you are living with hip pain or suspect you have a condition such as osteoporosis which makes you susceptible to a hip fracture, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our orthopaedic surgeons who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

GETTING YOUR NEW SCHEDULE, books, supplies, and back to school clothes? Don’t forget your Fall protocol for healthy, glowing, blemish-free skin, so you can “glow” back to school! The Woman’s Clinic partnered with ZO Skin Health in 2019 and offers free consultations with our Aesthetics RN, Claire. She was the first certified ZO Expert in NELA and has extensive knowledge in building protocols. She will sit down with you to design a personalized protocol based on skin type and condition as well as level of compliance, budget, and lifestyle. During your free consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask all of your questions. Meanwhile, we asked her a few of our own!

No. The oil (sebum) does not hydrate the skin or prevent aging. In fact, excess oil that sits on the surface of the skin will damage the protective skin barrier over time.

Absolutely! Your protocol will be given to you with easy steps for AM/PM routines. Also, your personal skincare professional is always available by phone or patient portal at no additional charge.

Most likely your sensitivity is due to a damaged barrier. Antioxidants, antiinflammatories, and DNA repair will correct this issue.

ZO Skin Health products are packed with hydrators, calming elements, and vitamins to nourish and protect your skin while ridding it of excess sebum. Remember that oil and water are not the same.

Of course! Protocols are tailored to level of compliance.

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be treated effectively with pigment control products such as hydroquinone and retinol under the guidance of a professional.

Yes. Using a dermal retinol and/or radiofrequency treatments such as Sublative RF to stimulate collagen are very effective in minimizing acne scars.

If you get one line of medical grade products with proven efficacy, you will stop the habit of picking up multiple products that don’t work, thus saving money.

Yes! We offer telehealth and phone consultations also. We can have products ready for pickup, or we will direct you to the online store for shipping. *After consultation, first-time ZO purchases over $100 in value will be discounted 20% until Aug. 31, 2022. This does not apply to online purchases.

Call 318-388-4030 and choose option 3 to schedule your free consultation with Claire.