BAYOU HEALTH

BAYOUHEALTH BY SHANNON DAHLUM

We may be culturally obsessed with money and power, but humans are ultimately driven by our need for love. We chase success through the best educations and most prolific careers, we build security with savings accounts, and create a sense of worth and acceptance by purchasing nice homes and cars. At the end of the day, though, the one thing that money or education can’t secure for us is what provides the most value in our lives: true connection with others. I’m certainly not a love and relationship expert, but like most, I am a person who’s had significant relationships, lost significant relationships, and battled my relationship with myself. The things I’ve learned so far through these experiences have enriched my life far more than my education, my income, my career, and my possessions, combined.

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.” I’m not sure who can be originally credited with this quote, but it’s one I’ve come across in several places and it’s really struck a chord with me. It’s the word “learn” that really hit me. I think we’re conditioned to believe love is something that happens to us; a feeling that randomly hits us upside the head and sweeps us off our feet. Love isn’t something that falls out of the sky, though; it’s generated from within us and then expressed outwardly. We only have the capacity to love another to the extent with which we love ourselves. It’s the relationships we have with ourselves that dictate how we relate with others, and there is definitely a learning (and unlearning) process to cultivating a true love for oneself.

As babies and children, we have an innate need to fit into our family unit. We depend on them for our survival, so it’s important that we’re accepted by them. We instinctively learn how to behave in order to gain what feels to us like their love and approval. We may learn not to express certain emotions because we can see that our caretakers pull away or get angry with us when we do. We may learn that we feel more approval when we participate in the activities they want us to, rather than in the things that bring us our own sense of joy. We may find that expressing ourselves authentically leads to feelings of rejection, so to stay in the good graces of those near to us, we suppress parts of our true nature and perform for their approval.

As we grow, this desire for approval carries over into our friendships, too. Peer pressure can shape our choices about what to wear to school, what music to listen to, who we associate with, and the opinions we express, all because we just want to fit in. Our sense of self worth depends on the acceptance we feel from others, rather than an innate sense of worthiness or unconditional self love. To a certain degree, we learn to be who others want us to be and continue suppressing the parts of ourselves we feel wouldn’t be accepted.

These desires to be accepted by our families and peers don’t suddenly disappear when we reach the stage of physical independence. Up to this point in our lives, we’ve learned what we need to do to and believe to gain approval of others, and those behaviors and beliefs have subconsciously become woven into our personalities. Some of us have learned that performing well earns approval, so we’re deeply driven to climb to the top of the corporate ladder. Some of us have felt more love from others when our bodies look a certain way, so we become obsessed with diets and/or exercise programs. Some of us have learned that confrontation feels like rejection, so we don’t always express our emotions or opinions when they aren’t in alignment with the emotions or opinions of others. We’ve learned to choose the approval of others, rather that choosing ourselves. Our desire to be in alignment with the expectations of others drives us to abandon our true nature. It becomes easy, then, to mistake the high we feel from gaining the conditional acceptance from another for feelings of unconditional love between us. When we fail to love ourselves and search for validation from others, we easily mistake attachment for love.

While we may be physically independent, attachment forces us to remain dependent on others to provide our sense of self worth. It motivates us to control how others react toward us. Our desire to gain their approval is so strong, that we subconconnciously use manipulation tactics to illicit these reactions from them. Manipulation doesn’t only involve big lies and guilt trips; any time we aren’t expressing ourselves authentically in order to gain approval, we’re being manipulative. This may be hard to swallow, but consistently sacrificing our own needs for someone else’s isn’t necessarily an act of service, it’s often an act of manipulation. We may feel like we love someone so much that we’ll deny our own emotions and desires over and over in order to honor theirs, but that behavior may be driven by a lack of love for ourselves and the desire to feel worthy in someone else’s eyes; not love toward them. For example, suppressing anger or disagreement

with someone is a manipulation tactic that can be used to avoid facing confrontation or criticism from them, which can feel like rejection. We do it to maintain a sense of closeness. It usually backfires,

though, because the short term external peace it provides leaves a buildup of internal resentment in its wake that drives us apart.

While attachment leads to controlling behaviors, there is complete freedom in love. Loving another person means you allow them to be who they truly are. You encourage them to express their desires and you respectfully honor their boundaries, even when it may not benefit you. Truly loving yourself provides the same freedom for authentic expression, with no dependence on how others perceive you.

As a coach who helps people with fitness and body image, I see so many adults who have weight loss goals because they feel that maintaining a certain appearance will make them feel more accepted by others. If the people around them will only accept them fully if they fit into a certain size jeans, though, that’s a pretty shallow level of acceptance. I don’t think those are the types of relationships any of us really strive for. True love certainly doesn’t only fit inside of size 4 jeans. Accepting and loving yourself as you are, no matter what size you wear, is step number one when it comes to attracting others into your life who will also accept and love you regardless of your body size.

Self love is a practice that requires a lot of unlearning when it comes to striving to be in alignment with the expectations of others, and a lot of learning how to live fully in alignment with our true natures. It demands that we take a deeper look at ourselves and discover who we really are. If we weren’t worried what anyone else might think, what would our likes and dislikes be? What values would be important to us? How would we choose to spend our time? So many of us have spent our lives learning how to perform in order to gain approval and we’ve lost touch with who we really are inside. Learning to honor who we are, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, requires a lot of honesty and vulnerability. It means we have to be honest with ourselves, so we can then honestly express ourselves to those around us. It can be scary, because we may risk receiving harsh judgement and criticism from others. This is why it requires total acceptance and love toward ourselves, so our need to gain it from others diminishes. When we really love ourselves, we know we’ll be okay if others don’t like parts of us. We release our attachment to their approval but in turn, open ourselves up to giving and receiving unconditional love. Valentine’s Day is about showing the love we have toward others, but I challenge you to dig deeper into how you love yourself. Notice all the little ways in which you aren’t true to yourself. Pay attention to how you avoid facing uncomfortable emotions by numbing them with distraction, and how you avoid tough situations by staying quiet when you should be speaking up for yourself. If you weren’t worried about the response from others, who would you be? Loving yourself means doing the hard work of staying true to the voice inside of you rather taking the easy route of conforming to all the voices outside of you.

WITH ALL THINGS NEW HAPPENING IN 2022, HARTFORSTYLE is coming in strong leading the way in vintage style. It’s hard to keep up with fashion trends that surround us these days. Trying to keep up with what’s in and what’s out but one thing is for certain, what girl or guy doesn’t like a good vintage piece? The style that has stood the test of time and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere is cute stylish vintage clothing and accessories.

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love being the only one wearing an amazing bomber jacket from the 80’s or an eye popping party dress from the swinging 60’s? At HARTFORSTYLE, we have an eye for the vintage look. Our collections make getting dressed in the mornings fun! Grab the perfect pieces for your long day at school, work or even nights out on the town- we have it all. Guaranteed to find something unique that you’ll love forever!

Our retro pieces are perfect for mixing and matching. There are vintage inspired dresses with a modern twist, fun whimsical prints that anyone would love and skirts, blouses or trousers that you can get many different uses out of. Our pieces are timeless and are for any vintage loving guy or girl on any budget. Finding those timeless pieces you know you’ll wear for years to come at HARTFORSTYLE.

We are glad to be a part of Mercantile Monroe, located in the heart of Downtown Monroe. You can also follow us on all social media outlets for our news, updates and fashion thrifts and shop with us online at www.hartforstyle.com.

HARTFORSTYLE is a second-hand online thrift business that focuses on the importance of repurposing clothing and preserving vintage fashion. 19-year-old West Monroe native Hartley Waldrop is the owner and curator of this business. Recently launching her new website, Hartley’s goal is that everyone would find their “heart” for style and learn to love vintage and unique fashion just as much as she does. Since starting this business when she was just 16 years old, HARTFORSTYLE has gained a following and a name for itself. Get to know Hartley and all that her business is about!

HARTFORSTYLE Facebook: @hartforstyle Instagram: @hartforstyle www.hartforstyle.com now located inside Mercantile Monroe

FEBRUARY CERTAINLY HAS A LOT PACKED INTO IT FOR such a short month: Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, AfricanAmerican History Month, American Heart Month and so much more. This year, these celebrations will look a lot different, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be marking the occasions. It’s especially important that we use this month to assess our heart health, and you could also be doing your skin a big favor.

Your skin is a great indication of what is happening with your body. If your skin looks great, things tend to be fine. On the other hand if your skin doesn’t look good, there’s probably an issue.

During Heart Month, we’re all encouraged to eat healthier, get more exercise, get more sleep, and quit smoking, among other things. While these steps will improve our overall health, it will also help our skin look its best.

Our skin contains a system of blood vessels. When we exercise and get our heart really pumping, the blood carries oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. Take a look in the mirror after your next workout. You’ll notice your skin has a flushed look and that your cheeks are rosy. That’s all because of the blood your heart is pumping, as well as the oxygen and nutrients it brings to your skin cells.

Our heart also helps with increasing the production of collagen, which keeps our skin plump and youthful-looking. It helps to renew skin cells, which keeps your skin’s elasticity. Just as your blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, it also carries away the bad things that cause your skin to age.

If you plan on participating in outdoor activities or exercising outdoors, don’t forget the sunblock. Even though it’s February, the sun can still cause a sunburn and damage your skin.

At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, our team of experts will help you find the right sunblock and moisturizers for your skin. If the sun has already caused damage, we offer the latest technology to improve the way your skin looks. From wrinkles and fine lines to dark spots, we can help you look and feel your best.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TIMES IN your life? Getting engaged… planning your wedding… having the fairytale that every girl and guy dreams of? Over the years, this story will be a memory that is told to all of your friends and family and one that will never be forgotten. After all, one of the first and most important steps in wedding planning is choosing the right venue. Let us be part of your dream wedding with our exceptional venue here at Park Manor.

When looking for the perfect venue for your big day, there are some things you want to keep in mind: the venue size, location, parking availability, bathroom availability and so much more! The venue sets the tone for the entire process and is the backdrop of the whole event. Availability is key and because of the effects in delays in 2020, we at Park Manor are here to help navigate the process in a simple, stress-free way.

Park Manor is one of the most elegant, breathtaking venues in North Louisiana. Located on Hwy 165 and minutes from local shops, the plantation is accessible for those last minute wedding snaffoos. Our property includes a fully furnished two-story plantation home with an amazing brick walkway and a one of a kind bridal cottage with a dressing room. The enclosed reception hall can be used rain or shine. It is perfect for entertaining over 200 guests. This stunning venue has all the modern amenities one would want with 150 acres of rolling hills and rustic woodlands to set the backdrop for your day.

The reception hall can host your wedding guests for the ceremony and double as the dance floor for the reception. It is both spacious and accommodating. Weather will not be a factor, as our grounds can hold an indoor or outdoor ceremony. Beautiful and designed to be easily decorated, the reception hall has the perfect floorplan to serve food and drinks, dance and entertainment.

Park Manor has designed the reception hall to go with all types of wedding decor. Three windows center the reception hall, each designed and built in the 1850s and installed as the focal point of this grand space. If you are looking for a more traditional wedding, the front of the 1860’s plantation home is the perfect backdrop for a southern wedding. The house is adorned with large white columns, a balcony and a grand doorway - all can be easily decorated to match each brides particular style. The brick pathway leads from the bridal cottage all the way to the front steps and up to the house, making a fairtytale setting for a trip down the aisle.

Pristine landscaping around the grounds provide a plethora of opportunities for bridals and wedding photos. The plantation home is easily accessible and has plenty of parking for guests. These are just a few of the wonderful amenities at Park Manor.

To schedule a private viewing of the estate and a list of available packages, contact Tammy Warner. Her number is 318.791.3659 or you can email her at tammydw82@yahoo.com.

THE NEW YEAR PROMPTS US TO MAKE RESOLUTIONS: feel better, look better. We offer procedures that involve little to no effort on your part, and yet they yield significant health and self-esteem benefits.

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, offers several minimally invasive vein procedures, all of which last about one hour and allow you to resume normal activities the same day.

The most common vein condition is vein reflux, the culprit for varicose veins. Women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins, which appear as blue or purple chords beneath the skin’s surface and affect the legs and feet. Most varicose veins result from weak or damaged valves; these valves cause blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, making the veins stretch, twist, and discolored. Spider veins sometimes accompany the swollen veins.

Janet Hendrix understands the pain of vein reflux. Every day for more than a year, Janet lived with an aching leg and a swollen ankle. Each afternoon after work, she quickly moved to the couch to elevate her right leg and take ibuprofen.

Janet, an ophthalmic technician for over 40 years, spent a lot of time on her feet, which exacerbated the problem. She decided her quality of life needed to improve, so Dr. Bart Liles performed a minimally invasive procedure. While Janet planned to recover the day after her appointment, she soon realized it wasn’t necessary. She was left with a bruise, and most notably: no pain.

Today, Janet is active and grateful for her life, which she said has improved tremendously. She wants others who suffer from vein disease to understand the procedure’s simplicity and profound impact. Janet, of West Monroe, also wants them to find comfort in the expertise of Dr. Liles.

“I can’t say enough good things about this procedure and Dr. Liles. I recommend him to everyone I see. He’s very capable, and he knows the very best treatment for the patient. He’s kind. He made me feel very comfortable and explained to me exactly how the procedure would work,” she said.

Even though the corrective procedures aren’t complicated, those suffering often don’t seek medical intervention, said our own Lindsey McCready, one of the nation’s first Registered Phlebology Sonographers.

“When vein reflux is diagnosed at an earlier stage with a simple ultrasound, we can prevent additional veins from becoming problematic, thus preventing future procedures,” she said. “Vein reflux can manifest simply as cosmetic ‘spider veins’ and a feeling of ‘leg heaviness,’ but it can also create severe edema (swelling) and painful skin changes such as ankle ulcers that don’t heal. Additionally, vein reflux can increase one’s risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, which can be life-threatening.”

Lindsey is passionate about her work; she recognizes the potential to change lives. She said, “We can change a person’s gait, shoe size (reduce swelling), sleep schedule (eliminate painful cramping and restless legs), and overall quality of life.”

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is home to Registered Phlebology Sonographer Lindsey McCready and surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic today to learn about our other procedures that can improve your quality of life, such as weight loss and general surgeries.

RECENTLY, WATERVIEW CASINO & HOTEL WON an award. But it wasn’t just any award: The readers of the Vicksburg Post voted for WaterView as the #1 Casino, #1 Hotel, and #1 Blue Plate Special in Vicksburg! To say we are honored would be a huge understatement. Our team has worked diligently to ensure that your experience at our property is the best one possible. It’s important to us that you enjoy your visits at WaterView.

All the options on our slot floor may make it difficult to decide which game you want to play. Not only do we have many of the latest and hottest slot games, they are arranged so that you don’t have to be elbow to elbow with the person next to you. If you’d rather play a few hands of blackjack or poker, we’ve got you covered. We have even added a few electronic table games if you’d like to try your luck there. Plus, our sportsbook offers wagers on your favorite games with a friendly ticket writer or you can place your bets 24/7 at a wagering kiosk.

The hotel at WaterView is a destination for casino guests and business travelers alike, and it’s easy to see why. Our newly renovated rooms and lobby are bright, fresh, and welcoming. The river views and jetted tubs in our suites make a great stay even better. If you haven’t seen WaterView Casino’s hotel lately, you really should stop by. Book online for the best rate. We’d love it if you would be our guest!

The Lucky Bean is now located in our Buffet space, serving generous portions of comfort food. While the Blue Plate is #1, there is a lot more to love about the Lucky Bean’s menu. From breakfast & coffee to wings or sandwiches to steak and potatoes… and everything in between, there’s a meal or snack for every appetite!

Not only do we have the best Casino, Hotel & Blue Plate, we have updated our MYEDGE program to make it the best in Vicksburg too! This program hadn’t changed since we became WaterView, so it was definitely time for an update. Now, it takes less than half as many points to move up from Blue to Red, Red to Green, Green to Purple, and Purple to Black. And we’ve added some great new benefits too! Be sure to get your MYEDGE card and start earning FreePlay, free food, free rooms, gifts, promotions and more.

Long story short, whenever you are ready to visit us, we’re ready to welcome you. Come see for yourself why WaterView is #1!

VAGINAL REJUVENATION IS something a lotof people have heard about, but very few people truly understand. By the clinical definition, vaginal rejuvenation is a procedure involving the tightening of the inner and outer muscles and structures of the vagina enhancing vaginal muscle tone, strength, and control. Vaginal rejuvenation treats vaginal relaxation, a common condition associated with childbirth and aging. The physicians at The Woman’s Clinic offer Co2re Intima as an in-office procedure for both internal and external vaginal rejuvenation.

When I heard about it, I didn’t know what to think. How taboo, a procedure that tightens the vagina! But here are some things I learned from my gynecologist that I did not know about vaginal rejuvenation: 1. It’s not just a cosmetic procedure! There are many reasons women choose to undergo vaginal rejuvenation that have nothing to do with sex. These reasons could be due to discomfort or functional issues such as trouble holding tampons, painful scar tissue surrounding the vagina, or vaginal dryness, itching or burning. Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis is another big reason to investigate vaginal rejuvenation. 2. Your sex life will improve. Because vaginal rejuvenation tightens the vaginal canal, friction is increased during intercourse and causes greater stimulation and pleasure during sex. Studies show that 81% of Co2re Intima patients experience an improvement in their sexual life after the procedure. It is not only the vaginal structure strengthening that improves patients’ sexual lives, but the improvement in the aesthetic appearance enhances their selfconfidence resulting in increased libido. What does this mean for women? They can get their groove back! 3. It’s a long-lasting investment. Unless another vaginal childbirth occurs, results are typically maintained for a prolonged period. Though it’s normal that all parts of the body relax slightly as we age, the vaginal area should never return to the degree of relaxation experienced prior to Co2re Intima. Touch-up treatments can be performed to maintain the results of your initial series. 4. The cost may not be what you expected. While patients undergoing vaginal rejuvenation need a treatment plan personalized to their needs, most women need 3 treatments of both internal and external Co2re Intima. At The Woman’s Clinic this 3-treatment package is now only $1,000. This is significantly cheaper that other surgical options.

• A safe, quick, and easy in-office procedure • Non-surgical, incisionless • No Downtime with little to no bleeding or pain • Hormone free

• Sexual gratification • Stress urinary incontinence • Episiotomy scarring • Vaginal dryness, irritation, & itchiness • Burning & painful intercourse • Elasticity/epithelial integrity

At The Woman’s Clinic we strive to bring innovative treatments to the women of Northeast Louisiana. If you are experiencing things that you’ve always been told are an expected part of aging, it may be time to schedule a visit with us to see if you don’t have to deal with it! At The Woman’s Clinic we proudly take care of today’s woman! To schedule your evaluation call us at 318-388-4030 or visit our patient portal at www.thewomansclinic.net.

Iwas so saddened to hear about the passing of Betty White, this past New Year’s Eve. Betty had been of my heroes. So talented, charming and above all, hilarious. Her sense of timing was uncanny and it sounds like anyone who had the pleasure to work with her said she was a joy!

When I was thinking of this month’s column, my own version of “Betty White” came to mind. Her name was Norma McKee and she and her daughter, Penny became two of my dearest friends when I lived in Vicksburg. She passed away on February 27, 2020 and there’s not a day that I haven’t missed her.

At first when I wanted to write about Norma, the words just wouldn’t come. The best I could do was write a few words on my Simply Lou FB page. But, it’s time that I write about the woman who became like a second mother to me. So, like the title says, “To Norma!”

I first met Norma McKee not too long after I moved to Vicksburg. She and her daughter, Penny McKee Downey had bought a frame shop from another good friend, Patti Webb. Penny had learned to frame and Norma was a master of going to market and finding gifts, collectibles and all kinds if “cool stuff.”

My first impression of Norma, was that she was like a “tornado!” She could outwork 10 people and never break a sweat! She never met a stranger and could talk to a brick wall. She loved to laugh and carry on all kinds of “mess” and I adored her!

The shop had several locations, but they finally settled into one on Mission 66. It was perfect for all the gifts and “goodies” in the front of the frame shop in the back room. There was even a basement with plenty of storage.

When I first met Norma and Penny, they had just opened the shop that they named “Riverbend Galleries.” I instantly felt like kindred

SIMPLY LOU spirits with those two. They took me in just like family and I felt the same, and I still do! TO NORMA I would eventually become one article and illustration by LOU DAVENPORT of their featured artists. I would bring work in and Penny would frame it. I was down there so much, they finally just hired me! And since Norma was a “super saleswoman,” she sold just about every painting I brought! When the shop really “took off,” Penny hired Mary Ellen Wells. Mary Ellen was such a talented framer but eventually remarried, moved to Texas and is quite the accomplished artist in her own right! I’m so proud of her and I know Norma would be! Norma always saw the potential in others. She taught me how to decorate a Christmas tree… the “Norma Way!” She’d make you wrap those lights around and around and around those branches til you were about “blue in the face!” Every year when I get my tree out, I think of her… and how she’d probably “fuss” because I sure don’t wrap those branches with lights anymore! But, she always made it up to me. When she’d go to market, she’d find some of the strangest and most decorative, vines, garlands etc. for me. She knew I would go “wild” over those and I must say, “Riverbend Gallery” had the prettiest trees in Vicksburg! Norma and Penny were the first to have “Christopher Radko” ornaments. Radko still makes those but, he has also bought “Shiny Brites.” I was lucky enough to buy a few of those and year before last, a friend gave me some of the “Shiny Brites!” I think my favorite though, is a “Radko Pickle” ornament. The legend is that whoever finds “the pickle,” gets to buy presents for everyone the next Christmas. By then, Janine Fant had started working at the store. Janine pretty much handled all the gift shop for Norma. We became the best of friends, too, and had so much fun checking in the new stock and

rearranging the store. She’s another dear friend that I would have never met had it not been for “Riverbend Gallery.” Janine recently moved back to Vicksburg after living in Georgia near Senoia, where “The Walking Dead” is filmed. (And yes, she did meet Jeffrey Dean Morgan, also known as “Neagan!)

When my husband, Larry was ill, Norma lead the “charge” to look out for me, and, I needed that! I remember Norma and Penny bringing several bags of groceries over, and I’ll never forget that there was a bag of “Pecan Sandies” in the bag. Every time I see those cookies at the store, I smile and call them “Norma cookies.”

Some of my best memories of Norma was her laugh! I still laugh every time I say or hear “Kiss my A*#!” We both would say that to each other every time we saw each other. When she and her husband Bob, had their 50th anniversary, Penny wanted me to write something to them. And, of course I ended it with, “Happy Anniversary you two,” and to Norma, you can “kiss my ass!” Penny said, she roared with laughter and said “That crazy thang!”

She said so many funny things, especially over her coffee creamer. Once I brought some of the cheaper coffee creamer and she just about had a fit! and of course, she said, “Lou! I don’t know why you don’t bring Coffee Mate!” Well, thanks to her, that’s all I buy and still do! She loved her Bunn coffee maker and I’ve bought two myself! Like I said, I learned a lot from Norma.

One day, for some reason, I started calling her, “Norma Jean.” It stuck and I still call her that. I told her that it was because she reminded me of “Marilyn Monroe!” Another good laugh we had!

I was a huge fan of wrestling back “when wrestling was fun.” I dearly loved a big, bald, cussin, beer drinking wrestler named Stone Cold Steve Austin. Norma got the biggest kick out of picking at me about me and my “rasslin.” So I invited everybody over to my house one night, near Christmas, and I gave a “Christmas Wrestling Party!” Everybody took home a gold ornament with “Christmas Wrestlin” and the year on it! (Penny recently sent me a picture of hers on her tree!) Norma finally saw how much fun wrestling was and I do believe she got up and hollered at the TV a few times just like I did

After I moved to Monroe, I didn’t get to see Norma much. I missed her, too. But when I made the decision to remarry, she and Janine surprised me by coming to my wedding. But, when I saw them, for a split second, I wanted to grab them and run! Be a runaway bride! But, sadly, I didn’t (I have wondered many times was that a premonition?). I only stayed married for just a few years and it ended in divorce.

Knowing Norma has been such a delight. That describes her, a delight. She has been a major figure in my life. I know she is having the best time up in Heaven and she is “sporting’ some mighty fine wings. I hope she’s met my mama. Those two would be two of God’s best angels, but, they’d also be mischief makers! Nothin’ wrong with that! There are still so many more stories to tell about Norm, I just don’t have room. I’ll close with saying she loved me. She loved her husband, Bob McKee, her sister, Katherine, her kids: Penny, Jan and Bobby Wayne, her grandkids: Bradley, Neal, Jessica, Derek and Amy Claire, her great grand kids, Mary Ellen, Janine, and everybody she probably ever met. And I cannot think of anyone that didn’t love her right back!

She was and will always be, “Norma Jean... the woman, the myth and the legend.” My “very own Betty White!”

“Fly High You Crazy Diamond!” - Pink Floyd

THE DELTA ZETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA DELTA Sorority was founded at the University of Louisiana Monroe in 1967, and since then has upheld the standards of all things honorable, beautiful, and highest. Kappa Delta Sorority started supporting Prevent Child Abuse America in 1981 and have been donating to their organization to help children across the nation. Kappa Delta is committed to building confidence and inspiring action in not only its members but others as well.

This sisterhood believes that instilling confidence in children is essential to a great childhood. Child abuse and neglect destroys the confidence of children. This is why Kappa Delta is driven to help children everywhere gain the confidence they need and deserve. By working with Prevent Child Abuse America, Kappa Delta is able to ensure that children across the nation are getting the help they need to have a bright, colorful childhood. There’s nothing that destroys a child’s confidence like abuse, and Kappa Delta wants to do the most it can to prevent this.

Kappa Delta encourages its members to inspire action by getting involved in the community. We do this by hosting several events, not only in our community, but also on ULM’s campus. The 2022 Shamrock Run registration costs will be $25 until March 1st and $30 after March 1st. Race registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on March 12th, with the race starting at 9:00 a.m.

Eighty percent of all the money raised will go directly to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and the other 20 percent will go to Kappa Delta’s national philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse America. ULM’s chapter of Kappa Delta began giving back and working hands on with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in 2016. Since then, Kappa Delta has helped host a family fun day, traveled to King’s Camp, and held many other events for the kids. We believe that it is important to help the community and see the change locally as well as nationally.

Kappa Delta invites you to come join the fight against child abuse by sponsoring, donating, or running in our annual KD 5k. You can help us make a difference! If you or anyone you know would be interesting in sponsoring or donating, please email ulmkappadeltashamrock2022@gmail.com

UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS NO TRUE FOUNTAIN of youth… at least not one we have discovered yet. But DermaMedicQ offers treatments to help your skin achieve the youthful glow we all desire. DermaMediQ proudly offers a variety of services including BodyTite, Emsculpt, Instalift and Morpheus8, that helps you gain your self confidence back. Plus, the coming months are the perfect time to plan these procedures since you can cover up with leggings, sweaters and pants.

When it comes to someone who has lost weight and your skin has some drooping or you have used fillers and botox and you still aren’t getting the results you want, Dr. Sowma has a non-surgical treatment that uses micro-suspension technology to help you achieve the look you want. This amazing treatment is called Instalift by Silhouette. The Micro-suspension technology immediately lifts your mid-facial skin, including sagging cheeks and deeper nasolabial folds (smile lines) and boosts volume by activating your natural collagen production over time. The results are truly amazing. You get the lift without surgery, and the volume without fillers.

Morpheus8 is a novel technology that lets you discover new depths. It is the first and only full-body fractional technology adjusted for subdermal tissue remodeling, dermal treatment and epidermal resurfacing. Morpheus8 is the deepest lift technology with penetration up to 4000 microns. Morpheus8 is perfect for tightening specific problem areas on the body but also great for treating acne on the face. Some of the key benefits include minimal scarring and downtime and a good option for younger patients not yet ready for a facelift.

Emsculpt is intended for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, development of firmer abdomen. Strengthening, toning and firming of buttocks, thighs, and calves. Improvement of muscle tone and firmness, for strengthening muscles in arms. The best part is there is no anesthesia or down time.

Body Tire is a minimally-invasive device for body contouring delivering results previously only achieved through excisional procedures. BodyTite is powered by directional radio frequencies resulting in three-dimensional tissue remodeling through fat coagulation and volumetric heating. The coagulation of fat using radio frequency induced heat results in radio-frequency assisted lipolysis.

No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. SowmaFakhre and the staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face forward. Call the helpful staff today to schedule an appointment or consultation to start your journey to becoming a more confident and better you.