Living Well (July 2015)

Living Well July 2015

IN

NORTH LOUISIANA

What is CrossFit?

Crossfit couple shares fitness experience and what led them to open the box.

Life Accelerated

Explore Lincoln Parish There is plenty to see during a staycation around the area.

Tech student dives headfirst into his life-changing experience.

Health and wellness

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Living Well • July 2015

About the cover

212 W. Park Ave. Ruston, Louisiana 71270 (318) 255-4353

Health and Wellness There are a lot of different factors that go into the health and wellness of each and every person. In this edition of Living Well we explore those factors on many different levels.

Publisher

Rick Hohlt

Living Well Editor Jessica Darden

Graphic Designers

Willard L. Avery, II Jessica Darden Rick Hohlt Jessica Merritt

Pages 34-37

Contributing Writers Derek J. Amaya Jessica Darden April S. Kelley

For advertising information, call (318) 255-4353.

Health related articles in this publication are meant to increase reader awareness and should not be viewed as medical advice or instruction on individual health matters.

We recommend you consult your physician or health care professional for medical advice or treatment.

12 16 22

Reproduction of

Living Well

in whole or part is strictly prohibited without permission from the Publisher

Living Well

in North Louisiana

A division of Ruston Newspapers, Inc © 2015 All rights reserved.

30 39

Hodge Podge Of Items Become Home Theresa Wyatt downsized from her 3,000 square foot home and took with her only items of sentimental value to her “tiny house.”

What Is CrossFit? Evan and Lauren Derveloy took a leap of faith and started CrossFit Ruston to improve the people within the Ruston community.

Living An Accelerated Life Ben Ford, a Louisiana Tech University architecture student, tells his story of getting started in skydiving and how you get to play in the clouds.

Keeping Safe During the Summer Our Public Education Office with the Ruston Fire Department shares with residents how to stay safe during the summer heat.

Arts Calendar Area art, music and theatre is a staple for the Ruston community. Check out to see what’s coming up in our area for all ages.

Living Well • April 2015

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A

lot of soul searching has gone on the months since the last Living Well edition came out.

Don’t worry I’m not going anywhere and this isn’t a goodbye column.

I have come to realize that more times than not life has its ups and its downs. Tomorrow isn’t promised and at the end of the day what happened yesterday didn’t really matter.

From a young age I was taught that anything worth having takes hard work and dedication. That’s not to say that some things have come easily for me, because they have.

I have been very blessed both in my time here in Ruston and in my life as a whole.

I don’t know many people who can say they had an opportunity to travel through more than 20 states in our country, especially those who are my age.

In hindsight my dad’s job was a blessing. We traveled and we saw the many things that our great country has to offer.

But that doesn’t mean you have to travel to far off places in order to have an adventure or to taste great food.

On pages 10 – 11, you will hear from our own Amanda Quimby, marketing director of the RustonLincoln Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, on what all there is to do in Ruston and in Lincoln Parish.

From Lincoln Parish Park to the Eddie G. Robinson Museum there is more fun and history to be learned that many of us take for granted.

But if you are looking for

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Living Well • July 2015

A Word From the Editor

something to spice up your day-to-day routine, may I suggest give CrossFit a try. I know — it may seem intense, but Evan and Lauren Derveloy, CrossFit Ruston owners, were amazing. I like to consider myself fairly active, and they were able to open a whole new door to me. So I am sure they can work wonders for many of you.

But if you feel CrossFit isn’t what you’re looking for. Well we have something else that you can dive into.

Ben Ford, a Louisiana Tech University architecture student, is a skydiving instructor on the side.

He shares his story of how he got started and what comes with playing in the clouds.

Erma Hudson shows us what playing in the kitchen is really like with a few more recipes to add to our cookbooks. I know I may be a little biased, but let me just say that food that good is something most people have forgotten how to make.

And if we all take a page out of Erma’s recipe book — well now it may get us all on the right track to living our lives well.

As always I try to find a little something that we can all relate to.

Each person’s needs are different and what it takes for me to be healthier isn’t going to be right for you.

So take your time and beat the summer heat with this edition of Living Well. I’m sure you will find something that speaks to you.

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(318) 263-2025 Living Well • July 2015

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cuisine

d o o F

l u o S e h t r o

IngredIents

f

Strawberry Soup

1 quart fresh strawberries cleaned and sliced 1 cup sour cream

1 cup light cream 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp light rum

PreParatIon 1. Puree strawberries in a blender or food processor.

2. Add sour cream, light cream, sugar and rum.

3. Continue blending until smooth. Chill overnight.

Tip: I used more sugar and Peach Brandy instead of rum.

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Living Well • July 2015

Just plain good

cuisine

Unforgettable

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

3 cups chopped deli roasted chicken 2 cups finely chopped celery

PreParatIon 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

1/2 cup slivered almonds 2. Stir together first 8 ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Spoon into a lightly greased 11-by-7-inch 1.2 cup sour cream Cook time: 55 minutes baking dish.

1/2 cup mayonaise Makes: 6-8servings 4. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken minutes. soup 5. Sprinkle onion rings evenly over top. Bake 5 more minutes or until bubbly around the edges. Let stand for 10 minutes 1 (4 ounce) can chopped water chestnuts, before serving. drained 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cup French fried onion rings

IngredIents

Wild White Rice 1 6-ounce box Uncle Bens Chicken and Wild Rice 1 cup instant white rice 3 cups water 1/2 stick butter PreParatIon 1. Combine 6-ounce box Uncle Bens Chicken and Wild Rice, contents of seasoning packet and rice with instant rice, water and butter into medium sauce pan.

2. Bring contents to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat. Set aside until all water is absorbed.

4. Fluff with fork

IngredIents

I n g r e d I e n t s

From the Kitchen of Erma Hudson

Creamed Spinach

2 (10 ounce) packages chopped leaf spinach thawed 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, room temperature 1 stick of butter

PreParatIon 1. Empty Spinach into a 2-quart saucepan, let cook until all liquid is gone.

2. Add 1 stick butter and the cream cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Tip: I usually add a little nutmeg

Living Well • July 2015

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cuisine

IngredIents

IngredIents

Praline Cheesecake with Praline Sauce Praline Cheesecake 1 (48 ounce loaf) Philadelphia cream cheese OR 6 (8 ounce packages) at room temperature 2 cups packed light brown sugar 6 whole eggs 1 cup sour cream 3 teaspoons Mexican vanilla 2 cups chopped pecans

PreParatIon 1. Prepare pans for cheesecake by generously buttering the bottom and sides of two 8-inch spring form pans or one 10-inch spring form pan. Finely chop two cups of pecans and pour into pan, shaping and rolling the pan until pecans line the bottom and sides.

2. Put cream cheese in large bowl of mixer and begin beating. Add brown sugar while continuing to beat. Add eggs one at a time while beating. Add sour cream and vanilla.

3. Pour into prepared pans and bake 60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. When cool freeze overnight. Remove from freezer and run a large sharp knife between the cake and bottom and it lifts right out of pan.

Tip: Cheesecake is easier to slice when it is still frozen.

Pralines Sauce 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp Mexican vanilla 1/2 stick of butter 1/2 cup light cane syrup 2 cups pecans

PreParatIon 1. Put all ingredients in a heavy pot.

2. Stir well and begin to cook on medium heat.

3. Insert Candy Thermometer.

4. Stir after to prevent sticking.

5. When thermometer registers 220 degrees Fahrenheit remove from heat and beat for a few seconds.

Northwood

Medical Center Benson A. Grigsby, MD & Chip A. Furr III, PA-C Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Phone: (318) 254-2892• Fax: (318) 254.2898

2916 North Trenton St. • Ruston, LA 71270 8

Living Well • July 2015

LINCOLN HEALTH FOUNDATION

Improving Health Care and Outcomes for Residents of Lincoln Parish since 2008 Healthier Beginnings Initiatives

Improving outcomes for children and their families by providing home-based parenting and early childhood outreach programs. ¾ Home-based parental & childhood development education program (Growing Great Kids™ Program) ¾ Exposing young parents and parents-to-be to healthy family lifestyles (Mentoring of MOMs [and Dads] Program) ¾ Increasing Lincoln parish preschoolers’ access to books in the home (Louisiana Tech Bulldog Book Club)

Healthier Outcomes & Access to Health Care Initiatives

Increasing access to health care services by funding schoolbased health care programs and other initiatives that provide medical, dental and mental health services to residents of Lincoln Parish. ¾ Funding for school nurses, nursing supplies, dental care, and mental health services in Lincoln Parish Schools (HEALS Program) ¾ Mental, medical and dental services funding for the homeless (Elisha Ministries) ¾ Mobile medical clinic providing direct care, medical screenings and education programs (The Health Hut) ¾ Providing mental health and counseling services (Family Counseling Center Mental Health Initiative) ¾ Funding for Blood Storage Units for Lincoln Parish residents (LifeShare Blood Services) ¾ Funding for Certified Nursing Assistant Program in Lincoln Parish (Louisiana Delta Community College at Ruston) ¾ Funding for Clerical Positions at Lincoln Parish Health Unit (STI Diagnosis and Treatment Services)

Healthier Living Initiatives

Promoting healthier living by providing programs that increase teacher and student knowledge of the benefits of proper nutrition and physical activity, encourage healthy food alternatives in Lincoln Parish Schools, and reduce the occurrence of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. ¾ Nutrition and physical activity education program in Lincoln Parish Schools (Smart Bodies™ Program) ¾ Addressing childhood obesity through fitness, nutrition and health education (FAB 5 Lit Fit Program) ¾ Multi-purpose playground for special needs children (Legacy Park at Lincoln Parish Park) ¾ Program funding for nutrition, exercise and fitness education (United Way / Boys & Girls Club) ¾ Life skills training for at-risk 6th grade students at I.A. Lewis School (Seeker Springs Team Up Program) ¾ Promoting awareness of sexually transmitted infections at Louisiana Tech University (STI Awareness) ¾ Implementation of nutrition education programs to address childhood obesity (LA Tech WISE Program)

(318) 251-3226

Northpointe Office Park 1809 Northpointe Lane • Suite 203

www.lincolnhealth.com Living Well • July 2015

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community

Vacations

Home

Experience Lincoln Parish Summer fun

10 Living Well • July 2015

ith students still remaining out of school and families planning vacations or “staycations,” there are plenty of options of things to do in Lincoln Parish to finish out the summer strong.

Marketing Director of the Ruston-Lincoln Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Amanda Quimby said Lincoln Parish is one of the top spots to visit in the state.

“Ruston and Lincoln Parish are unique in that we offer an experience for everyone,” she said. “We’re lucky to have such diverse groups here. They all come together to make Lincoln Parish one of the most charming places in the state.”

There are several things to do in Lincoln Parish, whether it is outdoors, at night or educational, Quimby said.

“You can slow down and take in nature at any of the parks, or walk downtown and spend the day shopping,” she said. “If you enjoy nightlife and live music, there are several restaurants and venues to suit. The arts community is a very active part of the city and offer events for families or individuals.”

One highlight includes The Dog Days of Summer a collaboration between Louisiana Tech University’s Orientation and downtown Ruston, which is set for July 22, Quimby said.

“Dog Days of Summer teams up the university’s orientation and business in the downtown area to welcome incoming freshman to Ruston,” she said. “It’s also a great event for locals to have extended shopping hours and live music in Railroad Park.”

Visiting the Mitcham Farms Orchard is also a must, Quimby said.

“Go early and get fresh, hand-picked peaches, tour the orchard and visit the store,” she said. “Do not leave without getting a cup of peach ice cream.”

For the outdoors type, Lincoln Parish Park is a hidden gem, Quimby said.

“Go this summer for the biking and walking trails, beach and fishing,” she said. “James Lake is also beautiful this time of year.”

In Dubach, visitors can pick blueberries, Quimby said.

“Pop’s Blueberry Patch in Dubach is quickly growing popular with locals and visitors,” she

said. “Go and pick your our blueberries — or purchase some already picked. It’s an fun outing for families, especially with small children.”

For people looking to get educational, Lincoln Parish has several museums to visit, Quimby said.

“The Eddie G. Robinson Museum on GSU’s campus will walk you through Coach Robinson’s life and contributions to football,” she said. “The Louisiana Military Museum is the perfect place for history buffs. They have a large collection of weapons, uniforms and artifacts. The IDEA Place and Planetarium is great for children and adults, and gives everyone a chance to explore science and the wonders of the world.”

Quimby’s personal favorite place to go and relax is Lincoln Parish Park.

“I go there several time a week to walk, job or just to read,” she said. “My niece and nephew love to join me so they can swim in the lake and run around the playground. We pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. In the evenings I like to go downtown for dinner and live music. There is always a band playing at Ponchatoula’s or Sundown.”

Quimby said there are endless possibilities for visitors and citizens to do when visiting Lincoln Parish, and

that the citizens make the parish a thrill to visit.

community

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of banking service to the people of North Central Louisiana.

Living Well • July 2015 11

finances

Hodg Po

hen I last visited with Theresa Wyatt her “tiny” house as she calls it was still under construction, but that has now changed.

The 546-square-foot house was completed toward the end of May, and while Wyatt hasn’t completely moved in yet her tiny is ready.

“It’s a hodge podge of stuff that meant something to me,” Wyatt said as we took in an overview of what she decided to keep from her 3,000-squarefoot big house.

For instance, the rocking chair.

“This rocking chair is 40 years old,” she said. “I had it when my daughter was little and I kept it for my tiny house. I just had the fabric redone.”

Other additions to the house include a few knick knacks and artwork.

“The little pink phone was my grandbabies — it works,” she said. “The house is just perfect for me.”

With keepsakes from her antique store, Wyatt has turned such small square footage into an escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world.

12 Living Well • July 2015

ge odge

finances

of items become home

Living Well • July 2015 13

finances “This chandelier, I kept from the antique store,” she said. “John started buying the Roseville Pottery for me when we were courting and I never got rid of it. So I have that as a reminder of him.”

But Wyatt wasn’t just thinking of herself when she decided to downsize from her big house.

“I don’t want my kids to have to go through a lot of stuff when it’s my time,” she

14 Living Well • July 2015

said. “I made it a point to keep sentimental stuff so that it will be easier on them when the time comes.”

— Jessica Darden

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Living Well • July 2015 15

fitness

w h at i s

CrossFit?

rossFit is defined as “constantly varied functional movements performed at a high intensity.”

Functional movements are those that mimic day-to-day motor patterns; sitting and standing, pushing and pulling, throwing, picking up kids, a load of sandbags or a wounded soldier. Life is complex and not without risk, which means the goal is that members be prepared for anything that could happen in life, from intramural sports, playing with grand kids or a hostile fire situation.

Evan Derveloy, owner of CrossFit Ruston, began using the fundamentals present in CrossFit while he was still in the United States Army.

But it wasn’t until he got out, and went back to school that he realized what he really wanted to do in life.

“I was planning on going to be a physicians assistant,” he said. “But then I realized that I didn’t want to be on that side of medicine. I knew that CrossFit worked and I knew that if people trusted me and did what I said I could make a difference in their lives.

“I was tired of working as a personnel trainer to these people who just threw money at me and didn’t

16 Living Well • July 2015

fitness

Living Well • July 2015 17

fitness

follow what I was telling them.”

With a total group of members around 300, Evan said he and his wife Lauren know what each person is in the box for.

“We know what these people are here for. We know what their goals are. We are here to make those goals a reality,” Lauren said.

They not only teach movement and process of reaching your potential, but also teach healthy eating habits, a focus on realistic and qualified goals.

“We aren’t just teaching you to Snatch a barbell or perform a handstand walk, we are teaching you how to learn and adapt to the constantly changing world we live in,” Evan said.

The parents of two girls, Evan and Lauren agreed that by having CrossFit in their lives it is teaching their daughters that anything is possible.

The Derveloys build self-discipline through purposeful action and community accountability.

“We train 10 general physical skills using distinct and clear performance based metrics: flexibility, strength, stamina, endurance, speed, power, balance, coordination, agility and accuracy,” their website said. “If a person is competent in all of the 10 general skills, then they are fit. CrossFit is infinitely scale-able. We use the same routines for the elderly as we do for Division I college athletes and military and law enforcement; we scale load, intensity and complexity. CrossFit has truly been a life changing experience for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, with each individual box being a wholly unique entity.”

Since the day they opened, the Deverloy’s goal as been to improve the people of the Ruston community, one person at a time using their unique methods and theory to make everyone harder to kill, more productive and confident, and looking better than they ever imagined.

“Nature rewards perseverance and grit, and those skills are taught and practiced daily within our walls,” Lauren and Evan said.

18 Living Well • July 2015

Claiborne rehabilitation 6942 Highway 79 Homer, Louisiana •318-927-3586

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HOMETOWN PRIDE • HIGHER PRIORITY IN PROVIDING EXCELLENT CARE Established in November 1984 as Claiborne Manor by natives of Claiborne Parish, we have provided excellent quality of care for our residents for 30 years. Today, we continue this tradition with an entire management staff of Claiborne Rehabilitation serving residents with 98 years of combined nursing experience, who take pride in the care they provide its residents.

Services We Provide Our Residents

Our staff works hard to provide in-patient and out-patient therapy services to help you get back on your feet. Specializing in geriatric therapy, we also provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and sports medicine. Whether following up care from a hip replacement or getting back on a basketball court, our therapists are trained with the newest equipment to give you the quickest, fullest recovery and help you reach your maximum potential. All rooms are private and televisions come with DirectTV.

Our Staff

Dr. Scott Haynes, MD, Medical Director Dr. Mark Haynes, MD Dr. D.K. Haynes, MD Dr. Clint Butler, MD Dr. Samuel Abshire, MD

Dr. Cliff Salmon, MD Kristi Cottrell, FNP

(In House 2 days a week)

Alice Fanning, FNP D. Baggett-Woodard, FNP

Our Speciality Unit is for Skilled Services. It has specialized wound care and can do IV Therapy.

Living Well • July 2015 19

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Labor Day 

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holidays

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Weekend

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roadtrip tips

Leader News Service

A long weekend provides the perfect opportunity to hop into the car and embark on a road trip. Sometimes it doesn’t take an extended vacation to recharge your batteries. A brief change of scenery and venue can make for quite the respite as well.

Road trips also tend to be more affordable than longer getaways. If you have the benefit of a tow hitch and a camper, you already have your accommodations. But even if you still need lodging, there are several budget motels that can fit the bill for overnight lodging along your route. Here are some other road trip tips.

• Before embarking, take out a map and plan your excursion. Stick to locations that are within reasonable driving distance from home. If you roam too far, you will spend more time behind the wheel than you will enjoying your destination.

Locations no more than five to six hours away should suffice.

• Get your vehicle in road trip shape by ensuring it is in good working condition. If your car is scheduled for an oil change, get one before leaving. In addition, top off fluids and be sure that tires are properly inflated.

• Stick to the scenic routes. While they may not save you travel time, avoiding interstates in favor of picturesque backroads will make for a much more relaxing and visually inspiring trip.

Schedule rest stops so you can get out of the car and explore along the way to your destination. Taking backroads may also help you avoid some of your fellow weekend travelers.

• Make your long weekend a Saturday through Monday affair. You may find the roads are more congested Friday through Sunday. Simply starting your trip on Saturday and returning on Monday could save you the headache of driving in heavy traffic.

20 Living Well • July 2015

• Scope out low-cost activities at your destination. Many national parks are inexpensive and may only charge one fee per vehicle to enter. After Labor Day, many beaches no longer charge entry fees, making them an affordable option.

Take advantage of cooler temperatures and picturesque scenery by planning an autumn weekend road trip.

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holidays

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Civilians who join the military find their lives change forever upon entering the service. The armed forces shape a person, teaching discipline, humility, bravery, and many other life lessons. Joining the military often means making substantial personal sacrifices, as servicemen and women are typically called away from their families and the comforts of home.

Many grateful men and women want to show their appreciation to those who risk their lives to defend their country, but they may not always know how. The following are a number of ways you can show your appreciation to members of the military.

• Thank a service member. If you see a person in uniform, thank them for their service to the country. Though a simple gesture, a verbal token of gratitude can go a long way toward brightening a soldier’s day.

• Volunteer with a veteran’s association. Volunteering is another way to show veterans and active service members how much you appreciate the sacrifices they have made. Volunteer at a veteran’s hospital or help to organize an event that’s commemorating the efforts of local veterans and active service members.

• Send gifts to active military. Make

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Showing     appreciation        military members

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patriot Day

care packages or write cards and thank you notes to stationed troops. Organizations like the USO, Military-Missions.org or AnySoldier.com can ensure your packages make their way into the hands of soldiers.

• Publicly display your patriotism.

You can show pride for your country and appreciation for their efforts by hanging a flag outside of your home.

Gestures that show military personnel how much you appreciate them need not be lavish. Any and all expressions of gratitude can make a world of difference.

— Leader News Service

Living Well • July 2015 21

outdoors

living an

AccelerAted Tandem skydiving instructor Ben Ford lives life to the extreme

T

wenty-seven-yearold Ben Ford is a Louisiana Tech University architecture student during the week, but on the weekends he is tandem skydiving instructor.

“I started skydiving eight years ago,” Ford said. “My uncle took me for the first time. The following year I started up on my own. To be a tandem instructor, you have to have three years in the sport, a certain number of jumps and several other requirements. Then, you are eligible for it.”

During the school year, Ford works for Gold Coast Skydivers in Mississippi and Skydive Louisiana in Shreveport. He is spending this summer in Dallas, Texas instructing for Skydive Dallas.

“I can work wherever,” Ford said.

22 Living Well • July 2015

outdoors

set up an appointment. Then, once “It’s just different drop zones and there they would go through a 15 minute different companies that own planes. They instruction – telling you what to do and hire us to come instruct and jump.” what not to do.

Ford said he became an instructor because he enjoyed it so much.

“From there you would be harnessed up,” Ford said. “It’s about a 12 minute plane “Because I’ve been skydiving for so long ride up to about 14,000 feet. Then we get it just sort of turned into where the only you strapped up and we go.” way I could do it and have fun and afford it The other way one can skydive is called is to do it for work,” he said. “When I’m in an Accelerated Free Fall. school, I don’t really have time for another job.”

“You go through a four to five hour course that’s more inFord said he skydives every depth,” Ford said. “You have weekend and has jumped your own canopy. Two approximately 1,600 instructors will jump out times. He said he enjoys Make sure your family’s loss doesn’t adversely affect with you, holding your being an instructor but Make sure your family’s loss doesn’t adversely their income as well. affect Talk to us. We’ll help you determine hands and we make sure he enjoys competitive We’re with you every step of the way. their income as well. Talk to us.

We’ll help you determine the amount of way. life insurance Make sure your family’s loss doesn’t adversely affect We’re with you every step of the you stay where you need toinsurance you’ll need – and the most you’ll need – and the most skydiving more. the amount of life appropriate type of policy for your circumstances. For a their income as well. Talk to us. We’ll help you determine be relative to earth — type you Make sure yourfamily’s family’s loss adverselyaffect affect sure your loss adversely appropriate ofevery policyMake for your circumstances.

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Forstep ayou’ll alsosure make sure you loss open your the amount ofarelife life insurance you’ll needAgency –and and the most the amount of insurance need the most Insurance products offered through Wachovia Insurance (WIA) and are underwritten Make your family’s doesn’t adversely affect I’d like to do,” he said. “I en ord Make sure your family’s loss doesn’t adversely Insurance products are offered through Wachovia Insurance Agency (WIA) and are underwritten complimentary consultation, please call or visit today. canopy.” by unaffiliated insurance companies.

Wells Fargo Advisors and WIA areaffect separate non-bank appropriate type For aa appropriate typeof ofpolicy policyfor foryour yourcircumstances. circumstances.

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Wells Fargo income Advisors WIA are non-bank The loss of a separate loved one affiliates of Wellsand Fargo & Company. their as well.

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Markets fluctuate. complimentary consultation, please call or visit today. complimentary consultation, please call or visit today. where we make formations Ford said after in the amount of lifeseven insurance need – and theInsurance most affiliates ofjumps Wells you’ll Fargo & Company.

We’re with you every of the way.

Insurance products are offered through Wachovia Agency (WIA) and arestep underwritten the amount of life insurance you’ll need – and the most devastating enough by insurance companies.

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209 W Alabama Avenue ® said. “Your adrenaline is still Branch going but it Manager Bobby Jr, Jim Bobby Ron Deal & Earl Smith 209 W Alabama Avenue Bobby Conville Jr,Ron RonDeal Deal&-&CFP JimMarconi Marconi Ruston,JJConville LA 71270-4301 “If you want to do it as a one-time kind gets to where it’s just a sport Financial like anything Advisors Branch Manager Ruston, LA 71270-4301 Branch Manager 318-255-1958 209 W Alabama Avenue else. You’re always learning, so it’s always of thing, it’s recommended to do it as a Bobby Jr, Ron Jim Marconi Bobby J Conville Ron Deal Deal&- CFP & Earl Smith Financial Advisors 318-255-1958 Financial Advisors Bobby J Conville Jr, Ron Deal & Jim Marconi Branch Manager Jr, Ruston, Ron Jim Marconi LA&71270-4301 209 W Alabama Avenue something new.Bobby YouJ Conville actually feelDeal like you’re tandem,” he said. “Different companies 209 W Alabama Avenue Financial Advisors Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u Branch Manager Branch Manager 318-255-1958 209 W Alabama Ruston, LA 71270-4301 Investment and Insurance u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value flying. You don’t have a falling sensation at Products:Wells have different abilities. The place in Ruston, LAAvenue 71270-4301 Financial Advisors Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC a Ruston, LA 71270-4301 Financial Advisors 318-255-1958 Financial LLC,broker-dealers: Members SIPC,Wells non Fargo bank affiliates & Company.

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Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

Ford graduated with his bachelor’s 318-255-1958 Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

[74029-v3] A1015 Wells0512-3417 Fargo Advisors trade name usedbank by two separate registered Financial Network, LLC,is the Members SIPC, non affiliates of Wells Fargo broker-dealers: & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC an degree in architecture this year and plans to For this option, those interested would Financial Network, LLC, Insurance Members nonreserved. bank affiliates of Wells Fargo &A1015 Company.

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Living Well • July 2015 23

Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC,Wells non Fargo bank affiliates Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Advisorsof Wells Fargo & Company. ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0512-3417 [74029-v3] A1015 Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0512-3417 [74029-v3] A1015

outdoors work on getting his master’s degree. One day, he would like to own an architecture firm so he could have the freedom to go skydive whenever he wants.

“I graduated with my bachelor’s and I’ve got one more year for my masters,” Ford said. “Then hopefully, I’ll be able to work doing architecture and go back to doing skydiving for fun and not as an instructor.”

Despite participating in this extreme sport, Ford said he has never bungee jumped.

“I’m afraid of heights,” he said. “Skydiving is different because you don’t have depth perception. If you get on the roof of a building and jump, you can tell that you’re 20 or 30 feet off of the ground and you can see the building going past you. When you’re in a plane between 1,000 and 3,000 feet, you lose your depth perception. It all kind of looks the same. And when you leave the plane, you have no visual reference. Everything looks the same until you get to a certain point.”

Ford encourages everyone to skydive.

“Everyone should do it,” he said. “It definitely opens your eyes.”

Skydiving is practiced year-round in this part of the country, Ford said.

For more information, visit www.goldcoastskydivers.com or www.skydivelouisiana.net.

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Living Well • July 2015 25

people

Saudi Arabia

Beneath the surface with Corey Cooper by

April S. Kelley

ayville native Corey Cooper teaches English as a second language in Saudi Arabia, but she is no newcomer to working overseas.

She has worked and lived in several different countries since receiving her teaching certificate.

Upon graduating from New York University, she worked at a law firm in New York City, until the Sept. 11 attacks left her jobless.

“After Sept. 11, I didn’t have a job anymore so I got my teaching certificate and moved

26 Living Well • July 2015

to Algiers, Algeria, which is in Northern Africa,” Cooper said.

“I taught there for a few months but it’s difficult to maintain a working visa there so I didn’t get to stay very long unfortunately.”

From there, Cooper went to Istanbul, Turkey, where she taught for almost a year. Then she decided to return to the states to go to graduate school in Washington, D.C. While in school, she interned for Rodney Alexander, former U.S. Representative for the 5th Congressional District.

In the summer of 2011, she moved to Dallas where she stayed until 2013, when she decided she wanted to go back overseas.

“I teach English as a second language to university-aged Saudi females,” Cooper said. “I studied Arabic in college and I always wanted to come to the Middle East. It used to be really difficult to get a job here. You used to need a Ph.D. in linguistics and 10 years of experience. It was so difficult because they had so few institutions for learning English. Now, they are trying to make the Saudi workforce more employable and more international so they need English teachers,” Cooper said.

Cooper said her daily life in Saudi Arabia is very different from the typical life of a teacher in the states, which makes it both exciting and rewarding.

“One thing you can count on in Saudi Arabia is however you thought your day would go, it is exactly how it will not go,” Cooper said.

She spent her days, which begin at 7 a.m., teaching at a new school that opened in August 2014. Unlike most universities in the United States, this school is not co-educational. All students and staff are female, she said.

“There are no men anywhere on the campus,” Cooper said.

people “It is completely illegal for them to be there. We have male guards on the outer perimeter of the very high-gated walls. But inside, the cleaning staff, the interior security staff, the teachers, IT professionals, cafeteria workers — everyone is female.”

Outside of work, however, Cooper did interact with Saudi males, but it is always a delicate situation.

“We were the first foreigners in our little town,” she said. “We were about 80 miles out of the capital city, Riyadh, so we are in the absolute middle of the middle of the desert. There’s not even a McDonald’s here and McDonald’s is everywhere. At first it was a very delicate situation, and it still is. Of course here, and in all of Saudi Arabia, women are required to wear a black robe garment called an abiya. Although it’s not legally required in Saudi Arabia for women to cover their hair or cover their face, this is a very conservative little town, so most of us do. I always cover my hair, and most of the girls cover their faces as well when we go into town into little shops.”

Cooper said natives have warmed up to her and other foreign teachers in the area.

“They’re really curious about us,” she said. “We’re still learning about each other. They are getting used to Western women walking quickly in the shops, speaking loudly and laughing out loud. All of these things are unusual and occasionally frowned upon, if you are a woman.”

For Cooper and her colleagues, it is the experience of teaching these young women something valuable that makes their career so rewarding, she said.

“We are kind of pioneers out here,” Cooper said. “Most of these people have never interacted with anyone outside their family, much less foreigners. Here, women don’t go over to their neighbor’s house to socialize. They can go to their sister’s house or cousin’s house or whatnot, but Saudi women don’t interact with men that they aren’t directly related to. I love our students.

They are really sweet, good-hearted people. Whether or not they necessarily want to learn English, they really want to learn about us. They want to show you all the Saudi stuff, the things they love. The maturity level and life experience level is mentally much younger here but they’re really sweet and good-hearted. That’s the thing that makes you want to come back.”

Cooper said she has many good teaching moments that meant the world to her, but one in particular involved students being excited about learning English and being able to teach one another.

“My very first class here with this school, I was really fortunate to get some girls that were really passionate and really excited about everything in life,” she said. “In Saudi, that’s a really rare commodity.”

For women in Saudi Arabia, sleeping is a big component of life.

When a Saudi family is really conservative, the girls are banned from watching movies and they can only socialize with family.

They are very limited in their means to entertain themselves, she said.

“To get girls that were excited about learning English and still have the desire to at least try to do something and to do something with their degree after they finish college ... their enthusiasm is infectious,” Cooper said. “One of my favorite teaching moments related to that was explaining a concept and having students not only get it, but then come to the board and explain it to the other girls.

That was really exciting.”

Cooper said another exciting part of her teaching experiences are when the school has cultural days. On these days, the students bake sweets and dress up in traditional Saudi clothing. They also bring in Henna to do Henna tattoos on their hands and arms, which are a big thing, especially for weddings.

“When we have those events, it’s learning for them because they get to practice English, but it’s learning for me as well, which is the best part,” she said.

Despite all of the positive aspects of teaching and living in Saudi Arabia, Cooper and her colleagues have at times been

Living Well • July 2015 27

people indirectly involved in some tribal difficulties, she said.

“Saudi Arabia is still very traditional so things still operate on the Beduin tribal level in terms of family feuding and disagreements among our Saudi staff,” Cooper said. “For example, two members of our staff got into an argument over whose responsibility was what there and the whole town was involved.

We didn’t know if Family A and Family B were about to have a shootout or something. Then there was an incident where we weren’t sure what it was related to but they were targeting our teachers. We weren’t sure if they were targeting one teacher specifically or if it just happened to be in the way of something else. It brought about the chief of police getting involved, barbed wire being put up around the house, more security and video cameras. We have a police escort to and from college every day. That being said, I have never felt unsafe, at least no more that I would anywhere else in the world.”

Cooper said another incident that was a learning lesson for her involved a female student making serious threats and a teacher taking a video of the account.

“It is illegal to a take a photograph of a Saudi woman, even though they take selfies all day long,” she said. “I mean, all day long they have their phone in their hand, taking pictures of themselves, of each other, everything. So, a typical Western reaction when something bad happens is to get evidence of it so it’s not just your word against the other person’s. So the first thing most of us do is pull out an iPhone or Samsung or whatever and start taking pictures or video.”

During a heated moment when this student went on a tirade and mentioned hurting herself and hurting other students as well as making bomb threats to the school, one of the Western staff members began to film it to protect everyone from the girl in case something were to happen in the future. The student was expelled for the threats and the teacher who filmed her was eventually sent to another college in another town, she said.

“It was a month’s long drag-out of negotiations with the staff and our company,” Cooper said. “Our CEO had to meet with the mayor of our town. It almost started a tribal war because this particular family, that the girl came from, was known for causing trouble.”

Cooper said the local fixer, who was a Saudi man who was well-respected and connected in the town explained that filming the incident was just the worst thing you could do in that kind of situation.

“It’s just one of those cultural differences,” she said. “It’s still something where I just don’t get it, and something that I probably never will.”

With news networks delivering fear on a mass scale in the United States, one would assume that Saudi Arabia must be a scary place to live. Cooper, however, explains otherwise.

“Everybody, or at least my family back home, is always worried about what they see on the news in terms of ISIS and other terror groups but it’s not really a concern for us here directly,” she said. “Obviously, we do want to have security and take precautions, but I certainly don’t feel threatened.”

Cooper said the most rewarding part of her job is knowing that she is teaching these girls a valuable skill as well setting an example of what American women are really like.

“I love knowing that they get some kind of interaction that will hopefully be valuable to them in some way,” she said. “It is also rewarding doing my one little part so they see that Western women, or in my case, American women aren’t bad people. We aren’t harlots here to corrupt and steal their men. Americans want to help and we just want everybody to have an education. Whether or not they get to do anything with this education is not something I can control, but I can certainly do my part.”

Cooper said she has also experienced some cultural cuisine while living in Saudi Arabia, including camel’s milk and a traditional Saudi Arabian food called kabsa.

“I have tried very fresh — like freshly squeezed while watching

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people — camel’s milk, which actually is very light and almost a little sweet,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to drink a lot of that every day but it was certainly an experience. And the very traditional meal here is something called kabsa, which is basically slow-roasted camel on this huge, enormous bed of seasoned rice.

So, I have learned to like camel and rice. I would say it tastes like chicken, but it does not taste like chicken.”

Since living in Saudi Arabia, Cooper said she has had to get used to several cultural things, such as the stores and shops in Saudi Arabia closing for prayer several times a day.

“Every time prayer time rolls around, which changes on a minute to minute basis because it’s attune to the sunrise and sunset, the shops close,” she said. “It’s not a set time. It’s not like every day you know the shops are going to be closed because it’s prayer time. That’s something that is cultural and specific only to Saudi Arabia. Other Muslim countries don’t do that. It isn’t a problem but it can be frustrating.”

Cooper said another thing she has had to adjust to are the limitations that are specific to women.

“Women walking alone is very frowned upon so we can’t do that,” she said. “We obviously can’t go jogging around town even if we were in our abiya covered. It just isn’t acceptable. Women can’t ride bikes. No woman can drive which sometimes is nice but

most of the time it’s incredibly frustrating because there’s not that freedom of being able to jump in the car and do what you need to do. It makes daily life more tedious.”

Saudi Arabia is nothing like any other country where she has lived, Cooper said.

“Saudi is really unique because their culture is so concentrated,” she said.

“There is no other influence. There is no influence from any real imperialism or colonization or anything because there was nothing and then there was Saudi Arabia.”

Cooper said other Arab countries often refer to Saudi Arabia as “Little America,” which is not meant as a compliment. The prevalence of McDonald’s and Starbucks as well as American-made cars make Saudi seem similar to the United States.

“To see a guy driving a big F-150, a Saudi guy, with his checkered scarf flapping in the wind with the camel tied down in the back is just a hilarious sight,” Cooper said.

All of these Americanized surface aspects that make Saudi Arabia seem easy to live in are deceptive, she said.

“All those things that make you think Saudi Arabia is like other countries are only on the surface,” she said. “If you scratch just a little bit of that surface, it’s all its own.”

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Living Well • July 2015 27 29

safety

Keeping

safe during the summer

by Derek J. Amaya

30 Living Well • July 2015

safety

ith hot summer days hitting in July, August and September, a local fireman said Lincoln Parish families should remain cautious during the summer months.

Public Education officer with the Ruston Fire Department Eric Brazzel said there are several hazards to look out for that can be prevented.

“While fires start in the kitchen more than any other location in the house, they can still start elsewhere,” he said. “Things to watch for are, extension cords through windows or under carpet, or over loaded power outlets.”

Children out of school also can be in danger, Brazzel said.

“With school out, children are at home using the stove to cook for and may have accidents because of inexperience in the kitchen,” he said. “Always watch what you cook.”

Wildfires and forest fires can easily be prevented as well, Brazzel said.

“Do not discard cigarettes on the ground,” he said. “Be careful if you have open fires and be sure to extinguish them completely when finished.

“You typically have more wild land fires due to dry weather and dead vegetation,” he said. “Structure fire can happen year round. Be careful with fireworks where you shoot them and make sure they are completely out.”

During the summer, many families host parties that require cooking. During the cooking stages, there are many ways to avoid fires as well.

“Only light your grill with the appropriate fluids,” he said. “Never use gasoline as it may explode. Do not dump the coals on the ground. Do not allow children to play near the grill.”

Grilling requires being outside, and it is important to use sunscreen when outside for long periods of time, Brazzel said.

“Wear sun screen when outside in the sun,” he said.

“Drink lots of liquids to stay hydrated. Take frequent breaks so not to overheat. People forget to wear sun protection and forget to stay hydrated in the heat, which can lead to serious health issues.”

Wearing sunscreen and drinking plenty of fluids remains important when going on vacation to the beach, Brazzel said.

Also, informing neighbors about a planned vacation is important for the safety of the home, Brazzel said.

“Have a friend stop by and collect your mail and newspaper,” he said. “Set a timer for lights to turn on and off at different times.”

Citizens looking for more information about summer safety can visit a website or schedule a class, Brazzel said.

“People can go on www.NFPA.org and click safety information,” he said. “Or they can schedule fire safety classes anytime with the Ruston Fire Department by calling 251-8606.”

Living Well • July 2015 31

32 Living Well • July 2015

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Smile!

It’s Good for You

wellness

34 Living Well • July 2015

I

f you like to smile, you’re in luck.

Studies show that you benefit both emotionally and physically.

wellness

A recent study published in Psychological Science reports that the act of smiling has a positive effect on our happiness and physical health.

This can help the heart recover more quickly after stressful events, altogether boosting our well-being. Researchers deduct that the act of smiling is so powerful because it actually can rewire your brain to make positive patterns more often than it does negative ones.

Effect on Others Another study by Penn State University found that people who smile appear to be more likable and courteous. This can help enhance your beauty in the eyes of others, who will take positively to your natural happiness.

Everyone wants to be the person who walks in and lights up a room. Your level of social engagement also plays a role in improving your overall health, so spread the love and make new friends along the way.

Smile More Smiling is obviously linked to happiness or humor, so what if you’re going through a particularly tough time, finding it hard to smile?

Try to think happy thoughts. Do you have a memory or story that makes you smile? Repeat it to yourself during a time when you need a boost. If you have trouble conjuring up positive thoughts, surround yourself with those who can help you.

Confident Smiles Some people are afraid to give off their best smile because they’re self-conscious about their teeth or gums. Even a subdued smile can have positive effects on your health, so don’t be afraid to give a closed-mouth grin.

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wellness

A Family

Effort

According to the national fitness program Let’s Move, children should get a total of 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and adults need at least 30.

Exercise has never been more important to protecting children from incurring preventive illnesses later in life.

Childhood obesity rates have tripled since the 1980s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At this rate, one-third of children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes in their lifetime.

By initiating different ways to get children moving hopefully childhood obesity numbers will go down. There are a few different ways this can be done.

36 Living Well • July 2015

wellness

Music Firing up the music is a great way to keep your family in shape. Research has shown that music benefits our health in a variety of ways.

This can include our ability to cope with pain, as well as overall physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re using music to motivate your family during a workout or simply dancing along, you can reap the rewards of rocking out.

One study reported by the National Institutes of Health even found that playing soft music and dimming the lights during meals can help people slow down while eating, ultimately consuming less food.

Join a Center Particularly if you live in a cold-weather area, it can be challenging to find ample year-round physical activity. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a city with a large recreation center, your problem could be solved.

Paying for a membership can unlock a portal of activities for your family, from swimming and dancing to basketball and karate classes.

A

fter the excitement and motivation of a new workout or dieting plan fade, where are you supposed to look for a spark?

Your children need exercise as much as you do, so why not involve them in your routine?

You and yours can enjoy the convenience of taking part in the activity of your choice, all without having to worry about battling the outdoor elements. Be on the lookout for special sign-up deals announced during slower seasons, such as in the middle of winter or summer.

Living Well • July 2015 37

Less waiting for emergency care (and a lot more care, if you need it).

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Northern Louisiana Medical Center, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it.

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Well • July 2015 38 Living 85572_NLMC_ERpldg_7_5x10c.indd

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lincoln EvEnts calEndar MUSIC Corey Smith — An American singer, songwriter Corey Smith brings a personal approach to his concert performances saying he owes a debt to his fans.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert at 9 p.m. July 31; The Revelry, 2647 S Service Road West; $15 in advance, $20 day of the show; The Revelry 255-1008 Stoney Larue — Singing what has been dubbed as Red Dirt, Texas Country - Stoney LaRue moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, and began to play in the various bars around the college town. He befriended Jason Boland and Cody Canada and the three moved into the infamous “Yellow House” where they would have late night jam sessions and entertain other various musicians around the town, like Mike McClure and Brandon Jenkins.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert at 9 p.m.

September 4; The Revelry, 2647 S Service Road West; $15 in advance, $20 day of the show; The Revelry 255-1008

FESTIVALS PeaCe Love art yoga feStivaL — The PLAY Festival is a fun-filled day celebrating yoga, art, wellness and healthy living where folks can come to see what yoga is all about.

The festival is a way to say “thank you” to the growing yoga community. The PLAY Festival is a free festival with something for the whole family, hosted

by Louisiana Yoga and Paddle.

Participants can learn more about yoga in general, the different styles that are taught in the area, and get to know the teachers that instruct them!

A variety of yoga classes for children and adults will be taught throughout the day, and there will be educational “yoga talks” and “playsentations” addressing different aspects of wellness, yoga and healthy living. Events include “Stand Up Paddleboard” demos and the more challenging “S.U.P.” yoga sessions, “slack lining” and “aerial yoga.”

Events for children include short wilderness trails, face painting and visiting the farm animals.

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. September 19; Louisiana Yoga and Paddle, 3458 Louisiana Highway 818; 255-7071

traviS tritt — This American country singer has been on the music scene since 1989 producing hits such as “Help me Hold On” and “Best of Intentions.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert at 9 p.m. September 11; The Revelry, 2647 S Service Road West; $15 in advance, $20 day of the show; The Revelry 255-1008 eLi young Band — Composed of members who met while students at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas: Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson.

They released their self-titled debut album in 2002.

The band has charted eight times on the Billboard country charts, with three of their singles having reached number 1: “Crazy Girl”, which was the top country song of 2011 according to Billboard Year-End, along with “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night”.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert at 9 p.m. October 1; The Revelry, 2647 S Service Road West; $15 in advance, $20 day of the show; The Revelry 255-1008

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1200 South Farmerville Street Ruston, LA 71270

1285 Pine Street, Suite 104 Arcadia, LA 71001

3030 Highway 80 West Calhoun, LA 71225

742 Celebrity Drive Ruston, LA 71270

(318) 644-2940

(318) 251-6254

(318) 255-3690

(318) 263-4420

40 Living Well • July 2015