Gulf Coast Woman October 2021

FALL DECOR & FASHION TRENDS

OMAN GULF COAST

OCTOBER 2021 COMPLIMENTARY

Renata Flot-Patterson STANDING UP AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

TOP

DOCTORS See who made this list SPONSORED BY

IS HERE TO HELP YOU.

Dr. Dr. Michael Michael J.J. Christie Christie and and staff staff are are pleased pleased to to welcome welcome Dr. Dr. Aimee Aimee Watts Watts to to the the Center Center for for OB/GYN OB/GYN BOARD BOARD CERTIFIED CERTIFIED OB/GYNS OB/GYNS

Michael Michael J. J. Christie Christie M.D., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. F.A.C.O.G.

Aimee Aimee Watts Watts M.D., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. F.A.C.O.G.

Kelly Mask Kelly Mask F.N.P.-C. F.N.P.-C. Board Certified Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Nurse Practitioner

Cindy Barfield Cindy Barfield F.N.P.-B.C. F.N.P.-B.C. Board Certified Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Nurse Practitioner

Leanne Virgilio Leanne Virgilio F.N.P.-C. F.N.P.-C. Board Certified Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Dr. Watts Watts has has 10 10 years years of of experience experience as as an an OB/GYN OB/GYN in in Mississippi.

Mississippi. She She is is now now looking looking forward forward to to serving serving the the women women of of the the MS MS Gulf Gulf Coast.

Coast.

Please Please join join us us in in welcoming welcoming her her to to our our community community and and our our practice! practice!

AESTHETIC SERVICES AVAILABLE AESTHETIC SERVICES AVAILABLE MAIN OFFICE MAIN SPRINGS OFFICE OCEAN OCEAN SPRINGS

(228) 818-0025 (228) 818-0025 2113 Government St., Suite I-4 2113 Government St., Suite I-4 2

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October 2021

Scan this QR Code to Scan this QR Codetoto be taken straight be straight to ourtaken Facebook Page our Facebook Page

PRIVATE OPULENCE NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD The best VIP players deserve the Scarlet Pearl VIP Experience.

Learn more at ScarletPearlVIP.com.

9380 Central Avenue • D’Iberville, MS 39540 • 888–752–9772 • ScarletPearlCasino.com • Must be 21 or older. See Pearl Rewards Club for promotional rules and details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

3

Meet our Success Strategists!

FOUNDER

Dr. Angela Bruni

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dorothy P. Wilson

“I listen to buyers carefully and then give them the missing ingredients for success.”

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Sherry Moxley Seaman

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Crystal Scretching

BRYNN JOACHIM Success Strategist (228) 297.8724

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR/WRITER Jennifer Gentile

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

“I am a people person who loves meeting new clients and creating effective marketing campaigns to help grow their businesses. My day is never the same, and that’s why I love what I do as a Success Strategist at GCW Multimedia.”

VERONICA RATCLIFF Success Strategist (228) 861.6503

Katie Allen Jasmine Ball Debbie Batia Pamela Berry-Johnson Hannah Booker Karol Brandt Emily Burke Ariel Chamberlain Dr. Nicholas Conger Sharita Cook Kay Daneault Dr. Tracy Daniel-Hardy Rene’ Davis Chris Dearman Erin Gibson The Rev. Alice M. Graham Dr. Eric Graham

Kelly Hawkins Dr. Olivia Hightower Dr. Yolanda Jerry Melanie Jones Sarah Jones Dr. Philip Levin Dr. Hamza Minhas Lauren Riley Kathy Rogers Sandy Sanders Tammy Smith Alyssa Stasny Edwina Sumrall Alicia Tarrant Angelyn Treutel Zeringue Andrea Yeager

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS “One of the things I love most is coaching and mentoring others on how to sell their product or brand. Their business is my business and I am not successful until I help enough people have success in their own businesses.

SHERRY SEAMAN Business Development Director

Brandi Stage

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Farrah Underwood

& FASHION TRENDS FALL DECOR

OMAN GULF COA ST

OCTOBER 2021 COMPLIMENTARY

ON THE COVER Photographer: Brandi Stage Portraiture Makeup and hair: Brittney Johnson

a Renat atterson Flot-P

STANDING UP AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

COVER SUBJECT

TOP

DOCTORS

Renata Flot-Patterson

See who made this list SPONSORED

BY

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS: 1113 Bienville Blvd.

MS OCEAN SPRINGS,

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU.

921 Cedar Lake BILOXI, MS

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1018 Cowan Rd. GULFPORT, MS

(228) 265-7945 • X-rays • Labs • IV Fluids/Medications • Fracture Care • Laceration Repair

• Respiratory Treatments Physicals • School/Sports • Occupational Health • Workman’s Comp

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RESERVE AD SPACE: (228) 202.2130 Sherry@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 4

October 2021

CONTACT US

38 Pass Road, Suite A, Gulfport, MS 39507 (228) 539-2422 CustomerService@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com © 2021 Gulf Coast Woman is published 12 times per year and is available free of charge. We encourage your comments, suggestions and submissions, however, we unsolicited documents or manuscripts. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

COMPASSIONATE

DR. STEPHANIE FUSSELL

CARE RIGHT HERE AT

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HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY PARTNERS provides care to cancer patients and also those with blood disorders.

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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AT ALL FIVE LOCATIONS GULFPORT 1340 Broad Avenue, Suite 330 BILOXI 920 Tommy Munro Drive BILOXI 147 Reynoir Street | Suite 204 BAY ST. LOUIS 835 Thames Avenue WIGGINS 1440 E. Central Ave Wiggins

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Memorial Physician Clinics www.gcwmultimedia.com

5

THISEDITION

contents HEALTH/TOP DOCTORS & WOMEN’S HEALTH / 20 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE / 88 HOME & FAMILY / 128 MONEY & SUCCESS / 150 FOOD & FUN / 158

Fall for harvest

season: 142 REFRESH WITH GREAT DECOR TIPS: 158

6

October 2021

re. ca

Ce leb

a r e of qu y a g ali n i t ty a r

New Services Include: • Cancer Center • Cardiac Cath Lab • Digestive Health • Latest Robotic Surgery Technology • Orthopedic Clinic • Skilled Nursing Facility Just one short year ago, Singing River Health System welcomed our newest hospital to the family: Singing River Gulfport on Community Road. We are proud to expand high-quality service, award-winning care, and cutting-edge technology across our coastal community.

• Sleep Center • 3D Mammogram

Healthcare is selfcare.

Call 228-809-5000 to schedule with a specialized provider today.

SingingRiverHealthSystem.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

7

To our new Providers

YOUR PRIMARY CARE IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN

to the Community!

Simhachalam Gurugubelli, MD 300 Drinkwater Road, Bay St. Louis

(228) 575–2929

Umair Shafique, MD

835 Thames Avenue, Bay St. Louis

8

October 2021

(228) 575–2383

Shereen Khalid, MD

1110 Broad Ave., Suite 700, Gulfport

(228) 822–6016

John Thames, DO

1428 Azalea Drive South, Wiggins

(601) 928–9674

Don’t neglect your regular check-ups during this pandemic. We can help you with in-person appointments or a virtual visit.

Joshua Fowler, DO

4300 Leisure Time Drive, Diamondhead

(228) 822–6006

Accepting New Patients!

Looking for a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?

Call (228) 867-5000 See your PCP for: ◢

Kerry Scott, DO

5120 Beatline Road, Suite B, Long Beach

(228) 575–2118

Sam Twedt, DO

Diagnosis & treatment of illnesses & injuries, including some minor procedures

◢

Preventive care including routine checkups

◢

Health-risk assessments & screening tests

◢

Flu shots, immunizations, & vaccinations

◢

Management of chronic illnesses

◢

Referral to specialists whenever needed

www.WeAreMemorial.com

1110 Broad Ave., Suite 700, Gulfport

(228) 822–6016

www.gcwmultimedia.com

9

Coast to the rescue

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES SUPPORT LOUISIANA IN HURRICANE IDA’S WAKE

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Having escaped the worst of Hurricane Ida’s wrath, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has stepped up to help its hard-hit neighbor to the west.

The powerful Category 4 storm slammed into south Louisiana on Aug. 29 with winds exceeding 150 mph, knocking out power to over a million people and causing widespread devastation. After completing the restoration to Mississippi Power customers within 48 hours of Ida’s impact, says Kaila Moran Griffith, public relations communications specialist, the company immediately focused on coordinating relief efforts with its employees to support Louisiana.

“A large truck loaded with countless vital supplies and 1,400 cases of water was sent to Louisiana to assist with recovery efforts,” Griffith says. “Employee volunteers also partnered with Comeback Coolers to provide hundreds of coolers filled with supplies for those most impacted by Hurricane Ida.” Comeback Coolers, a disaster relief organization established in 2016, also mobilized quickly in the hurricane’s aftermath. Although she has led Comeback Coolers’ efforts after many catastrophic weather events, founder Heather Eason calls Ida “one of the worst storms I’ve ever worked.” “(The impacted area) was so riddled with debris that we started noticing things that were intact instead of things that were destroyed,” she says. “People were sleeping in parking lots, lines for gas were more than a mile long, and power isn’t expected for a month.”

On Saturday, Sept. 4, Eason says the organization delivered about 1,400 coolers, 200 kids’ coolers, and 100 linemen buckets to Houma, Louisiana, and surrounding areas like LaFite and LaPlace.

The coolers were packed with beer, sports drinks, soda, no-sugar drinks, water, oranges, wet wipes, ice and a special note of support. Linemen buckets included socks, foot powder, cooling towels, beef jerky, Chapstick, snacks and other items,

10

October 2021

according to Eason, while kids’ coolers were filled with balls, cards, Play-Doh, flashlights, stuffed animals and toys.

“There was a lot of coordination with an effort this size across states,” Eason says, noting that Florida, Alabama and Texas joined Mississippi in supplying coolers. “There are logistics, supply procurement, organization in setting up packing parties, packing coolers, renting vehicles, ordering shirts and lunches, mobilizing volunteers, creating delivery teams, locating delivery areas, answering questions from the public and a whole lot of little things.”

To contribute to Comeback Coolers’ efforts, Eason says people can fill out a volunteer form, decorate a cooler or donate through PayPal or Facebook: facebook. com/comebackcoolers “We hope to let people know we care,” Eason says. “I think we do a very good job of it. The phone calls and messages we get from recipients are testimony to it. We want people to know they are seen and thought of.”

The same motivation prompted the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort to donate $20,000 to the United Cajun Navy. The organization, which started as a band of volunteer boat owners helping with water rescues after Hurricane Katrina, is now a

Comeback Coolers mobilized for Ida.

familiar presence lending aid after natural disasters.

“We feel that supporting this effort through our Scarlet Pearl Cares initiative is a great way to directly help the lives of those most affected by this storm,” says Scarlet Pearl CEO LuAnn Pappas. “The United Cajun Navy is renowned for quickly and thoroughly reacting to help those who are in need after storms such as this.

We encourage other businesses to contribute to the United Cajun Navy mission.”

Those wishing to give to the cause can volunteer their time, donate funds or send supplies. Learn more at www.thecajunnavy.org.

According to Brian Trascher, United Cajun Navy vice president and national spokesman, the organization has been overwhelmed with support from across the country.

“In our neighboring state of Mississippi, the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort reached out to the United Cajun Navy right away offering assistance.” Trascher says. “With proactive partnerships and generous contributions from top-notch corporate citizens like Scarlet Pearl, the United Cajun Navy will be able to keep serving those in need throughout our community and beyond.”

Hurricane Ida also spurred several other local nonprofits into action. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, United Way of South Mississippi and Goodwill Industries planned to pool resources to deliver donated items to south Louisiana.

Additional details were still being finalized at press time, but Paul Guichet, chief operating officer and executive director of GCCF, expected the delivery to happen toward the end of September.

The need is poised to last for many months to come, and the Coast is committed to helping over the long haul.

“Our customers and our company have gone through this before, so we know how important it is for your neighbors to rally around you while you recover,” Griffith says. “We’ll continue to actively support our friends in south Louisiana as they power through and come back stronger than ever.”

www.gcwmultimedia.com

11

Go Big. Go Gulf Coast.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO REGISTER! Classes begin october 18 & november 15.

mgccc.edu/enroll

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

12

MGCCC ANSWER CENTER: 228-896-2536/questions@mgccc.edu

October 2021

Kristi Matthews, a nursing instructor at The Bryant Center, teaches Level One students about stress management.

FACING THE CHALLENGES OF COVID WITH COMPASSION & INTEGRITY

MGCCC faculty offer ways for future health care workers to destress Nursing and Health Professions students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are learning ways to manage their own health and stress levels once they enter the workplace.

While first responders and health care personnel must deal with intense levels of stress in their jobs – often experiencing and witnessing life threatening and traumatic events – this is especially true now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Believing that knowledge is the key to dealing with any problem, The School of Nursing and Health Professions faculty focus on building student knowledge and application of fundamental concepts, including infection control, safety, communication, and assessment. “With each clinical experience, students become more confident applying these concepts,” said Natalie Allen, Level 1 Nursing lead faculty.

“Additionally, after each clinical and simulation experience, students are provided the opportunity to debrief and reflect on learned experiences. Self-reflection allows for students to develop coping skills to prepare them for stressors they may face as they graduate into the COVID-19 work environment.”

Dr. Ron Morgan, director of the EMS/Paramedic programs, said the pandemic has had a major effect on medical professionals. “Right now, we are all facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions.

And while public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it can leave us all feeling lonely and can intensify already extreme stress and anxiety. Despite that, our health care workers must be leaders in taking care of others, often putting aside their feelings and fears to do so. When someone calls 911 for EMS services, it is quite possibly the worst day of their lives. We teach our students that they must continue to deliver quality, professional services with compassion and integrity.”

Morgan said they teach students to stay connected with

family and friends through phone calls or video chats.

“Students must find ways to enjoy life, to keep their primary purpose and goals in mind, and work to maintain their mental and physical health. We encourage them to adequately deal with the stress of the job after each patient contact so they can continue to serve and be fulfilled in the career they have chosen.”

Bernard Toothaker, clinical coordinator for the Respiratory Care Technology program, said the necessity to prepare future registered respiratory therapist has never been more intense or vital. “Respiratory therapists play a key role in the care and treatment of COVID patients, and there is a demand for more and more therapists,” he said. “Recognizing ways to limit the dangers inherent in their new profession is important. From the very beginning students are reminded of the dangerous and stressful nature of their chosen profession. Our faculty help students cope with stress and limit exposure through practice exercises, academic coaching, professional guidance, and discussion of their concerns. We want them to be prepared to handle whatever the work world throws at them.”

Jamie Mignott, program director for Medical Assisting Technology, said they incorporate personal-health maintenance into the curriculum. This includes teaching students to take healthy physical and mental breaks, encouraging eating habits that promote better mental health, and boosting their immune systems, and exercising to decompress during and after stressful situations. “Our main goal for the Medical Assisting students is for them to remember why they are in the medical field in the first place, which is to assist patients and providers in all aspects of patient health maintenance. We teach them to focus on this goal and follow a personal stress and health management plan, so they will be able to hold on to their peace and sanity during the COVID-19 crisis.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH PROFESSIONS, www.gcwmultimedia.com 13 call or email the MGCCC Answer Center at 228-896-2536/questions@mgccc.edu.

Celebrating

Years!

• Private Duty Nursing

• ID/DD Waiver Provider

• Pediatric Nursing

• Elderly and Disabled Waiver Provider

• Skilled Nursing Care

• EPSDT Provider

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PLEASE CONTACT NMI FOR IMMEDIATE HEALTH CARE OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE GULF COAST!

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October 2021

NURSING MANAGEMENT, INC. Nothing is more important than meeting the needs of our clients.

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15

SAVE THE

date!

Here’s what’s happening around the Coast this month:

Cruisin’ the Coast

cretaceous, jurassic and triassic periods and deep dive into an “ancient oceans” exhibit featuring a moving, life-size megalodon.

Other activities and attractions include interactive baby and walking dinosaur shows, jurassic jeeps, fossil digs, science, craft and coloring stations, souvenir photos, a dino bounce house, games and more.

Oct. 3-10 https://cruisinthecoast.com This year marks the 25th anniversary of Cruisin’ the Coast, a yearly celebration of classic, antique and hot-rod vehicles that has been called America’s largest block party. Car enthusiasts from over 40 states and several countries converge annually on the Coast to showcase their rides and cruise our beautiful 30-mile stretch of beachside highway. This year’s event will feature cruiseins, headline bands and oldies entertainment, a swap meet, the CTC/Vicari auto auction and much more.

Moonlight Masquerade Oct. 16, 7-11 p.m.

White Pillars Restaurant and Lounge, Biloxi gccfn.org/mm21 Enjoy a decadent evening of vintage glamour and mystical elegance in support of the programs offered by the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

Attire is a costume or business casual. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, small plates and cocktails by White Pillars, as well as musical entertainment, a silent auction and a costume contest.

Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” Jurassic Quest Oct. 15-17 Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center www.jurassicquest.com/events/ biloxi-ms Dinosaur lovers can get up close and personal with more than 100 life-size, realistic dinosaurs.

Guests will walk through the

16

October 2021

Oct. 21-31 Centre Stage Theatre, Biloxi https://centerstagebiloxi.org/ The granddaddy of all vampire tales promises to have audiences gasping with terror and delight.

Directed by Chuck White and featuring fabulous gothic sets by Disney and Universal production designer, Tim Baker, this show is certain to get you into the

Halloween spirit.

Free Family Movie Night, presented by Navy Federal Oct. 23, 4:30-8:30 p.m. (Movie begins at dark.)

Biloxi Town Green The family classic ‘Hocus Pocus’ will be featured on a 40-foot outdoor movie screen. Families are invited to bring their blankets, picnic baskets and beach chairs and relax under the stars. Those who arrive early can enjoy premovie fun, including music, balloon twisters, inflatable games, giveaways and more. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Second Annual Krewe of Boo in the Bay parade Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Old Town Bay St. Louis This socially distanced alternative to trick or treating will offer fun for the whole family. The parade will include decorated golf carts, jeeps and classic cars, all throwing candy and Halloween trinkets to children. Put on your best costumes, go to town on decorating and prepare for a spooktacular time!

October has us all thinking pink but did you know that October is also

Liver Cancer Awareness Month?

Liver cancer is treatable and, for some, even curable when caught early, that’s why it is important to be aware of the risk factors.

Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), Hepatitis B and C infections, excessive alcohol use, obesiy, diabetes and certain inherited conditions such as iron overload can all increase a persons risk of liver cancer. You can lower your risk by adoping healthy lifesyle habits like regular exercise, weight control, limiting alcohol and asking your doctor if you should be screened for hepatitis B/C or iron overload.

If you are already have a condition that increases your risk for liver cancer, you may be a candidate for screening. Ask your doctor.

#pinkandgreen #thinkpinkandgreen

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BROKER/OWNER owensherryl@aol.com | 228.760.2815 CELL

MLS #378901 | 510 BEACH BLVD., BILOXI, MS | $1,600,000

Truly exquisite custom Beachfront home w/ beautiful gulf views. Built in 2007 on 2 lots, the main floor includes 3889 SF with an elevation of 23 feet. The foundation is concrete and steel pilings. There are 3 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, large living room with fireplace, dining room, lovely entry foyer, music room, custom draperies & extensive millwork.

The gourmet kitchen has top of the line appliances, Sub Zero refrigerator, beautiful granite countertops, island with gas cooktop, built in china cabinet and a large breakfast room.

The Master Suite has a sitting area, two full baths and an amazing custom closet. Other features include Brazilian cherry floors, 12’ ceilings, elevator, triple garage, security system with cameras, swimming pool, Gazebo, and generator.

MLS #379499 | 355 GOOSE POINTE BLVD., BILOXI, MS | $714,900

Beautiful family home! Built by Butler this was his showcase home! High ceilings, porcelain tile with wood look. Light, open, and airy entry. Dining to the left. Study on the right, could be a 5th bedroom or nursery. Large laundry room. Gorgeous kitchen! Light custom cabinets! Double ovens, gas cooktop, microwave drawer, & pantry. Breakfast room and kitchen open to the den. Den has vaulted ceilings with a double fireplace! Master suite with very spacious bathroom. Walk in closet! Upstairs large landing den area for the kids! 3 bedrooms, jack & jill bath area, full bath! Outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigerator, sink, build in chest.. It’s perfect! On the other side of the porch with fireplace is an in-ground hot tub! Triple garage . 1 garage is heated & cooled! Priced below appraisal!

Tiffany Dymond Broker Associate 228.669.1767

Danielle Owen Broker Associate 228.806.9822

Steven Ladner Broker Associate 228.669.3720

Krista Goodhart Realtor 228.617.6417

Janet Lawrence Realtor 228.860.5460

Caroline Hebert Realtor 228.323.1603

Jennifer Davi James Musgrove Chris Martin Amy Olsen 19 Realtor www.gcwmultimedia.com Realtor Realtor Broker Associate 228.224.5337 228.234.2001 601.467.7890 228.697.6609

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20

October 2021

Excellence on call, 24/7.

Every minute of your life is precious. And if you have a heart attack, every second counts to get you emergency care.

2021

We hope you never have a heart attack. But if you do, we are always ready. You dial 911 and we roll.

We take excellence very seriously. That’s why we’re proud to say that , for the second consecutive year, we have been recognized by the American Heart Association for meeting its Mission: Lifeline® EMS cardiac care standards.

The American Heart Association recognizes this EMS provider for attaining 75% or higher performance on each applicable Mission: Lifeline® EMS Achievement Measure for a consecutive 12-month interval to improve the quality of care for STEMI patients.

The American Heart Association does not endorse the products or services of the EMS provider recognized in this advertisement.

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M I S S I S S I P P I C O A S T O B / G Y N , P. A .

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EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE FOR WOMEN!

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CERTIFICATION American Board of OB/GYN - 1999

M.D.

EDUCATION Tulane University, New Orleans, B.S. Tulane University, New Orleans, M.D. Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center - Residency Duke University, NC - Pathology Residency

22

M.S.N., A.P.R.N., N.P.-C.

EDUCATION Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, A.D.N. William Carey University, B.S.N. Walden University, M.S.N.

M.D.

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WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE the newest member of our staff at Mississippi Coast OB/GYN, P.A.

JEREMY BERTRAND, D.O.

Dr. Jeremy Bertrand, D.O. graduated Cum Laude from Mississippi College, completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and then went on to complete his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Ochsner LSU-Shreveport.

Dr. Bertrand is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association, and the American Osteopathic Medical Association.

Dr. Bertrand played football for Mississippi College during his undergraduate years and received several student athlete awards and honors throughout his football career.

MISSISSIPPI COAST OB/GYN, P.A. 21 DOCTOR’S DR. OCEAN SPRINGS, MS 228.872.1505 | MSCOG21.COM

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23

Choosing a doctor can be an intimidating process that leaves you feeling overwhelmed by reviews and recommendations. For our annual Top Doctors issue, we go straight to the experts — you, our audience — to create a comprehensive list of the Coast’s best physicians.

For this year’s listing, we received hundreds of nominations, and our audience was invited to vote for their favorites.

2 0 21

We are pleased to announce the Coast Top Doctors 2021 winners, selected and trusted by you

THE COAST’S TOP DOCTORS 2021 WINNERS ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

• Dr. James Holland: “He has been on the coast forever, and he is the best at what he does.

His staff is great and knowledgeable in what they do. If you think you have an allergy problem, see him. He will find out if you do, and he will work with his staff to have the best outcome possible for you.”

• Dr. Mark Murray: “(He) spends time with his patients, listens to what we are telling him (and) never rushes through the appointment. (He) really cares about his patients.”

– review from healthgrades. com

CARDIOLOGIST

• Dr. Paul Mullen: “He will stop at nothing to make his patients better! Working with him for eight years has shown me that he will entertain all possibilities imaginable for his patients for the sake of them feeling better and allowing them to live a better life. Dr. Mullen is a true hero, and he is very appreciated on so many levels by so many people.”

• Dr. Shwan Jalal: “Always caring and just an overall great person”

CARDIOVASCULAR/ CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON

• Dr. Al Dauterive: “Looks and finds where others miss — a

24

October 2021

lifesaver. Also, great wardrobe!”

• Dr. Walter Surowiec: “He has been on the Coast for 15 years and has met the needs of patients at Memorial. He is a really hard worker and has great bedside manner.”

DENTIST

• Dr. Eric Hyde: “The best of the best — my grandchildren love him, and the office staff are great.”

• Dr. Patton Webb: “Dr. Patton Webb was great. He made me feel very comfortable and was extremely knowledgeable and professional. Thank you for the excellent service I received. I am truly appreciative with everything.” — review from Gulf Coast Dental Care Facebook page

DERMATOLOGIST

• Dr. Angela Wingfield: “She does a great job. She is very conservative and thorough to make sure that she catches everything.”

• Dr. Ashley Emerson: “She is so caring and a great doctor.

She truly has been a great addition to serve the Jackson County community.”

EMERGENCY MEDICINE • Dr. David Eakes: “The most caring ER doctor ever” • Dr. Jason Black: “An emergency medicine physician at Singing River Ocean Springs Hospital, (Black) always pro-

vides exceptional, high-quality care and service to community.”

ENDOCRINOLOGIST

• Dr. Muzaffar Piracha: “Good understanding, good communication, trustworthy” — review from healthgrades.com

GASTROENTEROLOGIST • Dr. Alfred McNair: “He’s smart, compassionate, caring and has helped a lot of patients.”

• Dr. Angela Presley-Wallace: “She displays a very professional and compassionate attitude not only with her patients, but with her peers as well.”

GENERAL SURGERY

• Dr. Hope Burkett: “I have never seen a physician go so far above and beyond to care for a patient, not only in clinic, but in the hospital setting as well. She is very passionate about her profession and strives to improve patient care.”

• Dr. T. Paul Mace: “Dr. Mace is one of the most outstanding doctors I have ever met. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 was devastating. Being a nurse made it worse because I understood the severity.

During my first appointment, Dr. Mace took me by the hand and said he would treat me like his sister. Between his care and Dr. (Michael) Diaz ( I like to

call them the dynamic duo), I was in good hands. Thank you so much, Dr. Mace, for being amazing. You truly are a gift from God.” — From Google reviews

GYNECOLOGIST

• Dr. Donald Gaddy: “Dr. Don Gaddy is an amazing doctor.

I was one of his first fertility patients, and he walked with me through every trial during some very difficult years. He has been my doctor and friend for nearly 30 years. He has always answered my questions completely and has never made me feel embarrassed.”

— review from healthgrades. com • Dr. Alisha Ware: “Alisha truly cares for her patients and offers solutions to problems they may be experiencing, as well as provides education. I can’t say enough about her great bedside manner!”

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

• Dr. Nicholas Conger: “Overall, Dr. Conger has an awesome bedside manner and a very friendly staff.” — review from vitals.com • Dr. Jesse Penico: “I was sick for eight months, and we could not find out what was wrong with me. My family was concerned. Dr. Penico was the only doctor that could find out what was wrong with me.

I had STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness). Two months later, and it was like COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

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(228) 300-5945

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(228) 396-3945

nothing was wrong with me. I would recommend Dr. Penico to anyone.” — from Google reviews

NEPHROLOGIST

• Dr. Joseph O’Gorman: “Dr. O’Gorman has been my physician for about 20 years. He is very well trained and experienced. I have found him to be very attentive to my health issues and very caring . He is never in a hurry with me and answerers any questions I may ask .”

• Dr. Doug Lanier: “The smartest doctor I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with — he’s a doctor’s doctor!”

NEUROLOGIST

• Dr. Abha Mishra: “She embodies what a doctor should be. When I needed monetary assistance with my husband’s meds, she introduced me to a program that would help.”

• Dr. Lennon Bowen: “He is not only great at what he does, but he brings humor and fun to seeing him, which helps ease the situation. He is overthe-top the best there is in his field.”

NEUROSURGEON

Dr. Sam Shamsnia: “Dr. Shamsnia is a great doctor. He is personable and talented. I give him five stars!” — review from healthgrades.com Dr. Miguel Melgar: “Dr. Melgar goes above and beyond for his patients’ care.”

OBSTETRICIAN

• Dr. David Taylor: “Personable and respectful of all his patients” • Dr. Thomas Lehman: “He is an excellent doctor with an amazing bedside manner. I have never had an experience with his services that weren’t a 10/10.”

ONCOLOGIST

• Dr. Pamela Tuli: “Dr. Tuli is an amazing doctor that is constantly continuing her education to provide her patients with the best care possible.

Simply put, she is the best!”

• Dr. Allison Wall: “Dr. Wall goes above and beyond with all of her patients.”

OPTHALMOLOGIST

• Dr. Margaret Phillips: “Dr. Phillips and her staff are all very friendly and made me feel comfortable during all my

visits. She is an amazing doctor who talks to you, not over you, about what’s going on and what she is doing during procedures and listens to your concerns during follow-ups.”

—review from Restore Oculoplastics Gulf Coast Facebook page • Dr. Gregory E. Bertucci: “Chose Dr. Bertucci for PRK procedure — excellent bedside manner. (He) took the time to explain the procedure and genuinely cared for my wellbeing and happiness, few doctors like this anymore.”

— review from healthgrades. com

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

• Dr. Joseph Cox: “Not only has he brought innovative and advanced spinal surgeries to the Coast, but he cares enough about his community to operate on Stella the Shark — the first shark spinal surgery in the world. I’ve worked with a lot of doctors in the past 29 years, and he is the most caring, honorable and smartest I think I’ve ever known.”

• Dr. Dudley Burwell: “Dr. Burwell is very compassionate and a great surgeon.”

• Dr. Dan Wittersheim: “Dr. Wittersheim and his (physician assistant) Dorian are both very good at what they do.

They take the time to give you the attention you need and explain your x-rays to you so you understand what is next. The rest of the staff is professional and cheerful, which makes a big difference when you are frightened and in pain.”

— from Google reviews

OTHER

• Dr. Bart Edmiston: “Dr Edmiston will find out exactly where your pain is coming from and treat it accordingly.

He really listens and cares about his patients. He will call you after hours to give you a diagnosis; not many doctors will do that. Dr. Edmiston always has strived to make his patients better.”

• Dr. Brett Kathmann: “Dr. Kathmann is a ER/wound care doctor that has shown the utmost respect for his patients.

To add to this, I’ve seen him go out of his way on weekends he is not working to help arrange the transfer of a child that grabbed a curling iron and needed care from a burn center. I’ve seen the way he

interacts with his children patients all the way to elders. He was a gentle way of talking to patients to explain their problems. He likes to take chances and try new treatments when one doesn’t work. He takes the time to listen to his patients to let them know they aren’t alone.”

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

• Dr. Timothy Haffey: “Dr. Haffey removed a 3-pound, stage-three cancerous tumor from my neck. He is an expert in ENT procedures and also in plastic surgery. He did not leave me morbid and disfigured; I have complete mobility and function. My scar is almost unnoticeable. I trust him completely.” — review from healthgrades.com • Dr. Clayton Bratton: “He is a kind doctor who always cares for his patients.”

PEDIATRICS

• Dr. Bryant McCrary: “He has been caring for our coastal children for almost 40 years.

He is amazing with the children and the best at what he does.”

• Dr. Amy Schepens: “Amazing with children”

PLASTIC SURGEON

• Dr. Anna K. Pavlov: No review/comment available • Dr. Eric Wyble: “He just did my first-ever lip filler and a little Botox around my mouth, and he did an absolutely wonderful job! I will be going back to him. Great work!” — from Google reviews

PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

• Dr. Andrew Peterson: “He takes the time to listen to you and considers your total wellbeing. By listening, he is able to solve problems and get you on the road to recovery sooner rather than later.”

• Dr. Tana Cooper: “Dr. Cooper not only is a wonderful, thorough provider, but also a thoughtful, knowledgeable colleague — giving her all on a daily basis to provide the best care for her patients.”

PSYCHIATRIST/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST

tude and the exceptional care she has given me.”

• Dr. Dustin Marmalich: “Dr. Marmalich resonates compassion for his community through giving grace-filled patient care.”

PULMONOLOGIST

• Dr. Summer Allen: “Works endless hours in clinic and ICU to treat COVID patients” • Dr. Ijlal Babar: “Dr. Babar has been crucial in Singing River’s expansion of clinical trials and research initiatives and a key player in our fight against COVID-19.”

RADIOLOGIST

• Dr. Leena Pande: “She is the only woman partner in her group but the most capable, gracious and knowledgeable physician I have ever met.”

Dr. Lisa Smith: No comments/ reviews available

RHEUMATOLOGIST

• Dr. Richa Gupta: “She goes above (and beyond) for you to ease your pain. She knows her stuff!” — from Google reviews • Dr. Nicole Walton: “Dr.Walton, Liz and the rest of the staff are all so friendly and kind!

They really care about their patients. I will always recommend Dr. Walton!” — from Google reviews

UROLOGIST

• Dr. Jacob Jorns: “Dr. Jorns treats patients with respect and compassion. He meets his patients on time and never leaves you waiting or wondering what’s going on. I recommend him to anyone I know needing a Urologist.”

• Dr. Craig Dawkins: “He’s the bomb! He truly cares for his patients and is kind to staff. He’s always signed his handwritten orders, ‘Thanks, Dawkins.’”

VETERINARIAN

• Dr. Jeff Sutton: “Dr. Sutton is a very dedicated veterinarian.

He is truly concerned about every pet that he treats and treats them as if they were his own. He works very long hours to treat and save so many pets.”

• Dr. Jennifer Sutton: “very dedicated veterinarian”

• Dr. Dorothy Dickson-Rishel: “Dr. Rishel is more than just a good doctor; she is a great listener. I value her caring atti-

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

www.gcwmultimedia.com 1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

25

COAST TOP DOCTORS Recognizing others who were nominated ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Dr. Paul Niolet

CARDIOLOGIST

Dr. Michael Payment Dr. Eva Magiros Dr. Jay Libys Dr. Mahmoud Zayed Dr. Michael Cunningham Dr. Bassam Baroudi Dr. Antoine Rizk

CARDIOVASCULAR/ CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON Dr. Jason Williams

DENTIST

Dr. Robert Sutton, III Dr. James Allen Dr. Laurence Hage Dr. Kiono Barnes Dr. Mario Roybal Dr. Murray Keel Dr. Walter Guillot Dr. Kevin Verrett Dr. Michael Williams Dr. Buddy Brice Dr. Matthew McCabe Dr. Nhi Le Dr. Brice McMurphy Dr. Tim McCabe Dr. Beaux McCormick Dr. Michael Steward Dr. Karen Crews Dr. Clifford Cook Dr. Steven Blakeney Dr. Amanda McMurphy

DERMATOLOGIST Dr. Robert Wessler Dr. Michael Gutierrez Dr. Gwen Crane Dr. Eric Tabor

GASTROENTEROLOGIST Dr. James Kirk Campbell Dr. Ronald Rinker Dr. Marc Hopkins Dr. Renee Shiao Dr. Alva Dillon Dr. April Ulmer Dr. Ramon Brown

26

October 2021

GENERAL SURGERY Dr. Scott Blackburn Dr. David Rimmer Dr. Nicholas Fayard Dr. Kristine Carter

GYNECOLOGIST

Dr. Keith Goodfellow Dr. John Mallett Dr. Michael McKay Dr. Bradley Sams Dr. Hebe Diaz Dr. Gregory Horn Dr. John Pappas Dr. Noel Duplantier Dr. Shahira Hanna Dr. Donielle Daigle Dr. Julius Bosco Jr. Dr. Sheli Milam Dr. Lysey Cox Dr. David Taylor Dr. Nestor Delgado Dr. Courtney Meredith Dr. Thomas Lehman Dr. Michael Christie

INFECTIOUS DISEASE Dr. Okechukwu Ekenna

NEPHROLOGIST Dr. Erika Hopkins Dr. Olusola Isikalu

NEUROLOGIST

Dr. Chelsea Grow Dr. Lee Voulters Dr. Diane E. Ross Dr. Christopher Karcher Dr. Dwayne Anderson

NEUROSURGEON Dr. Eric Wolfson Dr. Basil Shah

OBSTETRICIAN

Dr. Noel Duplantier Dr. Bradley Sams Dr. Courtney Meredith Dr. Jim Gaddy Dr. Shahira Hanna Dr. William Moore Dr. Gregory Horn

ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Brad Greenfield Dr. Olivia Hightower

OPTHAMOLOGIST Dr. George Thurber

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

Dr. Jeffery Noblin Dr. Yekaterina Karpitskaya Dr. Chris Burks Dr. Inez Kelleher Dr. Joel Tucker Dr. R. Lance Johansen Dr. Jess Mullens Dr. George Salloum Dr. Eric Washington Dr. Eric Graham Dr. Charles Winters Dr. Karen Hand Dr. Scott Blackburn Dr. Kenneth Koval Dr. Henry Leis Dr. Donnis Harrison

OTHER

Dr. John Grady

OTOLARYNGOLOGY/ ENT Dr. Vincent Pisciotta Dr. Bryan Leatherman Dr. Michael Seicshnaydre

PEDIATRICS

Dr. Timothy Bruni Dr. Walter “Kas” Grant Dr. Wendy Williams Dr. Jennifer Grayson Dr. Brandi Coleman Dr. Tamara Harper Dr. Maureen Holland Dr. Andrea Logan Dr. Kelly Nation

PRIMARY CARE

Dr. Steven Schepens Dr. Howard “Bud” Westbrook Dr. Gene Cathey Dr. Lainie Jorns Dr. Yashashree Bethala Dr. Alan D. Gatlin Dr. Halvor Hem Dr. Andrew Adams Dr. Joanna Bayles Dr. David Roberts Dr. Rickey Chance Dr. Robert Partrige Dr. Priyanka Srivastav Dr. Irene Koskan Dr. Belinda Alexander Dr. Rebecca Rose Dr. James Erwin

PSYCHIATRIST/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST Dr. Catherine Rogers Dr. Rose Ellen Clifford Dr. Kathryn Waggoner Dr. Roger Ridgeway Jr. Dr. Shelia Rivers Dr. Stephen Johns

PULMONOLOGIST Dr. Fred Pakron

RADIOLOGIST

Dr. Jason B. Crowder

UROLOGIST

Dr. David Spencer Jr. Dr. Paige White

VETERINARIAN

Dr. Jeff Peterman Dr. Tracy Acosta Dr. Julie Parks Dr. Laura King Dr. E. Williams Dr. Lisa Wilkerson Dr. Greg McGrath Dr. Justin Strief Dr. Woody Beacham Dr. R.C. Williams

Dr. Chris Shelby Dr. Boyd Benefield Dr. Vanessa Duncombe Dr. Kathy Keimig Dr. David LaRosa Dr. Reginald Stewart Dr. Joel Burwell

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

Dr. Pamela Tuli Specializing in Hematology and Medical Oncology

Practicing for more than two decades, Dr. Tuli is continuously evolving her expertise to fight cancer and is board certified in both Medical Oncology and Hematology.

“It is such an exciting time to be practicing in the field of oncology. Not only is the pace of new treatments available to help patients astonishing, but these treatments are offering better, often incredible, outcomes for patients with less toxicity than traditional treatments. I am privileged to be a part of it.”

Dr. Tuli studied medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB in Texas while serving in the United States Air Force. She fulfills her passion for teaching medicine by precepting Internal Medicine residents from Merit Health Wesley. Partnering with LSU, Dr. Tuli has developed and heads the oncology clinical trial program at Memorial Hospital, bringing more treatment options close to home for her patients on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Bay St. Louis • Diamondhead • Gulfport (2) • Biloxi (2) • Ocean Springs • Wiggins

Bay St. Louis • Diamondhead • Gulfport (2) • Biloxi (2) you.

• Ocean Springs • Wiggins Acceping new patients at all locations to serve Lauren Hitt, NP

Accepting New Patients inPamela all Locations J Tuli, MD Sidra Khalid, www.gcwmultimedia.com

MD 27 Edye Denius, NP

Photo graphy by South Mississippi Living

Pushing himself to be the

best

Dr. Clifford Cook stays on the cutting edge of dental care

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

S

ome patients may still fear the dentist’s chair, but according to Dr. Clifford Cook, the old days of painful dentistry are over.

“Lasers have created better work and require far less anesthesia — many times none …,” says Cook, a dentist with Broadwater Dental in D’Iberville. “Oral health is important to overall health, and I think many people are realizing that and are more accepting of seeing the dentist.”

Born and raised on the Coast, Cook has wanted to be a dentist since he was 6 and his brother went to college to pursue the field. The profession proved a great fit, he adds, because he loves people and enjoys working with his hands.

“Dentistry is very procedural and technical; it allows me to do what I love,” Cook says. “I love the challenges and connections of oral health to overall health. Now more than ever, the systematic/oral connection creates new and exciting things to study and implement for my patients.”

The dentist acquired a strong work ethic by following his brother’s example and by helping on his dad’s two farms while growing up. Cook says his early experiences taught him to “never stop until the job is done” — an attitude that has served him well in his education and career.

After graduating from the University of South Alabama with a degree in biomedical science, Cook earned a master’s degree from Mississippi College and completed his studies at the

28

October 2021

University of Mississippi Medical School.

Having practiced for a dozen years, seven of those in D’Iberville, Cook has learned to balance his many roles, including husband, dad of three daughters, dental provider and boss.

“I use my background of growing up to push myself to the greatest of limits,” he says. “I want to learn more and be the best. I have the greatest staff on Earth, and they give me the drive to have the best team possible.”

On a given day, Cook performs anywhere from 10 to 20 procedures — and utilizing the latest technology has helped him streamline the processes. He’s especially excited about laser therapy, which he says has revolutionized dentistry, and implant advances are reducing the burden of tooth loss.

“Most treatments have less post-op complications; same-day treatments are increasing,” he says. “We have really become a well-oiled profession invested in the overall health of the patient.”

Over the next 20 years, Cook expects technology to continue to make treatment easier and more comfortable. He’s also optimistic about eradicating tooth decay in the coming decades, as dental professionals know what causes it and have the power to target and eliminate it. Cosmetic dentistry is another area in which he expects big advancements.

“We have drastically improved materials over the years, and they will only get better,” he says. “This will help many more find their confidence.”

To those who are reluctant to visit the dentist, Cook suggests, “If nothing else, just go for an exam.”

“We want to hear our patients’ concerns, and we want to help,” he says. “Your overall health is our greatest concern, and it all starts with great oral health.”

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

at Broadwater Dental

Top Doctor Nominee 2021

Call our team at Broadwater Dental and get started today!

(228) 388-3353

Your Beacon to a Healthy Smile!

10437 Lamey Bridge Rd. Suite E, D'Iberville, MS 39540

www.gcwmultimedia.com

29

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31

The

lifelong learner Oncologist Olivia Hightower empowers patients with knowledge

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

A

s an oncologist, Dr. Olivia Hightower is used to nervous patients.

But if a difficult diagnosis puts her in someone’s life, she does everything possible to make the experience a positive one.

“I encourage patients that knowledge is power,” says the doctor, who practices at Gulfport Memorial Hospital, “and there is so much we can do.”

Hightower herself has always loved learning and wanted to be a doctor from the age of 6. The University of Mississippi Medical School graduate became interested in oncology in high school, when her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer — from which she eventually recovered.

Driven by a desire to use her knowledge and skill to help others, Hightower has been practicing on the Coast since completing her fellowship in 2013 and has locations in Gulfport, Biloxi and Wiggins.

“As I got further into my medical career, I realized that my goal was to make the best situation possible for my patients given their specific illness and stage,” she says, “whether that be a curative intent, if possible, or life-prolonging palliative chemotherapy in hopes of maintaining a good quality of life….”

Contrary to what some may believe, Hightower stresses that chemotherapy is not the only tool oncologists have for treating cancer.

“We do use a lot of chemotherapy,” she acknowledges, “but a significant number of these chemotherapies are more targeted based on the genetics of the tumor involved,

32

October 2021

usually leading to better results with fewer side effects.

We also work together with surgeons and radiation oncologists to get optimal results based on the individual case.” The impact of a good support system and a positive attitude, the oncologist adds, can’t be overstated.

Given how much and how quickly her specialty is evolving, Hightower continues, “I expect to have significantly more targeted treatment options in the years to come based on genomic profiling of tumors.”

In the meantime, being proactive remains the best defense against cancer, Hightower says, as early detection makes the illness easier to treat. Screenings can save lives, including mammograms starting at age 40, colonoscopies starting at age 50 (or sooner if there is a family history) and regular pap smears.

She may enjoy her specialty because it’s exciting and intellectually challenging, but Hightower’s favorite part of her job is getting to know her patients and their families and walking them through a tough time in their lives.

“Some days are challenging,” she says, “but I always feel blessed for having the opportunity to help someone during their time of need.”

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

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1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

Dental Care @coastalfamilyhealth.org

Preventative dentistry is an important part of your health care, and Coastal Family Health Center can help you and your family with all of your dental service needs.

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Joseph Hudson Medical Center, Gulfport

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Biloxi Clinic

Preventative cleaning Fillings and extractions Emergency dental services Biloxi Clinic 228-374-4991 Gulfport Clinic 228-864-9781 Leakesville Clinic 601-394-2381

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Leakesville Clinic www.gcwmultimedia.com

33

IS HERE TO HELP YOU.

34

Group picture, L to R: Jessie Lindsey, FNP, Angela Noble, FNP, Angela Meadows, FNP, George Loukatos, MD, Shannon Whittington, FNP, and Lindsey Parker, FNP Individual pictures, L to R: Michele McLeod, FNP, Lee Stork, FNP, and CC Langley, DNP

October 2021

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OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

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(228) 396-3945

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35

Pediatrics is her

ministry Love for children drives Dr. Tamara Harper

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

F

or Dr. Tamara Harper, the pandemic has highlighted the fragility of life — but also its strength.

Harper, a pediatrician affiliated with Singing River, may have to wear masks and protective gear all day, but she and her patients still somehow understand each other.

“It’s amazing how babies are so resilient,” she says, “seeming to notice even my smiling eyebrows while never having seen my teeth and genuine smile.”

Medicine may not have been Harper’s first career goal — that was becoming a McDonald’s cashier at age 6 — but it has been her most abiding passion. The Moss Point native decided she wanted to become a doctor when she was hospitalized at Singing River Hospital, Pascagoula, with a septic knee.

Her interest continued to grow throughout her childhood and culminated with a summer science academy at Xavier University in Louisiana, where she would go on to complete her undergraduate studies.

She earned her medical doctorate from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1998 and completed her pediatrics residency there in 2001.

Harper chose pediatrics as her specialty for a simple reason: “Kids are fun!”

“Yes, even those who scream at the mere site of a stethoscope or white coat, or those who suddenly develop

36

October 2021

lockjaw when you present a tongue depressor, will be the same child who later runs down the hall screaming your name and clinging to your leg with the skill of a koala,” she says. “I am certain that I am walking in my calling as a pediatrician. I consider pediatrics my ministry.”

In that ministry, the doctor has seen several seemingly hopeless situations turn around.

In fact. she considers pediatrics a miracle profession in and of itself.

“I am always reminded of God’s beauty in the advancement of medicine,” she says, “especially when I get to serve a patient from infancy into adulthood (and see them) matriculate into college after having been born extremely premature, weighing in at barely over 1 pound, and perhaps not having a chance of survival 25 years ago.”

Of all the medical advances Harper has witnessed, few are as impressive to her as immunizations. Diseases like polio, smallpox, measles, mumps, and rubella have been essentially eradicated, she notes, to the point that most of her peers have seen few, if any, cases, of them.

“The world at large has benefited immensely from the power of immunizations,” she says, “and pediatricians have the privilege of standing on the front line of protecting

“I am certain that I am walking in my calling as a pediatrician. I consider pediatrics my ministry.” children and the public at large.

“As a pediatrician, with the latest surge of Covid, I am excited and hopeful for the approval of a Covid vaccination for children under the age of 12 in the very near future.”

In five, 10 and even 20 years, Harper expects pediatricians will continue to serve an important role in growing families. She considers it an honor and privilege to offer reassurance, support, and healing as her patients grow and thrive from infancy into adulthood.

“At this stage in my career, I am even starting to see former patients return as they become parents,” she says, “which is definitely a gratifying feeling.”

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E X P E R T I N S I G H T: H E A LT H C A R E

N O N A LC O H O L I C FAT T Y L I V E R D I S E A S E A N D P O LY C Y S T I C O VA R I A N S Y N D R O M E What is NAFLD? Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common forms of liver disease. NAFLD is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of NAFLD where, in addition to fat accumulation, there is inflammation of the liver and liver damage known as fibrosis, or scarring. Some fat in the liver is normal; however, inflammation can be triggered when there is too much.

An estimated 24% of adults in the US have NAFLD. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity are risk factors for the development of NAFLD. Research suggests that 67% of patients with type 2 diabetes have NAFLD. It is also present in 75% of people who are overweight and 90% of people who are considered obese. NAFLD is also more prevalent in Hispanic populations, followed by non-Hispanic whites and Asian Americans.

Emily Hughes-Foret, MBA THE NATIONAL DIABETES AND OBESITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 19289C Saint Joseph Street Biloxi, MS 39532 Office: 228.831.8764 Email: info@ndori.org

About the Author: Emily is currently the Director of Operations for NDORI and has worked in healthcare research related to chronic diseases for nearly 10 years. Emily is also pursuing a doctoral degree from William Carey University in Health Administration and Education. She has made it her personal mission to help advance healthcare and address health disparities in Mississippi.

People with NAFLD are at a higher risk for other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. People who have NASH are at a higher risk of cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure or liver cancer. Studies have suggested that the accumulation of liver fat may contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

be a contributing factor to the development of NAFLD.

So what does this mean?

More research is needed to continue exploring the relationship between PCOS, NAFLD, and more advanced stages of liver disease, such as NASH. Women with PCOS who are insulin resistance and/or are overweight should consider consulting a doctor for liver evaluation. The progression of NAFLD can be silent as symptoms may go unnoticed until later stages where liver damage may not be reversible. Therefore, regular screening is important.

For both conditions, lifestyle modifications including exercise, diet, and weight loss are appropriate therapeutic interventions. Weight loss can improve liver health and can also improve symptoms of PCOS. Currently, no medications have been approved to treat NAFLD or NASH. However, researchers are making headway into the discovery of treatments that may improve these conditions.

Are NAFLD and PCOS related?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) presents in women and is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The imbalance can cause problems with the ovaries, which can cause infertility. PCOS is actually one of the leading causes of infertility. Women with PCOS can also develop insulin resistance.

With insulin resistance, the body can make insulin but does not use it properly, causing an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Since obesity and insulin resistance are factors related to NAFLD and PCOS, both conditions overlap but are they linked? Studies have shown that there is a higher prevalence of NAFLD in women with PCOS. Inversely, women with NAFLD are more often diagnosed with PCOS. Literature has also suggested that excess production of the Androgen hormone, known as hyperandrogenism, may

Resources: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) | DHHS Office on Women’s Health | DHHS About NDORI: The National Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (NDORI) is currently conducting research for NAFLD/NASH, Obesity, and Diabetes. We can perform a FibroScan which is a specialized ultrasound of the liver to measure the amount of fatty liver and detect if there may be any fibrosis (scarring). We can also perform resting metabolic rate testing which accurately measures how many calories you burn at rest. NDORI’s multidisciplinary team provides individualized care to meet the needs of our patients. Call us today for more information! www.gcwmultimedia.com 37

Top 10 health concerns for women

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, women face numerous threats to their health that can prove serious, or even deadly. Some dangers are exclusive to females while others affect people across ages, genders and demographics.

Which threats to women are the most concerning and common? Read on for the list of the top 10.

1 HEART DISEASE

In the U.S., heart disease remains the number-one killer among both men and women. A reported one in three American women have some form of cardiovascular or heart disease — and they often don’t know it. Some women may be asymptomatic or experience the classic symptom of chest pain or discomfort, but they also should be on the lookout for symptoms like nausea, dizziness, vomiting and fatigue.

2 CANCER

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, so make sure to get your annual mammogram starting at age 40 — or sooner if the disease runs in your family. Other cancers that are common among women include skin, colorectal, endometrial, lung, cervical and ovarian. Your best defenses are living a healthy lifestyle, knowing your family history and having regular checkups and screenings.

3 STROKE

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke, and every four minutes, someone dies as a result. To spot the signs, remember the acronym F.A.S.T.: face drooping, arm weakness or numbness, speech difficulty and time to call 9-1-1. High blood pressure, a leading risk factor, affects a reported two in five women, and stroke risk also increases with age.

4 DIABETES AND OBESITY

Type 2 diabetes affects nearly 26 million adults, and while it’s more common in men, females often have more serious complications and a greater risk of death. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, and about one-third of U.S. adults are obese.

Healthy lifestyle changes are your best protection against these conditions.

5 OSTEOPOROSIS

Of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, a condition causing bones to become weak and brittle, roughly 8 million are women, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, the Foundation reports. Women, especially those who are older with small frames, are most at risk, so don’t neglect your bone health.

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6 DEPRESSION

Everyone experiences sadness at times, but when feelings of emptiness or hopelessness persist for weeks or months and interfere with your life, depression may be at play. Mental illness affects one in five people during their lifetimes, and some types of depression affect women exclusively, including those tied to hormonal changes during the postpartum and perimenopausal periods. Many people need treatment to feel better, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from a professional if needed.

7 AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Our immune systems protect our bodies from foreign invaders, but what about when they turn on normal, healthy cells? Autoimmune diseases are most common among women — who represent about 70 percent of cases — and are a leading cause of death and disability. Managing such conditions starts with proper diagnosis, so don’t ignore signs such as fatigue, muscle soreness, bowel problems or numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.

8 ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Of the 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, two-thirds are women, and of the more than 15 million Americans caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, two-thirds are women. This progressive, degenerative brain condition causes 4 percent of all female deaths in the United States each year. Confusion and forgetfulness may be early signs, so don’t hesitate to discuss concerns about yourself or a loved one with a doctor.

9 UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES

Roughly 3 percent of female deaths each year are caused by mishaps such as car accidents, fires, poisonings, falls and suffocation. Women ages 18-34 are most prone to injury or fatality from such incidents. Simple precautions such as wearing a seatbelt, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and avoiding slippery surfaces can reduce your risk.

10 INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA

Pregnant women, as well as young children, the elderly and those with chronic health problems, are most at risk of death or serious complications from the flu and pneumonia. Flu is the most common cause of pneumonia among adults, and the annual flu vaccine is the best defense, reducing your risk by 40-60 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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New heart, strengthened faith Long beach wife, mom leads full life after transplant

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

C

aitlin Irwin had no idea her heart was failing.

It wasn’t until the financial analyst at Mississippi Power was 32 weeks pregnant with her son, Patrick, in 2017 that she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

“I remember being at work one day, and I couldn’t breathe; my husband (John) convinced me to go to the doctor right then,” Irwin recalls. “Thank goodness he did.

He saved both my life and our son’s life.”

In hindsight, the Long Beach native recognizes the symptoms she experienced: being out of breath, slowness when exercising and consistent fatigue.

“At the time, no one thought anything of it because it would go away quickly,” she says. “I’m also 5 feet tall, so we just attributed my slowness to having little legs.”

The day she learned about her congestive heart failure, Irwin had an emergency c-section at The University of South Alabama Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile. After Patrick was delivered, he remained in the newborn intensive care unit while Irwin was transported by helicopter to Ochsner Medical Center. After a few days, her son joined her in New Orleans, where her husband and family could visit him and Irwin could see him on the NICU camera.

The new mom needed a new heart, so she was placed on the transplant list. To keep her alive while she waited, doctors fitted

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her with a tandem heart pump and two balloon pumps.

Nearly a month later, on April 26, Irwin underwent a heart transplant. She remains under the care of the heart transplant team at Ochsner and sees them regularly, but otherwise, her life is relatively normal.

“I’m still able to be the wife and mother I always dreamed about,” Irwin says. “I’m still able to work full time and provide for my family.”

To protect her new heart and keep her body from rejecting it, she takes medicine daily — and she also tries to avoid people who are sick, as a simple cold could easily land her in the hospital.

For others who have been diagnosed with cardiac conditions, her advice is “(Do) what your doctors say, and enjoy your life.”

“A lot can be done to control heart disease,” Irwin says.

“Advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Create a good support system. Live a healthy lifestyle.”

Looking to the future, she hopes to live a very long life and not need another transplant. She and John also want to add to their family through adoption, for which they are in the waiting process.

“This diagnosis made me realize what’s important in life,” she says, “and made my faith even stronger than before.”

Caitlin Irwin and her son, Patrick

WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which affects the blood flow to the heart and can cause a heart attack.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of a heart attack, per the American Heart Association, include: • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness For both men and women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort.

However, women are somewhat more likely to experience other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you experience any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

According to the CDC, heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen or neck veins.

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

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OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

Center for OB/GYN Dr. Watts is Board Certified and a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Watts performs in all general areas of OB/GYN, including but not limited to: • Normal & High risk prenatal care.

• Vaginal and Cesarean deliveries.

• Open and laparoscopic hysterectomies.

• Minimally invasive procedures.

• General Gynecology • Birth Control

Aimee R. Watts, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. MAIN OFFICE OCEAN SPRINGS

(228) 818-0025

2113 Government St., Suite I-4

BILOXI OFFICE

(228) 374-3749

147 Reynoir St., Suite 102

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WHY THE RISE OF TELEHEALTH IS A WIN-WIN Telehealth surfaced as a quick, safe solution for patient care, and now patients are more in touch with their doctors than ever before.

Let’s be honest, telehealth can be a bit intimidating if you are not comfortable with technology, and it can be daunting to have a

BY EMILY BURKE doctor’s appointment without being seen in the office. Little did we know when the coronavirus took over the world in 2020 that the practice of medicine would change forever.

Telehealth is not a new concept. The first “telehealth” appointment dates back to 1948.

Radiology images were sent via telephone line, and doctors were able to use communications technology to connect with radiologists all over the country, speeding up diagnosis and transferring data.

With the increased cases of COVID-19, health care providers have quickly reinvented themselves for the sake of patient care and the business’s bottom line. Routine doctor visits took a nosedive, and appointment cancelations were on the rise for fear of becoming sick. Telehealth surfaced as a quick, safe solution for patient care, and now patients are more in touch with their doctors than ever before.

WHY IS TELEHEALTH BENEFICIAL?

The American Psychiatric Association reported in May 2021 that most Americans welcomed telehealth services. Nearly four in 10 Americans have used telehealth to meet with medical or mental health providers. Telehealth services

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benefit patients in numerous ways; one of the most significant is limiting physical contact, thus reducing the chance of catching COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses. Telehealth visits give you the flexibility to be anywhere in the world.

It is convenient for patients, allowing them to continue living their lives while having their health monitored every step of the way. Telehealth reduces time off work and eliminates difficulties in finding childcare, as well as shortening patients’ wait and granting access to a pool of specialists.

Due to the pandemic, the federal government, state Medicare programs and private insurers have expanded their coverage for virtual health care services. The change in coverage allows health care providers to continue patient care and recoup projected business that did not or would not have taken place. Health care providers now can collect reimbursements for treating uninsured patients for COVID-19-related services. Telehealth services have cut down on the number of “noshow” patients, and patients are now scheduling the routine visits appropriate for telehealth.

In the past month, 15 percent of Coastal Family Health's patients took advantage of medical and behavioral telehealth services. If you need

to consult a doctor, consider whether this convenient, rapidly growintg option is right for you.

Emily Burke is director of marketing and communications for Coastal Family Health Center.

Reach her at eburke@coastalfamilyhealth.org.

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

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OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

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(228) 396-3945

When a loved one’s return to independence depends on you,

DEPEND ON US. Love is a powerful healer. We witness its benefits day after day as we partner with devoted caregivers to help restore independence to overcome the effects of a stroke or life-changing illness or injury.

If you or someone you love has lost independence, depend on us for rehabilitation.

We start by providing information you need to feel comfortable with our approach to advanced therapy and care. Then we create custom routines of recovery to address unique needs. Depend on us.

Learn more at ehc.rehab/gcw21

4500 13th Street Suite 900 Gulfport, MS 39501 228.822.6965 • Fax 228.822.6999 www.gcwmultimedia.com 43 ©2020:Encompass Health Corporation:1665948

BY DR. OLIVIA HIGHTOWER

Better breast cancer treatment is saving lives We are making advancements every year in breast cancer treatment. Patients are being cured at a higher rate, and even those whose cancer is detected at later stages are living longer, as chemotherapy options are improving.

B

reast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, excluding skin cancers.

About one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime — constituting approximately 12 percent of women.

Early detection of breast cancer is key to improved survival rates. Annual mammograms and self-exams are important components of finding the disease early. Mammograms will detect the vast majority of early breast cancers.

3D mammograms have become more readily available, and they are more sensitive with fewer false positives. If a mammogram is negative but a woman finds a lump on self-exam, she should see her doctor and pursue further workup with breast ultrasound and biopsy.

Breast cancer treatments are improving every year. Five-year survival rates are very high for stage 1 breast cancers at greater than 99 percent. Regional disease involving the lymph nodes have an 86 percent survival rate at five years with appropriate treatment. Treatments include surgery with lumpectomy or mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and endocrine therapy with hormone-blocking pills.

Patients will need to discuss with their doctor which of the above treatments are needed.

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Genetic testing of hormonally driven breast cancer cells helps determine the recurrence risk for each woman and the benefit that chemotherapy will provide, allowing us to make better decisions about adjuvant treatment and to educate the patient on the risks and benefits. Chemotherapy options also are improving and becoming more targeted. For example, if a patient has a protein that is overexpressed called HER2, there are more targeted options for chemotherapy, in combination with traditional chemotherapy, that allow for better response rates and recurrence prevention.

Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, increasing age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, postmenopausal hormone replacement, increased age of having first child or not having children and increased age of transition to menopause.

Patients can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol and avoiding hormone exposure. Women with strong family history should be genetically tested for mutations that increase their risk, as 5-10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary.

If patients have these mutations, genetic counseling is undertaken, and preventative surgeries can be considered.

Patients in the high-risk group also can take hormone-blocking treatments such as Tamoxifen that decrease their risk of developing breast cancer.

Thorough preventative care with annual breast exams, mammograms and monthly self-exams, lives can be saved.

Women with no family history should start at age 40 with mammograms and continue yearly. Women with family history should start 10 years earlier than the youngest relative was diagnosed or age 35, whichever is earlier.

We are making advancements every year in breast cancer treatment. Patients are being cured at a higher rate, and even those whose cancer is detected at later stages are living longer, as chemotherapy options are improving.

Advances in fighting breast cancer are frequent, as clinical trials are continuing to produce breakthroughs in chemotherapy options every year. I am excited about the continued progress that is being made and the lives that are being saved.

Dr. Olivia Hightower is a medical oncologist at Gulfport Memorial Hospital.

Reach her at (228) 575-1234.

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JENNIFER SUTTON, DVM, MBA and JEFF SUTTON, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Sutton and her husband, Dr. Jeff Sutton, own Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Beach View Veterinary Hospital, and Paws to Remember Pet Loss Service. They consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to care for people by caring for the pets they love! The combination of practices enables pets and their families to have seamless, complete, and compassionate care. Care includes day-to-day healthcare needs at Beach View Veterinary Hospital, urgent and emergency care 24 hours a day at Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

Pass to Remember’ s cremation and other pet loss services and support after they pass away.

Dr. Jennifer Sutton is a 1998 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her Master of Business Administration degree in 2018 at Louisiana State University Shreveport and is currently completing her Doctor of Business Management degree at Northcentral University. Dr. Jeff Sutton is a 1999 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. They met during Jeff’s clinical year at LSU. Since 2003 when Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency opened, the Suttons have cared for more than 55,000 families and 90,000 pets along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. As one of the most modern veterinary facilities in the state of Mississippi, Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency has a comprehensive on-site laboratory, on-site blood and plasma bank, and the ability to consult with veterinary specialists around the world at any time of the day or night.

Acquired from a retiring veterinarian in 2015, Beach View is in a beautiful location with a “beach view” and proudly

cares for pets from along the gulf coast and military families.

In addition to routine medical care, Beach View contains a state-of-the-art dental suite. Pets in need of overnight or advanced care easily transition to the emergency facility for around-the-clock monitoring. Both Beach View and Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency work closely with Friends of Jackson County, SPCA of Diamondhead, Pink Pawz, and other rescue organizations to assist their efforts to overcome stray and animal overpopulation struggles.

Opened in 2020, Paws to Remember is located in a separate building behind Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital. It is certified by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories and offers private and communal cremations.

All private cremations include a beautiful wooden urn with an engraved plate, clay paw print, certificate, and other memorabilia. Specialty products like jewelry, memory boxes, distinctive urns, and grave markers are also available.

Complimentary transportation from area veterinary clinics occurs upon request.

Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital has been included in the 2017 and 2021 Inc. 5000 list as one of America’s fastest growing, privately owned businesses. In 2018, the Suttons were named the Mississippi Small Business Administrations’ Business Persons of the Year. Jeff and Jennifer are both graduates of Leadership Gulf Coast. Jennifer is a graduate of the Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Program, Hancock County Leadership, Leadership Mississippi, and the GCBC Master’s Program, and the inaugural class of the Loyola University Woman’s Leadership Program. She is the recipient of the Coast Young Professional’s Forever Young, One Coast Community Leader, Success Woman’s Conference Top Influencer, and the 2018 Karen Sock LightHouse Business and Professional Woman of the Year awards. She was recently named the Power Up Summit’s Entrepreneur of the Year and one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s 50 Leading Business Women of Mississippi.

GULF COAST VETERINARY EMERGENCY HOSPITAL | 8144 E. Oaklawn Rd. | Biloxi, MS 39532 | (228) 392-7474 | gulfcoastveter.com PAWS TO REMEMBER | 8144 E. Oaklawn Rd. | Biloxi, MS 39532 | (228) 400-5242 | pawstoremember@gmail.com

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BEACH VIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL | 132 Porter Ave. | Biloxi, MS 39530 | (228) 436-6497 | beachviewveterinaryhospital.com

Caring for high-risk moms and babies A Q&A with maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. James Bofill Dr. James Bofill is a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Dr. Bofill holds certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been a faculty member at UMMC since 1999. He is a maternalfetal medicine specialist, caring for pregnant women who are at high risk or whose expectant babies are at high risk.

Dr. Bofill sees patients every Wednesday at Children’s of Mississippi Gulf Coast Specialty Clinic, 1721 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Biloxi. The clinic also is home to a number of Children’s of Mississippi pediatric specialists.

Q: What makes an expectant mother high risk and in need of care by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?

A: We see three main groups of patients. First, I care for women with complicated pregnancies, and some of these complications are quite common. Some expectant moms have advanced maternal age, type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension, lupus or myriad other disorders that may have a deleterious effect on their pregnancy.

The second group of patients are those whose local obstetrician might be concerned that their ultrasound has demonstrated a fetal anatomic defect or abnormality. Those patients are typically referred to us for a detailed or “targeted ultrasound,” where we carefully study the pregnancy with ultrasound and determine if there are issues. Lastly, our referrals will also include patients who have had a difficult outcome in a prior pregnancy.

It’s incredibly important for high-risk patients of any age to optimize their health prior to initiating a pregnancy. We offer pre-conception counseling so that a patient can discuss any medical issues she has prior to pregnancy. We also have a genetic counselor at our Fetal Center who can speak to the patient if there are any genetic issues in her family. Unfortunately, in the U.S., only about 45 percent of pregnancies are planned. This means that, in most cases, we will try to optimize the patient’s health as soon as the pregnancy is recognized.

Q: What are some of the risk factors for unborn babies?

A: It is well known that patients who have poor control of diabetes during early pregnancy are at much higher risk for the fetus to have malformations. Similarly, those patients who initiate a pregnancy with very poor control of their high blood

pressure are much more likely to have a fetus that exhibits poor growth; we call this fetal growth restriction. It is also important to know that patients who carry a set of twins are at higher risk for difficult pregnancy outcomes compared to the patient who carries only one fetus. It is crucial for us to determine if twins share the same placenta or if each baby has his or her own.

We also must be on the lookout for complications particular to the process of twinning. When we find that a fetus or a set of twins has any of these issues, we step in with specialized management plans to optimize the pregnancy outcome.

Significant considerations would include when and where to deliver these pregnancies. We will occasionally find situations where the infant will require the specialized care of our colleagues from the pediatric subspecialties, such as cardiology or pediatric surgery, immediately after delivery. We coordinate these deliveries so the infant will have the optimal attention that he or she will require at birth. We also make certain that the parents have a chance to meet with the pediatric subspecialists prior to delivery so that their questions regarding the management of the infant will be answered.

Q: How do you monitor the pregnancies of older, high-risk moms and their babies?

A: We do our best to address the issues associated with advanced maternal age as early in pregnancy as we possibly can.

We offer counseling early on to make these moms aware of their options for genetic testing if they so desire. Down syndrome screening and testing are easily available. We also counsel the mom that she is at increased risk for such things as gestational diabetes and the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Later in pregnancy, we will repeat ultrasonography to ensure CONTINUED ON PAGE 87

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(228) 396-3945

Women’s Mental Health Hit Hard

During Pandemic Women in the workforce have been particularly vulnerable during this pandemic. Whether they are working in healthcare, education, social services or the food industry, many women have been on the front lines, and may have to deal with fear, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The following actions are all positive ways to manage stress: • Seek social support.

• Spend more time with family.

• Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.

• Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated.

• Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.

• Maintain social connections with technology.

• Avoid excessive alcohol and substance use.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness or anxiety, we are here 24/7.

Walk in, visit gulfportbehavioral.com or call 800-831-1700 for a no-cost mental health assessment.

HOPE starts here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Gulfport’s programs are covered by most private insurance carriers including TRICARE®, Medicare and managed Medicare programs.

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Prevent ‘tech neck’ with these three tips

BY DR. ERIC GRAHAM

Tech neck, also known as text neck, may not be an official medical diagnosis, but it’s becoming more common in today’s high-tech world. Looking down at your phone, tablet or computer for prolonged periods can cause chronic neck pain, as your neck muscles, tendons and ligaments aren’t equipped to hold your head in a forward, bent posture for such long periods.

Although your neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head, it can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that result in pain and restrict motion — as it is less protected than the rest of the spine. Most of the time, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time. Yet, for some people, medical treatment may be necessary to relieve their symptoms.

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HERE ARE THREE TIPS TO HELP PREVENT TECH NECK:

Regular stretching and strengthening exercises is one way to help improve both the flexibility and strength of your muscles, as well as the ligaments and tendons that support them.

Keeping these muscles in good shape helps support the weight of your head and minimize strain on your cervical spine.

Consistent, brief breaks are very beneficial in preventing and lessening neck and other musculoskeletal pain. They give you a chance to rest tired muscles in your neck and upper back. They also allow time for you to stretch and change positions. All of these changes help reduce the effects of maintaining a forward head posture. Develop a habit of taking a two- or three-minute break

every half hour, and set an alarm on your phone to remind you.

Finally, good posture is important for neck health, too.

Sitting in a chair with a headrest can help you maintain correct posture and avoid tech neck. By keeping the back of your head flush against the headrest while you use your screen, it will prevent you from looking down with your neck flexed forward.

If you experience neck pain between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the arms or frequent headaches, there may be a more serious issue going on, and it may be time to consult a physician.

Dr. Eric Graham is an orthopaedic spine specialist with Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists. Reach him at 228-230-BONE (2663).

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

To US.

Your Mind Matters.

Mental health is the cornerstone of overall wellness.

We founded Mindful Matters with the goal of creating a truly personal experience to help others achieve understanding, happiness, and optimum mental health.

We place ourselves in other peoples’ shoes on a daily basis - understanding each person’s unique special needs and the paths that he or she may be walking in life.

People Helping People.

Top Row: Amber Wilson, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Brown Ray, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Joannie Evans, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Front Row: Laura Puffer, M.Ed., LPC, NCC; Lauren Sullivan, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Elizabeth Zimmerman, LCSW.

Our staff has numerous years of training and experience in safely and compassionately treating individuals from children to seniors. We treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, OCD, PTSD, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. We also have special experience treating the military and first responders.

Top Row: Aimee Mitchell, Office Manager; Tish York, Receptionist; Juanita Baxter, Medical Receptionist; Front Row: George, Office Mascot; Ashleigh Nix, Receptionist; Tracy Evans, NP & Therapist Assistant; Ellen Dodge, Billing Specialist.

Accepting New Patients Age 6 & Up

In Office & Tele-Health Appointments Available www.gcwmultimedia.com 49 1611-13 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501 | (228) 284-4651 | www.msmindfulmatters.com

Empowering Mississippians to Live Independently

Call Toll-Free (844) 822-4622 or Go To MississippiAccessToCare.org

MAC Centers Help: • Older adults and individuals with disabilities • Family members or representatives of these populations • Anyone seeking assistance with current or future Long-Term Care Services and Supports

MAC Centers Provide: • Information and Referral for local services and supports • Screening for Medicaid Waiver programs • Advocacy for those seeking services • Information about Medicare Savings Programs, “Extra Help”, and preventative and wellness beneets to help you save on long-term, out-of-pocket medical costs • Referrals for Kinship Caregivers providing support for children under the age of 18

In-home vaccinations available for homebound elderly and disabled residents in partnership with Coastal Family Health and Forrest General Home Care

MAC Center Locations, Service Areas & Contact Information Contact your local MAC Center today!

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October 2021

Gulfport

(228) 868-2311 10441 Corporate Drive Suite 1 Gulfport, MS 39503

Hattiesburg

(601) 545-2137 914 Sullivan Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39401

These projects are supported by a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services

SPONSORED CONTENT

E X P E R T I N S I G H T: H O S P I C E C A R E

D I F F I C U LT D E C I S I O N S

Require Personal Connections To say that our hospice team at Saad is a group of caring, compassionate individuals is an understatement. Meet Sarah Rumery, the Director of Hospice for Saad Hospice located in D’Iberville, Mississippi. Following graduation from nursing school, Sarah felt an almost immediate calling to work with terminally ill patients. She followed this calling and chose to work with an agency where she could channel her passion and dedication into caring for patients and their families at the most vulnerable time of their life.

Genuinely feeling like she’s following God’s chosen path for her life; the past nine years have been more rewarding than she could have ever imagined.

Sarah Rumery, Director of Hospice Cari-Ann Dunning, Patient Care Coordinator SAAD HEALTHCARE 10598 D’Iberville Blvd.

D’Iberville, MS 39540 Office: 228.432.8855 Email: cari.dunning@saadhealthcare.com Website: www.saadhealthcare.com

Our hospice liaison, Cari-Ann Dunning, also has a heart for hospice. She ensures that the transition to hospice care is comforting to the patient as well as the family. Cari-Ann is the first step to ensuring that Saad hospice patients have everything that they need to facilitate a positive end-of-life experience.

In addition to Sarah and Cari-Ann, additional hospice team members include: Dr. Andrew Peterson, our medical director, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, volunteers, and any therapy needs.

Why would one choose Saad Hospice?

Sarah Rumery said “Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to quality care that’s patient-centered. Our emphasis is on compassionate care for the whole person- the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual, as well as the physical needs of the patient.”

WHAT SETS SAAD APART FROM OTHER AGENCIES? Cari-Ann Dunning said “Saad has been the only family owned and operated home health and hospice agency in business for over 50 years. We offer a home health bridge-to-hospice or palliative care program for those individuals who want to learn more about hospice, but are not yet ready to transition to hospice care. I grew up in this business with my parents. My brother and I are the next generation to carry on the Saad legacy.”

SAAD OFFERS: • Almost all existing and new medicinal needs • Nurse practitioners and woundcertified nurses • We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • We accept almost all insurance plans HOW CAN ONE START WITH SAAD HOSPICE SERVICES? 1. Call Saad office at 228-432-8855 and we will set up a consultation.

2. Have your physician refer you or your loved one.

3. Have your family, physician, etc. meet with our hospice team and decide on a plan of care best for you.

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others”- Mandy Hale Saad Hospice of Mississippi is a toprated Medicare provider of hospice care in comparison with other agencies in this area. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/ care-compare/ today! www.gcwmultimedia.com 51

BY DR. PHILIP LEVIN

Frontline ordeal Doctors and nurses shift to meet COVID waves

BY DR. PHILIP LEVIN

COVID has affected everyone’s life, from job changes to remote learning to mask wearing in public. Perhaps the most impacted have been health care workers. When COVID first hit our emergency room, a complete shakeup came down, from protocols to our very dress, with physicians and nurses outfitted in spacesuit attire.

Anne Musgrove is the director of advanced practice at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport. At the pandemic’s onset, she was tasked with developing the hospital’s community-based response to the crisis. She had to determine how to set up clinics and programs to deal with all these new patients.

Here was a whole new disease without established protocols.

New orders and diagnostic and treatment protocols had to be established. She found herself working 15 hours a day, seven days a week, researching blogs and forums and consulting with infectious disease specialists. Her teenage children were tasked with taking care of the household, including shopping for groceries, preparing food and doing laundry.

Anne leaned heavily on her assistant, Kristian Spear, who already had a full plate. Kristian has young children, whom she home schooled. Adding the responsibilities of managing the county-wide response to this pandemic burdened her with late hours as well as the two developed the plans for outpatient clinics.

At first, they set up outpatient testing centers where the hospital already had walk-in clinics, at Cedar Lake in Biloxi, on Broad Street in Gulfport and on Beatline in Long Beach.

“We didn’t want to set up where private businesses might be bothered by having personnel walking in the parking lots dressed in full contagion resistance gear and scaring away their customers,” Anne says.

All these new clinics required staffing, and that soon became a major issue. Mississippi already had a nursing shortage. The stress of exposure to the potentially deadly virus precipitated many of the older, experienced nurses to take early retirement.

Younger nurses left as well, enticed by high contract offers from

52

October 2021

states like New York and California where the COVID crisis was hitting hard.

Anne began closing some of the smaller walk-in clinics to use their staff for the testing and treatment clinics. The walk-in clinic at Tradition, off Highway 67, had experienced nurse practitioners.

She had the walk-in aspect partially closed to use those nurses’ expertise in carrying out the reporting and scheduling.

Some of the nurse practitioners who hadn’t done bedside nursing in as long as 15 years had to be pulled into the hospital or the clinics. In the hospital, nurses were giving exhaustive efforts to try to keep COVID patients alive and despairing when they failed. These nurses, totally drained mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, had to go home and deal with their family demands: “With elective revenue down, we couldn’t even financially reward those who were giving so much.”

One of the issues Anne faced was finding answers to questions posed by the front-line nurses. One of the nurse practitioners in the testing clinic might ask, “How long after exposure to COVID could a patient with a negative test go back to work?” Anne would have to research and get back to the nurse as promptly as possible.

When the monoclonal antibodies treatment became available, Anne and Kristian had to set up that program as well, beginning in November of 2020. Its success saved many lives, but it also put more demands on the nursing staff; finding locations and trained nurses to provide the treatments was another challenge.

When you go by a clinic, and you see the cars filled with people waiting to be tested, think about the nurses and aides giving everything they can to help the community. It’s asking a lot of these staff to work outside in the heat, to work in situations they’re unfamiliar with, to deal with the dangers of a deadly disease. Without their devotion, where would we be?

Dr. Philip L. Levin is a retired emergency medicine specialist in Gulfport. Learn more or contact him at www.Doctors-Dreams.com.

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

ALISHA WARE, MD 5 THINGS I WANT

MY PATIENTS TO KNOW… 1) They can always ask! Recently, I heard the term ‘gynechiatry’—gynecology and psychiatry. And there is some truth to this. It’s normal for patients to share intimate, often anxiety-provoking parts of their lives with their OB-GYNs and I will always try to listen and answer to the best of my ability…no judgment.

2) Empathy is key. Being able to relate to what my patients are going through has given me incredible insight. I have been a teenage girl going through puberty, been the mother of teenage girls, gone through 3 pregnancies and now getting older…my personal experience combined with my medical experience offer me incredible insight.

3) We’re in this together. I must know what the patient expects of me and they have to know what I expect of them.

4) Patients for life are great. One of the best parts of being in practice for almost 20 years, is that I have had the opportunity to see patients from their first annual exam, their pregnancies and through perimenopause, menopause and post menopause.

5) I really do care. More than anything, if my patient walks away and says, “She cares,” that is what matters the most.

ALISHA WARE, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics & Gynecology The Woman’s Clinic

www.gcwmultimedia.com

53

WOMEN, YOU WORK HARD. You run

companies, manage your homes and serve in your community. Some of you are on the front line saving lives and others are advocating for change in the world—all while caring for the people you love. No wonder you’re called a wonder.

Research shows that women make 80 percent of the healthcare decisions for their families, but often their own health and wellness don’t get the attention they deserve.

That’s why Preventative care is key for your personal health care plan.

At MEMORIAL, we know your challenges—and we also know you can’t take care of your family without taking care of YOU.

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October 2021

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: ORTHOPEDICS

t n i Jo FEELING INVINCIBLE IS A

EFFORT

Women are strong in many ways, but as we age, our bones and joints can weaken. This is based on several factors, including already having bone mass less than a man’s and the decrease in estrogen that menopause brings.

That decrease in estrogen can lead to osteoporosis in women.

On top of that, just the way women are built – how our thigh, hip and buttock muscles are engaged – set us up for higher incidents of injuries in the kneecap and the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, than for men. Tendonitis and stress fractures also are more likely to target us in midlife.

That’s why it is especially important between your 40s and 60s to eat right and stay active. What can you do? Here are some suggestions:

GET AND STAY ACTIVE. Aerobic activity, lifting weights and stretching help prevent injuries. And weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, dancing and jogging can keep your bones happy. If you are new to regular activity, talk to your doctor, then start small and work your way up. Aim for at least 30 minutes, total, most days of the week.

GIVE CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D IMPORTANT PLACES AT YOUR TABLE. Calcium is vital for bone health, and vitamin D helps your body absorb it. Foods rich in calcium include dairy foods such as milk and cheese, green leafy vegetables, sardines and canned salmon, beans and lentils, almonds and whey protein. Find vitamin D in fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified foods including milk and other dairy products, and fortified orange juice.

HAVE A BASELINE BONE DENSITY TEST IF YOU’RE 65. The DEXA scan also might benefit younger women if they have a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Memorial’s team of health providers offer the DEXA scan, which can provide early diagnosis of osteoporosis or provide ongoing monitoring.

For more information, call (228) 867-5000 for Orthopedic Surgeon directory. www.gcwmultimedia.com

55

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: HEART DISEASE

PUT A L IT T L E

LOVE IN YOUR

Women are natural caregivers. We have big hearts, especially when caring for others. We make sure our families are well fed, healthy and happy. We can spend so much time caring and giving, we neglect our own needs, especially our health. While busy and distracted, we sometimes ignore what could be signs of heart disease.

HEART DISEASE IS THE NUMBER ONE KILLER AMONG WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES. In fact, heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, according to the American Heart Association.

That is more than all cancers combined. About every 80 seconds, a woman dies from a cardiovascular disease.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE? KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS! While most risk factors can be hereditary, there is good news – about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through diet, increasing daily activity and working with your doctor to monitor and control blood pressure and cholesterol. Give your heart some love!

5

RISKS FOR HEART DISEASE 

Diabetes



Being Overweight or Obese



Eating an Unhealthy Diet



Sedentary Lifestyle



Consuming Too Much Alcohol

Memorial takes a comprehensive approach toward the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease with a highly skilled staff and the latest technology.

For more information, visit 56

October 2021

WeAreMemorial.com/Heart-Services.

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: STROKE

Stroke DO N ’T IG N O R E S U BT L E S IG N S OF A

STROKE KILLS TWICE AS MANY WOMEN AS BREAST CANCER EVERY YEAR.

Fatigue. Confusion. General weakness. A sudden intense headache and nausea. Are you just feeling a bit under the weather—or is it something more serious?

Symptoms of stroke in women can be much like those in men, but women can experience more subtle signs according to the American Heart Association. For example, a woman might feel general weakness, rather than weakness on one side of the body. With women making up about 60 percent of all stroke deaths in the United States, it’s important to know this isn’t predominately a man’s disease. A women can have a stroke at any age. So, the time to care is now.

STROKE PREVENTION

WHAT IS A STROKE?

Steps to help avoid having a stroke are very similar to those to avoid heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, they include:

Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

When one of these vessels is blocked by a clot or the vessel bursts, the brain does not get the blood it needs and causing brain cells to quickly die. That is why immediate attention is vital. There is no cure for a stroke once it has occurred.



Following a healthy diet



Maintaining a healthy weight



 

Getting at least 2-1/2 hours of moderate exercise, such as walking, a week, according to the Surgeon General Quitting smoking Limiting alcohol consumption; for men, that’s no more than two drinks a day, and for women, that’s one.

If you think you might be having a stroke, don’t worry about the possibility of sounding a false alarm. It is more important to get proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Call 911 if you think you or someone you love is having stroke symptoms. Do not drive yourself to the ER. Memorial has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center. We offer the best and most comprehensive stroke care on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, through our multidisciplinary team of specialists.

For more information about Memorial’s stroke care, visit WeAreMemorial.com/Stroke-Center. www.gcwmultimedia.com

57

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: CANCER

CANCE YoR u.

THE FIGHT AGAINST

STARTS WITH

Your best defense against BREAST CANCER is regular self-exams and mammography.

Six minutes in the shower can save you six months of stress later. Six minutes is the average time it takes for a woman to conduct a self-examination of her breasts. Six months? That’s the average time for breast cancer treatment depending on the severity and type of cancer.

A mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, can detect breast cancer tumors when they are still too small to be felt. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women ages 40 to 44 have a yearly breast cancer screening with a mammogram every year.

From ages 45 to 54, you should get annual mammograms. At 55 and older, the ACS says women can switch to a mammogram every two years, or the yearly screening can continue. If you do have breast cancer, many treatment options are now available at Memorial.

If you are considering breast reconstruction, you may be a candidate for a revolutionary procedure that uses your abdominal fat to reconstruct the breasts. Also known as the “tummy tuck flap,” the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen while leaving muscle tissue intact. Combined with a nipple sparing technique, the DIEP flap preserves an excellent appearance without implants or tissue expanders.

Screenings are available for breast, colorectal, lung and cervical cancers, and for women who have high risk of ovarian cancer. In other cancers that affect women, knowing and recognizing symptoms and reporting them immediately to your doctor can make a vital difference.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION provides financial assistance for women on the Mississippi Gulf Coast who cannot afford breast diagnostic imaging services. Visit memorialhospitalfoundation.com for more information.

BREAST CANCER DOESN’T WAIT... SHOULD YOU? Memorial’s Women’s Diagnostic Services use state-of-the-art technology for early detection. Schedule your mammogram at one of our 4 locations. Call (228) 867-4395 today or visit WeAreMemorial.com/Breast Memorial’s Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to the fight against cancer – using advanced technology and research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.

For more information, visit WeAreMemorial.com/Cancer-Center.

58

October 2021

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: PLASTIC SURGERY

DID SHE OR DIDN’T SHE?

ONLY HER PLASTIC SURGEON KNOWS FOR SURE! Sometimes, we find out a friend or someone we know had plastic surgery to enhance their looks. It’s happening more often these days and people are starting to consider cosmetic plastic surgery when they’re still young. Sometimes, it’s considered necessary, such as reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy or after an accident.

We all want to look and feel our best. If you’ve considered facial cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery, check around and find a surgeon you’re comfortable with.

Also, it’s important to talk with someone that’s been through a procedure to know what to expect. Find out what the healing process was like and whether they would do it again if they had the opportunity.

We offer cutting-edge care in a safe and secure environment. Our team uses their surgical expertise to provide for your aesthetic or reconstructive needs. Memorial offers a wide variety of surgical procedures:



Facial and Body Aesthetics



Breast and Oncologic Reconstruction



General Reconstructive Surgery of the Face and Body



Facial Trauma surgery



Hand surgery



Complex Wound and Burn care



All other specialized care

CALL (228) 867-5000 OR VISIT WeAreMemorial.com/Plastic-Surgery. www.gcwmultimedia.com

59

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Exceptional Care FOR EVERY

STAGE

The decisions and tasks are always piling up, and there never seems to be enough time to prioritize health. Finding the right provider can be difficult, but Memorial is here to make your to-do list shorter.

We are focused on you at every stage, from routine medical care to pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

We strive to provide the most comprehensive approach to your unique needs. When choosing a gynecologist, it’s important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with. Routine, gynecological health exams are sensitive topics, and our doctors treat every patient with compassion and care. All of our doctors are board-certified OB/GYNs, and you can expect a wide range of care.

OBSTETRICS

GYNECOLOGY

Preconception counseling

Hysteroscopy & laparoscopy

Fertility services

Hormone pellet replacement therapy

Pregnancy, delivery (including high risk), & postpartum care Genetics counseling 4-D ultrasounds

Tubal sterilization Pelvic floor reconstruction Robotic surgery Urinary incontinence

Memorial’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Service provides the latest in Women’s health care. To schedule your routine appointment call (228) 867-5000 today or visit WeAreMemorial.com/obgyn.

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October 2021

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

expecting

PREPARED FOR THE U NE X P E C T E D WHEN YOU’RE

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant – to the moment you give birth – you hope for everything. And while you’re doing that, we’re planning for anything.

Most families do not begin a pregnancy considering if they will have to admit their new bundle into the NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU). For those special circumstances in which the tiniest patients need extra care, Memorial Health System, in partnership with Children’s of Mississippi, has the only Level III NICU in Coastal Mississippi.

The NICU at Memorial Health System is staffed by boardcertified neonatologists and has access to subspecialty care through Children’s of Mississippi’s extensive network to give premature babies and babies with other diseases the special care they need.

OBSTETRICS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: Memorial is the first hospital on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to offer a 24hour OBSTETRICS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (OBED) dedicated to pregnant women. The OBED is staffed with board-certified OB/GYNs through the OB Hospitalist Group to provide care for pregnancy-related emergencies and to diagnose labor.

We’re providing more than the latest advancements in medicine, but a true fighting chance for our littlest patients to grow up.

Memorial’s NICU is ready with the most advanced care for Mothers and babies. To find out more call (228) 867-5000 today or visit WeAreMemorial.com/childrens-health. www.gcwmultimedia.com

61

IN A CLASS OF Alpha order Alpha byorder row across by rowthe across spread the spread

DudleyJr., Burwell, MD Jr., MD Nicholas Conger, NicholasMD Conger, MD Clayton Bratton, ClaytonMD Bratton, MD Dudley Burwell,

Summer Allen, Summer MDAllen, MD Pulmonology Pulmonology

David Eakes, David MDEakes, MD

EmergencyEmergency Medicine Medicine

Douglas Lanier, Douglas MD Lanier, MD

Infectious Disease Infectious Disease

Bart Edmiston, Bart Edmiston, MD MD

Don Gaddy, Don MD Gaddy, MD

Richa Gupta, Richa MD Gupta, MD

T. Paul Mace, T. Paul MDMace, MD

Bryant McCrary, Bryant MD McCrary, MD

Thomas W. Thomas Lehman, W. MD Lehman, MD FACOG FACOG Obstetrics Obstetrics

GynecologyGynecology

General Surgery General Surgery

Rheumatology Rheumatology

Pediatrics Pediatrics

Joseph O’Gorman, Joseph O’Gorman, DO DO

Leena Pande, Leena MD Pande, MD

Anna K. Pavlov, Anna K. MD Pavlov, MD

Jesse Penico, JesseMD Penico, MD

Walter Surowiec, Walter Surowiec, DO DO

David Taylor, David MDTaylor, MD

Pamela Tuli, Pamela MD* Tuli, MD*

Allison Wall, Allison MD Wall, MD

NephrologyNephrology

October 2021

OrthopedicOrthopedic Surgery Surgery

Pain Management Pain Management

NephrologyNephrology

62

Otolaryngology Otolaryngology

Cardiovascular Cardiovascular Surgery Surgery

Radiology Radiology

Obstetrics Obstetrics

Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery

Oncology Oncology

Infectious Disease Infectious Disease

Oncology Oncology

CONGRATULATIONS

on being selected by Gulf Coast Woman’s readers as Top Doctors on the MS Gulf Coast.

Joseph Cox, Joseph MD Cox, MD

OrthopedicOrthopedic Surgery Surgery

James Holland, JamesMD Holland, MD

Alton Dauterive, Alton Dauterive, MD MD

Cardiovascular Cardiovascular Surgeon Surgeon

Shwan Jalal, Shwan MD Jalal, MD

Craig Dawkins, Craig Dawkins, MD MD Urology

Urology

Dorothy Dorothy Dickson-Rishel, Dickson-Rishel, PhD PhD PsychologyPsychology

Jacob Jorns, Jacob MDJorns, MD

Brett Kathmann, Brett Kathmann, MD MD

Miguel A.Melgar, MiguelMD, A.Melgar, PhD MD, PhD Alfred E. McNair Alfred E. Jr.,McNair MD Jr., MD FAANS, FACS FAANS, FACS

Abha Mishra, Abha MD Mishra, MD Neurology Neurology

FACC, FACP, FACC, FSCAI FACP, FSCAI CardiologyCardiology

Angela Angela Margaret Margaret Phillips, MD Phillips, MD Pressley-Wallace, Pressley-Wallace, MD MD

Amy Schepens, Amy Schepens, MD MD

Sam Shamsnia, Sam Shamsnia, MD MD

Allergy & Immunology Allergy & Immunology

Gastroenterology Gastroenterology

Ophthalmology Ophthalmology

Alisha H. Ware, Alisha MD H. Ware, MD FACOG FACOG GynecologyGynecology

FACC, FSCAFACC, FSCA CardiologyICardiologyI

Neurosurgery Neurosurgery

Gastroenterology Gastroenterology

Angela Wingfield, Angela Wingfield, MD MD Dermatology Dermatology

Urology

Urology

Pediatrics Pediatrics

Wound Care Wound Care

Paul Mullen, PaulMD Mullen, MD

Neurosurgery Neurosurgery

Eric Wyble, Eric MD Wyble, MD Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery

*Dr. Tuli's portrait *Dr. courtesy Tuli's portrait of M2courtesy Media/South of M2 Ms. Media/South Living Ms. Living

www.gcwmultimedia.com

63

Why you should

quit smoking like your life depends on it

T

hat morning smoker’s cough is a nuisance and an embarrassment.

In the mirror, you see wrinkle lines around your lips. Your mouth takes like ashes, and food like cardboard. You know smoking is bad for you, but it’s so hard to quit. And what’s one more cigarette going

BY DR. PHILIP to do, anyway?

LEVIN Sadly, one more cigarette does do harm. Heart rate and blood pressure rise for the subsequent 20 minutes. It takes 12 hours after a single cigarette for carbon monoxide levels to return to normal and two days for the senses of taste and smell to return. Two weeks after quitting, lung function starts to improve. In three years, the risk for heart attack drops to the level of other nonsmokers.

The damage done by smoking leads to two specific types of lung disease. The heat and foreign particles from the smoke damage the delicate walls of the small air sacs where oxygen is exchanged. The damaged walls die, and the small air sacs collapse into each other, making big, ineffective air sacs that don’t provide enough surface area for air exchange. This type of damage is permanent and called emphysema.

Fortunately, the other type of damage is reversable. Your lungs try to fight the foreign particles and smoke irritation by increasing their mucous production. This causes inflammation in the lungs called bronchitis, and in smokers, since it’s persistent, it’s called chronic bronchitis. Once you stop smoking, this part of chronic lung disease begins to heal.

The worst result of smoking is lung cancer. Smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer and to die from it than are nonsmokers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cancers linked to tobacco use constitute 40 percent of all U.S. tumors. These include cancers of the mouth and throat, stomach, kidney, pancreas, liver, bladder, colon and leukemia.

Circulation issues associated with smoking include heart attacks, strokes, aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis, which can result in amputations. Smoking is a contributing factor to asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Everyone knows smoking is unhealthy, so why is it so hard

64

October 2021

to stop? One of the reasons is psychological. People like the sensation of holding something, the act of inhaling and the habits they’ve developed around smoking. They get used to having a cigarette with their morning coffee and their evening glass of wine.

However, the main addictive drive is the nicotine. It takes less than 10 seconds from inhalation for the nicotine to reach the brain, triggering a release of dopamine. Increased dopamine levels create feelings of pleasure and reward, motivating the user to repeat the smoking. Dopamine is involved in the regulation of motivation, memory, attention and coordinating body movements. With all these pleasurable effects, it’s no wonder that smokers enjoy their cigarettes and find it so difficult to quit.

Clearly, though, in the long run, quitting smoking is essential for your health. Several programs provide methods and advice, and each person must find what works for him or her. Some people have had success by going “cold turkey,” simply deciding to stop and tolerating the first few days of withdrawal. Others find it easier to wean off the nicotine addiction with patches or vaping. Even unconventional methods like acupuncture and hypnosis have their successes.

Be it for your looks, your health or your family, find a reason to stop smoking. And if you regress, try again. Your life depends on it.

Dr. Philip L. Levin is a retired emergency medicine specialist in Gulfport. Learn more or contact him at www.Doctors-Dreams.com.

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

THE ISLANDS CENTER FOR WOMEN OBSTETRIC SERVICES: ROUTINE PREGNANCY CARE HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY CARE 3D/4D ULTRASOUNDS COMPLIMENTARY GENDER CHECKS INFERTILITY EVALUATION & TREATMENT PRE-CONCEPTUAL COUNSELING *NATURAL CHILDBIRTH & BIRTH PLANS WELCOME*

More than just memorable deliveries...

FOR OVER 20 YEARS WE HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WELCOMING SO MANY BEAUTIFUL BUNDLES INTO THE WORLD. WE BELIEVE EVERY BIRTH IS UNIQUE AND SPECIAL! WHETHER YOU NEED PRE-CONCEPTUAL COUNSELING, INFERTILITY TREATMENT, ROUTINE PREGNANCY CARE, OR HIGH RISK CARE...

We look forward to helping you grow your family!

Top Doctor Nominee 2021

SHELI MILAM, MD FACOG BRADLEY C. SAMS, MD FACOG, FAAMFM, ABAARM 1001 NORTH HALSTEAD ROAD, OCEAN SPRINGS, MS 39564

228-818-0416

www.gcwmultimedia.com

WWW.ISLANDSCENTER.NET

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Here we GLOW again COMING SOON TO PASS CHRISTIAN

Bottom Row Left To Right: Angela Wingfield, MD, FAAD; Ashley Emerson, MD, FAAD Top Row Left To Right: Amanda L. Harris, PA-C; Emily A. Burger, PA-C; Kassie Stafford, PA-C; Barbra Jablanski, PA-C

Dermatology Care | Cosmetic Injectables | Laser & Aesthetic Services Call or visit our website to schedule an appointment online!

11295 E Taylor Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 | 228-864-3300 6510 Hwy 90, Suite C, Gautier, MS 39553 | 228-372-8559 116 Menge Ave, Suite A, Pass Christian, MS 39571 | COMING SOON 66

October 2021

facebook.com/TheDermatologyClinic

instagram.com/vivifyspa

TheDermClinic.net

And for Moms.

Maternal fetal medicine consultation on the Gulf Coast is now available from Children’s of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Children’s of Mississippi already offers primary care, specialized care and neonatal intensive care to children on the Gulf Coast, bringing trusted medical services closer to home.

Now, expectant mothers in need of a higher level of subspecialty care during pregnancy can also turn to us. Our UMMC maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist, Dr. James Bofill, is taking appointments for new patients at the Gulf Coast Specialty Clinic in Biloxi.

It’s expert, exceptional care, backed by UMMC, the state’s only academic medical center.

Maternal Fetal Medicine 601.815.3308

Gulf Coast Specialty Clinic 228.392.7046

umc.edu/gcsc www.gcwmultimedia.com

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MED SPA AT THE

ISLANDS

Bring forth the ageless beauty that lies just beneath...

COSMETIC PROCEDURES

BOTOX, DERMAL FILLERS, KYBELLA, IPL TREATMENT, NOVA THREADS, THERMI VA VAGINAL REJUVENATION, THERMI SMOOTH BODY, LASER HAIR REMOVAL, VI PEELS, RESURFX, SKIN PEN MICRONEEDLING, & MANY MORE...

228-818-0416 1001 North Halstead Road Ocean Springs, MS 39564 October 2021 68

MED SPA PRODUCTS

OBAGI, SKIN CEUTICALS, SKIN MEDICA, VI AESTHETICS, LATISSE, JANE IREDALE MINERAL MAKE UP, DERMA BLEND, FAKE BAKE TANNING, LOVING TAN & MORE...

Sheli Milam MD, Medical Director www.islandscenter.net facebook.com/islandsmedspaos

Top Doctor Nominee 2021

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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BY KAROL BRANDT

30 days to optimal health, wellness and a happier you Health and wellness are all about making small, daily choices that, over time, improve your wellbeing.

These habits can lead you to healthy, lifelong changes.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some health and wellness tips to follow for 30 days. Pick a few that speak to you and that you believe you can do every day for a month. At the end of the 30 days, you will emerge happier and healthier.

• Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate … yes, even before your coffee.

• Drink plain coffee or tea. These two drinks are both amazing sources of antioxidants. They boost mental health and promote a healthy heart. Try organic if you can find it, and try to forego the sugar and milk; almond milk and coconut creamer are good alternatives.

• Cook your own meals. Meal prepping keeps you away from restaurant options and puts you in touch with the food you are eating and its nutritional value. Leave out the middleman, and cook your own meals.

• Loose the sugary foods. These foods are not part of a healthy diet, mainly because they are processed and can be addictive. Instead, reach for options containing natural sugars, like strawberries and blueberries; both are in season. Also, sugar ages your skin, makes you tired and moody and is bad for your digestion. You will feel so much better in 30 days!

• Get in a 20-30-minute walk, jog, or swim outside. Take advantage of this lovely fall weather. Get outside and get active!

• Stretch every day. Stretching exercises can improve your mood. They release tension, improve blood flow and keep your digestion working well.

• Try hot yoga or paddle boarding. Both activities have crucial benefits. They are fluid ways of moving your body, being kind to your body and reducing the cortisol (stress

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hormone) in your body.

• Do something to treat yourself every day. Even the smallest thing you love to do — do it every day for 30 days.

It will increase serotonin levels in the body and make you feel good.

• Eat foods rich in magnesium. These include leafy greens, nuts, bananas, avocados and sweet potatoes. Studies have shown that magnesium can help ease stress and anxiety, and it optimizes mental wellness.

• Quit the negative self-talk, and create positive affirmations instead. When you change your mindset, you have the power to change your life. Speak positively to yourself daily.

• Sleep. Sleep is truly a gift, and it is just as vital as the food on our plates and our exercise habits.

• Do something nice for someone when you can. When we give, we get so much in return.

• Enjoy quiet time in the morning. It can help you reduce cortisol, which peaks first thing in the morning. Say a morning prayer, read a devotional, write a gratitude list, or do whatever suits you — but do it for 10 minutes alone.

Remember, health and wellness are the gift you give yourself, which begins with one choice after another, day by day. Your wellness journey starts today and builds each day as the month goes by.

Karol Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30-Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@scarletpearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola.

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

Dr. Mark Murray, MD Dr. Murray received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama in 2001. He received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama in 2005.

He completed his residency in pediatrics at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Unit in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2008, where he was chief resident from 2007-2008. He completed his fellowship in Asthma and Allergy at Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana in 2012 and joined Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic in July of the same year.

Prior to his fellowship, Dr. Murray worked as an urgent care pediatrician in Chattanooga, Tennessee from 2008-2010.

Dr. Murray is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy & Immunology.

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Murray is married with two children.

On Behalf of Mississippi Asthma and Allergy Clinic and myself, I am honored to have been voted as one the Top Doctors here on the Coast.

3200 Mallett Rd., Ste. D3 | D’Iberville, MS 39540 | 228.392.6875 www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Top Doctor Nominee 2021

“Celebrating another year of providing exceptional urologic care for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

After more than a decade of caring for patients, Dr. White used her expertise to establish The Urology Clinic two years ago, where she dedicated herself to personalizing urologic care for her patients. Over the years, she has developed a reputation for delivering quality, personalized care. The staff at The Urology Clinic are able to provide a wide range of services including vasectomies and in-office treatments for voiding problems, incontinence and UTI’s.

PAIGE C. WHITE, MD

Urologist

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14231 Seaway Road Suite 6000 Gulfport 228-254-1103

MEMORIAL WOMAN’S CLINIC GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS FOR WOMEN ON THE COAST

Dr. Lehman has practiced at Woman’s Clinic, PA and has been on staff with Memorial Hospital at Gulfport for 40+ years.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi in 1973 and his MD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1976.

He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the Mississippi State Medical Association, and the Southern Medical Association.

Dr. Lehman proudly provides quality care to women and their babies from prenatal through postpartum. He also provides comprehensive OBGYN services including wellness checks, laparoscopic surgery and menopausal care.

THOMAS W. LEHMAN, MD, FACOG Now Accepting

DEBORAH MEZA, Laser, Skin Care and Massage Department 228-341-7879 OB/GYN CLINIC, 4577 13th Street, GULFPORT: 228-864-2752 OB/GYN CLINIC, 2781 C.T. Switzer Drive, Suite # 306, BILOXI: 228-822-6368 THOMAS W. LEHMAN, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • JOHN F. PAPPAS, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. JOANNA M. TRUS, M.D. F.A.C.O.G. • ALISHA H. WARE, M.D. F.A.C.O.G. www.gcwmultimedia.com W W W . W OMA N S CL IN ICP A .N ET

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MISSISSIPPI’S LARGEST ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP Our dedication to providing exceptional care is exemplified by our board-certified physicians, whose goal has always been to promote an active, healthy lifestyle through the use of the latest medical technology and the most innovative treatments and programs. Our commitment to our community began in 1981 and we are truly dedicated to being the best and most TRUSTED total orthopaedic resource to our patients – today and tomorrow. Our years of unwavering devotion, compassion and commitment to the needs of our patients have marked a tradition of TRUST at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists.

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BIENVILLE ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS: CHARLES J. WINTERS, md

YEKATERINA KARPITSKAYA, md

JONATHAN D. BROWN, md

JEFFREY D. NOBLIN, md

JOEL A. TUCKER, md

JOSEPH T. COX, md

GEORGE T. SALLOUM, md

DANIEL A. WITTERSHEIM, md

THOMAS J. LUCAK, md

ERIC D. WASHINGTON, md

CHRISTOPHER A. BURKS, md

KELLY M. COLEMAN, md

DONNIS K. HARRISON, md

MATTHEW W. LEWIS, md

LENNON BOWEN, IV, md

HENRY T. LEIS, md

ERIC J. GRAHAM, md

BERNARD J. MEADOWS, dpm

BIENVILLE ORTHOPAEDIC CENTERS: Sports Medicine Center

Spine Center

Joint Replacement Center

Hand and Wrist Center

MRI Center

Bienville Surgery Center

Foot and Ankle Center

Workers’ Compensation

Physical Therapy Center

SERVING MISSISSIPPI WITH 5 LOCATIONS: 2 Biloxi Office

1 Gulfport Office

15476 Dedeaux Rd., #B Gulfport, MS 39503

1720-A Medical Park Dr., #220 Biloxi, MS 39532

4 Pascagoula Office

2

3615 Hospital Rd. Pascagoula, MS 39581

1

7001 Hwy 614 Hurley, MS 39555

110

Gulfport

49

D’Iberville

H

90

H

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 228-230-2663 or visit our website at BienvilleOrtho.com

H

5

3 3

10

Biloxi H

Bay St. Louis

3

2

H

10

Long Beach 90

6300 East Lake Blvd., #201 Gautier, MS 39565

5 Hurley Office

1

Pass Christian

3 East Lake Office

H

3

4 613

57 Gautier

90

Ocean Springs

4

63

5

Moss Point H

Pascagoula

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Joseph T. Cox, md Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery

ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE SURGEON Dr. Joseph Cox is a fellowship trained spine surgeon with special interests in minimally invasive spine procedures, cervical disc arthroplasty and lumbar disc arthroplasty. As a fellow at the Texas Back Institute in Dallas, Texas, he trained with leaders in the field of spine surgery including Dr. Isador Lieberman, Dr. Richard Guyer, Dr. Jack Zigler and Dr. Scott Blumenthal. He has authored a book chapter on cervical disc arthroplasty and published several peer reviewed articles. He has given presentations at multiple national and international conferences, and he is active in contributing to the development of cutting edge minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Cox is passionate about providing the highest quality care for each patient, individualizing each plan of care to their specific spine problem. His goal is to find the most appropriate solution, whether conservative or surgical, to improve each patient’s quality of life and get them back to an active lifestyle.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery

|

Total Disk Replacement

Congratulations to Dr. Cox for being named one of the 2021 Coast’s Top Orthopaedic Surgeons.

THE O 1981.

E MISSISSIPPI’S LARGEST ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE SINCE

For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. TRUST. Cox, TO please call 228-230-BONE (2663) or visit BienvilleOrtho.com 76

October 2021

1720-A Medical Park Dr., Suite 220, Biloxi, MS 39532 15476 Dedeaux Rd., Suite B, Gulfport, MS 39503

Daniel A. Wittersheim, md Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery

HIP & KNEE SURGEON | SPORTS MEDICINE A native of South Mississippi and graduate of St. Martin High School, Dr. Daniel A. Wittersheim joined Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists in August of 2013. Before joining Bienville Orthopaedics, he served as resident of orthopaedic surgery at the University of South Alabama, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in Mobile, AL. Dr. Wittersheim had special training in Phoenix, AZ under Dr. Anthony Hedley who pioneered the superior approach to hip replacements.

Dr. Wittersheim is a graduate of the University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama School of Medicine and is licensed to practice medicine in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arizona. Dr. Wittersheim enjoys exercising, music, hunting, fishing, and golf.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:

Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery Sports Medicine | Fracture Care General Orthopaedics

Congratulations to Dr. Wittersheim for being named one of the 2021 Coast’s Top Orthopaedic Surgeons.

THE O 1981.

E MISSISSIPPI’S LARGEST ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE SINCE

For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. TRUST. Wittersheim, TO please call 228-230-BONE (2663) or visit BienvilleOrtho.com

6300 East Lake Blvd., Gautier, MS 39565 3615 Hospital St., Pascagoula, MS 39581

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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COVID 19:

The battle continues With the delta variant changing the game, experts are faced with a whole new crop of questions and concerns surrounding COVID-19. Here, Dr. Nicholas Conger, infectious disease specialist with Memorial, shares the latest developments.

IS DELTA WORSE, OR JUST MORE CONTAGIOUS?

Delta is definitely more contagious. Because it’s more contagious, it is reaching the younger population more. To me, it seems about the same to slightly COVID FACTS worse.

A reported 2.5 million

IS THIS VARIANT AFFECTING CHILDREN MORE — FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY? IF SO, WHY?

DO YOU RECOMMEND GETTING A BOOSTER?

vaccine doses have been given in Mississippi, and as of September, 37.7 percent of the population had been fully vaccinated.

Yes, more children and young adults are getting the delta variant.

This is because it is more contagious and there are higher viral loads in the recipient, which break through the immunity barriers of the young.

ARE WE MAKING ANY PROGRESS IN GETTING PEOPLE VACCINATED? The fact that delta arrived and proved to be so contagious has driven a lot of people to get vaccinated, so rates are going up. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approving Pfizer’s vaccine helped a little for some who were waiting for that.

Currently people who are immune compromised or on immune suppressant medications can receive a booster vaccination one month after the series is completed. For everyone else, they are recommending a booster eight months after. This is changing rapidly, so this information may be outdated soon, but this is the most recent recommendation.

THE FDA HAS NOW APPROVED THE PFIZER VACCINE. IS THIS SIGNIFICANT, AND DO YOU EXPECT APPROVAL FOR THE OTHThe delta variant is highly ERS?

contagious, more than twice as contagious as previous variants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and some data suggest that delta might cause more severe illness than previous variants in unvaccinated people.

The symptoms of the delta variant appear to be the same as the original version of COVID-19, according to a report from UC Davis Health. However, doctors are seeing people getting sicker quicker.

It is significant that Pfizer formally received FDA approval because some people were waiting for this before they received the vaccination.

I fully expect the other two emergency authorized vaccinations to receive formal FDA approval in time.

IT’S STARTING TO FEEL LIKE WE ARE BACK AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS FIGHT AGAINST COVID. HOW CAN WE BEAT THIS?

It looks like the COVID-19 virus may continue to mutate. It is difficult to predict what will happen with this virus. I believe that some mutations will lead to more infections like the delta strain while others will not. Once enough The CDC maintains that of the population has immunity, either COVID vaccines are highly through vaccination or natural effective, including against the delta variant, and are the best infection, and if that immunity is defense against the virus. While Breakthrough infections are happening more maintained, then future spikes will breakthrough infections happen, frequently with the delta strain than with the not be near as large, and deaths will they affect less than 1 percent of alpha strain because the viral levels rise so high be fewer. Therefore, it will act more fully vaccinated people, and like a seasonal flu. There remains and so fast in patients that it takes some time for research shows that those the possibility that a future strain even some vaccinated people to catch up. However, protected by a vaccine are far less likely to be hospitalized may be resistant to vaccination. If vaccinated people are far less likely to get infected than or die of the illness. that happens, hopefully the vaccine unvaccinated. And, if they do get infected, they are far manufacturers can keep up with new less likely to be hospitalized and much less likely to die. So, there is still a lot of value in vaccination. boosters to fight the variants, much like we

do with the annual flu.

WHAT IS THE REALITY OF THESE BREAKTHROUGH CASES, AND WHY ARE THEY HAPPENING? DO THE VACCINES OFFER AS MUCH PROTECTION AS FIRST BELIEVED?

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COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

1113 Bienville Blvd.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

(228) 300-5945

IS HERE TO HELP YOU. 921 Cedar Lake Rd. BILOXI, MS

(228) 396-3945

Managing Your Medications Has Never Been Easier.

Just add water.

Your medications come organized by date and time, securely sealed in individual easy-open packages. So when it’s time to take your next dose you just tear the package off the roll and your pills are there. That’s all there is to it.

Organized by date and time Securely sealed Clearly labeled Preprinted reminders for things like liquids and inhalers Easy to open Ideal for travel and everyday

1110 Cowan Road | Gulfport, MS 39507 | 228-896-7070

TACKLE TACKLE BREAST BREAST CANCER CANCER with with our our ACR ACR Breast Breast Accredited MRI Accredited MRI Centers Centers on on the the MS MS Gulf Gulf Coast.

Coast.

TheMRICenterMS.com TheMRICenterMS.com

The The only only privately privately owned owned MRI MRI center center on on the the Mississippi Mississippi Gulf Gulf Coast Coast –– which means significantly reduced costs for patients. which means significantly reduced costs for patients.

CEDAR Medical Park Dr., Biloxi, MS 39532 CEDAR LAKE: LAKE: 228-354-0251 228-354-0251 –– 1720-C 1720-C Medical Park Dr., Biloxi, MS 39532 (4674) – 6300-B East Lake Blvd., Gautier, MS 39565 EAST LAKE: 228-447-4MRI EAST LAKE: 228-447-4MRI (4674) – 6300-B East Lake Blvd., Gautier, MS 39565 www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Oceans Behavioral Hospital Biloxi The Journey to Healing Begins Here At Oceans, healing is our focus. Children, adults, and seniors turn to us to manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Our proven, innovative, and progressive therapies promote long-term wellness through both inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment options.

INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Focusing specifically on the unique physical and emotional needs of older adults and seniors.

ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

Treating teenagers with the individualized attention they need.

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS

Providing long-term, successful management of physical, emotional and cognitive health for patients living at home.

THERAPEUTIC DAY SCHOOL

Treating depression, anxiety and other behavioral health challenges via video or phone for inpatient and outpatient participants, families and caregivers.

Helping K-12 students with academic instruction and comprehensive therapy in our fully accredited private school.

Accepting Medicare & Medicaid • TRICARE • Most Private Insurance 180C Debuys Road | Biloxi, MS 39531 | (228) 388-0600 oceansbiloxi.com October 2021 80

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Starts Here

SERVICES

Well-woman Exams Laparoscopic/Laser Surgery Urinary Incontinence Treatment Chronic Pain/Endometriosis Treatment da Vinci Robotic Technology for Hysterectomy Hysteroscopy Endometrial Ablation Treatment for Heavy & Painful Periods Obstertrics Servicing the needs of all patients in the community for Women’s Health.

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY.

Top Doctor Nominee 2021 DR. KEITH GOODFELLOW, MD - COURTNEY MEREDITH, MD - JOHN H. MALLETT, MD

147 REYNOIR STREET, SUITE 105 | BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI | 228-436-6658 1720 MEDICAL PARK DRIVE, SUITE 300 | BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI | 228-702-1500

WWW.BILOXIOBGYNCLINIC.COM

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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VitreoRetinal Eye Care is committed to providing care for our patients with compassion, expertise, and excellence.

Our efforts are focused on providing the best possible care with the most advanced technology available.

SPECIALIZED EYE CARE FOR Diabetes Macular Degeneration Retinal Detachment and many more retinal eye conditions

Dr. Avit “Frere” Gremillion

962 Tommy Munro Drive Suite | Biloxi MS 228-388-7000 | www.vitreoretinaleyecenter.com 82

October 2021

FAST PAC E HEALTH.COM

NOW OPEN! Our staff and providers are here for you and your family!!

2798 Pass Road Biloxi, MS 39531

228-200-0340

Celebrating THANK YOU

to our wonderful patients!

Top Doctor Nominee 2021

We’re Here to Help You Hear Hearing Testing | Hearing Aids Maintenance & Programming of Aids

Karen Slater Au.D. • Mindy Eads-Taylor Au.D. Charlene Taylor Au.D. • Amanda Guillotte Au.D.

Doctors of Audiology

Professional Audiology and Hearing Care Services, Hearing Aid Fitting and Tinnitus Treatment in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Dental C.A. “BUDDY” BRICE D.D.S., P.A. AUSTIN J. MCMURPHY, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Pediatric Dentists Dedicated To The Pediatric Dedicated ToTeens The Oral HealthDentists Of Infants, Children, OralAnd Health Of Infants, Children, Teens Children With Special Needs and Children WithOCEAN Special Needs BILOXI OFFICE SPRINGS OFFICE

(228) 207-7102

BILOXI OFFICE (228) 374-8175 (228) 215-3100

1720A Medical Park Drive, Suite 140 Biloxi, MS 39532

1070 Judge Sekul Ave. | Biloxi, MS 39530

Karen Slater, AuD and Jason Smith, MD - Owners

OCEAN SPRINGS OFFICE

Schedule Your No-Obligation Appointment.

1268 Ocean Springs Rd. (228) 374-8175 Ocean Springs, MS 39564

1070 Judge Sekul Ave. Biloxi, MS 39530

(228) 215-3100

1268 Ocean Springs Rd. | Ocean Springs, MS 39564

OFFICE HOURS:

MONDAY - FRIDAY • 8AM - 5PM extended hours by request.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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DR. HAMZA MINHAS

How COVID-19 has impacted breast cancer care

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. In 2021, approximately 281,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients with breast cancer will suffer from a more severe COVID-19 infection if they contract it.

Therefore, it is very important that preventive strategies such as wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing, hand-washing and COVID-19 vaccines are used to prevent severe infections and complications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adults ages 18 and above. The Moderna vaccine has emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 18 and older. If you have breast cancer and are on chemotherapy, you are considered immunocompromised and might not respond to COVID-19 vaccination. Hence an additional booster dose may be required. In August 2021, the FDA approved under EUA both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna booster vaccination for immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, it is imperative that breast cancer patients get their booster dose of COVID-19 Dr. Carl Johns III vaccination and protect themselves from a severe infection or complication. Talk to your doctor for further information about COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses.

COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is estimated that around 2,500

excess deaths due to breast cancer will occur by 2030 due to the impact of COVID-19. This is as a result of reduction in screening, delayed diagnosis and decreased use of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. This model accounts for the fact that the impact of COVID-19 will last for six months. If the impact lasts for 12 months, then the number of excess deaths will increase to approximately 5,000. This is a staggering statistic of unfortunate women who will die from breast cancer. Another study found a 90 percent reduction in screening mammography from March 2020 to June 2020. Although fewer women were screened during this time, more women were diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer.

COVID-19 has impacted all our lives to a significant degree.

However, it is very important to not allow COVID-19 to impact screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor today about mammograms for screening and treatment options if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Do not let COVID-19 stop you!

Dr. Hamza Minhas is a physician with Memorial Physician Clinics specializing in hematology, internal medicine and oncology.

Reach him at (228) 575-1234.

Taylor Ronquillo, FNP

IN OCEAN SPRINGS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS Maxem Health Urgent Care’s Ocean Springs clinic is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year with new clinic renovations, extended hours, updated website and service offerings, Telehealth visits, and the addition of a new Nurse Practitioner, Taylor Ronquillo, FNP and Physician, Dr. Carl Johns III.

Maxem Health Urgent Care SAME GREAT CARE, NO CONTACT? introduces their Nurse Practitioners WITH FEWnewest EXTRAS location.

NO PROBLEM toAtheir

SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

• COVID-19 active testing and • 24/7 virtual visits available via our • Rigorous cleaning antibody testing Telehealth program on our website and sanitizing • Medical Discount Program discounted $50 self pay FNP procedures HEATHER BOYD,• Insurance FNP &accepted, TAYLOR RONQUILLO, available for uninsured pricing • PPE available to families,TESTS and small • SeeAT a provider from anywhere via a all patientsSITE and 15 individuals, MINUTE RAPID AVAILABLE ALL LOCATIONS & FUTURE COVID VACCINE businesses smartphone, tablet, or computer clinicians Send an email to feedback@maxemhealthurgentcare.com to join the waitlist.

6615 WASHINGTON AVENUEAVAILABLE OCEAN SPRINGS COVID-19 ACTIVE TESTING AND ANTIBODY TESTING AT ALL LOCATIONS. CALL FOR DETAILS 84

October 2021

OCEAN SPRINGS

GULFPORT

maxemhealthurgentcare.com PASCAGOULA

PETAL

HATTIESBURG

PICAYUNE

D’IBERVILLE

U T LATIONS A R G N O C Catherine Rogers, MD

Elite HEALTH CLINIC EARLY TRIMESTER OBSTETRICS GYNECOLOGY CONTRACEPTION YEARLY PAP SMEARS WELLNESS EXAMS STD TESTING SPORTS PHYSICALS NOW ACCEPTING

NEW PATIENTS CRYSTAL HEATHINGTON, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

428 COURTHOUSE RD. SUITE B GULFPORT, MS 39507 228-207-0408 Formerly the office of Dr. Donna Alexander

Top Doctor Nominee 2021 Before joining Psycamore in January 2019, Catherine Rogers, MD completed her medical school and psychiatry residency training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is board certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Following her psychiatry residency training, she served as an active duty military member in the United States Air Force as an attending psychiatrist and medical director.

RESTORING HEALTH. RENEWING HOPE.

• Bipolar

• PTSD

• Self Injury

• Stress

• Addictions

• Depression

• Obsessions/ Compulsions

• Anxiety/Panic

• Anger Outbursts/ Mood Swings

• Eating Disorders

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity

BILOXI, MS

-

• School Anxiety/School Failure • Mild Pervasive Development

228.388.7744

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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MY TRANSFORMATION STORY

Edwina Sumrall BEFORE MY TRANSFORMATION

Before my transformation, I was very unhappy with myself when I looked in the mirror. I didn’t like going clothes shopping because I had to settle for “cover-up” clothes to hide what I didn’t like about myself. I dreaded doctor visits, too, because the first thing I had to do was weigh in — then the lab work would confirm just how much my health was declining.

I could not stand to wash dishes or dress myself for more than five to 10 minutes without having to bend over to take the pressure off my back because it hurt so badly.

By the time I finished taking a shower, I would have to rest a few minutes before I had enough energy and strength to dry off. My energy level, strength, health, spirit, selfesteem, eating habits, and life outlook were a total wreck.

My daughter told me she’d met someone who’d told her about a program she believed would be good for me. As I asked her questions, she suggested that I call a health coach who could answer all my questions. I made that call, and my whole outlook on life started to change.

BEFORE

AFTER

MY GOAL

My goal was, and is, to learn how to eat to live rather than live to eat. Although I wasn’t happy with my weight and health, I would use “going out to eat” as a way to feel better. I began reading about a health habits program, and I quickly realized this was not a diet, but a lifestyle change for my spirit, soul and body. I set my goal to allow my body, not the scales, be the top priority in determining my progress and success.

WHAT I DID

I prayed to God for the discipline, willpower and financial means to be successful on this health journey. After that, I called my coach and placed my first order for a starter kit, which contained “Habits of Health” books, a 30-day journal and enough fuel for the first month. In about 10 -15 days I got my first order and began the most amazing journey I’ve ever been on in my history of trying to lose weight.

HOW IT WORKED

The program that I’m on is called the five and one plan. I eat five fueling and one lean-and-green meal every day. I eat a fueling meal every two to three hours and a meal I prepare consisting of three servings of green vegetables and a lean serving of protein. Each item is weighed or measured based on the carbohydrates it contains. I drink at least 100 ounces per day, and we have a list of healthy fats and condiments we can have each day. This will put you into what is called “fat burn” in about three to four days, and you begin losing weight. You could lose 5 to 19 pounds your first week in fat burn.

The most difficult part was learning how to eat every two hours and how to participate in family events, as well as maintain a social life, while staying on the plan. I set an alarm to remind me to eat because the fueling is very filling once you have been on the program for two to four days. As long as I stayed home, it was not a problem. With the help of my coach and the OPTAVIA community support team, I’ve learned how to balance my family events and social life and still remain on plan.

HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF TODAY:

Today, I’m loving the new me! I look forward to my doctor visits. I’ve improved every area of my health to the point that I’ve come off some of the medication I was on and am hopeful I will be off even more soon.

I love going shopping now; I like the person looking back at me in the mirror. I find that I have to remind myself not to do too much before taking a break because I have so much energy.

I love who I’ve become on this health journey. This lifestyle change has affected the whole me — spirit, soul and body.

MY ADVICE TO OTHERS:

Making the decision to take charge of my health is the secondgreatest decision I’ve ever made. It will take discipline, and you will have to make some adjustments to your mindset about food, but it will be well worth any changes you make. If you don’t invest the time and money in your health now, you will more than likely invest it in medical and doctor/hospital bills later.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART 86

October 2021

COME SEE US AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS:

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DR. JAMES BOFILL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

the fetus is growing well. Additionally, with patients of advanced maternal age, we will perform weekly fetal testing (BPP or NST); this allows us to allow the pregnancy to continue normally if the testing is normal and modify our testing if there are concerns. On rare occasions, the testing may be very worrisome, and we can intervene with delivery if required. With our testing, the real question we are asking is, “Would the fetus be safer in the mom’s uterus or in the nursery?”

Q. If a developing baby has medical problems, can you address these problems prior to delivery?

A: It all depends on the situation. We have had many cases where the fetus has had a severe rhythm disturbance of the heart, which can lead to heart failure. We treat these developing babies by giving their mothers medicine, which crosses the placenta and may be able to regulate the cardiac rhythm and hopefully extend the pregnancy to term. We have also successfully treated fetuses with thyroid disorders in a similar manner.

We have also found many cases where a twin pregnancy has the so-called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. When we identify these cases, we arrange for the patient to travel to one of the national centers, where a laser procedure may be accomplished to correct or mitigate the abnormality.

However, in most cases, our major contribution is to identify a major structural defect and to bring these issues to the attention of the pediatric subspecialists. Then, we make a plan to manage the pregnancy and make appropriate plans for delivery. Sometimes, the patient will need to travel to UMMC in Jackson to deliver so that the pediatric subspecialists can care for the infant immediately after delivery.

We also have subspecialists in our Biloxi clinic, including Dr. Aimee Parnell, a fetal and pediatric cardiologist. A fetal cardiac defect is the most common defect that we encounter, and it happens in just under 1 percent of pregnancies. We freely consult with Dr. Parnell and the other pediatric subspecialties. Other pediatric specialties offered at the Biloxi clinic include pulmonology, neurology and orthopaedics.

The UMMC Center for Telehealth delivers online access to additional pediatric medical specialties. Through telehealth, pediatric experts can examine and treat patients online using live, two-way audio/visual technology as easily as if they were in the same exam room.

Children’s of Mississippi manages the Gulf Coast’s only Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. The unit provides around-the-clock care to newborns with special needs and has been recently updated with 11 semi-private rooms with 23 NICU beds where critically ill or premature infants receive advanced levels of treatment.

Q: How do high-risk moms obtain an appointment?

A: We generally take patients by referral. Patients can ask their obstetrician for a referral to our clinic.

To refer a patient to Dr. Bofill, call (601) 815-3308.

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OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

S T A ND U P !

SP EA K U P !

IF YOU'RE READING THIS... ...you probably have experienced domestic violence yourself or seen it affect someone close to you. The sad truth is that despite significant progress, one in three women have been physically abused by an intimate partner. Domestic violence transcends all demographic boundaries and causes trauma that can affect generations of families.

While every victim’s story is unique, some commonalities exist.

Embarrassment may prevent a woman from coming forward, and fear may keep her from leaving her abuser. Bringing this important issue to light and showing victims they are not alone is the only way for healing to begin.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which presents an opportunity to raise awareness and amplify the voices of survivors. Inside this special section, you will hear from women who found the courage to leave abusive relationships. You’ll find information to help you understand the dynamics and factors contributing to domestic violence and the resources available to victims.

If you’ve been touched by domestic violence, this is your moment to be heard and take a stand. Even if you aren’t a victim or survivor, your support is invaluable, so consider this your call to action.

It’s time to wake up, stand up and speak up. Ending domestic violence in our homes and communities starts with each of us.

PRESENTED BY

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October 2021

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL • BAGEL BEES

COVER STORY

RENATA FLOT-PATTERSON

taking a stand

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Keli Mornay lost her life to domestic violence, but now her voice is louder than ever

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE On June 3, 2021, Keli Mornay penned a diary entry begging God for the strength to go on.

“I am done with having a full heart that I give to those that stomp and crush it,” she confided to her journal. “I don’t deserve any more of this, not another day …. I want out! It all hurts soooo bad ….”

Three days later, on June 6, Biloxi Police responded to a domestic incident at Mornay’s South Shore Drive home. When they arrived just before 4 a.m., authorities found the 34-year-old mother of three and 44-year-old Byrain Johnson, dead from gunshot wounds. Their 7-month-old son, Brixx Nola, also was shot and later succumbed to his injuries.

Mornay’s mother, Renata Flot-Patterson, remains haunted by the events that unfolded in those early morning hours. One of the last sounds her daughter heard, she says, was glass breaking. “(Johnson) broke into Keli’s home by shattering the sliding glass door, which was located on the back of the house and attached to the master bedroom,” Flot-Patterson says. “Upon entry, through the broken glass door, Byrain immediately approached Keli’s bed, where she was laying with (Brixx), and shot her in the head.

“Keli screamed when she heard the glass break, and before she could do anything, Byrain jumped on top of her, forcing her down on the bed, and immediately shot her.”

Mornay’s two older sons, Dio and Alli, managed to flee the scene and ran from house to house seeking help. Alli’s first call was to Flot-Patterson, who suddenly was thrust into her worst nightmare.

“At that moment, I was in complete shock mode, and I am still in shock and disbelief to this day,” she says. “It seemed like a huge fog came over me after the news …, and I honestly was just aimlessly floating around at that point; I had no idea what I was doing, where I was going, what to do or who to call.”

Mornay has invested many hours in trying to understand the details of what happened. The Biloxi Police Department has declined to comment on the case, as the window for civil liability has not closed. The tragedy has devasted Johnson’s family as well as Mornay’s, and his relatives have declined to comment due to threats received following previous media reports.

Mornay’s and her son’s deaths seem to have awakened many people, women especially, to the tragedy of domestic violence. The research has shown for decades that women are more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner than by anyone else.

Such homicides typically are the culmination of a pattern of abuse, with one in three women experiencing sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during her lifetime. The problem has intensified during the pandemic as victims found themselves trapped with their abusers and households have faced mounting pressures.

Loved ones like Flot-Patterson, even if they are close to a victim, often remain in the dark. Today, the grieving mother and grandmother can only wish Mornay had shared the details she entrusted to her diary and her fears for herself and her family.

“I have now learned what the red flags are,” FlotPatterson says, “and I am so sorry that I did not know beforehand.”

“WE ALL TRUSTED HIM”

According to Flot-Patterson, the first warning sign was Johnson’s early,

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“I NEED TO BE THE VOICE FOR ALL THE OTHER KELI’S OUT THERE SUFFERING IN SILENCE.” intense interest in her daughter. From the time Mornay moved into an apartment upstairs from his in 2018, Johnson immediately began asking her out, she recalls.

“Byrain basically charmed not only Keli, but her boys as well as her family, into believing that he was this knight in shining armor,” she says. “We all trusted him. He was funny, witty, charming, and handy.”

The two began dating in 2019, and things seemed to be going smoothly until February of 2020, when an incident prompted Mornay to end the relationship, according to Flot-Patterson. At the same time, Mornay learned she was pregnant with Brixx.

“There was now a huge distrust in Byrain’s violent behaviors and actions and the possibility of Byrain harming Keli,” Flot-Patterson recalls.

Although the relationship appeared to improve during Keli’s pregnancy, FlotPatterson says, Keli’s journals have since revealed the depth of her daughter’s fear and concern.

“I have now learned that a few months after Brixx was born, Byrain began physically, and mentally abusing Keli again and basically forced her back into a relationship with him that she truly did not want,” Flot-Patterson says. “He would threaten to hurt her, her children and even threatened Keli that he would hurt even me, her mother, at times. I also learned that he had previously put a gun to Keli’s head and a knife to her throat in two other incidents.”

“WE’RE ALL ABOUT TO BE DEAD”

Keli’s hopes for peace and safety were shattered, along with her sliding glass door, on the morning of June 6. After missing her grandson’s Alli’s frantic call, Flot-Patterson tried calling him back but got no answer.

She then dialed Mornay’s business cell phone, and she says Johnson answered.

“I asked him calmly, ‘Byrain where are my babies?’ and he replied, ‘We’re all about to be dead,’” Flot-Patterson says. “He hung up the phone, and I immediately called 911.”

Flot-Patterson says the operator told her Alli had called, too, and units were already en route. When Flot-Patterson approached Mornay’s house, the block was filled with police cars in a scene she describes as “something out of a movie.” As authorities

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October 2021

worked, they directed Flot-Patterson and her husband to wait at the nearby Sunkist Golf Clubhouse.

As the sun rose, police confirmed a mother’s worst fears.

“My beautiful, smart, loving, kind and ambitious daughter was gone,” FlotPatterson says. “My world was completely shattered at that very instant, and I knew that I would never be the same.”

Brixx had been shot, too, she learned, but still was alive and bound for Merit Health Biloxi. He was supposed to be transported to Alabama but sadly never left the area.

“Very shortly after this, we were informed that Baby Brixx did not make it — another blow to the heart and mind,” Flot-Patterson says. “I just remember thinking and asking, ‘Why, why, why God?’” Mornay and Brixx’s loved ones celebrated their lives with a candlelight vigil on the beach in Gulfport, and more than 300 people attended their June 14 funeral in New Orleans. Expressing condolences on an online tribute wall, family friend Nikole Baskin remembered Mornay’s “smile and laughter, and how it would light up the room.”

“I loved the energy you brought around family and friends; you had a way of making everyone feel like family,” Baskin wrote. “You were a joy to be around — so creative and outgoing.”

Flot-Patterson viewed her daughter as a “bright light of joy and happiness from the day she was born.” “(Keli) touched so many people with her loving ways and kindness,” she adds. “She would truly do anything to help anyone, even if it meant that she had to go without.

She was just that way.”

Mornay also had an entrepreneurial spirit, her mother says, and pursued interests in music and event planning. The mother-daughter duo founded Gulf Coast Destination Management Co., and Mornay was due to finalize her training and get her real estate license in July. She once confidently told her mother that they would appear on the cover of Gulf Coast Woman magazine someday.

In her home life, nothing made Mornay happier than spending time with her boys, including her “bundle of joy” Brixx, FlotPatterson says. Verbal and mobile, the baby was unstoppable once he’d learned to

navigate the house in his walker — despite his feet not quite reaching the floor.

“Brixx was a sweet, warm, cuddly and extremely mild-mannered infant; he never cried unless he was hungry or needed a diaper change,” his grandmother recalls.

“He was pure joy to all who encountered him.”

“IT IS TIME TO GET SERIOUS”

As she mourns her family’s devastating loss, Flot-Patterson also feels compelled to be a voice for her daughter and grandson and to share their story. She urges those in abusive relationships to remove themselves from the situation as much and as quickly as possible and to have an escape plan.

“I had no idea about any of this because it was not the life that I lived,” LeflotPatterson says. “How would I know?

“Protect your daughters by helping to remove them from their situation. Do whatever it takes to get them away from their abuser.”

To those who think such a disaster could never befall them, Flot-Patterson says she never saw it coming, either. Knowing what she knows now, her goal is to educate others and change the laws and views of the community and the legal system concerning mental health issues and domestic violence.

Too often, domestic violence is treated as minor squabbling while cries for help are ignored — and Flot-Patterson is determined to deliver a wakeup call.

“It is time to get serious because domestic violence is not a joke,” she says. “It is a crime.”

Many domestic violence centers and services want to help, and Flot-Patterson urges those suffering in silence to reach out. She also advises victims to not tell their abuser where they are going and to get away from them until they are locked up or out of their life for good.

To mothers like her, she says, “Watch for the signs.”

If you are experiencing physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or financial abuse, help is available.

Call the domestic violence national hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence crisis line: (800) 800-1396.

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91

KELI MORNAY,

in her own words...

The following are excerpts from the personal journal of Keli Mornay. They are dated June 3, 2021. She died June 6, 2021.

Prayer

Dear God, Please give the strength to go on. I am done with having a full heart that I give to those that stomp and crush it. I don’t deserve any more of this, not another day …. I want out! It all hurts soooo bad ….

I’m tired of fighting. For once, I just need someone to not hurt me after I have given them my all. I need better.

I want better, I deserve BETTER! I am finished with trying to save people who don’t want to be saved.

Entry abount her boys: Alliyano “Alli” (14), and Diovanni “Dio” (10) I love my boys more than anything in this world, and its time for me to protect them from jacked-up situations. It is my responsibility to keep them safe. I have been too good to people who turn around and tear me down. And unfortunately, my kids fall victim to seeing this, and they end up suffering. I do not want them to see me like this anymore. My boys are the most important thing to me, but I allow selfish people to distract me from what my real concerns are — and that is my boys.

Boys, I am so sorry for the mistakes that

I always want you to be you no matter what. Just be mindful and expect the worst when you love those who are incapable of love. Disappointments are the worst part of the hurt and the exact cause of it.

Entry to Brixx Nola

I have made, but please know that I love you first before all the bull $%*@. You were both my number-ones, my babies — the ones who always show me REAL LOVE! Through everything, you both are still just like me — good and loving spirits that never allow no one to see their weakness in order to keep everyone else strong, exceptional survivors through all of life’s madness. I will forever be proud of who you both are individually. You will both do great things. I just know it because you’ve got what it takes.

There is one thing I want you both to know, and that is because you have big hearts and love like I do; know that people will hurt you. Those who you try to help and give your all to will hurt you the most. I don’t say this so that you don’t love, because

My sweet baby Brixx, Ever since your arrival into this world, I have enjoyed 7 months of your blessings. Every morning waking up to you and every night sleeping by your side are pure bliss. There is not a second in a day that I ever want to miss. You are perfection in mommy’s eyes, one of my most precious blessings and gifts from God. I continue to thank God every day for you. It seems like only yesterday that I was preparing your nursery — wondering if you would be a girl or a boy and imagining and daydreaming about holding you in my arms. Now it is so surreal to have you home with us and celebrating your every new milestone. Brixx Nola Mornay Johnson, you absolutely ROCK MY WORLD! You are only at the beginning of your journey. There is so much more ahead, and I look forward to watching you grow along with your big brothers.

GCCFN PRESCHOOL SERVES YOUNG VICTIMS OF ABUSE, TRAUMA

BY RENE’ DAVIS

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The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence offers a free, therapeutic preschool for children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or parent substance abuse or have experienced trauma related to those issues. The program focuses on building self-esteem as a base for the prevention of future substance abuse and violence.

In addition to offering standard pre-K educational curriculum with music and art activities, the GCCFN preschool provides play therapy, counseling, instruction in positive classroom interactions, problem-solving strategies, emotional recognition and aggression

October 2021

reduction techniques and teaches skills for building positive relationships. The preschool is open to children ages 3-5 who are potty trained. There are no registration or tuition fees, and program participation is completely confidential. Parents wishing to inquire about enrollment can contact the GCCFN early education specialist at (228) 436-3809.

Rene’ Davis is the communications manager for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. Reach her at rdavis@gccfn.org or (228) 207-2375.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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ROADMAP

for the way out

Even if you know you are in an abusive relationship and need to get out, actually leaving may seem impossible — especially if there are children to consider, if you have limited financial resources or you fear for your safety and that of your loved ones.

The best place to start with any major life change is with preparation. If you’re contemplating an escape, here is a roadmap to help guide you:

WAYPOINT 2

STOP BLAMING YOURSELF. Chances are your abuser has made you believe that you are all or partly at fault for the mistreatment you’ve endured.

Before you can move on successfully, you must recognize that there is nothing you could have done differently to get a better outcome and you are not to blame. The problem lies with the abuser, not you, and you are not alone.

WAYPOINT 1

CALL IT WHAT IT IS.

There are several types of abuse, including mental, emotional, physical and financial, but all are about exerting power and control.

Identify the abusive behaviors you have been subjected to — which can include everything from demeaning or belittling you to physical violence — and no longer make excuses for them. Abuse is never normal or OK.

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October 2021

WAYPOINT 3

CONFIDE IN PEOPLE YOU TRUST.

To break free of your abuser, you will need plenty of support. If you have been suffering in silence, assess who you feel comfortable talking to, whether that’s close loved ones or a professional counselor, and apprise them of the situation so they can offer help and guidance. Be careful about only telling people who will not betray your confidence.

WAYPOINT 4

ASSESS YOUR NEEDS AND YOUR RESOURCES.

On the Coast, there are several organizations, including the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence and I am Knowledge, that domestic violence victims can turn to for support and aid. If you need assistance with money, housing or childcare upon leaving, determine who can help you and for how long. Also, take advantage of online resources. If you fear that you will be caught conducting internet research, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the GCCFN website and many others have a safety exit that lets you hide your browsing.

WAYPOINT 5

CREATE A PERSONALIZED SAFETY PLAN.

While you can’t control what your abuser does, you can plan how you will respond to future incidents and how you will get to safety if necessary. Some questions for consideration include, “When I have to talk to the abuser, I can ____,” and, “When I feel a fight coming on, I will try to move to a place that is lowest risk for getting hurt, such as ______. “ You also can create a codeword to alert friends, family, coworkers, counselors or others to call for help on your behalf.

WAYPOINT 6

DON’T TURN BACK.

There may be “good” times when your abuser is kind to you; patterns of mistreatment typically are followed by loving gestures to “make it up to you.” Recognize that serious mental or emotional problems usually underlie the abuse, and it is not your responsibility to “fix” your abuser or convince him to get help. Your greatest duty is to the welfare and safety of yourself, your children and anyone else endangered by the abusive relationship.

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SURVIVOR STORY

From trauma to triumph: HANNAH BOOKER'S STORY

Red flags. So many red flags. I saw them but chose to ignore them. He studied me like a book and learned my likes, dislikes and traumas.

He then used that information to create the person I believed was my soulmate. He was “saving me” from an already bad place and blinding me with his narcissism.

He was controlling from the start. He kept me from my family, friends and work. He convinced me that he was the only one who truly cared. Two years into our relationship, he relapsed on meth and pills.

At this time, I knew nothing about drugs, but it wasn’t long before I was addicted, too. The abuse got extremely bad after that. He had me right where he wanted me, completely vulnerable to him.

The emotional, physical, and mental abuse would go on for years. My kids witnessed a ton of abuse. My oldest son saw things that no child should have to see. The cycle of leaving, doing well, letting him back in my head then returning to the same situation constantly repeated itself. Because of the abuse and drug use, the state Department of Human Services got involved and took our three kids.

DHS insisted I attend rehab. I chose a free 90-day, faith-based program — twice in one year. After I graduated the second time, I decided I was done with him. I chose my kids. I got a job, a house and did what was required to gain custody back. Two weeks before I was to get my kids, I went to pick him up from rehab. Once again, I was blinded by his narcissism. I thought he had changed. I wanted a family again. I let him back in. We were using again within days, and he was beating me worse than ever before.

At my lowest, I was homeless, and my rights to my kids were terminated. I was getting beaten beyond recognition daily and

had track marks all over my arms. I wanted to die. I prayed to God to save me. I could not do it by myself. Within hours of my prayer, my ex-husband beat me in public, and someone called the cops. He was arrested, and I was sent to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. That event changed my life.

I had a change of heart after three days. I woke up and accepted my reality. I finally had resources available to me. I took every class the Center had. I took life skills and parenting classes and participated in individual and group therapy sessions. I soaked it all in. I chose to change my mindset. I got rid of all my limiting beliefs and started acting as if I were already the person I wanted to be. The Center believed in me, and so I believed in myself. They saved me.

After three months of living there, I moved into an apartment, started getting my kids every other weekend and took classes to become a certified peer support specialist. I am now two years clean and sober. I work at a drug and alcohol treatment center, where I help people just like me overcome addictions and past traumas. I live in Ocean Springs with my three children, and we are flourishing. I am a survivor! I have been given the opportunity to use my story to give back to what’s been given to me. I give all the glory to my God, and I am beyond thankful for the Center.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence issues, reach out to the Center. When you’re ready, your life can change. Take advantage of their therapy, take all the classes, open up, set goals and fight to keep going.

Life gets better — and YOU deserve better.

I am a survivor! I have been given the opportunity to use my story to give back to what’s been given to me.

I give all the glory to my God...

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October 2021

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

BY ALYSSA STASNY Alyssa Stasny is community outreach educator with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

The statistics

In 2020, The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence:

SERVED

2,098

40%

OF WOMEN

OF MEN

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

RESPONDED TO

11,700

CRISIS CALLS ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

• 15 percent of all violent crime is intimate partner abuse.

• In a study of domestic violence homicides, 20 percent of victims were not the intimate partners themselves, but family members, friends, neighbors, law enforcement responders or bystanders.

• 1 in 10 high school students experienced physical violence from the partner they were dating.

October 2021

32%

IN MISSISSIPPI WILL EXPERIENCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THEIR LIFETIMES

INDIVIDUALS

98

AND

1 IN 3

WOMEN AND 1 IN 4 MEN IN THE UNITED STATES HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME FORM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

ACCORDING TO WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES 2017:

• Prevalence of unintended pregnancies from IPV ranged from 17%- 31%.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS THE

THIRD

LEADING CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG FAMILIES.

The National Center on Family Homelessness

ACCORDING TO FORBES MAGAZINE:

• Domestic violence costs $8.3 billion annually, a combination of higher medical costs ($5.8 billion) and lost productivity ($2.5 billion).

ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INTIMATE PARTNER AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEY, 2010:

• Female victims most commonly first experience domestic violence between ages 18-24 (38.6 percent) • 16 percent of murder victims in the U.S. were killed by an intimate partner.

• 50 percent of all women who are homeless report that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness.

15.5 MILLION

CHILDREN ARE EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EVERY YEAR IN THE U.S. UNICEF

AMERICAN WOMEN EXPERIENCE

4.8 MILLION PHYSICAL ASSAULTS

AND RAPES AT THE HANDS OF THEIR INTIMATE PARTNER EVERY YEAR National Organization for Women

ACCORDING TO THE GUARDIAN:

ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CENTER ON FAMILY HOMELESSNESS:

ACCORDING TO UNICEF:

• Globally, 275 million children witness firsthand violence at home.

ACCORDING TO UN WOMEN

• Calls to helplines have increased five-fold in some countries as rates of reported intimate partner violence increase because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restricted movement, social isolation and economic insecurity are increasing women’s vulnerability to violence in the home around the world • 15 million adolescent girls worldwide, aged 15–19 years, have experienced forced sex.

• Domestic violence support requests from Spanishspeaking women spiked by 700 percent in the first two weeks of April 2020 www.gcwmultimedia.com

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SURVIVOR STORY

With faith, all things are possible: SHARITA COOK’S STORY

My name is Sharita Cook, and I am the mother of seven beautiful children, which includes five sons and two daughters. I am the eldest daughter of Larry and Janis Burks. My parents were hard workers.

There were five of us altogether, two brothers and two sisters. My mother was a chef, and also a longshoreman, and my father worked at Ingalls shipyard and Anchor glass company.

In my eyes, we lived a pretty normal life. But as time went on, I noticed my dad hitting my mom. Parents have fights, that can be normal, but things took a turn, and he shot my mother in the head in 1985. He shot her on Mother’s Day of all days, and I witnessed him go into his car and shoot himself. Neither parent died, but scars were left everywhere.

When I got older and started to form relationships, I met the man who would father my children. The cycle continued, and I found him to be mentally and physically abusive. I still remember him beating the children, my boys. He was a mechanic, so he would use a fan belt that came off a car. He then had rough sex with me while I was pregnant until I lost my first daughter.

With those memories, I sought God and his word as much as I could.

In his word, I found power and love — love for your fellow man and community.

As a child, I imagined helping people when I grew up. My first thought as I got older was feeding the homeless, so I started an out-ofpocket pursuit to help young women and children by mentoring them and allowing my home to be a shelter.

That was too much to take on by myself, so I made a friend named Keli. I didn’t know our relationship would take us to where I am now.

I had my hands in a lot of projects just trying to help. I really had a special connection with abused women, and I wanted a place for them to go and feel protected and empowered. I started a nonprofit organization called I am Knowledge.

Keli wanted me to meet her mom to help me build my foundation.

For years, we meant to meet to discuss some things, but with my busy schedule and thinking you have forever, I didn’t meet Keli’s mother then. It was only after a tragic event — the death of Keli and her baby in a domestic violence incident — that I finally got to meet Keli’s wonderful mother.

Her mother and I have formed a relationship that has blossomed into something beautiful. After my talks with her, we decided I am Knowledge Foundation can be a rich resource to support women and children who experience domestic violence. We want to bring awareness and support to those women and families. Many women and children don’t know the signs or where to turn, and I want the foundation to be a beacon of hope, exemplifying love and encouragement to those abused families.

Through faith in God, all things work together — as my story has shown.

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I sought God and his word as much as I could. In his word, I found power and love — love for your fellow man and community.

SPOT THE SIGNS Since emotional abuse often precedes physical abuse, spotting and addressing the signs of emotional abuse could potentially prevent physical abuse from occurring. Once bruises are visible, abuse often has been present for some time. Signs can be very subtle, until they aren’t.

SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

SIGNS OF AN EMOTIONALLY ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP • Intense passion causes relationship to move fast • Excessive gifts or “love bombing” • Imposed isolation and distance from support groups • Coercive control (gaining control through use of intimidation, threats and humiliation) • Manipulation • Overreactions • Shame/blame/guilt • Blatant double standards

• Loud and concerning arguments heard by neighbors and other bystanders • Concerning reports from children • Bruises or other signs of physical injury • Excessive hospital visits • Excessive absences from work/school • Being monitored via technology, excessive communication, keeping tabs • Change in appearance: excessive makeup, disguises, baggy clothing • Symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideations

HOW TO RECOGNIZE ABUSERS • Controlling tendencies • Unrealistic expectations or standards • Highly critical or overly confident • Blamers, deny accountability • Commonly mean or abusive towards others • Jealous tendencies • Manipulative behaviors

BY ALYSSA STASNY Alyssa Stasny is community outreach educator with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

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HELPING THE ABUSER

ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

involves helping the abuser Providing safety, resources, and opportunities for recovery and healing to victims of domestic violence are crucial services.

That is work that we must keep doing.

But in the long term, without addressing the other party in the equation, we are not gaining any ground.

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W

hen I started as a victim advocate with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, it

BY SARAH JONES never occurred to me that my advocacy would extend to working with abusers. What I quickly came to realize was that promoting victim safety and moving toward our ultimate goals of reducing and eventually ending future violence can only be achieved with a plan where we meaningfully and consistently address the abuser.

Providing safety, resources, and opportunities for recovery and healing to victims of domestic violence are crucial services. That is work that we must keep doing. But in the long term, without addressing the other party in the equation, we are not gaining any ground. We are left with a person who has the potential to continue to inflict future violence and damage. That is where helping abusers comes into play.

To be clear, when I say helping, I do not mean colluding. We must consistently and collectively hold abusers accountable. They cannot be allowed to shift blame for their actions to their victims or make excuses.

What I mean by helping is finding and addressing the foundation that facilitates and sometimes supports use of violence and providing the appropriate interventions to change behavior. One possible early intervention strategy we try with abusers is the use of a domestic violence intervention program (DVIP)

or batterer intervention program (BIP).

The DVIP at the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence is an 18-week educational program that uses the Duluth Model and Turning Points Curriculum to address violent behavior toward intimate partners or family members. In DVIP, facilitators address patterns of learned behavior, as well as trauma and societal influences. The end goal of the program is to change behavior through education and accountability.

This is not always an easy task.

Facilitators often have to push back against victim blaming or justifications based on skewed belief systems.

They also encounter fault placed on the presence of substances or uncontrollable anger. While substance abuse and anger-management issues certainly may be present and should be treated seriously, they often are not the root cause of the coercive and controlling domestic violence.

The success of any intervention rests with the abuser’s willingness to change. It also is not incumbent on the victim to facilitate that change or remain with the abuser during the process. Ultimately, victim safety should be at the root of all advocacy.

Sarah Jones is the chief advocacy officer for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

Tr3ple Threat

Serabee

KELI & BRIXX: In their name Benefit concert honors legacy of domestic violence victims

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

A full lineup of female entertainers soon will use their talents to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel and Casino will host the first annual Keli & Brixx “In Their Name” benefit concert on Nov. 6.

The event pays tribute to Keli Mornay and her baby, Brixx, who tragically lost their lives to domestic violence on June 6, while also aiming to enlighten, inform and uplift.

Attendees will be treated to performances by award-winning gospel vocalist LeKeisha Cotten, “The Voice” finalist, SeraBee, and the evening’s headliner entertainment, Tr3ple Threat.

“There will also be survivors of domestic violence who will tell their stories of survival to encourage those who are in domestic violence relationship, or who may know someone in a domestic violence relationship, that survival is actually possible,” says Veronica McCreary, CEO and founder of Sophisticated Lady Productions LLC, who is producing and coordinating the event.

Among the notable featured speakers set to appear are Cathy CaDori Marshall, founder and CEO of CaDori, CaDori Helping Hands and Dougie’s Kids, author, philanthropist, registered nurse and survivor; and Yolanda Jerry, founder and CEO of YJ Empowerment Solutions, survivor, author, veteran, speaker and life coach. There also will be poetry by local resident and attorney Nita Chase.

Nonprofits will be on hand providing brochures and literature to highlight resources that are available on the Coast, as well as nationally, McCreary says.

“Finally, there will be top-selling books available for purchase that relate to domestic violence survival and experiences,” she adds.

A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to several nonprofit agencies that support domestic violence victims and survivors.

LeKeisha Cotten

IF YOU GO:

Keli & Brixx “In Their Name” A Benefit Concert for Domestic Violence WHERE: Golden Nugget Biloxi WHEN: Nov. 6, 2021, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.

FOR TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: keliandbrixxbenefitconcert.eventbrite.com.

PROUD TO DONATE

10% OF OCTOBER PROCEEDS TO THE CENTER FOR NON-VIOLENCE

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4013 Beatline Rd, Suite C | Long Beach, MS 228-222-4145

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SENIORS SUFFERING

Seniors

BY RENE’ DAVIS

ARE SUBJECT TO DOMESTIC ABUSE, TOO

With increasing life expectancy, senior adults are a growing segment of our population, and they are living active, independent lives that are longer than in previous generations. Dating, marriage and intimate relationships in later life are now commonplace, yet we often fail to consider or recognize the signs of dating or domestic abuse among our senior population.

• Like in other abusive relationships, seniors may be subjected to hitting, kicking, biting or strangulation. Those who are medically compromised or physically fragile may be vulnerable to neglect or other forms of physical abuse that are less obvious. Stealing medications; over- or undermedicating a victim; confinement or restraints; withholding assistance (such as destroying or hiding glasses or a cane); refusing medical care; or providing inadequate food, hygiene, or clothing are all forms of physical abuse and neglect.

• Sexual abuse describes any treatment or activity of a sexual nature without the victim’s consent.

This certainly includes rape and sexual assault, but it also could include sexual humiliation, being forced to undress or being forced to witness sexual material or acts without their consent.

• Seniors may be subjected to psychological abuse, such as intimidation, yelling or threats;

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humiliation or ridicule; social isolation or ignoring; or gaslighting, which is an intentional attempt to make a person feel confused, question her sanity or distrust her own memories.

• Financial abuse of seniors may include stealing; unauthorized use or misuse of property, financial accounts, or credit cards; forging their signature on documents; investment fraud; health care fraud; phony charities; or scam schemes.

It’s critical to note that, perhaps more than other populations, seniors may be subjected to domestic abuse from non-intimate partners, such as family members or caretakers.

According to the National Institute on Aging, the leading perpetrators of elder abuse are adult children (40 percent), followed by spouses (15 percent). Seniors experiencing this treatment may not recognize it as abusive, or they may hesitate to reach out for help due to fear, shame or guilt. People of elder generations may have been taught that it’s improper to discuss intimate details or family “secrets” with others. Some may believe that abusive treatment in marriage or dating is normal or to be expected. They may fear that leaving a long-term marriage or family living arrangement will leave them homeless or without support. Love for their children or spouse also can make it painful to consider reporting abuse or criminal behavior. Rather than assume that a victim will reach out for help, it’s important that a social network of trusted people (neighbors, colleagues, friends, clergy or medical

professionals) is available to watch for signs of neglect or mistreatment and is willing to ask questions and offer help or resources when needed.

Any person experiencing domestic abuse here in south Mississippi can receive help by contacting the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence at (800) 800-1396. Free, confidential support is available, including emergency shelter when needed. Anyone suspecting abuse or neglect of a senior or vulnerable adult also can make a confidential report for investigation to Mississippi Adult Protective Services at (844) 437-6282.

Rene’ Davis is communications manager for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. Reach her at rdavis@gccfn. org or (228) 207-2375.

EDUCATING CHILDREN

Teaching youth about healthy relationships I often hear the remark, “I don’t know how you do your job. I would not want to hear the stories that you must get.” Even worse, “Thank you for all that you do, but I could never do that.”

Talking about interpersonal

BY ALICIA TARRANT violence can be difficult, but I am able to help kids in many ways in my role.

As the youth outreach educator for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, I talk about interpersonal violence with children, parents and adults who work with children. With younger kids, I often teach on identifying emotions, friendship and bullying. With teenagers, I often talk about healthy relationships, as well as dating violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Regardless of the topic, I always discuss boundaries, personal safety and bystander intervention. I teach lessons in many different environments, including schools, after-school programs, community and religious organizations and professional settings. I am able to speak to any sized group in one-time trainings or in an ongoing capacity.

Here at the Center, we have a children’s counselor to provide mental health services, and we offer case management services and advocacy for the children we serve. We also have a therapeutic preschool for children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence, sexual assault or drug use within the home.

MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE 2021: Spooky fun supports cause of nonviolence

BY RENE’ DAVIS

Interpersonal violence, including domestic violence in the home, affects children and teens in various ways. Some children react with disruptive behaviors, especially at school or at home.

Others internalize their feelings and develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some may set out to be high achievers in all they do.

Much like adults, youth will disclose abuse if they feel it is safe to do so. They will seek help from those who listen and are non-judgmental. Children often are torn and confused, just like adults. In reality, children still often love their parent, despite the abuse, just as adults may still love their abusive partners. Other times, children are unable to verbalize anything due to their level of development or not possessing the language skills needed. All of these responses are typical.

Interpersonal violence is preventable. Education and skill development in forming healthy relationships is essential.

Changing societal norms and improving community responses are priorities. Above all, empathy is the key. Anyone can make a positive difference in a child’s life; all that is required is some basic knowledge about interpersonal violence and empathy.

Interpersonal violence is a complicated issue to address with children, but not an impossible one.

Alicia Tarrant is youth outreach educator with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence is gearing up for a night of glamorous, gothic elegance — all for a good cause.

White Pillars will host GCCFN’s flagship fundraising event, Moonlight Masquerade, on Oct. 16. This event is a Coast favorite, offering upscale Halloween fun for adults while raising funds to support the Center’s mission and programs.

The Center provides emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and survivors of homicide victims.

Refreshments for the evening will include cocktails and a menu of fresh hors d’oeuvres and small plates crafted by White Pillars owner and chef Austin Sumrall. Sumrall is a 2020 James Beard nominee who recently was named “King of American Seafood” at the 2021 Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Entertainment highlights will include live music by soul artist Symone French. French is the winner of a Nappie Award for “Best Area Voice” and

was named an “On the Rise: Artist to Watch” by Mobile Bay Magazine. Guests also can look forward to perusing the dozens of items available for purchase at the event’s silent auction.

Guests are encouraged to attend Moonlight Masquerade in costume and participate in the evening’s contest, where winners will be chosen in both the “individual” and “group” costume categories.

This is the 11th anniversary of Moonlight Masquerade and the 10th in-person gala, after adapting the event to a virtual and socially-distanced “Moonlight Masquerade: Gala-OnThe-Go” event in 2020.

Tickets are $50 per person, and the event is open to anyone age 21 and older. Ticketing and further information is available on the event’s website at gccfn.org/MM21.

Rene’ Davis is communications manager with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. Reach her at rdavis@gccfn.org or (228) 207-2375.

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INSPIRATION

BY SARAH JONES

You are not alone Hope and help are available

As an advocate with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, I regularly meet with victims of domestic violence in misdemeanor courts. Something I often hear from victims is how alone they feel. Some of that stems from the stress of the court process. My job is to support them in that setting and safety plan, but feeling alone also can arise from the nature of domestic violence victimization.

Domestic violence incidents are not rare. Our court dockets themselves indicate some of its scope. However, domestic violence victimization itself creates trauma, the effects of which can lead to a sense of isolation no matter how many others may be experiencing similar situations. This trauma, combined with societal response to domestic violence, and tactics employed by abusers, can create a lonely world for victims.

Victims often experience feelings of shame and guilt surrounding their own victimization. They are embarrassed that “this type of thing” is going on in their home, that they did not see the signs sooner or that they did not leave. They may worry what others will think as well, so they may not reach out. Victims often internalize – or are gaslit into taking ownership for – their abuser’s actions and further plunged into self-doubt and selfblame.

This thought process is bolstered by the frequency of victim blaming present in the societal response to domestic violence. Clients have told me, and I have

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witnessed more than a few, horror stories of victims reaching out for help only to be blamed for the violence and questioned about their role.

Then there are the direct tactics utilized by abusers, which are designed to purposely cut off access to friends, family and community support. Through the use of coercion, intimidation and threats of harm, abusers can isolate victims from resources or knowledge about resources that would allow victims to escape.

It is vitally important for victims to know they are not alone and not to blame. As an advocate, I am able to meet with victims in court because I work for an agency whose sole mission is to help victims of interpersonal violence.

In addition to court advocacy, the Center provides safe shelter, housing resources, civil legal assistance, counseling and a myriad of other services all free of charge to victims. The entire Center staff is dedicated to supporting victims and breaking through the isolation domestic violence creates. There is hope, and help is always available.

Sarah Jones is chief advocacy officer with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

WHATEVER YOU NEED,

help is available FROM THE GULF COAST CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE

If you are in an abusive relationship, do not let your fear about finances, shelter, childcare and other basic needs stop you from leaving and getting to safety. Here are some programs and services that can help: FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) is the federally funded program that provides financial payments for families with children under 18 experiencing financial crisis.

The TANF Work Program also can assist with job training, childcare and transportation to prepare for employment: (601) 359-4500.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to assist in purchasing healthy food for families in financial crisis: (601) 359-4500.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Emergency shelter and housing assistance for victims of domestic violence and their children is available through the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence (800-800-1396).

Individuals and families who experience homelessness due to domestic violence also may receive assistance with deposits and/or rental assistance through other homeless prevention and rapid rehousing programs.

The Open Doors Homeless Coalition can help determine

eligibility and provide case management: (228) 604-2048.

CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE

Parents in financial need may receive vouchers to help pay for childcare while they’re working through the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services: (601) 3594500.

ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM

For individuals who relocate due to domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking, the Address Confidentiality Program can help keep their new address confidential. The ACP allows a person to receive mail at a secure substitute address and then forwards the mail to their actual address.

This substitute address also can be used in place of a real address for things like applying for a driver’s license, enrolling children in school or registering to vote: (800) 829-6766.

EVICTION PROTECTION

The Violence Against

Women Act provides some restrictions against eviction for victims of domestic violence. Any federally funded housing program or landlord accepting Section 8 vouchers cannot deny admission to anyone based on status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. These landlords also may not evict victims because of actual or threatened violence that occurred on their property: https://nhlp.org/files/VAWA2013-Packet.pdf.

VICTIM’S COMPENSATION PROGRAM

Victims of violent crime (like domestic violence) may apply to receive reimbursement for certain expenses, such as medical bills, transportation to get medical or mental health care, counseling, lost wages, tuition loss, relocation, temporary housing, repairs or loss of support: (800) 8296766.

FREE LEGAL SERVICES

Northcutt Legal Clinic is a traditional law office that provides pro bono civil legal services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking.

Northcutt represents victims

free of charge in their legal battles for protection, divorce, child custody and support: (228) 864-7144.

CIVIL RIGHTS AND IMMIGRATION HELP

Individuals struggling with issues regarding immigration, fair housing or civil rights violations may contact the Mississippi Center for Justice for guidance and possible pro bono legal assistance: (228) 435-7284.

Medical Care: Coastal Family Health Center provides comprehensive medical and mental health care, as well as dental care, optometry, women’s health, laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy services to the community regardless of economic status. 228-3742713

MEDICATION ASSISTANCE

St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy can provide free non-controlled prescription medication for those in need who are otherwise unable to afford their medications. 228-3749097.

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SURVIVOR STORY

Dr. Yolanda Jerry

OWNER AND CEO, YJ EMPOWERMENT SOLUTIONS LLC In 1997, I met a handsome and charming guy while we were stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea. In August 1998, we were married, and the military relocated us to Virginia.

We began what I’d hoped would be a happy life. We rented a townhouse, met friends and settled into being a married couple. Everything seemed to be going great.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. After a few months of being newlyweds, our relationship started to change. Constant arguing soon led to physical abuse.

In May of 1999, I began to give serious thought to divorcing him. But after learning I was pregnant, separating was no longer an option. I wanted my child to grow up with both parents, just as I had. So, for the sake of our unborn child, we decided to work on our marriage.

We purchased our first home together and focused on being a family. I gave birth to our daughter in January 2000, but the arguing and fighting continued. When our daughter was just 4 months old, we had an argument

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that resulted in my filing a police report against him.

When the case reached the courts, I asked the judge to drop his charges. The judge ordered my spouse to attend anger management classes. I, of course, invited him back into our home while he satisfied his court order and tried to work on our marriage again.

In 2001, we relocated to Mississippi. As usual, things were okay for a short time, and then the vicious cycle started all over again. I would leave and then return home to him. But one day, I couldn’t take it anymore.

In 2003, this was the last time I was a punching bag and was fed up. I had built up enough courage and strength to leave. Because of the fear I saw on my face during one of his attacks, thinking about my daughter’s safety and wellbeing, I left for good. Thanks to the help from a close friend, family and my first sergeant, I had the support I needed to break free from the cycle of domestic violence.

Even as I share this with you, I’m thinking, “Wow, I’ve been through a lot in a short time.”

I had endured verbal abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and physical abuse. To paint a small picture, I had blackened eyes, bruises, a fractured rib and scars. I wouldn’t wish this type of abuse on my worst enemy.

Jan. 14, 2004, was one of the happiest days of my life. My divorce finally was granted, I started therapy, and I never looked back. I’m a survivor, and now my life’s purpose is to advocate for other victims/survivors!

SURVIVOR STORY

I was determined to get away. I was determined to not allow him to draw me back in again. I was determined to be free.

Stacey Riley

CEO, GULF COAST CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE Mark walked into my life when I was a naïve, sheltered 20-year-old.

He was exciting. He was daring. And he introduced me to unchartered waters. Abusive people can always identify the vulnerabilities in others that allow them to move in and take control. Mark found my feelings of missing something from life and a need for excitement and moved in for the takeover.

Throughout our yearlong dating relationship and 10-year marriage, he repeatedly took opportunities to undermine me, belittle me, humiliate me and blame me for his behaviors. I found myself constantly trying to find ways not to be on the receiving end of his anger. I made every effort possible

to plan every move I made so I could not be accused of any wrongdoing.

Mark never physically abused me, but he instilled fear in me to such a degree that he never had to raise a hand. I completely lost myself.

Seven years into our relationship, we brought our daughter into our world. My whole focus in life was on raising her and doing anything possible to be a successful parent.

I held a full-time job, took graduate classes at night and was the best mom I could be. I carried this heavy load all while dodging Mark’s efforts to sabotage me.

During graduate school, I was introduced to the Center for Nonviolence as an intern. Seeing

myself in the work that was done at the Center was eye opening. I was able to define what had been happening to me throughout my relationship with Mark. I made the decision to seek help in finally getting out of this relationship. I was determined to get away. I was determined to not allow him to draw me back in again. I was determined to be free.

Today, I’m the CEO of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. I have had the privilege to work with some amazing people during my 21 years.

I barely recognize the person I was with Mark, but I’ll never forget the journey that led me here.

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SURVIVOR STORY

That’s when I knew that I should get help — if not for myself, then for my children; they did not deserve to witness what their mother was going through.

Sandy Sanders

OWNER AND FOUNDER, COFFEE CONVERSATION WITH SANDY & FRIENDS It was the morning that changed it all. At the time of the incident, I was a professional, polished corporate woman working for a large company in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident stemmed from an argument I’d had the previous night with a live-in boyfriend. It was over 20 years ago, and I can remember it like it was yesterday.

We were on our way home from work, and my phone rang. Because a male person was on the other end of the call, I was accused of cheating and hit in the head with a cell phone. The blow was so hard that it could have killed me. We arrived home, and the yelling and hitting continued throughout the night while my children were in the other room.

I felt so ashamed the next morning because of the facial scars and soreness in my back from being beaten.

I learned from conversations with my now-adult son that he felt helpless not being able to help me. That’s when I knew that I should get help — if not for myself,

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then for my children; they did not deserve to witness what their mother was going through. That was the turning point for me and my children to find a way out.

I found safety at a center for battered women, and that assistance, along with a support system including a close friend and a church family, allowed me to start living a life free of abuse. I maintained my job while going through this experience. Although I was free from my abuser, I was not free emotionally. I was still living in fear.

With much prayer and determination, I began seeing my life differently, I began to see myself as the person God created me to be, no longer wounded from the abuse I had endured; it would not control me.

Now, over 20 years later, I can share my story of courage and strength after domestic abuse.

GULF COAST CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE

Don’t suffer in silence – HELP IS AVAILABLE

BY KELLY HAWKINS

In addition to emergency shelter, survivors need support services to help them through their recovery and regaining their independence and autonomy.

One in four women and one in seven men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which is staggering. Domestic violence often is stigmatized and misunderstood, resulting in fear of coming forward for those affected and in most need of help from community programs and services.

By raising awareness and providing education across demographics in diverse communities, lives can be saved — and future violence can be prevented.

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence is doing just that and has been providing comprehensive services and programs for individuals, families and children for 44 years. The Center started as a simple, volunteer-run domestic violence shelter operating out of the back of a church in Biloxi and has grown over the past four decades into the largest organization of its kind in Mississippi, serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide and human trafficking.

The Center is intimately acquainted with the challenges and barriers victims face as they seek safety, stability and justice, which is why the programs available on

the Gulf Coast use a comprehensive approach in addressing not only a family’s immediate safety through shelter, but also their financial literacy, housing options, access to legal services, access to medical care and essential mental health services.

The Center operates two emergency domestic violence shelters in south Mississippi – one in Biloxi, and one in Pascagoula. The agency’s Pascagoula shelter is called Adrienne’s House, and it has been in operation since 2011; we’re proud to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

In addition to emergency shelter, survivors need support services to help them through their recovery and regaining their independence and autonomy. That’s why the Center offers case management services; individual and group counseling; a children’s program that features a therapeutic preschool; a legal clinic offering free civil legal services; rapid rehousing, transitional, and transitional to permanent housing programs; life skills classes; parenting classes; nonresidential services; sexual assault program services, including hospital response and crisis intervention; survivors of homicide program services; and human trafficking program services.

The Center also offers an outreach education program that provides violence prevention education, as well as interpersonal violence dynamics awareness trainings to community members, specialized professionals, children, teenagers and young adults.

During the time the Center has been operating on the Gulf Coast, we’ve seen that this comprehensive approach to providing necessary services is essential for our clients to not only succeed in leaving a violent relationship, but to thrive in a violence-free life after reestablishing their independence and empowering themselves to meet any challenge they may find in the future.

If you or someone you know is in or has been in an abusive relationship, has experienced sexual assault or lost a loved one to homicide, please call the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence at (800) 8001396. You are not alone. It’s not your fault. And we are here to help.

Kelly Hawkins is resource development director with the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

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MENTAL HEALTH

THE ROLE OF

BY KAY DANEAULT

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that

SEVEN

OUT OF 10 psychologically abused women display symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and/or depression. Mental illness often can be rooted in childhood trauma.

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Mental illness IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Victims of domestic abuse, as well as perpetrators, can be any gender or age. They also can come from any demographic, social status or level of education. The relationships of intimate abuse can be complicated by feelings of love and affection for the other person. Typically, the perpetrator exhibits a level of control and manipulation over the other individual.

Similarly, mental illness does not discriminate, as it can happen to anyone. However, there are a wide range of risk factors that may influence mental illness. Mental Health First Aid, a national program, contributes to the understanding of biological, environmental, and psychological factors that affect the development of a mental illness. Examples of biological factors include genetics, infections and brain defects or injuries. Environmental factor examples include divorce, death or parental substance abuse. Psychological factors such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse also can cause mental illness. However, none of these guarantee a mental health diagnosis.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that seven out of 10 psychologically abused women display symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and/or depression. Mental illness often can be rooted in childhood trauma. When substance use is involved, rates of violence and mental illness development increase substantially.

Our society has created stigma around mental illness, largely due to the way violence and mental illness are portrayed in the movies and on TV. It gives the public solace to feel that someone who has demonstrated

violence always has a mental illness.

However, there is not as much correlation as we may think. Several studies over the years have examined whether mental illness is a contributing factor to violence. A World Psychiatry article from 2003 holds true today, indicating that “mental illness is not a sufficient cause for the occurrence of violence.” Some individuals with mental illness can be more vulnerable and easily manipulated. Stronger levels of coping skills, outside support and protection can positively impact the recovery process.

As the state affiliate to Mental Health America, the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi offers a link to mental health screenings on its website.

Several anonymous screenings are available to identify conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD. They can give an idea of whether further help is advisable, but they are not meant to diagnose. Access these tools at https:// screening.mhanational.org/screeningtools/.

Traumatic events can increase the risk of mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, as well as suicide. Crisis support is available any time through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or by text to 741-741. For questions, please contact MHASM at (228) 864-6274 or info@msmentalhealth.org.

Kay Daneault is the executive director of the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi. Reach her at kdaneault@msmentalhealth.org.

SUCCESS STORIES

Starting over, finding success

For over 40 years, the The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence has provided a safe place for victims of domestic violence to escape.

The Center opened as a safe house in 1977, and since then, it has become the largest, most comprehensive program in Mississippi. More than 20,500 people have been served through the shelter and non-residential programs, according to the Center, and over 12,000 children, adolescents, and adults attend violence prevention sessions annually.

Thousands of victims have triumphed over their circumstances thanks to the Center’s support. Here are some examples.

“LUCY’S” STORY “Lucy” came to Adrienne’s House – the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence’s satellite domestic violence shelter – in March of 2021. She only stayed for one day, but she returned a month later and was determined to reach her personal goal of living a violence-free life.

Lucy was in a violent relationship with her girlfriend for over two years, and she experienced many forms of abuse during that time, including sexual, physical, psychological and emotional traumas. But while she worked on her mental health and recovery through counseling and taking advantage of the Center’s many services, she also faced barriers caused by being in shelter during a pandemic. Lucy diligently sought employment and never wavered in her motivation, even after applying for 15 jobs and not seeing any of those opportunities materialize.

She started one job and hoped she would be able to continue.

However, Lucy was working late hours and didn’t have a vehicle, so it wasn’t safe for her to be walking home at night.

She wisely decided to continue her search. After all that hard work, she found a position with a local business that not only helped give her the stepping stones to financial stability through employment, but her boss also helped transport her to and from work until Lucy was able to save enough money to get a car. Getting a vehicle changed so much for Lucy, and it was all possible because of her determination.

Now that Lucy had a job and a car, her next goal was to find her own place and continue on her path to reclaiming her autonomy, confidence and independence. She again succeeded after getting approved for a Section 8 housing voucher. The inspection was delayed due to Hurricane Ida, but Lucy is so excited to be moving into her own place very soon.

In addition to seeking safety and support, advocating for her mental health, finding a job, buying a car and getting her own apartment, Lucy also has begun rebuilding her relationships with her adult children. Victims’ personal relationships often suffer in domestic violence situations when abusers cut their victims off from family and friends, and it’s been so good for her to have her children back in her life and work on reestablishing those relationships.

Although Lucy struggled with depression and doubt throughout this difficult process, she persevered and took advantage of the agency’s case management services, transportation services, mental health services and financial services for victim assistance. And she always worked toward healing. The Center’s staff members are so proud of her and know that she was able to succeed because of her strength, willpower and desire to save herself.

“SANDY’S” STORY “Sandy” and her 10-year-old daughter, “Ann,” came to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence’s emergency shelter in December 2020. From the beginning of her stay, Sandy followed all the shelter rules and protocols, and she was intentional in all of her actions. She was dedicated to reaching her goals and did everything she could to give herself the tools to succeed.

Sandy participated in a variety of services the Center offers, including court advocacy services, individual and group counseling for both herself and her daughter, case management services, housing services and transportation services. Sandy was able to set and obtain goals despite the difficulties she faced, and she also benefited from the Center’s program to provide safe shelter and basic medical care for pets, which is possible through the support of local veterinarians.

While in the Center’s emergency shelter, Sandy learned from a friend that her abuser had let her dog outside unsupervised, and he was on the streets. Of course, this devastated and worried her, but the Center is grateful to have been able to help her in this time of need and ensure her beloved family pet also was safe and cared for until she could take him home with her.

During the family’s time in the shelter, Sandy’s daughter had a birthday party, and Ann described it as “one of the best birthdays she’d ever had.” Sandy and the Children’s Department staff worked hard to ensure that Ann’s birthday party was fun and exciting, and her wonderful experience helped the Center’s staff know it was a bright moment for her in a sea of more difficult ones, which was beautiful.

After only a month in emergency shelter, Sandy was able to move into the Center’s on-site transitional housing program and eventually into one of the agency’s Housing and Urban Development housing programs that will help her with rental assistance, utility assistance and more, which will aid her greatly on her path to independence.

Although this housing option ultimately was not the right fit for her family, Sandy completed applications to get a home through the Habitat for Humanity Program and was approved, which was a huge boost of confidence for her and made her realize that her hard work on reaching her goals was paying off. After these efforts, she was admitted into the HUD housing program that the Center offers and found a home for her family.

Sandy made it clear from the start that her daughter was her priority, and the Center’s staff saw her work every day in making sure she prioritized and protected her daughter. The Center is so proud that she succeeded in taking care of her family in every way.

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A MALE'S PERSPECTIVE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: The role and perspective of male loved ones

REMEMBERING KELI AND BRIXX - DONATE

A GoFundMe education fundraising campaign has been established for Keli’s two surviving sons, Alli, 14, and Dio, 10; contributions can be made at gofund.me/29975b78. Donations also are being accepted for the foundation to begin to implement positive change, education and awareness as it relates to domestic violence.

KELI’S PLACE

Flot-Patterson is working to establish Keli’s Place — a home in an undisclosed location that will serve as a safe house for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

“Keli’s Place will be a place where victims and survivors can transition out of a domestic environment and move forward with their lives,” Flot-Patterson says, adding that the resource will be available through the nonprofit I Am Knowledge Foundation.

While Keli’s Place is not in operation yet, Flot Patterson says it is being stocked and prepared.

“We have been in close communications with the executive director of the (Gulf Coast) Center for Nonviolence to see how we may collaborate in order to provide housing services and resources to their clients,” she says. “We are pushing for a start date of Nov. 1, 2021.”

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October 2021

When a woman is in an abusive relationship, her loved ones are impacted acutely and may feel helpless – including the men who feel dutybound to protect her.

Here, Robert “Jake” Patterson, stepfather of Keli Mornay, who died in a domestic incident in June along with her baby, Brixx, and exboyfriend, Byrain Johnson, shares his impressions, recollections and advice.

Tell us about what you witnessed. What happened? “(After an incident) In February 2020 …, I knew then that Byrain was nothing but trouble for my daughter, and my wife and I moved Keli and her children back into our home to get her away from Byrain. She lived in an apartment above his apartment, so we knew that she was not safe continuing to live there.

Over a two-year period, once Keli moved into her own home, we worried constantly about her safety and her children’s welfare, as we knew that Byrain was still involved in Keli’s life, as she was now having his baby.

Although things seemed to be going along without any troubles, I had removed myself completely from the situation, and a lot of what was transpiring … was hidden and not being revealed.

In the last couple of months of Keli and Brixx’s life, I realized that things were getting worse and became more concerned for not only my daughter and grandchildren’s safety, but also the safety of my wife.”

Did you attempt to intervene or advise?

“Yes, I advised Keli to end her relationship with Byrain immediately upon learning of his abusive behaviors in 2020. I also advised Keli that by being pregnant with Byrain’s child that this would tie her to him for the rest of her life. I advised her to move on with her life without Byrain involved on several occasions, as I was afraid for her safety as well as the safety of her children and my wife, Keli’s mother, Renata.”

Is there anything you wish you would have done, known or said in hindsight?

“I wish that I had moved Keli away from the situation and put some miles between her and the dangers of Byrain’s abusive behaviors, which ultimately led to (the deaths) of Keli and our grandson, Brixx, on June 6, 2021.”

Did you recognize any warning signs?

“I recognized and saw the warning signs when Byrain and Keli visited one night with my wife and I at our home. Byrain began yelling out of control because Keli said that she wanted her own vehicle. I knew then that there was an issue. From that moment on, my advice to my daughter, Keli, was to remove Byrain from her life. I was pretty much done with Byrain from that day going forward and wanted nothing more to do with him, nor did I want my daughter to continue any type of relationship with him — not even a friendship. I never welcomed Byrain back into our home again once I recognized his abusive behavior and uncontrollable anger.”

Are there any myths or misconceptions about domestic violence that you’d like to dispel?

“Yes, I believe that women think that they can change someone when they have shown them violent behaviors, and they continue to stay believing that they can change or fix their abuser.”

What role do you think male allies play, or could play, in helping raise awareness and protect victims of domestic violence?

“I believe that male allies can help in raising awareness by speaking on the issues of domestic violence with the women in their lives, giving these women a sense of comfort to bring forth the truth of these matters if they find themselves in abusive situations or relationships. Having an open line of communication is key.”

What advice do you offer to other men who are in a similar situation?

“Talk to the women in your life — daughters, sisters, cousins, nieces, aunts and friends.”

style

Top 20 tips for

f lawless makeup

BY LAUREN RILEY

O

ver the years, I’ve learned the dos and don’ts of makeup, and I’m excited to share some of my all-time favorite tips with you — which apply whether you’re just starting a makeup routine or wanting to refine your look. Everyone’s skin is different, so some of these tips may work for you while others may not.

1

Apply your moisturizer first, and let it sit for at least two minutes before applying your foundation or any liquid product.

2

Less is more!

3

Use a lighter eye primer to get the most pigment out of your eyeshadows.

4

Pat some concealer on those beautiful lips to get a more accurate lip color.

5

If you feel like your brushes aren’t blending well, it may be time to clean them. Clean your brushes often to get the most flawless blending results.

15

6

Lash curlers are not one of my favorite tools, but if you use one, try curling your lashes after one coat of mascara for maximum volume.

Make your shimmery shadows even more shimmery by spraying your brush with setting spray before you dip into the desired shade.

16

Mix your foundation and your moisturizer to create a BB cream.

7

When buying liquid foundation, never test it on your arm.

17

Use a finishing or setting spray to help melt your look together.

8

Do you struggle with blending eyeshadow? Try setting your eye primer with a light powder shadow or setting powder before applying the rest of your shadows.

18

Sometimes I use hairspray to set my face when I’m out of setting spray ... shhh don’t tell!

9

Apply your concealer after your foundation.

19

10

Fuller lips equal luscious kisses. Apply a lighter shade of lipstick in the middle of your lips to get the pouty look we all want.

When you are applying false lashes, don’t put them on until the glue is tacky. Don’t close your eyes to apply; look down.

11

Exfoliate and moisturize often to keep your skin smooth.

12

If you have red spots on your face, try neutralizing them with a green color corrector before you apply your foundation.

13

If you have an event, don’t wax your eyebrows the day before. Go at least seven days ahead of your event so you can have an even texture on your face for smoother application.

14

Don’t ever throw away your mascara wand. You can use it as an eyebrow spoolie later.

20

Set your whole face with a setting powder before applying any powder bronzer, blush or highlight to ensure maximum softness.

BY LAUREN RILEY

Lauren Riley is a makeup artist and hairdresser on the Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and event makeup, blondes and hand-tied extensions. Contact her or learn more at www.laurenrileyhairmakeup. com or facebook.com/laurenrileyhairmakeup.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Get pampered at POLISHED Gulfport salon and spa specializes in self-care, relaxation

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

When a client enters Polished Salon and Spa, they can leave their cares at the door.

“In this crazy, hectic world, there’s not much time to relax and take time for ourselves,” says owner and stylist Rachael Hollingsworth, “so when our clients are at Polished, that’s their time to take a moment and relax.”

Hollingsworth calls her oasis of pampering “a hidden gem right in the heart of Gulfport.” She took over the business four years ago but has been in the salon industry for 23 years. Her family was stationed in Florida at Eglin Air Force Base when her husband decided he was ready to retire after serving for 21 years. At the time, Hollingsworth was seeking a salon to make her own in the Destin, Florida, area.

“We decided we wanted to move back to the Coast, so when I searched for the right salon in the Biloxi/Gulfport area, I found Polished,” she recalls. “From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew Polished was my salon home.”

With only a few stylists on the roster at the time, Hollingsworth knew it would be a challenge to get the business running at its full potential — but she also knew in her heart she would succeed.

“Yes, there have been a few growing pains over the last four years,” she acknowledges, “but it’s all been worth it.”

The salon’s original name was Polished Blowout and Beauty Bar, but Hollingsworth changed the name to Polished Salon & Spa to reflect that the business is a full-service beauty and pampering destination. She has built up a loyal clientele representing all walks of life, including teachers, doctors, nurses, caretakers, first responders, hospitality industry professionals and many others.

“These men and women come to us because they know Polished is a place we’re they can get away, relax and get a superior service,” she says.

Polished’s team includes several stylists, a manicurist and a massage therapist. The salon and spa offers a broad range of services, including cuts, coloring, manicures and pedicures, facials, makeup, tanning, waxing and full-body massage.

“Our core mission is to give each client a special experience each and every time she steps through our door,” Hollingsworth says.

As a stylist, the Polished owner loves everything about hair. From extensions to color to updos, she says, “it’s all fun to me.” For 10 years, she’s also been an educator for eyelash extensions.

Striving to always keep things fresh, Hollingsworth is excited about a new boutique product line coming out that will be offered to Polished clients.

“This will be a product you can’t get anywhere but in boutique

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October 2021

Rachel Hollingsworth, owner and stylist

salons,” she adds. “Stay tuned!”

Addressing those who haven’t checked out Polished yet, Hollingsworth urges them, “don’t wait another day.” Everyone is welcome, she adds, and guests are bound to fall in love with the space and its relaxing, friendly atmosphere.

“Of course, the biggest reward (for me) is seeing how happy our clients are when they leave,” Hollingsworth says, “and how excited they are to come back.”

“Our core mission is to give each client a special experience each and every time she steps through our door,"

IF YOU GO POLISHED SALON AND SPA 1308 College St., Gulfport (228) 206-5465 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Facebook: Polished Salon & Spa Instagram: polishedsalonandspagulfport

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Get ready to shine this fall

N

BY JASMINE BALL

udes and browns for fall … “Groundbreaking,” as Merl Streep’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada” would sneer sarcastically. Maybe fall fashion doesn’t have to consist of faux furs, terracotta-colored clothing and knee-high boots after all.

This season, it’s time to step out of the ordinary. You heard it here first — fall will be the opposite of what you think. This year, the latest autumnal trend is … wait for it … metallic shine and shimmering sequins. Can you envision yourself being the star of the show in pieces guaranteed to grab attention? I know I can!

Of course, adding a splash of sparkle to a look never hurt anyone. If you give this trend a try, even in moderation, I know heads will turn wherever you are. Metallic satin and sequins can elevate your fall ensembles, creating a more stylish, modern take on the typical fall look. I can’t wait to play with this trend myself. My ideal look for this season involves pairing a metallic element with fall-like colors.

Here are two ways you can add a touch of this trend to your wardrobe. If you’re not someone who loves attention, I suggest pairing a rust-colored metallic top with a chocolatecolored pant. It’s the perfect way to add a hint of shine to your wardrobe without overpowering the overall look.

Another bold take on this trend is combining an oversized sweater and a shiny sequin skirt. I love this pairing! it’s simple and a showstopper all in one, and it can be dressed up or down. Remember to add a little color along with your shine.

This may not be the only trend for fall, but it’s definitely fun and unexpected. I'm so ready to see all the different ways people make it their own.

Jasmine Ball is a Mississippi fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger. Connect with her via Instagram (Miss_Ball23), her blog site (www.theball-post.com) or by email at theballpost1@gmail.com.

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October 2021

A Gallery Gift Shop Celebrating the Creative Spirit!

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'Where trends begin' Gabrielle’s delivers latest styles with a personal touch

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

IF YOU GO GABRIELLE’S 1765 Popps Ferry Road, Suite G, Biloxi (228) 385-0550 Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

ShopGabrielles.com FB: GabriellesBiloxi IG: GabriellesBiloxi

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October 2021

While Wendy Figer was driving to her corporate job in the spring of 2002, a “for lease” sign caught her eye.

“I was born with an entrepreneurial mindset,” says Figer, who holds a degree in marketing and worked in the casino industry and hotel operations. “I love creating experiences and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

Six weeks after Figer spotted that sign, Gabrielle’s, named after Figer’s daughter, opened in her hometown of Long Beach. Eight months later, thanks to the community’s support, the boutique doubled its retail space to 1,200 square feet.

Hurricane Katrina washed the store away in 2005, but Figer was undeterred and reopened in Biloxi on Popp’s Ferry Road. Although the boutique was forced to relocate, its mission statement has remained unchanged: To be a place where trends begin, generations are connected and customer experiences are individualized.

Describing Gabrielle’s as “a luxury lifestyle store,” Figer says, “We deliver the latest styles in fashion, gifts and home décor while providing personalized customer service to acquire and retain loyal customers.”

To keep inventory fresh, the entrepreneur attends market a minimum of eight times per year in locations including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas and Atlanta. In addition to Gabrielle’s ever-changing stock of apparel, accessories and gifts for all occasions, patrons can build charcuterie boards with its selection of gourmet food items.

“Gabrielle’s target demographic includes those who are passionate about life experiences, value relationships and seek the latest trends,” Figer says.

Attending to the boutique’s clientele is Figer’s team, who call themselves the “Gabrielle’s Girls” and “love each other like family.”

“I believe a job should be three things: 1) joy 2) opportunity 3) bonus, and therefore, I deliver what I believe,” Figer says.

“Coming to work every day is something I truly love.”

The boutique owner is excited to announce that in the fall, Gabrielle’s will expand its men’s and women’s lines with additional designers, in addition to adding items for babies and children, cosmetics and additional home décor and gift selections.

Another development is Gabrielle’s Trendsetters — a fashion board composed of high school juniors and seniors from the Coast who are chosen based on a panel interview, an essay submission, minimum grade-point average, community involvement, leadership skills and passion for fashion.

Trendsetters will host an annual fashion show to raise money for a local charity, volunteer in local communities, host guest speakers and attend social events. Gabrielle’s will honor a graduating senior with a $500 scholarship.

Whatever the future holds for her business, Figer pledges to stay true to its founding principles of fashion, community, integrity, service, and leadership.

“I strongly believe it is a community that makes a small business successful,” she says. “I am truly blessed and attribute my success to the love and support of my community, family, friends, top-notch staff and our lovely, loyal customers.”

We’re celebrating SMALL BUSINESSES They are the ECONOMIC HUM OF THE U.S. — accounting for 44 percent of economic activity.

The COVID pandemic has forced these entrepreneurs to work harder than ever to stay staffed and keep the doors open.

LET’S RECOGNIZE SMALL BUSINESSES AND OWNERS WHO MAKE SOUTH MISSISSIPPI GO.

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2021

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123

g n i l her secret l i p S KATIE ALLEN is mom of

three wonderful children and founder/owner of Nella Home Interiors & Gifts in Gulfport.

Although she’s always on the go, she never misses an opportunity to hang out with family and friends … especially if it involves 80s night!

Just recently celebrating Nella’s fifth year in business, Allen is excited to announce the opening of the store’s new location, coming in November.

Offering a hint, she says, “We’re not going far.”

Allen relies on several products and items to keep her looking and feeling pulled together throughout her busy day. Here are some of her favorites:

JAX KELLY CRAWLERS

My go-to, everyday stud earrings that offer just a hint of bling while keeping it casual.

ESTEE’ LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR FOUNDATION, POWDER, AND PERFECTING PRIMER These are my makeup trifecta. Invest in highquality makeup and skincare products; you deserve it!

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October 2021

ARCHIPELAGO LOTION (CHARCOAL ROSE)

Taking care of your skin is so important, and this lotion is a gamechanger. It hydrates your skin, and the rose scent is divine. I use it every day.

THE CONFIDENT WOMAN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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GOLDWELL KERASILK HAIR PERFUME

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SWEET GRACE HAND SOAP

This is a girl’s best friend! It’s great for when you need an extra day or three in between washes like me.

When your dry shampoo just isn’t enough, there is perfume for your hair.

Everyone needs a little sweet grace in her life.

For me, it’s the hand soap.

VERA WANG PERFUME

A romantic and floral

scent, Vera Wang is a favorite of mine.

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LOUIS VUITTON CLUTCH

Classy, timeless, and fun, this is my favorite purse for a quick grocery trip, a day of shopping or a girls’ night out.

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Style

ROBIN'S NEST IN THE PASS

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What's new in Coastal MS boutiques

Everything’s better in the Fall! We are in love with our new Pretty Leather Dress perfect for the fall along with our Pink reef earrings! Dress: $50, Earrings $120 Coral Mrs. Clutch $60 Just add Pink accessories! Our new “I’m Getting Married Dress” $65 is the sweetest. With Puff sleeves and side cut outs, you can’t go wrong with adding this in your closet! we paired it with our pink ombre rainbow Taylor Shaye earrings $40 and our Best seller the Rose all day clutch $60

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WEDDINGS

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT? Bride: Groom:

ervices of a wedding S consultant

I nvitations, enclosures, and announcements (don’t forget the stamps on the RSVP cards!) he bride’s wedding gown T and accessories The groom paying for the bride’s bouquet is an interesting concept and something that is staging a bit of a comeback. We think it’s a sweet gesture, but not commonly done here on the Coast.

More than one mom has said, "If I knew how much work this was for my first daughter, I would’ve hired a planner then." Hence the reason this item is number one on this list and should be on yours as well!

loral decorations for the F ceremony and reception, bridesmaids’ flowers he bride’s bouquet (unless T it is customary for the groom to pay for it) usic for church and M reception

ransportation of bridal party to T ceremony and to reception All reception expenses Photographer, wedding photographs, wedding albums Videographer and finished DVD

Generally, this is only reserved for those attendants who are from out of town and do not necessarily need two nights (or more) at a fancy hotel.

Most families have plenty of extra beds to accommodate these attendants without spending too much money.

Transportation and lodging expenses for the officiant if from another town and if invited to officiate by the bride’s family Accommodations for bride’s attendants

Bridesmaids’ luncheon, if hosted by the bride or her family

Bride’s gifts to her attendants

126

This is one of those instances where the rules are out the window. Weddings are expensive and in lots of cases, the bride, groom, her parents, his parents and sometimes aunts and grandparents are paying these expenses.

October 2021

Here in the South, there is a committee of ladies that put together all types of showers and little parties. This is the case here as well. The hostesses will plan the menu, provide the decorations and generally have fun cooing over the bride and her attendants.

B ride’s engagement and wedding rings

Guys still really wear gloves?

Hmmmm…

Groom’s attire

Same goes for the out of town attendants of the groom. Most families have plenty of extra beds to accommodate these attendants without spending too much money.

Ties and gloves for the groomsmen, if not part of their clothing rental package Accommodations for the groom’s attendants

Accommodations for the groom’s parents and siblings Bachelor dinner, if the groom wishes to give one All costs for the rehearsal dinner Officiant’s fee or donation

In more cases than not, these expenses are shared with the rest of groom’s attendants.

Transportation and lodging expenses for the officiant, if from another town and if invited to officiate by the groom’s family The marriage license Now this one is a throw back. And not one we remember anyone in recent memory asking for. We’ll keep it on the list. It’s a romantic idea, though.

Transportation for the groom and best man to the ceremony The bride’s bouquet (when it is local custom for the groom to pay for it) The bride’s going away corsage, if wearing one

Boutonnieres for groom’s attendants Corsages for immediate members of both families (unless the bride has included them in her florist’s order) The officiant’s fee or donation Groom’s gift to bride Gifts for groom’s attendants Honeymoon expenses

This item and the one just above about boutonnieres, while a good idea, is more about practicality and cost savings. While it is certainly a nice thought to pay for these items, one person (usually the bride along with her planner) should handle all of the floral/ decor needs for the wedding so nothing gets forgotten in the shuffle.

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home & family

Give your home a

fall refresh

BY TAMMY SMITH

For those of us in south Mississippi, fall isn’t as much a sudden nip in the air as a state of mind. On the Coast, we may not see as many seasonal changes as other places, but we still can create that fall feeling we all look forward to.

It’s easy to bring a hint of autumn into your home with a few decorative touches; think cozy, comforting, warm tones and scents that evoke freshly raked leaves, baking spices and fresh apples or herbs like rosemary.

Here are some of the fall décor trends for 2021:

THINK NATURAL

You might think of orange, red and yellow as “the” colors of autumn, but consider adding browns, blues and deep greens to the mix, according to Better Homes and Gardens. These unexpected but complementary colors add depth to your palette.

Metallic fabrics or metal accent pieces also provide a bit of contrast and surprise.

MIX TEXTURES

Here’s where the cozy comes in.

How about trying a chunky knit throw paired with a couple of richly colored velvet pillows? Faux fur and cashmere are also ways to add some snuggly appeal to your favorite living space. With all of us experiencing

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October 2021

more at-home time in the past year and a half, the need for a comfortable sanctuary has become universal.

and shafts of wheat all evoke images of autumn, according to Country Living.

MAKE IT A-DOOR-ABLE

TURN ON YOUR CREATIVITY

Or sophisticated, or minimalistic.

Whatever your design style, there’s a door décor that fits you. Dried wheat, miniature pumpkins, seed pods, simple pinecones, pecans, corn husks, grapevines, dried berries and leaves, even driftwood – perfect for coastal Mississippi – are some of the features you can see on wreaths and swags.

ACCENT ON ACCENTS

Woven baskets, shiny copper, ironstone, displays of cherished family dinnerware patterns such as Spode Woodland Turkey, feathers

How about creating your own fall décor on a budget? You Tube channels such as Chic on the Cheap; But First, Coffee; Do It on a Dime and KraftsbyKatelyn all post great ideas for using items from stores such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General to make expensive-looking seasonal accents on a budget.

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129

CAREGIVERS’ CORNER

When your parent goes rouge DR. TRACY DANIEL-HARDY

I

lost momma. She wasn’t where she was supposed to be. Well ... she wasn’t where I expected her to be. I arrived at their house around 10 a.m. like normal to give my parents their meds. When I made it to the front door, I didn’t have to use my key because the door was unlocked and wide open.

I thought that was odd, but I was in a hurry to return to the office and continued into the house. I scanned their trash cans to see if they needed emptied, grabbed daddy’s pill box, momma’s morning pill pack and glucose scanner, and cold water from the fridge, checked the kitchen counter for food to be discarded and walked the meds and water to the bedroom.

Momma’s side of the bed was empty, but daddy was there waiting. As I dropped his meds in his hand, I asked, “Did you lose your wife?” He responded, “I hope not!”

I began to feel uneasy and hurriedly gave him his water. I walked past the open bathroom door and called for momma, but no answer came. I quickly walked outside because I’d realized why the front door was open; she was outside somewhere, and I had to find her before I left.

I started down the stairs to look for her but stopped because I saw her emerge from the south side of the house amongst the bushes. I was relieved and surprised. I smiled at her and yelled with my hands on my hips.

“Bring your tail out from over there!”

She laughed and began picking the branches from one of Mrs. Mary’s bushes that leans over into my parents’ yard.

Momma and Mrs. Mary love plants, flowers and spending time in the yard. Momma wasn’t in a hurry because she was somewhere she loved — outside. She laughed as I continued to try to coax her inside.

“If you’d fallen over there on the side of the house, we wouldn’t have found you!” I

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October 2021

scolded her. I must be a comedian because she continued to laugh and prune the bush rather than follow my instructions.

Just then, she began slowly falling back. She continued to fall until she landed on her backside. Her short, light-blue nightgown, originally covered by a pink-and-white gingham housedress, was now above her knees. The housedress was covered with dried flower blooms and leaves.

I shot down the stairs to help her, but not before jumping over a flowerpot and around the bushes. Sand and dirt were now all in my sandals and between my toes, and sand covered momma’s leg. Her black house slippers had picked up a little lime-green worm during her fall, or maybe it was during her trek through the bushes.

I hiked up dress, made sure my heels didn’t get stuck in the dirt and stooped to grab momma under her arms. Instead of helping me help her, she picked the leaves and dried blooms off her house dress.

After getting momma on her feet, I could tell why she fell so easily. She had been standing on a slight incline by that bush. I had to figure out how to keep her upright, prevent myself from falling and grab her trusty stick that had landed under the bush. I pushed on her rear, put my left thigh behind her for balance and eased down to get the stick — all while fussing at her for being her normal wild-and-free self.

She continued laughing as she assured me that she wasn’t hurt. I dusted off her sandy leg and grabbed leaves that had caught on the crumbled paper towel pieces she always kept in her pockets. Once we’d made it up the stairs and into the house, we sat down and continued laughing. She

had to dust sand off her hands to hold the medicine I needed to place in them.

Momma goes outside most days to get the newspaper, check for the mail if daddy hasn’t already and sunbathe her legs, so I wasn’t super surprised to have found her outside. She always has enjoyed being out in the yard and still thinks she can do everything like she used to do. Even if she can’t, the key is finding a way she can do her favorite things safely — or make sure she is supervised.

Dr. Tracy Daniel-Hardy is director of technology for Gulfport School District, as well as an author, caregiver, educator and educational technology leader. Reach her at tracy@drtracydanielhardy.com.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

131

5

not-so-spooky Halloween activities your kids will love

Did you know that more than two-thirds of parents have kids who are afraid of Halloween?

No need to worry, though; it’s simple to tone down the scariness while still having plenty of fun. Here are five family-friendly Halloween activities that are spooky-free and sure to be enjoyed by your little ones.

MINI PUMPKIN VOLCANOS

Doubling as a science experiment, this fun activity only needs a few ingredients — most of which you already have around the house. For starters, you will need a few mini-sized pumpkins, baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and food coloring. Start by cutting out the stem area as if you were making a jack o’ lantern. Make sure your opening is small so the eruption will be more exciting. You can clean out many of the seeds, but I think it makes for a more fun mess if you leave some. Next, add a few spoonsful of baking soda, a drop or two of dish liquid and food coloring to your pumpkin. Now for the fun part, add in a small cup of vinegar, and watch the excitement on your little ones’ faces as it explodes.

WITCH SLIME

You can easily whip up a batch of this fluffy slime and give it a Halloween theme by adding purple, green or orange food coloring. You could even add in some plastic spiders. All you need is a half-cup of Elmer’s white glue, three cups of foam shaving cream, one-half teaspoon of baking soda, food coloring and one tablespoon of saline solution. Simply put your shaving cream in a bowl, then add in your desired food coloring. Next, mix in one-half cup of glue, followed by the baking soda. Lastly mix in the saline solution and stir until the slime forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

132

October 2021

BY ARIEL CHAMBERLAIN

MUMMY BOWLING

A fun game the family will love can be created by using a simple bowling set, toilet paper and some tape. To create the “mummies,” take your toilet paper and wrap the pins and the ball. You can use tape to secure the toilet paper. For an added touch, you can add some googly eyes. Set up the bowling pins, and watch your little ones have fun as they try to knock down the mummies. It’s super easy and fun!

CANDY CORN TOSS

For this game, simply take small orange plastic safety cones and spray paint them with yellow and white paint to resemble candy corns. For the rings, you use a few glow necklaces that can be found at your local dollar store. You’re now ready to play; divide into teams and start tossing.

VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH

Spend the day picking pumpkins at your local pumpkin patch.

Your kids will enjoy trying to find the biggest pumpkin they can.

I would suggest visiting in the daytime, as some patches may have a haunted Halloween night. Once home, your little ones can paint and decorate their pumpkins. They will love that they picked it out and added their own special touches.

These fun activities are sure to bring some excitement and joy to your Halloween celebration!

Ariel Chamberlain is mom and lifestyle blogger based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Connect with her via Instagram (@ thelemonsoflife1, her blog (www.thelemonsoflife.com) or by email at arielc@thelemonsoflife.com.

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NEW CONSTRUCTION NEWS & VIEWS The real estate market on

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October 2021

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135

MAKE A

STATEMENT in your space with area rugs

BY DEBBIE BATIA

Area rugs always have had a prominent place in homes and office spaces, whether for their practical function of protecting floors or for aesthetic reasons. Of course, we all know and remember our grandmothers' beautiful area rugs that kept her wood floors in great condition and provided warmth throughout the winter.

Over the years, rug trends have evolved so much that everyone now wants them in every room or outdoor area. Many types and styles of area rugs are available, from handmade pieces to machine-made and traditional to contemporary.

Handmade rugs are beautiful and tend to be more expensive. Many machine-made rugs are also incredibly beautiful and can come in any style, shape or price point. A variety of indoor/outdoor area rugs are available that are great for sunrooms, entryways, outdoor porches and patios and even kids’ rooms and family rooms that may see lots of traffic and spilled drinks, etc.

Area rugs come in all sizes, from what we call “prayer rug” size, which can be 2 feet by 3 feet or smaller, up to “mansion room size,” which is up to 12 feet by 15 feet or larger. Normally these larger sizes are available in more of the higher-end area rugs, which can get quite expensive depending on the type of material the rug is made from and the design.

The more elaborate the design, especially if the rug is handmade, the more expensive it may be. In handmade rugs, the design and price usually are determined by the quality of the material, such as silk or New Zealand wool. The knots per square inch really show the quality of handmade rugs.

The more knots per square inch, the more expensive the rug will be, and usually the more dense and more beautiful the design. Contemporary area rugs also can be expensive and have many price levels depending on the plushness of the rugs, the material they’re made from and the design.

No matter your preferences or budget, make sure you are purchasing an area rug from a reputable store or dealer that is versed in quality rugs, can explain their attributes and show you many options for your home or office areas.

Colors and designs run the gamut. The standard rugs we’re all familiar with have evolved into the most beautiful motifs and colorations that are totally updated and easy to incorporate into any design scheme. You have hundreds, if not thousands, of options to choose from when picking out an area rug for your room, so when shopping for one, it’s wise to start with a solid idea of the size you need and style you’re looking for.

Again, if you shop at a local store or rug dealer, you will always get the best quality and product for your investment. Some of the better vendors that can supply to most furnishing and flooring retailers include Karastan, Jaunty Rug Company, Nourison Area Rugs, Capel Area Rugs and Kaleen Area Rugs, just to name a few. Do your homework and research your choices, and you can’t go wrong.

Debbie Batia is owner of D.Batia Interiors LLC in Biloxi. Reach her at (228) 385-2657 or dbatiainteriors@gmail.com

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139

3 easy ways to GET ORGANIZED for fall

BY MELANIE JONES

The kids are back in school, the weather is a bit cooler in the mornings and we’re all ready for a change. It’s time to put away the fruity-smelling summer candles and bring out the pumpkin spice — but how do we transition and feel accomplished with so many tasks ahead of us through the end of the year? One way is by putting our spaces and schedules in order for the new season.

PLANNING IS KEY, SO LET’S WALK THROUGH THREE QUICK STEPS FOR GETTING ORGANIZED FOR FALL: 1. UPDATE YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

When you begin your morning mindfully, you get more accomplished throughout your day. Set your alarm 30 minutes early and use that time to prepare yourself for success by meditating or praying. It is vital to feed your mind positive thoughts first thing in the morning. Then, make a “to do” list, blocking out each hour of your day with goals. Don’t forget to add in personal grooming, breakfast, etc., and if you don’t have a morning routine, now is the perfect time to start one.

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October 2021

2. PURGE THOSE CLOSETS

Get the entire family involved in clearing out closet clutter. If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in several seasons, or it doesn’t fit, donate it to your local shelter. Don’t hold on to items by telling yourself you’ll wear them “when I drop that extra 10 pounds.”

When you are motivated enough to drop the weight, go treat yourself to a few new items. I promise it will be much more rewarding.

3. PURGE EACH ROOM IN THE HOUSE

This process may take a week or a month, but include it in your daily to-do list. Go through one room at a time.

Scan from top to bottom, and if it is not doing something significant for the room, donate it. If it’s out of date, donate

it. Ask yourself if you really need 25 coffee mugs. How many mismatched towels do you have? Donate them, and treat yourself to a new set that matches.

Then, when each room is a little less cluttered, get a plastic bin and use it to swap out your summer items for fall.

As you get things prepped for the fall, don’t forget to have fun! Enlist your friends and family to do this with you, and go shopping together. It’s a new season full of possibilities, so enjoy it!

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Make summer’s bounty last all winter

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October 2021

Hate to say goodbye to all those fresh summer fruits and vegetables? Whether you’re a gardener, farmer’s market shopper or do-ityourself picker at south Mississippi u-pick farms, no one likes to toss out fresh produce that’s past its prime.

Home canning is a way to ensure those vegetables or fruits stay around for months to come.

Canning is not difficult, but it does take time. It’s also like a science where deviation from the process is not allowed; shortcuts do not exist. For those who believe fresh is best, it is time well spent.

Here are some recipes to get the canning process started:

GRANDMA’S CANNED TOMATOES

• 12 pounds ripe tomatoes • 4 teaspoons Kosher salt • 4 tablespoons bottled lemon juice • 4 sterilized quart jars with lids and rims Cut an X into the bottom of each tomato, which will make peeling easier. Boil a large stockpot or lobster pot of water, and add all tomatoes — working in batches if necessary. When their skins begin to retract after a minute or so, remove the tomatoes from the water and plunge into cold water to stop the cooking and loosen the skins.

Peel off the tomato skins and cut out the stems. Press the peeled and cored tomatoes firmly into the sterilized jars until there is only one-half-inch remaining at the top. Once the jars are filled, add a teaspoon of Kosher salt and a tablespoon of bottled lemon juice to each quart.

Place the lids and rims on the jars and tighten.

Prepare a large boiling water bath in a stockpot or lobster pot, making sure the water is deep enough to completely cover the jars. Once the water has come to a boil, arrange the jars on a wire jar rack and lower into water. Allow the jars to process in the water bath for 45 minutes.

When the processing is complete,

‘(Canning) is also like a science where deviation from the process is not allowed; shortcuts do not exist. For those who believe fresh is best, it is time well spent.’ carefully remove the rack and place on a heat-proof surface. Cover the jars with a clean dish towel and allow them to cool at room temperature for a few hours.

Test the seals to ensure proper processing. Label the jars with the date, and store them in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) to enjoy for up to a year. — Recipe from www.food52.com/

CONTINUED ON PAGE 144

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SUMMER'S BOUNTY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 142

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RED HOT PICKLES

• 7 pounds cucumbers • 1 cup pickling lime • 1 cup vinegar • 1 bottle red food coloring • 1 tablespoon alum • 2 cups vinegar • 10 cups sugar • 8 cinnamon sticks • 1 package Red Hot candies

Day 1: Peel cucumbers and slice about one-quarter to one-half inch thick and remove seed. Place in a gallon jug. Add pickling lime and water to cover. Soak for 24 hours.

Day 2: Wash cucumbers off and soak in ice water for three hours. Place cucumbers in a glass Dutch oven.

Add enough water to cover.

Simmer for two hours: Pour off into a 3.5-liter glass pot for 24 hours.

Day 3: Pour off juice and bring to a boil. Pour juice back onto the cucumbers, and let them sit for 24 hours.

Day 4: Pour off juice; bring to boil. Put cucumbers in jars. Pour juice over cucumbers to cover and seal. Use only glass containers.

Note: Be sure to de-seed cucumbers well. — My late grandmother’s recipe; similar recipe can be found at www.tasteofsouthern.com.

Andrea Yeager is a freelance writer living in Gulfport.

CANNING: WHAT YOU’LL NEED Here’s a list of essential supplies: 1. Canning jars – These come in four sizes, depending on what is being made.

Four-ounce jars are good for jellies and jams, as are half-pint ones. The pint and quart jars work well for fruits and vegetables. The jars also come in wide-mouth and regular. Use wide-mouth for large pieces of fruit or vegetables.

2. Canning lids – These come in two pieces, a lid and a rim. Word to the wise: Do not keep rims on jars that have been canned. The rims can rust.

3. Water bath canner or a large pot with lid and a jar rack. The rack is a must because jars that rest on bottom of the pot can crack.

4. Jar lifter – This is great for lifting hot jars out of a water bath or pressure cooker — no burned hands.

5. Swizzle stick or chop-

stick – Slide stick inside the jar edge to get rid of air buttles.

6. Timer 7. Wooden spoon – For stirring vegetables and fruits 8. Tongs – Can prevent burns when removing rims or lids.

9. Strainer or cheesecloth 10. Ladle – For spooning vegetables and fruits in jars to begin canning — less mess 11. Oven mitt for handling hot jars and lids — Not essential, but good to have: 1. Canning funnel keeps counters and jars clean.

2. Phone a friend to help with the process. There’s a lot to be done.

Remember, canning takes time. Do not start a canning project on a weeknight when short on time. Save canning for the weekends when there is more time and less stress.

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How to determine your child’s learning style — and why it matters

No two students learn exactly alike, yet it’s so important for children to understand themselves

BY ERIN GIBSON as learners. In fact, assessing one’s learning style or styles helps students in multiple ways. Students who understand how they learn best are better able to advocate for themselves in school. This is important to learn from a young age, but few students have this insight or even know how to discover this about themselves.

How can you start the conversation with your child to help him or her become more self-aware about the learning environments and approaches that work best?

Here are several tips:

GIVE THEM AN OVERVIEW:

There are many different learning-style models out there, but one of the most common is the VARK model, which looks to the senses as the primary mode of learning. Talk about this with your child so he or she is familiar. Share with your child that: • Visual learners learn best with visual aids, diagrams or other visual tools other than words.

• Auditory learners learn through listening, reading aloud and talking about ideas.

• Reading/writing learners like words. They like to read things themselves to learn them, and they tend to be skilled at articulating their knowledge and ideas in writing.

• Kinesthetic learners prefer to experience information for themselves, either by touching it, holding it or doing it themselves.

TALK ABOUT MULTIMODAL LEARNERS:

Many students are flexible in how they learn and use more than one mode to gain understanding. So, even if your child seems to learn easily by seeing things in a diagram or visual aid, he or she also might absorb information well through reading.

Explain this to your child so he or she realizes that different ways of learning may work for different subjects and preferences might evolve over time.

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OBSERVE YOUR CHILD AND TALK ABOUT WHEN HE OR SHE FEELS MOST CONFIDENT AS A LEARNER: Start paying attention to how your child learns. Is your child the type to listen well to teachers as they talk? Does your child prefer to read things independently? Take note of what you see at home and ask for your child’s perspective, too.

TRY DIFFERENT STUDY TIMES AND SPACES:

Some children are creatures of habit when it comes to homework, but others might be following their parents’ suggestions. If your child always has done homework at a desk in a quiet place, try moving to the dining room table with some light music. Does this have any effect? Does your child seem more or less attentive? If your two children tend to do homework side by side in the kitchen, try separating them to see if this affects their productivity.

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT FAVORITE SUBJECTS AND UNITS WITHIN THOSE SUBJECTS:

Sometimes this alone can be enlightening. Does your child like subjects that are heavy on reading, like history, or those that have students on their feet being active and engaged, like science or physical education? Does your child have a fun, vibrant teacher who lectures often, and if so, does he or she like that class?

Another reason understanding your child’s learning style is valuable is that it helps when working with your child’s teacher.

Should problems arise, it’s useful information for teachers to know when students are at their best. The more parents and teachers know about students’ strengths, weaknesses and learning preferences, the better for children as learners.

Erin Gibson is operations manager with Huntington Learning Center. Reach her at (228) 832-1226 or GibsonE@HLCmail. com.

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success & money

HOW I BUILT MY BUSINESS

Yellow Rabbit PR & Marketing

O

ne of my favorite sayings is, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him the plans you have for yourself.”

I love it not only because it has proven to be repeatedly accurate, but also because embracing it has allowed me to be more accepting of life’s challenges and redirections.

One of those redirections led me to become an entrepreneur in 2019 and launch Yellow Rabbit PR & Marketing, a Biloxi-based communications agency.

A few years earlier, I worked as the director of communications at a university in Georgia. The job was demanding, but it allowed me to work alongside many hardworking, passionate and genuine people who embraced me, my talents and the vision I had for my role.

But as I soared, my husband found himself professionally frustrated and at his wit’s end as a veteran K-12 teacher.

The school where he worked wasn’t a good fit, and he desperately wanted to return to Mississippi. I was crushed.

Reluctantly, I agreed to relocate back to our home state, but with one caveat: Instead of central Mississippi, we would move to the Gulf Coast for a fresh start.

As our relocation date drew nearer, he quickly found a teaching job. At the same time, I was hearing crickets while seeking posts at higher education institutions. So, I expanded my search to include general communication jobs and landed a position with a Biloxibased nonprofit. It was passionate, vital policy work, and I was proud to elevate and amplify the organization’s agenda in our state. But after two years, I also began to experience a gnawing desire for more. I wanted to launch my own business to work in the spaces where I knew I could make an even greater impact.

I transitioned to another nonprofit, an upstart, with the understanding

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that I also planned to launch my firm.

By day, I worked tirelessly building the nonprofit’s brand and helped it thrive and grow into a multi-milliondollar organization.

On nights and weekends, I poured myself into creating Yellow Rabbit PR & Marketing. It was exhausting, with hardly any free time, but my day job allowed me the resources to grow my side hustle.

Early on, I learned some hard lessons about entrepreneurship. I thought having a wealth of knowledge and experience in communications would magically result in new clients, but it was a daily grind. I had to embrace living along the Coast and become immersed in the fabric of the community. I had to network and get out to meet new people because they want to know you before spending money with you.

I learned it is important to show up for others without always having your own agenda. Business opportunities bloomed as my roots became deeper, and my side hustle became my full-time job. It has been organic, exhilarating and a learning process.

To others considering launching a business, I’d advise you to do your homework on matters like business structuring, legal requirements, accounting practices and writing a business plan. Don’t be afraid to side hustle at first.

Also build a strong support team of

Business opportunities bloomed as my roots became deeper, and my side hustle became my full-time job. It has been organic, exhilarating and a learning process. professionals early on instead of always seeking to DIY critical steps that cause problems down the line. And finally, practice a good work/life balance. Being a business owner can be all-consuming, but you must make your family and other vital relationships a priority because they are what make your life worth living.

Pamela Berry-Johnson is the owner of Yellow Rabbit PR & Marketing. She can be reached at yellowrabbitpr@gmail. com or (601) 557-2299.

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In her book, “Finally Home,” the wife and a mother of three boys recounts the struggle she and her family endured during Hurricane Katrina and how they overcame their hardships. For Mrs. Landry, knowing what would come was a burden because she did not know how to keep her family safe.

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Good Shepherd Christian Academy provides quality education partnered with a Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area.

GOOD SHEPHERD We use the “Beginnings” curriculum and computer programs to enhance preparation for kindergarten.

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Our loving and professional staff works with every child provides quality education partnered in a caring, positive, and encouraging manner. with a Christian environment • Chapel each morning 80 48th St. • Gulfport, MS 39507 • Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area.

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Five reasons to consider a credit union for your car loan FROM NAVIGATOR CREDIT UNION

A car loan can be helpful — but a good car loan can make a dramatic difference in your life. It can save you money, reduce stress and minimize hassles. Credit unions specialize in good car loans, and here’s why you should consider them for your financing: 1. CRUISE THROUGH THE APPROVAL PROCESS.

Many financial institutions look no further than your credit report when considering your loan application, and they may deny your request if you have less-than-great credit. But credit unions can take the time to consider the full context of past financial behaviors, which can give you a leg up in the approval process.

2. PAY LESS.

Rates at credit unions tend to be lower than at banks, and a lower rate can save you hundreds — even thousands — of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan. Auto loans are no exception.

In addition, credit unions are not-forprofit financial institutions, which means all profits are returned to members by way of lower fees and loan rates.

guaranteed asset protection — available at a cost often hundreds of dollars less than you’d find elsewhere, so you know you’ll be getting a great deal.

3. ENJOY A MEMBER-CENTERED APPROACH.

5. APPLY WITH EASE.

Credit union financial service representatives keep a strong focus on providing unbiased financial education, such as tips for determining an affordable loan amount based on your situation.

Credit unions’ success is largely determined by their members’ success, so you can rest assured they have your best interests in mind.

4. BENEFIT FROM UNIQUE RESOURCES.

Credit unions maintain partnerships with services that aim to make your financial decisions easier. TruStage offers special credit union member rates for auto insurance, and ForeverCar provides mechanical repair coverage at an exclusive credit union member price. Plus, credit unions can make GAP coverage —

Credit unions make it simple to apply for a car loan. You can do it online, over the phone or in a branch. Check with your credit union for all options.

Before you begin shopping, get preapproved for a car loan. With a preapproval in your pocket, you’ll know your monthly payment, loan term and the price of the car you can afford before you walk into a dealership. It will put you in the driver’s seat for any deal.

Navigator Credit Union has over a dozen branches throughout Mississippi and Alabama. Learn more at https://navigatorcu. org/ or call 1-800-344-3281.

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Carl Lester Boyanton is a devoted father, CCP holder, astute businessman, and loving husband of 26 years. As a lifelong Republican, he fights every day to promote and preserve conservative values.

A Southern boy born into poverty in Memphis, TN, Boyanton embraced the American dream wholeheartedly.

He first walked on Mississippi soil as a toddler in 1962.

Around 1963, he was baptized into the Southern Baptist faith in Picayune. From then on, he received his education from the Pearl River County public school district, starting with West Side Elementary School. He eventually attended Picayune Junior High Annex and Picayune Memorial High School.

However, Boyanton spent much of his childhood traveling across state lines, as his single father and six older siblings tried to make financial ends meet. His past is peppered with countless blue-collar jobs, such as retail shelf stocking, construction work, and fencing. At 12 years old, he proudly earned pocket change as a Taco Bell assistant manager. These early experiences instilled in him the value of work ethic that drives his endeavor to this day.

Always a proud patriot, Boyanton attempted to join the United States Army at the age of 17. At the end of the Vietnam War, he yearned to serve the country in battle, just like his eldest brother, Richard Boyanton, in the 101st

Airborne Division. Injuries from his youth – two broken elbows – resulted in his disqualification.

With his zeal for capitalism, he found his niche soon after in the produce industry. Throughout his twenties, Boyanton climbed the business ladder at Charlie’s Produce in Seattle, WA. He started as a warehouse laborer, packing boxes and loading delivery trucks. His diligence led to a position in sales and buying, where he flourished. He joined the corporation with revenue of around $1 million.

Almost two decades, Charlie’s Produce was worth hundreds of millions – and Boyanton was an imperative part of that growth.

After he married his wife, they bore two daughters, and Boyanton felt a strong pull toward his Southern roots. So the family of four migrated down to Diamondhead, to start fresh. Steered by an ambition to launch his own business, Boyanton opened a humble produce stand in the French Market of New Orleans, LA, dubbing it “Farmer Fresh Produce.”

Soon after, he expanded to a warehouse in the city’s eastern section. To ease the commute, his household resettled in Slidell, LA, where they spent the next 16 years.

Just before Hurricane Katrina struck, Boyanton sold the New Orleans East location to operate out of a larger facility in Picayune. Years later, he purchased another warehouse in Robertsdale, AL.

IS S U E S & PRI O RI T I ES

TERM LIMITS | ABORTION | BUDGET | IMMIGRATION ELIMINATE FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS | COLLEGE LOANS CARL PRIORITIZES HIS FAITH AND FAMILY ABOVE ALL ELSE, WHICH SHAPE HIS APPROACH TO BEING A BUSINESSMAN AND AN ASPIRING CONGRESSMAN.

Visit my website to find out more about some of the issues and priorities that I am fighting for.

WW W.C A R L4 C O N G R E Swww.gcwmultimedia.com S.COM

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Life is a whirlwind — make sure your insurance keeps up RENOVATING YOUR HOME?

BY ANGELYN TREUTEL ZERINGUE

The reality of being insured is that every life event can impact your policies. Here are some examples: INFLATION ON BUILDING MATERIALS? You should review the coverage levels on your property in light of the higher cost of materials. You want to ensure you have enough coverage to rebuild your home.

RENTING OUT YOUR HOME?

If you rent out a room or your home for the weekend or summer, you will require a different type of coverage, which you may be able to add to your policy — or it may require a different policy type, since your standard home insurance is intended for personal use only. Failure to advise your insurer of residency changes can result in voiding of insurance contracts. Shortterm rentals may require a commercial insurance policy for your protection.

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After adding a new room or upgrading existing rooms, be sure to update your insurance to ensure your coverage is adequate. Also verify that outside structures are covered by your policy and that your policy carries replacement cost coverage.

NEW AUTOS, BOATS OR TOYS? Be sure you have liability protection and protection for your assets.

WORK FROM HOME?

Check your coverages to confirm that your business liability and assets are protected.

RENTING A NEW HOME OR APARTMENT?

HAVE MUCH TO LOSE?

GETTING MARRIED OR DIVORCED?

PLANNING TO RETIRE?

You need to insure your own belongings and liability because your items are not covered under your landlord’s policy.

Changes in marital status will impact home and renters’ insurance due to combining or separating households. Video the contents of your home for future reference. Know what you have and that it is covered.

HAVING A BABY?

This will impact your life insurance needs. You want to be certain that your family is provided for in the event of your untimely death. Also, be certain to update beneficiaries to include the new baby.

You work hard to be successful. In today’s litigious society, you should consider umbrella insurance coverage to protect you and your assets in the event of a lawsuit.

If you stop working, your vehicle mileage probably will be reduced, which will qualify you for a credit on your auto insurance coverage. There also may be discounts for drivers over age 55 or for taking defensive driving classes.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is president of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent. Reach her at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177 or azeringue@southgroup.net.

As a financially independent woman, you may have concerns about how to plan for your important financial goals now and in the future.

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Take the first step towards a more secure financial future.

W. Reed Allison, CFP®

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ELEVATIONS STUR RECEIVES USM’S PRESTIGIOUS MOORMAN PROFESSORSHIP

Dr. Heather Stur, a professor in The University of Southern Mississippi School of Humanities and an internationally recognized expert on the Vietnam War, has recieved the Charles W. Moorman Distinguished Alumni Professor of the Humanities for 2021-23, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon a member of the University’s faculty.

Stur will be supported through the Moorman Professorship for research on her book about Gen. Buford “Buff” Blount and the U.S. Army Third Infantry Division’s 2003 invasion of Iraq. The book, which is under contract with Osprey Publishing, will be released in 2023 to mark the 20th anniversary of the operation, which culminated in the taking of Baghdad and dismantling of Saddam Hussein’s regime. She also will present a public lecture at the end of her term as the Moorman Professor.

The Moorman Professorship honors Dr. Charles W. Moorman, a longtime USM professor of English and vice president for academic affairs in the 1970s. It is made possible by the USM Foundation through a matching grant from the Phil Hardin Foundation and is awarded biennially for a two-year term to a senior professor in English, history, foreign languages, or philosophy.

“Receiving the Moorman Professorship is one of the greatest honors of my career so far …,” Stur says. “I’m grateful to the Moorman award committee and external reviewers for believing in the value of my project. For the committee to select me from a competitive field of applicants is wonderful validation of my work.”

USM GRAD STUDENT AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP

Limarie Reyes-Torres, a biological sciences doctoral candidate at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, has been awarded the prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award. This award is an individual predoctoral fellowship of the National Institute of Health that promotes diversity in health-related research.

The fellowship’s purpose is to enhance the diversity of the health-related research workforce by supporting the training of students from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral or clinical research workforce.

“Being selected for this competitive fellowship through a peer-reviewed process, amongst such promising candidates, represents a significant career milestone,” says said Reyes-Torres, a Puerto Rico native.

“It not only validates my research, but also its relevance and future impact. This brings me a lot of joy, and it will empower me to continue my research efforts as I complete my degree.”

Reyes-Torres’s research focuses on the world’s deadliest animal — mosquitoes — and the magnitude of health problems that its pathogens cause worldwide. Through this award program, she will be able to conduct research for her last dissertation chapter at the University of Florida’s Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, Florida. Her field sampling will be conducted in the San Juan Metropolitan Area in Puerto Rico, while laboratory experiments simulating field conditions will be carried out at Southern Miss and UFMEL.

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SCARLET PEARL REACHES 100 PERCENT COVID-19 VACCINATION RATE AMONG EMPLOYEES

Scarlet Pearl CEO LuAnn Pappas receives a COVID booster shot at an on-property vaccination site.

As of Friday, Aug. 27, all associates of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort have had at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Scarlet Pearl is the first casino in the country to have a 100 percent vaccination rate among all applicable employees, and it accomplished this through a concerted effort of one-on-one communication, vaccine education and on-site vaccinations for associates and their families.

To date, Scarlet Pearl has invested over $500,000 toward the vaccine effort, including $300 in cash to each associate and supervisor who completed the requirement to obtain a vaccination.

“Scarlet Pearl Casino is an industry leader as attested to by our guests, our associates and our community,” says CEO LuAnn Pappas.

“Caring is one of Scarlet Pearl’s core pillars. The health and wellbeing of the region is essential.

Everyone here is all part of our family.”

AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE EARNS AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AWARD

American Medical Response (AMR) in Gulfport has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack. The Mission: Lifeline initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program honors emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

“AMR is dedicated to providing optimal care for heart-attack patients,” says Billy Shipp, EMS director for AMR. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care efforts through Mission: Lifeline.”

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October 20 October 20 August 12 0 Ribbon Cutting @ The Reef “5 Years” Ribbon Cutting @ The Reef “5 Years” August 12 Bay @ Riemann Family Homes August 12Connects on Cutting @ The Reef “5 Years” OctoberFuneral 21 October 21 August 12Family Funeral Homes Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH PhotographyPhoto credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Bay Connects September @ Riemann 1 Ribbon Cutting @ The Blake 16 @ Riemann Ribbon Cutting @ The Blake Bay Connects Family Funeral Homes Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Bay Connects @ Riemann Family Funeral Homes September 16Blake on Cutting @ The October 26 October 26 16 September Ribbon Cutting @ McMurphy Orthodontics PhotoJr. credit: J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, - AJHAlbert Photography Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, 6 Ribbon Cutting @ Coastal Hearing Center, LLC Jr. - AJH Photography September 16 Ribbon Cutting @ Coastal Hearing Center, LLC Ribbon CuttingRibbon @ McMurphy Orthodontics Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Cutting @ McMurphy Orthodontics September 21 on Cutting @ Coastal October Hearing Center, LLC October 28 28 Ribbon Cutting @ McMurphy Orthodontics 8 September 21 September Boo on the Rue BooEnforcement on the Rue Law Awards Banquet 21 on the RueEnforcement November 4 Law Awards November 4 4Banquet September 21 Awards Banquet November Law Enforcement 4November 4 Biloxian Made Good Biloxian Made Good JOIN Law Enforcement Awards Banquet Biloxian November 4 the xian Made Good November 11 November 11 Made Good FU andc Orthodontics Biloxian MadeNovember Good 11 November 4 Biloxian Made Good 11 Ribbon Cutting Bay Connects & rowd!

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The Hancock Chamber Business Women’s Leadership Roundtable was founded in 2006 to offer professional women in Hancock County opportunities for networking and professional development. Under the direction of the Hancock Chamber, the group hosts quarterly meetings providing both personal enrichment and ideas for business development. All women in business are welcome, including newcomers.

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food & fun

CHIC and satisfying SPOONWATER SUSHI ULTRALOUNGE BRINGS TOUCH OF MAGIC TO OCEAN SPRINGS STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS DEARMAN

If you are looking for a new venue for late-night sushi and exciting cocktails, look no further than Spoonwater Sushi Ultralounge. Debuting in July in the heart of the Ocean Springs entertainment district, Spoonwater is quickly becoming a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

Owner Brandon Brinkley, who is originally from Mobile but has lived in Ocean Springs for 20 years along with his partners, Ashleigh Windecker and Nick Quave, have created a stylish, yet family-friendly, restaurant with cool lighting, numerous flatscreen TVs and an outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying the weather and people watching on Government Street.

“As locals ourselves, we desire to have a neighborhood feel and inviting atmosphere,” Brinkley says. “We are in the business of people, and we hope to build meaningful and lasting relationships with each of our guests.”

Brinkley’s inviting nature was evident with the friendly banter directed toward passersby. Offering “the best happy hour on the Coast,” he clearly is a man of the people, and I’ve already made plans to return just to watch his infectious personality in action.

While Brinkley’s carnival barker vibe is quite entertaining, it’s the food and drinks that will ensure your return. Made using

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only high-end ingredients, the sushi and colorful cocktails I had during my visit were highly satisfying.

“The philosophy behind our menu is serving serious food that looks as incredible as it tastes,” Brinkley says. “We feature unique rolls that are made with only fresh ingredients and hand-crafted by our outstanding staff.”

Wanting to experience the best of Spoonwater, I asked to try their four most popular sushi rolls. With all of them being so enticing, it was hard to choose which I liked best.

Spoonwater considers the Government Street its quintessential roll. It features shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and cream cheese on the inside, then it’s topped with a mix of mango, avocado, jalapeños, cucumber, ponzu and a sweet chili sauce.

It’s a great roll to start. The River Styx also was quite tasty, featuring red tuna, smoked salmon and cucumber on the inside, with seared steak, diced mango and spicy mayo over the top.

The restaurant namesake, The Spoonwater, is a cooked roll with a warm, crunchy middle of shrimp tempura, balanced with a coolness of cream cheese. Topped with a house crab topping, crawfish, jalapeños, kabayaki and sweet chili sauces, spicy mayo and crunchies, it would make for a satisfying lunch on its own.

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The last roll I tried was named after the man himself, the Brinkley. As it says on the menu, you will know him when you see him, and the roll of shrimp tempura, crab and cream cheese topped with smoked salmon, avocado and red tuna on the outside is a finetasting roll that does justice to the man responsible.

Having been a bartender from Chicago to Orlando over the years, Brinkley used his expertise to create a nice array of colorful cocktails. All those I tried were quite tasty, with the pink nymph and watermelon ice being my favorites.

Be sure to save room for dessert, as Spoonwater has a musttry. The fried banana cheesecake, served with a side of pineapple vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel and hot fudge, was absolutely delightful.

“I want to open 25 of these things,” says Brinkley about what the future holds. “Dreams come true. Magic happens. Come find out what makes Spoonwater stand apart from the rest.”

Spoonwater Sushi Ultralounge is open Tuesday through Sunday and often has an all-day happy hour. A $10 hibachi special is offered on Wednesdays, and a late-night food menu is available on weekends. From 11 a.m.-9 p.m. is the perfect time to bring the family, with many board and outdoor patio games to enjoy. You can show off your karaoke skills on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the restaurant is certified dog friendly anytime.

IF YOU GO Spoonwater Sushi Ultralounge 1019 Government St., Ocean Springs (228) 215-3216 www.spoonwatersushi.com www.facebook.com/spoonwatersushi

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Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport embarks on sea adventure for annual Charity Ball

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

For its major annual fundraiser, Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport will treat revelers to “a night under the sea.”

The Mississippi Aquarium will host the Auxiliary’s 71st annual Charity Ball on Nov. 13. Holly Ford, the group’s fundraising chair, is hoping 400 people will attend the ocean-themed soiree, which will feature hors d’oeuvres, live music, a $10,000 raffle and other prizes.

“Through the Charity Ball, and with the help of our patrons, JA of Gulfport is able to administer all the work and projects we see fit for the community,” Ford says. “We are hoping to raise $100,000 to benefit the children of our service area.”

JA of Gulfport programs help over 24,000 children and their families in Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian and Harrison County, according to Ford.

“Our members have donated over 5,300 hours of hands-on service to the community, working wherever the needs are greatest,” she says. “We have brought food, clothing, medical care, arts, enrichment and educational programs to children in 26 area schools, as well as local children’s shelters, community centers, and social service agencies.”

The heart of Junior Auxiliary can be seen through the organization’s community service projects, Ford adds, noting that it now has 12 service projects that are reaching children, youth and

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families in Gulfport, Long Beach and Pass Christian. Those efforts include Backpack Blessings, which provides non-perishable, easyto-prepare food to local children to ensure they have enough to eat during non-school hours; the Crown Club, a pilot project focused on creating service opportunities for high school girls in grades 9-12; and Operation Christmas Cheer, a special undertaking to provide for children in need and their families during the holiday season.

To learn more about Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport and its activities, visit www.jagulfport.org.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport’s 71st Charity Ball WHEN: Nov. 13, 7-10 p.m.

WHERE: Mississippi Aquarium, Gulfport COST: A limited number of tickets will be sold for $50 per person starting Oct. 6, 2021.

ATTIRE: Cocktail TO LEARN MORE OR PURCHASE TICKETS: Visit www.jagulfport.org.

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email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com October 2021 www.SmileGulfCoast.com