Bayou Catholic Wellness April 2016 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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wellness HOUMA, LA ~ APRIL 2016 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Contents

On Our Cover Julie Morvant, Terry Evans and Stephanie Brien work out at Terrebonne General Medical Center’s Sports Performance Training Center while training specialist Zach Voss instructs the trio. “The first step in leading a healthier lifestyle that incorporates physical activity and good nutrition is to set your mind to it and set attainable goals,” says Voss. Cover photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

The Biggest Loser Spiritual edition

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ADDICTION: How can we get help?

Prediabetes Should I be concerned?

Preventing blindness

Developing confidence and strength through exercise and good nutrition

Index to Advertisers Advanced Eye Institute ......................... 15 Cardiovascular Institute of the South ... 19 Daigle Himel Daigle .............................. 13 Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Mark J. Bilello .............................. 17 Family Doctor Clinic .............................. 16 Family Vision Clinic ............................... 23 Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic ................... 26 Gulf Coast Orthopedics.......................... 11 Hagen Beyer Simon .............................. 25 Haydel Family Practice ......................... 23 Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness ............... 5 Headache & Pain Center ...................... 27 Houma Digestive Health Specialists ..... 24 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Common skin growths: When to worry

Houma Physical Therapy ........................ 7 Jones Insurance .................................... 21 La Terre Physical Therapy, Inc. ............. 14 Miracle-Ear ............................................ 14 Notre Dame Hospice .............................. 7 Office of Family Ministries ..................... 17 Oral-Facial Surgery Center ................... 20 Sterling Wellness Solutions .................. 24 Terrebonne Physical Therapy Clinic ..... 21 The Dermatology Clinic ........................ 22 The Medicine Shoppe ........................... 26 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .................. 9 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center ...... 3

“The new Wellness Center is a game changer to help people feel better, work better and live better...” – Archie Manning • State-of-the-art

• Medically-integrated

• 242,000 square feet

• Unlike any other in the state

There are a lot of reasons to get excited about the new Wellness Center... Pass it on!

985-493-4326 | thibodaux.com Virtual tour available at thibodaux.com

Greg Stock

CEO of Thibodaux Regional

Archie Manning

Bayou Wellness

Guest Columnist

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Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

On the popular television reality program The Biggest Loser, overweight individuals compete to win a cash prize by losing the highest percentage of weight relative to their starting weight. The contestants work with trainers who layout a comprehensive nutrition plan and workout program to help them lose weight. While they are focused on winning the cash prize, in the end all are winners by changing their exercising and eating habits to live a fuller, healthier lifestyle. While we may not compete on The Biggest Loser, many of us would not deny that we could afford to be more active, eat healthier and shed a few pounds. However, we usually relegate that to our New Year’s resolutions, and if that fails, then Lent is for trying again. We focus so often on our physical health that we may neglect something more important—our spiritual wellness. Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). How can we tell if we are suffering from a spiritual obesity? Spiritual Obesity Spiritual obesity is having an excessive amount of spiritual fat or heaviness. What are some of the spiritual fats that weigh down the soul: a lack of prayer, being away from the sacraments— especially the Eucharist and reconciliation—a focus on the things of the world, especially various addictions we may have, lukewarmness, selfishness, a lack of involvement in our church parish, our sins, and the inability

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

The Biggest Loser Spiritual edition to forgive ourselves and others. Spiritual obesity, like its counterpart, can lead to a spiritual death. The Lord desires us to live freely and fully, but this weight lowers our quality of life. We can become desolate, unhappy, depressed, angry, immobile, ashamed and isolated. We can choose to remain in this state or become the person God truly calls us to be. Like our physical wellbeing, our spiritual health depends upon a comprehensive nutrition plan and workout program in order to become or remain healthy. Spiritual Nutrition Just as living in south Louisiana makes it difficult for a person to eat healthily with our rich and fried foods, and an assortment of sweets, so too does living in today’s world make it difficult for a person to feed the soul in a healthy way. The world is like an all-you-can-

eat buffet. Instead of choosing the nutritious foods, we dive into the junk foods, the comfort foods of our favorite sins that always promise to satisfy us but each time never seem to fulfill their pledge. We are hungering for more out of life, but nothing of this world seems to satisfy the longing that only the Lord can satisfy. What are we truly to feast upon? St. Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). We also find nourishment in faith, hope and charity, in prayers and devotions, the sacraments, the Word of God, the lives of the saints, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol, chastity and justice. Spiritual Workout Whenever the vice-rector of the seminary would occasionally

(and reluctantly) go to the exercise room, he declared that he was going to the “Chamber of Horrors.” For those who have an aversion to working out, the gym can be seen as a place filled with various instruments of torture and headed by a person who would more properly fulfill the role of an executioner rather than a trainer. But, the key to a good workout is a good warm up. We should begin with the sacrament of reconciliation to prepare for life’s journey. The soul must first be stretched, and subsequently, much of the spiritual obesity can be shed just with this sacrament. Then there are the workouts: spending a good period of time in prayer, taking time to visit with the Lord present in the Eucharist, actively participating in the liturgy at Mass, reading from sacred Scripture (St. Ambrose says, “When we pray, we talk to God. When we read Scripture, we listen to God”), praying the rosary and other devotions, doing charitable works of mercy such as visiting the elderly or sick, eating together as a family, volunteering in parish ministry. We must remember that life is a marathon and not a sprint. It takes self-control, self-discipline, practice, perseverance and a desire to want to be holy. And in all this, Jesus is our trainer and cheerleader. His desire is for us to be the biggest loser so that we are the biggest gainer. “For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8b). (Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., is the pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.)

Michael S. Haydel, M.D. FIPP Michael P. Charlet, M.D., FAAN Karl G. Haydel, Jr., MD Daniel R. Clayton, PA-C Donovan J. Matherne, FNP-C Brandi B. Degruise, FNP-C Interventional Pain Practice

Neurology Clinic

Osteoporosis/Wellness Clinic

Neck Pain/Back Pain Herniated Disc Pinched Nerves Muscle/Arthritic Pain

Headaches/Migraines Sleep Disorders Seizure Disorders EMG - Nerve Conduction Studies

Bone Density Bone Brittleness Compression Fractures General Well-being

The Region’s 1st & Most Comprehensive Spine & Pain Center  No Referral Needed 

Experience Counts • Over 40 Years Combined Experience

Office located in Houma

1022 Belanger Street • 985-223-3132 www.painspecialty.net www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

The anti-green generation

Guest Columnist

Deacon Lloyd Duplantis

Many of us have small outdoor gardens where we grow various things like onion tops or shallots, parsley and other herbs that are handy to have when we do our cooking. Here in south Louisiana we are blessed with growing seasons that are virtually all year round. Thanks to the mighty Mississippi and its delta formation over the past centuries, we are also blessed with some of the richest soil in the world. Traditional gardens contained

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

mustard and turnips that many of us looked forward to eating as “greens” that were a staple with the Friday fried fish and white beans. This is one of south Louisiana’s best Friday meal traditions Even though today we are bombarded with the rallying cry of “Go green!” we have a current generation who rejects greens. With the advent of the “have it your way” fast food concept, taste and convenience have changed the eating habits and taste buds of an entire generation. It is showing up in all sorts of health consequences such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, etc. It’s an alarming and distressing picture that we somehow must address. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, we receive an admonition to take care of our bodies. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for

the temple of God, which you are, is holy.” This mandate calls us to examine all aspects of our lives including our eating habits. So what is one to do with seemingly insurmountable problems with bad personal/family eating habits? Here are a few recommendations from some experts. Set an example. By far the best predictor of children’s eating habits is the eating patterns of their parents. If green vegetables and healthy foods are relegated to an afterthought in your household, it’s tough to expect that your kids would eat them. Kids eat what they know, and they won’t ask for a special meal if they know it is not an option. Make food fun Kids love to play make believe games. Broccoli can be intimidating to a kid hoping for macaroni and cheese. However, if he is a puppy who needs to eat five miniature trees in order

to outrun a dinosaur, suddenly those florets are a lot more interesting. Turning healthy food into a game is a great way to get a few bites of greens down the hatch. Enforce the “one bite rule” Research consistently shows that children who have initially rejected a food must be exposed to it at least 8-10 times for the food to be accepted. Many parents have had success with the “one bite rule,” requiring the child to try at least one solid mouthful of a rejected food whenever it is served. After enough exposures, the food will be more familiar to the child and usually they begin to rate it more favorably. Don’t force them to finish One bite is different from eating the whole thing. One of the biggest misconceptions among parents is that forcing their child to eat a food they don’t like will get them to change their behavior. However, fighting and punishments often create a negative meal experience, and the child will learn to associate food with the bad feelings. Require one bite, but try not to start a fight! Reward good behavior On the other side of the coin, creating positive food experiences can decrease picky eating tendencies. Research has shown that rewarding a child for trying one bite of a rejected food with things like stickers makes it easier for them to try the food. They are also more likely to rate the food positively in the future. Use butter and bacon There’s nothing wrong with adding additional flavors to vegetables to make them more appealing to children. If that means serving it along with something

you know they will enjoy like cheese, bacon and real butter, that’s fine. (Current dietary science is finding that many Americans are not eating enough good fats, but that’s another story for another time.) Keep at it Some children will be more difficult than others, and will require more effort and patience. Continue to set a good example. Create fun, positive experiences around food. Enforce the one bite rule and do anything else you can to keep exposing them, in a pleasant way, to the healthy foods they reject. Your persistence will pay off! (Deacon Lloyd Duplantis is a retired pharmacist, speaker and author focusing on physical and spiritual health and wellness.)

Houma Physical Therapy Southern Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Inc.

Mark J. Kinnard, P.T. • Donald P. Kinnard, P.T. Luke T. Kinnard, P.T. 901 Verret St., Ste. B • Houma, Louisiana 70360 Phone: (985) 879-4388 • Fax: (985) 868-3805

Welcomes theLafourche/Terrebonne Team “We are the Right People, Doing the Right Things, for the Right Reasons”

Deacon Brent Bourgeois, Chaplain, has been a deacon for 9 years with 6 years of hospice experience and is a deacon with St. Marys’ Nativity Church parish in Raceland. Lisa Adams is a Patient Care Representative with 8 years of experience and is a member of St. Ann Church parish in Bourg. Deacon Daniel Blake, MSN, RN, has 20 years of nursing experience, 3 years of hospice experience and is a deacon for St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

Deacon Brent Bourgeois, Chaplain ~ Lisa Adams, Patient Care Rep. ~ Deacon Daniel Blake, MSN RN

Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, Lafourche

985-360-0060 ~ Fax: 985-360-0061 ~ www.Notredamehospice-no.org www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional

A beacon of health and wellness for the region Guest Columnist

Greg Stock, CEO

This summer, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center will unveil an unprecedented, innovative tool in the fight for better health in south Louisiana. The hospital’s 242,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Wellness Center promises to revolutionize the quest for an improved quality of life throughout the region. The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional is going to make a strong statement about

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

the importance of wellness. We want this building to serve as a facilitator to improving the health of the community. We can’t do it by ourselves, but we are committed to being a dedicated partner to south Louisiana in that endeavor. Louisiana currently ranks 48th out of 50 states in overall health and wellness; so clearly, this new Wellness Center fills a much needed void. The statistics don’t look good. We believe people can change their lives through modifications to diet and exercise. Thibodaux Regional wants to provide the culture and family atmosphere to foster that change. We want to be a support system and an enabler. The atmosphere in the Wellness Center is going to be tremendous, and it’s designed to appeal to all different ages and stages of life. How can you change your lifestyle if you don’t understand the

how and why of the process? One of the largest areas in the facility will be the Wellness and Education Center, which also includes an auditorium and conference center. The Center will offer classes on nutrition, heart disease, diabetes management and much more. The education conference center will allow small or large groups interested in improving their health status to be supported with excellent facilities, technology and innovative services. The Wellness Center addresses wellness at every level, including prevention, education and rehabilitation, combined with medically directed services. To put it simply, wellness in today’s world is about so much more than spending 20 minutes on a treadmill a few times a week. Thibodaux Regional is putting every resource needed to enjoy a healthy

lifestyle under one roof. Thibodaux Regional’s Wellness Center will offer easy access to many physician specialists. Many clinical needs will be addressed by the facility’s specialty centers which include an Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center, Rehabilitation Center, Neurosciences Center, Spine Center and Weight Management Center. The Diagnostic Imaging Center will house the latest in mammography, CT, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Also in the Wellness Center will be medical specialties to help patients address issues dealing with endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology, neurosurgery and pain management. The Aquatics Center will feature three indoor pools that will provide extensive water therapy opportunities for all. Not only will Thibodaux Regional’s Wellness Center feature the best technology and medical professionals available, the Center also makes it easy and convenient to maintain one’s health. Featuring

a Fitness Center that rivals the best in booming metropolises, the Center will house all of the latest technology, a wrap-around

‘

Wellness Center is going to make a strong statement about the importance of wellness

track and many opportunities for group exercise. The gymnasium will provide space for volleyball, basketball and sports performance

improvement. Babysitting services will be available. Saunas, hot tubs and laundered towels will be readily available. Staff will sanitize equipment after each usage to provide an infection free environment. Even though the new Wellness Center is about so much more than just the Fitness Center, we are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to unveil the fitness area to members of the community. Membership information will be available soon. The Wellness Center will also feature a small chapel where people can go to pray or meditate. That is most certainly a crucial part of the wellness equation – “the spiritual component.” Look for Thibodaux Regional’s Wellness Center to open its doors in summer 2016. For more information call (985) 493-4326 or for a virtual tour of the Wellness Center go to www. thibodaux.com. (Greg Stock is the chief executive officer for Thibodaux Regional Medical Center in Thibodaux.)

Experienced Professionals CHOOSE SMART. Choose the experienced, trusted therapists at Thibodaux Physical Therapy. With over 64 years of combined experience serving Thibodaux, Craig Hebert, Craig Pate and Lori Matherne can help you feel better fast. The team provides expert care for muscle sprains and strains, joint conditions, neck and back pain, sports injuries and work related injuries. With convenient hours, you get the professional treatment you need when you need it. Make the smart choice when you need physical therapy. Ask your doctor to send you to THIBODAUX PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Craig Hebert, PT • Lori Matherne, PT • Craig Pate, PT

104 East Bayou Rd. (Hwy 308) ~ Thibodaux, LA 70301 ~ (985) 446-3736 www.thibodauxpt.com www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

Prediabetes - Should I be concerned? Guest Columnist

Mae Hitt, RN, CDE

When your doctor told you that you had prediabetes, did you think “no worries”? Did you think, “I don’t have diabetes yet, so I can eat and do whatever I want”? Both thoughts would be wrong! So what is prediabetes and how does prediabetes affect your health? Before people develop type 2 diabetesa condition characterized by high blood glucose levels

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

caused by either a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can appear in young people., they almost always have “prediabetesa condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with prediabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and for heart disease and stroke. Other names for prediabetes are impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose.X” — blood glucose (blood sugar) levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. In the past, you might have heard your grandparents say that they were “borderline diabetic.” Doctors sometimes refer to prediabetes as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting

glucose (IFG), depending on what test was used when it was detected. This condition puts you at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.disease of the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries). There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes, so you may have it and not know it. Some people with prediabetes may have some of the symptoms of diabetes (increased thirst, tiredness, urinating more often) or even problems from diabetes already. You usually find out that you have prediabetes when being tested for diabetes or if your doctor ordered blood work to evaluate another medical problem and he noticed your elevated blood glucose level. Blood work results indicating prediabetes are: n An A1C of 5.7 percent – 6.4 percent ( An A1C test is a

blood test that gives an average of what your blood sugar has been for the past three months). n Fasting blood glucose (blood sugar) of 100mg/dl – 125 mg/dl. n An OGTT two hour blood glucose of 140 mg/dl – 199 mg/dl. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a two-hour test that checks your blood glucose levels before and two hours after you drink a special sweet drink. It tells the doctor how your body processes glucose. n Random (also called Casual) Plasma Glucose Test – This test is a blood check at any time of the day when you have diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is diagnosed when a person’s blood glucose is greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl. What would your doctor prescribe to lower your blood glucose levels and decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes? n If you are overweight, lose weight. Losing 10 pounds can make a difference in lowering your blood glucose levels. The fat cells in your body will make it harder for the insulin in your body to do its job

of pulling blood sugars out of your blood and feeding the sugar to your cells. n Start making healthier choices when sitting down to eat. Eat more vegetables and less fatty foods. Limit the amount of “sweets” you eat. Remember to do portion control and don’t go back for second servings. If you have questions regarding making healthier choices, contact your doctor for a referral to a registered dietician or nutritionist, who can work with you to help you set up a meal plan that you can live with. n If you are inactive, increase your physical activity to 30 minutes a day for at least five days per week. Physical activity can be as easy as going for a walk for 30 minutes. Bring a walking buddy with you to help past the time. A buddy can give you that needed encouragement to get off the couch and out of the house. If you have prediabetes, you should be checked for type 2 diabetes every one to two years. Always remember that leaving prediabetes untreated, will

eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. Once you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you will be prescribed a meal plan, increasing physical activity, and medications as needed to maintain control of your blood glucose levels. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to long term complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy (numbness, tingling, pain or even loss of feeling in your lower legs, feet or hands), loss of vision, kidney failure, and other medical problems. Remember early diagnosis of prediabetes and treatment compliance is the best way to prevent or delay the start of type 2 diabetes. For more information on diabetes contact the American Diabetes Association at 1 (800) DIABETES (342-2383) or go online to www. diabetes.org. (Mae Hitt, RN, CDE, is the community outreach director for Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland.)

Dr. William Kinnard Dr. Brett E. Casey Dr. Christopher E. Cenac, Jr. Dr. Michael LaSalle Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel, II Dr. Geoffrey P. Stone

Quality Service At FIVE Locations! Houma office

Thibodaux office

Raceland office

Morgan City office

Cut Off - Galliano

1001 School Street Houma, LA 70360 985.868.1540

2000 Audubon Dr. Suite B Thibodaux, LA 70301

Ochsner St. Anne Specialty Clinic 141 Twin Oaks Drive Raceland, LA 70394 985.537.8510

1216 Victor II Blvd. Suite 200 Morgan City, LA 70380 985.384.7001

Lady of the Sea Hospital 200 West 134th Place Cut Off, LA 70345 985.798.7763

www.Gulfcoastorthopedics.com www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

Addiction: Guest Columnist

Monique V. Albarado, LPC

“Why can’t my wife just stop drinking? Doesn’t she realize what she is doing to us and herself?” “If only my son would find a nice girl and settle down, then drugs wouldn’t be a problem anymore!” “They just need willpower like me. I can stop any time I want to.” These statements are typical of well-meaning loved ones of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Perhaps you have said them yourself. For some people, it is easy to stop at one drink or to

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

only use prescribed mood-altering or pain medications as needed without becoming dependent. But for others, as the old AA saying goes, “One drink is too many and a thousand is never enough.” There isn’t an off switch for the addict. Addiction is a brain disease. Outside help is needed. For the family and friends of the addict, there are often more questions than answers. It is difficult and frustrating to understand and accept the grip of addiction. For the addicted person, it is difficult to admit there is a problem. Defenses go up. For everyone involved, there is a sense of shame and denial. What causes addiction? Several factors contribute: environmental, psychosocial and genetic. The environment may consist of exposure to drugs and alcohol and easy accessibility. Psychosocial factors may be experiences of abuse or neglect, mental health diagnoses and various life stressors like trauma.

How can we get help? Genetics influence a propensity to drug and/or alcohol addiction. Addicts can usually trace a family history of addiction. How is addiction determined? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSMV-5, now refers to addictions or substance dependence as “Substance Use Disorders.” These disorders, whether they are related to alcohol or drug use are marked by at least two of the following over a 12-month period: consuming larger amounts and over a longer time than intended, persistent desire and unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use, spending a great deal of time to obtain the substance or recovering from the use of it, recurrent use despite failure to maintain obligations at work, school and home, continued use despite social and interpersonal problems caused by it, use despite hazardous situations caused by it, continued use despite physical or psychological problems related to it, missing

important social, occupational or recreational activities or giving them up entirely, and the presence of craving, tolerance and withdrawal. How can we get help? You can call your local behavioral health clinic to get started. In our case, we have a clinic in three civil parishes of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux: Lafourche Behavioral Health (985) 537-6823, St. Mary Behavioral Health (985) 380-2460 and Terrebonne Behavioral Health (985) 857-3615 which are operated under the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority. (They also offer a call line for after-hour emergencies (877) 500-9997.) Once an appointment is made, an assessment will be done at the clinic with the person needing help to determine what level of care the individual needs: a detox, primary inpatient facility or long-term residential (secondary) treatment program, also known as a halfway house. What is treatment? Treatment includes group therapy, family therapy and

individual counseling, often accompanied by participation in the 12 step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and similar programs such as Narcotics Anonymous. Clients are educated in life skills such as conflict resolution, balanced lifestyle, communication skills, relationship improvement and financial independence. Success in treatment depends on a person’s readiness to make changes. Upon entering treatment, an individual may be resistant but may change their outlook over time. The person in treatment must be willing to work honestly on personal issues that have been unaddressed during the person’s period of active addiction and follow suggestions of counselors and sponsors in order to enter recovery. Personal issues can include inability to cope with stress, low self-esteem, poor communication skills, codependency, grief issues, self-will or a history of family abuse or trauma. While drug addicts work on personal growth, family members and friends can find their own help in the recovery process.

Dealing with an addicted person is hard, and the family can use some support and education. The AlAnon program (for the loved ones of addicts) can help, as well as family groups offered in most treatment centers. In Al-Anon and family groups, loved ones can express their feelings and learn how to help those who are addicted. The recovery process Addictions are complex. Relapse is a component of the disease so there may be “bumps in the road,” but recovery is possible! Repeated treatment attempts are common. The recovery process is a lifelong journey of learning about one’s self with the support of others. It requires effort and an open mind on the part of the addicted individual. With the skills learned in treatment and the support of the 12 step program, many persons have discovered meaningful, balanced lives, without drugs and alcohol. (Monique Albarado is the associate director of Assisi Bridge House. She is a licensed professional counselor.)

Leslie Daigle, PT • Eddie Himel, PT, DSc., OCS, Cert. MDT John Daigle, PT, OCS, COMT • Tracy Peltier, PT, CMT Steven Landry, OT, CHT • Sawyer Triche, PT, DPT • Frannie B. Allen, PT, DPT Joshua Grabert, PT, DPT • Chase Cheramie, PTA

447-3164

808 Bayou Lane

Thibodaux

876-1155

1321 Grand Caillou

223-4760

125 Bayou Gardens

Houma www.ptcenter-la.com

Houma

www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

Guest Columnist

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Zach Voss, MC, CSCS

Good nutrition and regular exercise offer women many health benefits including disease prevention, overall wellness, and the ability to lead a more confident and productive life. Healthy nutrition and a regular exercise regimen that includes cardio and strength training should be incorporated into everyday living so that health benefits can be achieved. The old antics still hold true when trying to achieve a more healthful life and prevent disease. These lifestyle habits include eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetable intake, making sure foods you eat are low fat, and incorporating a high fiber diet into daily routines. Also, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco all work in contributing to physical wellbeing and being more confident. The Healthy Lifestyles Center at TGMC has many resources that offer women assistance in achieving these fitness and nutritional needs and goals. From learning how strength training can increase confidence, or attending a spin class to gaining knowledge on how to use healthy substitutions when

Difficulty with Hearing and Understanding?

Developing confidence and strength through exercise and good nutrition LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

LA Terre Physical Therapy, Inc. 116 Twin Oaks Dr. • Raceland, LA 70394

Phone: (985) 537-7012 • Fax: (985) 537-4145

Call for Your FREE Hearing Evaluation The Name Trusted for Over 65 Years! 985.876.9076 5922 West Main St., Ste B ~ Houma, LA 70360 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Luke T. Kinnard, P.T. • Donald P. Kinnard, P.T. Marci D. Ellender, P.T. • Mark J. Kinnard, P.T. Annette Rodrigue, P.T.A.

preparing meals, these resources are provided so that new healthy habits are easy to develop and become routine. One easy way to incorporate healthier habits is drinking more water, avoiding soda and drinks rich with sugar and sodium. “As nutrition experts we want to provide nutritional education, information and opportunities for the people in our community to lead a healthy life,” said Holly Dufrene, RD, with the Weight Management Center at the TGMC Healthy Lifestyles Center. Fitness is also a very important aspect for women when achieving their best lifestyle. Exercising can lead to a host of physical health benefits including weight loss, prevention of disease, increase in bone density and heart health. There are a variety of exercise programs available that can contribute to being physically fit. These include programs such as group fitness, cardio workouts and strength training. Spinning provides an excellent cardio workout while increasing endurance, and strengthening the

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cardiovascular system. “Spinning is a great way to build physical fitness while enjoying a fun, high energy workout,” said Nancy Hebert, owner of Workout 360 and spin instructor. Strength training is another type of fitness that benefits women who would like to build healthy bodies and minds. Strength training offers the physical benefits like increase in bone density, coordination, muscle mass and increase in joint health. Another key benefit and product of this type of exercising is increased self-confidence, energy level, mental strength and toughness. The good news is that strength training does not have to be lifting weights! Other types of strength training that do not include weight training are training with bodyweight, kettlebells, TRX straps, and bands to work against resistance. Working against resistance is the only way to get stronger. Strength training can be effective as a carry over to everyday life. Everyone will come across resistance in their life. If we

have the capacity to overcome resistance (AKA, strength) then we can overcome those obstacles in our life. This leads to increases in self-confidence, positive selftalk, and awareness to take on incoming challenges and trials, and strengthen the ability to lead a happier more productive life. The first step in leading a healthier lifestyle that incorporates physical activity and good nutrition is to set your mind to it and set attainable goals. The Healthy Lifestyles Center at TGMC can help you accomplish your fitness and nutritional goals at any level. Their experts have the proper training and information to assist you with instilling lifelong healthy habits to achieve optimal health, fitness and confidence. For more information on how you can achieve your best life and gain more confidence please visit: www. tgmc.com/healthy-lifestyles-center. (Zach Voss, MC, CSCS, is a health and sports performance specialist at the TGMC Sports Performance Training Center in Houma.)

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Bayou Wellness

Helping families find the rose

Guest Columnist

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Deacon Daniel Blake

It was a crazy day at the hospital and I was running between patients to meet all their needs, to make sure their medications were on time, to make sure the doctor’s orders were carried out in the appropriate time frame. In the middle of this crazy day one of my patients called me to his room to request fresh ice in his pitcher. I grabbed the pitcher and began racing out of the room when he stopped me and called me back to his bedside. He said, “You know I have this brain tumor and I am sure you see dying people every day. I also can see that the hospital is short staffed today. But I only get to die this one time. Do you have time to just sit with me?” My world came to a complete standstill. Nothing else seemed to matter and I sat down on the edge of his bed and we talked and talked and talked. That day he taught me about caring, about loving my neighbor, about having a happy death, about being a nurse. This was my introduction to palliative care over 20 years ago. While so many fear the events surrounding and leading up to death, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “in death, God calls man to himself” (No. 1011). In the face of these fears, we must remember that our bishops teach us that every human being is created in the image of God, is sacred, has inherent dignity, and a right to life consistent with that dignity. This dignity comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment (Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions). While we cannot give someone dignity, because that is a free gift from God, we do have the ability to rob individuals of their dignity during the process of dying. Hospice works to maintain this dignity. The focus of hospice is on relieving symptoms rather than curing illness and is normally provided during the last few months of life. Hospice is appropriate when the physician has determined that further treatment will no longer benefit the patient and/or the patient decides they no longer desire aggressive treatment of their disease process. These decisions are in accord with the teachings of the Louisiana Catholic Bishops, who in a statement entitled Approaching Death: The Moral Choices, say “in the context of the right to accept the natural journey toward death and to refuse extraordinary means or useless medical treatment to maintain life, then we are free to yield to God’s providential care and plan.” Hospice care providers use a variety of medications and interventions to alleviate the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

FAMILY DOCTOR CLINIC Bruce E. Guidry, M.D. Brian J. Matherne, M.D. Nicole W. McKee, M.D. Andre F. Guidry, M.D. 291 Liberty Street • Houma, Louisiana Phone: (985) 868-7882 • Fax (985) 876-1700 Drug Screening Lab: M-F 8am-1pm, 2pm-4:30pm

pain, breathing difficulty and physical discomfort that the individual may experience. The patient and families of the individual may also experience denial, anger, depression, fear and guilt. The hospice team is trained to help people work through these feelings. In addition to the physical and psychological challenges that are encountered, death and approaching death is also a spiritual event that can either draw people to their faith and strengthen it or drive them away. Hospice personnel are there to help all members of the family cope with these issues. During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, it is wonderful to work in an area where every day involves the corporal works of mercy of visiting the sick and burying the dead. In addition, every day in hospice also includes 399 BAYOU GARDENS BLVD. the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, HOUMA, LOUISIANA 70364 to comfort the sorrowful, helping families to forgive TELEPHONE: 985.872.9470 Recognized injuries, and praying for the living and the dead. www.markbilellodds.com worldwide Dentistry Over the years I have worked in many areas of for excellence in dentistry, for the nursing both in the hospital and in the community, Dr. Bilelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eventually finding a vocation providing hospice care, GARDENS BLVD. Entire 399 BAYOU work has been being drawn to the patient and family experiencing the Family published in the HOUMA, LOUISIANA 70364 struggles that occur at the end of life. In these events,985.872.9470 U.S., Europe, TELEPHONE: and Japan. there is a beauty that God has created. So many times www.markbilellodds.com families focus on the thorns and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the rose. I am drawn by that rose and have learned to work around the thorns and help families to do likewise. (Deacon Daniel Blake is assigned to St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. He is also a registered www.markbilellodds.com nurse working for Notre Dame Hospice, providing hospice care to the families of the Diocese of Houma17 Thibodaux.)

Mark J. Bilello D.D.S.

DR. MARK J. BILELLO 985.872.9470

www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

Guest Columnist

D 18

Bevi Olivier

“Do you know how embarrassing it is to have a smoking parent?” said April Boudreaux, 45, a mother of four and a registered nurse. “That is what got me. I didn’t want to ever embarrass my kids; I wanted them to be proud of me.” Boudreaux’s children range from ages 14 to 6. Especially when going through the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program at school, her kids would constantly ask her to quit. “They had high expectations and said if I didn’t quit smoking, I wouldn’t see my youngest child graduate,” said Boudreaux. “And that I was going to die from smoking so much.” The youngest of four children, Boudreaux started smoking at the age of 15. Her mother was a smoker for many years and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease years before her passing. At the time, Boudreaux was smoking a pack-and-a-half to two packs of cigarettes each day. Boudreaux knew the importance of quitting and wanted to improve her health. But that alone wasn’t enough. Nothing truly pierced her heart and hit home until she spoke to her older brother, who said he never started smoking because, when they were younger, he was so ashamed of their mother smoking around them, especially in front of friends or teachers at school. “I was horrified to think that that’s how my children felt,” said Boudreaux. “It broke my heart. I realized that smoking had become a social stigma, looked down and frowned upon. I didn’t want to make them ashamed anymore.” That’s when Boudreaux

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Dr. Eric Engeron, CIS interventional cardiologist, at left, meets with April Boudreaux, center, and Amanda Lapeyrouse, tobacco treatment coordinator and counselor, recently at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South’s facility. Boudreaux took part in the Commit To Quit smoking cessation program.

A smoking cessation success

April’s story: How CIS can help you quit resolved to make a change. “I prayed and prayed for God to help me,” she said. She saw information on Facebook about Commit To Quit, a free smoking cessation program available at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS). She called to enroll in the program and scheduled an appointment with CIS interventional cardiologist, Dr. Eric Engeron. Commit To Quit combines physician evaluations and prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as individual and group counseling sessions. Dr. Engeron and Amanda Lapeyrouse, tobacco treatment coordinator and counselor,

recommended a personalized quit plan for Boudreaux that involved gradual weaning off of nicotine with the help of a daily medication. Boudreaux also participated in multiple counseling sessions where she gained knowledge about nicotine addiction and learned strategies to combat cravings. “The counseling component is imperative,” she said. “Amanda taught me so much about why nicotine is so addictive and how smoking is a mental and physical addiction. She helped me set goals and made me accountable.” Lapeyrouse said Boudreaux’s case is a great example because she was in an active state

of change. “She was ready to quit and chose which support and services to engage in to set herself up for success,” explained Lapeyrouse. “She came, learned and actively applied her knowledge to make behavioral changes.” Commit To Quit provided Boudreaux with the medications and support that she needed to quit for good, even before her scheduled quit date. “I had three cigarettes left, and I told myself, that’s it!” she said. She has been nicotinefree since that day in November, and today, she feels great, both physically and mentally. “I’m out of the fog and everything is clear and I don’t wheeze like I used to,” she said. Boudreaux was thankful for help from CIS because she knew that quitting would be hard. “You just become so physically and mentally dependent. Cigarettes were there for me when no one else was, when I was happy and when I was sad.” Commit To Quit is unique in that, in addition to providing free medications to fight nicotine cravings, it also offers counseling sessions, both in person and over the phone, to guide the participant in resisting cravings and responding to moments of temptation. Nicotine addiction is the only addiction in which cessation is the most successful after multiple attempts. “The medication helped with cravings but it was the education and group support that reinforced it,” Boudreaux explained. “That’s what makes the CIS program different from the others.” Boudreaux said that she did not want to quit at first because she did not want to deal with the withdrawals, but she encourages others that they can quit, too. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be,” she said. “CIS gave me the tools I needed to quit for good.” Commit To Quit services are free to Louisiana residents who smoked a cigarette before September of 1988. However, many insurance carriers cover costs of the program as well. To learn more about Commit To Quit, call 1(877) 2880011 or visit www.cardio.com/ quitsmoking. (Bevi Olivier is the Public Relations and Events Coordinator at Cardiovascular Institute of the South.)

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Bayou Wellness

Guest Columnist

M 20

Quentin D. Falgoust, MD

Most of us have no problem having an annual physical or our six-month dental cleaning, but many of us are overdue for or have never had a dilated eye exam. Half of all blindness can be prevented, yet the number of people suffering vision loss continues to increase. Having a dilated eye exam is crucial in protecting your eyesight. Many eye diseases, if detected early, can be treated successfully without total vision loss. Glaucoma Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually has few or no symptoms. An estimated three million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, but only half of those know they have it (The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, Arch Ophthalmol. 2004; Prevent Blindness America). In the U.S., more than 120,000 are blind from glaucoma (National Institutes of Health; Quigley and Vitale, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1997), and estimates put the total number of suspected cases of glaucoma at over 60 million worldwide (Quigley and Broman “Number of people with glaucoma worldwide in 2010 and 2020,”

Preventing

blindness

2006). A survey done for Glaucoma Research Foundation found that less than half of all adult Americans are receiving a dilated eye exam (the best and most effective way to detect glaucoma). Cataract A cataract is clouding of the natural lens of the eye, causing decreased vision. Cataracts affect millions of Americans and

are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In the U.S., cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in those 65 and older, and while it’s rare for someone to go blind from cataracts in the U.S., they can develop slowly enough that the change in vision is gradual and less noticeable until the cataract has become significant. While cataracts are

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common with aging, it is a good idea to have their progression monitored by your eye doctor. A cataract that has become “too ripe” can make its removal more complicated. Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a disease of the macula, the area of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. For some, AMD advances so slowly that vision loss does not occur for a long time. In others, the disease progresses quickly and may lead to loss of vision in one or both eyes. As AMD progresses, a blurred area near the center of vision is a common symptom. Over time, this blurred area may increase in size or blank spots may develop in your central vision. AMD by itself does not lead to complete blindness. However, the loss of central vision in AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house. A dilated eye exam is crucial in the diagnosis of AMD. Using a special magnifying lens, your eye doctor looks at your retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye problems. He may also order special diagnostic tests while you are dilated to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Early diagnosis is important; while there is currently no treatment for the dry form of AMD, nutritional supplements have been shown to slow the progression. Additionally, there are medical treatments for the wet form of AMD, if it is diagnosed in a timely manner. Diabetes You may have heard that diabetes causes eye problems and may lead to blindness. People with diabetes do have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes. They are at a significantly higher risk for glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. There are two major types of retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative. Your retina can be badly damaged before you notice any change in vision. Most people with nonproliferative retinopathy have no symptoms. Even with proliferative retinopathy, the more dangerous form, people sometimes have no symptoms until it is too late to treat them. For this reason, you should have your eyes examined regularly by an eye care professional.

With regular checkups, you can keep minor problems minor. And if you do develop a major problem, there are treatments that often work well if you begin them right away. Call the specialists at Advanced Eye Institute for your appointment now, in Thibodaux (985) 446-0506, Houma (985) 879-2393, or Vacherie (225) 265-8555. Visit us on the web www.friendlyeyecare.com Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ AdvancedEyeInstitute (Quentin D. Falgoust, MD, is a LASIK and cataract specialist with over 30 years of experience in south Louisiana. He was the first LASIK surgeon in the Houma-Thibodaux area and has performed over 35,000 surgical procedures.)

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Wellness

Guest Columnist

T 22

Dr. P. Mark Neal

There are many different types of skin growths that people may develop throughout their lives. They can be caused by many factors including genetics, infections and sun exposure. When a new growth pops up, the first thing people want to know is whether they should be worried. Although there are many different types of skin growths, awareness of some of the more common growths may help you identify whether you need to see a dermatologist urgently. Seborrheic keratoses are common growths that will not turn into cancer. They are “stuckon” brown plaques that appear as if they can be scraped off the skin. Seborrheic keratoses usually show up later in life and often increase in number and size over time. They have a genetic component, and many patients can remember one of their parents having similar growths. They sometimes alarm patients because they are usually dark brown and can grow relatively quickly, but treatment (usually with liquid nitrogen) is not necessary unless they are symptomatic or cosmetically bothersome.

Common skin growths: When to worry Cherry Angiomas are small red papules made up of blood vessels. Angiomas tend to run in families and increase in number with age as well. Treatment is not necessary for these either unless they are

causing problems. Nevi or moles are collections of melanocytes which are the cells that make pigment in your skin. You can be born with moles or they can develop later in life.

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They appear as flesh colored to very dark patches, bumps or plaques. While moles are usually not dangerous, if they have atypical features, they could potentially turn into melanoma. Not getting excessive amounts of sun is the best way to prevent these changes. Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes or nevus cells. These often appear as very dark irregular moles. Worrisome moles are best identified with the mnemonic ABCDE: Asymmetry, Border (jagged or irregular), Color (with black, red and/or white present), Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser), and Evolution (is the mole changing?). Any suspicions of melanoma warrant seeing a dermatologist for a possible biopsy. If detected early, melanoma can often be completely cured; however, it can be very difficult to cure if it has already spread to other locations in the body. Actinic keratoses are red, scaly, rough growths that can appear like dry skin, but they always stay in the same area and usually are on

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sun-damaged skin. While they are not cancer, they are precancerous and can turn into squamous cell carcinoma if not treated. Sun protection is helpful to prevent new growths, and existing precancers are often treated by freezing with liquid nitrogen or with prescription medicines. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer, and it is caused by sun damage. It usually shows up as a shiny bump on the skin with blood vessels in it, or it can resemble a pimple that keeps getting bigger and does not heal with time. They tend to bleed easily, and if not treated, basal cell carcinoma will continue to grow into surrounding skin and other structures. They do not usually metastasize to other parts of the body. Basal cell skin cancer is usually treated by removing the cancerous skin surgically. Squamous Cell Carcinoma can show up as growing red, hard growths with thick skin in sun damaged areas of the body. While it is possible for squamous cell

carcinoma to metastasize, it is rare. Like basal cell carcinoma, it is usually treated with surgical removal. In summary, the above mentioned growths are several of the most common types of skin growths, but there are many more types of skin growths! If a skin growth shows up and there is any level of suspicion of skin cancer, especially melanoma, one should see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation. While genetics and skin type play a large role in what type of growths a person may be prone to get, sun protection with hats, sunscreen and protective clothing is the single best tool we have to prevent skin cancer and early detection is the best treatment. (Dr. P. Mark Neal is a board certified dermatologist that practices in Houma, Morgan City and Galliano. He was raised in Thibodaux and went to college and medical school at LSU. He completed his dermatology residency training at Tulane where he served as chief resident.)

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Bayou Wellness

Guest Columnist

N 24

Dr. N.S. Teddy Winstead

Nobody wants to get a screening colonoscopy. Nobody. Let me explain to you why you should think about it. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Unfortunately, in southern Louisiana, we have a rate of colon cancer 20 percent higher than the national average, yet our rate of being properly screened for colon cancer is among the lowest in the nation. People will spend time and energy worrying about being attacked by terrorists or dying in an airplane crash, but you’re thousands of times more likely to

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

COLON

cancer awareness die from colon cancer. Unfortunately there are usually no signs or symptoms of colon cancer until the tumor is large enough to cause a blockage in your digestive tract or until the tumor starts bleeding. By that time the cancer is advanced enough that surgery and medical treatment is more difficult. So if you have any signs like an abrupt change in your

bowel habits or new onset of blood in your stool, see your doctor. There are many ways to screen for colon cancer – stool tests, x-rays and colonoscopy. They’re all adequate and recommended by experts, like the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. Colonoscopy provides an advantage in that it allows pre-cancerous polyps to be removed when they’re

found, while stool tests and X-rays may require follow-up testing with a colonoscopy if an abnormality is detected (so you may have wanted to avoid a colonoscopy but wind up getting one after all). Since the widespread adoption of routine colonoscopy for colon cancer screening in the 1990s and early 2000s, there has been a decrease in the rates of colon cancer diagnosis and death. We think that this is because we remove pre-cancerous growths from the colon at the time of the procedure, preventing them from becoming more advanced. Newer equipment has made detection of smaller and smaller pre-cancerous growths easier on doctors with the advent of high-definition equipment. The medical community has also put an increasing focus on the rate at which doctors find these precancerous growths; our rate is well above the national average. Given the high rates of colon cancer in south Louisiana, this is important. One of the good things to emerge from healthcare reform (the Affordable Care Act) was that it

mandated that certain preventative service be covered at 100 percent so that there would be little or no out-of-pocket expense for patients who need these valuable services. Most health plans today offer this benefit (though there are a few grandfathered plans which do not). Most of our patients have little or no out of pocket expense for a screening colonoscopy. So you can’t use your high-deductible insurance plan as an excuse not to do it. An individual’s risk of developing colon cancer is most heavily influence by genetics – having a first-degree relative with colon cancer doubles your risk. Other risk factors include high-fat lowfiber diet, smoking or tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Colonoscopy is easy in 2016. Patients consistently rate the bowel preparation as the worst part of the experience; however, these are not the gallon jugs of nasty saltwater that people had to drink five or six years ago. In 2016, we have newer, low-volume preps, which work better than those older and

bigger preps. They haven’t gotten them to taste like cheeseburgers, pizza or soda pop yet, but patients generally tolerate them better than older preps. The quality of the bowel preparation with these new products is also better, which enables your doctor to see smaller pre-cancerous polyps that might have been missed in years past. The procedure is generally performed under sedation, most people do not remember anything when they wake up and are completely asleep for the duration of the procedure. If you are over age 50, or if you have a family history of colon or gastrointestinal tract cancer, you need to get screened. Whether it’s with me or someone else, do it today. Once you’ve gotten your colonoscopy out of the way, you can go back to worrying about being eaten alive by an alligator or shark. (Nathaniel S. “Teddy” Winstead, MD, MSPH, FACP, FACG, AGA-F, is a board certified gastroenterologist with Houma Digestive Health Specialists.)

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Bayou Wellness

American Cancer Society Thanking 2.5 million people during Volunteer Week

Guest Columnist

N 26

Carol Guidry

National Volunteer Week – April’s Focus National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration held by the Points of Light Foundation to recognize and thank America’s volunteers and call public attention to all they do to improve communities nationwide. During National Volunteer Week, the American Cancer Society recognizes and celebrates the efforts of its approximately 2.5 million volunteers nationwide that are making a difference in the fight against cancer. This year’s celebration will be held

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

April 10-17. How many volunteers does the American Cancer Society have? The Society has approximately 2.5 million volunteers nationwide who are helping us finish the fight against cancer. With their support, we save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer. As the heart and soul of the Society, volunteers have helped us save more than 1.5 million lives in the United States in the past two decades. How does the Society utilize volunteers? Volunteers at the Society serve in a variety of roles. For example, our Road To Recovery® volunteers gave more than 283,000 rides to more than 15,000 cancer patients in 2013. In 2014, volunteers helped us provide 250,000 nights of free lodging, saving 50,000 patients and caregivers $35 million in lodging costs. Volunteers also use their voices to get loud about issues related to cancer at the local, state and federal levels, and our passionate Relay For Life® and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® volunteers raise awareness and funds in their communities to help support the Society’s lifesaving mission. Through their various

roles, our volunteers have helped the Society save more than 1.5 million lives in the United States in the past two decades. How does the Society support volunteer development? The Society’s Volunteer Learning Center (VLC) provides volunteers with the training and resources needed to learn about their important role with the organization. More than 20,000 volunteers have used the site since its launch in 2013, and the VLC can easily be accessed at volunteerlearning.cancer.org. Why is the focus on thanking volunteers for this one week? Volunteers work year-round to raise awareness and funds, support patient programs and services, and much more for the Society. Society staff and the many cancer patients and families we serve are encouraged to thank and celebrate our dedicated volunteers for their tireless efforts year-round. The Society takes every opportunity to celebrate its approximately 2.5 million volunteers nationwide who are making a difference in the fight against cancer. National Volunteer Week provides another opportunity for us to show our incredible volunteers just how much they mean to us. Why do you have paid staff if the American Cancer Society is a volunteer organization? First and foremost, we continuously thank all of our volunteers for their tireless efforts. Our approximately 2.5 million volunteers have been – and continue to be – vital to carrying out the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and will be the ones to help us finish the fight. We believe that volunteers and staff members are our greatest resources in the community. We respect the equally important yet different roles volunteers and staff members play. These roles complement each other and expand the ability of either partner working alone. Although responsibilities may differ, we believe that volunteers and staff members should both lead and serve. Volunteers actively participate in meaningful roles at all levels of the organization as governance volunteers, community leaders and coordinators for events, services and programs. We encourage those

who are interested in a career with the American Cancer Society to visit cancer.org to check out our job opportunities. Local Information If you would like an opportunity to come have some fun with us, and meet some of our volunteers and staff and see what we do, we would love to see you at one of our Relay For Life events in April. There are many to choose from, and all of them have a festival like atmosphere, are family friendly, appropriate for all ages, and have free admission. We have games, food, live music and something for everyone. Relay For Life of Thibodaux is from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at Thibodaux High School. Relay for Life of South Lafourche is April 9, at the Larose Civic Center and Park, from Noon until 10 p.m., with the only Survivor Dune Buggy Parade in the United States. Relay For Life of Terrebonne Parish is Saturday, April 23, from 5 p.m. until Midnight at the Houma Civic Center. For information on more Relay events, you can always go to www.relayforlife.org. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. Despite the name, we are not a run or a walk. We are a fun community event that brings everyone together for one cause - Ending the fight against cancer! We are united with other communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to finish the fight once and for all. With the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 500 lives a day. Please join us and take action against a disease that has taken too much! Additional questions: To volunteer locally, please contact: Carol Guidry at (985) 791-5598 for Lafourche Parish (Thibodaux and South Lafourche, Lafourche Youth), Becky Breaux at (985) 856-0580 for Terrebonne Parish, or Penny Cade at (985) 665-9893 for Assumption Parish or call 1 (800) 227-2345 for more information. (Carol Guidry is the community manager for Relay for Life, MidSouth Division, American Cancer Society, Inc.)

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Bayou Wellness

Live a life of more Guest Columnist

F 28

Claire Kelbaugh

Feeling tired, sluggish or just downright lethargic? Fatigue is a common symptom for a number of medical conditions, but is also the natural consequence for many lifestyle choices. If you feel like you lose energy easily, or never had it to begin with, it’s time to get to the root cause of the issue. Living a vibrant, energized life is possible! What Causes Fatigue? According to the National Institute of Health, fatigue can be caused by a number of conditions including iron deficiency anemia, depression or grief, sleep disorders, pregnancy, thyroid conditions, cancer, diabetes, and auto-immune conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus or arthritis. If your fatigue has lasted longer than three to five months with no relief and a doctor has ruled out the possibility of any underlying conditions, it’s time to commit to lifestyle changes. Shortterm fatigue can be caused by something as simple as drinking too little water or not moving enough. Dehydration is the No. 1 cause of afternoon fatigue, so aim for at least 64 ounces of water daily. Eat for Energy The best way to maximize your energy is to fuel your body with the best nutrition. Schedule your eating patterns so that you never go more than 4 hours without food. Eat three small meals and two low-glycemic snacks in between meals to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Eat more: n Healthy fats like omega 3s fatty fish, flaxseed, almonds and walnuts, avocados and flaxseed. n Colorful fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals and antioxidants can reduce

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

ENERGY

inflammation and free-radical damage that leads to fatigue. n Breakfast. Start your day with 300-400 calories from protein and whole grain carbohydrates. Breakfast eaters have a higher level of energy, endurance and concentration throughout the day. Eat less: n Sugar. Consuming less sugar can decrease the amount of oxidative stress on your body, meaning you will need fewer antioxidants to function optimally. n Simple carbohydrates. Refined foods like bread, pasta, cereals, and white rice are broken down into sugar and quickly absorbed into the blood stream, leaving you feeling zapped for energy after the blood sugar levels plunge. n Processed, packaged and fast food. These typically contain unhealthy saturated and trans fats and artificial ingredients that you can’t pronounce. n Energy drinks. Ironically, energy drinks can zap energy after the short-term sugar and caffeine high wear off. Soda and sweetened coffee drinks have a similar effect. Even the most well-intentioned eaters can fall short of essential vitamins and minerals, so talk to your doctor about supplementing with a high quality multi-vitamin, omega 3 or probiotic supplement. Exercise to Energize Often people avoid exercise because they claim they are too tired to move or don’t have enough energy. It doesn’t take long for the energizing effects of exercise to overcome everyday fatigue. Exercise releases endorphins, or feel-good chemicals, into your bloodstream that leave you feeling more energetic throughout the day. Whatever your current level of activity, work to increase it by

building more activity into your daily routine: n Find ways to move more like pace while talking on the phone, walk at lunch, or schedule a gym workout with a buddy. n Wear a pedometer or digital fitness tracing device and aim for at least 10,000 steps a day. n Get the recommended amount of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or an average of 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Include at least two days of strength training. Rest to Regenerate Look to sleep as a necessity that is required for your body and brain to function at their best. To get the most from your shuteye, keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet. Investing in a quality mattress, pillows and sheets can be worthwhile. Additionally: n Limit caffeine and nicotine in the afternoon and evening hours. n Avoid exercise within two hours of going to sleep. n Spend time outside daily to produce melatonin and naturally regulate your sleep-wake cycle. n Avoid backlit screens from TVs, computers or cell phones close to bedtime. n Wind down with a relaxing evening routine like a warm bath, reading a book, light stretching or drinking herbal tea. Fight to Win Gaining your energy back shouldn’t take long if you’re committed to making changes with your diet, exercise and sleep habits. You owe it to yourself to make your health a priority, so begin to plan how you will use your newfound energy in ways that make you happy! (Claire Kelbaugh is president of Sterling Wellness Solutions.)

Wellness

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

As part of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellness initiative, the Office of Human Resources sponsors an annual on-site wellness program for diocesan employees and their spouses/ dependents. Each participant receives a comprehensive blood panel, blood pressure checks, physical fitness tests, and oneon-one consultations to review results with a registered nurse and/or registered dietitian. This is the dioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s13th year working with Sterling Wellness on this initiative.