| NEW YEAR NEW YOU |
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
VALENTINE’S DAY
Learn how to write a classic love letter Today’s digital world has given rise to fast, stinted communications. According to the Pew Research Center, texting is the most widely used smartphone app, with 97 percent of Americans using it at least once a day. Across the globe, 8.3 trillion text messages are sent each year. That translates to roughly 16 million messages per minute. In addition to text messaging, social media posts are generally concise and short on depth. The written form of communication has changed dramatically in the last decade, as letter-writing and other forms of prose have all but faded away. But come Valentine’s Day, it can be special to dust off that pen and paper to express oneself via the written word in the name of love. Love letters are cherished keepsakes that can be kept for years. Such couples can illustrate a couple’s present-day love for one another and shed insight on their
Love letters are cherished keepsakes that can be kept for years.
relationship years later. Jot down ideas and inspiration. Make a list of attributes and qualities in a spouse or romantic interest that you would like to highlight. Write down phrases and terms that come to mind. These words can
serve as the foundation for the letter. Categorize your thoughts into three areas. Jot down things that you like and love about the person, things that the person may do for you or your family that you appre-
ciate, and various memories from throughout the years. Write what you know. Do not feel pressured to make this letter more complicated than it has to be. The words will come when you write from the heart. While you can use other letters to spur ideas, do not lose your voice or try to mimic someone else’s work. Make the letter personal and specific. Small details are important and make love letters more meaningful. Such details illustrate to a significant other that this letter was specifically written with them in mind. Disregard length. The letter does not have to be a certain length. Whether it is a paragraph or several pages, the letter will be a success if it says what you want to express. It doesn’t have to be long if that’s not your style. Writing a love letter can be a wonderful way to express romantic sentiments this Valentine’s Day.
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JANUARY 25, 2017 | WEDNESDAY | MIDWEEK EDITION
PAGE 1A
lori.lyons@lobservateur.com
Weight loss seminar introduces a new you SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR
LUTCHER — St. James Parish Hospital is hosting a free seminar Feb. 7 to educate attendees about the effective Ideal Protein Program. The seminar will be led by the program’s Regional Development Consultant and the hospital’s local coach. Community members interested in wellness and weight loss are invited to join Patrick Kelleher, Ideal Protein Independent Regional Development Consultant, and Local Coach Emma Taylor to learn more about the scientifically-developed program that has already helped thousands of clients look and feel better. Since the clinic opening in 2013, the program has helped community members lose and keep off hundreds of pounds. The seminar starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 in the medical plaza located next to St. James Parish Hospital. Each attendee will receive a free gift and will be entered into a drawing to win an Ideal Protein recipe book.
RSVP online by visiting sjph.org/events. If you do not have computer access, call 225-258-2014 to register. If you are interested in learning more about the program but can’t make the seminar, call 225-258-2014 to schedule an appointment that works for you. Ideal Protein is a medically-designed weight loss protocol that helps clients lose weight and keep it off through a four-phase plan. Each dieter has the help and support of a local coach that assists with setting goals, weight stabilization and post diet living. Dieters learn how body fat is burned, the relationship between insulin and weight gain, which foods are best suited for healthy weight management and when, why and in what combination to eat carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Ideal Protein products are created in high-quality labs and offer a variety of flavors for every taste. Several products are gluten-free and new products are constantly being developed and introduced. The St. James Parish Ideal Protein Clinic is located in the former Poche Medical Clinic on Louisiana Avenue.
Emma Taylor is the local coach in St. James Parish Hospital’s Ideal Protein Program.
Change your life from the inside out with our medically-designed weight loss program. Our local coach personally teaches participants how body fat is burned, the relationship between insulin and weight gain, which foods are best suited for healthy weight management and when, why and in what combination to eat carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. St. James Parish Hospital’s Ideal Protein Clinic is located in the Annex Building on Louisiana Avenue (former Poche Medical Clinic).
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225.258.2014 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
WWW.SJPH.ORG/IDEAL-PROTEIN-CLINIC
13386 Hwy 90 • Boutte, LA 985-785-8411 377 Belle Terre Blvd. • LaPlace, LA 985-651-0781
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13386 Hwy 90 • Boutte, LA 70039 • 985-785-8411
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| NEW YEAR NEW YOU |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
Save enough for a house down payment
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Down payments on a home are important, but there a few strategies new home buyers can employ to help their savings meet a down payment on a dream home.
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home is the most costly thing many people will ever buy. The process of buying a home can be both exciting and nervewracking. One way to make the process of buying a home go more smoothly is to save enough money to put down a substantial down payment. Saving for a down payment on a home is similar to saving for other items, only on a far grander scale. Many financial planners and real estate professionals recommend prospective home buyers put down no less than 20 percent of the total cost of the home they’re buying. Down payments short of 20 percent will require private mortgage insurance, or PMI. The cost of PMI depends on a host of variables, but is generally between 0.3 and 1.5 percent of the original loan amount. While plenty of homeowners pay PMI, buyers who can afford to put down 20 percent can save themselves a considerable amount of money by doing so. Down payments on a home tend to be substantial, but the following are a few strategies prospective home buyers can employ to grow their savings with an eye toward making a down payment on their next home. • DECIDE WHEN YOU WANT TO BUY. The first step to buying a home begins when buyers save their first dollar for a down payment. Deciding when to buy can help buyers develop a saving strategy. If buyers decide they want to buy in five years away, they will have more time to build their savings. If buyers want to buy within a year, they will need to save more each month, and those whose existing savings fall far short of the 20 percent threshold may have to accept paying PMI. • PREQUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE. Before buyers even look for their new homes, they should first sit down with a mortgage lender to determine
how much a mortgage they will qualify for. Prequalifying for a mortgage can make the home buying process a lot easier, and it also can give first-time buyers an idea of how much they can spend. Once lenders prequalify prospective buyers, the buyers can then do the simple math to determine how much they will need to put down. For example, preapproval for a $300,000 loan means buyers will have to put down $60,000 to meet the 20 percent down payment threshold. In that example, buyers can put down less than $60,000, but they will then have to pay PMI. It’s important for buyers to understand that a down payment is not the only costs they will have to come up with when buying a home. Closing costs and other fees will also need to be paid by the buyers. • EXAMINE MONTHLY EXPENSES. Once buyers learn how much mortgage they will qualify for, they will then see how close they are to buying a home. But prospective buyers of all means can save more each month by examining their monthly expenses and looking for ways to save. Buyers can begin by looking over their recent spending habits and then seeing where they can spend less. Cutting back on luxuries and other unnecessary spending can help buyers get closer to buying their next home. • AVOID RISKY INVESTMENTS. Some times it’s great to take risks when investing, but risk should be avoided when saving for a down payment on a home. Traditional vehicles like certificates of deposit, or CDs, and savings accounts can ensure the money buyers are saving for their homes is protected and not subject to market fluctuations. Saving enough to make a down payment on a home can be accomplished if buyers stay disciplined with regard to saving and make sound financial decisions.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
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Power of attorney protects loved ones Life is full of the unexpected. But just because the future is unpredictable does not mean adults cannot prepare for what lies ahead. Estate planning is important, and establishing power of attorney can be essential for men and women looking to protect their financial resources and other assets.
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Since 1950 • 67 Years
What is covered? An agent appointed through POA may be able to handle the following, or more, depending on the verbiage of the document: • banking transactions • buying/selling property • settling claims • filing tax returns • managing government-supplied benefits • maintaining business interests • making estate-planning decisions • deciding on medical treatments • selling personal property • fulfilling advanced health care directives Although a power of attorney document can be filled out and an agent appointed on one’s own, working with an estate planning attorney to better understand the intricacies of this vital document is advised.
What is power of attorney? A power of attorney, or POA, is a document that enables an individual to appoint a person or organization to manage his or her affairs should this individual become unable to do so. According to the National Caregivers Library, POA is granted to an “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” to give a person the legal authority to make decisions for an incapacitated “principal.” The laws for creating a power of attorney vary depending on where a person lives, but there are some general similarities regardless of geography.
Why is power of attorney needed? Many people believe their families will be able to step in if an event occurs that leaves them incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. Unfortunately, this is not always true. If a person is not named as an agent or granted legal access to financial, medical and other pertinent information, family members’ hands may be tied. In addition, the government may appoint someone to make certain decisions for an individual if no POA is named. Just about everyone can benefit
from establishing an attorney-infact. Doing so does not mean men and women cannot live independently, but it will remove the legal barriers involved should a person no longer be physically or mentally capable of managing certain tasks. Power of attorney varies Power of attorney is a broad term that covers various aspects of decision-making. According to the legal resource ‘Lectric Law Library, the main types of POA include general power of attorney, health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and special power of attorney. Many of the responsibilities overlap, but there are some subtle legal differences. Durable power of attorney, for example, relates to all the appointments involved in general, special and health care powers of attorney being made “durable.” This means the document will remain in effect or take effect if a person becomes mentally incompetent. Certain powers of attorney may fall within a certain time period.
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| NEW YEAR NEW YOU |
PAGE 6B
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017 Research published by Shape magazine says nearly one in three young people embark on a new diet each month, but 45 percent give up after one week.
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eight loss is a popular resolution come the new year. But in spite of that popularity, the resolution to lose weight is no small task. When resolving to lose weight, men and women will encounter an abundance of information about dieting and weight loss. It’s difficult to know who to believe and to determine which plans will be effective. Research published by Shape magazine says nearly one in three young people embark on a new diet each month, but 45 percent give up after one week, and about half abandon their goals
within a month. Data released in the Daily Mail said that although one in seven (13 percent) women in the United Kingdom stick to a diet for 13 weeks or more, nearly one in five (19 percent) succumb to their favorite food cravings after a month. What’s the magic formula for weight loss? Experts advise that there isn’t any. Weight-loss strategies that require fad dieting or restrict certain foods may not produce long-term success. Rather, a lifestyle overhaul is often the most effective weight loss strategy. • Recognize that quick fixes do not work. Drastic
weight loss approaches may produce immediate results, but such plans are not sustainable. Drastic plans include certain detoxes and cleanses; diets that eliminate all but a few foods; some prepackaged foods; and food-replacement strategies. Feelings of deprivation or boredom may make people following these diets unsuccessful in the long run. Losing weight means changing one’s food and exercise plans over the long haul. • Eat in regular intervals. Researchers at the National Weight Control Registry offer that spacing food evenly throughout the day is the key to successful, long-term
weight loss. People who eat healthy food at regular intervals are better nourished, think more clearly and report fewer mood swings than those who eat erratically. • Recognize that not all carbs are bad. People trying to lose weight often hear that they should increase protein consumption and drastically reduce their intake of carbohydrates. While it’s smart to reduce consumption of processed carbs and those that are made largely of white flour, there are some healthy carbohydrates, including beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. • Be flexible. As a person’s
body ages, his or her metabolism will change. Men and women should revisit their recommended caloric intake every few years. In addition, men and women can routinely revisit their exercise routines to determine the efficacy of those routines and alter their workouts to reflect the physical changes their bodies are going through as they age. A person’s first step before dieting or attempting to lose weight should be to consult their physician, who can help men and women achieve their weight loss goals in a way that’s healthy and easy to maintain for years to come.
Miracle Crusade Thus said the LORD
MARK 16: 17 &18 ” And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Locaࢢon: Quality Inn-Laplace 3900 Highway 51 Laplace, La 70068 Dates: February 1-7 2017 Time: 7pm Nightly9 Come out and be blessed by the Lord Our God.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
| NEW YEAR NEW YOU |
PAGE 3B
SAVE $$$ on everyday expenses
and tear on their vehicles. That reduced wear and tear will add years to a vehicle’s life, saving auto owners money as a result. ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment is another area where many adults can likely save money. NBC News reported in 2015 that the average cable bill was $99 per month, and that was before 2016 rate increases were announced by a host of providers, including DirecTV, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable. Streaming services such as Netflix ($9.99 per month), Amazon Prime ($99 per year) and Hulu Plus ($7.99) combine to cost a fraction of that figure, and such services continue to increase their offerings. Adults interested in trimming their daily expenses can access all three services for less than $320 per year, or a little more than three months’ worth of cable bills. Reducing everyday expenses is a goal for many adults, and doing so is simpler than men and women may know.
Saving money on everyday expenses is a goal for many adults. Certain expenses, such as loan payments, may be more difficult to pare down than others. But there are ways adults can save on everyday expenses without drastically overhauling their daily routines. TRANSPORTATION Transportation is a significant expense for many adults. The Federal Highway Administration notes that the average American family devotes 19 percent of its monthly budget to transportation costs, while Statistics Canada points out that Canadian families spent slightly less than $12,000 on average on transportation in 2014. A 2011 report from the American Public Transportation Association
Brown-bagging lunch instead of buying lunch out each day can save adults hundreds of dollars per year.
found individuals who ride public transportation can save more than $10,000 annually. That figure is closely tied to fuel costs, but even when fuel costs are low, adults can still save substantial amounts of money by utilizing public transportation instead of driving
themselves to work every day. Even adults who live in auto dependent exurbs, where families devote 25 percent of their monthly budgets to transportation costs, can save by carpooling to work, which allows commuters to split fuel and toll costs while also reducing wear
FOOD Food is another daily expense where many adults can likely save some money. A 2013 survey from Visa found that the average person goes out for lunch twice per week, spending $10 each time. That adds up to more than $1,000 annually. By bringing their own lunches to work, working professionals can save hundreds of dollars per year. In addition to the financial benefits of brown-bagging lunches, adults can reap nutritional rewards by packing healthy meals for themselves. Men and women who eat out for lunch each day will have to eat whatever the eateries near their offices have to offer, whether those offerings are healthy or not. Individuals also can save more money by bringing their own coffee to work each day rather than relying on coffee shops to satisfy their morning java fix.
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| NEW YEAR NEW YOU |
PAGE 4B
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
The health club industry is valued at around $27 billion in the U.S.
Maximize your gym workout (& membership) Ringing in the new year might be about toasting to good fortune and reminiscing with family and friends. But for many people, New Year’s Eve also may be spent thinking about New Year’s resolutions, many of which may focus on getting healthy and fit in the year ahead. According to CreditDonkey, a financial resource that helps people save money and make savvy financial decisions, the health club industry is valued at around $27 billion in the United States. Globally, health clubs produce close to $75 billion in revenue every year. And that industry appears unlikely to slow down anytime soon, as more and more people are resolving to get healthier. No one signs up for a membership hoping for
mediocre results. Therefore, here is how to get the most out of a gym membership and regular workouts. • GET INSIDE THE DOOR. The first step to realizing results is to go to the gym. Statistics indicate that within a month or two of joining a gym, attendance numbers dwindle even though people continue to pay for memberships when they are not going to the gym. Schedule time at the gym as you would any other activity. If you need motivation to go, enlist a friend to join and get you to attend. • DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Gyms cater to so many different workout experiences these days that gymgoers need not worry about getting bored with their fitness routines. Start out with an activity you enjoy doing, or experiment with different activities until you find one that you find enjoyable. You may be allowed to sample classes without paying for a different membership plan, or even just observe outside of the studio door to get a sense of what may interest you. • WORK WITH A TRAINER. Gyms employ
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oussel’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts
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personal trainers who can help novices learn the ropes. New members can rely on personal training sessions to familiarize themselves with a gym’s equipment and the proper techniques to employ when using that equipment. Trainers also can play key supportive rolls in members’ workouts, helping to keep clients motivated on those days when the enthusiasm is waning. • Vary your workouts. Expanding your boundaries is a great way to push your body and maximize your workout. According to Jacob Wilson, Ph.D., certified strength and conditioning specialist and associate editor of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, “... by only doing cardio your metabolism will actually go down, making weight loss more difficult. Resistance training, however, builds muscle to increase your metabolic rate.” Variety is the spice of life, and it’s also essential to effective workouts. Fitness resolutions are popular, and there are several ways to get the most out of your investment in a gym membership.
Celebrating
25 YEARS
in the River Parishes!
504 Rue de Santé • LaPlace, LA 70068
(985) 652-9515 • (985) 652-8675 fax
www.stjohnpt.com
HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 am- 6:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Early & Late Appointments Available Saturdays Available Massage Therapy By Appointment
Your New Beginning Begins at Ashton Manor!
A new year is the perfect time for a new beginning. Do you find yourself in need of a lifestyle that can provide you with the unique level of support and assistance you need so that you can focus on living the joyful, fulfilling life you deserve? Look no further than Ashton Manor. Our community’s warm, enriching environment, exceptional personalized care, and diverse, action-packed activity offerings are designed to give you the power to ignite your purpose and live your best life on your own terms. There’s no time like the present when it comes to living well- contact Executive Director Jay Tipton to start your new beginning today! Proud Recipients of the Dementia Care Specialists’ Distinguished Provider Award, a national award that recognizes memory care communities that provide exceptional resident-centered care.
270 Ashton Plantation Blvd. in Luling (985) 277-1740 • Ashton-Manor.com
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