MARCH 2019 | VOL. 1 • ISSUE 1
FREE
WANT TO EARN MONEY FOR YOUR
CLUB OR TEAM?
The Times presented the South Lafourche Boys Basketball team with a check for $1,500! Contact our fundraising team to find out how!
Rushing Media
985-868-7515
6160 West Park Ave. • Houma, LA 70364 FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
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6154 W. Park Ave. · Houma, LA 70364
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MARCH 2019
Like us on Facebook - Bayou Region Soap Opera
WEEKLY SPECIALS
CONTENTS
CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS
MONDAY
KIDS EAT FREE Free Kids Combo with purchase of regular entree. Ages 12 and under only.
TUESDAY
$3 OFF $3 Off Any Entree purchase when you use the Your Pie Loyalty App!
WEDNESDAY
COMMUNITY DAY Please see management to schedule your fundraiser.
THURSDAY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 23
HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS Pictures from the classroom
FUN FOR THE FAMILY Local event calendar
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC Make half your grains whole
SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY Financial Fun and Learning
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL Let’s get moving!
PING PONG CATAPULT S.T.E.M. Craft
AT THE LIBRARY Terrebonne Library listings
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THE FLU Expert advice from Jennifer Rodrigue
FUN AND GAMES Win $25 courtesy of South Louisiana Bank
PI(E)NT NIGHT
welcome to family first
$3.14 Select Pints and Wines.
Welcome to Family First Magazine–fun and entertainment for the whole family! Our magazine will be going home each month with every child, grades 6th and below, in the Terrebonne Parish Public School system.
HOUMA
1378 W Tunnel Blvd. Houma, LA 70360 (985) 293-7182
Our goal with this publication is to support families and provide them with opportunities to grow and learn. From our family at Rushing Media to yours, we hope you enjoy our first issue!
MARY DOWNER DITCH
MARCH 2019 • ISSUE 1
STUDY SKILLS
MATH
ACT PREP
WRITING
READING
HOMEWORK HELP
Get Results
BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR Sylvan Learning Center 657 Corporate Drive, Ste A www.sylvanhouma.com
985-223-3798
@ 266 Gabasse St. • Houma, LA 70360
REGISTER ONLINE Now | WWW.KIDCAMcamPS.COM FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
homeroom happenings
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR CLASSROOM?
Send your accomplishments to us at mary@rushing-media.com to see your class in print!
Children from across Terrebonne Parish Schools celebrated their 100th day of class by decorating t-shirts and/or dressing as themselves in 100 years.
Nicholls State University students gave local elementary school children a first-hand look at barrier island ecology with a tour of Grand Isle in January.The annual project was created by Jean Landry of The Nature Conservancy and Dr. Gary LaFleur Jr., associate professor of biological sciences and executive director of the Center for Bayou Studies. Ten Nicholls students and faculty members took second and third graders on a hike where the students were able to tour the marsh, forest and beach, followed by encounters with rarely seen creatures, such as the ghost shrimp. FAMILY FIRST
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Ellender Memorial High School had an amazing time at BETA State Convention. Alexis Marcel placed 1st in Recyclable Art, Macy Fanguy placed 3rd in Digital Art, Kimberly Mayorquin placed 4th in Spanish, our Robotics Team placed 3rd, our Living Literature Team placed 5th , and our school was awarded the G.O.L.D. Key Award for growth in convention attendance.
YOUR ADVENTURE
AWAITS
take your photo with a live gator! swamp tours birthday parties gator farm tours family gatherings Mrs. Mills’ 4th grade students at Pointe-Aux-Chenes Elementary learned about the American Revolution in a whole new way. These students wrote a screenplay about an event in the Revolution, rehearsed their lines, created props, recorded and edited their movie. Students wrapped up these engaging activities with a viewing party. FAMILY FIRST
GROUP RATES AVAILABLE FOR TOUR TIMES
CALL 985.804.0744
125 gator court • gibson, la 7
MARCH 2019
family fun
Bringing Families Closer in Faith
FUN FOR THE FAMILY
EVENT CALENDAR Cajun Jam
Join us every Sunday starting March 10th - April 14th to get your “Lent in a Box” that includes weekly activities and scriptures for you to do as a family.
Join the Cajun Music Preservation Society as they host a jam session of traditional Cajun music. MARCH 6, 6 P.M. GINA’S AT THE LEGION, THIBODAUX
at 6 p.m. introduces Houma native Ken Wells and offers a sneak peek into his latest book. Conference fee is $35 in advance and $40 at the door; students get in for $10. MARCH 9, 7 A.M. - 6 P.M. TERREBONNE PARISH MAIN LIBRARY
Jazz It Up Seafood Festival St. Patrick’s Day on the The Jazz It Up Seafood Festival Bayou will showcase cooking teams competing in two categories for People’s Choice award and a cash prize: crawfish and shrimp. There will be kids activities, craft vendor booths, a bake sale, and a silent auction. Live music will feature local bands Caniacs, Rougarou Too and Nonc Nu & da Wild Matous. Awards will be announced at 4 p.m. Money raised from this festival will go toward costs for Terrebonne High Crimson Pride Band members to represent the state of Louisiana in the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2019. Tickets for this all—you—can eat seafood festival are $25 at the gate; ages 6-12, $10; ages 5 and under are free. The event is being presented by the Crimson Pride Band Boosters, in partnership with the Krewe of Hercules.
6109 Bayou Black Drive • Houma, LA 70360 985-868-7787 • www.fumchouma.org
MARCH 9, 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. HERCULES PAVILION, HOUMA AIRBASE
bring in your a or a/b report card a or a/b report card to get a free 45 min game
Jambalaya Writers’ Conference
• Field Trips
Writers from across generations guide new and practiced writers at this 16th annual event. Enjoy keynote presenter Beatriz Williams, along with romance writer Carolyn Brown, conference favorites David Middleton, Johnnie Bernhard, and Alys Arden, horror aficionado Dacre Stoker, WWL-TV news anchor Sheba Turk, suspense novelist Erica Spindler, and more. Friday night’s preconference event
• Private Parties • try our new kid friendly room! • fun for every age! • Most Escape rooms under one roof in the country!
279 Enterprise Dr #102, Houma 985.303.0172 • breakinthecode.net
Like us on Facebook & get a free clue. FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
Friends of Bayou Lafourche will again host St. Patrick’s Day on the Bayou, Thibodaux’s only St. Patrick’s Day event. The event includes 1 & 3 mile paddle races, and cardboard & duct tape boat dashes. Following the water activities, participants and spectators can enjoy great cuisine served by several food vendors while listening to live music. Music includes Russ Cheramie and Soul Survivors. MARCH 16, 2:30-10 P.M. FIRST STREET, THIBODAUX
“Race for Their Future” Race Fest
Join the MAX Charter School for their 11th annual “Race for their Future” 5K Race Fest, which includes a 1 mile fun run and a 5K run to benefit the students at MAX. Raffle tickets are available for purchase for the grand prize, a Disney vacation. There will also be food, drinks, games, bounce houses, live music, a silent auction, and a Cajun cook-off. Cost is $30. MARCH 16, 8 A.M. PELTIER PARK, THIBODAUX
Pajama Art and Pizza Party
Parents, enjoy a night out while your children ages 5-12 have fun at an art and pizza party! Event cost is $35 and includes art supplies, pizza, snacks and drinks. MARCH 22, 6:30-9 P.M. BRUSHWORKS ART & MUSIC ACADEMY, HOUMA
Super Cooper 5K
The 13th annual Super Cooper 5K/1-Mile race raises money to assist families whose newborn is seriously ill and must be admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at TGMC. Music and refreshments, including jambalaya and Pinocchio’s pizza, await runners post-race, as well as a bounce house and free laser tag for kids 14 and under. Cash prizes for Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female 5K finishers. MARCH 23, 7 A.M. PINOCCHIO’S PLAYHOUSE, HOUMA
Move It For Millie
The 2nd annual Move It For Millie will feature a 5K and fun run as well as a dance-a-thon! All proceeds go to the Turner Syndrome Foundation on behalf of Millie Raelynn Benoit, who lost her battle with Turner Syndrome at 27 weeks gestation. MARCH 23, 7:30 A.M. PELTIER PARK, THIBODAUX
Roux for a Reason
Delicious gumbos will be vying for the prize of “Best” at this unique cook-off event. The non-profit organization Roux for a Reason seeks to raise money for Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center’s Early Bird Mobile Screening Bus,
which provides our community with free cancer screenings. Music provided by Bandit. The Kids Corner includes inflatables and face painting. The entry fee for the family-friendly event is $15. MARCH 23, 12-4 P.M. SOUTHDOWN PLANTATION, HOUMA
Paint the Town
Join in the fun as runners paint the town in this family friendly 5K color run to support our Bayouland YMCA. Runners, walkers and strollers are welcome! Registration is $35. MARCH 30, 4 P.M. BAYOULAND YMCA
Irish Italian Parade
Starting at Cannata’s on Westside Boulevard, this annual parade rolls through the streets of Houma, showering attendees with a bounty of beads, fresh fruit and vegetables. MARCH 31, 12:30 P.M. WESTSIDE BOULEVARD TO HOUMATERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, HOUMA
Hollywood Malt & Burger
CelebrateS
Rockin’ for Robbie
Dance the day and night away at this 3rd annual music festival hosted by Sigma Sigma Sigma of Nicholls State University. The day also includes a jambalaya cook-off, boutique sales, and a kids zone. Proceeds benefit The Robbie Page Memorial Fund to aid play therapy efforts. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for VIP, which includes admission, a t-shirt and jambalaya tasting. Teams wishing to participate in the cook-off may do so for $100.
your Honor Student with our homemade ice cream
Bring in this AD & your A/B Honor Roll for
MARCH 31, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. HAROLD J. CALLAIS RECREATION CENTER, THIBODAUX
Free Ice Cream
fun for the whole family retro atmosphere • retro games • retro prices 221 S HOLLYWOOD RD, HOUMA, LA • (985) 226-2222 FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC | BY MICHELLE BRICENO, REGISTERED DIETICIAN
MAKE HALF YOUR GRAINS WHOLE
ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZA
What is a WHOLE grain and why is it so important? A whole grain contains three parts: the bran, endosperm, and the germ. The bran and the germ are removed from the grain to create white flour. Unfortunately, when you remove the bran and germ, you remove most of the fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Some are added back later (also known as enrichment), but the whole grain will have more fiber, protein, and vitamins than the enriched grain. Whole grains are a lot more nutritious! The fiber is key to feeling full after meals and is important to help keep our digestive track moving. Whole grains are more than just whole wheat flour. Here are a few whole grain choices to add to your meals or snacks: whole wheat bread, bagels, or English muffins, whole grain pancakes or waffles, oatmeal, whole grain cereals (think Cheerios), whole wheat tortillas, whole grain crackers, brown rice, quinoa, whole grain pasta, popcorn, or even whole wheat bread crumbs. Start by offering one whole grain option at each meal or snack and allow your child to take it or leave it. Research shows that kids may need to be exposed to a new food 20-30 times before deciding if they like it. Just like anything new, learning to like whole grain foods will happen with time.
INGREDIENTS: • Whole wheat English Muffins • Pizza or marinara sauce • Shredded Mozzarella cheese • Turkey pepperoni • Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, pineapple, mushrooms, onions, fresh basil
DIRECTIONS: STEP 1 Preheat your toaster oven to 425 degrees F. Line an oven safe tray with foil. STEP 2 Cut an English muffin in half. Separate all ingredients in separate bowls to allow your child to make their own pizza. (Tip: Children allowed to help assemble their own meals are more likely to add ingredients they don’t normally eat.) STEP 3 Help your child assemble their pizza on the oven safe tray. STEP 4 Place the tray in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. STEP 5 Let cool and enjoy! Serving size: 1 whole muffin (2 halves)
For more information contact our Healthy Lifestyles Center at 985-850-6002 or visit tgmc.com
FAMILY FIRST
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SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY D. PELICAN
PENNY GOES TO MARDI GRAS Hi there! I’m Penny D. Pelican, Synergy Bank’s spokesbird. Welcome to the Synergy Cents section of Family First Magazine. Each month we’ll have this section just for you with fun games and lessons about money and the importance of saving. Mardi Gras is here! This is one of Penny’s favorite times of year. She loves going to parades to see the beautiful floats and watching the marching bands perform. She also likes to see how many beads she can catch. This year, Penny wants to bring a king cake to the parade to share with her friends. The king cake costs $20. Penny’s allowance is $5 per week, so she had to earn extra money. She helped a friend, who rides in a parade organize her beads. She also walked her neighbor’s dog twice a day this week.
CAN YOU COUNT HOW MUCH MONEY PENNY EARNED? DOES SHE HAVE ENOUGH TO BUY THE KING CAKE? Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny. FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
Penny wants to buy a new mask to wear Mardi Gras day. Can you help her find her way to the Mardi Gras store? Beads-R-Us
WORD JUMBLE
START
Can you unscramble these words? They are all words found on these pages.
FINISH
DMRAI ARGS
SAMK
VASSNIG
EYNMO
ENSYYRG
YNPNE
Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny.
Saving is smart! Ask us about our Minor Savings Accounts.
985.851.2217 | banksynergy.com FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
LET’S GET MOVING!
Did you know that as a child ages, physical activity dramatically declines and so it is important that physical activity be a regular part of family life. Children who are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles early in life are more likely to continue that journey into adulthood. While exercise is a vital part of your family’s well-being, we often overlook the many emotional and physical health benefits of physical activity. Let’s explore the benefits of physical activity!
Running, swimming, jumping rope, dancing, hopping, and riding a bike are all examples of aerobic exercise that increase cardiorespiratory fitness. Aerobic exericse can increase enthusiasm and optimism while reducing anxiety, tension, and depression. Aerobic exercise can also control weight and body fat reducing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life.
Yoga, karate, playing tug-of-war, climbing trees, and a variety of sports such as archery and golf are musclestrengthening exercises. These types of exercies increase muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility improving the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well.
Organized sports foster teamwork, friendship, and can boost self-esteem while strengthening bones. Basketball, tennis, football, hopscotch, jumping rope, and baseball are examples of bone strengthening activities which produce a force on the bones that promotes bone growth and strength.
FAMILY FIRST
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Key guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children and adolescents enjoy 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. • Aerobic: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week. • Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week. • Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week. Always keep in mind not to overdo it. Exercise and physical activity should be fun, not hurtful. Starting with a less vigorous activity which builds in intensity and length overtime is one of the best ways to encourage physical activity be a daily part of your family’s lifestyle. Remember, be a role model! Children who repeatedly see parents having fun with different types of physical activity and exercise are more than likely to achieve this themselves. Exercising together while enjoying a balanced food plan supplies the muscles with wholesome, energetic life. It’s never too late to start! The Fitness Center, located in the Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional, encourages family health and wellness through a variety of activities, details can we found at www. fitnesscenterofthibodauxregional.com or call 985-493-4950 to learn more about opportunities to improve your health as a family. Nutrition Tip of the Month: Eating breakfast, even if it’s just a banana and a glass of milk, kick-starts the body and makes it easier to maintain lasting energy throughout the day. If you can get your kids to establish the habit of eating a good breakfast at a young age, it should stay with them as they get older.
SPONSORED BY
FAMILY FIRST
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FAMILY FUN
PING PONG CATAPULT
S.T.E.M. CRAFT
WHAT TO DO: STEP 1 Punch a hole in a long side of the box, 3 in. from a short side. Punch a matching hole on the other side. The holes should be large enough for a pencil to rotate easily. Punch a third hole on the opposite short side; it should be centered and near the bottom. STEP 2 Assemble the catapult arm: Join 2 pencils together perpendicularly to make an inverted lowercase t; secure them with rubber bands. STEP 3 Tape or glue a small jar lid to the longer end of the arm as shown.
READY, SET, LAUNCH! This simple machine uses stored energy (the tension in the rubber bands) to release a projectile (called the payload). Play around with the position of the stopper to get the maximum angle and distance for your launch! Got a pet that fetches? This will keep your child and pet busy for hours!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Single hole punch • Rectangular box, such as a child’s shoe box • 3 unsharpened pencils • Several strong rubber bands • Masking tape or glue • Jar lid • Large paper clip
Tips: If your pencil is a little short for the width of the box, use rubber bands on the ends of the pencil to keep the pencil from falling. If your rubber band holding the stopper pencil won’t go around the box, knot two together to make a custom length. You can use any soft object to launch, such as pompoms or even rolled up socks. FAMILY FIRST
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STEP 4 Wrap another rubber band around the shorter end of the arm using a slipknot. STEP 5 Place the ends of the horizontal pencil in the side holes. Thread the tail of the slipknot (from Step 4) through the remaining hole, and knot a paper clip around the end to hold it in place. STEP 6 Create a “stopper” for the catapult arm with the third pencil. Place it across the top of the box just in front of the arm; secure it in place by wrapping a large rubber band around one end of the pencil, under the box, and up and around the other end. STEP 7 Load it up... and let ’em fly!
the most to you! Jennifer Rodrigue, PNP
Accepting most commercial insurances and Medicaid.
Kenneth J. Cruse, MD, FAAP
Henry M. Peltier, MD, FAAP
Micah Callais, FNP
604 N Acadia Rd, Suite 200 & 200B • Thibodaux, LA 70301 • 985-448-3700 5040 W Main St • Houma, LA 70360 • 985-851-2000 • www.centerfp.com
ALL-PRO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES All-Pro Behavioral Health Services LLC is a community-based behavioral health and mental healthcare service provider. Dedicated to providing our time, efforts and resources to better the needs of families within Terrebonne Parish communities and surrounding areas. Our team of licensed clinicians, counselors, skill-builders and administrators partner with our clients and their families to provide solution-focused services that enhance our clients’ ability to overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Most services are conveniently provided where our client lives, works, attends school or socializes.
Contact: 985-293-7322 | Fax: 985-231-1377 | 1340 West Tunnel Blvd. Ste. 230 | Houma, LA 70360 FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
at the library
HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME
A BETTER ATHLETE!
LIBRARY LISTINGS
1st Class Free!
TERREBONNE PARISH LIBRARY
WE OFFER:
• SPEED, STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY TRAINING • CHARACTER BUILDING • WELLNESS & DIET PROGRAMS • SPORTS PERFORMANCE TRAINING (AGES 7 TO COLLEGE ATHLETICS)
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party
Join us for a special story time, crafts, and treats celebrating one of our favorite writers. March 2, 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Main Library
Come by Saturdays 7am-8am for our Community Bootcamp—Only $10! 1540 B Gautreaux St. • Houma • 985.791.4271 innovationsportsperformance.com innovationsportsperformance@gmail.com
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party
March 2, 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M., North Library
Weekly schedule posted to Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Dr. Seuss Bingo
SPRING INTO A
(PreK - 4th grade) March 4, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., Bourg Library
New Smile
Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration
(All Ages) March 4, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., Montegut Library
Dry Erase Floating Ink Experiment
(PreK +) March 6, 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M., Dulac Library
Lego Club
(PreK - 6th Grade) March 6, 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M., Montegut Library
Movie Matinee: Luck of the Irish
(All Ages) March 7, 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Montegut Library
Braces for children, teens, & adults
Insect Painting Craft
March 7, 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Chauvin Library
Nicole Thieler, DDS, MSD
985.876.4484
206 Mystic Blvd. • Houma, LA 70360
www.thielerorthodontics.com
FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
Lego Block Party
FOR BOYS & GIRLS!
March 10, 2:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., North Library
SANDALS ARE HERE
Escape the Library
(4th grade and up) Work together as a team to solve clues and unlock the mystery before the time runs out. (Registration is required.) March 10, 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Main Library
Lego Club
(For all ages) March 12, 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Chauvin Library
Lego Club
felgersfootwear.net
March 13, 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Dulac Library
Mon - Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-5 1539 MLK Blvd • Houma 985.851.1559
Butterfly Story/Craft Time (National Butterfly Day) March 14, 4:30 P.M. - 5:15 P.M., Dularge Library
Shamrock Suncatcher
Driven to
distraction?
(PreK - 6th Grade) March 14, 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Montegut Library
Lego Club
(For all ages) March 16, 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Main Library
Mention ad for discount!
Craft/Movie for Children and Teens
March 16, 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. East Houma Library
VÄXA Attend is a doctor-formulated, gluten-free homeopathic medicinal designed to support the central nervous system in individuals who are inclined to be over-active, underactive, inattentive, or learning impaired.
Create!
(All Ages Craft) Join us for Create! an open-ended art lesson and craft. Each month we pick a new medium. This month we will be doing puffy paint paintings. March 17, 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Main Library
• Support focus and concentration • Promote mental alertness
Muffin Cup Flower Craft
• Aid bouts of distress and hyperactivity
Supplies Provided. March 19, 12:00 P.M. - 12:30 P.M., Gibson Library
• Maintain healthy cognitive function • Acceptable for use on the Feingold Program
Lego Club
Heavenly Scent of Houma, LLC
(PreK - 6th Grade) March 20, 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Montegut Library
Vitamins, Herbs, Essential Oils, Nikken Magnets
1437 St. Charles St. Suite. 109 • Houma, LA 70360 • (985) 868.2216 M-F 9:00-5:30 • Sat 9:00-3:00 FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
TOTALLY TAX FREE SALE!
expert advice
WE PAY THE TAX FOR YOU!
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THE FLU
www.landmarkhomeonline.com 6667 West Park, Houma, LA • 985-851-2443 Monday - Saturday 9am to 7pm • Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Cough. Runny nose. Fever. All hallmark signs of the flu. When your child starts with these symptoms, it is a valid concern. The 2018-2019 flu season has, up to this point, been much milder than last year. The 2017-2018 flu season started earlier and lasted nearly six months. This year has had a later start but certainly has peaked in the past few weeks. There are ways to help keep your family as healthy as possible and decrease your chances of catching the flu. First is to receive the recommended flu vaccine. Since last year’s flu season was so heavy and long lasting, this season’s flu shot has been the most effective made in a few years. Although it is no guarantee that you will not get the flu, receiving the vaccine does diminish the symptoms of the flu and can help shorten the duration. Secondly, good handwashing is a great way to decrease your chances of getting the flu as well. A good scrub with warm water and anti-bacterial soap is essential. If soap and water are not available, then an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer is your best bet. Diagnosing the flu can sometimes be elusive. If the patient is swabbed for it shortly after symptoms begin, a false negative result can happen. However, treatment FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
with anti-viral medications must begin within 48 hours of symptoms. If your child is positive, there are options for treating the flu. First is Tamiflu, a prescriptive antiviral medication specifically for the flu. It is the one of the only viral infections can that there is a medication for. Tamiflu is given twice a day for five days. It comes in capsules and a liquid form. The liquid has gotten the reputation for tasting pretty awful, so trickery may be needed for proper administration. New for this flu season is another anti-viral medication called Xofluza. This medication is different from Tamiflu as it is a one dose pill. However, at this time, it is only approved for children 12 years and older. Studies have shown that it greatly reduces symptoms in 24 to 48 hours. Along with these prescriptive medications, over the counter Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Motrin (Ibuprofen) are recommended for the reduction in fever and body aches. Increasing the intake of fluids is essential to ensure proper hydration. While important on a daily basis, the body needs even more fluids in times of sickness and fever. Be sure that if your child is not eating, that he or she is at least drinking.
The Well - 360o Rock Wall Lazer Tag • Rollerball Bowling Bumper Cars • Build Your Buddy
117 Prevost Dr. Houma, LA 70364 • 985.580.2000
pinocchiospizzaplayhouse.com
The most common symptom that presents and tends to linger is the cough. Along with Tylenol and Motrin, over the counter cold and cough medications can be given to help at any time during the treatment of the flu. It is not uncommon for the cough to linger for several weeks after the actual flu has run its course. Cough medications with narcotics in it are not recommended due to their actions of depressing the respiratory system. This can actually make your child worse. If at any time during treatment, your child develops worsening fever, breathing problems or is lethargic, it is essential to seek medical attention to rule out any secondary infections that may develop.
Making a difference, it’s what we do! Behavioral Health · Individual & Family Counseling Medication Assessment & Management Psychiatric Evaluations
Overall, it is important to remain calm and treat the symptoms your child has. While inconvenient and time consuming, the majority of children get over the flu without any further problems. Further information can be found at cdc.gov or from your healthcare provider.
•
Jennifer Rodrigue, APRN-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, received her Bachelors degree in Nursing from Nicholls State University and her Masters degree in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. She currently practices at The Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. She lives in Thibodaux with her husband Jamie and their two children, Emeline and Benjamin. FAMILY FIRST
1418 Tiger Drive • Thibodaux, LA 70301 www.magnoliafamilyservices.com • 985.449.4055
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Family First
MORE HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS
MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing EDITORIAL
Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director Mary Ditch Managing Editor Drew Miller Associate Editor CREATIVE
Amber Duplantis Senior Designer Paul Guidry Graphic Designer Nicholas Boutte Graphic Designer ADVERTISING
Deanne Ratliff Sales Manager Harold Cancienne, Linda Pontiff, Emily Rini, Lanie Roberts, Mike Woods
OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER
Michelle Ortego CUSTOMER SERVICE
Kimberly Ross CONTACT
Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com SUBSCRIPTIONS
Family First Magazine is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $24 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Monica Harrison de Castillo
6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 • 985.868.7515 Family First Magazine is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Family First Magazine is published monthly by Rushing Media.
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EVERY SUNDAY!
Your kids will have a BLAST during kids church! Doors open at 10:00am and service begins at 10:30am! Join us for live skits, games, interactive object lessons, and more!
4863 W Park Ave, Houma, LA 70364 • (985) 851-2520 • fbchouma.com FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
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COURTESY OF SOUTH LOUISIANA BANK
WIN A $25 VISA GIFT CARD Find the hidden image within our pages and write the page numbers below. Drop off your answers along with your parent’s name and daytime phone number at our office, 6160 West Park Ave., Houma, or email it to us at mary@rushing-media.com. A winner will be selected by random drawing March 15. The winner will recieve a $25 Visa Gift Card courtesy of South Louisiana Bank.
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Has your bank stopped making home loans?
We can help. One of our personal lending team members can match you with the perfect home mortgage loan to meet your needs.
South Louisiana Bank is waiving the consumer mortgage appraisal fee on applications submitted before June 30, 2019.
Better (Banking) Together ayeee.com • 985.851.3434
FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019
FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019