FREE
OCTOBER 2020 | VOL. 2 • ISSUE 10
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER Brian Rushing EDITORIAL Mary Ditch Editorial Director Bonnie Rushing Contributing Writer CREATIVE Amber Duplantis Senior Designer Lauren Pontiff Graphic Designer ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff Director of Sales Beth Tabor DIGITAL MARKETING Keely Diebold DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Michelle Ortego
JACKSON DITCH
Happy Fall, Y’all! Are you ready for a cool front to pass through? I know I am! Cooler temperatures are all the encouragement my family needs to spend more time outdoors. Whether we are playing flag football or sitting in the yard reading a good book, fall is my favorite time to step outside. We like to get a good fire going in the fire pit and roast marshmallows for s’mores, too! This month, we are also looking forward to expressing ourselves at the end of the month for Halloween! It’s fun to dress up as your favorite character from a book or even a movie! We hope you are enjoying Family First Magazine. We are excited to be back in schools and on newsstands this month! You can also find additional content on Facebook @FamilyFirstHouma. I hope you enjoy the first full month of fall! Send us your photos of your favorite fall activities!
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 04 06 08 10 12 14
HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS
16 18
AT THE LIBRARY
FAMILYFIRSTHOUMA.COM
Back To School
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC Falling for Fall
KID ENERGY ALL-STARS John-Luke Soudelier
SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY Penny Explains Types of Loans
S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY
P.O. Box 5013 Houma, LA 70361 • 985.868.7515
Dancing Ghosts
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL Move 150 Celebrate International Dinosaur Month
FUN AND GAMES Test Your Brain
MARY DOWNER DITCH
OCTOBER 2020 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 10
CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
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.
Free expectant parent consult Routine/Wellness Care/Sports Physicals ADD/ADHD Screening/Management Immunizations • Same Day Appointments
Centered on what matters most to you
Dr. Meghan Louque My roots are in Raceland and Hahnville, and I come from a very large extended family. My influences to become a Physician started at a very young age, as I learned about my Grandfather's passion for surgery and service to our local community. I believe that I've always known I wanted to be a Physician, but I didn't realize my calling to become a Pediatrician until I started participating in newborn nursery care as a medical student. I have a passion for treating newborns and helping parents navigate through the highs and lows of having a new baby. I also, enjoy working with families to improve the care of chronic diseases, like asthma. I completed my residency training in North Carolina and returned home to Louisiana to start my practice close to family. My husband and I live in Thibodaux, with our labradoodle, Millie. I am honored to join The Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine and look forward to partnering with your family to help your children thrive and reach their goals.
Dr. Henry Peltier
Dr. Kenneth Cruse
As a pediatrician and a native of Thibodaux, it has been a pleasure to take care of so many local children over the past 25 years; children of people I already knew and so many more from families that I had never met. Being able to participate in the care of their newborns, then watching them grow and develop into young adults is incredibly rewarding; and I have been blessed to be part of it. The other benefit of practicing pediatrics for 25 years is to be part of the changes in medicine over that time. New technology, new medications, and new ideas on how to manage patients and their problems have transformed our practice. It is exciting to be part of this transformation, and I look forward to what is to come in the future.
I have had the good fortune to care for patients from birth to adulthood for the last 25 years. I am deeply moved by the moments I have shared with my patients and their families, both the dramatic and the routine. Watching the transition of patients to parenthood, as well as, the transition of newborn infants to teenagers have been fulfilling experiences. This year is especially unique, as we stand with all our families and adjust to the Covid-19 pandemic. Its consequences on parenting, health care, and education are the next challenges to address with our patients and their families. I stand ready to work to find solutions to this epic event, and I look forward to building the relationships with my patients as we come to solutions.
Patient Centered Care for 25 years 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 — In network with most Commercial Insurance and Medicaid — FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS BIGGEST IN STOCK DINING ROOM IN TOWN!
homeroom happenings HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS
•
Send your family pictures to mary@rushing-media.com.
WWW.LANDMARKHOMEONLINE.COM
6667 West Park, Houma, LA • 985-851-2443 Due to COVID, check for store hours.
All children love to play dress up!
1539 MLK Blvd • Houma 985.851.1559 Mon - Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 (Closed Sundays)
FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
OVERALL HEATH
STARTS WITH GOOD
DENTAL HEALTH
CALL CALL TODAY TODAY TO TO SCHEDULE SCHEDULE AN AN APPOINTMENT! APPOINTMENT! Adhering to strictest infection control practices is nothing new for us! We have always gone above and beyond standard practices for safety in our office.
DR. MARK BILELLO
399 BAYOU GARDENS BLVD, HOUMA, LA 70364 985.872.9470 • DRMARKBILELLO.COM
Heavenly Scent of Houma, LLC
Vitamins, Herbs, Essential Oils, Natural Cleaning Products
1437 St. Charles St. Suite. 109 • Houma, LA 70360 • (985) 868.2216
M-F 9:30-5:30 • Sat 9:30-2:00
FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC | BY MELISSA RILEY, MHA, RDN, LDN
FALLING FOR FALL
FLUFFY PUMPKIN PANCAKES INGREDIENTS • 2/3 c. all-purpose flour • 2/3 c. whole wheat flour • 4 Tbsp sugar • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • Dash of salt • 1 c. fat free milk • 2/3 c. vanilla yogurt • 2/3 c. canned pumpkin • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 2 Tbsp canola oil • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Fall is coming and you know what that means, pumpkin everything! Did you know there are great benefits to eating pumpkin? A pumpkin is a variety of winter squash. It is a great low calorie option to add to foods such as; pancakes, roasted vegetable blends, and soups. It is best to avoid recipes that include a lot of added sugars. Its high antioxidant content may help prevent chronic diseases. Pumpkin is a high source of vitamins A, C, and E which can help strengthen your immune system and fight infections. These vitamins are also great for your skin. Pumpkin is plentiful in nutrients linked to strong eyesight and its high fiber content is good for the heart. It is incredibly healthy and extremely versatile. Try incorporating pumpkin into your diet this fall and reap the benefits.
DIRECTIONS STEP 1 In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients (the dry ingredients). STEP 2 In another bowl, whisk the milk, yogurt, pumpkin, egg, oil and vanilla (the wet ingredients) STEP 3 Stir together wet ingredients with dry ingredients, just until moistened. STEP 4 Pour batter by 1/2 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top.
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FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
GIVE YOUR CHILD THE LEADING EDGE
Dr. Jill Sutton Pediatrics
Dr. Courtnie Seaton Pediatrics
Dr. Jill Sutton and Dr. Courtnie Seaton are equipped to provide the highest quality pediatric care for every stage of your child’s development. Pediatric Care TGMC offers the convenience of online scheduling, virtual visits, same day appointments, and online access to your child’s medical records, all in a comfortable setting with doctors who truly care.
PEDIATRIC CARE TGMC
VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION AT 325 LIBERTY STREET
Schedule your appointment today! Call 850-6244 or visit TGMC.com/mychart
FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
KID ENERGY ALL-STARS
ALL-STAR OF THE MONTH JOHN-LUKE SOUDELIER SHORTSTOP • THE FARM SYSTEM PROSPECTS
When did you start playing sports? I started playing sports 3 years ago.
What is the best part of a game? The best part of a game is the batting and playing short stop.
Why did you decide to give baseball a try? I decided to give baseball a try because I like baseball and it is a fun sport.
What is one thing you do after a good game? The one thing I do after a good ballgame is celebrate win or lose if I work hard.
How often do you practice? I practice once a week with my team and 3-4 times a week in my yard with my dad and grandpa.
Who is your favorite sports hero? My favorite sports hero is my big cousin Julian Harvey.
What have you learned about teamwork? I learned that teamwork helps you out and makes me a better baseball player. It helps me because we work together as a team.
Do you have a favorite jersey number and why? My favorite jersey number is 10. My jersey number is 10 and my big cousin Julian’s is the same number. He is a good baseball player and he teaches me sometimes. He is playing college baseball right now, like I want to do when I grow up.
How do you and your teammates make practice fun? My teammates and I make practice fun by batting and playing scrimmage games. We race to see who the fastest player is.
FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
ALL-STAR ADVICE “When you get up to the plate, nobody’s there to help you. You’ve got to do this on your own.”- Ichiro Suzuki
TIP FROM BERNIE & EARL Have an adult call 811 before you dig!
Nominate your child to be a Kid Energy All-Star by emailing rhett@kidenergyusa.com.
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FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
SYNERGY BANK PRESENTS SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY D. PELICAN
PENNY EXPLAINS TYPES OF LOANS Hi friends! Have you ever wondered how people buy things that are really expensive? After all, it would take a really long time to save up enough money to buy a house. When people need to buy something that they don’t have enough money for, they can get a loan from the bank. A LOAN is an agreement between a customer and the bank that says the bank will let the customer borrow money. The customer agrees to pay back the full amount a little at a time and pay the bank a little extra money. That extra money is known as INTEREST. Some adults may get a loan to buy a house, a car or to open a business. Some people will also borrow money to go to college. It’s important to only get a loan for things you really need and if you have enough money to make payments every month to pay the bank back.
TYPES OF LOANS
Read each scenario below and match it to the type of loan they would need. Use the pictures with the loan types if you need a hint.
Judy just graduated from high school and is looking to attend Nicholls State University.
AUTO LOAN
Brad and Olivia were just married. They are ready to purchase their first home.
MORTGAGE LOAN
STUDENT LOAN
Brandon’s car just broke and cannot be fixed. He is ready to buy a new one.
Devonte wants to purchase a boat, so he and his family can fish on the weekends.
BUSINESS LOAN
Tasha has decided to open a cake shop, but she needs money to purchase equipment.
RECREATIONAL LOAN FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
PUMPKIN MAZE
Can you make your way through the pumpkin maze to the bucket of candy?
START
FINISH SH Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny.
MORTGAGE BANKING FOCUSED ON
you
Misty Guidry NMLS# 450025
Synergy’s mortgage lenders are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of home ownership.
Kassie Barrancotto NMLS# 1066161
985.851.2217 | banksynergy.com FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY
DANCING GHOSTS What is static electricity? Basically, it’s all about the electrons. Everything on Earth is made up of atoms. Atoms have 3 parts to them – neutrons, protons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are at the center of an atom, together they make up the nucleus. Electrons circle the nucleus. Of the three, electrons are easier to “lose” because the force that binds them to the atom’s nuclei is weaker than the other two. When you rub 2 objects together, the electrons mix. Negatively-charged electrons, or an object that is negatively charged, will attach itself or bring a positively charged object to itself – that is static electricity.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Balloon • Tissue Paper • Markers • Scissors • Tape • Sweater or your hair
WHAT TO DO: STEP 1 Cut out your ghost from the tissue paper. STEP 2 Tape the bottom of your ghost to the table or the floor.
TIPS:
STEP 3 Rub the balloon on a sweater or a head of hair to gather some extra electrons.
• Move fast! The balloon loses the static quickly. • Small children might need a parent’s help cutting out their shape. The tissue paper is really thin and difficult to cut!
STEP 4 Move the balloon over your ghost. The balloon is attracted to the tissue paper. The tissue paper will rise up. As you move the balloon around, the tissue paper will move as well. FAMILY FIRST
• You can cut out any spooky shape! Try a bat or even a witch’s hat! You can use any color tissue paper!
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OCTOBER 2020
Call for a complimentary consultation! Nicole Thieler, DDS, MSD
985.876.4484
206 Mystic Blvd. Houma, LA 70360
Centered on what matters most to you
• Free expectant parent consult • Routine/Wellness Care/Sports Physicals • Immunizations • ADD/ADHD Screening/Management • Same Day Appointments
Jennifer D. Rodrigue, Kenneth J. Cruse, Micah A. Callais, Henry M. Peltier, Meghan Louque MD, FAAP FNP MD, FAAP MD, FAAP PNP
Patient Centered Care for 25 years
In network with most Commercial Insurance and Medicaid
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 FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
MOVE 150 Finding time to exercise can be difficult for parents. However, moving our bodies is a basic part of caring for ourselves. We feel a lot more energetic when we move and stretch. Movement actually changes the chemistry of our bodies to be happier, more relaxed, and healthier. We not only look better, we feel better. Exercise also offers us the ability to be better as parents. The secret is setting aside the time to exercise. Set a goal to exercise three times weekly. An overall goal of 150 minutes a week is the ultimate as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. Start with ten minutes a day outside together, add in a weekend outing, then before you know it, you’ll have worked up to 20 minutes daily, with an hour on weekend days. Sure, you’ll skip some days. But if that’s more exercise than you’re getting now, you are on the right track! • When you’re confined to the house, play “Take off each other’s’ socks,” wrestling, or chase games. (Games that get your family laughing! That’s a huge bonus, because you’re helping them evaporate any anxieties they’re carrying around.) • Let each person in the family take turns being the leader while the rest of the family follows, doing jumping jacks, sit-ups, or invented moves. • Load the kids and their bikes or scooters into the car and drive to the track at your local high school or University in the evening or on the weekend. Let the kids ride their trikes or bikes around the track, while you walk or jog. • Chasing your toddler all over the playground? Turn it into a positive, get a pedometer, and work up to 10,000 steps a day.
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OCTOBER 2020
You won’t believe how much ten minutes of movement daily will lift your mood. And when we feel good, it has an almost magical effect on our children. We have a lighter touch, and a sense of humor, which makes our kids happier and more cooperative. You’re also getting your child involved in an active lifestyle, which is a great counter-balance to all that screen-time in our lives. Kids who are physically active into the preteen and teen years are 75% less likely to be overweight when they’re grown. If you do this every single day, you’ll all start looking forward to it and moving 150 minutes a week! Exercise is a great way to nurture yourself and your child at the same time.
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SPONSORED BY
For more information contact the Thibodaux Regional Fitness Center, 985.493.4950. FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
at the library
BY NAOMI HURTIENNE MAGOLA, YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DINOSAUR MONTH
October is International Dinosaur Month and that means it’s dino time at the library! The library is full of great books, movies, and documentaries about our favorite larger-than-life reptiles. You can come into any of our nine library branches to check one out, or visit online 24/7 with our Libby and Hoopla apps. Here are a couple of my favorite books about dinosaurs in order to get you and your family in the mood to celebrate. All three books are available through the Terrebonne Parish Library System and you can reserve a copy today at www.mytpl.org.
K-3rd
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Written and Illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins Penelope Rex is anxious about starting her first day of school. She doesn’t know what her school is going to be like. But she came prepared with her bag and her lunch, and when she walked into her room on the first day, she discovered that her class was full of...children! So she had no choice but to eat them. They were delicious! But eating your classmates doesn’t make making friends very easy. Will Penelope find a way to stop eating her classmates so she can start making friends?
Preschool
We Are the Dinosaurs Written by Laurie Berkner Illustrated by Ben Clanton
Based on musician Laurie Berkner’s hit song, We Are the Dinosaurs, this book follows a group of colorful dinosaurs as they march around making the earth flat. And, while they do take some breaks from their hard work to eat, snack and take naps, don’t forget that they can still very much ROAR!
FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
www.paisleyparkresale.com 6861 West Park Ave. Houma, LA• 985-876-2227
WE BUY & SELL GENTLY USED ITEMS OFFERING CASH OR STORE CREDIT FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Baby Gear (Pack N Plays, High Chairs, Walkers, Etc.) Children's Clothing (Newborn - Youth 10-12) Children’s Shoes (sizes 0 - Youth 4) • Maternity Fashions
STUDY SKILLS
ACT PREP
HOMEWORK HELP
4th-6th
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Volume 1: BFF Written by Amy Reeder and Brandon Montclare Illustrated by Natacha Bustos
Lunella Lafayette is smart. Genius smart. And she’s inhuman. Her goal in life is to use her smarts to change the world, but she’s worried that her inhuman genes are going to get in the way. But when a gigantic dinosaur is teleported from the past into her very real present, Lunella will have to find a way to make it work. Is she destined to become BFFs with a dinosaur or become its dinner?
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Start the school year
STRONG
NEED GRADE LEVA E CHECK? L
TUTORING IN:
ADVANCED MATH • ALGEBRA • TRIGONOMETRY STATISTICS • CHEMISTRY • GEOMETRY ELEMENTARY MATH, READING & WRITING CALL TODAY! 985-223-3798 Sylvan Learning Center • 657 Corporate Drive, Ste A www.sylvanhouma.com FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
FUN & Games
FIND THE 7 DIFFERENCES!
what's happening in your classroom?
TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS!
Don't get TRICKED into the same ole' ghastly insurance! Come to a place where coverage and service are a TREAT!
Send your accomplishments to us at mary@rushing-media.com to see your class in print!
Auto - Home - Flood - Commercial 985-262-1435 • trinitycoverage.com
familyfirsthouma.com
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OCTOBER 2020
PAID PAID FOR FOR BY BY FRIENDS FRIENDS OF OF TERESA TERESA KING KING FAMILY FIRST
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OCTOBER 2020
FAMILY FIRST
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MARCH 2019