JUNE 2022 | VOL. 16 • ISSUE 6 | POVHOUMA.COM
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Holland
CONTENTS | JUNE 2022
• VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 6
table of
Page 10
Page 14
CHIC 10 CHATEAU Where the Living is Easy UP DOC 19 WHAT'S Special Advertising Section EXTRAS
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COMING CLEAN IN THE KITCHEN
Cara Credeur creates clean cookie dough and more!
ON THE COVER
NOTE 06 PUBLISHER’S The Health Issue
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36
"WELCOME TO HOLLAND"
Josephine Holland Dragna's parents share her journey with Spina Bifida.
WORD, YA HEARD CEREBRAL suh-ree-bruhl Adjective
INTERVUE Say What?
Appealing to or requiring the use of the intellect.
OBSERVER 42 THE Blink and You'll Miss It
WORD ON THE STREET
44 WE SUPPORT A
Studying cerebral subjects such as philosophy, statistics, and world literature can be demanding.
HEALTHIER FUTURE
Men, It's Your Month to Get Checked Out
46 UNDER THE SCOPE
Nancy enjoys taking tests because she gets a rush from cerebral challenges.
Where Do the Noses Go?
48 RENDEZVOUS Where You Need to Be Around Town
Page 36
Photo: Houston Dragna
50 LOOK TWICE
Sponsored by Synergy Bank
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What's your favorite healthy snack?
PUBLISHER
Whether recovering from a stroke, fall, or other medical condition, our customized rehab program helps you recover quickly so you can get back home. If you’re getting ready for long-term living, we make the transition from home to our community as rewarding as possible. A variety of spacious resident suites offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
AMENITIES INCLUDE: •MUSIC & MEMORY THERAPY •KITCHEN THERAPY •LIVE & LOCAL CONCERTS •IN-HOUSE THERAPY DOG •NOVEL EXCURSIONS •GAMES & CRAFTS
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Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE |
MARY DOWNER DITCH • ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
THE HEALTH ISSUE Sometimes I wonder what the world would be like if I didn’t Google every little thing under the sun. Yes, readers, I am guilty of using the internet to provide information and sometimes to self-diagnose before I see a medical professional. I know, I know… While a good search of medical research and websites can often help to prepare you before you see a doctor, it’s also not great to do if you already have anxiety over the ailment!
change to cleaner and healthier. The other focuses on changing the way we see others, especially those with a disability or challenge. Cara Credeur was motivated in high school to make healthier choices when
On a whim while preparing to write my column this month, I searched “health and wellness trends for 2022.” While a few of them made me smile (I need to get into psychoacoustics…Luckily it’s offered in Houma!), most of the trends made sense in a post-pandemic world. Some of the top trends I saw in multiple articles included virtual fitness (think Peloton), mental fitness, more outdoor activities, and intentional eating (including eating superfoods like adaptogens). I feel like we have finally made the return to focusing on wellness, instead of illness, and working on preventative care to help our bodies function the way they are meant to. I hope these trends continue to prevail as we make our way into the future. In this year’s Health Issue, we focus on changing the world, one small health and wellness break-through at a time. One story focuses on changing the ingredients we consume, making the
it came to eating better. She discovered a passion for watching cooking shows, inspiring her to create healthy ways to eat. Fast forward to 2020: to spread hope and raise spirits through trying times, Cara went into her kitchen to host a live cooking show on Facebook. This has led her to pursuing her hobby of clean cooking full time, in particular her different cookie dough recipes. Learn
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more about Cara’s Clean Cookie Dough starting on page 14. "Welcome to Holland" is an essay written in 1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley, about having a child with a disability. Words from that essay are often what Houston and Kristin Dragna use to describe their beautiful journey with their daughter Josephine Holland Dragna. On June 24, 2019, the couple welcomed their daughter into the world. She was accompanied by the diagnosis of Spina Bifida. The current termination rate for pregnancies with the diagnosis of Spina Bifida is around 66 percent. To the Dragnas, this was simply not an option. Kristin is passionate about treating those with disabilities as humans versus seeing them as broken people. She has created a Facebook group, Josephine’s Journey, to not only tell the journey of Josephine, but to also advocate for disabilities. Learn more about this amazing family starting on page 36. Our Health and Wellness Issue also features a special section called “What’s Up, Doc?” In this special section, beginning on page 19, we introduce you to some of the area’s top doctors. I hope this issue brings you joy and hope for wherever you are in your journey with health and wellness. We recommend reading Point of Vue regularly to keep your spirits high! POV
Michael S. Haydel, M.D., FIPP, ABIPP Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians American Board of Anesthesiology
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2100 Audubon Avenue Thibodaux 70301 Phone: (985) 223-3132
1124 Eighth Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Phone: (985) 223-3132
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INTERVUE |
SAY WHAT?
What do you do to maintain your mental and physical health?
RENETTA To optimize my mental and physical health, I utilize two of my senses: my eyes, to take in the vast beauty of the landscape, and my ears, to listen to the voice of my creator. The awe of His greatness stabilizes and grounds me as it simultaneously lifts me.
CECIL I practice Yoga daily and I feel younger afterwards with increased mobility, core strength, and a calmer clearer mind. Lately I’ve been utilizing weights, but in a less traditional way. I think changing up my routine to keep my body guessing is a good thing. I also like to jump into a cold water spring, swim and body surf in the ocean, or finish off a shower with cold water to invigorate the body.
SHAUNEY Physical fitness is a very big part of who I am, as a PE teacher, and CrossFit coach. Being active, along with adequate rest, and maintaining a nutritional diet, are the key factors in contributing to my overall wellness. Overall, the best way for me to maintain my physical and mental health is to listen to my body and give myself grace.
TONYA My mental and physical health is an ongoing continuum that requires me to be intentional about the decisions I make to protect my peace, energy and time. Both mental and physical health go hand in hand and oftentimes one affects the other. Mediation, practicing gratitude, reading, staying connected and focusing on positive thoughts helps to keep me rooted!
KELLY For me it’s staying active. I enjoy cycling and outdoor activities. Both cycling and running have lead me to some wonderful people who have become friends. Cycling helped guide me into life after divorce, when I learned how much exercise plays a true part in my mental state. June 2022 8 povhouma.com
Pulmonology Care
HOME + LIVING |
CHATEAU CHIC
WHERE THE LIVING IS EASY BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY
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On a picturesque stretch of Four Mile Bayou, this beautiful houseboat beckons you to sit, relax, and stay a while. Completed in June 2021, the three bedroom, two bath home sits atop a 40x60 barge. The home features screened-in porches all around, with the best sunset views coming from the back porch off the living space, directly on the water. The family loves Four Mile Bayou Road. They grew up going to Lake Verret and love boating and fishing.
The houseboat is intimate, but large enough for everyone to sleep. The open floor plan allows for everyone to gather and visit. With two bunk beds with trundles, a daybed with trundle, king bed and a queen bed, the houseboat is always ready to welcome guests. Designer Shannon Bella helped the homeowners to renovate and make the space their own. Every room was carefully thought out, and ideas were presented on a mood board to the owner before she got started.
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“Because this is on a lake, I wanted to make sure it had a coastal feel without being too literal. The blue and white hues throughout, along with woven accents on furniture and decor, really give that coastal vibe.” “We had all of the walls repainted to a much lighter neutral color. The kitchen and bathroom cabinets were repainted, and we updated the hardware,” shares Shannon. “New ceiling fans were hung throughout in white to blend in with the ceilings. Since the ceilings are not very high, I
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8 didn’t want them to be a focal point. I also added kitchen island pendant lights. The vinyl wood floors were changed throughout to a lighter brown with gray undertones and light, airy curtains with woven shades for privacy were hung on all of the windows.”
A & H PAINT, INC.
FLOOR COVERING 751 W. BAYOU RD. 985.448.1148 THIBODAUX, LA 70301
“The bedrooms have layers of bedding to accommodate the unpredictable Louisiana weather,” explained Shannon. “The nightstands are a substantial size with drawers for added storage since there isn’t enough room for a dresser. You’ll also see lots of mirrors to make the spaces appear larger. Beautiful wall hooks were added in various areas in bedrooms and bathrooms for towels and bags.” POV
No. 1 Bunk Room No. 2 Rear porch No. 3 Kitchen No. 4 Dining room No. 5 Bedroom No. 6 Bedroom No. 7 Outdoor No. 8 Detail Enjoy more photos at povhouma.com.
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“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down to lift others.” STORY BY YASMEEN SINGLETON | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down to lift others.” – a quote entrepreneur Cara Credeur has lived by her entire life. Born and raised in Houma, Cara is a wife, mom of three, gym instructor, and now, an entrepreneur. When Cara became a first-time mom, she used those same practices to ensure her baby had nutrient-rich foods. She began researching recipes and was soon preparing homemade baby food straight from her kitchen, free of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. “I became a stay-at-home mom after having my first child and I wanted my baby to have the healthiest foods, so I began doing research and making his baby food from scratch.” She reflected on her journey to a healthy lifestyle and wanted to help those embarking upon their weight loss journey. Cara became a gym instructor and group fitness manager, helped establish a program called “230”, and completed training to become a weight loss coach, achieving yet another goal. “I knew I wanted to help people lose weight, so I went through training and became a weight loss coach. During that journey, I would share my recipes for healthy eating and videos that happened.” Cara thought back to what sparked her weight loss journey in her adolescence and decided to use one of her favorite hobbies to inspire others. “When I was in junior high I was overweight and was being teased a lot. One day I woke up and decided I wanted to get healthy. I started to eat better, began losing weight, and discovered a passion for watching cooking shows. It inspired me to create healthy ways for me to eat. I became a vegetarian for a short period and experimented with different recipes to figure out what I liked.” The first case of Covid-19 in the United States was announced in March 2020, forcing a nationwide
lockdown. Cara, like many, found herself struggling to stay motivated once receiving the news that the gym was to be closed temporarily. She received a call from her manager, encouraging her to find a hobby to keep both herself and gym members ardent. To spread hope and raise spirits through trying times, Cara went into her kitchen the next morning to host a live cooking show. She gathered ingredients from her pantry and prepared healthy meals from scratch and shared recipes. “I decided to do a cooking show on Facebook every day. I’d create healthy 'foods' like peanut butter cookies, watermelon smoothies, and homemade taco seasoning.” She decided to challenge herself and create a cookie dough recipe loaded with proteins and vitamins. “I stayed up the entire night trying to figure out a substitute for butter and sugar to make a cookie dough that had a lot of vitamins and protein in it. So I got on Facebook live the next day and did a live video of me making cookie dough. I had no idea that I was on to something.” Her first sale was such a success that Cara decided to do a test trial and opened her books for orders. By the end of the week, she had sold 10 cookie dough rolls and received a plethora of positive reviews on Facebook. In June 2020, Cara launched “Cara’s Clean Cookie Dough and Dips,” as a project to give those in quarantine a sweet and healthy treat without feeling the guilt. Her menu has grown gradually over two years; she now offers 25 flavors of cookie dough, muffin mixes, and high protein spinach dips, all made from scratch. Locally known as the “Cookie Lady” Cara’s cookie dough line is extensive and includes healthy options for everyone, including low-sugar, diabetic, and keto friendly high protein cookie dough, Doggie Dough for your furry friends, lactation cookie dough for breastfeeding moms, and an organic kids line free of refined sugar.
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After receiving an outpouring of support in her hometown, she soon realized cooking wasn’t just a hobby; it was her calling. “I never knew that I was on to something. I’ve always loved to cook healthy and I was always known for it. People would always approach me for healthy recipes, from chicken stew, banana splits, and other meal ideas because I had a long journey of healthy cooking. I never knew it was going to get this far. I was thinking, ‘who is going to buy cookie dough?’ But that's how it started with this particular lady who put this spark into me, and she still buys from me to this day.” As a mom of three boys, Cara described her mornings as “up with the roosters.” She typically begins her day at 6 a.m., arranging 80-125 orders a week. The patissier shared what it’s like to be a mom, wife, and entrepreneur. “My morning routine consists of getting up to get my kids dressed for school. The minute they leave the first thing I do is take my cold items out to cook and I
start cooking my spinach. I confirm all of my orders for that morning at 8am and then I go into Facebook messenger and send order confirmations between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.”
journey with gratitude, attributing her success to her family, friends and customers who believed in her vision and supported her dream. Cara’s longterm goal is to expand into a business, open a cafe-style storefront in Houma, “Coming this far in my health and host a cooking show, providing and fitness journey has been the viewers with healthy recipes for their biggest challenge that I've overcome. families. My biggest challenge was being overweight. I went through a phase “In the future, I aspire to host a cooking of learning about myself, learning to show based out of my kitchen,” have self-confidence, and learning smiles Cara. “I grew up watching the that weight is just not weight. It's all Martha Stewart Show every Saturday about being healthy, feeling good about morning; she inspired me immensely. yourself, and making good choices I’ll provide healthy recipes to viewers to live a long life and be with your and help people figure out what they family,” Cara shares. want to feed their families, tips on meal prepping, and just inspire people She reflects on her health and fitness to eat healthily.” POV
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WHAT’S UP, DOC? |
SPONSORED
Point of Vue magazine is pleased to present What's Up, Doc?, a special advertising section to highlight local medical professionals and give you a closer look behind the scenes.
SOUTH LOUISIANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATES South Louisiana Medical Associates (SLMA) offers an array of services and has recently expanded to not only include training and a medical graduate residence, but also direct patient care outside of the education system. The medical association was formed in 1978 with a public mission that includes training residents in all major specialties. SLMA continues to employ more than 100 medical providers at a host of locations and believes in personalized attention with patients as the main focus. They offer more than 28 specialties including Primary Adult and Pediatric Services, Cardiology, Neurology, Women’s Care, Opthalmology, and more.
Garcia said the main goal is to maintain their mission, “We aim to maintain our mission which is to offer graduate medical education, train medical students, and medical residents to be doctors for our
Dr. Garcia said he witnesses the mission statement being accomplished every day. He noted that Louisiana Insurance has recently shifted to exceeding 50 percent in government payer, Medicaid and Medicare, meaning fewer people are on commercial insurance,” The fact that we are able to survive as an organization giving that payer mix has shifted so drastically is a telltale sign that it’s working.” SLMA’s dedication doesn’t stop in the clinics, as many of the healthcare providers, specialists, and staff volunteer their time and energy to support charitable services and organizations in the community.
SLMA is not only at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, it has expanded its footprint into Houma, Thibodaux, and Morgan City where they offer open clinics to deliver community, our parish, and the region, medical care in areas where there is an while also taking care of the underserved increasing need. and underinsured patients. That mission Chief Executive Officer & President at South has not changed.” Louisiana Medical Associates Dr. Michael June 2022 19 povhouma.com
“People are at the center of everything we do. Our goal is to offer the highest standard of healthcare and patient support, making the process of finding the best care as easy and convenient as possible,” said Dr. Garcia. “We are grateful to be part of the community and are privileged to care for its residents, our extended family, each and every day.”
Thibodaux Regional Physicians Providing quality care and helping make our region a healthier place to call home. ANESTHESIOLOGISTS Clel Acosta, MD Jorge Bravo II, MD Jared Landry, MD Brad Rupe, MD
CARDIOLOGISTS Bart Denys, MD Chad Dugas, MD Erica Fidone, MD Avaneesh Jakkoju, MD Ross Melvin, MD Owen Mogabgab, MD Christopher Paris, MD Sandeep Patel, MD Shane Prejean, MD Mohammed Rais, MD Akshit Sharma, MD Alvin Timothy, MD Kenneth Wong, MD
CARDIOVASCULAR & THORACIC SURGEON Jared Gilmore Ill, MD
DERMATOLOGISTS Lee Grafton, MD Ryan Matherne, MD
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EAR, NOSE & THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS) Matthew Beyer, MD Vance Broussard, MD Jacques Gaudet, MD David Hagen, MD Patrick Hagen, MD Justin Tenney, MD Guy Zeringue Ill, MD
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
FAMILY PRACTICE
Brent Tatford, MD
Alan Fortier, MD Eric Gravois, MD Kyle Guidry, MD Billy Hillman Jr., MD
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
Joshua Huval, MD Keith Landry, MD Aimee Moran, MD Daniel Naul, MD
Lane Frey, MD Dirk Ory, MD William Owens, MD Jody Plaisance, MD Francis Robichaux, MD
GASTROENTEROLOGISTS
Jarelle Scott, MD Jenny Templet, MD Roland Waguespack Jr., MD
Stephen Duplechain, MD Charles Monier Jr., MD Pasam Rao, MD Justin Toups, MD
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985-447-5500 | thibodaux.com
GENERAL SURGEONS
GYNECOLOGISTS
William Bisland Jr., MD Mark Hebert, MD
Steven Alevizon, MD John Bloss, MD Catherine Diebold, MD
Barry Landry, MD Brian Marino, MD
John Milek, MD Natchez Morice Ill, MD
Johnny Perez, MD, PhD Elliot Scott, MD
HOSPITALISTS
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Brandon Gil, MD
Paul Monier, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE Chester Boudreaux, MD Devin Bourgeois, MD
Thomas Gregory Chaisson, MD Seth Guidry, MD
Sunanda Kotapuri, MD Kerry Shaver, MD James Solgnet, MD
Gayathri Talluri, MD Raja Talluri, MD Patrick Walker, MD
Brady lmms, MD
MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS Gerardo Arias, MD Laura Chauvin, MD Scott Hebert, MD
Omer Khokhar, MD Ashlsh Udhraln, MD
22 povhouma.com 985-447-5500June| 2022 thibodaux.com
NEPHROLOGISTS
NEUROLOGISTS
NEUROSURGEONS
Kevin Modisette, MD
Jessica Baity, MD Tashfin Huq, MD
Deepak Awasthi, MD
Allen Vander, MD
Ebony McKinnies, MD Derek Neupert, MD
Lindsay Lasseigne, MD
OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
Amy Ashton, MD Jessica Bell, MD Nicole Prosperie, MD
Richard Arceneaux, MD Satish Arora, MD
Anne Rodrigue, DO Christopher Rodrigue Jr., MD Andrew Suire, MD
Jonathan Carrere, MD Arthur DelaHoussaye, MD
Johnathan Wise, MD
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS
David Baughman, MD, DDS Christopher Saal, MD, DDS
Allen Borne, MD David Elias, MD Patrick Ellender, MD Eric Greber, MD
Jason Higgins, MD John Hildenbrand IV, MD Neil Maki, MD
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PAIN MANAGEMENT Brandon Brooks, MD Adolfo Cuadra, MD Derek Haight, MD Luis Hernandez, MD Ashley Peairs, MD Jimmy Ponder, MD
PATHOLOGISTS
PEDIATRICIANS
Richard DeMoss, MD Meggie Doucet, MD
Leslie Ber, MD Anne Boudreaux, MD Kenneth Cruse, MD
Tatyana Kalinicheva, MD
Christen McDaniel, MD Henry Peltier, MD Shella Pitre, MD
PHYSIATRISTS
(PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION)
PLASTIC SURGEONS
Trevor Boudreaux, MD Todd Cowen, MD
David Jansen, MD Catherine McGee, MD Jeffrey Rau, MD
PODIATRISTS
PULMONOLOGISTS
Bryon McKenna, DPM Eric Swenson, DPM
Ted Brady, DO Brian Parker, MD
PSYCHIATRIST
David Patten, MD Roger Stueben, MD
Venkata Devabhaktuni, MD
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RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS
RADIOLOGISTS
Dani Dang, MD Nguyen Dang, MD
Blain Arthurs, MD Robert Burris, MD Gregory Dobard, MD
Jay Fakier, MD Carlos Gimenez, MD Ricky Miller, MD
RHEUMATOLOGISTS Beau Boudreaux, MD Ross Thibodaux, MD
UROLOGISTS Thomas Dukovac, MD Katie Flower, MD Stephanie Hughes, MD Walter Simoneaux Jr., MD
ASSOCIATE / EMERGENCY / CONSULTING / COURTESY STAFF PHYSICIANS ANESTHESIOLOGY Dr. Manjit Wadhwa
CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Richard Abben Dr. Anil Chagarlamudi Dr. Peter Fail Dr. William Ladd Dr. Vinod Nair Dr. Kanwar Singh Dr. Darrell Solet Dr. Craig Walker
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY Dr. Richard Cochran
DENTISTRY
Dr. Christy Marcello Dr. Steven Marcello Dr. Kristoffer Norbo Dr. Murray Rabalais
DERMATOLOGY Dr. Kristal Guidroz
EAR, NOSE & THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGY)
Dr. Kristi Prejeant
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy Dr. Edmond Nelson, Jr. Dr. Oleg Sinyavskiy
Dr. Chad Simon Dr. Nicholas Sorrel Dr. Paul Spring
Dr. Jeremy Benoit Dr. Maxime Demers Dr. William Fletcher, Jr. Dr. Joseph Fraiman Dr. Luke Guillot Dr. Duncan Hansing Dr. Kevin Kammel Dr. Marc Labat Dr. Lambert Laperouse Dr. Carl Mickman Dr. Steve Morgan, Jr. Dr. Aisha Parker Dr. Falon Perrin Dr. Kyle Pfefferle Dr. Daniel Samet Dr. Taylor Sanders Dr. Quan Shi Dr. Michael Straney
GENERAL SURGERY
NEONATOLOGY
Dr. Scott Macicek Dr. Shannon Powell Dr. Steffan Sernich Dr. Song-Gui Yang
NEPHROLOGY
Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire Dr. Mark Stalder Dr. Ravi Tandon
Dr. Brian Barkemeyer Dr. Raegan Gupta Dr Michelle Knecht Dr. Jeffrey Surcouf
HOSPITALIST
INTRAOPERATIVE NEUROPHYS MONITORING Dr. James Domingue Dr. Crystal Janani Dr. Francisco Vega-Bermudez Dr. Joel Wolinsky
Dr. Gregory Maidoh Dr. Herminio Suazo-Vasquez
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY PODIATRIY
Dr. Judith Blaise Dr. Craig Gauthier Dr. Lily Hanna
MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY Dr. William Bose Dr. John Faust Dr. William Johnson, III
Dr. Tara Benjamin Dr. Albert Diket Dr. Robert Moore Dr. Marshall St. Amant Dr. Pamela Simmons Dr. Edward Veillon, Jr.
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Dr. Michael Brumund Dr. Kelly Gajewski Dr. Thomas Kimball Dr. James Krulisky
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PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Phillip Corona Dr. Jonathan Gisclair
RADIATION ONCOLOGY Dr. David Caletri Dr. Bahman Daneshfar
UROLOGY
Dr. Stephen Charbonnet Dr. Haden Lafaye
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WHAT’S UP, DOC? |
SPONSORED
LEG & VEIN CENTER
OF CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER OF THE SOUTH When you think of your cardiovascular system, you most likely think of your heart and your blood vessels. However, your cardiovascular system extends to the arms and legs as well, and includes veins as well as arteries. The Leg & Vein Center at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the premier clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions in the legs, such as peripheral artery disease and venous disease. CIS cardiologists at CIS clinics in Houma, Gray and Thibodaux offer these services. These physicians include Dr. Craig Walker, Dr. Mohammed Rais, Dr. Al Timothy, Dr. Pradeep Nair, Dr. Ross Melvin, and Dr. Akshit Sharma. Cardiovascular conditions in the legs are usually identified by leg pain, cramping, or discoloration. In the case of peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, plaque buildup narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Other symptoms include numbness, coldness, sores that won’t heal, discoloration, hair loss, shiny skin or weak pulse. If you have heart disease, you have a one in three chance of developing PAD. Other risk factors include: age 50+, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and family history of vascular disease. A simple, painless ultrasound called an ankle brachial index (ABI) can diagnose PAD. Once detected, treatment can reduce symptoms, improve mobility and quality and life, and prevent heart attack, stroke, and amputation. Just like in the arteries, damaged veins
in the legs can also cause vascular leg complications. Venous disease, or venous insufficiency, is a condition when the veins in the legs do not properly return blood back to the heart. Damaged or weakened veins cause blood to flow backwards and pool in the legs. This leads to visible, painful or swollen veins, including varicose or spider veins. Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging or twisting veins, whereas spider veins are smaller and are
seen as blue or red lines closer to the skin’s surface. In addition to visible veins, other symptoms of venous disease include: • Swelling or heaviness in legs • Leg pain – Aching, cramping, burning or throbbing, especially after prolonged periods of sitting • Discoloration of skin • Protrusion of enlarged veins with a cord or rope-like appearance • Dry or weeping eczema • Leg ulcers • Restless legs • Itching Diagnosing venous disease relies on a June 2022 26 povhouma.com
combination of symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. To confirm the presence of venous disease, a physician will most commonly use tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to visualize how blood travels through the veins. A blood test or venography x-ray can also be done to find potential blood clots. Venous disease can be treated with lifestyle modif ications as well as medication. Compression stockings are most commonly used to help relieve symptoms, improve blood flow and reduce swelling. However to treat the root of the problem, further medical treatment may be needed to reduce symptoms and improve appearance. Cardiovascular Institute of the South offers comprehensive treatment for venous disease with the latest minimally-invasive procedures, all performed conveniently in a clinic setting. Without treatment, venous disease can worsen due to the pressure of the backflow of blood in the legs. It can cause tissue inflammation, tissue damage or blood clots, leading to ulcers and infections, ultimately making the condition painful and debilitating. That is why it is important to receive proper diagnosis and treatment from a vein specialist. If you experience symptoms of vascular disease in the legs, visit a cardiologist to determine the cause of the problem. Schedule an appointment at Cardiovascular Institute of the South, or learn more about the CIS Leg & Vein Center, at www.cardio.com/venous-disease.
WHAT’S UP, DOC? |
SPONSORED
COMPREHENSIVE HEARING
SOLUTIONS 1161 Saint Charles St., Suite A, Houma • 985.262.7335
Walter and Erin Rushing are the husband and wife team behind Comprehensive Hearing Solutions. Combining Erin’s medical expertise and Walter’s exceptional customer service, the couple works together to treat adult hearing loss with empathy and compassion. While pursuing a Masters in Biology at UL Lafayette, Erin’s research projects and professor inspired her to learn more about hearing and audiology. “I had always wanted to work with people, rather than in a lab, and I realized how I could combine the laboratory studies with my passion for helping others in my next adventure into audiology,” Erin explains. Founded in Houma, in 2016, Comprehensive Hearing Solutions remains a family-owned and operated audiology practice that focuses on addressing hearing loss and difficulty in adults. “We believe that a smaller clinic allows us to spend more time with our patients, which is vital to assessing and managing their hearing loss and communication needs. We are committed to serving the Bayou Region with exceptional hearing healthcare and customer service,” said Walter.
and technology to hear better. Through constant education and implementation, the practice lives up to their name, priding themselves in having the most comprehensive hearing evaluation in our region. By employing best practices in verification and validation of hearing aid fittings, Comprehensive Hearing Solutions goes beyond the hearing aid. “We test for processing deficits in addition to “traditional” hearing loss. We work hard to find solutions to your unique hearing challenges,” Erin explains. The first step toward hearing better is a comprehensive hearing exam. This annual exam ensures catching any hearing changes over time. If hearing aids are needed, a hearing aid and fitting package ensures that patients get the most from their new hearing devices. In addition, hearing aid and maintenance appointments, reprogramming appointments, and bluetooth and accessory appointments are available.
Understanding that improving hearing can change someone’s life, the couple is passionate about bettering the lives of their patients by combining helping people with technology. “Hearing aids are amazing devices, and we change lives daily. Helping someone to reclaim one of their basic senses and improve interaction with their loved ones is very rewarding,” Erin shares. Every patient gets the time they need to ensure they are confident and have the knowledge, strategies June 2022 27 povhouma.com
Comprehensive Hearing Solutions offers hearing aids that provide different hearing benefits at several price points to find the right fit for all of their customers. Working with several hearing aid manufacturers they can provide a selection of hearing aids to meet your unique needs. In addition, all of their hearing aids are regulated Class I and Class II Medical Devices, and the prices are listed upfront, so there are no surprises. Comprehensive Hearing Solutions ensures that with the help of your hearing aids, your hearing is the best it can be. “So many patients say they wish they would have “done this sooner.” Hearing services are non-invasive and relatively affordable. If you suspect a hearing problem, don’t wait. We can uncover challenges early or document your current hearing for future comparison. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. We are here to help and educate you,” said Erin.
WHAT’S UP, DOC? |
SPONSORED
DUKE NEAL MEDICAL 12 Professional Drive, Houma • 985.868.1810
Duke Neal Medical is committed to providing the highest-quality dermatologic, internal medicine, and cosmetic care that ensures long-lasting results for every patient who walks through their door. Our dermatologists specialize in diagnosis and medical treatment of diseases of skin, hair, and nails, as well as cosmetic treatments to improve a variety of concerns. Our internal medicine doctor excels at making you the healthiest version of yourself. Their team will persist in finding successful treatments for you and your individual needs. Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Alexis Duke, MD, FAAD and Dr. Phillip Mark Neal, MD, FAAD offer a wide range of services, and are equipped to treat the full scope of skinrelated issues, from acne, to diseases of the skin, to various skin cancers. Dr. Anne Price, MD, practices internal medicine focusing on the care of each patient using the best medical science available combined with a meaningful doctor-patient relationship.
on my experience is to pay attention to your skin health as you would other parts of your body. This is especially important in our community as many people work outdoors for a living or enjoy outdoor recreation. Just as you go annually for a mammogram or get a colonoscopy for preventive care, you should also have an annual screening skin exam. I likewise recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher that is water resistant. Be proactive in your health; protect your largest organ. Skin exams and photoprotection could save your life,” Dr. Duke shares.
preventative services to ensure a happy and healthy life. She applies scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to diagnose and treat her patients. Handling everything from colds and flu, to high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as depression and anxiety, Dr. Price can help so that feeling bad doesn't interfere as much with your day to day activities. With an equal passion for health and wellness, as well as long term medical problems, Dr. Price is committed to finding a path of improvement for her patients. Taking pride in her ability to get on a patient’s level and treat them as friends or family, while remembering that each person is unique, Anne genuinely wants to help solve the issue. “I keep an open mind to different treatment options for different people, not getting stuck in a routine or typical way to manage a certain disease.” Dr. Price said.
She recommends to do your best to maintain a The dermatology team is healthy, balanced lifestyle. experienced in treating a “You don’t have to be PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN SELF PHOTOGRAPHY wide variety of common fanatical about lifestyle to skin issues including acne, age spots, cold be healthy! You can be very successful with The Duke Neal Medical office is different sores, melasma, moles, rashes, poison an 80/20 approach – 80 percent of the time, because the two dermatologists can discuss ivy, ringworm, shingles, and warts. Duke be consistent with your diet and exercise, difficult cases with each other and even Neal Medical also specializes in treating get enough sleep, and regroup mentally,” include an internal medicine physician the most common types of skin cancer, Dr. Price suggests. in the discussion if needed. In addition, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous a board-certified Mohs surgeon is in the Whether you’re looking for wrinkle cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In addition, office every week to minimize the distance treatments, cancer screenings, or help with Duke Neal Medical offers cosmetic services our patients have to travel for exceptional complex medical issues, the Duke Neal team for those looking for a boost or rejuvenation surgical care for skin cancer. The physicians has you covered. Dr. Duke, Dr. Neal, and Dr. of their skin. Cosmetic offerings include work closely with local rheumatologists, Price are persistent in care, and dedicated Botox, Dysport, fillers, laser surgery for skin internists, oncologists, and endocrinologists to trying whatever treatment is needed to smoothing, photorejuvenation, laser hair to help coordinate the best patient care ensure personalized results. “We try our removal, skin texture treatment, vascular possible. hardest to give each patient an amazing lesion treatment, acne scar treatment, laser experience where they are comfortable in treatments to remove red and brown spots, Internist Dr. Anne Price, MD, practices a vulnerable situation while also delivering sun damage treatment, and more. internal medicine treating a range of the best medical care,” Dr. Neal adds. medical problems, while also focusing on “The best advice I could give a patient based June 2022 28 povhouma.com
WHAT’S UP, DOC? |
SPONSORED
HEADACHE &
PAIN CENTER 123 Frontage Road - A, Gray • 985.580.1200
As an interventional pain practice that relieves pain in a non-surgical manner and without the use of habit-forming drugs, the philosophy at Headache & Pain Center is treating pain through opioid-free options and minimally invasive procedures. Patients are treated through various methods including healing injections, neutralization of nerves, freezing of nerves, and electrical stimulation of nerves.
gardening, and they can’t do this activity because of the pain that they’re experiencing...when we’re able to relieve that pain, we can return some of that ability,” Dr. Ponder says.
Caring about each individual, and their unique situation makes The Headache & Pain Center stand out according to Mimi Wilson, Licensed Occupational Therapist and Physician's Assistant. “By listening to each patient, and trying different Taking an individualized approach to treatments, until one is found to restore caring for patients, Dr. Ponder and his their individual activities, is how we treat staff begin with a thorough examination each patient,” Mimi explains. of what may have led to the pain, and a Dr. Ponder explains that the staff at determination of what factors may be The Headache & Pain Center makes the contributing to worsening the pain. The center unique, “We do things a little bit center’s ultimate goal is to help people to old fashioned,” Dr. Ponder shared. “We return to normalcy and beloved activities still answer the phone when people call. that may have been hindered by struggles We’re not looking at a computer screen with pain. when we see our patients, “We get to improve we’re talking directly those areas of their to them.” Nurse lives where the Practitioner Paige pain was limiting Pipsair shares, their lifestyle. “I enjoy For instance, if listening to someone enjoys
MIMI P. WILSON, OT, PA-C
PAIGE PIPSAIR, MSN, FNP-C
patient’s stories and learning about them because I think it helps me to provide more personal care. I strive to treat all of my patients as I would want my family members to be treated within the healthcare system.” Proud to offer several minimally invasive outpatient treatment options such as Vertiflex or Kyphoplasty. The Vertiflex procedure is utilized for patients suffering from spinal stenosis. Kyphoplasty is used to treat a spinal compression fracture that could have been caused by osteoporosis or cancer. With technology at their fingertips, Dr. Ponder and his staff still enjoy personal relationships, and conversations with patients. Visit the Headache & Pain Center family, and allow them to help you live a pain free life, and get back to your normal daily activities as quickly as possible.
JIMMY N PONDER JR., M.D.
THANK YOU TO OUR LIFE SAVERS
Terrebonne General Health System honors our dedicated physicians for improving the health and wellness of the patients and families in our community and for their tireless devotion that saves lives each day!
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Dr. Ben Adams
Dr. Francis Lewis, II
Dr. Michael Prejean, Jr.
Dr. Jared Roussel
Dr. Elena Sammons
CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Richard Abben
Dr. Zaid Altheeb
Tony J. DeMartini
Dr. Eric Engeron
Dr. Peter Fail
Dr. Erica Fidone
Dr. Michael Gaglia, Jr.
Dr. Avaneesh Jakkoju
Dr. William Ladd
Dr. Ross Melvin
Dr. Owen Mogabgab
Dr. Pradeep Nair
Dr. Vinod Nair
Dr. Shane Prejean
Dr. Kanwar Singh
Dr. Darrell Solet
Dr. David Tadin
Dr. Craig Walker
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
June 2022 30 povhouma.com
Dr. Deborah Mccollum
Dr. Donald Netherland
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Dr. Elisa Arrillaga
Dr. Wesley Blocker
Dr. Mary Ann Difranco
Dr. Brian Falkner
Dr. Gerald Foret, III
Dr. Owen Grossman
Dr. Casey Hastings
Dr. Lewis Hunt-Irving, III
Dr. Lindsay Hymel
Dr. Michael Iacono
Dr. Ryan Jupiter
Dr. David Lewis
Dr. Joshua Lim
Dr. Stephen Lim
Dr. Richard Miles
Dr. Brandon Mong
Dr. Charles Ochello, Jr.
Dr. Justin Okons
Dr. Bret Pearce
Dr. Michael Petrauskis
Dr. Harold Plauche
Dr. Brian Roberts
Dr. Mace Scott
Dr. Michael Straney
Dr. Brian Matherne
FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Stanford White
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Dr. Sindhura Bandaru
Dr. Richard Haydel
Dr. Scott Haydel
Dr. Nicholas Rau
Dr. William St. Martin
Dr. James Matthew Watkins, Jr.
Dr. Rachel Coleman
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Dr. David Pellegrin
Dr. Andre Guidry
Dr. Michael Watkins
Modern technology. Timeless caring. Visit tghealthsystem.com/ find-a-physician
June 2022 31 povhouma.com
GENERAL SURGERY
Dr. T. Christopher Berry
Dr. Eric Jukes
Dr. Neil Lyons
Dr. David Rau
Dr. Frederick Rau
Dr. Dominique Monlezun
Dr. Bipasha Nath
Dr. Sarah Oncale
Dr. Donald Schwab, Jr.
HOSPITAL MEDICINE
Dr. Caleb Dupre
Dr. Renata Harkcom
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Dr. Mary Eschete
Dr. Sandra Grant
Dr. Bedford Nieves-Cruz
Dr. Nathan Sutton
Dr. Arthur Toups
Dr. Russell Henry
Dr. Patrick Walker
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Dr. Fadi Abou-Issa
NEONATOLOGY
Dr. Oleg Sinyavskiy
Dr. Adam Arceneaux
Dr. Alain Chesnut
NEPHROLOGY
Dr. Gregory Maidoh
Dr. Herminio SuazoVasquez
Dr. Allen Vander
NEUROLOGY
June 2022 32 povhouma.com
Dr. Nicholas Rome
ONCOLOGY
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
Dr. Christine Albrecht
Dr. Michelle Andre
Dr. Robert Cazayoux, Jr.
Dr. Richard Clement, Jr.
Dr. Sukesh Manthri
ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY
Dr. Sheena Duplantis
Dr. Charon Gentile
Dr. Elena Mann
Dr. Erin Pennison Dr. Jitendra Gandhi
Dr. Janeiro Valle Goffin
ONCOLOGY/RADIATION Dr. Howard Russell
Dr. Channing Sanders
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Dr. Ashley Brown
Dr. Suchit Patel
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Dr. Brett Casey
Dr. Christopher Cenac, Jr.
Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel, II Dr. Chad Simon
OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Sina Pourtaheri
Dr. Geoffrey Stone
Dr. Matthew Beyer
June 2022 33 povhouma.com
Dr. David Hagen
PATHOLOGY
Dr. William Dalton, Jr.
Dr. Brigitte DeMoss
PEDIATRICS
Dr. Andrew Hoffmann, III
PHYSICAL MEDICINE/ REHABILITATION
Dr. Aruna Sangisetty
PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Hector Linares
Dr. Jeffrey Rau
Dr. Ugochukwu Ezema
Dr. Bryan Rau
PULMONARY DISEASES
Dr. Waybrun Hebert, III
Dr. Ralph Bourgeois
UROLOGY
Dr. Robert Alexander
Dr. Andrea Lorio
RADIOLOGY
Dr. Ashley Prejean
Dr. Jill Sutton
PODIATRY
PULMONARY MEDICINE/ CRITICAL CARE
Dr. Navin Durairajan
Dr. Courtnie Seaton
Dr. Stephen Charbonnet
Dr. Haden Lafaye
WOUND CARE
Dr. Jeremy Rau
Dr. John Steigner
Dr. William Tiemann
Dr. Anne Walker
Dr. Michael Isabelle
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
June 2022 34 povhouma.com
Dr. Nicole McKee
ASSOCIATE CONSULTING: DERMATOLOGY Dr. Alexis Duke Dr. Lee Grafton Dr. Sarah Haydel Dr. Philip Neal
ENDOCRINOLOGY Dr. Mariam Menhem Dr. David Sisam
FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Kirk Dantin, III Dr. Robert Davis Dr. Mark Walker
INTERNAL MEDICINE Dr. Ray Cinnater Dr. Anne Price
NEUROLOGICAL INTRAOPERATIVE MONITORING Dr. Kevin Callerame Dr. James Domingue Dr. Crystal Janani Dr. Gregory Ward
NEUROLOGY Dr. David Weir
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Dr. Allen Borne Dr. Christopher Cenac, Sr.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Jacques Gaudet Dr. Nicholas Sorrel Dr. Justin Tenney Dr. Guy Zeringue, III
OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. James Broussard
PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Adolfo Cuadra Dr. Karl Haydel, Jr. Dr. Jimmy Ponder, Jr.
PATHOLOGY
Dr. Tim Peterson
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Dr. Michael Brumund Dr. Ivory Crittendon, III Dr. Kamill Del Toro Dr. Kelly Gajewski Dr. Walter Hoyt, Jr. Dr. Thomas Kimball Dr. Jake Kleinmahon Dr. James Krulisky Dr. Diego Lara Dr. Victor Lucas, Jr. Dr. Scott Macicek
Dr. Jessica Mouledoux Dr. Theodorus Mulder Dr. Shannon Powell Dr. Steffan Sernich Dr. Patricia Thomas Dr. Michael White Dr. Song Yang Dr. Thomas Young
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY Dr. Allison Conravey Dr. Fawad Khan Dr. Isaac Molinero Rosales Dr. Stephen Nelson, Jr.
PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. O’Neil Engeron
PODIATRY
Dr. Andrea Leonards Dr. Adam Ziegenbusch
RHEUMATOLOGY Dr. Michelle McCain
TELESTROKE
Dr. Osvaldo Camilo Dr. Louis Cannizzaro Dr. Jacqueline Carter Dr. Daniel Chehebar Dr. Himanshu Chokhawala Dr. Giuseppe Ciccotto Dr. Lauren Dunn Dr. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu Dr. Muhammad Khan Dr. Namir A. Khandker Dr. Tara A. Kimbrough Dr. Mugilan Poongkunran Dr. Murad Talahma Dr. Joseph Tarsia, III Dr. Gabriel Vidal Dr. Richard Zweifler
ASSOCIATE COURTESY:
ANESTHESIOLOGY Dr. Scott Branting
CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Nayan Agarwal Dr. Amit Amin Dr. Bart Denys Dr. Robert Drennan Dr. Chad Dugas Dr. Ahmad Jabbar Dr. Christopher Paris Dr. Mohammed Rais Dr. Ujjwal Rastogi Dr. Akshit Sharma Dr. Alvin Timothy
NEONATOLOGY Dr. Lisa Barbiero
NEPHROLOGY
Dr. James Modisette
OTOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Patrick Hagen
PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION Dr. Monica Benson
RADIOLOGY
Dr. Syed Akbar Dr. Asif Anwar Dr. Suzanne Aquino Dr. Shameem Azizad Dr. Daniel Baker Dr. Patricia Barnes Dr. Troy Belle Dr. Robert Berger Dr. Michael Berven Dr. John Boardman Dr. James Brull Dr. Patrick Burke Dr. Dennis Burton Dr. Courtney Carter Dr. Lillian Cavin Dr. Francis Cloran Dr. Bhavika Dave Dr. Elizabeth Dubovsky Dr. Dhawal Goradia Dr. Kristen Grubb Dr. Rashmi Hande Dr. Lee Hewett Dr. Laura Hotchkiss Dr. Lisa Hughes Dr. Miriam Hulkower Dr. Vitaly Izgur Dr. Frederick Jones Dr. Perry Kaneriya Dr. Russell Kosik Dr. Cynthia Oberfelder Dr. William Phillips, II Dr. Asti Pilika Dr. Teppe Popovich Dr. Paul Ramirez Dr. Avez Rizvi Dr. Richard Rossin Dr. Anjali Roy Dr. William Rusnak Dr. Faranak Sadri Tafazoli Dr. Faisal Sami Dr. Shree Shah Dr. Dishant Shah Dr. Kimberly Taylor Dr. Qazi Uddin Dr. Charles Westin Dr. Anthony Willis
UROLOGY
Dr. Thomas Dukovac Dr. Katie Flower Dr. Stephanie Hughes Dr. Walter Simoneaux, Jr.
WOUND CARE
Dr. Luis Arencibia
ASSOCIATE SUBSPECIALTY: ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Dr. Robert Haydel, Jr.
MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE
Dr. Joseph Biggio, Jr. Dr. Roberto Calix Dr. Sherri Longo
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Dr. David Baughman Dr. Christopher Saal
PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Michael Haydel
PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY Dr. Horatio Eustis Dr. Rachel Fuerst
PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Mark Stalder
RADIATION ONCOLOGY Dr. Sheldon Johnson Dr. Kenneth Lo
COMMUNITY AFFILIATE STAFF: Dr. Danielle Angeron
NOT PICTURED: EMERGENCY MEDICINE Dr. Miguel Aguilera, Jr. Dr. Bradley Blasiar Dr. Phillip LeBas Dr. Guy Lefort Dr. Philip Paulk
HOSPITAL MEDICINE Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Dr. Robert Gamble
Modern technology. Timeless caring. Visit tghealthsystem.com/ find-a-physician
June 2022 35 povhouma.com
Holland June 2022 36 povhouma.com
STORY BY HEIDI GUIDRY PHOTOS BY HOUSTON DRAGNA Imagine booking a flight to Italy to see everything you have always dreamed of. The anticipation has built up and the plane finally lands and you hear “Welcome to Holland!” Holland? We prepared to see the Colosseum, The Michaelangelo David, and the Gondolas in Venice. How does Holland align with our plans? Although Holland is not Italy, Holland is a different path. The region runs at a slower pace, “But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around....and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills.... and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.” This is a poem, “Welcome to Holland,” by Emily Perl Kingsley that couple Houston and Kristin Dragna have used to describe their beautiful journey with their daughter Josephine Holland Dragna. Morgan City native Houston Dragna and his wife Kristin met after she moved to Morgan City. After marriage, they found out they were going to welcome their first child in 2018. Kristin went to a routine pregnancy checkup for an anatomy scan and glucose test alone since her husband Houston was working that day. It was this day that changed their lives forever. During the anatomy scan, Kristin recalled being able to tell something was wrong which was confirmed when she was called into the doctor’s office. They had a hard time finding the baby’s cerebellum which can indicate a spinal defect. “I had no idea what most of these things they were saying meant," she said. “They said Spina Bifida, but I didn’t know what that was.” This rocked Kristin’s world and she barely made it to the parking lot before having a breakdown.
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Kristin called Houston with the news. “She called me and I knew something was immediately wrong,” Houston said. “I raced over there as soon as I could.” They were able to get an appointment with a high-risk doctor
June 2022 37 povhouma.com
"Spina Bifida is not a death sentence. I feel like if I can help one person who just got a diagnosis, that will honestly make my life." - Kristin Dragna that very afternoon. Later that day, the high-risk doctor was able to take a closer look and confirmed it was Spina Bifida. The couple celebrates that day, March 13, as “Feeny Day.” They celebrate how far the journey has brought their family since diagnosis day and how much God has shown his love to them during all of the scary times. “Our medical team was excellent. There was never a point where they said the word termination,” Kristin said. “They never brought up that Spina Bifida was hopeless, which a lot of parents I’ve talked to have had that experience.” The medical team gave mom and dad a realistic view of what their baby’s life could be like, but they said they never negatively shared the news; it was never doom and gloom. The couple said they are grateful the team at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge didn’t scare them about their child, “I can’t imagine my life without knowing my child," Kristin shared. “Our
life is definitely complicated and it can be exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything not knowing my own child.”
eyes: “She literally had a hole in her spine, so when she was born, it looked like an open wound, for the lack of terms, on her back. That’s why a C-Section was highly recommended.”
The termination rate for Spina Bifida is around 66 percent and Kristin said it’s partially because doctors simply don’t know much about modern medicine happening in the Spina Bifida world. “Kids actually have a good quality of life and they’re not just sad little creatures with broken bodies,” she said. “There’s a large spectrum. It’s called a snowflake complication because a kid can have the same lesion in the same place; one could walk really well, and one might need arm crutches to get around. You just really don’t know.”
After Josephine was born, Kristin said she was only able to see her for a little while, but didn’t get to hold her until two days later, “There was an overwhelming sense of peace to finally be able to meet her and see her. It was very surreal, but it was very hard to not be able to hold her,” she said. “The whole birth experience that most mothers want, like to have your baby on your chest and everything is good in the world, we didn’t have that.” Houston chimed in, “It was hard. She had back and brain surgery within the first week of her life.”
Fast forward to June 24, 2019 – delivery day! They had a waiting room full of supporters. They also had another surprise the day sweet Josephine made her debut; they waited until delivery to find out the baby’s sex!
With Spina Bifida, the back has to be closed following delivery. At just a couple of days old, Josephine had a graft done to close her back, which mom described as a little patch quilt. After the surgery, it can lead to Hydrocephalus due to the body not being able to drain spinal fluid correctly, which did happen to their daughter. After
Houston explained the day through his
June 2022 38 povhouma.com
her back surgery, the spinal fluid then started to build up because her little body couldn’t process it. A few days later they had to implant a permanent shunt in her head. The shunt has a tube that drains excess fluids into her abdomen to keep her fluids and pressure normalized. They eventually were able to go home where mom and dad had medical supplies and performed wound care, which Kristin gave props to Houston, “He doesn’t really do medical procedures well, but he stepped up as a dad and we were doing wound care every night…he was a super dad on top of everything.” Houston laughed while saying, “I’m the guy that passes out when I get shots. It’s a different situation when taking care of someone else. I was in the room for the C-Section and I was almost certain I would pass out, but I guess with the adrenaline it was fine.”
We’re here. We’re ready. TRACTOR
A few months later when she was six months old, Josephine’s shunt failed, which can happen with the device. It was putting pressure on her brain and her head grew by 7 cm. “It was really dangerous,” Kristin said. “We had to take her in and get that replaced to alleviate the pressure. It also took eight months for her back to heal properly. They also had to go to a plastic surgeon to revise the surgery because the blood supply wasn’t good. However difficult her struggles are, Josephine has the willpower and the strength to move mountains. She is making strides in physical therapy and mom said it’s a beautiful thing to start seeing her brain reconnect pathways. Josephine is nonverbal and visually impaired. At six months old, the couple said she couldn’t do much, but now when she sees you 20 feet away, she fusses to be with her dad. “I call them inch stones,” Kristin said. “I love the term because it takes hours of work, sometimes months of doing the same skill that other kids do, but when she finally does it, it’s the coolest thing. Just to see the fruit of all of her energy. She works really hard! She’ll be fussy for me, but when her therapist walks in, she’s like okay, let’s get to work. She has a really good attitude!”
When a disaster strikes, we will be there. Backed by one of the industry’s largest catastrophe response teams, we’ll be ready to help when you need us. Like a good neighbor, ® State Farm is there. Mark Andrepont, Agent 5947 W Main Street Houma, LA 70360 Bus: 985-876-5815 markandrepont.com
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802 HWY 182 Houma, LA 70364 (985) 851-1242 www.spehouma.com June 2022 39 povhouma.com
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“But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills.... and Holland has tulips." -Emily Perl Kingsley
One of her most recent inch stones has been to physically move herself through space. At therapy, they put her on a skateboard and she was able to push herself, “She was so excited, she was like I’m independent!” Kristin said. “I really want to brag on Kristin,” Houston said. “She put her teaching career on hold to be a full-time mom. If we had to put Josephine in specialty care, which we wouldn't want to anyway because we feel like we need to be those people to take care of her, it would be her paycheck plus more. It’s the best situation for us.” He said he appreciates Kristin who goes through everyday care. Their daughter is in the Early Steps Program, so mom goes to four to five therapies a week with her. “Kristin facilitates and goes to all of the doctors' appointments, specialist visits, all of the state grants that we apply for, and everything in between. She has really been a superhero to be able to do all of that on top of being a great wife
and keeping the house clean as much as possible, even with me destroying it all the time.” Kristin also shared her gratitude for her husband, “Houston has been working so hard so I can be home so that Josephine can get all of the care that she needs. His day job, and his side-hustle with photography, he’s really been taking care of his girls.” The couple said they are frequently asked if Josephine will ever walk. “If she can enjoy herself and have so much more freedom in a wheelchair, why would we not want that for her?,” Kristin said. “It’s been a lot of reframing how I thought about disabilities; we’re still figuring it out as we go, and talking about her in a way that honors her as a person. It’s been interesting navigating that and listening to what disabled adults say about how they feel about things. We’re trying to learn those things now so that as she grows, we treat her like a human.” June 2022 40 povhouma.com
Houston said Josephine is her own little person already and although she’s nonverbal, she doesn’t hold back when it comes to telling you what she likes or doesn't like, “She acts silly sometimes, she gets grumpy a lot. It’s very clear what she wants, she has her own little personality,” Kristin is passionate about treating those with disabilities as humans versus seeing them as broken people. She has created a Facebook group, Josephine’s Journey, to not only tell the journey of Josephine, but to also advocate for disabilities.“Spina Bifida is not a death sentence. I feel like if I can help one person who just got a diagnosis, that will honestly make my life,” she said. “I would tell parents who are in the shoes we were in on diagnosis day to take it one day at a time. Kids will surprise you and it’s definitely a grieving process. I feel like every special needs parent grieves the life you thought your child was supposed to have, but it also makes you a person who you thought you would never be. Your kid will change your life and in the best way.” POV
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THE OBSERVER |
BY JAIME DISHMAN
BLINK AND YOU'LL
MISS IT Things feel like they’ve barely begun and now they’re ending. It’s how they told me it would feel. By they, I mean the people in the grocery store, the people at the bank, the people at the park. The people who saw me walking around with four babies attached to my hip and felt the need to tell me just how quickly it would pass. “They” annoyed me.
Houma’s Premier Assisted Living Facility
I privately threatened to get a shirt that said “Yes, they’re all mine. But if you ask me if ‘they’re a handful’ or ‘gosh, you must be busy,’ then you get to take one home with you.” But that was too long to put on a t-shirt so I simply loaded my four kids ages four and under into a grocery cart (or holding onto a grocery cart) and went about my business of buying groceries to feed our hungry family. Side note: This was before grocery pick up or grocery deliveries. We now get most of our groceries delivered to our door, and I can’t even imagine how grateful young moms must feel about that. If I could have laid in bed, clicked some buttons and had groceries show up at my front door 17 years ago, I would have simply thought you were talking sci-fi future to me. But here we are with delivered groceries and kids who are taller than their parents. It went as fast as the older people in the grocery store told me it would. Someone else told me “blink and you’ll miss it.” Back then, I kept blinking, hoping some things would speed up. Now I’m trying to keep my eyes wide open, so I can catch it all, knowing that these people are making plans to leave me and do their own thing. Their dad and I can see it in their eyes. Eyes that are happy to be home, but looking “out there” too. It’s what we trained them for, really. But now we are kind of sad that we trained them so well. They all talk about going here, living there, doing that. I’m trying to convince them to build a house in my backyard and live with me forever. Not really, but sort of. So what would I do differently if I could redo? A lot. If I could go back to that young girl who was pregnant with her firstborn and scared out of her mind, I would tell quit being scared, it’s going to be the best ride of your life. You’ll love them more than you ever imagined. You’ll work harder being their mom than you’ve ever worked at anything else, but they’ll be so worth it. There’s also going to be days when they drive you crazy, but those days are worth the
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other days. So stick with it. I would tell her to let them skip more school in their younger years. Perfect attendance isn’t worth it, but skip out days with their mom will be cherished forever. Give them more grace. Some things aren’t as big of a deal once all the days are done. Teach them their worth because this world is trying to steal it at every corner. They’re valuable. Don’t let them forget it. And maybe I would tell her to sit down more. Quit staying so busy, quit cleaning so much, quit making sure everything is “just so.” They’ll remember the books you read and the time you spent, but the clean house just gets dirty again. No one dies wishing they would have cleaned their toilet one more time.
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And I would tell her that she would never imagine how crazy proud she will be of them. In spite of all their flaws and all her failures in raising them, they’re going to be the best part of you. So hold them tight, rock them to bed, because you’ll blink and it will all be gone. But she would probably just be aggravated and hurry on her way because she has babies to raise, and stop giving her advice in the grocery store. So I’ll keep my thoughts to myself and hope someone out there spends just a little more time loving on the ones they love this month. POV
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1362 W Tunnel Blvd Houma, LA 70360 985-851-3434
1309 st. patrick st. 446-6256 • Thibodaux 868-4421 • Houma June 2022 43 povhouma.com
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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |
BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
MEN, IT'S YOUR MONTH TO GET CHECKED OUT Attention focuses on men in June, not just to celebrate Father's Day, but also to call attention to steps that can be taken to live your healthiest life. Ways We Can Celebrate Men's Health Month Instead of a coffee mug or tie for Father's Day, give your dad, husband, son or male friend gifts that encourage them to eat better, exercise more and stay healthy. • Dietary changes—When menus call for grilling, replace red meat with poultry, fish and vegetables. This is also a good time to cut back on alcohol. • More exercise—Golf balls, gym memberships, running shoes or a new bicycle are excellent gift ideas for motivating someone to get moving. • Health and wellness reminders—As men tend to overlook or procrastinate about routine health screenings, create a health calendar or chart for them. Download a checklist at Men’s Health Network or a guide from Consumer Reports. Know the Facts Cancer and cardiovascular disease account for nearly 90 percent of deaths in Louisiana, among men and women. COVID also rose near the top of diseases cutting life expectancy short in the state. Getting vaccinated and boosted helps protect you. Overall, men live "sicker" and shorter lives than women, particularly in Louisiana where the average life expectancy for a male is 73.1 years, nearly six years less than his female counterpart. According to a Measure of America 2020 study, statistics are even more alarming for Black men. On average, you can expect to live to 69.5 years, two years less than Black men as a whole in the U.S.
Before packing up and leaving the state, where our fun-loving culture and love of food can sometimes impact our health, make a few lifestyle adjustments instead.
• Cholesterol
Changes in diet and exercise can help you shed extra pounds that increase risks. Replace junk food with healthy meals. Limit red meat, salt and saturated fats; add more fish, grains, fruits and green, leafy vegetables. Replace sodas and sweet tea with unsweetened tea and water.
• Lung cancer
The team of health professionals at our Weight Management Center can help you manage your weight. Call (985) 493-4765 for information. A key to staying healthy is to keep moving. Exercise is great for your heart; it helps to lose excess weight; and it can calm your mind. Find an activity you enjoy, so you’re more likely to stick with it. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. In addition to our Fitness Center, we recently opened our new Sports Complex. Offering new opportunities to get and stay fit outdoors, the Sports Complex is situated on nearly 12 acres and offers a multi-purpose track and field, beach volleyball courts, basketball, tennis facility and even a recreational pond. Memberships are available. To learn more call our Fitness Center at (985) 493-4950. If you smoke, stop. If you need help, ask for it. Talk with your doctor about the Quit Smoking for Life cessation program or call (985) 449-4686. It's Time to See the Doctor Men, particularly ages 40 to 64, should visit your health care provider regularly. Along with keeping a check on your blood pressure, heart rate and other vitals, during preventive visits doctors also screen for such conditions as:
• Diabetes • Osteoporosis • Prostate cancer • Skin cancer If you need a doctor, you can find a primary care physician with on our website. Just go to the Thibodaux.com and click on “Find a Doctor” in the main navigation. Additionally, you should visit the dentist once or twice a year and have your eyes checked every one to three years. Stay up to date on immunizations including: • Annual flu shot and COVID booster • Shingles vaccine at age 50 • Pneumococcal vaccine at 65 • Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years • HPV vaccine for males under 26 Make Mental Health Priority Not surprisingly men are less likely to seek help for depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. If you are struggling, talk with your doctor about symptoms such as increased irritability or anger, mood changes, or feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Take charge of your mental health, and don’t be embarrassed to speak out. If you're suffering mentally, so is your overall health. For more information on health and wellness services, contact Thibodaux Regional Wellness Education Center, (985) 493-4765.
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UNDER THE SCOPE |
BY JOHN DOUCET
WHERE DO
THE NOSES GO? No, Mrs. Plaisance, I never read For Whom the Bell Tolls in your 11th grade English class. I never even bent the binding on the book. And you did your best to encourage me to read by showing our entire class the movie on a reelto-reel projector in the library. Thank you, nonetheless, for the passing grade on the test: I must have earned points for watching the film thread through the projector for two hours. But there I was last month, decades later, yawning over the Direct TV channels after the Pelicans lost their playoff series, and there it was. I know what you’re thinking: How can a movie adapted from a Hemingway novel be more interesting than talking head commercials selling Liberty Eagle Coins? And if you’re thinking that, dear PoV reader, you’re missing the whole point. It was time to rid my conscience of guilt for never reading that book. So, I watched it. I had learned from the Cliff Notes all those years ago that the story’s action takes place during the Spanish Civil War. Amidst all the gypsy infighting, all the arduous arguments about blowing up a bridge, and all the gratuitous softscreen close-ups of Ingrid Bergman (as if she weren’t alluring enough), there was at least one memorable moment. At one point, when an overly-naive Maria (Bergman) wishes to kiss Robert Jordan (Gary Cooper) and their faces are close, she innocently asks “Where do the noses go?” Personally, I never asked such a question. When you grow up without gypsies, without mountains, and without the Spanish Civil War, you have a certain instinct about such things. Nonetheless, Maria, you ask a good question: When noses need to leave and get out of the way, where do they end up? Let’s look before Hemingway’s time, Maria, to try and find an answer. Like the 16th century. Tyco Brahe was the foremost European astronomer of his time. He was the first to use mathematical rigor to position planets and stars accurately in the night sky. Unfortunately, he picked a fight with a drunken nobleman who insisted he was the greater mathematician. Alas, poor Tyco was better at predicting approaching comets than approaching swords, for he failed to deflect his opponent’s advance and caught a blade in the face. He wore an artificial nose for the rest of his life. For casual occasions, it was a brass one. For special, it was silver or gold. Where his severed sniffer ended up, Maria, is lost to history. Bisclaret was a baron from Brittany according to a 12th century poem by Marie de France. He moonlighted as a werewolf three nights a week, hiding his humanizing clothes in the woods. One day, his terrified wife had his clothes stolen, perpetuating his werewolf state and allowing her to eventually marry her lover. Later, when Bisclaret faced her at court, he attacked and tore that two-timing snout from her face. After that incident, all her daughters would be
June 2022 46 povhouma.com
born noseless. How nature withheld their whiffers, Maria, is inexplicable to science. Closer to home, there’s a souvenir and tackle shop on Grand Isle nicknamed after Louis Alcide Chighizola, who lost his 19th century nostrils in a knife fight. Louis is more famously known as “Nez Coupé,” a lieutenant under Jean Lafitte’s privateer command. In the 1958 feature film “The Buccaneer,” actor Louis Graves played Chighizola alongside Yul Brynner’s Jean Lafitte. Interestingly, the normally bald Brynner wore unnatural hair in the movie, and Graves played the normally noseless Chighizola wearing a natural nose. Where Chighizola’s missing muzzle hid for over a century, Maria, is unknown, but it seemed to have returned to Hollywood in 1958.
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But no story better tells where noses might go than the 1836 story by Nikolai Gogol, called “The Nose,” in which a bureaucrat named Kovalyov wakes without his nose. On his way to the police to report missing property, Kovalyov sees his nose stepping out of a carriage, dressed as a higher-ranking bureaucrat. He catches up with his nose in a church, but the nose refuses to return to his face. In the city, news of the nose's exploits has spread, and crowds gather to search for it.It is eventually apprehended at a train station, trying to flee the city. But, Maria, to where?
DR. STEPHEN A. MORGAN JR.
Up in the mountains with the gypsies, Maria, you would have never known about these historical sneezer sojourns. Nonetheless, they won’t give you much of an answer to the question of where noses go. My best advice to you is this: If you feel a bell tolling, just follow your instincts. The bridge will explode soon. (How’s that for a plot synopsis, Mrs. Plaisance?) POV www.houmafamilydental.com June 2022 47 povhouma.com
RENDEZVOUS |
WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AROUND TOWN
Gheens Bon Mange' Festival Juneteenth Celebration
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June 3-5 Vacherie-Gheens Community Center Bon Mange’ translated means "good eats” and the weekend celebration is filled with exactly that! Held annually on the first full weekend in June, the Gheens Bon Mange' Festival features fresh cooked food made with ingredients mostly harvested from the community, with recipes handed down through the generations. Foods include, gumbo, jambalaya, fried fish, shrimp, griads, white beans, fresh cracklins, and all your festival favorites. The event also features live music and a live auction.
Inherit The Wind
June 3-5, 10-12 Old Terrebonne Parish Courthouse Lorna and Company presents "Inherit the Wind", starring Randy Cheramie and John "Spud" McConnell. Evening shows are at 7:30pm; Sunday Matinees are at 2pm. Tickets are $70, plus tax. For ticket reservations, please call Gretchen at 985209-3612.
Terrebonne 200: Military and Law Enforcement Presentation Scan QR Code to Learn More or Join Today!
FOR INQUIRIES & ORDERS CONTACT:
LANE BATES
985-209-9762 lanebates@cannatas.com
June 7, 6:00 p.m. Terrebonne Parish Main Library In honor of the Terrebonne Bicentennial Celebration Year, presentations will be conducted throughout the year in celebration of 200 years of prosperity and growth. The third presentation will be Military and Law Enforcement.
June 19, 11 a.m. Dumas Auditorium Terrebonne Parish NAACP Youth Council will observe and celebrate Juneteenth in our community. The annual event, also known as “Freedom Day,” is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Event highlights to be determined.
Freedom Fest Crawfish Boil Coof-Off
June 25, 11:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Fletcher Technical Community College South Louisiana Veteran Outreach will host the Freedom Fest Crawfish Boil Cook-Off. The festival will include entertainment, food, a silent auction, live music, kid activities, a 50/50 raffle, and prizes for the best crawfish. South Louisiana Veteran Outreach serves the nation by honoring veterans and their families. The boiling team entry fee is $150 per team and vendor tents are also available. Corporate sponsorships are available at www.slvo. org/.
Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo
June 30-July 2 Golden Meadow Providing college scholarships and school equipment for South Lafourche students, the Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo is filled with events for the entire family including live music, a cook-off, food, fishing craft vendors, an auction, raffle and door prizes. Tickets are $35 and include entry into the fishing tournament, a free ditty bag, a shrimp dinner and chances to win door prizes. Corporate sponsorships are available at https://www.fourchontarpon. com/sponsor. POV
June 2022 48 povhouma.com
FUN FACTS Turns out that eating an apple a day really is good for you! It can help boost heart health and reduce levels of bad cholesterol. Here are some other easy tips to help you maintain your health.
Exercising reduces fatigue and increases energy.
Curl up with a good book, reading can reduce stress hormones by up to 68 percent.
The smell of rosemary can improve your memory and increase alertness.
A daily dose of caffeine not only boosts your energy levels but reduces your risk of depression.
Schedule a tour of our community to help your loved ones discover their new home with our expert care.
Go ahead and have a good laugh, it’s good for you and can increase your blood flow by 20 percent.
*According to www.thegoodbody.com.
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LOOK TWICE |
WIN A $50
COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK
GIFT CARD
Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 10. Email your answers to us at looktwice@povhouma.com or drop it in the mail: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA, 70361. A winner will be picked by random drawing July 15. The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank. Participants must be 18 years or older.
Congratulations to Karen Derbes for winning last month’s contest.
Relax
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1. Added another statue on mantle 2. Changed color of chair 3. Removed picture on mantle 4. Removed table decor 5. Removed fan pull 6. Removed decor under fireplace
We'll handle the rest. Home Improvement Financing Available
June 2022 50 povhouma.com
6161 WEST PARK AVE., HOUMA, LA | 876-1817
June 2022 51 www.southlanddodgechryslerjeep.com povhouma.com