Point of Vue - June 2023

THE GREATEST WEALTH IS HEALTH

Cockeyed Farms introduces the American elderberry to Louisiana.

THE PERFECT MIX

Rodney Woods turns a passion into a lifestyle.

a person who enjoys rain and rainy days, and who is fascinated by the sights, sounds, etc., of rain

WORD

With the lovely summer rain showers occurring almost daily, many locals have become pluviophiles.

Lauren enjoys being a pluviophile so much that rain is her favorite kind of weather.

VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com

Photo: Channing

Meat and cheese

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Mary Downer Ditch

EDITORIAL

Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director

Isabelle Gareis

CREATIVE

Lauren Hemstreet

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Point of Vue magazine is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $36 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.

I love any type of fruit! But especially strawberries!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Misty Leigh McElroy

Channing Candies

Rodney Woods

DIGITAL

Madison Pontiff

Maddy Robichaux

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Doucet

Jaime Dishman

CONTACT

Apples & caramel!

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com

Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com

Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com

Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

Point of Vue magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.

Trail mix

THE HEALTH ISSUE

Eating is a part of everyday life. As the old saying goes, do you live to eat or eat to live?

Here in South Louisiana, I think most people would agree we live to eat. Our social gatherings are typically centered around some kind of meal. Crawfish boils, BBQ cookouts, potluck church dinners –all of these are reasons for us to visit and eat! We also boast some of the most talented chefs and amazing restaurants in the state right here in the bayou region.

Our area is also unfortunately known for ranking high in health categories that are greatly impacted by diet. In 2022, Louisiana ranked: 42nd in diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases; 47th in percentage of obese adults; 46th in percentage of adults with diabetes.

Those numbers to me are astounding. But then I take a step back and look at my own diet and the way I eat. Breakfast is usually a cup of coffee running out the door. Lunch is hit or miss. If I eat, it may be a snack of some sort like trail mix or a quick sandwich. Dinner is usually from a local restaurant. We rarely cook. While I know healthier options exist on menus, I’m usually starving and eat a day’s worth of calories at that one meal, right before bed.

These habits have led me to where I am today - 42 years old, obese by medical standards, lacking energy and always tired. Nearly all the “health issues” I have could be “fixed” through proper diet and exercise.

A family member recently reminded

me that a healthy diet is not about strict limitations or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and boosting your mood.

Our stories in this year’s Health Issue all center around eating healthy, from how foods are grown, to how they are cooked, and to how they can lend a healthy hand to your body.

Our first story introduces you to Cajun Boots Farm, an aquaponics farm that specializes in leafy greens, microgreens, raising catfish and more! Tonilynn Brown and her husband Mark grow and produce your favorite farmer’s market finds

through aquaponics, which focuses on converting and reusing. Learn more about the process and Tonilynn’s next farm-totable dream starting on page 14.

Houma native Lauren Breaux and her husband Brandon began researching holistic healing practices for Brandon’s debilitating headaches and discovered the power of superfood American elderberry. This led them to create Cockeyed Farms in Folsom, La. The farm is the first commercial American elderberry farm in Louisiana. Their syrups and honeys can be found locally as well. The Breaux’s share more about their farm and what they hope to accomplish starting on page 36.

Nicholls student Rodney Woods is turning his passion into a lifestyle! Rodney is a vegan, herbalist and entrepreneur, creating specialty teas for his own store, Duke’s Apothecary, as well as other local shops. His interest in growing his own clean, fresh vegetables has led to amazing meals and even more amazing photography! Learn what’s next for Rodney, starting on page 40.

The Health Issue would not be complete without our annual What’s Up, Doc? special section. Starting on page 19, we highlight local medical professionals and give you a closer look behind the scenes into their practices. Be sure to check it out!

As summer continues to help produce a bountiful harvest, I hope we can learn to eat healthier and live longer. Here’s to your health, my friends! POV

What do you do to shake off steam and the stress of life?

HEIDI

First, I pray to Jesus and God. They always help me with the stress of life. I also enjoy going to yoga class, running, and step class or dancing. I feel getting exercise helps me tremendously to shake off steam! I also just enjoy spending time with friends and family!

JAY

Put on a set of headphones, play a variety of music and write. Sometimes I write code for a project. Other times the writing involves articles, a book (in progress) or letters.

JAYME

When I get really stressed, I turn to God and prayer. At 60 years old I have finally learned how to “let go and let God”. I am so grateful for my faith because it has brought me through many stressful times in my life. I also have been blessed with my first grandchild, Theodore! And when I am with him all the worries of the world disappear!

KETTI

When life gets stressful I usually listen to music. I typically take a short drive by myself while listening to music to provide a mental distraction from anything that might be bothering me at the moment. Sometimes I even get into cleaning around the house while playing music because it gives me that energy boost to clean and relax my mind. And of course a clean house always makes me happy.

JOHN

An ice-cold beer always does the trick. But when it doesn't I enjoy spending time with my family and gardening. I particularly enjoy growing my gardens from seed.

MONIQUE

I like to hit the gym to shake off some steam. It makes me feel good and makes me forget about whatever is going on. I also like to curl up with a good TV series and binge watch. It helps me escape reality and unwind.

RESTORATION PERFECTION

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

It’s all in the presentation.

Whether it’s the next delectable course at dinner or the combination of flavors selected for your next drink, it is an arguable point that the beauty lies in the presentation. The same holds true for the home of Don Kasten and Jeffery Markel. The house carries with it centuries of history, presented in full

color with the present owners.

Built in 1892, the current homeowners recently celebrated five years of ownership of this magnificent Thibodaux treasure, purchasing it in May 2018. First owned by the Simoneud family, and passed on by the Goodwin family, five generations of the same family lived in the house. The home is

a Creole-style raised cottage, a style found earlier in history than this home. Other homes in the neighborhood built in the same time frame favor a much more elaborate Victorian style. The 2,700 square foot cottage contains two bedrooms (the third is used as a dining room) and 2 ¾ baths (there are no tubs in the home.)

The house needed to undergo a transformation to be brought up to what Jeffery and Don wanted their home to be. “All work that we did was intentionally designed and carried out to do the least amount of damage and that someone in the future could easily return to original condition if desired,”

shared Don. “But we had to have a few changes where we could insert our personal style on the house. We respected the dedication of the former owners to preserving the original elements of the home - but 120 years later it was time to remove that original wallpaper and color scheme. We are

grateful to be the new stewards of this home and when the time comes for us to leave we hope that we can sell to one of the original descendants.”

The house is completely made of cypress floors, wall, ceilings and structure. The floor plan was common

to the style of the house where past generations of owners were able to move room usages around as they saw fit. The only rooms that remained the same over the years were the kitchen and bathroom which had been in the same location since 1892 and 1916 respectively. In the first year of owning the home, Don and Jeffery removed wallpaper and wall board to expose interior cypress wall cladding and removed linoleum and floor coverings. A more modernized floor plan was created to help the home flow for the couple. Rogers Home Improvements moved the kitchen and bathroom, and added a walkthrough closet from the master bedroom to the new bathroom. All the walls and surfaces were sanded down to restore the cypress to its original condition. Jeffrey mixed wall stains to paint the upper portions of each of the primary room walls.

Don and Jeffery moved into their new home in June of 2019. While living in the home, renovations continued including removing the original 1916 bathroom and restoring the original back garden stairs; created a new 3/4 bath and put in

a butler ’s pantry/home bar in the original back porch area; installing a new roof on the home, along with central heat and airconditioning.

Color plays an important role in the home, from the bright and lively exterior colors, to the paint used in the interior. “We used a base of white paint for all the woodwork and then color stained each room,” explained Don. “We did the hallway in a gray, black and white theme to let each room opening off the hall to have the Wizard of Oz black and white to color experience and wow factor. The doors in the home maintain the original faux bois wood grain paint technique in shades of orange and gray which work perfectly into our chosen color scheme.”

The wonderfully eclectic home is very personal in style, which each gentleman’s interests and collections displayed. It was wonderful to hear the stories shared that each takes away as a favorite part of their home. To read more about their stories visit POV online at houmatimes.com/ publications/point-of-vue. POV

No. 1 Exterior

No. 2 Detail

No. 3 Front Porch

No. 4 Dining Room

No. 5 Bathroom

No. 6 Hallway

No. 7 Dining Room

No. 8 Living Room

No. 9 Kitchen Detail

No. 10 Kitchen

No. 11 Bar

Enjoy more photos at houmatimes.com/ publications/point-of-vue.

BY ISABELLE GAREIS PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES

Houma native Tonilynn Brown is bringing fresh food from her farm to your table! She is the owner and operator of Cajun Boots Farm, an aquaponics farm located in Houma which specializes in leafy greens, microgreens, raising catfish, and more.

Tonilynn was not always a farmer, and underwent a unique journey to find her true calling. "I wasn't a farmer to begin with—I graduated from LSU in 2004 with a degree in chemical engineering, and worked as a chemical engineer for around 15 years," she explained. "Most of that time I spent in Utah, where I had a really great job and met my husband Mark. We made a great team—he was a mechanic and the go-to guy at the chemical plant where I worked." Tonilynn detailed how after a while of working at the chemical plant, she and her husband began to feel disheartened by the whole corporate structure and vision. "We watched our CEO run the company into bankruptcy, and still make millions in his severance package. Meanwhile, the rest of us are working day in and out trying to deal with the issues, and seeing no improvements," she shared. "That was our wakeup call when we realized this life was no longer for us."

Tonilynn explained that as her interest in chemical engineering and corporate life was waning, she began to grow interested in gardening, farming, and using her hands. "I grew, like, one single tomato plant and was hooked," she said with a laugh. "I think I had three tomatoes in total and I loved it. I knew I didn't want to keep working in corporate, so I said to my husband, 'Wouldn't it be cool if we could be farmers?' and he agreed. My good friend Katie told me soon after that I needed to stop dreaming about it and talking about it, but research, read, learn, and make it happen. So we did!" After that boost from their friend, the couple got down to business planning how they could pursue their idea of starting a farm down in southern Louisiana. Tonilynn remembered reading through the magazine Modern Farmer, a gift from her friend Katie, and seeing a full-page ad for an aquaponics workshop in North Carolina. "I opened the page and showed it to Mark—without even saying anything to him, he looked at me and said, 'This is it!' she shared. "We knew that was what we needed to be doing. I convinced my parents to join us in North Carolina for this workshop, and it was just so fascinating. So for the next two years, we worked on a serious financial plan for how we could start our aquaponics farm."

Fast forward to 2020, and Cajun Boots Farm was officially established in Houma. "We started small, at first establishing our greenhouse and aquaponics system and then growing microgreens," said Tonilynn. Cajun Boots Farm now sells various vegetables and products such as tomatoes, lettuce, arugula, ochre, homemade salad dressing, and more, alongside raising catfish. "We are an aquaponics farm, so everything works

together," she explained. "For example, the water that the catfish are raised in has ammonia from their waste, which is converted into usable nitrogen for plants—which we use to water our other crops. Aquaponics is all about converting and reusing." Tonilynn explained that as the farm began to see success with their microgreens, vegetables, and more, she and her husband started taking samples to different local chefs, farmer's markets, and food professionals. "We got really positive responses from everyone and wanted to continue to expand, so we began figuring out how to have a steady presence in local farmer ’s markets," she said. Cajun Boots Farm products are now consistently present in several local farmer ’s markets

such as Market at the Marina, the Live Healthy Thibodaux Market, the Maker ’s Market at the Terrebonne Parish Library, and the Cajun Farmer Market on Tunnel Boulevard in Houma.

Tonilynn went on to explain that while farming is extremely rewarding, the transition into this new career was not without its challenges. "We undertook Cajun Boots Farm entirely debt-free—so I would say the most difficult part of our journey so far has just been running the finances," she said. "We are very lucky that we have so much support from my parents to undertake this venture. With farming, you are really doing everything yourself, which

with people, and showing community members that this is what good, fresh produce should be. The reward is definitely in the harvest."

Cajun Boots Farm is also in for a bright and expansive future thanks to its current successes. "We have some more land around Houma, and we definitely see ourselves expanding," she said. "I see us growing lots more fruit, vegetables, maybe even citrus, and more." Tonilynn explained that one of her biggest dreams for the farm is to begin an annual or semi-annual farm-to-table event for the community to come and enjoy. "We would host a dinner, and the idea is that the vast majority of everything you sit down to eat would be freshly grown from our farm, or other local farms from around the parish.

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.

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!

Dr. Ben Adams Anesthesiology

Dr. Eric Engeron Cardiology

Dr. Ross Melvin Cardiology

Dr. Owen Mogabgab Cardiology

Dr. Pradeep Nair Cardiology

Dr. Vinod Nair Cardiology

Dr. Shane Prejean Cardiology

Dr. Craig Walker Cardiology

Dr. Deborah McCollum Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Douglas Rheam Cardiology Dr. Kanwar Singh Cardiology

Dr. Darrell Solet Cardiology

Dr. Michael Prejean, Jr. Anesthesiology Dr. Jared Roussel Anesthesiology

Dr. Richard Abben Cardiology

Dr. Tony DeMartini, MD Cardiology

Dr. Peter Fail Cardiology Dr. Matthew Finn Cardiology Dr. Aaron Gopal Cardiology

Dr. Avaneesh Jakkoju Cardiology

Dr. William Ladd Cardiology

Dr. Wesley Blocker Emergency Medicine

Dr. Samuel Ganier Emergency Medicine

Dr. Guy Lefort Emergency Medicine

Dr. Bret Pearce Emergency Medicine

Dr. Casey Hastings Emergency Medicine

Dr. David Lewis Emergency Medicine

Dr. Harold Plauche Emergency Medicine

Dr. Donald Netherland Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Mary Difranco Emergency Medicine

Dr. Lewis Hunt-Irving, III Emergency Medicine

Dr. Stephen Lim Emergency Medicine

Dr. Brian Roberts Emergency Medicine

Dr. Mace Scott Emergency Medicine

Dr. Alexis Duke Dermatology

Dr. Brian Falkner Emergency Medicine

Dr. Lindsay Hymel Emergency Medicine

Dr. Brandon Mong Emergency Medicine

Dr. Miguel Aguilera Jr Emergency Medicine

Dr. Michael Iacono Emergency Medicine

Dr. Charles Ochello, Jr. Emergency Medicine

Dr. Elisa Arrillaga Emergency Medicine

Dr. Gerald Foret, III Emergency Medicine

Dr. Ryan Jupiter Emergency Medicine

Dr. Justin Okons Emergency Medicine

Dr. Michael Straney Emergency Medicine

Dr. Larick David Emergency Medicine

Dr. Stanford White Emergency Medicine

Dr. Richard Haydel Family Medicine

Dr. Mary Eschete Infectious Diseases

Dr. Sindhura Bandaru Endocrinology

Dr. Rachel Coleman Endocrinology

Dr. Andre Guidry Family Medicine

Dr. Scott Haydel Family Medicine

Dr. David Pellegrin Gastroenterology

Dr. Donald Schwab, Jr. General Surgery

Dr. Brian Matherne Family Medicine

Dr. Caleb Dupre Hospital Medicine

Dr. Nicholas Rau Family Medicine

Dr. Eric Jukes General Surgery

Dr. Renata Harkcom Hospital Medicine

Dr. William St. Martin Family Medicine

Dr. Neil Lyons General Surgery

Dr. Dominique Monlezun Hospital Medicine

Dr. James Matthew Watkins, Jr. Family Medicine

Dr. David Rau General Surgery

Dr. Bipasha Nath Hospital Medicine

Dr. Michael Watkins Family Medicine

Dr. Arthur Toups Hospital Medicine

Dr. Frederick Rau General Surgery

Dr. Sarah Oncale Hospital Medicine

Dr. Oleg Sinyavskiy Hospital Medicine

Dr. Nathan Sutton Hospital Medicine

Dr. T. Christopher Berry General Surgery

Dr. Fadi Abou-Issa Internal Medicine

Dr. Patrick Walker Internal Medicine

Dr. Nicholas Rome Neurology

Dr. Charon Gentile Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Rockne Hymel III Oncology/ Radiation

Dr. Sandra Grant Neonatology

Dr. Christine Albrecht Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Elena Mann Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Sukesh Manthri Oncology

Dr. Bedford Nieve-Cruz Neonatology

Dr. Michelle Andre Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Erin Pennison Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Lesley Meng Oncology

Dr. Brett Casey Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Sina Pourtaheri Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel, II Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Christopher Cenac, Jr. Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Adam Arceneaux Internal Medicine

Dr. Gregory Maidoh Nephrology

Dr. Robert Cazayoux, Jr. Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Howard Russell Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Alain Chesnut Internal Medicine

Dr. Herminio Suazo-Vasquez Nephrology

Dr. Richard Clement, Jr. Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Channing Sanders Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Russell Henry Internal Medicine

Dr. Allen Vander Nephrology

Dr. Sheena Duplantis Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Janeiro Valle Goffin Oncology/ Hematology

Dr. Geoffrey Stone Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Chad Simon Otolaryngology

Dr. Brigitte DeMoss Pathology

Dr. Matthew Beyer Otorhinolaryngology

Dr. David Hagen Otorhinolaryngology

Dr. Willard Dalton, Jr. Pathology

Dr. Andrew Hoffmann, III Pathology

Dr. Waybrun Hebert, III Podiatry

Dr. Amber Poirot Podiatry

Dr. Bryan Rau Radiology

Dr. Aruna Sangisetty Pediatrics

Dr. Ralph Bourgeois Pulmonary Diseases

Dr. Jeremy Rau Radiology

Dr. Courtnie Seaton Pediatrics

Dr. Navin Durairajan Pulmonary Medicine/ Critical Care

Dr. John Steigner Radiology

Dr. Jill Sutton Pediatrics

Dr. Ugochukwu Ezema Pulmonary Medicine/ Critical Care

Dr. William Tiemann Radiology

Dr. Hector Linares Physical Medicine/ Rehabilitation

Dr. Andrea Lorio Pulmonary Medicine/ Critical Care

Dr. Anne Walker Radiology

Dr. Jeffrey Rau Plastic Surgery

Dr. Nicole McKee Administrative Staff

Dr. Ashley Prejean Radiology

Dr. Robert Alexander Urology

Dr. Haden Lafaye Urology

Dr. Stephen Charbonnet Urology

Dr. Michael Isabelle Wound Care

ASSOCIATE CONSULTING:

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Lee Grafton

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. Anne Price

NEUROLOGICAL INTRAOPERATIVE MONITORING

Dr. Kevin Callerame

Dr. James Domingue

Dr. Crystal Janani

Dr. Gregory Ward

NEUROLOGY

Dr. Robin Davis

Dr. Tiffany Eady

Dr. Colin Vanhook

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

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Karl Haydel, Jr.

Dr. Jimmy Ponder, Jr.

PATHOLOGY

Dr. Tim Peterson

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Katerina Boucek

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. Michael White

Dr. Song Yang

Dr. Thomas Young

PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY

Dr. Fawad Khan

Dr. Isaac Molinero Rosales

Dr. Stephen Nelson, Jr

PODIATRY

Dr. Andrea Leonards

Dr. Adam Ziegenbusch

TELESTROKE

Dr. Malik Adil

Dr. Osvaldo Camilo

Dr. Louis Cannizzaro

Dr. Daniel Chehebar

Dr. Himanshu Chokhawala

Dr. Giuseppe Ciccotto

Dr. Julia Deyeva

Dr. Lauren Dunn

Dr. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu

Dr. Muhammad Khan

Dr. Namir Khandker

Dr. Tara Kimbrough

Dr. Kim Lee

Dr. Uday Nadimpally

Dr. Mugilan Poongkunran

Dr. Joseph Tarsia, III

Dr. Gabriel Vidal

Dr. Richard Zweifler

ASSOCIATE COURTESY:

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Beau Bergeron

Dr. Scott Branting

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Amit Amin

Dr. Bart Denys

Dr. Robert Drennan

Dr. Michael Gaglia, Jr.

Dr. Ahmad Jabbar

Dr. Christopher Paris

Dr. Mohammed Rais

Dr. Ujjwal Rastogi

Dr. Akshit Sharma

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Richard Miles

HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY

Dr. Robert Gamble

NEONATOLOGY

Dr. Lisa Barbiero

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. James Modisette

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Dr. Monica Benson

RADIOLOGY

Dr. Syed Akbar

Dr. Sandeep Amesur

Dr. Asif Anwar

Dr. Suzanne Aquino

Dr. Kristen Ashby

Dr. Shameem Azizad

Dr. Daniel Baker

Dr. David Bass

Dr. Troy Belle

Dr. Robert Berger

Dr. Michael Berven

Dr. John Boardman

Dr. James Brull

Dr. Dennis Burton

Dr. Mark Camens

Dr. Courtney Carter

Dr. Lillian Cavin

Dr. Corey Chopra

Dr. Francis Cloran

Dr. Bhavika Dave

Dr. Elizabeth Dubovsky

Dr. Kenneth Edgar

Dr. Dhawal Goradia

Dr. Rashmi Hande

Dr. James Haug

Dr. Laura Hotchkiss

Dr. Lisa Hughes

Dr. Miriam Hulkower

Dr. Vitaly Izgur

Dr. Feras Jalab

Dr. Perry Kaneriya

Dr. Russell Kosik

Dr. Cynthia Oberfelder

Dr. William Phillips, II

Dr. Asti Pilika

Dr. Teppe Popovich

Dr. Paul Ramirez

Dr. William Randazzo

Dr. Avez Rizvi

Dr. Richard Rossin

Dr. William Rusnak

Dr. Faranak Sadri Tafazoli

Dr. Dishant Shah

Dr. Shree Shah

Dr. Masood Siddiqui

Dr. Kimberly Taylor

Dr. Qazi Uddin

Dr. Thomas Vanderjagt

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.

GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Brian Marino

MATERNAL AND

FETAL MEDICINE

Dr. Joseph Biggio, Jr.

Dr. Roberto Calix

Dr. Sherri Longo

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Dr. David Baughman

Dr. Martin Duplantier

Dr. Christopher Saal

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Michael Haydel

PEDIATRIC

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. Horatio Eustis, Jr.

Dr. Rachel Fuerst

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Mark Stalder

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Dr. Bahman Daneshfar

Dr. Sheldon Johnson

Dr. Kenneth Lo

COMMUNITY AFFILIATE STAFF:

FAMILY MEDICINE:

Dr. Danielle Angeron

Dr. Joseph Garcia

NOT PICTURED:

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Bradley Blasiar

Dr. Phillip LeBas

Dr. Philip Paulk

HOSPITAL MEDICINE

Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy

The unique team of women at Care and Comfort OB-GYN are providing one of a kind care to women in our community, guiding them through every stage of life. Their speciality private practice offers a multitude of services including routine exams, birth control, STD screenings and treatment options, low and high risk pregnancies, abnormal pap smears, hormone replacement therapy, weight-loss services, as well as aesthetic services including Botox, Xeomin and Venus Freeze skin tightening.

The primary team at Care and Comfort includes Dr. Michelle Andre, Certified Nurse Midwife Laura Shaver, and Nurse Practitioner Shelly Matherne. Drawing from years of professional experience, as well as personal experiences as women, there is a distinctive difference in care.

Dr. Michelle Andre has been practicing medicine for almost 16 years, and is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics/ Gynecology. In her practice, she enjoys the opportunity to speak with and educate women of all ages about their sexual health. As a member of NAMS and ISSWSH, Dr. Andre continuously

updates her awareness of treatments for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and obesity.

nurse with a specialty in obstetrical and gynecological care. Providing expert care during labor and delivery, and after birth is a specialty that makes her unique. Laura delivers her patients in a hospital setting and treats each family with compassion and respect for the safest, healthiest, and most satisfying experience.

Nurse Practitioner Shelly Matherne has over 15 years of experience in labor and delivery, including 12 years of practice in the OB/GYN setting. She is passionate about teaching, and loves empowering women through education. In addition to working at Care and Comfort, she is employed at Nicholls State University in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, where she teaches Maternal/Child Nursing, leading students to care for women during childbirth on labor and delivery.

Certified Nurse Midwife Laura Shaver has over 15 years of experience in Labor and Delivery, as well as a Certified Nurse Midwifery degree. As the only certified nurse midwife in the area, Laura is an advanced practice

No matter what stage of life you're in, the team at Care and Comfort has the expertise to guide you through it. At Care and Comfort the patient always comes first. POV

1007 Belanger St, Houma • 985.851.1001

Finding the right doctor is an important step in maintaining your heart health. When choosing a cardiologist, there are many things consider, such as specialty, education, experience, location, languages and more. At top of mind, you want to receive the very best care for your needs and have access to advanced diagnostics and treatment.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONDITION

The first, and likely the most, important factor in choosing a cardiologist is understanding the type of care you need based on your risk factors and conditions. Each cardiologist is trained to treat cardiovascular disease and conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol. But if you have a specific condition, such as an arrythmia, a valve leak, or heart failure, you may benefit from seeing a specialist. Let’s look at some of these subspecialties.

Interventional Cardiology

Like cardiologists, interventional cardiologists diagnose and manage heart disease. What differs is that interventionists use catheters to perform minimally-invasive procedures on the heart and blood vessels. Angiograms, stents and other interventions fall under this category. Most CIS physicians are trained in these types of non-surgical procedures.

Peripheral Vascular Disorders

Cardiovascular disease not only affects the heart, but the arms and legs as

well. Leg pain, cramping, numbness, discoloration or ulcers can be indicators of these conditions. Drs. Mohammad Rais, Akshit Sharma and Ahmad Jabbar treat these diseases in Thibodaux.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

Cardiac electrophysiologists, or EPs, are cardiologists who have additional medical training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Think of an electrophysiologist as an electrician that fixes the heart's electrical function whereas a cardiologist acts as a plumber, treating the vascular function of the heart.

Valve & Structural Heart Disease

Diseased valves and structural or congenital defects are another cardiovascular subspecialty. Damaged valves may leak, needing repairs or replacements. Structural or congenital conditions, such as holes in the heart or septal defects, also require expert diagnosis and treatment.

Heart Failure

Due to the complex nature of heart failure, patients with this disorder may benefit from seeing a heart failure specialist. Patients who have both congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease often have what is called a chronic total occlusion, or CTO. This is when an artery becomes 100% blocked and special techniques and wires must be used to open the blockage. Dr. Owen Mogabgab specializes in CTO treatment.

LOCATION & PHYSICIANS

The CIS cardiologists in Thibodaux practice at 1320 Martin Luther King Drive, behind the Family Doctor Clinic. Most diagnostic procedures, including ultrasounds and scans, are done in the clinic. Vein procedures are performed in the office as well. Further procedures are performed at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray or at your local hospital.

CIS physicians in Thibodaux include Drs. Bart Denys, Sandeep Patel, Mohammed Rais, Owen Mogabgab, Akshit Sharma, and Ahmad Jabbar. All are trained in interventional cardiology, but scan the QR code below to learn more about their specialties and interests. In addition to English, Dr. Bart Denys speaks Dutch and Dr. Ahmad Jabbar speaks Arabic. For patients with electrophysiology or structural heart/valve needs, Drs. Kanwar Singh and Shane Prejean provide support.

PREVENTION IS KEY

Heart checkups should be a part of your wellness plan even if you are healthy. "To have a long and healthy life, find the problem before it finds you,” said Dr. Denys. “We have the tools to see what your risk is. With that knowledge, we make a plan together of what needs to be changed to lower your risk. When we save a heart, we save a life.” POV

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 or electrical stimulation of nerves.

Taking an individualized approach to caring for patients, Jimmy N. Ponder Jr., M.D. and his staff begin with a thorough examination of what may have led to the pain, and a determination of what factors may be contributing to worsening the pain. The center’s ultimate goal is to help people to return to normalcy and beloved activities that may have been hindered by struggles with pain.

“We get to improve those areas of their lives where the pain was limiting their lifestyle. For instance, if someone enjoys gardening, and they can’t do it because of the pain that they’re experiencing...when we’re able to relieve that pain, we can return some of that function,” Dr. Ponder says.

Caring about each individual, and their unique situation makes Headache & Pain Center stand out according to Mimi Wilson, Licensed Occupational Therapist and Physician’s Assistant.

“By listening to each patient, and trying different treatments, until one is found to restore their individual activities, is how we treat each patient,” Mimi explains.

Dr. Ponder explains that the staff at Headache & Pain Center makes the center unique, “We are a patient centered health care facility,” Dr. Ponder shared. “We still answer the phone when people call. We’re not looking at a computer screen when we see our patients, we’re talking directly to them.” Nurse Practitioner Paige Pipsair shares, “I enjoy listening to 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, VIA Disc, and 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. VIA Disc is for pain from degenerated discs.

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. POV

PAIGE PIPSAIR, MSN, FNP-C

JIMMY N PONDER JR., M.D.

MIMI P. WILSON, OT, PA-C

Dr. Joseph M. Garcia is a native of Houma and graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, and is proud to be home providing primary care and sports medicine services in our community.

“During medical school I found myself gravitating towards primary care because the physicians I was shadowing had extensive relationships with their patients. I love to talk, so having conversations, and getting to know someone comes naturally,” said Dr. Garcia. “I decided to specialize in sports medicine because I've played sports my whole life, and I thought what better way to practice medicine than in a field of my interest.”

Following his residency, at Louisiana State University in Alexandria, Dr. Garcia completed his fellowship in Primary Sports Medicine at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. During this additional year of training in primary sports medicine, Dr. Garica was taught the art of the physical

exam, allowing him to be very thorough with his patients.

Through strong relationships with local physical therapists, as well as the SLMA

hardworking physicians at SLMA. Working for SLMA allows my patients access to these talented physicians in a timely manner. I can make referrals with a simple phone call to one of my colleagues,” he shared.

The best advice Dr. Garcia offers his patients is to focus on a healthy lifestyle. “A healthy lifestyle is one of the foundations of primary care, but it can also help prevent injuries going forward,” he said.

network of physicians Dr. Garica takes pride in extensive patient care. “There are so many very knowledgeable, and very

While Dr. Garica helps typical athletes, he often helps industrial athletes as well. “Industrial athletes are the hard working construction workers in our community. While they are not scoring touchdowns or hitting home runs, they are doing physical activity, heavy lifting, and repetitive motion that puts strain on their bodies. There are a lot of chromic issues that I treat that are not sports issues at all, they are musculoskeletal problems that I can help fix,” Dr. Garcia explained. POV

At Houma Health and Wellness, Windy Adams practices lifestyle medicine, taking a different approach to healthcare. Windy addresses her patient’s issues by identifying the root cause as she learns about her patient’s diet, exercise and sleep habits, social connectivity and stress. As a nurse practitioner, Windy chose this field of work because of the challenges it provides, and the diverse opportunities to do meaningful work.

“I treated liver disease in South Louisiana for 10 years, and this is a disease primarily related to lifestyle choices. I became passionate about helping people make better choices. This ranges from avoiding substances to eating healthier. My mentor Dr. Andrea Espinoza suggested that I look into getting lifestyle medicine certified. I feel like God took over from there,” Windy shared.

With a focus on prevention, she encourages patients to find out why they have a

particular issue or diagnosis. “I love helping to determine the contributing factors to medical problems, and addressing each of the six pillars of health: sleep, physical

of the box, and this doesn’t always include traditional Western medicine,” Windy said. With a pharmacist and board-certified endocrinologist on staff as well, the team at Houma Health and Wellness is prepared to address a variety of needs in a variety of ways including IV therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, massage therapy, red light therapy, normatec compression, and microneedling.

In addition, Houma Health and Wellness promotes physical activity right next-door at Houma Health and Fitness with barre classes, Zumba, TurnUp, spin, Boot Camp, and Pilates reformer classes.

activity, social connectedness, nutrition, stress management, and substance abuse avoidance,” she said.

At Houma Health and Wellness, healthcare is not one size fits all. With individualized patient care based on many personalized factors, custom treatments are as unique as each patient. “We like to think outside

If you’re ready to improve your health and wellbeing, and exceed your healthcare goals, Houma Health and Wellness can guide you down the path of wellness. Whether that be through lifestyle medicine consultations, fitness classes, or with IV vitamin infusions, Windy is ready to help you to navigate the road to true healing. POV

Dr.

Thibodaux Regional Physicians

ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

Clel Acosta, MD

Jorge Bravo II, MD

Jared Landry, MD

Brad Rupe, MD

CARDIOLOGISTS

Anil Chagarlamudi, MD

Bart Denys, MD

Aaron Gopal, MD

Ahmad Jabbar, MD

Avaneesh Jakkoju, MD

Ross Melvin, MD

Owen Mogabgab, MD

Christopher Paris, MD

Sandeep Patel, MD

Shane Prejean, MD

Mohammed Rais, MD

Douglas Rheam, MD

Akshit Sharma, MD

Kanwar Singh, MD

Craig Walker, MD

Kenneth Wong, MD

CARDIOVASCULAR & THORACIC SURGEON

Jared Gilmore Ill, MD

DERMATOLOGISTS

Lee Grafton, MD

Ryan Matherne, MD

Providing quality care and helping make our region a healthier place to call home.

EAR, NOSE & THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS)

Matthew Beyer, MD

Vance Broussard, MD

Jacques Gaudet, MD

David Hagen, MD

Justin Tenney, MD

Guy Zeringue Ill, MD

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Brent Tatford, MD

FAMILY PRACTICE

Alan Fortier, MD

Eric Gravois, MD

Kyle Guidry, MD

ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Lane Frey, MD

GASTROENTEROLOGISTS

Stephen Duplechain, MD

Charles Monier Jr., MD

Pasam Rao, MD

Justin Toups, MD

Joshua Huval, MD

Keith Landry, MD

Aimee Moran, MD

Daniel Naul, MD

William Owens, MD

Jody Plaisance, MD

Caroline Robichaux, MD

Francis Robichaux, MD

Jenny Templet, MD

GENERAL SURGEONS

William Bisland Jr., MD

Mark Hebert, MD

GYNECOLOGISTS

John Bloss, MD

Catherine Diebold, MD

Barry Landry, MD

Brian Marino, MD

Johnny Perez, MD, PhD

Elliot Scott, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Chester Boudreaux, MD

Devin Bourgeois, MD

Thomas Gregory Chaisson, MD

Seth Guidry, MD

Sunanda Kotapuri, MD

Kerry Shaver, MD

John Milek, MD Natchez Morice Ill, MD

HOSPITALIST

Brandon Gil, MD

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

James Solgnet, MD

Gayathri Talluri, MD

Raja Talluri, MD

MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS

Gerardo Arias, MD Scott Hebert, MD

Omer Khokhar, MD Ashlsh Udhraln, MD

Paul Monier, MD

NEPHROLOGISTS

Kevin Modisette, MD

NEUROSURGEONS NEUROLOGISTS

Jessica Baity, MD

Tashfin Huq, MD

Allen Vander, MD

Ebony McKinnies, MD

Derek Neupert, MD

OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS

Amy Ashton, MD

Nicole Prosperie, MD

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Richard Arceneaux, MD

Satish Arora, MD

Jonathan Carrere, MD

Deepak Awasthi, MD

Anne Rodrigue, DO

Christopher Rodrigue Jr., MD

Johnathan Wise, MD

Rhandi Wise, MD

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS

David Baughman, MD, DDS

Martin Duplantier, DDS

Christopher Saal, MD, DDS

Lindsay Lasseigne, MD

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS

Allen Borne, MD

David Elias, MD

Patrick Ellender, MD

Eric Greber, MD

Jason Higgins, MD

John Hildenbrand IV, MD

Neil Maki, MD

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Brandon Brooks, MD

Derek Haight, MD

Luis Hernandez, MD

Elizabeth Mortazavi, MD

Ashley Peairs, MD

Jimmy Ponder, MD

PATHOLOGISTS

Richard DeMoss, MD

Meggie Doucet, MD

PEDIATRICIANS

Anne Boudreaux, MD

Kenneth Cruse, MD

Christen McDaniel, MD

Nathaniel McLaughlin, MD

PHYSIATRISTS

(PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION)

Trevor Boudreaux, MD

Todd Cowen, MD

PODIATRISTS/FOOT & ANKLE SURGEONS

Bryon McKenna, DPM

Eric Swenson, DPM

Henry Peltier, MD

Shella Pitre, MD

PLASTIC SURGEONS

David Jansen, MD

Catherine McGee, MD

PULMONOLOGISTS

Ted Brady, DO

Brian Parker, MD

David Patten, MD

Roger Stueben, MD

RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS

Dani Dang, MD

Nguyen Dang, MD

RHEUMATOLOGISTS

Beau Boudreaux, MD

Ross Thibodaux, MD

UROLOGISTS

RADIOLOGISTS

Blain Arthurs, MD

Robert Burris, MD

Gregory Dobard, MD

Jay Fakier, MD

Carlos Gimenez, MD

Ricky Miller, MD

Thomas Dukovac, MD

Katie Flower, MD

Stephanie Hughes, MD

Walter Simoneaux Jr., MD

ASSOCIATE / EMERGENCY / COMMUNITY / CONSULTING / COURTESY STAFF PHYSICIANS

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Manjit Wadhwa

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Richard Abben

Dr. Peter Fail

Dr. William Ladd

Dr. Vinod Nair

Dr. Darrell Solet

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

Dr. Michael Firstenberg

DENTISTRY

Dr. Christy Marcello

Dr. Steven Marcello

Dr. Kristoffer Norbo

Dr. Murray Rabalais

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Kristal Guidroz

EAR, NOSE & THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGY)

Dr. Charles Moore

Dr. Chad Simon

Dr. Nicholas Sorrel

FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Billy Hillman

Dr. Dirk Ory

Dr. Jarelle Scott

Dr. Roland Waguespack

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Jeremy Benoit

Dr. Larick David

Dr. Maxime Demers

Dr. William Fletcher, Jr.

Dr. Joseph Fraiman

Dr. Brian Hilands

Dr. Kevin Kammel

Dr. Marc Labat

Dr. Carl Mickman

Dr. Steve Morgan, Jr.

Dr. Falon Perrin

Dr. Daniel Samet

Dr. Quan Shi

Dr. Michael Straney

GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Kristi Prejeant

GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Steven Alevizon

HOSPITALIST

Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy

Dr. Bipasha Nath

Dr. Edmond Nelson, Jr.

Dr. Oleg Sinyavskiy

INTRAOPERATIVE

NEUROPHYS MONITORING

Dr. James Domingue

Dr. Crystal Janani

Dr. Joel Wolinsky

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Dr. Tara Benjamin

Dr. Albert Diket

Dr. Robert Moore

Dr. Pamela Simmons

Dr. Marshall St. Amant

Dr. Edward Veillon, Jr.

NEONATOLOGY

Dr. Brian Barkemeyer

Dr. Raegan Gupta

Dr Michelle Knecht

Dr. Jeffrey Surcouf

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Gregory Maidoh

Dr. Herminio Suazo-Vasquez

OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Judith Blaise

Dr. Craig Gauthier

Dr. Lily Hanna

Dr. Markeiya Jasper

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. Arthur DelaHoussaye

OPTOMETRY

Dr. Darby Chiasson

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Dr. John Faust

Dr. Tamara Huff

Dr. William Johnson, III

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Adolfo Cuadra

PEDIATRICS

Dr. Leslie Ber

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Kelly Gajewski

Dr. Thomas Kimball

Dr. James Krulisky

Dr. Scott Macicek

Dr. Shannon Powell

Dr. Steffan Sernich

Dr. Song-Gui Yang

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Jeffrey Rau

Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire

Dr. Mark Stalder

Dr. Ravi Tandon

PODIATRY

Dr. Phillip Corona

UROLOGY

Dr. Stephen Charbonnet

Dr. Haden Lafaye

BY ISABELLE GAREIS | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Healthy living is something that is close to the hearts of the Breaux family farmers of Folsom, Louisiana. Following her husband’s major health issues, Houma native Lauren Breaux began the process of researching holistic healing practices and discovered the power of superfood American elderberry— leading to their complete lifestyle change and creation of Cockeyed Farms.

The story of Cockeyed Farms began in 2011 when Lauren, a real estate agent, met her husband Brandon, a Scout Attack Helicopter Pilot stationed at Fort Polk. “Not long ago, Brandon began having serious headaches that forced him to medically retire from the military,” explained Lauren. “We went through a litany of diagnoses and medications following the pharmaceutical path. Brandon was on fourteen medications a day at one

point—his resting heartbeat was at 133 bpm. That’s when we decided we needed to make a change.” Lauren went on to explain that she, her husband, and her two kids share a mantra in their home, to “always try to be their best selves,” mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, and so forth. “We try to live by that mantra, so when we discovered how sick he really was–even with all the medications he was taking–we decided to grind to a

halt,” Lauren explained. “We purged all the medicines and started researching a more holistic way of life. In doing that, we got him off the medications, and healed all of our lives from the inside out. In the process, we discovered the superfood elderberry.”

Brandon’s research unveiled that the overwhelming majority of elderberry products are made with dehydrated berries that are imported from Europe. While all elderberries are good, he found that American elderberries are best, and embarked on a

journey that has taken him all over the United States, allowing apprenticeship opportunities at farms learning firsthand about this incredible super fruit. As Brandon traveled across the country learning about the benefits and intricacies of growing fresh, American elderberry, it became clear to the family what their next step was. In spring of 2018, Cockeyed Farms was born, becoming the first commercial American Elderberry Farm in the state of Louisiana. The property the Breaux family purchased in Folsom already had 500 healthy, vibrant, beautiful blueberry bushes, and the family started clearing farmland to plant their 2,000 elderberry trees. “We are regenerative farmers, so we do not ever use any harmful chemicals or pesticides,” said Lauren. “We are pursuing our farm from a very natural, sustainable angle. So it was a lot of extra hard work to get started, but worth it.” Cockeyed Farms currently grows mainly blueberries and elderberries, and uses those fruits to make several different creamed honeys and syrups. Their products can be found on their website, or locally at Boutique Dominique and Bourgeois Meat Market.

Lauren explained that the most challenging part of the whole process of beginning Cockeyed Farms was educating herself and her family on the major differences between European elderberries, and the more scarce American elderberries. “We realized, through our research, how few elderberries are grown in America,” she said. “I was ordering dehydrated elderberries from Europe to make syrup for my kids when I began to learn that American elderberries are significantly healthier. American elderberries have more antioxidants and do not contain naturally occurring cyanide, for example. Learning that difference was huge for us,” she shared. Lauren explained that she and Brandon began to partner with American elderberry farmers in the midwest, particularly to learn about the extensive research into American elderberry that was being conducted at the University of Missouri. “Brandon actually went and interned on several different farms to continue our research,” she said. “He was able to harvest the American elderberry cuttings that we actually have in our own orchard. Elderberries do grow naturally here, but most of the time, they are actually the European strain of elderberry—something that someone has eaten or dropped and just continued to grow. I have been working with elderberries for seven years and still can't tell the difference in the wild between American and

European!” she said with a laugh. “So it was very important to us to go to these farms in the midwest and assure ourselves that what we would be growing at Cockeyed Farms was true, American elderberry. It helps us feel more honest and transparent with our customers.”

Lauren continued by saying that one of the best parts of running Cockeyed Farms is the ability to educate the

after seeing first hand how farming helped my husband following his retirement from the military, we want to help other veterans and community members find their purpose in this life as well.”

public and provide the community with good, home-grown products. “There is a lot of misinformation out there,” she said. “There are a lot of local companies who say they have a Louisiana product—it may be made here, but it is not grown here. Once you realize that food is your fuel, it is so important to know your farmer. I am an educator at heart and love having the opportunity to dispel myths and replace it with correct information—it has been

so gratifying to me.” However, the most rewarding part of the whole process was watching her husband’s health regenerate. “I'm going to get emotional talking about this,” she said. “But I have watched Brandon come back to life. He is a different person. When I see him get in the dirt, work with his hands, and reap the fruit of this amazing product, it is all worth it. I have seen him become the best version of himself, and I know in my heart that we prolonged his life.

“Particularly

Brandon, after losing his career in the military, has shown my children that they can do hard things.”

Lauren hopes Cockeyed Farms will continue to provide for the community, not just health-wise, but to help others set up a healthier and more sustainable future. “We have partnered with the Farmer Veteran Coalition, which is meant to encourage veterans to support themselves through agriculture,” she said. “We were able to mentor veterans on how to grow American elderberries, find land, cultivate soil, and more. Just as we got our cuttings from elderberry farms in the midwest, we are giving our cuttings to veterans to begin their own farms. Particularly after seeing first hand how farming helped my husband following his retirement from the military, we want to help other veterans and community members find their purpose in this life as well.” Cockeyed Farms has brought not only the Breaux family, but the community at large comfort, joy, and health during its five years of flourishing. As the family likes to say, “The greatest wealth is health!” POV

Nicholls State University student Rodney Woods is turning his passion into a lifestyle and career. The 23-year-old Thibodaux native is a vegan, herbalist, and entrepreneur who sells his own homemade recipe for speciality teas on his Etsy shop "Duke's Apothecary," all while running a successful photography business, "Visuals By Duke."

Rodney is a major in Studio Arts at Nicholls State University with a concentration in photography, and remembers his passion for art beginning at a young age. "I used to watch my mom use her camera and take photos, and I got interested by playing with the camera she had. I knew from then I wanted to take pictures," explained Rodney. "I used to walk from school or walk downtown and just take pictures of anything and everything. I would even ask strangers if I could take their pictures," he chucked. "I got my own equipment and things really started to pick up from there. I would take pictures of my siblings, myself, and all the sudden, people were asking me if I could take pictures for them." Rodney explained that he began studying art through courses online and eventually decided to study photography in college and turn it into a business. "My photography company, Visuals

By Duke, started in 2018 and has been flourishing ever since then," he explained. Visuals By Duke explores portraiture, street photography, studio fine art, senior portraits, and more. His photography has been featured in Vogue Italia, has won countless awards at Nicholls State University, and has been featured in four solo exhibitions. "I would say the

most rewarding part of my career as a photographer so far has been a recent exhibition I did called 'This Land,' " said Rodney. "It really pushed me to talk about injustices and the African American experience throughout history. I created a body of work that took a lot out of me emotionally but I was extremely proud of it." 'This Land' was on display recently at Nicholls State University.

However, photography is not the only entrepreneurial pursuit Rodney is currently working on—the local student is a practicing herbalist and even sells some of his creations on his Etsy shop, Duke's Apothecary. "My interest in herbalism began at an early age, same as photography," he said. "I was never the type of person who liked traditional medicine. Even when I was sick or had a headache, I never wanted to take medicine for it—there were even times I would go to the doctor and get prescribed medicine and nothing would work for me. It got to the point where it was concerning," he continued. "It really opened my eyes to the fact that I, personally, shouldn't be taking pills, which initially inspired me to look into herbalism." Rodney explained that he found a book on herbalism and began to research online the best ways to make homemade medicine. "I am also an artist, so I suffer from insomnia. That's when I had my turning point," Rodney said. "I really began to experiment with one insomnia tea for years until I got it right." His homemade insomnia tea, Sweet Dreams, is currently his best selling product on Etsy.

"I feel really good about putting my product out there, because I feel like I am able to help people all across the world who may

be suffering from insomnia and feel medicine doesn't help," Rodney said. His insomnia tea is also stocked in Anela’s Yoga and Wellness Center in Houma, and will soon be in several stores across the Lafayette area. "This journey has taught me that people are more likely to turn to herbalism because it is so natural and healthy. Even though it may not be an alternative to modern medicine, it is a really great way to help heal yourself." His interest in herbalism now stretches beyond his creation of Sweet Dreams tea for insomnia, and into other aspects of his own physical wellbeing such as memory, brain function, and more. "I study and study and study until I know what different ingredients to put together to help my body," said Rodney. "And everyone's body is different, which makes herbalism so interesting. Whenever I am helping people, I try to learn as much about them as I can and what they need so I can make the best blend for them."

In conjunction with his interest in health and herbalism, Rodney decided to undertake the challenge of becoming vegan to benefit his personal health and wellbeing in 2018. "It is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life," he chucked. "It is mentally challenging. I've thought about going vegan so many times, and the back and forth was a real battle." He explained that what finally pushed him to journey into veganism was that in March of 2018, he had multiple members of his family pass away—all due to preventable health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. "I saw that as a sign to eat cleaner so I wouldn’t develop these same avoidable issues," he said. "Ever since I went vegan, my health has been wonderful. My inflammation is gone, I have more energy, I am more focused, and I rarely get sick or have chronic pain. That, combined with the herbalism, has

helped me a lot." Rodney is still learning more veganism alongside herbalism, and even grows his own fresh food in a garden.

This interest in clean, fresh vegetables and herbs began to mesh with his’ passion for photography as he began photographing his harvests and the meals he makes. "For me, photography, cooking, and herbalism go hand in hand—because food is truly art," said Rodney. "Being able to use color theory, lighting, and thinking of my plate as a canvas really brings out my creativity. Plating food is like painting and is a really beautiful art form." Rodney also uses his photography and artist eye to help photograph pictures of his herbalist tea and herb mixtures for his Etsy shop. Although Visuals by Duke does not often feature his garden-to-table meals, his Facebook page is overflowing with pictures of his healthy lifestyle and the continuation of his pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

Rodney is currently planning to go to grad school following his graduation in December 2023 for herbalism, and then potentially attending another graduate program to pursue a masters in Fine Arts. "As I continue with my studies, I am just going to keep researching and practicing herbalism, veganism, and photography as much as I can and growing both my businesses," he said. "And, hopefully help people along the way learn how to lead healthy, natural, and artistic lifestyles!" POV

24 HOURS A DAY. 7 DAYS A WEEK. NO PAYWALLS. NO SUBSCRIPTIONS.

JAIME DISHMAN

MEMORIES OF SUMMER FUN

Oh, summer. I’m entirely glad you’re here. For a long time after college I thought summers would never be the same. I could scarcely tell where spring ended and summer began, other than the tell-tale signs of the stifling Louisiana heat.

“No one told me,” I thought.

No one told me that after school is over, summer feels exactly the same as any other time of year. Five-day work week, weekend. Five-day work week, weekend. Work the weekend sometimes. Repeat. My wardrobe changed according to the weather, but life did not.

Then I had kids. Summer still felt the same as the rest of the year.

But all those children became school age. And they brought back summer.

Summer in a glorious way.

They wrote summer fun to-do lists. The lists were longer than any sheet of paper we own. Not one idea was deemed not worthy of the summer fun list. There were big ideas, like traveling to Schlitterbahn water park on that list, but scratched on that list were things like: “pante nails.”

Because when you’re young and dreaming of fun, nail painting and road trips to water parks go hand-in-hand. We did our best to check off as many items as possible on the summer fun list. For so many years, we visited local museums, did picnics, participated in free bowling. They were allowed to write whatever they’d like on the list. Sometimes, I couldn’t even decipher what they were writing on the lists, because we allowed them to add their own words and five-year-old scribble scratch rarely made sense.

But here I am at the start of this already sweaty summer, wondering where all the summers went. I know we made the most of them, but it feels like they’re gone. Our oldest heads to LSU this upcoming fall and our youngest will be in 8th grade. They aren’t writing things like “pante nails” on their summer fun list this year.

Instead, they’re all working jobs or babysitting or at school practices (that go on during the summer when you’re in junior high and high school). And this summer has shaken me with the realization that our “let’s plan out the most possible fun” days are over.

We still have fun, but it looks different.

They’re no longer wanting to participate in a summertime coloring contest or library story time.

Fun these days looks like friends over or them gone with friends.

One even has a “real” girlfriend. (And let me tell you, that’s a game changer). A good game changer, but change none the less.

Graduation didn’t bring me to tears and neither did all the end of year ceremonies.

summers of carefree fun so close, knowing they were some of the best we had. Good ones are still ahead, but I’m thankful for all these kids who brought summer days back into our home and forever in our hearts. POV

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN; KEEP IT HEALTHY WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BRAIN HEALTH, DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S

We grow, we learn, we age, we forget. Or do we? New research shows that our brains actually change over our lifetimes, adapting and meeting the challenges at each stage.

Of all life’s milestones, none may be more pronounced than those associated with brain development. Research shows that a healthy lifestyle helps brains age better. Memory naturally declines with age, but the better we treat our brains along the way can lead to healthier brains as we get older.

Brain Health

Healthy lifestyle habits, from diets to active social lives, can slow memory decline. Here are six habits to keep the brain and rest of our bodies, healthy:

• Balanced diets —Eating appropriate daily servings of at least 7 of 12 major foods: fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy products, salt, oil, eggs, cereals, legumes, nuts and tea.

• Exercise for the mind and body—Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity a week and exercising the mind at least twice a week by reading, playing cards, crossword puzzles, or video games.

• Social life —Keeping up with family and friends socially at least twice a week. Johns Hopkins researchers estimate that people who are socially isolated have a 28% higher chance of developing dementia.

• Limited alcohol consumption and no smoking—People who never drink or only

occasionally and never smoked show slower rates of memory decline.

Signs of Dementia

While our brains are mostly set at birth, the ways that different parts of the brain communicate with each other changes throughout our lives. This accounts for increases and decreases in our cognitive abilities.

Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of conditions, such as Alzheimer ’s, that results in decreased cognitive functions. Seeking early care, following healthy lifestyle habits and being aware of environmental toxins increase chances of preserving our memory and preventing dementia.

Risk Factors and Signs of Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association defines the disease as a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 million Americans have Alzheimer ’s, the most common type of dementia.

While the disease is progressive with no known cure, new advancements in treatment and medication give hope to patients and their caregivers. The biggest risk factor is age, as the disease typically affects people 65 years and older.

Other risk factors include:

• Family history

• Genetics

• Head injury

• Heart disease—overall heart health seems to protect brain health.

The American Alzheimer ’ s Association recommends being aware of these early signs of Alzheimer ’s:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Changes in ability to plan or problem solve

• Difficulty completing everyday tasks

• Vision problems such as difficulty judging distance or determining colors and contrasts

• Confusion with time or place; forgetting where we are or how we got there

• Struggling with words in conversation or writing

• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps

• Decreased or poor judgment

• Withdrawal from work or social activities

• Sudden changes in mood and personality

If you or someone you know displays any of these signs, confide in someone you trust and see a doctor. The Alzheimer ’s Association also offers a 24-hour helpline, 800-272-3900.

For more information contact Thibodaux Regional Neurology Clinic, 985.493.3090.

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.

BRIDGE OVER DROUGHTY WATER

Drought is about. Whether you open your snout to shout or pout about it, leave no doubt about it. Whether you call it climate this or atmospheric that or political hashtag-asterisk-dollar sign-exclamation point, droughts are affecting places and peoples across the world. Many droughts are short-lived: In California, for instance, the big drought of 2022 ended with big rain and big melt from the big snow of early 2023, but some now predict big flooding and big landslides in the big aftermath. In other places, drought relief is not so imminent or predicable, and food and water supplies as well as community health and individual wellbeing are at risk.

In the absence of such dangers to humanity, there’s something curiously interesting about drought—especially for historians and archaeologists and people fascinated by the findings those people make. For instance, in the Catalonian region of Spain, a reservoir’s level is currently so low that an 11th century church underwater for over 1000 years can now be seen in its entirety. Wow. A similar church sighting happened in the Chiapas state of Mexico several years ago when ruins of a 16th century church emerged from dwindling waters of the Nezahualcóyotl reservoir. Wow. No one alive today had seen those historic buildings before. Wow.

In the receding waters of the Po River in Italy, you can find an undetonated bomb and a sunken transport barge from WW2. Closer to home, the historical village of St. Thomas, Nevada, once home to Native Americans, wandering Mormons, and Western gunslingers, has emerged, together with a multitude of boats, from beneath waters once held by the Hoover Dam. Back in Spain, a circle of megalithic stones, dubbed the “Spanish Stonehenge” and arranged 7000 years ago by an ancient people, has become visible due to low water levels in the Caceres province.

Here in POV country, we are not currently experiencing drought and, given our special watery geography, we may never see ones as severe as those mentioned above. But can you imagine what we might find in our bayous and lakes if we suffered one? What if you stood atop one of our many bridges and peered down a muddy and parched bayou ravine? What would you see? You might see dugout pirogues and layers of marsh clam shells left behind by early Native Americans. You might see skeletons of sea mammals, like the poor manatee that found itself lost a couple of decades ago and made its way up Bayou Lafourche to Raceland. You might see crumbled artefacts of the great hurricanes, like piece of homes and felled oaks from 1893 Oyster Bayou and Cheniere Caminada. You might see tombstones from coastal cemeteries that have been lost due to the shameful neglect that we blame on coastal erosion. Maybe parts of drilling derricks and drilling pipe will be found next to a hard hat and steel-toed shoes sunken into the muddy bottoms. We might find the infamous lost miter and crozier whisked away from a bishop who stood too close to the windy bow of a cruising shrimp boat during a Blessing of the Fleet.

Some things you’d wholly expect to see on such water bottoms after many years. Like Mardi Gras doubloons and beads from revelers who paraded along bayou roads. Like crab shells and shrimp peelings from the days when seafood waste

would be thrown away in bayous. Or like 8-track tapes of disco music. You’re guaranteed to see these on water bottom because they all last a long time before degrading. Except for disco music, which degraded fast. Despite every kindergartener’s wish, you won't find fossils of large, meateating dinosaurs under the water— not even the skeleton of an airborne pterodactyl that failed to recover from a deep dive to catch a prehistoric jumping fish. You won't see these because the Mississippi River flood sediments that created all of PoV Country had not yet been deposited by the time of the dinosaurs. And unlike our friends in Europe, you’d not see any WW1 or WW2 relics beneath the surface of our inland bayous and lakes because those wars took place far away from here. Because our waters are so shallow, you’d not suddenly see a steeple or entire church appear. You’d not see the lost continent of Atlantis because that’s just a story Plato made up one day after drinking too much wine. Although Jimmy Hoffa liked to eat oysters, he’s probably not buried amongst them. And you’re more likely to find Nez Coupe ' s severed nose than Jean Lafitte's treasure because technically that’s a buried treasure and not a sunken one.

We are fortunate to live here among the lakes and bayous because it’s a good place to work and earn a living and catch and eat seafood among family. The underwater relics you’d find in a drought serve as excellent habitats and hiding places for young seafood species, and that will replenish their populations. Underwater is also apparently an excellent habitat and hiding space for discarded and forgotten relics of our history, and that can replenish our memories. It’s a dry, muddy shame that only barnacles get to see them. POV

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

Darryl M Brue, Agent 1950 Prospect Blvd Houma, LA 70363 Bus: 985-851-2584 darrylbrue.com

Rene Carreker Ins Agcy Inc Rene Carreker, Agent 1221 Museum Drive Houma, LA 70360 renecarreker.com

Cajun Heritage Festival

June 2-3 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Larose Civic Center

A hunter’s dream, the Cajun Heritage Festival showcases a decoy show and live auction, plus carving demos, duck calling contests, Cajun food, vendors and raffles. The festival celebrates the Cajun heritage of Lafourche Parish and is free and open to the public.

Bon Mange Festival

June 2-4

Vacherie- Gheens Community Center

Join the fun at the 49th Annual Gheens Bon Mange' Festival! Admission is free, and the event includes a cornhole tournament, live auctions, an arts and crafts show, live music and delicious Cajun food.

Market at the Marina

June 3 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Downtown Houma Marina

Terrebonne General Health System and Houma Downtown Development Company, present their monthly outdoor farmers market. This month’s event will feature local vendors selling local goods and produce, as well as meat and seafood, homemade body care products, and more! The market also features the Marina Sprouts Kid Club, St. Matthew’s STEM Lab, Little Arts Studio, and more!

15th Annual Bubba

Dove Fishing Rodeo

June 8 - 11

Falgout Canal Marina

Hosted by the Gordon Dove, Jr. Foundation, in memory of Gordon

“Bubba” Dove, Jr, the annual rodeo will raise money to fund the foundation’s charitable donations. In addition to fishing for prizes, participants can win a door prize drawing, and enjoy food and soft drinks during scale times. A shrimp boil will be held on June 11.

2023 Bayou Region Athletic

Hall of Fame Banquet

June 15, 6 - 9 p.m.

Cypress Columns

Terrebonne General’s Community Sports Institute will host its Annual Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony. The 2023 inductees include Laury Dupont, Greg Harding, Dalton LeBlanc, Harry McCulla, Jesse Myles (posthumous), and Pat Szush.

Thibodaux on Tap

June 17, 5 - 10 p.m

Downtown Thibodaux

Join the fun at the first craft beer festival in Thibodaux and Lafourche Parish! Craft beer samples, local food vendors, and live music are on tap for this inaugural event.

Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo

June 30 - July 1

Port Fourchon Pavilion

The 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. Proceeds benefit college scholarships and school equipment for South Lafourche students. POV

NOMINATIONS START JUNE 1ST

WITH OVER 80 CATEGORIES TO CHOOSE FROM!

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

Festival

Local Band/Musician

Local Event

Place to Hear Live Music

EATING & DRINKING

Bakery

Chef (Name & Place)

Hamburger

Kid-Friendly

Seafood Restaurant

Sweets/Dessert (non-bakery)

Bartender (Name & Place)

Breakfast

Brunch

Chicken Wings

Coffeehouse

Food Truck

Fried Chicken

Margarita

Outdoor Patio

Pizza

Salad Health Food/Drink Bar

Bloody Mary

Chinese Indian Japanese Mexican

Thai/Vietnamese

Italian Soul

BBQ

Gumbo

King Cake

Ice Cream/Yogurt

HEALTH

Chiropractor Dentist

Dermatologist

Eye Clinic

Orthodondist

Peditrician

Physician

Ob-Gyn Hospital

Assisted Living Facility

Audiologist

Urgent Care

Plastic Surgeon

Physical Therapy

Nursing Home

Pharmacy SERVICES Bank

Hair Salon

Heating and Air Jeweler

Landscaper

Law Firm

Lawyer

Mortgage Lending Company

Home

Builder/Contractor

Real Estate Agency

Real Estate Agent

Veterinarian CPA

Child Care Insurance Agency

Nail Salon

Pet Groomer Mechanics

Personal Loans/Title Loans

Tire Shop

Accounting Firm

Investment Firm

Dance Studio

Driving School

Martial Arts

Cleaning Services

Pest Control

Funeral Home

Electrician

Real Estate Broker

Plumber

Self-Storage

Tattoo

Tree Services

Insurance Agent

Photographer Butcher

SHOPPING

Florist

Grocery Store

Men’s Clothing

Women’s Clothing

New Car dealership

Toy Store

Speciality/Gift Store

Shoe Store

Applicance Store

Children’s Clothing

Flooring/ Carpeting/Tile

Outdoor Outfitters

Furniture Store Hardware

Jewelry

SPORTS & FITNESS

Gym/Health & Fitness Club

Yoga Studio

Golf Course

LOCAL Place for Kids to Have Fun

Place to Work

Nonprofit Organization

New Business (2022-23)

Private School Teacher

Best Tourist

Attraction

Preschool

Customer Service

Locals know locals best. We are the ones who live here and shop at the businesses, utilize local services, and attend local events. We want to know what the People’s Choice is for your favorite local businesses, local hot spots, local restaurants and so much more!

The Point of Vue People’s Choice 2023 places the voice of the people first! In over 80 categories, we ask you to share your favorites in Terrebonne and Lafourche.

No more cookie cutter contests run by national companies.

Let the locals take care of business!

→

NOMINATIONS ←

Nominations begin June 1 and will last till June 30.

→ VOTING ←

Voting will begin July 24 and will last till August 4.

→ WIN! ←

All winners will be announced in the October 2023 issue of Point of Vue!