Point of Vue - June 2024

Photo: Channing Candies

I prefer my salad between a hamburger patty and a bun It’s a no from me dawg...

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Mary Downer Ditch

EDITORIAL

Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director

Isabelle Pinto

Homemade Caesar

Olive Garden Italian

CREATIVE

Lauren Hemstreet

DIGITAL

Madison Pontiff

PHOTOGRAPHY

Misty Leigh McElroy Channing Candies

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Doucet

CONTACT

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com

Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com

Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

Chick-fil-A’s creamy salsa dressing

BE HEALTHY

Welcome to the health and wellness issue, a topic that holds a unique place in my heart. Despite my own struggles with maintaining a perfectly healthy lifestyle, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact that small, consistent efforts can have on our overall well-being.

For me, the journey toward better health has been a blend of challenges and joys. I find immense peace and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. I enjoy hiking or simply basking in the sunshine; these moments of connection with nature are my sanctuary. They remind me that health isn't just about strict routines or unattainable perfection—it’s about finding balance and embracing the activities that bring us joy and vitality.

Our health and wellness issue this year really places a focus on eating well and fresh and getting moving. I believe that health and wellness are not “destinations” but ongoing journeys, shaped by our everyday choices and experiences.

Welcome Farms in Thibodaux aims to provide farm-to-table food to help people live their happiest and healthiest lives! The veteran-owned farm is well known for its raw honey and fresh vegetables. The Joseph family strives to be a resource for healthy foods and living, and educating the public through outreach at the local library. Learn more about all the amazing things to come starting on page 14.

never far from a park where you can pause in your busy lifestyle to take a moment to get outdoors and get moving! Learn how to “Rec It!”, beginning on page 36.

While I would love to have a garden in which to grow my own veggies, I am also first to admit I am terrible with plants and gardening. However, our area has stepped up to offer many different options when it comes to having Market Fresh places to connect with our community of growers! Check out six different markets and what they offer, beginning on page 39.

Staying active goes a long way when it comes to health and wellness. Did you know our local recreation systems offer amazing programs, parks, playgrounds, pools and more to our communities? Throughout Terrebonne and Lafourche, you are

When it comes to the legacy of healing, look no further than Terrebonne General Health System! Terrebonne General is celebrating their 70th year by taking a moment to reflect back on their beginnings, and looking forward to where their future might take them! Join in the celebration, beginning on page 42!

In this issue, we also proudly present What’s Up, Doc?, a special advertising section highlighting local medical professionals and giving you a closer look behind the scenes into their practices. Be sure to check it out, starting on page 20.

As you explore this issue, I encourage you to find what resonates with you when it comes to health and wellness and take it to heart. Remember, even the smallest steps can lead to significant improvements. Whether it’s incorporating a new exercise into your routine, trying a wholesome recipe, or simply taking a moment to enjoy the outdoors, every effort counts.

Here’s to embracing a healthier, more fulfilling life—one step at a time! POV

What do you purposely engage in to bring yourself joy?

ASHLEY

JERAD

I engage with my pets. Whether it’s my marine aquariums or Biscuit, our Coton de Tulear, my pets always make things better!

Reading! I try to read a few books a month. It’s been a New Year’s resolution and it’s kept me off social media and brought so much joy.

MACKENZIE

When it comes to bringing myself joy, one of my absolute favorite things to do is engage in photography.

PAIGE

Mindful movement! I always feel lighter after a long run and love to practice pilates. I’m a barre instructor at the barre room in lockport which is definitely my happy place.

EMMA

One of my favorite things to do that brings an automatic sense of joy and fulfillment in my life is to get my hands dirty in potting soil. Planting plants and watching new blooms come to life heighten my morale. I try to visit a garden center at least once a week. Just by walking through a long row of plants and taking a deep breath in brings so much happiness and peace to my day.

PAYTON

I engage in mindfulness practices like meditation to cultivate acceptance, peace, and clarity amidst navigating life’s challenges, while also prioritizing my fitness by incorporating regular exercise routines to strengthen and energize my body and mind. By investing in my physical and mental health, I am able to bring joy and balance into my life.

Paige Pipsair MSN, FNP-C

HISTORY ON THE BAYOU

BY MARY DOWNER DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

Facing Bayou Lafourche at Lafourche Crossing sits the historic home of Paul and Omega Leslie. The home is listed on the National Register of historic Places due to its age and architectural significance. The Leslies moved into the home in the fall of 1985.

The historic home was built in two phases. The rear part was built before 1830's, and the front "new" addition was built around 1850's. The home is classified as a Historic Greek Revival Townhouse as per National Register, indicating a "small" structure compared to one the size of Oak Alley Plantation. Traits include the style of the front porch’s columns and dentil work on the

entablature. Historic writings alongside the front door are still visible, with the oldest stating "Big Snow 1902". The rear structure was a stop for the train, which was built in 1852. The original horse-hair plaster on the walls is still intact.

“The house had no bathrooms and no kitchen; it was an ‘empty shell’,” shared Omega. “We added two bedrooms and three bathrooms and a kitchen. We also added a screened porch and a garage. We added a bumped-out addition to create a "bed" we call a partial Thomas Jefferson bed due to needing a wheel-chairaccessible bed. Closets, bedrooms, and an office were added upstairs.”

Omega and Paul have made the historical

home warm and inviting, all while appreciating the storied past of their residence. The home’s decor reflects a Southern classic, traditional home that seamlessly blends family antiques with the modern comforts of today. The current floorplan has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with approximately 2,750 square feet.

The home is a special place for the Leslies, who thoroughly enjoy all the home has to offer. The front porch is a sweet place to sit with family and friends, overlooking the bayou. The side screened porch was a place of refuge during the pandemic. The sounds of trains coming and going at Lafourche Crossing have Paul and Leslie

sometimes feeling like they are riding the train! The wood floors with lots of scuffs, scratches, and dents that invoke memories of times with the children. The tall windows allow the family to enjoy beautiful, sunny days.

“It has truly been a labor of love renovating this home,” smiles Omega. “Paul basically did all of the work on his own, and I kind of cleaned up after him and completed the décor and design of the place. Together he and I just kept working on it over the years and still continue small projects. Like any home, the upkeep never ends, but we still love our home and enjoy all that we have been blessed to have living here.” POV

BY

Locally-owned and operated Welcome Farms, LLC, is dedicated to providing certified farmto-table food for anyone in the area wanting to live their happiest, healthiest, and best life!

Welcome Farms, LLC is a veteran-owned, Thibodaux-based farm renowned for their raw honey and fresh garden vegetables. Originally hailing from Baton Rouge, founder Samantha Joseph moved to Thibodaux in 2009 with her husband, Luke Joseph, and their two young kids— which is where the first seed of their gardening interest was planted.

"I was originally working as a Registered Nurse, but as I progressed in the career I noticed the hours of the job were just too much to handle," explained Samantha. "My husband, who served with the United States Marine Corps for eight years and was deployed in Iraq in 2003, and I both wanted to find jobs where we could spend more time with our kids— that was always our goal, and I was determined to find a job where I could do that. We just weren't sure what it was."

Samantha explained that she began to grow interested in pursuing farming when she and her family moved to a new

ISABELLE PINTO | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES

5-acre property in Thibodaux in 2018, where they now operate Welcome Farms. "We discovered three feral beehives on our new land, which was shocking, but we decided to make the best of it," chuckled Samantha. "So we did a little research on how to beekeep, thinking it might just be nice to have a little fresh honey in the house– we had no idea what it would grow to become!"

The Joseph Family began selling and gifting their specialty honey to friends and family, and after an abundant harvest in 2019, Samantha decided to bring their product for the first time to the Live Healthy Thibodaux Market. Following the success of this debut, and while still working as a part-time nurse, Samantha and her husband decided to expand what they brought to the market and start growing fresh vegetables. "People loved it and we

noticed pretty quickly that there was a huge demand for this fresh food," said Samantha. "We started to have professional labels made to properly brand our products, and so Welcome Farms was officially born."

The growth did not stop there, and with the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, the Joseph Family were able to devote large amounts of time to their budding business. With the added help of their family and kids, Welcome Farms continued to grow, offering a delicious variety of yellow squash, radishes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, okra, fresh pickles, celery, dill, bread and butter, eggs, chickens, and of course, their signature raw honey.

Houma Family Dental

"Although we continued to get more invested in our work as the years passed, it wasn't until 2023 that things seriously picked up– we began to sell out at markets, and then this past fall, I got a phone call from Chef David Sonnier at 531 Liberty Cafe in Houma. He asked if we ever considered selling to restaurants, which we hadn't before," explained Samantha. "He was very interested in purchasing our fresh ingredients for the restaurant— he would call weekly, ask what we had, and place an order. That’s when my husband and I realized that Welcome Farms could really be something big."

Soon after, Chef David began connecting other local chefs with Samantha and her family at Welcome Farms to meet the demand for fresh, farm-to-table

goods in restaurants. Welcome Farms now supplies homegrown ingredients for a number of different restaurants, including Cinclare (Chef Logan), Fremin’s (Chef Kevin), Cristiano (Chef Lindsay), and 531 Liberty Cafe (Chef David). Welcome Farms operates "Spring" and "Winter" gardens out of eight 60-foot beds, and offers a personal touch that would be difficult to find elsewhere. "If chefs ever have a particular request, we are always happy to accommodate them," said Samantha. "If someone wanted a certain vegetable that we hadn't grown yet, we often say, 'hey, let’s try it and get it ready for next season!' We are here to work for and with the community."

However, providing local chefs and home cooks with fresh food is not the only way Welcome Farms is serving the Terrebonne-Lafourche area. Samantha has taken the time to invest in outreach, particularly with local children, to teach them about nature, gardening, and elementary biology. "Just recently, I was able to give a small workshop at the Terrebonne Parish Public Library to students about chickens, bees, and gardening," said Samantha. "We had so much fun playing with real beekeeper equipment, learning about the life cycle of a chicken and the egg, and more. It was amazing to see how much they picked up in just one day." Participants in the workshop got to pet one of the chickens from Welcome Farms, see the

difference between a store bought and farm fresh egg, learn about what seeds need to grow, and create a fun "dirt" snack.

"As we continue to grow, I want to expand our focus on outreach and create an in-house field trip experience, where I can go to different libraries or schools and teach our kids these important lessons," said Samantha. "We want to be a good resource for local kids to learn about this lifestyle and where their food comes from— it doesn't just appear at the grocery store! It’s a new concept for us, and we are excited to see where it goes."

For the Joseph Family, the success of Welcome Farms has had a tremendous impact on their quality of life, and their love for the work they do is apparent. "Both Samantha and I have spent our entire lives in service of others, as active duty military and within the medical field," explained Luke. "So getting to provide for our community in this new way—through fresh, healthy, homegrown food— has been a great experience for us and our family."

Samantha echoed similar sentiments, saying, "For me, it is just wonderful to be able to own my own time again while still finding a way to help out others. There are obviously very difficult and time-consuming aspects to gardening, and it can be very difficult– but I love knowing that if I need a break or time to do something with my kids, I can do that. It is such a privilege to spend this time with them while serving the community."

As far as the future of Welcome Farms, there is nothing but blue skies and bright days ahead—as they continue to nourish both bodies and spirits, the Joseph Family’s legacy of love for the land and dedication to community will be around for years to come! POV

or call

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.

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.

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

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.”

“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

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

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.

EAR, NOSE & THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS)

Matthew Beyer, MD

Vance Broussard, MD

Brett Cordes, MD

Jacques Gaudet, MD

David Hagen, MD

Justin Tenney, MD

Guy Zeringue Ill, MD

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Brent Tatford, MD

ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Lane Frey, MD

GASTROENTEROLOGISTS

Stephen Duplechain, MD

Charles Monier Jr., MD

Pasam Rao, MD

Justin Toups, MD

FAMILY PRACTICE

Alan Fortier, MD

Eric Gravois, MD

Kyle Guidry, MD

Billy Hillman Jr., MD

Joshua Huval, MD

Keith Landry, MD

Aimee Moran, MD

Daniel Naul, MD

Dirk Ory, MD

Devin Owens, MD

Jody Plaisance, MD

Caroline Robichaux, MD

Francis Robichaux, MD

Jarelle Scott, MD

Matthew Taylor, MD

Jenny Templet, MD

Roland Waguespack Jr., MD

GENERAL SURGEONS

William Bisland Jr., MD

Mark Hebert, MD

Barry Landry, MD

Brian Marino, MD

GYNECOLOGISTS

Steven Alevizon, MD

John Bloss, MD

Catherine Diebold, MD

Johnny Perez, MD, PhD

Elliot Scott, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Chester Boudreaux, MD

Devin Bourgeois, MD

Thomas Gregory Chaisson, MD

Seth Guidry, MD

James Solgnet, MD

Gayathri Talluri, MD

Raja Talluri, MD

Natchez Morice Ill, MD

HOSPITALISTS

Muhammad Basit, MD

Tiffany Dufrene, MD

Brandon Gil, MD

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Paul Monier, MD

MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS

Gerardo Arias, MD

Scott Hebert, MD

Omer Khokhar, MD

Ashish Udhrain, MD

NEPHROLOGISTS

Kevin Modisette, MD

Allen Vander, MD

Jessica Baity, MD

Tashfin Huq, MD

Ebony McKinnies, MD

Derek Neupert, MD

OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS

Amy Ashton, MD

Nicole Prosperie, MD

Anne Rodrigue, DO

Christopher Rodrigue Jr., MD

Johnathan Wise, MD

Rhandi Wise, MD

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS

David Baughman, DDS, MD

Martin Duplantier, DDS

Christopher Saal, DDS, MD

Deepak Awasthi, MD

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Richard Arceneaux, MD

Satish Arora, MD

Jonathan Carrere, MD

Lindsay Lasseigne, MD, MBA

Arthur DelaHoussaye, MD

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS

Allen Borne, MD

David Elias, MD

Patrick Ellender, MD

Lacey Giambelluca, MD

Eric Greber, MD

Jason Higgins, MD

John Hildenbrand IV, MD

Neil Maki, MD

RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS

Dani Dang, MD

Nguyen Dang, MD

RHEUMATOLOGISTS

Beau Boudreaux, MD

Ross Thibodaux, MD

SLEEP MEDICINE

RADIOLOGISTS

Blain Arthurs, MD

Robert Burris, MD

Gregory Dobard, MD

Jay Fakier, MD

Carlos Gimenez, MD

Ricky Miller, MD

UROLOGISTS

Thomas Dukovac, MD

Stephanie Hughes, MD

Walter Simoneaux Jr., MD

ASSOCIATE

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Manjit Wadhwa

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Richard Abben

Dr. Anil Chagarlamudi

Dr. Peter Fail

Dr. William Ladd

Dr. Vinod Nair

Dr. Darrell Solet

CARDIOVASCULAR

SURGERY

EAR, NOSE & THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGY)

Dr. Charles Moore

Dr. Chad Simon

Dr. Nicholas Sorrel

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Jeremy Benoit

Dr. Larick David

Dr. Maxime Demers

Dr. William Fletcher, Jr.

Dr. Joseph Fraiman

Dr. Brian Hilands

Dr. Robert Amado-Cattaneo

Dr. Michael Firstenberg

Dr. John Pool

DENTISTRY

Dr. Christy Marcello

Dr. Steven Marcello

Dr. Kristoffer Norbo

Dr. Murray Rabalais

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Kristal Guidroz

Dr. Marc Labat

Dr. Carl Mickman

Dr. Steve Morgan, Jr.

Dr. Falon Perrin

Dr. Daniel Samet

Dr. Quan Shi

GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Kristi Prejeant

GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Judith Blaise

HOSPITALIST

Dr. Ranese Jeffery

Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy

Dr. Bipasha Nath

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. Julie Gallois

Dr. Raegan Gupta

STAFF PHYSICIANS

Dr Michelle Knecht

Dr. Christy Mumphrey

Dr. Jessica Patrick-Esteve

Dr. Jeffrey Surcouf

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Gregory Maidoh

Dr. Herminio Suazo-Vasquez

OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Lily Hanna

OPTOMETRY

Dr. Darby Chiasson

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Dr. John Faust

Dr. Tamara Huff

Dr. William Johnson, III

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Adolfo Cuadra

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Stefanie Cheang

Dr. Kelly Gajewski

Dr. Minghua Hao

Dr. Thomas Kimball

Dr. James Krulisky

Dr. Scott Macicek

Dr. Shannon Powell

Dr. Steffan Sernich

Dr. Song-Gui Yang

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Mark Stalder

Dr. Ravi Tandon

PODIATRY

Dr. Phillip Corona

UROLOGY

Dr. Stephen Charbonnet

Dr. Haden Lafaye

Roger Stueben, MD

CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTH

The cardiologists at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) are leaders in the most advanced cardiovascular treatments, offering highly-specialized, comprehensive cardiovascular care to our community. CIS not only has 21 locations, including its first clinic in Houma, but it is also a premier location that attracts patients from around the world who seek groundbreaking treatments to improve their quality of life.

In 41 years of innovation, CIS has pioneered more than 150 cardiovascular “firsts,” which include new procedures, devices or innovations, and many of which are the first and only in the state or southeast U.S. CIS physicians have formed the largest peripheral vascular and structural heart programs in the region, specializing in every area of cardiovascular disease, such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, valve disease and vein disease. CIS cardiologists perform interventional procedures at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray, Louisiana and in the catheterization lab at Terrebonne General Health System. Let’s look at some of the subspecialties and complex areas of treatment offered by CIS.

types of interventional procedures, however some specialize in more complex procedures, such as treatment for chronic total occlusions in the coronary arteries.

HEART RHYTHM DISORDERS

Cardiac electrophysiologists, often referred to as EPs, are cardiologists who have additional medical training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Think of an electrophysiologist as an electrician, specializing in the heart’s electrical function, whereas an interventional cardiologist acts more

or diseased, the heart muscle must work harder to pump blood, leading to the potential need for valve replacement. In addition, holes in the heart and other congenital conditions can be treated with minimally-invasive treatments offered by CIS.

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE (PVD)

The arteries and veins of your legs are included in your cardiovascular system. Peripheral vascular disease in the legs can be identified with symptoms such as swelling or cramping in the legs, discoloration, or ulcers. CIS is known for its state-of-theart interventional procedures and innovative therapies to treat vascular disease in the legs and save limbs and lives. In-clinic vein treatments are offered as well.

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

All cardiologists can diagnose and manage heart disease. What differs is that interventionalists 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

as a plumber, focusing on the vascular function of the heart and peripheral vessels. Electrophysiologists treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation, fast or slow heartbeat, or other arrhythmia disorders. CIS offers expert treatment of these conditions with procedures such as ablations.

STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE

Structural heart disease, congenital defects, and the valves of the heart also require specialized treatment. If one of the four heart valves becomes damaged

The comprehensive care offered by CIS makes the Bayou Region a prime location for those needing the most advanced cardiovascular care. “Patients from all states and countries are coming to Houma, Louisiana for our advanced peripheral vascular programs,” said Dr. Craig Walker, founder, president and medical director at CIS. “Thousands of physicians from all over the world have come to this area to train and observe the procedures we are doing. Overall, our mission is to provide these patients with the highest-quality cardiovascular care available.”

To learn more about CIS or request an appointment, visit www.cardio.com.

SLMA SKIN BAR - MEDI SPA

Dr. Danielle Angeron embarked on her medical career amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav in Houma. Balancing the demands of three young children in a challenging environment, she found her footing. From her high school days, she knew medicine was her calling, later realizing that family medicine held a special place in her heart. The varied patient encounters, the bonds formed over time, and witnessing generations grow alongside her were a privilege of her practice.

Joining SLMA opened doors to pursue her interests in aesthetics and obesity medicine. Collaborating with colleagues like Meghan Mella Pellegrin and welcoming massage therapist Angel Deloach, she expanded her horizons, finding joy

in helping clients rediscover their confidence and well-being.

Becoming board certified in obesity medicine marked a significant step in Dr. Angeron’s journey, driven by a passion to assist patients struggling with weight issues. With compassion and understanding, she navigates the complexities of obesity, embracing the advancements in treatments with enthusiasm.

Yet, amidst all her achievements, it is the relationships forged over 15 years that have brought her the greatest pride. Being there for her patients through medical challenges and life’s trials is a privilege she cherishes above all. In their stories, she finds purpose, and in their trust, she finds fulfillment.

CLINICAL RESEARCH

At Tandem Clinical Research in Houma, Dr. Conar Fitton isn't just practicing medicine – he’s shaping its future, one patient at a time. With over two decades of expertise in gastroenterology, Dr. Fitton serves as the Principal Investigator, spearheading groundbreaking trials on conditions like fatty liver disease, gastroparesis, heartburn and Alzheimer’s disease.

After earning degrees from prestigious institutions like the University of Notre Dame and Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Fitton honed his skills through internships and fellowships across the country before finding his calling at Tandem Clinical Research.

Tandem Clinical Research isn't your average clinic – it’s a hub of innovation, conducting over 400 research trials in various therapeutic areas, from vaccines to neurology. With a mission to advance medical science while enhancing patient

Dr. Fitton’s role as Principal Investigator goes beyond overseeing trials – it’s about leadership and patient advocacy. He leads a dedicated team, ensuring trials run smoothly

while prioritizing patient safety and data integrity. For Dr. Fitton, the work is both challenging and rewarding, especially when tackling diseases with no known cures.

Clinical research isn't static – it’s dynamic and ever-evolving. Dr. Fitton thrives on the constant innovation, knowing that each trial brings the possibility of discovering new, more effective treatments. From memory screenings to liver scans, Tandem Clinical Research provides comprehensive care, empowering patients to shape their health and the health of future generations.

Join Dr. Conar Fitton and the team at Tandem Clinical Research in Houma on a journey to transform healthcare. Together, let’s pave the way for a healthier tomorrow.

For more information, call Tandem Clinical Research in Houma today or visit www. TandemClinicalResearch.com. Research is the remedy.

quality of life, Tandem’s impact stretches from Louisiana to New York City to Florida.

A Legacy of Healing

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. Pradeep Nair Cardiology

Dr. Vinod Nair Cardiology

Dr. Shane Prejean Cardiology

Dr. Craig Walker Cardiology

Dr. Deborah McCollum Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. McCall Walker Cardiology

Dr. Kanwar Singh Cardiology

Dr. Michael Prejean, Jr. Anesthesiology

Dr. Jared Roussel Anesthesiology

Dr. Richard Abben Cardiology

Dr. Ayush Arora Cardiology

Dr. Darrell Solet Cardiology

Dr. Peter Fail Cardiology

Dr. Matthew Finn Cardiology

Dr. Avaneesh Jakkoju Cardiology

Dr. William Ladd Cardiology

Dr. Owen Mogabgab Cardiology

Dr. Paritosh Kafle Cardiology

Dr. Donald Netherland Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Brian Falkner Emergency Medicine

Dr. Guy Lefort Emergency Medicine

Dr. Phillip Paulk Emergency Medicine

Dr. Ian Watson Dermatology

Dr. Gerald Foret, III Emergency Medicine

Dr. David Lewis Emergency Medicine

Dr. Bret Pearce Emergency Medicine

Dr. Miguel Aguilera Jr Emergency Medicine

Dr. Samuel Ganier Emergency Medicine

Dr. Stephen Lim Emergency Medicine

Dr. Harold Plauche Emergency Medicine

Dr. Elisa Arrillaga Emergency Medicine

Dr. Casey Hastings Emergency Medicine

Dr. Brandon Mong Emergency Medicine

Dr. Brian Roberts Emergency Medicine

Dr. Wesley Blocker Emergency Medicine

Dr. Lewis Hunt-Irving, III Emergency Medicine

Dr. Charles Ochello, Jr. Emergency Medicine

Dr. Mace Scott Emergency Medicine

Dr. Stanford White Emergency Medicine

Dr. Larick David Emergency Medicine

Dr. Ryan Jupiter Emergency Medicine

Dr. Justin Okons Emergency Medicine

Dr. Michael Straney Emergency Medicine

Dr. Sindhura Bandaru Endocrinology

William St. Martin Family Medicine

Dr. Neil Lyons General Surgery

Dr. Rachel Coleman Endocrinology

Dr. James Matthew Watkins, Jr. Family Medicine

Dr. David Rau General Surgery

Dr. Dominique Monlezun Hospital Medicine

Dr. Richard Haydel Family Medicine

Dr. Michael Watkins Family Medicine

Dr. Frederick Rau General Surgery

Dr. Bipasha Nath Hospital Medicine

Dr. Arthur Toups Hospital Medicine

Dr. Scott Haydel Family Medicine

Dr. David Pellegrin Gastroenterology

Dr. Donald Schwab, Jr. General Surgery

Dr. Brian Matherne Family Medicine

General Surgery

Dr. Mary Eschete Infectious Diseases

Dr. Logan Ledet Infectious Diseases

Dr. Caleb Dupre Hospital Medicine

Dr. Nicholas Rau Family Medicine

Dr. Eric Jukes General Surgery

Dr. Renata Harkcom Hospital Medicine

Dr.

Dr. Sarah Oncale Hospital Medicine

Dr. Oleg Sinyavskiy Hospital Medicine

Dr. Nathan Sutton Hospital Medicine

Dr. T. Christopher Berry

Dr. Fadi Abou-Issa Internal Medicine

Dr. Emma Fleckman Hospital Medicine

Dr. Adam Arceneaux Internal Medicine

Dr. Gregory Maidoh Nephrology

Dr. Richard Clement, Jr. Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Janeiro Valle Goffin Oncology/ Hematology

Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel, II Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Alain Chesnut Internal Medicine

Dr. Allen Vander Nephrology

Dr. Sheena Duplantis Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Rockne Hymel III Oncology/ Radiation

Dr. Sina Pourtaheri Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Russell Henry Internal Medicine

Dr. Nicholas Rome Neurology

Dr. Charon Gentile Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Sukesh Manthri Oncology

Geoffrey Stone Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Patrick Walker Internal Medicine

Dr. Christine Albrecht Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Elena Mann Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Lesley Meng Oncology/ Hematology

Dr. Chad Simon Otolaryngology

Dr. Sandra Grant Neonatology

Dr. Michelle Andre Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Erin Pennison Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Brett Casey Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Bedford Nieve-Cruz Neonatology

Dr. Robert Cazayoux, Jr. Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Channing Sanders Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Dr. Christopher Cenac, Jr. Orthopedic Surgery

Dr.

Dr. Matthew Beyer Otorhinolaryngology

Dr. Aruna Sangisetty Pediatrics

Dr. Ralph Bourgeois Pulmonary Diseases

Dr. Bryan Rau Radiology

Dr. David Hagen Otorhinolaryngology

Dr. Courtnie Seaton Pediatrics

Dr. Peomia C. Brown Pulmonary Medicine/ Critical Care/Sleep Medicine

Dr. Jeremy Rau Radiology

Dr. Stephen Charbonnet Urology

Dr. Logan St. Cyr Palliative Medicine

Dr. Jill Sutton Pediatrics

Dr. Ugochukwu Ezema Pulmonary Medicine Critical Care

Dr. John Steigner Radiology

Dr. Haden Lafaye Urology

Dr. Brigitte DeMoss Pathology

Dr. Hector Linares Physical Medicine/ Rehabilitation

Tania Kohal Pulmonary Medicine Critical Care

Dr. William Tiemann Radiology

Dr. Michael Isabelle Wound Care

Dr. Andrew Hoffmann, III Pathology

Dr. Jeffrey Rau Plastic Surgery

Dr. Andrea Lorio Pulmonary Medicine Critical Care

Dr. Anne Walker Radiology

Dr. Amber Poirot Wound Care

Dr. Josean Ramos Pathology

Waybrun Hebert, III Podiatry

Dr. Ashley Prejean Radiology

Dr. Robert Alexander Urology

Dr. Nicole McKee Administrative Staff

Dr.

ASSOCIATE CONSULTING:

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Alexis R. Duke

Dr. Philip M. Neal ENDOCRINOLOGY

Dr. Mariam H. Menhem

Dr. David A. Sisam FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Kirk A. Dantin III

Dr. Robert W. Davis

Dr. Andre F. Guidry

Dr. Mark A. Walker INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Anne E. Price NEUROLOGICAL INTRAOPERATIVE MONITORING

Dr. Kevin J. Callerame

Dr. James N. Domingue

Dr. Crystal S. Janani

Dr. Gregory Ward NEUROLOGY

Dr. Robin C. Davis

Dr. Tiffany N. Eady

Dr. Colin N. Van Hook

Dr. David L. Weir ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Dr. Allen T. Borne

Dr. Christopher E. Cenac Sr. OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Dr. Jacques E. Gaudet

Dr. Nicholas C. Sorrel

Dr. Justin M. Tenney

Dr. Guy P. Zeringue III PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Karl G. Haydel Jr.

Dr. Jimmy N. Ponder Jr. PATHOLOGY

Dr. Tim G. Peterson PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Katerina A. Boucek

Dr. Stefanie Y. Cheang

Dr. Ivory I. Crittendon III

Dr. Kamill R. Del Toro

Dr. Kelly K. Gajewski

Dr. Minghua A. Hao

Dr. Walter J. Hoyt Jr.

Dr. Thomas R. Kimball

Dr. James S. Krulisky

Dr. Diego A. Lara

Dr. Victor W. Lucas Jr.

Dr. Scott L. Macicek

Dr. Prashant K. Minocha

Dr. Jessica H. Mouledoux

Dr. Theodorus J. Mulder

Dr. Shannon K. Powell

Dr. Steffan Sernich

Dr. Michael D. Weiland Jr.

Dr. Michael G. White

Dr. Song-Gui Yang

Dr. Thomas W. Young

PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY

Dr. Fawad A. Khan

Dr. Isaac A. Molinero Rosales

Dr. Stephen L. Nelson Jr. PODIATRY

Dr. Andrea J. Leonards

Dr. Adam J. Ziegenbusch TELESTROKE

Dr. Osvaldo A. Camilo

Dr. Louis A. Cannizzaro

Dr. Daniel M. Chehebar

Dr. Himanshu Chokhawala

Dr. Giuseppe Ciccotto

Dr. Julia I. Deyeva

Dr. Lauren E. Dunn

Dr. Ifeanyi O. Iwuchukwu

Dr. Muhammad T. Khan

Dr. Namir A. Khandker

Dr. Tara A. Kimbrough

Dr. Kim M. Lee

Dr. Uday S. Nadimpally

Dr. Mugilan Poongkunran

Dr. Chintan Rupareliya

Dr. Joseph Tarsia III

Dr. Gabriel A. Vidal

Dr. Richard M. Zweifler

ASSOCIATE

COURTESY: ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Beau M. Bergeron

Dr. Jeffrey Borchardt

Dr. Scott B. Branting

Dr. Michael A. Cordone

Dr. Katherine Cox

Dr. Henry A. Hawney

Dr. Julia B. Kendrick

Dr. Julia Kendrick

Dr. Brooke L. LeBlanc

Dr. Rustin L. Roberts CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Amit N. Amin

Dr. Robert H. Drennan

Dr. Ahmad Y. Jabbar

Dr. Christopher L. Paris

Dr. Mohammed S. Rais

Dr. Akshit Sharma

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Mary A. Difranco HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY

Dr. Robert K. Gamble

NEONATOLOGY

Dr. Lisa M. Barbiero NEPHROLOGY

Dr. James K. Modisette PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Dr. Monica V. Benson RADIOLOGY

Dr. Syed A. Akbar

Dr. Sandeep N. Amesur

Dr. Asif N. Anwar

Dr. Suzanne L. Aquino

Dr. Kristen B. Ashby

Dr. Daniel M. Baker

Dr. David K. Bass

Dr. Troy A. Belle

Dr. Robert Berger

Dr. Michael D. Berven

Dr. John W. Boardman

Dr. James Brull

Dr. Dennis M. Burton

Dr. Mark L. Camens

Dr. Courtney C. Carter

Dr. Lillian W. Cavin

Dr. Corey W. Chopra

Dr. Bhavika R. Dave

Dr. Stephen D. DeFriez

Dr. Elizabeth C. Dubovsky

Dr. Kenneth A. Edgar

Dr. Mark A. Faltaous

Dr. Rashmi Hande

Dr. James C. Haug

Dr. Laura A. Hotchkiss

Dr. Lisa B. Hughes

Dr. Miriam B. Hulkower

Dr. Vitaly Z. Izgur

Dr. Feras M. Jalab

Dr. Ellen Johnson

Dr. Perry P. Kaneriya

Dr. Russell O. Kosik

Dr. William E. Phillips II

Dr. Asti Pilika

Dr. Teppe Popovich

Dr. Paul J. Ramirez

Dr. William T. Randazzo

Dr. Avez A. Rizvi

Dr. Richard D. Rossin

Dr. William J. Rusnak

Dr. Faranak Sadri Tafazoli

Dr. Dishant G. Shah

Dr. Shree J. Shah

Dr. Masood A. Siddiqui

Dr. Mona A. Silady

Dr. Sanford M. Smoot

Dr. Kimberly A. Taylor

Dr. Qazi F. Uddin

Dr. Thomas A. Vanderjagt

Dr. Alexander R. Vogel

Dr. Charles W. Westin

Dr. Anthony J. Willis UROLOGY

Dr. Thomas E. Dukovac

Dr. Stephanie E. Hughes

Dr. Walter J. Simoneaux Jr. WOUND CARE

Dr. Luis R. Arencibia ASSOCIATE SUBSPECIALTY: ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Dr. Robert D. Haydel Jr. GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Brian J. Marino MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE

Dr. Joseph R. Biggio Jr.

Dr. Roberto X. Calix

Dr. Sherri A. Longo NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Herminio M. Suazo-Vasquez ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Dr. David G. Baughman

Dr. Martin J. Duplantier

Dr. Christopher J. Saal PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Michael S. Haydel PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. Horatio S. Eustis Jr.

Dr. Rachel T. Fuerst

Dr. Daniel G. Nelson

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Mark W. Stalder

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Dr. Andrew C. Elson

Dr. Sheldon A. Johnson

Dr. Konstantin A. Kovtun

Dr. Charles G. Wood

COMMUNITY

AFFILIATE STAFF: FAMILY MEDICINE:

Dr. Joseph M. Garcia

Dr. Danielle D. Angeron

Dr. Seth T. Haydel NOT PICTURED: EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Bradley Blasiar

Dr. Phillip LeBas

HOSPITAL MEDICINE

Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy

Terrebonne Parish is home to 11 different recreation districts, each offering different options for recreation enthusiasts seeking to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. Our residents and visitors can discover a myriad of opportunities to embrace an active lifestyle.

Whether diving into refreshing pools and splash pads or gearing up for group aerobics classes, Terrebonne Parish beckons adventurers to explore! You can keep up with most Recreation districts on Facebook!

Here are a few local recreation districts that offer ways to stay healthy and well:

The Coteau-Bayou Blue Park recently completed phase 1, to include a new playground and a walking track. Future plans include a putt putt golf course and a dog park. Randolph Park offers different pavilions for rental and even includes a boiling station!

Westgate Park recently reopened and now includes a new ADA handicap accessible playground system with swings, a large and small dog park, and a 36’x36’ pavilion. Also included is handicap parking and a sidewalk for access from the neighborhood. Summerfield Adaptive Park includes a disc golf course (equipment can be borrowed from the Main Branch Library), along with multiple playground areas, including an adaptive area, and bathrooms. The large oaks in this park also make for great spots to hold a picnic with friends! Rec. 2 / 3 also oversees the Fireman’s Skatepark at the Civic Center. The skatepark includes ramps, rails, and a restroom for athletes.

Recreation District 7 has recently broken ground on a new splash park and fishing pier! At the Lagniappe Park on Klondyke Road, new equipment includes an adult outdoor fitness park, and an inclusive playground. This park also includes a pavilion and a skate ramp area.

The Bayou Black Park and Gym are home to many community amenities. The pool and splash park offer ways to cool down on hot summer days. Swimming lessons are offered during the summer months. The gym is home to multiple sports including basketball, pickleball, volleyball and more! Covered courts outside also offer additional room. The park includes multiple pavilions available for rent, a shaded playground, adult fitness area, and a walking track. Bayou Black also offers a summer camp program.

The Dularge Gym is the center for fun this summer! With two gyms to serve their community, multiple activities can take place at one time! The pool also offers swimming lessons and public swim times. Monthly free senior lunches help keep our seniors moving and visiting with others. A community workout room includes equipment that can be used for free to stay fit. Dularge also offers a popular summer camp program. The Harold Castell Walking Track encourages the public to keep moving! Dularge also offers seasonal programming to the public, including the Snowflake Pageant! You can keep up with this Rec. district on Facebook!

Located near Nicholls State University, Peltier Park features ADA Compliant playground equipment, barbeque pits, covered picnic areas, a life trail, pentanque and pickle ball courts, along with a nice restroom area.

The pool is open to the public May 28 - July 31, 2024 (closed June 19 and July 4). Swimming is available Monday-Saturday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.

Local flavors and creativity come to life at a variety of farmer's markets in our area. These markets offer a bounty of fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique experiences, serving as vibrant gathering spots to connect and support local businesses. Each market

showcases the rich culture and dedication of our farmers, crafters, and makers, reflecting our community's commitment to quality and tradition. Offering fresh, local produce, delightful crafts, and lively entertainment, these markets provide perfect opportunities for

Downtown Houma Makers Market at the Library

151 Library Drive, Houma

Discover unique, locally grown, created, and produced items! The Downtown Houma Maker's Market is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 3 p.m. until dark. Saturday markets are held about four times a year with the next one taking place on September 14. Note: No markets in June, July, and August due to the heat. Follow the market on Facebook for information about weekly vendors, offerings and more.

Market at the Marina

Downtown Houma Marina, located under the Twin Span bridges

community members to embrace healthy living, discover unique creations, and enjoy the best of what the area has to offer. Dive into our guide to explore the highlights and schedules of these wonderful local markets!

Terrebonne General Health System and the Houma Downtown Development Association host a Market at the Marina on the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. rain or shine. The monthly markets feature foods, products, non-profit organizations, food court vendors, kids’ games and physical activities, as well as St. Matthew’s Episcopal School STEM Lab. Attendees can expect seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread, jams, jellies, tea, meat and seafood, baked goods, pet treats, kettle corn, eggrolls, body items, candles, flowers, woodworking, dog treats, and more. For the most up-to-date event information, including location changes, follow Market at the Marina on Facebook and Instagram or visit tghealthsystem.com. In the event of rain, the market relocates to the Terrebonne General Parking Garage.

Cajun Farmer's Market

Tunnel Blvd., Houma

Stock up on seasonal vegetables and fruits that abound from local gardens in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Mary Parishes. Fresh foods such as green beans, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, blackberries, tomatoes, broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage, and citrus can be found seasonally. Typically in the mornings from Monday through Saturday, farmers will pop up tents and set up tailgates in a lot on Tunnel Blvd. across from Dumas Auditorium, providing fresh, local produce directly to the community. Follow the Cajun Farmer’s Market on Facebook for updates.

Live Healthy Thibodaux Markets Corner of Tiger Dr and Highway 1

As an extension of LSU Ag, Live Healthy Thibodaux Markets take place year round on Mondays from 3-5:30 Some of the delicious offerings include fresh crab meat, spring rolls, egg rolls, eggs, pork skins, bacon chips, honey, popcorn, jellies, cookies, plants, pies and seasonal fruits and veggies like cucumbers, yellow squash, potatoes, blackberries, and zucchini. Follow Live Healthy Thibodaux on Facebook for healthy recipes, exercise tips and articles related to healthy living, as well as updates on status of the weekly markets. The market also accepts Louisiana Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program vouchers.

Urban on the Bayou

819 W. 1st St., Thibodaux

The Carrot Patch announced the opening of their new farmer’s market this summer! Starting June 1, the market will take place on the grounds of the Carrot Patch on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Support local farmers and makers while enjoying fresh produce and handmade goods. Open year round, the market will focus on farm to table products, and the garden. A wide variety of items from goat’s milk soap, veggies, fruits, eggs, honey, freshly processed meats and seafood, herbs, smoothies, sweet treats, and garden related items such as benches and beds will be available. Stay updated with the latest information by following the Carrot Patch on Facebook.

Super Saturday Marketplace at the Lafourche Central Market

4484 LA Hwy. 1, Raceland

Starting in June, the Lafourche Central Market's Super Saturday Marketplace will take place year round on the third Saturday of each month. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the covered pavilion, guests can enjoy a variety of handmade craft, live music, and indulge in local favorites like hog head cheese, cracklins, homemade jams, cookies, cakes, pies, flea market, games, giveaways and more! Don't miss out on this monthly community celebration! Follow the market on Facebook for updates and announcements.

Local flavors and creativity come to life at a variety of farmer's markets in our area. These markets offer a bounty of fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique experiences, serving as vibrant gathering spots to connect and support local businesses. Each market showcases the rich culture and dedication of our farmers, crafters, and makers, reflecting our community's commitment to quality and

CHEERS TO CHEERS TO

BY ISABELLE PINTO AND MARY DITCH | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Terrebonne General Health System is celebrating its platinum jubilee, marking 70 years of dedicated service to the community!

The hospital, which originally opened its doors in 1954 with 76 beds and fewer than 80 staff members, has since transformed into a prominent healthcare facility-today, it stands as the largest community Health System in Southeast Louisiana. It boasts 321 beds, is nationally recognized, and has garnered numerous awards and accolades.

Leading Terrebonne General Health System is Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO, who oversees a healthcare team of over 1,500 employees and more than 450 medical staff providers, offering an extensive range of 42 specialties. The Health System has grown to include two outpatient surgery centers, Physicians Medical Center and Gulf Coast Surgical Center; an outpatient diagnostic center; and seven clinics. With 38 years of experience in healthcare administration, Phyllis has held her current position since 2003.

Terrebonne General Health System continues to thrive under Phyllis' leadership, fostering their signature family-like culture. Long-term employees who have spent their entire careers at Terrebonne General attest to an environment that not only presents challenges but also provides opportunities for growth and development. This unique culture allows individuals to contribute meaningfully in an environment where

they help people during their most vulnerable moments.

“The satisfaction derived from being part of something larger than oneself is rewarding,” shared Phyllis. “Healthcare is not just a profession but a calling to make a difference in the lives of others."

Over the years, Terrebonne General has expanded its medical services to meet the community’s ever-evolving needs. “We’re really big on helping to educate people about healthcare and about their health. We don't want to be seen as just a place you come to when you're sick. We are the place you come to help your health throughout your lifespan. As healthcare evolves, so do we.”

This philosophy is evident as you learn more about the state-of-the-art technology employed across all the healthcare endeavors the hospital faces.

Terrebonne General’s cardiology services are renowned globally, featuring procedures and leading-edge research conducted by top cardiologists. As partners with the Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) for over 40 years, Terrebonne General provides exceptional cardiovascular care, posed at the forefront of diagnosing, treating, and performing a multitude of complex cardiovascular procedures annually, with over 229,000 heart procedures completed in its 70-year history.

The Women’s Health Center, recently recognized as a Birth Ready and Blue Distinction facility, delivers over 1,600

babies annually. Further, the Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center provides quality cancer care close to home–the newly renovated center offers an expansive infusion suite, a fitness and wellness area, state-of-theart radiation oncology, free clinical trials and screenings, as well as compassionate physicians for the most advanced cancer treatment.

The hospital also offers orthopedic services, ranging from minimally invasive to advanced orthopedic procedures with state-of-the-art techniques and implants. Board-certified orthopedic surgeons included two board-certified spine surgeons who practice advanced orthopedic procedures, minimally invasive spine procedures, hip/knee replacements, and sports medicine.

Terrebonne General’s dedication to community health is exemplified through its Healthy Lifestyles Center, offering a range of services such as Wellness for Life, Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Diabetes Management, Weight Management, the Performance Training Center, a Mobile Care Clinic, Emergency Department, and the Community Sports Institute. The latter plays a significant role in fostering health and wellness by partnering with local schools and providing certified athletic trainers to support student-athletes in injury prevention and triage. Free Concussion testing for all students and CPR classes for all coaches are provided annually.

Phyllis emphasizes that Terrebonne

General sees its primary responsibility as serving the people of the community. The hospital’s corporate strategy is centered on the needs of the community, and they actively seek input through regular surveys. The goal is to align services with what is best for patients and the community, and there is a commitment to adapting and evolving based on these needs.

"The core mission of Terrebonne General’s is to provide exceptional healthcare with compassion," continued Phyllis. "The hospital is dedicated to treating each patient with the highest quality healthcare in a caring and comfortable environment, aiming to make them feel like they are part of the family. The hospital’s staff is made up of individuals who are not just healthcare professionals but also patients, family, and friends. These individuals have chosen the healthcare profession with the specific goal of making a positive difference in the lives of the patients they serve. This commitment reflects the hospital’s emphasis on fostering a sense of community and personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives not only medical expertise but also warmth and support throughout their healthcare journey."

board members, and volunteers of Terrebonne General Health System who are dedicated to improving quality of life and promoting healthy lifestyles in our community. Team Terrebonne members seek to lead by example and to use their energies, talents, and compassion to make our area Louisiana’s best place to live, work, and raise our families. Since its inception in 2007, Team Terrebonne volunteers have provided 155,907 hours of service to our community.

With 70 years of healthcare in the books,

Center, aimed to promote community health and fitness, as well as use of advanced technology diagnostics, such as robotic assisted navigational bronchoscopy, to detect lung cancer sooner in patients. Terrebonne General also plans to leverage automation in its services, incorporating wearable devices, telehealth, and MyChart to bring convenience to patients. Additionally, research is being done on how aspects of AI can be responsibly instituted to benefit patients, staff, physicians, and advanced practice providers. Terrebonne General has also recently completed a retail pharmacy, allowing patients to receive prescription medications before leaving the hospital with its Meds to Beds program. The health system will continue to offer COVID tests, vaccines, and other necessary immunizations through its Drive-Thru Center, providing a convenient and accessible option for the community.

The family environment does not just apply to employees and patients, however, but reaches the community as a whole, through Team Terrebonne. Team Terrebonne is composed of civic-minded employees, administrators, physicians,

Terrebonne General plans to continue serving the community with highquality, cutting-edge care. Future plans include the completion of Cancer Center expansion to ensure comprehensive and innovative care for cancer patients at all stages of treatment and recovery. The expansion includes an expansive infusion suite and an innovative group activities space for meditation and alternative therapies.

There are also plans for a future Wellness

The commitment to continually achieve exceptional performance on quality standards and benchmarks will be maintained, as Phyllis and the entire staff of Terrebonne General Health System recognize the evolving nature of healthcare and emphasizes its readiness to adapt by incorporating the latest innovations and technologies and expanding service offerings.

Although the future is uncertain, Phyllis feels that the team at Terrebonne General is prepared to face anything--noting their greatest professional risk during the hospital evacuation in response to

Hurricane Ida. "The primary focus during this challenging event was ensuring the safety of all patients, providing a secure place for staff and physicians to practice, and managing the unique challenges presented by Hurricane Ida," reads a statement from Phyllis. "Despite the difficulties, the situation brought out the best in people, emphasizing the resilience and collaborative efforts that emerged in the face of such challenges."

In regards to improving healthcare and enhancing people’s lives, Phyllis wishes to express two key values. "First, I want to emphasize the importance of ensuring access to high-quality healthcare, highlighting the significance of providing excellent medical services to the community," explained Phyllis. "I secondly want to acknowledge our continued respect for others' differences. Diversity is a strength, and we believe that understanding and appreciating differences contribute to creating a high-functioning and unique culture–a commitment to inclusivity and recognizing the value that diverse perspectives bring to the community is paramount to our healthcare environment."

As the Terrebonne General Health System celebrates their platinum jubilee, it is clear this is not the end of their service to the community-- and Terrebonne Parish residents can count on many more years of exceptional care from this local team of healthcare heroes! POV

ALZHEIMER'S & BRAIN HEALTH Ways to Slow Memory Loss

As people age, we sometimes chalk up memory lapses to "senior moments." However, forgetfulness and lost memories don't necessarily have to be part of aging. Research shows that a healthy lifestyle helps brains age better. While several risk factors for dementia such as family history and genetics are beyond our control, we can control diet, social interactions and exercise. Research shows that age-related dementia can be reversed or stabilized with lifestyle changes and medication before it progresses.

Watch what you eat and drink.

Following a heart healthy diet boosts brain health, as heart disease increases Alzheimer ’s risks. Even small dietary changes can benefit our brains.

• Keep anti-oxidant rich fresh or frozen fruits—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mangoes, cherries—on hand for snacking or tossing into smoothies.

• Instead of spreading butter and jam on toast for breakfast, make avocado toast. Avocados are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium and monounsaturated fatty acids.

• Regularly eating salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines—all rich in omega-3 fatty acids—can also benefit brain health.

• Follow a Mediterranean diet, which is heavy on fruits, vegetables, whole grains,

beans and olive oil and light on red meat.

• Reduce alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can directly impact the heart and the brain.

Keep moving your body and brain.

Not only does exercise benefit our bodies by helping with weight management, but it can quiet the mind and reduce stress. Lack of physical activity is linked to increased risks for heart disease, cognitive decline and frailty. Whether working out at a gym, dancing or gardening, we should find an activity we enjoy.

Practice self care.

Along with routine exams, vaccinations and other preventive health measures, caring for ourselves on even deeper levels also support brain health.

• Maintaining social relationships is crucial to physical and mental health. The CDC warns that chronic loneliness and social isolation, particularly in older people, pose serious public health risks, including a 50 percent increased risk of dementia.

• Sleep is vital for brain health. The brain flushes out toxin when we sleep, which explains why we feel groggy and lethargic when deprived of sleep. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that adults get 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly.

• Practicing monthly self-care rituals can help us feel good while also improving energy and overall mental health.

Be aware of early signs.

The American Alzheimer ’ s Association recommends being aware of 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 judgement

• Withdrawal from work or social activities

• Sudden changes in mood and personality

If displaying any of these signs, talk with a healthcare provider. The Alzheimer ’ s Association also offers a 24-hour helpline, 800-272-3900.

For more information contact Thibodaux Regional Neurology Clinic, 985.493.3090.

The Best Choice

IN

REHAB SHORT TERM

UNDER THE SCOPE

| BY JOHN DOUCET

THE LAST SHOW

OF ZIGGY STARDUST

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

Many in PoV Country know who David Bowie is. For those others, Bowie was an English rock star who performed from the late 1960s into the 2010s and scored international hits with “Fame,” “Changes,” “Golden Years,” “Rebel, Rebel,” “Under Pressure,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Modern Love,” to name a few. Bowie was also an actor, starring in the films “Zoolander” (as himself), “The Prestige” (as inventor Nikola Tesla), and “Labyrinth” (as the Goblin King lording over a cast of Jim Henson Muppets). But readers may know Bowie best from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks prequel, “Fire Walk with Me,” where he played an FBI special agent from Louisiana. However, in the film’s sequel his voice was overdubbed because his Cajun accent was so bad. (It’s really hard to fake a Cajun accent. Hard to hide one too. Ask my students.)

Bowie’s classic songs have also been used as background for Hollywood movies. The most recent and perhaps most well-known of these is the Ridley Scott-directed, Oscar-winning film from 2015, “The Martian,” which stars Matt Damon as U.S. astronaut Mark Watney who’s left stranded on the red planet after an evacuation. The film features scenes of Watney’s solitary activities with a soundtrack of a famous Bowie song, which goes like this: “There’s a starman waiting in the sky / He’d like to come and meet us / But he thinks he’ll blow our minds...”

The song “Starman” was the 1972 hit single from the oddly titled album, “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” This concept album began Bowie’s famous glam-rock period. On the album, “Ziggy Stardust” is the name of Bowie’s alter ego, an alien rock superstar who arrives on Earth to save the youth of the world from an impending apocalypse. And Ziggy’s (Bowie’s) backing band on the album was named the “Spiders from Mars.” The album was recorded amidst the worldwide excitement of landing men on the moon and release of the Stanley Kubrick film, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Bowie was continually inspired to write songs about spacey things during this period. In 1971, he recorded the escapist commentary “Life on Mars?” (1971), which has the refrain “Take a look at the lawman / Beating up the wrong guy / Wonder if he’ll ever know / He’s in the best-selling show / Is there life on Mars?” And in July 1969, the same month and year as the Apollo 11 moon landing, he released the poignant, angst-laden “Space Oddity,” which softly begins “Ground Control to Major Tom…” and continues with “Tell my wife I love her very much,…// Here am I floating round my tin can / Far above the Moon / Planet Earth is blue / And there’s nothing I can do.”

And here we are, over 50 years since those classic songs were recorded and nearly a decade after Bowie’s death, spending billions of dollars worldwide on satellites and landing crafts and surface rovers, and we’re still asking his 1971 question, “Is there life on Mars?” Has the money and technology paid off? According to images from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express Orbiter, it has! There are indeed spiders on Mars.

Now, satellite technology was in infancy during Bowie’s glam-rock heyday, and so he had no idea when he named Ziggy’s band that there were actually spiders

geyser splatterings look like hundreds of Bowie’s favorite 1970s bandmates. Seems like it’s easier to simulate spider images in outer space than a Cajun accent on Earth. But consider this: Is it coincidence that we’ve discovered no insects on Mars? Mais, je ne connais pas, me. POV

RENDEZVOUS

Thibodaux Collector Con

June 1, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

1398 Cardinal Drive

Collector’s Con will feature over 30+ vendors consisting of cosplayers, artists, video games, collectables, coffee, food, as well as tournaments, door prizes, and more. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids under 12 enter for free. Come see what the gamers from the ‘Nerdy South’ have to offer!

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

June 6, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Houma and Thibodaux

The St. Juan Diego Route will pass directly through Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes visiting St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, St. Bernadette Soubirous, Christ the Redeemer, St. Genevieve, St. Luke, and St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. Check with the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for more details.

Houma-Terrebonne Community

Band 40th Anniversary Concert

June 6, 6:30 p.m.

Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center

The local musical group will celebrate with a special 40th Anniversary Concert with both the Stage and Concert Band performing. Tickets are $25, which includes a meal. Contact the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band on social media to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

47th Annual Cajun Heritage Festival

June 7 - 9

Larose Civic Center

Head down to Larose for the annual decoy show, auction, carving demos, duck calling and more!

50th Annual Gheens Bon Mange Festival

June 7 - 9

Vacherie Gheens Community Center. Celebrate 50 years at the Gheens Bon Mange Festival with live bands, auctions, great Cajun dishes, and more!

The Summer Gospel Festival

June 8, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Downtown Houma Courthouse Square

New Zion Baptist Church and Pastor David B. Gilton present the Summer Gospel Festival, featuring performances by local choirs and musical groups. Come out and enjoy arts and crafts, food, praise, and fun!

Thibodaux on Tap

June 8, 5 - 8 p.m.

Downtown Thibodaux

Come out for the 2nd Annual Thibodaux on Tap Craft Beer Fest. Grab your beerloving friends and enjoy samples of local brews, Cajun cuisine served up by local food vendors, and live music! Tickets can be purchased online. Guests must be 21 and older.

2024 Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

June 20, 6 p.m

Cypress Columns

Terrebonne General Community Sports Institute’s Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome the 2024 inductees at the seventh annual event. The sportsthemed banquet honors six local athletes and coaches highlighting their contributions and success. Tickets can be purchased by calling 985-850-6206.

Manning Passing Academy

June 27 - 30

Nicholls State University

For more than 50 years, the Manning family and the quarterback position have been practically synonymous with one another. The annual camp for high school students embraces the basic fundamentals of football while catering to the offensive skill positions of RB, TE, WR, and of course QB. POV

ANSWERS

1. Added white diamond to building 2. Removed white diamond to building 3. Removed painted window 4. Added planter 5. Removed hole from wall 6. Added bird to power line

Added clouds

Middle lamp now has light 9. Removed "Ice Cream Parlor" from sign