Lake Charles Edition
February/March 2010
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McNeese Banner Series Begins 18th Year in February It’s Time To Get Your Eyes Checked!
READ US ONLINE at savvyandsage.com (Click on “Your Area”)
The Pleasures of Spring in SWLA Eat With Color
The Latest Full Service Salon and Spa In Southwest Louisiana You’ll experience rejuvenation the moment you step in the door! Salon Evans has 7 stylists to take care of your hair care needs. Continuing education assures you of the latest styles and products!
GLOW Wellness Spa has the latest experience in Spa Services!
2Al5l%Saoloffn
We offer a variety of treatments from acrylic nails to anti-aging facials, body wraps and stress relief massages.
Products ) Available only at Salon Evans: (offer ends March 31st The Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy … a CHEMICAL FREE straightening system.
“We want our clients to Glow from the inside and out!”
We have a spot open for you! Call now to book your appointment. Tasha Evans owner Salon Evans
Jill Hebert owner Glow Salon and Wellness Spa
337 477-6868
337 477-2888
109 W. LaGrange • Lake Charles, LA
February/March 2010
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from the publishers Greetings to all of our readers! We are thrilled to announce that we are the new publishers of the Lake Area’s Savvy and Sage. When we started The Jambalaya News less than a year ago, we never thought we would be involved in another publication so soon. But we were so impressed with the quality of Savvy and Sage that we decided this was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. This issue is chock-full of the kinds of informative articles, delicious recipes, and travel tips that you’ve enjoyed in past issues. Spring is in the air, and it’s a perfect time to get out of the winter doldrums. Explore Southwest Louisiana – or think about more exotic destinations. Get your exercise regimen going. We’ve had a tough winter, so it may be fun to prepare a colorful, tasty meal to celebrate the change of season. We want our readers to enjoy their lives – and we hope that our articles reflect that. Above all, we value your feedback. Please let us know what you’d like to see in our publication. We’re here for you! Sincerely, Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque
Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque
Savvy & Sage Lake Charles Edition 715 Kirby Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 lakecharles@savvyandsage.com www.savvyandsage.com
1-14 Hope Therapy .5h:Layout 1 1/6/10 3:24 PM Page 1
Hope Therapy Center Hope Therapy Center is a comprehensive outpatient clinic located on East Prien Lake Road here in Lake Charles. We provide physical, occupational and speech therapy services for patients of all ages. We love what we do and are excited for the opportunity to provide services for you or your family member. If you wish to know more about our programs, check out our website at www.hopetherapycenter.net From left to right: Jill Willis,PTA; Sonya M. Brooks, Owner, MA, CCC-SLP; Kim B. Anderson, Owner, PT, DPT; Mika Doucet, LOTR, MOT; and seated Emily D. Pelican, MS, CF-SLP.
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Dig ital Onl ww i w.s now ne Ver av v ya avail sion click ndsag able! on e.co “yo m ur a rea”
February/March 2010
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Corporate
Shreveport, LA Greg Locke, Publisher 318.429.8311 greg@savvyandsage.com
McNeese Banner Series Begins 18th Year in February It’s Time To Get Your Eyes Checked!
READ US ONLINE at savvyandsage.com
Independent Publishers Baton Rouge, Louisiana Hollis Day, Jr. batonrouge@savvyandsage.com
Lafayette/New Iberia, Louisiana Lauren & Phil de Albuquerque lafayette@savvyandsage.com Lake Charles, Louisiana Lauren & Phil de Albuquerque lakecharles@savvyandsage.com Monroe/Ruston, Louisiana Elizabeth Bryant Reed elizabeth@savvyandsage.com Mandeville/Covington, Louisiana Hollis Day, Jr. batonrouge@savvyandsage.com Houma/Thibodaux, Louisiana David Ditch lafayette@savvyandsage.com New Orleans, Louisiana David Ditch lafayette@savvyandsage.com Tyler/Longview, Texas Chris Menard chris@savvyandsage.com Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Don Brown don@savvyandsage.com Houston, Texas Kyle Daniel kyle@savvyandsage.com
Savvy & Sage has made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this magazine, but assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. The opinions of the personalities featured in Savvy & Sage do not necessarily express those held by Savvy & Sage or Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque. Savvy & Sage Magazine is publishedbi-monthly by Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque at 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone 337-436-7800. Email lakecharles@savvyandsage.com. All rights reserved.
February/March 2010
(Click on “Your Area”)
The Pleasures of Spring in SWLA Eat With Color
on the cover
The great thing about springtime in SWLA is that it comes so early – and it’s a “real” spring. The cover image makes us want to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather. Read our “Spring Pleasures” story on page 30.
eye health 10
features McNeese Banner Series Begins 18th Year In February.........................4
winter honeysuckle 14
What Exactly Is Quality Of Life Insurance?..........................................7 Oasis Of The Seas...............................8 Attention Baby Boomers: It’s Time To Get Your Eyes Checked!.................................. 10
eat with color 30
Winter Honeysuckle......................... 14
in every issue
Discovering Houston......................... 15
the sage traveler 15
Fitness In Your Senior Years.............. 18 Eat With Color................................. 20
health issues 18
Acupuncture.................................... 24
taste savvy 20
Puzzles............................................. 28 Spring Pleasures in SWLA................. 30 Editor Lauren de Albuquerque Sales Katy Corbello Faye Drake Sarah Puckett Karla Tullos
Writers Jason Alford Jen Breen Holly Clegg Lauren de Albuquerque Elaine Marze Dianne Newcomer Peter Woronoff
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Photography David Humphreys Art Director Kathy Sepulvado
puzzle savvy 28 Printer Branch-Smith Printing Fort Worth, TX
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McNeese Banner Series Begins 18th Year in February The McNeese State University Banners Cultural Series will begin its 18th year on February 20 with the Grammy-winning King’s Singers from King’s College, Cambridge, England. The series will continue with everything from Cajun music to a magic show - with a classical pianist in between. The series will end with a rousing blues concert on May 1. A basic membership to the Banners Series costs $150 and includes two tickets to all events plus seating in a reserved area and invitations to Meet-the-Artist receptions. Memberships are available by calling the Banners Series office at (337) 475-5123 or online at www.banners.org. Brochures are also available by calling the office or visiting the web site. Tickets to individual performances will be available through the web site or at the door and are $20 for adults, free to McNeese students with IDs and $5 for all other students. Lectures are open free to the public. The Banners Cultural Series is planned by a committee of volunteers. “Our series reflects the diversity of the wonderful committee that runs the series,” explained Mary Richardson, director. “Our committee has about 100 people who do everything from running the sound and lights to pouring coffee at the receptions. These people choose the events we present – and since the committee represents so many varied interests, our series has something for everyone, too.” The Banners Series will also continue to bring live performances into K-12 schools. This outreach is partially sponsored by CITGO Petroleum Company and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. Last year, the Banners Cultural Series reached almost 18,000 young people, according to LaDonna McKnight, the CITGO Educational Outreach Specialist for the Banners Series. The Banners Series is supported by membership fees, corporate sponsors and grants. Grants have been received from the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Lake Charles, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwestern Louisiana, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the Southern Arts Federation. 4
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Upcoming Events The King’s singers (Co-sponsored with the city of Lake Charles) Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center $20 adults, $5 students, free to McNeese students with ID This super-star group originated at King’s College, Cambridge, England. The singers (two countertenors, tenor, two baritones and bass) just won a Grammy for “Simple Gifts,” a combination of folk, spiritual and pop music that marked the group’s 40th anniversary.
roberT olen buTler, A reAding (Co-presented with the Master of Fine Arts Program at McNeese) Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Business Conference Center Pulitzer prize-winning author, Robert Olen Butler, will give a reading from his latest works. His latest book, Hell, is just out and the Banners staff thinks it’s very funny!
“excepTions To grAviTy” wiTh Avner The eccenTric Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium $20 adults, $5 students, free to McNeese students with ID Avner manages to be sidesplitting funny – all without saying a word. Bring your kids and your grandkids! Let them see Avner eat a million paper napkins! This is family entertainment at its best. Avner will also give a free Clown Workshop from 2-4 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 28, in F.G. Bulber Auditorium.
shorT circuiT TrAveling Film FesTivAl March 4, 7 p.m., Baker Auditorium, Farrar Hall Short Circuit, presented by the Southern Arts Federation, is the only program that spotlights short films created by filmmakers living and working in the Southeastern United States. February/March 2010
ZAchAry richArd (Co-sponsored with Louisiana Crossroads) March 6, 7:30 p.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium $20 adults, $5 students, free to McNeese students with ID Militant environmentalist and cultural activist, poet and singer-songwriter, Zachary Richard is back in his native Louisiana. He wrote the songs on his latest album, “Last Kiss,” in English. It’s nice to have him home.
“indusTriAliZing everyThing: AgriculTure in 20Th cenTury AmericA” lecTure by deborAh FiTZgerAld March 8, 7 p.m., Baker Auditorium, Farrar Hall World War II fundamentally reshaped the food industry and created the current global food chains. Dr. Deborah Fitzgerald, faculty member at MIT, researches the history of agriculture and food in modern America.
preservATion hAll JAZZ bAnd (Co-sponsored with Louisiana Crossroads) March 13, 7:30 p.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium $20 adults, $5 students, free to McNeese students with ID New Orleans jazz comes to Lake Charles. This band gets its name from the venerable music venue in the heart of the New Orleans French quarter– the Preservation Hall. The group began touring in 1963 but this will be its first trip to Lake Charles. How could that have happened?!
“oil: is iT A susTAinAble resource?” A lecTure by JeFFrey A. miller (Co-presented with the McNeese College of Business Executive Speaker Series) March 17, 7 p.m., Parra Ballroom Jeffrey Miller is an expert in exploring ways that new technology can be used to extract existing resources (i.e., how do we www.savvyandsage.com
get more oil from “empty” fields?). He is also vice president of the Baroid Fluid Services and responsible for Baroid’s global performance.
Ann sAvoy And her sleepless KnighTs March 20, 7:30 p.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium $20 adults, $5 students, free to McNeese students with ID Chanteuse Ann Savoy sings vintage jazz and transports the Hot Club of Paris to the bayous of Southwestern Louisiana. We’ll listen in our seats for the first half in F.G. Bulber Auditorium, and then at intermission move over to Parra Ballroom to dance the night away.
23rd AnnuAl mcneese worKs on pAper exhibiTion wiTh Juror peTer FrAnK March 25, 7 p.m., Abercrombie Gallery, Shearman Fine Arts Building The juror for the 23rd Annual Exhibition is Peter Frank, senior curator of Riverside Art Museum, art critic for Angeleno Magazine and long-time critic for LA Weekly. The exhibit will be on view until April 23.
The JAson bishop show (Co-sponsored with the city of Lake Charles) March 26, 7:30 p.m., Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center $20 adults, $5 students, free to McNeese students with ID From his breathtaking double levitation to his cutting edge Op-Art and plasma screen illusions, Jason Bishop presents the most dynamic magic show in the United States. Each show includes award-winning slight of hand, exclusive grand illusions and even close-up magic projected onto a huge screen.
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Life is good. It’s even better in the Circle.
If you’re 50 or better and looking for a new way to get the most out of life, explore Senior Circle. Join the grand opening celebration of the Women and Children’s Hospital Senior Circle Chapter!
Tuesday, March 23 • 10 am - 1 pm
Lake Charles Civic Center - Contraband Room Health Fair and Screenings Refreshments and Door Prizes
• Big Tex Dump Trailer • Bobcat T190 grapple bucket
As a Senior Circle member you’ll learn more about your health, get local and national discounts, and do it all with a great group of people. Dues are just $15 a year. Call 337-475-4002 to learn more and become part of the Circle.
Women & Children’s H O S P I T A L
w w w.w o m en - c h ild ren s.c o m
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What Exactly Is Quality of Life Insurance?
It’s Life Insurance you don’t have to die to use!!! By Jason Alford, Representative, American General Life and Accident Insurance Co. Quality of Life…Insurance is life insurance with No-Cost Accelerated Benefit Riders. One simple question. Do you have just regular old death insurance that will only pay out when you die? Why not have the best of both worlds? In a Quality of Life Insurance policy, if you die it will pay out but, what if you were to suffer from a chronic, critical, or terminal illness and don’t die? You can accelerate some or all of your life insurance policy while you’re living to help out with the medical and household bills, and whatever else you might need. It’s your money, your insurance, your choice.
Statistics • 1 out of 2 men will be diagnosed with some type of cancer in their lifetime. • 1 out of 3 women will be diagnosed with some kind of cancer in their lifetime. • 75% of all healthy men and women will suffer a critical illness in their lifetimes.
The number one reason families file for bankruptcy in the US is because of medical bills Chronic Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider This rider allows the owner to accelerate some or all of the Insured Person’s base life insurance benefit in the event the insured is diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition. The Chronic Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider is included on every Quality of Life Insurance policy. A chronic illness is an illness or physical condition that was initially certified by a licensed healthcare practitioner within the past 12 months and affects the insured person so that he or she: • Is unable to perform at least two of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs*); or • Requires substantial supervision by another person to protect the Insured Person from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment. * ADLs: Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Transferring, Continence, Eating.
Critical Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider This rider allows the owner to accelerate some or all of the Insured Person’s base life insurance benefit in the event the insured is diagnosed with a critical illness or condition. The Critical Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider is included on every Quality of Life Insurance policy. A critical illness or condition is defined as one of the following: • Heart Attack • Major Organ Transplant • Stroke • Invasive Cancer • Blindness • End Stage Renal Failure • Paralysis • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider This rider allows the owner to accelerate some or all of the Insured Person’s base life insurance benefit in the event the insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness or condition. The Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider is included on every Quality of Life Insurance policy.
For more information please contact Jason Alford in Lake Charles at 337-263-2544 or email jalfordagla@gmail.com. February/March 2010
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By Dianne Newcomer You know how you have heard it said that “bigger isn’t always better“? Well, while that might hold true for some things, but it definitely does not if you are talking about the OASIS of the SEAS, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, which set sail last month. My husband and I were lucky enough to be invited aboard her inaugural sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, and I must confess, in all my years as a travel agent, I have never seen anything quite like her! You need to think of the OASIS as the mother load of cruising. She weighs in at 220,000 gross tons – 40% larger than any other ship today and 5 times the size of the Titanic! She can accommodate a whopping 6296 passengers plus a crew of 2000. She spans the length of three football fields and has 16 decks crammed full of activities. This ship represents the latest and greatest in an intense race among the leading cruise lines of the world to push the envelope. The OASIS of the SEAS was built to deliver something for everyone – to be a “game-changer” in the business of one upmanship! Chairman of Royal Caribbean Richard Fain described his new baby like this: “she is a combination of three things: 1/3 familiar, 1/3 evolutionary, and 1/3 evolutionary.” I found it to be a perfect description, and let me tell you why:
children’s carousel, an ice cream, candy store, a donut shop that serves Starbucks, and a multi-purpose amphitheater where a high diving water show is performed.! It was always busy! • Vitality Center – There was an amazing workout center, but I chose to check out the beautiful spa area where even the most jaded cruiser will be impressed! I would plan on sending the kids to the award winning Adventure Ocean youth program, and definitely spend time indulging myself in some wonderful “Me Moments” here!
It’s revolutionary: no more beached whales rolling off this ship! The OASIS is a cruise ship designed with more fitness activities than dessert bars! For example, if you are a fitness buff, you can choose from over 150 cardio machines, take a kinesis class, burn some calories in a spin class, or pump iron in their state of the art workout room. Joggers will definitely appreciate the fact that just two times around the OASIS track is a mile. On some ships it takes 12 laps to log a mile! Her Pool and Sports Zone on the top deck turned out to be a playground for children of all ages. Here, you will find a miniature golf course, the only zip line at sea, a full-sized basketball court, two rock climbing walls, an ice skating rink, four pools (including a sports pool where you can do lap swimming or play water polo, and, my favorite, the flow riders. These surfing simulators are a great way to exercise; and well worth the beating that it gives you!
The OASIS of the SEAS was built to deliver something for everyone.
It’s fun hanging out in the hoods! Now, I won’t bore you to death with details, because you can Google this ship and see how she is divided into neighborhoods or special sections where you can seek out activities based on personal preferences, styles, age, and mood. Our most favorite neighborhoods to hang out in were as follows: • Central Park – Imagine an open air park, situated in the middle of the ship and filled with huge trees, grass, and gardens, with upscale restaurants, a wine bar, a cigar bar, and other outdoor dining venues in it. This was a wonderful place to escape for a romantic dinner or a quiet evening under the stars. • The Boardwalk – Built like a New England seaside pier, this “hood” has a fun Coney Island atmosphere, complete with a 8
Faint of heart take note: She’s not just a pretty face – she is sea-worthy, too! Since our 3 day adventure was a “cruise to nowhere,” a working trip for Royal Caribbean’s top travel agents to learn how to best sell such a mega-product, we only sailed as far as the Bahamas. Yet, I must tell you her maneuverability was amazing. One afternoon, while Rob and I lounged by the beach pool, the captain interrupted our peace and quiet by telling us not to be alarmed, but he was going to practice some sharp turns. We
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decided he was really just showing off, because we felt nothing. When we mentioned this exercise to one of the waiters, he told us how the OASIS had faced winds of “almost up to hurricane force and seas in excess of 40 feet” on her maiden crossing from Finland to New York, but the aquatic show team just kept right on practicing their high dives off the platforms – totally oblivious to the storm!
with connecting doors, some with built in bunks, and lots of nice two bedroom suites for the family who wants the extra space but the convenience and security of everyone being together! When a family decides to leave the luxury of their cabin, they can play all day in the H2O Zone where fountains, water cannons, and a colorful giant octopus decorate the kids’ pool playground. Grandparents, why not consider a family reunion on this oasis of fun! Casual and fun dining options are everywhere and even the pickiest of little eaters will find the OASIS perfect for them! Be sure and ask me more about their special dining program for kids – now that’s a real “game-changer” for parents!
To do or not to do – that is the question! If you are familiar with cruising, you will feel right at home with the OASIS – to a point! Yet, a few enhancements have been added: the Rising Tide Bar which can be raised or lowered to three separate levels, a science lab, a computer gaming center, a spa for teens, a tattoo parlor, the first living park at sea with over 56 trees and 12,000 plants, a sports bar, numerous shopping venues, 24 restaurants, stunning artwork, and, my personal favorite, a cupcake shop! It’s hard to decide how to spend your evening. Everything from a parade through the Promenade to a dining experience in one of Central Park’s upscale restaurants, a Broadway show, a karaoke bar, an aqua diving performance, an ice show, a headliner review, a comedy hour to an outdoor movie theater is available for your pleasure. Of course, if leisure is your pleasure, this is one ship with plenty of room to discover a quiet retreat .
She is perfectly fine for families! Aesthetic and revolutionary innovations pop up everywhere on the OASIS. For example, she has very few totally inside cabins and she is the only ship at sea which has balcony cabins that can either be a tree or sea view! Now, how cool is that? Her size may sound intimidating, but her 12 elevators at each end make it easy, and, when you get off the elevator, they have clever interactive signs to point you in the right direction. These are probably more for adults than the kids! I especially liked the cabins built for families – complete February/March 2010
She follows the sun! In addition to all of her evolutionary ideas and revolutionary concepts – like a roadster in the Promenade – it is easy to forget she cruises, too! Throughout 2010, the OASIS of the SEAS makes a run to the eastern Caribbean. Prices vary based on cabin choice and date, but, for her January-May sailings, MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE has rates for balconies as low as $1389 per adult! Her pricing may be a little more than some of the competition, but, remember, she has alot more to offer, too! This ship is a destination in itself, and, when you throw in warm sunny days and 3 beautiful Caribbean islands, she delivers the WOW! She is the mother load of cruising – so much to do, you never want to get off. Think of the OASIS of the SEAS as a city that never sinks!
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Dianne Newcomer is a travel consultant at Monroe Travel Service. You may contact her at 318-323-3465 or 800-365-3465. 9
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Attention BABy Boomers: It’s tIme
to get your eyes checked!
One of the most prevalent affects of aging occurs in vision. 10
In a sense the Baby Boomer generation will always be the “young generation.” Many Boomers have refused to don their mothers’ housecoats, listen to their fathers’ polka albums or take their parents’ shuffleboard vacations, and instead have formed their own “younger” definitions of aging. However, while you can choose to live with youthful exuberance, keep in shape with exercise and a healthy diet or discover the benefits of cosmetic medicine, the body does still continue to age. One of the most prevalent affects of aging occurs in vision. Some age-related eye conditions are very serious and cause blindness if left untreated, while others may not cause blindness, but can impair the way one lives his or her life. “People put up with more vision problems than they have to. Many people will avoid dealing with a condition because it makes them ‘feel old,’ but if not treated, an eye problem can have serious effects on one’s vision. It can also make one feel fatigued, or have eye strain and headaches, which are www.savvyandsage.com
feelings that would slow anyone down,” says Keith Menard, OD, an optometrist at Hart Eye Center. The four most threatening agerelated eye diseases are glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma Glaucoma is a disease caused by increased pressure within the eye. The pressure damages the eye’s optic nerve, which is utilized to carry visual messages to the brain. In most cases glaucoma does not present any obvious symptoms, but if left untreated it can cause vision damage and even blindness. “More than half of the people who have glaucoma do not know it because they are not experiencing vision problems or pain. Unfortunately many patients do not seek treatment until they have irreversible vision damage. In most cases, if glaucoma is caught early in a dilated eye examination, we can prevent vision loss,” says Dr. Menard.
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Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Americans 60 or over. DID YOU KNOW? February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month sponsored by Prevent Blindness America. March Is Save Your Vision Month sponsored by American Optometric Association.
Cataracts Cataracts are one of the most common age-related physical conditions. In fact, more than 22 million Americans age 40 or older have the disease. Harry R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America, says, “A cataract is something most of us will develop at some point in our lives.” Over time the eye’s natural lens deteriorates, and then a film (cataract) develops over the lens that clouds the vision. If a cataract is left untreated, it can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. “Unfortunately, cataracts will not go away with laser treatments, change of diet or home remedies. The only way to remove this cloud from the lens is cataract surgery,” says William B. Hart, MD, an ophthalmologist at Hart Eye Center. “Fortunately, there have been many advances in cataract surgery. It is now an outpatient procedure that replaces the clouded lens with an artificial lens. In fact, recent advancements, such as the Tecnis® Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL), have the potential to not just improve your current ‘older’ vision, but to provide clear and crisp youthful vision.”
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Americans 60 or over. According to the Archives of Ophthalmology, a professional medical journal published by the American Medical Association, an estimated 1.75 million U.S. residents have advanced AMD with associated vision loss. This number is expected to grow, reaching almost 3 million by 2020. AMD occurs when fluid leaks from abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina. The macula is responsible for central vision. This leakage can cause severe and permanent vision loss, including blindness. “AMD often develops slowly and it may take time to notice a decrease in vision; however, an exam at your eye doctor’s office can detect the disease immediately,” says Dr. Menard. “The best weapon we have against AMD is early detection. We can take measures to stop the disease in its tracks, but we are unable to reverse damage that has already happened.”
Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetes is one of today’s most prevalent medical conditions. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 24 million Americans, or roughly 8 percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of the disease experienced by half of America’s diabetics. The condition occurs when fluctuations in blood-sugar levels cause changes in the retina’s blood vessels. The retina is where visual images are formed. For some people the blood vessels will swell and leak fluid; with others, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina’s surface. Both occurrences can cause vision damage and, in some cases, blindness.
(continued on page 13) February/March 2010
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IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR EYES CHECKED! (continued from page 11) Just as with glaucoma and agerelated macular degeneration, usually the early stages of diabetic retinopathy occur without symptoms. “Every diabetic—whether one has type 1 or type 2 diabetes—is at risk for diabetic retinopathy and needs a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your doctor can provide treatment to save your vision by stopping the disease’s progression,” says Dr. Menard. We approach the world through our vision, so it only stands to reason that one of the best ways to stay youthful and healthy is to maintain good eye health. After age 50 it is important to maintain yearly eye check-ups. There are a number of conditions other than eye disease that can affect your vision. Some seemingly harmless or
normal occurrences may not be normal or harmless. Dr. Menard suggests making an appointment with your optometrist to if you experiencing any of the following: • You have diabetes, hypertension or another systemic or chronic condition • You are at risk for certain systemic or eye diseases due to your family history or other factors • You have difficulty reading smaller type • You experience frequent headaches after working on a computer • You perform a large amount of close work • You rub your eyes frequently or experience tired or burning eyes • You have difficulty with your peripheral (side) vision
• You avoid close work • You have difficulty driving at night • You often experience near misses and accidents while driving or have problems parking • You handle chemicals, power tools or lawn and garden equipment • You play potentially eye-hazardous sports, such as softball or tennis • You have been having difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination. For more information on eye diseases and vision problems associated with aging, or to learn about free screening for age-related eye diseases, visit www.harteyecenter.com or call Hart Eye Center at 439-4014.
0 0 1 4 5 5 8 7 3 3 PEST R U O Y L L A FOR NT MANAGEME NEEDS
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Winter Honeysuckle By Jim Turner
Lonicera fragrantissima (AKA Winter or Bush Honeysuckle) (lo-niśer-a fra-gran-tiśi-ma) Caprifoliaceae Zone 6
8 x 8’ 5 x 5’ average
A Native of China, this semi-evergreen shrub performs well from the coastal plains to the upper South. It is tolerant of most growing conditions even with considerable neglect but loves a moist, fertile soil. For best flowering, full sunlight is required but it does extremely well even in shade. This plant is generally pest-free and can be propagated by layering or by cuttings. One of the best things about this shrub is that it will begin blooming when everyone else is lying dormant in the winter. The fragrant flowers bloom in later winter (February-March) and provides a lemon scent-like fragrance for many weeks. This a fast-growing shrub that is long-lived. It produces a small red fruit but is seldom seen because the birds devour it with fervor. Winter honeysuckle combines with other shrubs. It can be used as a single specimen or in groupings to provide screening or sound barrier from roads. In addition to screening, its mounding form can be also used a slope cover. This is a low maintenance shrub but may require occasional removal of non-producing canes. The best time to prune is after the plant is finished blooming. Never sheer but selectively cut old canes from the center of the plant near the ground. Fertilizer requirements are low; addition of compost around the plant in early spring and late fall will enhance flower production and fragrance. A complete balanced fertilizer can be applied in late winter before flowering if compost is not available. This is an often over-looked and under-used shrub in our area of landscaping. Being long-lived, it will provide years of fragrance at a time when few other plants are in bloom. The Winter Honeysuckle is an excellent choice to herald in the color and beauty of spring.
Jim Turner is landscape contractor and Master Gardener. He is currently landscape consultant at Plant-It-Green Nursery in West Monroe, LA.
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February/March 2010
the sage traveler
By Elaine Marze Houston is an excellent representative of “Texas-sized” everything! And, like so many Texans, Houstonians happily and frequently voice their pride in the attractions and points of interest which includes museums, sports teams, shopping centers, restaurants and first class medical facilities. Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city. Second only to New York City, Houston’s 17-block Theater District boasts nine performing arts organizations and 12,000 seats. In the heart of the downtown Theater District, Bayou Place is a trendy indoor entertainment complex that offers everything from a game of pool, a concert at the Aerial Theater or blues rhythm music heard at Harlon’s Barbecue and Blues. Or, the Alley Theatre features two postmodernistic stages, one of the oldest resident professional theater companies in the country. The Holocaust Museum, located at 5401 Caroline Street, is a sobering but factual reminder of what can happen to a nation that loses individual freedoms and is a learning experience as visitors re-live history from the origins of Judaism to the rise of Nazism, the Holocaust and the aftermath of the Final Solution. This commemorative facility pays tribute to the survivors of the Holocaust, and specifically features Houston survivors including a film and montage of personal accounts. Do not miss The Wall of Tears and the Garden of Hope during your tour. This is the perfect time of year to watch or enjoy Kinder Lake as it is transformed into an ice skating rink. Part of Discovery Green, located in the downtown area, this 12-acre area provides facilities and equipment for musical concerts, various sports and games such as bocce ball and shuffle board, walking trails shaded by old oaks, and playgrounds.
The grand lobby of the Jesse H. Jones Hall for Performing Arts provides the perfect ambiance for concerts by the Houston Symphony or the Society for the Performing Arts. Another popular local attraction is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center where visitors can experience solitude in nature by hiking meandering trails through an urban forest, meadows and alongside ponds where hikers can spot swamp rabbits, woodpeckers, turtles and other wildlife. The Discover Center invites participation through interactive exhibits, games, field guides and aquariums. Visitors can learn from experienced naturalists about snakes, birds, coyotes and other creatures. Guided nature walks are scheduled each Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 3 p.m. While at the HANC, visitors can learn about such subjects as “Backyard Habitat Building” or attend a Winter Native Tree and Shrub sale. During the spring and summer, many people are fascinated by the Hummingbird and Butterfly Island, or walk the paths of the Sensory Garden to smell, touch and listen to the garden buzz (bees). Not all of native Texas critters have been run off by rampant urbanization so visitors can experience swamp rabbits, armadillos and Green Anoles (lizards) in the Wildlife Garden. An entire day can be spent at the Houston Space Center on NASA Road One while getting reacquainted with the accomplishments of America’s manned space flight programs. Regardless of a person’s age, it is exciting and interesting to learn how astronauts eat, sleep and shower with zero gravity. The center includes interactive exhibits and the largest IMAX Theater in Texas, which is saying a lot. For those who once dreamed of going into outer space but haven’t realized that dream yet, you can at least enjoy a full-size space shuttle mock up that includes the flight deck, (continued on next page)
“Texas-sized” everything!
February/March 2010
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control panel and astronaut quarters. Anybody who has ever been to Houston has probably been to The Galleria, an indoor shopping mall which is located in the Uptown Houston District – a four-mile area known for its gourmet restaurants, art galleries and international haute couture. The Galleria features more than 330 shops and exclusive stores such as Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus in addition to nearly 50 restaurants and an indoor Olympic-size skating rink. Also on Westheimer Road, the Highland Village is another popular shopping spot, though it is an outdoor mall with palm tree lined walkways. Downtown’s only shopping center can be found on McKinney Street and boasts more than 75 shops. And, for shopaholics who can never get enough, Rice Village is a trendy outdoor shopping center located near Rice University and has as many stores as The Galleria in a 14-block area. After or during a day spent shopping or touring Houston’s many attractions, a visit to one of the Chocolate Bars is an absolute treat, especially for chocoholics! Any and everything imaginable is available drenched in chocolate – dark, sweet, milk – your choice. I highly recommend the German Chocolate Ice-cream and the chocolate pecan meringue cookies or, basically
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The Houston medical complexes have a definite impact on the city’s economy... any of the hundreds of selections available to chocolate lovers there. Two of my favorite restaurants in Houston are Landry’s Seafood House and Pappadeaux’s Seafood. Landry’s has a luncheon buffet with a nice selection that should satisfy most seafood lover’s palates, and I don’t know anybody who has ever left Pappadeaux’s unhappy with their meal. Their light and slightly crispy batter is excellent, and the dinner entrees are usually large enough to feed two people. My husband and I have toured Houston numerous times over the past 35 years while visiting friends and family who reside there. But in the past months we have traveled multiple times to Houston, like so many other people, for appointments at the medical facilities there. Thousands of patients from literally around the world come to Houston as patients of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Methodist Hospital, Texas Women’s Hospital, Texas Children’s, Memorial Hermann, and St. Luke’s Hospital. The Houston medical complexes have a definite impact on the city’s economy and MDA’s reputation is worldwide. Indeed, during our trips to M.D. Anderson, we see people and hear languages from across the globe. And, because each time we are there we run into people we know, I decided to include pertinent information in this travel article regarding facilities there. Maybe it is because most Savvy readers are age 50 plus, but we seem to be at the age when cancer and heart disease is common among our peers, and many families, at some time or other, end up at a Houston hospital. First-timers should be aware that some hotels located in the medical facility area are attached to various hospitals by sky-walks which are invaluable to people who are making dozens of trips back and forth to one of the hospitals, or who have spouses with physical disabilities, and especially for small town folks who get rattled and lost driving in Houston’s traffic. We spent several nights at the Marriott on Fannin Street, which is a very nice hotel that is attached to Methodist Hospital. And, like most of the downtown hotels, the Marriott has shuttles that take patients and family members to the various hospitals. The shuttles are better than driving oneself, but it does mean you have to wait on their schedules, and you can get crammed in with sick people which can be a problem for those with immune system deficiencies. Our hotel of choice is the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House
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“If it ain’t in Texas, it ain’t worth seeing!”
because of the sky-walks that connect directly to M.D. Anderson. After outpatient surgery, it is so much easier for the patient to be wheeled directly to a Rotary House room. Most of the rooms are stocked with dishes / utensils, a micro-wave, dishwasher and refrigerator. The lowest priced rooms we have gotten in the downtown area begin at $105.00, before taxes and other fees so be prepared. Many downtown hotel parking fees are $20.00 plus per day. Also, hotel restaurants have breakfast buffets for $15.00 and dinner entrees typically range from $15 - $30. The hospital cafeterias provide food at more moderate prices. Some patients have told me they stay at hotels on the outer edges of Houston such as the Holiday Inn where they pay an $85 room rate before added costs which then brings the total to around $108. But, because doctor appointments may be spaced so haphazardly, it can be a real hassle traveling back and forth in all the traffic, though it is a cheaper option than staying at one of the hotels near the medical complexes. Since many patients and their families have to make multiple trips and sometimes the stays are long-term, costs can quickly become a financial hardship. Because of the H1N1 flu, children under 12 are not allowed in M.D. Anderson unless they are patients. Still, some families bring their children when they visit so it is very handy that the Houston Zoo is within walking distance of the Rotary House. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and has a train ride for lazy viewing of re-created habitats for the animals. A new Children’s Zoo has been added which re-creates the six ecosystems of Texas – city, farm, desert, forest, coastal, and prairie in addition to interactive displays and of course, animals. Another museum that may be of special interest to families who have a member under-going treatment for a serious illness is the Museum of Health & Medical Science at 1515 Hermann Drive. Among exhibits are huge sculptures of human organs that include a 10-foot brain and 22-foot rib cage that visitors can actually tour for an up close and special encounter. This museum is all about learning and exploring the body and everything under the skin.
Whether for pleasure or business, when traveling to Houston, you can be sure to find something in this city to interest or entertain you. And, I did not even get into the city’s draw as a sports Mecca or the historical aspects of Houston’s colorful heritage. As one man explained, his reason for refusing to travel outside the state, “If it ain’t in Texas, it ain’t worth seeing!”
Elaine Marze is a freelance writer who also works in public relations and advertising. She can be reached at elmarz7@yahoo.com.
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health issues
Senior Fitness Now: Fitness in Your Senior Years By Peter Woronoff By now, as a senior in life, we may know that to INCREASE our overall fitness level, we will need to focus on several areas of fitness. Areas of our body that needs attention when it comes to our fitness. As we age, our body does take a little longer to repair itself, but moderate physical activity is good for people of all ages and of all ability levels. Cardiovascular training has an impact on our endurance levels. The more oxygen we breathe the more efficiently
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we burn our fuel. Oxygen has many benefits in providing essential energy and fitness. If you are trying to lose fat, you need to do more cardio than if you are trying to gain weight. For fat loss, three to five times per week at 20 to 40 minutes per session is plenty. Start conservatively if you are just starting training, for example three times per week, 20 minutes per session. Walking, cycling and swimming are all examples of cardio or endurance exercises. Strength training protects our skeletons. Greater muscle strength helps improve your ability to balance and increases you ability to perform everyday tasks without straining your muscles. As a senior, you may know, we are supposed to lose muscle mass as we age; but that does not mean we lose our strength. Just because we are a senior, we need not become weak and vulnerable. Good habits provide fitness at any age. Flexibility training prevents injury and allows for pleasurable activity. Dance, sports, martial art have strong benefits re: fitness. Stretching is vital to exercise and this is also part of your flexibility training. You should always warm up and cool
down when you exercise and both should include some stretching. Greater flexibility could reduce the pain of arthritis. Many studies have provided evidence that obesity and physical inactivity can increase risk of death for any age adult. Most important is the quality of life that our best weight provides. Too much weight or too little can damage our self esteem as well as make life uncomfortable. After all, we spend most of our time in our bodies. Hard to get away from them. We might as well enjoy looking and feeling great. It is believed that adults over age 60 who are active live longer than unfit adults. We do not need studies to convince us. We wish to live longer, but we also intend to have fitness and enjoy our bodies as much as ever. Fitness has us look and feel great.
Just because we are a senior, we need not become weak and vulnerable. Good habits provide fitness at any age.
February/March 2010
Peter Woronoff is a psychotherapist and a recovering fitness enthusiast. Claim your Free Audio to get your questions answered at www.SeniorFitnessNow.
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taste savvy
Eat with Color
Have you ever decided you were going to start eating healthier, but not sure where to begin? To make it simple, all you have to remember is eat with color! Green, red, orange, and yellow – the color in fruits and vegetables represents important vitamins and minerals your body needs to be your healthiest. A great way to add color to your meal is a fresh, colorful salsa such as the delicious Shrimp Tacos with Tropical Salsa. From the red peppers packed with Vitamin C to the citrus in the salsa, this one dish meal is full of flavor. Take a trip to the Mediterranean made in the comfort of your home with the Greek Chicken Salad Bowl, a colorful main-dish salad, made with deep green spinach. Remember, the deeper the color of lettuce, the more nutrition. And for a sweet breakfast treat or snack, I love to make this antioxidant-rich Blueberry Bread. The hint of orange complements this luscious bread perfectly. Don’t let adding nutrition to your day overwhelm you, just remember to eat with color! For your favorite Louisiana recipes made healthier, pick up a copy of Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites!
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Shrimp TacoS wiTh Tropical SalSa Abundance of color and flavor—the shrimp and veggies served with the salsa make a refreshing, light meal. Makes 8 shrimp tacos
photo ©David Humphreys
1 yellow or red bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1 red onion, sliced 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 11/2 pounds peeled medium shrimp 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1 (11-ounce) can Mexi-corn, drained (optional) 8 (6- to 8-inch) flour tortillas 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese Tropical Salsa (recipe follows)
i t: Te rri fic Ti db l a s , wra p l i t r o t t a e h To i n p l as ti c y l e s o o l m e th at th e m i n e h d n a p a r w e on h i gh a m i crowa v i n u te . If m 1 t u o b a r fo ra p i n foi l w , r e f e r p u o y n a 25 0°F a n d wa rm i i n u t es . oven for 10 m
1. In large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté bell pepper, onion, and garlic over mediumhigh heat 2 minutes. 2. Add shrimp, cumin, chili powder, and tomatoes, cooking until shrimp are done, 5 - 7 minutes. Stir in Mexi-corn. 3. On each tortilla, divide evenly shrimp mixture and cheese, fold over in half. If desired, heat in microwave or heat tortillas before filling. Serve with Tropical Salsa (see recipe below).
Tropical SalSa 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in own juice, drained 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon diced green chilies 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1. Coarsely chop pineapple and oranges. 2. In medium bowl, combine pineapple, oranges, lemon juice, green onions, green chilies, and cilantro. Refrigerate until ready to use. Nutritional information per serving: Calories 238, Protein (g) 20, Carbohydrate (g) 31, Fat (g) 3, Calories from Fat (%) 13, Saturated Fat (g) 2, Dietary Fiber (g) 2 Cholesterol (mg) 129, Sodium (mg) 506 Diabetic Exchanges: 2.5 very lean meat, 1 starch, 0.5 fruit, 1 vegetable
(continued on next page) February/March 2010
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greek chicken Salad Bowl I toss in Feta in this chef-style salad and this is a time I use fresh mint as this gives the salad an adventurous personality. Makes 4 - 6 servings
photo ©David Humphreys
1/2 cup lemon juice, divided 1 teaspoon dried mint, divided 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic, divided 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1-1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 pound fresh spinach, washed, stemmed, and torn into pieces 1-1/2 cups chopped tomatoes 1/3 cup chopped green onion 1-1/2 cups chopped peeled cucumber Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil Feta cheese, optional
The Perfect Fit
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1. In large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon mint, 1/4 teaspoon garlic, and vinegar. Add chicken; toss, cover with plastic wrap, marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 2. Coat large skillet with nonstick cooking spray, cook chicken over medium-high heat until brown, turning frequently, 5 minutes. Add wine, reduce heat, simmer 8 - 10 minutes, or until chicken is done. Remove chicken from pan, refrigerate until ready to use. 3. In large bowl, combine spinach, tomatoes, green onion, cucumber, chicken. 4. In small bowl, mix together remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon mint, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and salt, pepper, and oil. Pour dressing over salad, add Feta cheese, if desired, toss to mix well. Serve immediately. Nutritional information per serving: Calories 198, Protein (g) 29, Carbohydrate (g) 9, Fat (g) 4, Calories from Fat (%) 19, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Dietary Fiber (g) 3, Cholesterol (mg) 66, Sodium (mg) 141 Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 2 vegetable
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BlueBerry Bread The perfect pairing of blueberry with a hint of orange! The glaze may be omitted, if desired.
photo ©David Humphreys
Makes 16 slices 2 cups all-purpose flour or 1 cup all-purpose and 1 cup whole wheat flour 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup canola oil 1/3 cup skim milk 1/3 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 1 egg 1 egg white 1 cup blueberries Orange Glaze (recipe follows)
i t: Te rri fi c Ti db ol e S n e a k i n wh by usi n g r u o l f t a e h w u rpose i t wi th al l-p i n a r e ci pe .
1. Preheat oven 350º F. Coat 9x5x3-inch loaf pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside. In another bowl, mix together the oil, milk, orange juice, orange rind, egg and egg white. 3. Add dry ingredients into orange juice mixture, mixing only until combined. Fold in blueberries. 4. Pour batter into prepared pan, bake 40 - 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Spread immediately with Orange Glaze.
orange glaze 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 teaspoon honey 1
holly clegg Holly Clegg, author of the best selling trim&TERRIFIC™ cookbook series including a diabetic cookbook with the ADA and Eating Well Through Cancer, has sold almost 1 million copies. Holly has appeared on national shows including Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, and The 700 Club. Known as the healthy “Queen of Quick,” her focus is on fast, easy and healthier recipes using everyday ingredients. February/March 2010
In microwave proof dish, combine orange juice and honey. Microwave 20 seconds or until boiling. Pour over hot bread.
whaT’S happening • Holly has partnered with Wal-Mart with the Great-Value brand to create easy and affordable meal solutions. Check out cooking videos: walmart.com/greatvalue • Visit Holly’s new blog for fun food ideas: thehealthycookingblog.com • Mobile Rush-Hour Recipes phone application: easy daily healthy and delicious recipes with photo, shopping list, directions and nutritional information - available on iphone, blackberry and smart phones • Watch Holly’s monthly cooking segment: Holly’s trim&TERRIFIC® Kitchen on “This Week In Louisiana Agriculture.” www.savvyandsage.com
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Acupuncture By Elaine Marze
Years ago when I first wrote an article about acupuncture, some people viewed the concept of it akin to voodoo, but in the intervening years acupuncture has gained widespread acceptance here in the United States. That fact was vividly reinforced when I saw “Acupuncture” signs on buildings in the small Ozark Mountain towns of Kingston and Huntsville. My first personal experience with acupuncture was nearly 20 years ago, and it came by way of a Texas cowboy who had spent several years in China learning this ancient way of healing so he could repair his own injuries. He was visiting the fire station where my husband, JR, worked, and he learned JR had been suffering for weeks from excruciating elbow pain. A well-respected orthopedic doctor had told my husband that he had a torn tendon that would require surgery. The cowboy, who prefers to remain anonymous, offered to do acupuncture on him. Though doubtful, my husband decided to let him do this non-surgical needle treatment “just in case it worked.” One session with the needles, which in JR’s words “sent electricity out my elbow,” was all it took. The elbow pain was gone. A year later, a doctor’s directive that he needed another surgery sent him back to an acupuncturist with another successful healing. In the years that followed, our daughter would
fly in from Nashville, Tennessee to have acupuncture done whenever she had a sinus infection, water on the knee, or strep throat because she said the healing was much faster than with conventional medicine. Eventually, the cowboy became so inundated with people wanting him to “help” them that he now restricts his needles to horses mostly. Professional rodeo and race horses or family riding ponies; people bring them to him for everything from horses with nervous problems to serious equine physical ailments. The same acupuncture that has been practiced for nearly 3000 years in the Orient and is steadily gaining respect here in the West works on animals as well as on people. And, while acupuncture does not always preclude the use of Western medical practices, in some instances it eliminates the need for intrusive surgeries and drugs which adds to the allure of this traditional Chinese health care. Although the concept of acupuncture may remain unacceptable to some traditional scientific thought and research, some insurance companies are now recognizing its worth and also the fact that it costs less than conventional doctor visits, batteries of medical tests and surgeries. It is proving itself as such an effective modality that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
The same acupuncture that has been practiced for nearly 3000 years in the Orient and is steadily gaining respect here in the West works on animals as well as on people.
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awarded millions of dollars in Dr. Baisong Zhong grant money for acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medical research. Such conditions as myofascial pain, tennis elbow and musculoskeletal conditions including back pain and Fibromyalgia are often treated with anti-inflammatory medications or with steroid injections, both of which have a potential for undesirable side effects. Acupuncture works as a safe, effective alternative and natural approach to healing such conditions. More and more rheumatologists and pain specialists are making referrals to practitioners of acupuncture. Other areas where acupuncture is recognized for having high success rates is in adult postoperative, chemotherapy nausea, headaches, asthma, diabetes and addictions. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. The purpose of acupuncture is to correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin. Also described as the Yin and Yang, this refers to the constant state of dynamic balance of all parts and functions of the body. No organ is seen as an isolated problem, but is part of the whole body system. Among several current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture is the Neurotransmitter Theory which concludes that acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive system. Some Western studies have led to the consensus that acupuncture may activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Most people agree acupuncture, when thin needles are inserted and left for 20-40 minutes, does not usually “hurt” but
you may feel sensations that are “different” – tingly and energized. These sensations are Qi. Also, endorphins that are released during acupuncture usually cause a deep sense of relaxation. Depending on whether your pain is acute or chronic establishes the number of treatments you may need. Sometimes referred to as “alternative” medicine along with chiropractic, reflexology, meditation and even massage therapy, acupuncture is nevertheless making great strides in acceptance among the American public due to its phenomenal effectiveness when applied by a knowledgeable and well-trained person. Any method which results in success is worth investigating, especially by high risk individuals (for surgery) such as those over the age of 50 and those with additional health complications. Avoiding an intrusive surgical procedure with all its accompanying risks of infection, anesthesiology, drugs and even doctor error is the answer to many people’s prayers. And, the demand for low-cost health care cannot be denied. It is common for first time acupuncture recipients to fear the unknown. Also, a fear of needles is not uncommon. Doubts about the effectiveness of tiny, hair-like needles to heal and bring pain relief are also a shared feeling of the uninitiated to this ancient method of medicine. I had watched as friends and family members were healed of sicknesses and injuries due to acupuncture while I was still relying on repetitive doctor visits, antibiotics and other drugs to treat chronic sinus infections and flu-like symptoms. Though afterward I regretted all the time I wasted being sick, it was two years before I allowed Dr. Ray Luk, of Far East Acupuncture (713-977-2391) in Houston, Texas, to stick needles in me. I chose him because he was described as the “Master” by people knowledgeable on the subject of acupuncture. (continued on next page)
Most people agree acupuncture, when thin needles are inserted and left for 20-40 minutes, does not usually “ hurt”...
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Acupuncture is a complex intervention that may vary for different patients with similar complaints...
Everybody reacts differently, but one acupuncture treatment will keep my sinuses clear for about two years with no antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs used. I have been treated by two doctors, both Chinese born and taught, but other people I know have used American doctors to administer acupuncture, also with successful results. The other doctor I use is Dr. Baisong Zhong, M.D. (China), Ph.D. who was invited to come to the U.S. by the (Houston) American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) to teach acupuncture which he continues to do. He has authored more than 30 papers and nine books on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I first met Dr. Zhong and one of his partners, Dr. Ellen Gong, while they were working with Dr. Luk. Their clinic is Eastern Balance Oriental Medicine, and the demand for their needles and expertise is so great that one weekDr. Ellen Gong end every month they go to
Carthage, Texas to treat people who travel from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma for treatment. Find out more about them at www.easternbalancetcm.com. Dr. Ellen specializes in female areas such as menopause, fertility and even reducing the signs of aging by facial rejuvenation to tighten pores, improve muscle tone and dermal contraction and increasing the elasticity of the skin. Acupuncture is a complex intervention that may vary for different patients with similar complaints, but for those who have been successfully treated by acupuncture, this form of treatment is often preferable to expensive, conventional medicine whenever possible. The amazing results continue to astound me and this ancient Chinese method of healing and pain relief is predictably gaining acceptance among the masses with no slowdown in sight. The amount of fascinating information on this subject is way too vast to cover in one article (or many), and interested individuals may want to investigate on their own.
Elaine Marze is a freelance writer who also works in public relations and advertising. She can be reached at elmarz7@yahoo.com.
Preserving
H e a lt H , I n d e p e n d e n c e and Freedom For many patients, recovering in the comfort of their own homes truly benefits the healing process. Being close to family in an environment that puts them at ease is an ideal setting for improving their health. At Southern Home Health one of our main goals is to provide patients with peace of mind as they make the transition from the hospital to home. We specialize in:
• Rehabilitation therapy for joint replacement and other surgeries • Fall prevention • Low vision • Anodyne - infrared light therapy • Pelvic floor dysfunction for incontinence • Lifeline – 24hr Personal Response and Support For more information, or to ask a question about your home health needs, call Southern Home Health at 479-2233.
“It’s All About Helping People”
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Kissing game turns Name on the marquee Bands of Indians Greg Brady, to Carol Scratched Lieu Expenditure ‘Me, too!’ Be taken with Skin designs, for short Not his Player’s peg ___ culpa It may be passed on the Hill 66. Utmost
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1 6 5 7 sudoku rules
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February/March 2010
Sudoku rules are extremely easy. Fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear once in each row, column and 3x3 box.
Tips
4 7 9
6 9 3 6
Use a soft erasable pencil. Double check before placing a number. Make small pencilmarks to show which numbers are allowed in empty squares. This will come in handy when analyzing techniques are used. Never guess. Only make moves based on logical deductions.
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Answers to both puzzles on page 32.
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Spring Pleasures in SWLA By Lauren de Albuquerque
After an unseasonably chilly winter, the Lake Area is gearing up for a new season. The great thing about springtime down here is that it comes so early – and it’s a “real” spring. It’s quite different than the springs we were used to in New England. Spring may officially begin in March, but let’s face it, if you live in Boston, there will probably still be snow on the ground. A few brave crocuses may be trying to raise their little heads, but trust me, they won’t have much luck. I can remember a few Easter Sundays when it actually snowed. Can you imagine getting all dressed up in your new Easter finery – flowered dress, straw hat, shiny new shoes – with snow falling and cold winds blowing? It just didn’t seem fair. Our Easter attire always had to include a coat. But it was a spring coat – light, pastelcolored – which was never warm enough. Our first spring in Lake Charles was quite an experience. Actually, it wasn’t even spring yet. It was still February, and already the trees were budding and flowers were starting to bloom. February was always such a bleak month where we came from. We were thrilled! Not only did we no longer have to deal with the hardships of a Northern winter, we had an early spring to boot. We were so excited, and decided to really get outdoors and do some exploring before the heat and humidity set in. It really is the perfect time of year for picnics, hiking, festivals and other outside events that aren’t as appealing when it’s 90 degrees. With that being said, here are some fun places to get your outdoor fix!
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Sam Houston Jones State Park 107 Sutherland Road off Hwy 378 in Moss Bluff (337) 855-2665, (888) 677-7264 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Niblett’s Bluff Park 3409 Niblett’s Bluff Road Vinton, LA 70668-0920 (337) 589-7117
There are over 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, rivers and streams, along with hiking trails, campgrounds and cabin rentals. It’s also an excellent spot for bird watching, as there are close to 200 species brought in during spring migration. The numerous waterways make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico, which is only a few miles away. The park accepts the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass, which replaces the Golden Age and Golden Access Passports, which have been discontinued. If you love the great outdoors, you need to get a Pass. It’s available to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years and older and provides access to recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies. It also allows the Pass owner a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees, such as camping. It costs $10, and is valid for the lifetime of the Pass owner. A Senior Pass can be obtained from a participating Federal recreation site or office. You need to show up in person so that your age can be verified. Check the following web sites for more information: • Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov • Bureau of Reclamation www.usbr.gov • Fish & Wildlife Service www.fws.gov • USDA Forest Service www.fs.fed.us • National Park Service www.nps.gov
Niblett’s Bluff Park is a Calcasieu Parish Ward 7 park near Vinton, overlooking the Sabine River. Funded by local taxes and run by local citizens, the park has preserved the natural beauty and history of Southwest Louisiana in an environment that is fun for the whole family. Fort Nibletts, a Civil War fort, once stood where the current park now exists. Facilities include mini-cabins, with A/C and heat, for rent; RV sites with water and electric (no sewer) and a dump station for RV campers. There’s a large indoor pavilion that can seat up to 400 people, and several outdoor pavilions. There’s also a playground area and a boat launch. The park is open 365 days a year, and caretakers reside on the premises. Don’t miss the annual Spring Festival. Civil War re-enactors set up campsites and fight battles during the festival, and there are live bands, food and craft vendors and plant booths. Kids will love the Rock Wall and Bungee Jumps, along with pony rides, face painting and other entertainment. Go to www.visitlakecharles.org for more information. The park can be reached from I-10 exit #4. Go north on LA 109. Go 2.5 miles. Turn left on Niblett’s Bluff Road. Follow the road for 2.5 miles to the gates of the park.
February/March 2010
niblettsbluffpark@bellsouth.net
Iowa Rabbit Festival March 19-21 The Iowa Rabbit Festival was founded back in 1985 by a group of local rabbit breeders. They started with a small rabbit show, a parade, booths and a band. It started off small, but eventually got bigger and bigger. The State Rabbit Show is now held annually during the Iowa Rabbit Festival and has over 400 rabbits competing. It’s become one of the top 20 festivals in the Southeastern United States, attracting over 20,000 people each year. It’s held every third weekend in March at the Iowa City Park in Iowa. All net proceeds are donated back to the community: school clubs, the Boy Scouts, needy families, etc. You’ll enjoy 13 bands, over 50 booths that sell everything from crafts to rabbits, a big carnival, a parade and lots of great food. So bring your grandchildren and have a wonderful time!
Don’t miss the annual Spring Festival.
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Go ahead, look at the answers! Who are we going to tell? Here are the answers to the puzzles on pages 28 and 29.
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