Thrive May Issue

Winner of

h12h

LOUISIANA PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Job Outlook for

College Grads

Buzz About Bee Extermination LOWER YOUR CANCER RISK Dangerous Driving Habits – Are You Guilty?

5 WAYS to

Reduce STRESS

SSUE! E THIS I

INSID

MAY 2009

May 2009

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Growing a Future.

Through PPG’s $10.8 million canal reroute and wetlands restoration and creation project, local residents can witness the effects of proactive conservationism. The wetlands are clearly visible as you cross the I-210 bridge on your daily commute – a constant reminder that, in our community, environmental protection and industry work together.

“It’s encouraging to see PPG take matters into their own hands and work for the betterment of the environment.

This new area of wetlands will go a long way to restoring the natural order of the estuary.”

– La. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Dr. Harold Leggett

“The Coastal Conservation Association is pleased to see PPG complete the Calcasieu Estuary Wetlands project, which has rebuilt a portion of our coastal estuary lost over the years due to coastal erosion. The restoration of our coastal wetlands will enhance critical habitat for plants, fish and other wildlife.”

– Rusty Vincent, Coastal Conservation Association

PPG Wetlands Creation Project New Reroute Canal 4,500 feet of new canal

Wetlands Creation

• 80,000 cubic yards of dredged soil, approximately one mile in length • 20 acres of new emergent marsh • 1,764 plants per acre to be planted

About the Marsh Grass 2

• Four different marsh grass plant species • Louisiana licensed nursery provider of plants • Plants installed within 48 hours of lifting or plant delivery to ensure viabilityfor Better Living www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine • Only United States Coast Guard licensed captains allowed to operate marsh boats for planting

May 2009

PPG INDUSTRIES • LAKE CHARLES PLANT

e g e l l Coaduate gr

k o o l t u Job O

By Katie McDaniel

I

f you’re a college senior worried about finding a job when you graduate, don’t stress yourself out. The current job market may seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many companies, while still being selective, are more likely to hire a college graduate who chose to get ahead by having more experience, motivation and learning skills.

Getting ahead of the game will be the hardest task for college seniors. With the number of qualified applicants growing, the competition is presenting itself to be stiffer with fewer openings. Here are some tips from career experts to help you succeed in this tight job market.

Start searching for the right job now, before you graduate. Many colleges have Career Services, which can provide resources for job placement after graduation. These resources can include career fairs, seminars, resume-writing assistance and anything else that will prepare you for the job market. If this resource is not available, consult with your Academic Advisor on information and insight dealing with their particular expertise in your degree field.

Academic Advisors can also help you obtain internships, which are now part of most college degree curriculums. Not only will internships help build your resume and work habits, but they can also help build your network.

According to Dr. Mitchell Adrian, dean of the College of Business at McNeese State University,“students should search for the type of job they want at the company they hope to work for after graduation and intern there during their junior or senior year. This type of experience makes new graduates much more employable and tends to greatly improve the starting salary of the applicant.”

Each person you meet during an internship is also a potential contact. Once you graduate, they could possibly help you with referrals or finding a more permanent job. “In most cases, new employees are chosen not because of the degree they earned but because they were able to make a connection with recruiters and managers and successfully sell themselves,” adds Dr. Adrian.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top 10 degrees in demand for 2009 were Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration/ Management, Economics/Finance, Information Science/Systems, Computer Engineering, Management Information and Marketing.

Even if you do not fall into these categories, the growing demand for graduates is still seen in many fields. “College seniors should find the industries and professions with labor shortages and see if your skills, experience, education and personal interests can be leveraged into that industry or profession. Always May 2009

remember that it is people who hire people,” says Dr. Adrian. Research and take what you have to offer from your degree to be able to present the reason for your interest to employers.

When more than one person is competing for the same job, you want to be able to set yourself apart. The main differences that the employer will focus on will be your resume and how you present yourself. It is a good idea to customize your resume for each job that you apply for. This allows you to show off certain skills and credentials that you have acquired to make your resume more appropriate for the position being hired.“Online resumes seldom lead to good jobs, you must also meet people face-to-face, network and sell yourself as someone who can make a significant contribution to the organization,” says Dr. Adrian.

Once you have turned in your resume, make sure to follow up on the status of your application. You can do this by calling or emailing the hiring manager.

This will show that you have a continued interest in being hired for the job.

After a follow-up, many employers tend to give those applications serious consideration.

If you are still not having any luck, consider another internship, volunteer work or even going back to grad school. There are a variety of options available for college graduates that can tide you over until the job market turns around.

These options help to continue strengthening your resume and can give you more contacts in your network.

Until we completely make it out of this recession, it will continue being a tough job market for many college graduates. If you can face the facts about the challenges that lie ahead, it will be easier to meet those challenges. Take the advice in this article and don’t give up. The right job for you is a lot closer than you might think.

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Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career.

Don’T jusT live, Thrive! editors and Publishers

Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Creative Director

Barbara vanGossen

layout

Tony lee

Assistant editor

erin K. Cormier

Advertising sales

Danielle Granger Ashley Gatte 337.310.2099

submissions

edit@thriveswla.com or fax to 337.312.0976

Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

it’s time for your business to Thrive!

Thanks to our full color pages, high quality printing and fun, informative format, Thrive is the perfect place to showcase your business through advertising. We’d love to spend a few minutes with you to put together an advertising plan that works for your business.

Thrive honored with 12 Awards Thrive Magazine was honored with 12 awards at the Louisiana Press Association annual meeting held recently in Baton Rouge. Winning entries were recognized in the categories of general excellence, feature writing, ad design, cover design and page layout. Seventy-nine newspapers and publications participated, submitting almost 4,000 entries. This was the first year Thrive entered the competition.

Thrive is a local monthly lifestyle magazine, focused on providing news and information about living a full, balanced and healthy life. Distributed at no charge in 100 businesses and rack locations throughout Southwest Louisiana, it began in 2003 as a quarterly publication and has grown to 12 issues a year. A distribution list as well as more information can be found at www.thriveswla.com, or by calling 310-2099.

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May 2009

Swine Flu

Creates a Worldwide Scare

The recent flurry of swine flu cases has doctors and scientists concerned. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only 12 cases of human infection were reported from December 2005 to February 2009, yet from February 2009 to the end of April, that number jumped dramatically (to nearly 100 cases at the time of this printing) in the U.S. Although the swine flu is aptly named for its prevalence among pigs, this rate of infection has not previously been seen among humans, more than 100 of whom have died in Mexico.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, with symptoms that mirror those of the traditional flu – fever, chills, sore throat, cough, head ache, fatigue, and body aches. Although the symptoms are similar, swine flu is caused by a different viral strain for which there is no vaccine. Research is still underway to study the current strain of swine flu, but it’s believed that the illness is transmitted among humans by coughing, sneezing, or touching something with the virus on it, according to the CDC, which notes that it cannot be transmitted by eating pork.

“A specific lab test is required to determine what kind of sickness a person suffers from,” said Janie Fruge, RN, MSN, vice president of nursing at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.“Just with many other illnesses, the symptoms of swine flu mirror other types of viruses. Without a blood test, it’s virtually impossible to determine the specific cause.”

A person who experiences flu-like symptoms should see a doctor immediately, according to the CDC, and ask their health professional if they need to be tested for swine flu. The swine flu responds to medications known as Tamiflu and Relenza, both of which have been shipped in large quantities to Louisiana and other states. Treatment is most effective when the illness is caught early.

It’s also wise to use preventative methods to avoid getting sick, according to Fruge.“Ideally, we would take common precautions every day to prevent illness. Unfortunately, it usually takes a health scare to make people aware of their personal risks,” she said.“The best piece of advice is, as always, to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay away from people who aren’t feeling well and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, where germs are usually transmitted. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth. Keep your immune system strong by getting adequate sleep, exercising often, and maintaining a healthy diet.”

May 2009

The First Name in Orthopaedics

Center for Orthopaedics is proud to be the largest private orthopaedic group in Southwest Louisiana.

You don’t have to leave home to get the highest level of orthopaedic care, the Center for Orthopaedics provides it right here in Southwest Louisiana.

For 15 years, our doctors have been the first to bring many of the latest advances in orthopaedic treatment technology to our patients, including: - first hip arthroscopy - first navigated partial knee resurfacing - first computer navigated total hip arthroplasty - first computer navigated total knee arthroplasty - first Birmingham hip resurfacing - first reverse total shoulder arthroplasty - first post-approval FDA study on patient outcomes - first navigated partial knee resurfacing - first hip impingement surgery

NEW LAKE CHARLES OFFICE NOW OPEN 1747 Imperial Blvd., 1/2 mile South of the intersection of Nelson and Country Club Roads (337) 721-7236

1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles, Lake Charles Sulphur Office: 250 S. Beglis Pkwy., Ste. 1 www.centerforortho.net

James D. Perry, MD • John W. Noble, Jr., MD • Geoffrey J. Collins, MD • Craig G. Morton, MD COMING SOON: Dr. Tyson Green, Foot & Ankle Specialist, and Dr. Steven Hale, Orthopaedic Surgeon Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Raising the Bar for Dry Cleaning

This tiny bar code is adding a new digital dimension to customer service at AAA drive through cleaners. This heat-sealed bar code holds the secrets to your clothing care preferences -whether it’s heavy on the starch, hold the pleats or press the cuffs.

It’s part of our new automated assembly conveyor system that helps us track and process your dry cleaning order more quickly, carefully and efficiently.

If you’re looking for the highest quality, most convenient dry cleaning service available, AAA has your number.

622 E. Prien Lake Rd. • 477-3548 (Across from McDonalds)

2713 Country Club Rd. • 562-9508 (Across from Albertsons)

superFoods summer Camp

Guides Children to Good Health

by Erin K. Cormier

Despite today’s fast-paced, fast-food society, Gene and Shively Lampson, owners of Pure Foods and Health, are confident that there is still time for good health and proper nutrition. The inclination to make the most of both begins, they believe, at a young age.

“Good habits developed in childhood carry over to adulthood,” Gene, a retired physician, said.“Oftentimes teen-age years can create obstacles for parents trying to guide their children’s health. That is why it is so important for parents to set the foundation for good habits as early as possible.”

To address their concern for good nutrition among youth, the Lampsons will host a SuperFoods Summer Camp for ages 4-13 during the month of June at their 138 W. Prien Lake Road store. The camp, designed to introduce youth to basic nutrition and the benefits of healthy eating, will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 1-26. Week one will be reserved for ages 4-6; week two, ages 7-10; week three, ages 11-13; and week four, high school students. The camp will focus on basic nutrition, the benefits of healthy eating, and preparation of nutrient-rich foods in a fun atmosphere.

“We are interested in educating both young children and teenagers. Many teens are learning the importance of good nutrition in promoting nice-looking skin, building strength and endurance and feeling good – issues that are important to them – and we want to give them the tools for developing their healthy diets and lifestyles,” Shively said.“Our youth should be taught that life is about balance. Not all carbs are bad and not all sugars make you fat.”

Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and can prevent health problems such as obesity, dental cavities and iron deficiency. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, most young people do not follow the recommendations set forth in the Dietary Guideline for Americans – 67 percent exceed recommendations for fat intake, and 72 percent exceed recommended saturated fat intake. In 2007, only 21 percent of high school students reported eating fruits and vegetables five or more times a day.

Diets that are high in cooked and processed foods can result in poor digestion because they are void of enzymes, according to Gene, who said children need to eat meals made from whole foods and enjoy healthy proteins such as organic poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. For optimal health, the Lampsons recommend a diet that contains a higher rate of plant-based meals and lower-rate of animal products.

For more information on the Pure Foods SuperFoods Summer Camp, including cost, contact Pure Foods at 905-7873 or visit the store at 138 W. Prien Lake Road.

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May 2009

Can’t or Won’t?

H

ave you ever thought about the difference between “can’t” and “won’t?” They are two closely related words, but very distinctively different from a mental health perspective. “Can’t” indicates an inability to do something, while “won’t” indicates an unwillingness.

Over the years I have learned that when you don’t say you “won’t” do something, you will find yourself in a position of “can’t.” Case in point: I have a friend who doesn’t say “no” – ever. She is mom of the year, employee of the year, at every function for everybody, constantly making food to bring to everything, etc. About twice a year she gets sick, really sick. She gets so run down from all the activities that she ends up in the bed for a couple of weeks. Because she doesn’t say she won’t do some things, her body steps in and makes sure she can’t.

Anxiety also plays a part in the can’t/won’t saga. When people begin having panic attacks or feeling nervous all the time, we can often connect it back to their attempt to control everything and everyone in their life. Since they don’t realize they won’t be able to do that, their mind steps in to make sure they can’t. As the anxiety increases, they are forced to stop worrying so much about everyone else and deal with their symptoms. They become so focused on dealing with their own feelings of anxiety, they begin to let everyone else run their own lives.

Feeling like you’re having a heart attack will put you in a position of doing whatever it takes to make that feeling go away – even if it means beginning to say “I can’t” sometimes. Once the anxiety symptoms are under control, we begin to work on the healthier phrase, “I won’t.”

Voted #1 Gift Shop!

Many of my new clients have finally made it to the “I can’t” stage. They have tried to please everyone, tried to juggle everything, and have been continually disappointed in everyone else’s lack of taking care of them so long that they have reached the point of exhaustion and frustration. Sometimes they are sad and confused – “I do everything for everyone else! Why don’t they do the same for me?” Sometimes they are angry – “I’m through always being the responsible one. Someone else can have the job for a while.” They are at the perfect place to begin

May 2009

to set boundaries (the limits we will accept from others). And a good starting boundary for these people is “I can’t.” It is a good starting place because it is easier for them to swallow than “I won’t.”

However, “I can’t” is only a good beginning boundary. At some point, you have to continue moving up on the “healthy” continuum to “I won’t.” Ultimately you must see that “I can’t” is a cop-out. If I can’t do something, I don’t really have to take the responsibility of saying I’m not willing to do it. After all, it’s not my fault, “I can’t.” Listen to the difference: “I can’t fight with you anymore. I’m getting a headache from all the yelling.” or “I won’t continue to talk to you as long as you are yelling.”

“I can’t make the whole Christmas dinner this year. I’m just too tired.” or “I’m not willing to make the whole Christmas dinner this year. How would you guys like to divide everything up?”

“I can’t keep watching you kill yourself with alcohol. It’s just too hard on me. I’m worried sick about you all the time.” or “I am not going to watch you do this to yourself anymore. I love you and I want us to be together, but I will not live like this any longer.”

Which statement sounds more powerful in each example, the first or the second? Which one takes personal responsibility?

Once your “can’t/won’t” awareness increases, you’ll be amazed at how many people are in a “can’t” state of mind. If you’re one of those people, don’t get stuck there. Keep moving forward. Begin to choose what you will and will not do, and base it on what’s good for you and keeps you feeling balanced physically and emotionally. Okay, I could go on forever about this, but I won’t – I’m choosing to end now!

ReveRse-a-puRse

Ayala Bar trunk Show May 7, 8, & 9

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Kid’s switch Flops www.thriveswla.com

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Add a Room

Without a Hammer

Imagine you could turn your workout room into a guest room, or your guest room into a home office, without adding square footage or shelling out cash for renovations. It’s called “dual purpose space,” and according to Samantha Hebert of Closet Tailors, it’s possible with a long-standing feature known as a Murphy bed.

First invented by William Murphy in 1900, Murphy beds are stored vertically inside a wall cabinet and open downward when needed. If you don’t need the bed, you simply fold it up and use the extra space for maximum potential.

“So many people have guest rooms that they only use on the holidays or for a few weekends out of the year. The bed just sits there and the room isn’t being utilized the rest of the time. This is a great way for homeowners to turn that extra space into a media center or home office, without losing their guest room,” Hebert said.

“Most Murphy beds fold away into a cabinet that looks like an attractive piece of furniture and they are available in a variety of styles and colors. Most of the time the bed can be incorporated into a small storage system.”

The Murphy bed uses a standard mattress and it doesn’t fold like a sofa bed or futon. Instead, the bed itself tilts up on end and into a specially designed cabinet, Hebert said. The beds are designed for simple and light operation through a spring-loaded counterbalance mechanism. In some cases, the bed can be folded away completely with sheets, blankets and pillows.

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“This is a great way to expand space in your home and change its look without having to renovate,” Hebert said.“Homeowners are moving away from cluttered spaces and instead want more floor room.” The Murphy bed is also optimal for renters or apartment dwellers that typically have even more limited space.

Other ideal spots for this unique piece of furniture are hotel owners; children’s bedrooms, where the bed can be folded away to make room for play space; college dorms; assisted living units; fire halls; and hospitals.

For more information, contact Samantha Hebert with Closet Tailors of Lake Charles at 562-0322 or via email, shebert@closettailors.com.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

By Erin K. Cormier

Local Businessman Named

2008 samaritan of the Year Lake Charles businessman Willie King, Jr. was named the 2008 Samaritan of the Year at Samaritan Counseling Center’s annual banquet last month. King, chairperson of the 100 Black Men Youth Leadership program and president of Project Build-AFuture, was selected by the community from a pool of 10 finalists. He was nominated by local teachers and students of J.J. Johnson Elementary, T.H. Watkins Elementary and Ray Molo Middle School and is the owner of King’s Funeral Home, King’s Transmission Service and King’s Limousine.

“He is a businessman who never stops demonstrating his time and money for the well-being of the community,” said Wanda Cooper, one of those who nominated King.“He walks through the doors of many of our local elementary schools, speaking to several classes to encourage them to write essays as a means to develop their literacy skills, and he rewards them personally. He buys 350 backpacks each year and provides supplies as needed to area schools. When someone says ‘I can’t,’ he says, ‘Mr. Can’t died, and I should know; I’m in the funeral business.’”

Mickey Shannon, executive director of the Samaritan Counseling Center, said the agency was honored to present the award to King, who was one of several nominees from throughout Southwest Louisiana.“This award was designed to recognize an individual who has worked selflessly to improve the lives of others, demonstrated a constant willingness to invest time and money for projects that benefit those in need, and promoted health in mind, body and spirit. Mr. King certainly epitomizes all those factors,” Shannon said.“The Samaritan Counseling Center is proud to bestow such an award on a member of our community.”

King has demonstrated a longtime commitment to volunteerism and, as president of Project Build-A-Future, has supported and encouraged home ownership for struggling families, according to Cooper.

“He believes that a businessman’s mission never ends with business,” she said.

King said the award serves as a reminder of the “difference a little personal effort each day can makes in the life of someone else.”

“It was an honor to receive this award and I was totally shocked when they called my name, but I was more excited when the children at all of the schools told me how they worked together to create a voting campaign plan, like they were participating in an election,” King said, referring to the public vote put forth on the KPLC TV web site.“They learned something.”

The importance of family is measured every day in a small community like ours. At Jennings American Legion Hospital, the daily health of your family isn’t just your priority – it’s ours, too.

You may have to travel for some things, but quality healthcare isn’t one of them. With Jennings American Legion Hospital, the healing touch for your family is right here at home. Make an appointment today and meet our team of family physicians.

Pictured from L to R: Christopher Achee, MD; Michael Benoit, MD; Mark Clawson, MD; Young Kang, MD; Amanda LaComb, MD; Richard McGregor, MD; James McNally, MD

Other selected finalists for the award were B.J. Cayton, director of the McNeese Counseling Center; Dr. Doug Ezell, licensed counselor and retired district superintendent of the Lake Charles District United Methodist Church; Julie Giordano, interim executive director of Habitat for Humanity; Father Henry Mancuso, pastor of Sacred Heart Church and director of Catholic Charities for the Lake Charles Diocese; John Morris, local businessman and volunteer; Ann Polak, director of the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter; Clarice Raichel, director of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; Judge Robert Wyatt of the 14th Judicial District; and Beth Zilbert, director of the People’s Advocate and president of the local chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana.

1634 Elton Rd. 616-7000 • www.jalh.com Willie King, jr.

May 2009

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Short on

Exercise Time?

You Must Be a Parent.

Being a parent brings fulfillment and joy (at least most of the time!), but new parents quickly find out that their time is now non-existent; everything centers around the baby. This includes time previously set aside for exercise.

Studies have shown that marriage doesn’t impact exercise time nearly as much as becoming a parent. Activity levels declined about an hour per week for newlyweds, not a significant change for the scientists from the University of Pittsburgh who studied exercise habits after people married, then also after they had children.

new parents feel is due to lack of sleep, the often-mundane tasks like laundry, feedings, rocking the baby,” explained Jenny Thomas, MD, pediatrician with the Pediatric Center.“Every parent can relate to that dogged-tired feeling at some point, and it can seem disheartening to realize they should try to work exercise into their day; but even squeezing in 10 minutes here and there throughout the day can make a huge difference in a person’s stamina and self-esteem. My advice to new parents is to try to exercise a little each day, but don’t stress about it. If you keep trying to fit it into your schedule, eventually, you’ll settle into a good rhythm.”

The study involved almost 850 men and women for two years, answering questions about their fitness levels and physical health at the beginning of the study, then again at the end. They also indicated if they

Even though exhaustion is a common element among new parents, the chronic tiredness isn’t necessarily due to a heart-pumping exercise program.“The type of tiredness

by Christine Fisher

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

got married or had children during the time of the study. Out of the study, 99 men or women got married and 40 had their first child. Overall, the new parents lost three hours of exercise time per week; a significant change.

“Major life changes, like becoming a parent, can cause schedules to go out the window. What was routine a few months ago seems unreachable today,” said Tressie Bares, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions.“That’s part of life and understandable. It’s okay when part of your life needs more attention for a little while. It’s best to focus on that area, getting it under control. But, the point to remember, is that at some point, you need to take a step back and make sure you are including yourself as a priority.”

The benefits of regular exercise can be valuable for new parents. Getting in a good workout can help people sleep better at night, be more focused during the day, and fight off pesky cold and flu viruses that seem to cling to young children.

“We know time is limited for everyone, but especially new parents. That’s why we offer our members on-site child care so they can work out and know their kids are fine just a few feet away,” said Robert Kingham, director of Dynamic Dimensions.“Teens can exercise, too, while their parents are here. We have a very family-friendly atmosphere, so it’s comfortable for the whole family to be here.”

Finding time to exercise may seem like the impossible dream for new parents; but, health experts agree that making time to exercise can help parents cope with the changes a baby brings. Carving out time for good health is always a good investment.

To talk with a personal trainer about ways to keep your health a priority while juggling other responsibilities, call Dynamic Dimensions. The number to the Sulphur location is 527-5459 and the number for Moss Bluff is 855-7708.

Where

Compassion never Ends

We are dedicated to providing care and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families.

Harbor Hospice is a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medical care and support for people at the end of life and their families. It’s care focused on maintaining dignity, increasing quality of life, and providing comfort, including pain and symptom control. Harbor Hospice recognizes that every person’s experience will be different and the hospice team creates a plan of care according to the individual needs and wishes of each patient.

Harbor Hospice staff members are available at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is the mission of Harbor Hospice staff to walk side-by-side with patients and offer support, not only for any physical symptoms, but for emotional and spiritual needs, as well. This support extends to family members, and Harbor Hospice helps them cope with their own unique and spiritual concerns.

www.harborhospice.com LAKE CHARLES 2501 E. Prien Lake Road 337.562.8620 May 2009

LAFAYETTE 218 Rue Beauregard #L 337.231.6969

OAKDALE 114 N. 11th Street 318.335.5029 Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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n w o t n w o D o t n w o D t Ge

& Grill, 9pm Bar & @ Aj’s sequoya Prep school @ luna – The Boxy Brown, von Dukes m 9p Grill, Bar & Grill, 10pm s Bar & uerors – 80’s Bash w/Butt roxx @ Aj’ – siFl Football: houma Conq Tuesday, May 5 pm @ lake 10 ll, ers Gri ckl bu tro, vs. louisiana swash – Alvin Touchet @ sylvia’s Bis 16 y Ma ay, saturd Charles Civic Center, 6:30pm , lesson: 7-9pm – salsa night @ sylvia’s Bistro Thursday, May 7 8-9pm & Dance: 9pm-1am , tro Bis ’s via syl @ r & Grill, in ller Pe – Dave – Plump (houston) @ luna Ba 6-10pm 9pm Tuesday, May 26 & r Ba s Aj’ @ tro, ) stin Friday, May 8 (Au – Distant lights – Alvin Touchet @ sylvia’s Bis r & Grill, Ba na lu @ s tle Tur rch sea – re Grill, 10pm 7-9pm s ug db Mu a ian 9pm ad Ac all: otb Fo – siFl Wednesday, May 27 e lak @ ers ckl , 8-10pm bu ash saturday, May 9 sw a vs. louisian – City heat @ sylvia’s Bistro ka relocate My & e avi An ls, Kil se nri su – Thursday, May 28 Charles Civic Center, 6:30pm tro, @ Aj’s Bar & Grill, 10pm – Dave Pellerin @ sylvia’s Bis & r Ba na lu @ s gu lin w/ ) – Toast (Austin 6-10pm Grill, 9pm Friday, May 29 the n ftg. City heat Monday, May 18 –”Poking Fun” -An exhibit of m – Downtown at sundow 0p cal 8-1 , liti tro po d, Bis ’s oo via rw syl no @ vid Pie Da 6-9pm works of – Acoustic @ corner of ryan & Broad st, e ug ro ton Ba the tro, 9pmcartoonist for Tuesday, May 19 – southbound @ sylvia’s Bis perial tro, Bis ’s via syl @ t che Tou in Alv Morning Advocate @ The im – 12am @ luna 7-9pm Calcasieu Museum, 7-9pm – 6 Pack Deep (Baton rouge) 20 y Ma Wednesday, Bar & Grill, 9pm , 8-10pm – City heat @ sylvia’s Bistro Friday, May 30 , lesson: Thursday, May 21 – salsa night @ sylvia’s Bistro , tro Bis ’s via syl Monday, May 11 @ in Peller 8-9pm & Dance: 9pm-1am tro, 8-10pm – Dave – Acoustic Pie @ sylvia’s Bis 44rz, Ashes 6-10pm – Du lAC live: The loaded Tuesday, May 12 22 y ll, 9pm Ma y, & da Fri tro, of Babylon @ luna Bar Gri ul so . ftg n ow nd – Alvin Touchet @ sylvia’s Bis su at n sky & Ma– Downtow – Forever Falls, Parallel The ad Bro & an ry of r 7-9pm ne cor vacation @ ven @ Aj’s Bar & Grill, 10pm Wednesday, May 13 pm 6-9 st, , 8-10pm saturday, june 1 tro, 9pm– City heat @ sylvia’s Bistro dbugs – soul vacation @ sylvia’s Bis – siFl Football: Acadiana Mu Thursday, May 14 @ lake 12am vs. louisiana swashbucklers tro, Bis ’s via syl r@ Co in as ller Tex Pe lor ve Tay Da – – Greg Ginn & The Charles Civic Center, 6:30pm Bar & na lu @ ng 6-10pm ba jam w/ rs ato rig isha – An elegant evening with ele Grill, 9pm m ay & eagle @ luna Bar & Grill, 8p – she Craves, souls on Mond Bar & 15 s y Aj’ Ma @ y, Frida Daylight Broadcast erom Bo . ftg n ow nd su at n – Downtow Grill, 10pm ad st, ang @ corner of ryan & Bro saturday, May 23 tro, 9pmpm 6-9 – sugar house @ sylvia’s Bis m9p , tro Bis ’s via syl @ d un – southbo 12am @ luna Bar 12am – live oak Decline (Austin) & r cta ne sh – Magnolia sons, Fre

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May 2009

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Recommended Dosages on

Child Meds

W

are Indispensable

by Erin K. Cormier

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“Acetaminophen is a standard and effective remedy for parents to treat their child’s fever, but just because it’s common and available over the counter doesn’t mean it’s a fail-safe,” said Christopher Achee, MD, a family physician with Jennings American Legion Hospital. “An overdose of acetaminophen can overload the liver’s ability to process the drug, which can ultimately create liver and kidney complications. It’s in a parent’s best interest to follow the recommended dosage, or, if in doubt, contact the family physician.”

“Obviously all patients are different, and that includes children, so the amount of acetaminophen that can be tolerant is dependent on many factors. But why take a chance?” Achee said. “In most cases, it takes a simple phone call to a family physician or pharmacist to ensure what you’re doing is in the child’s best interest.”

This is especially true for drug interactions, according to Achee.

Cold medicines, for example, usually contain acetaminophen, so if a parent gives a child cold medicine and follows up with acetaminophen, it could result in an overdose.

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“It’s not uncommon for parents to think that they can give their child adult medication by simply cutting the dosage in half, but it doesn’t work that way. Adults should never dispense adult medications to a child unless they are specifically directed by their physician,” Achee said. “Another common belief is that more medicine is better, but that is definitely not the case. If your child’s symptoms haven’t improved and it’s not the scheduled time for another dosage, don’t give them more medicine. More is not always better. The best thing to do is take your child to the doctor to determine why the symptoms haven’t gotten better.”

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There are several reasons why a parent may unwittingly give their child a dangerous amount of acetaminophen. Perhaps the drug interaction verbiage on the label was disregarded, the measurement was miscalculated or the symptoms didn’t improve quickly enough and seemed to require a second dosage. Despite the various reasons that such errors occur, family physicians agree that labels on over-the-counter medications should be thoroughly reviewed before any type of medicine is dispensed, especially for children.

Recommended dosages are typically determined based on weight. While an average adult can ingest and tolerate up to 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen in 24 hours, such an amount would be dangerous in a 30-pound child.

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14

hen a child is feverish, a parent’s first line of defense is typically acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Advil. It’s a reasonable place to turn – acetaminophen is designed to treat patients of varying ages, after all – but because it’s readily available without a prescription and is common in every American household, its label, which includes potentially harmful drug interactions and recommended dosages, may not receive the scrutiny it deserves.

Common symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain. If your child experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, a child may accidentally confuse medicine for candy or juice and ingest it without your knowledge.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Taking Careof thePerson WhoTakesCareof Everyone If you’re like most moms, you spend most of your time doing things for other people. The physicians at Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic want to remind you that you also have a responsibility to take care of yourself by eating right, exercising, not smoking, and having regular medical exams. Specific health screenings for women are also recommended for early detection and treatment of certain conditions. These include: Cardiology • Mammograms: Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.

Ear, Nose & Throat • Pap Smears: Have a Pap smear every one to three years .

Family Medicine • Cholesterol Checks: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at Gastroenterology age 40.

General Surgery • Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. Internal Medicine • Colorectal Cancer Tests: Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at Neurology age 50.

Oncology/Hematology • Diabetes Tests: Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood Pulmonary Diseases & Critical Care pressure or high cholesterol, or if you have a family history of the disease.

Rheumatology • Osteoporosis Tests: Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for Urgent Care osteoporosis.

Ancillary Services: Some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others.

Talk to your doctor about which tests you need and when you should have them. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Clinic at (337) 433-8400.

Allergy Clinic, Endoscopy, Laboratory, Radiology & Research

There’s A Difference Here.

501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive (337) 433-8400 • www.lcmsc.com

May 2009

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15

by Kristy Armand

Quest for the Perfect Tan

May Lead to Imperfect Vision

N

Tanning Can Put eyes in the uv Target Zone

ow that the weather is warming up, many people are heading to tanning salons to darken their skin before they put on their shorts, tank tops and bathing suits. This practice has become so common, that many refer to it as “getting a base tan,” they can “build on” in the summer sun.

National statistics show that more than 1 million Americans use tanning salons every day. Unfortunately, a large percentage of these people believe that tanning beds are safer than tanning in the sun, but research has shown that ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels of many tanning beds are often up to 100 times that of the natural sun.

“Tanning beds can cause skin damage and serious burns, not just to the skin, but to the eyes as well,” says William Iglinsky, MD, board certified ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic. He explains that tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays that can cause photokeratitis, or a burn of the cornea, the clear surface of the eye. “Symptoms can range from painful tearing and redness of the eye to extreme cases of temporary loss of vision.

And just as a sunburn to the skin is not immediately apparent, symptoms of photokeratitis may not appear until 6-12 hours after exposure.”

Tanning facilities are required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to provide clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers. Dr. Iglinsky stresses that using a tanning bed without protective eye goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun. We can’t emphasize this enough. Wearing regular sunglasses or placing cotton balls over the eyes is not sufficient protection.”

He adds that it’s also important for those using tanning beds -- or anyone who is exposed to UV radiation for long periods of time – to realize that most UV damage is cumulative, and the extent of the damage will not appear until years later.

“There seems to be a desire to tan in order to appear more glamorous or attractive, but vanity shouldn’t lead you to do something that puts your health and future vision at risk,” says Dr. Iglinsky. “In addition to the wellknown risk of skin cancer, damage from UV exposure can cause cataracts 16

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and contribute to the development of macular degeneration.”

Dr. Iglinsky says the best way to protect your vision is to wear UV-blocking eye protection during any activity that exposes you to the sun’s rays, particularly in an environment in which the sun is reflecting on sand, water, asphalt or snow. “This is a message that has been stressed for many years, but does not seem to be getting through to the public.”

A recent national survey found that while nearly 80 percent of consumers are aware that UV exposure can cause skin cancer, only 5 percent know exposure can also harm the eyes. In addition, 57 percent of survey respondents do not wear protective eyewear when in the sun for extended periods of time. When you take into consideration the fact that Americans spend an average of 3.5 hours per day outdoors – this amounts to more than 1,000 hours of UV damage to their eyes each year, according to experts.

“Whether you’re fishing on the lake, lounging by the pool or mowing the grass, you need to always wear eyewear that blocks 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. You’ll have to carefully read the lens label, or consult an optician, to make sure you are getting the protection you need,” says Dr. Iglinsky. “Your best choice would be wraparound sunglasses, because they block the highest amount of damaging rays, and in addition, effectively protect the delicate skin around the eyes.”

He says parents should remember that children are also susceptible to UV damage and also need to UV-blocking eyewear for all daytime outdoor activities, specifically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are the most intense.

People who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at higher risk for eye damage from UV rays.

For more information about the dangers of UV exposure and how to choose the best protective options for adults and children, call The Eye Clinic or Optics Unlimited in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Jennings.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

by Erin K. Cormier

Words of Wisdom for Incoming Freshmen The school year is coming to an end, and when the summer’s over, a new group of young adults will enter into their final realm of secondary education – high school. To put these freshmen at ease, we asked five current high school veterans: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen? lak’ken starland, a senior at LaGrange, said to “keep God first and work to fulfill your dreams.

Learn as much as you can and try to perfect the unperfected in life. Have fun, work hard, and just enjoy these four years.”

Andrew Fisher, a senior at Sulphur High, says don’t freak out. “Everything settles down after the first week. Try to maintain a challenging curriculum, even though it may seem intimidating at first. Also, join some clubs and activities that you find interesting; it’s a great way to make new friends.”

“Work hard, make good friends, and have fun,” haley Armand, a senior at Sulphur High, said.

“Your high school years will go by faster than you think, so focus on what is important and try not to worry over every little thing. Don’t be afraid to be different from the crowd. You want to get to the end and be proud of what you have accomplished and excited about the future, not regretting the opportunities you missed because you were afraid to take a chance.”

Brittany soileau, a senior at Sam Houston High School, said to “love being a freshmen. Love being who you are and where you are. People will notice, and respect you for that. Being comfortable where you are allows you to embrace your school and leave your mark.”

“Don’t be afraid,” says sonia Adtani, a student at Barbe High School. “Things in high school are only as scary as you make them to be.”

May 2009

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May 2009

¢ha-¢hing!

Typically, getting a tax refund is cause for splurging. For the 70% of Americans who usually receive a check from Uncle Sam, visions of vacations, jewelry or upgraded technology dance in their heads. This year’s average refund is $2,075, up 11% from last year.

“Whether it’s $300 or $3000, taking time to consider the best place for the money is a good idea,” said Gwen Himel, Vice President with Cameron State Bank’s Moss Bluff banking center.“Once you have an idea of the amount of your refund, study your finances before the check arrives.”

Approximately 50% of Americans say they’ll pay down debt with their refund, an excellent idea according to Himel.

“Reducing debt will save in interest fees, decrease the total amount owed and provide a better cushion for meeting monthly expenses. Not to mention the reduced stress level once you’re out from under a cloud of debt,” she said.“It may seem smarter to put the money in the bank, but if you have a highinterest credit card with a hefty balance, it’s smarter to pay off the debt.”

Adding to an emergency fund can also reduce stress. Financial experts advise having at least six months of living expenses set

by Christine Fisher

Tax Refund Spending Tips

aside before any luxury items should be bought. With unemployment at a 25-year high, having an emergency fund can help people sleep at night.

Kick the tires, literally. If you’re driving on worn out tires, a refund check may be just the ticket for ensuring safety on the road. Consider other home maintenance duties that have been put off. Maintaining may be the right move these days to stretch the dollar, rather than buying brand new.

If you have no debt, the declining stock market may be the invitation you need to get involved.“If you don’t need the money for five years or beyond, prices are right to put money into the stock market,” Himel said.“Buying an index fund gives you easy diversification.”

Refinancing might be a good move if you can save at least one percentage point from your current interest rate. Using a tax refund to pay all or part of the closing costs to refinance could result in thousands of dollars in the long run, and free up more money each month due to lower monthly payment.

In the end, if you’re out of debt and have an emergency fund set aside, even financial experts say a treat may be in order.“You have to find the right balance in life with everything, and that includes your finances. Treating yourself for wise money management is a good idea. A new TV or a getaway vacation for a few days can help lower stress and recharge you to keep doing the good job you’re doing,” said Himel.

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19

Enhance Your Glow with Summer Skin Care Now that you’ve survived the skin issues related to winter dryness, the weather has warmed and brought a new set of concerns – the effects of the sun. For most, seasonal variations translate into tweaks in our skin treatment plans.“As the temperature warms and the humidity increases, it becomes necessary in many cases to change the types of creams, lotions and makeup that we utilize”, according to Kimberly Dellafosse,RN, Licensed Esthetician and owner of Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa. “In the cooler months, skin dryness is a major concern and clients are encouraged to use heavier based creams and lotions.

The summer months, because of the humidity, may require that we use less lotions and creams, but moisturizing the skin must not be neglected.”

Dellafosse said.

Choose cleansing and moisturizing products that are rich in antioxidants and ones that won’t strip your skin of vital nutrients. However, for ultimate sun protection, select moisturizers and cosmetics which contain SPF protection.

Once you have your line-up of appropriate summer skin products, it’s wise to look for

simpler, natural ways to enhance the radiance of your skin, Dellafosse said. One place to start is your diet. Skin becomes more radiant when you consume an adequate amount of water; ideally, about eight glasses a day. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also important. Finding an assortment of raw fruits and vegetables to eat becomes much easier during the summer months simply because of the abundant choices.

“During the winter months, skin can become dull. With this in mind, summer is a great time to begin receiving monthly facials, especially facials that focus on rehydrating the skin and exfoliating the dead skin cells that dull the appearance of our skin” , Dellafosse said. Skin care should not be limited to your face. The skin on other parts of your body requires a little TLC as well. As a result, consider showering in cooler water and exfoliating the skin more frequently.

Also, don’t forget your feet. Now that boot season is over, it’s time for your feet to slip into nice sandals or strappy heels.“If you have a nice pair of cute sandals, you want to make sure the dullness and dryness of your feet doesn’t overshadow them. Get a pedicure so a professional can utilize skin softening soaks and scrubs to remove the dead, callused skin from your feet,” Dellafosse said.“After a great pedicure, you will notice a big difference in the softness and appearance, and you’ll be ready for those sandals.”

For more information on summer skin care, contact Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa at 3130222 or visit the spa at 414 East College Street. You can also view AVAILABLE the spa’s website at NEW NON-SURGICAL TECHNIQUE NOW www.glamandgloss.com.

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May 2009

The good news is that “ depression can be treated effectively and now it’s easy to get help.

”

– Bill Williams, LPA, LMFT

New Program Focuses on

Pregnancy & Depression Pregnancy and motherhood are often considered jubilant times, but for many women, depression during and after pregnancy marks the life-changing event with grief.

Licensed professional counselor Candis Carr, associate executive director of Family and Youth Counseling, said that it’s a “common assumption” that pregnancy and childhood are happy experiences, which can make some women suffering from depression feel embarrassed, ashamed or guilty. A new program offered through the Counseling Center of Family and Youth Counseling hopes to dispel the misconceptions of pregnancy and depression, and treat the women who suffer from it.

“Many times the experiences of pregnancy and childbirth do not meet the criteria of popular assumptions. It’s normal to feel a mixture of sadness and happiness during this time. Unfortunately, some women experience more intense, long-lasting, troublesome feelings and unfamiliar behaviors that can develop into depression,” said Counseling Center Director Bill Williams, LPA, LMFT, who will oversee the newly tailored program.“Depression can affect any pregnant woman or mother, including adoptive mothers, regardless of age, race, status or previous experiences. Even some fathers experience depression at the time.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 13 percent of pregnant women and new mothers will experience depression.

Depression linked to childbirth can occur up to two years after the child is born, and the condition seldom fades away on its own without treatment.

Local psychiatrist Dr. Dale Archer, with the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, said pregnancy and motherhood can create unique circumstances that make a woman vulnerable to depression, particularly if the woman is already susceptible and has a low threshold for handling the stress and hormonal changes.“When a woman is pregnant, she is dealing with hormonal changes, May 2009

By Erin K. Cormier

physical discomfort that can result in sleeplessness, and increased weight gain that affects her energy levels, among other things,” Archer said. “Once the baby is born, the stressors certainly don’t go away. Now she has to deal with decreased sleep and all the other logistical issues that go along with having a baby – day care, going back to work, caring for the baby, and so on. All these factors can play a role in a woman’s potential to develop depression.”

Luckily, Williams said, treatment is available and effective, and can help a mother find her way out of depression and into the brighter world of parenthood.

According to the Counseling Center of Family and Youth, symptoms of depression include sadness, anxiety, fearfulness, guilt, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in favorite activities, irritability, low energy, mood swings, frequent crying, memory problems and persistent physical problems such as stomach aches or headaches. Pregnant women may eat poorly, miss prenatal visits, ignore medical instructions and use harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Such behavior can ultimately result in premature birth, low birth rate, and other complications.

Women who suffer from depression after pregnancy may have difficulty caring for their babies or giving their children the quality and quantity of attention babies must have to get a good start in life, according to Carr.

Unresponsive mothers are less likely to bond well with their children, which can result in language development delays, attachment problems, behavior problems and increased crying.

“Good parenting is emotionally demanding and tedious work. When one or more parent is depressed, taking care of a helpless infant or young toddler can seem completely overwhelming,” Williams said.“The good news is that depression can be treated effectively and now it’s easy to get help.”

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21

rodgers joins Pediatric Center staff Dr. Alycia Rodgers has joined the Pediatric Center’s physician staff. Rodgers attended the University of Montevallo and Meharry Medical College and completed her residency training program in pediatrics at Cook County Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Upon completion of her residency she became a faculty member at the University of Chicago Hospital and Health Alycia rodgers, MD System. She maintained dual hospital privileges as an Attending Physician at both the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital and at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital.

Relocating to Louisiana, Dr. Rodgers practiced at the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services. In 2006, she established the Reach Out And Read Program to encourage early reading to children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. To make an appointment with Dr. Rodgers call The Pediatric Center at (337) 527-6371.

low-vision specialist Available at The eye Clinic

FiNE LiNEs

Need

Directions?

Experience is just around the corner.

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ACNE PigmENtEd LEsioNs

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Bronwen Darbonne, CLT Stephen R. Cannon, MD

Steve Gill, OD, a nationally recognized lowvision expert, has joined The Eye Clinic as a visiting consultant. Dr. Gill will see patients by appointment on a monthly basis at The Eye Clinic’s Lake Charles office. He will assist patients with low-vision impairments that cannot be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses, medication or steve Gill, oD surgery.

A graduate of the University of Houston’s College of Optometry, Dr. Gill established the LSU Low Vision Clinic and the Lions/LSU Regional Low Vision Center, both in New Orleans, where he serves as clinical director. He is assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

According to Dr. Gill, low vision is not the same as being blind, a common misconception. He explains that low vision is “vision that does not allow you do to the things that you need to do.” This is different for different people and includes loss of visual activity, such as blurred, obstructed, or spotty vision, or loss of visual fields, such as “tunnel vision.” Although there is no cure for low vision, eye care and vision rehabilitation treatment is available, Dr. Gill said. This is the type of treatment he and his occupational therapist will be providing to patients at The Eye Clinic.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gill, call The Eye Clinic at 478-3810 or 800-826-5223.

717 N. Eastern Ave., Crowley, LA • (337) 783-2426 22

www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

on Bee extermination

by Kristy Armand The sun is shining, birds are singing and flowers are blooming. Unfortunately, all this springtime bliss may be accompanied by the buzzing of bees. Although bees are considered beneficial insects in most cases, they can become a problem if colonies and nests are located in and around your home or business.

Before you panic about a bee infestation, keep in mind that seeing just a few bees is no cause for real alarm. “Bees can travel long distances in their search for food. If there are just a few around, it’s likely that the hive or colony is quite a distance away, and you will probably not need to worry about taking any actions,” says Robert Soileau, Manager of J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles.

He does advise keeping an eye on the situation, because sometimes the first few bees are “scouts” who are scoping out a location for their new colony.

Soileau adds that bees clustering close to your home can be a red flag.“Bees establish colonies in dark, cavernous places where they build complex nests.

These homes of up to 60,000 individuals are usually established inside trees, but if they can get in through a crack or gap, that cavern could be within your exterior walls. Unlike yellow jacket hives, which only last one year, honey bee colonies are permanent. If you find honey bees entering and exiting a hole in your wall or in the eaves of your home, then you have a bee problem that could lead to swarming and stinging, and it should be eliminated before this occurs.”

Soileau says carpenter bees can also present a big problem. In late spring to early summer you may see aggressive swarms of carpenter bees buzzing around your eaves or garage. He says because carpenter bees resemble honeybees in appearance, you may not realize you have a different type of bee infestation.

The male of the species is very aggressive, and will dive bomb anyone – including children and pets, if their nest is approached. Although the males do not sting, due to their large size they can be frightening. Female carpenter bees do have a painful sting. “The biggest risk from these bees is the damage they May 2009

can do to your home,” explains Soileau. “These bees will chew and burrow into wood, which can cause serious damage to your home or garage. They typically like to nest in the multiple wood tunnels they have created by chewing into unpainted or weathered woods. They particularly like redwood, cedar, cypress, and pine.” He adds that carpenter bees can lead to other pest problems, such as birds who feed on the bee’s honey and larvae. They can cause further damage as they peck at the wood to get into the bees’ chamber in search of the larvae.

Eliminating a bee problem is more complicated than just spraying a little pesticide, according to Soileau.“If you have a true infestation, professional help may be needed to really get rid of the bees and keep them away. There are several steps to this process. First, we locate and kill the bees with targeted spraying. Then we remove the dead bees, honeycombs, or hives, and any honey inside the home. This is important because if left there, the sweetness of the honey and honeycombs will attract mice, flies, and other pests.” If the honey bees have burrowed far into the structure, Soileau says opening and exposing the area may be required, so the hive and honey can be removed. Once that is done, the space must be sealed up.“Only by caulking cracks and cleaning thoroughly, can you make sure the same space doesn’t provide a ready-made home for another colony of bees or any other pests.”

Soileau adds that as with any other pest, prevention is always preferred over extermination. “The most important thing you can do to prevent bee problems is to keep from attracting them.” Garbage bins should be covered tightly so that bees aren’t attracted to the smell of sweet rubbish, such as soda cans, rotting fruit, etc. Inspect your home regularly, and fill in any cracks and holes in the walls and eaves of your house, and make sure screens are tightly secured.

“Doing these things will help you make sure bees don’t see your home as a welcoming new home for them.”

For more information about bee extermination, or any other pest control issue, call J&J Exterminating at 474-7377.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

23

by Kristy Armand

Don’t Let

Golf Injuries Handicap Your Game Golf is enjoying a major upswing in popularity, but most amateur golfers know relatively little about preventing golfing-related injuries.

Before you hit the links, you might want to hit the gym. New research suggests that strong hip muscles can make a big difference in your golf performance. A recent study found that golfers with strong hip muscles have lower handicaps and longer driving distances than those with weak hip muscles.“This research demonstrate the importance of hip muscle strength in stabilizing the trunk and balancing forces from the lower parts of the body to the arms during a golf swing to improve overall performance,” says John Noble, Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon with Center for Orthopaedics.

“It was found all the hip movements tended to be stronger in the best golfers who had the lowest handicaps and longest driving distances.

Hip muscles play an important role in balancing the forces transferred between the lower body and upper extremities during the golf swing. Stronger hip muscles may provide better trunk stability that may in turn be related to better golf performance.”

The hip is not the only part of your body that can impact your golf game. Dr. Noble adds that an overall strength and conditioning program is an important part of preventing musculoskeletal injuries.

“The idea that golf is an injury-free sport is a misconception,” says Dr. Noble.“As with any sport, injuries can occur in golfing if your body is not ready to take on the stress of a repeated movement. For those of you who golf on a regular basis, you know how important it is to be mentally prepared to hit a golf ball. It is also important to be physically ready to hit the ball.

Proper warm-up, flexibility and swing mechanics not only help your game, but will also help you to avoid putting your clubs away in early summer due to a golf injury.”

Dr. Noble explains that overuse injuries 24

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are the primary source of problems for golfers. These types of injuries occur more frequently in those individuals lacking adequate flexibility and strength of the stomach, shoulder and elbow muscles. They occur when the forces of an activity exceed the muscle’s ability to absorb the force. He says when this occurs, it is the tendon that is overstressed.

Leading the list of common golf injuries is golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow occurs in the dominant arm as the club head strikes the ball or ground. One of the best ways to avoid elbow problems is to strengthen the forearm muscles and slow the swing so that there will be less shock in the arm when the ball is hit by the golfer.

Many golfers also suffer from impingement syndrome of the shoulder. This condition is an inflammation of the shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons caused from the “pinching” of the tendons between the bones of the shoulder. Dr. Noble says for golfers, this most often occurs in the front region of the arm and is felt at the finish of the swing.“Strong rotator cuff muscles are the best way to prevent this from happening.”

Low back pain is a very common complaint among golfers. This can be caused by a poor swing. The rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the spine and muscles. Also poor flexibility and muscle strength can cause minor strains in the back that can become severe injuries. “Fortunately, back injuries in golfers are generally only strained muscles, but in more severe cases, the lumbar disc can become irritated or rupture,” says Dr. Noble.

To prevent these types of injuries, he says special emphasis should be placed on core strength in the back, torso, hips and shoulders. One way to begin such a conditioning routine is to add push-ups and crunches to your training.

A well-rounded strength, flexibility and endurance program three times per week will help overall body conditioning and reduce your risk of injury on the course. Cardiovascular conditioning can help delay the onset of muscle fatigue, and Dr. Noble adds that you should also drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially during the summer months.

In addition to working on overall conditioning, Dr. Noble says that another important injury prevention strategy for golfers it to take the time to warm up before hitting the links – just as you would before any playing any other sport “Taking the time to properly warm up before playing will not only help your game that day,” adds Dr. Noble,“it will also lower your risk of injury, and improve your overall level of fitness.”

For more information about any musculoskeletal problem, call Center for Orthopaedics at 721-7236.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Memorial hospital Partners with vermilion Parish library system As the lead agency for the Community Hospital Telehealth Consortium, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently partnered with the Vermilion Parish Library System to expand the reach of health services in rural areas. The new partnership will greatly expand Memorial’s Telehealth Consortium reach, providing healthcare to an additional 51,000 people throughout the gulf coast region.

This partnership is made possible by a $25,000 grant in telehealth equipment from the Community Hospital Telehealth Consortium to the Vermilion Parish Library System. The initial offerings include several healthy community programs such as health classes for senior citizens and virtual field trips for students, as well as continuing education for healthcare professionals and professional educators.

For more information, call Telemedicine at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, 494-2861.

upcoming Classes at Memorial hospital for Women The following prenatal classes will be offered by Memorial Hospital for Women during May, June, and July. For more information or to pre-register, call 480-7243.

• Prepared Childbirth 6-Week Series: Highly recommended for its hands-on approach to dealing with labor, delivery and recovery, the Prepared Childbirth 6-Week Series is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy.

Learn comfort, relaxation, positioning, breathing, and massage techniques for increasing the comfort level and enhancing the birth experience. Tuesdays, May 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35/couple • One-Day Prepared Childbirth Class: Learn comfort, relaxation, positioning, breathing, and massage techniques for increasing the comfort level and enhancing the birth experience during this condensed version of the Prepared Childbirth Series. Recommended for the last three months of pregnancy. Saturdays, May 16, June 13, July 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $35/couple • Breastfeeding Class: Learn positioning, latch-on, early feedings and the importance of assessing baby’s intake during the Breastfeeding Class.

Recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Thursdays, May 21, June 18, July 16, 6:30-8:45 p.m. $10/couple • Sibling Class: Preparing siblings for the new arrival can be as confusing as it is joyous, so the Sibling Class focuses on the unity of the family. Recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Mondays, June 1, July 13. 6-7 p.m. $10/family • Baby Care Class: The Baby Care Class reviews newborn characteristics, general baby care, early parenting issues and community resources. Recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Mondays, May 18, June 29, July 27.

6:30-8:30 p.m. $10/couple • Infant CPR for Family and Friends: Learn and practice rescue for choking and CPR for infants. This is not a certifying or credentialing course, but is recommended for expectant parents, new parents and support persons.

Monday, June 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5/person • Safe Sitter® Class: Safe Sitter® is a program designed for boys and girls ages 11 – 13. This class teaches sitters how to have fun with children. They will also learn safety tips, how to recognize a medical emergency, and what the appropriate action should be during an emergency, such as when a child or infant is choking. Wednesdays, June 10, June 17, July 8, July 15. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $35/sitter

Get Your Kids to

Straighten Up this Summer

with Crawford Orthodontics Summer time is the right time to start orthodontic treatment.

At Crawford Orthodontics, we make the process as kid-friendly as possible, with the latest advances in conventional orthodontics and the new Invisalign Teen system, a virtually invisible way to straighten teeth using clear aligners instead of wires.

We accept most insurance and flexible benefit plans, and offer affordable, convenient payment plans to fit any budget, including no-down payment options.

Call Crawford Orthodontics today.

We’ll give you—and your kids—something to smile about this summer.

FREE INITIAL EXAM

Girl Talk Class scheduled for Adolescent Girls Girl Talk, a class offered by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, in the Large East Conference Room inside WCCH, near the Stelly Lane entrance. It is designed for girls ages 9 – 12 and their mother or guardian.

Presented by a registered nurse, topics include physical and emotional changes to expect during puberty, what happens during menstruation and good hygiene habits. There is a $10 fee for each girl attending, with a $20 maximum per family. Class size is limited, call 527-4361 to reserve space.

May 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

(337) 478-7590 701 West College Street, Lake Charles www.drcrawfordorthodontics.com www.thriveswla.com

25

D

ogs have been domesticated for about 15,000 years, but they show us every day that they haven’t fully shed their wild nature. My dog walks in circles for a solid five seconds before he lays down to flatten the nonexistent grass in his bed, and he carries mouthfuls of food away from his bowl to protect it from his nonexistent competitors.

Perhaps no other dog in recent memory, however, has shown her wild side better than Australian cattle dog Sophie Tucker.

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When the Griffiths laid eyes on the mongrel, and the mongrel laid eyes on the Griffiths, no one could believe it. Sophie, gone for four months, nearly killed herself with excitement to get out of the cage, and nearly killed the Griffiths with affection when she got to them.

So far as anyone could tell, Sophie swam – or was carried by a favorable current – five nautical miles to land after a nasty wave manhandled the family boat and knocked her overboard.

According to animal experts, her breed worked strongly in her favor. Australian cattle dogs are medium-sized, with short coats – large enough to fight the waves and short-haired enough to avoid the extra weight of wet hair. Once on land, Sophie’s breeding continued to serve her well. In addition to being an ideal size with low-maintenance grooming, Australian cattle dogs are willful, strong, and smart, ranking in the top 10 breeds in intelligence.

After lumbering onto St. Bees Island, Sophie shed her useless domestic doggy ways, which included pleasant air conditioning and regular meals, and readied herself for the real world. She went on the hunt, slept in the sun, fought with matted hair, and lived the life of a dog on the streets.

307 W. Napoleon Street • Sulphur

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Sophie Tucker (the dog, not the vaudeville singer) was picked up by park rangers on a deserted Australian island last month. The rangers assumed she was wild and vicious, so when a Sydney couple, the Griffiths, asked to see if it was their lost pet, everyone was skeptical. The unfriendly mongrel in the rangers’ cage had fed off small animals on the island for months. It was elusive and mean – not the characteristics of your standard family dog.

Meanwhile, the Griffiths mourned their beloved pet. After Sophie fell, they spent hours searching for her, but eventually accepted the sad reality that their dog had not survived. Four months later, when they heard that park rangers trapped a wild cattle dog on a nearby island, they doubted it was Sophie, but had enough hope to check.

I guess Christopher Reeve was right. When you choose hope, anything’s possible.

Erin K. Cormier is a board member of the local chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana. Email her at erin@ehealthyimage.com.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Battle Bone Loss WITH BONE DENSITY TESTING FROM OBG-1

You need strong bones for an active life. Osteoporosis can strike without warning, causing your bones to weaken, and keeping you from living an active life.

An important osteoporosis prevention tool is bone density testing. It is recommended that you have this test to establish a baseline as you approach menopause, and on a regular basis afterward to help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. This scan is safe and painless and is done in the OBG-1 office.

Some women are at greater risk for osteoporosis.

If you have one or more of the following risk factors having a bone density test is even more important:

• You have experienced a bone fracture • Your mother, grandmother, or another close relative had osteoporosis or bone fractures • You have taken certain medications that accelerate bone loss • You have low body weight, a slight build, or a light complexion • You have a history of cigarette smoking or heavy drinking For more information about bone density testing at OBG-1, call 312-1000.

1.866.312.OBG1 • obg-1.com Physicians: Ben Darby, MD • Scott Bergstedt, MD Walter Guth, MD • Brad Forsyth, MD Nurse Practitioners: Tammy Gillett, APRN, NP Marilyn Watson, APRN, NP Certified Nurse Midwife: Bonnie Leger, CNM

May 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

27

Change Your Look

By Erin K. Cormier

Without Surgery

W

hen it comes to modern beauty, it’s a whole new world. The number of cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. has increased about 450 percent since 1997, with more than 11 million of them performed at a cost of nearly $12.4 billion, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Liposuction and eyelid surgery topped the list of surgical procedures.

For millions of men and women, however, going under the knife to turn back the hands of time is neither economical nor desirable, yet they still want to change their look, appear youthful, and take advantage of their most positive traits.

Dr. Crawford says one of the main reasons cosmetic injections are so popular is they require no down time, can be done quickly, have no side effects, and provide almost immediate, long-lasting, results. He said that patients will see even greater improvements and options as the beauty industry continues to boom, with even longer-lasting results being achieved.

If you want to enhance your look, but aren’t ready for Botox and filler injections, there’s an even simpler Plan B: Get a haircut.

“Luckily, the industry of cosmetic procedures has room for everyone – those who don’t mind surgery and those who prefer a less invasive method,” said Mark Crawford, MD, cosmetic eye surgeon and Medical Director of the Aesthetic Center of Southwest Louisiana.

Although most women advance through various stages of life, from daughter to mother, and employee to retiree, they often forget to bring their haircut with them. A new cut, texture and color can dramatically alter the appearance of someone who is at a hairstyle stand-still.

Instead of eyelid surgery and face lifts, there’s Botox and cosmetic fillers, two well-known types of injectables that help erase the signs of aging for millions of people across the country. Botox is used to smooth out wrinkles in the forehead, between the brows and in the corners of the eyes, according to Dr. Crawford. “Botox is best for treating the dynamic wrinkles that appear from smiling, laughing or frowning,” he said. “It’s not only cheaper than surgery, the results are virtually immediate. It can be done over a lunch break. You don’t get much quicker than that.”

“For someone who’s looking to change their look, I can think of no easier or more cost-effective way than getting a new hairstyle. If your hair is straight and all one length, adding a few basic layers can add swing, bounce and style that wasn’t there before. Throw on some highlights or all-over color, and you’ve got a whole new look,” Wendy White McCown, owner of Signatures Salon, said. “The options are endless when it comes to your hair. If it’s long, you can cut it short. If it’s curly, you can make it straight. If it’s straight, you can make it curly. Cut heavy bangs, or sweep them to the side. Add a slant to a traditional bob or get some highlights around your face. Those are just a few of the many, many options that a new hairstyle offers.”

Botox injections have topped the list of the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S. for the past several years, according to the New American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Fillers, including Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse, are most commonly used to enhance the look of the lower face, such as the lips and the lines that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Dr. Crawford explained that fillers are primarily used to create volume and shape, plumping the lips and filling in lines and scars.

Botox and filler injections are often used together, according to Dr. Crawford.

“These treatments can be quite complementary. For example, to smooth deep frown lines in the brow, Botox can immobilize the muscles and a filler can be used to ‘fill in’ the stubborn vertical lines between the eyebrows. We’ve had excellent results with this type of combination treatment.”

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For many clients, it’s nerve-racking to update a hairstyle that’s become a security blanket over the years, McCown said. “Sometimes clients are nervous about getting a sharper haircut because they’ve had the same look for so long. If you’re one of those clients, your best bet is to talk to your stylist. Work together to create a look that’s updated – something that won’t make you nervous. You don’t necessarily have to chop everything off in one sitting. The change can be more gradual and comfortable. And always remember: Hair grows back.”

If a new cut scares you, McCown suggested getting an updated color instead.

New color can add vibrancy, texture and sheen to hair. “Highlights are an excellent option for spring and can add significant depth to an existing cut,” she said.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

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29

This monthly series follows leah and james verret as they experience the surprises and challenges of pregnancy, the second time around.

by Erin K. Cormier

Month Six:

Growing Baby, vivid Dreams More than 6 million Americans ages 18 to 54 suffer from some type of specific phobia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For Leah Verret, it’s frogs. In a recent vivid dream, she was in her childhood home, faced with multiplying frogs that quickly surrounded her – an experience she describes as “horrible.”

The reason for Leah’s sudden nightmare and other extraordinary dreams could be attributed to her pregnancy. Now in her sixth month, Leah has dreamt about a lot of “absurd nonsense.” Experiencing strange and unusual dreams is not uncommon for expectant mothers, according to her doctor, Walter Guth, MD. “This is something I hear about often,” said Dr. Guth, an obstetrician with OBG1. “Pregnancy is an exciting and anxious time, so it’s stands to reason that a pregnant woman’s dreams would be, as well. Even the expectant father might experience some strange sleep patterns. Having a baby is monumental, and our mind processes that in a lot of interesting ways.”

Although most of Leah’s dreams don’t have anything to do with the baby, she said she had one recently where she was pregnant, yet holding a newborn daughter at the same time. She and her husband James won’t discover their baby’s gender until it’s born, but in the dream, Leah was able to see and touch the baby, “and it was a girl.”

Meanwhile, Leah’s waking hours have been pleasant and enjoyable. “The sixth month has been really fun,” she said. “The baby is really moving around a lot. I am still feeling good.”

30

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The flutters of the early second trimester by now have become definite kicks and jabs and not necessarily with just the feet, Dr. Guth said. The growing baby also has fists, elbows and knees that can jostle around in the mother’s belly. At this stage, the baby weighs about 1 ½ pounds and is about a foot long. Fingernails and eyelashes have developed and the baby face is now recognizable.

“At this stage the baby is definitely growing fast. Although it could theoretically survive out of the womb, its breathing would have to be assisted. Its lungs have not yet fully developed and it relies greatly on nourishment from the mother,” Dr. Guth said. “This month is the last in the second trimester, so it’s a great time for the expectant mother to pamper herself as she readies for the final three months, which can become physically uncomfortable and draining.”

Leah, who already has a 2-year-old son, said she is prepared for what’s coming.

“I don’t have all the aches and pains yet, and my belly is not too big to really make things difficult, but I know that stage is coming soon,” she said, noting that their son Jack is also getting ready. “He talks to my belly and gives the baby hugs and kisses. It is really sweet.”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

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QUESTION:

What exactly defines a bull market and a bear market?

ANSWER:

When the overall level of stocks has fallen at or below 20 percent, this is typically considered a “bear market.” Bull markets consist of stock prices that increase more than 20 percent – in other words, just the opposite. Although the 20 percent figure is considered a good rule of thumb, it is not a hard-and-fast rule, and the terms are used to describe the overriding mood of investors.

To learn more about managing your investments wisely, call Mallard Investments at (337) 312-7040.

Have an investment question? Send it to jose.vasquez@uvestmail.com.

Securities are offered by, and Investment Consultants are registered with UVEST Financial Services, member FINRA/SIPC. UVEST and Mallard Investments are independent entities.

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J.A. “Pepe” Vasquez

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31

PPG Begins Wetlands Creation Project in Lake Charles

$10.8 Million Canal reroute Project Complete PPG Industries will soon begin creating wetlands along the Calcasieu River as the final phase of a project to remediate and reroute the water discharge canal at its Lake Charles facility. The initiative, which began more than a year ago, reroutes the plant’s water discharge point from Bayou d’Inde to the Calcasieu River and creates 20 acres of wetlands adjacent to the Interstate 210 bridge.

“This phase of the project will benefit wildlife and fishery habitats in the area and create approximately 20 acres of marshy wetlands,” said Jon Manns, PPG Lake Charles works manager. Thousands of commuters who cross the Interstate 210 daily will be able to experience the greening of renewed wetlands.

Dr. Harold Leggett, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, said the wetlands project is “another sign of progress for the Calcasieu Estuary.”

“It’s encouraging to see PPG take matters into their own hands and work for the betterment of the environment,” Leggett said.“This new area of wetlands will go a long way to restoring the natural order of the estuary.”

The wetlands are being created through private funds, using materials dredged for the rerouting process, according to David Richard of Stream Wetland Services LLC. Richard is assisting PPG with the design and implementation of the wetlands recreation project.

“This project demonstrates the creation of vegetated wetlands that are so valuable to estuarine-dependent species of fish and wildlife in the Calcasieu Basin,” Richard said.

Stream Wetland Services Nursery Manager Dean Roberts, who oversees planting, said all the plants have been inspected and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. According to Roberts, about 20,000 plants will be planted, all of which are inspected for disease and insect infestation.

Stream Wetland Services Nursery Manager Dean Roberts discusses PPG’s remediation and restoration project with David Buford and Mike Huber, both of PPG, and David Richard of Stream Wetland Services LLC.

someone’s front yard and doing some landscaping. It involves unique plants, unique equipment, and working in the marsh, which can be unforgiving.”

The favorable conditions for wildlife and fisheries is considered one of the greatest benefits of the project, according to PPG Environmental Projects Manager Mike Huber.

“This is a fishing community. What we’re doing will enhance the habitat in an area which is a popular fishing spot. Once mature, the marshlands will create an ideal environment for crabs and shrimp, and the tides will wash fish eggs into the area,” Huber said. He noted that the location of the marshland creates an opportunity for the public to witness PPG’s active role in environmental protection.“Wetland restoration typically happens in areas that aren’t easily viewed or easily accessible, so the PPG project provides an opportunity for the public to see what coastal restoration is all about.”

This phase of the “project will benefit

“These plants have been grown correctly and are of premium quality,” Roberts said.“A lot of time goes into this process. It’s very labor-intensive work because it involves such a harsh environment. Planting wetlands isn’t like going into

wildlife and fishery habitats in the area and create approximately 20 acres of marshy wetlands.

”

– Jon Manns 32

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Hot LOOKS

Make

Good Posture a Priority

,

by Kristy Armand

Sit up straight. Put your shoulders back. Stop slouching!

Are these just part of every mother’s playlist of reprimands, or do reminders about good posture have the potential to protect your neck and back from permanent damage?

According to Dr. Donald Thigpen, with the Chiropractic Center, you should listen to your mother. He explains that good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity.

“Without maintaining a healthy posture and the muscles that control it, your body is more susceptible to injury and degeneration. A healthy posture helps you not only look good, but it also keeps bones and joints correctly aligned and muscles in their proper positions while they are being used.”

He says the effects of poor posture are many, and it has the potential to be quite serious. “When people slouch, their head and shoulders come forward. This can lead to shoulder and back pain, and also jaw pain, headaches and other health problems. If the mechanics of your spine are significantly misaligned, this can impact your rib cage, which can potentially affect your gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.”

Several factors contribute to poor posture, including stress, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes. In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting, standing and sleeping habits can also contribute to poor body positioning. There is also some evidence that bad posture is genetic, but Dr. Thigpen says even if this is true for some, that is still no reason to ignore the risk poor posture poses to your health.

Working in front of a computer is a common risk factor for developing poor posture. “Many people who sit and work on a computer for most of the day do so with their shoulders hunched, their neck bent forward and their chin tucked down,” says Dr. Thigpen. “This can lead to chronic back and neck pain. The best way to prevent this is to May 2009

work on improving the ergonomics of your work station, which basically means arranging your chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, phone and monitor to minimize the stress on your body. Ideally, you want your monitor to be at eye level so that you can sit up straight and easily view the screen without having to bend your neck.” He says there are ergonomically designed chairs and other office equipment available to help you in improving your work station arrangement. In addition, he advises asking for a headset if you spend a lot of time on the phone each day. “Working with the phone held between your head and your shoulder puts a great deal of stress on your neck which can also contribute to neck pain and stiffness. Dr. Thigpen also recommends taking frequent breaks to stretch and walk around to help minimize the amount of time you are sitting in the exact same position. Finally, he says that learning and regularly performing exercises that strengthen your neck and back will help establish and maintain better posture throughout your work day.

If you know you are a “sloucher,” Dr. Thigpen says it’s never too late to change.“In nearly every case, posture can be improved. Many patients who come in for back and neck pain are unaware that poor posture is the underlying cause of their problem. After we evaluate and treat the pain, we can work with patients to improve their posture to prevent future pain and injury.”

He says one of the best ways to develop better posture is to work on tightening and strengthening your core muscles – the abdominal muscles and the muscles closest to the spine.

Doing so will make it easier for you to sit and stand up straight, which will improve your posture.”

“Slouching may feel natural if you’ve been doing it for years, but it’s basically like any other bad habit you need to break. Exercises and stretches can help, but the key to improving your posture is developing an awareness of both the habit and the potential health problems that can result from poor posture. This is one instance where your mom really did know best.”

For more information on possible problems caused by poor posture, or how to improve your posture, call the Chiropractic Center at 562-0817 or visit www.

ChiropracticCenter.info.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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33

Coming to America tells the story of local residents who left their native country to make a new home in the United States.

Watch for a new story each issue. To nominate someone for this series, send a brief description to: edit@thriveswla.com

by Erin K. Cormier

Virgilia Kelly: Fulfilling a Father’s Dream In the 1940s, Domingo Entrada was a young teenager in southern Leyte, Philippines, where he spent many afternoons near the U.S. military base in Tacloban. Like most Filipinos, Domingo was from a poor family, so the soldiers gave him money for fetching water or running simple tasks. Years later, when he became a father, he told his children about the kindness of Americans.

In 1972, 22-year-old Virgilia left Sogod for a job in the more industrialized city of Ologapo, near the Subic Bay U.S. Naval Base, where she met a young officer named Dennis Kelly, a Kansas native. Soon after they met, Dennis was released from duty and sent back to Kansas, where he started writing letters. After months of courting through the mail, Virgilia boarded a plane to Kansas on a fiancée visa in February 1973.

“We would sit down for dinner and he would tell us how the Americans had taken such good care of him. He talked about it all the time,” Virgilia Entrada Kelly, Domingo’s oldest daughter, said from her Lake Charles home.“I didn’t care much about coming to America then. I just wanted to leave Sogod and get a job.”

“The first thing that struck me about the States was how quiet it was. There were no people outside. Also, the snow. I didn’t like the snow at all,” said Virgilia, whose native country experiences tropical climate year-round. On her wedding day on February 17, 1973, there was a snowstorm.

In Sogod, a rural fishing village surrounded by a clearwater bay, jungled mountains and thick vegetation, the 10-person Entrada family lived in a one-bedroom home with bamboo walls and a roof made of nipa leaves. Drinking water was provided by a community pump. The bay and river were used to wash clothes and take baths. In the Philippines, where the vast majority of residents still live in poverty, luxuries were scarce, “but no matter how hard life was, people were always singing, dancing, eating and laughing. It’s a very close community, a very close culture. You are around people all the time.”

Life in America took some adjustment. At first, Virgilia was scared and lonely, unaccustomed to so much space with so few people. Because English is one of the national languages of the Philippines, she spoke it fluently, but with an obvious accent.

She had no problem getting jobs, but co-workers – “some, not all,” she says – treated her differently. They didn’t take her seriously, assumed she couldn’t understand them, or patronized her. She made friends, but soon learned that things worked much differently in the States – whereas Filipinos from her village visited each other freely and spoke openly, Americans valued their privacy. There were other small glitches in her transition, as well:

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

ingredients. She also found it difficult to adjust to the amount of food available.“I couldn’t believe that there were appetizers and salads before the meal even came. I saw all that extra food and thought about how much was being wasted.” Laughing, she adds,“I even asked Dennis if I could have a baby pig so I could feed it my leftovers instead of throwing them away. He told me that Americans didn’t do that unless they lived in the country.”

she instinctively took off her shoes before entering people’s homes; she sometimes used the wrong English words during conversations; and she longed for some of the familiar comforts of home, especially at Christmastime.

In the early 1980s, the Kellys moved to Lake Charles with their two daughters.

Virgilia adjusted quickly to Southern life, which she considered far livelier, more comfortable and friendlier compared to the Midwest. In 1987, she was able to arrange for her parents to come to the States from Sogod. After years of hearing her father talk fondly about Americans and his dream to come Domingo Entrada, left, and Virgilia Kelly with other to America, it was one of her most members of the Entrada family important goals. Domingo worked as a carpenter and made enough money to send three of Virgilia’s sisters to college in the Philippines. He also used some of the money to build a water pump for residents of a nearby village.

“When I was a girl in the Philippines, Christmas was a big celebration. All the poor people came together to cook, share, go caroling, and go to church. There were no gifts exchanged. It was just a time when everyone could come together. It didn’t matter whether you were rich or poor, because Christmas was something everyone could celebrate,” she said.“When I first experienced Christmas here, it was so quiet, and it was all about spending money.”

It’s been more than 30 years since Virgilia first stepped off the plane in America. She is now Americanized, but has never let go of her Filipino roots or her native pride. Now 60 years old, she plans to eventually retire to her native village.“I love America. I’m so grateful for what this country has given me, but there’s no place like home. There never is,” she said.

“Sooner or later, all of us find our way home. Doesn’t matter who you are.”

She also had trouble with the food. The staple items of her diet in Sogod consisted of rice, fish and vegetables – no one had refrigeration, much less frozen food. In her American kitchen, however, Virgilia had to teach herself how to defrost and prepare meals with new

Virgilia Kelly is the mother of Erin K. Cormier, the author of this story. Erin writes a Coming to America feature every month to recognize local residents who have journeyed to the States from other countries. Do you have a good story? Drop us a note at edit@thriveswla.com.

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35

The

Modern

by Erin K. Cormier

Marriage

Divorce is at its lowest rate in nearly 40 years.

What are contemporary couples doing differently?

Over the past 40 years, divorce has given marriage a bad name. Ask any adult what percentage of married couples will eventually divorce, and they’re likely to spout the wellknown 50 percent statistic. Yet buried underneath the stories of economic recessions and polarizing political ideals, there lies an overlooked reality – divorce, the bane of marital ideology for so long, has dropped to its lowest rate since 1970.

According to the Associated Press, the divorce rate started its climb in the late 1960s and increased sharply in the 1980s, when states adopted no-fault divorce laws. In 1981, the rate of divorce reached an all-time high at 5.3 per 1,000. It has since dropped steadily, falling to its most recent level of 3.5. Although more Americans than ever believe that divorce is morally acceptable, according to a 2008 Gallup poll, fewer of them seem to be getting divorces.

There are several speculations as to why the rate of divorce has slacked off, but no solid research can link it to outside factors. Some believe it’s because more couples are living together, rather than getting married.

Others think that the rate of marriage itself has fallen so dramatically that a falling divorce rate was inevitable.

Many researchers, however, point to another interesting statistic – while the divorce rate is at a historical rock36

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bottom, the age at first marriage has reached an all-time high. At 26 for women and 28 for men, the median age is now the oldest it’s ever been in more than 100 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The average age at first marriage in Louisiana isn’t too far off the national mark – 27 for men, 26 for women.

Megan and Matthew Hartman of Carlyss were both 26 when they married on November 1, 2008.

According to Megan, getting married was not her number-one mission in life as a young girl. Instead, she focused her energy on establishing a career. She now works as a corporate communications specialist.

Newlyweds Megan and Matthew Hartman

“When I was growing up, I was definitely more focused on getting a career than I was on getting married.

I didn’t sit there and dream of my wedding day, like most people think girls do. When the time came, I threw myself into it completely, but

it wasn’t something I dreamt about,” Megan said. “I dreamt about ways to build my resume.”

The Hartmans were both college graduates before they started dating each other. She earned a degree in mass communications from Louisiana State University in 2004; he had a degree in marine engineering technology from Texas A&M. When they met for their first date 19 months ago, both were settling into careers, happy on their own, and financially independent – some of the best indicators for a successful marriage, according to local professional therapists.

“I see a lot of couples in counseling who married right out of high school, only to realize that they didn’t really know what they wanted out of life,” said Brenda Hollenbeck, a licensed marriage and family therapist with Samaritan Counseling Center.

“Science tells us that higher level functioning of the brain is not fully developed until our mid-20s in areas that affect long-term planning and govern impulsivity, so it’s not necessarily a matter of acting immature at 18 or 19. The brain itself is immature.”

Both Hollenbeck and licensed professional counselor BJ Cayton agree that there is no magical number for optimal maturity. One

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

19-year-old may be mature enough to marry, while another is unsettled. In general, however, maturity has a significant effect on marital attitudes, and maturity usually takes time.

Matthew readily admits that he “definitely wasn’t ready” to be a husband at 18, 19, or 20. “My mother was still doing my laundry. That shows how grown-up I was,” he said. “There may be only five years between 20 and 25, but those five years made a world of difference.”

One reason those five years are vital is because they’re packed with life experience, particularly dating experience, according to Cayton. “There was a 13-week difference between the first date with my husband and the day we got married,” said Cayton, who will celebrate her 40th anniversary this year. “But by the time we married, I knew exactly what I wanted in a husband, because of my experiences with other dating partners.”

The Hartmans agree that their previous dating experiences played a significant role in how they approached their own relationship.

Matthew had a steady girlfriend for five years before he dated Megan, and said his experiences in that relationship defined what he wanted long-term. “In my previous May 2009

relationship, we fought about money all the time. I earned decent money and she never had any of her own,” said Matt, a marine surveyor. “Part of that may have been selfishness and immaturity on my part, but it taught me something very important. From that point on, I knew I wanted to marry a woman who was financially stable. That’s one thing I love about Megan. She doesn’t need me. She chose to be with me because she loves me, but she doesn’t need to depend on me for her own stability.”

Megan, too, knew exactly what she wanted. Thanks to her selfdescribed Type A personality, she had her own mental list of life-mate criteria before she met Matt – the list, she explains, was developed based on past lessons learned. Her criteria: He had to love her family, come from a loving home, have an earning capacity that was comparable to hers, show faith to God and wife, demonstrate respect to her and others, share her ideals on childrearing, have a strong work ethic, and “he had to love my dog. It sounds crazy to include that, but after dating, you’re sometimes surprised to learn what’s important, and my dog is my world. I knew I couldn’t be with a man who doesn’t love him.”

Knowing exactly what you want out of life and from a partner are strong indicators of a healthy relationship, according to Hollenbeck. This level of understanding often takes time; she said this could explain the welldocumented research that those who marry before age 20 are two to three times more likely to divorce.

“The more mature you are, the better you know yourself, which is ideal when going into marriage. You’re past the partying stage, you’re financially stable, and you know what you want,” Hollenbeck said. “When you enter into a marriage, you have to be mature enough to realize the realities of day-to-day life, and understand that you will have to make adjustments.

Stressful things can and will happen that throw a big monkey wrench in the honeymoon. Someone could get laid off. There might be an unplanned pregnancy or a dispute with the inlaws. Things will happen. That’s just about guaranteed.”

May 2009

Another indicator of a successful relationship, according to Cayton and Hollenbeck, is the ability to function individually and as a couple. For Jane and Martin Piraro of Lake Charles, a happy balance between individuality and unity has kept them happy for the vast majority of their 40 years together. Just as the Hartmans fit the statistical model of the modern marriage, the Piraros fit into a similar statistic in the 1960s. She was 19 when they married.

mates often reflect the shadowed sides of ourselves. They have the traits that we don’t have.”

For the Piraros, the success of their marriage has been based largely on respect. When Jane decided to go back to school to escape a life behind the credit counter at Mueller’s, Martin supported her “100 percent.” When she decided to continue on for her master’s, he continued to provide that support. “Marriage is all about giveand-take, compromise and flexibility,” Jane said.

Cayton cited respect as the numberone most important characteristic of a healthy marriage. She said when two people respect each other, everything else falls into place – communication, fidelity, appreciation, gratitude, compromise, love, sacrifice, trust, and all the other elements that sustain a couple.

“After more than 10 years of counseling couples, I’ve learned that it comes down to some very simple things,” Hollenbeck said. “You have to be sexually attracted to each other.

You have to be nice. You have to like each other – not just love each other, but like each other – and, most importantly, you have to like yourself.”

Piraros 1967 When the Piraros married in 1967, the average age for marriage was 20 for women.

Martin Piraro, who will celebrate his 40th anniversary with Jane this year, said sharing a sense of humor has been one of the driving forces of their happy marriage.

“We met at Tom & Mac’s Drive-In, which used to be on Broad Street. I’d filled my straw with ice and shot it toward Martin. It hit him right upside the head,” Jane said. “That was all she wrote.”

Rather than growing apart, they grew up together. They said their most stressful period was the first few years when they didn’t have any money, but Martin also credits this as one of the happiest times of their lives. “We waited five years to have children, so we used this time to really enjoy our life together and live it to the fullest,” Martin said.

They also played off their strengths and weaknesses and quickly learned that their differences complemented each other well – whereas he was carefree and laid-back, she was the consummate worrywart. This also describes the Hartmans. Megan lives in a Type A world, while Matthew takes it all in stride.

Megan and Matthew Hartman are confident their relationship will stand the test of time.

“People tend to be matched with their opposites,” Cayton said. “Our Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com 37 Photos of Megan and Matthew Hartman by Monsour’s Photography.

Hungry for Steak? Go for Filet Mignon Being a health-conscious steak-lover doesn’t have to be a conflict of interests if you know how to choose your cut. According to the American Heart Association, it’s possible to enjoy steak and still keep your best interests at heart. Their suggestion: Order filet mignon.

Filet mignon is much leaner and lower in calories than other cuts of steak, and because it’s taken from a non-weight bearing muscle, the meat is considered the most tender cut available. A typical cow produces only about four or five pounds of filet mignon.

“It’s considered the highest quality of steak and is a very popular menu item because it quenches a personal taste for steak while still adhering to personal health

AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C

“If you choose to order a cut other than filet mignon, diners can always request that the cook trim as much fat off the meat as possible,” Hunter said.

Diners who want to “beef up” the health of their meal even more should opt for healthier sides, according to the AHA. The organization recommends substituting mixed vegetables for mashed potatoes, or an unloaded baked potato instead of French fries.

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Die-hard steak fans often prefer their meat cooked rare or medium-rare, but because filet mignon is so thick, diners who are accustomed to a different cut of meat may want to cook it a little longer than usual, Hunter said.“Obviously it depends on personal taste,” he added.

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guidelines,” said Nic Hunter, owner of Harlequin Steakhouse in Lake Charles.“The cut is very thick, but the meat is very tender. It’s common to wrap the meat with bacon to keep the cut flavorful, but it’s also served on its own. The bacon can always be set aside for the health-conscious.”

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THE EYE CLINIC AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C

38

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www.theyeclinic.net FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Lake Charles, 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 478-3810 • DeRidder, 501 S. Pine, 462-3937 Sulphur, 2100 Maplewood Dr., 625-8948 • Jennings, 1219 Elton Rd., 824-0040

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Parents need to set a good “example of using sunblock

Sum

Kee ping Kids

by C h

risti n

e Fis

her

Safe

mer

T

he sights and smells of the approaching summer call for spending time outside. Whether it’s children playing in lawn sprinklers, bar-b-que’s in the back yard, or just laying in the back yard hammock, summertime means outdoor time. As parents take stock of summertime necessities, such as bathing suits, baseball equipment and wading pools, it’s important to remember sun safety.

“It is estimated that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. And just one bad blistering sunburn during childhood can double the risk of skin cancer later in life,” says Luis Apellaniz, MD, pediatrician on the medical staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital. The good news is that with regular use of a sunblock with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher during the first 18 years of life, the risk of certain skin cancers can be lowered by 78 percent.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a child is getting a sunburn, especially if their skin naturally turns red from exertion. Dr. Apellaniz recommends parents get in the habit of applying sunblock anytime a child will be outdoors for more than 15 minutes. Damage from the sun can start with just 15 minutes of exposure, even though the effects may not be seen until 12 hours later.

Other ways to be sun smart with your children are: • Limit sun exposure during the hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest, 10am to 4pm. The sun’s rays are the strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm. To the extent possible, people should limit their exposure to the sun during these hours and practice all of the sun protective behaviors. Your shadow is an indicator of the sun’s intensity. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity. The

May 2009

on both themselves as well as their children.

”

– Luis Apellaniz, MD

in th

Sun

e

American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow-SEEK SHADE. • Refer to the daily UV index when planning outdoor events. The UV Index is a daily forecast of the intensity of the sun’s UV rays. The Index indicates the risk of overexposure to skin-damaging UV radiation and can be used to help plan outdoor activities to minimize overexposure.

• Seek shade whenever possible. Shade structures such as trees and umbrellas provide year round protection. Although trees do not offer complete sun protection, they provide about 60 percent blockage from the sun’s rays.

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreens whose active ingredients block UVA and UVB rays. The Sun Protective Factor (SPF) should be a minimum of 15. Sunscreens should be used every day, including cloudy days. They should be applied liberally and evenly before going out into the sun and should be applied frequently, especially after swimming.

• Limit exposure to the reflective surfaces like water. UV rays can be reflected off of sand, tile, water, snow, and buildings. It is important to practice all the sun protective behaviors even when you are in the shade.

Babies need special precautions for summer sun safety. Their skin is thinner and much more delicate than an older child. They can’t say when they’re hot, so it’s up to the parent to watch out for them. Keep these tips in mind for baby sun safety: • Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of the direct sunlight.

Move your baby to the shade or under a tree, umbrella, or the stroller canopy.

• Do not apply sunscreen to a baby under 6 months of age.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

continued on page 40

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39

continued from page 39

• Dress your baby in clothing that covers the body, such as comfortable

lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats with brims that shade the face and cover the ears.

• Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Clothes that have a tighter weave–the way a fabric is constructed–generally protect better than clothes with a broader weave. If you’re not sure about how tight a fabric’s weave is, hold the clothing up to a lamp or window and see how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Clothing made of cotton is both cool and protective.

“Summertime in Southwest Louisiana offers great opportunities for outdoor fun, but it can cause a lot of sun damage due to people not taking precautions to avoid sunburns. Parents need to set a good example of using sunblock on both themselves as well as their children,” urges Dr. Apellaniz. “It can help avoid serious skin concerns in the future.”

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Southern Louisiana charm is easy to find in the growing city of Jennings. Whether you’re looking for small-town hospitality, an historic look at the discovery of oil in Louisiana, or boutiques offering one-of-a-kind finds, you’ll spot it in Jennings.

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May 2009

Liposuction Advances with Lasers A minimally invasive form of liposuction that utilizes lasers and local anesthesia is gaining popularity in the U.S. after the technique was pioneered in Europe, according to local physicians with Oak Point Aesthetics in Leesville. Smartlipo™, the first laser-assisted liposuction procedure, was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in November 2006 and is now considered a cutting-edge procedure.

After three years of rapid advancement the Smartlipo MPX™ was released. What makes the MPX a breakthrough is the ability to multi-pulse two lasers simultaneously. What this allows is far greater fat destruction and collagen remodeling. In fact, larger areas of fat that were once the domain of more traditional liposuction methods are now great candidates for the minimally invasive Smartlipo MPX™.

“Smartlipo™ utilizes a hollow, 2mm diameter instrument to liquefy fat cells and drain them away.

The laser is inserted through a minor incision using

local anesthesia, which makes the procedure far less invasive than traditional liposuction. In fact the procedure is so minimally invasive that patients are not put to sleep during the procedure. There is a much decreased risk of complications and the recovery period is quicker,” said Dr. Christina Lord with Oak Pointe Aesthetics.“It is performed while the patient is completely awake and in most cases, the patient can return to work in less than 48 hours, some patients have even returned to work the afternoon after their procedure.”

Since its FDA approval in 2006, no serious life-threatening complication has been reported, according to Lord. She said it has shown itself to be safer than traditional liposuction because there is no general anesthesia, almost no bleeding, no stitching or large incisions and no hospital stays.

According to Dr. Todd Gaddis, also with Oak Pointe, some patients cannot eliminate localized areas of fat, even after following strict diets, exercise regimens and otherwise healthy behaviors. SmartLipo gives them another option, Gaddis said. “We are seeing patients drop two, three or more sizes after this body sculpting procedure.”

For more information, contact the clinic at 423-4304 or 877-423-4304. In addition to body sculpting, Oak Pointe Aesthetics provides several aesthetic procedures such as Botox®, injectable fillers, and laser treatments for hair removal, acne, and skin resurfacing.

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continued on page 46 May 2009

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Wedding Planner continued from page 45

Make the Grade in

Diamond

Education

Each diamond is as different as the person who wears it, yet each of them undergoes similar standards when they come under the watchful eye of a diamond expert. Although it can take years to learn all the intricacies of the world’s most coveted gem, the basics of diamond education can be summarized as the “four Cs,” according to Michael Richard, owner of MB Rich in Lake Charles. They are clarity, cut, color and carat.

“The clarity of a diamond determines its flawlessness. When buying a diamond, look at it from several different angles to detect flaws, such as black specks,” Richard said.“Some will only be visible under magnification.”

The cut determines the diamond’s ability to refract and reflect light, also known as its brilliance. The brilliance of a poorly cut diamond is typically dull and muted. According to Richard, the easiest way to determine good cut is to hold the diamond to the light and look for sparkles or flashes of color.

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Although color is considered one of the four Cs, a diamond shopper is actually looking for an absence of color. Diamond color is typically rated by grade – the higher the grade, the rarer the diamond. Diamonds graded as D-E-F are considered “colorless,” while G-H-I-J are “nearly colorless,” K-L-M are “faintly tinted,” and N-O-P-Q-R are “lightly tinted, with tint visible to the naked eye.” All the other letters, ending with Z, denote a diamond that usually tinted yellow or brownish, even when mounted.

The last “C,” carat, is a standard unit of measurement that is familiar to most jewelry enthusiasts. One carat is 200 milligrams of actual weight.

Some gems are denser than others.“A one-carat emerald, for example, looks smaller than a one-carat diamond, even though they weigh the same,” Richard said.

For more information, visit MB Rich at 615 W. Prien Lake Road or call 4740080.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

organ Donation saves lives, Continues legacies To appreciate the impact of organ donation, you don’t have to look far.

In addition to the bittersweet stories of Southwest Louisiana organ donors whose death gave life to others, the death of celebrity Natasha Richardson early this year has also created renewed interest in the compassionate gift of organ donation.

Debby Nabours of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is one of many local advocates who have dedicated their energy to public education and awareness.

WCCH is one of several area hospitals who have teamed up with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and the Louisiana Hospital Association’s Donate Life Louisiana Campaign, the first-ever statewide hospital donor registration drive initiative in the nation.

“The public is more educated about organ donation than they were several years ago. That education, and especially awareness, needs to continue. More than 100,000 people in the nation are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

Almost 2,000 of them are here in Louisiana,” Nabours said.“Through organ

donation, a tragic loss can become a gift of life. In my opinion, every organ donor is a hero. Through their death, they provide a full and healthy life for someone else.”

Louisiana hospitals have committed to increasing the donor registry by 160,000 by the end of 2009, a number which represents a 10 percent increase over present registrations. According to LOPA, one organ donor has the potential to save up to nine lives, enhance more than 50, and give sight to two people.

After brain death is declared, each organ is evaluated individually. The most important factor in the procurement of organs is the health, not the age, of the donor. The selection of a recipient for the organs is based on blood type, tissue, and critical level of need, according to LOPA Representative Debbie Laccasin.

“I encourage the public to make it known to their family and loved ones that they wish to be an organ donor,” Nabours said.“There is no better way to honor life than through organ donation.”

For more information on the campaign or you want to sign up as an organ/tissue donor, please contact Debby Nabours, who is the WCCH Donate Life Louisiana Champion, at 527-4144.

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Health Risks for Young Adults

by Christine Fisher

Health is probably one of the last things on the mind of a 25-year old; they often think they are impervious to sickness or disease. But, for those with risky behaviors like smoking or chronic overeating, health concerns are quickly becoming a reality for young adults.

them to eat high-calorie, high-fat foods and not gain much weight.“That magic metabolism unfortunately slows down soon after the 21st birthday,” said Dr. Peavy.“Once you hit the mid-twenties, you can’t eat anything you want anymore. The results of unhealthy eating habits show up quickly.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released statistics of the health of Americans ages 18 – 29. It shows that accidents are the leading cause of death, killing about 40 per 100,000 young adults in 2005, the most current data available. Joni Fontenot with the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana says the twenties can be a reckless time.“In some cases, people in their twenties are still getting their feet under them, so to speak. They’re now living on their own, maybe not getting enough sleep or eating right and their attentiveness may suffer. This can impact driving and safety on the job,” she said.

Coupled with rising obesity rates is the fact that the number of young adults exercising regularly is below the national average. Thirty-six percent of people in their 20s say they work out consistently.“That’s better than the rate for older adults, but young people typically have more leisure time to devote to exercising, so the rate could be much higher than this,” he said, “and they’d be healthy now and even healthier later in life.”

After accidents, smoking and obesity were second and third on the list of causes of death in young adults. Twenty-nine percent of men and 21% of women in their twenties smoke, according to the CDC. “The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette temporarily increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure,” explained Todd Peavy, MD, family medicine physician with The Clinic.“Even in a young adult, these changes are serious, especially when you consider they may smoke for many years, compounding the health risks. This puts unnecessary strain on their cardiovascular system. Over time, this can cause heart attacks and strokes.” The carbon monoxide robs muscles, body tissue and the brain of oxygen, making all of the body functions work harder.

Obesity rate are rising. The number of young adults who are obese tripled between 2005 and 2006. Most teens have a high metabolism rate, allowing

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Without anyone prodding these young adults to eat sensibly, get enough sleep and exercise, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits. The early adult years give the first taste of real independence and eating broccoli and brown rice isn’t usually high on their list of importance.

“Health is cumulative,” said Dr. Peavy.“What you do now impacts your health years from now. Health habits in early adulthood will impact flexibility, strength, heart health, cholesterol levels and so much more. It’s hard to get young adults to listen to things like this, but the ones who do will enjoy good health later in life.”

Limiting risky behavior like staying away from drugs, cigarettes and excessive alcohol, getting plenty of exercise and sleep and eating healthy foods will go a long way in laying a healthy foundation, no matter what your age.

For more information, call Dr. Peavy’s office at 475-2252.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

REWARD Tender and Lean N o w O p e n ‘til

8 p m!

Cameron recovery rally The Silver Lining Foundation, a non-profit organization, hosted the Cameron Recovery Rally in from the Cameron Parish Courthouse on Saturday, April 25. The fund-raiser, which included live music, cook-offs, children’s activities, and family activities, was designed to raise awareness on recovery efforts following the destruction of recent hurricanes. The proceeds will be used to purchase and donate travel trailers to lowerCameron disaster victims. Pictured here is a musical performance by Chris Shearman, left, and Paul Gonsoulin.

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At Southern Home Health we go to great lengths to get our patients back on their feet. We strive not only to assist our patients in attaining the quality of life they deserve, but also to work within the community in an effort to provide the educational tools and resources which can help families make an informed decision when the time to plan for the care of a loved one arrives.

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May 2009

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By Erin K. Cormier

EPA: Indoor Air Up to 70% More Polluted Than Outside How to protect your home

The Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air is up to 70 percent more polluted than outdoor air, with potentially harmful effects ranging from headaches and throat irritation to respiratory disease and chronic asthma.

According to indoor air quality expert David Booth with Rapid Response Restoration, the attributed reason that indoor air quality has fallen is because today’s homes and buildings are built to a higher efficiency standard.

“This reduces air leakage and results in homes that are less ventilated than in the past. This can have a concentrating effect on any indoor air pollutants present or generated in the home,” Booth said, noting that typical indoor air pollutants are allergenic particles such as mold, animal dander, cockroach and dust mite dander and outdoor pollens. “Volatile Organic Compounds can contribute as well and enter the home through consumer products, the attached garage doorway and by off gassing from new furniture or carpets, paints or other ‘new’ item smells. The simple concentration of carbon dioxide from our own respiration can cause us to become uncomfortable and less productive. This can be caused by lack of ventilation and proper air exchange.”

According to AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report, respiratory disease, allergy and asthma can be exacerbated by repeated exposure to indoor

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air pollution. AirAdvice noted that 30,000 people have an asthma attack in America every year, with 5,000 visits to the emergency room attributed to asthma.

The increased incidence of enclosed two-car garages, which can trap chemical pollutants and carbon monoxide, is one potential source of the deterioration of indoor air quality, as well as tighter, energy-efficient construction, as noted by Booth. The doubling of homes with air conditioning has also played a role, according to AirAdvice. Between 1975 and 2005, the percentage of homes built with air conditioning rose from 45 percent to 89 percent.

“HVAC is essential for our comfort, productivity and well-being in the South.

When properly designed, operated and maintained they are a great help to our quality of life and well-being. The HVAC system otherwise can become a real source of indoor air quality problems,” Booth said. “If not properly designed and installed, the system can cause an imbalance of humidity in the building. We are normally most comfortable at humidity ranges in the 35 percent to 55 percent range, and these are the best for minimizing mold, dust mites and other related issues.”

In addition to proper installation, the system must be properly maintained, according to Booth. Because the system creates a condensation of moisture, there is a risk of mold and other microbial growth on the coils or walls of

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

ducts or other areas that sweat. “A common effective control is to clean the coils, fan and ducts on an annual basis. A simple dust analysis test can be conducted on the air stream to determine if particles are out of range,” Booth said. “The HVAC system should be video inspected before and after the cleaning and only a NADCA Certified duct cleaning company should be used for this service.”

Booth gave the following tips for homeowners to improve their air quality of their home: • Control excessive moisture and water leaks. Mold can grow with nothing but excessive humidity. Buildings are healthier with lower humidity.

• Clean the HVAC system.

• Maintain the HVAC system.

• Check the home for VOCs, CO2, CO, particulates, temperature and

humidity. This should be done by a certified indoor air quality professional using professional instruments.

• Seal the door between the house and garage.

• Use your bathroom’s exhaust fan.

• Have the home professionally cleaned using HEPA vacuum systems, which provide for proper disinfection. Rugs are a sink for the most particulate air pollutants and should be cleaned regularly, Booth said.

• Don’t smoke indoors.

• Use an exhaust fan while cooking.

• Wash bedding frequently.

• Limit the use of scented candles.

For more information on indoor air quality, contact Rapid Response Restoration at 477-8400 or 877-962-6800.

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May 2009

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By Erin K. Cormier

For modern Americans, stress has become a way of life. It’s accepted, virtually without question, as a necessary part of everyday living. A recent Gallup lifestyle poll found that more than three out of four Americans experience stress in their daily life, with nearly half experiencing stress frequently. Stress was most prevalent among those between the ages of 30 and 49, parents of young children, and working Americans.

Unfortunately, stress does not come without consequences. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, long-term stress can contribute to several adverse health conditions, including upset stomach, depression, headache, sleep disorders, anxiety and heart disease.

With only 3 percent of the population reporting a stress-free life, it’s time to examine sure-fire ways that busy working Americans can find relief.

GeT A runner’s hiGh The benefits of physical activity are numerous, according to Chase Gary, Exercise Specialist with Dynamic Dimensions of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Exercise redirects your mental energy toward physical exertion and the increased heart flow helps raise your metabolism, giving your more physical energy to tackle your mounting responsibilities.

“Exercise also pumps up the endorphins in your body. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that make the body feel good,” Gary said.“Long-term, regular, healthy exercise has been proven to improve mood and increase energy – two things that are important when combating stress.”

For those who exercise at a gym or wellness center, daily exercise can provide a change of scenery and opportunities for social interaction. Gary said working out in a class or with a friend is a good way to maintain an exercise routine for the long-haul.

“The key is to find exercise that you enjoy. If you view it as a chore or just another item on your to-do list, it’s unlikely that it will become part of your everyday routine. It 52

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The Five Answers

to Alleviating

should be something that you look forward to doing. Something that makes you feel good,” Gary said.“Another positive element of exercise is that it makes you look good, as well as feel good. You can’t go wrong.”

GeT on A GooD DieT People who are overworked tend to skip meals, eat unhealthy fast foods and ingest large amounts of caffeine – three things that can have an adverse effect on health, including stress levels, according to Leslie Petross, LDN, RD, registered dietitian with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Poor diet can create blood sugar imbalances and other abnormalities that ultimately cause fatigue, mood swings, poor concentration, sleep disturbances and decreased effectiveness,“all of which contribute to stress,” Petross said.

“What we eat is directly correlated to how we feel. Too often, we don’t realize how greatly the two are related,” she added.

An ideal diet is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats and processed foods.“One way to improve nutrition is to drink plenty of water and reduce caffeine intake,” advised Petross.

GeT Your FinAnCes in orDer These days, money worries are getting the best of us. With the looming recession and endless news reports of economic gloom-and-doom, it’s nearly impossible for modern-day Americans to avoid financial stressors. When money woes start to take their toll, Christa Charlet, Officer with Cameron State Bank has a simple suggestion: Get your house in order.

“When you have all your finances in order, it does wonders to reduce stress levels.

There’s no element of surprise when it’s time to pay the next set of bills, or when the newest performance numbers come in,” she said.“One of the best ways to feel like you have control over your money is to actually take control over it. Pay your bills.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Schedule the next set of payments. Put some money in savings for a rainy day, and budget the rest.”

problems like these. Just about all of us have some looming debt that causes us stress.

That’s the nature of today’s American consumer.”

Charlet noted that it can also be a stressful time for couples, particularly those who have conflicting spending philosophies and different approaches to economic emergencies. Whether you’re an individual or a couple, Charlet said the wisest course of action is to have a spending and savings plan. Once the plan is in place, stick to it.

GeT soMe sleeP Jam-packed schedules and charged-up brains have forced many Americans to forgo sleep in order to fit more hours in the day, but studies show that a lack of sleep and increased stress go hand-in-hand. According to the Better Sleep Council, 36 percent of Americans lose sleep because of stress more than once a week. Fifty-one percent say stress disturbs their sleep, with work issues at the top of the list of stressors.

Another way to relieve tension is to have a realistic outlook on your financial situation.

“Accept your situation the way it is now, for better or worse,” Charlet said.“That doesn’t mean that your situation can’t or shouldn’t improve – it just means that you are where you are. Once you accept where you stand, you can make plans to move to the next step. If you overextend yourself by skipping ahead, you can get in serious financial trouble.”

If you’re in a deep financial hole, get help from a legitimate credit counseling agency or a financial advisor, and “remember that you’re not alone when it comes to

a

wa y

o f

“Sleep has a direct effect on our moods, and our moods have a direct effect on our stress levels. Inadequate sleep can also leave us feeling fatigued and worn-down, making it difficult to complete our daily tasks. When those tasks are left uncompleted, it creates even more stress. It can become an unhealthy cycle,” said Dr. Todd Peavy, Family Medicine Specialist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic.“Sleep is vital to good physical, mental and emotional health.”

continued on page 54

c o m pa s s i o n

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I feel that Brighton Bridge Hospice did a wonderful job with my loved one. They kept her pain under control and tended to her every need. They also explained everything in detail and what we could expect. I felt only love and help from the staff. The Chaplain was very helpful. I thank everyone who was involved.

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continued from page 53

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The first step is to allow yourself to go to bed, Dr. Peavy said. It can be challenging to ignore the running list of to-dos, but “it’s time to tell yourself that some things can wait. Remember, sleep is not a luxury.” Ideally, you would deal with life’s little worries a few hours before bedtime in your quest to wind-down for the evening. Once you’re ready to rest your head, make sure your environment is comfortable, restful, cool, quiet and dark. Make sure you don’t drink alcohol, ingest caffeine or exercise just before bedtime, as these things can hamper sleep patterns.“Develop a sleep routine that you can continue every night,” he recommended.“Once you have one, go to bed around the same time every night. You will soon adjust to the new schedule and your body will thank you in the long run.”

GeT soMe PosiTive ThouGhTs According to the Mayo Clinic, whether or not you view the glass as half-empty or half-full could have an effect on your stress management levels.

“There is definitely power to positive thinking, especially as it relates to stress,” said therapist Keri ForbessMcCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, Director of Solutions EAP.“Optimistic, positive people tend to handle stress better than those with a more negative outlook on life. Those with less positive attitudes are more likely to view problems as hindrances, whereas those who exercise the power of positive thinking are more likely to view them as challenges to be embraced. That’s not to say that positive people don’t feel stress – they certainly do. They just view it differently, for the most part.”

If your train of thought tends to lean toward the negative, try to correct that pattern by replacing bad thoughts with good ones. Each day, make note of the positive things that happened, rather than dwelling on the negative.

“Make sure you over-focus on things that went wrong during the day and recognize when you overreact to something,” said McCorquodale.“In our busy lives, even small problems can seem like catastrophes. Understand that if something doesn’t go quite the way we planned, it’s not the end of the world.”

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Get Solid on Your

in an interesting, unique and beautiful piece. One of the primary reasons that some of the most beautiful logs are cut into veneer is because they aren’t sustainable as solid-wood pieces. Because veneer is glued to stable substrate, it’s not inclined to warp or split.

“Some people appreciate veneer because it is basically peeled from the trunk of a tree, or sliced from large, rectangular blocks of wood. In an ideal process, very little wood is wasted in the cutting, which puts less strain on natural resources,” Ridgley said.

Wood Furniture

For more information on solid wood versus veneer, visit Home Furniture at 1314 Ryan Street or call 436-2526.

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When it’s time to buy a bookcase, coffee table, or dining room set, most consumers cast their eye on high-quality wood furniture – something that’s worth their money and will remain sturdy and strong fixtures in their home for years. Furniture makers typically offer both solid wood furniture and veneer, yet many consumers don’t know the difference, and aren’t sure what they need.

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As with most purchases, whether you prefer one or the other is largely based on personal preference. “One isn’t necessarily better than the other, just by virtue of being solid wood or veneer. It depends on the manufacturer,” said Steve Ridgley with Home Furniture of Lake Charles. “But it’s still wise for customers to understand the difference.”

Solid wood furniture is made of the same species of all-natural wood. This means there are no plywood, particle boards or other additions to the piece.

Most consumers assume solid-wood furniture is ideal because it’s durable, practical, and less expensive than veneer furniture, “but there can be potential downfalls to solid wood,” Ridgley said. “Because it’s all natural and constructed from a single species, solid wood has the propensity to crack or split when exposed to certain atmospheric conditions. Of course, there’s a simple way to prevent this from happening. Keep your wood furniture away from direct heat sources, direct sunlight, and other potentially harmful outdoor weather conditions.”

According to Ridgley, the greatest advantage of veneer furniture is its appearance. Although more costly than solid-wood furniture, veneer is constructed using the most interesting and unique logs, which often results

May 2009

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Lake Charles; Beth McCoy, Lake Charles; Megan Murphy, Sulphur; Ashley Nash, Opelousas; Joshua Nitsch, Lake Charles; John Viator, Sulphur; Andrea Walters, Lake Charles; and Andrea Wyatt, Sulphur.

The Abercrombie Gallery, located in Room 125 of the Shearman Fine Arts Center, is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information about the exhibit, call 475-5060.

Cameron State Bank Earns Five Star Rating

Citgo Establishes Engineering Scholarship Citgo Petroleum Corp. has presented a $35,000 donation to the McNeese State University Foundation for the endowed Citgo Petroleum Corporation Professorship in Engineering #5. Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, center, dean of the college of engineering and engineering technology, accepts the donation from Don Fruge, right, general manager of engineering and technical services, as Darie Jordan, government and public affairs manager, looks on.

MidSouth Donates to Scholarship MidSouth Bank of Jennings recently donated $10,000 towards the Dr. Joe Hargroder Endowed Scholarship it established through the McNeese State University Foundation in honor of Dr. Joe Hargroder, vice chairman and founding director of MidSouth Bank. To date, the MidSouth Bank has given $50,000 to fund this endowed scholarship, which goes to a high school student who resides in Jeff Davis Parish who plans to attend McNeese. Glenn Pumpelly, center, a member of the McNeese Foundation board of directors and a director of MidSouth Bank, accepts the donation, from left, Steve Broussard, city president, MidSouth Bank, Jennings, and John R. Nichols, regional president for West Louisiana, MidSouth Bank, Lake Charles.

Cameron State Bank has earned a five-star rating for financial strength and stability from BauerFinancial, an independent bank and credit union rating and research firm.

According to BauerFinancial president Karen Dorway, “The number of fivestar rated banks is diminishing, but that doesn’t mean they are extinct. Cameron State Bank is an excellent example of traditional, conservative banking. In this new era of ‘back to basics’ thinking, this is exactly what you should be looking for in a bank.”

BauerFinancial has been analyzing and reporting on banks nationwide for over 25 years. The rating is based on the overall financial picture of the bank, and a five-star rating indicates that Cameron State Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. BauerFinancial reports the number of five-star banks fell 8% from last year.

Cameron State Bank was established in 1966 and, with the opening of a second Moss Bluff banking center in May, has 21 locations throughout Southwest Louisiana and over 50 ATM’s.

Student Admitted to Georgetown Program Andrea Arceneaux, Mcneese State University senior business management major, has been selected for admission to the 2009 Institute on Philanthropy and Volunteer Service summer program at Georgetown University in Washington. The Fund for American Studies awarded Arceneaux a scholarship for the summer program.

Arceneaux is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, Phi Andrea Arceneaux Beta Lambda, the Student Government Association, Alpha Psi Omega and the Student Union Board. She also served as publicity and promotion assistant for the McNeese Theatre. Arceneaux received the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2007 and was selected as a Peer Mentor for the Freshman Foundation Course by the College of Business. She has been employed as a Marketing Assistant at PDI of the South Inc., Healthcare Management Services for the past six years.

Artwork by Joseph Chretien

Visual Arts Department Hosts Spring Exhibition The Spring Senior Exhibition of the McNeese State University visual arts department will be featured in the Abercrombie Gallery of the Shearman Fine Arts Center through May 14.

Featured seniors are Jessilyn Burge, Eunice; Joseph Chretien, Hayes; Ashley Feagin, Westlake; Michelle Lavoie, 56

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McDonald’s Donates to ICSA Surrounded by soccer players, Alirio Zambarno, president of the Imperial Calcasieu Soccer Association, left, and Chris Duncan, treasurer of the Imperial Calcasieu Soccer Association, right, accept a $10,000 donation from Doug Gehrig, owner and operator of Calcasieu Parish McDonald’s.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

date and includes textbooks, materials, snacks and a T-shirt. Lunch is not included.

For more information, call Li at (337) 475-5869 or e-mail him at zli@mcneese.edu.

Downtown at Sundown Begins Friday Series

The Wound Healing Center staff includes Irma Ogea, from left, Laura Cormier, RN, Bonnie Cappo, MS, Sharon King, BSN, RN, ET, CWON, and Tomika Galmore, EMT.

Wound Healing Center Receives National Award Opened July 2008, the Wound Healing Center at West Cal Cam Hospital has been recognized as a leading provider of state-of-the-art care for chronic wounds with the Front Runner Award from the National Healing Corporation.

The Wound Healing Center was honored for maximizing its resources to meet the growing need of its community. Program Director Bonnie Cappo accepted the award at the company’s recent awards ceremony.

The Wound Healing Center at West Cal Cam Hospital specializes in treatment for those suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that have not healed within 30 days. Other services include disease management and diabetes care.

Historic City Hall Features WWII Photograph Exhibit The City of Lake Charles will present “Memories of World War II, Photographs from the Archives of the Associated Press,” through Saturday, June 13, at Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan St. Lake Charles is one of 18 cities to host the exhibition during its four-year tour.

Founded in 1848, the AP is the world’s oldest and largest newsgathering organization, serving 15,000 media outlets in more than 120 countries. The exhibit is a spectrum of 126 photos from all theaters of the war and the home front, ranging from AP photographer Joe Rosenthal’s classic Iwo Jima flag-raising of 1945 to scores of photos not seen in decades. Many photos credit AP staff photographers; others came from anonymous Army or Navy photographers. Some were killed in combat; others went on to postwar prominence in their craft.

Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

The City of Lake Charles has announced the line up for the 11th annual Downtown at Sundown concert series.

The event takes place at the Downtown Merchants’ parking lot at the corners of Ryan and Broad streets from 6-9 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays. The shows feature a variety of music from local and regional bands. Also offered are food and beverage booths, table top galleries, art sales and activities for kids.

This season will feature Boomerang, May 15; Soul Vacation, May 22; City Heat, May 29; and The Bad Roads, June 5. In the case of inclement weather, concerts are held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs; however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed on site. For more information, call the City of Lake Charles Arts and Culture Department 337-491-9147 or visit www.CityOfLakeCharles.com

SERVCO Changes Name to SERVCO Restoration, the region’s largest, full-service disaster response and restoration service provider, has changed its name to Rapid Response Restoration and relocated its main office from DeRidder to 107 Post Oak Road in Sulphur.

The company has been in business for over 15 years and offers comprehensive restoration services, providing 24-hour emergency response for urgent restoration and remediation situations, such as those related to water, fire, or mold damage. Rapid Response Restoration offers specialized services for disaster response, water extraction, fire restoration, mold remediation, indoor air quality assurance, and trauma clean-up, as well as high quality cleaning services for carpet, draperies, upholstery, tile and grout and air ducts. The company provides services for homes, businesses, commercial buildings, apartment complexes, industrial facilities, offshore rigs, hospitals, assembly plants and schools.

The company also staffs an experienced air quality expert who provides support in the area of asbestos removal, mold remediation, and testing. The newly named Rapid Response Restoration will maintain its U.S. Gulf Coast restoration coverage area with national response coverage capability. The company can be reached 24 hours a day at either 477-8400 or 1-877-962-6800.

Calcasieu & Cameron 4-H Shooting Fundraiser Calcasieu & Cameron 4-H will host “Bull’s-eyes & Burgers, 4-H Family Fun Day” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Lake Charles Gun Club.

Adult tickets are $25 per person and school age children attend free. Tickets are available from Calcasieu and Cameron Parish shooting sports 4-Her’s.

Ticket price will include a day of shooting activities and a meal. For information, please contact Jimmy Meaux at 337.475.8812 or Ruby Miller at 337.905.1318 with Calcasieu and Cameron 4-H for information.

MSU Offers Summer Engineering Academy McNeese State University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology will offer a summer engineering academy June 8-19 for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing science and engineering careers.

According to Dr. John Li, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and academy instructor, the summer program will utilize Lego Mindstorms NXT robotics kits to teach basic principles in dynamics, mechatronics, control systems as well as other concepts associated with robotics.

May 22 is the registration deadline. Classes will be offered from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in Drew Hall. Cost is $300 prior to April 30 and $350 after that

Wilkinson Joins Rau Financial Group

Denise Wilkinson

Denise Wilkinson has joined the staff of Rau Financial Group as an LPL Financial Advisor. She has over 20 years of experience in the financial field, working in banking for eight years before receiving her license as a general securities representative and principal. Since that time she has worked as a broker with banks and firms in the Lake Charles area.

Wilkinson is originally from Sulphur and received continued on page 58

May 2009

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a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Business from McNeese State University. She completed the School of Bank Investments training program at the University of Oklahoma and is also a licensed life and health insurance representative.

The staff of Rau Financial Group offers over 70 years of combined experience in the investment field. The company offers an extensive range of financial services including financial planning, investments, retirement planning, trust services, real estate investment services and insurance products. Securities and Financial Planning are offered through LPL Financial, the number one independent brokerage firm in the United States. Rau Financial Group is located at 133 Jefferson Street in Lake Charles. To contact Wilkinson, call 480-1450.

community in Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C., and provides numerous networking opportunities throughout the year for its members. For more information, call 433-3632.

Chamber holds open Membership enrollment Drive

Campaign Co-Chairs Poddy Champeaux and Ronnie Johns

The Chamber SWLA will hold an open membership enrollment for all businesses throughout Southwest Louisiana during the week of May 4.

Campaign Co-Chairs Poddy Champeaux and Ronnie Johns said their 2009 Membership Drive campaign will increase Chamber SWLA membership and further diversify its membership across industries and communities.

The Chamber serves as the voice of the Southwest Louisiana business

ribbon Cutting held for healthy image and Thrive Magazine The offices of Healthy Image and Thrive magazine held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 2 at their new office located at 836 University Drive in Lake Charles.

Healthy Image is a full-service marketing and advertising agency, specializing in media relations, copywriting, graphic design and event planning. The

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May 2009

company was formed in 2002 and currently provides services for over 60 local, regional and national clients.

Thrive is a monthly lifestyle magazine, focused on providing news and information about living a full, balanced and healthy life. It is distributed at no charge in 100 businesses and rack locations throughout Southwest Louisiana. It has been published for five years.

Both companies are owned by Kristy Armand, Christine Fisher and Barbara VanGossen. The phone number for Healthy Image remains the same, 312-0972.

The phone number for Thrive is now 310-2099.

Murphy Named Athletic Trainer of the Year Jim “Doc” Murphy, ATC, PT, coordinator of Sports Medicine at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, was recently named by the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association as the 2009 Athletic Trainer for a College or University in recognition of his exceptional service to Memorial Hospital, McNeese State University and other organizations. Presentation of the award took place in Jim “Doc” Murphy, ATC, PT Panama City Beach, Florida.

In addition to the prevention and management of injuries, Murphy also deals with illnesses and diseases that might affect athletes’ health and physical performance. From day-to-day operations to the consistent training schedule of the athletes, Sports Medicine provides a total program to promote and maintain physical fitness. A commended Vietnam veteran, Murphy has spent most of his professional career in Texas and Louisiana. He has been the coordinator of Memorial’s Sports Medicine program for nearly 15 years, and has

served as head athletic trainer at McNeese State University for 28 years. Murphy has also been recognized by the Louisiana Sports Medicine Society with the Jim Finks Award.

Memorial Hospital Presents First Monday in the Atrium The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will present First Monday in the Atrium, a musical interlude held on the first Monday of each month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the atrium at Memorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard beginning Monday, May 4.The first guest performers will be the Rick Condit Trio, featuring Rick Condit on saxophone and flute, Chester Daigle on piano, and Jay Ecker on bass.

“Music has such a calming effect that it is used often in hospitals to alleviate pain, elevate patients’ moods and counteract depression,” said Leif Pedersen, Sr. Vice President of Philanthropy at Memorial.

In addition to the May 4th event, performances will be held June 1, featuring classical violinist and pianist Michael and Boriana Buckles, and on July 6, blues and more with Josephine Unplugged, featuring vocalist Jodi Ricci, Eric Sylvester on guitar, and Don Zimmerman on bass, thanks to the generous support of Business First Bank, The Eye Clinic and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. First Monday in the Atrium is free and open to the public. For more information on First Monday in the Atrium or The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, please call (337) 494-3226.

You Deserve A

Clear Picture of Your Breast Health

Digital mammography is now available at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, the only source in West Calcasieu for a clear, digital image of your breast health. These images offer more clarity in a shorter amount of time, and they are enhanced with Computer Aided Detection to pinpoint any areas of concern for a closer look.

Since mammograms are recommended yearly for every woman over the age of 40, choose state-of-the-art technology that is quick and accurate as part of your commitment for a healthy life.

At WCCH, physicians now have faster access to clearer images of your mammogram.

Clearly, WCCH is your best choice for mammography services.

For more information, call 527-4256.

Your Need, Our Commitment.

701 Cypress St., Sulphur

www.wcch.com

May 2009

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The Hottest Business in Fitness Fitness boot camps have become the latest craze in the health-conscious world as more people prefer the intense workout, group camaraderie and quick results of strength and aerobic training with a professional fitness expert.

“The class combines resistance training, cardiovascular training and sportspecific drills with chanting and singing,” said Carl Comeaux, who leads Fitness Boot Camp through LiveFit 7.“It’s a great way to increase strength, boost aerobic capacity, improve flexibility, lose weight, and break through plateaus.”

While some may be intimidated by the concept of fitness boot camp, Comeaux said the classes are appropriate for all fitness levels and body styles, as long as the participant has courage, commitment, effort, motivation, dedication and personal responsibility.“It takes courage to start an exercise program. It takes even more courage to engage in a boot-camp fitness class – overcoming challenges, completing obstacles, and just having the heart to finish. Boot Camp is designed to push you further than you would yourself and to find out what you’re made of,” he said.

Comeaux’s 45-minute class incorporates resistance training and aerobic conditioning. Each day increases slightly in intensity, but the body quickly becomes more fit and toned, with exercises designed specifically to reduce

body fat and increase stamina. Expected results, according to Comeaux, are better relaxation, weight loss, endurance improvement, increased strength, and increased self-confidence.

“Participants should become breathless at least once a day through solid physical training. When you workout with motivating, dynamic Boot Camp exercise, your attitude, self-esteem, personality shine brighter than the shoes you’ll be wearing to class,” Comeaux said.“Boot Camp epitomizes how you should live your physical life and gives you exemplary discipline to help your professional and personal life.”

For more information, contact Comeaux at 853-2122 or Carl@livefit7.com.

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Silencing Hearing Aid Myths

by Kristy Armand

There’s a lot of noise out there about hearing aids. So much in fact, that if you have hearing problems, it can be very difficult to separate fact from fiction.

“Hearing aids today are vastly improved over hearing aids available 10 or even 3 years ago”, according to Audiologist Ram Nileshwar, MA, CCC-S, FAAA, with The Hearing Center. “But in spite of the remarkable advances available, the myths associated with hearing loss and hearing aids tend to persist, even though research, science and technology disprove them.”

Nileshwar address the most common hearing aid misconceptions he hears from patients: onlY olD PeoPle WeAr heArinG AiDs. This myth has been around as long as there have been old people. But what was considered “old” 50 years ago, is now considered middle age. Today, baby boomers are hitting their prime and hearing loss seems to be occurring slightly sooner than in the past, likely as result of increasing levels of noise in the modern world. Nileshwar says hearing aids are no longer a sign of old age, as individuals are seeking help with hearing loss sooner in order to maintain their active lifestyle. With the average retirement age increasing, persons are leading much more demanding lifestyles through work and play well into their 60s and 70s. Hearing aids are helping them do at the same level as in younger years. i’ve TrieD heArinG AiDs AnD TheY Don’T reAllY helP. This may be true if you first tried hearing aids many years ago, but Nileshwar stresses that today’s hearing aids are as different from older models as the cell phone is from an old rotary dial telephone. The same digital technology used in cell phones and computers is now used in hearing aids, and it has revolutionized the options.

Digital hearing aids are lightweight, discrete and powerful. Advancements in technology provide clearer speech, less bothersome background noise and an overall more enjoyable and natural listening experience. heArinG AiDs WhisTle so You CAn’T TAlK on The Phone. In the past, this was a very common complaint, but this problem has been eliminated with digital technology and innovative hearing aid design. Nileshwar says even entry-level hearing aids come with automated feedback suppression and a variety of filters and noise-cancellation features. heArinG AiDs Are BiG, CluMsY AnD unCoMForTABle. Nileshwar says quite the opposite is true. Today’s hearing aids are stylish and discreet. There are sizes and styles to fit every hearing loss and style preference. And many models can’t be seen at all. Some hearing aids, called completely-in-the-canal or CIC hearing aids, are completely invisible because they fit into the ear canal.

Even behind-the ear (BTE) hearing aids have gone through a transformation.

Today they are sleek and smaller in size. The latest trend, open-fit BTE’s, utilize

May 2009

a thin wire connected to a miniature speaker in the ear canal – allowing the hearing aid to be nearly invisible behind the ear and leaving your ear canal to remain open and unobstructed. Even the power BTEs are more compact and stylish. “Overall,” says Nileshwar,“hearing aids are lightweight, comfortable and stylish to address the needs of those with a variety of degrees of hearing loss and style demands.”

You hAve To FuMBle To ADjusT heArinG AiDs. Again, this problem would apply to much older models, according to Nileshwar. Digital hearing aids have automated convenience that not only detect sound levels, but adjust automatically to the wearer’s particular needs. Heck, they even remind you when your battery is low or when it is time to make an appointment with your hearing care professional. heArinG AiDs CAn’T helP PeoPle WiTh severe heArinG loss. Even if you experience severe hearing loss, there are plenty of powerful units on the market, and Nileshwar says one can be found to fit any level of hearing loss, regardless of how severe. Hearing aids with higher power may have had limited features and options in the past, but now even people with high degrees of hearing loss can take full advantage of digital features, including directional microphones and noise reduction. heArinG AiDs Are exPensive. Nileshwar says “price is an issue only in the absence of value,” and “the cost of hearing aids has actually decreased over time, when compared to the rate of inflation.” Averaged over the lifetime of the device, typically five years or more, the cost per day of a pair of highly featured, advanced hearing aids is about $3. Compare that to what you spend on other things every day – a hamburger, latte, magazine. “These things are much less important than your hearing, and your overall quality of life,” says Nileshwar.

“Regaining your ability to hear has been proven to not only help a person hear better, but to actually improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss and their families.”

Nileshwar says making a decision about a hearing aid is something that requires careful thought and consideration. “Outdated myths and information shouldn’t stand in your way of tuning back into life. Visit an audiologist for an evaluation and the latest information and you’ll realize that today’s hearing aids are designed to fit you, not the other way around.” “It’s very important that an individual should be able to try their hearing aids in the real world for an extended period of time with no financial risk! And that’s exactly why we fit all hearing aids at our clinic with a 75 day trial with a 100% money back guarantee”.

For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, call The Hearing Center at 474-3880 or 1-877-271-5874. Free hearing screenings are available.

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W

rong turns happen. It’s a fact of life that as we travel our path, sometimes we take an exit that should have been left alone. Once we find ourselves in an unfamiliar area, a choice must be made: either stay and continue in a place that doesn’t suit you, or find your way to a more appealing location.

Although this analogy is simplified, many can relate to feeling “lost” or confused as to how their life ended up the way it did. Whether it is a career change that wasn’t a good fit, parenting challenges, or needing to find new direction, taking the steps necessary to make adjustments is the first step in regaining control. This process of taking stock and goal setting is called Life Coaching.

uc ce ss Fin di ng

th eP at ht o

It is a relatively new concept in the south, but it has been widely popular across the country. Although, it may resemble counseling on the surface, a deeper look reveals the differences. Scott Riviere, MS, founder of Success Coaching in Lake Charles, explains that a life coach is a motivator and supporter; someone who can work with a client on empowering them to achieve their goals.

It’s done on a short-term basis, with a goal-focused attitude. “I want to work with my clients to change their attitude from ‘No way’ to ‘I definitely can’. I want them to be energetic about life, to meet unexpected circumstances with creativity and passion. They already have the zeal, it’s inside everyone. My job is to help them unlock it,” said Riviere.

“Life coaching is for someone who wants more out of life. There’s no set requirement for wanting to be coached. You don’t have to have gone through a major life change; you can simply want more fulfillment,” he said. Life coaching has helped people with parenting challenges, career transitions, or simply looking to improve the quality of their personal or work life. “It’s for someone who doesn’t want to settle for a mediocre life.

Everyone has their own definition of success. I work with them to achieve it,” he said. “I incorporate tools and techniques, and help them find a balance in their lives.”

Life coaching begins with the belief that the client has the ability to solve their own problems, but needs help in focusing on the steps it takes to achieve their goal, or they may just need a fresh perspective with renewed energy. The coach will set an agenda, and by implementing action steps, they will coach, or guide, the client toward the success they are seeking. “Sometimes, we’ll hit a roadblock, and the end result isn’t always what the client thought it would be. So, I say, ‘Here’s what happened. I’m still in the car with you. We have these options. What would you like to do?’ Struggles during the coaching period are a sign of growth. My job is to hold them up in moments when they may not believe in themselves, and get them to the point that they are successfully managing their lives.”

The magic of life coaching occurs between meetings, when the client puts into action the things discussed in the meetings. During a coaching session, the coach will lay out the steps needed to achieve the goal, break them down into smaller objectives, if necessary. “I’ll usually work with my clients on a reward system. If they complete their assignment, we’ll think of something they’d really enjoy doing,” Riviere explained. “If they don’t complete it, though, they have to do something they dread. For example, one of my clients is a staunch Republican. We made a deal that if she didn’t follow through, she’d write out a donation check to the Democratic Party. This gave her the prodding she needed to complete her assignment.”

by Christine Fisher

Meetings don’t just occur in Riviere’s office, although that is one option. If his clients feel more comfortable in their own home, he goes there. “I’ve had coaching sessions while walking the track, at a park, or at a coffee shop. The location doesn’t matter as much as the comfort level,” Riviere said.

Life coaching emphasizes living in the moment, not re-living the past. Clients are encouraged to focus on handling present circumstances. “We don’t ignore the past.

Obviously, it played a big part in where the client is today; but we move on,” said Riviere.

“We define what we want to do, and we set goals to make that a reality.”

“Success happens with small steps. They may seem insignificant when you look at them individually, but as you look at the big picture, they are monumental in getting you from where you are now to where you want to be,” explained Riviere.

For more information on Success Coaching, call Riviere at 497-1002.

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May 2009

Information provided by Robert Guilott, owner of AAA Drive-In Cleaners, a Certifed Garment Care Professional.

Condiments Make the Wrong

The Facts About Cancer in Southwest Louisiana – from a local doctor

Fashion Statement

A WOMAN’S CHANCES OF GETTING

CANCER ARE BASICALLY THE SAME – NO MATTER WHERE SHE LIVES. THAT’S A FACT.

Good weather usually means good food, and in Southwest Louisiana, that often means food that tastes best topped with ketchup, mustard, tobacco, bar-b-que sauce, dressings and other flavorful condiments.

Overall, cancer rates are the same across the country. Whether you’re an executive in the northeast, a factory worker in the midwest or a teacher in Southwest Louisiana, your odds of getting cancer are about one out of three*. But, a woman’s chances of surviving cancer are lower here than in many other parts of the country. The reason? Fewer women get regular health exams and screenings. That’s a fact we can change.

Another fact: women who get regular screenings have a much higher chance of winning the battle against cancer. The screening guidelines for female-specific cancers include: · Yearly mammogram starting at age 40 · Clinical breast exam by a physician every 3 years · Pelvic exam every year Take control of your cancer risk by taking control of your healthcare. By detecting cancer in the early stages, before it spreads to other parts of the body, you have a much higher chance of surviving cancer.

As great as these foods taste, they have a nasty habit of dripping onto your clothes. And once they’ve landed, they tend to leave their mark. Not only are condiments drippy and thick, they are also typically brightly colored, making them a triple stain threat for clothing.

When you first get a stain from one of these condiments, start blotting them away from your clothing as quickly as you can. Use whatever you have on hand such as a napkin or paper towel. If there is a lot of the condiment, start with a butter knife to scrape it away from the clothing.

Get as much of it off of the fabric before you attempt to treat the stain.

Next, rinse the stain with cold water, preferable running water. Rinse from the back side out through the stain and make sure the water is running directly through the stain. If the condiment stain is fairly fresh, the cold water should get most of it out. Rub the fabric together under the cold running water in order to force more of the condiment out of the fabric. If it is a fresh stain, this method should get most of it out. After rinsing, soak the stained area in cold water.

Soaking a new condiment stain in cold water should remove the stain completely and the garment can then be washed in the laundry with other clothing as normal. If the clothing is white, you may want to use a little bleach in the wash to make sure all the residue is out.

If your condiment stain is very old, it may take a professional to get it out completely. You can try a pre-treating stick or spray and letting it soak into the condiment stain before washing the shirt. If it still doesn’t come out, take the t-shirt to a reliable dry cleaner. They have a bigger arsenal of stain-fighting tools and might be able to succeed where home products have failed.

May 2009

*Source: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

Fight Cancer with Facts.

Ben Darby, MD, ob/gyn, with OBG-1

“ Women give so much to everyone else, it’s important for them to take time to care for themselves. Knowing the facts is the first step. The second step is making an appointment to get screened.”

A community partnership between:

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Dangerous Driving Habits

by Kristy Armand

Multitasking. It’s become the norm for most parts of your life, whether you’re answering an email while you’re on the phone at work, calling out spelling words for your child while you’re cooking dinner, or catching up on your reading while you walk on the treadmill. In many cases juggling different tasks can help you be more efficient, allowing you to get more done in less time. But in other situations, multitasking just makes you more distracted, forcing you to be less efficient at the tasks you are attempting to accomplish.

Driving is one of these situations, and according to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some form of driver distraction is a contributing factor in 20-30 percent of all traffic crashes.

Joni Fontenot, spokesperson with the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, says multitasking is one of the most dangerous of all dangerous driving habits. “For someone who has been licensed for some time, poor driving habits may be the result of feeling over confident in their abilities. They may have been driving their vehicle for several years, or have a specific route they take to and from work each day. However, it’s always unwise for anyone to think that they can ever stop paying close attention to what is going on around them while driving, since it just takes a few seconds for something unexpected to happen.”

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Several examples of multitasking habits that lead to driver distraction include:

Cell Phone use Many people view drive time as the ideal time to catch up on phone calls.

“The problem is that it’s very difficult to keep your eyes on the road while dialing a cell phone, or you full attention on driving, while talking on a cell phone. If you feel that you need to be accessible while driving, set your phone to hands-free and use the speaker feature, or get an ear piece that allows you talk and drive,” says Fontentot. She adds that texting while driving is an even bigger risk and it should be avoided completely.

eATinG It may be tempting to try to have a snack, or even a meal, while driving, but this can be dangerous. “When you are behind the wheel of your vehicle, your full attention should be on what is happening around you on the road. Trying to eat while keeping control of your car is a difficult, if not impossible task,” says Fontenot.

APPlYinG MAKeuP Mornings are hectic in most households, and to compensate, many women take advantage of the handy mirror in their vehicle to complete their morning

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May 2009

Not using turn signals is another one of the most common bad driving habits.

When a driver uses turn signals properly, it give notice to other people on the road of their intention to change lanes or make a turn. Failing to do so may cause an accident, and may also be at the root of situations where a road rage incident results, which can also lead to accidents. .

One out of 10 drivers “regularly exceeds the

speed limit by 11 or more miles per hour, with drivers aged between 18 and 24 years showing the greatest propensity for speeding.

”

– Source: GMAC Insurance National Driver’s Test

make-up routine. “Again, anything that takes your attention off the road and other vehicles around you is a driving risk and should be avoided,” stresses Fontenot. “Wait until you park, and then finish your make-up.”

In addition to multitasking, she adds that there are several other dangerous driving habits that are common causes of accidents. “There are several reasons why someone may not be a good driver. In some cases, such as with some newer drivers, a lack of experience may be the source of the problem.

But you’d be surprised to learn that people who have been driving for many years routinely exhibit poor driving skills, too.”

In fact, a recent GMAC Insurance National Driver’s Test found that nearly 20 million Americans, or about 1 in 10 drivers, would fail a state driver’s test if they had to take one today. More than 5,000 licensed drivers between the ages of 16 and 65 were administered a 20-question written test designed to measure basic knowledge about traffic laws and safety. They were also surveyed about their general driving habits. According to the study, many drivers find basic practices, such as merging and interpreting road signs, difficult. For instance, one out of five drivers doesn’t know that a pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right of way, and one out of three drivers speeds up to make a yellow light, even when pedestrians are present, the study said.

Fontenot says even if you are guilty of one of these dangerous driving habits, you can make changes to improve them. “Being aware of what you are doing when you are behind the wheel is the first step. Make a point of focusing only on the road when you are driving, and if you need to make a phone call, eat or apply cosmetics, pull over first. It’s also a good idea to refresh your familiarity with speed limits in the areas you frequently drive, as well as driving rules and regulations.”

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Fontenot says the survey also found that drivers not only lack basic road knowledge, but exhibit dangerous driving behavior as well. Speeding was a big one. One out of 10 drivers regularly exceeds the speed limit by 11 or more miles per hour, with drivers aged between 18 and 24 years showing the greatest propensity for speeding, the study said. “This practice is especially dangerous when driving through a residential neighborhood or a school zone. Posted speed limits are not meant to just be suggestions, the limit was set for a safety reason and should be followed.”

smoothieking.com 4300 Ryan Street • 478-4080 GiGi’s Downtown 709 Ryan Street • 310-7023

Just as speeding poses a risk, so does driving too slowly. Fontenot says some drivers fail to take into account the location where they are driving and drive at the same speed on the highway as they do in a residential area.

She says a better strategy is to look at the posted speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly.

May 2009

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Lifestyle

by Christine Fisher

Factors Influence Cancer Risk

Cancer can cause many people to feel out of control. They think getting cancer is the luck of the draw; some will get it, some won’t. In reality, though, research backs up what doctors have been saying for some time: people have more control over cancer than they think.

Lifestyle influences about a third of cancers in the United States. What we eat, if we get regular exercise and if we see the doctor regularly for recommended screenings makes an impact on our overall health and risk for cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports that, on average, nationwide, one in three people will get cancer at some point in their lives. That’s why regular screenings are critical.“When cancer is discovered early, we have a much higher chance in beating it,” said Dr. Goolsby.

A recent report from the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research says that living a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercising regularly may prevent: • 38% of breast cancers • 45% of colorectal cancers • 36% of lung cancers • 39% of pancreatic cancers • 47% of stomach cancers • 69% of esophageal cancers • 63% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx or larynx • 70% of endometrial cancers • 24% of kidney cancers • 21% of gall bladder cancers • 15% of liver cancers • 11% of prostate cancers

Making health a higher priority is one of the goals of the American Cancer Society. Tisha McKinney, Communications Director said,“Many people don’t think about their health until there is a problem. We need to change that mindset. Everyday choices add up and that’s what the framework of our health is built upon. What we eat, how often we exercise, if we choose to smoke, when we decide to see a doctor; these are the things related to cancer risk that we can control.”

In addition to these cancers, the report goes on to say that diet, exercise and limited body fat could prevent 24% of all cancers. These findings don’t count cancers that could be prevented by not smoking.

Colorectal screening for both men and women should begin after age 50.

Prostate cancer screening for men should begin after age 50. Men at high risk, including African American men and those with a family history, should begin screening at age 45.

“This is one of the most empowering studies that reinforce what we, as doctors, have been saying for a long time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health,” said Henry Goolsby, MD, oncologist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic.“Seeing your family doctor or internist regularly and getting the recommended screenings matters. People have more control over cancer risk than they think.”

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Dr. Goolsby said there have been tremendous advances in the treatment of cancer, especially when detected early.“But, people have to see their doctor to get screened,” he said.

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The following screenings are recommended by the American Cancer Society: Female specific cancers: • yearly mammogram starting at age 40 • clinical breast exam by a physician every 3 years • pelvic exam every year. If tests come back normal for three years in a row for women over 30, a screening every two or three years is within guidelines.

Dr. Goolsby said,“The main message I’d like people to understand is that it’s critical to their good health that they get screened, get active, and live a healthy lifestyle. We’re talking about reducing cancer risk. It’s worth it.”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

May 2009

Superathlete

Parenting a

Means Quality, Not Quantity

P

arents of young athletes often have big dreams for their little players. They imagine a home-run future that will coast their children into high school baseball and an eventual college scholarship. Some dream even bigger and imagine their 10-yearold as the next pitcher for the Astros or shortstop for the Braves.

With such high hopes, parents can unknowingly push their children further than necessary, forcing them to practice more than two hours a day from the time they turn 8 years old. But according to the American Little League, pushing young players too far can cause early burnout and resentment.

The goal of the Little League is to give children the freedom to enjoy life and baseball. The league recommends two or three one-hour practices per week for most 8-year-olds, with one or two games during that period.

An eight or 12 week season is usually adequate. According to the league, as a child’s age, skill, fitness, and interest increase, so too can the length and frequency of practices and games.

May 2009

Denise Wilkinson has joined the staff of Rau Financial Group as a Financial Advisor. She has over 20 years of experience in the financial field in the Lake Charles area. She is licensed as a general securities representative and principal, and as a life and health insurance representative.

Denise joins CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Denise Rau, and Financial Advisors Eva Abate and Mark Eckard at Rau Financial Group. Together, they offer over 70 years of experience in the investment field. The company offers an extensive range of financial services including financial planning, investments, retirement planning, trust services, real estate investment services and insurance products. Securities are offered through LPL, the number one independent brokerage firm in the United States.

Call 480-1450 to contact Denise Wilkinson.

133 JEFFERSoN DRIvE • LAkE ChARLES, LA www.raufinancialgroup.com Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Make the Best Choice for You and Your Family One of the finest Outpatient Day Surgery centers in the nation has been right here in the Lake Area for over 30 years…Surgicare of Lake Charles With our state-of-the-art facilities and our experienced, friendly staff, it’s no wonder we’re known as the comfortable surgical alternative that’s affordable as well.

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See our website for our Mother’s Day Specials.

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Vision Specialist Now Seeing Patients at

What Price Would You Pay for a sound sleep?

Boomers Say They’d Trade Chocolate and Cell Phones Forever Nearly three-fourths of American baby boomers are not getting a full eight hours of sleep each night, blaming sleepless nights on economic, financial and family woes, according to the Better Sleep Council. In fact, one out every six baby boomers report chronic sleep problems, according to a recent sleep survey.

Sound sleep is such an elusive luxury that boomers say they would be willing to sacrifice chocolate (27 percent) and would silence their cell phones forever (22 percent) in exchange for great sleep every night for the rest of their lives.

????????????????

DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY: • reading • recognizing faces • distinguishing colors • reading mail • distinguishing objects • seeing signs

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may have low vision, and are probably struggling with everyday activities such as driving, working, cooking and watching television.

Low vision doesn’t have to mean low involvement in life. Vision Rehabilitation teaches a person with low vision how to accomplish everyday tasks, how to use low vision devices such as magnifiers and CCTV’s, and instills confidence in dealing with their visual impairment.

Steve Gill, OD OD, a nationally recognized low-vision expert, has joined The Eye Clinic as a visiting consultant. Dr. Gill established the LSU Low Vision Clinic and the Lions/LSU Regional Low Vision Center, both in New Orleans, where he serves as clinical director. He is assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Gill will be seeing patients on a monthly basis at The Eye Clinic’s Lake Charles office. To schedule an appointment, call The Eye Clinic at 478-3810 or 800-826-5223.

(337) 478-3810 • www.theyeclinic.net 1717 Oak Park Boulevard, Lake Charles 68

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For a sound night’s sleep, the BSC recommends creating a bedroom that is conducive to a peaceful nighttime atmosphere – it should be dark, quiet, comfortable, cool, and uncluttered. Televisions, laptops and computers should be reserved for another room. The BSC also advises boomers to replace their mattress every five to seven years and make sure they make their purchase based on quality and personal comfort, rather than price. Finding an inexpensive mattress that meets personal comfort standards is possible, but could take time, the BSC said.

May 2009

honor our Fallen heroes on May 25 On May 25, the nation will recognize Memorial Day, officially declared a national holiday in 1868. Although the first unofficial celebration of Memorial Day is unknown, it has been celebrated and appreciated for decades in the U.S. as a way to honor those who have died in our nation’s service. from the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society

The Role of Nurse Practitioner

There are several ways to honor our late servicemen and servicewomen: • Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

• Attend a community memorial event.

• Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

• At 3 p.m., take a moment to reflect on the day.

• Make a pledge to help widows, widowers and children, in any way that you can.

As of April 2009, nearly 100 Louisiana men and women have died in the Middle East conflict, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Health care is a complicated business, and it takes many different people and professionals to make it work. Although the intention of most patients is to seek the treatment and advice of a physician, there are several other primary care providers who play an important role in delivering health care. One of these is the nurse practitioner.

Medicine is currently experiencing a shortage of primary care providers, including family practice physicians, internal medicine doctors and even obstetrics. This is nothing new. The role of the nurse practitioner was incepted in the mid-1960s because of these shortages. Although nurse practitioners do not have all the treatment privileges of specialty physicians, they have become critical to primary care, particularly in areas where there is a shortage, and have provided health-care services to patients for more than 40 years.

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed specific advanced nursing education and training in a specific area of health care.

In most states, including Louisiana, a master’s degree is required to become an NP. The NP training program is very specific to a field of medicine and usually takes two years to complete, which includes supervised training in the chosen field of study, under the guidance of physicians. After completing the education program, the candidate must be licensed by the state in which he or she plans to practice. Nurse practitioners are found in virtually every area of health care, including rural, urban and suburban communities and in nursing homes, hospitals, public health departments and urgent care sites. They can specialize in many different areas, from oncology to psychiatry ,and are able to order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, such as lab work and x-rays; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions; prescribe medications and other treatments; and manage patient care. NPs are generally credited as having a comprehensive approach to health care that emphasizes the overall health and wellness of their patients.

According to the American Nurses Association, about 60 to 80 percent of primary and preventive care can be performed by nurse practitioners.

However, it is important to remember the NP is a nurse which practices in a specific area of medicine under the supervision of a physician. The NP is not a physician or medical doctor, but serves as an extension of physician care. It is common and likely for patients to find themselves under the care of one or both as they seek health care for various ailments, conditions and diseases.

May 2009

Avoid the Summer Slide!

“On average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months.”

—Center for Summer Learning, Johns Hopkins University (Cooper, 1996)

mathnasium is currently enrolling for “Summer workouts.”

• Flexible programs prepare students for the new school year • Two 60 minute sessions per week • Summer hours 1pm–7pm, Monday–Thursday • Summer schedule June 1–August 13

Choose from these programs: Jump StarterS • New Pre-K/1st grade program (Call for more information) • Jumpstart Upper Elementary • Jumpstart Middle School

maSter SerieS • Times Tables • Percent Basic • Percent Advanced • Decimal Concepts and Skills • Fraction Concepts and Skills

pOwer math wOrkOutS • Pre-Algebra • Algebra I • High School Geometry • Algebra II • SAT/ACT Math Prep

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Each year hundreds of lives are lost... thousands are injured... and millions of dollars of property damage occur because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways.

Wearing a life jacket is critical for boating safety.

Recent statistics show approximately 70% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Approximately 90% of the victims who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket). The statistics show over 400 lives could have been saved if they would have worn a life jacket. It’s simple, life jackets save lives.

The Safety Council of SWLA offers these tips for using a life jacket: ✖ Buy your own personal life jacket and use it. One size does not fit all. There may not be one available that fits to rent or borrow. ✖ Look at the label. It will provide weight and size information. ✖ Try it on to check the fit. Once the straps and buckles are secured, it should not slip over your head or come above your ears. ✖ Never use water toys in place of a U. S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. ✖ Throw away a life jacket if you find air leakage, mildew, or rot. ✖ Never alter a life jacket. It could lose its effectiveness. ✖ Check your life jackets yearly for flotation and fit.

1201 Ryan, Lake Charles Safe Line – 436-3354

by Rose Klein

Q: Several months ago I telephoned a friend who is also a neighbor to invite her and her family to a special event our family was having in my home. The event consisted of a seated dinner which I made very clear when stating my invitation. She graciously accepted and whenever I would see her, she would reference how excited and flattered they were to have been included.

About 10 days or so before the event I emailed her just as a reminder of the time, etc., and to my dismay, her response was short and stated that they’d been invited to attend the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA the same weekend as my invitation and she would need to regret mine.

Am I out of line to think that an emailed regret months after the telephoned invitation for a seated dinner has been issued is inappropriate?

A: At the very least, it is the “chicken” way out! I realize that an invitation to the Masters is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity and difficult to turn down, but a telephone call or, since she’s a neighbor, a personal appearance, to explain the circumstances would have been kinder and more appropriate.

Q: I know different types of invitations should be sent at various time intervals in advance of the event.

Would you share those guidelines, please?

A: As you didn’t specify what type of event, I’ll select a few of the more popular types:

Wedding invitation 6 to 8 weeks

Graduation party 3 weeks

Graduation 2 to 4 weeks

Anniversary party 3 to 6 weeks

Baby or wedding shower 2 weeks

safetycouncilswla.org

Questions for Best Impressions can be submitted to edit@thriveswla.com.

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May 2009

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WorrIed About heArt dISeASe? We CAN predICt your 10-yeAr rISk of A heArt AttACk.

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CALCIuM SCore Cardiac CT scanning detects calcium in the walls of arteries, which is a marker for plaque and correlates with the risk of heart attack and death.

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