Thrive October Issue by Thrive Magazine

OCTOBER 2009

FALL IN LOVE With

Your Skin page 2

Eyewear for

Hunters page 5

Dorm Health 101 page 16 Do you really need a REALTOR? page 22

WEEKEND WARRIORS: Protect Yourself page 24 October 2009

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Instead of wondering why she hurts here,

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Fall in

Love with Your Skin by Christine Fisher

he fresh, brisk air of fall can breathe new life into everyday routines, especially skincare. Now is the time to repair damage done to skin during the summer months. While we don’t have a long autumn season in Southwest Louisiana, we can restore and rejuvenate skin to prepare for less humid days. Pumpkins are naturally high in anti-oxidants and full of vitamins and minerals that are skin-friendly. “During the fall, I’ll use a pumpkin-based formulation during facials and my clients tell me it’s one of the best ways to ease into the fall season. The aromatherapy alone is wonderful,” said Leann Widcamp, aesthetician with The Aesthetic Center. “They leave relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to enjoy this beautiful time of the year.” Fall skin care routines should be designed to help balance your skin. Because of the heat, high humidity, exposure to the sun, not to mention time at the beach and in swimming pools, skin takes a beating during the summertime, said Widcamp. “It’s good to reevaluate your skin care this time of the year. Exfoliation, microdermabrasion and moisture are three keys to revealing and promoting better, healthier skin.” The months of intense heat and high humidity can lead to excess oil and clogged pores. Exfoliating regularly with a chemical exfoliant containing glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids will promote the growth of new dermal skin cells and slough away the old, dead skin. Widcamp says if you haven’t been exfoliating regularly, the fall is a good time to start. “It’ll help wipe away damage done from the sun and give you a fresh start; your skin will have a better texture. By getting rid of old, dead skin, the moisturizing and rejuvenating products you’ll use in the fall and winter will work better.”

October 2009

Time in the sun can result in damage you may never see, but it causes premature aging. Hyperpigmentation is the term for the brown spots on the hands, face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun. “Microdermabrasion is a very effective way to treat uneven skin tone caused by the sun,” said Widcamp. “It polishes the top layer of skin and removes accumulated dead cell buildup caused from the sun. Results can be seen after the first treatment, but a series of treatments is the best way to get the full benefit. I usually recommend four to five treatments, with two weeks in between each treatment. This frequency will help increase and maintain the benefits.” Lower humidity is a treat after a long stretch of days where you could almost wring water out of the air, but for those with combination or dry skin, it will cause even more dryness. Moisture is the key to maintaining supple skin. The most efficient way to get moisture into your skin is to apply it to already damp skin. After cleansing, pat dry then apply a mild moisturizer. Those with sensitive skin should choose one with no perfumes to avoid irritation. Drinking plenty of water will help keep skin hydrated. “Most importantly, don’t put away your sunscreen just because summer is over. It’s a year-round product and should be used daily,” Widcamp emphasized. “Sun damage causes most of the premature wrinkling and aging we see today.” As chunky sweaters and more fall-like colors are being worn, say good-bye to summer skin damage by focusing on your skin care routine and adjusting for the fall season. The Aesthetic Center offers a full line of professional-grade products and treatment services. For more information, call 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net.

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Woman to Woman,

Have You Had Your

Mammogram

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

This Year?

I understand the anxiety women have about mammograms, but we can’t let that be an excuse not to have one. Having an annual mammogram is the best way to detect early signs of breast cancer. With early detection, the cure rate for breast cancer is over 90 percent. A simple screening really can make the difference. At The Clinic, we realize waiting for results is very stressful. That’s why I am available for immediate consultations for any abnormal results and I personally direct any needed follow-up. We also offer:

• QUICK APPOINTMENTS • FASTER RESULTS • BREAST PADS TO ENHANCE THE COMFORT OF THE MAMMOGRAPHY PROCEDURE

Assistant Editor Erin K. Cormier

• EXPERIENCED MAMMOGRAPHY TECHNICIAN • ULTRASOUND GUIDED BIOPSIES FOR

Advertising Sales

Danielle Granger Ashley Gatte 337.310.2099

Submissions

edit@thriveswla.com or fax to 337.312.0976

ANY ABNORMALITIES

Don’t put it off any longer. Call today to schedule your mammogram.

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.

Danielle Granger, Sales Manager

Ashley Gatte, Sales Representative

danielle@thriveswla.com

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Call us today, 310-2099. 4

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There’s A Difference Here. Mammography Services of The Clinic located in Urgent Care

(337) 312-8761 4320 Lake Street, Lake Charles

Barbara Tomek, MD Radiologist

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Hitting the Target with

Eyewear for Hunters I

f you’re tired of hunting for eyewear that offers you the visibility and protection you need, set your sights on Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic. They offer a specialized selection of frames and lenses developed just for hunters.

Theresa Fluty, certified optician with Optics Unlimited, says any person involved in hunting or shooting sports should wear protective eyewear. “Protective eyewear is important to hunters for several reasons,” she explains. “Having the right eyewear can sharpen your vision, provide safety in the field, protect your eyes from damaging UV radiation and enhance your overall performance. Of course, the quality of your frames and lenses will determine your overall benefit from sports glasses.” Features to look for in hunting glasses include frame designs that are tailored to your facial features and to accommodate your specific firearm and shooting style, spring hinges, bridges that can be adjusted for any shot, comfortable nose pads, wrap-style features for secure fit around the ears and lightweight materials like plastics or titanium. The lenses themselves may be the most important feature when it comes to choosing your hunting glasses. Fluty says protective eyewear should be worn at all times while hunting, and polycarbonate is the lens material of choice. “Polycarbonate lenses can sustain the impact of a 12-gauge shotgun blast at 10 meters. It’s amazingly strong – approximately the strength of steel.” She says polycarbonates should be at least 3.0mm thick in the center for the lens to provide optimum protection, and should include built-in UVA and UVB protection. The lens color used in hunting glasses has become a science of its own. Fluty October 2009

by Kristy Armand

explains that the lens color you need is determined by several factors, including the terrain, game and lighting conditions. “Many hunters are most comfortable in lenses that are yellow or orange. These hues block haze, and with the addition of an anti-reflective coating, allow 99% of the light through the lens. A yellow contrast enhancing lens will absorb blue light which if present on overcast days. This will help make objects against a colored background appear brighter, helping you better distinguish an animal in the field,” explains Fluty. Other popular lens colors and recommendations are: • Red – excellent for hunting in green background • Purple or violet – shooting sports like clay targets • Orange – excellent for clay-target shooting • Bronze – good for bright, glaring days with open backgrounds • Green – good all-purpose lens; best in bright sunny conditions Fluty recommends purchasing shooting eyewear that features interchangeable lenses so you can change your lenses based on the type of shooting, the color of the target, the color of the background or the lighting conditions. Most sports frames can be fitted with prescription lenses as well and tinted with the colors you specify. “Most hunters invest a great deal of time and energy in making sure they have the equipment they need to improve their performance in the field. Unfortunately, they forget about protecting their eyes or enhancing their most important hunting skill – their vision,” says Fluty. For more information about specialized eyewear for hunters, stop or call the Optics Unlimited nearest you, located within The Eye Clinic in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Jennings.

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Don’t Forget to Get Purse-onal with Your Wardobe! If you’re slinging the same purse on your shoulder every day, you could be doing your wardrobe an injustice, according to local wardrobe consultant Whitney Manns. “The details are what make an outfit look completely put together. Just throwing on that uniform, easy-to-grab purse throws away the effort you spent on what you’re wearing,” said Manns, founder of WM Wardrobe Consulting.“Switching purses completes the outfit.” Typically, the purse is matched to the accent color of your outfit, Manns said. If you’re not sure what accent color you have (or if you don’t have one), stick to the fail-safe neutrals, such as black or brown. The hottest handbags in season right now are statement clutches – “a fun, bold, hand-held purse that adds pizzazz to your outfit,” but if you need something a little more practical,“the medium to large-size shoulder bags with hardware detail are also in for fall 2009,” Manns said. A few other tips from the wardrobe guru: • Most women have a size preference when it comes to purses, but if you want proportions to be appealing to the eye, there are a few guidelines you can follow. Petite women should stick to smaller bags; larger ones look overwhelming. It’s best for plus-sized women to carry medium-sized bags because extra-large bags and small shoulder bags can add to the appearance of size.“It’s all about balance,” Manns said. • You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a nice-looking, long-lasting purse. She said she sees a lot of pleather bags on women’s arms, but “pleather looks like pleather.” • If you have a fun printed bag or bright-colored bag that you love, wear it as a complement with an outfit, rather than every day. • Leather works year-round as purse material. For summer, straw, light-colored bags work well, whereas fall calls for more patent leather and darker colors. For more wardrobe tips and secrets, or to schedule an initial consultation at a discount, contact Whitney Manns of WM Wardrobe Consulting at 499-0609, email whitney@wmwardrobeconsulting.com or visit www.WMwardrobeconsulting.com.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

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 October 2009

• • • •

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PPG INDUSTRIES • LAKE CHARLES PLANT

The Creepy, Crawly Season by Kristy Armand Ghosts, monsters, witches and goblins aren’t the only scary critters to steer clear of this Halloween. The cooler weather of fall signals the arrival of a host of other tricky pests that want to invade your home and yard. “Pests, like people, crave warm places, especially those that provide food, water and shelter. Unfortunately, your home meets all these criteria,” explains Robert Soileau, Manager of J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles. He adds that many fall pests are nocturnal, so the longer nights provide them with increased time to infiltrate homes in search of warmth and shelter.

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Pests most likely to be a problem in the fall are large tree cockroaches, ants, spiders, and rodents. Soileau says homeowners can prevent this with a few simple steps, the most important of which is keeping your house sealed up tightly. “Inspect your home for gaps in window seals and doorways, to minimize the number of accessible routes pests have into your home. Yard maintenances is also very important. Piles of leaves and grass clippings provide typical access points for pests. Collecting fallen leaves, clean out gutters, keep shrubs neat, cut branches back from the roof, and remove leaves and grass clippings from around the foundation.”

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And just because summer is over, don’t assume mosquito season is, too. Soileau says the recent heavy rains in the area mean an expected length of widespread mosquito activity this year. “Although mosquitoes are typically thought of as a summer pest, they remain a problem at least until the temperature drops below 60 degrees, which may not be until late fall or early winter. The milder the weather, the longer mosquitoes will linger,” stresses Soileau. “Homeowners can help control mosquito infestations in their yards by eliminating breeding grounds and environments conducive for mosquito activity. Soileau says to pay particular attention to discarded tires, wheel barrows, pool covers, bird baths and flower pot basins that accumulate standing water. Turn over containers when not in use, and drill holes in the bottom of trash receptacles to allow for drainage.

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Soileau says other cool-weather habits, such as opening windows and using the fireplace provide even more ways for pests to enter the home. He recommends making sure there are screens on all windows, doors and chimneys to prevent flies, mosquitoes and rodents from entering the home. Firewood should also be stacked away from the house to prevent rodents, and insects from nesting near the home. To learn more about fall pests and how to protect your home, call J&J Exterminating at 474-7377 or visit www.jjext.com.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

mie K. Cor n i r E By

ABOUT THE DISCOUNT PROGRAM

Prescription Drug Discount Program Available

alcasieu Parish residents can now take advantage of free prescription drug discounts through a program administered by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The program, sponsored by the National Association of Counties, allows local residents to benefit from an average savings of 22 percent simply by picking up a free card and presenting it to their participating pharmacy. The cards may be used by all parish residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage, according to Randy Vincent, director of the office of community services. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use.

How much does the plan cost? Your prescription discount card is provided to you free of charge by the parish. Does everyone in the family need an individual card? No. Everyone in the family may use the same card if desired. Can I use this card to get discounts on my pet’s medications? Yes, if you receive the medication from a participating pharmacy. I just received my card. Can I use it right away? Yes. Present your card at a participating retail pharmacy when you fill or refill your prescriptions. I lost my card. How do I get a replacement? Call 1-877-321-2652. How is this prescription discount program different from traditional prescription insurance? This is not insurance. The card provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy. Upon presenting your card to the pharmacist, you will pay the lower of a discounted price or the pharmacy’s regular retail price. There are no claim forms to fill out and no limit to the number of times you can use the card.

In addition to being free for residents, the discount program is operated at no cost by the Police Jury. CVS Caremark, a fully integrated pharmacy health care company, administers the program by negotiating with pharmacies for discounts on retail prices.

Can I use my prescription discount card with my current insurance benefit to reduce my costs? Your card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance. However, you are able to use your card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by these plans.

According to Vincent, “financial relief in any form” during the current economic downturn is appreciated. “The (program) offers significant savings for the uninsured and underinsured residents of our parish. Even those fortunate enough to have prescription coverage can use the card to save money on drugs that are not covered by their health plan,” he said. The discount card can also be used on pet medications.

Can I still use my prescription discount card if I sign up for a Medicare prescription plan? Yes, you can use your prescription discount card any time you need to purchase a prescription that is not covered by your Medicare prescription plan or any other insurance.

Claude Syas of District 4 was responsible for bringing the NaCo initiative to the attention of his fellow police jurors. It took about 10 months for the program to reach its full implementation. Distribution of the discount cards began last month. Participating pharmacies include Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Rite Aid, and several others, including some independent pharmacies. Consumers should note that the card is not insurance and is not related to any traditional prescription insurance, Vincent said. It is a prescription discount program that provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy. There are no claim forms to complete.

Which pharmacies accept the card? The prescription discount card is accepted at more than 59,000 retail pharmacies nationwide, including many of the leading chains. Ask your local pharmacy if they participate or call 1-877-321-2652. You can also log on to www.cppj.net to find out. How much will I save? While savings on each prescription may vary, you can save an average of 22 percent off the pharmacy’s regular retail prices for prescription drugs. Will I always receive the lowest price? Yes. You will receive the best price available to you through this program at the pharmacy. On occasion, pharmacies will price a particular medication lower than the discount rate provided by the card. If that occurs, you will receive the lowest price.

For more information, contact 877-321-2652 or visit www.cppj.net/. October 2009

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e v o r p m I k o o L r u Yo Fall this e v a S

% 0 2 es m a r f f ost o c l a t o t on a and lenses

unts 9 1/15/0 h other disco 1 s e r i wit exp • Offer be comined apply t o ay • Cann xclusions m e • Some

NNINGS E J • R E D RID 223 PHUR • DE

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Drs. Mark, Patrick, and Craig Crawford.

For the Crawfords, there was a prerequisite to settling down into your chosen profession: You had to work in the family’s full-service gas station.

By Erin K. Cormier

The Gulf service station, owned by Pete and Louise Crawford, was a training ground that taught the children how to interact with the public, earn an honest living, and strengthen their work ethic. It served as the professional foundation for retired orthodontist Patrick Crawford, whose highschool educated parents owned it, and for Patrick’s own sons, Mark and Craig, who also became doctors. “It was fun because it was a family-owned service station. My grandmother lived in the back of the store and our cousins were around all the time,” said Mark, an ophthalmologist at The Eye Clinic and medical director of the Aesthetic Center of Southwest Louisiana.“Working in the store was definitely a rite of passage in our family.” The summers spent at the service station gave Mark, Craig, and their sister Sharon an opportunity to exercise the lessons put forth by their father, whose original life plan when he graduated from McNeese in 1966 was to become a coach. When his father-inlaw, a dentist named Dr. George Hannie, suggested he go to dental school, it seemed like a long-shot. Patrick wasn’t sure if he had what it took, but when he graduated from Loyola University, he was in the top five of his class.

us not to cut corners and that if we did something, we had to do it all the way,” said Mark, who received his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Both Mark and Craig say that watching their father at work shaped them in their own professions – he treated his patients fairly and with respect, and he remembered them when they came into his office. “The relationship with his patients was mutually endearing,” said Craig, who ultimately followed his father’s footsteps and became an orthodontist. He graduated with honors from LSU Dental School in New Orleans and completed a two-year advanced specialized training in orthodontics at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.“Dad is a hard act to follow. In his practice he had a certain way with people, especially remembering his patients. People still come in today and ask how he’s doing. I treat some of the grandchildren of his patients.” Dr. Patrick Crawford said that he and his wife Charmayne wanted to teach their children “respect for people, honesty, and the value of hard work to get where you’re going.”

Craig and Mark were young boys when their father completed his education to become an orthodontist in 1975. They remember him hovered over schoolbooks, working diligently to finish school so he could start his practice.

The Crawford boys describe their mother as someone who “made you feel like you could do anything.” The combination of the two, they say, is what has contributed to their success as doctors. They aren’t sure if the legacy will continue, although Craig’s seven-year-old daughter Zoe has mentioned that she might want to become a doctor.

“Dad was always working hard. He definitely taught

“She said it’s either that or a rock star,” Craig said.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Tip:

Refuel in the morning or afternoon

www.allianceswla.org

Brighton Bridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospice medical director, Dr. Gerry Hebert, attended a conference in Chicago in August 2009,hosted by the American Medical Directors Program, to obtain his hospice certification. Dr. Hebert is the only physician in this region that is currently hospice certified. This higher level of education held by Brighton Bridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team, allows them to more accurately evaluate, monitor and care for hospice patients in the Lake Area. Thank you Dr. Hebert for your hard work, added devotion and faith in our staff at Brighton Bridge hospice!

Proudly Serving Southwest Louisiana 1.888.878.0337 October 2009

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AIDS Council Seeks to Spread Awareness Louisiana now ranks fifth in the nation in reported cases of AIDS, and with nearly 900 of HIV/AIDS cases reporting from the five-parish area, regional education about the risks and dangers of infection have become increasingly important, according to Marcianna Shogan with the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council. With statistics increasing in a state that already ranks in the top ten of the most common sexually transmitted infections, Shogan says that education about HIV/AIDS needs to be viewed as a regional issue, not one that is limited to big cities or overseas continents. “One of the categories of incidence that is growing is women who are in their mid-forties and over age fifty who are coming out of marriages. They are no longer concerned about getting pregnant, so they don’t take the proper precautions,” Shogan said. Among the 871 reported cases of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Southwest Louisiana, 36 percent are between the ages of 40-49 and 58 percent are African American – another segment of the population that has seen an increase. Seventy-two percent of new HIV cases and 75 percent of new AIDS cases in Louisiana are among the African American community, according to Shogan. According to statistics provided by SLAC, there are 539 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Calcasieu Parish and 224 in Allen Parish. The rest of the region’s HIV/AIDS cases are from Beauregard, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes. It’s important to note that these are reported cases, Shogan said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the number of undiagnosed infected individual could be five times that number.

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October 2009

“People still think that it is an illness that you can see. They think if a person looks clean, they don’t have it,” Shogan said. She said the reasons for increased cases in Louisiana is a “multi-determined issue” that could relate to high poverty levels, lack of education, and lack of knowledge. She said many people still believe that HIV/AIDS is a disease limited to certain lifestyles or demographics, but with 23 percent of regional infections resulting from heterosexual contact, that has proven not to be the case. “Knowledge is power,” Shogan said.“If you love yourself, you will always put your safety and health first.” In addition to ranking fifth in HIV/AIDS, Louisiana ranks first in the number of residents with syphilis; second in those infected with gonorrhea; and seventh in Chlamydia. SLAC offers free and confidential HIV/AIDS testing every Wednesday at 1715 Common Street. Results can be made available in less than twenty minutes. The non-profit agency, which currently serves more than 250 clients, also offers case management services, prevention and education, medication adherence programs, and a food pantry. For more information, contact SLAC at 439-5861 or visit the agency at 1715 Common Street.

Do you work at least 20 hours a week but have no

health insurance? You may qualify for free primary health care! Call us and find out. 337-478-8650 550 West Sale road Lake Charles, LA ccclinic@bellsouth.net

October 2009

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

If you’re watching your fat intake, you may think nuts are a “no-no,” but new research might just change your mind.

lthough nuts are high in calories and about 80 percent of their calories come from fat, nuts are also dense in nutrients that are beneficial to heart health, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School.

Kellie Leger, RN, Cardiac Cath Lab Manager at Jennings American Legion Hospital, agrees.“Eating nuts as part of a healthy diet can be good for your heart.” She says most studies in this area have found that nuts lower the LDL, low-density lipoprotein or “bad,” cholesterol level in the blood. It’s not entirely clear why, but it’s thought that the unsaturated “good” fats in nuts — both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — lower LDL levels. “High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease, so the properties within nuts that contribute to lower LDL cholesterol are very beneficial ones,” she says. Although it varies by nut, researchers think most nuts contain several other heart-healthy substances, in addition to unsaturated fatty acids, all of which provide different cardiovascular benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids. Many nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a healthy form of fatty acids that seem to help the heart by, among other things, preventing dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in many fish, but nuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. L-arginine. Nuts also have lots of l-arginine, which is a substance that may help improve the health of artery walls by making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots that can block blood flow. Fiber. All nuts contain fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. Fiber also makes you feel full, so you’ll eat less later. Fiber is also thought to play a role in preventing diabetes.

for Heart Health The type of nut you eat isn’t that important, although some nuts have more heart-healthy nutrients and fats than others. “Most nuts appear to be generally healthy,” says Leger. Walnuts are one of the best-studied nuts, and it’s been shown they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also seem to be quite heart healthy. Even peanuts — which are technically not a nut, but a legume, like beans — seem to be relatively healthy. “If you have heart disease, you should be focused on eating a heart healthy diet, and nuts are an easy way to work in some good nutrients. They are inexpensive, store easily and convenient to take with you.” Leger says it’s important to keep in mind that nuts do contain a lot of fat, although most of this fat is healthy fat. “But it’s still a lot of calories. That’s why you should eat nuts in moderation. Ideally, you should use nuts as a substitute for saturated fats, such as those found in meats, eggs and dairy products.” According to the Food and Drug Administration, eating about a handful (1.5 ounces, or 42.5 grams) a day of most nuts, may provide you with the heart-healthy nutrients they contain. Leger stresses that adding nuts to your diet should be done as part of an overall heart-healthy diet. “Just eating nuts and not cutting back on saturated fats won’t do your heart any good.” She adds that it’s easy to cancel out the benefits of nuts if you eat them coated with chocolate, sugar or salt, but “in a nutshell, nuts are a natural, heart-healthy addition to a balanced diet.”

yA Krist

rma

Vitamin E. Researchers still aren’t sure, but it’s thought that vitamin E may help stop the development of plaques in arteries which can narrow them, leading to chest pain, coronary artery disease or a heart attack. Plant sterols. Some nuts contain plant sterols, a substance that can help lower cholesterol. Plant sterols are often added to products like margarine and orange juice for additional health benefits, but sterols occur naturally in nuts. Leger says research for all of the potential heart-health benefits of nuts is ongoing, but the Food and Drug Administration does allow food companies to say evidence “suggests but does not prove” that eating nuts reduces heart disease risk. October 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

by Kristy Armand

Dorm Health 101 Flu, Mono and Bedbugs, oh, my! For many college students, resident life in a college dorm provides their first taste of freedom away from home. They can skip class, order pizza any time they want, leave their room messy and stay out – or up – all night long. Along with all this independence and excitement comes some health risks that parents and students should be aware of, according to family physician Marne’ Devillier, MD, with Maplewood Family Medicine Clinic in Sulphur. “The last thing college students are focused on is their health, but the very nature of campus life, particularly within dorms, brings with it an increased risk of numerous health problems, along with a need for increased awareness and preventive measures.” Dr. Devillier provides an overview of some of the hidden – and not-so-hidden— health hazards that might be lurking in dorm rooms:

Colds and Flu The close confines of a college dorm room, as well as shared bathrooms, kitchens and other common areas, make dormitories a high-risk zone for the spread of colds and flu germs. Dr. Devillier says respiratory conditions like the cold and flu (both regular and highly-publicized swine variety) are spread through vapor droplets, infecting everything they touch, such as door handles, elevator buttons, desktops and more. This year, with widespread H1N1 activity already being reported on college campuses across the country, including Louisiana, the swine flu is one health issue receiving a great deal of attention. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine, says the department “fully expects” to see widespread flu activity, both for the traditional seasonal strain and the strain of H1N1, more commonly known as “swine flu” on college campuses in the state this year. Because college students are in the group most affected by the swine flu, ages 5 – 24, they fall within the target population for the first round of vaccinations when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, sometime this month. 16

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Dr. Devillier says the prevention advice for colds and flu remains the same: practicing good hygiene. “Washing your hands frequently is the best defense. In addition, if you do get sick, do your best to prevent exposing others. Treat your symptoms, rest, stay in your room and see your doctor if symptoms don’t improve.”

Meningitis Meningitis is notorious for hitting college campuses, and both the viral and bacterial strains can be deadly. Dr. Devillier explains that, like the flu, meningitis is spread through vapor droplets and affects the respiratory system. Annually, 30 percent of all meningitis cases are adolescents and young adult. According to the National Meningitis Association, college freshmen are at a higher risk for contracting meningitis than their non-collegiate peers, but only 15 states require certain incoming students to have the meningitis vaccination before coming to campus. Louisiana is one of those states, but there are many local students who go to college out of state and many may not be aware of the risk or the importance of getting the vaccine. For meningitis prevention, in addition to the vaccine, Dr. Devillier advises students to wash hands regularly, wipe down countertops and other shared surfaces, avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

Mononucleosis Mononucleosis, also known as “the kissing disease” and frequently referred to as simply “mono,” can take derail a college student’s life. Recovery from mono usually means weeks of bed rest and fatigue that can lead to a missed semester of school. Others may have the condition and not even be aware of it because it affects some people more seriously than others. Dr. Devillier says although mono is a contagious virus, it is not spread as easily as cold and flu germs. “It is usually passed from person to person through close contact like kissing or sharing drink, so it is easier to prevent exposure.”

Mattresses Most university dorms have durable mattresses or futons that will survive years of wear and tear. Unfortunately, after a few semesters, these futons are infested with dust (mostly dead skin cells), bacteria and viruses from their previous

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

occupants, as well as dust mites - to which some people are allergic. One option to avoid exposure is to bring a mattress cover, or bring your own futon or pad to place atop the one provided by the dorm. Infestations of bed bugs or lice are other unwelcome dorm room mattress visitors. Dr. Devillier says these problems may occur through no fault of the room’s occupant.“In general, good cleanliness habits can help prevent these issues, so wash clothing and bedding frequently, and avoid clutter in the room.” Another helpful tip is to keep suitcases and backpacks off the bed. Bedbugs travel wherever your bags go.

rATes Are AT An ALL-TiMe Low

Time is running out to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit. First time home buyers qualify

Bathrooms These are cleaned frequently in residence dorms, but like a gym or other public showers, it’s a good idea to use a pair of flip-flops or shower shoes to avoid catching athlete’s foot (a foot fungus) or anything else from shower or bathroom floors. Foot fungus thrives in warm and wet environments, like the shower or locker room. These infections are especially prominent in communal areas. Toilet paper on public toilet seats is also always a good idea. And Dr. Devillier suggests that dorm residents avoid laying their toothbrush or other personal toiletries on public surfaces to prevent surface contact with any germs left behind from a dorm neighbor.

Heating System and Vents Some dorms at some colleges get their character from the years of history that have taken place in their walls. Unfortunately, the older the building, the more antiquated and contaminated the heating systems may be. Older systems that are not cleaned frequently can spread dust, mold, and viruses throughout the building. Old buildings may also be more vulnerable to toxic mold. If you have allergies or asthma, this will be a bigger concern and you may need to find living accommodations that do not worsen your condition.

Talk to Lara Madison James at American Mortgage Connection to learn more about how you can take advantage of the federal tax credit. lmadison@americanmortgagelc.com

american mortgage connection

Lara Madison James LoAn originATor

852 University Dr. Lake Charles, LA

337-477-3350

Residence Kitchens The worst site of for contamination in dorms is often the kitchen. Whether they are shared within an apartment or hall of a dormitory, kitchens can be breeding grounds for mold and germs. In some facilities, kitchens may go without being fully cleaned until students move out and the next semester’s residents move in. If you use a shared kitchen, make sure to bring your own dishes, pots, and utensils and keep them clean to avoid catching something from contaminated surfaces. Mold in kitchen is easily preventable by wiping down counter tops and keeping things dry. If mold does begin to grow on dirty dishes, it’s perfectly safe to wash with soap and warm water

To all of you who supported us throughout the exciting filming and production of Split Ends…

“Most college students will survive dorm life without any major health problems and remember the time they spent their fondly,” ways Dr. Devillier. “Nothing is worse for a student than to be sick away from the comfort of home. By taking the time to follow a few basic preventive measures, you can avoid many of the risks that lead to illness and enjoy all that dorm life has to offer.” Here are a few effective tips that can help dorm dwellers stay healthy and avoid the most common contagious illnesses: • Disinfect frequently used surfaces regularly. • Avoid those who are coughing or sneezing. • Wash your hands frequently. • Keep hand sanitizer with you and in your room. • When you are ill stay in and take care of yourself. • Carry a small pack of tissues with you and use them. • Get plenty of sleep. • Eat a healthy diet. • Exercise regularly. October 2009

THANK You!

803 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605

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Budgeting for Your Bundle of Joy New Baby Means New Expenses

by Erin K. Cormier

Cribs, changing tables and bassinets aren’t the only things you need to prepare in anticipation of a new arrival. When your family discovers that a new member is on the way, it’s time to tweak the family budget to include its youngest addition. “Obviously, a growing family means growing financial responsibilities. It’s important to prepare for all the costs that come along with having a baby,” said Kelley Schexnider, Assistant Vice President with Cameron State Bank.“It’s estimated that the cost of raising a child to age eighteen in America could top $230,000, depending on where you live and your annual income.” According to conservative figures released in “The Cost of Raising a Child,” a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a child will cost about $14,000 annually for the first four years, about $13,000 annually from ages 5-11, and an estimated $8,400 annually from ages 12 to 18. “These are significant amounts of money. Looking at the numbers can be overwhelming, but obviously they aren’t unworkable,” Schexnider said. Before the baby arrives, one of the easiest ways to save money is to look for secondhand deals on baby supplies. Thrift stores, old friends and garage sales are the easiest places to find great hand-me-downs.

Southern Home Health…

We take medical care further. To your home, in fact. How far Has medical care come?

Amazingly, far enough to reach your living room. With our HomeCare, you’re treated at home for conditions that used to require a hospital stay. That includes strokes, cancer, diabetes, CHF, COPD, post surgical conditions to name a few. You can recover in the comfort of your own home and still receive those vital medical services you need. Not only does our medical team have specialized training for your condition, we also have the technology and support necessary to deliver the high quality care you need with your doctor’s supervision. 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.

Call us today for more information, or to ask a question about your Home Health needs,

337-479-2233.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

But secondhand shirts and cribs certainly won’t do the child any good when it comes to expenses like doctor visits, formula, or baby food. Rather than wait for these expenses to come knocking on your door, use pregnancy time to save a good cushion of money to pay for known expenses. “Sit down and look at your income and expenses to determine how much you can put away. Save as much as you can, even if it seems like a nominal amount,” Schexnider said.“Don’t forget to make necessary changes based on the new family member. If you have health insurance through your employer, it’s likely that your premium will increase to cover your growing family, so don’t forget to factor that into the budget.” Other ways to prepare financially, according to Schexnider: Ask your employer or insurance issuer for a detailed explanation of how your health coverage will change, particularly when it comes to finances. Consider how job-related maternity coverage, or lack of it, will affect the family finances. Be sure to have a plan to cover the potential loss of income. Child care, one of the costliest factors in the early childhood years, will play an obvious role on family income. Do extensive research to determine if you qualify for government assistance. Find out of your employer offers a pre-tax dollar account for employees to save for hefty expenses, such as child care, and pummel as much money as you can into it. Take advantage of tax breaks offered through the federal and state government. Look into insurance coverage designed to cover unexpected loss of income, such as disability insurance.“It’s one thing to lose your job or suffer an injury if it’s just you and a spouse, but once children are involved, the loss

of income is felt much more deeply,” Schexnider said. Take a second look at life insurance. If you have it already, consider bumping up your policy. If you don’t have life insurance, now is an optimal time to get it. There is no magic number for the amount of coverage you need, but most financial professionals agree that life insurance provides peace of mind and a priceless guarantee that your family will be cared for should something happen to you or your spouse. To determine how much coverage you need and what kind of policy is best for your family, consult a professional. Having a baby is an ideal time to consider your family’s legacy. There is much more at stake now, so you will want to reconsider the elements of your living will; if you don’t have one, you should probably consider it, Schexnider said. The most important thing you can do, stresses Schexnider, is to “get into the habit of saving, especially if you haven’t saved before. It’s not as difficult as you may think to set aside money for a rainy day.” She says this doesn’t have to be complicated process. “It can be as simple as starting a loose change jar. Any little bit counts.” She also recommends taking a common-sense approach to saving. “Pay down debt; open a savings account and make it difficult to access; reduce unnecessary spending; become a more frugal shopper; or have a set amount automatically funneled into a savings with each pay period. With a new child in the mix, it’s essential to have funds put away – you’re responsible for more than just yourself now.”

Call Today for our Fantastic MoveIn Specials! October 2009

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n w o t n w o D o t n w o D t Ge Oct 25-31

Thursday, October 15 Bar & Grill, 9pm – Blues Tonic @ Luna Monday, October 26 Open Mic Friday, October 16 day Night Football & on M – th ou (S ol ho Sc 7 ill, 10pm – Sequoyah Prep Wednesday, October Night @ Luna Bar & Gr Sons @ Luna Grill, & lia r no Ba ag na M d Lu an @ d a) lin lan 28 Caro – Scotty Do Wednesday, October 94’s @ Luna Bar e Bar & Grill, 10pm Th d 10pm an l Get Out Al – , fé Ca ck 17 Du r ue be Saturday, Octo – Alvin Touchet @ Bl & Grill, 9pm lige, 9am-1pm – Brunch @ Nobless Ob 7:30pm Thursday, October 29 echt HOPE r & Grill, 9pm e 6th Annual Ethel Pr Th – Thursday, October 8 Blues Tonic @ Luna Ba n@ – @ Ru nd un Ba /F ry alk nd W La 3K ew er Breast Canc – The 94’s & The Dr Friday, October 30 nter, 7:30am Ce vic m Ci 9p les ill, ar Gr Ch & r ke l, 2nd Party Ba La Luna – Survive The Musica (both ne cli De k Oa e Liv 9 r & y be es @ Luna Bar & – Jabarv Friday, Octo Program and Wildfir e ill, Fiv Gr d & r an Ba e) na ug Lu Ro @ on n) at from Austi – Barisal Guns (B Grill, 10pm @ Luna Bar & ) sa sh @ alu og (B o sc Fia 10pm Star xx!!! Pre-Halloween Ba Ro tt l, Bu ica – us M e Th ive – Sons In Chaos, Surv Grill, 10pm AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10pm A bers @ AJ’s ith W y ile Sm n, ra te om Ruin and Fallen Em Fr – Colorcast Ve Saturday, October 31 et @ AJ’s Bar & an pm Pl 10 t ill, en Gr Sil & d r @ Nobless an Ba ife Kn – Live Music & Poetry Grill, 10pm Oblige, 6-9pm ’s Bar & Grill, Magnolia Sons, – Crooks Carnival @ OB – Halloween Bash w/ per Plains 8pm lorcast Veteran and Pa Co 19 r @ be to itz Gr Oc t y, Ho da & Mon pm Mic – Briant Lloyd Smith @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 Night Football & Open y da on m M 9p – , fé Ca ck d Red Letter Blue Du – Ashes of Babylon an Bar & Grill, 10pm na Lu @ t gh Ni 10 r 10pm be Saturday, Octo verb @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 21 Re r be to l Oc ria , pe ay sd Im @ ne s ed W an & Chris – Boudin & Blue Jean r & Grill, Simon, Chris Shearm r Ba te na Pe Lu – @ d pm lan -6 Do on ty – Scot nny, 10pm Calcasieu Museum, No Levy @ The Wood N Pe ore @ m & e) ug pm Ro 10 on at (B – Streamline Thursday, October 22 Luna Bar & Grill, 9pm @ Nobless le peed The Jack – Dinner & Live Music – Red November, Gods y @ AJ’s Bar & Oblige, 6-9pm and Sideshow Traged Bar & Grill, 9pm – Blues Tonic @ Luna Grill, 10pm a’s Bistro, 9pm Friday, October 23 – Lisa Marshall @ Sylvi d Crooks Carnival – We Were Wolves an pm @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 und, Kid MIDI So as W d – When The Wor Bar & Grill, d As Naysayers @ AJ’s an Monday, October 12 ball & Open Mic 10pm – Monday Night Foot ill, 10pm Saturday, October 24 Night @ Luna Bar & Gr ight Caravan Whispering – Fresh Nectar, Greenl – Damon Moon & The rs @ Luna Bar Grill, 10pm and Lochness Mobste Drifters @ Luna Bar & 14 & Grill, 10pm Wednesday, October ill, Gr & r d Achachy @ AJ’s Ba na – Handsome Harry an – Scotty Doland @ Lu Bar & Grill, 10pm 10pm

Oct 6-10

Oct 18-24

Looking to add some culture into your life this Fall? Head downtown for these exciting events!

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Oct 11-17

schedules to nd ba or t en ev n ow nt w do nd se , please To be included in this calendar danielle@thriveswla.com. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Experience the Good life! october events october 3

Tea House & Catering oPen for lunch

october 17

closed for breast cancer Walk brunch at nobless oblige

october 22

Dinner & Music

october 31

Music & Poetry

9:00am–1:00pm

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Whether you are dining in or calling in for takeout, let The Luna Bar and Grill do all the work.

9:00 am- 1:00 pm

We invite you to be a part of the many new things happening at nobless oblige teahouse each month.

10:00 am–4:30 pm

Come in today for one of our specialty salads, stellar sandwiches, or exceptional entreés. We offer many choices for the health conscious individual.

316 Iris street • lake charles, lA • 337-433-8094 • www.noblessobligeteas.com

We’re locally owned and the best place in town for live entertainment, food, and drinks.

Donuts • Kolaches • Croissants And Much More! Plate Lunches (on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)

Family Owned and Operated!

719 RYAN STREET • DOWNTOWN – LAKE CHARLES

(337) 494-LUNA

1004 Broad Street • Lake Charles, LA • 433-8139

Everyone’s Dying to Eat at Renee’s!

E v E n t s

Friday, OctOber 9 Colorcast Veteran, Smiley With a Knife & Silent Planet@10pm

Saturday, OctOber 10

mOnday

1/2 price domestic pitchers 9pm-midnight

tueSday

2 for 1 wells & domestic pints all day

WedneSday

$3 Jager bombs & $3 import draft pints 9pm-12am Ladies Night 3 free drinks (well, draft, or wine) 9pm-12am

Friday and Saturday – Live muSic Catering & Delivery Available Located in the Capital One Building One Lakeshore Drive, Suite 555 Lake Charles, LA 70629 Phone: 337-439-6916 Fax: 337-439-0587

See our full menu and specials at www.reneescafe.net

October 2009

Renee’s Café “ Your downtown café with the warm touch”

Serving Lunch – Monday-Friday 11am-2:30pm dinner – Monday-Friday 5pm-9pm catering now available. call us today for AJ’s Venue pricing!

710 ryan St. • (337) 433-4388 www.myspace.com/ajslakecharles

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Red November, Godspeed the Jackle & Slideshow Tragedy@10pm

Friday, OctOber 17 Sons in Chaos, Survive the Musical, From Ruin & Fallen Embers@10pm

Friday, OctOber 23 When the World Was Sound, Kid MIDI & AS Naysayers@10pm

Saturday, September 24 Handsome Harry & Achachy@10pm

Friday, OctOber 30 Butt Roxx!!! Pre-Halloween Bash @10pm

Saturday, OctOber 31 Ashes of Babylon & Red Letter Reverb@10pm

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Do you Really Need a

Realtor?

Deciding to buy or sell a home is a big decision, but an even bigger one may be whether or not to use a realtor.

“Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime,” says Larry Turner, agent/REALTOR with CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty. “Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 legal problem, would you handle it yourself or get an attorney’s professional assistance? If it were a $100,000 tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a serious medical problem, would you use home remedies, or rely on the services of a licensed, experienced physician? When you stop to think about the importance of this decision and look at how huge it is on a scale of major life events, it just makes sense to use the services of a professional Realtor® when it comes to buying or selling a home.” If you’re buying, Turner says the services of a Realtor® can be invaluable in helping locate the property that’s right for you and your budget. If you’re selling, he says a Realtor® can be a huge asset to help you sell your home in the least amount of time for the best possible price. Turner says while you can attempt to sell your home on your own, real estate industry statistics show that a huge percentage of FSBO (for sale by owner) homes -- about 80 % -- do not get sold by their owners and ultimately are passed on to a real estate agent. “The resulting delay can lead to missed opportunities and higher costs in the long run,” he says. “Homes that do not get sold by their owners typically get lower prices than homes sold through realty firms. That’s because real estate agents are trained to know the market and how to price your home for sale, as well as negotiate the best price.” When you enter into a contract with an agent, you have the security of knowing that your agent is legally representing you and acting in your best interest throughout the property transaction. Additionally, choosing to work with a real estate agent who’s a Realtor® can give you added peace of mind. Realtors® are more than licensed real estate practitioners. Realtors® subscribe to a Code of Ethics and pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to both buyers and sellers. Real estate agents do charge a commission for their services, which is what makes some people hesitant to use one. “But all professionals, who have spent years learning their field are paid for their services,” explains Turner. “That is what you are paying for – their expertise in their field. Real estate agents are committed to making sure that our clients get the most value for their services. Ultimately, our goal is to help clients save time and money while helping them sell or buy a home.” Turner says there are literally hundreds of reasons he could provide to illustrate the value of using a Realtor®, and here are just 10: Determining your buying power. What can you afford to buy? Your agent can help you evaluate your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. Many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

by Kristy Armand

Assistance in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Realtors® have access to a variety of informational resources and can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. They can also provide the two key things you’ll want to know: First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? Negotiation. There are countless negotiating factors involved in real estate transaction, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required. Providing due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could includegeneral home inspections, with additional inspections for termites, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, among others. Your agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these inspections and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. It is prudent for buyer’s to utilize the services of an agent. There are no costs to have 22

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

a Realtor® involved on your behalf and their involvement can protect your interest throughout the process. Assistance with evaluating financing options and in identifying qualified lenders. If you give an agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Guidance through the closing process. This is a complicated process, and overlooking a vital detail can bring the process to a halt or result in unforeseen problems in the future Market knowledge. Your agent can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle. Marketing of your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your agent, most importantly, markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In addition, your agent will know when, where and

how to advertise your property. National Association or Realtor studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contact through pervious clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. Evaluate offers. Your agent can help you evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your agent can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process. Turner says another important point to remember is that a realtor can take the hassle out of buying or selling a home by smoothing out all the details. “This should be a fun and exciting event in your life, but without expert help, it can quickly take over your life. And remember, realtors come with a guarantee. If your home doesn’t sell, even after all of our efforts, we won’t get paid. There are too many businesses that can offer that kind of assurance that you will get your money’s worth.” For more information about using a realtor, call CENTURY 21 Bessette at 474-2185.

Don’t Reach the Breaking Point The best time to take care of your bones is before there is a problem. That’s why Center for Orthopaedics has developed Bone Health Central, the region’s only comprehensive program developed specifically for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bone disorders. Our goal is to identify undetected osteoporosis or underlying metabolic bone disease in order to prevent disease progression and decrease the risk of fractures. We offer the latest in diagnostic testing, including imaging and laboratory studies, as well as one-on-one education, nutrition counseling and lifestyle modifications to improve your bone health. Whether you have already been diagnosed with low bone mass or just want to take a proactive approach toward bone health, Bone Health Central can help ensure strong bones for a lifetime. Taking care of your bones is our business. 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles

To schedule an appointment for better bone health, please call (337) 721-7270 or learn more at www.bonehealthcentral.net.

Risk Factors: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

October 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Being female Older age Family history of osteoporosis or broken bones Being small and thin (less than 127 pounds) Race/ethnicity such as Caucasian, Asian, or Latino History of broken bones Having gone through menopause Low sex hormones (low estrogen levels and irregular periods in young women, and low testosterone levels in men) Diet---especially one that is low in calcium and vitamin D Inactive lifestyle Smoking Alcohol abuse Certain medications Certain disease and conditions Loss of height (greater than 4cm)

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by Kristy Armand

Face Injury Woes If that Saturday morning game of tennis, pickup basketball, or run through the park with your old high school buddies left you so sore that you were limping into work on Monday morning, you are not alone. Sports injuries are now the second most leading cause of doctor visits, behind only the common cold. With studies showing that just one in 10 Americans exercises regularly, it’s no surprise that a growing number of these injuries are occurring in “weekend warriors.” Steven Hale, MD, orthopaedic specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, explains that weekend warriors are usually men, often former athletes, who feel committed to a sport or activity, but, based on life, work, and family demands, find themselves with limited time to participate.“So, they try to squeeze in rigorous physical activity on their days off – usually the weekend – and all too often this results in aches, pains and sometimes even more serious injuries.” If you go from the work week to the weekend and have a dramatic change in physical stress you place on your body, it’s really not surprising when your body protests. “After sitting behind a desk 40 to 50 hours each week, even a casual ballgame or certain household projects like gardening or painting can lead to sore muscles and injury,” says Dr. Hale. He adds that it’s not just baby boomers who come in with weekend warrior injuries. Men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, can run into problems as well. “These guys don’t realize that even a few years and several pounds they’ve gained in the years since high school can put extra stress on the joints and ligaments. This doesn’t mean you can’t regain the level of fitness you once had, but you can’t go from doing nothing to going all out. That’s when injuries occur.” Dr. Hale provides a roster of common injuries for weekend warriors: • Sprained Ankles. This is among the most common weekend warrior injury and can occur in almost any sport, whether you’ve stepped on an uneven 24

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playing surface or changed directions quickly. • Shin Splints. This is pain felt in the front of the lower leg, usually from running. • Rotator cuff injuries. Caused by stress on the shoulder over years of exercise or regular activities and can eventually lead to tearing the ligaments in the front or back of the shoulder. • Achilles Tendonitis. These tendons down the back of the lower part of the leg lose their elasticity with age, making them vulnerable to irritation, inflammation and even tears from sudden, forceful jumping or pivoting. • Golf or Tennis Elbow. Results from strained or inflamed tendons on the inside or outside of the elbow. • Knee Pain. This is very common in runners or with any sport that involves a lot of running. It is often caused by irritation on the undersurface of the kneecap, or just from wear and tear within the joint. • Lower Back Pain. Can be caused by a simple muscle strain from too much activity. • Plantar Fasciitis. Pain caused by running or even walking that is felt mostly at the bottom of the heel and may radiate down the entire bottom of the foot towards the toes. Dr. Hale says most of these aches and pains stem from a combination of overuse injuries and poor flexibility, not from an accident or direct trauma. Avoiding these injuries requires some common sense prevention, and the risk of injury does not mean you shouldn’t be active. “You just have to approach it with the right mindset. Weekend warrior injuries can be avoided, or made less severe, by increasing your activities gradually and using proper form, technique and equipment. Start slowly and build up to a fitness level you can maintain through regular exercise,” stresses Dr. Hale.“Doing too much, too soon, can send you to the doctor’s office or emergency room with any number of common sports injuries, and keep you on the couch instead of participating in the physical activities you’d rather be enjoying.” For more information on any type of musculoskeletal injury, call Center for Orthopaedics at 721-7236 or visit www.centerforortho.com.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

t h g i S r u SetoYno

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Win this 17-foot fishing boat with 50 hp Mercury motor and trailer!

OUTDOO R ADVENTURE GIVEAWAY October’s Giveaway:

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’ve learned that there are two schools of thought when it comes to costumes on animals: those who love it and those who hate it. My husband Eric belongs to the latter group. I learned this the day I suggested putting a sweater on our dog Miles. Eric glared at me and said, “He’s already wearing a sweater. It’s called fur.” On the last day of the month, droves of pet owners will put tu-tus, LSU jerseys, and Mardi Grass hats on their four-legged children and droves of others will mock them.

Pets Celebrate Halloween, Too Math Doesn’t Have to be

Next to Albertson’s

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That said, if you plan on dressing up your pet for Halloween – or any other holiday, for that matter – please remember that their comfort and safety should not be compromised for the annoying cutesy sounds of adoring onlookers. Although some dogs don’t mind clothing, there are plenty who do. If your dog doesn’t want to be forced into a McNeese cheerleader costume, don’t do it. More good tips for the upcoming Halloween holiday: • Candy is for humans, not animals. Chocolate specifically can be toxic to animals; even small amounts can make them sick and larger amounts can be fatal. If you insist on including your furry friend in Halloween candy-consumption activities, go for dog treats. In case of emergency, you can contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 888-426-4435. • Don’t take Halloween for granted. Before you take your dog trick-or-treating, remember that the scene could be confusing – maybe frightening – for eyes that have never laid eyes on oversized witch hats, superhero capes, or vampire make-up. • If you’re staying indoors to serve candy, make sure there’s a safe place in the house for your pet.

Pre-K thru Pre-Calculus Schedule an Assessment Call 478-0550 TodAy! 2744 Country Club Road Lake Charles, LA 70605 www.mathnasium.com

Personally, I find nothing wrong with animals in costume, as long as the pets are comfortable and safe. I’m not ashamed to admit that I make all kinds of annoying cutesy sounds when I get email photos of Daschunds dressed like hot dogs or English bulldog ballerinas. The only reason I’ve never dressed Miles is because A) he’d roll around on the floor until the costume is removed before eating said costume and B) my husband would never allow him to leave the house (especially since our dog is named after Miles Davis and Eric has far too much respect for jazz than to disgrace the namesake).

Now Enrolling!

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

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

What’s In Your Carpet? Chances are, your carpet is loaded with dust, allergens and bacteria. It’s time to make a clean sweep of these uninvited inhabitants and restore your carpet to like-new condition. Rapid Response Restoration’s carpet cleaning experts can deep clean your carpets, getting rid of stains, odor, dirt and allergens with our 12-step professional treatment system. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve left a trail of thoroughly clean carpeting all over Southwest Louisiana.

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Caring for You, As You Care forThem As a woman, your job description often gets blurred between the family room, the board room, and all points in between. You nurture, comfort, protect, provide for, guide, discipline, delegate and advise every day. The physicians, nurses and staff of OBG-1 know how hard you work to juggle it all. For over 30 years, we have provided excellence in women’s health care. We pledge to continue providing you with the care you need so you can continue to care for those you love.

Physicians: Ben Darby, MD Scott Bergstedt, MD Walter Guth, MD Brad Forsyth, MD

OBG-1 Services Include:

• Pregnancy and Delivery • Menopause Management • Pelvic Pain Diagnosis and Treatment • Birth Control • Well Women Screenings • Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment • Osteoporosis Screening • Midwifery

Nurse Practitioners: Tammy Gillett, APRN, NP Marilyn Watson, APRN, NP Certified Nurse Midwives: Bonnie Leger, CNM Allison Hansen, CNM

1.866.312.OBG1 • 312-1000 • obg-1.com

LAKE CHARLES: 1890 W. GAUTHIER ROAD, SUITE 110 • SULPHUR: 1200 STELLY LANE Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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October 2009

Art and Music

for the Rehabilitated Soul By Erin K. Cormier

For years hospitals have been viewed as sterile, uninviting environments with stark walls, linoleum floors, and little aesthetic appeal, but as research continues to prove the importance of visual stimulation in the role of health care, institutions worldwide have incorporated a new element into their rehabilitation – art. Among these institutions is Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, whose “Young at Art” program gives budding elementary-age amateur artists the opportunity to display their colorful, positive artwork in the hallways of the hospital, while the hospital’s Foundation has its complementary program,“Art for the Soul,” which incorporates the professional work of notable local artists underwritten by community sponsors. Art can substantially affect health outcomes such as blood pressure, anxiety, intake of pain medication, and length of hospital stay, according to research conducted by Dr. Roger Ulrich of the Center of Health Systems and Designs at Texas A&M University. Ulrich’s research indicated that images of nature specifically had significant benefits to patients. He further noted that the most common factors in the reduction of stress on patients included positive, caring human interaction, certain views of nature, and appropriate music. The art programs at Memorial are additions to the hospital’s existing “First Monday in the Atrium” initiative, which provides musical interludes on the first Monday of each month in the Memorial Hospital atrium. Music is performed from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and has featured such artists as the Rick Condit Trio, Josephine Unplugged, and classical musicians Michael and Boriana Buckles. “Music has such a calming effect that it is used often in hospitals to alleviate pain, elevate patients’ moods and counteract depression,” said Leif Pederson, senior vice president of philanthropy at Memorial. According to Pederson, music has been used to promote movement during rehabilitation, to calm patients and induce sleep, and counteract apprehension or fear.

October 2009

Collectively, the music and art at Lake Charles Memorial is designed to provide a comfortable environment for patients. “The goal is to set a healing, soothing environment through art and music,” said Kathy DeRouen, senior vice president of marketing and founder of the “Young at Art” program.“These things together are projects aimed at making our hospital a more pleasant, aesthetically pleasing environment, while promoting the artistry from every demographic of our community.” “Art for the Soul” will permanently display the work of local artists on various floors throughout the hospital, including the orthopedic and surgical, medical and surgical, and oncology units. Some of the art on display will feature “Sportfish,” by Gyotaku artist Raejean Clark;“Preening,” by watercolorist Imogene Dewey;“The Drive Home,” by photographer Lindsay Janies, whose work focuses on local scenery;“Masonic Hall of Lake Charles, Circa 1923,” by photographer Patsy Manual, whose work focuses on local architecture; and “Purity” by photographer Geoff Russell, whose subjects include flowers shot in natural light. Through “Young at Art,” 60 pieces of artwork will be featured each month from local elementary schools. Parents are notified when the child’s art is on display, and each young artist receives a certificate and small gift. Each month, six artists will be selected to receive a savings bond. “The artwork is very cute and colorful,” DeRouen said.“Children’s artwork just makes you smile.”

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Community Contributor$ Cameron Communications to SHHS Football Cameron Communications donated $5,000 to the Sam Houston High School Football Team for their 2009 season. Senior team members Perry Chatman, #22 and Bronco Quarterback Orlan Lockhart, #7, received the check presentation with Coach Russ Sutherland. The check was presented by George Mack, President of Cameron Communications, and Jason LeBlanc, Retail Manager of Cameron Communications’ Moss Bluff market.

CITGO to Family & Youth David Duplechian, Associate Executive Director of Family & Youth accepts a $2,500 contribution from Darie Jordan, Government and Public Affairs Manager with CITGO Petroleum Corporation, and Megan Monsour Hartman, Communications Specialist Government and Public Affairs with CITGO Petroleum Corporation for the Family & Youth Festival 2009.

Westlake Chemical to McNeese Engineering Westlake Chemical has donated $5,000 to the McNeese State University College of Engineering and Engineering Technology through the McNeese Foundation for the college’s engineering endowment campaign. To date, First Federal Bank has donated over $35,000 to the campaign. Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, center, dean of the college, accepts the donation from Westlake Chemical representatives Wayne H. Ahrens, plant manager, left, and Joe Andrepont, senior community affairs representative.

Lawton to McNeese Athletics William B. Lawton (pictured third from left), president of William B. Lawton Company, LLC, and Gerald Conner (second from right), representing Jack Lawton, LLC, present McNeese State Head Football Coach Matt Viator (center) with $30,000 for football scholarships. The donation is from the William T. and Ethel Lewis Burton Foundation. Also pictured from left are McNeese Athletics Director Tommy McClelland, Will Drost, vice president of William B. Lawton Company, LLC,

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and McNeese President Dr. Robert Hebert. The late W. T. Burton began donating money for football scholarships to McNeese State in 1966 and the tradition has continued for the past 43 years. Since that first year, the total amount given to the university for football scholarships has been $1 million.

ConocoPhillips to SWLA on the Move Willie Tempton, Jr. (center), Manager of the Lake Charles ConocoPhillips Refinery, presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to Ken Broussard (left), Chamber & Foundation Chair of the Board of Directors and President/CEO of The Broussard Group and George Swift (right), President/ CEO of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance. This donation is the 2009 pledge to the SWLA Alliance Foundation’s SWLA on the Move 5-year campaign. The current plan of work under the SWLA on the Move Campaign is to address the critical issues facing our region: workforce development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, regional marketing, and building a single voice for a true regional partnership.

AAF-Lake Charles to Arts & Humanities Council The American Advertising Federation (AAF)–Lake Charles recently donated over $7,000 from its annual fundraiser to send deserving children to Summer Arts Camp and other programs of the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Additional proceeds from the event also funded scholarships for McNeese and Sowela students. Pictured are Gray Little, president of AAF-Lake Charles and event co-chair; Marcianna Shogan, AAFLake Charles board member and event co-chair; Leslie Harless, director of marketing of event sponsor Cameron State Bank; Irene Vandever, Arts & Humanities Council board member; Matt Young, executive director of the Arts & Humanities Council; and Jackie Dowden, community development coordinator of Arts & Humanities Council.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Cameron Communications to St. Theresa’s

endowed scholarship. From left, Richard Reid, vice president of development and public affairs and executive vice president of the McNeese Foundation, accepts the donation from Greater Lake Charles Rotary representatives Shayna Sonnier, auction chair, John Hoffpauir, president, and Glen Sharpe, past president.

Trina Johnson and Kristi Broussard of Cameron Communications present an $800 check and framed print to Terrell Thibodeaux, co-chairman of the Carlyss Bon Ton Festival, for the festival held at St. Theresa’s.

Mendelson to McNeese

Cameron Communications to GLHS Basketball Cameron Communications donates $500 to the Grand Lake High School Basketball Team. From left to right, are Trina Johnson, Public Relations for Cameron Communications, Bonnie Berry, Bookkeeper for Grand Lake High School, and Hornets Coaches Scott Miano and Kris Howerton.

Rotary to McNeese The Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club recently donated $15,000 from the proceeds of its annual auction and dinner to McNeese State University for the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Scholarship Fund, which was established with the McNeese Foundation in 1992. To date, this event has raised more than $400,000 for the

October 2009

Reed Mendelson, managing director of investments/branch manager of Ameriprise Financial, has donated $13,000 to the McNeese State University Foundation to establish the Mendelson Family Scholarship in Marketing. Ameriprise matched his donation with $2,000 through its matching gift program, bringing Mendelson’s total donation for the scholarship to $15,000. This in turn qualified the donation for $5,000 in matching funds through the foundation’s capital endowment campaign making this a total donation of $20,000. Mendelson, center, goes over the scholarship criteria with Marianne White, left, coordinator of planned giving and donor research at McNeese, and Dr. Lonnie Phelps, head of the management, marketing and general business department at McNeese.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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LaBelle Femme

by Katie McDaniel

Dress shop

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We are expanding our boutique. Now offering misses sizes 0–16.

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Their products are in the purest form. They contain no additives, no preservatives, no coloring and no sugar. Our philosophy is to produce products as close to nature as possible through science and research. This assures their safety and effectiveness. shaklee’s products are as close to nature as possible. The quality control practices go beyond the FDa’s requirements. For this reason every product carries a money back gurantee.

With the Halloween season just around the corner, kids may be scared when thinking about this spooky time of year. We asked a few of our younger friends

what frightens them the most? Here’s out of the mouths of babes.

Lake charLes 337-230-3598• Jennings 800-497-5425

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“I am scared of the dark and I am scared of spiders. I am especially scared of spiders in the dark,” says 4 year old Drew Morgan. “I don’t like the way spiders sneak up on you and jump on your clothes. They don’t make any noises to let you know they are there.” 9 year old Bailey Schram is afraid of snakes and creepy crawly things that can bite her. They give her the “heebie jeebies.”

3 year old Elizabeth Douglas is afraid of “The monster with the green eyes and he has hair too. He scare me.”

“I’m really scared of ghosts because you can’t see them after they take their sheet off,” says 7 year old Riley Hargroder.

“I am so afraid of snakes and those monsters that growl at me,” says 2 year old Anna Carlson. “I don’t want them to scare me.”

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October 2009

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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

From the Land of the French to the Land of the Cajun French The children of Dr. Philippe Girard know Arthur, Barney, and Sesame Street, but he’s also made sure that they know Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock – characters from Les Aventures de Tintin, a popular French series created by Belgian artist Hergé. Childhood stories are one way that Girard, a native of the French republic of Guadeloupe, keeps the French side of his children’s culture intertwined with their daily American lives. Summer trips to France don’t hurt, either. The most challenging aspects of keeping French alive in an American household include lack of access to French staples and a limited supply of native French speakers, but if you want to embrace French in the United States, Girard agrees that Louisiana is the place to do it. When he and his wife Preble, an Ohio native, moved to Lake Charles after graduating from Ohio State University in the mid-90s, he says Louisiana life was more of a culture shock for her than him.

Dr. Philippe Girard, his wife Preble, and their three daughters, Cecile, Helene and Flora.

“There are a lot of things about Louisiana culture that I recognize as French. The people here like to party and have a good time. They love to eat and drink, and they appreciate their leisure time more than their work time, same as in France. Also, the French names are quite familiar,” Girard said.“One thing I appreciate about Louisiana is that it is a very different environment compared to the rest of the United States. In Europe, all the areas are very different and distinct from one another, but when traveling around the U.S., I noticed that whether you are in Chicago or St. Louis or Ohio, things were pretty much the same. But not in Louisiana.” Because of the state’s strong French heritage, he is also a bit closer to his language than he was in the Midwest, although he admits that French speakers in Lake Charles are sadly waning.

Guadeloupe, where Girard was born. 34

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October 2009

A house in Normandy, where Girard was raised.

“When people speak French with me, I notice that they are very apologetic about it. I think it goes back to the earlier part of the 20th century when there was a campaign to root out Cajun French, and they were taught that it was bad to speak it. Now, when people speak Cajun French with me, they apologize because they aren’t speaking ‘real French,’ and they treat it as if it is not a real language. But it is. They’re speaking French, just like I speak French. There’s a Canadian accent and different slang words, but it’s still a legitimate language. I can easily have a conversation with them,” Girard said.

Although Girard has more kinship with Louisiana than Ohio, he admits that it wasn’t always his plan to leave the seaside of France for the swamps of south Louisiana. His journey to Lake Charles from France began the same way all great stories begin: With a girl. Her name was Preble, and she arrived at the home of his best friend as an exchange student. Both were in high school at the time; Preble was studying French and spending a few months in Normandy, where Girard was raised. Girard says that at the time he was only familiar with a handful of American locales – New York, California, Florida, and Louisiana. He had never heard of Ohio. “Her French was limited and my English was sufficient, so we were able to have intellectual conversations,” he said. Although he had never heard of Ohio and had little reference point for the American Midwest, he eventually followed Preble there to finish his graduate work in history. When Girard was offered a teaching job at McNeese, he came to Louisiana with some familiarity. He traveled often as a child and in addition to visiting places like Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Spain, England and Germany, he had also spent time in New Orleans, Thibodeaux, and Lafayette. “The United States is portrayed so much in popular culture that even someone who is not well-traveled has some familiarity with it. Because I had parents who loved to travel, it wasn’t that difficult to adjust. It wasn’t as if I was taken from a rural village and plunked in the middle of America,” Girard said.

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Still, there was some adjusting to do. According to Girard, the American interpretation of “French bread” leaves much to be desired, as does the supermarket idea of “French cheese.” “I have learned that if it says ‘French’ in the title, it’s probably not very good,” Girard said.“So I just eat my sliced white bread and when I go home to France in the summers, I bring many things back that I can’t get in Lake Charles, like cheese (and) calvados, an apple brandy wine.” Other than an occasional hankering for fresh-baked pastries, Girard said life in Louisiana has been good. He enjoys the food, which includes some familiar native spices, and says that the family’s annual summer trips to Europe cure impending feelings of homesickness. Modern technology has made the world smaller, including the one that separates him from all of his family back home, which includes his parents, sister, and cousins. Thanks to email, Skype and the Internet, the distance doesn’t seem quite so vast. Except when you’re looking for decent bread.

1717 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles

(337) 474-7377 www.jjext.com

Shielding What’s Near and Dear

The French Pyrennes. October 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Downtown Development Construction Continues

racks and lighting, said. The Promenade will serve as the cornerstone of the Lake Charles Downtown Development.

lthough the recent large amounts of rain have somewhat hampered the progress of Trahan Construction, the Bord du Lac Promenade is still ahead of schedule, according to company president Troy Trahan. The contract completion date of the project is June 2010, but the goal is to finish prior to the beginning of Contraband Days. According to Trahan Construction Project Manager Jeremy Kopnicky, the Bord du Lac Lakefront Promenade Project will provide an aesthetically pleasing public recreational area that combines an artistic walking path created with pavers, a large fountain, lush landscaping and custom ornamental iron works that include benches, arbors, bike

Also moving along ahead of schedule is the marina F Miller and Sons are building on the south end of the Civic Center, Trahan said. “This is going to be a great place, not only for the people who live here but also for drawing people here. It’s going to help make Lake Charles become a main stopping point. This is something we’ve needed for a long time. The Lakefront is a great asset, and this is going to have long-term economic benefits, not just for Lake Charles but all of Southwest Louisiana,” said Superintendent Jerry Jones.

Counter Culture It’s Our Bag, Baby! You’ll go ape when you walk inside our joint and get the royal treatment by the chicks at our counter. The service at AAA Cleaners is outta sight. We know you can spend your bread other places, but we work hard to give you the primo service you deserve. Swing by our place next time you need your threads cleaned and see for yourself. It’s groovy, man. Peace out.

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2713 Country Club Rd. • 562-9508 FE

SSIO

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

tio n

s ti

I n te

tu te

PR O

(Across from Albertsons)

al Fabricare

October 2009

“Anyone who lives in Southwest Louisiana has certain exposure to the outdoors including exposure to water, which is a staple of our heritage,” Trahan said. “The importance of the Promenade Project to all people of Southwest Louisiana is that it not only provides a place to take a leisurely stroll along the sea wall, but it also allows fisherman to try their luck and, in the near future, with the completion of the Bord du Lac Marina, boaters will be able to moor their vessel, come on land, spend some

time walking in Downtown area enjoying the art, great food and outstanding live entertainment. Anything to slow people down, utilize all senses while recharging is desperately needed in this fast pace economy.” If you have any questions regarding construction, contact Trahan Construction at 774-3600 or email info@ trahanconstruction.com.

Financing your new car with Cameron State Bank is a really smart idea. Stop driving around shopping for the best deal. Call or stop by any of our banking centers today. We have a loan reserved just for you. Personal Banking At Its Best!

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October 2009

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Your skin is

so beautiful. Want to receive this compliment? Call Fine Lines today.

We specialize in laser removal of: Hair • Wrinkles • Scars • Birthmarks Rosacea • Spider Veins • Warts Acne Scarring • Tattoos • Brown Spots Stretch Marks • Acne • Cellulite

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October 2009

Treat Yourself to a Safe Most people think of Halloween as a time for fun and treats, and while we’re not trying to scare you, parents should be aware that Halloween is one of the most dangerous times of the year for children. Joni Fontenot, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, says roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year, and falls are a leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween.“Many Halloweenrelated injuries can be prevented if parents closely supervise school-aged children during trick-or-treat activities. The excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful. That’s why it’s important for parents to be aware of safety hazards and do what they can to ensure a fun – and safe – Halloween.” The Safety Council advises these tips for trick-or-treaters: • Trick-or-treating should be supervised by an adult in well-known neighborhoods. • Carry a flashlight. • Stay on well-lit roads and visit well-lit houses.

• Avoid short-cuts. Stay on sidewalks or on the side of streets. • Add reflective tape to costumes if it doesn’t already have any. • Avoid masks that limit vision. Choose instead to wear makeup or face paint. • If your child is carrying a prop such as a staff or a pitchfork, make sure the edges are dull and your child carries it upright, not in the way of other children. • If you are driving during Halloween, slow down. • Instruct your child not to eat any candy until it has been examined by you. If the candy looks like it may have been opened, or there are holes in the wrapper, or it looks or smells odd in any way, throw it out. If you plan to give out candy, make sure your visitors have a good time at your house by doing the following: • Make sure your lawn is free and clear of any obstacles that could be tripped over in the dim light. • Provide store-bought treats that are individually wrapped. • Keep your home well-lit. • If you decorate with jack-o-lanterns with candles inside, supervise them at all times and make sure they are out of the path the trick-or-treaters will use.

Home Heart Care

Now We’re

Our heart’s desire has always been to promote a healthy community. The Cath Lab here at Jennings American Legion Hospital allows us to provide vital diagnostic and treatment procedures for your cardiovascular health right here at home. From diagnostic coronary to peripheral angioplasty, nuclear stress testing to echocardiograms, our experienced team of cardiologists, vascular surgeons and nurses are healing hearts every day. And, it’s all close to home.

Jennings

Hospital

1634 Elton Rd., Jennings • (337) 616-7000 www.jalh.com

October 2009

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TreaT yourself!

Massage & facial only $

No other discounts apply.

110

Stop by to check out our new gift ideas.

october is National Massage Therapy month.

Powerhouse

Massage Therapy Week is October 25–31

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Draperies, Blinds, Shutters and More Free in-home consultation and installation

Construction Underway

EO422

Construction for the renovation and expansion of the Jack V. Doland Field House at McNeese State University begins next month and the McNeese Athletics Department broke ground for the $8.25 million project at a ceremony Thursday, Sept. 17. The current facility, built in 1965 and last renovated in 1975, includes 17,834 square feet. In 2000, the Dowell ‘Doc’ Fontenot Sports Medicine Center was added to the Doland athletics complex. This construction project will add an additional 29,238 square feet, including a second floor, which almost doubles the space of the current facility. The field house is named after Dr. Jack Doland, a former state senator, McNeese president from 1980-86 as well as an alumnus, former athlete, coach and athletic director at McNeese. Fontenot served 20 years as McNeese’s first head athletic trainer. “Over the past 40 years, the current athletic field house has remained virtually unchanged despite continual growth of the university’s athletic programs and the number of student-athletes and staff it serves,” said McNeese President Robert Hebert.“A modern field house will enhance the environment of our student-athletes and would assist the athletics department in recruitment.” Key features of the field house project include an expanded weight room, expanded locker room, additional team meeting rooms, additional offices, a media room, an academic resource center, additional conference rooms, expanded ticket office, indoor club room and outdoor seating area. “The field house is the ‘home’ for McNeese athletics,” said McNeese Athletics Director Tommy McClelland.“Athletic events take place in various venues across campus, but the field house serves as the heart of the program. This new field house will make a statement about the strength of the McNeese athletics program and inspire pride in the athletes, students and the community.”

337.436.2323 40

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C. Gayle Zembower of Lake Charles is the architect for the project. Completion of the project is scheduled for March 2011. To view the architect renditions for this project, go online to www.mcneese.edu/doland. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

STATISTICS Jack V. Doland Field House Renovation and Expansion Architect: C. Gayle Zembower Construction Begins: Fall 2009 Construction Complete: March 2011 Construction Cost: $8.25 million Corporate and private donations Athletic revenue Student self-assessed fee Capital outlay funds Hotel/motel occupancy fee Current facility: 17,834 square feet—built in 1965 and last renovated in 1975 Total renovation and expansion of facility—29,238 added square feet, including a second floor Features: Expanded weight room Expanded locker room Additional team meeting rooms Additional offices Media room Academic resource center Additional conference rooms Expanded ticket office Indoor club room Outdoor seating area Hall of Fame in public lobby Total square feet upon completion of project – 47,072 square feet Yesterday and Today 1965 Student-Athletes – 148 Athletic Sports – 6 1975 Student-Athletes – 179 Athletic Sports – 7 2009 Student-Athletes – 351 Athletic Sports – 16 Total number of McNeese Conference Championships – 65 One national championship – NAIA basketball championship in 1955-56. October 2009

Not Just Your Average Pony Party Celebrate with a little Equestrian Magic

Does your child love ponies? Let the Stables at LeBocage host their next dream party. Come out to our brand new facility where our friendly staff and blue ribbon show ponies will certainly create the party every child dreams of. We customize each party to your specifications and offer a variety of options to meet everyone’s needs. Call today and start planning your child’s dream party.

4550 South Park Road, Lake Charles, LA 70607 • (337) 905-PONY (7669) • thestablesatlebocage.com

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. • Ophthalmology • Orthopedics • ENT • Pain Management • Gynecology • Laser • Podiatry • General Surgery • Plastics

2100 Lake Street, Lake Charles • (337) 436-6941 • 1-800-782-0336 Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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FEARS

FacinG Your

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt

by Kristy Armand

s FDR delivered this famous line during his 1933 inaugural address, he was trying to calm the fears and boost the courage of a nation in the midst of a great depression. He probably had no idea he was also describing phobophobia, the fear of being afraid. Whether its spiders, heights, confrontation, elevators, blood, failure, germs, public speaking, or clowns, most people are afraid of something. Although many different types of fears exist, at the core of each one is the fear of either losing control or being out of control. In some cases, it’s completely appropriate to be afraid – it’s actually a survival instinct coded into our DNA. Fear is the precursor, or trigger, to the ‘fight-or-flight’ response that helps us respond to a threat. In prehistoric times, this helped the species survive, by triggering appropriate responses to lifethreatening situations, such as an attacking animal.

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“Of course, the nature of fight or flight for modern man has changed quite a bit – there aren’t a whole lot of saber-toothed tigers or hostile tribes posing a threat in our everyday lives,” says Brenda Hollenbeck, MA, LPC, therapist with Samaritan Counseling Center. “But there are a multitude of everyday situations about which people feel out of control, such as that speech you have to give at a conference, the test results waiting for you at the doctor’s office, the career change you know you need to make, or the difficult discussion you need to have with your spouse. While not life-threatening, the lack of control and feelings of fear you experience are very real, and that same fight-or- flight response kicks in. When it does, it can hold you back, keeping you from dealing with those things you are afraid of, and more importantly, from doing the things you need to.” She says it’s very easy to allow fears to become an entrenched part of your thinking. “If they aren’t dealt with appropriately, fears can become entangled in your emotions and become very difficult to overcome, leading to anxiety and other more serious mental health conditions. You’ll spend more time worrying about the possibility of failure or loss of control, rather than focusing on possibilities and positive results of success.” Regardless of what your fear is, Hollenbeck says the worst thing you can do is avoid the source.

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Avoidance and denial just feed the fear. The key is to really think about what makes you feel afraid, unsure or self-conscious. “Make sure you are identifying the real cause –you may think it’s one thing when actually there is an underlying factor that is really triggering the fear,” she explains. “Determine whether or not you can change the issue or situation and recognize that you may have to accept a lack of control over certain factors. If there is something you can’t change, then the only element about the situation you can control is how you deal with it. Tell yourself that you are not going to tolerate something that is keeping you from things in life you enjoy and deserve. Replace your negative, irrational dialogue with rational fact-based internal dialogue. “It may not be easy,” adds Hollenbeck, “but by facing your fear directly, instead of avoiding it, you’ll cut off the power it has to control you, and you’ll recognize an inner strength that was there all along.”

WHEN FEAR BECOMES PHOBIA When a fear takes on a life of its own and becomes irrational or excessive, it can become a phobia. If you think you have a phobia, you are far from alone. According to psychiatrist D. Dale Archer, MD, founder of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, www. drdalearcher.com advice site, and frequent guest on the Fox News Strategy Room and CNN Headline News, phobias are actually quite common and affect people of all ages, at every economic level. Phobias are October 2009

the most common psychiatric illness among women of all ages and are the second most common among men 25 and older. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that as many as 60 percent of people have been affected by a phobia at some point in their lives. Dr. Archer says phobias often develop as a reaction to some negative event, such as being trapped in an elevator, being bitten by a dog, or by something that happened when you were a child. “However, phobias can develop for no apparent reason and you may never understand why you have a certain phobia,” explains Dr. Archer. Dr. Archer says the key distinction between normal fear and a phobia is in how the fear affects you mentally and physically. “Fear is a normal response to genuine danger or stressful situation. With a phobia, the fear is persistent, excessive and irrational, and is often related to an object or situation that is generally considered harmless.” Symptoms of a phobia are often physical as well as psychological, and may include: • Feelings of panic, dread, horror or terror • Recognition that the fear goes beyond normal boundaries and the real threat of any danger

Are You

• • • •

Reactions are automatic and uncontrollable, often taking over the individual’s thoughts Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling Overwhelming desire to flee the situation Extreme measures taken to avoid the feared object, situation, activity, etc.

Speaking in public makes many people very nervous, but if you worry about it for weeks ahead of time, or even start to feel physically ill just thinking about it, Dr. Archer says this would be a phobia. Another good example is someone who is so afraid of crossing a bridge that they are willing to drive miles out of their way to avoid it. “Snakes make many people feel uneasy, but I once had a patient with a snake phobia who was afraid to go outside, open cabinets or go near doors, due to their fear of seeing a snake,” says Dr. Archer. “These are the type of behaviors associated with a true phobia. The reaction goes beyond just feeling uncomfortable and a little anxious. The fear is actually changing how a person lives their life.” Research shows the most common phobias involve natural disasters or elements, like water and lightning; animals or insects, like spiders; flying; and blood, injuries, or injections.

Dr. Archer explains that phobias aren’t really a serious problem until they cause more severe mental and physical symptoms. “If a phobia isn’t disrupting your life, it’s not considered a disorder and you may not need treatment. But if your fear is leading to severe anxiety and/or panic attacks, and has become so irrational and unmanageable that it is controlling your life, then you need to be evaluated and treated.” Many people with phobias can be successfully treated with cognitive behavior therapy, in which their behavior is slowly modified through gradual, selected exposure. Patients are taught to confront their feared object or situation in a carefully planned way. Dr. Archer explains: First they imagine the object or situation they fear. Once they can do that

calmly, without fear, they work up to looking at pictures. Then they graduate to brief exposures to whatever triggers their phobia. The length of contact is gradually increased as their level of control increases. “This allows them to learn to control their mental and physical reactions to fear. By confronting rather than fleeing the trigger of their fear, the person becomes accustomed to it and can gradually lose the terror, panic and dread they once associated with it. Phobias are actually cured when a person approaches a particular situation or object and they understand the fear they will experience as a result of that situation will be unreasonable and excessive, but they are able to remain calm anyway.” In some cases, Dr. Archer says medications are also used to correct a chemical imbalance in the brain that contributes to the panic and anxiety associated with more severe phobias. “Phobias are among the most treatable mental health problems,” stresses Dr. Archer. “Depending on the severity of the condition and the type of phobia, most properly treated patients can successfully conquer their phobia. And research suggests that once a person overcomes a phobia, the problem is likely gone for good. So, don’t be afraid of the treatment.”

FEARLESS Enough to Test Your Phobia Knowledge?

1. What is the most common phobia? a. Claustrophobia – Fear of confined spaces. b. Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders. c. Acrophobia – Fear of heights. d. Xenophobia – Fear of foreigners.

2. What is agoraphobia? a. Fear of open spaces. b. Fear of thunderstorms. c. Fear of blood. d. Fear of being unable to escape a situation. 3. Those with a fear of germs may become obsessed with hand-washing or housecleaning. Of the following statements, which best reflects the greatest difference between a phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder? a. OCD is diagnosable and phobias are not. b. Phobias can be treated, but OCD can’t. c. OCD is marked by consistent worrying about the fear, which leads to rituals to ease their anxiety, while those with a phobia typically don’t think about their fears until they are confronted by them. d. Medication is available for OCD suffers, but there are no meds to treat phobias.

October 2009

Having a phobia does not necessarily mean you need psychiatric counseling, according to Dr. Archer. In fact, studies show that most people with phobias do not seek treatment. “That’s because they are able to adjust their lives to avoid the trigger of their fear without a huge impact in their normal routines. For example, if you are afraid of flying, you may just choose to drive or take the bus when you need to travel. If you are afraid of elevators, you take the stairs.”

4. Animal phobias are the most common type of phobia. According to researchers, at what age do animal phobias typically set in? a. Between 2-4 years old. b. Between 5-9 years old. c. Between 10-15 years old. d. In adulthood.

5. It is theorized that phobia-like fears developed as a result of three conditions – direct personal experience (being attacked by a dog, for example); observational experience (seeing your friend attacked by a dog); and what? a. Suffering from a terrifying dream as a child. b. Unknown sources. c. Being told, indirectly or directly, that they should be afraid. d. Direct personal experience that has been suppressed. 6. Which of these statements is true? a. Women suffer from phobias far more commonly than men. b. Statistically, gender is irrelevant. c. There are certain phobias with more female sufferers than male, but there are others that have more male sufferers than female. d. Research has not yet been conducted on the relationship between genders and phobias. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Answers: 1. B. Statistics indicate that as many as 50 percent of women suffer from a fear of spiders, along with about 10 percent of men. 2. D. Although people commonly relate agoraphobia to fear of open spaces, it is actually the fear of being unable to escape easily in the event of a potentially embarrassing panic attack. About one-third of people who suffer from panic attacks eventually develop agoraphobia. 3. C. Those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder often engage in ritualistic behaviors because they are constantly worried about their fears and they feel that their behaviors will ease those fears. For those who suffer from phobias, physical reaction to the fear is typically not attributable to any other anxiety disorder and the reaction doesn’t occur until they are exposed. 4. B. According to researchers at the Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders at the University of Texas, the onset of animal phobias typically occurs between the ages of five and nine, although there are some instances when it occurs later. 5. C. Rachmann theorized that people can develop phobias based on what they are told by other sources. Those sources can include family members, media, etc. 6. A. Research indicates that women are far more likely to suffer from a phobia. www.thriveswla.com

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New Schedule for GiGi’s Speed Training Classes Announced The next set of Speed Training Classes at the GiGi’s Training Center will begin September 28 and go through October 22. The sessions offer young athletes sport-specific speed training skills for ages 7-18 years and enhance agility, balance, strength and flexibility. Classes are divided by age group: • 7-9 years: Mon. & Wed., 3:40-4:40 p.m. • 10-13 years: Tues & Thurs., 3:40-4:40 p.m. • 14-18 years: Tues. & Thurs., 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. GiGi’s speed training techniques are modeled after the leading speed training school in the U.S. The enrollment fee is $80. Space is limited. For more information and to register your child, call 474-6601.

The Clinic’s Echocardiography Lab Awarded Accreditation

oNLiNe or By PhoNe We set up, decorate and clean up—you just show up and have fun! Choose from 6- or 9-pizza party with cold drinks for up to 30 swimmers. Separate air conditioned party area with a view of the pool. Limited spots available!

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering twenty percent off digital bilateral screening mammograms during October, the month recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (337) 527-4256. The discount is applied to hospital charges and does not include radiology fees which are billed separately. WCCH is a sponsor of the local “Fight Cancer with Facts” educational campaign, encouraging individuals to get active, get screened and learn the facts about cancer risk in our area. The American Cancer Society recommends women have a yearly mammogram after the age of 40. Studies show survivor rates increase dramatically if breast cancer is detected early. According to the ACS, current evidence strongly supports mammography even more so than in the past. Since more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and over 40,000 will die, Adams urges women to make time for a mammogram. “Research shows us that if women 50 and older would get regular mammograms, the mortality rate could decrease by 30%. That’s 12,000 lives that could be saved with just a simple, twenty-minute screening.”

Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic’s Echocardiography Lab was recently evaluated and has been granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). Echocardiographic testing is used to analyze cardiac structure and flow information. It is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used for the detection and management of many types of heart disease. Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary and accreditation status signifies that The Clinic demonstrates a commitment to providing high quality diagnostic testing for the diagnosis of heart disease and an overall commitment to the highest level of patient care.

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October 2009

How You Can Take

Action on Ozone Local governments and businesses launched a collaborative effort last month designed to keep Southwest Louisiana in compliance with ozone standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. Action on Ozone, a joint public service campaign, is designed to be a proactive approach toward maintaining good air quality in the area, according to George Swift, executive director of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, one of the agencies spearheading the effort. Jennifer Mouton of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Assessment Division said the area is currently in compliance with standards, but acting proactively to combat surface-level ozone formation is a good way to get ahead of increasingly stringent EPA regulations. Ground-level ozone is formed in the lower levels of the atmosphere when certain types of emissions are exposed to sunlight and heat from the sun. Although ozone in the upper layer of the atmosphere provides a protective shield known as the “ozone layer,” ozone at lower levels, typically called “smog,” can create health hazards, particularly among sensitive populations, such as the elderly, infants, and those with respiratory illnesses. Ozone levels in Calcasieu Parish are currently in attainment, but “it’s important to keep a downward trend. It’s so much better to do things voluntarily instead of doing it because it’s required,” Mouton said. Falling out of compliance with EPA standards – known as “non-attainment” – can have numerous detrimental effects on a community, including mandated use of more costly, formulated gasoline and vapor collection systems at the pump, resulting in higher cost of fuel for cars, trucks, farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, etc.; higher cost for establishing and operating new businesses, thus reducing the local area’s competitive advantage over other parts of the country; higher cost of expansions for local industry and business due the increased complexity of regulations and mandates; and stricter or more detailed, higher-cost annual automobile inspections to insure emission control systems are properly functioning. “A lot of people think that non-attainment is a smokestack issue or an industry issue, but we’ve found that the number of noxious emissions associated with small businesses and individuals are growing. We can no longer rely on industry

October 2009

By Erin K. Cormier

to get the reductions we need to obtain,” Mouton said.

The sources of emissions that create ground-level ozone include industry, cars, human activities, decaying vegetation, trucks, buses, airplanes, boats and ships, farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and elsewhere, according to the EPA. “Businesses and individuals have more of an impact on this situation than they realize. If everyone would take just a few small steps to minimize their contribution to ozone levels, it would make a huge difference,” said Mike Dever, Chairman of the Environmental Committee for the Chamber of Southwest Louisiana. Specific examples of steps to reduce emissions include: • Keep car properly tuned and maintained, especially the emission control system. • Keep tires on vehicles properly inflated • Seal containers of household, shop and garden chemicals and solvents. • Fill up vehicles in cooler early morning or evening hours • Mow lawn and do other yard maintenance during the cooler parts of the day. • Implement a company-wide awareness program. • Encourage employees to carpool and bring their lunch to avoid mid-day driving. • Reschedule discretionary maintenance such as painting, varnishing, and stripping for cooler months of the year. • Make an effort to avoid spilling gasoline while filling vehicles, equipment or containers. • Avoid using gasoline powered yard equipment, most of which have high emissions. The Action on Ozone collaborative effort includes the Southwest Economic Development Alliance, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the cities of Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Vinton, DeQuincy and Iowa. Additional information and tips for ozone reduction in our community can be found at www.allianceswla.org.

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Regular Dental Care Keeps Teeth, Gums - And Wallet - Healthy by Christine Fisher

It’s back-to-basics dental care that can keep you from having a big bite taken out of your wallet. Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups are being emphasized as more Americans decrease spending. Turns out, good dental care does more than just promote strong teeth, it also affects overall health, according to Harry Castle, DDS, with Oak Park Dental South. “For some reason, people don’t associate their dental health and habits with the rest of their body. Teeth need quite a bit of care in order to stay clean and healthy; if that’s neglected, it can cause serious health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.” In today’s tight economy, some people are deciding to forgo regular dental checkups, especially if they don’t have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover dental visits. As with regular oil changes for cars, or getting the flu shot each fall, preventive maintenance saves money in the long run and, in more times than not, prevents bigger problems later. Gum disease is caused by not brushing properly. This chronic infection puts stress on the body, because it signals a defense mechanism within the blood stream. High levels of these elements can cause a thickening of artery walls throughout the body. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects young and old, one tooth or many teeth. Symptoms include bleeding gums, persistent bad taste in the mouth, bad breath and loosened teeth. Advanced gum disease can contribute to serious problems elsewhere in the body. “Problems such as gum and periodontal disease, cavities and plaque buildup are all problems that, when left untreated, have the potential to manifest into much more serious conditions,” said Dr. Castle. “They end up costing a lot more money and time to correct. We understand the economic times right now may deter some from getting their regular dental exams. Right now may not be the right time for some to have cosmetic dental procedures or other elective treatments, but I do hope that everyone will keep their regular dental appointments because it’s so important for overall health.” Having a healthy set of teeth is good for more than just a pleasing smile. Keeping them in good condition and free from plaque and bacteria promotes good health throughout the body. Consistent dental care is the best line of defense for healthy teeth, gums, and your wallet. 46

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October 2009

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Unexpected Benefits of

Chiropractic Care by Christine Fisher

Healthy backs are what most people think of when they hear of chiropractic care. After getting an adjustment, many are surprised to discover other benefits throughout their body.

would think of seeing their chiropractor for body aches and pains before reaching for NSAIDs, maybe they could avoid the heartburn in the first place.”

A Swedish study involving over 1500 chiropractic patients reported they felt better overall after receiving treatment. Twenty-six percent said they noticed pulmonary improvement and could breathe more easily, 25 percent noticed gastrointestinal and digestive function and 14 percent felt they had better circulation.

Almost a quarter of Americans suffer from asthma and allergies. It seems to be especially prominent in Southwest Louisiana as our growing season is almost 10 months out of the year. Also, our climate is moist which promotes mold growth. Congestion, inflammation and swelling are a response to the various irritants.

“Our approach in chiropractic care is that spine health can be a big contributor to good health overall,” explained Donald Thigpen, DC, with the Chiropractic Center.“By ensuring proper spinal posture and alignment and directly or indirectly relieving stress on other systems of the body, chiropractic encourages wellness throughout the body. Not every patient will see benefits in all areas, but many come in for an adjustment and find that they feel better overall.”

“Improving respiratory function mainly involves improving the biomechanical function of the thoracic spine and ribs. Chiropractic adjustments can improve joint function and release fixations between the vertebrae of the thoracic spine and between the ribs allowing for full expansion of the rib cage. When the rib cage can fully expand without any inhibitions, the lungs can fill to optimal capacity,” explained Dr. Thigpen.“Also, chiropractic places a strong emphasis on good posture. When a person has a ‘hunchback’ posture, it can decrease respiratory function. Through chiropractic care, we can reduce or eliminate the ‘hunchback’ allowing the ribs and lungs to expand more fully again.”

Chiropractic specialists have noted patient improvement in several areas, including these:

Digestion It seems there are more parts involved in the digestion process than just the mouth and stomach. Spinal nerves can speed up or slow down the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. They also impact the amount of digestive juices secreted and the amount of blood available for the various organs throughout digestion. The burning pain of heartburn can sometimes be accompanied by spinal pain, usually between the shoulder blades. Close to 1,500 chiropractic patients who participated in an Australian survey reported having back pain along with indigestion. Most of these patients did not tell their chiropractor about their stomach problems when going for routine treatment. Twenty-two percent reported relief from their digestive ailments, as well as their spinal pain, while undergoing chiropractic care. “There are a significant number of people who die every year from bleeding ulcers due to the overuse of medications to relieve heartburn,” said Dr. Thigpen. The American Gastroenterology Association reports that 16,500 Americans die each year due to bleeding ulcers resulting from non-steroidal antiinflammatory, or NSAID, medications such as Aleve, Motrin and Advil, among others.“There are case studies that show that chiropractic adjustments may help relieve heartburn. When neck, back, joint and muscle pain arise many people reach for NSAIDs. Then when they cause heartburn, most people reach for more medication such as antacids. If you experience heartburn, you may think about giving chiropractic adjustments a try. It just may help your heartburn naturally,” he said.“But if more people

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Respiratory

Immunity The nervous and immune system are so intertwined, many health experts consider them one system. Healthy nerves promote a healthy immune system.“For many years we have seen an obvious improvement in the immunity of chiropractic patients, but in the past few years there have been many studies that are actually showing how spinal adjustments stimulate certain aspects of the immune system,” said Dr. Thigpen. The immune system protects individuals from viruses, bacteria, toxins and even serious diseases such as cancer. In fact, a cancer physician in New York studied the correlation between chiropractic care and increased immunity. Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University measured the immune systems of people under chiropractic care when compared to the general population and those with cancer. After three years of following 107 chiropractic patients, he reported their immune system was 200 percent stronger than people who were not under chiropractic care. Another positive finding, the healthy immune system did not decrease with age. “For all of these conditions, there are certainly other causes and other treatments that provide relief. But, many of my patients tell me they are pleasantly surprised to find improvements in seemingly unrelated areas,” he said. A complete evaluation is recommended to correctly assess any cause of pain or discomfort. To learn more, call the Chiropractic Center at (337) 562-0817 or visit www.chiropracticcenter.info.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Celebrate Secure

Your ID Day Community is invited to take part in coast-to-coast “Secure Your ID” Day

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and its national partners, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the National Association for Information Destruction, invites the community to the BBB of Southwest Louisiana’s Shred Fest, a “Secure Your ID” Day event, on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Sam’s Club Parking Lot, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Residents and small businesses are encouraged to attend the event and take a key step in identity protection by shredding and properly disposing of their sensitive paper documents as well as CDs and floppy discs. BBB staff will also be on hand to provide expert advice and tips for identity theft protection. “Properly destroying documents that carry information you don’t want getting into the hands of crooks is an important first step to fighting identity theft, but it doesn’t end there,” said Carmen Million. “That’s why BBB experts will be there offering important advice and simple steps everyone can take to prevent ID theft in their daily lives, both online and off.” Last year, 8.1 million Americans became victims of ID theft, resulting in the loss of $45 billion, according to a 2008 report from Javelin Strategy and Research. The report notes that the majority (56 percent) of ID theft occurs when the thief has direct contact with the victim’s personal information, through a stolen or lost wallet, rifling through a personal mailbox or trashcan, or even lifting documents from inside a home or business. Individuals and businesses can bring up to three boxes of documents to be shredded

and take home the tips and resources to learn how to protect themselves. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders, but staples, paper clips, CDs and floppy discs are okay to be shredded. “Identity theft is largely a crime of access,” added Million. “Our goal here is to make the information less accessible and empower people to be their own first line of defense against identity theft. With community-based BBBs across North America collaborating simultaneously, we’ll have a tremendous coast-to-coast presence that will reach a lot of people and, hopefully, prevent a lot of theft.” As the result of two nationwide Secure Your ID Days in 2008, BBB helped individuals and small businesses at more than 83 sites across the country shred 1.2 million pounds of sensitive documents – all at no charge. This year’s event in Lake Charles is sponsored by Sam’s Club, Southern Records Storage, AOK Moving Shredding & Storage, and Cameron State Bank. For more information on BBB Shred Fest and identity theft prevention measures for both consumers and businesses, call 337-478-6253.

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Take Note:

Potential for Hearing Loss in Band Students

by Christine Fisher

Often thought of as soothing to the soul, music can be an important part of a child’s education. Studies have repeatedly shown that learning to read music and play an instrument stimulates certain parts of a child’s brain and increases their cognitive ability. Playing in the school band is a time-honored tradition for many middle and high school students who enjoy music. But, parents should be aware of the potential harm it could cause to their hearing if precautions aren’t taken. “Band students, particularly those playing percussion and brass instruments, can be at risk for hearing loss later in life,” said audiologist Ram Nileshwar, MA, CCC-A, FAAA, with The Hearing Center “Some concerts can reach harmful levels for those playing who are close to the sound. This combined with routine practice sessions can be too much for a child’s hearing unless safeguards are taken.” Studies show that over 20 percent of high school students who played in the band had a measurable hearing loss compared to 13 percent of high school students who did not play in the band.

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Studies done on college campuses find that tinnitus, a disorder causing ringing in the ears, is found more often in music majors than any other major. It is most commonly found in percussion majors, then brass and finally woodwind majors. Marching percussion majors require more time in practice together to get the timing of the music and march just right, leaving them most susceptible to damaging their hearing. Nileshwar said certain musical instruments carry specific risks: the left ear is typically worse for violinists, violists and drummers while the right ear is usually worse for flute and piccolo players. Within a band, hearing loss may also be associated with the location of another musician’s instrument. “The ability to make music is a talent that deserves to be cultivated

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October 2009

and shared with others, but protecting the musician’s hearing is also important,” he explained. “Just as a football player wears a helmet and padding, and a race car driver wears flame-retardant clothing, a musician should be aware of the potential problems and take measures to avoid hearing loss in the future.” Music differs from other noisy sounds, such as construction zones, motorcycles, and airports in that it is filled with “highs and lows” within the song. The intermittent nature of music provides some protection for a musician’s ears.

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Nileshwar advises students studying music and their parents to take note of these symptoms of hearing loss for band students; • a ringing or buzzing in your ear immediately after exposure to music • a slight muffling of sounds after exposure making it difficult to understand people when you leave the area with loud music • difficulty understanding speech • if people a short distance away (within three feet) have to shout to be heard while you are listening to music, then it’s too loud “Music-induced hearing loss is preventable. Being aware of the potential risks, and implementing safeguards will hopefully provide many years of musical enjoyment,” Nileshwar said.

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by Erin K. Cormier

LessonsRenewed from the Recession: Focus on Financial Planning With the economy slowly rebounding, some financial professionals suspect that the sun is setting on the economic recession, but for many consumers, errors in money-management are clearing visible in the stark light of day. Perhaps you sold your shares too early. Lost your job and realized you had no financial buffer. Rushed to get a loan without realizing what you were getting into. Hard financial times are often a frightening wake-up call for those who either haven’t polished their financial management skills, or were never forced to make tough economic decisions. “Now that the chaos is subsiding, many consumers are getting a good look at the consequences of their poor decisions. Unfortunately, many people didn’t think about preparing for tough times when things were going well. This was a generation that, for the most part, had never experienced a national economic downturn and were busy spending money, going on vacations, and enjoying the fantastic repercussions of a strong and solid economy. Then a recession hit and they were blindsided,” said Eva Abate, LPL Financial Advisor with Rau Financial Group. According to Abate, consumers who were adversely affected by the sluggish and sedentary economy probably made a few of these common errors: • Not paying attention. When the economy is doing well, many consumers don’t concern themselves too much with their financial situation. There seems to be no reason to – things are going well, so what’s the point in getting bogged down in numbers? “The point is, you should always know where you stand financially,” Abate said.“Keep your financial documents in order at all times and keep track of all your investments. Don’t wait until there’s a downturn to take notice. When you pay close attention to financial numbers in your life, you’re much more likely to notice downward trends that could signify a downturn in the economy. Although you should always seek the advice and guidance of a financial professional, don’t rely solely on your advisor to keep you up to date on what’s going on. Be an educated investor and consumer. That way, you won’t be sucker punched when the economy takes a nose dive.” • Lack of savings. When you’re experiencing a monetary windfall, it’s tempting to spend it all on luxuries, like an overseas vacation or costly home improvements. While those things can certainly be part of your life, don’t forget to pay yourself first by putting some money away.“It’s very difficult to save a large chunk of money when you’re flush with cash. Let’s just admit the obvious – it’s a lot more fun to go to Cancun than it is to open a savings account. But 52

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ideally, you would be able to do both. Just make sure the savings account is a priority,” Abate said.“Having a savings account is one of the most important ways to protect yourself. A good rule of thumb is to have enough money put away to cover at least three months of household expenses. That way, if you lose your job you’re not completely without means to support yourself.” A savings reserve can also come in handy to cover spikes in your normal budget, such as those experienced by rising prices for gas or food. • A rush to lenders. When you’re short on cash, getting a loan may seem like an easy way to foot the bills, but extra debt should always be approached with caution, and “make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. Read the fine print and be sure that you’re meeting with a legitimate and trustworthy lender,” Abate said. • A rush away from lenders. When food prices skyrocket, layoffs mount, stock prices drop, and budgets are tightened, the frightening reality of your debt obligation can become overwhelming.“There is no greater reminder to our financial problems than facing a huge mountain of debt with a molehill of income,” Abate said. When things were going well, the debt probably didn’t seem like a big deal; it was a necessary evil, but nothing to worry about. “Hopefully, the recession helped you come face to face with the reality that you spent more than you had, or that you hit the debt-to-income ratio ceiling. If that’s the case, develop a plan to pay down – or better yet, pay off – the debt. It will be a huge relief off your shoulders.” • Getting spooked by the market. Any wise investor knows that the market is an unpredictable roller-coaster ride. To survive, it takes a good financial advisor, tons of patience, and some nerve.“Even savvy investors can get spooked by a shaky market, so that’s completely normal. The key is to make sure that you don’t do anything rash, hasty, or impulsive in response to its unpredictability,” Abate said.“Admittedly, it can be a very confusing time and you’re never sure what to do or how to handle it, and unfortunately, there is never a concrete answer. You may have survived the market drops of the past year, or you may have discovered that you made some mistakes in judgment. Either way, be sure you take those lessons with you. Abate says the key is to learn from past experiences and, when in doubt, always consult with a trusted financial professional. For more information, call Eva Abate at 337-480-3693 or visit www.raufinancialgroup. com. Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.

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Hale and Green Join WCCH Staff West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital announces the recent addition of two physicians to its medical staff. Tyson Green, DPM, podiatric surgeon, and Steven Hale, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, Steven Hale, MD Tyson Green, DPM are the newest additions to the hospital’s team of medical practitioners. Dr. Green specializes in diabetic foot care, foot surgery, bunions, podiatric sports medicine, custom orthotics, hammertoes, heel pain, children’s podiatry, arthritis, and sprains and fractures of the lower extremities. Dr. Hale specializes in joint replacement, sports medicine, knee surgery, shoulder surgery, hip surgery, fracture care, children’s orthopaedic care and arthritis treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green or Dr. Hale, call 721-7236.

Lacoste and Yokubaitis Named Louisiana Top Doctors Alan Lacoste, MD, FACS, and Jon Yokubaitis, MD, FACS, ophthalmologists with The Eye Clinic, are ranked among the top doctors in Louisiana Alan Lacoste, MD, FACS Jon Yokubaitis, MD, FACS in the 2009 “Louisiana’s Top Doctors” report published in the September/October issue of Louisiana Life magazine. The survey report ranked doctors in 68 specialty areas, and Drs. Lacoste and Yokubaitis were among the 16 ophthalmology specialists chosen for recognition. Doctors included were voted on by physician peers in each specialty from around the country, and the selection process was conducted by Best Doctors, Inc., a Boston-based company recognized for their expertise at gathering impartial professional peer ratings. Over 30,000 doctors were surveyed for the 2009 report. Dr. Lacoste has been with The Eye Clinic for 31 years, and serves as the President of the medical group. In addition to general ophthalmology, he specializes in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and cataract surgery. Dr. Yokubaitis has been with The Eye Clinic for 17 years, and specializes in the treatment corneal conditions, cataract and LASIK surgery, as well as general ophthalmology. Both physicians are Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.

Turner Named a Fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Michael Turner, M.D., of the Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana was recently among 150 doctors worldwide to be named a fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular and Computed Tomography (SCCT). The SCCT is the international professional Michael Turner, MD society for cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT). CCT, or cardiac CT, is a scan that enables cardiologists to view all angles of the heart and vascular system. It is a noninvasive medical imaging method used mostly for evaluating coronary and pulmonary arteries and testing for peripheral vascular disease and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Turner is one of a group of board-certified cardiologists that form Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana. For more information on Dr. Turner or the Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana, visit www.csswla.com.

Williams Receives Excellence Award Ben Williams, MD, a second year resident in the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program, is a recipient of the American Academy of Family Physicians/Bristol Myers Squibb Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Williams joins only nine other family medicine residents nationwide in this prestigious recognition. Ben Williams, MD A Lake Charles native and graduate of Jesuit University in Mobile, Alabama and Saba University School of Medicine in Devens, Massachusetts, Dr. Williams was nominated for this honor by members of the Memorial/LSUHSC faculty for his Leadership within the program as a chief resident. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams, contact the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program at (337) 494-2023.

Fowlers Join Local Residency Program Shreveport natives Rocky Fowler, MD, graduate of The American University of the Caribbean, and Tolvert Fowler, II, MD, graduate of LSU Health Sciences Rocky Fowler, MD

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Tolvert Fowler, ll, MD October 2009

Center-Shreveport School of Medicine, joined the Memorial/LSUHSCFamily Medicine Residency Program. Second year residents, they will continue to focus on all areas of the Specialty of Family Medicine, and will graduate in June 2011. The Family Medicine Residency Program began in January 1995, with a mission to promote and provide the highest quality physician education through patient care by utilizing the most up-to-date educational methods and information systems. The community-based program was granted provisional accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in January 1996, and full accreditation in January 2002.

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Keith Chung, M.D., bariatric surgeon from Women & Children’s Hospital, will be a presenter at the Fall 2009 Women’s Conference on Thursday, October 15. Chung’s 9 a.m. workshop will discuss surgical weight loss options, including Gastric Bypass, LapBand and the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). In addition to this worshop, Dr. Chung and Dr. Richard Shimer both host free monthly seminars at Keith Chung, MD WCH, which allows guests the opportunity to meet the surgeons and ask questions about weight loss surgery. WCH also hosts free monthly support groups where post-operative patients discuss the physical and emotional changes after surgery, celebrate successes and learn from each other’s experiences. For more information about bariatric weight loss surgery at Women & Children’s Hospital or to register to attend a bariatric seminar, call Ellen Stringer, Bariatric Program Coordinator at 475-4760.

October 2009

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the Advisory Board for the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana. She is currently a member of several professional organizations, including the Insurance Professionals of Southwest Louisiana.

Pure Foods Expands Store Hours Pure Foods & Health, located at 138 W. Prien Lake Road, has changed its store hours to 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday to better serve the local clientele, according to owners Gene and Shively Lampson. Pure Foods & Health offers a distinctive and broad selection of natural and organic foods, supplements, all-natural Smoothies, and other products that promote better nutrition and healthy living. The store also provides nutrition and culinary classes, a juice and smoothie bar, and healthy take-out lunches. For more information, contact the store at 905-7873.

Holiday Inn-Sulphur Grand Opening Sulphur Mayor Ron LeLeux (center) joins Holiday Inn staff, management and Chamber SWLA Ambassadors at the Grand Opening of their facility at 330 Arena Road.

LAIA Chem Expo at Civic Center The tenth annual LAIA Chem Expo event hosted by members of the Lake Area Industry Alliance will take place Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Lake Charles Civic Center during school hours. The LAIA Chem Expo is the largest single day, hands-on chemistry exposition in the nation and it takes place annually in southwest Louisiana. More than 450 volunteers and 2,700 sixth grade students in Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes will have the opportunity to explore basic chemistry. During the expo, students move through four different experiments, including surface tension, polymers, pH indicators and rheology. The students use household products such as detergent, vinegar, ammonia, glue and ketchup to learn how basic chemistry is used everyday to make our lives easier, better and healthier.

Stellar Beans Grand Opening Stellar Beans, a downtown coffee house, celebrated its opening at 319 Broad Street. Stellar Beans specializes in coffee, tea, and gourmet deli items. The shop is owned by Dave Evans of Lake Charles.

CFO Names Coordinator for Bone Health Central Staci Boudreaux, PA-C, is the Coordinator for Bone Health Central at Center for Orthopaedics, a new program designed to provide prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for bone health conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteomalacia, as well as identifying potential underlying causes. Boudreaux is originally from Lake Charles and Staci Boudreaux, PA-C attended both McNeese State University and Northwestern University in Natchitoches before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has over eight years of patient care experience, working in the specialties of family medicine, spine and general orthopaedic surgery, nephrology, and radiation oncology. Boudreaux is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the state of Louisiana as a Physician Assistant. She is also a member of the International Society of Clinical Densitometry.

Politz Joins staff of Todd & Associates

Kelly Politz

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LifeShare Rededication Ceremony LifeShare Blood Center celebrated a rededication ceremony last month at 214 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive.

Cameron Communications Expands Service Cameron Communications will expand its digital television, high-speed Internet and phone services to include Moss Bluffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woodlands subdivision. This expansion of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiber optic network will bring service to all homes in this subdivision. This additional growth adds to the more than 3,700 Moss Bluff residences and businesses that Cameron passes with its fiber-to-the-home technology.

CareHelp Announces Life Skills Classes CareHelp of Sulphur will hold Life Skills assessment class from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at 112 E. Thomas Street. A course on budgeting will take place at the same time on Friday, Dec. 11. The courses are free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 528-2273.

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October 2009

CSB’s Prejean Speaks at National Banking Security Conference Garland Prejean, Vice President and Security Officer for Cameron State Bank, was a featured presenter at the annual Security Officer’s Workshop hosted by Bankers’ Hotline. The national conference took place last month in Philadelphia and was attended by several hundred banking security professionals from across the country. The primary objective of the workshop was to update Garland Prejean attendees with new trends in theft, fraud, regulations, trends, crime, statistics, and other information to make their contribution to their financial institution more valuable. Prejean’s topic was “Increased Fraud: Causes, Prevention and Responses.” Prejean has over 29 years of experience in the banking industry and has been the Security Officer for Cameron State Bank since 2001.

Smith to Exhibit Work in Eclipse Gallery Local Artist/Photographer Valerie Smith has been invited by The Eclipse Gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin, to exhibit Marbles V in the upcoming “50 Artists, 50 States, 50 Mediums” exhibit, which will run through December. Smith’s work will represent Louisiana in the medium of color photography. Smith is a member of the Associated Louisiana Artists, The Lone Star Art Guild and The Art Studio Inc. Photographs by Smith can be viewed locally at The Gallery by the Lake in Lake Charles and at The Brimstone Museum in Sulphur, where she was selected to participate in the Chaos exhibit.

Delta Downs Announces October Entertainment Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel has announced the entertainment line-up in the Gator Lounge for the month of October. Providing entertainment are the Prime Time Band (R&B, blues, and soul), Thursday-Saturday, October 8-10; Zydecane, Thursday, October 15; saxophone performer Brian Best, ThursdaySaturday, October 22-24; and Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws, ThursdaySaturday, October 29-31. All shows in the Gator Lounge at Delta Downs are free and open to the public, ages 21 and older. More information is available on the Web at www. deltadowns.com.

Vincent Qualifies for Prestigious Award M. L. Vincent Jr. of Lake Charles has qualified for the exclusive “Court of the Table” of the Million Dollar Round Table – The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. M. L is a 30 year MDRT member. Achieving Court of the Table status places Vincent among the top professionals in the global life insurance and financial services industry, recognizing exceptional professional knowledge, client service and ethical conduct.

LCMH Hosts Kober for a Cure Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will present Kober for a Cure, a comedy show featuring hometown favorite Jen Kober, at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Brick House, 110 West Pine Street. The show, open to those age 21 and older, will benefit the Foundation at Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Care Fund and is part of “31 Days of Keeping the Girls Healthy,” a health awareness series. For more information, visit www.lcmh.com or call 494-2936.

Bijoux Owner Receives Award Annette St. Romain, owner of Bijoux in Sulphur, received the title of Master IJO

Jeweler Certified Diamond Grader by the Independent Jewelers Organization. Guidelines include successfully meeting the exacting requirements of the Gemological Institute of America, earning recognition as an accomplished diamond grader by holding either the GIA Diamond Grading and Evaluation Certificate or acquiring the GIA Graduate Diamond Diploma.

Reservations for Rouge et Blanc Wine Pairing Dinners Reservations are being taken now for seven special wine pairings dinners that have been created by area chefs to lead up to the wine and food event, Rouge et Blanc. The dinners will take place Wednesday through Friday, Oct 14-16, before the main event of Rouge et Blanc on Oct. 17.Each dinner is different and reflects the interests of the individual chefs. But each one will feature wines that have been carefully chosen by Jared Cooke, fine wine specialist for Republic National Distributing Co., to bring out the nuances of each sauce and spice used by the chef. The dinners are as follows: Snake River Grill: Wed., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., $125 plus tax & gratuity, call 395-7497; Blue Duck Café: Thurs., Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m., $100 plus tax & gratuity, call 721-1967; The Harlequin: Thurs., Oct. 15, 7 p.m., $80 inclusive, call 310-0077; La Truffe Sauvage: Fri., Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., $245 inclusive, call 4398364; Lake Charles Country Club: Fri., Oct. 16, 7 p.m., $85 plus tax and gratuity, call 477-5511; Brick House Catering & Events: Fri., Oct. 16, 7 p.m., $75 inclusive, call 433-3108; Gray Plantation: Fri., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., $100 inclusive. Call Holly at 562-1206, ext. 3.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation Names New Board of Directors The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation recently elected its new Board of Directors on August 20, 2009 at the Foundation’s Annual Board Meeting. Officers elected were Nancy Burleigh, Chair; Bob Chandler, Vice Chair; Glenda McCarty, Secretary and Eric Mire, Treasurer. Other board members who will be serving on the Executive Committee are Stephen Hotard, Della Rose and Keith Wimberly. Elected to the Board of Directors are Carl Ambrose, Sr., Gayle Fisher, Margaret Harris, Hunter Nancy Burleigh Lundy, Anne Miller, Joel Oustalet, Dayna Reed, Sister Ann Margaret Savant, Amal Shamieh, and Aubrey White. Nancy Burleigh has served on the Foundation Board since 2005, serving for two years as Secretary and most recently as Vice Chair. She is a retired educator, who taught in Allen Parish for 20 years and also taught at LSU – Eunice. She has also served as the CCD Coordinator at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Eric Mire was newly elected to the board as Treasurer. Mire Eric Mire is a Business Relationship Manager at First Federal Bank of Louisiana. Mire brings to the board his years of experience in accounting, finance, investments, management, planning, community relations and public speaking.

Trahan Named Disney Specialist Cherie Trahan, owner of Magical Family Adventures, an affiliate of Academy Travel Inc., has been named a Disney Specialist by the College of Disney Knowledge. With this designation, Trahan is recognized as a specialist in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World resort, the Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney vacations. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts provided training to industry professionals since 1993.

First National Bank Earns High Rating First National Bank of DeRidder has received a financial strength rating of “A” by TheStreet.com, the nation’s leading independent provider of ratings and analyses of financial services companies, mutual funds, and stocks. Less than 3 percent of the nation’s banks and thrifts meet the standard of criteria. continued on page 58

October 2009

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Bridal Showcase on Oct. 18 The Lake Charles Country Club will host a Bridal Showcase sponsored by Bella Cose at noon Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3350 Country Club Drive. The event will include a fashion show and feature the expertise and creativity of several local wedding vendors. The show is open to the public. Cost is $10. For more information, call 477-5511.

Affaire d’Art Announced for November Associated Louisiana Artists/Gallery by the Lake will present “Affaire d’Art” from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Prien Lake Park Harbor’s Edge Pavilion. The event showcases local artists. Food and entertainment will be provided. Tickets are $125 for two, and includes one piece of art. Proceeds will provide scholarships to McNeese State University students and subsidize art workshops from visiting artists. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Tabitha Bateman, 263-1555.

“Logapalooza” a Huge Success “Logapalooza” – organized by the group Friends of Logan – raised over $44,000 at the softball tournament and benefit banquet this weekend. Over 200 donors and 50 volunteers, along with general support, helped make the event a success. Friends of Logan would like to thank everyone for their continued support in Logan Armistead’s recovery. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office raffled off a Playstation 3, raising over $10,000 for Logan. Donations to the Logan Armistead Benefit Account are still being accepted at any Cameron State Bank.

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October 2009

Biggest Health Threat for Most Americans?

Cancer

Move over heart disease. Cancer has taken the lead as the top killer of Americans under 85, according to a health report issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS). However, this doesn’t mean that cancer deaths are on the rise. Deaths from both cancer and heart disease are actually decreasing, but improvement has been more dramatic in this age group for heart disease. The news contained in the American Cancer Society’s annual statistical report. In 2005, the most recent year for which information is available, 559,312 Americans under 85 died of cancer compared with 445,687 who died of heart disease. Those under 85 comprise 98.4 percent of the population in the United States. “The singe most important reason for the bigger drop in deaths from heart disease is fewer smokers. This has had a major impact in younger patients.” says cardiologist Richard Gilmore, MD, with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic. Smoking among adults fell dramatically between 1965 and 2007, from 42 percent to 20 percent. Federal goals are to cut the rate to 12 percent by 2010. “Heart disease sufferers have also benefited from better surgical techniques and devices, from better medications to treat heart problems and control conditions like high blood pressure, and an increased awareness of risk factor management. This is a situation in which no one wants to be number one because far more deaths could be prevented,” adds Dr. Gilmore.“And since many of the risk factors for both diseases are the same, specialists in both fields hope to see deaths from cancer and heart disease continue to decrease.” Oncologist/Hematologist Henry Goolsby, III, MD, also with The Clinic, agrees. He says a third of all cancers are related to smoking, and another third are related to obesity, poor diets and lack of exercise—all lifestyle factors that also contribute to heart disease as well.“We want to send the message that you can significantly lower your risk of these life-threatening diseases by eating right, exercising, maintaining normal weight, not smoking and seeing your doctor regularly.”

and removes growths called polyps before they turn cancerous. Still, Dr. Goolsby stresses, about half of people for whom colon cancer testing is recommended don’t get checked. In women, cancer incidence has leveled off after several years of rising. “The lung cancer epidemic has peaked in women and we’re likely to see stabilization of rates or a decline from this point on due to fewer people smoking.” says Dr. Goolsby. The ACS report also stated: • An estimated 1,479,350 new cancer cases and 562,340 cancer deaths are expected this year. Five-year survival rates have risen from 50 percent in the 1970s to 74 percent today. • Lung cancer remains the biggest killer, projected to claim 159,390 lives this year. • Some 192,280 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it will kill 27,360. • About 192,370 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it will kill 40,170. Dr. Goolsby says the challenge for the future is clear:“A renewed focus on cancer prevention and education is needed. With heart disease, there has been better recognition of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. The public is much more aware of these risk factors and has responded to the messages about how to lower their risk. We need to accomplish the same thing with regard to cancer.”

Cancer death rates have declined about one percent each year since 1999, thanks to earlier detection, prevention efforts and better treatments, says Dr. Goolsby.

by Kristy Armand

Deaths from colon cancer and from lung cancer in men have decreased significantly. The drop in colon cancer is because of screening, which finds

October 2009

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October 2009

Louisiana Remains Leader in U.S. SIDS Deaths … But Proper Precautions Can Change That

ealth care professionals have yet to determine what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but the statistics remain clear: when it comes to SIDS deaths in the United States, Louisiana continues to have one of the highest rates in the nation, with about one death per 1,000 births – a figure that is twice the national average. SIDS – the term used to define an infant death that occurs during sleep for no apparent reason – is the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year of age, according to the First Candle SIDS Alliance. There are up to 2,000 sudden, unexpected infant deaths caused by accidental suffocation or accidents during sleep – deaths that could have been prevented if precautions set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics were followed. Although the definitive cause of SIDS death remains a mystery, extensive research in recent years have identified certain risk factors, most notably those related to unsafe sleep practices. According to Hosea Doucet, MD, of the Tulane Hospital for Children, sleep position is the number one risk factor associated with SIDS, followed by maternal smoking, sleep sharing, inadequate sleep surfaces, an overheated environment, and prenatal alcohol abuse. Calcasieu Parish Coroner Terry Welke, MD, estimated that 50 to 80 percent of the SIDS cases his office has investigated could be traced to either overlay or co-sleeping. “It can be difficult to persuade people to change their sleeping habits, especially when that’s how their parents and their grandparents did it, but it is a problem,” said Dr. Welke, who spoke at a recent news conference to promote safe sleep habits. The news conference was held in conjunction with the SIDS Awareness and Safe Sleep Summit presented by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Kristie Bardell, coordinator of SIDS risk reduction for the Office of Public Health Maternal and Child Health Program, said that in addition to public education, the agency hopes to implement some policies for day care facilities and hospitals to prevent SIDS deaths. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the following recommendations to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome: • Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib covered by a fitted sheet. Recent recalls or safety notifications on child cribs can be obtained through the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC reminds consumers to follow the proper assembly for cribs by using the provided instructions. The organization also discourages the use of old, broken or modified cribs. • Make sure nothing covers the baby’s head. • Do not use pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or pillow-like bumpers on the sleep area. • Place your baby on his or her back to sleep for naps and at night. Sleep position plays a vital role in SIDS prevention. • Use sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper, instead of a blanket. • Do not let anyone smoke near your baby. • Keep soft objects, stuffed toys, and loose bedding out of the sleep area. • Do not allow your baby to sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with adults or other children. You can sleep in the same room as your baby without sleeping in the same bed. • Make sure your baby doesn’t overheat during sleep. Dress the baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. • Do not rely solely on home monitors to prevent SIDS. • Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby’s head. Change the direction that your baby lies in the crib from one week to the next; and avoid too much time in car seats, carriers and bouncers.

“

It can be difficult to persuade people to change their sleeping habits, especially when that’s how their parents and their grandparents did it, but it is a problem.

”

– Calcasieu Parish Coroner Terry Welke, MD

By Erin K. Cormier October 2009

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October 2009

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October 2009

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Building the Future

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When You Need an Inside View

Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion thanks to complex systems beneath the surface working to keep us moving and functioning. We take these for granted until there is a problem. When that occurs, your physician may order an MRI for an inside view. At Open Air MRI, our sophisticated imaging technology, made up of our open and high-field MRI equipment, gives you and your physician an option on the type of scan chosen. Same-day appointments are typically available and reports are guaranteed in 24 hours, quickly giving accurate information to determine the best treatment plan. For twelve years, we’ve provided accuracy for area physicians, as well as comfort and convenience for patients. Open Air MRI is independently owned and managed by our on-site radiologists. They have received additional fellowship training in MRI, Body Imaging, Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal. You have a choice when you need an MRI. Choose Open Air MRI.

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October 2009

Digital Mammography Strengthens the Fight Against Breast Cancer by Christine Fisher

“

Because we recognize the importance of having a mammogram, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering a 20 percent discount on mammograms scheduled during October.

”

– Betty Adams, BSRT (R) (M), mammography coordinator with WCCH.

Lifestyle factors have a big impact on a person’s risk for cancer. Things like diet, exercise and routine health screenings influence the overall risk factors for various types of cancer. Those routine health screenings can make a significant difference, especially with breast cancer. Only five to ten percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer had a family history. Most cases are sporadic, with no direct history.“This means that all women should have regular screenings for breast cancer whether or not they have a family history,” said Betty Adams, BSRT (R) (M), mammography coordinator with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.“Because we recognize the importance of having a mammogram, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering a 20 percent discount on digital bilateral screening mammograms scheduled during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Adams explained that the discount applies to the hospital’s fees only; radiology fees are billed separately and are not included in the discounted offer.

breast cancer is over 96 percent.“But, the technology is useless if we don’t use it,” said Adams. Recommended annually for women over the age of 40, evidence confirms a substantial benefit for women’s health. According to the American Cancer Society, current evidence strongly supports mammography even more so than in the past. “It can detect lumps that are missed through self breast exams and even clinical exams, up to one or two years before the lumps can be felt by hand. That means you could have a head start on treatment two years before you would if you hadn’t had a mammogram.” Digital mammogram technology, available at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, is able to detect breast cancer more easily than traditional film, especially in younger women or women with dense breast tissue because it provides a much clearer image in a shorter amount of time.

One’s cancer risk is influenced by lifestyle factors more than geography or family history. According to the American Cancer Society, one in three people in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. This makes everyday choices more important than ever before. Choosing healthy foods and making time for regular exercise can help prevent many types of cancer; and getting recommended screenings can find cancer in the early stages, raising the survival odds considerably. More and more people today are cancer survivors thanks to the technology of early detection.

In addition to mammography, health experts recommend women do a regular self breast exam to notice any unusual lumps or changes in their breasts. “Most breasts are lumpy, but by doing self exams regularly, a woman will get to know her own breast health better and she’ll know if there is a change,” said Adams. Clinical exams are recommended every year for women over 40. “Putting these three screening tools together provide a good defense against breast cancer, when combined with a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

With the month of October dedicated to creating awareness about breast cancer, Adams says it’s the perfect time for women to focus on their breast health.“Women are the family caretakers, but most of us put off our own health checkups because we’re busy caring for everyone else. This month, take a few minutes and get the screenings recommended for your age range,” she said.

Since more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and over 40,000 will die, Adams urges women to make time for a mammogram. “Research shows us that if women 50 and older would get regular mammograms, the mortality rate could decrease by 30%. That’s 12,000 lives that could be saved with just a simple, twenty-minute screening.”

Mammograms are among the best early detection methods for breast cancer, giving valuable time for treatment. In fact, if detected early, the five year survival rate of

To schedule a mammogram and receive the discounted offer during October, call West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s radiology department at (337) 527-4256.

October 2009

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McNeese Corral

Ethnic Meals from Nutrition Department

The Department of Nutrition and Family Studies will offer “casual dining Tuesdays” and “fine dining Thursdays”— nutritional meals prepared by McNeese’s future dieticians— this fall. This year’s “Fusion of Tastes” will include fare from Germany, Italy, Mexico, Asia, Cajun country, the Southwest and the South. Meals will be offered from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. through Nov. 12 in the Gayle Food Services Lab behind Gayle Hall on the McNeese campus. Cost is $10 per person and consists of three courses with a beverage. Tickets are now on sale and must be purchased ahead of time due to limited seating. Take out meals are also available. To reserve tickets or for more information, call the department of nutrition and family studies at 475-5700 or e-mail equebedeaux@mcneese.edu.

Students Score in Top 10

A team of business students scored in the top 10 of an international business strategy simulation competition sponsored by McGraw-Hill/Irwin Inc. Brandon Guidroz of Bridge City, Texas, Aaron Venable of Lake Charles and Phillip Guillory of Eunice earned the 10th best Return on Equity in comparison with other student teams from around the globe. Instructor for the MGMT 481, Business Policy, course was Dr. Ray Comish, professor of management. The challenge was to craft and execute a competitive strategy that resulted in a respected brand image, kept the company in contention for global market leadership and produced good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on investment, stock price appreciation and credit rating.

Enrollment Increases 4 Percent

McNeese State University had the largest increase in 2009 fall enrollment of the University of Louisiana System schools reporting enrollment. McNeese has more early admission students, freshmen and graduate students this fall as 8,645 students are attending McNeese compared to 8,294 last fall. This is an increase of 351 students, or a 4.2 percent increase.

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October 2009

The McNeese State University College of Business kicked off its inaugural 2009-2010 Executive Speaker Series program last month. The series is open free to the public. Sponsored by Grace and Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and in partnership with the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, the Executive Speaker Series will feature experienced and influential business leaders sharing insights on current topics. For more information about the Executive Speaker Series, contact the McNeese College of Business at 475-5514. Individuals requesting an accommodation to attend one of these events under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should preferably contact the college at 475-5514 at least three business days in advance of the event. Dates, times and locations, speakers and topics for the series are: • Wednesday, Oct. 14, “The Business of Sports,” 7 p.m., Parra Ballroom, Buford Jordan, owner and president, Rock Hard Performance Training • Wednesday, March 17, “Energy—Fact, Fiction and the Next Trillion Barrels of Oil—Why You Really Do Care,” 7 p.m., Parra Ballroom, Jeff Miller, vice president of Halliburton Baroid Product Service Line • Tuesday, April 13, “Industrial Transportation, Infrastructure and Logistics,” 11 a.m., Business Conference Center, R. Adam McBride, director, Port of Lake Charles

October 2009

Is it: Brady Bunch trivia game complex hair braiding technique abnormally slow heart rate

The correct answer is: Abnormally slow heart rate

Executive Speaker Series Underway

bra·dy·car·di·a (brad-i-’kard-e- )n. e

Seventy percent of this enrollment, or 6,066 students, comes from the five-parish area of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes. McNeese’s enrollment growth can be contributed to several factors, according to McNeese President Dr. Robert Hebert. There is a 21.2 percent increase in early admissions students this fall, which includes 486 high school students who are academically qualified to take freshman-level college courses in such areas as English, history, math, engineering, nursing and psychology. Students from 33 high schools in a six-parish area are now participating in dual enrollment classes for which college credit and high school Carnegie unit credit are earned. Also, the McNeese CALL, or Center for Adult Learning in Louisiana, program offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that provides accelerated course work and utilizes online course delivery. Freshman enrollment numbers are up by 142 students, a 5.7 percent increase from 2008, and the retention rate of freshman students is 74 percent, a slight increase from 73 percent last year. Hebert said the level of preparation for college courses is most evident in the ACT scores of the students choosing McNeese. Since implementing admission standards in 2000, McNeese’s entering freshmen ACT scores have risen to 20.6, just above the state average of 20.3. The national average was 21.1.

If you picked the wrong answer, you’re not alone. Many of the words used to describe rhythm-related heart problems are not only difficult to pronounce, but are not as familiar as other cardiovascular terms.

BRADYCARDIA

is a type of arrhythmia, or heart rhythm disturbance, in which the heart beats at a slower than normal rate. The electrical impulses that control the heart rate can become slowed, delayed or blocked altogether, resulting in bradycardia. This can be caused by aging, medications, metabolic disturbances or preexisting heart disease. Symptoms of bradycardia include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and fainting. If any of these symptoms are present, a thorough cardiac evaluation is recommended to prevent more serious problems. Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists is a unique clinic focused on providing progressive and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm problems. Under the medical direction of Cardiac Electrophysiologist William Bailey, MD, our team of rhythm management experts will determine the most appropriate and effective treatment for you. Call us today at (337) 233-PACE or visit www.heartrhythmmd.com to find out more about heart rhythm problems.

Louisiana Heart Rhythm

SPECIALISTS

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FAQ’s

for Beginning Exercisers

Walking into a gym can be enough to raise a beginner’s heart rate up to their target zone. Feeling out of place is common. Some would-be exercisers postpone their gym membership until they “get into shape.” It’s a somewhat backwards approach, but understandable when faced with size 2 bodies ensconced in spandex. “Each gym usually caters to a target audience,” explained Tressie Bares, exercise specialist.“Some gyms work hard to attract very fit people; and while that’s fine, it can leave the average person who is trying to lose extra weight feeling like they don’t fit in.” According to research, about 65 percent of Americans are overweight.“That’s a lot of people who probably feel somewhat intimidated when considering joining a gym.”

by Christine Fisher

Bares explained that most full-service gyms have a lot of expertise available to members.“We have nutritionists and exercise specialists on staff to give individualized attention to our members,” she said.“The whole reason we’re here is to help people get healthier. We’re everyday people in t-shirts and shorts, not tightly wrapped in spandex. We’re not focused on specific numbers when it comes to weight. Everybody is different and we encourage our members to achieve individual goals.”

As a gym that caters to a wide range of abilities, Bares says they often get asked similar questions on basic exercise. He/she offered to give a sampling of the frequently asked questions and answers: Q: I always start a new exercise program with a strong commitment, but a few weeks into it, I lose interest. How can I stay on track? A: What you have to do is change your mindset from thinking of exercise as a new project and instead look at it as a lifetime habit. You are in it for the long run and, like anything else, your interest will come and go at different times. A good way to maintain your interest level is by mixing it up, or varying your workout from day to day. For example, participate in a fitness class on certain days, walk in your neighborhood other days, and do strength training a few times each week. Variety will keep it interesting, provide additional fitness benefits and challenge your body. Keep in mind that all activity counts, whether it’s going for a walk or taking your kids swimming. The goal is to keep moving and develop a well-rounded, active lifestyle. Q: Because I exercise in the morning, I don’t eat before my workout. When I’m finished exercising, though, I’m a little weak and very hungry. Should I make time to eat before exercising? A: Eating a little something before your workout is a good idea. Early morning exercisers generally don’t want to take the time to eat a full breakfast, and then wait to digest before exercising. Try eating a small snack of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain toast, or a small serving of whole grain cereal.

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It’s normal to not be hungry in the morning, depending on what you ate the night before. But, your body needs fuel to power you through your workout. The fact that you are so depleted after exercising is a good indication that you need to eat prior to working out. After exercising, it’s a good idea to eat a combination of carbohydrates and protein to keep your energy level up. Q: I’m 64 and would like I’m interested in adding more strength training when I exercise. Can a person be old for strength training? A: No! Research shows that strength training provides significant benefits to adult sin their 80s and 90s. These benefits include improved quality of life as well as improved walking speed and ability to perform daily tasks. There are many different tools for strength training, including machines, tubing, water exercises and even your own body weight. Proper technique is the key for preventing injury. Check with your doctor and physical therapist to determine the optimal strength-training program for your age, fitness level and goals. Q. How many calories do I need to burn to lose a pound? A. Theoretically, about 3500 calories equals one pound. However, that’s not the number you need to have in your head when you are focused on losing weight. Our bodies work on the principle of calories in, calories out. When you take in more than you burn, you gain weight. A realistic goal is to burn about 500 calories more than you eat daily. That can result in a weight loss of a pound a week. Q: Which piece of cardio exercise equipment is the best for burning fat? A: All are effective for increasing caloric expenditure and aiding in fat loss. The

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

intensity at which you perform the exercise is a better aspect to focus on for fat burning. Performing aerobic exercise at a higher intensity will allow you to burn more calories per unit of time than if the exercise were performed at a lower intensity. If possible, change the mode of cardio you do every few weeks. This will help prevent the reduction in energy expenditure that occurs when your body adapts to a given routine or exercise intensity. Varying your exercise leads to higher energy expenditure during the activity. Q. I seem to have hit a plateau. I’m exercising and eating the same, but the scale won’t budge. What’s causing this, and what can I do? A. Your body has adapted to what you’re doing, and it needs a degree of change. You don’t need a whole new program, but you may need to increase the intensity or duration of whatever exercise you’re doing. Add strength training if you aren’t doing so already. This will help build muscle mass which burns more calories. If you already do strength training, try increasing the weights. For cardio, add intervals during your workout. These are quick bursts of extra activity that will increase the intensity of your workout for a short time. For instance, try sprinting for 30 seconds every couple of minutes during your walks, or if you’re on a treadmill, increasing the incline by several levels. Q: In what order should you work different muscle groups with weight lifting exercises? A: Research suggests that for best results the order of exercises in a strength training program should preferably be as follows: • Hips and Lower Back • Legs (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves) • Torso (shoulders, chest, back) • Arms (forearms, triceps, biceps) • Abdominals • Neck It is especially important to save the abdominal exercises for last, because you need those muscles to stabilize your body while working the other muscle groups. If you do the abdominal work at the beginning, your postural muscles may become fatigued and decrease your performance while doing the rest of your workout. It may also increase your risk of injury.

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Q: Which is more beneficial: free weights or machine weights? A: Both can increase strength, and have their own benefits. Free weights simulate real-life lifting situations and promote whole-body stabilization. Weight machines can also be effective, but they vary greatly in design. It’s important to use weight machines that adjust to your body dimensions and don’t restrict your plane of motion. There’s no one ideal piece of equipment for weight training. Many different types of resistance can be used to provide beneficial results. Q: Is running outside better than running on a treadmill? A: Not unless you are specifically training for a race that will be outside on roads or trails. For general health and fitness purposes, running on a treadmill will probably be just fine. If watching TV helps keep you motivated, then a treadmill is the way to go. If you enjoy being outside and adjusting your route to get new scenery, then the outdoors would suit you better. Running outside is considered more difficult than treadmill running, because of weather, and the unevenness of the road. You can add an incline to the treadmill, though, to make up for this difference. Whatever helps keep you motivated is the best choice. “There are a wide range of questions that we hear frequently. It’s our pleasure to give out as much information as we can; we want people to be healthy and achieve success in their workout goals,” said Bares. For more information, call Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur at 527-5459 or in Moss Bluff at 855-7708. October 2009

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October 2009

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

Hang white articles of clothing and cloth diapers outside on a clothesline to dry. The sun should bleach out most stains. For particularly stubborn stains on white fabric, apply some lemon juice to the stain before hanging out in the sun. Adding a half cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle helps to whiten clothes as well.

Don’t Cry over Baby Stains –

Get Them Out Babies are adorable, but they produce an amazing amount of dirty laundry from the very first day they arrive. Even worse than the quantity are the tough stains that become a fact of life when you’ve got a baby in the house.

Formula, diaper accidents, juice, spit up, brightly colored baby food, and yes, leaky diapers, come with the infant-territory and can be difficult stains to remove from baby clothing. When a potentially-staining splatter of any type occur, the first step is to pre-treat if at all possible. Scrape off any lose remnants at the stain site. If you are out and about without any stain-fighting tools, try dabbing the spot with liquid hand soap as soon as possible. A baby wipe can also be used. Don’t rub it in; just let it soak into the stain. Once you get home, wash the item as soon as possible. If you are at home, remove the clothing, apply liquid detergent to the stain and soak in cold water as a first line of defense. Often this is all that it will take to remove a stain, especially if you tend to it right away. Soaking will help to loosen the stain before washing.

Having a baby can be hard on adult clothing as well. Spit-up, food, and all the same things that can stain infant clothing can also splatter on any adult, leaving a potential stain behind. When this occurs, the same stain-removal tips provided for specific stain types should be followed. However, because adult clothing is more expensive and often made of a wider variety of fabrics, the help of a professional dry cleaner may be needed to prevent permanent staining.

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If you are unable to wash the clothing right away and know the item will be sitting for a while before you wash it, try using a paste-type pretreatment that can sit on the fabric for up to a week. Next, depending on the type of stain, you’ll want to treat it in different ways. Protein Stains: including formula, breast milk, most food stains, leaky diapers and spit up. You’ll need a small amount of detergent or stain remover that contains an enzyme cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. The enzyme cleaner will digest the protein of the stain. If there is any remaining stain on your baby’s clothes, treat with an all-purpose stain remover, and then launder in the regular cycle. Oily or greasy stains: including baby oils, creams, and petroleum jellies. Sprinkle with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil. After 15-20 minutes, scrap off the powder and apply a combination pre-treater and wash as usual.

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Fruits, veggies, jams, juices and berries: These are a little more challenging, but not impossible to remove. To pre-treat, create a vinegar solution which is one part vinegar and two parts water and apply it to the stain with an eyedropper. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then apply a combination solvent and wash in your regular cycle. After washing, check clothing to be certain that any stains have washed out before putting clothes into the dryer. If a stain still is there, the heat from the dryer could set the stain more, making it difficult to remove. If the pesky stain is still visible, do another round of pre-treatment and wash again. October 2009

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Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy One of the Details of Diabetes Diabetes is one of today’s most prevalent medical conditions. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it afflicts nearly 24 million Americans or roughly 8 percent of the U.S. population. If one were to describe the “personality” of diabetes, one of the first images that may come to mind would be of a highly detail-oriented multi-tasker. Diabetes can be manageable, but it requires detailed maintenance. Many diabetics feel overwhelmed after they have been diagnosed with diabetes, and while they may focus their attention on lifestyle changes in terms of diet, medication and exercise, they could fail to notice some of the details.

How can I protect my vision from diabetic retinopathy? “Every diabetic whether one has type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy and needs a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. If you have diabetic retinopathy your doctor can provide treatment to save your vision by stopping the disease’s progression,” said Dr. Hart. In addition to maintaining appointments for comprehensive dilated eye examinations, Dr. Hart encourages all diabetics to remember the following:

• Proliferative retinopathy can develop without symptoms. If you are in this advanced phase you are at a high risk of vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the details of diabetes. It is an eye disease that can result as a complication of diabetes, and which can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. According to the National Eye Institute, 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes are in one of the stages of diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of adult blindness in the United States. What is diabetic retinopathy? “Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels within the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye where visual images are formed. For some people the blood vessels will swell and leak fluid; with others, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina’s surface,” William B. Hart, MD, an ophthalmologist at Hart Eye Center, said. Many diabetics with diabetic retinopathy may not experience changes in their vision at first, but over time the condition will worsen and usually affect both eyes. Even in later stages of diabetic retinopathy some individuals may not notice a difference in their vision.

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• Leakage causing macular edema can develop any stage of diabetic

retinopathy without apparent symptoms. If you are experiencing macular edema you are at high risk of vision loss. • It is possible for one to develop both proliferative retinopathy and macular edema and still see very well. • Even without symptoms your eye doctor can detect any phase of diabetic retinopathy and/or macular edema. Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss. • As with most of the complications resulting from diabetes, maintaining normal blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. “Remember, diabetes is manageable. Millions of people from every walk of life enjoy full and fulfilling lives with diabetes. The key is in managing the details,” he said. For more information on diabetic retinopathy visit www.harteyecenter.com or call the Hart Eye Center at 439-4014.

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October 2009

Martin

Pontiac-GMc Meet our Sales Manager: Dexter Fountain

Dexter would like to invite all his new and past customers to come by and see him at Martin Pontiac-GMC for all of their new vehicle needs.

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First, the physician introduces medicines damaged, arthritic cells FINALLY... a non-surgical treatment with natural no downtime that’sinto designed to help you fight by means a sports preciseinjuries! injection. This is followed by infrared laser, and other against arthritisof and modalities in order to accelerate the process. It usually only takes 1 to 6 treatThis is how it works: The physician introduces natural medicines into damaged, arthritic cells ments for you to improve, depending upon tissue damage, severity and joint size. by means of a precise injection. This is followed by infrared laser, and other modalities in order to There is usually no downtime, and you can resume your usual activities accelerate the process. It usually only takes 1 to 6 treatments for you to improve, depending upon immediately. tissue damage, severity and joint size. you suffer from muscoskeletal problems knee or shoulder pain, There If is usually no downtime, and you can resume yoursuch usualas activities immediately. tendonitis, torn ligaments, damage or sprains and strains, give Ifwhiplash, you suffer from muscoskeletal problems cartilage such as knee or shoulder pain, whiplash, tendonitis, us a call today for more information! torn ligaments, cartilage damage or sprains and strains, give us a call today for more information!

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R. Dale Bernauer, M.D. Stephen J. Flood, M.D.

For more information call 337-474-6960 Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Area physicians address health care reform issues Dear Patients, Southwest Louisiana, We, the physicians of Calcasieu Parish Medical Society, are very aware of the debate over health care reform. As physicians, we understand and embrace the need for improvements to our healthcare system. We recognize the need for expanded coverage available to all citizens, improved access to all physicians, management of costs and better outcomes. The debate centers on these concerns. Physicians, insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and government should all sit at the same table and tackle this difficult issue together.

WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD START?

WHAT WE ARE AGAINST!

c Allow association of health plans so individuals and small businesses can pool their risk and get discounts c Eliminate pre-existing condition exclusions for all health plans c Rates should not be based on gender c Guarantee portability so when you change jobs, regardless of reason, your insurance goes with you with the same price and coverage c Modernize healthcare through technology to eliminate paper checks, paper claims, paper denials and paper rejections which delay payment for services c Reform Medicaid statewide and give providers a real voice in the structure and management of the system to improve the delivery of health care to the poor c Decrease the burden of paperwork on providers and patients c Eliminate lifetime maximum payment limits on policies which drop coverage on patients who really need medical care c Establish a reasonable maximum annual amount that patients must pay for medical costs especially for devastating illnesses and events. No one should have to go bankrupt for medical care. c Any plan must include malpractice reform so physicians can stop wasting billions of dollars on defensive medicine, and those truly injured can be taken care of without years of litigation

c Expanded bureaucracy and more government mandates c More paper work, that reduces the time physicians are able to spend with patients c Longer waiting times to be seen by a doctor of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice c Compromising the quality of health care for our patients based on insurance restrictions c Rationing of healthcare c Policies that discourage the smartest young students from choosing medicine c Any policy or government intervention that encourages experienced, trusted physicians to retire

Everyone has a meaningful role to play in healthcare reform and we need a startâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a slow sensible start that is well thought out. Physicians and hospitals have been taking drastic cuts in reimbursement for years. It is time that insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies also come to the table with reasonable reductions to help everyone.

WHAT CAN YOU AND YOUR PHYSICIANS DO?

Contact your legislator and let your concerns be heard. An informed public that speaks its mind will be best represented by their elected officials. Remember, the future of your health care is at stake. Speak up and be heard!

Sincerely, Members of the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society Make your voice heard. Contact your elected officials today: David Vitter: www.vitter.senate.gov | Mary Landrieu: www.landrieu.senate.gov | Charles Boustany: www.boustany.house.gov John Fleming: www.fleming.house.gov | Rodney Alexander: www.alexander.house.gov | President Obama: www.whitehouse.gov/contact 74

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Fewer Cesarean Births Reported

s e c a r B f o d i a r f A e Don’t B

Due to Inducing Labor by Christine Fisher Inducing labor doesn’t necessarily increase the need for a cesarean birth, according to new study results. Researchers with the Stanford University School of Medicine and University of California, San Francisco found that by inducing labor in women who were at or beyond their due date, the rate of cesarean delivery was reduced by 22 percent. The findings were published in a recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. In a related study done by researchers with Stanford University, inducing once pregnancy is beyond full-term, or 41 weeks, may be safer than allowing the pregnancy to continue.“The mother’s body is designed to protect and feed the baby for a finite amount of time,” explained Scott Bergstedt, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist with OBG-1.“After nine months or so, the placenta becomes less efficient in transmitting oxygen to the baby resulting in fetal distress. The mother’s body suffers as it steals reserves from her body to feed and protect the baby.” Cesarean births, or c-sections, have risen in recent decades. In 1995, one in five births was cesarean; today the rate is one in three. The number of inductions has risen, also, in recent years. One of the physicians involved in the study cautioned against relating the two statistics.“It appears there is a misunderstanding regarding the association of increased cesarean deliveries with elective induction of labor, a procedure which has been rising in frequency,” said Dr. Aaron Caughey, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UCSF.“However, our findings need to be tempered with women’s and physicians’ expectations of choosing to induce labor.”

Many people put off getting braces due to fears about how they will look, discomfort, cost, lengthy treatment or a combination of these factors. But at Crawford Orthodontics, braces aren’t scary at all. We offer options that provide increased comfort, faster results and advanced technology such as the Invisalign® system, a virtually invisible way to straighten teeth using clear aligners instead of wires. And braces aren’t just for kids. With the wide range of convenient orthodontic options available, more and more adults are able to have the smile they’ve always wanted. Fall is a great time to begin orthodontic treatment, allowing you to take advantage of flexible benefit account deadlines as well as annual insurance deductibles that have been met. We also offer affordable, convenient payment plans to fit any budget. Remember, A healthy, beautiful smile is one of the most important investments you can make.

We’ll give you something to smile about.

“Every birth experience is different; mothers will tell you that each of their deliveries are unique,” said Dr. Bergstedt.“The take away message is that inducing doesn’t necessarily mean a c-section will follow. By monitoring the health of the mother and baby, physicians determine what method will produce the best outcome.” October 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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

Center for Orthopaedics Introduces

Bone Health Central

Appointments are now available at Bone Health Central, a new service from Center for Orthopaedics. Bone Health Central was founded to provide a convenient, comprehensive resource for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bone disorders for both women and men.

According to orthopaedic specialist John Noble, Jr., MD, this new program is a natural fit for the Center for Orthopaedics.“We frequently see patients after a fracture has occurred due to weakened bone. We can realign and fixate the fracture, but at this point, most of the damage to bone health is done and our options are limited regarding the prevention of future fractures. As physicians, we want to do more than just ‘fix’ the immediate problem; we are interested in being proactive in the identification and prevention of conditions leading to loss of bone strength. We want to be able to provide patients with services that will treat the underlying problem to prevent fractures from occurring in the first place. Bone Health Central allows us to do just that and enhances our mission of providing total orthopaedic care to our community.” Osteoporosis is a progressive disease related to the loss of bone mass that causes bone to become thin, brittle, and more likely to break. This condition will be an obvious focus of Bone Health Central, but Dr. Noble explains that the goal of the program is also to identify and definitively manage metabolic bone disease as well, which is another cause of weak bones. “For instance,” he says, “vitamin D deficiency may lead to weak bones in the absence of osteoporosis. Also, some medications may decrease bone strength as well. We’re taking a comprehensive approach that evaluates all possible risks to bone health.”

Bone Health Central will offer more detailed diagnostic testing than bone density scanning alone to identify these underlying conditions, as well as a full range of treatment options. “Patient education is an integral part of the program,” says Dr. Noble. “Our coordinator, Staci Boudreaux, PA-C, will provide an individualized educational program, including nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification, and assessment of future fracture risk. Regular followup and monitoring is key, and Staci will work in conjunction with a patient’s primary care physician and make referrals to other specialists when necessary, to ensure that every health issue contributing to bone health problems is being addressed.” Those people who are at risk for bone loss include: • all women 65 years or older regardless of other risk factors • all men 70 or older, even without risk factors • postmenopausal women under 65 with one or more risk factors • women or men 50 or older who have had a fragility fracture • men or women being treated for osteoporosis • anyone with back pain with possible fracture • anyone with evidence of fracture or bone loss on spine x-rays • those with significant loss of height • those with diseases or taking medications that may cause bone loss

For more information or to schedule an assessment at Bone Health Central, call 7217236. A website for the service will soon be available at www.bonehealthcentral.net.

Cataracts? See better without glasses with premium lens implants from The Eye Clinic. If you have have cataracts, The Eye Clinic offers a solution in sight. Technologically advanced lens implants including the ReZoom, ReStor and AcrySof Toric can bring life back into focus, often without the need for prescription eyewear. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified ophthalmologists. Isn’t it worth a closer look?

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(337) 478-3810

www.theyeclinic.net Lake Charles • Sulphur • DeRidder • Jennings

October 2009

Cooking to a by Katie McDaniel

Latin Beat

The Latin Corner in Lake Charles is hoping to bring a new flavor to the Lake Charles community. Owners Josue and Isaira Canelo and their daughter, Keyla Canelo-Crevier, are originally from Venezuela and have been living in Louisiana for 10 years.“We feel at home and we are excited about sharing our specialty products and culture,” says Josue. Located at 540 Alamo Street, on the corner of Alamo and Common, The Latin Corner specializes in food and handcrafted items from Latin America and is the only local shop of its kind.

Pabellon Criollo, a traditional Venezuelan meal, is considered by many to be the unofficial Venezuelan national dish. It contains shredded beef, black beans, rice and ripe plantains and is one of the Canelo family’s favorite dishes. Ingredients: 1 lb. of heavy boneless beef brisket 1 large chopped onion 1 small chopped bell pepper 1 large chopped tomato 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt, oregano and cumin to taste

Preparation: Place the beef brisket in a large pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Once the brisket is tender, take it out of the pot and shred, then set aside. In a blender, mix vegetable oil, chopped onion, tomato, bell pepper and garlic powder. In a separate pot on medium heat, season the shredded beef with the blended mixture. Add salt, oregano and cumin to your own taste and let it finish cooking for about 15 minutes.

The Canelo family recommends complimenting this dish with white rice, black beans and ripe plantains. They encourage everyone to be adventurous and to try other cultural dishes; they invite the community to stop by The Latin Corner.

I Had Cancer.

And now I don’t.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the one thought that comforted me is that I’d had regular mammograms for years, so the cancer that was found was in the early stages. I went through the treatment and today I’m cancer-free. That small lump could have resulted in big problems. Early detection is a key in cancer survival. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t gotten that mammogram? The chances of getting cancer here are about the same as nationwide - approximately 1 in 3 will be diagnosed*. But, here in Southwest Louisiana, the survival rate is lower. One reason is because many people don’t see their doctor until the cancer is in later stages. Early detection gives more time to beat cancer. Take control of your cancer risk: get screened, get active and learn the facts. *American Cancer Society

Fight Cancer with Facts.

A community partnership between: Virgie Hughes, winning the battle against cancer October 2009

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Tampa hairstylist Tweet Jones switched places with local stylist Lensi White for the Style Network’s reality television show “Split Ends.”

Signatures:

Not Much ‘Real’ in Reality TV

The CLEAR Choice

Clear, digital images enable physicians to more accurately diagnose patient conditions, often leading to earlier treatment. With stateof-the-art imaging equipment, physician expertise and digital technology, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s new Diagnostic Center offers Southwest Louisiana residents with a new, CLEAR choice for outpatient imaging services in a comfortable, convenient location.

It’s a well-understood fact that to be a strong and successful entrepreneur, you have to be a risk-taker. Otherwise, you’ll falter fast. When Wendy White McCown nominated her salon to appear on “Split Ends,” a Style Network reality show, she knew it was a roll of the dice. When the episode premiered on September 19, she watched in amusement as Signatures Salon was portrayed as a no-nonsense dictatorship in the heart of hillbilly country. It wasn’t quite the truth, McCown said, but when it comes to reality television, truth is relative. “We had a great time doing the show and we would do it again, but we learned there is not much ‘real’ in ‘reality TV.’ We got hammered pretty hard,” said McCown, who has owned Signatures since 2001.“We put ourselves out there and overall, we’re glad we did.” Split Ends, an Emmy-nominated series in its fifth season, swaps stylists from two different salons in the country – typically, polar opposites – to experience “cutting with someone else’s scissors,” according to Style Network spokesperson Melissa O’Keeffe. The show swapped local stylist Lensi White of Signatures with Tweet Jones of M Salon 1 in Tampa, Fla., for seven days in May. Signatures Salon, located at 803 W. McNeese Street, is best known as a modern, Christian-owned business that recycles everything from empty product bottles to discarded hair. M Salon 1 in Tampa serves a predominantly African American clientele and is regarded as one of the top salons in the area for funky, chic, unconventional styles. While in Lake Charles, Tweet served longtime clients of Signatures, while White styled cuts for M Salon 1 patrons. White was portrayed as a naïve and innocent small-town girl who had never traveled without her family; the show poked fun at the fact that White’s parents traveled with her to Tampa, and took every opportunity to break her Christian shell, including taking her to a pole-dancing aerobics class. “I would do the show again. It was fun, and I thought the show was pretty funny,” White said.“It didn’t bother me at all that they showed me as a smalltown Christian girl, because that’s what I am. They really tried to give me a hard time about bringing my parents, but I wasn’t ashamed at all. I enjoy being with my family.” Hillbilly music was played as the backdrop for the scenes of Lake Charles, which McCown thought “was a little much,” but White described as “funny.”

The Diagnostic Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital 250 S. Beglis Parkway, Suite 2 (337) 310-8834

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“We live in Louisiana. People are going to make fun of us,” White said.“I don’t take it seriously and I don’t think people who watch it will take it all that seriously, either. I had fun. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” McCown said the show played up the rule-oriented structure of the salon – a trait that McCown credits for the salon’s growing success.“We have structure and we have rules, but those are environments in which people thrive. The stylists love working here because we are successful,” she said.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

Don’t Play Tricks with Your Eyes Transforming your eyes from green to ghoulish with novelty contact lenses can be great Halloween fun, and the range of costume lens styles expands each year, providing the finishing tough for the perfect costume. While eye care experts don’t want to scare customers unnecessarily, caution is advised when it comes to the use of costume contact lenses. Concerns about the risks associated with the novelty lenses -- which can be purchased from unlicensed vendors on the internet or at flea markets and specialty shops -- have also prompted the FDA to issue a warning to consumers.“Although decorative contact lenses may seem festive during this time of year, consumers should understand that these lenses can seriously harm the eye if they are used without appropriate supervision by an eye care professional,” says Dr. Mel Gehrig, optometrist with The Eye Clinic. “Many people mistakenly think decorative contact lenses are just like sunglasses, and if you’re not wearing the lenses to correct refractive errors, you don’t need a prescription,” says Dr. Gehrig.“This is a dangerous misconception and can lead to risky behavior such as not properly

by Kristy Armand

disinfecting or even swapping with friends.”

Researchers say all contact lenses increase the risk of infections in the eye because they prevent normal amounts of oxygen from reaching the eye but these risks are much higher in over-the-counter contact lenses because none of the safety procedures are followed. The FDA says it has also received reports of corneal ulcers associated with wearing decorative contact lenses longer than the recommended period. These ulcers can progress rapidly and, if left untreated, can lead to infection, scarring of the cornea, vision impairment, or even blindness or eye loss. “As with any contact lens, an eye exam is required for proper fitting of cosmetic lenses,” says Dr. Gehrig.“By purchasing contact lenses from a non-eye care source, you are putting your vision at risk.” The Eye Clinic’s contact lens department offers a wide range of costume lenses for the Halloween season. For more information, call The Eye Clinic nearest you in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Jennings or 1-800-826-5223.

At Skin Deep, Christmas Starts early. All Laser Procedures 50% Off October 1–December 31! Spend $500 or more during this laser special and get a fREE month’s supply of latisse! This is a $120 gift for our valued clients and it’s only at Skin Deep! Skin Deep’s services include:

• Remove sunspots, age spots, rosacea and spider veins – iPl Photofacials • improve skin tone and texture on face, chest, arms and hands. also reduces scars and stretch marks – laser Skin Resurfacing • Tighten loose skin on face, neck and chest – infrared Skin Tightening • Permanent hair reduction on face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, chest or back • Wrinkle reversal – Botox® • fill in laugh lines, fuller lips or under eye hollowing – Restylane®, Perlane® or Juvéderm™

h o l i D ay S P E C i a l S Laser 50% off AllProcedures

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October 2009

FREE

1 month’s supply of Latisse when you spend $500 or more.

(Exp: 12-31-09)

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

tes

ifica Gift Cert AvA i L A B

Jason R. Morris MD 337.855.5300 277 N Hwy 171, Suite 8 Moss Bluff, LA (Located next to The Clinic)

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Antioxidants Provide More Reasons to Eat Healthy Recent research has led health professionals to tout the benefits of antioxidants as part of a healthy diet, yet few people have a complete understanding of what antioxidants are and what they do.

nutrient dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods are those that contain vitamins and minerals that the body needs for daily activities, such as whole grain breads and cereals, lean meats, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables.”

According to Samantha Rider, clinical nutrition manager for Christus-St. Patrick Hospital, examples of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as cartenoids and selenium. Although research is still ongoing, some studies indicate that antioxidants may protect cells from the damage caused by “free radicals,” which ultimately causes cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, considerable laboratory evidence shows that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer.

In addition to making you feel healthy, some research has shown anti-aging benefits related to antioxidants.

A diet rich in antioxidants provides numerous benefits beyond the prevention or potential treatment of cancer, however. “A person can obtain antioxidants and phytochemicals by increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables, which may help prevent against heart disease as well as cancer,” said Rider, who noted that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will inevitably have a positive effect on individual health. “Good nutrition involves eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (and) focusing on

“As more studies connect sun exposure and aging, people are beginning to take antioxidants in an effort to protect their skin from the inside out. Vitamins C and E, and selenium may help protect the skin from sun damage and wrinkles. Vitamin A is a key component for cell growth, therefore it is often used as a topical anti-aging treatment,” Rider said.“Coenzyme Q10 helps with protecting cell from damage, while vitamin C acts in helping tissue grow and repair.” She said most people are aware that vitamin E is good for the skin, but few understand what it does. “Vitamin E acts to help the body regulate retinol levels, which is essential for healthy skin,” Rider said. In addition to fruits and vegetables, antioxidants can also be found in nuts, grains, poultry and fish, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Store Wide Sale

Treasured Chest OCTOBER SALES EVENT

6 1 5 W . Prien Lake Rd • Lake Charles

Proceeds from sale going to fight Breast Cancer 33 7 . 4 74.0080 • mbrichjewelry.com 80

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October 2009

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Take A Stand! (Part ll)

ast month I wrote about bullying, the prevalence of it, and gave you some tips on how to get your child to open up about it. The response to the article has been unbelievable, and only proves my theory – everyone has come across at least one bully at some point in his/her life. I had people stopping me all over the place to comment! Bullying activities are not limited to childhood. Many people are still dealing with bullies as adults – with family members, socially and in the workplace. I usually have several open cases dealing with this very issue. This month I want to continue the discussion, moving into how to deal with bullies. First, you need to understand some things about bullies: • Bullies are emotionally underdeveloped. They do not know how to connect easily with others, and they lack in social skills. People who bully in public have a warped belief that the onlookers will like them and look up to them as they bully their victim. People who bully in private have power and control issues and bullying makes them feel “better than” their victim. These people were not taught effective anger management or conflict resolution skills as children. Their bullying behavior probably started in childhood and has continued on throughout their life. • Bullies have low self esteem. They generally don’t like themselves very much – their true selves, that is. They have the “bully” mask on so

Real Estate isn’t a Game.

Advance to Derenda.com Derenda Grubb CCPS, CRMS, ABR, GRI, CRS (337) 842-2696 • www.derenda.com 3025 Lake Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 474-2185 Ext. 158 82

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they can pretend they are cool and don’t care that no one connects with them on anything other than a surface level. Good thing they are underdeveloped, or that might really bother them. • Bullies like being “big.” People who feel the need to overtake the person they are dealing with are doing what I call “getting bigger.” Examples: - Standing up when everyone else is sitting down - Getting into that person’s personal space - Raising your voice when the other person is still talking at a normal level - Clinching your fists, breathing heavy or gritting your teeth - Slamming the door, hitting the wall, pounding the desk - Of course, out and out violence • It’s all about scare tactics to get that person to back down – instead of actually dealing effectively with the issue at hand. • Bullies choose their victims well. Bullies tend to choose people they believe they can bully. People they think won’t stand up for themselves. People they believe they can intimidate – either physically or with something to lord over them (like needing your job). So, what do we do about these troublemakers? As the title of the article suggests, you must take a stand. Gone are the days when the best recommendation for dealing with a bully is “ignore him; he’ll go find someone else to bully.” We know that ignoring bullies only gives them permission to escalate their bullying activities. Here are my suggestions: • Address the bully directly. Face to face is best. Look that person in the eye and say, “I don’t like it when you ____________ (yell at me, try to intimidate me, etc.). If you don’t stop, I will ______________________ (tell the teacher, report you to management, file charges, etc.).” If you can’t bring yourself to do this in person, consider sending a certified letter (which you will keep a copy of). Remember, the bully is counting on you being like all their other victims – silent. • Don’t back down. Once you’ve decided to take action, you must go through with it. Other victims may have threatened your bully and backed down. You have to break that pattern. If you must continue to see this person, then you must continue to not allow them to get away with bullying behavior. Ever. • Examine yourself. There’s a reason you were selected by the bully. I’m not saying it’s your fault and that you’ve brought this on yourself, but I am saying you need to figure out what it is about you that the bully felt he/she could treat you this way. How’s your self confidence? Do you look people in the eye as they enter a room and when you speak to them? Do you stand up straight and move with purpose? Do you speak up when you have an opinion or in social situations? Are you willing to address uncomfortable or wrong things immediately, or do you tend to “take it?” Therapy or personal coaching can be very helpful in determining these things. I can remember being bullied in Jr. High. The girl was pushing me and threatening to beat me up. A very tall friend of mine stepped in on my behalf. The bully backed down. I learned right then that bullies can be controlled – if you’re willing to take a stand. No one has had to stand up for me since. I stand up for myself.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

October 2009

by Rose Klein

Q: My friend divorced and moved into an apartment about a year ago. Now she’s moving again into a house. I gave her a nice gift when she moved into the apartment after the divorce. What do I need to do now? How many times must I give a “housewarming” gift? A: I am uncertain if you gave the gift because she is your friend and you wanted to be supportive or if you were invited to a housewarming party and took a gift. Either way, there is nothing that says you must give her another gift. If you wish to do something or feel that she expects you to do something, then might I suggest you take dinner over the first night of her move. It can be as easy as pizza, iced drinks and cupcakes. Take some napkins so she doesn’t have to dig for anything in her packed items.

A Sudden LINK between you and your customers

Advertise on the networks they watch most. Businesses have selections because that’s what customers want—CHOICES.

Q: I recently purchased a pair of earrings for my mother for Christmas. I really, really like them! Is it wrong to wear them until it is time to give them to her?

Suddenlink Media has networks custommade to please certain viewers.

A: Does she live in the same town you do? Q: My daughter graduated from high school this year and received some lovely gifts. She wrote everyone who gave her a gift a thank you note. I called a good friend of mine who had given my daughter a gift as I wanted to ask her opinion of my daughter’s thank you note. My friend informed me she had not yet received a note. Now, I know my daughter wrote her a note and I know it was mailed as I did that personally. Who knows how many others did not receive a note? I’m concerned that these people will think my daughter didn’t write and I didn’t teach her properly. What do I/we do now?

Target your customers. Target your dollars with Suddenlink Media.

A: Assuming your daughter placed a return address on the envelopes and you’ve given the Postal Service enough time to get the lost notes back to your address, then I’d suggest you two scratch your heads and figure out, to the best of your abilities, how many you mailed in that batch and to whom each note was written. I think this is one of those situations where the adage, “It’s better to be safe, than sorry,” applies. I’d have your daughter send another one to those people.

Questions for Best Impressions can be submitted to edit@thriveswla.com. October 2009

Phone: 337-477-9616

For more information, contact Lynda McLeod at

lynda.mcleod@suddenlink.com

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CHRISTUS ST. PaTRICk Women’S HealTH CenTeR

As you speed through life, taking time for your

DO NOT PASS After 40, once a year, every year.

personal health is probably the first thing that gets shuffled to the bottom of your to-do list. It’s time to slow down and face the facts: • 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. • The good news is 98% of all breast cancer is curable if detected early – that’s why self breast exams, routine mammograms and yearly exams by your doctor are so important.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Women’s Health Center offers our patients the latest in digital mammography and provides Woman’s Touch MammoPad® and cotton spa robes to make you comfortable.

On the road of life, a mammogram is one stop you can’t afford to miss. you don’t need a doctor’s order — call and schedule an appointment today 430-4444

noW loCaTed aT 1601 CoUnTRy ClUb Road 84

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October 2009