Thrive September Issue by Thrive Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2009

PICK UP THE PACE With

Great Workouts page 3

Keeping Up With Your

High Schooler page 6 Fashion HAZARDS page 8 Stormy Flu Season Forecast page 44 Point & Click MEDICATIONS page 64 September 2009

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because for my baby and myself, I want the best. Because she had been to Women & Children’s Hospital before, Crystal Newble felt she could count on a professional and experienced staff. And when Crystal gave birth to her first child, she discovered that our experienced staff was not only professional, but also “caring and compassionate.” It’s that kind of care that’s made us the area’s leader in women’s healthcare since 1982. When you want the very best, we deliver. Visit www.women-childrens.com for a virtual tour of our facility.

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Crystal Newble – mother of one

Women & Children’s H O S P I T A L

8/21/09 4:05 PM September 2009

Pick Up the Pace for Great Workout Results by Christine Fisher

The words “Let’s go for a walk” sound so much easier than “Let’s go for a jog.” The simple act of being air-borne for a split second can totally change the dynamics of the workout. And that’s the whole point, according to Sheena Terro, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions. “The health benefits increase as you ramp up your workout. As I train members here, they’ll tell me they’ve hit a plateau. They work out regularly, but they’re not seeing results like they used to. More times than not, I’ll increase their pace on the treadmill, even if it’s just for a few minutes, to get them up to a light jog. After a week or two, they see results.” Many people think of jogging as unattainable or out of their league. They’re worried it’s too hard on their joints, or that they’re too overweight to jog. Terro says it’s always good to get a doctor’s approval before beginning any exercise program. “In my experience, most physicians are glad to hear their patient is being pro-active and doing something to better their health. Jogging, especially when mixed with walking, is a great way to increase the heart rate while still staying within a manageable workout for most people.” Combining a brisk walk with brief bouts of jogging is often the best way to ease into a higher impact workout. Similar to interval training, where the type and intensity of exercise changes frequently, a mix of walking and jogging helps keep the heart rate up but is still manageable for most people. Terro says bones are like muscles: use ‘em or lose ‘em. Because jogging is a moderately-high impact form of exercise, it does put stress on muscles and bones, and that’s what helps to strengthen them. “If your bones aren’t consistently stressed, they’ll become weak and brittle. Bones will respond to a moderately-high workout by growing stronger,” she explained, “and reducing your risk for osteoporosis.” In addition to strengthening bones, jogging also strengthens muscles; an important one is the heart. As you jog, the heart must keep muscles supplied with oxygen. This effort strengthens the heart and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Arteries, too, benefit from the increased pace. During a jog, the heart pumps harder to keep up with the body’s demand for oxygen. This increases the pressure flowing through the arteries and flushes them out, getting rid of fatty cholesterol deposits that may be clinging to the walls of the arteries. “Jogging regularly can keep arteries in good working order,” said Terro. One of the biggest drawbacks many people have when it comes to jogging is how out of breath they get after a short time. Terro says this is because their respiratory system is out of shape. “Capillaries are small blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. As you continue to jog consistently over time, the number of capillaries will increase, making your respiratory system more efficient. You’ll notice you don’t get out of breath as you move throughout the day.” She advises starting with short bouts of jogging and gradually increasing over a period of weeks. Some soreness is expected, since muscles will be used in a different way, but won’t last as the exercise continues and fitness levels increase. “From a fitness perspective, it doesn’t make much of a difference if you jog on a treadmill or jog around your neighborhood. In our climate, it’s much more comfortable to exercise indoors. You’ll be more consistent, since weather isn’t a factor. But, on nice days, it’s great to enjoy the scenery by being outside. It’s a good idea to vary your work out to avoid boredom so a combination of both indoor and outdoor workouts can help.” Pick up the pace during your next workout by add a little hop to your step. The results will speak for themselves.

September 2009

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

Don’t just live, thrive! Editors and Publishers Kristy Armand Christine Fisher Creative Director

Barbara VanGossen

Layout

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Bronwen Darbonne, CLT Stephen R. Cannon, MD

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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.

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September 2009

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by Kristy Armand

Keeping Up with

Your High Schooler Your cheerful, “Hey, how was school?” gets a mumbled, “Okay.” You ask, “What did you guys do tonight?” and the response is a shrug and a monotone, “Nothing.” You feel that the door has slammed shut – literally and figuratively – on your once open and close relationship with your child. You’re living with a high school teen. Parenting a teen during the high school years can often feel like navigating a winding road in the dark, blindfolded and with ear plugs. Knowing what is going on in their life, much less in their head, is a daunting task for parents. Although it may not feel like it, experts say it is normal, and even healthy, for teenagers to withdraw from their parents’ company and spend more time with their friends and outside activities during the high school years. “The high school years are the phase of life when kids make the transition from childhood to adulthood,” says therapist Chauntelle LeJeune, MA, LMFT, LPC, with Solutions EAP. “This shift to independence is what you’ve been helping them strive toward their entire life, if you’ve done your job right and gradually given them more responsibilities through the years. But with that being said, it doesn’t mean they are ready for you to step out of their life completely. This is a time when you need to begin letting go, but still stay connected. Make sure they understand that their freedom and privileges are directly related to how well they demonstrate responsible behavior.” She says it’s important to keep in mind that during high school, teens may look like adults, but their brains are not the same as adults. Teens can easily be irrational and truly believe that they are right, even when they are making dangerous decisions. After all, they don’t have the experience required to be rational in every situation. “They may think they are capable of making adult decisions without your help, but they still need your guidance. It’s not uncommon to see a glimpse of maturity and suddenly they are rebellious and childish once again. The key for parents is to transition from telling them what to do to getting them to think for themselves and arrive at the best decision.”

Give More Freedom When they Show More Responsibility While it’s easy to hold on to your teen and try to protect them by keeping them close, you do need to give them more freedom over time. When they show more responsibility, trust them and give them more freedom. As you show them that their responsibility pays off, they’ll respect and trust you, as well as learn this valuable lesson. They’ll also be more likely to come to you about things instead of shutting you out when you treat them this way. Expect Some Detours and Defiance Even as you are doing your best to stay connected to your teen, there are going to be some bumps in the road and even defiant moments. Realize that this is something to be expected from teens. They operate from emotions and you formulate opinions on their experiences. This means your ideas aren’t always going to meet in the middle. Sometimes teens use defiance as a way to make themselves feel more independent. Learn to live with this – up to a point.

LeJeune offers the following suggestions:

Choose your Battles If you want to stay involved in your teen’s life, you are going to need to learn to choose your battles and let some small issues go. Instead of going overboard with punishment for something small that really doesn’t matter that much and is a cause that isn’t worth fighting for, save that for the big conflicts that you have. When you have big confrontations about small issues, it breaks down the bond and the lines of communication. Save the big time punishments, including restrictions, for the times when big offenses occur that really matter. The fact they don’t dress in a way you like is a really minor in the big scheme of things. Missing curfew by two minutes is a small matter. Staying out all night or drinking at a party are big deals.

Listening is as Important as Talking There is such a thing as talking too much. Sure, there is a time for talking, but with a teenager, you’ll find that listening to them is as important as talking. Listening opens up lines of communication and lets them know that they can talk to you when they need to. You’ll also find out a lot of important information from your teen if you take the time to listen to them. When your child tells you a story that makes

LeJeune says instead of looking at your teen and seeing a stranger, get to know the adult they are becoming. “You don’t have to give up your authority role and you definitely should command respect, but you can stay connected and develop an even closer relationship with your child during this time. Brace yourself for a bumpy couple of years, but at the end, you’ll have established a solid foundation for a lasting adult relationship.”

Unfortunately, many parents give up trying to stay connected to their teens. When their teens tell us to stay out of their lives, some parents take it personally, and even worse – do so.“Feelings get hurt, and parents retreat from them at an intense, confusing time in their lives when they need you to stay very interested in who they are, what they think and where they are going,” says LeJeune. As difficult as it may be, she says parents have to stay connected and aware of what is going on in your high schooler’s life. “They need you now more than ever.”

your “concern radar” start beeping, (such as them telling you they found out their best friend is having sex), ask what they think about it rather than jumping into what you think about it. This helps with keeping communication open.

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September 2009

Sha

r olo

o f s C e d

by Erin K. Cormier

Understanding

Color Blindness

About 7 percent of the male population cannot distinguish red from green, or see shades of color differently from the rest of the population – a condition commonly known as color blindness. “People who have this condition are usually capable of seeing color, so the term ‘color blindness’ isn’t very accurate. Although there is a very small population who see no color at all, most men afflicted with color vision problems primarily have difficulty with shades and varieties of red, green and blue,” said ophthalmologist William Iglinsky, MD, with the Eye Clinic.“Many people believe that those who are color blind see swapped colors – like seeing a blue apple or a purple banana – but that isn’t the case.” Less than 1 percent of those affected by color blindness are women. It is commonly believed that the prevalence of color vision problems in men is due to a genetic error that occurs on the X chromosome, of which men have only one. According to the Hughes Medical Institute, more than 95 percent of all variations in human color vision involve the red and green receptors. When these don’t function properly, it results in color vision problems. According to Dr. Iglinsky, most color vision problems are inherited, but some are caused by aging, injury, or disease. The most common diseases to cause color vision deficiency are Parkinson’s disease, cataracts, and Kallman’s syndrome (a failure of the pituitary gland). Reduction in color vision is also a common side effect in some antiepileptic drugs.

to diagnose color vision deficiencies as early as possible so the condition can be managed.” Errors in color vision are typically diagnosed using a pseudoisochromatic plate test. The patient is asked to view an arrangement of dots and identify a pattern, such as a letter or number. The type of vision problems that is diagnosed relies on which patterns are seen and which aren’t.“Just as with most any condition, the severity of color vision problems ranges from minor to major. In the most severe cases, a person can only interpret black, white and gray, although this is very rare.” Color vision problems can also make it difficult to drive, complete some daily tasks, and can create limitations in career choices, but Dr. Iglinsky noted that most individuals with the affliction are able to compensate well, especially if they learn ways to work around the inability to distinguish specific colors. “There are special lenses available that are designed to enhance color perception, but that may not be a viable option for everyone. It’s important to discuss this option with a qualified ophthalmologist,” Dr. Iglinsky said. Call The Eye Clinic at 478-3810 for more information on color blindness or to schedule an evaluation.

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“If the condition is acquired through disease or injury, the problem can sometimes be corrected, but obviously it depends on the type of disease and injury,” he said.“Unfortunately, inherited color blindness cannot be treated or corrected.” Children afflicted with color vision problems can sometimes have difficulty with learning and reading development, explained Dr. Iglinsky. “It’s important

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September 2009

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: g Fashions n i n Can Be Hazardous r To Your Health a W e

stin

ri Ch by

er Fish

Fashion divas, take note: suffering for the sake of fashion isn’t a healthy decision. Skinny jeans, pointedtoe stilettos and toting an oversized purse are causing more problems than your mirror might reveal.

“You can look good and feel great at the same time,” said Nichole Churchman, MD, family medicine physician with Family Care Center in Westlake. “Fashion shouldn’t hurt. Women who wear things that are too tight or carry purses that are too heavy may be setting themselves up for physical problems.”

were studied. Researchers measured knee torque or how much the knee twisted during walking. Both types of shoes increased knee joint pressure; 26 percent more for wide-heeled shoes and 22 percent for narrow-heeled shoes.“This repetitive stress to the lower extremity raises the risk for knee osteoarthritis as well as Achilles tendon tightness and inflammation. By simply choosing a lower heel height for regular wear, women can save themselves a lot of pain later on,” said Dr. Green. Surgeons perform 300,000 artificial knee replacements every year in the United States; many due to knee osteoarthritis. He advises following the 3-hour rule: if you’ll be on your feet for more than three hours, opt for lower heels with plenty of room in the toe-box area.

Oversized Bags = Big Problems Neck and shoulder pain in women can often be traced directly to their purse, more specifically to the size of their purse. Oversized bags are everywhere right now, and not usually a problem, unless they are filled to capacity. Look inside and you’re likely to find a water bottle, calendar or planner, cell phone, a book, makeup, hand lotion, sanitizer, wallet; most women only stop when they reach the capacity of the purse. When filled, some of the larger purses can weigh as much as 10 pounds.

Take a Healthy Step Forward Eighty-eight percent of women wear shoes that don’t fit well, according to the foot experts at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.“Choosing fashion over function can be taxing on your feet,” said Tyson Green, DPM, foot and ankle specialist with the Center for Orthopaedics.“While that’s okay from time to time, making a habit out of it will cause problems.” Before nightmares ensue of wearing so-called sensible shoes, Dr. Green says there are plenty of options available that fit the criteria for healthy feet.“Shoes don’t have to be pancake flat or only athletic sneakers to be smart choices for your feet,” he said. “There are plenty of designer or fashionable shoes that are made well and provide function as well as style.” Choosing soft, flexible shoes will help avoid blisters and bunions.“Shoes shouldn’t need to be broken-in,” Dr. Green said.“They should feel right from the first moment you wear them.” With 55 percent of women having bunions, paying attention to the shoe’s construction is a good idea.“Bunions, although they are congenital and not caused by shoe gear, can be aggravated by different types of shoes that cause you to cram your forefoot into them. The tissues around the toe joint swells, leading to a bump on the side of the big toe; sometimes, the big toe can begin to angle toward the smaller toes,” he explained. Not a good look. Avoid it by making sure you have some wiggle room in your next pair of shoes. Other foot maladies include pinched nerves, corns and calluses and ingrown toenails – mostly from wearing the wrong shoe repeatedly. In addition to the wrong shape of shoe, choosing heels that are too high and wearing them too often is another no-no. In fact, high heels are a culprit for knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that breaks down the cartilage surrounding the knee. Both narrow and wide heels that were 2.7 inches high 8

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“Carrying a heavy purse can cause you to compensate by adjusting your posture to one side. Sometimes it may even cause you to hold one shoulder up a little higher in order to keep the purse from sliding down or off of the shoulder. This creates strain along the muscles of your neck and may also irritate the nerves that run from your neck to your shoulder. Toting this around day in and day out will cause problems,” said Donald Thigpen, DC, with The Chiropractic Center. The same issues that kids have when carrying heavy back packs, such as muscle strain and back pain, are being reported in women who carry large, heavy purses. “The purse can be a common culprit when neck and shoulder pain are present. I recommend that women carry the least amount of items as possible in their purses to avoid unnecessary strain. For women who are on the go a lot and carry their purse throughout the day, it’s important to streamline as much as possible and avoid packing it too much,” said Dr. Thigpen.“For optimum results, keep purses around five pounds or under; certainly less than 10 pounds.” He also suggested varying the side the purse is carried on, instead of always carrying it on the same side, making an effort to square the shoulders and stand up straight. Oversized bags, on their own, are fine; but filling them to the brim can weigh you down, literally.

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September 2009

The Skinny on Skinny Jeans Not that everyone is rushing to squeeze into skinny jeans, but for the women who are, health experts are waving the warning flag. “Meralgia paresthetica is the technical term for a condition that’s becoming more common due to the popularity of skinny jeans,” said Dr. Churchman. “Tight-fitting clothes, whether it’s jeans, body shapers or even oldfashioned girdles, can literally compress the body too much, affecting a nerve near the groin and causing numbness, tingling or burning sensations down the leg. It’s a sensation that pregnant women can also experience, due to the pressure of the baby on that same nerve.” She went on to say that if women chose to wear tighter clothes or shape wear, they should make sure it didn’t compress too much.“The stuffed sausage look isn’t good for your health or your image!” Another problem with body shapers and skinny jeans is the increased chance for

yeast infections.“Tight-fitting clothing doesn’t allow for air circulation,” she said. About 75 percent of women end up with a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Dr. Churchman recommends these tips to prevent this concern: • wear 100 percent cotton underwear • if you must wear skinny or super-tight jeans, limit them to only a few hours, then give you body time to breathe • wear loose clothing for sleeping • if you choose to wear body shapers regularly, choose those with a cotton crotch “We can express our personal style with makeup, hair and clothing, but when we cause physical problems with fashion choices, it’s time to scale back,” Dr. Churchman advised.“Health is too important to sacrifice.” Before you resign yourself to being captured on Glamour’s “Fashion Don’t” page, take another look at the variety of style choices available. Chances are, you can find a fashion equivalent of the same look that’s healthy and fashion-forward. Smart divas know it’s worth the extra effort.

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September 2009

Banish

Blackheads

by Kristy Armand

They may be small, but these flat, dark spots can cause big problems for anyone who is waging a battle for clear skin. A blackhead is simply a clogged pore, or a comedone, explains medical aesthetician Leann Widcamp with the Aesthetic Center. She says the skin’s natural oil, called sebum, is constantly being produced in the pores.“Under normal conditions, the skin produces just enough sebum to stay protected and moist. However, when excess oil is produced due to hormones, heavy make-up, or hot, humid weather, there’s a greater chance that excess sebum will become trapped in the pore. When this happens, it can cause a blockage. Combined with dead skin cells and dirt, sebum in the pore oxidizes and darkens, forming a blackhead at the pore opening. Oxidized oil — not dirt — is what makes a blackhead black.” Although blackheads can occur in dry skin also, they are more likely to form in the T-zone - the area across your forehead, down your nose and chin.“Your body produces the most sebum in this zone. As more oil is produced and more skin cells are shed as part of the face’s natural process of exfoliation, blackheads can become more and more compacted,” says Widcamp. And if blackheads mix with other bacteria or become inflamed, they can lead to a full-blown acne breakout.” She says the challenge with fighting blackheads is that you are basically battling two of your skin’s natural processes: oil production and the sloughing off of dead skin cells.“It may be impossible to eliminate blackheads completely, but there are many things you can do to minimize both the occurrence and the appearance of these pesky skin blemishes. If you are prone to blackheads, use a daily cleanser for oily skin. Widcamps says a glycolic acid wash or cleanser is a good choice and will help control and remove oil on your skin, as well as helping to dislodge debris clogging your pores. She advises looking for one that lists fewer, rather than more, ingredients.“The fewer the ingredients, the less foreign material you are applying to your face.”

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Another weapon to use in the fight is a product that includes alpha hydroxy acids – whether as a cleanser, a topical treatment or both.“Rather than targeting oil like salicylic acid does, alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliants and work by gently assisting your skin in the natural process of removing dead skin cells,” explains Widcamp. Many people have success with pore strips, and Widcamp says while these may help lift off superficial blackheads, is only a temporary solution at best. “Pore strips don’t prevent blackheads. And for some people pulling off the strip can cause pain and irritation.” As tempting as it may seem, Widcamp says it is very important not to pick at or squeeze blackheads.“You may feel like you have successfully removed the problem, but by squeezing the clogged pore, you could be introducing new bacteria to the area and you also risk irritating the skin around the blackhead to the point that it develops into a raised acne blemish. Leave extractions to professionals who have the tools and expertise to remove the blackhead without the risk of additional skin problems.”

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She says regular facial treatments, including facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion, can also help get blackhead problems under control. Some people may also require products with stronger active ingredients, available only with a prescription. For more information about blackheads or any facial skin condition, call the Aesthetic Center at 310-1070. September 2009

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call Memorial’s Chaplain, Rev. David DeWitt at (337) 802-1933. Tuesday, September 15, 12 p.m. Sisters Surviving A breast cancer support group for African-American women, but open to any woman regardless of race. For more information, call (337) 433-5817. Tuesday, September 15, 6 p.m. Childbirth Education Classes Offered by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Free childbirth education classes at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 14, and meet weekly until Monday, October 26. The last class is part of the childbirth class program; however, it is also offered to parents who do not need the entire series, but would like to learn more about breastfeeding. The series of classes covers childbirth preparation, breathing and relaxation techniques, parenting and breastfeeding and are offered by the labor and delivery department of WCCH. Breast pump rentals and supplies are available. For more information or to reserve a seat in these classes, call (337) 5274361.

CFO Offers Saturday Morning Sports Injury Clinic Center for Orthopaedics (CFO) will offer a Sports Injury Clinic for high school athletes every Saturday morning through the fall football season. The Sports Injury Clinic will be open from 8 – 10am at CFO’s new Lake Charles office, located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. (just off Nelson, ½ mile south of Country Club). CFO’s staff of orthopaedic and sports medicine physicians and support staff have extensive experience in working with local and national high school, college and professional athletes. The Sports Injury Clinic is offered as a convenient service for area athletes. Walk-in patients with sports injuries are accepted and no appointment is needed. Call (337) 721-7CFO for more information or visit www. centerforortho.com.

Free Seminar Offered on Peripheral Artery Disease A free seminar on peripheral artery disease is scheduled for Thursday, September 15, at 6 p.m. featuring John Winterton, MD, staff cardiologist at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. It will be held at Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur, 545 Cypress Street. Dr. Winterton will discuss the signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease, conventional treatment for blocked arteries and newer, John Winterton, MD minimally invasive procedures. Symptoms and conditions associated with peripheral artery disease include diabetes, leg and hip pain, decreased circulation in the legs or numbness and tingling in the toes. A screening for peripheral artery disease will be offered the morning of September 15 for $25. A limited number of screening appointments are available and results will be given at the evening seminar. To register for the screening and the seminar, call (337) 527-5459. Refreshments will be served.

Upcoming Support Group Meetings at LCMH Diabetes Support Group For more information, call Memorial’s Diabetes Education at (337) 494-6425. Tuesday, September 15, 10 a.m – 11 a.m. La Leche League A breastfeeding support group for pregnant mothers and mothers who are already nursing. Meetings are free and open to mothers and babies. For more information call Courtney at (337) 217-8056 or Amber at (337) 313-4303. Thursday, September 3, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Coping with Cancer For those cancer patients who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or who have completed treatment. Light refreshments served. For more information

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Archer Launches Syndicated TV Show “Tell Dr. D” will air in Lake Charles, Beaumont Local clinical psychiatrist D. Dale Archer Jr., MD, has launched a weekly syndicated TV talk show on select Fox and CW stations in Louisiana and Texas. The show,“Tell Dr. D,” will follow a format similar to his long-standing syndicated advice column and Website by addressing various issues in mental health and well-being and focusing on the compelling stories of D. Dale Archer Jr., MD individuals, their struggles and their recovery. The show will cover common mental health issues, such as panic attacks, depression and compulsive behavior. Archer has more than twenty years experience in the mental health field and is a regular guest on CNN Headline News, Fox News, and several other news affiliates throughout the country. “The show will focus on real-life issues and tell the stories of actual individuals who are suffering from a mental condition. My hope is to erase the stigma of mental illness and provide common-sense advice that viewers can utilize in their everyday lives,” said Archer, who also maintains a popular Web presence at www. telldrd.com. The show will air in Lake Charles at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays on the CW and 12:30 p.m. Thursdays on Fox. The show will air in Beaumont on KUIL at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Archer is a board-certified doctor and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He specializes in chemical imbalances of the brain, personal responsibility and relationships. He graduated from Tulane University as a Tulane Scholar with an M.D. from the School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. In 1987, he founded the Institute for Neuropsychiatry in Lake Charles, a clinic which staffs a wide variety of treatment professionals treating mental health issues.

Curves Offers Free Weight Management Classes Curves of Lake Charles announces free weight management classes for members and non-members at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 8 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept 12. Curves’ classes are based on new research findings of the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University. Classes include: Start-Up Class (90 minutes) for first-time participants, Phase 3 (30 minutes) to teach the Curves Weight Management Plan and Special Topics Classes (30 minutes) to cover a different topic each month, including smart grocery shopping, choosing the right carbohydrates, eating out, emotional eating and more.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

Classes will be taught by Curves’ Registered Dietitian Nadia Rodman and facilitated by weight management coaches from Curves of Lake Charles through a series of DVDs that will alternate teaching with hands-on activities. Participants will be encouraged to make a weekly appointment to weigh in with their weight management coach, who will provide accountability. All classes are free to members and non-members, but special pricing on Curves products will be available. For more information, contact at 479-2477.

Memorial Hospital for Women Announces Prenatal and Family Education Classes One Day Prepared Childbirth Class Learn comfort, relaxation, positioning, breathing, and massage techniques for increasing the comfort level and enhancing the birth experience during this condensed version of the Prepared Childbirth Series. Recommended for the last 3 months of pregnancy. Saturday, September 5, 9am – 5pm, $35/couple Breastfeeding Class Learn positioning, latch-on, early feedings and the importance of assessing baby’s intake during the Breastfeeding Class. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Thursday, September 17, 6:30p.m. – 8:45p.m., $10/couple Sibling Class This class is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Preparing siblings for the arrival of a new baby can be as confusing as it is joyous. This class focuses on the unity of the family. Older siblings ages 2-10 are asked to attend with one or both parents. The children will have hands-on practice with dolls to learn how to interact with a new baby. Parents will receive informative guidelines and everyone will tour the mother/baby unit. Monday, September 21, 6p.m. – 7p.m., $10/family

American Cancer Society at (337) 433-5817.

Memorial Hospital Offers Free Prostate Cancer Screenings The Memorial/LSUHSC Family Practice Center will be conducting free prostate cancer screenings on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24, from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Screenings are by appointment only. Since there are often no early warning signs of prostate cancer, the best way to beat prostate cancer is by detecting it in its earliest stage. And the only way to detect it early is through screening. Men over the age of 50 and less than the age of 75 should have a digital rectal exam of the prostate gland and a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test every year, and men at high risk for prostate cancer, including black men or men who have a history of prostate cancer in close family members, should begin screenings at an earlier age. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a prostate cancer screening, call Memorial/LSUHSC Family Practice Center at (337) 494-2023.

LAMAR STATE COLLEGE

ORANGE Stay Close, Go Far!

Hmmm...how do I choose?

Baby Care Class Review newborn characteristics, general baby care, early parenting issues and community resources in this class. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Monday, September 28, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m., $10/couple For more information or to pre-register, call (337) 480-7243.

Girl Talk Class Scheduled Girl Talk, a class offered by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, will be held Saturday, September 19, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the Large East Conference Room inside West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, near the Stelly Lane entrance. It is designed for girls ages 9 – 12 and their mother or guardian. Presented by a registered nurse, topics include physical and emotional changes to expect during puberty, what happens during menstruation and good hygiene habits. There is a $15 fee for each girl attending, with a $20 maximum per family. Class size is limited, call (337) 527-4361 to reserve space.

Look Good . . . Feel Better Seminar Scheduled Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society invite women struggling through cancer—the diagnosis, treatment, and concerns about their appearance—to Look Good…Feel Better®. A free seminar offering help and encouragement in coping with the side effects of cancer treatment will be held Monday, September 21, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Memorial’s Shearman Conference Center, 1701 Oak Park Boulevard. Specially trained beauty professionals offer practical tips about skin care, makeup techniques, and guidance for coping with hair loss. The program also offers a sense of community where women are taught what to expect and how to deal with their appearance changes. Reservations are available through the

September 2009

accounting... computer science...welding...dental assisting...business management... pharmacy technology...teaching... EMT...criminal justice...and many more!

Over 35 programs Online and evening courses Start preparing now! Admissions: (409) 882-3364 Call or click today! Financial Aid: (409) 882-3936

ww.lsco.edu

Advising: (409) 882-3340

LSC-O is a member of the Texas State University System and an equal opportunity institution.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

Thank You Southwest Louisiana… …for making this a wonderful first year for Swimsational Swim School! We taught over 300 students this year and can’t wait to see what the next year brings. Thank you for choosing us! Kids love swimming year ‘round. it’s awesome to swim even when it’s cold outside and our water is 90-92 degrees! We want all kids to experience the Swimsational difference.

We have the largest refer a friend and infant Swim Program receive $10 in Splash in SWlA! cash to use toward tuition or in store! Turn your baby into a diaper dipper dream Team Kid.

now registering online for parties and lessons! AgeS 6 monThS To AdulT Beginner To AdvAnced clASSeS

Teaching Swimming is All We DO…and We’re the BEST in Town.

www.thriveswla.com

337-527-0950 www.swimsational.net

878 north Beglis Parkway | Sulphur, lA

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Members of: US Swim School Assn., World Aquatic Babies Congress, International Swim Instructors Assn., NDPA and Safer Three

September 2009

Don’t Just Discover Your Dreams – Achieve Them by Erin K. Cormier As a certified life coach, Scott Riviere’s job is simple: Help people recognize what’s holding them back so they can achieve their dreams. That’s the easy part. The hard part is tackling the “gremlins” – those little mischievous buggers who live in our heads with a million reasons why we can’t persevere. They throw roadblocks in our way by deflating our dreams and convincing us we couldn’t have achieved them anyway.

“The same reasons that people stay in unhealthy relationships are the reasons why people choose not to go after what they want,” Riviere said.“It’s comfortable and familiar to stay where we are.”

“Gremlins are those inner voices that say ‘Do it later, there’s no time now,’‘You’re really not smart enough to pull this off,’ or ‘You should just be happy with what you’ve got,’” said Riviere. A life coach is a motivator and supporter – basically, the arch nemesis to mental gremlins.“It’s my job to help people beat them.”

Unfortunately, our fears are rarely so cut-and-dried. Sometimes we’re afraid of admitting the truth about ourselves, our lives, or our loved ones. Until that happens, Riviere said the gremlins will always win.

According to Riviere, here’s how. ACCEPT It’s easier said than done, but accepting the past is an important step toward getting the life that you want. The ability to put the past in perspective allows for tremendous personal growth. “We are able to accomplish things based on our struggles. The struggles are what teach us what our strengths are. Happy times don’t teach us much,” Riviere said. “There is no time machine. You can’t change things that happened behind you and you can’t assume that things ahead of you have to stay the same because that’s how they’ve always been.” Instead of dwelling on your past mistakes or the past mistakes of others, Riviere said it’s healthier and far more productive to think about what the past taught you about yourself and your environment. “It’s easy for us to look at the past to determine what we don’t want. A lot of people think about their past and say, ‘I don’t want to be like my father,’ for example. But the next question is, if you don’t want to be like your father, what do you want to be like?” Riviere said. ACKNOWLEDGE The gremlins may be negative and draining, but that doesn’t mean they’re always wrong. Sometimes they speak the truth. If you have to give a presentation at work, for example, the gremlin may remind you that you’re a terrible public speaker, or that you’re so nervous that may not pull it off. That may be the truth. But acknowledging your shortcomings should never be the end-all – once you recognize your weaknesses, you can focus on your strengths. Instead of dwelling on the reality that you will have to speak publicly, focus on the fact that you’re knowledgeable enough to speak authoritatively on the topic. “We all have things about ourselves that we consider downsides. You can choose to focus on those, or you can choose to focus on those things that are strengths. It’s healthy to be aware of your personal strengths and weaknesses,” Riviere said. Acknowledging personal weaknesses is also a helpful step to one of the most important – and arguably, difficult – milestones to achieving a full life: Allaying your fears.

The simplest (and most difficult) way to overcome fear is to face it head-on, according to Riviere. Afraid of public speaking? Go do it.

ADMIT It’s difficult for us to admit that we’re unhappy, so instead we choose to rationalize our situations. We tell ourselves that it could be worse, that we should be happy with what we’ve got, or that we don’t deserve or need more. “There’s a myth that things have to be bad before we should change them. Not true,” Riviere said.“Sure, we can tell ourselves that other people have it worse, but is it really a contest over who can settle better? Why settle at all?” Being honest with yourself is one of the biggest and most difficult obstacle to overcome, Riviere said, because most people don’t want to believe that they’re dissatisfied, even though “there’s nothing wrong with being unhappy sometimes. Emotions are normal functions of being human, whether it’s sadness, anger, or happiness. The question is what you’re going to do about it. Saying something aloud doesn’t make it true, because it’s already true,” Riviere said.“You’ve just chosen to ignore or not acknowledge it, hoping that doing so makes it untrue.” ACT “You can’t read a book to find out how to be happy,” Riviere said.“If you could, we would all be happy all the time.” Instead, you have to find out what happiness looks like to you. According to Riviere, it’s easy to recognize what makes you unhappy; it’s trickier to find out what brings you happiness. “So many people think the ideal life is to collect material things. They figure they need the nice house or the nice car to be happy, then they get those things and they realize that they have the stuff, but they still feel the same unhappiness,” Riviere said.“Happiness isn’t about things. It’s about finding out what brings you joy from within.” Certified Life Coach Scott Riviere can be contacted at 497-1002.

ALLAY Typically, a multitude of fears work together to prevent us from acting effectively on our own behalf – fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of what others may think.

September 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana:

Yea! The kids are back in school…

A Vital Part of the

NOw what?

Lake Area Community

• Safety and Health Training • Water and Wastewater Training Programs • Contractor Safety Programs Industry Site Orientation Programs • OSHA Compliance Training • Defensive Driving, Substance Abuse Studies, Community Service Program, several other Court Mandated Training Programs, and a New Driver Program • Classroom, Computer-based, and Web-based Training • Solutions Employee Assistance Program • Call Today for More Information!

Why not become a volunteer with an organization that has been improving the lives of children and their families in Southwest Louisiana for almost 100 years?

Opportunities Include • Small Club Volunteer Leaders • Service-Learning Project Leaders • Get Real About Violence Instructors • Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin Project Volunteers There is always something new and exciting going on at Camp Fire USA!

Call 478-6550 today to get involved. Camp Fire USA

Southwest Louisiana Council

(337) 436-3354 www.safetycouncilswla.org

www.thriveswla.com

Ryan at Clarence Lake Charles Monday - Thursday 7am - 4pm Friday 7am - Noon

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

2185 Campfire Road Lake Charles, LA 70611 337-478-6550 Call Wayne or Tonya today!

September 2009

Expect Back Pain

During Pregnancy

by Kristy Armand

Ask any pregnant woman nearing the end of her pregnancy what her biggest complaint is, and odds are “back pain” will be at, or near, the top of her list. It is one of the most common and unwelcome discomforts experienced while expecting. The reason for the high incidence of back pain is the long list of possible causes.“It’s only natural that the physical changes caused by pregnancy will affect the back,” says Scott Bergstedt, MD, ob/gyn specialist with OBG-1. “A woman’s uterus expands by as much as 1000 times its original size as the baby grows. This amount of growth centered in one area affects balance and increases the demands on the hip and back muscles.” Strain on the lower back muscles is the most common cause of prenatal back pain, and typically begins in mid-pregnancy as a woman’s center of gravity shifts as the baby grows and the uterus expands.“When this happens, a woman is likely to slowly adjust her posture and the way she moves. Many women begin to lean backward during the later months of pregnancy, which makes the muscles work harder,” says Dr. Bergstedt. He says weakness of the abdominal muscles can also cause back pain. The abdominal muscles support the spine and play an important role in the health of the back. The hormones of pregnancy cause the muscles to relax and become loose, and many women gain some extra weight in addition to that of the baby. “All of these factors can contribute to problems with back pain,” says Dr. Bergstedt,“but women don’t have to accept it as an inevitable part of pregnancy. There are things you can do to prevent and minimize the nagging, and sometimes severe, discomfort.” He says awareness and common sense should be your guides. “Be aware of how you stand, sit, and move.” Specific tips along these lines include: • Ask for help when lifting heavy objects. • Don’t bend over from the waist to pick things up. Instead, squat down, bend your knees, and keep your back straight. • Wear low-heeled – not flat – shoes with good arch support. • Place one foot on a stool or box when standing for long periods of time. • Sit in chairs with good back support, or use a small pillow behind the low part of your back. • Try to sleep on your side with one or two pillows between your legs for support. • If your bed is too soft, have someone help you place a board between the mattress and box spring. • Take a warm bath, apply mild heat or cold to the painful area. • Have a prenatal massage or ask your spouse or a friend to rub your back. Dr. Bergstedt says regular exercise can also keep your back strong and may actually relieve back pain. With your health care provider’s approval, try swimming, walking, riding a stationary bike or prenatal aerobic classes. He adds that special exercises for the back can also help lessen backache. They can help strengthen and stretch muscles that support the back and legs and promote good posture—keeping the muscles of the back, the abdomen, the hips, and the upper body strong. “Your doctor, midwife, or a fitness specialist trained in prenatal exercise can provide you with safe instructions. These exercises will not only help ease back pain, they will also help prepare your body for labor and delivery.” If back pain continues to be a problem, Dr. Bergstedt says other options may be recommended by your health care provider, including a maternity girdle, special elastic sling, or back brace.“These devices help support the weight of your abdomen and ease the tension on your back. In some cases, mild pain medications, bed rest, or physical therapy may be needed, but this would be a rare occurrence.” Dr. Bergstedt stresses that it’s also important to be aware that back pain should be taken seriously. “Yes, back pain and pregnancy go hand-in-hand, but back pain can also be caused by other problems and should not be ignored.” A low, cull backache is one of the main symptoms of preterm labor. If it continues or gets worse, call your doctor. Severe back pain or back pain that’s accompanied by vaginal bleeding or discharge may indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. You should also call your doctor if you are having fever, burning during urination, or vaginal bleeding,” he advises.“Don’t assume what you are feeling is just a normal part of pregnancy. If you are concerned, discuss it with your health care provider.” For more information about pregnancy and symptoms, visit obg-1.com, or call 312-1000 to schedule a consultation.

September 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

Success Rate Continues for Zero Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Cases at Jennings American Legion Hospital by Christine Fisher

educing the number of infections during a hospitalization is a priority for the healthcare team at Jennings American Legion Hospital. The ICU, respiratory and medical staff are committed to improving patient outcomes and have made permanent changes to the way care is provided to the ventilated patient. As a direct result of these steps, Jennings hospital has had 100 percent success for two years in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia, or VAP. VAP is one of the risks associated with the use of ventilators. This condition refers to an airway infection that develops more than 48 hours after a patient is intubated. It is the leading cause of death among hospital-acquired infections; up to 36,000 U.S. deaths each year is attributed to it. In the past two years the staff has cared for 139 patients requiring ventilation and these patients have needed ventilation for an average of 3.9 days. This totals to over 500 ventilator days in the past two years, with no cases of ventilator associated pneumonia.

(left to right) Mia Hulin, RN, Mona Ortego, RN and Keli Touchet, RRT assess a patient for pneumonia.

“We have gone two years with no ventilator-associated pneumonia cases,” announced Brian Wilder, MD, medical director of the hospital’s intensive care unit. “In January of 2007 we implemented a campaign from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement targeted at eliminating this

We’ve Got Your Number SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

And it tells us everything we need to know about caring for your clothing. This tiny bar code is heat sealed onto each garment you bring into AAA. It’s an important feature of our new automated assembly system that helps us track and process your dry cleaning order more quickly, carefully and efficiently. Drive through convenience, improved automation and digital tracking are helping AAA raise the bar for customer service.

622 E. Prien Lake Rd. • 477-3548

www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

NAL ME

tu te

tio n

s ti

SSIO

I n te

(Across from Albertsons)

2713 Country Club Rd. • 562-9508

PR O

(Across from McDonalds)

al Fabricare

September 2009

condition. We know that patients are in our hospital to heal and we are committed to doing everything possible to make that a reality.” The Institute for Healthcare’s initiative is aimed at reducing medical harm. The national campaign has been endorsed by the American Hospital Association, the American Nurses Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission. “This was a collaborative effort between the teams, nursing, respiratory therapy and the medical staff, and we are very excited about the improvement in this area and what it means for our patients,” said Dr. Wilder. “Protocol for this includes a ‘bundle’ of steps to prevent VAP, such as elevating the head of the patient’s bed and giving the patient a break from sedating medications,” explained Brooke Hornsby, RN, ICU supervisor. Jenny Privat, CRT, respiratory therapy director, and her staff have been involved with the protocol since the planning stages. “We’re excited to see the continued success of this program. Evidence shows that by using the bundle, patient outcomes improve.” VAP exceeds the rate of death due to central line infections, severe sepsis and respiratory tract infections in the non-intubated patient. “While our VAP rates were not high, we targeted this area for improvement because VAP mortality rates are high in healthcare across the country,” said Dr. Wilder. “I’m proud of our team and the dedication of everyone here to achieve this goal.”

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1431 W. Prien Lake Road, #1 Holly Hill Plaza September 2009

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lynda.mcleod@suddenlink.com

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n w o t n w o D o t n w o D t Ge The Paper – Near Death Experiment & 10 Plains @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, pm Sylvia’s – The Fruge Family Band @ Bistro, 9pm Saturday, September 12 ss – Jazz & Poetry Night @ Noble Oblige, 6pm Luna Bar & – Subrosa Union (Austin) @ Grill, 9pm s & Trip – In Liquid And The Bow Tie 10pm ll, Gri Wamsley @ AJ’s Bar &

Sept 1-5

Sept 20-26

Monday, September 21 a Bar & – Will Ferguson Acoustic @ Lun Wednesday, September 2 Grill, 9pm & Grill, – Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar Wednesday, September 23 9pm Grill, 9pm ’s Bistro, – Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & – Happy Papi Band @ Sylvia Thursday, September 24 7pm ity & 2nd – Sugarglyder, Destination San 10pm Thursday, September 3 ll, Gri & Bar Party Program @ AJ’s ll, 10pm – The 94s @ @ AJ’s Bar & Gri Friday, September 25 Friday, September 4 cast e Lak – Handsome Harry Band, Color – Sesame Street Live @ The a Bar & Lun @ ns Veteran & Barisal Gu Charles Civic Center, 7pm Bar & Grill, 9pm – Sugarfoot (Monroe) @ Luna & The Vo – n Dukes, Flamin Hell Cats nday, September 14 Mo Grill, 9pm Grill, 10pm & Bar s Good Ole Boys @ AJ’ Daylight & – Will Ferguson Acoustic @ Luna Bar & – Magnolia Sons, Broadcast tro, 9pm Bis ’s via ll, 10pm – Happy Papi Band @ Syl Grill, 9pm Broadmore @ AJ’s Bar & Gri Bistro, Saturday, September 26 Wednesday, September 16 – Morgan Bouldin @ Sylvia’s & Grill, ll, Gri & r Ba –Live Oak Decline @ Luna Bar – Scotty Doland @ Luna 9pm 9pm 9pm Saturday, September 5 dness & e Lak Fiv – e Star Fiasco Mission vs. Ma Thursday, September 17 – Sesame Street Live @ The m 10p ll, Gri & & Oblige, NOYOLA @ AJ’s Bar – Dinner & Music @ Nobless Charles Civic Center, 10:30am m 9p , tro Bis – Moss Back @ Sylvia’s 6-9pm 2pm ad m Bro 1p ht mylig 9a – End Transmission & Da – Brunch @ Nobless Oblige, Luna @ w ne Me & t cas ad Bro ht cast @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9pm – Daylig Friday, September 18 Bar & Grill, 10pm Two ber @ AJ’s Monday, September 28 & llet Jui Oh ls, tai De e Th & – Forever Falls & Last Novem – Devil a Bar & 10pm – Will Ferguson Acoustic @ Lun Bar & Grill, 10pm Shot Fired @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, , 9pm nce Grill, 9pm – Blues Tonic @ Sylvia’s Bistro – Jay & Maria Cotto (Salsa Da m Wednesday, September 30 Saturday, September 19 Night) @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 8p & Grill, 9pm 9am-1pm – Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar – Brunch @ Nobless Oblige, r & Grill, Friday, October 2 – Crooks Carnival @ Luna Ba r & Grill, – Plump (Houston) @ Luna Ba 9pm ll, 10pm 9pm – Butt Roxx!! @ AJ’s Bar & Gri Sunday, September 6 nce e Da urday, October 3 Lak lsa e Sat – Jay & Maria Cotto (Sa – Sesame Street Live @ Th Bar & m 0p m ss Bed (New Orleans) @ Luna 4:3 8p , & Bra m – tro Night) @ Sylvia’s Bis Charles Civic Center, 1p Grill, 9pm Monday, September 7 & r Ba na Lu – Will Ferguson Acoustic @ Grill, 9pm Wednesday, September 9 Experience the Good life! & Grill, – Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar September eventS 9pm 11 r be tem September 5 brunch at nobless Oblige Sep y, Frida ll, Gri & r Ba 9:00 am-1:00 pm na Lu @ n tio Na w – Outla September 12 Jazz & poetry m 9p Doors open at 6pm

Sept 13-19

Sept 27-Oct 3

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

Sept 6-12

nd downtown se e as ple r, da len ca s thi in ed lud inc be To iveswla.com. event or band schedules to danielle@thr 20

www.thriveswla.com

Tea House & Catering Open fOr lunch 10:00 am–4:30 pm

September 17

Dinner & music

September 19

brunch at nobless Oblige

6:00pm - 9:00pm

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.

316 Iris Street • Lake Charles, LA • 337-433-8094 • www.noblessobligeteas.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

Whether you are dining in or calling in for takeout, let The Luna Bar and Grill do all the work. Come in today for one of our specialty salads, stellar sandwiches, or exceptional entreés. We offer many choices for the health conscious individual. 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

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

E v E n t s

Friday, September 4

Magnolia Sons, Broadcast Daylight & Broadmore@10pm

Saturday, September 5 Devil & the Details & Oh Juliet@10pm

monday

1/2 price domestic pitchers 9pm-midnight

tueSday Now deliveriNg: • Lunches to the downtown area • Sandwich & cookie trays (Delivery available with $25 minimum order)

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

September 2009

Friday, September 11

Near Death Experience@10pm

Saturday, September 12

2 for 1 wells & domestic pints all day

In Liquid, The Bow Ties & Trip Walmsley@10pm

WedneSday

Friday, September 18

$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 Serving Lunch – Monday-Friday 11am-2:30pm dinner – Monday-Friday 5pm-9pm

Forever Falls & Last November@10pm

Saturday, September 19 Butt Roxx!!@10pm

Friday, September 24

Sugarglyder, Destination Sanity & 2nd Party Program @10pm

Saturday, September 25

catering now available. call us today for AJ’s Venue pricing!

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

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Von Dukes, Flamin Hell Cats & The Good Ole Boys@10pm

Sunday, September 26 Five Star Fiasco Mission vs. Madness@10pm

www.thriveswla.com

by K

Heavy Drinking Linked to

rist y

Arm

and

Aggressive

Prostate Cancer

ha A new s espheav foun stud Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle were actually conducting research eci y dr d th y to test the effectiveness of a medication for prostate cancer prevention, and in the process they found that ally ink at heavy drinking not only reduced the cancer-preventing effect of the drug finasteride, but also significantly inc o in increased the incidence of high-grade prostate cancer. f g risk rea be , for ses t er, The study, which included more than 10,000 men, found that those who drank heavily (50 grams or 1.7 pro ag hi he ounces) of pure alcohol a day, the amount in four shots of hard liquor, five or more days a week, were more sta gre ghly than twice as likely as those who drank less to develop what is called “high-grade” prostate cancer. There was no te c ssi difference in prostate cancer risk between nondrinkers and those who drank moderately. an ve cer Urologist Farjaad Siddiq, MD, with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana, says the majority of prostate cancers . are low-grade and grow very slowly. “Most men who have this will die of something else, not from prostate cancer. One hundred percent of men with it live for at least 10 years, most much longer than that with early detection and treatment.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

However, with high-grade prostate cancer, survival at 10 years is only 60 to 70 percent. Obviously, this is a much more serious form of the disease.” Results of the new study were reported last month in the journal Cancer, and according to the researchers, most heavy drinkers in the study drank beer, but they say this does not prove that there is anything special about beer that increases the risk that does not apply to other forms of alcohol.

Airing September 2009

Dr. Siddiq says that although the number of men in the study was too small to establish a definitive relationship between prostate cancer and overall alcohol consumption, the finding may be enough to put prostate cancer on the list of cancers that are affected by alcohol intake.

Check local listing for show time.

“We do know that the risk of certain cancers are linked to the level of alcohol consumption, including head and neck cancers, breast cancer, esophageal cancer and colon cancer,” says Dr. Siddiq. “The results of this study have led to an increased focus on the possible link to prostate cancer as well, and research is ongoing.” He adds that the study provides one more example of the impact unhealthy lifestyle habits, including heavy drinking, have on cancer risk. To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, it is best for you to reduce your intake of large amounts of alcohol,” he said. For more information about prostate cancer, call the Urology Center at 439-8857.

We’ve moved!

is moving! Center Street

Kirkman Street

… Conducts Phase II–IV trials … Is affiliated with the top physicians in the Lake Area, including: The Arthritis Center of Southwest Louisiana Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana … Employs three full-time clinical research coordinators

Enterprise Boulevard

Quality Commercial & Residential Construction

Alicia Fontenot, LPN KC Marcantel, RD Chelsi Nabours

Dora Street

Heartland Research

water tower Prien Lake Road Interstate 210

September 2009

www.signaturessalon.biz

… Is a clinical trials research facility specializing in cardiology, endocrinology & rheumatology.

3201 Center Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 Common Street

337.478.4433

Heartland Research…

Heartland Research is excited to announce our relocation. We are now located at

Ryan Street

803 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605

(337) 474-0361

337-774-3600 • www.trahanconstruction.com

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www.thriveswla.com

Joining the Charge Against

Mike and Rene Fruge

By Erin K. Cormier

ouisiana ranks fourth in the nation in obesity, with nearly 30 percent of its adult population being at least thirty pounds over their ideal weight, according to Kayla Rigney, executive director of the Calcasieu Community Clinic. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Office has called American obesity an epidemic and in 2001, issued a list of priorities for the nation to battle this growing trend, which has become so threatening that today’s children face a shorter life span than their parents for the first time in 100 years. The Calcasieu Community Clinic, which provides free health care for lowincome, working uninsured patients in Southwest Louisiana, entered the fight against obesity in February by offering a no-cost weight management program for its qualifying patients. That was more than 800 pounds ago. According to Rigney, 25 percent of health care dollars go to treat obesity related illness. An obese patient will ultimately spend $1,400 more per year on health care than an average-weighted peer, she said. Participants in the program increased quickly, more than doubling from 10 to 24. Among them were local residents Mike and Rene Fruge. Mike initially visited the clinic for joint pain; his wife, Renee, experienced pains in her lower back. They soon learned that they both showed signs of increasing blood pressure. Losing weight was an obvious option to improving their health. “When we first began the program we had serious doubts about giving up the foods that we held so dear to our hearts, but we soon realized that these

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AFTER

BEFORE

Obesity foods were a small price to pay to increase the time that we would be able to spend with our children,” Mike said. According to Clinic Coordinator Linda Jones, a registered nurse who has personally lost more than 70 pounds over the past year, the weight management program is not about deprivation – it’s about restoring a quality of life that can be lost because of adverse weight gain. Participants receive monthly lab work and physical screening, a weekly weigh-in, support groups, meal plans, and an exercise regimen. According to Jones, diet pills and injections are not a part of the program; instead, it teaches participants to avoid the pitfalls of fad dieting and make healthy living and nutrition a part of their everyday lives. According to Rigney, participants have formed walking groups and have collectively increased their mobility. Some, through physician intervention, have been able to reduce or discontinue their medication for diabetes and hypertension. “Education is essential. Participants need the knowledge to know the difference in the types of food they choose to put in to their body and how it will affect their weight loss outcomes,” Rigney said. Since joining the program, Mike Fruge has lost 40 pounds. His wife Renee has lost nearly 60. “We have lost weight, gained friends and most importantly, we have found out what it is like to live healthy. It has been quite some time since I felt

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September 2009

comfortable taking off my shirt while working in my yard, or my wife felt secure enough to go into a store and not have to ask where the plus-sizes were located,” Mike said. “It feels good to walk into a restaurant and not feel everyone staring at you or hearing them snicker as you walk by.”

Are you ready for Fall?

According to Rigney, every participant has met their targeted weight loss goal, with 85 percent exceeding their target. The Calcasieu Community Clinic is housed at McNeese State University College of Nursing and is funded through donations, grants, and the United Way. Services are rendered to qualifying low-income patients who are working, but uninsured. For more information on the clinic services or the weight loss program, call 478-8650 or email ccclinic@bellsouth.net.

September 2009

• Notepads • Note Cards • Napkins • Coasters

• Cookbooks • Memorabilia • Serving Pieces

3101 Ernest Street 337.439.4384

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• Party Supplies • Invitations • Napkins • Décor

• Aprons • Scarves/ Wraps • Fragrances • Candles

• Wrapping Paper • Calendars/ Journals

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f there’s anyone my dog Miles loves more than me, it’s my mother. When she comes over, he runs in circles, jumps on her lap, and splays out next to her. There is something about her presence that calms him. He lies still until she leaves. If he’s in another room and hears her voice, he’ll cry until he’s able to sit next to her. My mother rewards his unconditional love with belly rubs and baby talk. My mother, who doesn’t have any pets, has often said that she would like to have a dog, but she’s reluctant to get one because loving them also means losing them eventually. She says it would be too painful.

Sponsored by Misha’s Pets of Sulphur.

Taking the Good with the Bad

I can certainly appreciate the crushing agony of losing a pet. When I was a little girl on Arlington Drive, I had a cat named Whiskers. Whiskers was a stray cat that I claimed as my own, so technically she didn’t belong to me, but unofficially she did. I fed her from the porch, named her, watched over her, played with her. She stayed outdoors most of the time, but she stayed near the house. One afternoon I was idling around in the driveway and saw her across the street. I bent down, patted my knees and called out her name, signaling for her to come. She made her way across Arlington, taking her time. The oncoming car that hit her never stopped, but I did. I froze, looked at my dead cat, yelled for my parents, and blamed myself for calling her name. None of us can remember every day of our childhood, but each of us has a handful of memories that we remember vividly. For me, that is one of them.

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While losing a pet is agonizing, it’s the natural order of things. Miles is seven years old, and he drives me crazy most of the time. He barks like mad at strangers. He never drops the ball when we play fetch, and he’s always at my feet, causing me to trip over him most of the time. But when I come home, he’s always happy to see me. Not just happy, but ecstatic. As I make my way around the house, I hear the jingling of his collar as he follows at my heels. Even though I trip over him, there aren’t many others who find me interesting enough to follow me around every minute of the day, I can promise you that. And when I lose interest in fetch because he’s not playing nice, he eventually gives up and drops the ball in my lap. When we open our heart to others, we have to take the bad with the good. That’s just as true for pets as it is for people. Besides, if not for the agonizing moments, how would we know when to be ecstatic? Erin K. Cormier is on the board of the local chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana. Email her at erin@ehealthyimage.com.

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September 2009

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1 (800) 826-5223 FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Lake Charles, 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 478-3810 • DeRidder, 801 S. Pine, 462-3937 • Sulphur. 2100 Maplewood Dr., 625-8948 • Jennings, 1219 Elton Rd., 824-0040 September 2009

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Community Contributor$ Cameron State Bank to Family & Youth

SDFSC to Leadership Center for Youth Candis J. Carr, EdD, Associate Executive Director of Family & Youth accepted a $5,500 contribution from Leslie Harless, Director of Marketing for Cameron State Bank, for the Family & Youth Festival 2009. Family & Youth Festival is a family-fun event promoting family life family values in a

safe and exciting environment.

Chamber to McNeese Business Representatives from the Chamber SWLA & City of Lake Charles Small Business EXPO presented a $5,000 scholarship check to Dr. Mitchell Adrian, Dean of McNeese State University’s College of Business. Pictured from left are Dianne Dronet, Dr. Mitchell Adrian, Mike Allen, Mary Kay Eason of McNeese State University College of Business, Ken Broussard. Second Row: P.A. Guillory, Adrian Wallace, Donna Little of McNeese State University’s Small Business Development Center, Stephen Broussard (Regional Louisiana Economic Development Representative) and David Usher from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Chamber to Sowela Representatives from the Chamber SWLA & City of Lake Charles Small Business EXPO presented a $5,000 scholarship check to Dr. Rick Bateman, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Sowela Technical Community College. Pictured from left are Dianne Dronet, Mike Allen, Dr. Rick Bateman, Ken Broussard. Second Row: P.A. Guillory, Adrian Wallace, Stephen Broussard (Regional Louisiana Economic Development Representative) and David Usher from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

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The Leadership Center for Youth accepted a $25,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Community Programs to provide Positive Action and Anger Management to teens. Governor’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program (SDFSC) supports programs that prevent violence in and around schools; prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs; and involve parents and communities to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment. Pictured from left are Rep. Mike Danahay, Megan Fontenot, Sen. Willie Mount, Rep. A.B. Franklin, Mackenzie Frank, Candis J. Carr, EdD, Family & Youth Associate Executive Director.

Sam Hebert Financial Group to Family Foundation Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana accepted a $10,000 endowment from Sam Hebert Financial Group - New York Life Insurance Company in support of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program of Family & Youth. CASA recruits and trains volunteers who advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Pictured from left are Julio Galan, executive director of the Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana; Sam Hebert; and Andrew Vanchiere, trustee.

Citgo to E.K. Key Elementary CITGO collected more than $2,500 in employee donations to purchase school supplies for E.K. Key Elementary, the company’s partner in education. Pictured from left are Sally Bertrand, CITGO Safety Awareness Committee Chairperson; Melanie Kellogg, E.K. Key Elementary Principal; Laura LeDoux, E.K. Key Elementary Assistant Principal; Pat Melancon, CITGO Government and Public Affairs Senior Administrative Assistant; and Don Fruge, CITGO General Manager of Engineering and Technical Services.

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September 2009

First Federal to Family & Youth

Trunkline LNG to McNeese Engineering Julio Galan, Executive Director of Family & Youth, accepted a $5,000 contribution from Maria Alcantara Faul, Director of Marketing of First Federal Bank for the Family & Youth Festival 2009. Family & Youth Festival is a family-fun event promoting family life and values in a safe and exciting environment.

Sasol to McNeese Foundation

McNeese State University engineering and engineering technology will learn the liquefied natural gas business through first-hand experience in the control and simulation lab thanks to the support and recent donation of furniture, computers and software by Trunkline LNG Company. The company donated about $100,000 in furniture, computers and software to the McNeese College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Sasol North America donated $25,000 to McNeese State University through the McNeese Foundation. Sasol is donating $10,000 to the new athletics field house and $15,000 to be divided among the college of engineering and engineering technology and the departments of chemistry and agricultural sciences. Pat Brown, second from left, president of Sasol North America, presented the donation to, from left, Pam McGough, coordinator of athletic development, Dr. Frank Phillips, assistant professor of environmental science, Dr. Ron Darbeau, head of the chemistry department; and Dorothy Ortego, head of the engineering technology department.

Richard Marriner, left, chairman of the board for Southwest Beverage Co. Inc., presents McNeese State University President Robert Hebert with a $406,053.96 donation to establish the Marriner Family Scholarship in Engineering and Business through the McNeese Foundation as his son, Ben Marriner, president of Southwest Beverage Co. Inc., looks on. The McNeese Foundation will provide $135,000 in matching funds through its current capital endowment campaign making this a total donation of $541,053.96.

Cameron Communications to Cameron Festival

Dr. Sanders to McNeese Foundation

Cameron Communications Public Relations Coordinator Trina Johnson presented a $1,000 check to Carl Broussard for the Cameron Saltwater Fishing Festival.

First Federal to McNeese Foundation First Federal Bank of Louisiana has donated $5,000 to McNeese State University through the McNeese Foundation for the C. Marshall Abadie Memorial Scholarship Fund it established several years ago. Billy Rose, from left, McNeese Foundation board member, and McNeese marketing and management major Martina Malone, current Abadie Memorial Scholarship recipient, accept the donation from First Federal Bank representatives Charles V. Timpa, president and CEO, and Erin-Beth Hanks, public/media relations manager. To date, First Federal Bank has donated over $37,000 for this scholarship.

September 2009

Southwest Beverage to McNeese Foundation

Dr. Eric Sanders, center, presents David Stine, right, a member of the McNeese State University Foundation Board of Directors, with the last $5,000 installment of his $15,000 pledge for the establishment of the Theresa Sanders Scholarship as Richard Reid, McNeese vice president for development and public affairs and executive vice president for the McNeese Foundation, looks on. The foundation will provide $5,000 in matching funds through its current capital endowment campaign making this a total donation of $20,000. To date, $30,000 has been given to the scholarship established in memory of EricÂšs mother.

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 collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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Gallery Promenade

2706 Hodges st. • l ake cHarles in tHe cottage sHop district 337.433.9722 www.Jonmargeaux.com

September 25 • 5:30pm–9:00pm Meet the artist

Ramsey Ayers Mixed Media artist

Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres

Join us on september 25 for gallery promenade!

Also featuring artists Reajean Clark Sue Zimmermann Keith Morris Keith Monroe Norman German

Wine and light hors d’oeuvres served from 5:00pm—9:00pm

Paws & Claws Portraits of Pets Watercolors by award winning artist Nancy Melton Come meet Nancy, buy an original watercolor or schedule a portrait. A portion of the procedes from Nancy’s works will be donated to La Paw, a Lake Charles animal rescue organization.

Custom Picture Framing • Accessories • Gifts Paintings and Prints • Handcrafted Jewelry We ship to your destination!

1640 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Located near Historic Downtown

337-433-5530

Also view works on permanent exhibit by C. Delle Bates, Susan Buller, Linda Cooley, Reggie Keogh, Geoff Russell, Billy Precht and Jerry Murry.

When Quality Matters!

Ballet by Blane Bourgeois

Untitled by Richard Buckley

Puppy by Nancy Melton

Photograph | Artisan’s Gallery

Photograph | Black Heritage Gallery

Watercolor | Jon Margeaux

Play Date by Danne Shobe

Boat by Ruth Shelton

Mulberry Time by Kevin Leveque

Acrylic on canvas | Charleston Gallery and Antiques

Watercolor | Studio 347

Oil on canvas | Charleston Gallery and Antiques

The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana invites you to enjoy the 13th Annual Gallery Promenade on Friday, September 25th from 6:00 until 9:00pm. A complete list of participants and a map will be provided at each location, as well as at the parking area located at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Join us in celebrating this traditional start to the Fall and Holiday Art Season!

Jackson Square by Candice Alexander Print | Alexander Art Studio

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September 2009

Gallery promenade host locations lake charles 1911 Historic City Hall Artisans’ Gallery 1st floor The New Reality:The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century 2nd Floor

Abercormbie Gallery McNeese State University, Shearman Fine Arts Center Room 125

September 25, 2009

This year, it’s Art at a leisurely pace! The Arts Bus has been replaced by Lake Charles’ newest downtown mode of transportation: J&R Carriage. The Gallery Promenade route will offer four charming carriages for your convenience. Beginning at the Civic Center, the route will run as follows: Stop #1: Associated Louisiana Artists— Gallery by the Lake, 106 West Lawrence Street Stop #2: Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank, Ryan and Pujo Streets

204 West Sallier The Building of Calcasieu Parish, Brick & Mortar, Wood & Steel

Jon Margeaux 2706 Hodges Street Paws & Claws, Portraits of Pets in Watercolor by Nancy Melton

Studio 347

809 Kirby Street, Room 339 Central School Candice Alexander

809 Kirby Street, Room 347 Central School Nature & More, watercolor & oil paintings of wildlife & local scenes

Art Associates Gallery

The Frame House Gallery

Alexander Art Studio

Gallery promenade

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

809 Kirby Street, Room 208 Central School National Engraving

Associated Louisiana Artists, Inc. 106 West Lawrence Street Proud to be an American

Black Heritage Gallery

1640 Ryan Street Ramsey Ayers, mixed media acrylic collages Linda Perry, handcrafted jewelry & Sue Zimmermann, watercolors

Focal Point Antiques 2802 Hodges Street Eddie Mormon

809 Kirby Street, Room 207 Central School Photography by Richard Buckley

Moss Bluff

Calcasieu Bank

222 B Highway 171

Corner of Pujo and Ryan Street Artist undetermined at this time

sulphur

Charleston Gallery and Antiques

923 Ruth Street Chaos Theory

900 Ryan Street, Suite 101 Danni Shobe, Marilyn Cox, Kevin Leveque, Peggy Borel, Carroll Davis

Louviere Fine Art

Henning Cultural Center

Stop #3: Charleston Hotel, Ryan at Pujo Street Stop #4: 1911 Historic City Hall, 1001 Ryan Street Stop #5: Central School—Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby Street Stop #6: Lake Charles Civic Center

September 2009

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ar·rhyth·mi·a (a-’rith-me- )n.

by Katie McDaniel

Is it: a fear of dancing whale sounds set to music heart rhythm disturbance

Workplace stress is on the rise and it is becoming harder for employees to

Between all of the interruptions, background noises and chaos, how are you supposed to get any work done? After stay on track.

The correct answer is: Heart rhythm disturbance

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.

ARRHYTHMIAS

are very common and millions of people will experience an abnormal heart rhythm at some time during their lives. They are caused by disruptions in the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat. You may have heard people refer to arrhythmias as "palpitations", "flutter" or "heart skipping a beat." There are different types of arrhythmias, some are merely an annoyance, but others can be much more serious. That's why it's important to seek help immediately if you ever notice a change in your heartbeat. 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.

reading these tips on how to manage stressful situations in the workplace, you’re sure to find one that will help.

Amber DeVille stays focused by staying organized. “I have folders and labels for everything on my desk to keep things in order. It is easy to become caught up with distractions and everything overwhelming that comes with having a job. If I ever find myself getting off track, I take a breather for a few minutes then pull it together to continue with the task at hand.” “Starting each workday with a positive attitude and the practice of avoiding negative distractions helps me to stay focused throughout the day,” said Adam Hooper. “If, for some reason, I start to get distracted, I take a little time to walk around the office, stretch and get my thoughts in order.” Louise McDaniel plans ahead by making a “Things To Do” list for the next day before she leaves for work each day. “My list is usually listed in priority order with each task having a deadline or time frame. This method helps me to stay focused and manage my time more efficiently. At the end of the day, I believe that my accomplishments outweigh my responsibilities.” “When I am stressed, I try to remember that the more work I get done, the quicker I can move onto other things,” said Lacey Leblanc. “Taking each task one at a time has helped me to feel less overwhelmed when there are a lot of things going on.”

Louisiana Heart Rhythm

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Stacey Sellers likes to listen to her IPod when she is gets stressed out at work. “It is easier for me to concentrate when I drown out all of the background noises and stop letting everything distract me.”

September 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

Abandoned in Tokyo, Sibs Find New Lives in Louisiana Stationed in Camp Zama, Japan, in the early 1960s, U.S. Army soldier Clyde Reppond and his wife, Elma, decided they wanted to add a girl to their boy brood by adopting one from the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco orphanage in Seibi Gakuen, Tokyo. That’s where they found a four-year-old girl who they named Tama. “I was sick with the chickenpox when they brought me home to a totally different environment where I didn’t understand the language,” says Tama.“I remember my new brother, Terry, a tall skinny boy with bright blue eyes and big ears, used to make funny faces and wiggle his ears to make me laugh. That’s how we communicated – with the universal language of smiles, gestures, hugs and kisses.” Because Tama spoke no English, her new parents hired a nanny who could also serve as an interpreter. When the nanny asked how many brothers she had, Tama said that she had three. No, her adoptive mother replied, you only have

Tama Reppond-Wilfert and

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two – Larry and Terry. But Tama insisted that she had three:“big, medium, and little.” When Clyde and Elma realized that their new daughter had a Japanese brother, they hired a private investigator and found him in an all-boy orphanage on a smaller island off the coast of Japan. The family took a train and ferry to pick the 6-year-old up for a visit during the Japanese New Year. When the American couple saw the brother and sister reunited, they decided they had to adopt him too. They named him Rickey. “Our parents named me Tama because it was a compromise from the American version of Tammy and they named my brother Rickey because he used to love ‘I Love Lucy’ and play the guitar like Rickey Ricardo,” says Tama.“We came to America in the spring of 1964.”

Tama ReppondWilfert and her adoptive family

her brother Rickey in Japan

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September 2009

Tama Reppond-Wilfert and her two brothers

As a military family, the Repponds moved throughout the U.S., but finally settled in Lake Charles in 1966. Tama and Rickey’s parents encouraged their adopted children to embrace their culture. On the few occasions that they encountered Japanese friends in the deep South, they asked them to prepare some of the native dishes that Tama and Rickey craved, such as yaki soba and sushi, which was not a popular restaurant item in those days. “That is how I met my Japanese friends whom I have known for over twenty years,” says Tama, who admits that she soon adapted to Cajun food, particularly boiled crawfish. Tama currently lives in Lake Charles with her husband, David Wilfert, while Rickey is in Westlake. Although they have lost the ability to speak much of their native language over the years, Tama says she can understand Japanese when it’s spoken to her. Their father once asked if they wanted to go back to Japan to search for their real parents, who abandoned them at a train station in Tokyo on Emperor Hirohito’s birthday, which was a holiday for the Japanese people. The Japanese authorities initially thought the two children were lost, since the station was overcrowded and bustling from the holiday. When no one came forward to claim them, they were placed in an orphanage. They originally lived in the same facility, but soon were separated to all-girl and all-boy orphanages.

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Tama says she’s never wanted to go back and search for her real parents because she found them the day the Repponds took her home.“That is the only family we have ever known,” Tama says. Tama and Rickey became American citizens in 1971.

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(337) 474-7377 www.jjext.com

Tama Reppond-Wilfert with her husband David and his family September 2009

Shielding What’s Near and Dear Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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There Is a Fountain of Youth In All of Us. You’ve just got to be willing to let it flow.

On any given day you might find Brenda Bachrack swimming in the pool, lounging on her couch reading manga, chatting online at midnight, playing with apps on her iPhone, or updating her Facebook status. Such is the life of any average 20-year-old. There’s just one catch: Brenda is 78. For Brenda, the secret to eternal youth isn’t found in fountains, fast cars, or beauty shops. It’s not about appearance; it’s about attitude. Rather than surrender to the fates of time and all the ills that come with it, Brenda has chosen perseverance over defeat. Because of this, she approaches life with just as much enthusiasm as a 10-year-old. Although science has yet to make humans physically immortal to aging, the secrets to eternal spiritual and mental youth aren’t really secrets at all. Research has proven it takes a strong social network; physical exercise; good nutrition; proper coping

skills; the desire to learn new things; and the ability to laugh. Although she admittedly has her “senior moments,” Brenda, a retired schoolteacher, has managed to maintain all of the above. “A third-grader once told me, ‘You sure do laugh a lot.’ I looked down at her and said, ‘You sure do say funny things,’” said Brenda. “Laughter is so important to happiness.” Approaching life with laughter is easier said than done, of course. Brenda admits that it can be difficult to laugh when old age has provided so much to get you down, but according to psychiatric nurse practitioner Dr. Sattaria “Tari” Dilks with the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, the secret to living a full and joyful life isn’t to ignore what is bad – it’s to notice what is good. “There has been a lot of research on the use of humor and how it maintains good mental health in many ways,” Dilks said. The healing power of laughter is no joke. Countless studies have legitimized the laughter-is-thebest-medicine adage. In 2008, a communications researcher in Buffalo, N.Y., found that aging adults who used humor more frequently reported greater coping efficacy, which led to greater life satisfaction. This was the third such study conducted with three different populations, and the conclusion was the same each time.

As a teacher for more than 30 years and as former host of “Romper Room,” a popular local show for preschoolers in the 1960s, Brenda (who is also a mother and great-grandmother to five and grandmother to 13) has spent the majority of her adult life around children. Despite being decades their senior, she still manages to laugh at their silly (and sometimes corny) jokes. “I love being around children. It’s true that being around children can keep you young,” Brenda says. When asked what they’ve got that adults don’t, she answers simply: “The joie de vivre. The joy of living.” She said that many of her peers have sacrificed the joie de vivre for cynicism and anger; they’re angry at what others have done, aren’t doing, or should have done. According to Dilks, we’re raised in a society that teaches us to blame other people for our hardships. “We often fail to realize that it’s our choice to look at a situation as a disaster or an opportunity,” said Dilks, a licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in nursing practice. “We choose how to feel about life. The world is wonderful and beautiful, but to notice what is beautiful about life, you have to open yourself up to it. As adults we’re so busy being responsible that we sometimes don’t take time to notice anything.” One reason adults lose their sense of wonderment is because the world makes more sense to them, Dilks said. Adults no longer see the man on the moon because they know he doesn’t

exist. Thankfully, however, there’s a fairly simple way to regain that sense of wonderment and enthusiasm – learn something new. At 78, Brenda has recently taken up watercolor painting. She is also up-todate on the all the latest technology, including Skype, Facebook, instant messenger, online gaming, and the hundreds of apps on her iPhone. She has made friends in places like New Zealand and the Philippines using the power of the Internet, and sometimes stays up chatting into the wee hours.

positiv

“Scientists used to think the brain was static – that whatever neurons you’re born with was what you had for the rest of your life. Modern research has proven just how wrong that belief was. Sure, we lose a lot of our synapses as we get older, but new connections can be made and studies have shown that making those connections can prevent dementia and promote mental sharpness,” Dilks said. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, people who engaged in leisure activities, such as learning to play a musical instrument, were less likely to develop dementia. Although Brenda admits that she sometimes opens the refrigerator and forgets what she wants or holds her keys in the doorway without being sure if she’s coming or going, her mental sharpness is intact, aided along by regular Bridge games, crosswords, and online word games, in addition to watercoloring. In addition to exercising the brain, she nourishes the body. She

| Brenda Bachrack |

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September 2009

maintains a healthy diet, swims, takes her dog Sunny for nightly walks, and practices Yoga. According to Gigi Kaufman, director of GiGi’s Fitness Centers of Christus St. Patrick Hospital, regular fitness routines allow seniors to maintain independence and live a full life. “The most consistent myth I hear is ‘I’m too old to start exercising,’ or ‘It’s too late and my body is too beat up.’ Well, today’s a new day. Your body doesn’t know how old you are. It just wants to move,” Kaufman said. “The seniors I work with inspire me on a daily basis because I see how being active has made their mental attitudes sharper. They are less prone to depression, less prone to hip fractures and other common injuries. They aren’t sick as much. Their lifestyle is just so much better.” In addition to the obvious benefits of regular exercise – stronger bones, stronger hearts, more mobility, better physical health – studies indicate that elders who maintained or increased their levels of physical activity showed significantly less cognitive decline than peers over the same period. Researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California found that mental-health state exam scores among the sedentary population declined by an average of .62 points per year, while scores among consistently active elders declined by only .40. The results were presented at the 2009 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Vienna, Austria.

good nutrition “feel much better and much younger” than those who don’t. “Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol can weigh a person down, decrease their energy level and lead to obesity. Being overweight and inactive accounts for one-third of the worldwide causes of breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, and esophageal cancers. Good nutrition involves eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and calcium, limiting simple sugars such as soft drinks, cakes, pies, cookies and candy and limiting saturated fats,” Rider said. “With so many things beyond our control in this day and age it gives me comfort to know that my diet is something I can control. Every day, with every meal, you are given the opportunity to choose healthy foods that can make you feel better and supply you with the adequate nutrients to be active and productive.”

“The rabbi came out and said ‘I’ve never conducted a funeral to applause before,’” Brenda recalls, laughing. “Harold was such a great loss, but I’m so happy that I can laugh about the time we spent together and the fact that he lived in a happy life. It’s what you do on Earth that matters most. When I go, I hope that I’m remembered as someone who loved life. I want people to say, ‘Man, she had fun.’” by Erin K. Cormier

attitude gratitude fortitude

ve laughable doable loveable Staying active and healthy also allows an aging population to participate in one of the most important elements to eternal youth: Social interaction with equally active and vibrant friends.

peace satisfaction creativity spirituality “I have a lot of friends who like the same things and a lot of other friends who like completely different things. I enjoy being around people with a wide variety of ideas and experiences. It makes my mind work a bit,” Brenda says. “There are some curmudgeons in the group, but that’s okay.”

choices nutrition exercise

“I’ve met a lot of seniors who want to make their doctors responsible for their health. Although doctors play an important role in their health care, they can’t be solely responsible for a person living a healthy life. People have to take charge of their own lifestyles,” Kaufman said. “And it can’t just be about exercise. Diet is an extremely important aspect when it comes to quality of life.” After ten years as a registered dietitian, Samantha Rider, clinical nutrition manager with Christus St. Patrick Hospital, is certain that those who exercise regularly and practice September 2009

Of all her friends, however, Brenda has been without her closest friend for eight years – her husband, Harold. He died of a sudden heart attack in 2001. This September would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. Despite losing her closest confidant and greatest love – a man who could make her laugh more than anyone else – Brenda chooses not to dwell on the loss and focuses instead on their great memories. At Harold’s funeral, the organist played “If I Were a Rich Man” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof because her husband played the main role in community theatre to much fanfare. Afterward the funeral attendees stood and cheered. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Are You Young At Heart? Take our quiz on page 38 to see how youthful you are.

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Are You Young At Heart? 1. When was the last time you learned something new, such as knitting, painting, playing an instrument, etc.? a. I tend to stick with what I know. b. A couple of years ago I took up a new hobby, but it didn’t stick. c. I’m constantly learning new things. 2. How many times do you laugh a day (a good strong laugh, not an obligatory chuckle)? a. Not much strikes me as funny. b. At least once. c. People tell me I laugh a lot. 3. How many hours a week do you exercise? a. Zero to one. b. One to two. c. More than two hours a week. 4. How would you describe your social circle? a. Not very large; I have one really close friend, but that’s about it. b. Two close friends and several acquaintances. c. My social circle is wide and varied. 5. What’s your favorite way to pass the time? a. Watching television. b. Reading a book. c. Working crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or similar games. 6. What is your general attitude toward the past? a. I wish I would have done things differently. b. I made some mistakes, but have tried to learn from them. c. My life has been full of ups and downs, but I cherish my favorite memories and love making new ones. 7. How many fruits and vegetables do you eat daily? a. Zero to one serving. b. Two to three servings. c. At least three servings. 8. How many times a week do you leave the house and engage in social activities, such as dancing, card games, church events, traveling, dinner with friends, etc.? a. I don’t leave the house much. I consider myself a homebody and prefer to stay home. b. At least once a week. c. At least twice a week. 9. Do you have a pet? a. No. b. I have a pet, but don’t consider it a daily companion. c. I have a pet, and definitely consider him/her part of my family. 10. In general, how would you describe your stress level? a. Very stressed. My life is difficult right now and it makes me tense a lot of the time. b. Moderately stressful. Sometimes I’m stressed, but I have relaxing moments. c. My life is no more or less stressful than anyone else, but I usually feel relaxed and content.

Results:

MOSTLY A’S – It’s time to schedule a night out with friends. Consider taking up a new hobby as well. Remember to enjoy the wonderments of life. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean they don’t exist; you’re probably just missing them. Don’t forget to smile. Life is too short to be taken seriously! MOSTLY B’S – You’re probably level-headed with moments of youthful exuberance, but why not turn those moments into a continued state of mind? Embrace your inner child and all the silliness that comes with it. MOSTLY C’S – You seem to have embraced and released your inner child. For you, life is full of peaks and valleys, but that’s what makes it interesting, right? Keep laughing, enjoying life and sharing your enthusiasm with others. 38

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September 2009

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Breathing Easier For people with asthma or allergies, going outdoors can be a difficult task. Pollen seems to be everywhere and has a way of bringing allergy sufferers down. Rather than fighting the discomfort that comes along with outdoor allergies, those prone to allergic reactions choose to stay indoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies have proven that the air inside our homes is on average 10 times more polluted than outside air. Ashley Pyatt, Indoor Air Quality Specialist with Air Conduit in Lake Charles believes that this occurs when microbial pollutants, like mold, pet dander and funguses combine with chemical and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) to create a toxic environment in your home.“Everything that comes into our homes has the potential to be harmful to our health such as building materials, furniture, paint, pollen, cleaning products and even our dry cleaning. A good thing to remember is if there are chemicals and VOCs in a product that you use in your home, it’s a good chance there are chemicals and VOCs in the air your family is breathing.” Unfortunately, chemicals are not the only factor that contribute to indoor allergies. Even in the cleanest of homes, the growth of biological pollutants such as dust mites may occur. “Whether you want to admit it or not, dust mites inhabit our homes and feed on the dead skin cells shed by humans and pets,” said Pyatt. These microscopic creatures do not carry diseases but do, however, cause allergic reactions to asthmatics and others who are allergic to their feces.

by Katie McDaniel

Pyatt says,“The average human sheds 1/3 ounce of dead skin a week. If we’re not going to starve them out, how do we get rid of them?” A study done by Kingston University (London, UK) in February 2005 has proven that you can significantly reduce the dust mite population by maintaining a humidity level below 50%. This process of removing moisture in the air is called dehumidification and requires a humidity removal and monitoring device called a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are essential in fighting dust mite allergies but there are other contributors to poor indoor air quality as well. “Improper ventilation can promote mold, fungi and other microbial growth, especially in the humid climate of Southwest Louisiana,” says Pyatt. “If cellulose materials such as paper, wood and drywall become moist and fail to dry within 48 hours, mold colonies can form and release allergic spores into the air.” Pyatt suggests a few simple things you can do to improve indoor air quality: • Pay attention to the labels on products that you bring into your home • Remove plastic and air out dry cleaning before bringing it inside • Use a quality air filter such as a polysynthetic filter • Make sure to change out your air filter every month For more information on how to get rid of allergy causing pollutants and better your family’s home air quality, contact Ashley Pyatt with Air Conduit at (337) 436-7551.

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September 2009

by Christine Fisher

Retirees Cope with Slow Economy T

he sluggish economy has turned many retirees weak in the knees as they review their investment statements, their bank accounts and their budgets. There is faint news that the recession may be coming to an end, but many adults in their late 60s and 70s know the road to economic recovery can be long: they witnessed or heard close relatives tell of their experiences during the Great Depression. While the current down cycle hasn’t crippled the U.S. economy to that extent, it has caused serious changes in the way Americans plan for the future as many struggle to keep the pieces together today. Ninety-four million Americans are age 50 and older.“There are a tremendous number of us that are either near retirement or are already retired,” said Mike Harmison, Executive Vice President with Cameron State Bank,“and we’re studying portfolios, wondering if we made the right decisions, worrying that there won’t be enough.” Even if more than enough money was set aside, the majority of retirees are closely watching economic news for signs of renewed life. According to a survey by AARP involving over 1,000 individuals of retirement age, there are substantial financial differences by age group. Those in the upper end of the baby boomer era, between the ages of 55 – 64, are more likely than younger boomers to own their own homes, and are just a few years away from retirement, or are newly retired. Those in their late 50s are a few years away from Medicare coverage and full Social Security benefits. They are vulnerable to losing their employer-based health care coverage and not being able to afford replacement coverage. Because of their age, they have less time to recover and get ahead economically before reaching a retirement decision. The survey report shows that this age group took the biggest hit on their 401(k) and other investments, with over 60 percent reporting a decline. Twenty-six percent said they had prematurely withdrawn funds from their retirement accounts. Also, 32 percent made changes in their homes to remain there longer.“Those of us in this age group have had some serious issues to deal with. We have less time to recover from this sluggish economy and get ahead financially before it’s time to make a decision about retirement,” said Harmison. The group in the 65 and older age range hasn’t had to make as many adjustments as their younger counterparts. Many own their own homes, have company pensions, are already covered by Medicare, including a prescription drug benefit, and generally have a low consumption rate and higher savings rate.“This group has experienced September 2009

more economic downturns and recessions,” explained Harmison.“They are used to ‘paying as they go’ and saving to make major purchases.” But, they have been impacted by this current economy. Almost half have seen their investments decrease in value and more than one-third have seen the value of their homes decrease. The majority of this group is spending less on eating out and entertaining and they are postponing their travel plans until the economy gets better. Retirement nest eggs are usually made up of home values, 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts – all of which have been hit hard nationwide.“Here in Southwest Louisiana, we’ve been fortunate to retain and in some cases, see an increase in home values. But, many retirees have received the bad news that their health insurance is no longer in effect due to cutbacks, or that their investment took a big hit. The economy has affected everyone in some way or another,” Harmison said. For retirees with investments in the stock market, they’ve seen the value drop an average of 18 percent in the last year. With an economic rebound, investors will hopefully recoup their money, but at what pace? “Seeking advice from a trusted financial expert is step one. ‘Trusted’ is the key word,” said Harmison.“Fraudulent activity is continuous, and too-good-to-be-true offers are robbing people of their hard-earned money. We all want to turn as big of a profit as we can, but if you’re dealing with a new company or someone you don’t know, get a second opinion.” Older adults should beware of tying up their money in CDs and fixed annuities that promise higher interest rates. Money could be needed to help with a wide variety of unexpected circumstances, such as health problems or unforeseen living expenses. A trusted financial advisor will look at individual situations and make recommendations tailored to each person’s needs. “We’ve been fortunate to escape many of the direct economic problems encountered by thousands of people in other parts of the United States. It’s been challenging to hear the stories and it’s caused a good deal of anxiety as we wonder if we’ll be next, but for the most part, most of our lives haven’t been drastically affected,” Harmison said.“This doesn’t mean we’re immune, though.” Trimming down on living expenses is a good idea until the economy regains solid footing. This might include reducing the number of times you eat out, scaling back on gifts or travel or putting off buying a new car if it’s not absolutely necessary.“It’s not time to avoid spending money altogether, but choose your purchases carefully,” Harmison said. Until the recovery is more evident, most older adults are carefully guarding their money.

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Chamber Plans Collectible Book of Local Photography Featuring SWLA The Chamber/Southwest Louisiana has announced plans to publish a coffee table book on Southwest Louisiana. The book, to be titled Southwest Louisiana: A Treasure Revealed will feature photography by noted local photographer, Lindsey Janies. Her photos will be accompanied by text written by Jeanne Owens.

to present a great visual depiction of the economy, the lifestyle and the people that make our five-parish area what it is today,” Swift said. A unique part of Southwest Louisiana is the “Partners in Southwest Louisiana” section which will include the profiles of many of the region’s leading corporations and organizations. Participation in this section is being offered by invitation to area organizations and institutions which have played a role in the development and economic strength of the region. The “Partners in Southwest Louisiana” section is separate from the main historical manuscript and stories will be written by Ms. Owens. Project Manager Joe Bowman will be sharing with regional business leaders the benefits of including their own business profile in the book.

According to George Swift, president/CEO of The Chamber SWLA, the book is being produced to “offer a unique visual perspective on our region.” The book will showcase In the production of Southwest Louisiana: A Treasure Revealed, the Chamber SWLA is our unique region, its vibrant economy and the people who live here. utilizing the services of Historical Publishing Network of San Antonio as a publishing The “coffee table” book will contain dozens of original color photographs depicting consultant. The book, when published, will retail for $49.95 and will be available life, leisure and work in the five parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and through the Chamber SWLA and also at area book stores. It will also be utilized as a Jefferson Davis. collateral economic development piece by the SWLA Economic Development Alliance. Many companies may also use the book as prestige gifts and for employee recruiting. Southwest Louisiana will be a “landmark publication,” Swift stated, that will be fun to read and peruse, yet will help show the world what our area has to offer. “We intend For more information, contact Amanda White at awhite@allianceswla.org.

September 2009

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Forecast:

Stormy Flu Season by Erin K. Cormier

With H1N1 flu activity on the uptick and the traditional flu season on the horizon, health professionals have taken every opportunity to remind residents to practice good hygiene and make logical choices if they get sick, especially with the school year underway. Flu season begins in late fall and usually peaks around mid-winter. According to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine, 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.”

first, since they are readily exposed to the illness. “Meanwhile, the prevention advice remains the same for either seasonal flu or H1N1, and the number one preventative method is proper hygiene,” said Todd Peavy, Family Medicine Physician with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic. With cases of worldwide swine flu already in the thousands and Louisiana reporting its first death in August, health officials are also urging the

Louisiana health officials have estimated that the state has had about 20,000 cases of swine flu since April, but less than 500 have been officially confirmed and there has been only one confirmed fatality from the disease. Most of the swine flu sufferers have been young people ages five to 24. Swine flu was detected in all areas of the state, according to the DHH. Vaccines, originally expected to be available in October, are not expected to be widely available until the end of the year, due to high demand. Most authorities have recommended that health professionals be vaccinated

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public to get their seasonal flu shot. “Flu season will be here very soon – now is the time to get informed. It’s especially vital to get the flu shot, even if you’ve never had it before. This is particularly important if you’re in a high-risk population group. This includes young children, women who are pregnant, people over the age of 65, and those with pulmonary conditions or other health ailments such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease,” Dr. Peavy said. Once flu season arrives, there are additional precautions people should take to prevent the spread of the virus. “If you do get sick, stay home. Don’t go to work and don’t go to school. See your family physician, get your medications, and rest. Do not expose others to the illness,” stressed Dr. Peavy. Dr. Peavy provided these additional preventative tips: • When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. If you use a tissue, dispose it immediately. • Wash your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are acceptable, but make sure you clean all the crevices of your hands. • Avoid contact with those who are sick or show signs of sickness. • If you are a student, carry alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your booksack. Use it often. • If you show flu-like symptoms, make an appointment with your family physician, especially if you are part of the high-risk population. Recommendations for swine flu vaccinations are rapidly changing and it is unknown which populations will receive priority to receive it. As of the printing of this issue, there was continuing debate over whether parents and children should receive vaccinations first, or if the initial batch should be reserved for highrisk populations, such as pregnant women and the elderly. Be sure to pay attention to updates released by health professionals as flu season advances. September 2009

1st Annual CCOA Meals-On-Wheels Senior Prom Fund-Raiser Saturday, September 19th • 2–6pm Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall Antique Food, Music Cars & More Court & Pictures Presentations All proceeds from this event support Calcasieu Parish Meals on Wheels program.

TickeTs $5.00 To Purchase Tickets call Angie with CCOA at 337-474-2583 or Melissa with Southern Home Health at 337-479-2233. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like to make a donation, please contact Robin Abshire at 337-309-6861 or Jackie Hebert at 337-302-6960.

The Facts About Cancer in Southwest Louisiana – from a local doctor YOUR CHANCE OF GETTING CANCER IS BASICALLY THE SAME – NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE. THAT’S A FACT.

Although many people believe cancer rates are higher here, it's just not true. Whether you are an artist in the west, a construction worker in the north, or an accountant in Southwest Louisiana, you have about a one in three chance of getting cancer.* What else is fact? Cancer mortality rates are higher in Southwest Louisiana, meaning fewer people with cancer survive here. There are many reasons for this, however, the biggest one is the fact that fewer people in our area get regular screenings. And we all know, the earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival. The most important fact? Getting regular screenings, along with living a healthy lifestyle, is your best defense against cancer. Lifestyle factors cause most cancers. So you can take control of your cancer risk by living a healthier life – don’t smoke, eat right and get plenty of exercise.

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

Fight Cancer with Facts. Susan Jones, MD, internal medicine specialist

" How you live is more important than where you live when it comes to your chances of getting cancer. Knowing the facts can help you lower your risk and increase your chances of survival.”

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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.

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Across from O.B.’s September 2009

Mission: Youth Nutrition As obesity among youth worsens, she hopes to make a difference

By Erin K. Cormier

hen it comes to health and nutrition among today’s young people, 20-year-old Autumn Fremaux and the U.S. Surgeon General are on the same page. In 2001, the Surgeon General’s Office announced a call to action to prevent and decrease American obesity. The promotion of healthier options in schools and an increase in physical activity among school-age students were included as national priorities. Eight years later, however, students engage in less physical education than is recommended by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the obesity epidemic has shown few signs of slowing down. Research indicates that the life span for today’s youth is lower than their parents for the first time in 100 years, and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 60 percent of children and adolescents eat too much fat. In addition to poor nutrition, today’s young people are more sedentary than ever. “When I was a kid, I played outside. I drank water from the water hose, ran around, and stayed outside until dinnertime. I had P.E. and long recesses every day at school,” said Fremaux, a graduate of Sulphur High School and junior at McNeese State University. “Today’s children don’t know how to enjoy being active.” Fremaux hopes to change that. In addition to attending McNeese full-time in the department of nutrition and family studies, she keeps a parttime job at Pure Foods and Health, a local health foods store, where one of her duties is to prepare tasty superfood smoothies that include all-natural ingredients like berries, kale, and nuts. She said her part-time job has taught her even more about good nutrition, something that has piqued her interest since high school. When she graduates from the dietetics program in 2011, her goal is to find a job working inside the school system, where she can mold youth toward healthy and active lifestyles. She said children are a captive audience because they are easily influenced and open to new thoughts and ideas. “They have less preconceived ideas in their minds about what’s fun and healthy, and they don’t have a lot of control in their lives. Teaching them how to take care of themselves gives them the control that they want and starts them on a path toward healthy living,” said Fremaux, who notes that healthy living isn’t limited to good nutrition – it also means staying active. In 1991, 42 percent of high school students participated in P.E., according to the CDC. Today, that

September 2009

number has dropped by nearly 50 percent. Fremaux said her ideal curriculum would include at least one long daily recess for younger children and an hour of physical education every day for all students. Physical activity is an everyday commitment for Fremaux, who spends mornings cycling with friends. She also advocates the removal of vending machines from public schools. “You can argue for healthy snacks in the vending machines, but personally I don’t understand why they’re necessary at all,” Fremaux said. Fremaux said the biggest challenges to promoting healthy nutrition and active lifestyles – especially in a state like Louisiana, which has some of the highest obesity numbers and unhealthiest lifestyles in the nation – are dismantling preconceived notions that practicing good nutrition is torturous, unsatisfying, and bland. “You can’t just eat foods off the shelf that claim to be low-fat diet foods and consider that healthy eating. It’s a change in lifestyle and mindset. That’s why it’s great to work with kids. If you start when they’re young, you can broaden their palate and teach them habits that can last a lifetime,” Fremaux said.“If everyone in the world lived a healthy lifestyle, we would have a much more proactive society. When you feel good physically, have a lot of energy and are comfortable with yourself, you can be much more productive. You don’t waste time worrying about your health or your body, which means you have more time to do something truly meaningful.”

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Office (337) 433-1403 Toll-free 1-877-433-5311 Dietetics student Autumn Fremaux hopes to utilize her college education to promote health and nutrition among youth. When not in school, she works at Pure Foods and Health, a local health foods store. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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At first glance, the thought of infant swimming lessons may seem counterproductive. Babies can hardly speak full sentences, let alone perform a successful breaststroke or butterfly.

The goal of infant swimming lessons, however, isn’t to teach them how to swim from one end of the pool to the other. The key is water acclimation and water safety, according to Judi McIntosh, founder of Swimsational Swim School in Sulphur and certified Swim Script Curriculum instructor. McIntosh said infant swimming lessons begin with songs, water acclimation games, and other techniques such as the breath control process. According to McIntosh, many babies learn how to walk on Swimsational’s specially designed pool ledge before they can walk on land. “There is much less weight to support in the water (and) they gain increased balance as the water is moving constantly and they are exercising muscles used to maintain their balance,” McIntosh said. “Children can be seen diving for and retrieving toys from the bottom of pool as early as one year old.”

Infant

Swimming

– What Can They Really Learn?

Parents who choose to give their infants swimming lessons look beyond the moment, she said. They want to teach their children life-saving skills and how to have fun in the water – important things to learn in a place like Southwest Louisiana, where water plays an important role in most family pastimes. “The key to learning is the emphasis on a positive learning environment, which includes everything from warm water temperatures to great visual and auditory stimuli, and of course patience and enthusiasm,” McIntosh said. For more information on infant swimming, contact Swimsational Swim School at 527-0950 or visit www.swimsational.net.

We’ve Made A Sound Investment In Our Future. STACEY CORBELLO, Investment Executive/Wealth Consultant Mallard Investments is proud to welcome Stacey Corbello as the newest member of our staff of advisors. Stacey brings with her over 13 years of experience in the financial field. She is a registered investment representative and a certified Accredited Asset Management Specialist. Stacey provides assistance in: • Personal and business investment planning • Retirement plans • Long-term care and wealth transfer strategies • Education plans With her experience in helping people achieve their financial goals, Stacey is a valuable asset to the Mallard Investment team. Call today for more information or to schedule a free consultation with Stacey.

(337) 312-7040 4440 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles Securities and insurance products offered by UVEST Financial Services and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC. UVEST and Mallard Investments are independent entities. Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency

May Lose Value Not a Bank Deposit

www.thriveswla.com Securities and insurance products offered by UVEST Financial Services and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC. UVEST and Mallard Investments are independent entities.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

Make Your Nose Look Better with the Right Eyewear Glasses today serve a multitude of purposes. They correct your vision, express your personal style, add an extra way to accessorize your outfit, and can change the appearance of your nose. That’s right, choosing the right frame size and style can provide a quick and easy virtual “nose job.” Follow these suggestions from Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic to help your nose look its best: Large Nose: A large nose will shrink when adorned with large, oversized frames, Avoid small frames that accentuate your nose. Long Nose: Frames that have high sidebars will drawing attention upward toward the temples and away from the nose. A double bridge or low bridges will also help a nose appear shorter. Small Nose: A high bridge in a light color will lengthen your nose and also give a nose that is small in proportion to the rest of the face a bigger presence.

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Optometry Association Honors Sandefur

Engleking, M.D. Appointed to VPMA at Christus-St. Patrick Hospital David W. Engleking, M.D. has been named the Vice President of Medical Affairs at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. Dr. Engleking is board certified in Internal Medicine with broad clinical experience. He joins St. Patrick Hospital from Tarrant Inpatient Associates in Fort Worth, Texas, where he served as Founder/Chief Executive Officer since 1994.

At the annual convention held in Lafayette, the Board of Directors of the Optometry Association of Louisiana announced the creation of the Dr. James D. Sandefur Louisiana Distinguished Service Award. The Award was named in honor of its first recipient, an Oakdale optometrist. Sandefur has worked for more than 10 years as executive director of the OAL, represented optometry on a national level, James D. Sandefur, MD served on the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners, and elevated the practice of optometry in the eyes of Louisiana health care providers and the nation. Dr. Sandefur currently serves on the Board of Directors of First Federal Bank of Louisiana in Lake Charles and serves as secretary/treasurer of the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners.

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When Your Contributions Go Unmatched How to Deal with Suspended 401(k)s

Putting money into a 401(k) is typically considered an overall winning situation for employees; companies match contributions dollar-for-dollar to a certain percentage, easily beefing up the original investment, and the money grows tax-deferred. But what to do when your company suspends 401(k) matches? When the economy takes a downturn, many businesses cope with falling profits and rising costs by suspending their 401(k) employee matches. According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Denise Rau, President of Rau Financial Group, a wide variety of companies have turned to 401(k) suspensions as a money-saving strategy to thwart the economic decline. A study by Hewitt Associates found that firms can save, on average, more than $1,500 per employee each year just by temporarily reducing or eliminating company matches. “One of the reasons that 401(k)s are such a great benefit is because the employee essentially gets free money from the employer. When that benefit is taken away, it can be difficult for the employee to know what steps to take in response. Now that the match has been suspended, employees may think it’s wise to reduce their contribution,” Rau said.“Actually, this may be the time to increase your contributions toward your retirement rather than decrease it.” According to Rau, the ideal thing to do would be to increase your retirement contributions to cover the percentage that’s been suspended. You can do this by hiking the percentage you put into your 401(k) or by implementing a new savings strategy. “Obviously not everyone will be able to ramp up their

by Erin K. Cormier

retirement savings to cover the deficit left by the employer, but the only way to recoup those losses is to beef up your contributions. This doesn’t necessarily mean increasing how much you put in your 401(k). You may decide that you want to open a supplemental retirement package instead,” Rau said.“When your employer has announced that matches will be scaled back or taken away, it presents you with an opportunity to reconsider your retirement savings strategy.” Roth IRAs are popular additions to retirement strategies, Rau said. Roth IRAs allow employees to contribute with after-tax dollars and withdraw the money tax-free at retirement. According to Rau, some employers offer a Roth vehicle in their retirement benefit. Traditional IRAs, which offer an immediate tax deduction, are another option. Traditional IRAs require the investor to pay taxes at retirement. Deciding whether the Roth or traditional IRA is the most efficient investment for your retirement plans can be tricky because it depends on future tax rates, which are obviously unknown. Your financial planner should be able to direct you to the wiser choice based on your specific situation, Rau said. She also noted that this is also a good time to consider starting or increasing contributions to the household’s emergency fund. Most financial professionals recommend that consumers have an emergency fund that covers three to six months of household expenses. If a company has scaled back 401(k) matches, it’s clear that they are feeling the pinch of the economic crisis,“and although it certainly isn’t an announcement of impending layoffs, it’s best to be on the safe side,” Rau said. “I recommend an emergency fund for families no matter what the national economic situation is. You never know what life will hand you, so why not be prepared? It gives you peace of mind,” Rau said. For more information about retirement planning, call Rau Financial Group at 480-3835.

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a Will for the Living K

nowing in advance the type of medical care that you or a loved one will receive during a medical crisis is often a huge relief, not only to a patient and their family, but also to their physician.

Advanced directives, also known as living wills, allow individuals to express their personal wishes of treatment if they are ever in a state of medical emergency and cannot voice their opinion. These legal documents provide specific information such as a patient’s choice of medical action, if a medical power of attorney was elected and if the patient would ever like to be resuscitated or kept on life-support. It is important for each patient to discuss advance care planning with family members and physicians regarding the decisions that will need to be made at the end of life. Sylvia Marcantel, executive director of Odyssey HealthCare in Lake Charles, believes that discussing the issues and deciding on a course of action before an emergency or change in health occurs, it helps families to be better prepared when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal or life threatening illness. Lydia Appling, LCSW and advanced certified hospice and palliative social worker with Odyssey HealthCare of Lake Charles said the original signed document will be given to the patient and should be placed in a secure but accessible location.

by Katie McDaniel

Copies of the documents should be made for spouses or other family members as well as the physician who will keep them on file. Until death, a patient may revoke or alter these documents at any time. However, each time the document is amended, new documents must be prepared, signed, dated and witnessed by all those involved. Appling recommends making these decisions now while the patient is still healthy.“Our patients appreciate the fact that by doing this, they are taking the stress and guilt off of family members.” Without the emotional impact of a crisis situation, more rational decisions can be made and those involved can be made aware of the situation. Odyssey HealthCare provides not only advanced directives but hospice and palliative care for terminally ill patients as well. Every patient is served by a team of medical professionals who are guided by the choices and decisions made by the patient, family and physician.“They are committed to providing quality care whether it be in the patient’s home, nursing home or hospital,” says Appling. Advanced care planning is a right that everyone is entitled to. For more information or assistance on end of life care, call Lydia Appling with Odyssey HealthCare at (337) 562-3200.

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rehabilitation and post-operative orthopaedic patients. Duplechin is originally from Lake Charles. He attended McNeese State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport. He is a licensed Physical Therapist and has 21 years experience in the physical therapy field. Miller is also a licensed physical therapist and he has 16 years of experience in the physical therapy field He is originally from Iota, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from LSU Medical Center School of Physical Therapy in New Orleans. Both Duplechin and Miller have completed a wide range of continuing education programs for orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, including the Pneu-FAST Fitness and Sports Training program for sports performance. Rehab One is located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles. Call 721-7280 for more information.

Women’s Seminar Scheduled Signatures Stylists Complete Advanced Training Several staff members of Signatures Salon completed advanced training in their respective fields this summer in New York City at two prestigious training studios. Stylists Frankie Meier and Emily Spears attended classes taught by Nick Arrojo, the stylist from the television program What Not to Wear, at the Wella Studio. Other staff members attended BbU (Bumble and bumble University), often referred to as the “Harvard for hair.” Bekah Nash, Salon Manager, and Ashley Lougan, Operations Manager, attended Business Immersion I, an intensive four-day program focusing on core strategies for building a strong salon business. Stylists Cortney Blalock and Courtney Foreman attended three-day design technique workshops covering theory and training, razor and scissor techniques, and consultation skills including the ability to translate editorial references and fashion trends for clients. Stylist Lensi White attended the Network Educator Immersion I course, a four-day intensive program designed to provide senior stylists with leadership skills to teach and motivate other stylists. Signatures Salon has been in business for over 12 years and is owned by Wendy White McCown.

Kleinpeter Farms Expands to Lake Charles Kleinpeter Farms Dairy, a Baton Rouge family-owned company, has announced an expansion into Lake Charles and nearby communities, offering a full line of dairy products, including thirteen flavors of ice cream using home grown ingredients. Local products are available at Albertson’s in Lake Charles, Cash Magic in Vinton, Piggly Wiggly and the In and Out Market in Jennings, Foret’s in Iota, and Brown’s Neighborhood Market in Grand Lake. Kleinpeter Farms has a 1500 acre farm in Montpelier, LA, and also uses milk from 20 Louisiana dairies, helping keep those small family farms in business. The company has never used rBGH, recombinant bovine growth hormone, in its cows because rBGH artificially increases a cow’s metabolism.

Rehab One Opens in Lake Charles Rehab One, a new orthopaedic and sports physical therapy group, is now open in Lake Charles. Owned by physical therapists Scott Duplechin and Dwaine Miller, Rehab One offers comprehensive services for adolescent and adult musculoskeletal conditions, with a special emphasis on orthopaedic and sports 56

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An event designed just for women, the next Cameron State Bank’s ‘Get it Together, Girl!’ seminar will feature local experts in the fields of orthopaedics, finance and organization. The free seminar is scheduled for Thursday, September 10 and will be held at the main office of Cameron State Dorene Gothreaux Tyson Green, DPM Bank, 4440 Nelson Road in Lake Charles. Registration and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., the speakers and door prizes are from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Preregistration is required by calling 312-7731. Tyson Green, DPM, foot and ankle specialist with Center for Orthopaedics will give tips for women who teeter on high heels too often and offer smart shoe shopping advice for shoes that are both fashionable and functional. Dorene Gothreaux, senior vice president and Angela Tezeno, M.Ed. branch manager with CSB will explain how to achieve financial balance by setting aside money for all elements of life, regardless of income. Angela Tezeno, M.Ed., certified life coach and founder of Angela Tezeno Ministries, will discuss the importance of organization to streamline a hectic lifestyle.

Louis Todd Announces Formation of Todd & Associates Todd & Associates, LLC, a commercial insurance and risk management firm, has opened for business in Lake Charles. Todd & Associates will specialize in providing a full spectrum of risk management products to businesses including hospitals, surgery centers, physicians, related healthcare facilities and other corporate clients. The range of products they offer includes a variety of commercial insurance lines, employee benefits and related strategic and support services as needed. Louis Todd Louis Todd, owner and president of the new company, has over 25 years of experience in the insurance field. He is originally from Lake Charles and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from McNeese State University. Todd is a certified insurance counselor and has worked with numerous of companies on the local, regional and national level. He currently serves as Chairman of LAMMICO Insurance Company’s Agent Advisory Board and is a member of the Board of Directors for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Todd & Associates is located at 126 Arlington Drive in Lake Charles, and the phone number is (337) 475-1040.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

Corbello Joins Mallard Investments

Stacey Corbello

Mallard Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cameron State Bank, has announced the addition of Stacey Corbello to the staff as an Investment Executive/ Wealth Consultant. Originally from Lake Charles, Corbello attended McNeese State University and brings with her over 13 years of experience in the financial field. She is a registered investment representative and a certified Accredited Asset Management Specialist. For more information or to schedule a free consultation at Mallard Investments, call 337-312-7040.

Workshop on Teamwork Sept. 24 Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana will host “What Really Makes a Team Work?”, presented by Deb McCormick of TEAMed Up, from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Sept. 24, at Family and Youth Counseling Agency, 220 Louie Street. The workshop will discuss the habits and attitudes of effective teams that contribute to strategic growth and daily dynamics. Cost is $10 for CFAN members and $25 for others. For more information or to register, contact Ann Bruner at ann@fyca.org or 436-9533.

Jon Margaux Receives U.S. Commerce Award Jon Margeaux has been selected for the 2009 Best of Lake Charles Award in the Gifts & Novelties category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country that have achieved exceptional marketing success and enhance the image of small businesses.

Employee of the Quarter Announced West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Russell Benoit, environmental services supervisor, as its third quarter Employee of the Quarter. Benoit has been with the hospital for three years and has been in his current profession for approximately 12 years.“Russell is a tremendous asset to the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital family,” Russell Benoit with Christi Kingsley, vice president stated Bill Hankins, administrator of human resources at West Calcasieu Cameron and CEO. “His positive attitude and push for change has helped Hospital his department achieve greater efficiency and has helped bring our organization to a new level.” Benoit is active in the community, serving as a Mason for the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge in Lake Charles and Sulphur. He is an honorary member of the Westlake Mason’s lodge and also serves as a Habibi Shriner. He also coaches little league baseball and serves as an ambassador for the hospital.

Junior League Announces Board, Awards Ann Barilleaux was elected president of the 2009-2010 Junior League of Lake Charles Inc. Other board members elected were Melanie LeJeune, President Elect; Kay Barnett, Sustaining Advisor; Melissa Kelty, Communications Vice President; Angela Queenan, Community Vice President; Sara Ezell, Finance Vice President; Charlotte McCann, Membership Vice President; Ashley McMahon, Assistant Treasurer; Lisa Trouth, Parliamentarian; Julie Miller, Advisory Planning & Bylaws Chair; Lisa Verrette, Strategic Planning Chair; Tara Hawkins, Placement Chair; and Trisha Garber, Nominating Chair. Team Citgo 2009 was presented the Della Krause Thielan Voluntarism Award and named NAMI as recipient of a monetary gift in their honor. Charlotte McCann was recognized as the 2008-2009 “Active of the Year,” and Anita Tritico was named 20082009 “Sustainer of the Year.” September 2009

Janies Celebrates Grand Opening A grand opening celebration was held for Lindsey Janies Photography at 900 Ryan Street, Suite 100. Lindsey Janies is a professional photographer and artist. Her office is located in the restored Charleston Hotel downtown. For more information, visit www.LindseyJanies.com.

McNeese Announces 2009 Career Fair Employers interested in recruiting McNeese State University graduates and/or students for full-time and part-time positions as well as for possible internships are invited to make plans to participate in the Fall 2009 Career Fair Sept. 21 sponsored by McNeese Career Services. This event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Parra Ballroom of the New Ranch (Student Union Annex). This year’s theme is “Invest in Your Future.” McNeese students of all majors and classifications as well as MSU alumni are invited to participate. Graduating seniors seeking to develop job leads as well as those students seeking internships and part-time employment are encouraged to bring their resumes. Employers interested in participating may submit the vendor fair form online at www.mcneese.edu/career or contact the McNeese Career Services Center at (337) 4755612 or at 1-800-622-3352, ext. 5612.

Auditions for Gepetto September 9 Auditions for Disney’s GEPPETTO & SON have been announced by The Children’s Theatre Company (CTC); Kerry A. Onxley, Artistic Director. This production will open the 25th Celebration Season for CTC. As in the original Pinocchio story, a wooden puppet aspires to become a real boy, and faces lessons about telling the truth. The production will be on stage February 5-8 and 13-14, 2010. Auditions are from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, at the Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center (809 Kirby; Suite 313). No experience is necessary. Enrollment in classes is required. For more information, contact the theatre at (337) 433-7323 or visit the website at www.childrenstheatre.cc.

Watercolor Classes Begin September 8 Local artist Sue Zimmerman will teach watercolor classes at the Associated Louisiana Artists Gallery beginning September 8. Zimmerman has been painting

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continued from page 57 in watercolor for more than 20 years and has received awards in several juried shows in Louisiana and Texas. A morning class will be available from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. An evening class will be offered from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning September 9. The classes will be ongoing for a monthly fee of $60. For more information, call 478-5850 or visit www.suezimmerman.com. The ALA gallery is located at 106 W. Lawrence St.

Cameron State Bank Announces Branch Management Appointments New management positions have been announced by Cameron State Bank. Sumer Jones is now Assistant Vice President/ Branch Manager at the University Banking Center and Nick Fuselier is the Branch Supervisor at the main office on Nelson Road. Jones is originally from Ragley Nick Fuselier Summer Jones and attended McNeese State University where she received a Bachelor of Finance degree. She is currently working on a Master’s of Business Administration at McNeese. Jones has been with the bank for seven years. Fuselier is from Lake Charles and attended Sowela Technical Community College and McNeese State University. He has been with Cameron State Bank for six years.

Oustalet Joins CSE Federal Credit Union Tova Oustalet has joined CSE Federal Credit Union as business development representative. She will be responsible for CSE’s development efforts and public relations. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Local Stylist Featured on Style Network Local stylist Lensi White with Signatures Salon will be featured in the show Split Ends on the Style Network September 19. The Emmy-nominated reality series swaps stylists from two salons with different approaches. Lensi went to M Salon 1 in Tampa, Florida in May while Tweet Jones spent time at Signatures to experience “cutting with someone else’s Lensi White, with Signatures Salon, styles a client scissors,” according to Style Network at M Salon 1 in Tampa, Florida while being filmed spokesperson Melissa O’Keefe. for Split Ends on Style Network. Photo taken by Check local listings for show time. Dalonde Clark.

McNeese Announces 2009-2010 Colloquia American gangsters, Louisiana women and utilizing popular media in the classroom are just a few of the topics to be presented during the 2009-2010 Faculty Colloquia Series at McNeese State University. The presentations are from 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays in the Stream Alumni Center and are open free to the public. Scheduled dates, speakers and titles are as follows: Sept. 17, Walt Fontane, reference librarian, Frazar Memorial Library,“But He Was Good to His Mother: Researching and Writing about Gangsters in America”; Oct. 8, Dr. Karen Aucoin, professor of mathematics, College of Science,“Introducing Students to the Joy of Mathematical Discovery”; Nov. 19, Dr. Andrew Foshee, professor of economics, College of Business, 58

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“Troy Cauley – The First Agrarian Economist”; Jan. 28, Twila Sterling, assistant professor of nursing, College of Nursing (Parra Ballroom),“Recruitment and Retention of High Schools Seniors into Nursing in Calcasieu Parish”; Feb. 18, Dr. Ning Zhang, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology,“Low-Reynolds Number Simulation for Flow over a Flapping Wing: Comparisons to Measurement Data”; March 18, Dr. Dena Matzenbacher, associate professor and head of the psychology department, Burton College of Education, “Utilizing Popular Media in the Classroom” and April 29, Dr. Janet Allured associate professor of history and director of the Women’s Studies Program, College of Liberal Arts,“Louisiana Women: Their Lives and Times.”

Delta Downs Announces September Lounge Entertainment Mambo Jazz Kings Thursday, September 3, 8 p.m. – midnight Friday, September 4, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Sunday, September 6, 8 p.m. – midnight Dog Hill Stompers Thursday, September 10, 8 p.m. – midnight Friday, September 11, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Boomarang Thursday, September 17, 8 p.m. – midnight Friday, September 18, 8:30 p.m. – 1 am Saturday, September 19, 8:30 p.m. – 1 am T-Broussard Thursday, September 24, 8 p.m. – midnight Friday, September 25, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. All shows in the Gator Lounge at Delta Downs are free and open to the public 21 years of age and older. The Gator Lounge opens Thursdays - Saturdays at 4 p.m. More information is available on the Web at www.deltadowns.com.

Darbonne Joins Skin Deep Anissa Darbonne, formerly of Darbonne Aesthetics, has joined Skin Deep as a certified technician. Former clients are encouraged to contact her for laser treatments at the new location. Skin Deep is an advanced aesthetics center located in Moss Bluff. Services include wrinkle treatments, permanent hair reduction, skin resurfacing, skin tightening, photofacials, spider vein treatment and skin care products.

Kool Kats Night Out The Hobo Hotel, Inc. and Spankey Halfway House for Cats and Kittens is pleased to announce its 3rd annual auction fundraiser, Kool Kats Night Out. The event will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 15 at the Country Club of Lake Charles. Tickets are $35 per person which includes a full buffet dinner, dessert and complimentary wine/beer. Both silent and live auctions will take place during the “Hutch” who was adopted after living in evening. Attire is Kool Kat Kasual. Hobo Hotel, Inc. is the only non-kill cat and kitten the shelter for three years. shelter in Lake Charles. Since its creation in 2002, the non-profit 501c(3) group has grown to include 67 volunteers who have helped to rescue, spay/neuter and adopt a total of 1,111 cats and kittens. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, contact the shelter at 439-2428 or one of

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September 2009

our volunteers at 477-4757 or 477-1442. Tickets and purchases during the auction event are tax deductable.

Managers Named For Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center Jane Alcock, RN, BSN, CNOR, has been appointed Director of Nursing and Pat Ashbaugh has been named Business Office Manager for Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center, a freestanding day surgery facility that opened last month in Lake Charles. Alcock is originally from Lake Charles and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University. She has 38 years of experience in surgical nursing and has worked at several area hospitals in both Jane Alcock, RN, BSN, CNOR

staff and supervisory positions. For the past 20 years, she served as the RN Manager of Perioperative Services at W. O. Moss Regional Medical Center in Lake Charles. Alcock is a Certified Nurse of the Operating Room and is certified in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). She is a member of AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) and was chosen to serve on several state task forces for policy development. Ashbaugh is originally from Lafayette and brings over 30 years of financial and business office experience to her new position with the Surgical Center. Her most recent position was as the Business Office Manager for New Iberia Surgery Center, where she worked for ten years. Pat Ashbaugh

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Help the Cause: Sign-Up for Inaugural Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk The American Cancer Society will host its inaugural Make Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Heritage Square in Sulphur. Registration for the five-mile walk/run will begin at 7 a.m., with the walk beginning at 8 a.m.

of 2009, according to ACS. Nearly 2,000 men will be diagnosed with the illness. More than 40,600 breast cancer deaths are expected by the end of the year.

This is the first Making Strides walk in the region, according to ACS Community Representative Katie McCarty. She said although the American Cancer Society funds research for all types of cancer through its flagship Relay for Life fund-raiser, the organization chose to host a breast cancer walk because the agency continues to receive numerous requests for information and support.

The ACS has spent more on breast cancer research than on any other cancer, having invested more than $388.4 million in breast cancer research grants since 1971. The Society has been an important part of many major breast cancer research breakthroughs in recent history, including mammography to screen for breast cancer, the development of tamoxifen and herceptin, and knowledge that genetics, diet, lack of exercise, and moderate drinking increase a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cancer risk.

An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer, the most common nonskin cancer in women, are expected to be diagnosed in the United States at the end

For more information on the walk, or to register as an individual or a team, visit makingstrides.acsevents.org/southwestlouisiana or call 433-5817.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

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

Keep Suits Looking

Sharp

A suit is a classic and essential piece of any man’s wardrobe. Whether you work in a business environment that requires you to wear a suit every day, or only wear a suit a few times a year for special occasions, buying a suit is an investment that will last a long time if you take care of it properly.

it. Summer suits of cotton or linen, which tend to absorb perspiration, may need more frequent cleaning. • In between cleanings, you can have a suit pressed or steamed to remove wrinkles. • Bring the suit to a drycleaner immediately to treat any stains. Do not rub forcefully on stains or dirt; this will only embed it into the fabric. • A suit will lose a little color with each dry cleaning. Dry clean your suit as a set (jacket and trousers) at the same time so they will continue to have the same color.

It’s written all over you.

Caring for a suit includes how you wear it, how you store it and how you clean it.

Wear • Don’t over- stuff your pockets with keys, change and other assorted

items that will strain the seams and possibly change the shape of the suit. • Unbutton your suit jacket before you sit down to avoid pull. • As you are sitting down, pull your pants up at the thigh just a little so you don’t stretch the fabric too much. • Avoid wearing the same suit on consecutive days to allow the fabric time to air out and return to its proper shape.

Store • Before hanging up your suit, empty the pockets of items that may

cause wrinkling or bunching; zip up trousers, and fasten buttons. • Hang suit coats on substantial, wooden hangers with shaped shoulder supports. • Hang the trousers upside-down by the cuffs on a clamp hanger. Draping trousers over a hanger may cause unwanted creases. • Give your suits adequate space in the closet; ensure that they are not touching other clothes. • If you do not wear your suit very often, store it in a breathable garment bag for protection. • Place cedar chips or a few moth balls in a box on the floor of your closet to repel moths.

A wound that won’t heal is more than unsightly - it can threaten your health, and cause you pain and embarrassment. That’s where we can help. Using advanced technology, our wound care specialists have a proven record of healing wounds that have lingered for more than 30 days. So, don’t give up hope, give us a call. Healing wounds is what we do.

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Cleaning • Read care labels carefully for each suit. Most will be labeled “dryclean only.”

• Give the suit a quick brushing with a soft-thistled brush after each wear to remove dust and any particles.

• Avoid dry cleaning your suits too often. There is usually no need

to dry clean a suit more than once every five or six times you wear

September 2009

701 Cypress Street n Sulphur, LA 70663

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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by Kristy Armand

College Students are More Likely to be

Stressed Depressed and

he college years should be the carefree years, right? The one time in your life where you have the freedom to learn more about who you are and enjoy yourself along the journey. It’s a time to complete the transition from youth to adulthood, while you acquire the knowledge you need to succeed in life.

It turns out, many college students aren’t having such an idyllic college experience. The multiple pressures of school work, student loans, relationships and the dismal job market can take quite a mental toll. According to a recent Associated Press-mtvU poll, the vast majority of college students are feeling high levels of stress, and significant numbers are at risk of depression. The poll included 2,240 undergraduate students ages 18-24 at four-year colleges across the country. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed reported feeling stressed in their daily lives in recent months. More than 42 percent of those surveyed at 40 colleges said they had felt down, depressed or hopeless several days during the past two weeks, and 13 percent showed signs of being at risk for at least mild depression, based on the students’ answers to a series of questions that medical practitioners use to diagnose depressive illness. Many of those who felt depressed complained of trouble sleeping, having little energy or feeling down or hopeless — and most hadn’t gotten professional help. Eleven percent had had thoughts that they’d be better off dead or about hurting themselves. According to psychiatrist Dale Archer, MD, these types of symptoms are much more than just having a case of “the blues.” “This is a medical condition, caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain. It won’t go away on its own or be cured by a fun night out with friends. These types of symptoms are indicative of clinical depression, and the good news is that this condition can usually be very easily treated with medication.” Depressive disorders affect an estimated 9.5 percent of adult Americans in a given year, or about 20.9 million people. Dr. Archer explains that mental health conditions like depression typically begin relatively early in adult life, making the college years a common time for symptoms to emerge. “This is also a critical time in development, as young adults begin taking on more responsibility for their lives – choosing a career path, assuming financial independence, committing to long-term relationships, and in some cases even marrying and having children. These are very exciting milestones, but they can also be very stressful as well.”

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He says when a person experiences chronic stress, the continuous flood of stress hormones can lead to a constant state of anxiety, worry and helplessness. If this is not addressed, it can lead to depression, especially if there is a genetic predisposition for this condition.“Depression can often become a vicious cycle. You feel depressed with low self esteem, so you stop doing things and avoid getting out. The less you do, the worse you feel; the worse you feel the less you do. Eventually you end up with a chemical imbalance depression.” What Dr. Archer finds most troubling about this study, and others that have found similar results, is the high percentage of students who report feeling stress and depression, but who do not seek help for the problem. “They seem to recognize their symptoms, but are either unaware of when to seek help, where to find the professional help, or worried about the lingering stigma attached to mental illness.” He says the time to seek help is when your feelings of stress and depression begin to interfere with your normal daily activities – sleep, work, enjoyment of life. Another problem in this age group is a lack of awareness about where to go for help. Most of those participating in this study – 84 percent – said they’d be more likely to go to friends or family first. Just 20 percent said they would try counseling services available on their campuses. “Campus counseling services are a great resource. Another good starting point is your family doctor. They can rule out certain medications and medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, that can cause the same symptoms as depression. If a medical cause is ruled out, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional.” Dr. Archer says another part of the problem is that college students are often reluctant to admit they have a problem.“They have just reached the age of adulthood, and the last thing they want to do is look like they can’t handle the pressure. They need to recognize that depression – or any mental health condition – is not a sign of weakness.” It is caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain and is a health condition, just like any other type of health problem that needs treatment. And, just like other medical conditions, ignoring the problem can lead to a progression of symptoms, and more serious mental health problems, which are more difficult to treat. They wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for the flu or a broken arm, and they should think of depression the same way. ” For more information about depression and other mental health issues, visit www.telldrd.com.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

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Wrinkles • Sun damage • Skin texture/sagging • Acne and other facial scars DOT Therapy can be performed safely on nearly anyone with signs of aging skin. And best of all, DOT Therapy is Quick and Comfortable with Minimal Downtime and Excellent Results. Call the Aesthetic Center for an appointment today to see if DOT Therapy is right for you. The Aesthetic Center offers a comprehensive range of skin treatments, home care products, cosmetic injections and cosmetic eye surgery.

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September 2009

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“

Some internet pharmacies are legitimate, but many offer products and services that are dangerous.

”

– Renee Baudin, PD, Director of the Pharmacy at Jennings American Legion Hospital.

by Kristy Armand

he internet has redefined the shopping experience, adding an enhanced level of convenience to purchasing everything from clothing, food, airline tickets, wine, books, furniture and more. But should you order your prescription medications online? A simple internet search will turn up hundreds of web sites that sell prescription medications. “Some internet pharmacies are legitimate, but many offer products and services that are dangerous,” according to Renee Baudin, PD, Director of the Pharmacy at Jennings American Legion Hospital. She says ordering prescription drugs online can save you time — and sometimes even money — but be careful. Ordering from a national pharmacy chain or a mail-order program offered by your insurance company are great options for many people, but there are many other sites that sell prescription medications that aren’t even licensed in the United States, and some may not even be legitimate pharmacies. “That’s why caution is important if you choose to refill prescriptions online, and you should definitely be very selective about which sites you use,” she says. A recent report from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy stated that consumers are facing a “growing risk of getting counterfeit drugs because of rising internet sales of medical drugs, projected to reach upwards of $75 billion by 2010.” The report calls for stronger enforcement legislation from Congress. MarkMonitor, a company that records data about the use of brand names online, researched the sale of six popular drugs from internet pharmacies.

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The researchers found alarming results: • Only four out of 3,166 online pharmacies had proper accreditation (VIPPS). • 10% required no prescription. • 41% were outside the U.S. • Over half didn’t properly secure customer data. • These pharmacies made an estimated $4 billion a year just on the six drugs being studied. • For one drug, these pharmacies offered a striking -- and suspicious -75% average discount over properly accredited sites. Baudin says buying drugs from internet pharmacies that do not provide a street address and telephone number may pose serious health risks. “You have no way of knowing where these companies are located, where they get their drugs, what is in their drugs, or how to reach them if there is a problem.” The FDA reports cases of customers getting expired medications, counterfeit drugs with no active ingredients, drugs with the wrong ingredients and medications with dangerous additives. “Even if these drugs do not harm you directly or immediately – very real risks – your condition may get worse without effective treatment,” says Baudin. Some sites take advantage of people desperate for relief by offering “miracle cures” for serious illnesses like cancer. Many offer prescription drugs based on answers to an on-line questionnaire. These sites claim they will eliminate the “embarrassment” of talking to your doctor about certain prescription drugs, such as Viagra, or drugs to prevent hair loss, or promote weight loss.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

“What they fail to mention is the danger of taking a prescription drug without being physically examined by a doctor, along with being monitored to make sure the drug is helping you. Prescriptions are intended to be taken under the care of a health care provider. This prevents misdiagnosis and allows a quick, qualified response to any drug interactions or harmful side effects.” Baudin says if you are going to order medications online, the safest option is to do so through your insurance plan or from a pharmacy name you recognize, that has a real physical address. If it is not a name you recognize, she suggests following these guidelines from the FDA. They recommend only buying online prescription drugs from a pharmacy if it: • Is located in the United States. • Is licensed by that state’s board of pharmacy (a list is available at www.nabp. com). • Has a licensed pharmacist available to talk with you. • Requires a prescription from a doctor licensed in the United States to write prescriptions. • Gives out contact information and offers someone you can talk to regarding customer service. • Has the seal of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) to ensure that your privacy is protected. “Obviously, the risks of buying from unregulated pharmacies are quite real,” says Baudin. “There are ways to get safe but less expensive prescription drugs online, but you have to be careful. Keep in mind that slick-looking sites that seem legitimate might not be. And if you have any doubts, ask your doctor for guidance.”

September 2009

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

Tying

Local Survivors Together

In 2004 Ethel Precht had an idea. After attending a national breast cancer walk, she was inspired to create a similar event to benefit local residents who were undergoing treatment for breast cancer. With the help of her family and friends, Precht held the first 3K walk in October 2004. Precht says,“I thought it would be great if 100 participants showed up to walk.” To her surprise about 600 walkers showed up and last year, in 2008, over 2,000 participates registered for the walk. “While I believe money is needed for extensive research,” says Precht,“my walk is dedicated to local survivors and their families. When going through cancer of any type, there are so many other things going on in a family, and money is needed for the small necessities of life, as well as research for a cure.” All proceeds from the walk stay in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes to help those diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

One of the First “I think I was the first person to receive help from the group,” says, breast cancer survivor Bertha Stoner, 77, of Cameron Parish. While Stoner was not the first recipient she was one of the first recipients to receive monetary assistance through the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Foundation. Stoner, who underwent a double mastectomy, wanted to purchase a “new prosthesis” that was more realistic than the past products available for mastectomy patients, yet her insurance would not cover the cost. With the aid of the foundation, she received the new prosthesis and a new found confidence in herself.

Courageous Sisters The Derouen Sisters, Tiffany, 37, and Missy, 39, were diagnosed earlier this year. Their diagnosis seemed like a case of “de ja vu” for their mother had just been diagnosed the year before with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Tiffany says, “Mom knew she carried the lump, but waited almost 2 years before seeking medical treatment.” But before their mother passed away, she was extremely grateful to have had the support of the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Foundation in purchasing a wig. Knowing the assistance that their mother had received, Tiffany and Missy both knew what support was waiting for them as their time of need arose. Missy ended by sharing, “early detection is key! It doesn’t matter how old you are you need to be aware of breast cancer.” September 2009

Other women from Cameron and Calcasieu Parish Cindy Wicke, a single-working mother of Grand Lake, received assistance after starting treatments in 2005. There was no “red-tape” like other similar organization which tells you to call this office and then call here and fill out this and we will have to get back with you. “No, I just went to Donna’s Lingerie and picked out some scarves and a wig,” says Wicke. She continued to say,“I was very grateful and blessed that there are others out there that know what you’re going through. That you are not alone.” Donna Huddle of Lake Charles, shares a similar experience as Wicke. Huddle, who was 34 when diagnosed, said the organization was very personable - one-on-one treatment.

Looking for More People to Help As the foundation strives to help as many people affected by breast cancer, they have established a scholarship at McNeese State University to be awarded every fall to a student who is a breast cancer survivor or has a member of their immediate family who is a survivor of breast cancer. For more information, please contact the Office of Scholarships and Testing at 475-5140.

Apply Today Receiving aid is easy! Just visit www.ethelbreastcancerwalk.org, download the application for financial help and return to 165 W. Precht Rd, Bell City, LA 70630. Precht says,“If we can make someone feel better about themselves while going through some of the darkest moments in their lives, we have reached our goal. I am living proof that there is life after cancer. Any time I have been in a doctor’s office and he goes over my charts and says ‘I see you are in remission’. I quickly tell them, ‘No, I am not in remission. I no longer have cancer.’ Attitude is part of the cure.”

Continue the Support Join Ethel Precht for the 6th Annual HOPE Breast Cancer 3K Walk/Fun Run Saturday, October 17th at the Lake Charles Civic Center Outdoor Theater. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with the walk kicking off at 8:30 a.m. Preregistration is available on their website, www.ethelbreastcancerwalk.org, or you can pre-register and receive your walk t-shirt at Academy on Saturday, September 26th and October 3rd from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, please call 337-905-0327 or email info@EthelBreastCancerWalk.org.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Take A Stand! (Part I)

’ve been dealing with bullying issues a lot this summer. At home, at work, on TV – it’s everywhere! I figure if I’m dealing with it, you probably are too. Hence, today’s topic.

Second, I want to share some thoughts about bullies and how to handle them.

My son was bullied at camp this summer. It was absolutely heart breaking (ask my friends – we all cried about it). It’s so hard to have to break your child’s innocence with the hard facts. Poor thing – he really thought if he was nice and did what the older boys said that they would leave him alone. How confusing for him: the messages he’s always received from us are about manners, respect and how to be a good friend. So, we’ve shifted gears and spent the summer talking about bullies and how they operate – and what to do to get them to leave you alone.

My son returned from a week of camp (his first time at a “sleep away” camp) and was very quiet on the four-hour ride home. At first, we chalked it up to him being tired. He vaguely mentioned that a couple of boys were mean to him at the camp, but that he otherwise enjoyed it. My husband and I let it go because not everyone is going to be nice to you in life, right? Over the course of the next couple of days, he was moody and belligerent and we were constantly fussing at him. He also cried over very little things, which was very abnormal behavior for him. We also couldn’t get him to tell us much about the camp – the very expensive camp at which he was supposed to have a fabulous, life changing experience.

Interestingly, everyone (and I do mean everyone) I’ve talked to about my son’s experience has said they were bullied at some point in their lives too. Parents of multiple children have told me, “I had to teach every one of my children how to handle bullies because every one of them experienced bullying at some point.” How sad.

After a couple of days of this erratic behavior, I cornered him and told him he was keeping something from me and he was going to tell me whatever it was. At first, he said there was nothing more to tell. Then, as I refused to accept that, he said he didn’t want to tell me. When I said, “You’re going to tell me,” it all started coming out. The reason I’m sharing this is for a couple of reasons:

There are a couple of points I want to make in these next couple of articles about bullying. First, I want you to know how I figured out my son was being bullied.

Children will act out whatever they are not telling you. The way we know anything about kids is through their behavior. They can lie to you, but their behavior will always give them away. You know your child better than anyone else, and you know what is “normal” for him or her. Trust your instincts. Don’t accept their answer if it doesn’t match up with your gut feelings. Say, “You’re saying nothing is wrong, but that’s not how you are acting. I need to know if something is bothering you so we can figure out what to do about it.” Be persistent. Of course I didn’t want to consider that my child had been hurt in any way. It would have been easier to just accept his “nothing is wrong” statements. But burying my head in the sand would not have been helpful for any of us. And my son would have had vague memories of crying out for help and that cry being ignored. He needed to know that his parent’s job is to protect him and help him deal with things; that secrets are bad and not to be kept. He needed to learn the importance of looking at issues head on and then handling them appropriately.

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Keep perspective. Whatever has happened to your child can be dealt with. There are professionals to help. What your child needs from you is that consistent message that you will address the issue and that they did the right thing by telling you. Stay calm and soothing. You can be screaming on the inside, but wait until you are alone to yell and/or cry. This is your opportunity to teach your child how to handle difficult situations in a healthy way. If you blow it by becoming hysterical, go back and apologize later: “I’m sorry I got so upset when you shared what happened to you. It’s just that I love you so much and the thought of anyone trying to hurt you makes me very angry. I didn’t mean to scare you, and I want you to know that you did exactly the right thing by coming to me. I’m calmer now and I’ll take care of this the right way.” The last thing you want to do is create a situation where your child doesn’t feel free to come to you with concerns because of your reaction. Next month, we’ll continue this topic with how to handle bullies – both the childhood and the adult ones! Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

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Q: If you didn’t know about funeral arrangements in time to send something to the funeral home, is it appropriate to send a plant or something to the family’s home afterward? A: Sending a plant to the family’s home after the funeral is a lovely thing to do. It lets the family know you are thinking of them. Perhaps something blooming such as a gardenia or an azalea would be a consideration. That way if the family isn’t one who usually has plants in their home, they can put the blooming plant in a pot outside or plant it in the ground and when it blooms, they have a lovely remembrance.

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Q: When you are introduced to someone in a social, not business, situation, should you offer your hand in a handshake? A: Social and business situations basically have the same rules: it is a woman’s place, or not, to offer her hand to a man; however, if he offers his first, she must give him hers. If it is two women being introduced, then if one extends her hand, the other must follow through with a handshake. These handshake rules follow the rules of basic introductions: adults offer their hand to a child; an older person extends his or her hand to a younger person; a female offers her hand to a male and so on. And when all else fails, remember that the one to whom someone is being introduced is the one who is the first to initiate a handshake.

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

September 2009

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Photo by Danley Romero / Pictured are Drs. Albert Richert Jr., Albert Richert Sr., and Allen Richert

Some of the proudest moments of pediatrician Albert Richert Sr.’s career come when his young patients look up at him, frown, and ask,“Where’s the other Dr. Richert?” That’s because the other Dr. Richert is his son, Albert Jr.

By Erin K. Cormier

“Nothing makes me happier,” Dr. Richert Sr. said.“It means my son is doing a good job.” Working from the Pediatric Center of Southwest Louisiana in Sulphur, Albert Richert Jr. is part of a second generation of Richert doctors. One cousin is a psychiatrist; the other is a gastroenterologist in New Orleans. In addition to his pediatrician father, his uncle, Allen, is a family medicine specialist in Sulphur.

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Brothers Allen and Albert didn’t come from professional stock – not in the traditional sense of the word, anyway. Their mother, Lorena, was Cajun French and didn’t have a high school diploma. Their father Arthur was a construction superintendent in the oilfield. Despite the fact that neither parent graduated from college, education was always considered a priority for their six children. “It’s was never of question of whether or not we were going. It was a question of what we were going to be,” said Dr. Richert Sr.“I thought about it a lot. As kids, you don’t know anything about what you want to be because you haven’t been anything yet. So I took a look at this guy in town that seemed to be doing pretty well and found out that he was a nurse anesthetist. I decided that’s what I would do.” But his advisor at LSU had other ideas. He took a look at Albert Richert’s transcript and suggested he become a doctor instead. “I said,‘You think I could do that?’ And he said,‘You can do anything you want,’” Dr. Richert Sr. said.“That changed everything. Instead of wondering what I was going to do, I asked myself,‘What is the best thing I can be?’” After befriending a 4-year-old leukemia patient named O’Neal, Dr. Richert Sr. decided he would become a pediatrician. His brother, Allen, was only two years behind him in medical school, planning to become a family practice physician. Allen said his brother helped him through school by keeping him on his toes. “He loves to argue. He’d argue with anybody. That probably did help me as I came up. He’d say, let’s argue about something. What side do you want to be on? Pro or con?” Dr. Allen Richert recalls, laughing.

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The elder Richert also had words of wisdom for his son, Albert Jr.“He told me that no matter what I did in medical school, it wouldn’t be right and I’d get yelled at, so he said,‘When they ask you to cut the string during your surgical rounds, ask them if they want you to cut it too long or too short,’” Dr. Richert Jr. said.“I tried it. It didn’t go over well.” Mostly, however, Dr. Richert Jr. learned to integrate the value of hard work and compassion into his medical practice, with his father and uncle as inspiration. “I learned to work hard and do the best at whatever I did,” Dr. Richert Jr. said. The brothers say this was a lesson passed on from their parents.

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“I’ve always carried a tremendous respect for my father. As a kid I’d watch him interact with the people who worked for him, and he always treated them with respect based on how they lived their lives, not on what they owned. He worked very hard and had a strong moral sense,” Dr. Richert Sr. said.“My father didn’t accomplish anything in his life as far as society is concerned, but he was a great man.”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009

everyone fits at GiGi’s

GiGi’s wants to be YOUR fitness center. We know that staying healthy and fit is an issue everyone struggles with, no matter our size or age. That’s why our professional staff of Master Trainers can help create personalized plans that are designed specifically for your individual health and fitness needs. Come experience the latest in exercise technology and fitness education. Voted “Best Place to Work Out” by Times of Southwest Louisiana, GiGi’s can start you on the path toward a strong, healthy life. Stop by for a free tour and see all that we have to offer for members of any age. TheRe’s a fiT fOR eveRYOne aT GiGi’s: • Pilates • BodyFlow, BodyStep, BodyPump • Spinning • Muscle Activation • Yoga

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September 2009

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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It’s a great time to be a

Woman Major advancements in women’s healthcare have led to more precise treatments, fewer side effects, and a better understanding of the concerns unique to women. At OBG-1, you can trust our physicians to provide you with the latest information in ongoing research along with a healthy dose of experienced care and compassionate attention. We understand that the healthcare needs of women are constantly changing as they move through the stages of their lives. From adolescence to the childbearing years, through menopause and beyond, we deliver what we promise – excellence in women’s healthcare.

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

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Physicians: Ben Darby, MD • Scott Bergstedt, MD Walter Guth, MD • Brad Forsyth, MD Nurse Practitioners: Tammy Gillett, APRN, NP • Marilyn Watson, APRN, NP Certified Nurse Midwives: Bonnie Leger, CNM • Allison Hansen, CNM

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2009