Thrive December 2022

first person Dr. John Noble

Also Inside: The 12 Days ofChristmas in SWLA

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 to be successful in all areas of their lives –family, health, home and career. Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

Advanced Technology Delivered by Human Hands

Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) is a major advancement in medicine, and has revolutionized how we can surgically treat many conditions today.

Although “robotic” is in the title, a robot isn’t performing the surgery. This surgeon-guided technology allows for more complex procedures with greater precision, all in less time with less risk to the patient, less pain, and faster recovery times than traditional surgery. It’s the most advanced technology delivered by human hands.

At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, our team of highly skilled surgeons have performed hundreds of RAS procedures using the daVinci XI system which is the newest generation of surgical robotic systems from Intuitive®. General surgeons Dr. Darin Doumite, Dr. Amanda Ellington, Dr. Richard Shimer, and urologist Dr. Farjaad Siddiq use the added benefits of this technology tool to enhance and extend the capabilities in performing such procedures as hernia repair, gall bladder surgery, colon cancer removal, kidney, liver and prostate cancer treatments and more.

Choosing robotics-assisted surgery can help you get back to the things you love faster, and Memorial’s surgical teams, coupled with the most advanced medical technology in the world, provide modernized healthcare that’s personal.

Mind & Body

December is full of fun and festivities. Keep focusing on healthy living with these tips in our special holiday healthcare section so you can enjoy every minute of the holiday season!

WE’RE AROUND YOU CENTERED

The Center for Orthopaedics provides national-level sports medicine expertise right here in Southwest Louisiana. Our team of doctors and support staff offers experienced, hands-on care to tackle the toughest musculoskeletal injuries. We’ll also help you develop a game plan to prevent future injuries.

Whether you’ve been injured on the field, at a gym or in your own back yard, trust the CFO team to give you an accurate diagnosis and get you safely back in action.

ccording to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, the average person gains approximately one to two pounds over the holiday season. That doesn’t sound so bad, but the problem comes when that weight makes itself a permanent fixture in your body. The study says it can take up to five months to lose the weight gained during Thanksgiving and Christmas, or worse yet, that the gain is never shed, which can be a big problem over time. Two pounds times ten years equals twenty pounds!

The best advice is to not gain the weight in the first place, which we know is easier said than done. But not impossible. We offer a few tips to keep the scale from budging this holiday season:

• Know your triggers and weaknesses. If sugary desserts are your downfall, don’t bring a pecan pie to the potluck. Is savory and salty your snack of choice? Keep them out of the house to decrease temptation.

• Plan ahead. If you know you are headed to the office party after work, eat a sensible nutritious breakfast and lunch. If you’re tempted by tantalizing party treats (and who isn’t?) eat a healthy snack before you arrive at the event so you’re not famished. If you don’t have an appetite, you’re less likely to overeat.

• Don’t totally deprive yourself. Saying no to that cookie you’re craving only prompts obsession and overeating later. So, go ahead and have a slice of pie or a piece of cake. But not both.

• Be mindful of alcohol consumption. Not only does alcohol have beaucoup empty calories, but it decreases your inhibitions, making it more likely that you’ll eat more food than you intended. Like much in life, moderation is key.

• Watch out for non-alcoholic liquid calories, as well. Punch, eggnog, cider . . . the bevy of high-calorie beverages available this time of year can sneak up on you. Stick to water or carbonated flavored water.

• Two words: small plates. If you stack a smaller plate full with your favorites, you’ll feel more satisfied than if you fill a larger plate only half full.

• Eat slowly. Because of the way our stomach communicates with our brain (there’s a delay), the faster we eat, the more we tend to consume.

• Make time for exercise. I know, it’s a busy time of year! But make exercise a priority. Your body will thank you.

• If you’ve overindulged (and we all do on occasion), plan to get back on track. It is the holidays, after all, and if we don’t overdo it too much, a bit of ‘celebrating’ is a welcome break when visiting with family and friends. That said, it’s important to get back on track quickly.

• Don’t beat yourself up. Slip-ups happen, especially this time of year. Forgive yourself and continue with your healthy lifestyle. Health and fitness is a journey, with ups and downs and bumps in the road.

The holidays are chock full of parties, family gatherings, and other social events which inevitably include rich, delicious food – and lots of it! To prevent weight gain from these encounters, focus on your friends and family rather than the food. Intentionally chat with as many guests as you can. Catch up with the people you haven’t seen in ages and make a few new friends. The buffet table will still be there.

by Kristy Como Armand

Heaviness or swelling in the legs can be signs of vein disease.

If left untreated, this condition can become painful and debilitating. Trust the specialists at CIS who treat the root of the problem with minimally-invasive, in-clinic procedures to restore both the health and beauty of your legs.

Schedule an appointment at the CIS Leg & Vein Center today.

Scan the QR code to learn more about vein disease.

created as heritage tourism, and intellectual and served in the Acadien au client quality of questions, Director www.acadianvillage.org www.lafayettelarc.org

PRESENTED BY

DECEMBER 2NDDECEMBER 23RD, 2022

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM (WEATHER PERMITTING)

Group Volunteer Opportunity allows your company to select dates that employees come out and help for the night. Volunteers are needed in concession, selling raffle tickets, gift shop, photos with Santa, and as Frosty and Rudolph. If you have teenagers that need service hours, this is a perfect way to volunteer. Sponsorships available call or email for more information.

In addition to helping in the mentioned areas, your company can set up a table with giveaways for the visitors. Wearing company t-shirts helps identify your staff as volunteers.

No sponsorship is too small - you make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

If you have any questions, please contact Karon Davis, Noel Director 337.706.8759.

LARC’s Acadian Village was created as a means to preserve Acadian heritage and culture, promote tourism, and give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by LARC a place to prosper in the workforce.

The purpose of Noel Acadien au Village is to generate funding for client development programs and quality of life-type services.

If you have any questions, please contact Karon Davis, Noel Director at 337.706.8759. www.acadianvillage.org www.lafayettelarc.org

The purpose of the evening is for families to preview the upcoming grade level, meet our faculty, and learn about next year’s curriculum. Come and find out why we are “so much more than a school.”

VILLAGE

CSE Federal Credit Union Announces Chief Officer Promotions

CSE Federal Credit Union (CSE) is pleased to announce the promotion of Colleen Desselle as Chief Marketing Officer and Kasey Cormier as Chief Human Resources Officer.

Desselle has served CSE as Marketing and Business Development Director for 19 years and has been at CSE going on 30 years. Mrs. Desselle’s dedication played part in the organization’s expansion and membership growth. She will continue managing branding, business partnerships, community development and much more.

Cormier has served CSE for 14 years starting as the Human Resources Manager and promoted to the Human Resources Director in 2020. She has been the driving force behind the organizations hiring process. Cormier will continue overseeing CSE’s talent acquisition, employee relations and much more.

If you would like more information about CSE, please contact CSE Marketing Communications Specialist Morgan Martel at 337-562-3161.

Attorney Sydney Stuart joins Fuerst, Carrier, & Ogden, LLC

Fuerst, Carrier, & Ogden, LLC is pleased to announce the latest edition to our stellar group of attorneys, Sydney Stuart.

Sydney was awarded her undergraduate degree from Randolph- Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, before attending Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. Sydney has been practicing family law exclusively since 2007 and has over three decades of experience. She is nationally certified as a Child Welfare Specialist and serves on the Board of Directors for Oasis. Additionally, Sydney has received awards for her exemplary performance with victims of domestic violence.

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana...

Licensed in Texas, Sydney practiced law for 35 years in Dallas and Austin before joining her husband, Ted, in Lake Charles, where she is preparing to sit for the Louisiana Bar Exam.

To learn more about how Fuerst, Carrier & Ogden can help you, call 337-436-3332 or visit the website at https://familyfuerst.com.

Investar Welcomes

Will Moore as its Newest Commercial Relationship Manager

Serving Lake Charles Investar Bank, National Association (“Investar”) recently hired Will Moore as a Commercial Relationship Manager in the Lake Charles region. Will joins Investar with 11 years of experience in managing business client relationships.  As a Commercial Relationship Manager, Will joins a strong team in our Lake Charles market to provide comprehensive commercial banking services supported by the best banking platforms available.   Will is a native of Houma and graduated from Nicholls State University. He is active in the community, having served as Vice President for Habitat for Humanity of Lake Charles, and is currently the Board Treasurer for the SWLA Literacy Council. The leadership of Investar Bank is proud to welcome Will Moore to our Lake Charles Commercial Banking team.

To learn more, visit www.InvestarBank.com.

Willie Durio Named Comptroller Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana

Willie Durio has been appointed Comptroller of the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. Originally from Palmetto, Louisiana, Willie brings a mix of education and experience, with a bachelor’s in business administration/finance and a master’s degree in business administration/finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Psychiatrist Zachary Ryder MD, Joins Memorial

Memorial Medical Group welcomes Zachary Ryder, MD, board-certified psychiatrist to its medical staff. Dr. Ryder joins fellow psychiatrists Said Cantu, MD, David Murdock, MD, Mario Valencia, MD, and Michael Wright, MD.

Dr. Ryder,originally from Lake Charles, is excited to be providing adult and geriatric behavioral health services to his home community. He currently treats adult and geriatric inpatients at Memorial. He has a degree in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, TX. He received his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA. His postgraduate training includes a General Psychiatry Residency from Baylor Scott and White in Temple, TX where he served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Ryder has been practicing psychiatry since 2019, and has been a member of the American Psychiatric Association since 2015.

Tallman Receives Charlotte Cochrane Scholarship

Natalie Tallman, credentialing specialist for West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, was recently named the recipient of the Charlotte Cochrane Scholarship from the National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS). The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding NAMSS member who is pursuing continuing education within the medical staff services industry from an accredited program or institution.

Tallman is currently seeking a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette (ULL) via their online program.

Colleen Desselle

Will Moore

Willie Durio

Sydney Stuart

Zachary Ryder

Natalie Tallman

Style & Beauty

Your

2023 WEDDING PLANNER

According to theknot.com, 19 percent of all proposals happen during the month of December – the most popular month of the year to get engaged. If you’re among this group of giddy, happy couples, congratulations! This special section is for YOU! In this year’s wedding planner, Thrive focuses on the style and beauty aspects of preparing for a wedding, from fashion to fingernails. You’ll find stories on wedding attire for the bride and her attendants, weddingready hair styles and nail trends, make-up tips and pampering your face leading up to the BIG DAY!

SAY YES TO THE

PerfectWedding Dress

The proposal has been made and accepted and now the excitement of wedding planning officially begins!

There are hundreds of decisions to be made, ranging from minor to major, but other than selecting the date and the venue for the big day, choosing the dream dress ranks at the top of the list for the bride. After all, every bride deserves to look and feel beautiful on her wedding day!

From a young age, every bride-to-be has probably spent hours dreaming about their perfect day, from what their dress will look like to what the bridal attendants will wear. Turning those dreams into reality does not need to be a stressful experience.

The first thing any future bride must consider is timing. According to Laurie Baynard, owner of L Bridal Couture, a wedding dress selection should be made

about a year prior to the wedding day, especially if you hope for something custom.

“Supply chains have been a nightmare since 2020, seemingly hitting each designer at a different time. We highly recommend shopping at least a year out for the biggest selection. If your wedding date is close though, we can sell out of our collection or sometimes put a rush on an order for a fee.”

If a wedding is in the cards for you in 2023 or beyond, consider having fun with your look by adding color and texture. “Textures, bows, lots of color and florals have been really popular globally in recent years,” Baynard added. “A myriad of sleeve types have become on trend as well, from off-theshoulder to flutter or bishop.”

Baynard does not expect that to change much in 2023, but says a clean look is having a moment right now as well. “A clean look is one that never goes out of style, but we have been enjoying adding to them with fun sleeves, florals and colors.”

Southern brides have a vibe all their own though. “We love the look of the Southern bride. It is usually something classic with a little twist to make it more modern,” said Baynard.

The bride’s wedding day look should not stop at the dress though. “We love accessorizing wedding dresses and making

each bride’s final look unique,” explained Baynard. “Embroidered veils have been really fun lately, and there are tons of other ways to make your bridal look a true reflection of your personality. From overskirts, sleeves and capes, to wings and accessories, don’t be afraid to have fun with your look.”

A few other things to be on the lookout for when it comes to styling your wedding in 2023 include blue hues. Straight out of the Spring 2023 Bridal Fashion Week, blue is the new pink! From brides to bridesmaids, various hues of blue were front and center, replacing the shades of pink seen in recent years.

Bold designs are being taken to new heights with gowns featuring utterly sheer fabrics, stepped up with crystal embellishments. From asymmetrical to mock, necklines can also add personality to your dress.

Once the bride has settled on her dream dress, now it’s time to focus on the look of the wedding attendants. “We see a lot of mix and matched styles and colors for bridesmaid dresses,” said Baynard. “Many brides are allowing their girls to pick flattering dresses for their individual body type rather than make all of them wear the exact same thing. Personally, I love the trend of mismatched fabrics and textures.”

story by Katelynn Mouton, photos courtesy of L Bridal

Even though selecting the perfect wedding dress is a big decision it should not be a cause of stress for the bride. A qualified bridal expert can make a huge difference when it comes to ensuring the future bride shines on her big day.

“Since we opened in 2018, we have really studied our brides and in 2020 we launched our own line called Elle by L Bridal Couture,” Baynard said. “It has quickly become one of our bestselling

lines and we love that our brides love it as much as we do. Every bride should feel and look her best on her wedding day and we pride ourselves on being a part of that.”

L Bridal Couture is locally owned and located at 5656 Nelson Rd., Suite A3. Visit them in person at the shop or online by visiting www.lbridalcouture.com.

I Do

SAY TO THE DO!

by Stefanie Powers

You have your gown and your shoes. You’ve picked out the jewelry and gathered something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Now it’s time to decide on your wedding day hairstyle!

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY HAIRSTYLE:

• Book your stylist four to six months ahead for the day of your wedding and schedule a trial run four to six weeks prior to the big day. Allow enough time for the first appointment to try three different hairstyles. Be sure to bring along your headpiece and a photo of your gown, along with photos of the styles you are considering.

• Be open to suggestions. You may have one idea in mind, but your stylist may have another—which may be just what you’re looking for.

• Bring a friend and have her take photos of all your options from every angle. The goal is to have every side be your best since you’ll probably be photographed from every angle on your wedding day.

• To keep your look fresh, most stylists suggest a cut and color a few weeks before the wedding. They also advise NO drastic changes before the big day!

POPULAR STYLES INCLUDE:

Braided Up-Do

Part your hair (your choice, side or middle). Then, do a reverse French braid. Instead of crossing the hair on top, cross the outside strands underneath the middle strand, which will help the braid sit on top of your head. Bring the braid down towards the neck and continue braiding the length of the hair to the ends, securing with a plastic band. Repeat on the other side. At the nape of the neck, intertwine the two braids around the bottom, or twist them into a bun. Tuck the ends and secure them with elastic bands and bobby pins.

Medium-Length Hair: Sleek Bun

Pull your hair into a low ponytail and twist it clockwise, securing at the bottom with an elastic band. Then, twist your hair clockwise around into a bun and secure with hairpins all around. Finish with hairspray. If you need to secure fly-aways, use clear mascara to keep them in place.

Chignon

For a chic evening wedding, pull hair into a high ponytail and tease for volume. Then bring hair back, pin at the base of the ponytail and gently brush the surface smooth.

Loose Waves

There are many different looks when wearing your hair down and creating waves. One option is to alternate the direction of the curl, giving the wave a textured look. Curling the hair in the same direction throughout will give a more uniform wave. The tool you use matters: a wide tong will create a different wave than a narrow one, as will heated rollers, wands, air wraps and straighteners. You may want to comb through with your fingers to break up the curls or you may want to brush it out for a looser wave.

PUT ON FACE Day Wedding

by Victoria Ellender

You’ve said yes to the dress, the invitations have been mailed, the cake has been ordered and the menu is set. You’ve planned every detail, and now it’s time to seal the deal with a makeup palette that brings your unique features to life!

When it comes to bridal makeup, the most important factor to keep in mind is you! While glam makeup may be the ticket for one bride, a natural glow may be your preference. It’s all about what makes you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin. Never has it been more important to choose colors, textures, and styles that highlight your unique features and accentuate what makes you . . . you.

Know Your Color

Cool pastels, earthy hues or jewel tones? What colors complement your skin’s undertones and the color theme of your bridal party? Madelaine Piatt, a local makeup artist at The Ritz, Inc., a makeup studio and hair salon in Lake Charles, said that’s the first question she usually asks when she begins to plan a bride’s makeup palette. “Knowing your color wheel and what’s going to complement the bride’s skin and eye color, and what’s going to make her feel the most like herself. That’s typically where I begin with bridal makeup,” she said.

Timeless Beauty

Your wedding makeup will need to last throughout the night, but it will inevitably last for many years to come in your photos and memories. Choose a timeless look that suits you and feels in sync with your unique style. When it comes to the latest trends in bridal makeup, natural is queen. “People are opting for a soft, natural glow and clean earth tones,” Piatt said. “Neutral eyes and a lot of times, nude lips are really in right now for weddings.”

Layers to Last

Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint. One of the most important factors when it comes to bridal makeup is layering, ensuring that your look stays put throughout the wedding and reception. With every single step, ensure that quality products are used and sealed properly to guarantee a look that will last all night long. And don’t forget lashes. Fake eyelashes are much more popular than mascara nowadays, but be sure to choose lashes that are authentic to you. “Even with eyelashes, people are preferring the more natural wispy look than big glam lashes,” Piatt said. “But again, it’s all about what feels natural to you.”

Leading Up to the Big Day

If you’re unsure what look you want, one of the best things you can do is practice. Work with a makeup artist ahead of the big day, or try different looks on for yourself to see what works best for you. Piatt, who was named Southwest Louisiana’s Makeup Artist of the Year in 2021, has helped many brides prepare for their big day, and often her work begins much earlier than the wedding, with engagement photos and then bridal photos. “What I love about working with brides is that I really get to highlight what makes them unique. I work with them extensively before their wedding day, so that I get to know their individual skin tones and coloring well before the big day.”

Nailing

a Polished WEDDING LOOK

by Katelynn Mouton

From your dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses to the hair and makeup, your big day is planned down to the smallest of details.

Beyond jewelry, one additional accessory can help pull your wedding day look together— your nails. The color, shape and style of your nails can all add one final pop of polish you your look.

If you are going for a romantic look, consider shades of pink. The lightest of the light pink is just sweet enough to create a fairytale moment, without stealing the whole show.

Add a little more pop to that pink with a glittery tip in a coordinating color or an iridescent pink hue can act as an elevated neutral.

A dusty pink provides an oldfashioned romantic vibe, while the subtlest of finishes like a touch of nail art is a romantic way to squeeze a few extra flowers into your big day.

If traditional and classic are a better fit for your wedding style, then consider an all-white finish. With countless shades of white, selecting one to coordinate with the color of your dress should be an easy task. No matter which shade you choose, a white nail provides a finish that is clean and timeless.

Speaking of timeless, a fully naked nail is about as timeless as it gets, just make sure to book a spa manicure the day before your big day to get your nails shaped up, cuticles cleaned and skin pampered and moisturized.

A nude-colored nail is the equivalent of a little black dress. It goes with virtually anything and looks polished; no matter what nude shade you choose.

What about some pops of color to add a little spice to your bridal look? A red nail is so timeless that many consider it a neutral! Classic brides will do well with a deep red, especially if you are an Audrey Hepburn fan.

For the more free-spirited bride, a sunset-hued manicure can fit right in with a Boho style. Earthy browns and taupes are also great choices for a Bohemian bride looking for a subtle, neutral, but unique look.

Color-dipped tips and pastels are another fun way for a bride to add a pop of color and personality to complete her wedding day look.

Whatever you choose, don’t stress! This is one wedding day decision that should be fun to make.

A ONE OF A KIND

TOP NOTCH

SOME

Chère Petite Mobile Bar Company is a dry hire mobile bar service that operates out of a vintage horse trailer designed to make your event a one-of-a-kind experience!

Mobile Bartending Service that operates out of a vintage horse trailer.

GetReadyWedding

PRENUPTIAL SKIN PREP & PAMPERING

Congratulations! You said “Yes!” Now it’s time to start planning for your big day. You probably have a little notebook given to you by one of your future bridesmaids encouraging you to book a venue, a band, a caterer, and a photographer. That little notebook gives you step-by-step instructions on how to get your wedding plan started. But what about getting YOU ready?

Before you become overwhelmed, begin by simply scheduling a consultation at a reputable med spa. “We will go over our services, your aesthetic goals, your timeline, and most importantly your individualized plan,” says Kara Babaz, FNP-C for Renaitre-A Williamson Cosmetic Center. “We take out all the guess work so you can focus on your other wedding planning obligations.”

A typical “timeline” for someone who is wedding prepping looks something like this:

NINE MONTHS TO A YEAR OUT

Babaz suggests starting any laser hair removal services you may want to complete before your wedding. “Laser hair removal is a quick and relatively painless in-office procedure that targets the hair follicle and prohibits hair growth but requires some consistency coming in every four to eight weeks, depending on the area being treated.” Morpheus 8 is another great treatment to begin during this time frame as your best results are approximately six months after your last treatment. This treatment helps achieve skin care goals and includes resurfacing and tightening on the face, neck, and body. “You may also want to start prepping your skin for different medical grade procedures by starting a medical grade skin care regime,” adds Babaz. “Some of our favorites include TNS Advanced and a medical grade retinol.”

THREE TO SIX MONTHS OUT

This is the best time to begin a microneedling series to help your skin look its best. “Microneedling improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores,” Babaz says. “We usually recommend doing one treatment every four to six weeks for best results.”

If your focus is on improving hyperpigmentation from sun-bathing last summer, Babaz recommends a series of chemical peels or a laser treatment with intense pulse light (IPL) to improve the appearance of sunspots or melasma.

Already picked out your wedding dress and notice an area of stubborn fat giving you grief? Coolsculpting can reduce fat by up to 25% per body area. “Full results from the procedure take about three months and, unlike surgery, there is no down-time with this procedure,” Babaz says.

Babaz also suggests revolumizing certain areas of the face during this time with Sculptra and, if desired, conservatively with filler. “Sculptra is a bio-stimulant for type 1 collagen and is a great solo treatment or combo treatment with filler. Sculptra results last about two years. We recommend doing any filler around three months prior to the big day to ensure that you love it and that it settles and looks its best.”

FOUR TO SIX WEEKS OUT

Babaz says this is the time to do any neuromodulator treatments, such as Botox or Dysport “These products take about two weeks to fully take effect and usually settle and look their best around four to six weeks after the treatment.”

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY

Consider a Diamond Glow facial “This facial gently exfoliates, infuses a custom serum recommended by one of our aestheticians, and extracts dirt and oil out of your pores for a noticeable glow,” says Babaz.

“These general rules apply to not only to brides but to grooms, mother of the bride and groom, and the wedding party as well!” concludes Babaz. “We would love to help you put your best face forward for your wedding and beyond!”

For more information or to make an appointment, call Renaitre-A Williamson Cosmetic Center, 337-508-2559. Located at 5656 Nelson Rd Suite C-1, Lake Charles, La.

Home & Family

The 12 Days of Christmas in SWLA

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Southwest Louisiana is the perfect place to experience all the holiday season has to offer. We know December can be a busy, hectic month, but we encourage you to carve out time for you and your family and friends to enjoy the sparkle, the magic, the sentiment of Christmas. Your efforts may create memories that will last a lifetime!

On the 1st Day of Christmas, jump right into the spirit of the holiday. Load the family into the car, drive around SWLA, and marvel at the many Christmas light displays. For something extra special, see the lights from a cozy horse-drawn carriage.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, support a local arts organization by attending a holiday production performed by a musical, theatrical, or dance company.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, meet up with a friend, chat over coffee, and enjoy a sweet holiday treat.

On the 4th Day of Christmas, take the family to a Christmas tree lot or farm and find that perfect Christmas tree.

On the 5th Day of Christmas, treat the family to shivery frozen confections such as ice cream or a snow cone. Most shops have special limited-time-only holiday flavors.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, splurge on a romantic holiday dinner with your sweetheart at one of SWLA’s many fine dining establishments.

On the 7th Day of Christmas, take the kids to visit Santa. You never know where he might be found!

On the 8th Day of Christmas, go gift shopping at several of SWLA’s locally owned retail businesses.

On the 9th Day of Christmas, create holiday-themed arts and crafts with the kids.

On the 10th Day of Christmas, treat yourself or a loved one to a spa day (or have a couples’ day of relaxation!) With the stress that accompanies the celebration, you deserve some pampering.

On the 11th Day of Christmas, watch Christmas movies with the family. Whether holiday classics or new festive releases, they never get old.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, seek out a Christmas Eve service at a local church or gather with friends for your own unique celebration of this most special, sacred time of year.

Wishing you a Happy,

Healthy Holiday Season

The physicians and staff of Imperial Health extend warm holiday greetings to our patients and the communities we serve across Southwest Louisiana.

Our physician-owned group is proud to be a part of the recovery and growth of the region. As we look forward to the future, we renew our shared commitment to provide exceptional care for our patients.

C ARDIOLOGY

Carl Fastabend, M.D. Corey Foster, M.D. Richard Gilmore, M.D. Brett Goodwin, M.D. Jake LeBeau, M.D. Thomas Mulhearn, M.D. Prasanna Sugathan, M.D. Michael Turner, M.D.

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Sandra Dempsey, M.D. Timothy Gilbert, M.D. Tyler Zachary, M.D.

E AR, NOSE & TH ROAT

Blake LeBlanc, M.D. Bridget Loehn, M.D.

FAMILY M EDICINE

Andrew Bradberry, D.O. Jason Burklow, M.D. Marissa De La Paz, M.D. John DiGiglia, M.D. Benjamin Fontenot, M.D. Andres Guillermo, M.D. Jason Morris, M.D. Keane O’Neal, M.D. Todd Peavy, M.D. Melissa Rasberry, M.D. Steve Springer, M.D. Errol Wilder, M.D. Benjamin Williams, M.D.

G A STROENTEROLOGY

Juan Teran, M.D.

G ENER AL SURG ERY Justin Rudd, M.D.

INTERNAL M EDICINE Effat Rasul, M.D. Brian Wilder, M.D.

INTERNAL M EDICINE & PEDIATRICS Yoko Broussard, M.D.

NEUROLOGY

Nirmala Tumarada, M.D.

PODIATRY Kyle Mauk, D.P.M. Christine Palma, D.P.M.

PULMONARY DI SE A SE

& CRITIC AL C ARE Luke Williams, M.D.

The purpose of the evening is for families to preview the upcoming grade level, meet our faculty, and learn about next year’s curriculum. Come and find out why we are “so much more than a school.”

Parent Preview Night

Tuesday, January 24th

5:30pm - PreK 2, PreK 3, 1st Grade & 2nd Grade 6:30pm - 3rd & 4th Grade

Wednesday, January 25th

5:30pm - PreK 4, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30pm - Kindergarten

EDS North Campus, 803 N. Division Street, Lake Charles, LA

Merry Christmas,

from the officers of the Best Bank, voted #1 by Southwest Louisiana.

Roy Raftery President & CEO

Shively Verrette Executive VP

Misti Young Senior VP

Renee Lassiter Senior VP

Michael Moore VP

Melissa

Aimee Gilmore

Virginia

Sam Jimney

Tessie

Aaron

Cheryl Bertrand

Christa

Lisa

Jamie Schiro

Twenda Hanson

Bryan

Bobby Broussard Senior VP

Michael Hardy Senior VP Kala Kuhlthau VP, Sulphur

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He and his team of experienced and knowledgeable legal professionals maintain a dedication to quality, uncompromising representation that has resulted in not only a reputation for success, but justice and better lives for their clients.

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Solutions for life

!from Solutions Counseling & EAP

by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP

Put Me In, Coach!

You may have heard of Life Coaching. Basically, life coaches are people who help you solve problems. It is different from therapy – no need to gently lead you to your moment of epiphany. Life coaches tend to tell it like it is, much like those athletic coaches we see on television. And most life coaches are very proud of their craft. It can be very expensive – like $500 per hour expensive!

So, what if you want the benefit of life coaching without all the cost? Well, then you’re going have to take matters into your own hands and be your own life coach. Here is how:

1. Identify the areas you want to work on. The first step is to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself these questions:

What are you good at?

What do you need to be better at?

What do others feel your strengths and weaknesses are?

How do you do at forming and maintaining relationships?

What are your biggest fears?

Your ability to honestly appreciate your good qualities while being determined to work on areas that need improvement makes you a good candidate for coaching. If you minimize your strengths, i.e., can’t accept compliments or compliment yourself, that needs to be the first thing you start working on. If you can’t think of any areas to work on and improve upon, you’ve already stopped reading this article (ha!). Being able to assess yourself accurately and honestly is the first, very important part, of this process.

2. Identify your goals. Now that you have identified what you are already good at and what you need to get better at, your goals will be focused on making positive progress in both areas. That is, keep getting better at the positive things while at the same time addressing areas in which you need to grow. Ask yourself these questions:

What do you love to do?

What are your interests/passions?

What are things you despise doing but need to do?

Your answers to these questions will help you identify the areas to focus on. Your goal will reflect small steps in each of the areas above. If you love to garden, then one goal might be to spend an hour three times per week in your garden. Yes, you might need to spend time every day in the garden, but that goal might not be realistic for you at this time. If you are passionate about animals, another goal might be to volunteer at an animal shelter once a month. If something you need to do, but hate doing, is eating healthy, then your goal needs to be to eat healthy one day per week. If you do more, great, but start small so you can set yourself up for success. You can build from there.

3. Document your progress. Start a journal and record the actions you take each day that move you towards your goal. If you called the animal shelter to find out about volunteering, that goes in the journal. If you chose a side salad instead of fries at lunch, that goes in the journal. Every step, no matter how small, gets recorded. It can take up to six months for a new habit to be formed. Just keep taking those steps!

4. Don’t give up. Of course, you are going to have setbacks. Of course, you will get off track at times. You didn’t get this way overnight and you’re not going to fix it overnight. The real question is, how are you going to manage the setback? Are you going to beat yourself up, or will you accept that you cannot change what has already happened and get re-focused on moving forward?

If you fail miserably, you need to ask yourself if your goal is something you truly want. If the answer is “no,” then it wasn’t a good goal for you from the start. If the answer is “yes,” then recommit. If it is truly important to you, you will be willing to keep failing until you make progress.

If you want to know more about Life Coaching, I suggest you read any of Martha Beck’s books on the subject. And, get ready to get yourself in the game!