Thrive February 2015 Issue

FEBRUARY 2015

SWLA Economy

We’ve Got it Growing On!

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Special Section February 2015

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Preventinng a Broke Heart Thrive Mardi

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Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients.

24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today.

One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

The Only Cardiac Center of Excellence in Southwest Louisiana 2014

For nearly 40 years, we have held a firm commitment to the patients we serve throughout the community.

It is this commitment with the successful treatment of our patients, using the latest technology and techniques that has allowed us to achieve such a high standing among the country’s top cardiac facilities.

Experienced cardiac physicians working together with the latest treatments and technology, giving patients and families hope and healing with successful, long-term results is why we’re the only cardiac center of excellence in southwest Louisiana.

Call 491-7772 to schedule a consultation or visit ChristusStPatrick.org for more information.

Miguel DePuy, M.D.

Carl Fastabend, M.D.

Corey Foster, M.D.

Richard Gilmore, M.D.

Jake LeBeau, M.D.

James McKinnie, M.D.

Xavier Mousset, M.D.

Thomas Mulhearn IV, M.D.

Michael Turner, M.D.

Regional Heart Center ChristusStPatrick.org

February 2015

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Contents 36

6

44

In This Issue

Regular Features

Wining & Dining

15 Cameron Connection

6 Building a Better Smoothie 9 Mixing the Perfect Martini

18 Who’s News 34 Business Buzz 38 The New Family Tree 57 By the Numbers 63 Happenings 64 McNeese Corral 66 Solutions for Life!

Places & Faces 10 12

14

McNeese State University: Innovation Game Point: The Sports Club at Graywood Serving Up Tennis Education with New Pro Bottoms Up for the Lake Charles Winter Beer Fest

Money & Career 20 – 31 Special Cover Section: SWLA Economy: We’ve Got It Growing On!

32 4 Ways to Remember People’s Names

New

20

Sneak Peek

at March’s Thrive:

Home & Family 36 Local Couple Shares Secrets for Long-Term Marriage 39 Routine Pet Care Recommendations 40 Financial Aid: What You Need to Know

How to Make Your Own Luck

Style & Beauty 42 Finding the Right Pair of Jeans 44 Men In Pink 56 Hair Crimes and Misdemeanors

Mind & Body 50 – 57 Special Section:

Small Yard Makeovers Preventinng a Broke Heart

Striking Out on Your Own –

Making the Rules for Entrepreneurs

60 Looking into LASIK Myths

DON’T JUST LIVE, THRIVE!

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.

4 www.thriveswla.com

Editors and Publishers

Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Creative Director/Layout

Barbara VanGossen

Advertising Sales Lauren Tarasiewicz ads@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099

Assistant Editor

Katie Harrington

Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

Business Manager

Katie McDaniel

Assistant Designers

Shonda Manuel Kris Roy Mandy Gilmore

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

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

All our wonderful dogs are available for adoption through 4Paws Society.

Call 287-3552 for more information and to learn about other programs that are available.

by Katie Harrington

Operation Rain Twenty-Two SUZIE

I KISS YOU8!year old pekinese that feels Suzie is an self a diva. She really u er yo considers h t kisser around. Can’t she’s the bes tell?

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February 2015

A simple Facebook post made last fall, complaining about the endless rain Southwest Louisiana seemed to be receiving, became a catalyst for Fred Sebren, a local businessman and Army veteran, to start a movement in 2015.

“Last September I made a post to my personal Facebook page, claiming that if it rained one more day, I was packing my family up and heading west,” Sebren, owner of local independent insurance agency, The Simmons Group, says. “My wife, Dana, commented on it asking me what I was going to do about it.”

That simple question got Sebren’s wheels turning. A Lake Charles native, he enlisted in the Army when he was a senior in college, pursuing a criminal justice degree. He served two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantryman.

During his time of service, Sebren achieved the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Combat Infantry Award, an award given to only 40,000 total service members from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanastan).

While he found success in the structure provided by the Army, he says adapting to civilian life proved to be a bit of a challenge.

“The first job interview I went on after I returned home, I was offered $10 an hour. I had recently completed my four-year college degree but being an infantryman meant I didn’t really have a lot of skills applicable to the civilian world. I was fortunate to have grown up in the insurance business with my grandfather and mom, though.

With those past experiences and the support of my wife and family, I was able to forge a new path for myself.”

Sebren is quick to point out, however, that he is a minority. “I went into the service when I was well on my way to getting a college degree so I was a bit older when I got out. For kids going in at 18 and getting out at 22, the road ahead isn’t quite as smooth. This transition from soldier to civilian, while battling things like PTSD is not a good situation for anyone to be in.”

It was with this reflection last fall that Sebren decided exactly what he was going to do about all Thrive Magazine for Better Living

the rain the area was receiving.

“Every day in America, 22 veterans take their own lives. By the time we sit down for lunch each day, 11 veterans will have already committed suicide,” Sebren says. “The scars are not necessarily visible. For every five inches of rain accrued in Lake Charles during 2015, I am going to donate $22 to the United States War Veteran’s PTSD Foundation. By myself I cannot make a huge difference, but together we can raise a lot of money and help out a great cause.”

Sebren emphasizes that Operation Rain Twenty-Two is an idea built on everyone being capable of affecting positive change in their community. “I simply took something that I was complaining about, the amount of rain we get in Southwest Louisiana, and turned it into something positive to help make a difference.

Anyone can do this.”

The numbers on veteran suicide are staggering.

According to www.facethefactsusa.org, one out of every five (about 300,000) suicides nationwide is committed by a veteran, but that number is even more alarming when considering the fact that veterans make up only about 10 percent of the population.

“Twenty-two in a day, this needs to stop,” Sebren adds. “Most of these men and women were throwing lead down range before they were even old enough to buy a beer at their favorite dive bar. They answered the call when we needed them, so now it’s time to return the favor.”

Operation Rain Twenty-Two is currently looking into opportunities with groups like Paws and Stripes, who provide service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD. Community members can help by purchasing an Operation Rain TwentyTwo shirt from the group’s website. All proceeds will go to various charities dealing with veteran PTSD. For more information on Operation Rain TwentyTwo or to hear Sebren’s story, visit www.rain22.org.

You can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/operationrain22.

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Wining & Dining

It’s a new year, and for many, the holiday bloat has to go! It’s time to get serious, and a healthy option to consider is a smoothie.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

Building a Better

by Angela Hauser

There are many versions including fruits, vegetables, green drinks, weight control, muscle makers, energy, lean mass, and more. A smoothie can be a healthy choice if it’s balanced with fruit and healthy ingredients, and can even serve as a meal substitute.

Terri Stovall, owner of Get Healthy, a full service health food store, coffee house, wellness center, and spa, serves up tasty and healthy smoothies.

“Most people have a hard time getting in their servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis,” Stovall said. “Skipping a meal or having a meal without protein can wreak havoc on your health.”

A good smoothie should have protein, fat, and carbs. Calories can add up, and non-dairy options include almond, coconut, hemp, cashew, oat, or quinoa milks.

“Smoothies just may be the perfect nutritional boost,” said Stovall.

Begin with fresh, pureed, or frozen fruit, veggies for vitamins, and healthy thinners such as water, ice, apple or white grape juice. In lieu of white sugar, consider stevia, cane or beet sugar, xylitol, honey, or agave nectar. Throw in a banana for texture.

Popular fruit smoothies at Get Healthy are strawberry, strawberry banana, mango, peach, banana, apple, carrots, and butternut squash.

Keep a meal replacement smoothie under 300 calories, with 20 grams of protein. Whey, soy, hemp, and pea or brown rice are good choices when it comes to protein sources. Use three servings of fruit or vegetables in each smoothie.

February 2015

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Fresh vegetables and greens balance flavor and nutrients. Vitamineral Green, a powdered formula, contains spirulina, wheat grass, chlorella, dulse, algaes, and enzymes. Bee pollen, ginseng, probiotics, vitamins, and ginkgo biloba are just a few of a wide array of popular additions.

Get the glass you will drink your smoothie from, add in fruit, vegetables, protein, additives, and liquid.

Pour it all into a blender, blend on high, and enjoy!

Keep track of calories, including liquids, and be creative. Tofu or low-fat yogurt can be mixed with wheat germ, blueberries, and honey. A summer smoothie can be made from watermelon, banana, and yogurt. Berries, banana, yogurt, and orange juice is a great morning drink.

Stovall is a traditional naturopathic doctor and a certified natural health professional.

Get Healthy is located in historic downtown DeRidder at 107 S. Washington St., and is on Facebook.

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Wining & Dining

5

Ways to Treat Your Server

by Erin Kelly

When you dine out, the brief relationship you share with your server should be a two-way street. Yes, you should expect good service—but you should also behave like a respectful patron. You don’t expect to be treated badly at a restaurant, and neither should the wait staff. Better attitudes often equate to better service.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

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1 2

Listen. take your order, put proaches the table to to the specials When your server ap the earbuds. Listen t ou ke Ta e. on ph ll u’re not the only down your ce eated. Remember: Yo rep be to ve ha n’t so they do table being served. on the table Make room. ur plates, make room yo th wi s ive arr r rve re, the server can When the se where you want it. Su d ce pla be n ca d ans arranging so the foo the table, but that me on d u un aro s ing th shuffle ys that may make yo hing your plates in wa uc to d an s ink dr ur yo uncomfortable. aren’t their fault. rver for things that cting tables, taking Don’t blame the se — as bad service negle ing th a things ch su ’s ere Sure, th often get stiffed for d so on—but servers it’s an w, rs, slo de t or t ou rec ng or inc d’s comi no control. If the foo e Th lt. fau r’s rve se over which they have the Cold soup? Also not not the server’s fault. ouldn’t fall on your sh e nc rie pe ex ing din ur yo of en entire burd server’s shoulders.

3

4

Don’t stack plates. d stack plates rs clear the table an ry, but it can Sometimes custome rate practice in theo ide ns co a is is Th s. own process of themselve rvers often have their Se e. tiv uc od pr ter be coun logic behind stacking ve it or not, there is lie Be le. it’s tab e th ng cleari eir job, after all, and server do it. That’s th e th t Le . ng ari cle d an u’re paying to eat. part of the reason yo

5

d Always leave a tip. the hostess, cook, an server. The tip is for e th u for t yo If jus . ’t all isn em tip The r, you stiff th n you stiff the serve r. But bartender, too. Whe , talk to the manage ce rvi se or po ly tru ed eiv standard tip is 20 feel like you rec remember that the , so Al y. dr go tip e don’t let th not ten. rcent and certainly percent—not 15 pe

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

Mixing the Perfect Martini Martinis are among the most popular of the mixed drinks. Although the origin is debated, martinis became a part of the standard bartending repertoire in the late 19th century.

Traditionally, a martini is made with gin and dry vermouth, and over the years the gin-to-vermouth ratio has moved from near equal parts of each to about 6:1, with more gin than vermouth. This cocktail is typically garnished with a green olive or lemon twist. Often, a dash of olive juice is added to the mix to make a “dirty martini.”

More recently, vodka martinis have become popular. The vodka makes a drier drink than the gin, but with the popularity of the Cosmopolitan, fruity drinks in a martini glass have become the standard perception of a “martini.”

Purists will argue that these sweet versions are not martinis, but simply inferior drinks in a martini glass.

Perhaps they are not “true” martinis, but their popularity cannot be denied!

Making the perfect traditional martini requires a shaker, ice, a high quality gin, and dry vermouth. Simply fill the shaker halfway full of ice, pour in a capful of vermouth and swirl it around to coat the ice. Pour out the excess vermouth and add 2.5 ounces of gin (a little over ¼ cup) and shake.

Use a strainer to pour the mix into a martini glass and add a single olive or twist of lemon peel. Voila! There is your perfect martini.

If that’s a little too dry for you, try some of the following variations for your perfect martini drink.

Cosmopolitan: 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce Cointreau, 1 ounce cranberry juice, and 1 ounce Rose’s lime juice Sidecar: 1.5 ounces cognac, .75 ounces Cointreau, .75 ounces lemon juice

Gibson: exchange the olive for a cocktail onion Third degree: add a couple drops of absinthe Hoffman House: 3:1 ratio of gin to vermouth with 4 dashes of bitters Vodka martini: follow the traditional martini recipe and exchange the gin for vodka (Dirty Vodka martinis are also great.)

by Allie Mariano

My Story…

“SOWELA was one of the best choices for me. We do a lot of work in the classroom and in the kitchen… but when you can serve and cook for the customers out there and see the expressions on their faces it’s like…Wow! It’s a lot of fun. I retired from the military after twenty-one and a half years, and this is a new chapter in my life. I love cooking and put my heart and soul into it…and that’s my story.”

Lance

Let your story start with…

February 2015

SOWELA Student Culinary Arts

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Places & Faces MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY:

Innovation

One year ago, McNeese expanded its innovation program when it moved into the SEED Center. The Innovation Center, located on the first floor of the SEED Center located at 4310 Ryan Street, includes an interactive high-tech lab, classroom and business incubation studio.

McNeese was just the second university in the country to implement the Innovation Engineering minor in 2012. The program is open to all majors and it is designed to teach students a systematic approach to innovation. Over the course of six classes, students learn how to create, communicate, and commercialize their own innovative ideas. The students come up with and develop their own original project.

Innovation Engineering strives to be an interdisciplinary endeavor. According to the program’s website, the topic only exists as a minor because the program wants to graduate innovators in a variety of disciplines: “nurses, teachers, computer scientists, English, theatre, art, and history majors.” The program wants its graduates “to possess the tools and confidence to lead the creation, communication, and commercialization of meaningfully unique ideas in their disciplines!”

The three different rooms of the Innovation Center provide students with all of the tools required to be a new generation of innovators. In the classroom, students learn to work in groups to generate ideas and use their communication skills to solve problems. The Innovation Lab (iLab) is a room where students are able to utilize all of the latest technology to test their theories.

Students have access to everything from Google Glass to a Playstation 4, from the full suite of Apple devices to the latest graphic design and video editing software, from a non-linear writeable wall space to a 3-D printer, scanner, and pen. Students enrolled in Innovation Engineering, as well as students accepted into the Student Business Incubation Studio, can use all of this and more in the iLab, and they can also check it out during the day at school. As stated on the programs website, the Student Business Incubation Studio (BIS) is a space to “facilitate the development of sustainable student businesses.” Students have to apply to utilize the space, and it provides them a workspace tailored to their business development needs.

Last semester, students and faculty were able to take advantage of the Innovation Center during Innovate McNeese Week. Leading up to the event, student and faculty teams were able to use the Google Glass during one-week periods. Teams used the Google Glass for a variety of projects, including an Art History lecture, a mosquito identification project, an Organic Chemistry class, a Washington D.C. trip, an engineering treasure hunt, and a project that monitored coastal erosion. The results varied, but they all demonstrated the variety of ways Google Glass can be put to use.

Art History Professor, Bridget McDaniel used the technology to record a lecture on a Van Gogh painting while viewing the painting itself. In her post-project interview, McDaniel said she saw

enormous potential with the technology and planned to use it when abroad in order to bring the artwork home to her students.

Caleb Ardizzone and Dr. William Dees used Google Glass for a mosquito identification project in which they photographed and later identified the mosquitoes. This project demonstrated some of the limitations of the technology because they were not able to zoom and ended up photographing the mosquitoes through a microscope, which defeated the overall purpose of using Google Glass. However, they identified the potential the technology has to aid in other, future projects.

Ryan Bradford and Mary Kaye Eason used the Google Glass while completing the Innovation Engineering Skill 5 Application Treasure Hunt. The purpose was to view a place and notice things that you haven’t noticed before like smells, sounds, things you hear, things that are unexpected, surprising, amusing or inspirational.

The Google Glass was particularly helpful in allowing them to go back and view their route with fresh eyes: Each time they watched, they noticed things they didn’t notice before.

Students and faculty are developing new, fresh, innovative ideas and solutions this semester.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Allie Mariano

For more information on the center, visit www.seed.mcneese.edu/innovationclasses.

February 2015

Even though LCI Workers’ Comp has never once checked the fluids, we have worked alongside local business owners for more than 25 years. Offering important free training programs like QuickBooksTM , online marketing, and safety education, LCI continues to provide expert guidance and deliver exceptional service. So put us to work for your Louisiana business, even if we don’t know where the oil goes. :: lciwc.com :: 985-612-1230

Put us to work for you.

February 2015

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Places & Faces

Game Point:

The Sports Club at Graywood Serving Up Tennis Education with New Pro

by Lauren Jameson

Kevin Essary said he has been playing tennis since he was “in diapers.”

His parents, both top-rated tennis players, got him started “as soon as I could hold a racquet,” he said.

Essary, who has played tennis all over the world, now calls Lake Charles his home – he is the tennis director at Graywood Sports Club – and he is teaching a whole new generation to love the game as much as he does.

Essary said he took his first official tennis lesson by age 10. By 14, he knew he wanted to make tennis his profession.

While he grew up in Jackson, Miss., he spent many holidays with family in Memphis, Tenn., where he often played matches while in town. Memphis hosts a large professional tennis tournament each year and such tennis greats as Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Andre Agassi have all played in it and won.

Then a junior player, Essary said he was always invited to volunteer as a ball boy in the tournament.

But, he always turned the invitation down.

“Why would I want to ball boy for guys I plan to beat one day?” he would always say. “I knew what I wanted.”

By the time he was 13, Essary said he started qualifying for national tournaments.

“Back then, this was not an easy task,” he said.

“To qualify, you had to have a southern ranking somewhere around the Top 24.”

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At 14, Essary won the Mississippi overall championship. He ranked in the Top 20 in the nation in junior tennis and competed in the Nationals in Kalamazoo, Mich. The Nationals is the “most highly regarded junior tournament in the United States and the winner gets straight into the main draw of the U.S. Open professional event,” he said.

By the age of 16, Essary was competing in and winning high level professional and adult events.

During his freshman year at Jacksonville State, Essary scored wins over players ranked in the Top 120 in the world and he was ranked as the no. 1 player in the south.

After college, Essary played with the Futures Professional Tour before deciding to teach full time.

He taught tennis for 15 years in Memphis, including his job as the tennis director for Germantown, Tenn., a suburb of Memphis.

Essary moved to Lake Charles about three years ago when two of his former coaches recommended him for the tennis director job at Graywood.

He wasn’t sure he wanted the job until he made his initial visit.

“After visiting Lake Charles and seeing Gray Plantation, I was hooked,” he said. “I’ve traveled all

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

over the world playing tennis and I have rarely seen any neighborhoods or facilities prettier than Gray Plantation.”

Tennis isn’t the only sport Essary has mastered.

Growing up, he played baseball, football, and even BMX bike racing. He excelled at all, but finished second in the nation in BMX racing. He also won the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Professional of the Year award for Tennessee in 2008.

As a teacher, Essary said he focuses on making sure his students get better at tennis “every time they step onto the court.”

“Tennis is an all-or-nothing sport. Even when you are practicing, you have to give 100 percent,” he said. “Tennis is all about giving maximum effort on every movement or shot. This means practice sessions have to be very intense or they could actually get worse if not coached correctly. I try

February 2015

to develop my students’ overall athletic ability. Playing and participating in all these sports has helped me communicate to athletes and it gives me a better overall idea of how the body most properly functions athletically.”

Essary said he strives every day to be the best coach he can be.

“A coach can have a lifelong impression on students’ lives and that responsibility shouldn’t be taken lightly. With all of my students, I try to help guide them to becoming better and more responsible individuals on and off the court,” he said.

Essary is certified in both strength conditioning and movement in sport – specifically to train professional athletes -- and as an elite level professional by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

“What the combination of those certifications allows me to do is not only identify where the technique is breaking down and correct it while on the court, but also identify the exact muscle groups or imbalances that are not performing at an optimal level. I then can give them exact exercises that specifically target those inefficiencies while training specifically for tennis while cross training or in the gym,” he said.

For more information about Essary or the Sports Club at Graywood, call (337) 477-1114.

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February 2015

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

ateman Bryan Ste.mB an

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1/16/15 12:02 PM

Places & Faces

Bottoms Up

for the Lake Charles

Winter

Fest

by Allie Mariano

This month the beautiful Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank Building will host a new event for those who really enjoy a good brew. Beer, that is. The Lake Charles Winter Beer Fest, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, is a beer-tasting event that will feature over 60 different craft beers from multiple brewers.

Nick Villaume, who works with Tom Bobak on americancraftbeer.com, has launched this event. He describes the festival as “highly curated.” It will feature beers of the highest quality from a variety of American brewers, including a Louisiana favorite, Bayou Têche.

The event will showcase special releases and unique brews. Several of the brewers will have beers special to the festival, providing a unique opportunity for those who attend. In addition to beer sampling, the event will feature live music from Beau G’s Band of Ojin and Shearman & the Magic Tones, and a variety of food from local vendors.

Tickets are available for regular admission, VIP, and designated drivers.

Regular admission is $40 and includes a 1 p.m. entry, unlimited beer tastings, and a commemorative 4-ounce tasting glass. The $80 VIP passes give the attendee a noon entry, unlimited beer tastings, the tasting glass, a $10 food token, and access to the VIP area with special release beers. Designated drivers can attend the event for $15 and will receive the commemorative glass when they leave.

In addition to tasting a variety of beers, festival attendees will have the opportunity to talk to industry reps and ask any questions that they have.

“This event is geared toward beer connoisseurs, not just beer drinkers,” says Vallaume. He adds, though, that this is a great event for people who want to learn more about craft beers. “You can figure out what you like by talking to the brewers.”

Mark your calendars and make your way to the Historic Bank, downtown on Ryan Street. For more information and tickets visit www.lawinterbeerfest.com.

“We chose The Verandah because of the friendliness of the managers, staff and fellow residents, plus the food is amazing!”

Welcome to The Verandah!

Proudly Managed by Sunshine Retirement Living • Sit Back and Enjoy all the Perks of All-Inclusive Living • • Restaurant-Style Leisure Dining with Home-Cooked Meals • • Safe Living with Caring Live-In Managers & Dedicated Staff • • Wellness Program, Fitness Center with Trainer, Heated Swimming Pool, Sauna & Spa, Beauty Salon, Movie Theater, Tavern, Chapel, Art Studio and More! • JOIN US FOR OUR MARDI GRAS BALL Friday, February 9th | 6pm-8pm ~ Call to RSVP! NEW YEAR, NEW SAVINGS! Limited-Time Specials are Waiting for You! Call Today!

(337) 347-7204

5851 Gray Market Drive | Lake Charles, LA 70605 EMAIL:

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TheVerandah@SunshineRet.com |

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WEB:

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

TheVerandahAtGraywood.com February 2015

CAMERON PARISH HIGH SCHOOL CAREER FAIR The Cameron Parish School Board and the Cameron Parish Police Jury Department of Economic Development will host a Career Fair Tuesday, February 24, at the Cameron Parish School Board Conference Center. This will be an all-day event, with students from all schools participating. If you are interested in attending and setting up a booth for display of your company, please contact Clair Hebert, PCED, Director of Economic Development at clairh@camtel.net or (337) 739-1098.

MONKEY ISLAND PROJECT GETS LICENSE The U.S. Department of Energy on Wednesday awarded Southern California Telephone & Energy a license to export LNG from its proposed plant on Monkey Island in Cameron Parish to free trade agreement countries.

SCT&E executives initially applied for their FTA license in June to export 4 million metric tons from the Monkey Island site. They rescinded their application shortly thereafter when the company decided to expand the project’s scope from four trains to six, tripling the size of the facility. The company then reapplied in July for an FTA license to export 12 million metric tons.

The estimated $9.2 billion project is expected to create about 2,000 construction jobs. Work on the project is expected to begin by the fall of 2016.

February 2015

CHENIER PLAIN ALLIANCE FORMED BETWEEN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA AND SOUTHEAST TEXAS Officials from three Southwest Louisiana parishes, Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermilion, and three Southeast Texas counties, Chambers, Jefferson and Orange, signed a memorandum of understanding to cement their pledge to work together in the areas of bank stabilization, hydrologic restoration, marsh creation and ridge restoration. The Chenier Plain covers a five million-acre coastal region with two-thirds of the plain located east of the Sabine River in Louisiana and one-third west of the Sabine in Texas.

Cameron Parish has more wetland acres than any Gulf Coast state, county or parish and the second highest rate of net wetland decrease. If you combine the Chenier Plain commercial fishing ports of the Port of Cameron in Cameron Parish with Delcambre and Intracoastal city in Vermilion Parish and Port Arthur in Jefferson County the annual catch is greater than the rest of the Gulf States other than Louisiana. According to America’s Wetland Foundation, more than 95% of Gulf of Mexico marine species spend part of their life in Louisiana’s wetlands yet approximately 25 to 35 square miles of Louisiana wetlands are lost each year.

Nature tourism in addition to hunting and fishing in the Chenier Plain offers some of the most varied outdoor recreation in the nation. Due to its variety of wading water and marsh birds the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge has been designated an “Internationally Important Bird Area” and the refuge is a part of the Creole Nature Trail All American Road and America’s Wetland Birding Trail.

The Texas Birding Trail, located at the western edge of the Chenier Plain, leads the nation in visitor participation.

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15

Places & Faces

Best Pr

posals

‘Tis the season for, well, love. February 14th marks the day couples everywhere will celebrate their love. Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia. This fertility celebration used to be observed annually on February 15, but the rise of Christianity in Europe saw many pagan holidays being renamed for and dedicated to the early Christian martyrs and Lupercalia was no exception. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned the celebration into a Christian feast day and set its observance a day earlier, on February 14. He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century and it is this St. Valentine whom the modern Valentine’s Day honors.

On this day, flowers, cards and candy are the typical gifts used to express one’s love, but for some, an engagement ring will be the gift bestowed. According to the American Express Spending and Savings Tracker, an estimated six million marriage proposals will take place on the holiday.

With this statistic in mind, and the fact that love is in the air, Thrive took to Facebook to get the back story behind some proposals.

Read on for the stories of two local couples, in their own words.

Tayler Ryan Richard and Sean Kennon On our five-year anniversary, we had plans to go out to dinner. At the time, I was in nursing school taking evening classes. So, before I left for school, I went ahead and got dressed and ready for our date night. I went to class and actually got out early, I was so excited! I text messaged Sean to let him know I was out early and that I was headed home so he could start getting ready to go to dinner. He replied and told me he was at his parents’ house and asked if I would run to our house and grab him a change of clothes because he didn’t feel like driving all the way back home.

Every Friday night his family has “family night,” where they cook a big dinner and all get together at someone’s house.

So, when I called him, he said his mom was hosting family night this week and that she cooked a huge meal and asked if I wanted to just stay and hang out there. Of course, I said yes and he said since my parents were there they were going to stay for family night too. When I got out of the car at his parents’ house, I saw a line of people in the backyard all wearing black shirts. So I started walking towards them and when they turned around I realized it was our closest family wearing shirts that spell out “will you marry” and Sean is wearing a shirt that says “me?” I walked straight to him and he got down on one knee with the most beautiful ring I have ever seen in my life and, of course, I said yes! It was amazing!

16 www.thriveswla.com

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February 2015

Shannon Weeks and Morgan Smith A few weeks before I proposed, I was praying because I knew that I wanted to propose, but I had no idea how I would do it at all. I said, “God, You know her way better than I do. What should I do?” And clear as day He said, “Send her on a quest”. I stained paper with coffee grounds and water and burned the edges to make it look old and rolled it up into scrolls. Inside of the scrolls, I put instructions just like for a scavenger hunt, but I made it more epic.

On the day of the proposal, I was kind of freaking out a bit, but by the grace of God, I was able to hide my nervousness for most of the time. I went inside and she’s got this legit treasure chest with pictures of us and all of the notes I had written her and a pair of jeans from Express.

Great anniversary presents from her, and she knew I had gotten her something, so I told her I had something for her but I needed to get it out of my car. So I went and came back and gave her the first scroll.

She read through it and she looked a little confused and excited and amused and adorable. We set off on our adventure before finding the final scroll that read: “If you have successfully completed the previous quests, you have proven yourself worthy of my treasure. Although I will soon leave this earth, I am still hesitant to give you the location. Alas, if the truth shall ever be known, I must. The coordinates are 30• 11’ 18.142” N 93• 16’ 4.054” W.” So she typed the coordinates into Google Maps and we head to Prien Lake Park (the local park where we had our first kiss). When we were headed there, I texted our photographer to let him know and he hid the Bible that I got her and hid in his car. She had told me she wanted it about a month before, so as soon as she saw it she knew what it was.

She opened up the Bible and in between the pages was a folded piece of paper that said: “As I conceal this book of great wisdom and knowledge, I have but one more treasure that I have no need of at this time. It’s location is near here, in fact, closer than you might imagine. To find it, you must look, not with your eyes, but with your mind.”

“I told her I didn’t know how she was supposed to do that, but fortunately I had a blindfold. So I put it on her.

When everything was set, I said, “Hey! I found a box. It says, “Treasures fade but love remains. Love is key.” I don’t know what that means...I love you? No, that didn’t work...I guess I need more.” Then I went on a big spiel and told her that the box had opened and to take off her blindfold. When she took it off, I was already on my knee. “Will you marry me?”

Quest Complete!

February 2015

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17

Places & Faces

Movers and Shakers in Southwest News? You tell us! Send press releases to Louisiana... Who’s edit@thriveswla.com with the subject line “Who’s News.”

Girl Scouts of Louisiana Welcomes New CEO Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf has announced the new Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Broussard. Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf serves Rachel Broussard the 42 parishes west of the Mississippi River, including the cities of Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lafayette and Lake Charles. GSLPG serves nearly 8,000 girls and 3,000 adult volunteers. Rachel is moving up from Chief Operations Officer of Direct Services.

Maureen Lannan, MD, Elected 2015 President of WCCH Medical Staff Maureen Lannan, MD, family medicine physician, was elected president of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s (WCCH’s) Medical Staff. As Maureen Lannan, MD president, Dr. Lannan will work to ensure the quality and efficiency of clinical services and performance within the hospital. In her term, Dr. Lannan will serve as chairperson of the medical executive committee and organized general medical staff, and will actively participate on the board of commissioners of WCCH. Dr. Lannan practices alongside Dr. Ken Thomas, family medicine physician, and Dr. Amy Soileau, family medicine physician, at Cypress Medical Clinic, located at 622 Cypress Street in Sulphur.

Fontenot Obtains Certification Melissa Fontenot obtained the PHRProfessional in Human Resources certification in December 2014. Melissa is a member of the local ICHRMA group. She also holds the CAP-OM Melissa Fontenot certification-Certified Administrative Professional-Organizational Management and is a member of the International 18 www.thriveswla.com

Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

Melissa has been employed as the Senior Executive Assistant for Bill Doré at Doré Energy since August 2001, where she also performs the HR duties for the company.

Dr. Jake LeBeau Earns Interventional Cardiology Board Certification Dr. Jake LeBeau, Cardiologist with Cardiovascular Specialists, an affiliate of Imperial Health, has been awarded Board Certification in Dr. Jake LeBeau Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Board certification is a voluntary step in an intensive educational experience that recognizes a physician’s knowledge, skills and experience integral to the delivery of high standards in patient care in their chosen field. His office is located at 501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, 3rd Floor. To schedule an appointment with Dr. LeBeau, call (337) 312-8281.

Dowden Named COO, Pollard VP at Merchant & Farmers Bank

28 years, offering comprehensive medical care and preventive health services to patients of all ages. Dr. Mouton’s medical practice is now located at 4150 Nelson Road, Building I; on the Lake Area Medical Center campus. For more information, visit www.LakeAreaPhysicians.com or call (337) 475-4001.

Schmidt Named Marketing/Sales Coordinator Knight Media Inc. has announced the addition of Krickett Schmidt as their new Marketing/Sales Coordinator. Schmidt will be developing and Krickett Schmidt implementing an overall marketing strategy, directly engaging and advising the sales team, and translating the company’s business objectives into marketing strategies that drive revenue.

Before joining Knight Media Inc., Schmidt was an Account Executive at Fox 15 Lafayette, where she worked closely with the sales team to implement and achieve sales initiatives. Prior to Fox, She worked as Brand Marketing Manager for a small restaurant chain, based out of Southaven, MS.

Eckard Attains Certified Financial Planner Designation

Holly Pollard

Rhonda Dowden

Ken Hughes, President/CEO of Merchants & Farmers Bank has announced the promotions of Rhonda Mitchell Dowden to Chief Operations Officer and Holly Pollard to Vice President/Lending Compliance, for the multi-parish bank. Dowden most recently served as Vice President of Information Technology and Pollard most recently served as Assistant Vice President.

Mark Eckard, financial advisor with Rau Financial Group, recently earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation from the Certified Financial Planner Mark Eckard Board of Standards.

Earning the designation requires at least three years of qualifying full-time experience as a financial planner, successful completion of a CFP® Boardregistered education program or equivalent, and a passing score on the 10-hour CFP® Certification Examination. For more information, call (337) 480-3835 or visit www.raufinancialgroup.com.

Dr. Gerald W. Mouton Joins Lake Area Physicians Medical Group Local Family Medicine Physician and Wound Care Specialist, Gerald Mouton, M.D. has joined Lake Area Physicians and the medical staff of Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC). Dr. Mouton has practiced medicine in the Southwest Louisiana area for over Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

Sewall Retires after 32 Years Susan (Sue) Sewall, CEO of Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf retired on December 31, 2014.

For over three decades, Sue has provided leadership and vision for the development and achievement of the organization’s mission in partnership with the council’s Board of Directors. Girl Scouts of Louisiana Sue and Robert Sewall – Pines to the Gulf consists of the 42 parishes west of the Mississippi, including the cities of Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles and Lafayette.

1

Allison Named West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Safety Award Recipient

Lameka Allison

Rau Financial Group was established with the simple idea of helping people pursue their financial dreams. The group has steadily grown over the past 10 years and now includes three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS and three LPL Financial Advisors. Together we offer our clients over 100 years of combined experience in the investment field. Three years ago, we moved into our new larger office on Ryan Street to better serve our clients.

CELEBRATING

As we celebrate this 10th anniversary milestone, we sincerely thank our clients for the trust they have placed in us, and we remain fully invested in helping every client pursue their financial goals.

Denise Rau, CFP®, President

YEARS OF GROWTH

February 2015

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) recently named Lameka Allison, human resources secretary, as the recipient of its Safety Award. The award, which honors employees for their promotion of safety and safety awareness in and around the hospital, is distributed to those employees that demonstrate extraordinary awareness and action in minimizing potential safety risks.

Give us a call to learn more about our services:

(337) 480-3835 • www.raufinancialgroup.com

1634 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA

Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC *Securities and Financial Planning offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

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19

y m o n o c E

Money & Career

A L W S

We’ve Got it Growing On! Change is inevitable. It’s difficult for an individual, but equally challenging for a community. When executed well, however, change becomes a beacon of hope, a new standard of excellence, and a positive and uplifting shift toward something better. Southwest Louisiana has experienced substantial change in the past few years and has many more to come.

Results of Regional Impact Study Released

by Katie Harrington

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At of the start of this year the total tally on economic development projects either on the horizon or underway in Southwest Louisiana came in at around $85 billion.

Projections of more than 22,000 new residents mean that somewhere around 8,000 permanent homes will be needed. There will likely be about 6000 new students in kindergarten through 12th grade and those travelling area roadways can expect traffic delays to increase by 45 percent.

All of these projections are part of the results from a Regional Impact Study (RIS) conducted last year by the GO Group, and sponsored by Sasol. Results of the study were released last November and are providing a roadmap of sorts for community leaders to follow for smart growth.

The study was conducted by CSRS and Travis Woodward, who is with CSRS, said in comments at a news conference following the release of the study that results predict tremendous employment growth for the area. “Out over the next five years, we modeled employment growth of almost Thrive Magazine for Better Living

five percent annually. To put that in perspective, should that happen, Lake Charles will likely be the fastest growing employment center in the country.”

Take a second and allow that to sink in, fastest growing in the country. This employment growth and resulting new residents predicted to happen by 2019 will largely be concentrated in Calcasieu Parish.

Woodward cited education and workforce development as two top priorities for area leaders to focus on.

“People are very concerned that young families here have the ability to get their kids in quality education and beyond a quality education, how do we make sure that our young people are prepared to fill the jobs that industry has,” Woodward commented.

According the executive summary the RIS consists of three major components: baseline assessment of current systems; socioeconomic modeling analysis of changes that will happen; and determination of impacts on each February 2015

major community system along with recommendations on how to best address those impacts. The key thing to realize about this study is that it’s a tool for area leaders to use to ensure smart growth for the Southwest Louisiana region.

In comments following the release of the study last fall, Hal McMillin, Calcasieu Parish Police Juror and chair of the GO Group. “This is our opportunity to shine. We don’t want to look back some 30 to 40 years and feel like we dropped the ball or squandered a golden opportunity.”

The community systems analyzed by the RIS, as selected by the GO Group members, were workforce development, transportation, education, utilities, public safety and welfare, health and medical, housing, environmental, small business development and planning for growth.

More than 200 stakeholders within the community were interviewed for the study. Participants included elected officials, governmental employees, civic leaders, religious leaders and many others. Also, a specific outreach to the minority community was conducted to ensure inclusiveness in stakeholder input.

The executive summary and full study results can be viewed at www.gogroupswla.com. Below is a brief synopsis of some of the major community systems analyzed.

Workforce Development According to the study, this is where the most immediate impact is being felt. There is a surge in the demand for trained employees to the tune of 13,000 jobs that need to be filled. This estimate does not include journeyman craft laborers, which represents more than 8,000 additional jobs.

Transportation Impacting public safety, quality of life and the local economy, transportation and traffic are a key piece of the growth puzzle. Using current trends and growth patterns, researchers generated baseline traffic models that predicts significant increases in traffic congestion over a 10-year period.

February 2015

Education As mentioned above, it’s estimated that an additional 6,000 students will register for kindergarten through 12th grade education. There is concern over the current limitations placed on individual bonding districts. If the district can’t bond themselves for improvements and expansion, then it will be difficult to meet the needs of the growing student populations at some area schools.

Public Safety and Welfare Fire protection, law enforcement and medical first responder services in the region will all see different types of impacts during various phases of expected growth. During the construction phases, when large groups of workers are expected to be housed in worker villages, law enforcement agencies are expecting the need for increased law enforcement presence.

Housing The demand for housing will grow as the number of jobs grow. One hot bead topic when it comes to housing has been proposed worker villages to house temporary workers. The total demand for housing for workers during the construction phase is estimated to peak at more than 14,000 temporary residents during 2016. Current supply levels of these homes are placed at somewhere around 2,500, leaving a shortfall of 11,500. The worker villages are seen as an important solution because they will minimize the impact of these workers on the overall housing market.

Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana:

A Vital Part of the Lake Area Community

• Safety and Health Training • Drug and Alcohol Program for Workers (DOT Certified Collectors) • 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 Call Today for More Information.

Quality of Life Currently Southwest Louisiana residents typically remain within the region throughout their lives, in part because of the existing quality of life. During the study, one industry veteran was quoted as saying, “In my 20-plus years here, I only know of only two plant managers who have retired and moved to other areas. While most are not from here, they all tend to stay.” The Alliance is already making efforts to ensure that quality of life remains a priority during this time of growth. Stories with details on these projects can be found in this special section.

(337) 436-3354 safetycouncilswla.org

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

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21

Money & Career | SWLA Economy

Sasol has two major projects on the horizon for Southwest Louisiana.

Hang a big “Pardon Our Dust” sign over Southwest Louisiana for the next few years. Next to it, hang another one: “Help Wanted.” Call them signs of the times. Watch the nation read them with envy.

We stand before the mightiest era in Southwest Louisiana’s industrial history — and we stand to thrive from all that surrounds it.

The time ahead will bring: • More construction and capacity.

• Thousands upon thousands of new jobs.

• Greater consumer spending and quality-oflife opportunities.

Industrial expansion will drive a surge of unprecedented growth in the area, with $86 billion in projects expected to be completed in the next two to three years.

“Half of those are already underway,” said George Swift, president and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “The majority are the design process.

Some are awaiting permitting. It’s the most in the history of the area.”

In short: When it comes to large-scale economic expansion, “Southwest Louisiana continues to lead the nation,” Swift said.

The projects range from Sasol Ltd.’s massive expansion in West Calcasieu to natural gas handling and delivery networks in Cameron that poke to the Gulf of Mexico.

To complete these projects, construction workers — lots of them — will be needed in the time ahead.

In fact, “the biggest challenge will be the workforce,” Swift said.

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Mammoth Project The local Sasol project, a monster by any measure, will be gobbling up many of those workers.

The South African company is building an $8.1 billion petrochemical complex — an ethane cracker and six chemical manufacturing plants to complement its existing facilities in Westlake. The complex will be built on 650 acres of land secured from the Port of Lake Charles.

There will be 5,000-plus construction jobs generated by the project.

The plan also calls for another $800 million for land and improvements to infrastructure and utilities, boosting the total project cost to $8.9 billion.

When the project is complete, the ethane cracker complex will produce about 1.5 million tons of ethylene per year. The output will be converted into a chemicals used to make such products such as detergent, cleaners, packaging, paint and adhesives.

If nearly $9 billion sounds like a huge figure, well, wait — and there could be even more coming. More than twice that.

Sasol will decide sometime next year, or beyond, on whether to spend another $11 billion to $14 billion for a gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility. The state and federal government back the plan — U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker has called it “a landmark investment” — and Sasol has environmental and construction permits well in hand. If Sasol proceeds with the mammoth GTL proposal, the total number of new direct jobs would surpass 1,250.

LSU’s Division of Economic Development projects that the Sasol project will produce a total economic impact of $46.2 billion, Thrive Magazine for Better Living

including its direct and indirect effects, over the next 20 years in Louisiana.

There are other projects as well. Some of them: • In West Calcasieu, Westlake Chemical will complete a $330 million expansion of its ethylene capacity and make other capital improvements by this time next year.

When done, 25 full-time jobs and $2 million in payroll will be added. The Louisiana Economic Development Office estimates that the expansion will result in 164 new indirect jobs as well.

Numerous LNG projects are on the horizon.

• In Hackberry, Sempra Energy is expanding by building a $10 billion terminal to export liquefied natural gas.

It’s a joint venture by Sempra’s LNG unit and Mitsubishi. Construction jobs will hit a peak of about 3,000. When completed in 2018, Cameron LNG will have 200 permanent jobs in Louisiana and Texas and will be able to ship out 1.7 billion cubic feet of product per day.

• A trio of new LNG plants are proposed for Cameron Parish.

That’s just for starters.

February 2015

CONSTRUCTION Jobs, Jobs, Jobs “We anticipate that there will be a need for 35,000 construction workers — or 25,000 people, because some people work more than one job — and 20,000 permanent workers,” Swift said.

“People can have a great career. They may need to start at the entry level, but they can be promoted in any number of industries. There are lots of opportunities.”

Transient workers move from place to place as opportunities arrive, so “we’re reaching out to community groups to make our local people aware of the required skills and training for these jobs,” Swift said. “A lot of our people could get these skills — and get these construction jobs.”

To train people in skills needed by employers like Sasol and others, SOWELA Technical Community College has received $20 million to build and equip a regional training facility. The college will open the center next year.

Sowela is already training students who move into high-demand local jobs in aviation maintenance, process and industrial

February 2015

instrumentation technology, healthcare, welding and other fields.

It’s among the reasons SOWELA was named last month No. 8 among the nation’s fastest-growing two-year colleges.

National Hurricane Museum and Science Center

Quality of Life The industrial boom will reshape the region. Beyond the steel and concrete, though, is the opportunity to re-imagine our area’s future.

What will life be like, and what can we do now to help steer it?

For example, it’s projected that the region’s population will grow by 50,000 people in the next 10 years. What will we, and our new neighbors, demand of Southwest Louisiana?

“Our challenge as a region is to look 15, 20, 25 years down the road and decide what kind of quality of life we’ll want,” Swift said. “Citizens need to think about their children and grandchildren, not just ourselves.”

The Alliance’s own Quality of Life Task Force, chaired by Matt Young, has already started that conversation. Read more about the Task Force on page 30 of this section.

Swift spoke of “generational projects” intended to change the Southwest Louisiana landscape

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literally or figuratively — such as the National Hurricane and Science Museum effort or perhaps converting part of Enterprise Boulevard (the stretch named for jazz great Nellie Lutcher) into an arts and cultural district.

He also talked of other quality-of-life issues: • The appearance of areas around Interstate 10 as drivers approach.

• Parks and recreation. “We have parks, but not a lot of continuity among them,” he said. “If you have to get in a car to get to a park, it’s defeating the purpose. We might want bike lanes, dog parks, other gathering places like this.”

• Downtown development. “That’s in all communities, not just in Lake Charles — and our arts and cultural components can be an attraction for these downtown areas.”

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Money & Career | SWLA Economy

Jeff Davis on the Move

QUALIT Y OF LIFE

Zigler Museum i will soon make a move to downtown Jennings.

24 www.thriveswla.com

The one-of-a-kind Zigler Art Museum, long nestled in residential Jennings, won’t be a best-kept secret much longer. That’s good news for arts, culture and tourism in Jeff Davis Paris.

There’ll be a new college facility and a new jail coming in the parish.

First, the Zigler.

The museum has long held more than 200 works of art and wildlife dioramas on quiet Clara Street — inside the home of the late philanthropists Fred and Ruth Zigler, whose own house was among their many donations to the community. The trick for outsiders, though, has been knowing about the museum, then finding it.

Now, the ZAM is moving downtown into the substantially renovated 1902 City Hall building.

It’s an “incredible new venue,” museum board president Greg Marcantel says in a promotional video about the move.

In its new/historic digs, the museum will have more exhibit and elbow room. There will be a 2,000-squarefoot main gallery, an area for receptions, an atrium with 30-foot ceilings, a new gift shop and space upstairs for offices and storage.

Other tourism in Jeff Davis is generated by such attractions as the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum, Muddy Water Rentals in Lake Arthur, the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge and the alligators at Louisiana Oil & Gas Park along I-10 in Jennings.

Pulling it all together, perhaps, is the annual collaboration by Jennings and the Jeff Davis Art Council for the Jennings Alive Arts and Craft Festival, which will mark its 35th year this fall.

Jeff Davis’ economy has roots in petroleum — Jennings is the “Cradle of Louisiana Oil” — but rice, other agriculture, retail and tourism are also economic components.

To help meet workforce training needs, SOWELA Technical Community College’s Morgan Smith site in Jennings is getting a new home.

Morgan Smith, which has long taught classes at a former grade school, is looking forward to a $10 million, 36,000-square-foot building.

Also, construction will begin later this this year on a new regional consolidated jail. The 200-bed facility will be built off U.S. 90 west of Jennings.

The Jeff Parish Economic Development and Tourist Commission, Jeff Davis Parish Office of Economic Development and Jeff Davis Parish Film Commission all help boost economic and quality-of-life issues.

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Casino Celebrations Fresh off its 20th-anniversary celebration in January, a blowout at which country megastar Reba McEntire sang her regards, Coushatta Casino Resort is taking another step in 2015 to burnish its presence in Southwest Louisiana’s gaming market.

The casino and its attractions, which include golf, are all enterprises of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

“I think it’s especially important for Native Americans across this country to take every moment and to celebrate every little achievement they can,” Coushatta Tribal Council member David Sickey said about the anniversary.

The Coushatta have good reason to celebrate their achievements. They operate the biggest gambling complex in the state.

In the year ahead, Coushatta will complete a down-to-the studs renovation of the resort’s Grand Hotel.

The project will crown a $40 million effort to update Coushatta’s array of accommodations options. The work includes The Coushatta Tribe recently celebrated the 20th replacing 60,000 anniversary of their casino in Kinder. square feet of roofing, windows and outside lighting.

The finished product will better complement its younger sister, the Seven Clans Hotel, and join the Coushatta Inn, Red Shoes RV & Chalets and offsite properties to add hotel rooms in the casino area.

With 100,000 square feet of gaming space — 2,800 slots, 70 table games, 20 poker rooms, live bingo and off-track betting — Coushatta employs more than 2,200 people.

The anniversary comes as the $700 million Golden Nugget is making it mark in Lake Charles. The 1.3 million-square-foot hotel and casino opened just before Christmas. It offers 1,600 slots, 72 table games, six poker rooms and a high-limit area. The complex has 740 hotel rooms, golf, a 2,000-seat performance space, seven restaurants, shops and a marina.

Golden Nugget joins Coushatta, Delta Downs, L’auberge Casino Resort and Isle of Capri in the Southwest Louisiana’s casino cluster.

February 2015

JD Gets Me

UP TO SPEED YET DOWN TO EARTH JD Bank has always been an early adopter of the latest advancements, such as online banking, online account origination, or our convenient mobile banking app. It’s just one reason why we’ve thrived in helping the region grow for over 66 years. Of course, new technology will never take the place of our genuine personal service. It’ll just help make your life a little bit easier.

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February 2015

1.800.789.5159 jdbank.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Money & Career | SWLA Economy construction jobs (into 2019), 100 permanent jobs and 300-plus indirect jobs.

Adding such a project “puts Cameron Parish at the forefront of liquefied natural gas trade,” said Stephen Broussard, West Cameron Port District director.

That, in turn, helps the local economy.

“We look forward to seeing this community grow and prosper economically from the impact of the export and storage facilities,” said President Kirk Quinn of the Cameron Parish Police Jury.

Two other plants are planned as well.

Southern California Telephone and Energy will begin work on their Monkey Island terminal in 2016.

In 2016, work is expected to begin on a $9.2 billion LNG plant on Monkey Island by Southern California Telephone & Energy. Also, Waller Marine LNG plans a $200 million facility.

Additionally, Cheniere LNG plans an $18 billion expansion at its site near the Louisiana-Texas border.

Success in Beauregard

Sempra’s Cameron LNG expansion is expected to top out at $10 billion.

Cameron: Energy Powerhouse

HOUSING

DUCATION

26 www.thriveswla.com

Cameron Parish is busy with forward-looking industrial construction that is adding a powerful element to its economy.

It’s becoming a global go-to for a growing world commodity — liquefied natural gas.

LNG’s growth is rooted in domestic production and foreign demand — an ideal export situation, one that’s far cry from, say, America’s 1970s dependence on foreign oil.

As mentioned earlier, Sempra’s Cameron LNG expansion effort will top out at $10 billion.

The site will be getting big-ticket company, growing the parish’s profile.

Just last month, Venture Global LNG leased additional land near the base of the Calcasieu Ship Channel in preparation for a proposed $4.25 billion, 200-acre facility of its own.

Venture Global intends to build a liquefaction/export site to supercool up to 10 million metric tons of natural gas a year. The LNG will be loaded onto visiting bubbledecked tankers for shipment around the globe. Louisiana Economic Development pegs the project at 1,500 peak

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Downtown DeRidder

In DeRidder, quality of life and economic opportunities go hand-in-hand.

“Harnessing the tremendous strengths, talents, creativity, and diversity of our people is a tremendous task. I know DeRidder can realize its full potential as a leading city of the 21st century,” Mayor Ron Roberts says in his greeting statement on the city website.

The city’s volunteer Main Street Program, based on the national model, blends restoration with economic revitalization.

Four colleges offer classes are taught at the Historic First Street School through the Beauregard Education Link partnership.

February 2015

WE’RE A GLOBAL

DeRidder has also earned designations as a “Playful City USA” for children’s recreation and a “Tree City USA” for its community forestry.

The city-supported community pool operated by the non-profit agency BeauCARE is expected to reopen to swimmers after being closed repairs in 2014.

The Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce board of directors has a new president, Chance Lewis. The economic issues don’t at the parish borders; eyes are watching the troop numbers at Fort Polk in neighboring Vernon Parish. That’s because Army officials will hear public comments March 3 about the Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment, which indicates that Fort Polk could see its troops cut by 6,500 as the Army seeks reduce its overall force over the next five years.

Alliance Stays Busy Swift sees the $86 billion figure as only a running total. “We’re also working on additional announcements this year,” he said. ”And more to come.”

He won’t say what they are.

Also, to chat up more business support, Swift and other local leaders jetted to the nation’s capital last month to talk about workforce matters, Calcasieu Ship Channel and other issues. He was part of an annual local delegation to the Washington Mardi Gras celebration.

In all, Swift said, the Alliance aims to: • Facilitate the immediate needs and growth of business and industry.

• Recruit more economic prospects.

• Emphasize and encourage business development at the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial & Economic Development (SEED) Center at McNeese State University.

• Be “a catalyst for change.”

Reported by Brett Downer. Additional informational for this report came from corporate and municipal statements, Gov. Bobby Jindal’s press office and the Louisiana Economic Development office.

February 2015

LEADER WITH DEEP LOCAL ROOTS.

PPG silica’s plant has produced innovation and progress in Southwest Louisiana since 1968. Our facility is proud of its local workforce, nearly half of whom have been with PPG more than 10 years, and our long-standing history of community involvement.

The silica we produce in Southwest Louisiana is used in a variety of products used around the world – and right here at home, including tires, batteries, food, footwear, printing and much more.

With global demand for silica increasing, PPG remains a growing, vital part of the Southwest Louisiana economy. We are dedicated to the area’s success because this is our home, too.

To learn more about our vision and employment opportunities in SWLA, visit jobsppg.com or ppg.com.

PPG INDUSTRIES • LAKE CHARLES PLANT

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10

Money & Career | SWLA Economy

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Top

Economic Development Projects in Southwest Louisiana

1 Cheniere Energy: $20 billion 2 Sasol: $19.9 billion 3 Cameron LNG: $10 billion Southern California Telephone and 4 Electronic LNG: $9.25 billion 5 Lake Charles LNG: $8.965 billion 28 www.thriveswla.com

6 Ventura Global LNG: $4.25 billion 7 Magnolia LNG: $3.5 billion 8 Axiall/Lotte Chemical: $3 billion 9 Big Lake Fuels (G2X): $1.3 billion 10 BP Biofuels: $400 million

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February 2015

WHO’S HIRING? We’re your link to local industries.

Local industries are hiring. Finding out who, where, and what just got easier. Visit www.laia.com for links to websites for all LAIA member companies. Their job openings are regularly updated on their sites.

In addition, www.laia.com provides information on industrial programs, initiatives, community projects, and Industry Insider, a look at local industry practices designed with safety and productivity in mind.

www.laia.com is your link to local industry and jobs.

February 2015

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29

Money & Career | SWLA Economy

Focusing On Quality of Life

When it comes to recruiting skilled workers for the many new jobs resulting from economic growth, quality of life is a key factor in convincing potential recruits to move their families to the area. It is with this in mind that area economic development leaders are making sure people looking to move to the area are in on the secret. Southwest Louisiana is a great place to live, work and raise a family. From a Quality of Life Task Force to a trip to Oklahoma City to study their efforts to improve their city’s quality of life, large efforts are being made to preserve, promote and enhance the culture and heritage of the area.

Quality of Life in Southwest Louisiana

If we want Southwest Louisiana to retain its culture and charm during our upcoming growth, a deliberate effort must be made to preserve what is great about our region.

While the Growth Opportunity (GO) Group will address issues like infrastructure, housing, and other large-scale initiatives, the Alliance has formed the Quality of Life Task Force to address the livability issues of the region, such as: • What are we doing to ease the transition for newcomers to the region?

• Are we doing what we can to promote healthy lifestyles?

• What are we doing to address recycling in the region?

• Are downtown Lake Charles and the lakefront vibrant, after-hours districts? Will it draw in young professionals that have lived in other regions?

• Can these things be improved? How? “Our goal is to entice incoming workers and graduates to stay and fuel our ongoing workforce needs,” said Amanda White, vice president of communications for the SWLA Alliance. “Our regional industrial base needs workers and we need to make Southwest Louisiana a place that people want to move, stay, and raise a family.”

The task force began meeting in January 2014 to tackle recommendations made by Rebecca Ryan’s Next Generation Study, the Market Street Study, an International Economic Development Council report, and the Cultural Economy Initiative. Working closely with groups like the Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana, Arts and Humanities Council, Community Foundation, Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, local municipalities, police juries, as well as other civic and regional organizations, the task force pools existing knowledge, players, ability and funds to get these tasks done.

“Our economic prosperity can be managed in a way that leaves the region a better place for our children and grandchildren, but we have to be relentless in our commitment to protecting and nurturing our region’s quality of life,” said Matt Young, chairman of the taskforce.

The four 2015 Quality of Life Sub Task Forces are: 1. Healthy Lifestyles will work primarily with Famer’s Markets this year.

2. Living Southwest (formerly Orientation, Branding & Events) will organize orientation programs for newcomers and work with existing organizations to make sure that the task force informs residents of what there is to do, see, hear, and eat in Southwest Louisiana.

3. Recycling will work on broadening the scope and venues for recycling in the region.

4. Downtown Development/Lakefront Development will work with the DDA to provide for downtown street performers, establish a dog park, and corridor beautification projects.

The Quality of Life Task Force Leadership Team includes Patricia Prudhomme, McNeese Banners Series; Erin Tucker Howle, Joseph’s Electric; Erica McCreedy, Arts Council; Angie Manning, Convention and Visitors Bureau; Angela Stutes, Calcasieu Parish Library; Sara Judson, Community Foundation; and Ashli Waldrep, Arts Council. More than 60 volunteers from media, business, government and nonprofit sectors carry out the work of the Quality of Life Task Force.

For more information or to get involved, contact Amanda White at awhite@allianceswla.org or Matt Young at myoung@ocarroll.com.

photo by monsoursphotography.com

photo by Ron Johnson

30 www.thriveswla.com

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February 2015

PUBLIC SAFET Y

Lessons from Oklahoma City

Eight Southwest Louisiana residents participated in an economic development mission to hear and observe how progressive ideas in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma have resulted in an enhanced quality of life and a vibrant business community In December, the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance led a mission team that included Alberto Galan, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury; Brent Lumpkin, Lumpkin Properties; Byron Hardy, CenterPoint Energy; Celia Case, Southwest Call Center and the 2015 Alliance Chair; Sara Judson, Community Foundation; J. Hardtner Klumpp, Investors Group of Louisiana; Eric Cormier, Alliance, and George Swift, President and CEO of the Alliance.

“Oklahoma City is a model for bringing a community together. The city set a goal and implemented it. And that is something we can do in our five parish region,” Swift said. “The people in Oklahoma City’s eyes were opened to the possibilities. Sometimes we can see things just as they are and not the possibilities,” Swift said.

Voters approved the third one-cent sales tax in 2009 which will continue to generate revenue until ends in 2017. It will collect $777 million and is dedicated to quality of life projects in the city like construction of a new downtown convention center, a 70-acre public park, a modern streetcar/ transit system, a whitewater training facility in the Boathouse District, and the expansion of sidewalks to create a walkable community.

Case was impressed by the finished projects as well as the positive attitude that the residents, business community and governmental leaders in Oklahoma City shared. “I was impressed by the commitment to make Oklahoma City a better place to attract more business. The people there recognized the need to improve the quality of life and they all made a long-term commitment to that goal,” she said.

Judson said the work that Oklahoma City residents accomplished gives her reason to believe that Southwest Louisiana can continue to grow and be successful in improving quality of life too.

“They (OKC residents) have had awesome results through public and private investment because of aligned goals and a willingness to try new things.

Their transformation of an almost dry river into an Olympic training location for rowing is just one of the many examples of what they accomplished. The Community Foundation is ready to use best practices like those found in Oklahoma City to enhance our quality of life now and for future generations.”

MAPS improvements have resulted in an estimated $5 billion in economic impacts throughout Oklahoma City. None of the projects received state or federal funding.

Members of the mission intend to share details of their trip with residents and leaders throughout Southwest Louisiana.

NSPORTATION

Standing (left to right): Byron Hardy, Sara Judson, George Swift, Eric Cormier, Celia Case, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Brent Lumpkin, Hardtner Klumpp and Alberto Galan.

February 2015

Residents in Oklahoma City, which experienced an economic downturn in the 1980s and 1990s, reinvested in their community through the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) program with the approval of three separate one-cent sales taxes that generated $1.8 billion.

The first tax was passed in 1993 and generated $350 million over five years. Funds were used for capital improvements in the city that included the Civic Center Music Hall, Chickasaw Bricktown Park, Cheasapeake Areana, Bricktown Canal and the Riverfront and Recreational Dams, which led to the construction of the Boathouse District that houses the USA Olympic Rowing team.

In November 2001, voters approved the second one-cent sales tax that would last seven years and collect $700 million. Those funds were used to build new schools in the city.

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Boats shelved inside the Boathouse District which is headquarters for the USA Canoe, Kayak and Rowing teams

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31

Money & Career

4

Ways to Remember People’s Names

Let’s see if this sounds familiar: You’re introduced to someone new. You shake hands and make introductions. One second later, the name is gone—almost as if you never heard it. Now you’re in a conversation and you don’t know if you’re chatting with Bob, Bill, Gary or Bryan.

You probably make excuses by claiming to be “better with faces than names.” But when you’re building social connections, there are few pieces of information more important than someone’s name.

Here are some tips to strengthen your nameremembering muscles.

32 www.thriveswla.com

1 2 3 4

by Katie Harrington

Pay attention.

This seems like an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised how easily we hear things without listening. This is especially true in social situations. Sometimes it’s because we’re preoccupied with how we look, the strength of our handshake, or if we’re making a good impression. Sometimes we’re just distracted by what’s going on around us. Make a point to hear, listen, and pay attention.

Repeat their name.

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remember names. When you’re introduced to someone, repeat their name back to them. For example: “Nice to meet you, Amy.” Try using their name casually throughout the conversation—but don’t overdo it.

Associate the person with an object.

If you’re better with faces than names, try using visual aids to remember the people you meet. If you’re introduced to a CPA named Bryan, picture him sitting at an adding machine with his name plastered over it.

Associate the person with other people.

If you’ve just been introduced to a woman named Nancy and you once knew a Nancy in high school, try relating the image of highschool Nancy with modern-day Nancy.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

Surprise!

CONTROL YOUR HOME FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

10 Items the IRS Says to Report on Your Taxes It’s this time of the year that we are often reminded that just about everything is taxable. As you begin gathering your documents to file your 2014 taxes, www.forbes.com provides this helpful list of 10 odd items that actually taxable.

1. The selling of unwanted clothes, cars, furniture and even family heirlooms.

2. If you get paid for odd jobs like babysitting for your neighbor, taking a friend to the airport or watering your aunt’s garden, it’s considered income.

3. Income received from selling of tickets, commonly known as scalping, is taxable. Even swapping tickets of even value can trigger taxes.

4. Winnings from gambling.

5. Prizes and awards, even a Nobel prize, are taxed. If you purchase raffle tickets and win a car, the cash value of the car is taxed.

6. Receive tips on the job? The IRS taxes tips just like everything else.

7. Many fringe benefits from your employer aren’t taxed but some are.

Small value items like coffee and pastries, occasional photocopying and occasional meals for working overtime, aren’t taxed, but these days the IRS is looking hard at benefits it thinks are too big to let go.

8. Cancellation of debt is a strange one so be sure to take a careful look at any situations where you borrowed money and the lender forgive the debt without you repaying it.

9. Lawsuit recoveries are usually taxed.

10. Treasure trove may sound like something from a pirate movie, but it is actually a term used by the IRS. Cash or valuables you find are taxed.

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Protect your valuable investment in rental property with CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. Our Property Management Division takes away the hassle of managing residential and commercial rental property, allowing you to enjoy the profit.

Let our staff of trained, experienced and licensed real estate professionals handle all the details for you, from marketing, screening, and leasing, to maintenance and collections. Relax and leave the worries to us, and we’ll help you maximize your rental property income in no time.

If you’re looking for rental property, call us today for an inventory of available properties for lease.

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Each office independently owned and operated.

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Money & Career All you need to know to stay in the know!

Calcasieu Community Clinic Elects New Officers for Board of Directors

in life. Criteria for the award includes hiring individuals with disabilities as a regular practice, accommodating employees with disabilities in the workplace, and encouraging policies and practices that demonstrate equitable treatment of employees with disabilities. For more information, visit www.ffbla.com.

Lake Area Medical Center Announces 2014 Employee and Managers of the Year Josh Darby, newly elected board president, presents Robby Guillory, outgoing president, with a service award. Also pictured is Kayla Rigney, executive director of the Calcasieu Community Clinic.

The Calcasieu Community Clinic recently elected new officers for its Board of Directors. Josh Darby is the new president and George Cestia is serving as vice president. Dr. John Stubblefield is the new secretary and Karen Drewett is the treasurer.

Police Jury Elects New Officers for 2015 The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury elected Nic Hunter as President for 2015 and Sandra Treme as Vice-President, both by acclamation at its January 8th regular meeting. Mr. Hunter succeeds Dennis Nic Hunter Scott, and Mrs. Treme succeeds Tony Guillory. Mr. Hunter is a resident of Lake Charles and is currently serving his first term as the District Five Police Juror with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.

First Federal Bank Selected for 2014 Mayor’s Commission

34 www.thriveswla.com

Capturing the emotion of what it feels like to experience Southwest Louisiana was the goal of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau when working with community partners to produce the bureau’s first-ever commissioned song to accompany an area wide video called “My Southwest Louisiana Home.”

Sights, sounds, colors, flavors, wildlife, the spirit of the people, “My Southwest Louisiana Home” song and video strives to capture the area’s sense of joie de vivre or joy of living. To view “My Southwest Louisiana Home,” log onto www.visitlakecharles. org/musicvideo.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Honors Two Employees Brian Guillory

Sherron Deculus

Lake Area Medical Center recently named Brian Guillory, a Maintenance Mechanic II in the Plant Operations Department as the 2014 Employee of the Year; Sherron Deculus, RN, Case Management Director as the 2014 Clinical Manager of the Kelly Cady Year and Kelly Cady, Lake Area Physicians Practice Director as the 2014 NonClinical Manager of the Year.

The award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Guillory, Deculus and Cady were nominated for the award by their hospital peers based on their dedication to patient care, their professionalism and their contributions on the job.

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Grant Application Released

First Federal Bank of Louisiana was selected to receive the 2014 City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Commission on Disability Award for its willingness to provide employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities, which further enhance their opportunities for full participation

My Southwest Louisiana Home Music Video CVB Commissions Song and Produces Video

The Arts Council of SWLA and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury have announced that the application for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Grant is now available for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. This competitive grant program is funded annually by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and administered by the Arts Council, and provides up to $5,000 for cultural events and programs staged within Calcasieu Parish. Organizations with operating budgets in excess of $250,000 are not eligible to apply. Applications may be downloaded at www.artscouncilswla.org.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Tristan Hager

Zena Littleton

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) recently recognized its November and December employees of the month for 2014. Tristan Hager, human resources information systems specialist, and Zena Littleton, patient service representative, were those selected to receive the honor during this time period.

Hager assists in the recruitment and interviewing process for all available positions, in addition to maintaining all personnel files and processing of both new and departing employees.

Littleton provides assistance and education to patients on their accounts, as well as maintaining patient billing records and collecting balances on patient accounts.

February 2015

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation Board Elects Officers

Emily Miller

Bryce Duplantis

Memorial Honors St. John Elementary Artists

Kayli Cruz

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently honored students who participated in the Young at Art Program in November/ December. The program, which spotlights artwork from a different local elementary school each month, was designed to make a positive impact on hospital patients, employees, and the young artists themselves.

The display featured artwork by students from St. John Elementary.

A panel of Memorial volunteers recognized fourth graders Emily Miller, Bryce Duplantis and Kayli Cruz with a gift card.

The West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) Foundation Board recently elected new officers to serve a one year team.

Terry Backhaus will serve as the Foundation’s new president and Rickey Watson will serve as vice-president. Suzanne Terry Backhaus Rickey Watson Peveto-Nelson was elected to serve as secretary and George Clyde was elected treasurer. Clyde has served on the Foundation Board since 1999, Backhaus and Peveto-Nelson have served since 2007, and Watson has served since 2011.

The WCCH Foundation is a non-profit organization Suzanne Peveto-Nelson George Clyde with 501(c) (3) status. It was established in 1995 to provide an avenue by which philanthropists and humanitarians could actively participate in the promotion of the health and welfare of the community by making tax-deductible donations. For more information, call (337) 527-4144.

SOWELA’s Practical Nursing Program Pins 21

SOWELA’s Practical Nursing Class 140 was honored in a pinning ceremony held at the First Baptist Church of Westlake. Class 140 was honored by family and friends for their accomplishments and completion of study over the past 16 months. For information, visit www.sowela.edu or email zoe.puryear@ sowela.edu.

Roofing Of All Types Since 1956 LA LIC #24001

2 Locations to Serve You LAKE CHARLES 921 Manual Road 337.477.6765 February 2015

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SULPHUR/CARLYSS 109 HWY 108 337.558.7491 www.thriveswla.com

35

Home & Family Local Couple Shares Secrets for Long-Term Marriage Success

36 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Anne Monlezun leans in close to share her secret to a successful marriage. “Whenever we go anywhere, he squeezes the lemon in my iced tea.”

She and her husband, Dr. Lee J. Monlezun, burst into laughter. But behind every joke is a bit of truth: we would all be wise to listen to the Monlezuns, who will celebrate their 37th year of marriage this year.

Throughout the couple’s airy Lake Charles home are photos of grandchildren, two beloved lap dogs, and plenty of laughter.

They have a lot to be happy about. With a close-knit and extended family, Lee J. runs a busy obstetrics and gynecology practice, while Anne runs a successful sequin and bead company. But no matter what each has going on with their family or professionally, Lee J. and Anne have a standing appointment with each other.

“We’ve always gone out on Fridays,” Anne says. “We have a weekly date and we decided when we got married it would be Friday at noon. We don’t schedule anybody else.”

“If you don’t plan it, you don’t come together on it,” says Lee J. Anne has one sister, while Lee J. is the oldest of 10. Raised in strong families, they each married other spouses in their twenties only to see their first marriages dissolve.

Introduced by Lee J.’s sister, the pair dated for more than a year and knew they had something special. They were determined to make the right decision.

“I knew this was the gal for me,” Lee J. remembers, “but I wanted to do it right, to not go through the same thing I had before.”

So Lee J.’s brother, clinical psychologist Dr. Charles Monlezun, recommended that they sit down with a colleague who had been in practice about 45 years at that time. A personality inventory revealed that the couple complemented each other in meaningful ways. The doctor gave his blessing and some sound advice.

“He said, ‘Don’t you ever try to change her.

And then he looked at her and said, ‘Don’t you ever try to change him.’ We started with who she was, and with who I was. And that’s never changed.”

February 2015

They brought children with them into this blended family. “We raised them since they were 14, 10 and 8,” Lee J. says. “We never looked back.

We put them together and the rest is history.”

“It was a hard first six years,” Anne admits.

“We had the foresight to know that we wanted to live the rest of our lives together,” says Lee J. “As hard as it was - and it was hard because the children could be hard to raise in the teenage years - we saw past the time that the children would be grown, educated and gone.”

Statistics show that bringing together a blended family can be particularly challenging. “It worked for us, we’re lucky,” says Lee J. “But it was hard for us in the beginning.”

“He’s a very understanding person,” Anne says. “We both have patience.”

But when things got overwhelming, the Monlezuns briefly visited a counselor.

The Monlezuns says there’s no shame in seeing a professional for some guidance. “I recommend it!”

Anne exclaims.

“You might not be seeing the picture the way it is. You need help

February 2015

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

sometimes. It’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders.”

The couple agrees that their shared passion for their work has benefited their marriage. “It’s important you love the world you’re in,” Anne says. “I love my work. And I know that Lee J. does too.”

“I think that’s one of the keys,” Lee J. says. “We’re both on the same level of staying busy.”

Anne, who has run and sold successful businesses over the years, regularly attends trade shows all over the U.S. and as far away as Hong Kong for her work. She can be gone for up to a week. Lee J. says they make it work with one key ingredient. “Trust is a big part of a marriage. To me that was very important.”

No matter what their busy professional lives bring, the Monlezuns knows where they will celebrate the day they said, “I do.”

“We have a honeymoon every year,” Anne says. “The important thing is we plan each year when we’re on the honeymoon of the year before.”

They’ve traveled to Germany and China celebrating their anniversary, but the couple says the destinations don’t have to be exotic. This year they’ll visit San Antonio. The important thing is to commit to the time together.

The Monlezuns agree that shared faith has been a blessing to their marriage.

“We have strong faith,” says Lee J. “We’re both Catholic. I studied four years to be a Catholic priest in high school.”

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37

Home & Family

joy.

We know We know you.

Nothing is more joyous, or life changing, than the birth of your baby.

At West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, we know babies don’t come with instructions. We prepare you for your special delivery by offering education on breastfeeding basics to childbirth and everything in between so that you can confidently, and joyfully, care for your baby.

If you’ve seen “The New Family Tree” segments on KPLC or read about them in Thrive, you might be wondering how you can help. Department of Children and Family Services child welfare supervisor Stephanie Duplechain says more adoptive and foster families are needed to answer the foster and adoption calling today. “We are in desperate need of foster and adoptive homes,” she said.

The certification process to adopt or foster starts with a phone call to the DCFS office, a brief orientation, and attendance in the Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) classes. “We hope to give them an insight into what our agency is about,” said Duplechain, “insight about the foster care and adoptive program and information about the type of children that would be placed into their home if they are certified.”

The certification process involves a background check, references and two home visits. From start to finish, it takes about three to four months to be certified and then you are ready for a placement.

“From the time we receive their application, which is around meetings three or four, we have up to 90 days to complete the certification,” said Duplechain. “So, the sooner they turn in their paperwork, the sooner we can complete the certification.”

MAPP classes are offered throughout the year at the DCFS office on Kirkman Street in Lake Charles. The next installment of classes begin Thursday, March 12 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and lasts the next six Thursdays. To sign up for the free classes or for more information about the MAPP classes, call the DCFS office at 337-491-2470.

Your childbirth experience should be exceptional, and at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, we’re ready to deliver.

701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com

38 www.thriveswla.com

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February 2015

Routine Pet Care Recommendations

by Kristy Armand

If you want your pet to have a long, healthy life, routine veterinary care is essential. “Your pet cannot tell you if he or she feels bad,” says Dr. Jae Chang, veterinarian with Farr Veterinary Hospital. “In fact, most species instinctively hide their symptoms because they do not want to appear injured or weak. That’s why routine exams and care are so important.”

Dr. Chang provides these general guidelines for veterinary care: Annual Health Exams Pets age more quickly than humans, making annual exams even more critical for preventing disease, injury, and pain. By establishing a baseline medical history for your pet, your veterinarian will be able to identify any abnormal changes in your pet’s health and begin treatment right away. Older pets may need more frequent exams.

Vaccinations Just like human children, kittens, puppies, and ferrets need a variety of shots to protect them from potentially fatal diseases. Vaccinations can start as early as six weeks of age, and re-vaccinations are needed for some diseases. They will also need their first rabies vaccination when they are about four months old. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the best vaccination schedule for your pet.

Spay or Neuter In addition to preventing unwanted litters, spaying or neutering also has health benefits. These procedures may help modify behaviors that can make animals restless or aggressive, and can even help prevent some cancers and other diseases.

Depending on the species, pets may be spayed (females) or neutered (males) as early as eight weeks of age.

Heartworm Prevention Heartworm disease can be fatal, so prevention is essential. Your pet should be given a blood test for heartworms at least once a year. Although heartworm disease occurs more frequently in dogs, cats and ferrets can contract them, too. We recommend your dog, cat, or ferret be given a heartworm preventative all year.

Flea and Tick Prevention Fleas and ticks are not just irritating to your pet; they also carry many dangerous diseases. Your vet can provide the treatment and products to protect your pet, and advise you on how to safely treat infestations in your home and yard.

Dental Exams Dental exams that are performed during annual health checkups help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and infections that can lead to major illness and discomfort. Animals get their teeth cleaned, just like people. Your veterinarian will be able to make individual recommendations based on their evaluation of your pet.

For more information about summer pet care and health concerns, call Farr Veterinary Hospital at 474-1526 or visit www.farrvet.com.

OFF THE LEASH! LLC Custom In-Home Dog Training

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offtheleashllc.com

OffTheLeashDogTraining@yahoo.com Margaret Hebert ABCDT Certified Dog Trainer

A Word about Training Your Puppy or Dog 1. A new way of thinking – What is the total opposite of giving someone a reward? It’s not punishing them. The answer is: Do not reward them. Yes, it is that simple.

2. The best way to train – The best way to train your puppy or dog is through the proper use of positive reinforcement. This means avoiding punishment. The goal of training is to “learn” a desired behavior.

3. What is positive reinforcement? – Positive reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated. This means the dog has a positive association with the behavior being learned, which increases the occurrences of the desired behavior.

4. How does a dog “learn” – Dogs learn by establishing the relationship between a behavior and consequences. When there is a positive relationship between behavior and consequences, the more your dog performs the behavior, the more of the positive consequence the dog receives. If there is a negative relationship between the behavior and outcome, then the more of the behavior the dog does, the less of the positive consequence it receives. When we increase a behavior by giving something positive, this is known as positive reinforcement.

5. What are positive reinforces? – This will vary from dog to dog and can vary with the time of day. It also varies between individuals working with the dog. For some dogs, petting is a great reward; other dogs may like a play session, a fun toy, a walk, or a food reward. The key is to try various things with your dog to see which reward the dog likes best. In short, the dog chooses the reinforcer. Petting and affection can be an excellent reward when the dog is in the mood for these interactions, but can be a punishment or source of fear or anxiety if the dog is not in the mood, or if the affection is being given by a person from whom the dog does not want attention from.

6. Force Free Dog Trainers – If you are in need of a trainer for your puppy or dog, even rescued dogs (old dogs can and do learn new behaviors) please contact a force free trainer. The use of shock collars, e-collars, choke collars, spraying water in their face, etc., are all old school practices. Force free training has its foundation in science and evidence – based practice.

February 2015

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39

Home & Family

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Easy Living

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Financial Aid:

What You Need to Know

by Jody Bradley

So you want to go to college? Learn about the world? Pick an exciting field to build a life on?

That’s great! Now, how do you plan to pay for it?

If you’re like most of us, planning for higher education may have fallen victim to daily life costs.

If you want to register for college and think you may need financial aid to make your educational dreams come true, you might want to get started on that important paperwork.

Here’s what you need to know: • First, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, in February each year in order to meet the priority deadline of May 1. Dependent students will need parents’ current federal tax return and income information.

• Student credentials must be provided (high school diploma, GED, or proof of completed state-approved homeschool program).

• Remember to keep up with your email. Any requests for more information will usually be emailed to you. Make sure to reply with a prompt response.

• The application process takes up to six weeks to process and complete. An award notification will usually be emailed to you.

• Good academic standing is important to better your chances of acceptance for financial aid.

• Financial aid is initially awarded to those who plan to enroll in class full time and are taking credits applicable towards a degree or certificate program.

Remember, you’ll still need to apply for admissions. Also, transfer students will need to supply prior college official transcripts. Transfer credits must be reviewed and accepted. Most colleges provide a self-service link on their webpages to monitor the progress and current status of your loan application.

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February 2015

Show Your Love with Something Other Than Candy this Valentine’s Day While chocolates and other candies may be the go-to gift for Valentine’s Day, there are some other options if you’re looking for something that’s maybe a little less sugary, but still just as sweet. Consider these alternate options this year.

Coloring and Art Supplies. What budding young Monet or VanGogh doesn’t look forward to receiving new notebooks, coloring book and crayons?

Books. You can never have enough books and children never seem to tire of Mom and Dad reading to them at the end of the day. Freshen up story time with some new additions to their personal library.

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Gift cards. For tweens, teens and the in-betweens a gift card is always appreciated. Fund their latest app or music purchase with iTunes or Google Play Store gift cards.

A Little Pampering. For the special lady in your life, consider scheduling a massage, haircut or manicure/pedicure for her at her favorite salon. For the man in your life, offer him a pass to skip out on his honey-do list for a day so he can relax, catch up on the latest game or partake in whatever hobby he enjoys. It could be something simple like scheduling a tee time for him at his favorite golf course or sending him out on relaxing fishing trip.

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February 2015

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41

Style & Beauty

Finding the Right Pair of Jeans

by Lauren Jameson

So you think you can’t find a pair of jeans that fit well and make you feel great?

Before you throw in the towel, pay a visit to Lauren Monroe, owner of Mimosa Boutique in Lake Charles. She is up for the challenge.

“Everyone who comes in here saying they can’t find a pair of jeans to fit has left here with a pair (of jeans),” Monroe said.

One brand in particular, Level 99, is especially flattering on any figure.

“They are the perfect, dark pair of skinnies (skinny jeans). Every girl can wear them. They don’t stretch out and are flattering,” she said.

If you have a curvier figure, Monroe suggested that you avoid lighter jeans and those with any distressing, whiskering or fading on the legs.

“These could draw attention where you don’t want it,” she said.

Likewise, avoid rhinestones and other heavy embellishing.

“Steer away from the bling, which attract people’s eyes to the parts of your body you think are unflattering,” Monroe said. “I would never want my butt sparkling in the light.”

If you’re not comfortable wearing a skinny style jean, Monroe said you can try a flare leg jean – a style is all the rage right now.

“This style is for everyone – no matter your size.

They fit well and elongate your leg and look great with heels,” she said.

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As long as the fit is good and you feel good in them, you can wear any style.”

Monroe also stressed the importance of investing in at least one good pair of denim jeans.

“They will last you a long time so it’s a good investment,” she said, adding that she has been wearing a pair of Level 99 jeans for five years.

According to Monroe, a pair of Level 99s usually run about $100. Another popular, well-fitting brand, Articles of Society, cost about $68.

Overall, Monroe said to wear what you like and what feels good for you.

“Fashion is your own thing – it’s about what you feel good in,” she said.

Some more jean buying tips from the experts: Avoid low-rise jeans – Higher waistlines are better at keeping your rear covered and give you a better chance at avoiding a muffin top.

Go smaller – If you purchase a pair of jeans with a lot of stretch, consider going down a size. They will get baggier throughout the day.

Fade prevention – To keep your dark jeans from fading too fast, don’t wash them too often. When they do need to be washed, turn them inside out and wash in cold water. Also, keep them out of the dryer.

February 2015

Say no to junior sizes – Most adult women should avoid wearing junior sizes, which can be unflattering on a woman with curves.

Into the dark – Dark washes are more slimming and flattering than lighter ones.

Long in the leg – Boot-cut leans come in longer lengths and flatter those with longer legs.

Watch your knees – When buying skinny jeans, make sure they fit well at the knees.

Otherwise, they will get baggy in that area.

Don’t crop – If you’re short, you may want to avoid cropped or capri jeans. They tend to make legs look shorter.

Blend your hem – When hemming your jeans, make sure to try to match your work as closely as you can to the original tailoring.

Also make sure to use the same color thread.

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43

Style & Beauty

MEN IN PINK

by Jody Bradley

PINK: a four-letter word in men’s fashion. Or is it? In today’s testosterone-filled society, men aren’t easily convinced that pink is a formidable color. Sure, you’ll see the occasional pink T-shirt or even sports’ team jerseys sported for breast cancer awareness. But is pink an everyday “rock-able” color?

Sure it is.

The UK Telegraph claims that on their side of the pond, “we are, thankfully, far more at ease with male vanity and masculinity than they are in America.” The Atlantic states that a man in pink is seen as “daring,”“brave,” and “strong,” the implication being that he is secure enough in his sexuality. After all, if The Great Gatsby could rock it then the modern American hunk can surely make pink look fabulous.

Here’s how: 1. Add a simple scarf to black or gray tones.

According to www.ranker.com, women see men in pink as being confident. They also feel it shows men aren’t afraid of sharing emotions.

2. Try sporting the pink tie.

Psychological research studies actually have shown the color

pink to have a calming effect. Keep everyone cool and focused in that business meeting with a simple touch of soothing pink color. Donald Trump wears pink ties and shirts all the time. So can you.

3. Stand out and make a BANG at the next party with the pink sports coat.

Celebrities are styling major parties in bold pink and making

daring fashion statements. Let others see your fun side! You can still be the macho “life of the party”. And now, your outfit will match your personality.

4. Be secure. Be bold.

Make a statement, saying: “I can rock pink and still be the man of the hour!”

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February 2015

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45

Style & Beauty

Hair Crimes and Misdemeanors

by Kristy Armand

You can blame the weather or the fact that you’ve been too busy to schedule a hair cut for your uncontrollable hair, but your hair care habits may actually be the source of those dreaded “bad hair days.”

Lensi White, senior stylist with Signatures Salon says simple mistakes can have a big impact on the health and appearance of your hair. “We all want to have healthy, beautiful hair and most people put a lot of time and effort into achieving this, but what you may not realize is that some of that effort could be sabotaging the end result.

How you wash, dry, and style your hair makes a big difference, and it’s easy to develop bad habits in these areas, especially with all the misinformation out there about hair care. The best advice is always to talk to a trained, experienced stylist about the best products and care techniques for your hair.”

White highlights some common hair care mistakes and some simple steps to take to avoid them.

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Rough Handling of Tangles Brushing through knots can cause pieces, or even the entire knot, to break. Separate your hair into sections and work through one section at time. Use a wide-toothed comb and start at the tips – never the roots – and gently work through tangles.

Washing Too Often It’s a common misconception that our hair, like our bodies, needs to be cleansed every day. It doesn’t. Washing your hair every day strips it of the essential oils it needs to remain healthy. If you’re worried about an oily appearance, try using a dry shampoo in between washes.

Going to Sleep with Wet Hair When you go to bed with your hair wet, the cuticle is not quite sealed. When you move in your sleep, this causes friction, which leads to frizzing. You’ll have to work on your hair twice as long in the morning to get the frizz out.

Wet Pony or Bun It’s easy to throw freshly shampooed hair up into a high bun or pony. The lack of heat and brushing may be a plus, but tugging and pulling fragile wet hair, then whipping it with an elastic, is a fast track to split ends. Instead, try a loose braid or a rough finger blow dry.

Overuse of Hairspray Hairspray is great for holding a style in place, but use sparingly. Hairspray can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage. The alcohol in the spray can also dry the scalp, causing itchiness.

Using The Same Brush For Months Brushes are a prime breeding ground for germs and extra residue. Make sure you clean out your brush or purchase a new one every four months.

You can clean it with your shampoo or a brushcleaning soap available at beauty supply stores.

Washing your Color Away An estimated 75 percent of women color their hair in some form. To keep locks at their healthiest and color at its prettiest, wait 24 to 48 hours after you color your hair before washing and always use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to protect color-treated hair.

For more information about the best hair care practices, call Signatures Salon at (337) 478-4433 or visit signaturessalon.biz.

Drying Soaking Wet Hair Putting a blow dryer and brush to dripping wet hair is a bad idea. To keep hair healthy, blot it with a towel, then allow it to air dry until it’s about 80 percent dry. Then use a brush and your favorite styling technique to get super volume and shine.

Using Hot Irons on Damp Hair Wet hair and hot tools don’t mix. Curling and flat irons can burn the follicles of damp strands, leading to weak and broken strands. Hair should be completely dry before heat styling, even when you’re in a rush.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

The Prettiest Mouth in the South: Tried and True Treatments for Naturally Loveable Lips

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the lips are messengers of the heart. And since nearly the beginning of time, full lips speak beauty and youthfulness. That hasn’t changed. Today, women in the U.S. spend millions of dollars on lipstick and lip-gloss annually. Known as the “Red Lipstick Syndrome” studies show those numbers remain constant even in the most trying economic times.

Naturally thin lips, aging, sun damage and smoking are all conditions that can be addressed through lip treatments.

Natural looking fillers – a treatment for all ages.

“The preference of the majority of women today is believably plump, yet understated lips,” says Dr. Christopher Hubbell, board-certified dermatologist and dermasurgeon and the founder and medical director of a Jeuné and Acadiana Dermatology. “The most popular treatment for creating natural and lush lips is injectable fillers to add back lost volume or create volume that was never there.”

According to Dr. Hubbell, the fillers of choice are hyaluronic acid gels (such as Restylane®, Juvéderm® and Belotero®); a substance that occurs naturally in the body with results lasting between 6-12 months depending upon the product and the patient. “The mouth is a very delicate area so the injection itself requires as much art as it does science. An injector with both medical knowledge of the anatomy and experience in injecting different patients with different lip issues to get the most natural look is a must. We have all seen lip augmentations gone awry! So, be smart and see an established expert.”

Skin texture around the mouth.

“Almost anyone can benefit from microdermabrasion and a series of mild chemical peels, Dr. Hubbell says. “Particularly around the mouth, fine lines and uneven pigmentation can be improved. These treatments target surface texture issues as well as create a long-term effect of collagen stimulation and regrowth.”

Dr. Hubbell adds that these therapies, when delivered by a licensed medical aesthetician trained and supervised by a dermatologist, can produce good results over time. “For deeper creases and wrinkles in the mouth area, more invasive laser resurfacing treatments by a physician skin expert are an option.”

The aging face – a more comprehensive approach to loveable lips.

As women age, the challenge of keeping lips full and supple gets a bit more complex.

February 2015

experienced physician expert in noninvasive and “Lip augmentation needs to be in context minimally invasive facial rejuvenation techniques. with the rest of the face,” Dr. Hubbell explains.

“Experienced board certified dermatologists/ “Sometimes the work will need to extend beyond dermasurgeons and some plastic surgeons are the lips to the area above the lips, into the cheeks, uniquely trained in the most advanced, safest and chin, marionette lines (folds extending downward most comfortable methods for impressive, artistic from the corners of the mouth) and nasal labial and natural results.” folds (smile lines) to give a cohesive, youthful appearance.”

For more information, visit www.skinexpert.com or Fillers coupled with BOTOX® will address the call (337) 989-7272 to schedule an appointment. volume deficit as well as the muscle movement that causes unwanted creases. The backdrop Email or Text Notification when your RX is ready! must match the smile.

“Combination treatments selected by an experienced injector will net the best results,” adds Dr. Hubell.

“As a medical doctor, trained in the subtleties of facial anatomy, I Friendly service from your advise consumers to home town pharmacy. conduct due diligence before booking lip • Citywide Delivery Service augmentation or mouth • Drive-Thru Pick-Up Window rejuvenation with any • E-Mail and Call in RX Service provider. The face has a complex muscular and tissue substructure.

Injecting substances into the mouth area is an art and a science.

Your provider should have a gallery of before and after pictures so you can assess his/her skill at achieving naturally plump lips.”

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47

Style & Beauty

Give your Makeup a

BRUSH UP

by Kristy Armand

Looking for the secret to perfectly applied makeup? It’s all in the brush, according to Zina Green, local makeup artist.

In fact, if you look into the kit of any professional makeup artist, you’ll see a dozen or more makeup brushes.

Brushes are the essential tools of their trade; the key to applying makeup that looks polished and natural.

Green says brushes are far better than sponges or fingertips for applying and blending. “They allow you to place foundation, concealer, shadow and blush with precision. Instead of harsh lines, stripes and edges, you can achieve seamless, blended perfection with a brush. Brushes also pick up far less product, which means less waste.”

Now that you’re ready to ditch your sponges and arm yourself with makeup brushes, how do you choose the right ones from the dizzying array of options?

Green says there are a few basic brushes every woman needs and when it comes to choosing brushes, quality counts. “Cheap, poorly made brushes won’t deliver good results and they won’t last. Buy the best brushes you can afford - and there are good ones at drug stores and Target - and slowly add to your kit. If you take care of high-quality brushes, they will not only perform well, they can easily last 10 years or longer.”

For more information on makeup techniques or to schedule a makeup session, email Green at zinaogreen@hotmail.com.

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February 2015

BRUSHES EVERY WOMAN NEEDS FOUNDATION BRUSH For liquid foundation, you have two choices. A traditional foundation brush is short and flat with stiff bristles for sheer, streak-free application. Another option is a short and round, flat-topped brush, sometimes called a “stippling brush” or -- because it has both natural and synthetic bristles -- a “duo” brush.

CONCEALER BRUSH This brush, which is flat with a slightly pointed tip, lets you get right up against the lash line and the inner corners of the eyes, where dark shadows lurk. You can also cover blemishes or red areas, without spreading product on the surrounding skin and drawing attention to the imperfection you’re trying to hide.

ALL-OVER EYE SHADOW BRUSH Small and dense with a rounded tip, this soft brush is used to sweep powder shadow over the lid. Apply a single layer of sheer color, or build dramatic hues with several layers.

CREASE BRUSH A tapered dome-shaped top allows this small brush to get into the crease of your eye, while the elongated shape makes it perfect for feathering eye shadow.

It’s a must-have for creating smoky eyes.

POWDER/BLUSH BRUSH Soft, full and round, this multipurpose brush can be used for blush, bronzer and translucent powder. Remember to tap the brush lightly against the edge of your counter or sink to remove excess product. Another option in this category is a kabuki brush. This squat, dome-shaped brush spreads powder over a wider area for a more natural look.

ANGLED EYELINER BRUSH Flat with an angled tip, this brush can deliver a sharp strip of gel, cream or powder liner.

LIP BRUSH A small, stiff lip brush that gives you more control when applying lip color, alloying you to stay carefully within the lines or artfully extend your lip line.

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PENCIL BRUSH This brush allows you to place shadow with pinpoint accuracy, and its dense fibers can also help create dramatic intensity.

February 2015

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49

Mind & Body g n i t n e v e r P a Broken Heart When it comes to matters of the heart, love isn’t the only concern.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year one in four deaths can be attributed to heart disease. That’s 600,000 deaths each year, making heart disease the leading cause of death in the United States. Great strides are being made to change this statistic, but there’s still a ways to go. Our Matters of the Heart Section provides insight on the latest treatments available and the steps you can take to prevent heart disease from becoming a matter of your heart.

by Christine Fisher

Love Pay attention to these risk factors for heart disease Show your heart some Your heart is about the size of your two hands clasped together. It beats 100,000 times each day. With each minute, it pumps 1.5 gallons of blood to your organs. While you might not think of it often, your heart is the gatekeeper to your health.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, killing almost 380,000 people a year, according to the American Heart Association. It strikes someone in the U.S. about once every 34 seconds, and it takes more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Given these grim statistics, it seems like second nature to eat a heart-healthy diet,

50 www.thriveswla.com

exercise regularly, and not smoke. Unfortunately, some ignore the warning signs.

Christopher Thompson, MD, FACC, FSCAI cardiologist with the Heart and Vascular Center and medical staff member of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, says it’s important to be mindful of heart health as we age. “Once people reach their 40s and 50s, the risk of heart disease begins to increase. Paying attention to it now will hopefully help them avoid problems in later years,” he said. “Of course, it’s never too early to improve your health habits. So, no matter your age, now is the time to be healthier.”

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There are some risk factors for heart disease you can control, and some you cannot.

Uncontrollable risk factors include: • Advanced age • Family history • Post-menopausal condition • Race – African Americans, American Indians and Mexican Americans have a higher risk for heart disease than Caucasians Still, there are many factors that can be controlled. “I’ve had patients with strikes against them: advanced age with a family history of heart disease, but they modified their lifestyle

February 2015

and today they’re doing great. By working with what we can control, many individuals are enjoying good health,” said Dr. Thompson.

Here are ways you can benefit your ticker:

Lower your cholesterol.

As your total cholesterol number decreases, so does your risk for heart disease. Your goal should be less than 200 mg/dl. HDL, the good kind of cholesterol, should be higher than 40 mg/dl in men and 50 mg/dl in women; and LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol, should be less than 130 mg/dl, regardless of gender.

Lower your blood pressure.

Optimum blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. As blood pressure rises above this level, the risk of heart disease increases. When high blood pressure is sustained over time, the heart has to work harder than it should. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so unless it is checked regularly, it can go undetected for years, causing damage to the heart muscle.

Avoid smoking.

The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette temporarily increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, causing

unnecessary strain on their cardiovascular system. Over time, this strain can cause heart disease.

Reduce stress.

Everyone experiences stressful situations, but prolonged stress, for weeks and months at a time, can contribute to heart disease. When under stress, your blood pressure rises, making a heart attack more likely. Stress can cause overeating, smoking, and avoiding exercise— all of which also contribute to heart disease.

Exercise regularly.

With consistent exercise, you can effectively combat many of the risks mentioned above.

The benefits of exercise include lower blood pressure, a strong heart, maintaining a healthy weight and stress management. It also improves sleep and gives your self-esteem a boost. By doing something positive for your health, you feel stronger and more in control of your future.

in fat and cholesterol. Studies show that after one to two years of not smoking, the risk for heart disease drops.

An effective exercise program is made up of three parts: aerobic exercise, such as walking or group fitness classes; strength training, including hand weights or weight machines; along with gentle stretching to improve flexibility.

Getting exercise as often as possible will help improve your heart health. The American Heart Association recommends exercising on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. Dr. Thompson recommends getting 150 minutes of exercise per week, and says patients can begin their exercise regimen with something as simple as walking.

A heart-healthy lifestyle is your best defense against heart disease. In addition to these tips, avoid excessive alcohol and get regular health screenings to put you on the path to a healthy life.

Improving the controllable risk factors for heart disease involves eating a healthy diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and avoiding foods that are high

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February 2015

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51

Mind & Body | Preventing a Broken Heart

Know the

FACTS about gum disease

According to the Academy of Periodontology, more than half of Americans over age 30 have some form of gum disease.

“It’s important to know the facts about gum disease. If left untreated it can lead to tooth loss,” says Dr. Timothy Robinson of Robinson Dental Group in Lake Charles. “We are able to treat many forms of gum disease, but early detection can sometimes be the key to saving a patient’s teeth.”

HOW DOES GUM DISEASE FORM?

Gum disease begins to form when plaque, bacteria contained in a sticky film, builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums and causes bleeding.

“Plaque is always forming on your teeth, even without you knowing it” says Dr. Robinson. “When it accumulates on your teeth it hardens into tartar, which binds so tightly to the teeth that it can only be removed during a dental cleaning.”

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease.

During gingivitis, usually the first stage, the gums often become swollen and red and bleed easily during brushing.

If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to the next stage, periodontitis.

Periodontal (which means “around the tooth”) disease or periodontitis is an inflammation of the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. When gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone begin to pull away or recede from the teeth and form pockets.

These pockets can collect debris and become infected. As bacteria begin to accumulate below the gum line, the body’s enzymes fight the infection and actually breakdown the bone and the connective tissue that keep the bone in place.

Once the bone is broken down, there is no longer an anchor to keep the tooth in place, and eventually it is lost.

DOES GUM DISEASE ONLY AFFECT THE GUMS AND TEETH?

“No, if left untreated, gum disease can cause problems in other areas of the body,” says Dr. Robinson. “The byproducts of periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs in the body. Studies have shown that this may contribute to variety of other health problems, including the development of heart disease, an increased risk of stroke and an increased risk of a woman having a pre-term or low-birth-weight baby. It can also cause complications for people with health issues such as diabetes, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis.”

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

“For some people, gum disease progresses painlessly, showing few signs, even during the later stages,” says Dr Robinson.

Typical symptoms of gum disease include: • Red, swollen or tender gums • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth • Receding gums • Formation of pockets between teeth or gums • Loose or shifting teeth • Changes in the way teeth fit together

ARE THERE RISK FACTORS?

“While plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, there are other factors that can both increase the risk of the disease and the severity and speed of its development,” says Dr. Robinson.

Risk factors include: • Smoking • Stress • Hormonal changes • Medications • Illness • Poor nutrition • Teeth grinding or clenching

HOW CAN I PREVENT GUM DISEASE?

The key to preventing gum disease is through proper dental health and care—brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and limiting sugary and starchy foods. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

“Even despite having the best dental habits, some people are genetically predisposed and may be up to six times more likely to experience gum disease, so regular dental visits are crucial, ” says Dr. Robinson.

For more information about gum disease or maintaining proper dental health, visit robinsondentalgroup.net or call Robinson Dental Group at 474-3636 in Lake Charles or 429-5057 in Moss Bluff.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

February 2015

Cold and flu meds pose risks for high blood pressure If you have high blood pressure and purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, you may be getting more than you bargained for.

That’s the word from experts who caution that some medications taken over the counter can have a negative impact on blood pressure. If patients are unknowingly taking medications that elevate blood pressure, it could undermine efforts to keep blood pressure in a safe range.

THE FIRST STEP

Cardiologist Willie E. Lawrence, Jr., M.D., a spokesman for the American Heart Association, said the first step is for people with high blood pressure to know which products could cause variations in blood pressure. Cold medicines, painkillers and energy pills or drinks are a few products to watch out for if you have high blood pressure.

“Patients should be aware of the list of things that we know can cause an elevation in blood pressure,” Dr. Lawrence said. He advised that these products should be avoided, used with caution, used only for a short amount of time or used after a discussion with a medical professional.

TIPS ON USING OTCs

People with hypertension should educate themselves before taking over-the-counter medicines. Some things to consider include: Chat with a doctor. Lawrence cautions that people who have high blood pressure need to tell their doctors about any over-the-counter medicine they are taking or have taken recently.

Be a label reader. Medication labels should be scrutinized as thoroughly as food labels.

Patients should use increased vigilance in cooler months because when temperatures drop, colds become more common.

Look for cold medicines labeled as safe for people with high blood pressure.

Advanced Cardiovascular Care:

We know it by heart.

Meet the Cardiologists of Imperial Health and CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center Miguel DePuy, MD

Jake LeBeau, MD

Richard Gilmore, MD

Carl Fastabend, MD

Michael Turner, MD

Thomas Mulhearn, MD

Corey Foster, MD

Your life, your family, your heart are here in Southwest Louisiana. Ours are too. We have deep roots in this region and understand its people and culture.

We are committed to improving the long-term heart health of our community, from early detection and prevention to advanced high tech treatment—we have it all!

Our areas of specialization include: · Interventional Cardiology · Coronary Angiography · Coronary Angioplasty and Stents

· Peripheral Vascular Disease · Cardiac Electrophysiology · Nuclear Cardiology

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Echocardiography Carotid Artery Disease Cardiac CT Vein Disease

Our physicians have been the first to bring many innovative cardiac care advances to patients in Southwest Louisiana and are committed to continuing to be pioneers in heart care so that our patients can keep their hearts close to home.

World-Class Heart Care Here at

Home.

www.christusstpatrick.com

www.csswla.com

LAKE CHARLES • SULPHUR • DERIDDER • JENNINGS • KINDER • LAFAYETTE (337) 436-3813 • (337) 312-8247

continued on p54 February 2015

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53

Mind & Body | Preventing a Broken Heart Cold and flu meds, continued Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, which may increase blood pressure, are key ingredients to avoid.

Skip the salt. A top ingredient to avoid in medications, as in food, is salt, which may increase blood pressure due to fluid retention. On the ingredient label, it may be listed as “salt,” “sodium” or “soda.”

Avoid highly caffeinated products. Caffeine raises blood pressure and impacts heart rate. According to Dr. Lawrence, this effect is especially intense if you’re not used to it. He recommends that people with high blood pressure avoid high-caffeine energy drinks.

Ask before using painkillers. Patients should also use caution and speak to their doctors before using common painkillers, such as the class of drugs known as NSAIDs, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

This class includes prescribed medicines as well as overthe-counter aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen).

NSAIDs are associated with increased risks for people with heart disease and its risk factors. In addition, “These medicines may raise blood pressure a little and at higher doses they can damage the kidneys,” Dr. Lawrence said. Since high blood pressure can lead to kidney disease, that makes adding NSAIDs a bigger health risk.

Know the numbers. Those with moderately elevated or high blood pressure should monitor it regularly, particularly when taking new medications.

“People taking medicines in these classes should be monitoring their blood pressure at home to make certain it is staying within the range recommended by their doctor,” Dr. Lawrence said. “If it increases excessively and is consistently over 140/90, then they need to speak to their doctor.”

Learn more online at www.heart.org/HBP.

Positive factors in youth linked to better heart health later in life Children with favorable psychosocial experiences may have better cardiovascular health in adulthood, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

Positive psychosocial factors include growing up in a family that practices healthy habits, is financially secured, is a stable emotional environment, and where children learn to control aggressiveness and impulsiveness and fit in socially.

In a Finnish study, participants with the most psychosocial advantages in youth scored higher on an ideal cardiovascular health index in adulthood than those with the least psychosocial advantages.

To calculate “ideal cardiovascular health”, researchers used the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7: being active, controlling cholesterol, eating healthy, controlling blood pressure, losing weight, reducing blood sugar and stopping smoking.

Results from the study revealed those with the most psychosocial advantages in childhood had: 14 percent greater chance of being at normal weight as an adult; 12 percent greater chance of being a non-smoker as an adult; and 11 percent greater chance to have a healthy glucose level as an adult.

“The choices parents make have a longlasting effect on their children’s future health, and improvement in any one thing can have measurable benefits,” said Laura Pulkki-Råback, Ph.D., study senior author

and research fellow at the University of Helsinki in Finland. “For instance, if an unemployed parent gets steady employment, the effect may be huge. If he or she also quits smoking, the benefit is even greater. All efforts to improve family well-being are beneficial.”

Researchers initiated the project with 3,577 children ranging in age from 3-18.

They measured six factors: socioeconomic status, emotional stability, parental health behaviors, stressful events, selfregulation of behavioral problems and social adjustment. Twenty-seven years later, researchers assessed 1,089 of the participants 30-45 years old to determine their level of ideal cardiovascular health.

Favorable socioeconomic status and self-regulatory behavior, meaning good aggression and impulse control, in youth were the strongest predictors of ideal cardiovascular health in adulthood.

Early experiences appear to have cardiovascular health benefits for all people. The results also highlight the importance of early life stages — periods during which other studies have proven cardiovascular diseases begin to root.

“Scientific evidence supports the fact that investing in the well-being of children and families will be cost effective in the long run because it decreases healthcare costs at the other end of life (old age),” she said. “The knowledge is out there, and now it is a question of values and priorities.”

A new weapon to fight a silent killer An abdominal aortic aneurysm (or AAA) is caused by a weakening of the aorta due to age, disease or other conditions. As the bulge grows, the wall of the aorta becomes weaker. This condition, if left untreated, could cause the aorta to rupture or burst.

A rupture of the aorta leads to serious internal bleeding or death.

“An aneurysm can occur in any artery in the body, but it usually occurs in the abdominal aorta, just below the kidneys,” says Dr. J. King White, a cardiologist at the Heart & Vascular Center, a part of the Memorial Medical Group.

AAAs are known as the silent killer since

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they tend to grow over time and are usually asymptomatic. The likelihood of having an AAA is increased if you have a family history of aneurysms, a history of smoking and/or high blood pressure.

AAAs are more commonly found in men over 50 years of age, although younger people and women may also have them.

Early detection of AAAs is crucial to prevent rupture and death. AAAs are usually detected by ultrasound or computerized tomography.

They are occasionally found on routine physical examinations by their primary care physician.

If the aneurysm has reached a certain size, February 2015

the abdominal aneurysm can be treated by either open surgical repair or more commonly by a minimally invasive technique called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Open surgical repair involves making an abdominal incision from below the breastbone to the top of the pubic bone then sewing a graft into the artery above and below the aneurysm.

EVAR is non-surgical, can be done under local anesthesia and usually requires only an overnight stay in the hospital.

“To perform an EVAR we make two small puncture sites in the groins. We put half of the graft through one side and the other half of the graft through the other side and connect them once they are inside the aneurysm,” Dr. White says. “The blood flow is cut off to the aneurysm and overtime the aneurysm will decrease in size.”

There are several stent graphs available, but the Ovation Prime is the least invasive stent graft on the market today. It offers a unique sealing technology that utilizes polymer-filled sealing rings to maximize seal and conformability in both straightforward and challenging anatomies.

February 2015

“This allows a less invasive procedure and quicker recovery for our patients,” Dr. White says.

You can contact the Heart & Vascular Center by calling 337-494-3278.

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Mind & Body | Preventing a Broken Heart

olive oil

does a heart good

by Kristy Armand

The role of a healthy diet in the prevention of heart disease is undeniable, and new research finds that olive oil is one key ingredient that can make a big difference for your heart.

Abundant evidence supports the role of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to licensed dietitian Jacqueline B. Richard, MS, RD, LDN, Assistant Director of Patient Services at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. “While it has long been known that olive oil helps decrease total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, new research is shedding light on its additional cardiovascular benefits.”

She explains that olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing levels of arteryclogging lipids in the blood. Additionally, olive oil is a rich source of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that are increasingly attracting attention for their ability to promote good health. Research has found that the polyphenolic compounds in olive oil appear to play a big part in protecting blood vessels. These polyphenols and monounsaturated fats in olive oils help keep LDL cholesterol from being oxidized and getting stuck to the inner walls of arteries, which forms the plaque that hampers blood flow. When plaque forms in arteries, the risk of heart disease or stroke increases.

Richard says a new study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition last year found that regular consumption of olive oil improved the heart health or participants. “What was interesting to healthcare professionals about this study is that these results held true even in those who didn’t follow an otherwise healthy diet.”

Researchers in France recently found that older people who consumed olive oil daily had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not consumer olive oil at all. These results were noted even after considering other factors, such as age, weight and history. Another study conducted in Spain found that virgin olive oil helps fight the inflammation that is linked to several risk factors for heart disease.

“It seems that you can’t go wrong with olive oil.

The only way you can go wrong is to choose more harmful and fatty oils as part of your regular diet,” said Melanie McMullen, co-owner of Crave, a food boutique that sells a variety of fresh, extra virgin olive oil on tap. “Another great thing about olive oil is its variety. You can find different kinds of olive oil to fit almost any taste. There are a wide range of choices – we have over two dozen.”

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According to Richard, olive oil can be added to a diet in a variety of healthy ways: drizzling on veggies, adding to salad dressing, baking, seasoning and cooking foods. She said extra-virgin olive oil is the most nutritional and flavorful choice because it retains more of the olive’s nutrients in comparison to the other varieties.

“Although olive oil may cost more when compared against everyday canola, peanut or vegetable oil, the extra cost is probably worth it, says Richard. “If you’re going to pay a higher price for anything, choose your grocery bill rather than medical bills for health problems. Those extra pennies could mean less harmful saturated fat in your diet, which ultimately plays a large role in your

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overall health and lifestyle.”

McMullen says their olive oils are bottled fresh when purchased and have not gone through the same chemical process as vegetable oil or margarine. “All you have to do is check the labels to understand that. The more information that’s on your olive oil label, specifically describing what’s in that bottle, the better olive oil you’re getting, especially if you buy from a local retailer or distributor,” she explains.

For more information about olive oil varietels, call Crave at (337) 421-0040 or stop by 2801 Ryan Street in Lake Charles to try a sample. Learn more about healthy nutrition at www.christushealth.org.

February 2015

Heart Disease 600,000

3

number of people who die from heart disease each year

number of numbers you need to know to reduce your risk of heart disease: Your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels and your waist size

2020

108.9 BILLION

year heart disease is predicted to become the number one killer worldwide

cost of coronary heart disease in America annually

33 seconds

frequency of which someone in the United State dies from heart disease each day

7.9 million

number of living Americans who’ve had a heart attack Sources: www.cdc.gov, www.webmd.com, www.theheartfoundation.org February 2015

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57

Stretching the Benefits of Yoga and Pilates

FOR ELLEN PAPANIA, FITNESS MANAGER OF CHRISTUS LOUISIANA ATHLETIC CLUBLAKE CHARLES ON NELSON ROAD, THE REWARD OF HER JOB IS CLEAR: “I LOVE HAVING PEOPLE DOING MORE THAN THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD. I LOVE SEEING THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.”

by Cesca Waterfield

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February 2015

A certified personal trainer for 20 years, Papania says Pilates and yoga help people at any fitness level who want to get in shape. “They may be surprised about how many benefits can come from it,” she says.

Pilates is named for the German gymnast who developed the system in the early 20th century, while yoga has been around for more than 5000 years. Unlike yoga, Pilates typically works with resistance in moves that are performed lying, sitting, or kneeling. Both practices burn calories and strengthen muscles.

“With Pilates and yoga, it’s about finding your core strength and being able to find it during the day to help you do other things,” Papania says. “I think the best thing is it’s about nurturing your spine and having it be able to move in all the directions it was meant to move in, whether that’s flexing, extending or rotating.”

Pilates and yoga help prevent the injuries many adults suffer when juggling the demands of a busy lifestyle with little time to keep in shape.

But even people who are already fit can benefit. Pierre Hugo, 27, is a deckhand on luxury yachts currently based in Lake Charles. He was looking to improve his surfing skills when he enrolled in a yoga class six years ago. “I heard

Hearts.

that yoga would improve my strength and confidence.” He tried different classes including hot yoga and vinyasa. “I loved it. It was kind of like nothing I’d ever done before. I didn’t know that my body could feel like that. I just wanted to carry on feeling that good. It’s really tough in the beginning. But once I started, I couldn’t stop.”

Hugo found that yoga improved his athleticism. “I loosened up a little bit more especially in my legs and hips. My shoulders felt better. I felt stronger when I was surfing. I just had more endurance. As I continued, it was helping me be stronger in general.”

After rigorous workouts, Papania teaches Body Flow, a class that combines Pilates, yoga, and tai chi. “One of the things I personally love is that it feels like rehab from spinning, running, all the other intense athletic things I like to do.

That’s the nourishment that my body needs to come back and do all of those things again next week.”

Daily practice helps self-awareness. “Pilates and yoga bring you to the present moment,” Papania says. “You have to be very present and self-aware of your body. It’s about learning what to hold on to and what to let go of.”

Hugo says, “No matter how good you think you are in yoga, you can always do better,

especially the aspect of your mind becoming stronger.

With more than 50 classes a week at CHRISTUS, Papania says, “We have something for everybody regardless of your physical limitations. My team of trainers and instructors are very resourceful. If you tell me you can’t do a squat because of your knees, okay. We can work the muscles that involve squatting so you get the benefits without harm.”

If you’re looking to boost your beauty routine, Pilates and yoga improve posture, Papania says.

“Believe it or not, you look thinner and stronger when you’re standing up tall. Not to mention the confidence and longer leaner muscles gained.”

Anyone can step into a Pilates Mat class but if you are participating in a Pilates Reformer class, the trainers at CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club recommend one or two individual sessions to assess fitness level, teach you terminology and form so you can be successful.

If you have questions about yoga, Pilates or other fitness related topics, call CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club-Lake Charles at 474-6601 and ask to speak to a personal trainer or health coach.

Our cardiology services are here for the hearts you love.

At Lake Area Medical Center, we offer cardiology services ranging from diagnostic procedures to stent placement and vascular care. With experienced, board-certified heart specialists on the medical staff, and the newest cardiac cath lab in the area, we’re working to make a real difference in people’s hearts … and lives. To learn more, visit LakeAreaMC.com or call 337-475-4130.

Miguel DePuy, M.D.

Corey Foster, M.D.

Richard Gilmore, M.D.

Jake LeBeau, M.D.

Thomas Mulhearn IV, M.D.

Michael Turner, M.D.

4200 Nelson Road • Lake Charles

Independent Members of the Medical Staff.

Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.

February 2015

82398_LAMC_Hearts_8x4_875c.indd 1

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1/9/15 6:17 PM

Mind & Body

Looking Into LASIK

Myths

by Kristy Armand

LASIK has become so common since it was first approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1999 that most people either know someone who has had it, or have had the procedure themselves. Today, 80 percent of the adult population are candidates for the procedure and LASIK has become the most commonly performed elective surgery worldwide.

LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) involves the use of a cool laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, to better focus incoming light as it reaches the surface of the retina, explains board certified ophthalmologist A. J. O’Byrne, with The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center. “The procedure has become far more sophisticated over the years and offers a viable, affordable and effective alternative for people who have been wearing contacts or glasses for most of their lives. Unfortunately, there are some pervasive myths about LASIK that we continue to hear. Many of these are held over from when the technology was new and more limited. Multiple studies have shown that when performed by experienced physicians, LASIK is safe and provides long-term, stable results, and that LASIK patients are very satisfied with their visual outcomes.”

Dr. O’Byrne provides the facts about some of the myths the LASIK surgeons at The Eye Clinic hear most often.

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MYTH: LASIK is painful.

FACT: LASIK is painless. Anesthetic drops are

used to numb the eye during the procedure, which uses a cool laser. Some patients describe discomfort during recovery as a gritty sensation in the eye for a few hours. Most people, however, experience very little discomfort and require nothing more than aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve any irritation.

MYTH: All LASIK outcomes are the same so it doesn’t matter which doctor performs the surgery.

FACT: An essential element in the success

of any surgical procedure is the surgeon’s skill.

Spend some time researching surgeons in your area, and look at things like how long they’ve been performing LASIK eye surgery, their record of visual outcomes, and their willingness to answer your questions.

MYTH: LASIK is only for nearsightedness.

FACT: LASIK is as effective for farsightedness

(hyperopia) as it is for near-sightedness (myopia). The process of reshaping the cornea will depend on your type of vision problem.

If you’re nearsighted, your cornea is too steep and the surface of the cornea will be slightly flattened to correct your vision. If you’re farsighted, more tissue might be removed from the sides to make the cornea steeper.

MYTH: LASIK doesn’t work for astigmatism.

FACT: LASIK is better than glasses or contact

lenses for treating astigmatism, in which one’s vision is out of focus due to a cornea that is not perfectly round. That’s because the surgeon can change the shape of the cornea at a precise location with LASIK.

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MYTH: LASIK doesn’t eliminate the need for reading glasses.

FACT: Age-related vision loss, or presbyopia,

happens to virtually everyone after about age 40. It has nothing to do with the shape of the cornea. Instead, the eye’s lens loses its ability to focus on nearby objects. LASIK won’t eliminate presbyopia, but it can be used to improve both distance and close-up vision, a technique known as blended vision, in which the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision, and the nondominant eye is adjusted slightly toward near vision. This approach allows patients to see better at all distances.

MYTH: The cheapest LASIK eye surgery is no different than the most expensive one.

FACT: LASIK centers that advertise below

average costs may be cutting out patient screening and essential pre and post-operative care. The surgeons may also be less skilled at centers that offer low cost LASIK eye surgery.

Remember, you get what you pay for. Be sure your eyes are getting the best care possible.

MYTH: Everyone is a candidate for LASIK. FACT: LASIK is not the best option for

patients with thin or irregular corneas, eye diseases or eye viruses. Poor health problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease, may increase risks of poor outcomes.

“It’s natural to have questions and concerns about a procedure you are considering for your eyes,” says Dr. O’Byrne. “Just remember that your eye doctor is the best source for the most accurate answers.”

For more information about LASIK, call The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center at 1-877-95-FOCUS or visit www.theeyeclinic.net.

February 2015

SHOULDER PAIN & STIFFNESS? DON’T SHRUG IT OFF!

Shoulder pain and stiffness can have many different causes, but some people put off seeking treatment because they are worried about having surgery, or they think their symptoms are a normal sign of aging.

These symptoms are not normal, and non-surgical treatment can correct the problem in most cases.

Join Dr. George “J.” Trappey IV, orthopaedic surgeon and shoulder specialist, to learn more about the common causes of shoulder problems, the importance of an accurate diagnosis, and the newest treatment techniques, including non-surgical management, minimally invasive technology, and advanced shoulder surgery procedures.

Reach Past Shoulder Problems Thursday, February 26, 5:30pm

Center for Orthopaedics • 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles Seating is limited and pre-registration is requested. Refreshments will be served.

Call 721-2903 or register online at www.centerforortho.com

February 2015

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George “J.” Trappey IV, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Shoulder Specialist

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Little League Baseball Registration Underway

Registration is under way for the 2015 season of South Lake Charles Little League. In addition to being able to register online at slclittleleague.com, you can also register your child in person at our last registration for the season:

Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nelson Elementary School on Country Club Road.

Parents should bring two proofs of residency (or school report card) and be prepared to fill out medical release forms.

If this is a child’s first year of playing with South Lake Charles Little League, parents should also bring their child’s birth certificate.

To learn more about South Lake Charles Little League, visit the website at: slclittleleague.com. Make sure to “like” the league’s Facebook page too. You will find it by going to Facebook and typing in: South Lake Charles Little League.

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February 2015

Mark Your Calendar!

Tim Tebow to Lead Lake Charles Youth Skills Clinic Former football star turned ESPN college football analyst Tim Tebow will lead a clinic of football skills and drills training on April 10 at 3:30pm at McNeese State University’s Cowboy Stadium. MaciFest, a family festival named after ten-year-old Maci Fontenot, daughter of Ryan and Nikki Fontenot, The Investor’s Group, and McNeese State University, sponsors the clinic. The event will raise necessary funds for austism organizations in southwest Louisiana. Tickets may be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com for $225. Participation will be limited to 160 youth, age 11 and up, and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to make a donation, contact Nikki Fontenot at (337) 802-7932 or visit the MaciFest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/macifest.

NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course Announced NAMI SWLA will sponsor a Family-to-Family education course, a free course for families and friends of individuals diagnosed with mental illness, taught by trained NAMI family members and other caregivers. The 12-week class will begin February 24 from 6-8:30pm at the NAMI SWLA Office at 715 Ryan Street, Suite 203. To register, call (337) 433-0219 or visit namiswla.org for more information.

JOIN US FOR A

Celebration

OF LOCAL ART

The Walnut Grove Institute and the Arts Council of SWLA are proud to announce the opening of the latest art exhibition in the Walnut Grove Post Office. Walnut Grove is the new traditional neighborhood development (TND) located on West Sallier Street in Lake Charles.

Sue Zimmermann

This exhibition will open on February 19 with an opening reception from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. The exhibition will hang through May 1. Doors to the Post Office, located at 2025 W. Walnut Street, Suite 1B, will be open daily from 9am – 5pm.

The work of two local artists will be featured: Ellen Anthony, Expressionistic INSTITUTE Sue Zimmermann, Watercolor

ArtExhibit ion

INSTITUTE

West Sallier Street, Lake Charles | walnutgrovetnd.com | (337) 497-0825

February 2015

Ellen Anthony

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The Walnut Grove Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to serve as the community outreach organization for the Walnut Grove community. The Institute’s goal is to work with other organizations to encourage and promote the visual, literary and performing arts, the future conservation of our community and surrounding environment, as well as historical preservation through interactive educational and community events within Walnut Grove.

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CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Donates to Alumni Association

Phillips 66 Donates to College of Engineering Phillips 66 has donated $25,000 to the McNeese State University College of Engineering through the McNeese Foundation.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital donated $5,000 to the McNeese State University Alumni Association to help sponsor 2014 Homecoming week activities.

Mike Wittler (center), alumni association president, accepts the donation from CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital representatives Heather Hidalgo, left, director of marketing and communications, and Donald Lloyd II, administrator.

McNeese Rodeo Team National Rankings After competing in five rodeos this fall season, the McNeese State University women’s rodeo team is ranked No. 8 in the nation by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The men’s rodeo team is ranked No. 17.

McKenzie Cooper, DeQuincy, is ranked second in the nation in breakaway roping, while Lauren Hansen, Sulphur, is ranked No. 10 in the nation in the goat tying category.

In tie down roping, Bobby Abernathy, Athens, Ala., is ranked fourth in the nation and Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, is ranked No. 14. Fontenot is also nationally ranked No. 17 in the men’s all-around category.

Fontenot and Trace Porter, Leesville, are also nationally ranked No. 24 in team roping.

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L to R: Phillips 66 representatives Laurie Hatton, human resource business partner, Lake Charles refinery, Jennifer Campbell, senior adviser for engineering recruiting, and Thad Satterfield, director of university relations, and Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, college dean, and McNeese President Philip C. Williams.

Diplomas and Certificates Awarded at Fall Commencement Ceremony

McNeese awarded diplomas and certificates to 689 students at the university’s fall commencement ceremony at Burton Coliseum.

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February 2015

Winter Wonderland Ball Scheduled The Louisiana State Police Troop D will hold their second annual Winter Wonderland Ball on Saturday, February 28, at Treasures of Marilyn’s in Lake Charles. Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. A silent auction will be held.

The event is a fundraiser for the Grant-A-Wish program which grants wishes to children in the five-parish area.

Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. This year’s event is being held in memory of Rachel Matte.

For more information, contact Laura Richard at (337) 515-3136 or lrichard@ completestaffing.net; or Michele Clack at (337) 263-2480 or micheleclack@hotmail.com.

February 2015

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!

Solutions for Life

from Solutions Counseling & EAP

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

Metaphors I Have Known and Loved

Remember talking about metaphors and similes in school? I can remember having to hunt out as many as I could find in a story for one class. Geek that I am, I thought it was fun. I have always loved authors that use metaphors in particular; they paint such a picture in my mind.

Over the years, I have apparently developed the habit of using metaphors in therapy. I noticed it a few weeks ago when I was giving the same explanation for the third time in as many days. It was not a conscious decision. I really think it was born from desperation – trying to get my clients to understand their behaviors and patterns, while introducing healthier concepts.

In the spirit of the month of love, here are my favorite metaphors for relationships:

Relationships are like a solar system.

Each person in the relationship system is a planet. And each “planet” has its orbit. And each planet’s orbit is dependent on all the other planets in the system. (I know – moons, etc. affect things too, but let’s keep this simple, shall we?) The only way the “system” can maintain itself is if everyone in the system stays in their exact same orbit at all time. If one “planet” shifts, the whole system has to shift in some way.

I use this metaphor when I’m working with only one person in the relationship.

Many people believe you can’t make the relationship better if the whole relationship doesn’t participate in the process. Certainly, it is easier if all parties join in, but it is not the only way.

See, if one person makes some changes and sticks with them, the system must accommodate the change. I’ve watched this very thing happen over and over

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with my clients. She wants to go to marriage counseling. He refuses (or vice-versa). So she comes in anyway. As she begins to address the issues in the relationship and make changes in the way she handles things, he balks at first (attempting to keep things the way they have always been) but eventually makes the needed changes on his end (which many times means he ends up heading to my office to see what the heck I’m telling his wife). Obviously, things don’t always work out. Sometimes the system cannot sustain the change and collapses in on itself. Sometimes the person who made the changes gives up and returns to old ways because they can’t handle all the pressure from the rest of the system.

This “becoming healthy” stuff is hard, people!

Relationships are like a see-saw.

Remember see-sawing? The only way a see-saw can really work is if you are at equal places on either side.

Relationships are like that too. The further away I think you are on an issue, the further away I have to be on my own side. So, the more laid back I perceive you to be, the more uptight and rigid I have to be to balance things out. I see this played out a lot in parenting situations. One parent is the commander-in-chief while the other parent allows free-for-alls. Each parent feels he/she must maintain their stance in order to keep the children from being damaged – either growing up too rigidly, or growing up too loosely (depending on the parent). I work with the parents to begin inching in. Helping the stricter parent to lighten up and be more playful, and helping the loosey-goosey parent tighten up and begin to implement schedules and rules (and children truly

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need all of the above). As the parents move towards each other on the seesaw, they become a united front. United fronts are not so easily manipulated by children.

Relationships are like gardens.

This one is my favorite and the one I use most with couples. It’s so easy for people to look at their relationships and see that they have allowed weeds to enter in because of their neglect. When explaining that marriage is a living, breathing thing that is always either growing or in the process of dying, I see light bulbs go off. Your relationship is a garden that requires tending. You have to plow through issues to make sure you develop good soil so roots can take hold.

If you have a “surface” relationship, never truly being connected, having very different values, and/or avoiding dealing with issues, everything you plant may live briefly, but will eventually die just as plants die when they are planted too close to the surface. And it doesn’t matter how good of a job you do preparing your garden’s soil, if you don’t pull out the weeds regularly, you will find yourself with a useless garden.

Therapy is one way of weeding a garden.

Couple time is another. Spending time together to reconnect and remember why you love each other is a must.

(Seriously, how long has it been since you two went on a date?)

I hope my metaphors give you some perspective on your relationships – when you are riding your see-saw that’s placed in your garden in your solar system!

February 2015

MORE DOCTORS • MORE SPECIALTIES Cardiology

Peter Angelopoulos, M.D. Fernando Ruiz, M.D. Christopher Thompson, M.D. J. King White, M.D. John Winterton, M.D. Charles Woodard, M.D. Kevin Young, M.D.

CardiovascularThoracic Surgery Steven F. Laga, M.D.

Ear, Nose & Throat Samuel E. Sprehe, M.D

Family Medicine

Rodney Acuna, M.D. Stewart Greathouse, M.D. Ashley Greenman, M.D. Carolyn Hutchinson, M.D. Percival Kane, M.D. Ameer Khan, M.D. George Kohatsu, M.D. Micah LeLeux, M.D. David Muguku, M.D. Mark Samii, M.D. Michael Seep M.D.

Family Medicine/ LSU Family Medicine Residency Program Bryan G. Barootes, M.D. Caroline Courville, M.D. Alan LeBato, M.D. Bradley Loewer, M.D. Danette Null, M.D. Tuananh Pham, M.D. E. J. Soileau, M.D.

Gastroenterology

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Frank Marrero, M.D. Khaled Nour, M.D.

Robert Abramson, M.D. Gregory Rubino, M.D.

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Ken Moss, M.D. William Moss, M.D. Thomas Strong, M.D. Richard Shimer, M.D.

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Louise M. Becnel, M.D. Craig V. Broussard, M.D. Brian D. Clements, M.D. Jarmon C. Comeaux, M.D. W. Gerry Hebert, M.D. Edward V. Hebert, M.D. Susan B. Ieyoub, M.D. Peter W. Karam, M.D. Mir Akbar Khan, M.D. Mark D. Lafuria, M.D. Ron M. Lewis, Jr., M.D. Cristian Romero, M.D. Lynn Speight, M.D.

Moss Memorial Primary Care

Brad Forsyth, M.D. Linda Huynh M.D. Gisele McKinney, M.D. Matthew Scroggs, M.D. Joseph Semien, Jr., M.D.

Oncology Michael Bergeron, M.D. Michael Broussard, M.D. Leroy Fredericks, M.D.

Orthopaedics Thomas Axelrad, M.D., Ph.D Brett Cascio, M.D. Nathan Cohen, M.D. Robert Duarte, M.D. Paul Fenn, M.D. Lawrence Weber, M.D., Ph.D

Pain Medicine

Harpal Benipal, M.D. Tariq Khan, M.D. Albert Lie, M.D. Muhammad Nazim, M.D. Ricardo Samudia, M.D. Mohammed Sarwar, M.D. Muhammad Shaikh, M.D.

Seth Billiodeaux, M.D.

Physical Rehabilitation Michael Lane, M.D.

Pulmonology & Critical Care Robert Craig Broussard, M.D. Clifford Courville, M.D. Manley Jordan, M.D. Gary Kohler, M.D. Ben Thompson, III, M.D.

Urology Stacy McBroom, D.O. John Upshaw, M.D.

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