October 2019 October 2019
Spotlight on
HEALTHCARE Taking Care of our Community
HALLOWEEN
Guide
first person Edwina Medearis
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1
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
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Put yourself at the top of your To-Do List. Schedule a mammogram. You’re busy and probably just getting busier. It feels like the last thing you have time for is yourself, but there’s only one you. So you should be at the top of your list. Call your CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana physician today to celebrate October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by scheduling your mammogram
or genetic cancer risk assessment
today. Call 337. 431 .7887 to
schedule an appointment.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
ChristusOchsner.org
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3 19-2283
Contents
Regular Features
In This Issue Wining & Dining
Mind & Body
12-32 Special Section:
72 Who’s News 80 Happenings 82 Solutions for Life
6 The Tailgate Kings 8 Let's Get Nutty 10 Rhino POP
Spotlight on
6
HEALTHCARE Taking Care of our Community
SHATTER THE STIGMA
36-39 Changing the Face of Mental Health
Money & Career
40 Financial Tips for Young Adults 42 Financial Apps 44 SWLA Independence Center
Home & Family 48-63 Special Section:
Places & Faces
HALLOWEEN
Guide
36
66 Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Stained Glass Windows 70 Game2Life: Tactical Laser Combat
Style & Beauty
74 Solving Under-Eye Problems 76 Fall's Hottest Animal Prints 78 Lots of Lash
@thriveswla | thriveswla.com Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and to be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career. Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions. 4
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
66 Managing Editor Angie Kay Dilmore Editors and Publishers Kristy Como Armand Christine Fisher Creative Director Barbara VanGossen Design and Layout Sarah Bercier Business Manager Katie McDaniel Stevenson Advertising Sales katie@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com
“ Avail is 100 times better than any hospital I’ve ever been to.” Gabe Verret Local business owner
As a successful local business owner, Gabe clearly knows the importance of listening to his customers - but he finds that to be a rare trait when he is seeking medical care. So, he was pleasantly surprised when the doctors and care team at Avail Hospital took the time to really listen to him about what was going on with his health issue. “During my stay, I was successfully diagnosed and treated. I recommend Avail all the time. When my father needed to go to the ER, I told him to go to Avail.”
“At Avail, they treat you like a human being. Their attention to detail is second to none.” At Avail Hospital, our total focus is on delivering exceptional care for our patients… every time. But don’t take our word for it; ask a friend like Gabe who has been here.
337.656.7700 | AvailHospitals.com | 3730 Nelson Rd. | Lake Charles
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Wining & Dining
Left to Right: Casey Jones, Chad Jackson, Matt Dye
present
Cowpoke Chili This month, we celebrate McNeese’s homecoming against Houston Baptist with a Cowpoke Chili. We think the sweet heat will match the Cowboys intensity come game day. And we’re pretty sure this is a recipe that new head coach, Sterlin Gilbert, would approve of! Our southern traditions run deep here in SWLA, as do our allegiances. Now as we scramble to find any evidence of fall, the one thing we can always count on to unite our community, football, is back in full swing. Whether its Barbe, St. Louis, McNeese, LSU, ULL, or the Saints, it feels good to root for our favorite local teams again. What would any football weekend in the south be without the tailgate? As much as we love the games, we love the party, and especially the food.
6
by Chad Jackson
While many fans tailgate, none take it to the level of art form you see in the parking lots of our southern stadiums. It is a bona fide commitment from our southern folks . . . and it is impressive. This is where we at Tailgate Kings (TK) come in. We are here to help you be a star at your next tailgate experience. We want to be your resource for fun and interesting ideas that keep your tailgate party going and your guests’ bellies full. Established in 2015, The Tailgate Kings is SWLA's longest running and independently operated sports entertainment programming group, specializing in local Louisiana sports, while tying in the essential tailgate elements of food, family, and fun. TK has aired on 88.3 KBYS and Rock 101.3, and at the time of publication, is in contract discussions to take the show to new heights.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Be sure to check out www.thetailgatekings.com or The Tailgate Kings social media pages to get all the updates, as well as access to even more recipes.
We hope you enjoy our riff on this southern staple! Chef Chad Jackson is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy and has been the head chef at many of Lake Charles finest dining establishments. Now as the culinary brain of The Tailgate Kings, he’s looking to create some unique spins on classic tailgate foods.
What we need: 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks 6 cups of chicken stock 1.5 red onion, medium diced 1 poblano, medium diced 1 anaheim, medium diced 2 jalapeno, medium diced 1 red bell pepper, medium diced 1 orange bell pepper, medium diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cans navy beans 2 cans cannellini beans 2 cans great northern beans 1.5 Tbsp chili powder 2 tsp onion powder 2 tsp cumin 1 tsp cocoa powder 1 Tbsp paprika 2 tsp cayenne 1 Tbsp flour Salt and pepper, to taste 2 Tbsp pure olive oil 2 cups grits (not instant) 1 bunch green onion, slivered 3 Tbsp butter 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
What we are doing for the chili:
•
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken stock to a bubbling simmer.
•
Heat olive oil in large sauté pan and brown chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once browned, add chicken to chicken stock and let simmer until chicken is ready to shred, then pull from stock, cool, and shred. Save the liquid.
•
•
•
In shallow bowl, ladle your desired amount of cheese grits. Pour chili over grits and garnish with slivered green onions and enjoy.
In a soup pot, heat oil and sauté peppers, onions, and garlic. Add dry ingredients and stir continually over medium heat with a little salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 cans of drained navy, great northern, and cannellini beans. Add 2 cups of the chicken stock we used to poach the chicken. Once chicken is shredded, add it with its poaching liquid to the soup pot.
•
Stir in the mashed navy beans. Continually stir over medium low heat. Check seasoning and add stock as needed to maintain consistency. Reduce heat to low and cook for an hour to marry flavors.
What we are doing for the grits: •
In a separate pot, bring 2 cups chicken stock, 2 cups water, butter, and 1 Tbsp salt to a boil.
•
Stir in grits and whisk to avoid clumps.
•
Lower heat and simmer them to the right consistency, whisking regularly.
•
Stir in cheese.
•
plate:
Drain 2 cans of navy beans. Mash and save.
•
•
To
The Perfect Pairing Two of the oldest restaurant family legacies in Lake Charles will now be in one place, offering a fusion of favorite menu items beginning mid-October. We invite you to come in and enjoy age-old family recipes as you create new family traditions at The Villa Harlequin in the Historic Noble Building in downtown Lake Charles.
+
TheVillaOnPujo.com 324 Pujo St. | 436-6251
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Wining & Dining
s ' t Le
! y t t u N Get by Stephanie Kestel Karpovs, MCD, CCC-SLP
When Should We Introduce Nuts? Could early avoidance of high-risk foods be partially to blame for increased allergy rates? In 2008, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) rescinded its recommendation to hold off on introducing high allergy-risk foods to healthy infants. Based on a 2015 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the AAAAI issued a statement of the importance of early introduction of developmentally appropriate peanut products in almost all children, regardless of their allergy risk. Discuss how to do this specifically with your pediatrician.
Heart-Healthy Fact or Fiction? Will eating nuts lower your risk of heart disease? Almonds and walnuts are the best studied. Most nuts or seeds should help lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. That’s because they contain considerably higher amounts of polyunsaturated (LDLlowering) fats than saturated (LDLraising) fats. The nuts with the most poly vs saturated fats are walnuts, sunflower seeds and soy nuts. Brazil nuts, cashews, and macadamias have the least polyunsaturated fats. Remember to eat nuts in place of foods that are high in saturated fats (ex. ice cream or cheese) or in refined carbs (ex. chips, cupcakes or cookies). Lowering LDL is reason enough to add nuts to your diet. But there’s more! A 2013 study in the New England Journal of Medicine
8
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
reported people who ate 120 calories a day of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts) for nearly five years had 30 percent fewer cardiovascular events . . . especially strokes. In a nutshell, yes—nuts are a wonderful way to add in heart-healthy crunch to your diet. Just ignore most packaging claims and be mindful of the counter-productive impact of eating nuts smothered in sugar, salt, or fake yogurt. Nuts are a great way to help you thrive! To learn more, visit nuthealth.org.
What’s in a Serving? Most studies show that people who eat a serving of nuts a day don’t gain weight. The key is understanding portion sizes. Nuts are filling, so people usually compensate by eating less of something else. Nuts are also calorie dense, so you must keep track of how much you’re eating. Expect to consume 150-200 calories per one ounce serving of nuts or seeds. What does one ounce look like? Often, pre-packaged nuts contain more than one serving, so always read the nutritional content on the packaging. One ounce of pumpkin or sunflower seeds is approximately ¼ cup, or four level tablespoons. Stephanie is a local speech-language pathologist/pediatric feeding specialist and wellness coach. She enjoys helping families become happy and healthy adventurous eaters.
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL NUT MONTH Are nuts all they’re cracked up to be? Nut companies promise that their products will make you more energetic, powerful, slimmer, protect your heart, and deliver a healthy load of protein, vitamins and minerals. You’ve seen the ads. Nuts and seeds are indeed rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and other great nutrients, but not all nuts are created equal. What’s more is that peanuts and soy nuts are technically not even nuts—they’re legumes. But most studies lump them together and most people do too, unless there is an allergy. In that case, it’s important to specify a tree nut or peanut allergy.
Swap Nuts for Less-Healthy Options Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on your salad instead of croutons Eat a peanut butter or almond butter sandwich instead of ham & cheese Garnish sautéed vegetables with slivered almonds or pistachios instead of cheese Snack on a handful of nuts & berries instead of a granola bar
Here’s a quick guide for the number of nuts in a one ounce serving: -ALMONDS:
20-24
-BRAZIL NUTS:
6-8
-CASHEWS:
16-18
-HAZELNUTS:
19-21
-MACADAMIAS:
10-12
-PEANUTS:
35-40
-PECANS:
18-20 HALVES
-PISTACHIOS:
47-49
-WALNUTS:
10-14 HALVES
SERVING UP FINGER-LICKING FOOD FOR THREE DECADES
Photo by Stephanie Karpovs
& SPORTS BAR
N
DARRELL’S TO-GO
EW
Stephanie’s Nutty Monster Mouths Here is a fun way to get the kids in the kitchen with you and incorporate nuts into a healthier treat. These Monster Mouths are perfect for Halloween parties! Ingredients: celery stalks (washed, cut into 3-inch pieces, patted dry); peanut or almond butter; variety of nuts and seeds (ex. slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts) Spread the peanut butter or almond butter along the center of each celery stick and wipe the excess off the edges. Arrange the nuts and seeds in any pattern you choose—each one will be unique!
We’re now available on Waitr & Gubers!
119 West College Street, Lake Charles | (337) 474-3651 | darrellspoboys.com Monday – Thursday: 11am–10pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm Closed Sunday | Happy Hour 4–7pm
salad is better with wine Enjoy wine for $5 from 4 – 7pm daily with purchase of an entrée Salata Lake Charles 3411 Nelson Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70675 337-649-6490
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9
Wining & Dining
LOCAL POP STARS
You’ll find gourmet popcorn & more at RhinoPOP Things are popping down on Lake Street! Happy snackers are being spotted around the Lake Area with bags of brightly colored popcorn, and it’s all thanks to RhinoPOP. RhinoPOP is a gourmet popcorn and candy shop owned and operated by Lake Area natives and McNeese alumni Ryan and Tracy Doucet. The shop is a riot of colorful popcorn and candies and awash with smiles from the staff. They also offer fudge, taffy, soda pops, and gift baskets. Just a few short years ago, owning a business was simply an aspiration. Ryan says it had been a desire for many years. “I wanted to do something, be part of the community, you know; give back.” Until 2017, the desire remained unshaped. Ryan researched different business types and numerous ideas. “None of them panned out until I got some random internet searches and came across this style of business.” It struck a chord with the Doucets. After some discussion, they decided to go ahead with it. They sought some startup consultation and laid plans, developing what would become RhinoPOP. Tracy adds, “We created it, added things, eventually coming up with an oldfashioned candy store.”
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
What next ensued was a blizzard of paperwork to create a legal entity and acquire a storefront. Once the paperwork was completed, there was the hard wait of processing times. “Nobody’s in as big a hurry as you are,” Ryan says, with a laugh. They also sought the assistance of the McNeese SEED Center and were given guidance with processing and finding necessary information. “They were a good resource for us,” Ryan says. With the legal and administrative hurdles cleared, RhinoPOP was ready to be born. When visiting RhinoPOP for the first time, a customer should allow a few minutes to decide what to order because the choices are myriad. Popcorn? Awesome; sweet or savory? Choose from extra buttery caramel, garlic parmesan, cornfetti, jalapeno cheddar, dark chocolate sea salt, or mama munch? Even dill pickle! There are 60 flavors and combinations available to tickle any palate. And that’s just the popcorn!
by Nate Ellender, photos by Angie Kay Dilmore RhinoPOP also sells vintage candies. According to the Doucets, many customers are parents and grandparents bringing their children. “They enjoy seeing the nostalgic candies,” Ryan says. “You can’t find [some of these] anywhere else.” The Doucets also sell several brands of refreshing craft sodas in a wide variety of flavors. “Kids and adults love them,” Tracy says. Whatever a customer chooses, they’re sure to come away smiling. RhinoPOP is also known for their unique, custom-made gift baskets in a variety of sizes. Combine popcorn, candy, fudge, taffy, and sodas for a great gift or thank-you item. The popcorn and fudge are made fresh on the premises.There are also popcorn tins celebrating the various armed services, and of course McNeese State University! RhinoPOP is located at 4211 Lake Street. Contact them at 337-564-6290 or find them on Facebook, Instagram, or their website, www.rhinopopcorn.com Tracy Doucet
Tickets on Sale Now for Inaugural
Southern Cast Iron Cook-Off TWO-DAY FOOD AND MUSIC EVENT WILL CELEBRATE CAST IRON CULINARY CULTURE Southern Cast Iron magazine
will host its inaugural Southern Cast Iron Cook-Off November 1-2, 2019 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. A celebration of cast iron culinary culture, the Cook-Off will bring together cast iron enthusiasts for a fun-filled, family-friendly event that includes an expo, cooking demonstrations, live musical entertainment, food and beverage booths, and a cookoff competition among at-home chefs. The event kicks off at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 1 with an indoor expo featuring the latest cast iron essentials and wares, cooking demonstrations, and artisan cast iron makers. The expo will be open until 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, November 2, the Southern Cast Iron Cook-Off competition and expo will start at 11:00 a.m. The competition will include teams of at-home chefs from around the country preparing original dishes on-site. Teams will compete and submit their culinary creations in four categories, including meat & game, seafood, sweet & savory baking, and vegetables & sides. A panel of judges will select the top dish in each category, and winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. The expo will run concurrently with the Cook-Off competition throughout the day. Guests can sample cuisine or enjoy beverages from food and drink booths throughout the event. A full lineup of musical entertainment will accompany the event’s culinary festivities on Saturday. Feufollet will take the stage at 11:00 a.m., followed by Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie at 12:45 p.m., The Iceman Special at 2:30 p.m., Dustin Sonnier at 4:30 p.m. and country music artist Craig Morgan will headline the event at 6:30 p.m. “We’re thrilled to work with Southern Cast Iron to launch this exciting event and make it a success,” says Nancy Meeks, editor of Southern Cast Iron. “Our goal is to provide guests with a best-of-class experience that celebrates all aspects of cast iron culinary culture, and we look forward to bringing together cast iron enthusiasts for years to come.” Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at https://www.southerncastiron. com/southern-cast-iron-cook-off. Children 12 and under admitted free. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Southwest Louisiana.
Email or Text Notification when your RX is ready!
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601 S. Pine Street • DeRidder, LA 70634 • (337) 463-7442 www.thriftyway.com • thriftyway2@thriftyway.com thriveswla.com
11
Mind & Body
Spotlight on
HEALTHCARE Taking Care of our Community From the day we are born, our lives are impacted by dedicated healthcare workers and medical institutions. When we are young, pediatricians monitor our growth, provide vaccinations that keep us well, and bring us back to health during an illness. As adults, we maintain our health through the help of primary care doctors and physician specialists. Nurses and allied health professionals provide care every step of the way, as well. As we age, gerontologists may guide us through our senior years. In this issue’s cover section, we recognize the contributions that healthcare workers and health organizations make to our community by highlighting a variety of services offered at several local healthcare facilities. You’ll find stories on some of the latest technologies available at area hospitals; a new rehabilitation center, robotic technology, hospice care, and more.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Working and without insurance? Don’t let your health conditions go untreated! General Health Hypertension Diabetes And More!
FREE health care for low income, working uninsured! Call for information. 337-478-8650 550 Sale Road Lake Charles, LA www.calcasieucommunityclinic.com
Specialist in orthodontics for children, teens and adults -BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST -LAKE CHARLES, JENNINGS AND KINDER - COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION - INVISALIGN
1509 W. MCNEESE ST.
| LAKE CHARLES, LA US 70605 | PHONE: (337) 479-0300 MOFFETTORTHODONTICS.COM
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13
Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
A More Comfortable
MAMMOGRAM EXPERIENCE Is Now Available
by Christine Fisher
A new, more comfortable mammogram is now available at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. The Smart Curve 3D has a curved design that mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and apply uniform compression. “Sometimes, what seems like a small change can make a world of difference,” explains Rhonda Ryker, WCCH Breast Health Navigator. Women often report that the fear of pain is a big reason why they avoid or delay getting their annual mammogram. This puts a woman at risk of a diagnosis at a more advanced stage when it’s more difficult to treat with a positive outcome. The Smart Curve system addresses this issue to give women a more pleasant experience. According to Hologic, the company that designed the Smart Curve technology, 93 percent of patients said it improved the comfort of a mammogram. These women had previously reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression technology. “The processing software is designed to take the geometry of the curved surface into account, so the resulting images have the same appearance as images taken using standard compression,” explains Ryker. Annual mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, according to the American College of Radiology. “If breast cancer is detected at some point during a woman’s life, finding it early greatly increases a woman’s survival rate. In addition, her quality of life is enhanced because usually less extensive treatments are needed for early stages of breast cancer,” Ryker says. 14
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Kathy Bourgeois recently had a Smart Curve mammogram at WCCH and says, “It was the most comfortable mammogram that I’ve had and I would recommend it to anyone. It might be hard to believe but I’ve had zero pain with the Smart Curve mammogram.” “It seemed softer,” says Elnette Tolbert, who also recently experienced the new mammography technology at WCCH. “I didn’t feel inhibited while I was having the mammogram done, and the staff at WCCH are very friendly and caring. If you need a mammogram, WCCH is the place to go.”
Patient, Kathy Bourgeois
Ryker, who administers mammograms at WCCH as well as guides patients through
their breast cancer treatment, says she is pleased this technology is available. “This makes the experience much better and it eliminates the reason that many women were delaying or dreading getting their mammogram. Early detection makes quite a difference in the treatment outcome if cancer is diagnosed. We want women to be in control of their health; we’re doing everything we can to help women live healthy lives.” Mammograms are available by appointment at WCCH, call (337) 527-4256 to schedule.
Rhonda Ryker, WCCH Breast Health Navigator, with the Smart Curve 3D technology
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES. Schedule your 3D SmartCurve mammogram today. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-4256.
701 Cypress Street, Sulphur
wcch.com
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
The DIEP Flap
New Breast Reconstruction Procedure Helps Women After Breast Cancer Treatment
Undergoing a mastectomy can be an arduous, sometimes heartbreaking, and life-changing endeavor. Losing one or both breasts to breast cancer, even as a preventative measure, can sometimes leave the patient feeling that a “piece” of them is missing. However, there is a procedure that may bring peace of mind for those looking to be made “whole” again.
“I thought that I’d be fine with no implants or reconstructive surgery, but when I sat with my surgical oncologist, he made it clear that studies showed that reconstruction/ implants greatly added to the quality of life. When I shared with him I was not interested in surgical implants, he highly recommended I talk to Dr.Delatte.” -Tammy Cecil (DIEP flap patient)
Previously, women affected by breast cancer may have felt as though living with the results of their mastectomy meant implants were the only option for a normal life again. But there is a more natural alternative. For those who feel implants aren’t right for them, there’s a revolutionary procedure that uses a patient’s own tissue to restore their breasts. It’s called DIEP flap. Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap surgery, otherwise known as a DIEP flap, is a procedure that uses the lower abdomen as a donor site where surgeons borrow vascularized tissue, without affecting the muscles of the abdomen. With this technique, the breast is restored with similar tissue (the abdominal fat). For patients lacking in abdominal excess or a previous abdominoplasty, there are alternative sites available for living tissue. This procedure has many benefits. It can be performed at the time of mastectomy or can be scheduled at a later time and many women find the procedure very similar to a “tummy tuck”, as another result of the procedure is a flatter abdomen. Patients also have a greater chance of retaining their abdominal strength, as a normal procedure does not require any muscle to be used. Located in Lafayette, Delatte Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Specialists pride themselves as one of the best in South Louisiana and are pleased to share their revolutionary treatments, professionals, and procedures with their neighbors in Southwest Louisiana. More specifically, Dr. Delatte and Dr. St. Hilaire want to reach out to those who may feel there are no other options after a mastectomy. For more information or to make an appointment, call Delatte Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Specialists, located in Lafayette, at 337-269-4949 or see their website, https://drdelatte.com.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Hugo St. Hilaire M.D., D.D.S.
Stephen J. Delatte M.D.
YOUR JOURNEY BACK FROM BREAST CANCER STARTS HERE. Top breast reconstruction surgeon in south Louisiana. Featuring the Diep Flap procedure - feel whole again. Call (337) 269-4949 for more information or visit DrDelatte.com
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17
Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
Lung Cancer
DIAGNOSIS New Minimally Invasive Technology Aids with Earlier Detection
In the past, to effectively diagnose most lung lesions, doctors had to rely on traditional bronchoscopy or a needle biopsy, which may result in a collapsed lung. Some patients even had to undergo traditional open surgery, which requires a large incision, broken ribs and a long recovery time just to find out if the lesion was cancerous or not.
Dr. Gary Kohler
Dr. Clifford Courville
Dr. Ben Thompson 18
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
But now, as part of the Lake Charles Memorial Cancer Center comprehensive lung health program, patients have the option of a minimally invasive procedure which can aid in earlier diagnosis of lung lesions, so those with cancer can get treated as soon as possible and patients with benign conditions can potentially avoid surgery. These Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ procedures, also known as ENB™ procedures, which are performed with a device known as the superDimension™ navigation system with LungGPS™ technology, allow the physician to navigate and access difficult-to-reach areas of the lung from the inside. Memorial Medical Group Pulmonologists Clifford Courville, MD and Gary Kohler, MD are trained to use this new technology. “The superDimension™ navigation system, with GPS-like technology, is a significant advance for aiding in the diagnosis of lung cancer and overcomes limitations of traditional diagnostic approaches including bronchoscopy, needle biopsy and surgery,” says Dr. Courville. “By guiding us through the complicated web of pathways inside the lungs, we’re able to access and sample target tissue throughout the entire lung without the need for higher risk
procedures. With this technology, we’re able to get anywhere in the lung to acquire a biopsy or tissue sample, stage the lymph nodes and prepare for future treatment all in one procedure.” “With the superDimension™ system, the CT scan images are used to create a roadmap of the thousands of tiny pathways inside the lungs,” says Dr. Kohler. “The LungGPS™ technology then provides a roadmap that allows us to guide tiny tools through the lung pathways so we can take tissue samples of the lesion and place markers. This technology prevents patients from undergoing multiple procedures.” This new procedure comes on the heels of another procedure called Endobronchial ultrasound or EBUS, which allows a technique known as transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) to obtain tissue or fluid samples from the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes without conventional surgery. Dr. Courville has used this procedure since 2015 to diagnose lung cancer, infections and other inflammatory diseases of the chest more quickly and accurately. He has been joined by fellow Memorial Medical Group Pulmonologist, Ben Thompson, MD who is also now trained to do the procedure.
“A scope is inserted through the mouth and the real-time image-guided technology allows us to have pinpoint accuracy in obtaining a biopsy from the targeted area. The technique allows access to areas of the chest where it is traditionally difficult to biopsy,” Dr. Thompson says. “The traditional way to sample those lymph nodes in the chest would be minimally invasive surgery, which may require a couple of days in the hospital. EBUS is done outpatient, with moderate sedation and only takes about 30 minutes.” The samples taken with EBUS are then used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, detecting infections, and identifying inflammatory diseases that affect the lungs, such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis or other cancers like lymphoma. With the addition of these new technologies, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is poised to remain at the forefront of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, and Memorial Medical Group Pulmonology helps lead the way. For more information you call Memorial Medical Group Pulmonology Associates at 337-494-2750 or go to www.lcmh.com.
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
The
Lodge
New Facility in Lake Charles Offers Rehab-to-Home Option
by Angie Kay Dilmore
There’s a new alternative in Southwest Louisiana for patients who require intensive physical therapy and rehab, with the goal of returning home. Located adjacent to Lake Charles Care Center, The Lodge offers a unique experience for a temporary stay with 20 private suites, televisions in each room with free cable and Wi-Fi, restaurantstyle dining or in-room meal service, a reception lobby for visiting with guests, 24-hour skilled nursing care, and custom programs to promote social, emotional, and physical well-being. Amenities include an in-house beauty salon, barber, and nail service, and transportation to and from local establishments and doctor visits. Through a private entrance, The Lodge affords an upscale community with dedicated, experienced staff offering in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy for those in the Lake Area with orthopedic, neurological, and other diagnoses. “The Lodge has been in the works conceptually for some time now,” stated Buck Fellows, Administrator of Lake Charles Care Center and The Lodge. “Our management team recognized the high demand for a community where one could go for a short stay to receive rehabilitation services and coupled that with our expertise in all disciplines of therapy, and the idea became a reality.” The state-of-the art therapy gym provides high-tech aerobic exercise equipment; free weights for traditional motor strengthening, coordination, and neurological re-education; ultrasound for deep tissue heating to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction; several electrical stimulation interventions and moist heat application to address pain management, poor motor control, muscle strengthening, and motor re-training. Parallel bars and stair platforms help prepare a patient to return to the home environment. Laundry set-up and a full kitchen help train a patient to be independent in the home.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Pet therapy is employed to assist in social and cognitive function. These are only a sampling of the therapies, treatments, and amenities available at The Lodge. From the time a patient arrives at The Lodge, the goal is to return the patient home quickly, safely, and with the confidence needed to continue to full recovery. Discharge planning includes a home assessment for optimal return to a safe environment, equipment and home modification recommendations, caregiver education and training, and an individualized home exercise program.
When your hospital stay is over, but your therapies and recovery continue, consider The Lodge to provide the round-the-clock care you need before returning home. “From friendly surroundings to personalized 24-hour service, our community is a true home away from home, embracing values of dignity, understanding and respect,” Fellows says. “In addition to the new construction of The Lodge, we also completed a major refurbishment of Lake Charles Care Center which houses our long-term residents and Memory Care Community.” The Lodge is located at 2701 Ernest St., Lake Charles. For more information, call 337-439-0336.
F rom the m oment Y ou W alk I n , Y ou F eel the D IFFerence For tours, please call (337) 439-0336. To view our gallery, or to learn more, visit lakecharlescarecenter.com.
TAKING PRIDE IN CARING FOR YOU Whether you’re looking for short-term rehabilitation, long-term nursing care or specialized services for dementia care, our compassionate staff and newly renovated community offer all the comforts of home in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
TAKING PRI Lake Charles’ Newest Rehab-to-Home Community 2701 E rnEst Grand Opening Spring 2019
2701 ERNEST STREET LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
Whether you’re
The70601 Highest Standard of Care in Senior Living s trEEt · L akE C harLEs , La (337) 439-0336 long-term nursing ca Newly Renovated Spring 2019 337-439-0336
our compassionate all the comforts o
HEART of
HOSPICE
Delivers Compassionate Care at End of Life Since 2007, Heart of Hospice has provided compassionate, quality, endof-life care throughout the communities it serves.
In 2014, Heart of Hospice was purchased by Evening Post Industries (EPI) because of its strong foundation in quality and compliance. EPI believed that Heart of Hospice could lead the transformation of the industry through a commitment to breaking barriers to access and providing high quality end-of-life care to all eligible hospice patients. With strong, experienced, leadership Heart of Hospice not only became the transformative hospice that was envisioned but also grew exponentially. Originally serving four locations across Louisiana, Heart of Hospice is now the largest hospice in Louisiana and serves over 1200 patients and families across 15 locations throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma. Their philosophy of care makes Heart of Hospice different from other hospice providers. Their vision and mission are not just words on the page. They believe that all hospice-eligible patients and those that love them deserve the best care at the end of life. They meet each patient and family where they are, not allowing cost or complexity of care to be a barrier to access. In addition to traditional hospice patients, Heart of Hospice is skilled at caring for hospice-eligible patients who still have hope, are receiving therapies such as IV, radiation, and chemotherapy, and patients who might not live in a traditional home setting. They serve patients wherever they call home, whether in an Assisted Living Facility, a Skilled Nursing Facility, in a tent, under a bridge, on a boat, or in a traditional home setting. While some hospices take these patients on a case by case basis, Heart of Hospice strives to serve ALL hospice-eligible patients. To date, they have not turned away any eligible patients, including those who have no ability to pay.
Additionally, the hospice benefit is 100% covered by Medicare and Medicaid. This relieves the burden of medical bills commonly associated with end-of-life costs and makes hospice the most inclusive and best choice for end-of-life care.
Many patients and families who elect the hospice benefit often report that they wish they had hospice sooner. Hospice is so much more than most people understand. Heart of Hospice employs an entire team ready to provide specialized, individualized care and comfort to the patient and the family ensuring that the end-of-life experience is as comfortable as possible. Care teams can include any combination of the following: hospice physician, registered nurse, social worker, chaplain, nurse practitioner, hospice aide, dietician, volunteers, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
For more information, see their website, www. heartofhospice.net, or call 337-855-5154. Located at 750 Bayou Pines E., Lake Charles.
LAKE AREA ENDODONTICS Kenneth W. Parks, D.D.S P. Cole Riley Jr., D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Kenneth Parks is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. P. Cole Riley Jr. to Lake Area Endodontics! Dr. Parks and Dr. Riley will perform routine and complex microscopic root canal therapy on a daily basis. Our specialty practice is committed to excellence and using the latest state-of-theart technology available to enhance patient care. 636 WEST MCNEESE ST. LAKE CHARLES
•
(337) 477-6124
•
WWW.LAKEAREAENDO.COM
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
MEMORIAL
Since opening its doors over 16 years ago, Memorial for Women has provided the highest level of service with the most state-of-the-art facility specifically for women in the Southwest Louisiana community. Alesha Alford, Vice President of Women’s Services at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Administrator of Memorial for Women says, “Memorial for Women is the first facility in Southwest Louisiana focused on family-centered care which provides the most memorable birth experience for our patients. Mother and baby are cared for in the same room by the same nurse. This setting allows a better bonding experience between mother and baby.” Rather than having a room to labor, a different room to deliver, and a third room to recover in, women stay in the same spacious room for the entirety of their stay. Another significant change was the encouragement for baby to room-in with the mother after birth. The response to the new campus was gradual, but positive—over a thousand babies were born before the end of Memorial for Women’s first year of existence. They did, however, face some challenges in those early days. Alford says, “It was a new and not widely
accepted concept in our community to keep the baby with the mom for the entire duration of her stay. Over time, the skilled expertise of our physicians and nursing staff helped change the community’s perception of this model of care. Mothers and their families actually now prefer to keep the baby in the room with them. Memorial for Women currently delivers more than 2000 babies a year!” In overcoming these challenges, the facility was awarded many times over in the last few years, including a recognition as a Center of Excellence in Women’s Health Surgery from the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery; Excellence in Promoting Infant Safe Sleep Practices from the Department of Health; The Gift award for Excellence in Promoting the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding from the Department of Health; and a designation from the March of Dimes for reducing the number of elective inductions/births before 39 weeks gestation.
for Women THE PRESENT
Currently, Memorial for Women serves the largest percentage of women in Southwest Louisiana. While a large focus is on childbirth, they currently serve women from puberty through the rest of their lives. They’ve gained a reputation for being a family friendly birth center, a center for patient-focused women’s health practices, as well as an unparalleled neonatal specialty care unit. In April 2018, Memorial for Women celebrated a significant milestone of 25,000 total births at the campus. They’ve also recently expanded the early labor department, allowing for mothers experiencing symptoms of early labor or any concerns throughout their pregnancy to be seen quickly and comfortably. Going from three beds to eight beds, they are now able to see the 450 patients that come in every month more easily.
THE FUTURE
Construction has just been completed at the campus, adding an entire new wing consisting of 14 beds and two operating suites. Despite the amazing achievements of Memorial for Women, they are not planning to settle any time soon. Over the next several years, there are plenty of projects in store to expand and improve the level of services offered to the women and families of Southwest Louisiana. The approach to childbirth is changing across the nation. Alford says that whatever the future holds, Memorial for Women is ready for it. For more information on services, go to www.lcmh.com/ memorialforwomen.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Experience Matters Carl Fastabend, MD
Founder and Medical Director
If you have varicose veins, heavy or achy legs, swelling, itching, cramping or restless legs, choose Louisiana’s only full-time, vein specialist and his experienced treatment team. Dr Carl Fastabend’s practice is totally dedicated to VEIN CARE, and he has spent years developing his diagnostic and treatment skills for venous disorders and putting together an experienced team to provide the most comprehensive care for his patients.
Trust your Legs to Experience
Dr. Carl Fastabend 711 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles (337) 312-VEIN
VeinCenterofSWLA.com
Covered by most insurance.
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
AVAIL Hospital
More than Emergency & Inpatient Care
One visit to Avail Hospital is all it takes to recognize that this is a place unlike any hospital or emergency room you’ve ever visited. From the minimal wait times before you’re taken back to see a physician – to the follow up call you’ll receive the day after you return home – and everything in between, you’ll discover very quickly what makes the Avail Hospital experience truly unique and amazing.
From its very beginning, Avail Hospital has been focused on more than just emergency care. While Avail’s skilled emergency medicine doctors are always available to quickly diagnose and treat sudden illnesses, injuries, and health complications, they look deeper into the problem to correctly diagnose each patient. With this consistently in-depth approach, they create unique health profiles for every patient in order to best treat each one as a whole person. A PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH With this approach toward caring for the whole patient, Avail Hospital has clearly put the care back in healthcare in every way. Boardcertified physicians work around the clock with teams of professionals in providing comfortable, patient-centered care that is evident in
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
everything from the hospital’s state-of-the-art technology designed to aid accurate diagnosis to customized, chef-prepared meals and Netflix in every room for patients who require overnight or longer stays. Avail Hospital has transformed the hospital experience into care without compromise. The result of this unique approach is better in more ways than one. When patients get more time with their physicians, the patientphysician relationship improves, resulting in a more comprehensive care plan. Through real conversations, in-depth testing and examination, and support from a highly skilled professional team, which all come together to provide a care experience that is positive and comforting, patients can get back to their daily lives feeling confident and truly cared for.
THE AVAIL DIFFERENCE Despite the special amenities and upscale facilities, Avail Hospital, which accepts all major insurance plans, is not a club and charges no membership fees. The remarkable environment and experience you’ll find there is the result of the hospital’s dedication to providing a superior patient experience. This desire to go further and offer more for patients has driven Avail Hospital to create its already unique offerings – and to look ahead to offering its Lake Charles-area patients even more options and additional healthcare services in the future.
WOUND & LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT
at Beauregard Health System
Building on the 69-year tradition of our healing mission, Beauregard Health System is dedicated to offering the most comprehensive and innovative care possible. An area leader in both wound care and lymphedema treatment, Beauregard Health System’s Wound Care Clinic provides treatment that is designed to enhance quality of life, prevent debility, and provide long-term management strategies to patients, by delivering advanced care that is adapted and targeted to each patient’s individual needs. Beauregard Health System’s goal is to promote early and lasting recovery of acute and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot or pressure ulcers, burns, traumatic wounds, ulcers caused by poor circulation, surgical wounds, or any slow-healing wounds. Nonhealing wounds can have a tremendous impact on quality of life and performance of daily activities. A variety of proven, effective treatment options to help wounds heal, including debridement, compression, negative pressure therapy and specialized dressings are available at Beauregard Health
System. Tracy Winkley, PT, MPT, CWS, CLT, Certified Wound Specialist, uses complex, interdisciplinary knowledge of treating and assessing wounds to offer patients the most advanced, innovative care possible. Lymphedema is a very common and serious condition, affecting at least three million Americans. It occurs if the lymphatic system becomes insufficient and is unable to perform its normal functions. The result is an abnormal accumulation of water and proteins principally in the subcutaneous tissues, causing chronic swelling. Lymphedema is serious, due to its long-term physical and psychosocial consequences for patients; it continues to progress if left untreated. Although common in patients with breast cancer, damage to the lymph system from surgical procedures and radiation for any cancer treatment, as well as traumatic injury, infections or chronic circulation issues can cause lymphedema. As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Winkley offers complete decongestive therapy for people with primary and secondary lymphedema.
Contact your health professional or Beauregard Health System’s Wound Care Clinic at 337-462-7320 to schedule a consult today or for more information.
Tracy Winkley, PT, MPT, CWS, CLT
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
ROBOTS Assist in Eradicating Bacteria
by Christine Fisher
Jennings American Legion Hospital hopes to soon welcome two robots to its Infection Prevention Team. Two Tru-D UV robots are earmarked for purchase once the funds are raised, says Phyllis Theriot, Director of Infection Prevention at JALH. “We’ve almost reached the fundraising goal,” she says. “These robots are mobile units that can be moved among patient rooms. They use ultraviolet light to disinfect and kill bacteria. These units will work in conjunction with our Environmental Services team,” Theriot explains. “Once a room is thoroughly cleaned, we will utilize a UV robot as an added safeguard.” The device’s sensors calculate the amount of UVC energy needed to disinfect an entire room while compensating for room variables, such as surface reflectivity, the size and shape of the room, then the unit delivers UV light to hit the entire room, virtually eliminating bacteria. “Researchers have studied the available UV robots currently on the market for cleaning hospitals. Tru-D is the device of choice for nearly all of the existing independent research on UVC disinfection technology, including a study funded by the Centers for Disease Control’s Epicenter Program at Duke University, the University of North Caroline, and eight other hospitals,” Theriot says.
“This technology will be an added line of defense to protect patients from infections and provide improved patient outcomes,” says Theriot. JALH is the first hospital within Southwest Louisiana to introduce a UV robot as part of patient safety. The funds for this robot, as well as other past projects, come from the hospital’s foundation fundraising efforts. “Our community and our employees have been generous in donating funds for hospital upgrades,” explains Mindy Hetzel, JALH Foundation and Marketing Director. “In the last three years, we have raised $207,924.22. We’ve been able to purchase three EKG machines, three AccuVein machines, two defibrillators, make upgrades to our Emergency Department, as well as provide extensive employee training. The next fundraiser for the hospital is “Laugh for Life Comedy Dinner and Auction” on November 7 at the Grand Marais Ballroom and Pavilion in Jennings. Ticket and sponsor information is available by calling 337-616-7031.
Protect your heart. Trust the experts. Make your appointment today.
337.388.6200 No Referrals Necessary.
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CARDIO.COM
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Karen Golla, NP
Avinash Murthy, md
Fernando Ruiz, MD
Local Doctor
TREATS GLAUCOMA Using World’s Smallest Human Implant Over three million Americans suffer from glaucoma. Glaucoma is a buildup of eye pressure that may lead to irreversible blindness, if not treated. Up until now, treatment options were severely limited. Now there is a new, innovative procedure called iStent Inject, giving people with glaucoma real relief. It’s available at Hart Eye Center in Lake Charles. The procedure uses two stents. This is the smallest medical device known to be implanted in the human body. Together, they relieve pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The stents work like tiny drainpipes, allowing excess fluid to flow out of the eye. They are inserted during cataract surgery for optimal success. Dr. Hart states the biggest benefit of this procedure is it enables the patient to discontinue the use of eye drops, which is the most common treatment for glaucoma. “People often don’t use the eye drops. They forget to use them, they can cause red, irritated eyes, and sometimes they lose their effectiveness,” said Dr. Hart. “So being able to do such a minor procedure inside the eye is very helpful to the patient.” “In the past, glaucoma procedures were highly invasive and often ineffective”, says Dr. Hart. “However, the small size of the iStent Inject allows for minimal disturbance to the eye.” For Southwest Louisiana resident Consuela Thomas, the procedure has been life changing. “My glaucoma drops were not working. They were making my eyes red,” said Thomas, who had the procedure done this summer. “My eyes were also very dry, but they are not anymore, and I no longer have to use eye drops.”
Cost and irritation of drops are no longer a concern for Thomas. “Dr. Hart will work with your specific problems,” she said. Dr. Hart says many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant damage has already occurred. Therefore, it’s important to see an eye care professional.
“Everyone should be screened at least once in their life for the possibility of glaucoma, especially if there is a family history,” he said. Dr. Hart provides screenings at Hart Eye Center, 1727 Imperial Blvd Building 1, Suite B, Lake Charles. For more information or to make an appointment, call 337-439-4014.
SEE
LIFE
CLEARLY.
FREE
FREE LASIK/CATARACT SCREENING CALL 439-4014
1727 Imperial Blvd., Building 1, Suite B, Lake Charles
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
Genetics Testing at
CHRISTUS Ochsner
Â
Lake Area Hospital CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital is focused on healing, but the main goal is prevention through knowing your risks and creating a specialized plan that is unique to you. Thanks to medical research, CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area now offers a wellness, screening and genetics program that allows patients to answer a few simple questions to determine their cancer risks.
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By offering newly developed tools for identifying both genetic and lifestyle cancer risk, advanced imaging technology and personalized management of cancer risk, this program enables patients to understand and address their risk at a much earlier stage in their lives. As the name implies, the program focuses on three primary areas: wellness assessment, screening tests and genetic risk factors. For the initial wellness assessment, a Nurse Navigator is assigned to all patients who are at a higher-thanaverage risk for developing breast cancer. Lifestyle recommendations are then made and managed for patients who need to reduce their weight and stress for improved wellness. This provides patients a chance to take an initial, active role in their own care and treatment.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Next, CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital experts guide each patient through a screening process while using state-of-the-art technology to help identify and diagnose. Three-dimensional mammography screening is performed to improve image quality and enable the identification of lesions that typically hide in dense breast tissue. Three-dimensional ultrasound, as well as Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is used to further investigate any suspicious tissue. Finally, three-dimensional mammography biopsy is performed to determine tissue type and rule out suspicious tissue. The final focus is genetics. Through a simple blood test, a patient can learn his or her lifetime risk for eight types of cancer using tools that focus on Hereditary and Lifetime Risk. TeleGenetics education and counseling is provided to qualifying patients by our licensed professionals, and if indicated, genetic testing is performed to evaluate hereditary risk. Follow-up consultation is provided by a team of professionals. Once results are reviewed, a personalized plan for proactive treatment is created. This comprehensive, proactive approach allows patients to understand and address their risks at a much earlier stage in their lives, which leads to beating the odds against the genetic risk of cancer. No age is too early to identify risks, and the best time to fight cancer is now. CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital helps area residents win that battle before it even begins. For more information, call 337-474-6370.
Thank You to Our Partners 9th Anniversary Celebration
Presenting Sponsor
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Silver Sponsors Business First Bank JD Bank Lagniappe Magazine Lakeside Bank
LCP Magnolia LNG Olivier Dermatology
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Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana Southwest Louisiana Sport & Rehab
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
CHRISTUS Ochsner Health
St. Patrick's Hospital Robotic-Assisted Surgery Benefits Patients
CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital is setting the standard in our communities for providing the most advanced technology and treatments. They are invested in ensuring that Southwestern Louisiana can access world-class healthcare without leaving town. One area making a huge impact is robotic-assisted surgery. Their robotic-assisted technology, like the da Vinci Si and Mako surgery systems, allows surgeons to maneuver with a range of motion and visibility never before available. These technological advancements provide surgeons with incredible resources that enable a minimally invasive approach that was previously impossible. More importantly, these techniques mean huge advantages for patients: more precision, significantly less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries, fewer complications, and less scarring. CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital is proud to have been the first to bring robotic assisted surgery to Southwest Louisiana in 2006. The da Vinci Si is designed to provide clinical benefits and efficiency to physicians, from improved ability to see and navigate within the body during procedures, to the ability to be more precise and agile than what is possible with the human hand. Together, these technological advancements provide surgeons with unparalleled precision, skill, and control. For patients, that means easier procedures, performed more efficiently, with less pain and faster recovery – advanced treatment options first made available here. The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery system allows orthopedic surgeons to perform complex knee and hip replacement surgeries more with more precision for better results. Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery offers a chance for patients of all ages to get back on their feet and back to their lives faster. 30
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
With robotic surgery, surgeons can perform delicate and complex procedures that may have been difficult or impossible with other methods. As pioneers and experts in this new frontier of health care, CHRISTUS Ochsner Health St. Patrick Hospital provides Southwestern Louisiana with a truly life-changing resource, at home in Lake Charles.
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Mind & Body | Healthcare: Taking Care of our Community
IMPERIAL HEALTH
Adds Neurology and Neuromuscular Medicine Services by Kristy Como Armand
Imperial Health, the region’s largest multispecialty medical group, recently announced the addition of Neurology to their range of services. Imperial Health, the region’s largest multispecialty medical group, recently announced the addition of Neurology to their range of services. “We saw an unmet need in this area of patient care and are very excited to expand our services with the addition of neurology and neuromuscular medicine to provide the level of specialized care patients in Southwest Louisiana need,” said Lee Holmes, Imperial Health CEO. Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, the complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. The specialty of Neuromuscular Medicine includes the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the motor neuron, nerve root, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscle, including disorders that affect adults and children.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Nirmala Tumarada, M.S., M.D., Neurologist and Neuromuscular Medicine Specialist, has joined Imperial Health as part of the service expansion. After earning her Medical Degree from Guntar Medical College in her native India, Dr. Tumarada attended graduate school at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Neuroscience. She then completed a Neurology Residency at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans before completing a Fellowship in Neuromuscular Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Tumarada diagnoses and manages all general neurologic conditions, inlcuding migraine, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, tremor, spasticity, dystonia and multiple sclerosis, along with neuromuscular disorders. She is board certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and is a member of the
American Neurological Association and the American Academy of Neurology. She has been involved in numerous research projects and has a special interest in motor neuron disease and peripheral neuropathy. Imperial Health’s Neurology Services are located in the main Imperial Health office complex at 501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive in Lake Charles. To schedule an appointment, with Dr. Tumarada, call (337) 312-8730.
Meet the Newest Member of our Physician Team,
Dr. Nirmala Tumarada,
Neurologist & Neuromuscular Medicine Specialist Imperial Health proudly welcomes Nirmla Tumarada, M.S., M.D., Neurologist and Neuromuscular Medicine Specialist, to our medical staff. Dr. Tumarada earned her Medical Degree from Guntar Medical College in her native India. She attended graduate school at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Neuroscience. She then completed a Neurology Residency at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans before completing a Fellowship in Neuromuscular Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Tumarada is board certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry. She diagnoses and manages all general neurologic conditions, including migraine, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, tremor, spasticity, dystonia and multiple sclerosis, along with neuromuscular disorders. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 312-8730.
imperialhealth.com
501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr. | Lake Charles | (337) 312-8730
There’s strength in our numbers.
We’re proud to be the region’s largest, independent musculoskeletal group. Our experienced specialists work together to provide our patients with the type of care they expect and deserve—personalized, attentive, respectful, and of the highest quality. And when it comes to technology, we’re bringing the latest advances to Southwest Louisiana so you won’t have to leave home to get the care you need. Our team of doctors includes these specialties: orthopaedic surgery physical medicine and rehabilitation foot and ankle care/surgery primary care sports medicine
interventional pain management hand surgery neurosurgery
Whatever your musculoskeletal concern, we’ve got you covered from head to toe.
Lake Charles | Sulphur
CenterforOrtho.com
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Mind & Body
SHATTER THE STIGMA Changing the Face of Mental Illness
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, observed each year with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Thrive magazine joins these efforts in this issue with several stories to increase awareness of mental health concerns. Locally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI SWLA) serves our five-parish region by offering services to families and individuals directly affected by mental illness. Their mission is to improve the quality of life of all those affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, and support by assisting the community, local agencies, mental health rehabilitation services, and volunteer leaders in uniting together to obtain a better understanding of mental illness. According to NAMI SWLA, 3.6% of adults in Louisiana live with a serious mental illness. Thus far in 2019, NAMI SWLA has assisted over 1000 people through their outreach programs. Below is a list of NAMI SWLA’s services and programs: • Medication assistance sponsored through United Way. • Monthly support groups for both families and individuals. • Several educational programs designed to foster learning, healing, and empowerment among families and friends of persons with mental illness and individuals suffering from the disease. • NAMI on Campus – at both McNeese and SOWELA. For more information on mental health and NAMI’s services and programs, contact them at 337-433-0219, see their website, www.namiswla.org, email at info@namiswla.org, or visit them at 710 W. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 109, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
COMPASSION BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING Insights into the Mystery of Mental Illness
It’s no secret that mental illness is on the rise in America. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD are common (and, thankfully, destigmatized) topics today. But despite the increased awareness around this topic, nothing prepares you for dealing with a loved one in the grips of mental illness. You want to support them, but you don’t know how because you can’t truly understand what their life (and their suffering) is really like. That’s why pychiatrist and author Dr. Mark Goulston wants you to step into the shoes of a person suffering from mental illness. “When someone in your life has a mental illness, it can be a challenge to relate to their struggles—especially if you have never suffered from something similar yourself,” says psychiatrist and author Dr. Goulston. “It’s even harder to understand how to help them, no matter how much you wish you could.” Those coping with mental illness often feel misunderstood and isolated, on top of the hopelessness they already feel. Under the wrong circumstances, this despair could be truly dangerous—especially for someone who has displayed tendencies toward self-harm or is at risk for developing self-destructive behavior. Teenagers are among those at greatest risk. Teen deaths by suicide are on the rise, and suicide is now the second-leading cause of death after accidents. “Suicide prevention isn’t just about helping the person who is afflicted. To really move the needle toward saving lives, we need to remove the societal stigma surrounding suicide.” Misunderstanding and judgment only further isolate a person who is suicidal. Instead, it’s time for more compassion. When everyone understands how much suffering is really going on, we have a real chance to reach out and save lives. If someone you love—of any age—is struggling, one of the most powerful ways you can help them is to try to understand the truth about living with mental illness. Your empathy could save a life. These insights will help you relate to your loved ones who are suffering from mental illness.
Understand that mental illness is real. Mental illness is not a character flaw, a perpetual bad mood, or a convenient excuse to stay in bed all day. Depression, anxiety, and the like are well documented clinical conditions, and the people experiencing them need support. A smile doesn’t always indicate happiness. Those who suffer mental illness don’t always tell others how they truly feel because they fear they will be a burden. Many people who suffer from depression can function in daily life. They often appear to be fine on the surface, even though they are suffering tremendously on the inside. Depression can fill even the most talented/ smart/beautiful people with self-loathing. Depression doesn’t spare the rich, beautiful, or powerful. Sometimes, the very people who seem to “have it all” struggle to survive. Unless you’ve experienced mental illness, you can’t imagine what it’s like. If you haven’t felt depression or anxiety, you don’t know what it’s like to feel relentlessly “stuck” in a state of turmoil. Imagine a time you have felt incapacitating physical pain that wouldn’t go away, like a severe headache. That’s how all-encompassing and intense mental illness can be for sufferers. Medicine isn’t a cure-all. Medications are often prescribed for those who suffer mental illness and depression. For some, it works, but for others, it isn’t the right choice and isn’t always effective. Medication cannot take away the acute psychic pain of depression or anxiety. The decision to take or not take medicine is a personal one; support your loved one either way. It’s not a mind-over-matter problem. A mind-over-matter approach to combatting depression simply doesn’t work for everyone. Most people can’t just “will away” a mental illness. Be supportive, encouraging, and understanding.
It’s okay to let them cry. Sometimes crying is the only thing a sufferer can do to feel some relief. Be present for your loved one, even if that means sitting together in silence. Sometimes, there is nothing you can DO to make a sufferer feel better, and often your efforts make things worse. Simply sitting with the person, without resentment, can help him or her feel less alone in their pain. Include your loved one for outings and events. But be patient and understanding if they are not up to going. Grace and understanding go a long way. Don’t judge a person with mental illness. It is not their choice to be depressed, anxious or to behave in ways that make you uncomfortable. “The bottom line is that the depressed, traumatized, and otherwise at-risk people in your life simply want to be seen, heard, and to know that you love them,” concludes Goulston. “If you lend them your empathetic support, they will come to understand that you’re there if they need you. It doesn’t take much for you to make their lives a little more hopeful.” If you or someone you love needs help, call 911 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Dr. Mark Goulston is the co-creator and moderator of the suicide prevention documentary Stay Alive. He is a former UCLA professor of psychiatry, FBI hostage negotiation trainer, suicide and violence prevention expert, and one of the world’s foremost experts on listening. He is the author of the bestselling “Just Listen”: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone.
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Mind & Body
Mental Illness Myths The first step in understanding mental illness is to know what isn’t true. It is important to break the cycle of stigmatizing those with mental health issues; but how do we do that? First of all, our society does have a greater understanding of certain more severe mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia and Manic-Depressive Disorders, says Daniel Aguillard, LCSW, MHA, and VP of Specialty Services at Archer Institute. “Because we can often see these types of illnesses manifest themselves in easily-observed ways, we realize the person needs help. What we don’t understand is that issues like depression, anxiety, and stress can become serious, and though very treatable, they too often go unaddressed. We tend to stigmatize because everyone experiences episodes of anxiety, depression, and stress which we overcome with our normal, everyday resources. However, when our mental health deteriorates and begins to interfere with our relationships and jobs, it’s time to seek treatment and NOT get caught up in the stigma.”
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The following are mental health misconceptions that slow the process of destigmatizing mental illness. You can ‘just get over it:’ Telling someone with anxiety or depression to “snap out of it” or “just get over it” is one of the worst things you can say. It diminishes the severity and seriousness of the condition, makes it sound like you don’t believe what they are going through, and knocks down their self-esteem. If recovering from anxiety and depression was as easy as snapping your fingers and moving on with your life, it wouldn’t be as big a problem as it is today. Anxiety is just feeling nervous: Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions and include OCD, panic disorder, PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety is in response to a specific set of circumstances that are quickly addressed and resolved. Other times, anxiety can become a real psychiatric condition that must be addressed for a lifetime.
Mental illness isn’t real: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in five adults in the U.S. – 43.8 million, or 18.5% -- experiences mental illness in a given year. Mental illness is very real and is accompanied by many uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms. It requires professional help to get better. Depression is just feeling sad: Depression involves much more than just feeling sad. It’s a serious psychiatric condition that leaves the sufferer feeling tired, hopeless, at a higher risk of suicide, problems with appetite, feeling guilty, loss of self-worth, and aches and pain. It requires therapy and/or medication to recover. Mental illness only occurs in weak people: Mental illness can happen to anyone. It’s not about how smart or strong you are. It’s usually a result of an imbalance of certain brain chemicals, is hereditary, due to your environment, or in response to specific life events and circumstances. Many smart and successful people have been treated for a mental illness. Stress is not a big deal: Life is chaotic and all the craziness usually manifests itself as stress. Unfortunately, many people play this off as nothing to worry about. Stress is a very big deal and can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. Learning to deal with stress is important for your mental and physical health. Try meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques to relieve your stress. The ADHD Label: We’ve seen a spike in the diagnoses of ADHD in recent times, many times an incorrect diagnosis at that. ADHD is a real neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs in children, young adults, and can go on into adulthood. The typical symptoms include trouble concentrating and hyperactivity, but should never be used to label a child who is simply misbehaving or struggling in school. I’m so OCD: OCD is often used to describe someone who is super organized, a neat freak, or checks things over and over again. The truth is, OCD is a real anxiety disorder that severely interrupts a person’s ability to function unless certain rituals or sequences are followed. Antidepressants and antianxiety meds are handed out like candy: The truth is, many general practitioners and family doctors write too many prescriptions for psychiatric medications instead of referring their patients to a psychiatrist. Nonetheless, these medications are a lifesaver for people who truly suffer from anxiety and depression. For more information on mental health issues, contact the Archer Institute at 337-480-7792.
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Mind & Body
Mental Illness ON THE RISE IN
YOUNG ADULTS
Shift may be due in part to rise of digital social media. The percentage of young Americans experiencing certain types of mental health disorders has risen significantly over the past decade, with no corresponding increase in older adults, according to research published by the American Psychological Association in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.“ More U.S. adolescents and young adults in the late 2010s, versus the mid-2000s, experienced serious psychological distress, major depression or suicidal thoughts, and more attempted suicide,” said lead author Jean Twenge, PhD, author of the book iGen and professor of psychology at San Diego State University. “These trends are weak or non-existent among adults 26 years and over, suggesting a generational shift in mood disorders instead of an overall increase across all ages.” Twenge and her co-authors analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative survey that has tracked drug and alcohol use, mental health, and other health-related issues in individuals age 12 and over in the United States since 1971. They looked at survey responses from more than 200,000 adolescents age 12 to 17 from 2005 to 2017, and almost 400,000 adults age 18 and over from 2008 to 2017. The rate of individuals reporting symptoms consistent with major depression in the last 12 months increased 52 percent in adolescents from 2005 to 2017 (from 8.7 percent to 13.2 percent) and 63 percent in young adults age 38
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
18 to 25 from 2009 to 2017 (from 8.1 percent to 13.2 percent). There was also a 71 percent increase in young adults experiencing serious psychological distress in the previous 30 days from 2008 to 2017 (from 7.7 percent to 13.1 percent). The rate of young adults with suicidal thoughts or other suicide-related outcomes increased 47 percent from 2008 to 2017 (from 7.0 percent to 10.3 percent). There was no significant increase in the percentage of older adults experiencing depression or psychological distress during corresponding time periods. The researchers even saw a slight decline in psychological distress in individuals over 65. “Cultural trends in the last 10 years may have had a larger effect on mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes among younger generations compared with older generations,” said Twenge, who believes this trend may be partially due to increased use of electronic communication and digital media, which may have changed modes of social interaction enough to affect mood disorders. She also noted research shows that young people are not sleeping as much as they did in previous generations. The increase in digital media use may have had a bigger impact on teens and young adults because older adults’ social lives are more stable and might have changed less than teens’ social lives have in the last ten years, said Twenge. Older adults might also be less likely to
use digital media in a way that interferes with sleep – for example, they might be better at not staying up late on their phones or using them in the middle of the night. “These results suggest a need for more research to understand how digital communication versus face-to-face social interaction influences mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes and to develop specialized interventions for younger age groups,” she said. Given that the increase in mental health issues was sharpest after 2011, Twenge believes it’s unlikely to be due to genetics or economic woes and more likely to be due to sudden cultural changes, such as shifts in how teens and young adults spend their time outside of work and school. If so, that may be good news, she said. “Young people can’t change their genetics or the economic situation of the country, but they can choose how they spend their leisure time. First and most important is to get enough sleep. Make sure your device use doesn’t interfere with sleep – don’t keep phones or tablets in the bedroom at night, and put devices down within an hour of bedtime,” she said. “Overall, make sure digital media use doesn’t interfere with activities more beneficial to mental health such as face-to-face social interaction, exercise, and sleep.”
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Money & Career
8
FINANCIAL TIPS FOR
Young Adults
Unfortunately, personal finance is not a required subject in most high schools or colleges. This lack of basic financial education leaves many young adults clueless about how to manage their money, apply for credit, and how to get or stay out of debt. To help you get started, we’ll look at eight of the most important things to understand about money if you want to live a comfortable and prosperous life.
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Learn Self-Control If you’re lucky, your parents taught you this skill when you were a kid. If not, keep in mind that the sooner you learn the fine art of delaying gratification, the sooner you’ll find it easy to keep your finances in order. Although you can effortlessly purchase an item on credit the minute you want it, it’s better to wait until you’ve actually saved up the money. Do you really want to pay interest on a pair of jeans or a box of cereal? If you make a habit of putting all your purchases on credit cards, regardless of whether you can pay your bill in full at the end of the month, you might still be paying for those items in 10 years. If you want to keep your credit cards for the convenience factor or the rewards they offer, always pay your balance in full when the bill arrives, and don’t carry more cards than you can keep track of.
Control Your Financial Future If you don’t learn to manage your own money, other people will find ways to (mis)manage it for you. Some of these people may be illintentioned, like unscrupulous commission-based financial planners. Others may be well-meaning, but may not know what they’re doing, like Grandma Betty who really wants you to buy a house even though you can only afford a treacherous adjustable-rate mortgage. Instead of relying on others for advice, take charge and read a few basic books on personal finance. Once you’re armed with personal finance knowledge, don’t let anyone catch you off guard - whether it’s a significant other who slowly siphons your bank account or friends who want you to go out and blow tons of money with them every weekend. Understanding how money works is the first step toward making your money work for you.
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Know Where Your Money Goes Once you’ve gone through a few personal finance books, you’ll realize how important it is to make sure your expenses aren’t exceeding your income. In other words, learn to budget. Once you see how your morning java adds up over the course of a month, you’ll realize that making small, manageable changes in your everyday expenses can have just as big of an impact on your financial situation as getting a raise. Keeping your recurring monthly expenses as low as possible will also save you big bucks over time. If you don’t waste your money on a posh apartment now, you might be able to afford a nice condo or a house before you know it. Start an Emergency Fund One of personal finance’s oft-repeated mantras is “pay yourself first.” No matter how much you owe in student loans or credit card debt, and no matter how low your salary may seem, it’s wise to find some amount - any amount - of money in your budget to save in an emergency fund every month. This habit can keep you out of trouble financially and help you sleep better at night. If you get into the habit of saving money and treating it as a non-negotiable monthly “expense,” you’ll soon have more than just emergency money saved up: you’ll have retirement money, vacation money, and even money for a home down payment. Don’t just sock away this money under your mattress or in a minimalyield savings account; put it in a high-interest online savings account, a certificate of deposit, or a money market account. Otherwise, inflation will erode the value of your savings.
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Start Saving for Retirement You need to prepare for your retirement well in advance. Because of the way compound interest works, the sooner you start saving, the less principal you’ll have to invest to end up with the amount you need to retire and the sooner you’ll be able to call working an “option” rather than a “necessity.” Company-sponsored retirement plans are a particularly great choice because you get to put in pre-tax dollars and the contribution limits tend to be high (much more than you can contribute to an individual retirement plan). Also, companies will often match part of your contribution, which is like getting free money.
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Get a Grip on Taxes It’s important to understand how income taxes work even before you get your first paycheck. When a company offers you a starting salary, you need to know how to calculate whether that salary will give you enough money after taxes to meet your financial goals and obligations. Fortunately, there are plenty of online calculators that have taken the dirty
work out of determining your own payroll taxes, such as Paycheck City. These calculators will show you your gross pay, how much goes to taxes, and how much you’ll be left with, which is also known as net, or take-home pay. Guard Your Health If meeting monthly health insurance premiums seems impossible, what will you do if you need to go to the emergency room, where a single visit for a minor injury like a broken bone can cost thousands of dollars? If you’re uninsured, don’t wait another day to apply for health insurance; it’s easier than you think to wind up in a car accident or trip down the stairs. Guard Your Wealth If you want to make sure that all your hardearned money doesn’t vanish, you’ll need to take steps to protect it. If you rent, get renter’s insurance to protect the contents of your place from events like burglary or fire. Disabilityincome insurance protects your greatest asset - the ability to earn an income - by providing
you with a steady income if you ever become unable to work for an extended period due to illness or injury. If you want help managing your money, find a fee-only financial planner to provide unbiased advice that’s in your best interest, rather than a commission-based financial advisor, who earns money when you sign up with the investments his or her company backs. You’ll also want to protect your money from taxes, which is easy to do with a retirement account, and inflation, which you can do by ensuring that all of your money earns interest through vehicles like high-interest savings accounts, money market funds, CDs, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The Bottom Line Remember, you don’t need any fancy degrees or special background to become an expert at managing your finances. If you use these eight financial rules for your life, you can be as personally prosperous as the guy with the hard-won MBA. investopedia.com
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Money & Career
BEST FINANCIAL APPS for Teens and Young Adults
As a teen or young adult today, you’re tech-savvy when it comes to living and learning. If you want to achieve success, you need to be money-savvy too. ‘Fintech’ (financial technology) apps can strengthen your money management skills and simplify your finances, allowing you to stay focused on personal, career, and life goals. SageVest Kids looked at some of the best financial apps for teens and young adults. BEST PERSONAL FINANCE APPS:
BEST SAVINGS APP:
BEST PAYMENT APPS:
Mint and Mvelopes Mint is a well-known personal finance app, with online and mobile versions. Connect your accounts and loans, create budgets, categorize transactions, and set spending limits. Alerts, graphs, and charts report your progress. Mvelopes mimics the traditional ‘envelope’ approach to saving. Set up as many virtual envelopes as you want towards short- and long-term savings goals. The basic plan syncs with unlimited bank accounts and credit cards via web, iOS, and Android apps.
Acorns Acorns is a micro-investing app for smartphones that invests your spare change by rounding up purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the difference. It’s a great way to start saving for retirement. However, as your career and financial needs evolve, you should seek professional financial planning advice about your growing wealth management goals.
PayPal and Venmo PayPal is a well-known payment app. Use it for online shopping, and for sending and receiving money e.g., reimbursing your roommate for last night’s cab fare, or receiving funds from your parents while on campus. Venmo is a digital wallet app that also lets you make and share payments. It’s owned by PayPal, and has similar functionality, while being more socially oriented e.g., splitting bills, repaying friends, etc.
BEST BUDGETING APP: You Need A Budget (YNAB) YNAB is available online and on mobile devices, including Apple watches and Alexa. The app identifies how much money you have, what you need to spend it on, and when. It can track regular payments like monthly rent, plus larger or less frequent budget items like car insurance premiums. BEST TIPS APP: Tip Calculator % Tip Calculator (for Android) and Tip Calculator % (for Apple) is a free tip calculator that helps split the bill when dining with friends, and calculates the correct tip, based on your bill.
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BEST CREDIT SCORE APP: Credit Karma Credit Karma lets you check your credit score as often as you like for free. (Otherwise, you only get one free credit check per year per credit bureau). It offers insights on improving your score and alerts you when your score updates. Credit scores are key factors for lenders: The higher your credit score, the better your loan terms. BEST BARGAIN TEXTBOOK APP: Bigwords Bigwords for iOS and Android (also online) comparison-shops textbooks – new, used, and rentals. The app can search by author, title, publisher, or ISBN across multiple online retailers. It also factors in promotional offers and coupons when calculating the lowest price.
BEST SPENDING TRACKER APPS: Wally and Slice Wally Lite (for Apple) and Wally Next (for Android) simplifies financial record-keeping by letting you snap pics of your receipts. It then tallies your spending daily, helping you to see where your money’s going. Slice tracks all your purchases, stores receipts (no more searching for the receipt for a refund!), and provides delivery alerts – especially useful if you’re on campus and need to keep an eye out for the delivery truck!
Note: Not all the apps mentioned are free. Courtesy SageVest Wealth Management
BEST ADDITIONAL INCOME APP:
BEST DEBT PAYOFF APP:
BEST FREELANCER TRACKER:
Ebates Ebates lets you earn cashback for your purchases when you shop through their links. Each quarter, they send you a rebate check or PayPal payment. Fintech apps and automated investment tools (aka ‘robo-advisors’) are great for teens and young adults just starting out who have basic financial planning needs. However, as your wealth grows, seek a more coordinated, comprehensive approach to wealth management.
Unbury.Me Unbury.Me is a free online app that’s basic, yet useful. Simply enter debt data such as your student loan balances. The program creates a colorful graph, showing interest paid, outstanding balance, payoff timelines, and more. Adjust the settings to consider different scenarios e.g., paying off debts with the highest interest rate first (the ‘avalanche’ method), or those with the lowest principal (the ‘snowball’ method).
Tycoon Tycoon is a great app if you have a side gig like being an Uber driver. Record your freelance jobs on the phone app, then track income, payments (including overdue amounts), and even estimate tax withholdings.
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Money & Career
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
Independence Center
Enables Persons with Disabilities & Honors the Businesses that Hire Them by Madelaine Brauner Landry
If you’re like most, you take your daily life for granted. Living, working, walking, hearing, seeing, feeling, socializing, leisure activities . . . it can be easy to forget that for persons with disabilities, simple life choices are often more limited. Yet an incapacitating accident or illness can happen at any moment to anyone. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) was established in October 1945 by the U.S. Department of Labor to educate the American public about disability employment issues. The designation celebrates both the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities, as well as employers who embrace disability hiring policies. The NDEAM 2019 theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” The Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC) honors both the mission and theme of NDEAM. To that end, SLIC has recently embarked on an employer appreciation program, presenting Rouses Market in Moss Bluff with its first award. SLIC Executive Director Mitchell Granger hopes their efforts will help the community recognize the empowerment that comes with successful matches between employees and employers. “SLIC ‘consumers’ are given the ability to pursue employment of their own choice, knowing we have their back,” said Granger. “After their initial assessment, we work continuously to develop good employment options for persons with significant disabilities throughout our thirteen parishes in regions V and VI.” Rouses Store Director Chad Seales accepted the award for “seeing ability where others see disability.” When he hired produce worker Peter Courville in September 2018, he knew firsthand what it felt like to be marginalized for a disability. As a child, Seales was placed in Special Education classes due to his Attention Deficit Disorder. Today, he credits his own ‘disability’ with making him a better store manager. “ADD taught me to multi-task. I can walk around this store and see 10 things that need to be done. I depend on my employees to carry out the tasks I assign to them. Peter is great at staying on task.”
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Rouse Market, Moss Bluff: Store Director Chad Seales; SLIC consumer and Rouse employee Peter Courville; and SLIC Executive Director Mitchell Granger)
“I let SLIC’s consumers walk the store,” Seales added. “I ask them, ‘Can you be happy; can you be energetic? Can you follow Rouses’ five simple rules? Can you help make us successful?’”
Employee Peter Courville knew he could answer yes to these questions on Day One. A year later, he loves working with the public, produce, and personalities of other Rouses employees. Holly Hassell, SLIC Supervisor of Supported Employment, agreed. “Peter knew what he wanted when I first met him. Sometimes our consumers do; sometimes not. Both Rouses and Peter knew he was a good fit.” SLIC opened its doors in Lake Charles in 1983. The organization, like many of its kind nationally, recognizes that living an independent life is a fundamental human right. Before organizations like SLIC existed, living a life of dependency and low satisfaction were common for disabled individuals and their families. Besides employment opportunities, job coaching, and job training, SLIC provides awareness, advocacy, and independent living opportunities for persons with disabilities. They also practice what they preach: As a non-profit entity, 51% of their staff have some form of disability. Granger is one of them. After being hurt on his former job, he returned to school to obtain a degree before becoming SLIC’s Director. “Some disabilities can be seen; others cannot. I’m a good example of that.” In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilties Act (ADA). Following that, public awareness and life enhancement through independence has substantially increased. Both are crucial components for physical, mental, and emotional health of not only individuals, but also for families and the community. For more information on SLIC, go to https://www.slic-la.org or call 337-477-7194.
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Peter Courville
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Money & Career
&
USING BOTH
LOGIC EMOTION
in the Home Buying Process
by Christine Fisher
The yin and yang of emotions and logic are present in many decisions we make. We spy a sweater in red, our favorite color, and we must buy it. That perfume has a hint of vanilla and reminds us of Grandma’s cookies, warm from the oven and before we know it, the perfume is purchased. On the other hand, we know we must mow the grass on the weekend whether we feel like it or not because that’s when we’ve allotted time for it. We also know we should finish projects X and Y this week to stay on track at the office. We do these things to stay on schedule – emotions aren’t allowed to dictate the progress. “As you’re house hunting, you may know the square footage you desire, the neighborhood that suits your family, and the price you want to pay, but it can all be trumped by emotions when you walk through the door,” says Sharel Hebert, realtor with Century 21 Bessette Realty. “Smells, colors, neighborhood sounds – they all have an influence. They may remind us of our childhood, or a beautiful home visited years ago.” The role of emotions varies by each individual but it certainly plays a part in the decision process, and it is savvy for a potential buyer to recognize their own tendency toward one or the other. “It’s important to feel a connection to the home you’re buying but don’t abandon all logic,” advises Hebert. “If the potential home simply isn’t practical, then the initial love for the home will quickly wear off and you’ll be left with a space that doesn’t meet your needs.”
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Conversely, don’t be so consumed with numbers and interest rates that you end up buying a home you don’t love. “It’s good to have a connection with the home, to choose a place where you feel comfortable,” she says. A good balance of emotion and logic will serve you well as you search for the home that fits your needs best. Asking yourself how the house will function for your family, how you will use each room, and if the layout works for your needs is helpful on the emotional level. Along the logical line of thinking, does the price fit within your budget? What is the resale value of the home? Can you add improvements while staying within market value? “We can help you maintain a proper balance of emotion and logic. If you veer off in one direction, we can bring you back to the middle ground,” Hebert says. “That’s the benefit of working with a realtor; you have someone on your side to help navigate through the process.” By tapping into both sides of the brain, you can arrive at a home buying decision that both feels great and is in line with your budget and bottom line. It’s a win on all levels. Century 21 Bessette Realty is located at 3025 Lake St, Lake Charles. For more information, call 337-474-2185.
NBLC MERGES WITH TAYLOR PORTER
Left: Taylor Porter Managing Partner Bob Barton with Associates Joe Norman and Jud Norman; and Special Counsel Rick Norman
The Norman Business Law Center is officially Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, L.L.P. as the two law firms are excited to announce a merger. Taylor Porter is one of the longest standing law firms in Baton Rouge, founded in 1912, and is proud to welcome Special Counsel Rick Norman, and Associates Joe Norman and Jud Norman. Rick Norman, founding member of the Norman Business Law Center, will head Taylor Porter’s Lake Charles office. Rick and his associates will continue their practices in the fields of commercial transactions, litigation, employment, construction, and healthcare, supported by Taylor Porter’s full spectrum of legal services with 80 attorneys practicing in more than 30 practice areas. Taylor Porter looks forward to being a part of the continued economic development of the Lake Charles business community.
TAYLOR, PORTER, BROOKS & PHILLIPS, L.L.P.
www.taylorporter.com
145 East Street, Lake Charles, La 70601 337.436.7787
450 Laurel Street, Suite 800, Baton Rouge, La 70801 225.387.3221 thriveswla.com
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Home & Family
HALLOWEEN
Guide
Halloween is a time-honored tradition anticipated each year by families and kids of all ages. In this year’s Halloween feature section, you’ll find a roundup of 2019’s hottest Halloween costumes, tips on planning a memorable Halloween party, a list of several local Halloween Happenings, and an interview with Lake Charles’ own “costume lady” – the fascinating Edwina Medearis.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Access is growing and we’re opening a new full-service branch in early 2020! Once open, you’ll see lots of familiar faces and have added convenience with a great location, drive-thru and ATM. Get the latest news and details when you sign up for updates at www.access.coop. Sulphur - Westlake - Lake Charles 337-533-1808 - www.access.coop Federally Insured by NCUA
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Home & Family |
Halloween
Living History CEMETERY TOUR CE L E BR AT ING L A K E CHA RL E S HIS T ORY
When Michel Pithon was born in Beaufort, France, in 1771, George Washington had just been elected to the first Continental Congress and the idea of the United States of America was just beginning to form. Michel was born to the aristocratic title of de Riviere just before the social and political upheaval of the French Revolution and when being an aristocrat could mean death. Michel was taken into the home of a man named Pithon who raised him and whose name Michel assumed. Michel Pithon became a personal friend of Napoleon and immigrated to America as a skilled physician. Two and a half centuries later, Michel’s name is still seen in Lake Charles on Pithon Street and Pithon Coulee. Michel Pithon will be the oldest figure to be portrayed in this year’s Living History Cemetery Tour, which brings culturally and historically significant figures to life in a one-night walking tour of local cemeteries. On Friday, October 25, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., larger-than-life figures like Catherine Lebleu Sallier, Judge Alfred M. Barbe, Nellie Lutcher, and Armogene Reon will tell their stories from the grave. The Cemetery Tour began in 2018 as a way to educate the public about Lake Charles history, and it has become greater than the sum of its parts. The event brings a spotlight to historic sites that need care as well as historic figures who played a big role in the development of Lake Charles and whose names aren’t always on buildings and street signs.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Four Lake Charles cemeteries will be featured on this year’s tour: Bilbo Cemetery on the Lakefront; Catholic Cemetery on the corner of Iris and Common Streets; Combre Memorial Park on Opelousas Street; and Sallier Cemetery on Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. Ticketholders can visit these cemeteries for guided walking tours and listen to local actors dressed in period attire speak about their lives from across all time periods in the city’s history. The most recently passed figure to be on the tour is Judge Norma Holloway Johnson, who died in 2011 and rests at Combre Memorial Park. Judge Johnson was a trailblazer and the nation’s first African American woman to sit on a federal bench in Washington. At 23 years-old, she left Lake Charles for Washington, D.C. where she enrolled in Howard University, then Georgetown University in 1962. President Nixon appointed her Superior Court Judge of the District of Columbia, and President Carter appointed her to the Federal Bench in 1980 where she served as Chief Justice from 1997 to 2001. Judge Johnson gained national prominence when she oversaw the grand jury investigation into President Clinton’s relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Over 100 volunteers made the Cemetery Tour a success in 2018, and this month’s tour is already proving to be another success. In addition to hosting the event, volunteers are also coordinating clean-up days throughout October to spruce-up the cemeteries that need some TLC.
by Erica McCreedy
WHERE TO GO AND WHO TO SEE: Bilbo Cemetery, Veterans Memorial Boulevard • • • • •
Onazine “Armogene” Reon (1873-1926) Louisa Ryan (1835-????) Anna Marie Lawrence Bilbo (1788-1871) James L. Hodges, Jr. (1813-1890) The Headless Yankee Cannoneer (????-1863)
Catholic Cemetery, Corner of Iris and Common Streets • • • • •
Manette Mary Landry (1876-1904) Charles Michael McCormick (1871-1899) Judge Gabriel Antoine Fournet (1840-1911) Katie Venezia Assunto (1888-1911) Marie Valerie Fournet Amy (1841-1896)
Combre Memorial Park, Opelousas Street • • • • •
Doretha Combre (1898-1962) Anonymous Hurricane Audrey Victim (????-1957) Nellie Lutcher (1912-2007) Judge Norma Holloway Johnson (1932-2011) Reginald M. Ball (1919-1983)
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under (must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult), and can be purchased at www. cemeterytourlc2019.eventbrite.com. The event is sponsored by First Federal Bank of Louisiana, CSE Federal Credit Union, Thrive Magazine, Redfish Rentals, and supported by a SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Grant from the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau. Proceeds benefit the Arts Council of SWLA, which provides needed programs and events to support the arts in the region. To learn more, call the Arts Council office at 337-439-2787.
Sallier Cemetery, Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive • • • • •
Michel Pithon (1771-1871) and Zora Pithon (????-1879) Lastie Reon (1826-1914) Samuel Adams Kirby (1810-1856) Judge Alfred M. Barbe (1878-1965) Catherine Lebleu Sallier (1786-1860)
Reginald M. Ball
JUDGE NORMA JOHNSON,
ARMOGENE REON,
NELLIE LUTCHER,
COMBRE MEMORIAL PARK
BILBO CEMETERY
COMBRE MEMORIAL PARK
MARIE VALERIE FOURNET AMY,
JUDGE ALFRED M. BARBE,
DORETHA A. COMBRE,
CATHOLIC CEMETERY
SALLIER CEMETERY
CEMETERY TOUR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 | 5 PM – 8 PM FEATURED CEMETERIES BILBO CEMETERY | LAKESHORE DRIVE CATHOLIC CEMETERY | COMMON STREET & IRIS STREET COMBRE MEMORIAL PARK | OPELOUSAS STREET SALLIER CEMETERY | DR. MICHAEL DEBAKEY DRIVE
COMBRE MEMORIAL PARK
TAKE A GUIDED WALKING TOUR THROUGH LAKE CHARLES HISTORY AND VISIT FOUR HISTORIC CEMETERIES WHERE GUESTS CAN HEAR STORIES OF LOCAL ICONIC FIGURES WHILE VISITING THEIR FINAL RESTING PLACES.
TICKETS: $20 ADULTS, $15 SENIORS FREE FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER WITH A TICKET HOLDING ADULT
CEMETERYTOURLC2019.EVENTBRITE.COM OR THE ARTS COUNCIL OFFICE, CENTRAL SCHOOL FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE ARTS COUNCIL OF SWLA AT (337) 439-2787 OR EMAIL CEMETERYTOURLC@GMAIL.COM
thriveswla.com The event is supported by a SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Grant from the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau and matching funds from an anonymous donor. Proceeds benefit the Arts Council of SWLA, which provides needed programs and events to support the arts in the region.
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Home & Family |
Halloween
HALLOWEEN
MASQUERADE Louisiana Spirits in Lacassine, La., home of Bayou Rum, will host an exclusive Halloween event like no other in Southwest Louisiana. “Halloween with Louisiana Spirits” will combine the eerie mythology of New Orleans voodoo with the allure of “Interview with a Vampire,” the mystery of the “Phantom of the Opera,” and the enjoyment of a masquerade to create a fun and exciting evening for adults. Start your evening by finding your way through a “Haunted House” in the distillery. Then receive the star treatment by walking a red carpet through
Louisiana Spirit’s gallery before entering their gorgeous new Event Center, decked out for a spectacular Halloween party! Feast on a unique dinner and Bayou Rum’s most popular cocktails. Dance to the beat of Jarvis Jacobs and the Southern Gents. Participate in the mask contest for a chance to win special Bayou Rum prizes. Friday, October 25, 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Attire is formal. Tickets on salenow. For more information, go to bayourum.com or call 337-588-5800.
Goblet of Fire:
HALLOWEEN COCKTAIL
-RECIPESYou may find these or similar Halloweenthemed cocktails at Louisiana Spirits Masquerade event, but if you’re not able to attend, you can try these fun recipes at your own Halloween party!
1.5 oz Bayou White Rum Top with cranberry juice Squeeze of lime Dash of cinnamon
The Walking Dead: 1.5 oz Bayou White Rum Top with Lemonade Dash of Blue Curaco
Graveyard Martini 1.5 Bayou Spiced Rum Top with Sweet tea
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visit www.bayourum.com for more info
You are cordially invited to a
HALLOWEEN MASQUERADE Presented by
LOUISIANA SPIRITS Friday, October 25, 2019 8 p.m. - midnight Formal Masquerade attire Entertainment by Jarvis Jacobs and the Southern Gents Contest for best mask
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Home & Family |
Halloween
HOTTEST
Halloween Costumes FOR 2019
“What will you dress up as for Halloween?” It’s a common question this time of year; and for those who love Halloween or want to shine at a costume party, much thought can be put into choosing attire. To help you get started with dress-up ideas, here’s a list of trending costumes for 2019. You can never go wrong with Superheroes. Captain Marvel, any of the Avengers, Superman, Spiderman . . . they’re all good. Blockbuster 2019 movies make popular Halloween costumes. Toy Story, Aladdin Live Action, The Lion King, How to Train your Dragon . . . The new Disney Channel hit film “Descendants 3”. Dress up as Mal or one of her many friends. Because the books and films are timeless, Harry Potter costumes remain popular. Video game characters ie. Super Mario Brothers, Pokemon, and Minecraft are winners with the boys. Perennial favorites such as dinosaurs; animals like unicorns, llamas, and meerkats; first responders such as firefighters, police, or doctors; clowns (whether spooky or sweet) and ringmasters never go out of Halloween style. Can’t make up your mind? You can always go old school with a traditional witch or vampire disguise.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Your Halloween Headquarters Corner of Lake Street & McNeese Street
337-477-2789
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Home & Family |
Halloween
HOW TO HOST A Frightfully Fun Halloween Party for Your Kids by Lauren Atterbery Cesar
Whether it’s a ghostly gathering or a monster mash, throwing a Halloween party for your kids is a great way to get more wear out of their costumes and get to know some of their friends a little better. What do you need for your spooky soiree to be a success?
Start with a theme.
A “Thanks for Dropping In” party could be spider-themed and boast cobwebbed decor, while a “Boo-ling Party” might take place at Petro Bowl and have ghostly snacks. Or host a “Spooky Scavenger Hunt” in your neighborhood. Think about the number of children and parents you want to accommodate, and you’ve got a great starting point.
Set a budget.
Remember to allot for things like venue, décor, invitations, games, food, and party favors.
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Design and decorate accordingly.
Design impish invitations for your ghoulish guest list. If you decide to do this locally, check out Papersmith on Ernest St., Lake Charles. They will help you find the perfect invitation to set the tone for the party. They offer a wide variety of options to choose from and will make the design process easy. Be sure to indicate whether or not the children should arrive in costume. Once you’ve got the invitations sorted, think about the feeling you want your child’s guests to experience when they walk through the door. You can set that mood on any budget, whether you shop at Hobby Lobby and The Party Time Store or hire professional help from someone like Chis Allen at Paradise Florist
Plan for a good time.
Think about the kinds of activities you want your children and their friends to enjoy. Consider a classic carnival theme with bobbing for apples and tossing bean bags into carved-out pumpkins, or a modern “Film Fright Night” complete with movies like “Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Hocus Pocus.” Gather the props you need to make the activities a success, and plan enough for the children to be busy for the duration of the party.
Expect a feeding frenzy.
Little monsters need nourishment, so stock up on snacks. For great treat ideas, Pinterest is a one-stop recipe shop. “Brain Cakes� are simply strawberry cupcakes with strawberry icing made with squiggly lines on each side to resemble a brain. Or dip strawberries in white chocolate and place three chocolate chips on the front—two for the eyes and one for the mouth so they resemble little ghosts.
Say farewell to your fiendish friends.
Having a fun party favor to hand out as guests go home can leave a lasting impression with your frightful friends. Fill a clear plastic glove with candy, tie the end with a ribbon, and add a plastic spider ring to the ring finger for an inexpensive, easy way to thank your guests for coming.
The most important thing to remember is that no matter how you celebrate the Halloween season, be safe and have a hair-raising time!
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Home & Family |
Halloween
HALLOWEEN Happenings
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Living History Cemetery Tour
Halloween Masquerade
The Living History Cemetery Tour returns on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Locals can take guided walking tours of four historic cemeteries and hear stories of local iconic figures while visiting their final resting places. Actors will dress in period attire and embody the lives of deceased historic figures from each of the four cemeteries. Larger-than-life figures such as civil rights activist Doretha Combre, early settler Catherine Lebleu Sallier, Judge Alfred M. Barbe, French aristocrat Michel Pithon, Armogene Reon – one of the last native speakers of the Atakapas language – and others will tell their life stories and their famed feats from their own perspectives. Featured cemeteries will include: Bilbo Cemetery, located on Veterans Memorial Boulevard on the lakefront, Sallier Cemetery on Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, Combre Memorial Park on Opelousas Street, and Catholic Cemetery, located on Common Street and Iris Street. “Wandering Spirits” will visit each cemetery and are figures whose gravesites are unknown or spirits visiting relatives. Jazz legend Nellie Lutcher will be a Wandering Spirit at Combre Memorial Park where her parents are buried. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under (must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult), and can be purchased at www.cemeterytourlc2019.eventbrite.com.
Louisiana Spirits in Lacassine, La., home of Bayou Rum, will host an exclusive Halloween event like no other in Southwest Louisiana. “Halloween with Louisiana Spirits” will combine the eerie mythology of New Orleans voodoo with the allure of “Interview with a Vampire,” the mystery of the “Phantom of the Opera,” and the enjoyment of a masquerade to create a fun and exciting evening for adults. Start your evening by finding your way through a “Haunted House” in the distillery. Then receive the star treatment by walking a red carpet through Louisiana Spirit’s gallery before entering their gorgeous new Event Center, decked out for a spectacular Halloween party! Feast on a unique dinner and Bayou Rum’s most popular cocktails. Dance to the beat of Jarvis Jacobs and the Southern Gents. Participate in the mask contest for a chance to win special Bayou Rum prizes.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Friday, October 25, 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Attire is formal. Tickets on sale now. For more information, go to bayourum.com or call 337-588-5800.
The Lost Hollows
Immaculate Heart of Mary Fall Bazaar
If you like a little fright with your Halloween fun, then check out The Lost Hollows in Lake Charles. Begin your journey with an eerie hayride from the back of the Lake Charles Power Centre parking lot, 3413 Derek Dr., Lake Charles, and travel to the creepiest woods in Southwest Louisiana. Hayride shuttle lines start at 6:00 p.m. and stop at 11 p.m. The Lost Hollows will be scaring every Friday and Saturday through October. Don’t miss the “Lights Out” event on Halloween and Nov. 1, where victims make their way through the woods with nothing but a flashlight to guide them. Individual ticket prices are $25 and $38 for Fast Pass tickets. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.thelosthollows.com or call 337-415-9159.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is hosting it's 66th Anniversary Event on October 5 – 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday. The bazaar will be held on the church grounds at 2031 Opelousas St, Lake Charles, La 70601. You’ll find home cooked meals (BBQ pork steak and chicken dinners) hot dogs, hot links, hamburgers, fried wings, candied apples, popcorn balls, funnel cakes, ice cream, cotton candy, pulled pork sandwiches, a sweet shop, and more. A “Kids Zone” will include a dunking booth, train rides, duck pond, and more. Other activities include a country store, music, bingo, a raffle, and live auction. “This is a family friendly event and we invite all of the Lake Charles and surrounding area communities to come out and join in the festivities as we celebrate 66 years of service to the community,” says Fr. Wayne LeBleu, Pastor.
Scarecrow Festival
Coats for Kids Spooktacular
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center Oct. 8 – Nov. 2, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free admission. Orange, Tx.
Downtown Lake Charles Candy Crawl Boombox Frozen Pops and Ice Cream, along with the Downtown Business Association and sponsor Spirit Halloween, will host the third annual Downtown Candy Crawl on October 31, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. starting at Boombox. Participants will receive a map of all the participating businesses, along with drink and food specials and other attractions. Seven Slot Society will do a trunk or treat in the parking lot at the corner of Pujo and Ryan Streets. This is a family friendly event and last year they had over 1500 participants.
Trick-or-Treating Hours Both the Cities of Lake Charles and Sulphur will observe Halloween 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Parents are encouraged to have their children home by 8:30 p.m. unless they are attending a supervised function sponsored by other parents or civic organizations.
The Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles will host its COATS FOR KIDS drive with the 4th Annual Spooktacular on Friday, October 25 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Crying Eagle Brewing Company. The event will offer Halloween-themed, family-friendly activities from 5:00-6:00 p.m., followed by 50’s rock and roll performed by the local band, Cry Baby. Crying Eagle will offer craft beers and food from The Bistro. There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 Split the Pot, and team coat races. Admission is free, but those who donate a coat of any size will receive a free Crying Eagle glass, a drink token, and a raffle ticket for prize drawings. Donated coats are cleaned by co-sponsor AAA DriveIn Cleaners for distribution to ten local charitable agencies serving underprivileged children and adults. All proceeds from the event will benefit these charities. Coat donations will also be accepted at The Better Block Nellie Lutcher Cultural District on Enterprise Blvd from Broad to S. Division Street, Friday evening October 25th and all day October 26th. Also from Oct 28 to Nov 22, there will be coat donation boxes at various area schools and businesses, including AAA Drive-In Cleaners. For more info, please contact Jim Meyer at (337) 853-1820 or Steve Ek at (337) 474-1622.
Ghost Tours Lake Charles SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau Historic App. Want to take a self-guided haunted tour around Lake Charles? Look for the Lake Charles Historic app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the app to access interesting stories and audio while you wander from eerie cemeteries to haunted homes.
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Home & Family |
Halloween
Keep Kids Safe ON HALLOWEEN Halloween is an exciting holiday enjoyed by children and words adults alike; and amidst all the fun, you also want to535 ensure the kids are safe. Follow these tips for safe-keeping and general good behavior.
Let your kids enjoy themselves.
There are plenty of times that as parents, we need to keep an eye on our children, enforce the rules, and make sure they are safe, and you also want them to have a good time. On Halloween, allow the kids to be kids, eat candy, and get a little crazy.
Desensitize your kids before Halloween night.
For younger children who are easily scared or appear nervous about Halloween, prepare them ahead of time. Children fare better when they know what to expect. Show them photos of people dressed up. Take them to a Halloween store in the daylight and show them decorations, masks, and costumes. Explain to them what happens on Halloween. Show them movies where people are trick-or-treating.
Keep it age appropriate.
Halloween can be a little overwhelming and scary for some kids. What doesn’t bother your 13-yearold may terrify your four-year-old. One way to keep activities age appropriate is to trick-or-treat with groups of friends based on age. Remind your older kids to go easy when smaller children are around.
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Don’t push kids who just aren’t into it.
If your children don’t have a desire to go out trickor-treating on Halloween, that’s okay. Parents can encourage alternatives to trick-or-treating. Maybe your children prefer to stay home and hand out candy. Maybe they want to have a small party or get-together with close friends. Perhaps they simply want to stay in and watch a Halloweenthemed movie. Gage your children’s level of interest and go with what makes them happy.
Know when to intervene.
Sometimes children don’t want to look scared in front of their friends for fear of being made fun of. Some kids will hold anxiety in and push themselves to experience more than they can comfortably handle. This can lead to nightmares and increased stress. If you notice your child is struggling or appears to be fearful, know when to call it a night.
Have fun and be safe.
Halloween is all about having fun, but remember basic safety. Never enter a stranger’s home no matter how nice they seem. Always trick-or-treat in groups. If you have younger children, parents should chaperone. Don’t eat any candy that is opened or appears tampered with. Keep a flashlight, glowsticks, and phone with you at all times.
Have fun and be respectful.
Halloween is a time for your kids to have fun but teach them to be respectful. No bullying. Never mock people with physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or other impairments. And be polite when receiving candy at peoples’ doors.
Talk it out.
After the night is over and your kids finish trick-ortreating, talk to them. How are they feeling? Are they scared, nervous, or upset? Do a quick emotional check before going to bed to make sure they are not shaken up or feeling disturbed in anyway. If something is bothering them, talk it out until they feel better.
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Home & Family
There’s a certain joie de vivre that comes from doing what one loves; from living life with passion and purpose. Edwina Medearis exudes this positive mindset. She’s a busy, energetic, 73-year-old entrepreneur, registered nurse, and grandmother who has big plans for her future, none of which resemble slowing down or retiring. She opened Medearis Costumes, Gifts, and Balloons on Ryan St. 36 years ago. Ten years ago, she opened a second business, Tux Plus, next door to the costume shop. She’s also involved with an online card company called SendOutCards. Medearis has been a nurse for 46 years and currently works part-time as a psych nurse at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and The Archer Institute. While she may be known around town as the costume lady, Medearis says nursing is her “first and foremost profession” because caring for people is her calling. Her dedication to this calling is evident in her commitment to the community of Lake Charles, her home for over four decades.
first person by Angie Kay Dilmor, photo by Shonda Manuel
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
with
Edwina Medearis (of Medearis Costumes on Ryan St.)
Tell me about your background.
I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, attended a Catholic school, then North Texas State University. I got married and moved to New Mexico where we lived for eight years. Then my husband got transferred to Lake Charles in 1976. We had four children who attended Our Lady Queen of Heaven school and we were busy! I resumed my own education in 1977 at McNeese and got a degree in psychology and a teaching minor in biology. My mother was a businessperson. She was a beautician and owned a beauty school. Later, she attended nursing school and became an RN and worked in psych facilities. She always encouraged me to go back to school and own my own business. My grandmother and an aunt were also businesswomen. I come from a family of strong, independent, entrepreneurial women.
How did you come into the costume business? Throughout her years here, Medearis has volunteered her time for numerous organizations, always striving to make Southwest Louisiana a better place to live. She’s been involved with the Lake Charles Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau since 1989, serving as Chairman of the Board for 14 years. She has served on the board of the Arts and Humanities Council and been involved with countless other community organizations, clubs, and krewes. She’s even dabbled in politics. She’s won numerous awards over the years, including the 1992 Gov. Edwin Edwards Louisiana Minority Business Person of the Year and McNeese State University’s 1993 Louisiana Business Woman of the Year. Medearis is a life-long learner and enjoys teaching others. And she’s active in three churches – Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Mount Calvery Baptist, and Unity Southeast Texas in Beaumont. Thrive magazine recently chatted with this fascinating go-getter, where she talked about her love of family, her drive to succeed, and the path that led her to where she is today.
Edwina's children
I went to market with the intention of opening a card shop. At that time, it was hard to find cards, especially Mother’s Day cards, that looked like my mom. I knew that our community needed more Afro-centric cards available. Soon after, Hallmark cards evolved. They started a line called Mahogany and filled that empty niche. But I nonetheless opened my shop, Cards and Gifts. Some time later, again at market, I met a gentleman who had a manufacturing company and he said costumes were the way to go. So I added costumes to my shop and that ended up being my number one business. Later, I added balloons and we’ve done some wonderful decorating jobs for both private and corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, festivals, those types of things.
What are your peak seasons in the costume business?
We’re really busy during Mardi Gras season. Pirate costumes are huge for Mardi Gras and during the Pirate Festival. And of course, Halloween. Superhero costumes are always best sellers. The holidays keep us busy with Santa suit rentals. And we rent a lot of Bunny costumes at Easter. We also do costume rentals for local theater groups. And we offer singing telegrams. The Stripping Gorilla has been at the top of our line for years!
Your nursing career, your businesses, and your family . . . how do you keep all these balls in the air? I’ve always been energetic. I’m a list maker to stay organized. I’ve taken classes on how to keep my life structured and positive. And I take good care of my health. We only have a certain amount of time that God has allotted us to do the things He wants us to do. We need to fill our time in as much as possible with positive things that will move us forward.
What do you love most about your life right now?
I’m excited about living. Period. I had a health concern five years ago. I went to M.D. Anderson and had that taken care of. As a nurse, I know how to encourage my patients to react to health challenges, but until I went through it myself, I wasn’t able to say I’ve been there and be able to help them from a personal standpoint. I said to God, “I really didn’t need to have this in order to get your message across, but whatever Your will.” I’m cancer-free now and that’s a good thing. I love that at my age, I can share wisdom and an excitement for living with other people. God has assigned me to be a nurse. And I also bring people happiness through my costume shop.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy traveling, photography, yoga, and spending time with my four kiddos (Edwin, Christopher, Jeannette, and Rogerella) and seven grandkids.
Name three things most people don’t know about you.
I’m a loner. My only sibling is nine years older than me, so I grew up spending a lot of time by myself. My mom named her beauty school after me in the 1950s. Edwina’s University of Beauty Culture in Fort Worth, Texas. And I love to dance. I participated in a weekly dance in Beaumont for several years at the Beaumont Swing Out Civic Club.
What’s next for Edwina Medearis?
I want to learn how to do podcasts. I want to become a motivational and health-related speaker. And I want to present my thesis so I can complete my master’s degree in Adolescent Forensic Psychology at Prairie View A&M University. thriveswla.com
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Home & Family
Erosion Control in Landscaping by Haley Tarasiewicz
Erosion control is a constant concern. Water is a powerful, natural force and flowing water can cause a number of problems if not properly controlled. As water from rain or irrigation systems travels down slopes, it erodes soil and washes pesticides and fertilizers into waterways. If these slopes are in your yard, erosion can ruin your landscape design by uprooting your plants and carving gullies. It can also become a community issue when silt deposits clog neighborhood drainage structures and storm drains.
PLANTS, GRASSES & MULCH
Bare soil is more vulnerable to erosion caused by wind and rain, so finding appropriate covering methods will help preserve your landscape’s look and health. If your yard does not have many, or any, steep slopes present, simply adding shrubs, grasses and mulch can help collect rain water.
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PLANTS ARE NATURAL SOIL PROTECTORS
They cloak the ground in foliage which prevents rain drops from falling directly onto soil particles, and instead diffuse the energy of raindrops so they filter down into the soil surface more gently.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
NATIVE GRASSES ALSO HELP THE SOIL GAIN MORE STABILITY
As they produce long roots that can tie the topsoil and subsoil together. To provide a quick covering, hydroseeding is a method of sowing seed on a large scale to provide soil holding capacity until other plants mature.
MULCH HELPS REGULATE SOIL TEMPERATURES
They prevent erosion in sensitive areas, adds organic matter and can increase moisture retention. There are many different types to use based on your yard’s soil chemistry. You may also use stone, gravel and river rock mulch to anchor soil, especially in areas where forceful rain water disrupts other mulching materials.
TERRACES AND RETAINING WALLS
For lawns that have a greater incline, plants and mulch are insufficient standalone erosion control strategies. Adding structural features helps prevent loss of soil resources and adds a bit of depth and dimension to the landscape design. Terracing is an erosion control method that features a staircase pattern. Utilizing a terrace gives you the option of creating a pattern of several feet of lawn grass rimmed with either a vegetative buffer, retaining wall or brick or stone structures. Retaining walls are structures which hold back soil from a building using materials like pressure treated lumber, pavers and large rocks—think of them as dams for soil. In addition to a functional purpose, they also provide visual interest and increase the amount of usable land in a yard. There are a few options when considering a retaining wall, including: gravity walls, anchored walls, pilin walls and cantilever walls.
“How you treat your slopes matters, because every raindrop that falls dislodges soil particles. Multiply this by the duration of just one rainstorm and you can quickly understand how easy it is to lose ground due to unchecked erosion. By taking a few simple, preventative steps, you can keep your yard beautiful and environmentally friendly during even the heaviest of downpours.” -Mark Dubose, Vice President and General Manager of Erosion Control with Landscape Management
For help with mitigating the effects of erosion in your yard, give Landscape Management a call today at 337-478-3836, or stop by their fully-stocked nursery for supplies at 5005 Cobra Road in Lake Charles.
Light it up-
IT’S GLOW TIME!
BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING
BY DESIGN Nothing brings warmth to landscaping quite like custom lighting and no one does it better than we do. From a simply lit pathway to a brilliant yard overhaul, our lighting specialists can make your yard glow. The possibilities are endless! Landscape Management Services is proud to have examples of our work across neighborhoods in Southwest Louisiana. From planning to execution, our awardwinning team will exceed your expectations. Give us a call us today to book your exterior lighting, fall color or landscape consultation.
5005 Cobra Road, Lake Charles (337) 478-3836 M-F: 7am – 4pm Sat: 8am – 2pm (Seasonal Hours)
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Places & Faces
Windows
Soul for the
by Stefanie Powers
A historical and spiritual treasure in downtown Lake Charles has just undergone an extensive restoration.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was designed by the architectural firm of Favrot & Livaudais of New Orleans in the Lombardy Romanesque style. Dedicated in 1913, it remained merely a church until January 29, 1980, when Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Lake Charles. It was then that Immaculate Conception became the cathedral for the new diocese. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 7, 1994.
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As expected, a great amount of structural repair was sorely needed after so many years. But something else also required some immediate attention. In the 1930s, the St. Louis-based stained glass studio, Emil Frei Art Glass, created and installed the magnificent stained glass windows that we see in the cathedral today. Not only is that company (which initially opened in 1898 in Germany) still in existence, Stephen Frei, a direct descendant of Emil Frei, came to Lake Charles this year to supervise the restoration of these beautiful windows. According to the Diocese, Stephen Frei also made two trips during the earlier planning stages to inspect, analyze and provide detailed reports of each window along with an appraisal of value. “Given their age, the windows were in rather good shape,” says Aaron Frei, Stephen’s son and the president of Emil Frei and Associates. “That being said, there was still a great amount of work needed. A large part of the damage that
had occurred was a result of surrounding conditions – inflexible old sealants and poor previous repairs, compounded over several generations.” Frei says that some of the windows had experienced a significant amount of bulging, and had to be removed, flattened, and strengthened before they could be re-installed. “A substantial amount of rust had also developed on the steel frames surrounding the stained glass,” he continues. “That rust was removed and the steel frames were returned back to a near-original condition. The stained glass was also covered in a heavy patina of dirt, which we cleaned.” Not all of the work was done on-site. “A good many pieces had suffered cracks and shatters and had to be recreated back at the Studio in St. Louis according to the exact techniques used originally,” Frei says. “While we spent roughly six months on-site, there were many actions being taken back at the studio to supplement that work.”
Frei believes that one of the greatest changes was the replacement of the old protective coverings on the exterior. “They were plated in the 1960s with a material known as Lexan. Over time, the Lexan had yellowed and clouded to such a degree that it was difficult to tell that stained glass existed underneath. It also sapped much of the beauty of the mouth-blown glass employed in our windows. The crystalline quality of the glass, one of its greatest features, was being lost to the opaque quality of the Lexan.” The solution? They replaced the old coverings with ½” tempered glass, which will never experience the same problem, and allows for the windows to be enjoyed in their most authentic and beautiful form. The Frei windows are indeed beautiful. They were designed in the “Munich Pictorial” style, which the Frei studio did extensively from 1898 to 1940. The only difference is that the cathedral windows
have a simpler background as opposed to the architectural canopy often used in standard “Munich Pictorial” windows. “In the history of stained glass, this level of painting is, without question, the height of man’s talent,” Frei explains. “The facial expressions, the delicacy of the robes and garments, and the usage of deep and rich colors are all hallmarks of this style.” As the name suggests, “Munich Pictorial” originated in Bavaria in the mid 1800s. Frei’s great-great grandfather, Emil Frei, Sr., studied at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts before bringing this style with him to the United States in the late 1800s. All in all, there are 127 stained glass windows at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. “The large majority of them have been finished, “ Frei says. “The remainder will be attended to this winter.”
2019 Keynote Speaker
Taya Kyle
Widow of U.S. Navy SEAL Sniper, Chris Kyle
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 LAKE CHARLES CIVIC CENTER
8:00am - 4:00pm
Featuring Various Inspirational Workshops Vendor Registration for MarketPlace Now Open!
WomensCommissionSWLA.com
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Places & Faces
Lake Charles to Host
U.S. OLYMPIC
Team Trials for Boxing The 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, scheduled for December 7-15, 2019, will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, with the finals taking place at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel. In conjunction with the Trials, the 2019 USA Boxing National Championships will be held to determine USA Boxing’s junior and youth high performance teams for 2020.
The 13 boxers who win their Olympic weight-class will advance to next year’s Olympic Qualifying Events taking place January – May 2020 to box for their spot to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. “The 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing will be the culmination of what began last December,” said Mike McAtee, USA Boxing Executive Director. “This event will feature the 104 best boxers in the nation, boxing for 13 spots, as well as over 700 boxers that will be our future 2024 and 2028 Olympians.” This December will mark the first time Lake Charles will hold the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing. “USA Boxing is excited to join with Lake Charles to bring the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing to the Gulf Coast,” stated USA Boxing Events Manager Michael Campbell. “The city’s warm hospitality and Southern charm, great people, climate and culture provide a perfect location for our next generation of champions and give our boxers, coaches and officials a special experience.”
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“Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana are honored to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials for Boxing and USA Boxing National Championships,” said Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our destination looks forward to showing these gifted athletes our unique brand of Southern Hospitality. The community is so excited to be part of history-in-the-making as this prestigious event will be the focus of sports fans this December.” 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials champion and 2019 Pan American Games silver medalist Virginia Fuchs has ties to Louisiana. “This is my third Olympic Trials, and to have it in the state where I started boxing is very exciting. I feel like I am bringing back all my success to where I started, in front of everyone who was with me from the very beginning. It’s truly something special.” For tickets information, go to usaboxing.org. The local partners for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing are the Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana CVB.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Butch Ferdinandsen
CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS, CRPC Investment Advisor Representative Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), member FINRA/SIPC. WFS is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of WFS.
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month Holden’s Hope invites Angel parents in SWLA to honor the memory of their babies.
join us
Supporting families of infants who have long medical stays in the hospital and families coping with miscarriages, stillbirths or the loss of an infant in SWLA.
3RD ANNUAL
Hope Forever Race 2020
TEAM CAPTAIN & INFORMATION MEETING Thursday, November 7, 2019 | 6:30pm Bodega Wine Dive
RSVP by November 1st to Race2020@holdenshopeforever.org
holdenshopeforever.org
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Places & Faces
GAME 2 LIFE Offers SWLA a New Entertainment & Dining Experience by Kristian Bland
Dodging behind cover, you struggle to catch your breath. Muffled beneath the blaring siren piercing the air, you hear hushed footfalls and the gentle clatter of your enemies rushing down the corridor ahead. They’ll be on you in seconds. Risking detection, you peek around the corner for a quick assessment. Through a haze of smoke, you count three hostiles, all armed, all working in unison to cover all points: two watching flank, one focused straight ahead. There’s no way out. Swallowing your fear, you choke back any hesitation you have left and get ready to face them head-on. Your chances of survival are slim, but with any luck, you might be able to take out one or two of them before you’re tagged. You grip your weapon, sliding your index finger down to the trigger. No time to think. Popping out of cover just before they round the corner, you manage to tag the point man on your first shot. The other two instantly close ranks and go single file, one crouching in front, shielding the teammate behind him. Both weapons aimed straight ahead. This is it. You might be able to tag the one in front, but his buddy will pick you off before you can get back into cover. No going back now. You pop out again and manage to squeeze off one round. It misses its mark and you feel the sharp sting of a direct hit as the pair in front of you unload with everything they have. Game over. The concept behind Game2Life, opening later this month at 3311 Broad Street in Lake Charles, is a simple one: bring Laser Tag into the 21st century. Introduced in the ‘80s under brands like Lazer Tag and Photon, both with bulky equipment as imprecise as it was unreliable, the technology employed by Game2Life is light years beyond what you might remember from decades ago.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
For starters, gone are the heavy, bulky helmets and vests of the old days. Game2Life is played in sleek, lightweight equipment that won’t slow you down as you race through the intricate battlefield housed in its state of the art, air-conditioned facility. The combat simulation system was originally developed for military and law enforcement training and features realistic weapons systems, down to the last detail. The IRM4, for example, is a faithful M4 replica made from durable metallic parts with all the accuracy, weight, and behavior of its real-world counterpart, including recoil and reloading. An optional “shock belt” even allows you to feel every hit. Players will also be able to track and compare their mission stats and points earned against both local and international leaderboards.
Gameplay sessions typically run around an hour and are divided into five, four-minute rounds with time allowed for mission briefing and suit up. In addition to the 5,200 square foot battlefield arena, the 7,000 square foot Game2Life facility will also feature a second-floor dining and beverage area called Shooter’s Bar & Grill. The Game2Life staff plans to offer firearms safety training, home defense courses, axe throwing, and VR simulations as well as training opportunities for local first responders. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about firearms or just want to get the kids off the couch, out of their video games, and into a safe, physical activity in a controlled environment, Game2Life might just be what you’ve been searching for.
Game2Life will open at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 11:30 a.m. on weekends. Games start at $35 per session and last about an hour.
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Places & Faces
Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana... Who’s News? You tell us! Send press releases to edit@thriveswla.com
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Amerisafe Names Senior Vice President Recruitment and Development AMERISAFE, Inc., a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on high hazard industries, today announced that Leon Lagneaux Leon Lagneaux, Senior Vice President-Safety Operations, has been named Senior Vice President – Recruitment and Development. Mr. Lagneaux joined AMERISAFE in 1994, serving as Vice President of Safety Operations from 1999 until 2005, when he was promoted to Senior Vice President – Safety Operations.
The two-hour special airs in conjunction with the network’s pet adoption advocacy initiative, Hallmark Channel’s Adoption Ever After, which aims to empty shelters and end this country’s epidemic of pet homelessness. The seven finalists will travel to Los Angeles to take part in the star-studded Hero Dog Awards gala on October 5 at The Beverly Hilton. Jeanie went from being homeless and crippled to becoming a certified therapy dog. She works for the Children’s Advocacy Center, where she comforts children who are questioned by detectives in physical and sexual abuse cases, violent crimes, and homicides. She and her owner, Lydia Crochet, volunteer at hospitals, schools, nursing homes, reading programs, and veterans’ homes, where Jeanie bonds with fellow amputees.
Nationwide Vote Chose Jeanie as Finalist in 2019 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® Lake Charles’ own Jeanie, the 3-Legged Dog has won the distinction of being the nation’s top Hero Jeanie Dog of the Year in the Therapy Dog category and is now one of seven remarkable canines from a field of 360 nominees to have been named finalists in the 2019 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®. The awards gala will broadcast on Hallmark Channel, October 21, at 7:00pm.
Craven Qualified 2019 Chairman’s Council for New York Life Insurance Co. Chris Craven has qualified for the 2019 Chairman’s Council in Rome, Italy for New York Life Insurance. Chris Craven He began in 1993 and has qualified for 26 consecutive councils based on sales performance. He is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table and has received numerous awards. He has also qualified in the Top 5% in the nation out of 12,500 licensed New York Life Agents.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Ellen Anthony named to Louisiana State Arts Council Governor John Bel Edwards has appointed Ellen Anthony to the Louisiana State Arts Council to serve a four-year term. As a Ellen Anthony board member, she represents Southwest Louisiana in approving grant awards and addressing arts related issues sponsored by the state. Ellen is a visual artist affiliated with Gallery by the Lake in Lake Charles. She currently serves the organization as first vice-president, having been a member for 15 years. Ellen also serves on the board of Southwest Louisiana Arts Council and is a member of Louisiana Chapter BA of PEO International.
Safety Council of SWLA Adds Detiveaux to Leadership Christina Detiveaux has joined the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana as the Director of Operations, Strategic Development & Human Resources. She will assume the responsibility Christina Detiveaux of supervising Course Development, Marketing, Public Relations, Human Resources, and the Workforce Driving Academy. Christina brings with her over 15 years in human resources and strategic development with tenures in gaming and healthcare. Christina has held several community leadership positions including 2019 IC-SHRM President.
autismscholars@gmail.com
For more information, contact Christina at (337) 4363354 or info@scswla.org. Center for Orthopaedics Welcomes Chad Chaisson to its Athletic Training Team Chad Chaisson, MS, LAT, ATC, has joined the athletic training team at Imperial Health Center for Orthopaedics, the region’s largest musculoskeletal Chad Chaisson medical group. Chaisson brings over two decades of experience in sports medicine including management, education and clinical settings to the Center for Orthopaedics’ sports medicine services. In addition to his athletic trainer (ATC) and Louisiana athletic trainer (LAT) certifications, he is also a CPR/AED professional rescuer and a CPR/AED professional rescuer instructor with the American Red Cross. Center for Orthopaedics’ staff of athletic trainers provides sports medicine services to 14 area high schools. For more information, call (337) 721-7236 or visit www. CenterForOrtho.com.
DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS
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Style & Beauty
SUPRISING! by Emily Alford
Makeup Tricks to Solve Common Under-Eye Problems
Great looking eye makeup isn’t just about achieving the perfect cat-eye liner or experimenting with fun, flattering colors. A bright, rested-looking under-eye area is essential to showing off all the hard work we often put in to get eye makeup just right. Using the correct concealer, along with a couple of surprising under-eye makeup application techniques, could make all the difference in your eye makeup routine. Migrating makeup Sometimes, that under-eye concealer that looked so great in the bathroom mirror at home seems to disappear by the time you’re a few hours in to a big night out. If you have a problem keeping your concealer in place, try baking. “Baking” concealer means using translucent powder in conjunction with the heat from your face to keep you luminous for longer. To try baking, apply a thick layer of concealer under eyes and blend with a damp sponge. Then use a wedge sponge to apply a very thick layer of translucent setting powder over the concealer. Let the powder set or “bake” for about ten minutes (you can do your eye makeup while the powder bakes). Finally, dust away the loose translucent powder and finish with a light layer of powder foundation. The result is a bright under-eye area and a look that lasts.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
Dark circles Whether you stayed up too late or simply have naturally darker under-eye skin, yellow should be your new favorite color. Since yellow is opposite purple on the color wheel, those purple or bluish shadows under your eyes are best banished with a sunny shade of concealer because colors are best neutralized by their opposites. Use your yellow concealer under foundation and powder and your skin will instantly look more luminous.
Creasing concealer The skin around eyes is incredibly delicate and prone to creasing at any age. Concealer is great for making skin look brighter and evening out tone, but unfortunately it also often works its way into fine lines, making them appear deeper. If you have a problem with creasing concealer, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you’ve prepped your under-eye area with a lightweight eye cream. Let the cream soak in completely before applying your concealer and eye makeup to avoid smearing. Also, make sure to set your concealer with a little bit of translucent powder. Even if you decide baking is not right for you, applying just a light sweep of translucent setting powder can keep concealer from settling into lines. Finally, make sure you are using a very lightweight under-eye concealer specifically formulated to avoid creasing. The skin beneath our eyes is ever-changing – looking darker or creasing in response to changes in sleep, hydration, and even changes in the weather. Don’t be afraid to try different products and solutions at different times of the year (or even the week) as needed for new challenges.
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Style & Beauty
ANIMAL KINGDOM by Emily Alford
Fall's Hottest Prints Go Wild
Those who like bold patterns are in luck because this year, fashion is going wild. Looks inspired by the Discovery Channel have made it from the runways to the racks of local boutiques. Try these fun ways to experiment with fall’s biggest trend. Pick your print One of the best parts about animal print trends is that it is not limited to one particular part of the jungle. While cheetah and snake prints have been big in seasons past, fall is offering up many more animal print options, according to Lauren Monroe, owner of Mimosa Boutique in Lake Charles.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
You can put prints anywhere These nature-inspired prints aren’t relegated only to clothing. Some of the best accessories around are animal print. In fact, according to Monroe, one could conceivably dress themselves in head-to-toe animal prints if they were so inclined. “One of my favorite pieces in the store right now is this amazing cheetah print sweater,” Monroe says. “But everyone at Mimosa is also loving all of the animal print shoes and booties. We have some killer snake booties right now. And we’ve got animal prints on pretty much any accessory you could name – headbands, belts, hair clips, earrings, handbags.”
“All animal prints are huge this year,“ Monroe says. “Leopard, snake, tiger, cheetah, zebra, even Dalmatian!”
Keep colors consistent In previous years, animal prints have unfairly been written off as tacky, dated, or too busy. But this year’s prints can absolutely look sophisticated enough to wear to the office or even special events. The trick is to keep colors consistent even if you’re mixing and matching prints. “To keep your look very 2019, I suggest pairing your animal print pieces with clothing and accessories in the same color family. Don’t try to do a pop of color with this season’s prints. Keep them very tone on tone.”
Mix and match Last year, pop star Rihanna made headlines when she stepped out in a snake print bucket hat with a matching jacket, mini dress, handbag, and heels. The solid snake look was incredibly on-trend, but this year, fashionistas are taking it one step further by mixing and matching different animal prints. “I suggest pairing a large animal print with a small print,” Monroe says. “Or use your accessories to mix and match.” So if you’ve got a subtle cheetah print top that you think might pair well with a tigerstripe accessory, try it out! Animal prints are about having fun.
Subtle tones and small accessories in the season’s most coveted animal prints mean that trying them out doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge commitment. If you’re not ready to walk on the wild side, just toe it a little with a fun handbag or a single piece of statement jewelry. Mimosa is located at 3125 Ernest St, Lake Charles, La.
Dana Buchman | Kensie Girl | Vera Wang | Zac Posen | Lilly Pulitzer | Lulu Guinness | Humphrey’s
Eyewear Trunk Show Don’t miss our eye-opening fall fashion event! Designer Styles - Huge Savings Door Prizes - Refreshments
Thursday, October 10 • 10 am - 6 pm
F re sh looks for Fall! 1767 Imperial Blvd, Lake Charles (just off of Nelson Rd.)
Aesthetic Center consultations will be available, as well as discounts on products and cosmetic treatments scheduled at event.
Bring this card with you to be entered into a special door prize drawing.
Due to one-day-only discounts, vision insurance cannot be applied toward the cost of frames at this event.
rd with you to be entered into a Ted B a ke r | B re nd el | Costa del M a r | Tom Ford | Ken n eth Cole | C avier | C azal cial door prize drawing.
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Style & Beauty
Lots of Lash by Emily Alford
A Guide to Eyelash Extensions, Tinting, & Lash Lifting If you’ve been watching TV shows like The Bachelor recently, you may have noticed that many of the women sport long, natural looking lashes, even when they don’t seem to be wearing any mascara. Those effortlessly great lashes are most likely due to eyelash extensions, lifting, and tinting.
A decade ago, if we wanted longer lashes, we went to the drug store and bought strip lashes and a tube of messy eyelash glue. These days, there are quite a few more options. For example, lash extensions, in which individual lashes attached by a specialist with special glue, can last weeks. Additionally, lash lifts and tints can provide darker, fuller lashes without adding any false lashes. But with so many options, it can be hard to know exactly what’s right for you. We talked to the lash specialists at Blush Beauty Co. in Lake Charles about the services they offer and all the options to look for when you visit a lash bar. What’s the process for getting lash extensions? Getting lash extensions that are right for you is a tiny bit more complicated than strolling into the salon and sitting in a chair, according to Assistant Manager Savannah Demmerle at Blush Beauty Co. “The first thing the lash artist will do is have a consultation with the client to gain an understanding about what look the client is wanting. The artist will discuss how we can give them the look they want while giving them a healthy proper set of lashes.” To save time, Blush offers a truly unique service – consultations via FaceTime!
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
What options are available? Not everyone wants the same lash look. For those wanting subtle thickening and lengthening, Demmerle recommends what Blush calls the “Flirt Set,” which is one lash extension attached to one natural lash. But for those who want bold, thick lashes, Blush also offers the “Fierce Set” using something she calls the “volume technique,” wherein the lash artist makes a fan of two to seven individual lash extensions, which are then attached to an individual lash so that you multiply the number of lashes you have. And for those who want a little bit of volume but perhaps not as much as the Fierce Set offers, Blush also has a hybrid option, a combination of the classic and fanning techniques customized to you preference. No matter which service you choose, Demmerle says you can expect to spend about two to three hours having your lashes applied. Also, the extensions will need to be maintained with a refill every two and a half to three weeks.
Are there other options? For those who aren’t sure they want to make the jump to extensions, Blush also offers lash lifts, which keep lashes curled for over a month. “A lash lift is basically a very mild perm for your lashes,” Demmerle says. “The lashes are formed around a silicon rod, a perm solution is applied to lift, then a neutralizer is applied to lock the lift in place. The result makes the lashes more curled and visible, like using an eyelash curler. The result lasts about six to eight weeks.” And if you’re looking for darker lashes, you can also get a lash tint, either on its own or in addition to your lash lift. “This gentle color is applied to the lashes immediately after the lift and darkens the lashes,” adds Demmerle. “The tint will last up to four weeks. The entire process takes about 40 minutes.” Lash services are perfectly safe for your natural lashes, leaving them undamaged if you decide extensions, lifts, and tints aren’t for you. So there’s no reason not to lash out! For more information or to make an appointment, call ( 337) 602-6627 or see their website, everygirlneedsalittleblush.com.
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HAPPENINGS MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
2019 ICCS Panther Run Set for October 19 The 2019 Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Panther Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 19. This annual ICCS PTO Fundraiser will feature a 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Color Run. The 10K and 5K races will begin at 7:30am at ICCS, located at 1536 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. The 1-mile Color Run will start at approximately 8:30am. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in the 10K and 5K races. For more information, call Immaculate Conception Cathedral School at (337) 433-3497, or visit www.iccschool.org/ panther-run-packet. Answering Medicare Questions is Topic at Upcoming Diabetes Support Group West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host its diabetes support group on Tuesday, October 8, at 11:30am at the hospital’s cafeteria conference room. Guest speaker is Vicki Dufrene, with the Senior Healthcare Insurance Information Program to answer Medicare questions. There is no charge to attend and the group is open to the public. For details, call (337) 527-4282.
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Understanding Brain Function After Chemotherapy is Topic of Upcoming Breast Cancer Support Group West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host its Pink Crusade breast cancer support group on Thursday, October 10, at 6 pm in the hospital’s board room. This month’s focus is understanding brain function after chemotherapy. The discussion will be led by Doris Marcantel, LPN, RAC-CT. The group is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (337) 528-7320. SWLA Center for Health Services 3rd Annual Health Fair The 3rd Annual SWLA Center for Health Services Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 from 8am-12pm at 2000 Opelousas Street in Lake Charles. The theme this year is “Know Your Numbers” and aims to educate, empower and strengthen our community through free services such as health screenings, Medicaid/ Medicare assistance, Health Q&A and more. For more information, call (337) 439-9983.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019
2019 Louisiana Autism Conference Scheduled The 2019 Louisiana Autism Conference is scheduled for October 14 and 15 at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Meet the creator of Julia, from Sesame Street; learn from leading therapists and teachers who are doing extraordinary things; and shop ‘til you drop with our sensory-friendly partners. Keynote speakers include Leslie Kimmelman, Kerry Magro, and Liane Holliday Willey, and there will be over 25 workshop presenters. For more information, call (337) 433-0800 or email outreach@stnickcenter.org. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital to Host Healthy Meals Cooking Demonstration West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host Healthy Meals Cooking Demonstration in Minutes on Tuesday, October 15 at 11am in the WCCH Cafeteria Conference Room, located at 701 Cypress Street in Sulphur. There is no charge to attend. The class will last approximately 45 minutes and cover healthy meal planning and provide step-by-step tactics to make cooking easy. Samples will be provided to attendees. For more information, or to sign up for a class, call (337) 527-4261. Ruth Institute Hosts Local “Rosary Around the Lake” The Ruth Institute will host Rosary Around the Lake in Lake Charles, Oct. 13, at the northwest end of the Lake Charles Civic Center, in conjunction with Fr. Richard Heilman of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin’s “Rosary Coast to Coast.” October 13 is the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima. People will begin assembling at 2:00 p.m. The recitation of the Rosary will begin at 3:00 pm, to coordinate with the national effort. For more information, visit rosaryaroundthelake.com.
Barbe High Drama Club performing “Hairspray Jr.” The Barbe High School Drama Club is taking to the LaGrange High School Theatre stage October 18, 19 and 20 with its production of the musical “Hairspray Jr.” The students will hold three performances of their first ever musical theater production. “Hairspray Jr.” is an abbreviated version of the Broadway production and follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a teen determined to perform on the “Corny Collins Show.” Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased in advance at Barbe High School or at the door. For more information, visit Alfred M. Barbe Drama Club on Facebook. DeRidder Downtown at Sundown The City of DeRidder hosts a Downtown at Sundown Concert Series each spring and fall. The 2019 fall series includes Eddie Gardner on Oct. 10, Ron Yule and Friends on Oct. 17, and Grabow Riot on Oct. 24. The final concert will feature their Pumpkin Gleaux, with games and activities for kids and a costume contest. Events are free and take place at the Amerisafe Pavilion, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Hosts October Class for Delivery and Breastfeeding West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host a class on Tuesday, October 29 from 6-8pm on preparing for delivery and breastfeeding. The cost is $10 per participant and will be held in the North Conference Room at the Cypress Street entrance. Class space is limited, and preregistration is required. A childbirth educator as well as a certified lactation counselor will lead the discussion and will be available for one-on-one questions. To register, call (337) 527-4361.
FREE GENERAL
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CASH BAR AND BBQ FOOD TRUCKS! LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY
NOVEMBER 16TH | DOWNTOWN LAKE CHARLES @smokeandbarrel.org
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BENEFITTING THE UNITED WAY OF SWLA United Way of Southwest Louisiana
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Solutions for Life
!
from Solutions Counseling & EAP by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP
Blended Families – How to get a smooth outcome! (Part 3) This is the last article in a series about Blended Families. Even if you think it doesn’t apply to you, think again. I bet you know at least one person you care about who has been in a blended family. Or, maybe you wonder what the big deal is – one or both of you has kids, you fall in love, and you all live together happily. If only it were that easy! Last month we started a discussion about the number one issue in most blended families: discipline. I told you about Authoritative and Authoritarian parenting styles and ended with the nugget that parents need to do disciplining, not stepparents. I want to delve further into that topic today. Who disciplines the kids is an area where many, MANY blended families go awry. Hear me very clearly: until a stepparent has formed a caring, trusting relationship with the stepchild, the parent does the disciplining. This can be challenging for some stepparents, especially if they feel the parent is too lenient or permissive. Another layer is sometimes added with stepfathers who feel they are the heads of the household and it is their responsibility to discipline the children who live there. Trust me on this – you will not get the outcome you want. Parents, this means you need to be on top of things as the disciplinarian. I have worked with many parents who were thrilled to have someone else take over the discipline and didn’t understand the impact on their children. These are your children. It is your job to raise them. Your new love needs to bond with your
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children. And your children will never like someone who comes in and takes over what you should have been doing all along. It is a wonderful opportunity for your children to have another role model and connection in their lives. Do not impede that from happening by not doing your part. Now, this doesn’t mean stepparents don’t have input. Often, stepparents are helpful because they see things from a different perspective. And maybe they have their own children, so they have some experience in this area. So, the adults have a private conversation about how best to handle a situation, then the parent has the conversation with the child. This is not an easy dance, and often counseling can be helpful to help you both figure it out. So, stepparents, how do you form this elusive “caring, trusting relationship”? It takes time, typically years. Here are some suggestions:
Spend one-on-one time with your stepchildren. Find fun, easy things to do
that don’t conflict with things the child already does with his/her parent. Cook, play sports, get them to teach you that video game, etc. Find your own rituals with the kids.
Think of yourself as an “intimate outsider.”
Over time, you will come to know the child very well and care deeply, but you won’t be as reactive as a parent might be. This is a great spot for you! You could be the person the child comes to when he needs a mentor or sounding board.
When the parent is around, step aside willingly. It is normal for the parent-child
relationship to dominate. There is no reason to pout or pressure the parent or child to pay more attention to you. When a child has to go through you to get to his parent, that child will come to resent you. “Step aside” doesn’t mean leave the room, though. Be a presence and a participant, just not a demanding one.
Understand the child may be dealing with a loyalty bind. A loyalty bind is when a
child feels if she is nice to you, she will be hurting or letting down her other parent. Children in these situations get very good at filtering: never acting like they had too good of a time with their stepfather because it will hurt their father’s feelings. Sometimes they even tell their other parent they don’t like the stepparent because they think that is what the parent wants to hear. Back to the “no pressure” stance. Send a clear consistent message that you understand they love that parent, and that you know you will never be able to replace that parent. And, if you can find it within yourself, tell your stepchild you also like their other parent or you know how much their other parent loves your stepchild. Here is the deal: the best predictor of poor wellbeing in children is not divorce. It’s also not being raised in a singleparent family. Or being in a blended family. It is tension between the adults in their lives. As parents and stepparents, you should always be asking yourself what you can do to decrease the tension.
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Every
journey is personal.
You’ve given birth, made countless meals, built a career, taken care of your family, fought through holiday lines, dealt with PMS, kissed boo boos, stitched torn clothes and volunteered-too-many-times-to-count.
You’ve taken care of lots of things. Who is taking care of you? If you are a women age 50 or older, Memorial is ready to help you cross one of the most important todo’s off your list…your annual mammogram. Our Genius™ 3D Mammography™ sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time and in more detail. This is just one of the cancer-related diagnostic tools available at Memorial.
www.lcmh.com/breasthealth
1701 Oak Park Blvd. • Lake Charles
1900 Gauthier Rd. • Lake Charles
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Memorial’s cancer program meets the same standards as other leading cancer programs nationwide and is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (COC) which assures compliance with 36 standards of quality care. 84
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019