Thrive August 2010 Issue

August 2010 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 1

AUGUST 2010

InsIde:

What Is Your Health Personality?

Home Upgrades that Could

Downgrade Value

Bed BUGS Are BAck!

Take A Stand Against Sitting Disease

Saving for Retirement?

Avoid These Common Mistakes

The State of Kids’ Health

How to Rise Above Louisiana’s Dismal Rankings

BACK TO SCHOOL SECTION INSIDE

2 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living August 2010 August 2010 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 3

In This Issue 4 Home Upgrades that May Downgrade the Value

6 A Survival Guide for Overwhelmed Caregivers

9 The Best Prescription for Your Appointment

10 Stressed? It’s Written All Over Your Face

12 Bed Bugs Are Back! Don’t Let ‘Em Bite

16 Roadblock to Carefree Retirement

17 Beat Bedwetting

22 The Wonders of Aspirin

24 The Change Before “The Change”

36 Terminate Drugs and Alcohol on the Job

39 The Low-Down on Up-Dos

44 Cover Story: The State of Our Kids’ Health

48 Workplace Wellness Gains Momentum

52 Your Health Personality

55 Befriend Your Pharmacist Now

58 Getting Hold on College Costs

66 Relaxing Foods

76 Be Cured of Sitting Disease

Editors and Publishers kristy Armand christine Fisher

Creative Director/Layout Barbara VanGossen

Assistant Editor erin k. cormier

Assistant Designers Jason Hardesty Josh McGee

Staff Writers katie Mcdaniel Haley Armand

Advertising Sales 337.310.2099

danielle Granger [email protected]

Andy Jacobson [email protected]

Submissions [email protected] or fax to 337.312.0976Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

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

764 39

Contents

Don’t just live, thrive!

27Back to School

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Louisiana Press Association

Awards

New!

Regular Features 20 Coming to America 26 By the Numbers 38 Stethoscoop 42 Well Aware62 First Person: with Ashley Foret 65 Best Impressions 70 Chatterbox72 McNeese Corral78 Solutions for Life 81 Best Kept Shhecrets! 82 High Five 86 The Last Word


Wall-to-wall carpeting. Whether it’s shag, plush or berber, carpeting an entire room isn’t necessarily recommended in today’s market. Hoffpauir says going with a wood floor, whether it’s real wood or laminate, is preferred. Ceramic tile, slate or similar floor coverings is another great choice. “These floor treatments have remained popular for many years. Carpet retains dust and is difficult to clean thoroughly. As people have removed old carpet in their homes and see for themselves the dust that collects

under the padding, they’ve turned away from using it throughout their home,” she said. For those who miss the coziness of carpet, rugs can soften the look and texture of the room.

Home Upgrades That Can Downgrade Value

by Christine Fisher

Bold countertops. Even though they may match your new china perfectly, avoid bright, bold or any kind of unusual counter top treatment. “Keep your countertops and appliances neutral. These give a clean, understated look to most designs,” said Hoffpauir.

Home offices. Turning an existing bedroom into a home office is fine, if it can be undone easily. Before you decide to spend a lot of money installing a built-in desk, bookcases or separate entrance for clients, think twice. When it comes time to sell your home, prospective buyers have a difficult time visualizing their daughter sleeping in your home office. “They are convenient for the current home owner, but customized home offices aren’t a big selling point for the population at large.

Most people just need a desk in the living room or kitchen, enough to keep up with their bills and schedules. In the big picture, a home office takes up valuable square footage,” explained Hoffpauir.

“When considering a remodeling project, keep your focus on areas that are widely used by many people. Enlarging a bathroom that is utilized by your guests and your family is a good idea. Adding a smokehouse for grilling in the back yard may not be,” she explained. “You may love it, but it probably doesn’t have broad appeal.” And that, Hoffpauir said, is the tipping point. “It’s your house and customizing it to what you want is one of the pleasures of being a home owner, but to recoup the investment, be wise about the upgrades you choose.”

Hoffpauir says remodeling advice comes with the territory as a home sales associate. “CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty is committed to establishing long-term relationships with our clients. We’re not here just to sell a home and leave. We’re here to be a resource over the years.”

In the end, Hoffpauir says most home buyers are looking for well-planned homes that have open spaces for the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Unusual nooks and crannies aren’t what appeals to the majority of home buyers. “That being said, there’s a home for every taste. Some buyers seek out unusual spaces, but that’s rare. If you’re trying to appeal to the mass market, stay general and neutral in the construction. Bring your personality in with things that aren’t as permanent, like furniture, art, and paint colors. You always want your home to reflect who you are. When it’s time to sell, you’ll be glad you were smart in your remodeling decisions.”

Remodeling your home is sure to increase its value, right? After all, you’re paying good money to the construction crew and putting up with the hassle of sheetrock dust, the headache-inducing sounds of hammering and drilling , not to mention the inconvenience of having a portion of your home declared off limits. Home remodeler, beware! Turns out, not every upgrade results in an increase in your home’s value. Some brand-new installations can actually plunge the worth of your real estate. “Some homeowners think that any kind of change they make to their home is sure to raise its value, but that’s not always the case,” said Shellie Hoffpauir, sales associate with CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty. “Certainly, keeping your home updated with improvements is better than letting it age, but there are changes that may make selling your home more difficult. Knowing what kind of improvements to make to keep the value of your home on the upswing will help you focus on projects that are worth the time, money and aggravation involved.”

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Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disease are often the ones who suffer the most. Alzheimer’s victims typically undergo a personality change. Quiet, refined individuals may exhibit behaviors such as hitting, yelling, having delusions or being suspicious of other family members; behaviors that are completely opposite of their former selves. The ironic twist of fate is that they don’t realize how different and difficult their behavior has become, but their loved ones do.

They may act out while out at a restaurant or other public event, refuse to take medications or verbally attack whomever happens to be in the same room, which is often the spouse or family member who is taking care of them. “These behaviors can range from screaming, cursing or shouting to physical aggression,” explained Dale Archer, Jr., MD, psychiatrist, founder of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry. “The time of day can also bring aggression or depression. Dusk and dawn tend to be times when behavioral changes occur.”

Caregivers who are faced with these tense situations day in and day out are prone to frustration at the very least, and often experience depression. “They are trying to care for their mother or father, which is difficult in itself; and then they see their parent act in a bizarre way, and in a potentially dangerous situation. It can be too much to handle,” said Dr. Archer. While the underlying cause for the odd behavior is Alzheimer’s disease, that doesn’t erase the feelings of betrayal, inadequacy and frustration that occur regularly for caregivers.

One tactic for reducing conflict is to choose your battles, according to Dr. Archer, and be prepared to get into their world to reduce conflict. “If mom is convinced that Aunt Rose is coming by to visit, even though Aunt Rose has been dead for 18 years, it’s alright to allow her to think that. Confronting her with the truth probably won’t convince her, and it could agitate her, causing behavior problems.” If dad wants to wear two sweaters at the same time, and doing so wouldn’t cause him to overheat, then let him. The point is to not contradict them on issues that aren’t causing physical harm or endangerment to themselves or others. “Getting into their world and going along with their thoughts will reduce the stress level quite a bit,” said Dr. Archer.

“It’s important to remember that you can’t reason with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. They will not see the situation in a rational manner, like they could before the disease. They are essentially another person. Constantly trying to change their mind or explaining away their ideas will only cause stress for the caregiver. The person with Alzheimer’s won’t get stressed out, they’ll get mad,” he said.

Accepting the disease, and working with it instead of against it will ease difficult situations. Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s. You can use that in your favor at times. An altercation that occurred in the morning will likely be forgotten within an hour, giving you a clean slate with which to start fresh.

Redirecting your loved one to subjects or activities that bring them joy is another powerful tool. You may find that they enjoy talking about their fishing days, or gardening. “Memory remnants of these pastimes usually survive in their minds, even in advanced dementia,” said Dr. Archer. If you find that to be the case, bring up these topics during stressful times and see if it helps to calm them down.

When your loved one is having a bad day and nothing you’re doing seems to be working, remind yourself that it’s a disease, not a personal attack. “We don’t blame someone for having arthritis, for instance. We accept their limitations and help them if they are having a difficulty. Try to remember that this is a disease of the brain, and there’s no reason to take offense at most of these behaviors,” advised Dr. Archer.

He cautioned that there are rare occasions that the caregiver may be in physical danger, such as, if the person with dementia is stronger than the caregiver, and tends to have violent episodes. “Sometimes, redirecting or toning down confrontation just doesn’t work. In cases like that, it may be best to consider a residence that focuses on dementia care,” said Dr. Archer. “Safety should be top priority. If caring for your loved one at home puts you in physical danger, then an alternative must be considered.”

The stress of caregiving often dims the quality of life for the caregiver. Keeping watch to avoid burnout requires diligence. Typical signs of caregiver stress include:• feelingsadormoody• feelingasthoughyouhavenotimetoyourself• havinglowenergylevel• losinginterestinhobbies• feelingangryatthepersonyouarecaringfor• havingtroublesleeping• cryingmoreoften

Alleviate Caregiver Stress: Choose Your Battles

These signs usually indicate that personal time is long overdue. “Just because you are a caregiver doesn’t mean you have to do that job 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you don’t take care of yourself and stay mentally and physically sharp, you won’t be able to help anyone else,” Dr. Archer said. He suggested delegating some responsibilities to willing family members or friends, looking for help outside of the home, and knowing that it’s permissible to pursue your own interests and hobbies.

“Loved ones of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s are victims of the disease as well. The stress is real and difficult to endure, but a strong support system and being honest with your ability to handle situations and knowing when to ask for help will make a difference in getting through the difficult times,” said Dr. Archer.

by Christine Fisher


When it comes to getting the most out of a doctor’s appointment, the Boy Scouts had it right: Beprepared. Giving the doctor the most accurate information possible is a vital step, but you may have noticed that you typically only get a limited time with the doctor – you’re just one of many people needing to see him or her. It can be easy to forget important facts and details when you’re in the exam room. “That’s why planning in advance for a doctor’s appointment can help you get more out of your visit,” says David Heinen, MD, family medicine physician with The Clinic’s Urgent Care Center. “This is even more true if it’s your first time seeing a new doctor. We need accurate information about your health history, as well as your current symptoms, in order to provide you with the best possible care.”

Dr. Heinen offers the following suggestions for scheduled medical appointments:

BeforeyourappointmentIf it’s your first visit to a doctor, try to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out any new patient paperwork. For any appointment, it is important to be on time and to make sure you have all of the necessary information to be as detailed as possible in completing it. • Insuranceinformation. Have your insurance card available when arriving at your appointment. This

card has information regarding who is responsible for paying the bill for your appointment. If you have more than one insurance card, be sure to bring all of the cards with you.

• Healthhistory. If this is your first visit to a doctor, he or she will likely ask you about

your health history. “Take time to think about what you will need to tell the doctor. It is best to share any major surgeries, serious medical conditions, incidents when you have been hospitalized, or any other events that you feel are important enough for the doctor to know, as well as details about your current health problem,” says Dr. Heinen.

• Family’shealthhistory. Aside from your personal health history, doctors will often ask about

your family’s health history. If someone in your family has an illness, your doctor can check and monitor you for that illness. Important history to share would be any major illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

• Listofsymptoms. Doctors are trained to diagnose an illness by the pattern of symptoms

you are experiencing. By preparing a list of symptoms prior to your appointment, your doctor can correctly determine what is wrong with you and how to best treat it.

• Listofmedicationsandallergies. Your doctor will need to know all of the medications that you are

taking. Keep an updated list of medications, including dosage information, as well as how frequently you take the medication. Be sure to include any vitamins or herbal supplements.

• Listofquestions. Write down any questions that you have prior to your appointment.

“It is frustrating for patients to leave an appointment, only to get home and remember something they would have wished they asked,” says Dr. Heinen. “Don’t be afraid to bring the list with you and take notes as you meet with the doctor.”

DuringyourappointmentOnce you are in the exam room, you will want to stay as informed as possible. • Gooveryoursymptoms,questionsandmedicationlists.• Askanyadditionalquestionsthatmaycomeupduringtheexam.Thedoctorwillbeaskingyouquestionsandexplaininghisdiagnosisandtreatmentrecommendationsduringtheexam.Don’thesitatetoaskquestionsaboutanyofthisnewinformationifyoudon’tunderstandsomething.

• Takenotesduringtheappointment.Manytimesapatientwillforgetexactlywhatadoctorsaidaboutamedication,recommendation,orillness.Ifyouareunabletotakenotes,Dr.Heinensaysitmightbeagoodidea to bring along a family member. “Having a second set of ears can helpremindyouofwhatthedoctorsaidduringyourvisit.”

Afteryourappointment:• Followyourdoctor’streatmentrecommendations.• Callthedoctor’sofficeifyoudon’tunderstandanyoftheinstructions.• Tellyourdoctorifyoufeelworse,haveotherproblemsorsideeffects

from any medicines.• Ifyouhaveanappointmentforareturnvisit,keeptheappointment.

Make sure to be honest with your physician. “Your doctor can give you the best treatment only if they are aware of everything that is going on,” says Dr. Heinen.

for a Successful Doctor’s Appointment

by Katie McDanielRxCenter for Orthopaedics Connects with Patients

Through An Interactive

Patient Portal

by Kristy Armand

Playing a more active role in your own healthcare just got easier at Center for Orthopaedics (CFO) with the help of new patient portal technology on the group’s website. First introduced in the late 1990s, patient portals have become increasingly popular across the country since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided $19 billion in government incentives to move healthcare toward full implementation of electronic health records (EHR). “When we opened our new Lake Charles office last year, it was the first health care practice in the state custom-designed to enhance patient care by digitally integrating every aspect of the patient experience, from appointment scheduling, patient check-in, getting test results, interactive education, follow-up and more,” says John Noble Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon. “The completion of our portal gives us one more way to stay connected to our patients, adding an enhanced level of convenience to the services we provide.” The CFO patient portal was developed to be user-friendly. Its expected benefits are many, and the features include: • appointmentscheduling• prescriptionrefillrequests• completionofmedicalandinsuranceformsinadvanceofappointments• accessandportabilityofmedicalrecords• submittingquestionsregardingcare,symptoms,testresults,insurance,

billing• onlinestatementsandbillpayment Dr. Noble says the primary purpose of all of these features is to make visiting CFO a more efficient, pleasant experience for patients. “Most people would prefer to fill out paperwork online, at a time and place convenient to them, instead of while sitting in a waiting area. The portal allows them to do that,” he adds. “And when they arrive for their appointment, we will already have reviewed their online history and information, so we’ll be prepared to care for them more efficiently as well.” The patient record created in the CFO patient portal will give the patient their own medical history in one concise format that they can use when visiting other doctors. It can be updated as often as needed. The system is completely secure and in compliance with all HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy. At the patient’s discretion, records from their file can be shared with their other doctors, hospitals or care providers. CFO’s portal is accessible on their website. On the first visit, a registration process is required that will result in the assignment of a password, which is emailed to whatever email the individual specifies. That password will grant access to the interactive applications of the portal. With the first log-in to this area, the user can create their own secure log-in code. Experts expect patient portal technology to become more prevalent as patient demand for health information increases, and more physicians and hospitals adopt EHR systems. “Our goal is to provide advanced care for our patients, not just on the clinical side, but in regard to personal service as well,” says Dr. Noble. “The technology is exciting, but what is more exciting is what the technology allows us to offer to our patients: an improved ability to manage their care experience with us. We’re using the benefits of modern technology to refine the level of personal customer care we deliver.”

For more information about CFO’s patient portal, visit www.centerforortho.com.

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“The Coastal Conservation Association is pleased to see the PPG Calcasieu Estuary Wetlands project, which has rebuilt a portion of our coastal estuary lost over the years due to coastal erosion. The restoration

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Study after study has identified a complexion connection when it comes to stress. It’s a connection that goes deeper than the obvious worry lines and dark circles. “Stress and emotional distress actually affect the skin’s overall health,” says Leann Widcamp, medical aesthetician with the Aesthetic Center. “You’ll see some signs on the surface, but there are other changes taking place within the skin that can lead to even more troublesome problems, including premature aging and the triggering of skin conditions such as hives, acne, and rosacea.”

The body responds to stress with a “fight-or-flight” mechanism, and Widcamp explains that it’s this automatic, unconscious response that interferes with the body’s systems responsible for the repair and regulation of the skin. “When stress is present, the flow of blood and nutrients is directed to the areas of the body considered vital for responding to the stress, and withdrawn from areas considered non-essential, such as the skin. So is the flow of oxygen, making it difficult for the skin to ‘breathe.’ If you are constantly feeling overstressed, the skin is consistently starved of both blood and oxygen, making it dull and lifeless, less supple, less hydrated and more prone to clogged pores, breakouts and other skin irritations.”

Widcamp offers this advice for combating the effects of stress on the skin: • Addressthesourceofyourstressandtakegoodcareofyourbody.Eatproperly,andavoidexcessivelevelsofsugar,caffeineandjunkfoods.Propernourishmentisveryimportanttokeepstresshormonesincheckandto maintain a healthy immune system.

• Exerciseregularly.Exercisehasbeenproventoreducestressandimprovecirculationtotheskin.

• Getplentyofrest.Lackofsleepisreflectedinlacklusterskinanddarkcirclesunder the eyes.

• Drinkplentyofwatertokeeptheskinhydrated.• Sticktoyourskin-careroutine.“Whenlifegetshectic,wetendtoskimponself-care,”saysWidcamp,“butaregularskin-careroutineisevenmoreimportantduringthistime.”

• Useatonertohelpclearupexcessoil.Askyouraestheticianforapharmaceuticalgradetonerforbestresults.

• Lookforproductswithsalicylicacidorbenzoylperoxideforblemishcontrol.Askincareexpertcanguideyouinchoosingtherightproduct.

• Takethetimetodosomethingniceforyourselfonaregularbasis.Arelaxingfacial,massage,aromatherapyorjustsomequietrelaxing“downtime”canhelpreducestressandgiveyouafresh,energizedoutlook.

“There’s a definite mind/body connection, and your skin is no exception,” adds Widcamp. “If you want to have a healthy, glowing complexion, then you have to take care of your mental health too. Doing so may be one of the most effective skin care treatments available. “

For more information about facial skin problems or treatments, call the Aesthetic Center of Southwest Louisiana at 310-1070.

Stressed Out SkinFeeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted and completely stressed out?

It could be written all over your face.

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Although most people think of bed bugs as being associated with run-down hotels and slovenly living conditions, J.J. Cooley, branch manager of J&J Exterminating in DeRidder, says the incidence of bed bugs in the United States has increased to the point where they can be found almost anywhere. “We are definitely seeing a resurgence of this problem. It’s much worse in bigger cities, but this pest migrates, and is spreading across the country by literally hitching a ride with unsuspecting travelers.”

For centuries, bed bugs were a common pest wherever humans lived. Entomology experts believe bed bugs traveled to North America with the colonists. From the 17th century until World War II, people slept with these bloodthirsty parasites biting them, and accepted it as inevitable. Then, just after World War II, strong pesticides like DDT and chlordane came into widespread use. Soileau says bed bugs nearly disappeared completely over several decades of heavy pesticide use. Bed bug infestations were limited, and bed bugs were no longer considered a major pest.

Eventually, these pesticides were proven harmful to people’s health and the environment. The U.S. banned DDT in 1972, and a total ban on chlordane followed in 1988. People’s attitudes about pesticides also changed as the environmental movement became increasingly popular. Knowing chemicals in pesticides could cause harm, many people limited use of them in their homes.

At about the same time as broad spectrum pesticide use declined, less expensive air travel allowed people to visit places where bed bugs still persisted. Bed bugs hadn’t made headlines in years, so most travelers never considered the possibility of

bringing bed bugs home. Stowaway bed bugs in luggage and clothing made their way back to U.S. cities and towns where they had been eradicated decades ago.

Cooley says bed bugs now infest numerous public places, where they can crawl onto clothing and travel with you right into your home. Hotels top the list of bed bug hideouts, but they can also be found in theaters, airplanes, subways, trains, buses, prisons, and dormitories.

Although there is sometimes a stigma of being unclean attached to bed bugs, experts say this is actually not accurate. “Bed bugs are transmitted via luggage, dry cleaning, pets, and humans, and they are as likely to appear at a five-star hotel as they are in a messy house,” says Cooley.

Cooley says pesticides used in homes today do a better job of targeting specific pest populations. “Rather than spray a broad spectrum pesticide that would kill any insect pests in the home, products such as chemical baits and traps are used to kill specific, common pests, like ants, termites or roaches. Since bed bugs feed only on blood, they aren’t attracted to these pest control baits.”

According to Cooley, the best safeguard against bed bugs is information -- know what they look like, what conditions they thrive in, and the signs that indicate they are present. Bed bugs are small insects less than a quarter of an inch in length. They can live for up to two years and reproduce by laying small white eggs in clothing, furniture, and sheets. Bed bugs have been found to carry a variety of diseases, though no conclusive evidence suggests that they can actually transmit these diseases. They

What’s In Your Bed?feed on human blood, which makes their bites painful. Bed bug bites are usually along a straight line on the body, with a small indentation in the center of each bite.

So how do you know if bed bugs have made your house their new home? Cooley says you can inspect the area in and around your bed thoroughly using a flashlight. Small blood spatters are a telltale sign of bed bug activity. “Also check the bed frame, and any crevices around the bed area where bed bugs might hide. Placing glue traps around the perimeter of the bed is a good way of checking whether bed bugs are in the area. If you find any in the traps, call an exterminator right away. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and the longer you let the problem go, the bigger the problem will become.”

Cooley says there’s no need to panic or throw away your mattress. “And don’t start fogging or using insecticides haphazardly. Bed bugs are experts at hiding, and bed bug treatment must be very focused and specific.”

For more information about bed bugs or any pest, call J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles at 474-7377 and in DeRider at 463-4574 or visit www.jjext.com. Free consultations are available.

by Kristy Armand

Hopefully not bed bugs, but according to the National Pest Management Association, bed bug

complaints have increased a whopping 500 percent in recent years.


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The National Sleep Foundation found that 67 percent of American women frequently experience problems sleeping. The NSF also found that daytime sleepiness interferes with their daily activities. This trend – not getting enough good night’s sleep – was true for women of all ages, and being a “working mom” didn’t seem to tweak the numbers, either. In fact, just the opposite was true: Stay-at-home moms reported more sleep problems than those who work. The majority of women, 80 percent, said their sleep was disturbed because of stress or anxiety. Many also reported that they sacrificed sleep for household chores, family time, or even television. Unfortunately, more than 50 percent of women who reported disruptive sleep patterns also said that they often felt unhappy during the day. According to the NSF, sleep patterns and mood are directly related.

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For most children, consulting with a pediatrician can bring answers and relief to the problem. But when it persists, it is common to be referred to a urologist for a more in-depth understanding of the bladder. Controlling the bladder is usually learned between ages two and four. After age five, only ten percent of children continue to struggle with staying dry through the night. Bedwetting is twice as common in boys as in girls, and daytime wetting is more common in girls. For those children, chronic bedwetting can cause embarrassment and frustration. They may not feel comfortable sleeping over at a friend’s house and it interrupts a good night’s sleep for the child and the parent. “Slower physical development or a small bladder capacity can be the cause in some children. Also, sleeping for a long period of time and underdevelopment of the body’s internal alarm system that alerts the child to go to the bathroom may be to blame. If this is the cause, the child usually grows out of it in time. If both parents wet the bed as children, a child has an eighty percent chance of being a bedwetter, too,” said Dr. Jancuska. Once a bedwetting pattern begins, it can lead to more anxiety, which leads to more bedwetting. Lifestyle changes that may help include limiting fluids after 7pm, reminders to go to the bathroom throughout the evening and right before bed, and motivation techniques such as a small toy, stickers, or coloring book to reward the child for a dry night.

Check with the doctor if the child:• suddenlystartswettingthebedafterbeingconsistentlydryforatleastsixmonths• beginstowethisorherpantsduringtheday• startsmisbehavingatschoolorathome• complainsofaburningsensationorpainwhenurinating• hastourinatemorefrequently• isdrinkingoreatingmuchmorethanusual• hasswellingofthefeetorankles

Bedwetting is a difficult condition to endure. Understanding, patience and compassion are necessary. Dry nights for children and a good night’s sleep for their parents is not an impossible dream. The key is to respond with understanding and learn about the treatment options that are available. For more information on bedwetting treatments, call the Urology Center in Lake Charles at 433-5282 or in Sulphur, 527-0022.

Beating the Bedwetting

BluesAlmost all children have wet the bed at some point in their lives. Changing the sheets at 2 a.m. is no pleasure for either the parent

or the child. “For an estimated five to seven million children, wetting the bed is a common but unwelcome condition,”

explained James Jancuska, MD, urologist with The Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana.

by Christine Fisher

Ideally, the road to retirement is easy and painless, paved with hard-earned 401ks and IRAs. Yet sometimes the road to leisurely living is beset by roadblocks – and even though most people believe that the biggest hindrance to carefree retirement is not having enough money, that’s not always the case, according to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Denise Rau, president of Rau Financial Group.

“Obviously there are some folks who don’t have enough money in the bank to comfortably retire, but there are also many people who have followed most of the rules and still find themselves without a good cushion to leave the workforce. They may have participated in their employers’ retirement program or opened a supplemental IRA, but still find themselves without enough dimes to cover their lifestyle,” Rau said. “Typically this is the result of potential retirees who have made a few missteps on their way to retirement. It isn’t enough to have a retirement account. You have to also consider your other spending and saving behavior.”

One important piece of advice Rau offers clients: Stop borrowing money. According to a recent study released by Scottrade, 61 percent of Americans had to limit their retirement savings because of debt burdens. It is expected that a large number of Americans will retire with existing debt in recent years. This isn’t necessarily unusual, but the type of debt that you carry could be a significant impediment to retirement.

“It’s not uncommon for people to enter retirement with some debt, such as a mortgage, but ideally you should stop borrowing money years before you ever retire. If you want to retire in 10 years, for example, it’s probably not wise to take out a seven-year loan because for those seven years you’ll have to dedicate money to pay off debt that could otherwise build up your retirement. Consumer debt can be particularly troublesome because the payments you’re making have no added value, unlike with mortgage debt,” Rau said. “The best approach to retirement is to save as much as possible and lower your debt burden years in advance. So if you’re planning to retire soon, stop borrowing.”

According to Rau, most people understand that they shouldn’t go into more debt as they move toward retirement age; however, some find themselves in emergency situations that require them to borrow more money. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to have some kind of emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. If possible, squirrel away extra money into a interest-bearing savings account to reduce the chances that you’ll need to borrow.

To stretch your dollars even further and free up more money for savings, target a few high-spending luxury areas of your life and scale down. “It’s often easier to cut back on key areas rather than try to pinch individual pennies,” Rau said. “Some great opportunities for saving are to eat out less and buy fewer luxury techno-gadgets.”

Scaling down your lifestyle will also help you fit more comfortably in retirement. Rising costs of living could take some value away from your dollars, so the less you spend frivolously, the more you’ll have to enjoy.

“Naturally there are things you may want to do, such as travel. You may even want to purchase a big-ticket item, such as a boat or a recreational vehicle. If that’s the case, the cost of those items should be factored into your overall retirement plan beforehand. Don’t wait until you retire to make those kinds of decisions. If possible, plan ahead of time by saving more money or tweaking your strategy,” Rau said. “In addition to planning for the unexpected, you need to plan for living a long life and the additional health and medical expenses that come along with that.”

For more information about retirement planning, call Rau Financial Group at 480-3835 to schedule a free consultation. Information is also available at www.raufinancialgroup.com.

by Erin K. Cormier

RoADBLoCkSToYoURRETIREMEnT Common Mistakes People Make

OB Care, a full-service obstetrics clinic, fosters a positive, healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience regardless of your financial situation. Serving the residents of Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard and Jefferson Davis Parishes, OB Care accepts private insurance, Medicaid or self-pay, working with expectant moms to develop an affordable payment plan. Our financial counselor is a certified Medicaid specialist, who will assist each patient in determining her financial status and in completing financial aid applications.

More importantly, your new baby deserves the very best start in life. OB Care encourages that with comprehensive services and a team of skilled, highly qualified medical professionals to guide you through your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum journey.

routine prenatal and post-delivery care • high risk pregnancy care

fetal monitoring • prenatal, breastfeeding, and childbirth classes

PhysiciansBen Darby, MDScott Bergstedt, MDWalter Guth, MDBrad Forsyth, MD

Nurse PractitionersTammy Gillett, APRN, NPMarilyn H. Watson, APRN, NP

MidwifesBonnie Leger, CNMAllison Hansen, CNM

Office Hours: Monday – Friday • 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

1420 18th Street • Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 562-0510 or (888) 814-6880

You’re having a baby! a happy, nurturing pregnancy should be your main concern…not how you will afford it.


Look At Us - We Made the Cover!Our Newest National Recognition

Cameron State Bank is featured on the June Cover of IB Magazine as one of the top 15 strongest community banks in the nation for 2009! We were honored for both our Return On Assets and Return Of Equity performance, two significant indicators of strength and stability.

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When his wife decided fishing trips were just too hot for her in the Louisiana heat, Russell Martello put a blower on a 100-gallon ice chest. Now eight years later, Martello, who also has a Baton Rouge metal shop and a heating and air conditioning company, has a third business – Go Cool portable air conditioners. After the first prototype, Martello continued improving his design adding features that would allow it to run off a battery or vehicle cigarette lighter, as well as an electrical outlet. Family and friends raved about the cooler and encouraged him to patent his invention. An employee borrowed one so his grandfather could go camping in a state park - something health problems would have prevented. He “ran it off his car cigarette lighter, and kept his grandfather cool all night,” Martello said. In 2004, Former KPLC reporter Allen Tumey featured Martello on his “Tumey’s Travels” segment on Baton Rouge station, WAFB. That’s where Bonnie Floyd, a health and physical education specialist, first heard about the cooler. She knew Martello from his air conditioning unit and contacted him. Martello and his wife offered her a share of the company if she would take on marketing of the project, which became Comfort Innovations. Without major investors, Floyd and Martello put together their own business plan and built their own website. “My immediate vision was for using it with a cool-down tent for the treatment of overheating of athletes, a big problem in sports,” Floyd said. “After initial market research, I immediately knew that the product was needed in many more markets, especially trucking.” She said “no-idle” laws designed to cut down pollution from trucks running all night have also created a need for a short-term cooling source for truckers’ sleeping cabins. The cooler unit, named Go Cool, cools, dehumidifies and filters the air of virtually any enclosed space. It can hold 40 pounds of bagged ice, four gallon jugs of frozen water, nine frozen 2-liter water bottles or gel packs of coolants, and cools an 8-by-8-foot space for six to eight hours. It has an adjustable thermostat and fan and

produces no exhaust, making it environmentally friendly. The unit is portable, with wheels and an extended handle for easy moving. It resembles a rolling ice chest.

Floyd says Go Cool units have been used for cooling industrial tanks being cleaned, dug outs and benches for sporting events, tents, truck, camper, boat and airplane cabins, law enforcement surveillance vehicles and more. “We plan to market them to sports teams, spectators at sporting events, tailgaters, hunters, fishermen, and pet owners, among others.” A specially-designed cape can be attached to the cooler in order to cool individuals such as athletes, firefighters or anyone working outside who may become overheated. Currently Go Gool is available at select retail outlets in Louisiana, Texas and Florida. Locally, Stine is the exclusive provider. Call or stop by any Stine store for more information or visit www.getgocool.com for more information.

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Coming to America tells the stories of local residents who left their native country to make a new home in the United States. Watchforanewstoryeachissue.

To nominate someone for this series, send a brief description to: [email protected]

When Alicia Martin visits her native country of Honduras, she arrives with heavy suitcases full of items she no longer needs. It doesn’t take long for her them to be emptied. “People know when I’m coming,” she says. “I’m sharing what America has given me.” Although Alicia was raised in a privileged Honduran family – her German father was a judge in the city of Choluteca – she has deep kinship for all of Honduras, and she gets teary eyed thinking about how much the people need there. With 50 percent of its residents below the poverty line, Honduras is the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, preceded only by Haiti and Nicaragua. “America has so much to offer. That’s why it makes me sad when I hear people complaining about things they don’t have. If they would visit a third-world country, they would see differently,” she says. Alicia comes from a family of 15 children, raised on a farm in Choluteca, the southernmost region of Honduras. Choluteca is bordered by the Gulf of Fonseca and El Savador to the west-southwest and Nicaragua to the east. It is a productive hub, serving as an exporter of sugar, watermelon, okra, shrimp, sweet potatoes, fish, salt, cantaloupe and some precious metals. Alicia describes her upbringing as “beautiful and happy,” filled with the sounds of family, love and community. “My mother is a deeply religious woman and she loved to help others. Every Sunday she used to cook a big meal and invite all the people in the town to come to her house to eat. Sometimes more than a hundred people would show up. We had a big home and she wanted to open it to others,” she says. “I had a good childhood. We were a big, close family.” As a teenager, Alicia enjoyed participating in beauty pageants – “just for fun,” she says – and at 18, she was crowned Miss Honduras. Alicia’s ever-protective father ensured that she was looked-after as she traveled throughout Central America, Mexico and South America representing her native country as a Miss Universe contender. When the pageantry train slowed down, Alicia contemplated where she wanted to take her future. Many of her siblings had since moved to places far and

wide and she eventually decided to join her sister in Israel. After living in Israel for a short time, Alicia, who spoke German and Spanish, enrolled at the University of Tel Aviv to learn Hebrew. She took a job with the U.S. Department of Defense and soon met a Lake Charles native named Henry, who was working for an American contractor. At the time, Henry didn’t speak Spanish and Alicia didn’t speak English, so they communicated largely through an interpreter. When they married about a year later, she couldn’t understand the officiating pastor. When she met his family, she couldn’t understand them either. “After we got married in Lake Charles, we had to return to Israel for about a year to finish things there. I told my husband that the next time we came to Lake Charles, I would be fluent in English. His family was so warm, loving and welcoming, and when people would talk to me, they would say, ‘Slow down, she doesn’t speak English.’ I said, ‘No, no, no, this won’t do,’” she says. Alicia spent the next several months teaching herself the English language and when they returned to Louisiana for good,

she was able to communicate freely with her husband’s family. It didn’t take long for her to plant roots in Southwest Louisiana. “I didn’t know what to expect, but the people here were so friendly and willing to share their culture with me. I never want to live anywhere else. This is my land now,” said Alicia. Alicia and Henry had three children and were married for 19 years before divorcing in 2001. Alicia remarried last year and now has a stepson. After years of working in accounting, she went back to school and earned a degree in languages from McNeese; she now speaks Portuguese and French, as well as English, German, Spanish and Hebrew. She’s taught Spanish at Hamilton Christian Academy for 12 years. “The kids that I teach are my family away from home,” Alicia says. “I love what I do, and I love living here. I think of this area as the second part of my life. The first part was Honduras, the second part is Lake Charles.”

by Erin K. Cormier

Miss Honduras to Mrs. MartinThe journey of Alicia Funez-Abarca

Alicia Martin

Alicia Martin as Miss Honduras

Celebrating 10 years of service this

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4070 Nelson Road, Suite 200(Near Que Pasa Restaurant)

Open Monday—Friday8:30am—5:30pm

Your Specialty/Compounding Pharmacy

337 562-7979 • Fax 337 562-2343

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TakeadvantageoftheseFREEmedicalscreenings:Christus St Patrick Hospital and The Pathology Lab -- glucose and cholesterol tests start at 7:30am Medical Reserve Corps -- blood pressure check starts at 7:30amSears Hearing Aid Centers -- hearing assessment starts at 8am Mobile Imaging -- carotid screening from 8-10amHart Eye Center -- glaucoma screening from 8-10am

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As with any product, the use of aspirin became commonplace and was often eclipsed as newer medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen were introduced. The risks associated with aspirin use also contributed to a decline in its popularity in the mid-1900s. “Depending on the dosage, aspirin can be a dangerous drug,” explains Dr. Springer. “It can irritate the stomach’s lining, causing heartburn, ulcers, and internal bleeding. In rare cases, aspirin can lead to bleeding in the brain, and it can also contribute to Reye’s syndrome, a childhood disorder characterized by brain and liver damage. Aspirin also acts as a blood thinner and can worsen bleeding during surgery and childbirth.”

Aspirin’s recent resurgence in popularity began in the late 1960s, after researchers discovered it blocked the body’s production of Prostaglandins, substances that play a key role in blood clotting, among other things. In 1989, the New England Journal of Medicine published a definitive study of 22,000 healthy American doctors. They took either 325 milligrams of aspirin or a placebo daily, and those who took aspirin had a 44 percent lower incidence of heart attack. Excited by the news, researchers from several disciplines started their own aspirin studies, the results of which are still being reported today.

Many physicians now advise their patients to take an aspirin every day – not for relief of pain, fever or inflammation – but to prevent cardiovascular problems. According to Bayer, Americans use more aspirin for preventions of heart disease that for arthritis or headache. In the past 12 years, Bayer says, doctors have placed more than 50 million Americans on aspirin therapy.

Most doctors now agree there’s plenty of sound evidence that aspirin provides cardiovascular benfits. One study, which included 17,000 patients at 417 hospitals around the world, showed that aspirin reduced the death rate by 23 percent if taken as soon as heart attacks were suspected. In a Harvard University study of 88,000 nurses, those who took one to six aspirin tablets a week experienced about 25 percent fewer heart attacks than those who didn’t.But is it for everyone? Cardiologist Carl Fastabend, MD, with The Clinic says the answer is “yes” for those at risk for coronary heart disease, unless it irritates their stomachs or there is some contraindications. “I recommend a low-dose, 81mg, aspirin every day for my patients at risk for cardiovascular problems. They may not need it every day, but it’s easier to remember if it becomes a daily habit and at such a low-dose, the risk is minimal.”

To understand why daily aspirin is so widely recommended to prevent cardiovascular problems, Dr. Fastabend says you have to understand how the disease develops. When coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits, the result is coronary heart disease. When the blockage, called atherosclerosis, ruptures or breaks, exposing the underlying blood vessel tissue, the body reacts as if the vessel was cut and begins to generate a clot. This is what causes a heart attack. “Because aspirin slows down the blood’s clotting ability, regular usage helps lower the risk of a heart attack. It also helps keep arteries open in people who have had a previous heart bypass or other artery-opening procedure such as coronary angioplasty,” says Dr. Fastabend. “For the same reason, aspirin can be helpful in preventing stroke by reducing the risk of ischema, which occurs when a blood clot decreases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.”

Dr. Fastabend adds that although important and effective, aspirin therapy shouldn’t be used as an excuse for ignoring other risk factors for heart disease. “Don’t take aspirin thinking it alone will protect you. You still have to stop smoking, eat right, exercise and control other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.”

More conclusive recommendations regarding aspirin use for other conditions besides cardiovascular disease may be made in the future, and the simple little aspirin tablet may reach even more widespread use,” says Dr. Fastabend “But in the meantime, the major health risk facing middle-aged and older Americans remains heart disease, and we know aspirin is effective in helping prevent that. Since more of us will die of heart disease that any other condition, I’d say go where the conclusive research is, and reduce your risk with a daily low-dose aspirin after checking with your physician. If other potential benefits do turn out to be substantiated with more research, you’ll be that much further ahead.”

It’s not just a cliché. An aspirin a day really might keep the doctor away. A part of people’s lives for well over 100 years, aspirin is suddenly sounding almost too good to be true as more and more research is indentifying new potential benefits.

“Most medical researchers and physicians agree that we haven’t even begun to realize the potential of these familiar white tablets, which cost mere pennies each,” says Steve Springer, MD, with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic. “In just the past decade, new research has found that in addition to the proven cardiovascular benefits, aspirin may also prevent certain types of cancer, Alzheimer’s and several other serious diseases.”

Aspirin’s roots reach far back in history, when the Greek physician Hippocrates first prescribed the bark and leaves of the willow tree to relieve pain and fever. Willow contains salicin, a natural cousin of aspirin. Centuries later in 1897, a German chemist with Friedrich Bayer and Company was searching for a treatment for his father’s arthritic pain and began to research acetylsalicylic acid, which worked well. He then convinced Bayer to market the new wonder drug and aspirin was patented in 1889. The word aspirin comes from an awkward combination of words: “a” from acetyl; “spir” from the spirea plant which yields salicin; and “in”, a suffix commonly used for medications. Aspirin was first sold as a powder that had to be mixed with water, but in 1915, the first aspirin tablets were made, cutting the price in half. In 1900, the white tablets-touted for their pain-relieving, fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties-were readily available over the counter to consumers. Aspirin quickly became a household name.

by Kristy Armand

Aspirin: oldStandbyProvidesnewBenefits

3204 Ryan St. • 337-433-6200


Substance Abuse Treatment • Relapse PreventionEducation and Support

Services are offered at no charge to adolescents 12–17 years of age

Nu-ExodusCaring for the Community

SWLA Center for Health Services is proud to offer the Nu-Exodus Substance Abuse Treatment Program in addition to the multiple services offered by the Center.

• Community-based treatment

• Communication, problem solving and relapse prevention skills

• Prosocial environment

• Individual and group sessions

• 75 years combined experience working with adolescents and substance abuse treatment

The Nu-Exodus program is a result of a grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Services are offered at no charge to participants.

Open Monday & Wednesday 8am–5pmTuesday 10am–7pm • Thursday 8am–7pmFriday 8am–Noon2000 Opelousas St. • Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 439-9983

Call (337) 312-2003or (337) 312-2009for an appointment.

Toll free (877) 222-2043

Your best friend had horrible hot flashes. Your mother’s mood swings were legendary. Your sister couldn’t get a good night’s sleep for months. Now as you approach the age of menopause, you wonder what symptoms you should expect.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s natural ability to conceive a child. It occurs when you have not had a menstrual period for a year. But Scott Bergstedt, MD, ob/gyn with OBG-1 explains that the body starts preparing for this event well before you stop your period. “This transition time leading up to menopause is called ‘perimenopause.’ It starts when the ovaries begin producing less estrogen, and can last anywhere from two to 10 years and ends one year after your final menstrual period.”

During perimenopause, Dr. Bergstedt says women may experience symptoms related to the changes in your hormones. “If you are 40-something and still having menstrual periods, it’s good to be prepared for the changes your body will face, usually between the ages of 45 and 55.”

Experts believe that surges and drops in estrogen during perimenopause can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, including, irregular and/or heavy periods, mood changes, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, endometriosis, memory problems, and decreased sex drive.

To determine if you are in the perimenopause phase, a test that measures levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) can be done. “An elevated FSH level is a sign that the pituitary gland is trying in vain to trigger ovulation,” explains Dr. Bergstedt. “But this test is not reliable in itself and your physician will also consider other symptoms when determining whether or not you have entered perimenopause.”

He says once you’re fairly certain your symptoms are perimenopausal, there are ways to help alleviate the common complaints. Many women experience relief from hot flashes after taking low-dose birth control pills for a short period of time. Other options that may control hot flashes include the birth control skin patch, vaginal ring, and progesterone injections. But, certain women should not use birth control hormones, so talk to your doctor to see if they are right for you.

Dr. Bergstedt says lifestyle modifications can also help with symptom management during perimenopause. He suggests: • Exercise.• Stopsmokingifyousmoke.• Getmoresleepandtrygoingtosleepandwakingupatthesametimeeach

day. • Decreasetheamountofalcoholyoudrink.• Gettoahealthyweightandstaythere.• Takeamultivitaminsupplementandingestenoughcalcium.• Drinkatleasteightglassesofwatereachday.

Dr. Bergstedt stresses that it is important to communicate with your physician during perimenopause. He or she can help you understand the changes you are experiencing, work with you to identify treatment option that will work for you, and will assess your general health, which can also change during this time. “It’s especially important to be aware that your risk for heart disease, for one thing, increases after menopause because of lower levels of estrogen.”

For more information on menopause or perimenopause, call OBG-1 in Sulphur or Lake Charles to schedule a consultation with a physician.

The Change before “The Change”

by Kristy Armand

• Move in Specials• Enjoy Maintenance-

Free Living• Full Size Washer and

Dryer Included• Gated Community• Lush Landscaping

Social Media Will Always Be A Part of The

Millennial GenerationAre you part of the “Millennial” generation – that’s anyone born after 1980? If so, you’re part of the first generation experts say are “always connected.” Millennials stay connected by obsessively updating their Facebook pages and Twitter streams. In fact, most teens spend 31 hours a week online, which is almost a full time job! A new study shows that as they get older, start families, and move up the corporate ladder, they’re going to keep sharing. The Pew Research Center surveyed nearly a thousand technology experts to get their take on online sharing. The result? Two-thirds of experts say that for Millennials, sharing is the new normal, because they already use social networking sites to find job opportunities, make new personal connections, collaborate on professional projects and stay in touch with family and friends. However, as they age, the things they share will change. Researchers say Millennials will tone things down and become more introspective. So, instead of posting pictures of a wild Las Vegas trip, they’ll post pictures of their baby’s first tooth. Instead of an update on the club they went to, it’ll be about the new gadget they got. Since this generation has grown up with this type of technology, it will always be a part of their lives. Just as they migrated from Friendster to My Space to Facebook to Twitter – the medium may change but their interaction will stay constant. The report stated, “This generation treats their multitasking handheld gadgets almost like a body part — for better and worse.” So is that a good thing? Yes and no. Social media does help people feel connected, but nothing will ever replace face to face interactions. Even though people may have been “friended” by a thousand people online, experts say those connections are superficial and increasingly becoming their only connections. People need real friendships. A study by The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that people with fewer than six friends are two-and-a-half times more likely to die at an earlier age. So go ahead and collect friends online, just not to the detriment of your real world connections.

26 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living August 2010 August 2010 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 272 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living March 2010

1.1millionstudents are homeschooled.Source: U.S. Census Bureau

$238Average amount spent on school

uniforms per child.Source: National Retail Federation

26millionof the nation’s school children (over half ) ride a bus to school.Source: American School Bus Council

computers are available for classroom use in the nation’s 114,700 elementary and secondary schools. That is approximately 1 computer for every 4 students. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

74.9 millionpeople are enrolled in school throughout the country — from nursery school to college. That amounts to more than one-fourth of the U.S. population age 3 and older.Source: U.S. Census Bureau

5.8 million

BY THE NUMBERS

Back to Schoolstudents attend private schools.Source: U.S. Census Bureau

$82 Average amount spent per family on school supplies.Source: National Retail Federation

480,000

14.2 million

yellow school buses travel the nation’s roads every school day.

$10,844 The national average cost per student, per year in public school.Source: National Center for EducationalStatistics

BACK TO SCHOOL

establishing a routineRoutines and rituals help define your days, structure your time and provide a sense of order everyone craves in our fast-paced world. Take the time before school starts to organize your thoughts and your plans for the upcoming year:

• Starteasingbackintotheschoolscheduleaweekorsobeforethefirstdaybypracticingyourmorningschedule.Moveupyourchild’swakingtimegraduallyeachmorning.Thiswillmakethemmoretiredsoyoucangetthemtobedearlier.Seehowlongittakesthemtogetup,getdressed,eatbreakfastandheadoutthedoor.Thiswillhelpyouandthemplanaheadforthewake-uptimeyouneedtosettoavoidhecticmornings.

• Decidewhatresponsibilitieschildrenwillhaveeachmorningbeforetheyleave and each afternoon when they return.

• Withschooluniformguidelinesineffect,clothingchoicesarealittlelesscomplicated,butparentsshouldgooverthechild’soptionsandmakesuretheyknowwhattheycanandcan’tweartoschool.onceschoolstarts,haveyourchildrenputtheirclothesoutforthenextday,eacheveningtosavevaluable time in the morning.

• Decideonafter-schoolarrangementsandexplaintheroutinetoyourchild.Iftheywillbestayingathomealone,establishclearguidelinesforwhatyouexpectregardingtheirresponsibilitiesandactivitiesuntilyoureturn.

• Homeworkrulesshouldalsobeestablishedbeforethestartofschool.Designateaspaceinyourhomespecificallyfordoinghomework.Foryoungerchildren,itmaybebetterifthisspaceisnotintheirroombecausethere are often too many distractions.

• Designatea“schoolgear”areawherechildrencankeeptheirschoolbagand anyotheritemssuchasajacketorpursetheyneedtotakewiththemeachmorning.Theyshould get all of the items together the night before to eliminate those frantic searches in the morning.

Fear and AnxietyWorries about the new school year aren’t unusual in children of any age, but are even more common in younger children, particular those starting school for the first time, or a child entering a new school.

• Starttalkingaboutschoolinarelaxedcasualway.Promptaconversationbysayingsomethinglike,“Gettingbackontheschoolschedulecanbedifficultforme,howaboutyou?”Don’tover-prepareayoungchildforthefirstday.Thiscancauseanxietyaswell,bymakingthemafraidtheywillforgetsomething or do something wrong. Focus on all the good things about school.

• Trytohaveyourchildmeettheirteacherbeforeschoolstarts.Ifit’sanewschool,trytoarrangeatour.Youcanhelpthemfindtheirclassroom,thenearest bathroom and the lunchroom.

• Plantokeepthegood-byesshort.Lingeringwhenyoudropthemoffjustdelays the agony and confuses the child. Almost all of these same children willstartplayinghappilywithinmomentsaftertheirparentsdepart.

• Modelconfidence,yetshowempathy.Makeitclearyouunderstandthatgoingbacktoschoolcanbescary,butshowthatyouareconfidentyourchildwilldookay.kidspickupanxietyfromparents,soifyou’reanxious,theyprobablywillbetoo.

“Once school is underway, routines may need to be re-evaluated and adjusted as school activities begin or if schedules change,” says LeJeune, “But talking and planning with your children before school starts will help you get the new school year off on the right track.”

Get In the SchoolGrooveIt’s time to start replacing beach bags with back packs, tank tops with school uniforms and long, lazy days with busy school schedules. Getting back in the school groove is usually a challenge – for both children and parents. Parenting experts say the best way to make a smooth transition from summer to school is to prepare ahead of time.

Kendall LeJeune, MS, LPC, Therapist with Solutions EAP (Employee Assistance Program), has tips for parents who have to battle common back-to-school grumbling. He says there are simple things parents can do to alleviate the stress and anxiety that can accompany the start of school, whether their child is heading to school for the first time, entering a new school or returning to familiar territory.

by Kristy Armand


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Love them or hate them, school uniforms are a reality for most students attending area schools. And while having a uniform

dress code may save parents on their child’s overall clothing costs, outfitting a student for the new school year

represents a big investment. And many parents face additional expenses during the school year when

they have to purchase replacements. Reasons for mid-year new uniforms purchases may include premature wear and tear of garments, color fading, and visible stains

and spots that cannot be removed. Robert Guilott, owner of AAA Drive-In

Cleaners, says that by investing a little extra time in the proper care and laundering of

school uniforms, parents can extend the life of the garment and save the added expense. He offers these tips:

knitPolo-StyleShirtsandTurtlenecks

Make a knit-only load, and wash a separate load for light and dark colors. Use non-chlorine bleach for light colors. Turn items inside out and

wash in cold water on a slow wash cycle. If your machine allows, set for a three to five-minute

wash time. Line dry or tumble dry on low to reduce shrinkage. If ironing is necessary,

turn inside out to iron. Consider using dye to restore shirts to their original color.

Peter Pan Blouses and Oxford Button downsMake a woven-only load. Turn items inside out and wash in warm water for five minutes. Use non-chlorine bleach only, if needed. Tumble dry on low or medium and remove promptly. Use warm iron if necessary. If blouse has color piping - wash in cold to prevent bleeding. If bleeding of color should occur, wash the blouse again in cold water to remove color, and then dry.

Twill Pants and ShortsTurn items inside out and wash pants and shorts together. Be sure to check the pockets before washing. Wash in cold water, then line dry or tumble dry on low setting to minimize shrinkage.

Skirts,JumpersandCulottesMost of these items are made of polyester and polyester blends. It is best to read the care label and follow specific instructions. In general, you should turn these items inside out and wash in warm water on the gentle cycle. Line dry or tumble dry on low-medium heat, then promptly remove. Use a warm iron if needed. Any pleated items should be professional dry cleaned one or twice during the school year.

SweatersFiber content determines the best care for sweaters. First check the care label inside the garment to identify the fiber content and suggested care instructions. Sweaters should only be washed with other sweaters and should also be turned inside out. If the sweater is 100% cotton, wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle. It is best to lay the garment on a flat surface to allow it to air dry or tumble dry on low. Both drying methods minimize shrinkage. If the sweater is 100% acrylic, wash it in warm water using the delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low and remove promptly from the dryer.

With school about to start, now is a good time for parents to focus on making sure their child’s immunizations are up-to-date. “Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we’ve implemented for public health,” said Christa O’Neal, RN, maternal child educator with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “Except for safe water, no other health strategy, not even antibiotics, has had such a tremendous impact on reducing disease and improving health. It’s imperative that parents keep their child’s immunizations up-to-date.” West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is one of the sites for the Shots for Tots program. O’Neal is the organizer of the program and says the vaccines are available once a month at the hospital, as well as the hospital’s Medical Clinic in Vinton, and at Dynamic Dimensions in Moss Bluff. “Immunization is a lifelong effort. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and should continue throughout life,” O’Neal said. Disease outbreaks occur when immunization rates decline. For example, from 1989 through 1991, low rates of measles, mumps and rubella immunization among pre-school aged children resulted in a measles epidemic that caused over 55,000 cases and 120 deaths. Each year in the United States, there are an average of 200,000 influenza-related hospitalizations and 36,000 influenza-related deaths. Approximately 340,000 children and adolescents have chronic illnesses placing them at increased risk for influenza disease and its complications. Chickenpox is widespread in the United States, and virtually everyone who is not vaccinated is at increased risk for contracting chickenpox in adulthood. The risk of complications and death from chickenpox can be up to 10 to 20 times greater for adults than children. “Maintaining high immunization rates protects the entire community by interrupting the transmission of disease-causing bacteria or viruses,” said O’Neal. For more information, or for the specific Shots for Tots dates, call 527-4361 or visit wcch.com/events.

The most important meal of the day is even more important when it’s followed by a seven-hour school day, so if your school-aged kids have been skimping on breakfast this summer, it’s time to get back on track.

According to the School Nutrition Association, “breakfast provides the necessary fuel to start a day of learning and achievement.” Research has shown that children who eat breakfast before school score better on standardized tests, have fewer health issues and behave better in class. Why? Because children with bellies full of healthy food (healthy being the operative word) are energized and focused – not distracted by hunger or falling victim to mid-morning sugar crashes.

The benefits of breakfast aren’t limited to mental sharpness, however. According to the American Dietetic Association, breakfast is important for weight loss and weight management because it curbs hunger and prevents binge eating. Breakfast also gives the body a boost of energy because it is the first chance the body has to refuel its glucose levels, and glucose is essential for an energetic brain, the ADA said.

The key to getting the most out of breakfast is to make sure it’s healthy and satisfying – in other words, sugary cereals won’t do. Instead, try whole-grain cereal, fruit, whole-grain waffles, warm oatmeal topped with cinnamon, breakfast smoothies, or a vegetable omelet.

It’s not just time to get back-to-school … it’s also time to get back to breakfast!

Give Uniforms a Long LifespanBACK TO SCHOOL

Add Immunizations to Your School Supply List

Get A Great StartThe importance of a good breakfast

by Christine Fisher

Connect With Your Child’s Teacher

Getting off to a good start with your child’s new teacher requires communication and respecting the role of a teacher, according to LSU AgCenter youth development specialist Janet Fox. She offers the following suggestions:

• Astrongconnectionbetweenfamiliesandteachersisessentialforbuildingapositiveenvironmentforchildren.Miscommunicationorlimitedcommunicationbetweenparentsandteacherscanleadtosituationsthatadverselyaffectallthepartiesinvolved.

• Ifsomethingoccursatschoolthatbothersyourchildoryou,calmlydiscussitwithyourchild’steacheratanappropriatetimeandsetting.open,respectfulcommunicationoftenclarifiesasituationbeforeitbecomesaproblem.

• Parentsneedtostayabreastofwhat’shappeningintheclassroomthroughreadinghomeworkandnotessenthomewiththestudents.Parentsshouldknowwhatthechildisstudyingsotheyreinforcewhattheteacheristryingtoaccomplish.

• Wheneverpossible,parentsshouldactivelyparticipateatthechild’sschool.Awiderangeofopportunitiesareavailableincludingchaperoningfieldtrips,helpingwithaschoolfund-raiserordoingvolunteerworkatthe school.

• Parentscanstrengthenthebondbetweenyourchildandhisorherteacherbyhelpingtoestablishanattitudeoftrustandrespectwithinthehome.Whentheteacher’snameismentionedinconversationsathome,it’simportanttoshowinterestinyourchild’sinteractionswiththeteacher.

by Kristy Armand


BACK TO SCHOOL

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The days when school children wrapped belts around their stack of textbooks are long gone and have been replaced with backpacks that can weigh as much as 45 pounds. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 7,000 children were injured last year due to overloaded backpacks. Research indicates that many school-going youth carry far more than the recommended weight (10 percent or less of their body weight) in backpacks, which puts them at increased risk for back strain and injury. One study published in the medical journal Spine found that nearly half of grade school children who carried bags that weighed 20 pounds or more who walked to school had a history of back pain. Concerned parents have lobbied schools to cut down on homework, and some schools have even started issuing duplicate textbooks – one for home and one for school. “There’s no question that overloaded backpacks place extra stress on the spine and shoulders which leads to muscle fatigue and strain,” says Craig Morton., MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Center for Orthopaedics. “We know that up to 25 percent of young students are carrying backpacks weighing more than 20 percent of their bodyweight on a daily basis. This is equivalent to an adult carrying a small refrigerator, and is far too much weight for a child to support, especially if they are walking to school or carrying it on only one shoulder.” Dr. Morton explains that when a backpack is too heavy, a child hyperextends or arches their back or leans the head and trunk forward to compensate for the weight of the bag. This stresses the muscles in the neck and back, increasing the risk of fatigue and injury. He says using only one strap causes asymmetry of the spine and affects the spine’s natural shock absorption abilities. “Another concern we have is the bad habits children can develop as a result of carrying heavy backpacks. Excessive weight in backpacks can cause some children to develop bad habits early in life like poor posture or excessive slouching, which can lead to back problems in the future.”

When purchasing a backpack, parents should also the backpack’s construction. Choose one that has two wide, padded straps that go over the shoulders and a waist belt to distribute weight more evenly across the body. The width should not be greater than the child’s torso. Dr. Morton offers these additional recommendations for backpack use:• Multiplecompartmentstohelp

distribute the weight of the load.• Usebothshoulderstraps.• Ifthebackpackistooheavy,removesomebooksandcarrythemcradledinthearms or against the stomach.

• Adjustthestrapssothebackpacksitsonthehipsandpelvicarea,notatthetoporatthebuttocks.

• Arrangetheheaviestitemsclosetotheback.• Useabackpackwithwheelsifyourschoolallows.• Ifyourchildalreadyhasbackproblems,asktheschooltoissueasecondsetofbooksthatcanstayathome.

Parents should also be alert for warning signs of back problems from backpacks, including aching in the shoulder, neck or back; pain or tingling in the arms, wrists or hands, especially at night; muscle weakness; red marks or creases on the shoulder; struggling to get the backpack on and off; and noticeable imbalances in the child’s posture, including tilting the head and neck to one side and an uneven gait.

Back to the Backpack

by Kristy Armand

by Kristy Armand

The contents of the ordinary lunch box may not generate much interest from a child, but parents know what’s packed inside needs to fuel their child to learn as much as they can every day. “Lunch gives kids the chance to refuel and keep them going until the end of school. It’s important to make sure that if they bring a lunch, it’s filled with variety and nutrition,” said Kristy Harrigill registered dietitian with Jennings American Legion Hospital. “Kids are very active, whether they’re on the playground in elementary school, or hurrying to get to their next class in middle or high school. With many of them involved in after-school sports activities, they may not eat until much later in the evening.” This makes the mid-day meal even more important. Harrigill suggested these tips for changing up the lunch box routine:

SandwichSwitch-Ups• Cutbreadintofunshapes.• Useatortillatowrapupleanmeatsandcheese.• Fillamini-pitapocketwithtunaorchickensalad.

TakeaDip• Packasmallamountofsaladdressingtouseasadipforbabycarrots,broccoliorcelerysticks.• Yogurtmakesagreatdip,especiallyforfruits.• Puttheyogurtinaseparatecontainerwithalid,andaddafewgrahamcrackersassprinkles.

SomeLikeitHot• Useathermosandpackaheartysouponcolddays.• Lastnight’schilimakesagreatlunchboxmealwithafewcrackersorcheesetosprinkleontop.

Accessorize• Pairupatraditionalturkeysandwichwithaservingofapplesauceinsteadofchips.• Peanutbutterandjellygoesgreatwithchocolatemilk.• It’sokaytoaddafewcookiesorothertreatsfromtimetotime.

Hardware essentials• Makesurelidsareeasytoremoveforlittlehands.• Keepcoldfoodattherighttemperaturewithasmallicepack.• Inspectplasticcontainersfromtimetotime,andthrowoutwhentheyget

discolored or show excessive signs of wear.• Wipeoutthelunchboxeveryday• Includeafunstickerforsmallerkids,andforolderkidstuckinafunnyjoke

or encouraging note.

“Some kids like having the same lunch for a while; others get bored if they have the same thing twice in a week. Adjust your lunch routine to match your child’s personality, but keep in mind variety is a foundation for getting a wide-range of nutrients,” reminded Harrigill. “Encourage your child to try new flavors. You may have to introduce it to them several times before they develop a taste for it. As they grow older, they’ll be more likely to eat new things.”

Your child is going off to college. You’ve dreamed of this day for so long, but now that the time is finally here, you realize you’re not quite as ready as you thought you were, and find yourself with a whole new set of worries to deal with. “Sending a student to college is a major milestone not only the student, but for parents as well,” says Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, director of Solutions EAP. “This often comes as a shock. Everyone has been so focused on getting the student through high school and into college that they don’t stop to think about the very real changes taking place in the family.” Forbess-McCorquodale said the hardest part for parents is letting their children take on responsibility for life on their own. “This doesn’t mean they don’t still need you for guidance and support, but it’s time for them to be more independent and make their own choices. If you’ve done a good job getting them to this point, they’ll be ready to take this next big step toward adulthood without any problems.” She adds that the best way you can prepare your teen for life on their own is to teach them skills they need in advance. By the end of high school, your teen should:

• knowhowtomanagetheirtime.Beginninginhighschool,youshouldnolongerbemonitoringhomework.nooneatyourchild’scollegeisgoingtocareiftheycometoclassmuchlessiftheydotheirhomework.Itisuptothestudenttogetwhateverhecangetoutofcollege.Therewillbenohand-holding.

• Understandthewaytheworldworks,mainlythatchoicesleadtoconsequences.Goodchoicestypicallyleadtopositiveconsequencesandbadchoicesleadtonegativeconsequences.Thismeansparentsmustgetoutofthewayandlettheirkidsdealwiththenaturalconsequencesoftheirdecisions.Forexample,forgettingyourgymsuitleadstopointsoff,whichleadstoapoorgradeinaclassthatisano-brainer“A,”whichSHoULDleadtonegativeconsequencesathome.noparentshouldberacingtoschoolto

bring the forgotten gym suit. All that teaches the child is that you willrescuehim.Theythink“noneedtogetmoreorganized;justcallmom!”

• Befinanciallyresponsible. Bythistime,theyshouldbemakingtheirownmoneyandmanaging it. They need to have a checkingaccount,andknowhowto balance it. Better for them to bounceafewchecksnowinthesecurity of home sweet home. Theyalsoneedtobepayingforsome,ifnotall,oftheirownexpenses:carinsurance,gas,cellphones,clothes,entertainment,etc.

• knowthebasicsofhowtorunahouseandtakecareofthemselves:washclothes,cleanhouse,groceryshop,gettheiroilchanged,cookbasicmeals.

She also advices giving your student some space once they get to school. “Let them find their way as they settle into college life. Call and communicate often, but don’t expect or demand the same from them. They may get homesick and have doubts about their decision to leave home. Even though you miss them just as much, don’t give in and bring them back home. Give them encouragement and support. Tell them it will be fine – it really will, you know – and make sure they know you have confidence in them and are there for advice whenever needed.”

Surviving the Empty Nest

by Christine Fisher


BACK TO SCHOOL

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According to Joni Fontenot, community outreach coordinator for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, parents often overestimate their child’s ‘safety sense,’ but “there’s a big difference between knowing what you should do to stay safe and actually practicing these rules on a daily basis.” Getting back into the school swing should also mean revisiting school-related safety guidelines that feel to the background during summer break. The Safety Council of SW Louisiana offers these back-to-school safety tips as a guideline for parents:

School Bus• Whenwalkingtothebusstop,walkonthesidewalkifpossible.Ifyoumustwalkinthestreet,walksinglefile,facethetrafficandstayasclosetotheedgeoftheroadasyoucan.

• Whilewaitingforthebusitisimportanttostandsixfeetaway from the road or curb.

• Whenridingthebus,remainseatedandkeeptheaislesclear.• Whengettingonandoffthebusyoushouldwaitforthedrivertosignalthatitissafetodoso.Ifyoumustcrossthestreet,doso10feetinfrontofthebuswhere you can see the driver and the driver can see you.

• Beawareofthestreettrafficaroundyou.Lookbothwaysandalwaysbeonalertforoncomingtraffic.

WalkingandBiking• Beforeschoolbegins,takeyourchildona“safetywalk”or“safetyride”andpointoutpotentialdangers.Helpthempickthesafestmostdirectroutewiththefeweststreetsto cross. Try to restrict crossings to intersections that are guardedbyapoliceofficeroranadultcrossingguard.

• Lookleft,right,andleftagainfortraffic• Walkonsidewalks,whereavailable.Iftherearenotsidewalksonyourroute,walksinglefile,facingthetraffic,andasclosetotheedgeoftheroadaspossible.

• Walkorridewithfriends,ifpossible.• Followalltrafficsignalsand/orthecrossingguard.• Walkyourbikethroughintersections.• Bikersshouldwearhelmetsandhavesometypeofreflectivemarkersontheirbike,bookbagorhelmet.

riding in a car• Buckleupeverytimeyourideinavehicle,whetheryouareapassengerorthe

driver. • Studiesshowthatteendriversarefourtimesmorelikelytobeinvolvedinafatalcrash.Ifyourteenisdrivingtoschool,Fontenotadvisestheserules:

•Teachthemtoalwaysbuckleupandtorequireeveryoneelseridingwiththemtobuckleupaswell.•Limitthenumberofpassengers.•Remindthemtoalwaysobeythespeedlimitandtobeextraalertinschoolzones.

Home Alone• Lockalldoorswhenalone.• Makesureallgunsarelockedupapartfromammunition.• neverindicateyouarehomealonewhenansweringthephone.• Decideonwhetherfriendsareallowedoverornot.Ifso,howmanyandfor

how long.• Decideifusingtheinternetisallowed.• Discussifusingthestoveorovenisallowed.Formostkids,it’sbettertonotcookwithoutadultsupervision.

• Arrangeforan“emergencyperson”,aparentwithacellphonealwayson,oraneighborwhohasagreedtobeoncallandcouldrespondquicklyifanemergency occurs.

• Postemergencynumbersbesidethetelephone.

General Safety• InstructyourchildtonEVERtalktostrangers.• Makesuretheschoolhasalistofadultswhoareallowedtopickyourchildupfromschool.Teachyourchildtoneverleaveschoolwithanyadulttheydonotknow.Asasafeguardincaseofanemergency,giveyourchildacodewordthatcanbeusedbyanyoneyousendtopickthemup.

• Makesureyourchildisnotafraidtotellateacherorothertrustedadultatschooliftheyareafraid,oriftheyseeorhearaboutanythingsuspiciousatoraround school.

As the new school year gets underway, the Safety Council also asks all motorists to be extra cautious while driving as children are making their way to and from school on area streets.

Safety As Easy As 1, 2, 3 2010 School Year - Important Datesby Kristy Armand

School holidays and teacher inservice - no school:September6,2010 LaborDaySeptember27,2010 CalcasieuParishSchoolAdministrationIn-servicenovember1,2010 CalcasieuParishTeacherIn-servicenovember2,2010 ElectionDaynovember11,2010 Veteran’sDaynovember22-26,2010 ThanksgivingBreakDecember20-December31,2010 ChristmasBreakJanuary17,2011 MartinLutherkingJr.DayFebruary7,2011 CalcasieuParishTeacherIn-serviceMarch7&8,2011 MardiGrasHolidayApril22-29,2011 Easter/SpringBreak

School holidays and teacher inservice - no school:September6,2010 LaborDayoctober8,2010 FairDaynovember11,2010 Veteran’sDaynovember22-26,2010 ThanksgivingBreakDecember20-January3,2011 ChristmasBreakJanuary17,2011 MartinLutherkingJr.DayFebruary21,2011 President’sDayMarch7-March11,2010 MardiGras/SpringBreakApril22-April26,2011 EasterBreak

School holidays and teacher inservice- no school:September6,2010 LaborDaynovember1,2010 TeacherIn-servicenovember2,2010 ElectionDaynovember22-26,2010 ThanksgivingBreakDecember20-January2,2011 ChristmasandnewYearsBreakJanuary17,2011 MartinLutherkingJr.DayFebruary7,2011 TeacherIn-serviceMarch7-11,2011 WinterBreakApril22-29,2011 Easter/SpringBreak

School holidays and teacher inservice- no school:September6,2010 LaborDaySeptember7,2010 TeacherIn-servicenovember22-26,2010 ThanksgivingBreakDecember20-31,2010 ChristmasHolidaysJanuary17,2011 Dr.MartinLutherkingJr.DayJanuary18,2011 TeacherIn-serviceMarch7-9,2011 MardiGrasHolidayMarch25,2011 ReportCardConferenceDayApril22-29,2011 Easter/SpringBreakMay25,2011 TeacherRecordDay–1:00pmDismissal

School holidays and teacher inservice- no school:September6,2010 LaborDaynovember22-26,2010 ThanksgivingBreakDecember20-31,2011 ChristmasHolidaysJanuary17,2011 Dr.MartinLutherkingJr.DayMarch7-8,2011 MardiGrasHolidayApril22-29,2011 Easter/SpringBreakMay26,2011 RecordsDay

FirstDayofSchool August18,2010LastDayofSchool May31,2011 FirstDayofSchool August13,2010LastDayofSchool May26,2011

FirstDayofSchool August13,2010LastDayofSchool May31,2011



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Regular “well child check-ups” help detect serious and life-threatening conditions and developmental problems that can only be found

with special screenings and exams. Help keep your child healthy when you make a date for a well child check-up.

Time for your child’s annual checkup!Schedule before the new school year begins.

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Walking into an optical store can be a little confusing – especially if you are a parent tying to find the right glasses for your child. There are so many frames to choose from. How are you supposed to figure out which ones your child is willing to wear and, more importantly, which will last longer than their next playground adventure?

There are many features to consider when choosing eyewear, particularly for a child, explains Melissa Kingrey, ABOC certified optician with Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic. “You want to get glasses that will provide the vision correction they need, and also stand up to the rough and tumble lifestyle of an active child.”

Kingrey says most children who need eyeglasses are either nearsighted or farsighted. “The degree of visual correction needed will determine how the glasses will be worn. Some children will need to wear their glasses just for close work, while others may need to have them on every waking moment.”

When purchasing glasses, Kingrey recommends focusing on these key areas:

LensThicknessThe prescription is always the primary consideration in choosing glasses. If the prescription calls for strong lenses that are likely to be thick, it is important to keep the frames as small as possible in order to eliminate unnecessary thickness, and therefore weight, in the lenses. The optician can give you a good idea of how thick the lenses will be and can recommend suitable frames.

Fashion SavvyWhether they wear them full- or part-time, most kids will get at least a little teasing about their glasses, especially the first time they wear them. One way to help make your child more comfortable with wearing glasses is to let them be involved in choosing them. They should try on a variety of styles in order to pick those that best flatter their features. This will make it much more likely that they will be willing to wear their glasses without a battle.

Plastic vs. MetalChildren’s frames are made of either plastic or metal. In the past, plastic eyeglasses were a better choice for children because they were considered more durable, less likely to be bent or broken, lighter in weight and less expensive. But now manufacturers are making metal frames that incorporate these features as well. Many children’s metal frames are also flexible – making them more durable.

Bridge FitOne of the toughest parts about choosing suitable frames for kids is that their noses are not fully developed, so they don’t have a bridge to prevent plastic frames from sliding down. It is important that the glasses stay in place, because kids have a tendency to look right over the tops of the lenses instead of pushing slipping glasses back up where they belong. A qualified optician is usually the best judge of whether a frame fits properly.

SpringHingesTemples with spring hinges allow the temples to flex outward, away from the frames, without causing any damage. Kids are not always careful when they put on and take off glasses, and the spring hinges can help prevent costly repairs.

LensMaterialFor safety reasons, children’s lenses should be made of polycarbonate because it is the most impact-resistant material around. It is also thinner and lighter in weight than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate has built-in protection against potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, and the lenses are coated for scratch-resistance.Kingery says there are so many children’s eyewear options for kids to choose from today that parents and their children can easily find a pair of glasses that meet both of their requirements: the quality parents know is important, combined with the stylish design kids want.

For more information about children’s eyewear, call or stop by Optics Unlimited in any location of The Eye Clinc.

Get everything you need by shoppingsmarter,ornotatall! To your kids, shopping for new clothes, gear, and school supplies may be the only good thing about going back to school, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune every year. Here are 10 great ideas for how to get everything they need and save a few bucks doing it.

Holdoffbuyingtrendiergearlikelunchboxesandpencilcases. Kids may love a version they find before school, but once they start school and see that their friends are all using another kind, they’ll beg you to upgrade them -- and that only results in wasted cash.

Shopend-of-summersales.You know as well as we do that kids wear short sleeve polo shirts all year long, so hit the big summer sales and snap up discounted duds that can be worn well into fall.

SticktoTheList.The teacher’s supply list at the start of a new school year is daunting enough so don’t waste time and money on unlisted items. Extra supplies, while they may be cute, will probably never get used and just leave your pockets empty.

Headtothesupermarketforbasicsupplies.Check weekly circulars for great deals on pens and loose-leaf paper, and get your weekly grocery shopping done at the same time. Bonus: buying everything in one place will save time and gas money!

Letyourkidsraidthehome-officesupplies,thenpersonalizetheminuniqueways.For example, decorate inexpensive plain, white binders with digital photos by creating a collage and inserting the page into the plastic outer cover.

Hostaback-to-schoolswap.Round up a couple of other moms with kids the same gender as yours but different ages, and host an annual clothes swap. Trade toys and books, too! You’ll save a bundle.

Buy bright. Lost school supplies may be a given, but gear that’s hard to miss can stave off the inevitable. Pack all their pencils, erasers, and other goodies into a bright backpack or pencil pouch to keep them from disappearing.

Source: Parenting.com

Frame Your Child for Success by Kristy Armand

BACK TO SCHOOL

10 Back-To-School Shopping Tips That Save Money

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According to Lindsay, the Safety Council’s decision to begin a drug and alcohol testing program came due to feedback from area small businesses, industries and local area courts. “We listened to what they needed in order to ensure the safety of their employees and their customers. We designed it to meet their needs and the needs of our community.”

The Drug and Alcohol Program of the Safety Council SWLA provides a web-based system for scheduling and obtaining results. “In the some cases, companies were relying on the employee to return the screening results, or the manager would have to make follow-up calls. Managers are busy, they need the results given to them promptly. Our system can give them the results on their smart phone,” Lindsay explained.

Their 11-panel test protocol is used across the board, so that all employees are screened using the same type of system. It covers illegal drugs, alcohol and prescription medications. A third-party Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration lab is used for verification of all non-negative screens, and a third party medical review officer reviews all prescription medications identified in the sampling process. Certified technicians process employees quickly at the Drug and Alcohol Program’s new collection center located on the campus of the Safety Council on Ryan Street and results are available within 30 minutes of the screening.

“By offering a cost-effective, responsive resource for area businesses to use, we can play a small role in keeping their overhead costs down,” said Lindsay.

For more information on the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program, call Lindsay at 436-8809.

We think we know them. People who take drugs have that certain look. Empty eyes, haggard appearance, disheveled clothing. Alcoholics will smell, stumble and slur their words. Neither of them can hold a job. We see someone who fits that description and we’ve got them pegged.

But, what about the waitress who brought your lunch? Or the construction guy working on the road expansion? Statistics show they could be substance abusers.

Drug and alcohol abuse has found its way into the workplace. Of the almost 17 million illicit drug users over the age of 18, almost 75 percent of them were employed, according to the U.S. Labor Department. More than 70 percent of substance abusers hold jobs, and six out of 10 adults know someone who has reported for work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“People you come in contact with every day are drug or alcohol abusers. We think we could pick them out of a crowd, but it’s not that easy,” said Mason Lindsay, spokesperson for the Drug and Alcohol Program of the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. “Scenarios differ. Some people became addicted to pain killers, others abuse medications meant to relax them or give them energy. People go out with friends for drinks and then continue drinking at home for hours when they’re alone. They find they can’t cope with problems without a drink. In all these cases, it becomes a part of their routine.”

The U.S. Department of Labor reports the highest rates of current illicit drug use and heavy drinking were:• foodpreparationworkers,includingwaiters,waitressesandbartendersat19percent

• constructionworkersat14percent• serviceoccupationsat13percent• transportationandmaterialmovingworkersat10percent

People abusing drugs and alcohol can put themselves and those around them in danger. Especially when they are cooking your food, mixing

your drinks, and driving the cement truck in the next lane.

Alcohol and drug abuse is reported to cost U.S. business over $81 billion annually in lost productivity and cause employers

to incur a 300 percent increase in medical costs and benefits. Almost 40 percent of industrial fatalities and 47 percent of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption.

Substance abusers are five times more likely to file worker’s compensation claims and likely to

use almost three times the medical benefits compared to an employee with no

substance abuse problem.

It hits small businesses particularly hard. The Labor Department

reports that five million of the estimated nine million employed substance

abusers work for small companies.

Give drug & Alcohol Problems thePInkSLIP

by Christine Fisher

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Dr.SeguraJoinsJALHThe medical staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital welcomes Johnny Segura, MD, family medicine physician. Dr. Segura’s office is located at 1636 Elton Road, Suite 204 in Jennings. His office number is 824-7833. Appointments are now available and his office accepts most major insurance plans. Dr. Segura, a Jennings native, is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received his medical degree from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.

Dr.MurrayEarnsBoardCertificationOphthalmologist L. Virgil Murray, IV, MD, with The Eye Clinic, has been awarded Board Certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Board Certification is a voluntary last step in an intensive educational experience that recognizes that a physician has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and experience integral to the delivery of high standards in patient care in the field of ophthalmology. Originally from Bogalusa, Louisiana, Dr Murray received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and earned his Medical Degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. He then completed a medical internship at Ochsner

Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, and an ophthalmology residency at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center/Ochsner Clinic Foundation program. In addition to general ophthalmology and cataract surgery, Dr. Murray has a special interest in pediatric ophthalmology. Dr. Murray has been with The Eye Clinic for two years and sees patients at in the group’s Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, DeRidder and Jennings offices.

dr. Brown Joins da Vinci Surgical TeamJames M. Brown III, M.D. is now performing the daVinci robotic assisted hysterectomy procedure at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery among women in the United States, and one in three women has had a hysterectomy by age 60. The daVinci robotic assisted surgery performed at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital is a minimally invasive procedure that offers many potential benefits over a traditional abdominal hysterectomy, such as less pain, shorter hospital stay, and improved recovery time.

Dr.MckinneyopensPrivatePracticeGisele McKinney, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, announces the opening of her own practice in the medical complex at Memorial Hospital for Women, 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 135. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 337-480-5510. A native of Chicago, Illinois and graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Dr. McKinney is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and completed her residency at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital prior to joining the staff at Roseland Community Hospital and St. James Community Hospital in Chicago. She was also on the

staff of Martin General Hospital in Williamston, North Carolina immediately prior to moving to Lake Charles. Before entering medical school, Dr. McKinney worked as a chemist for Amoco Oil Company in Naperville, Illinois. Dr. McKinney provides women comprehensive treatment and preventive care for acute and chronic conditions, pregnancy and family planning, menopause, urinary tract disorders and operative gynecology, including minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery.

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Here’s an idea: keep your cool during one of the hottest months in Southwest Louisiana by doing your hair in a super-sleek slicked back look. “For women with shoulder-length hair or longer, getting it up off the neck will give an instant cool-down,” said Emily Spears, stylist with Signatures Salon. “And, a cute up-do can tame fly-aways, control frizz and give limp hair some oomph.” So, if you’re hair has had oomph-issues of late, check out these ideas from Signatures Salon. CarefreeUp-doThis works best on second-day hair, or if you’ve already washed it, add styling product to give it some texture. Bumble&bumble’s hair powder is a good option for adding hold and helping keep the shape of the style, said Spears. Tease the hair just a bit with a small-toothed comb, smooth the top layer. Take the sides of the hair near the temple and bring it loosely back toward the crown area, secure with pins. Take the bottom section of hair, twist and pin to meet the other hair. No need to keep every hair in place; it’s okay if some pieces escape the twist. If that happens, twist those and pin separately. “If you wanted to, you could add a cute headband or flower as a finishing touch,” said Spears. “This is a very cute, casual up-do, so don’t worry about it looking less than perfect. It’s supposed to.”

PonyUpThis classic can look very polished if done well. Comb through to work out any tangles, then using your fingers, rake your hands through, gathering the hair in the middle of the head. “Too high and it looks like you’re trying to recapture your high school cheerleader days; too low and you can lose the fun factor,” said Spears. Take a piece of hair from the underside, pull it out and wrap around the elastic band, securing with a pin underneath. “It’s one of those simple, finishing touches. Or, if you wanted to, you could use a ponytail holder with some interest. Some have silk flowers, or a shell-like stone. These are great

options for a summery look. To finish it off, take a straightener or large-barreled curling iron and run through and twist up at the ends to give a smooth, fun and soft flip. The flip takes it from an everyday ponytail to a chic look.” Tres chicThe classic vintage clip is a great option for hair that’s hard to hold. “Fine hair may be too silky for bobby pins. A clip will grip it and hold it,” Spears explained. Styling crème is a good first step to provide texture, especially for fine hair. Backcomb just a bit, and then smooth over. Comb up to gather the hair, twist and secure with the clip. Depending on the hair length, fan out the ends above the clip. “Again, using a large curling iron, or straightener, flip the ends just a bit to give a smooth, finished look,” she said. WranglingtheRingletsFor very curly hair, one of the best looks is to let it be it’s wild, natural self. Gather the hair into a ponytail, then add styling wax, separating the curls into small ringlets. “You’re not going for a Shirley Temple-look, just trying to define the curls,” Spears explained. Keep the ponytail holder simple, since it probably won’t be seen much anyway, in the mass of curls, or pin the sides up and let the curls go free in the back. Up-do’s don’t need to be fussy and they can be one of the best ways to stay cool and polished during the summer heat. For more up-do info, call Signatures Salon to schedule a consultation at 478-4433.

The Low-Down on

by Christine Fisher

Up-Do’s


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Your eyes may be your window to the world, but they also provide a peephole into your health.

In many cases, signs and symptoms of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke and heart disease, just to name a few, are visible in, on, or around the eyes long before other symptoms are apparent.

That’s why having regular eye exams is so important. “During a fully dilated eye exam, we’re checking your vision and eye health, and we’re also able to see small changes in the blood vessels and tissue in the back of the eye,” explains ophthalmologist Jon Yokubaitis, MD, with The Eye Clinic. “In fact, the eyes are actually the only place in the body where doctors can directly visualize nerves and blood vessels without an incision, providing us with a clear unobstructed view.”

Recent advancements such as digital retinal imaging allow eye doctors to more easily detect and monitor changes in the eye that look suspicious. “If we see areas of bleeding, swelling or blockages in the eye, this can be an accurate reflection of changes occurring throughout the entire body,” says Dr. Yokubaitis. “Identifying early signs of certain conditions can lead to earlier, more successful treatment in many cases.”

The list of systemic diseases that can affect the eyes is a long one. In addition to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it includes aneurysms, HIV, cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia and some hereditary diseases. This list is one reason the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a complete medical eye examination for healthy adults at least once between age 19 and 29; at least twice between age 30 and 39; and every two to four years between age 40 and 64. “People who have a family history of eye problems should be seen earlier, and anyone who is having eye trouble should see a doctor right away,” says Dr. Yokubaitis. He stresses that you shouldn’t wait until you experience symptoms to see a doctor. “Again, this is why regular exams are so important. Many conditions are ‘silent,’ and have no noticeable symptoms until the disease is advanced. Early detection is key for preventing disease progression and potential vision loss.”

Here are some of the most common symptoms an ophthalmologist could identify during an exam, and what they might reflect about your health:

Arterialplaques. Atherosclerosis is the disease process that causes cholesterol plaque to form in arteries, including the carotid arteries in the neck and the coronary arteries. Bits of cholesterol can break away from

these plaques and travel through the bloodstream to the eye, where they lodge in small arteries in the retina, the delicate network of blood vessels and nerve cells at the back of the eye. These minute yellowish blockages can be evidence of severe atherosclerosis.

oPTICnERVEABnoRMALITIES. The optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, is visible at the rear of the eye. A healthy optic nerve should be pink. If it’s pale, it may be an early manifestation of MS, as well as evidence of a brain tumor or aneurysm.

RETInALDEFECTS.Various medical conditions, most commonly diabetes and high blood pressure, can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the retina. This retinal damage -- which can cause blindness -- can take several forms, including tiny hemorrhages, leaks of yellowish fluid, and puffy-looking whitish patches known as cotton wool spots.

PUPILABnoRMALITIES.The pupils of healthy people are usually (but not always) symmetrical. They’re usually of the same size, and show the same reaction upon exposure to light. If one pupil is bigger than the other, or if one pupil shrinks less, or more slowly, on exposure to light, there could be an underlying medical problem. Possibilities include stroke, brain, or optic nerve tumor, brain aneurysm and multiple sclerosis.

DRooPYEYELID.This condition, called ptosis, can be a sign of aging, but in rare cases, it can be evidence of a brain tumor or a neuromuscular disease known as myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder that weakens muscles throughout the body.

YELLoWEYES. Diseases of the liver, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, can turn the white portion of the eyes yellow. The color is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a compound created by the breakdown of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule inside red blood cells.

BULGInGEYES.Though prominent eyes may simply be a family trait, eyes that appear to bulge may be evidence of thyroid disease. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone cause tissues surrounding the eye to swell, making it appear that the eye is bulging.

Dr. Yokubaitis says if you notice any of these signs in your own eyes, see your eye doctor right away. “The worst thing you can do is ignore one of these signs, or any other change in your eyes. Your vision – and your health – could depend on a quick response.”

Eyes Provide a Glimpse of Health

by Kristy Armand

To say the least, computer viruses and malware are a pain. They can result in lost data or worse, a complete reinstallation of your operating system. According to John Fredericks, Managing Partner with JNL Data Solutions, LLC, “There are many things a user can do to prevent and avoid malware with a little effort.” Fredericks offered a few suggestions to help protect your computer from these hidden attacks.

SuspiciousEmails– If you don’t know the sender, and there is an attachment, the best thing to do is delete the

message. For example, there have been a number of recent trojan attacks that came as a message that looked as if it was from UPS or FedEx about a misplaced package. By opening these attachments, the malware has a gateway straight into your computer.

– If you receive email offers that sound too good to be true, they probably are. Delete instead of responding.

– Never click links at the bottom of an email that says, “click here” to remove your email address from our emailing list. These are traps and at the very least, you just confirmed to the sender that your email address actually has a real person on the other end. It will only be a matter of time before your inbox is cluttered with more junk mail.

Websites– Avoid websites of questionable content and nature. Many of these suspicious websites run

malicious codes through your browser that can install various types of malware. – Many social sites including Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter can be a source of trouble. Try and

stick to visiting the people you know on the sites to help reduce chances of infections.

File Sharing– Avoid file sharing programs such as Limewire or Kazaa. They will give you more trouble in the

long run than any perceived short-term benefits.

PopUps– If you get a message that pops up on your computer that says, “scanning for viruses or spyware,”

or one that says it has found viruses on your computer, and you know that you did not install this scanning program, do not respond to it.

– If you receive a pop up asking for your credit card number to clean up an infection that was found on your computer, do not give it to them. This ad is just trying to take your money.

Many people do not realize that by following a few simple guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, their computer will stay safe and can last years longer. “A little knowledge can go a long way,” says Fredericks. For more information on how to protect your computer, contact JNL Data Solutions at (337) 905-7233.

Protecting Your Computer


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Sowela Technical Community College was recently awarded an $18,000 educational grant to establish tobacco-free campus initiatives. The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) — an affiliated program of Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) — provided the grant. Sowela’s Department of Student Support Services is looking for three student leaders to promote its new tobacco-free campus initiative called Fresh Campus. “Sowela will recruit staff members and students beginning this month to become the core committee for the initiative,” said Christine Collins, director of Student Support Services, who authored the grant. “Those selected will receive a stipend and be responsible for attending all required meetings and conference calls.” These leaders will also help coordinate four Fresh Campus events including the Welcome Back Bash, which will kick-off the initiative at the beginning of

the fall semester of the 2010-11 school year. There will be giveaways and social activities at the event as well as pamphlets and materials available about the initiative and its goals. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer and pledge to become tobacco-free students. Other events will include the Great American Smoke Out advertising campaign, Back to Basics Celebration and the Kick Butts campaign. “I don’t think people understand the magnitude of tobacco use on themselves and the people around them,” Collins. “I think a lot of people use tobacco because it’s something that is a part of their environment, and they aren’t aware of how it affects them. We want our community to make informed decisions concerning their health and environment.”

Sowela’s in for a Fresh AttitudeSTCC Awarded Grant to Promote Tobacco-FreeCampus

TheEyeClinic-MossBluffoffersEveningHoursEvening appointments are now available at The Eye Clinic’s newest office in Moss Bluff. This location will now be open every Thursday evening until 7pm, in order to provide more convenient appointment options after normal school and work hours for patients. The Eye Clinic in Moss Bluff is located at 277 Hwy. 171 North, Suite 4 and offers comprehensive vision and eye care services. Optics Unlimited, The Eye Clinic’s retail eyewear store, is located adjacent to the new office, and will also be open for extended hours on Thursdays. Call 310-0775 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

WCCHHostsAnnualChildren’sFairOn Saturday, August 7, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will hold its Annual Children’s Health Fair. This year the hospital has partnered with several local agencies to expand the information and services provided for children throughout the parish. The Back 2 School Bash will feature educational and health resources along with fun activities. Immunizations and health information will be available for all attendees. Backpacks and school supplies will be handed out by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. For more information, call 528-4735.


The rankings have rolled in for decades from researchers across the U.S.: In matters of health and wellness, Louisiana’s failing. In 2009, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center gave the state a “D” on its overall Report Card on Physical Activity and Health for Children and Youth. (Seefindingsonpp46and 47). According to their research, one-third of Louisiana adolescents are overweight and obese and less than 4 percent eat the daily recommended serving of fruits and vegetables per day. This laissez-faire attitude toward personal health certainly isn’t limited to children and teenagers.

“Consider the facts,” says Beth Fontenot, registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist. “Louisiana is one of only eight states with an obesity rate over 30 percent. We are in fourth place when it comes to the number of children ages 10 to 17 who are obese. Eleven percent of our population has diabetes (and) the U.S. average is eight percent.”

The prevalence of obesity has many consequences, particularly among youth, according to pediatrician Elizabeth Murray, MD, with the Children’s Clinic. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol are seen more frequently in obese children and adolescents, and the younger a child is when he becomes overweight, the higher his chances of becoming an overweight adult.

Many researchers believe that home life is the first line of defense against high-risk health issues.

“Children often look to their parents as role models for eating patterns, food choices, portion sizes and activity levels,” Dr. Murray said.

The up-side of Louisiana’s dire health situation is that individuals and families have the ability to take control of their personal health. As influential figures in the household, parents have an opportunity to change the tide for their own children.

Gene and Davina Zimmerman of Lake Charles made it a point to encourage healthy nutrition and high levels of physical activity in their family, which includes four daughters – Miesje, 27; Marie, 17; Lindsey, 16; and Jessica, 13.

Although he admits that they splurge on junk food once in a while, he says Davina is the family’s unofficial nutritionist and tries to keep everyone on the right track. For them, both aspects of healthy living – nutrition and activity – work hand-in-hand.

“When we sit down and eat dinner, we talk about what we’re eating and how it may affect us,” he says. “Everyone pretty much understands what it means to eat right. We’ve all seen the food pyramids and know that you’re supposed to get a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables, but few people really do it.”

Fontenot agrees. “Unfortunately, cheap fast food has become a staple in many households. In an ideal world, parents would place more importance on what their children are eating, jump off the fast-food bandwagon and start cooking. However, that isn’t likely to happen in most households,” she says. She notes that there are healthier fast-food options other than the standard burger and fries, but many parents fall into the lure of dollar-value meals and the speediness of picking up a sack of food from the drive-through rather than a sack of groceries from the supermarket. “A home-cooked meal can be equally inexpensive and convenient as fast food, but convenience requires planning ahead. An afternoon on the weekend spent planning and preparing a week’s worth of meals will pay off in convenience and thrift at supper time every evening. A couple of chickens can be roasted on the weekend and several meals prepared with them during the week by adding rice, potatoes or pasta and a vegetable. A pot of beans cooked on the weekend can be used to serve red beans and rice, refried beans with tortillas, or bean soup. Sadly, I find that most parents who have fallen into the habit of relying on cheap fast food aren’t going to find these options appealing, and even sadder is that many of today’s parents have limited, if any, cooking skills.”

According to Dr. Murray, part of encouraging a healthy and fit family life is to keep it within reach at home. Have nutritious snacks available, she suggested, and eat meals together at home. To promote an active lifestyle, find a variety of fun activities that the whole family can do and limit sedentary recreation time to two hours a day or less. “A healthy lifestyle for the whole family is the best way to promote a lifetime of good health,” Dr. Murray says.

Gene says he and Davina started promoting such a lifestyle when their children were young. A retired golf pro, Gene enjoys running, swimming and cross-training and has “always considered physical fitness a very important part of life”

“It affects all aspects of a person’s well-being. Being fit and active is a lifestyle choice, just as being sedentary is a

lifestyle choice. People fall into routines, both good and bad,” Gene says. “For kids, it starts with leaders – not

leaders in the community, but leaders in their own home. If we lead as parents, we make it much easier for them to get involved in a healthy lifestyle right

from day one. And it has to be a whole-person type of approach, not just one aspect.”

Continued on p46

Louisiana has long been known for taking it slow, but recent research indicates that we may be taking it too slow when it comes to our family’s health. Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that Louisianans in general spent more

of their leisure time doing sedentary activities than any other state, leading Businessweek to name us the

“lazieststateinAmerica.”

Despite being the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” research indicated that our favorite popular pastimes are sleeping, goofing off, and watching television.

Why Are We Raising Unhealthy Kids?

The Zimmerman family at the 2009 Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans – Davina, from left, Gene,Lindsey,Jessica,and Marie.

Jessica and Gene Zimmerman

by Erin K. Cormier


The Zimmerman girls have been involved in numerous sports since childhood – volleyball, swimming, basketball, soccer, basketball – with Gene and Davina’s full-fledged support. Their daughters also participate with them on runs and other events.

Ken and Deanne Kolde said their children were walking and swimming with them as soon as they learned how to walk, and once they learned how to ride their bikes, they rode with them too. Staying fit was, and is, a family affair, not limited to one member.

“Both my wife and I grew up active in outdoors and sports and it was natural for our children to be active and fit with similar activities,” said Ken, a former basketball player at McNeese. Kolde has coached soccer and swimming teams and serves on the board for the Tournament of Stars charity pro-am this month. His oldest daughter, Kellie, now teaches swimming lessons and coaches competitively. “Physical fitness is more than just playing sports, though. There are some sports, like swimming, running, tennis and golf that I consider lifetime sports. These sports can be played competitively in youth and for fitness as adults. It’s important to get active as youth so they can develop healthy lifestyles as adults.”

Everything from what is served on the table to what is done – or not done – can be positively or negatively affected by home life.

“Patterns of behavior run in families (and) individuals continue those habits when they have their own families because that’s the way it’s always been and that’s what they know,” Fontenot said.

One of the most startling wake-up calls for the current generation of parents and children comes from researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago, which found that U.S. life expectancy will fall drastically in coming years. This is the first time in two centuries that a generation of children could face a shorter life expectancy than their parents, the study said.

Want to change the tide for your family? Here are some tips from Fontenot on how to incorporate and encourage healthy nutrition for yourself and your children:

Begin early. From the time an infant begins to eat, he or she should be offered a variety

of healthy foods. It’s normal for a child to turn his or her nose up at some foods. It may take 10 to 15 tries before a child will become familiar with and accept a new food, so parents should not give up too quickly. Persistence pays. Children will eat healthy foods if given the opportunity to learn to like them. Of course, there will be some foods that a child will never like, and that’s normal.

Learntocook. When parents rely on drive-through fast foods, home-delivered pizzas, or a

regular menu of frozen or boxed meals, children accept these things as the norm. Burgers, chicken nuggets, tacos, French fries, and boxed macaroni and cheese become the staples of the child’s diet. A healthy meal doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. It just takes some planning and basic cooking skills.

Be a good role model. Children tend to mimic what the adults around them do, and this includes

eating. Prepare healthy, low fat, well-balanced meals. Limit the amount of high fat, sugary foods eaten. Stock the refrigerator and pantry with healthy snack foods like fresh or dried fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain crackers, rice cakes, nut butters, popcorn, pretzels, graham crackers, nuts and seeds, cheese, and low fat yogurt.

Involveyourchildinplanningandcookingmeals. A child will enjoy a trip through the produce section of the grocery store,

and they are much more likely to eat foods that they have chosen and helped prepare, depending on their age and skill level.

Here are some tips from Dr. Murray, and the Zimmerman and Kolde familiesregarding a family approach to a healthy lifestyle:

• Findavarietyoffunactivitiesthatthewholefamilycanenjoytogether,andmakesuretolimitsedentaryrecreationtimetotwohoursadayorless. In Louisiana, 57 percent of high school students watch more than two hours of television per day, according to the 2008 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for Louisiana.

• Spendtimearoundfamiliesthatareactive.The best way to find those families is to get your children involved in sports. Let them try all types of sports. As a parent you can practice with them in the backyard or park, helping you stay fit. Becoming a coach also keeps the family together and active. “I love to see parents walking around the park after they drop their children off for practice,” Kolde said. “The message this sends will last a lifetime.”

• Ifyou’veneverbeenactivebefore,startoffslow.Talk to your physician about good ideas to incorporate physical levels in your daily routine. If you do too much too fast, you may get discouraged more easily.

• Don’tletexcusestakeover.People find many reasons not to incorporate physical fitness into their daily routine, but for every reason you can’t do something, there’s also a reason that you can. “Excuses will always be available,” Zimmerman said. “Don’t fall victim to them.”

• Startnow.“We’ve all been given a wonderful gift – the gift to be alive and breathing,” Zimmerman said. “We’re responsible for maximizing that gift and showing our appreciation for what we’ve received.”

HigHligHted Findings

25.2

32.9

18.3

27.2

22.4

30.6

25.4

21.5 21

0

10

20

30

40

Total Male Female White African American

9th graders

10th graders

11th graders

12th graders

In 2008, Percentage of High School Students in Louisiana who Met Recommendations for Physical Activity (60 minutes every day)

Perce

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In 2008, Percentage of High School Students in Louisiana who Watched TV for 2 or More Hours Per Day on an Average School Day


9thgraders

10thgraders

11thgraders

12thgraders

Perce

nt

56.5 56.3 57.7 48

70.8 63.5 60.2

52.8 48.3

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

According to the 2008 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for Louisiana, 25% of high school students met recommendations for physical activity. There was a higher rate of physical activity (60 minutes every day) among males compared to females and among White students compared to African American Students. Physical activity rates declined with increasing grade level.

In Louisiana, 57% of high school students watched TV for two or more hours per day on an average school day, exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for screen time, according to results from the 2008 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for Louisiana.

HigHligHted Findings

In 2003 and 2007, Percentage of Louisiana Children and Youth (ages 10-17) who were Overweight and Obese

18.4 21.2 15.5 16.7 19.7 25.7 15.2 15.5 14.9 15.3 13.8 7

17.2 19.4 14.9 15.2

20.8 8.3 20.7 23.1 18.1 15.2

28.5

12.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

Tota

l

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Whi

te

Tota

l

Whi

te

Afric

an A

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ican

Afric

an A

mer

ican

His

pani

c

Mal

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Fem

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His

pani

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2007

Obese Overweight

2003

Perce

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In 2008, Percentage of High School Students in Louisiana who Smoked Cigarettes on One or More ofthe Past 30 Days


9thgraders

10thgraders

11thgraders

12thgraders

Per

cent

17.6 18.9 16

24.8

6.5

13.3 15.4

18.8

24

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

In Louisiana, 36% of 10-17 year olds were overweight and obese, according to results from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. Data shows that from 2003 to 2007, a larger proportion of children and youth moved into the obese category.

Results from the 2008 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for Louisiana show that almost 18% of high school students reported that they smoked cigarettes on one or more days during the 30 days before the survey. There was a higher rate of cigarette smoking among males and among White students. Smoking rates increased with increasing grade level.

Categories 2008 Grades

2009 Grades Indicators Information

physical activity/inactivity

d D Physical Activity Levels

Only 25% of high school students met the recommendations for physical activity. There were lower levels of physical activity among females and African Americans, and physical activity levels decreased with increasing age.

d D- Screen Time

In 2008, 57% of high school students in LA watched TV for 2 or more hours per day. Over 70% of children and youth in Louisiana had a television in their bedroom. Children who have a TV in their bedroom are more likely to be overweight.

C C Sports ParticipationOver 50% of high school students in LA played after-school sports. However, sports participation declined with increasing grade level, and families who lived below the federal poverty level had lower sports participation.

Health and Health

Behaviors

f F Overweight and Obesity

In LA, one-third of adolescents are overweight and obese. Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults.

inC C-Overall Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Over 30% of Louisiana children and youth in grades 6-12 had depressive symptoms and 12% had two or more chronic health conditions. Adolescents who engage in physical activity are less likely to have low self-esteem and engage in risky behaviors.

— D- Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

In LA, 27% of high school students did not drink 100% fruit juice and less than 4% ate fruit four or more times per day. High school students had a low frequency of vegetable consumption.

— C Smoking StatusNearly 18% of high school students in LA smoke cigarettes. There was a higher prevalence among males compared to females and among Whites compared to African Americans.

Family inC INCFamily Perceptions and Roles Regarding Physical Activity

Almost 86% of LA parents usually or always attended the activities or events of their children. Adolescents who play sports or exercise with their parents are less likely to engage in adverse health risk behaviors. There is insufficient information available on family perceptions and roles regarding PA to provide a grade again this year.

school and Community

d DPhysical Activity Programming at School

Less than 50% of high school students in LA attended physical education classes five days per week. Only 6% of high school students in Louisiana walked or biked to school.

C CTraining of School Personnel in Physical Activity

LA requires newly hired middle and high school physical education teachers to have a college degree in physical education or a related field. Several types of continuing education opportunities are offered to LA physical education teachers.

inC DBuilt Environment and Community Design

In LA, 38% of children and youth lived in neighborhoods without sidewalks or walking paths. Children who lived below the poverty level had less access to parks or playgrounds in their neighborhoods.

policy and investments

B- B-Progress on Government Strategies and Policies

The Louisiana Council on Obesity Prevention and Management maintains a prominent presence that helps guide legislation related to physical activity, healthy eating, and obesity. In the 2009 State Legislature, 6 bills were enacted relevant to physical activity, healthy eating, and obesity.

inC INC Government Investments

Resource allocations to support policies that impact public health are important for enforcement and implementation. Insufficient information is available to determine a grade at this time.

inC INCIndustry and Philanthropic Investment

Rising rates of physical activity and obesity among children and youth have gained the attention and concern of corporate and philanthropic organizations. However, limited information is available at this time with respect to investments.

overall grade d D

Summary of Report Card Grades: 2008 & 2009


Regional Guide to High School Football

26 AREA TEAMS GAME SCHEDULES

PLAYER & COACHING STATSTEAM PHOTOS

PLAY-BOOK

2010

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Absenteeism, turnover, benefits packages and workplace efficiency have often been considered the usual suspects when business leaders have sought to improve their bottom line, but in the past several years, the necessity of workplace wellness has taken hold. Once considered a fringe expense, the cost of employing potentially unhealthy employees is now at the forefront in risk management and human resource offices nationwide. The benefits of workplace wellness programs are supported by numbers. According to the Wellness Councils of America, small businesses experience an average return of $24 for every $1 spent on company wellness programs.

Before partnering with Sterling Wellness Solutions of Crowley in 2006, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s wellness program was simple, yet largely ineffective: They offered yearly wellness evaluations for its employees every year, but didn’t follow-up with employees on how they were maintaining their health.

“We had a workplace wellness program, but we had employees who hadn’t been to the doctor in ten years. They were finding out they had heart disease, diabetes and cancer in its advanced stages,” said Laura Bolton, risk manager for the CPPJ. “For us, it just didn’t make sense to have a wellness program if we weren’t going to do anything with it.”

When the Police Jury first partnered with Sterling Wellness Solutions, the participation rate was 33 percent. Nearly 900 employees, or 86 percent, were enrolled as of this year.

According to a 2005 survey by the Art of Health Promotion, companies who instituted employee health and wellness programs realized a 30 percent reduction in medical and absenteeism costs in less than four years. The parish first realized the financial benefit of their program in 2009, when medical claims dropped and prescription claims increased – the result of employees taking preventative action with their health, Bolton said. The parish has not only experienced the financial benefit of reduced medical claims, but the peace of mind knowing that their employees are taking proactive steps to lead healthy and productive lives.

Workplace Wellness Programs Gain Momentum

According to Bolton, the spike in participation rates is the result of incentives (employees who participate are offered lower health premiums), effective follow-up on bloodwork (test results are explained to employees, who are then referred to appropriate physicians), effective follow-up on health care maintenance (wellness representatives call employees to remind them of check-ups), and high program visibility through educational seminars and other meetings.

“The success of wellness programs can be measured by a company’s bottom line, all of which are affected by increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lowered medical claims,” said Claire Kelbaugh, president of Sterling Wellness.

Health promotion in the workplace takes many forms – from reduced premiums and other financial incentives to on-site gyms or fitness memberships. Administrators at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital implemented an associate on-site walking track to promote healthy activity in the workplace. The hospital was the first company in the area to receive the Start! Gold Level Fit Friendly Status from the American Heart Association in 2009, an honor they received again in 2010.

This year the hospital also introduced their first Living Healthy Weight Management program for associates. The pilot program brought participating employees through a comprehensive 12-week program that included one-on-one education and training in fitness, nutrition and stress management. Seven participants were led to success through personal training sessions with experts at GiGi’s Fitness, nutritional counseling from registered dietitians, and workshops on blending work and life. The participating employees lost a total of 76 pounds.

“The beauty of our program is that it helps employees to be more motivated and empowered in choosing healthier lifestyles and making better-informed health decisions. This will give them more control over their health and well-being in the long run,” said Louse McDaniel, senior health promotions specialist for CHRISTUS St. Patrick.

Research indicates that giving employees control over their health and well-being is the deciding factor to realizing the full benefits of health promotion in the workplace. The Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies found that although savings can take a few years to actualize, a company investment of $100 to $150 per employee each year to participate in a wellness program can save companies $300 to $450 for each employee annually.

ReneeFrank, left, BrianGuillory,TeresaEverett,MaryDavis,ChadRomero, and DeborahLeFleur participated in Christus-St. Patrick Hospital’s Living Healthy Weight Management program, a health promotion initiative offered to hospital employees.

t

by Erin K. Cormier


Our feet are our main means of transportation. The average person puts their feet under tremendous pressure everyday, just from daily activities. For an athlete or someone who exercises regularly, wear and tear on the feet is even more intense.

The shoes you wear for your sport or preferred fitness activity should be as carefully considered as any piece of equipment you use. In fact, according to Foot and Ankle Specialist Tyson Green, DPM, with Center for Orthopaedics, it’s actually the most important equipment to consider. “Your shoes provide the foundation for your athletic performance,” he says. “Choosing the right shoe can make a huge difference in keeping your feet and body healthy.”

Dr. Green says that while it can be difficult to pass up an awesome-looking shoe that matches your team uniform or that just screams “look at me,” in the long run you’ll be glad you did. “The most important thing about a shoe is not how it looks, but that it serves its function—to support and protect your feet during physical activity.”

The first thing you should check for when buying a shoe is the material. “The material for an athletic shoe needs to be breathable, especially for runners,” says Dr. Green. “An all-leather shoe can cause excessive sweating, skin breakdown and athlete’s foot. Webbing on the top part of a shoe is a good choice for this reason.” He also says it is better to buy a running shoe over a walking shoe, because a running shoe has better construction and is lighter and more breathable.

When choosing a shoe style, Dr. Green says it should be a comfortable, perfect fit from the first time you try it on. Everyone should have their feet measured while standing to determine their correct shoe size. A shoe should never have to be “broken-in.” Athletes run a lot, so breaking in a shoe risks injuries and blisters. And just like tires, shoes need to be replaced regularly. “You should swap out your athletic shoes for new ones when the tread starts to wear or the shoe is wearing out in different areas,” says Dr. Green. “For runners, it is recommended that you get new shoes at least every 400 miles. This is about 20 weeks for the average runner. At this rate, an average runner should get about two to three pairs of athletic shoes a year.”

A good athletic shoe should also have sufficient support. “Stabilizing the heel is the most important part of the support function,” Dr. Green says. “The heel controls the rest of your foot, so if the heel is supported, chances are the rest of your foot will be as well.” He explains the “bend test,” which is a good way to test a shoe to see if it has adequate support. “It’s more of a ‘rule-out’ test. If the shoe bends in the middle it is not a good pick, but if it bends in the toes it could possibly be a winner.”

Dr. Green explains that adding an insert to your shoe can give your foot more direct support. “Socks and shoes alone do not give your foot enough support for serious

athletic activity,” Dr. Green says. “There is no shoe out on the market that is made with a sufficient insert because it would be a costly expense. What you purchase is standardized for retail manufacturing, not customized for your foot.“ If you choose to add an insert, he says choose one with a heel cup to offer actual support, unlike a gel insert which is flimsy.

Good quality Inserts can typically be purchased from a podiatrist, orthopedic specialist, or a physical therapist. “Over-the-counter inserts from these sources are fine in most cases, but if someone has a chronic or severe foot problem or injury, they should get prescription inserts,” Dr. Green says. “Orthotics are one-size-fit-all, but there are significant advantages to getting an insert designed specifically for your own foot.” At the Center for Orthopedics, patients can get a foot scan done to acquire an exact geographical map of their foot and its pressure points. “We use this to create a custom orthotic insert that will fit inside any athletic shoe. It can be moved from shoe to shoe and will last longer than your shoes, providing uniform support and comfort, and reducing not only wear and tear on your feet, but more importantly, your risk of foot and ankle injuries.” When asked about trends like barefoot-running and the popularity of shape-up shoes to help people lose weight and tighten and firm their legs and bottoms, Dr. Green says he isn’t a big fan. “Barefoot running may sound natural, but it’s not natural for us in this country. We grow up wearing shoes and our feet and ankles develop with a dependence on this support for walking and running. Our ligaments and tendon structures are not adapted to support bare feet under the stress of running. It can lead to pain and injury.” Regarding the shape-up shoes, he says it’s really just a gimmick; one that can lead to problems. “I have seen more people over the past few months for inflammation in the lower legs and tendonitis in the ankle than I ever have before,” he says. “The advertisements for these shoes claim they give you a work-out when walking. And walking is definitely good for you, but it’s the activity that provides the benefit, not the shoe. You’ll get more benefit from walking by choosing a comfortable shoe that fits well, not by wearing one with a sole that is an unfamiliar size and shape. That can lead to fatigue and increase instability. I know some people swear by them and that’s great, but in my patients, I’ve seen more negative than positive results.”

When it comes to fitness, it’s quality and fit, not gimmicks and flash, that really matter. “Choosing the right athletic shoe doesn’t have to be difficult,” says Dr. Green. “Feet are smart. They’ll tell you if the shoes aren’t right. It’s up to you to listen to them.”

For more information about foot injury prevention, call Center for Orthopaedics at 721-7236 or visit www.centerforortho.com.

Focus on Footwear for Better Fitness

by Haley Armand

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For example, a diabetic will need to check their sugar levels regularly, diligently take medication, and watch what they eat. “A meticulous personality will likely take this challenge and manage their health very well. Someone more laid-back may not be as attentive and have more physical problems,” said Jason Ramm, MD, family medicine physician with Cypress Family Medical Clinic in Sulphur.

While everyone is unique, the majority of personality traits can be combined into these areas:

Extrovertvs.IntrovertPeople who enjoy being in large groups and the center of attention are extroverts. They gain energy from being with others and typically say whatever they are feeling. Usually looking at the broad picture, rather than fine details, they tend to brush aside health warning signs until they become too big to ignore. “If they do see their doctor, it’s typically not for a checkup, it’s for something like the flu, a backache, or pulled muscle,” said Dr. Ramm. “Getting regular screenings, such as a cholesterol check, seldom enters their mind. They may think about it and say they’ll get to that one day. In some cases, a heart attack, or other significant health event, is their first wake-up call that they need to pay attention to their health.”

Extroverts are good about making time to exercise, as long as it’s with a friend or in a group, because the social setting appeals to them. “While this investment in their health is great, it doesn’t completely off-set their tendency to ignore health screenings, elevated cholesterol or poor health habits. Overall, though, extroverts tend to be healthy. Their strong social connections are great for reducing stress caused by their busy schedules,” Dr. Ramm said.

Because of an introvert’s tendency to keep their emotions to themselves, they may have more trouble with health problems like arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and headaches. “They internalize their feelings rather than share them. Often, this erodes the immune system and triggers the production of stress-related hormones,” Dr. Ramm said.

Introverts do well with routines, so regular check-ups fit them nicely. They thrive on researching topics of interest, so they’re usually up-to-date with the latest information on any health concern their facing and are diligent in managing it.

optimisticvs.PessimisticThe heart of an optimist is generally stronger than that of a pessimist. Out of 97,000 women of postmenopausal age, those who scored higher for optimism had a nine percent lower risk for developing heart disease and a 14 percent lower risk of dying from all causes than women who scored lowest for optimism. Women with a high degree of hostility and cynicism were 16 percent more likely to die than their more optimistic counterparts. This study was conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative, a U.S. government-funded study. All of the women were free from heart disease at the beginning of the study.

Pessimists may see these results and feel even more hopeless. “In cases like this, it’s important to point out that everyone has challenges in life, even optimists,” Dr. Ramm said. “It’s how we deal with them that makes the difference.”

Attitude has an impact when it comes to heart disease. “A person’s outlook and how they handle challenges play a significant role in their predisposition to heart disease,” Dr. Ramm said.

Perfectionistvs.Easy-GoingThe way a perfectionist strives to do their best in all aspects of life may lead some to think it’s the most healthy of personalities, but in some cases, it can backfire. On the positive side, they tend to set high standards for themselves and work hard to achieve their goals; conversely, the high amount of pressure they put on themselves could lead to physical problems.

A group of Canadian psychology professors studied the lifespan of 450 adults aged 65 and older with no reported chronic diseases for six years. Those with high perfectionism scores had a 51 percent increased risk of death compared to those with more laid-back scores. The psychologists reasoned that if perfectionism showed this associated risk of death in a healthy population, it might have an even greater impact on those with a chronic disease, which would put their bodies under even more stress.

Those with a more laid-back personality take an easy approach to life. They don’t usually get angry, hold grudges, or plot revenge; but their lassaiz-faire attitude could put them in harm’s way if they think health concerns could never happen to them. He pointed out that lifestyle choices have the most impact on health, so the laid-back types should pay attention to their habits. “Genetics makes up a small portion of health risks, the larger piece of the pie comes from behaviors such as exercise, nutrition, coping with stress levels, and not smoking,” explained Dr. Ramm.

In the end, an optimistic, easy-going extrovert may fare well when it comes to their health, but if that’s not you, don’t force the issue. Personalities are pretty much ingrained from the get-go. Dr. Ramm’s best advice is to recognize the strengths and weaknesses within your personality type and strike a balance in your approach to health.

Are you a yeller? A percolator of ideas? A wallflower or perhaps a people magnet? Personality affects the way people react and respond to all kinds of situations. It also affects their approach to health.

The Personality of Your Health

by Christine Fisher


Consumers know the names of their family physicians and often the nurses who work for them, but according to a survey by the American Pharmacists Association, nearly 70 percent don’t know their pharmacist’s name. With Medco Health Solutions reporting that at least 51 percent of American children and adults take one or more prescription drugs regularly, getting to know your neighborhood pharmacist could mean the difference between effective medication intake and potentially significant side effects.

“As our population ages and more people become dependent on medications than ever before, pharmacists will play an increasingly prevalent role on the healthcare team and in improving medication use and advancing patient care,” John Gans, vice president of APhA, said in a statement used in the organization’s “Know Your Medicine – Know Your Pharmacist” campaign.

According to Renee Baudin, director of pharmacy for Jennings American Legion Hospital, developing a relationship with your pharmacist “can give you an avenue for discussing your medical issues.”

“Pharmacists can view the patient’s complete medication record and counsel the patient comprehensively with all drugs in mind,” she said. “Pharmacists specialize in medications. They can provide insight to things that may not have been covered when discussing their medications with the physician. Pharmacists have a broader knowledge of medications and are more equipped to explain the medication’s side effects, uses, and so on.”

Something as simple as talking to your pharmacist can go a long way in protecting personal health and preventing medication errors, according to the APhA. One of the most common errors people make with their prescription meds is taking them with or without food, Baudin said. Some medications are designed to be ingested on a full stomach to prevent aggravating side effects, while others are best taken without food. Consumption of dairy products while on certain medications is another common mistake, Baudin noted, along with stopping antibiotic therapy prior to completion of course or not taking meds at the appropriate time every day.

The simple instructions printed on the prescription box or bottle are not designed to be a comprehensive understanding of the medication itself, which is

why prescriptions come with detailed information listing its side effects, uses, drug interaction alerts, and active ingredients. Unfortunately, that information sometimes falls by the wayside; according to the APhA, the majority of Americans have no idea what the active ingredient is in their medications.

Knowing the name of your medication and why you’re taking it isn’t enough. For the medication to work appropriately and effectively, there are several things to consider: What time of day should you take the medication? What happens if you forget a dose? What are the potential side effects? Will the meds interact with other medications? Will they interact with food?

“Pharmacists are readily available, highly trusted professionals (and) can present in layman’s terms that which is difficult to understand on the information leaflet,” Baudin said.

Pharmacists are a resource of information for over-the-counter products as well. With so many options to treat common ailments, consumers can easily find themselves lost in the medication aisle. There are more than 100,000 nonprescription medications on the market with more than 1,000 active ingredients, making it critical for patients to consult with their pharmacist before loading up on over-the-counter meds, according to the APhA. The organization said patients should ask the same questions of OTC medications as they do for their prescriptions.

Why You Need to Know Your Pharmacist:To get to know your meds

by Erin K. Cormier


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In Louisiana, our way of life is unique, from strong family values to our love of sports, spicy food and the great outdoors. At the Center for Orthopaedics, we understand this, because all of our physicians are from Louisiana and have chosen to make Southwest Louisiana our home. We’re proud to be part of this community and also proud to be the region’s largest, independent musculoskeletal group. This allows us to provide the kind of medicine our patients deserve in an office where Southern hospitality is not just a cliché, but something we practice every day. It’s a big part of our commitment to providing Southwest Louisiana with the most advanced, patient-focused orthopaedic care available right here in the place we all call home.

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For many students, the road to the adult business world can be tricky to navigate. Career Coach Nikki Fontenot has made it her mission to make the journey less

daunting by arming youth with the vehicles they need to survive and succeed.

Four years ago, she launched a mentoring program based on teaching personal and

professional life skills. The program, “Interview for Life,” piloted at LaGrange High School

and has since mentored hundreds of students

with a growing staff of facilitators that now

includes Fontenot and three other certified career coaches.

“In today’s economy and world, people of all ages

need a combination of life skills and career skills which

make up our program. Especially

in a smaller market like Lake Charles, you have to be creative and innovative to make a good living and be happy. We don’t live in an area like Houston where jobs and careers are in abundance in every field,” Fontenot said. “Finding your talents and using your skills to make a better life for yourself and your community is what we teach.”

Issues and skills taught by Interview for Life facilitators include skills vs. talents, job vs. career, body language, dress, self-confidence, eye contact, attitude, respect, interviewing, resumes and the importance of work-life balance. According to Fontenot, the curriculum is designed to boost confidence, help set personal and career goals, introduce the interview process and prepare students for professionalism.

The program is unique in that it’s brief and interactive – students typically complete the program in five days, which keeps teachers from getting behind on their lesson plans, Fontenot said. The curriculum is specific and approved by the Calcasieu Parish School Board as a required workshop. Interview for Life is now available in all Calcasieu Parish schools.

“The best part is 96 percent of the students said this information was relevant to them,” said Fontenot.

Facilitators are all from the professional world and have been certified in career coaching by the Certified Coaches Federation. They include Fontenot, Mechele Nortman, Angie Rowland and Leslie Montgomery.

For more information on the program, visit www.interviewforlife.com.

Guiding Career Paths with Interviews for Life

by Erin K. Cormier


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A 2007 College Board study showed that higher education is not just good for individuals but also for society. Higher levels of education correlate with higher income, better overall health, greater participation in civic activities, higher levels of volunteerism, and more openness toward different cultures and ideas.

Due to budget cuts, many students who attend state universities will be forced to pay increased tuition. On top of tuition, there are many other fees to consider that can make attending college seem almost impossible. These fees can include books, supplies, housing expenses, food and miscellaneous items. According to Misty Albrecht, VP of Brand.Initiatives.Growth with Main Street Financial, “A lot of people aren’t aware of the funding options that are available.” Albrecht believes that a higher education is the key to a better future and should be within reach for everyone.

There are many ways that students can receive free money for college. Albrecht recommends that parents and students should first apply for grants and scholarships. “The University Financial Aid office where the student has been accepted is a great starting place for this. Knowledgeable staff can help students with deadline and qualification information.”

Another way for students to finance higher education is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) where each student in Louisiana is eligible for Federal Student Loans with low interest rates. “By visiting our website at www.msfinancialfcu.studentchoice.org, students can find a link to an application,” says Albrecht.

Albrecht states that after completing the above steps, the student should receive a letter from their Financial Aid office breaking down the total cost of attendance minus funds that the student has been awarded. “While some parents may have a saving account that they can pay the remaining balance from, many others will turn to private lenders such as Main Street Financial FCU for alternative payment methods.” These methods can include:

PrivateStudentLoansPrivate student loans are a great way to cover any remaining costs of attendance or fees that are not covered by alternate methods. “This type of payment method is set up like a line of credit which makes it easy for students to receive funds each year they are enrolled in school, flexible repayment options, and low interest rates,” says Albrect.

credit cardsCredit cards can be a great option for students and parents. If the student is not eligible for a loan, a credit card may be their only option. However, Albrecht states that the majority of people will qualify for some type of student loan so it is just a matter of comparing products. “Perhaps the credit card has a lower interest rate and the student is able to make payments while attending school, then a credit card would be a better option.”

“Our goal is to help students and parents find the option that is best for them so they can achieve their goal of getting a higher education,”

said Albrecht. “All of Main Street Financial’s front line employees have received extensive student loan training and can help with

answering questions or with the application process.” For more information on student loan options, call (337) 437-3994 or

(800) 436-8328 to speak to someone at one of their three Lake Charles locations.

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College Costs by Katie McDaniel

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ExpEriEncEThe Porch

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IndustryInsiderStraight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

Visit www.laia.com to learn more and submit your question about local industry and the environment.

You’d be surprised at the high number of tests and monitoring industry does to comply with our air permits. We’re constantly monitored, and overall, our air quality is good. Ozone in our area has been below the Environmental Protection Agency standards for the past 10 years; but as the ozone standard continues to become more restrictive, we all have work to do. During the summer heat, ground level ozone is formed when emissions from our cars, lawnmowers, industry and fuels combine and literally bake in the summer sun. Because of the strict industry regulations, we’re meeting air quality requirements, but it takes involvement from residents and

other businesses for our community to remain in compliance with EPA standards. With industry, businesses and residents working together, ground level ozone in Calcasieu Parish can continue to remain within recommended guidelines.

Q:A:

Is anyone monitoring the air quality in our community? If so, how does it rank?

Industries and regulatory agencies continuously monitor air quality and we are within recommended guidelines.

Anna Toddenvironmental professional with area industry

10 New Uses for Velcro

Velcro, whose name is a combination of the French words velour and crochet, was developed in the early 1940s, after Swiss inventor George de Mestral returned home from a walk with his dog and noticed that pesky cockleburs had stuck to his pants and his dog’s coat. Examining the burrs under a microscope, de Mestral found the basis for a unique two-sided fastener―one side with stiff hooks (like the burrs) and the other with soft loops (like the fabric of his pants).

UseVelcroto:

1. Hangpiecesofartorphotosonawall.Stick several strips of Velcro to the wall and to the back of a lightweight frame.

2. Preventajacketorablousefromgapingopen. Sew small pieces of Velcro between the buttons to

create a smooth surface.

3. keeparuginplace.Stick pieces of Velcro to the floor and to the bottom of the rug.

4. Stopseatcushionsfromslidingoffkitchenchairs.Place strips of Velcro on the chair and on the cushion.

5. organizetoys.Affix a Velcro strip to the wall and Velcro pieces to stuffed animals to make cleanup fun for toddlers.

6. keeptrackoftheremote.Use Velcro to attach the remote to the side of the TV when it’s not in use.

7. Removepillsfromsweaters.Use the hook side of Velcro to pull off pesky balls.

8. restrain wayward cords. Keep them in one place with a strip of Velcro.

9. keepapenorpaperhandy.Place a small piece of Velcro next to a desk calendar and on a pen so you can jot down to-dos ASAP. In the car, stick a notepad to the dashboard or the door of the glove compartment and you’ll always have paper for a brilliant thought or a last-minute errand.

10. Picnicinpeace.Keep a tablecloth from flying away by applying Velcro to the underside of the cloth and to the picnic table.

Source: Real Simple

Sometimes, so-called “time-savers” can actually bog down your day, according to John Freeman, author of The Tyranny of Email.

email. We email all day from our computers, and then from the gym on our Blackberry, and then we check it again mid-conversation with our spouses. In a recent poll, nearly 60% of people even admitted to checking their email while on the toilet. The truth of the matter is – the more we email, the more email we get, and that leads to more time spent emailing. It’s not the “I’ll quickly dash off a message and be done” solution it once was. Studies show that the hours we spend emailing don’t cut into our workday or TV time as much as they cut into our family time. So the solution is email less – and you’ll have less email coming back to you.

digital camera. Freeman says that clunky old 35-millimeter actually saved you time. Each roll of film contained no more than 36 photos. That meant, when you ran out, you put the camera down and concentrated on enjoying yourself. You weren’t photographing everything several times to get the right shot. Sure, it’s great to have a digital picture you can email to your friends immediately, but dropping the photos off at the drugstore actually took less time than sorting through all the extra images you have now

Computerizedcallcenters.Call almost any customer-service number and you’ll be greeted by an automated attendant. Freeman says that’s when it starts to get complicated. You’ll find yourself being shuffled to prompt after prompt, you’ll have to repeat yourself when the computer doesn’t “understand” what you just said, and after a few minutes, you’ll start desperately repeating “Operator, operator, operator!” The solution? Check out the website Get2Human.com. It has a list of numbers that’ll get you directly to a live representative – and really save you some time.

Time-Savers That Aren’t


You entered law school through language. Describethatjourney.I have absolutely no Hispanic background – no one in my family speaks Spanish. But for some reason I just fell in love with the language. When I was 15, I thought to myself, ‘I’m only going to succeed to a certain point in math and science. But if I learn how to speak Spanish, suddenly I open the door to communicate with millions of people in this world that I couldn’t communicate with otherwise.’ So, I enrolled in Spanish and loved it. I took three years in high school and knew I wanted to study it in college. I graduated with a degree in Spanish and English from Vanderbilt, but even then, I knew I wouldn’t become fully fluent until I immersed myself in a Spanish-speaking culture. That’s when I decided to move to Madrid. At first it was tough. Speaking Spanish in a classroom setting is far different than speaking it to native speakers in their country. When I finally quit doing translations in my head and was able to understand it, I knew I finally got it. I always knew I wanted to use my love of the language in my career. Immigration law became something I was very interested in.

Immigrationlawisnotoriousforbeingcomplicated.Inwhatareasisyourrepresentationmostcommonlyrequired?There are three areas, really – business immigration, which is working with businesses that typically hire temporary workers; places like hospitals, farms, the seafood industry, landscapers. Second is family-based representation. In that area, the most common situations are a U.S. citizen marrying a non-citizen. Lastly, defense and deportation, which is very interesting and emotional work.

My practice has grown rapidly in the past year. When I first started, people asked me if I’d be able to find clients. It’s apparent that the answer is yes. It has gotten to a point where I’ve had to turn a few cases away.

Immigrationreformhasbecomeahot-buttonpoliticalissueinrecentyears,especiallyrecentlywiththecontroversiallegislationinArizona.Wouldyoudescribethecurrentclimateasharshtowardimmigrants?Andwhatareyourthoughtsonthepoliticalclimateontheissue?I’m asked for my thoughts on this all the time. People have very opinionated ideas about the kind of work I do and the clients I represent. I agree that some type of immigration reform is necessary, and I would also agree that the current attitude is harsh toward immigrants. For me, it’s not a political issue. It’s about representing people in front of a complex system of laws that few people understand. One reason that so many people have misconceptions about immigrants is because it’s easy to view them as one group of people and make blanket

statements. People think, ‘Okay, we’ve got 12 million people here without papers and all they’re doing is stealing our jobs and draining our resources.’ It’s easy for people to make that assumption when they don’t work with individuals and families on a personal level; all they have to do is look at them as one group, and they’re an easy target. But it definitely changes things when you deal with it on a personal level. These are people with families. I don’t view immigration as a political issue. It’s about basic human rights before the court. As far as the law in Arizona, of course I’m against it. I have clients who are here legally and work hard just like everybody else. They don’t deserve to be stopped and harassed based solely on what they look like and how they appear.

Doing the work that I do, I’ve heard it all – every assumption people can make about immigrants in this country – and I just say, ‘Let me tell you a story.’ And I’ll tell them about one of my clients. Sometimes it helps them see that this isn’t just one big faceless group.

Whatkindofstoriesdoyoutell?Oh, I have many. I represented a refugee from Bosnia and helped her remain here. I represented two Iraqi men who came here seeking political asylum. I had a client who didn’t know she was an illegal immigrant until she tried to get married and realized her parents never filed any papers on her. I’ve had family members facing deportation who have been here for years and years and had established jobs and families – children, grandchildren. The stories that stay with me most are the clients who came here as children and didn’t really have any choice or control over their immigration status. They get older and have to face the consequences even though they really had nothing to do with the process of coming here. It’s tough. I have a folder labeled ‘amnesty,’ with the names of people I need to call in case the laws changed. It’s a big folder.

Whichcountriesaremostcommonlyrepresentedinyourclientele?A big percentage is from Spanish-speaking nations. Most are from Mexico or Central America – many from Honduras. I also have Korean, Turkish, Canadian clients. My files represent all kinds of cultures. One reason I love what I do is because I am fascinated and interested in other people’s cultures. There is no culture in the world that is off-limits to my interest.

You’recelebratingoneyearinthisfield.Whathave you learned about yourself through this process?It’s taught me to be much slower in judgment. My clients are judged every day based on the way they look or speak. I’ve also learned that everyone has a story. Everyone has a connection to this country somehow.

first personwith Ashley Foret

First Person is a monthly Q&A that features local names and faces. Ideas for future Q&As? Email [email protected].

Foret’s journey toward law school began with a love of languages.

She took three years of Spanish at St. Louis Catholic High School and majored in Spanish and English at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. With aspirations of becoming a fluent speaker, Foret, who studied abroad in Italy and London, took a job teaching English as a second language in Madrid, Spain. Initially she was unsure where she wanted to take her career, but she knew she wanted to couple her love of language with a love of people and cultures. After a year in Madrid, she returned to the States to study immigration law at Louisiana State University.

During her time at LSU, Foret clerked for Catholic Charities in Baton Rouge, which operated a refugee resettlement program. At the time there were few students studying immigration law at LSU, Foret says, but the field has burgeoned in just a few years as increased focus is placed on immigration reform. After graduation in 2008 she worked as a judicial clerk for Cameron Parish.

With 24 laws enacted or amended since 1868 affecting citizenship, immigration and naturalization, nationality and residency, 23 different Immigrant Acts, and 11 proposed acts of legislation introduced in just the past few years alone, immigration law is often a complicated and frustrating maze of procedures.

Foret, who has been with Stockwell Sievert Law Firm since October, recently celebrated her first year practicing immigration law in the United States. Thrive asked for her thoughts on the current climate toward immigrants and immigration reform, and her experiences representing clients from countries ranging from Latin America to Bosnia.

by Erin K. Cormier

t

Ashley


Q: You addressed men’s hats and when they should be removed. Would you do the same thing with women’s hats? Thanks!

A: Women’s hats are usually part of their fashion statement. Women may keep their hats on inside except in a venue if someone’s view is blocked from behind or when at work unless it is a part of their uniform. Baseball caps on women are not always considered fashion statements. When they are not, they should be removed in a home, at a meal, in a restaurant, when the United States flag passes by or when the national anthem is played. Q: Is there such a thing as “elevator etiquette”? Shouldn’t a man allow a woman to exit first?

A: If the elevator is crowded, then those nearest the door should exit first. If the elevator is not crowded, then a woman precedes a man out of the elevator just as she would out of a room.

Q: I’m having some furniture delivered and I was wondering if I should tip the delivery men?

A: If the furniture was purchased with freight or delivery charges added, then no tip is necessary. You have already paid for the service; however, if during the delivery you ask the men to rearrange some furniture or assemble something that was delivered, that goes above the pre-arranged delivery process and then a tip would be appropriate.

If you are arranging delivery yourself, then it’s best to get the fee determined ahead of time and for timely service with extra care taken to furniture and walls, a tip would be a nice thing to do.

Questions for Best Impressions can be submitted to [email protected].

S

by Rose Klein

T r e a T i n g C h i l d r e n a n d a d u l T s

Journey Behavioral Health

Paula Kline, pmhnp-bc423 cypress street • sulphur, la 70663P: (337) 528-7992 F: (337) 528-7994www.journeybehavioralhealth.com

Medicaid, Medicare & Private Insurance

• Psychiatric Evaluations

• Medication Management

• Play Therapy

• Pet Therapy

• Individual, group, and family therapy

• Eating Disorders

Take a look at your nails. Do you see strong healthy nails or ridges, dents and unusual color or shape? Fingernails are just another type of skin, but not all nails are created equal.

Nails are an important part of the body. They help protect the ends of fingers and toes from trauma and also help us to pick up small objects. “Nails can reveal a lot about the body’s internal health too,” said licensed aesthetician Kimberly Dellafosse, RN, co-owner of Glam-n-Gloss. “Healthy nails are often a sign of good health, while unhealthy nails are often an inclination that there is a more serious problem.”

Nails are composed of layers of protein called keratin which grows from the base of the nail under the cuticle. As new cells grow, older cells become hard and compacted. These older cells are pushed outward toward the fingertips creating the nail. The nail grows on a patch of skin known as the nail bed. Healthy nail beds are pink to dark pink, which shows that there is a rich blood supply.

Common nail problems are:• Brittlenails-oftenoccursfromirondeficiency,poorcirculationandotherproblemsintheendocrine system.

• Discoloration-cigarettes,hairdyes,andtints.• Drynails-cold-weathercausingnailstobecomebrittleandwhitespotstodevelop.

• Greenishnails-usuallytheresultofafungalinfection.

• Ridges-canbeverticalorhorizontal,andusuallycomefromseverestress,areinherited,poornutritionorirondeficiency.

Nail problems that are signs of diseases that require medical attention:• Whitenails-liverdiseasessuchashepatitis.

• Yellowish,thickened,slow-growingnails-lungdiseasesuchasemphysema.

• Yellowishnailswithaslightblushatthebase-diabetes.

• Half-white,half-pinknails-kidneydisease.

• RednailBeds-heartdisease.• PaleorWhitenailBeds-anemia.• Pittingorripplingofthenailsurface-psoriasisorinflammatoryarthritis.

• “Clubbing”apainlessincreasein tissue around the ends of fingers-lungdisease.

• Irregularredlinesatthebaseofthenailfold-lupusorconnectivetissuedisease.

• Darklinesbeneaththenail-melanoma.

“To maintain healthy fingernails, avoid infections, and improve overall nail appearance it is important to make sure you have the vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients needed to maintain nail strength,” Dellafosse said.

She offered these basic tips for keeping your nails healthy and looking their best:•keepnailscleananddry.•Avoidnail-bitingorpicking.•Applyamoisturizertoyourhandseveryday.•Filenailsinonedirectionandroundthetipslightly.•Don’tremovethecuticlesorcleantoodeeplyunderthenail.•Eatabalanceddietandtakevitaminscontainingbiotin.

A manicure is a great way to care for nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week, and every four to six weeks it is recommended to have a professional manicure done. Before getting a manicure done by a professional, make sure that the nail technician properly sterilizes all tools.

A properly done manicure should keep the nails short, square shaped and slightly rounded. If nail polish is applied it should only be a thin coat. As for artificial nails, Dellafosse does not recommend these. “Artificial nails can destroy the natural nail and the chemicals and glue used, in many cases, are harmful to the overall health of the nail. In addition, artificial nails have

also been known to contribute to the development of fungal infection in the fingernails.”

It is easy to neglect nails, but basic nail care can go a long way in enhancing the beauty of your hands and promoting overall health.

For more information on nail health, call Glam-n-Gloss at 313-0222.

Nail Down Betterby Haley Armand Nail Care Nominations Sought for

2010Mayor’sArtsAwardsThe Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is currently accepting nominations from the public for persons to be honored by Mayor Randy Roach at the 2010 Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony which is scheduled for Friday, October 1st at 6 p.m. in the Central School Arts and Humanities Center Auditorium. Award categories include Artist of the Year, Citizen of the Arts, Citizen of the Humanities, Arts Educator of the Year, Cultural Organization of the Year, and Business/Corporate Patron of the Year. The Keystone Award is also given to an individual who works diligently behind the scenes, without whom programs and performances would not be possible. Last year’s winners include Eleisha Eagle for Citizen of the Humanities, Kerry Onxley for Citizen of the Arts, Ken Baskin for Artist of the Year, Susan Arnold for Arts Educator of the Year, ACTS for Cultural Organization of the Year, and Southwest Beverage for Business/Corporate Patron of the Year. Diane McCarthy was chosen as the 2009 Keystone Award winner. Those who wish to nominate an organization, individual, or group should send a letter providing the nominator’s name and full contact information along with the name of the nominee, a statement of why that person/group/organization is being nominated, and the contact information for the nominee. Any nominations without contact information for the submitter will be considered ineligible. You may mail your nomination to the Arts and Humanities Council at P.O. Box 1437, Lake Charles, LA, 70602. You may also e-mail your nomination to [email protected] or fax to (337) 439-8009. All nominations must be received in the Arts Council office no later than Monday, August 30, 2010 at 5 p.m. For more information about this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards, call (337) 439-2787.


© Thrive Magazine836 University, Lake Charles, LA 70605

P:337.310.2099 • F:[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

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1626 Hodges st. • 436-7266 • www.Harlowlms.comLook up and order parts onLine!Stress Free Foods

We all joke about eating chocolate brownies or pints of ice cream to help relieve stress, but there are foods that can actually help you cope with high-stress situations.

Next time you are feeling under the weather, under pressure, or on the verge of that breaking point, reach for one of these stress-free foods that can keep you feeling good without putting on the extra pounds.

OrangesA German study in Psychopharmacology found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C is also well known for boosting your immune system.

Sweet potatoesSweet potatoes can be particularly stress-reducing because they can satisfy the urge you get for carbohydrates and sweets when you are under a great deal of stress. They are packed full of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber helps your body to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.

Dried apricotsApricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

Almonds, pistachios and walnutsAlmonds are packed with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure.

TurkeyTurkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This

amino acid triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is the reason many

people who eat turkey feel relaxed, or even tired, after eating it. L-Tryptophan has a documented calming

effect.

SpinachA deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily needs for magnesium.

SalmonDiets high in omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease. A study from Diabetes & Metabolism found that omega-3s keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.

AvocadosThe monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that one of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas).

Green vegetablesBroccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

Source: Marie Clare

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Sunscreen for BabiesProtecting your child from sunburns isn’t easy, especially with a baby’s sensitive skin. Many mothers find that even if they find the right sunscreen, their baby seems to put their hands in their mouth. According to Dr. Anatole Karpovs, a Pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic of Southwest Louisiana, “I think it’s ok for them to put their hands in their mouth if you apply it before hand 20 minutes before you get into the sunlight; the actual sunscreen ingredient is not toxic.”

Karpovs adds that adult sunscreen is no different than baby sunscreen. “The baby sunscreens may have extra perfumes or dyes but the active ingredients are still the same.” Rather than sunscreen sprays, Karpovs recommends cream sunscreen for a baby’s face to protect their eyes and SPF 30 will work just fine.

Dr. Karpovs says you can start applying small amounts of suncreen as early as two months old, but packaging labels recommend waiting until six months. In the meantime, parents should cover their baby in loose-fitting long-sleeved clothing, stay in the shade and always wear a hat.

Binge Drinking FactsHaving a beer is one thing, but five drinks in two hours is considered binge drinking, and can land you in jail or even the emergency room. There are charts that can help you track how many drinks it will take to impair you. A 160-pound man only needs two drinks before he is legally impaired. The most important thing to know is when a person has had too much and it is time to take them to the Emergency Room.

According to Dr. Joseph Anderson, an emergency room doctor at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, “If someone starts breathing less than 10 times a minute, it is time to start bringing them in to the ER so we can monitor them.” He also adds that, “the legal limit is .08 and if you’re under 21 it’s .02 which is a big difference.”

Underage drinkers actually binge the most. In fact, 90% of all binge drinkers are under 21 years old.

Sauna SafetyMany people use a sauna after a long day at work or the gym to relax and unwind, but before you let off some steam, you should exercise caution. Dr. Jon Gray, a board certified Emergency Medical Physician with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital stated, “In adults, your body temperature can actually reach 105 degrees.” Gray says the same goes for hot tubs and steam baths. Serious bodily overheating can occur if you’re at high risk.

High-risk individuals include those who are 65 years of age or older, those taking blood pressure medications, and those who have a heart problem or other medical conditions. Children should either avoid or limit their exposure along with pregnant women, as it could lead to birth defects.

Prolonged exposure to such extreme heat can cause dehydration and prevent the body from cooling itself off. Healthy adults should limit time in a sauna to 15 minutes, 12 minutes in a steam bath, and 10 minutes in a hot tub.

No matter what the source of heat, Dr. Gray recommends that you first consult your physician and to never go into a sauna, steam bath, or hot tub alone in case you encounter an emergency situation.

Breast Cancer Doesn’t Always Show SymptomsSherry Schofield felt just fine, so when doctors told her she had breast cancer she says she was shocked. “I feel great that’s been one of the hardest things for me, I never felt bad through all of it.”

This March, Dr. Joseph Strong, a surgeon at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital told Sherry that she had breast cancer and that she needed a mastectomy.

Sherry is finished with her treatment and is now cancer free, but she has slowed down. “I’ve had to learn to pace myself because I’d love to keep on going and doing and I don’t like to say no to anything,” said Schofield

“It generally doesn’t cause breast pain or any other symptoms. In fact, a lot of breast cancer is found through your mammogram with nothing you can feel,” said Strong. When it comes to self-tests, “It’s never been shown to lead to earlier detection,” but he also says it can’t hurt to do the self-tests either.

To learn more about these stories and more, visit us on the web at kplctv.com and tune into KPLC 7News daily for the latest news, weather, sports and health reports. You can also stay connected 24/7 on your mobile device at kplc7newsnow.com.

When it comes to your health, useful information is what you need. KPLC 7News is here to help with our Healthcast Report. Get the latest medical news and see medical breakthroughs happening right here in Southwest Louisiana. The KPLC 7News Healthcast Report airs weekdays at 10 p.m. Here’s a recap of some of the most recent health news stories we’ve reported.

FAMILYFESTIVAL 2010

FAMILY AND YOUTHPresents

Lake Charles Civic Center ColiseumSaturday, August 21, 2010 • 9am to 4pm

Tickets can be Pre-purchased or purchased at the door

ADULTS $3.00 – CHILDREN $2.00For group tickets, phone 436-9533

An alcohol free event – NO ICE CHESTSActivities will includeHat Making • Animal Adoption Bus

Live Music • Children’s FactoryCareer Pathways

and much much more

Come enjoy live music!

Above:Winning Poster Design

by Taylor Tran

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Can you Spot ALiar?

The average person tells a lie at least 10 times a week. Here’s how to tell when

someone’s stretching the truth:

Liarsgiveshortanswers.Liars provide fewer details and use fewer words than someone who’s

on the level. That’s because they’re trying to keep track of the things

they’re making up.

Theydon’tusethefirstperson.People who are deliberately

misleading tend to use second- and third-person pronouns like “you,”

“we” and “they,” instead of first person pronouns, like “I” and “me.”

Liars are also more likely to use phrases like, “to tell you the truth,” and “to be perfectly honest,” as if they’re trying to convince both of

you they’re being truthful.

Liarsdon’ttalkwiththeirhands.When we believe in what we’re saying, we make hand gestures

to emphasize our point. However, when someone’s lying, they may

fidget or drum their fingers on the table, but they won’t make wide or open movements with their hands. That’s because they don’t want you

to pay too much attention.

Source: Forbes


WCACMeetingAugust12Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso will speak to the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce at noon Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Sulphur Holiday Inn, 330 Arena Road.

LamarReceivesHoTUnitLamar State College-Orange students listen as Eddie Burns, director of the process technology program, explains how to work the Hands-On Training unit. Lamar is the first college in Texas to receive a HOT unit. The purchase was made through a $150,000 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant.

GatorLoungeAugustEntertainmentDelta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has announced its Gator Lounge entertainment for August. Shows are 8:30 p.m.-midnight Thursdays-Saturdays. Playing are Password, a blend of jazz, disco, R&B, Latin and country, August 5-7; Boomerang, a show/dance band, August 12-14; Bernie Allen, original blues-tinged Zydeco and country-laced Cajun music, August 19-21; and T-Broussard, Zydeco and Creole, August 26-28.

BARCBenefitAugust20Beauregard ARC, the parish’s local organization serving developmentally disables adults, will host its third annual Labor of Love Benefit Concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday, August 20, at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Featured performer is Johnny Lee and His Urban Cowboy Band. Local band Grabow Riot will also perform. A silent auction will be available. Tickets are $30 and include a meal. For more information, call 337-462-2513.

Women’sConferenceAugust21Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church Women’s Ministry will host its annual women’s conference beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 21. Sister Sheretta West of Brookhollow Baptist Church of Houston will speak on the conference theme, “Women Out of Control.......And Loving It!” Also speaking are Pastor Hope Snyder of Christian World Ministries and Minister Betty Price from Sicily Island, LA. Registration fee is $25 before August 14 and $30 after August 14. For more information, contact Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church office at 337 436-6627 or email at [email protected].

MurraynamedFireChiefKeith Murray has been named fire chief of the Lake Charles Fire Department. Murray has more than 21 years of experience and has extensive training and numerous certifications. In 2008, Chief Murray was accepted into the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management, United States Fire Administration, National Fire Academy “Executive Fire Officer Program.” He holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Fire Science from Louisiana State University at Eunice. He also holds a National Registry of EMT-EMT Basic license and numerous Louisiana State University – International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Certifications. He attended McNeese State University. Murray replaces Chief David Manuel, who retired on April 15.

TopDogContestHostedbyFoX29Viewers can upload photos of their dogs to www.watchfox29.com to give their pet a chance to appear on an upcoming commercial for the station. During the commercial taping, dogs will be encouraged to do tricks, bark and play on camera. Winners of the Top Dog contest will be paired with a show to promote on FOX29. Hobo Hotel and 4 Paws Society, two local rescue and animal welfare organizations, have partnered with FOX29 for the competition.

MossRegionalnamesofficersW. O. Moss Regional Medical Center Service Auxiliary installed their newly elected officers for 2010-2011. They are President, Wilma Miles; Vice-President, Melba Duhon; Treasurer, Darsie Derouen; Secretary, Betty Duhon; Correspondence Secretary, Beckie Scott-Fuzee; Social Services, Denise Newman; Gift Shop, Pat Johnson, and Recorder for RSVP, Della Williams.

cameron communications donates to Marshland FestivalPublic Relations Coordinator Trina Johnson displays this year’s Marshland Festival shirt, while Marshland Festival representatives MeaganJohnson,Madison Shore and kevin Moreau accept the $6,500 donation from Cameron Communications.

HospitalCelebrates50YearsW. O. Moss Regional Medical Center recently celebrated its 50 year-anniversary. Built in 1958 to serve Southwest Louisiana including Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and other adjacent parishes, Lake Charles Charity Hospital was the city’s first hospital devoted to indigent care. The four-story facility began accepting patients in July 1960. Moss currently employs over 400 employees and is licensed for 74 beds and provides an abundance of outpatient services. Moss participates in physician residency programs and trains many nutritionist, nurses, and pharmacists as well as partnering with many other health care providers as they offer quality health care for the community.

HartEyeCenterannouncesLASIkwinnerHart Eye Center recently awarded free custom LASIK to “Your Life in Focus” Photo Contest winner Jodel Romero. Romero’s photo “Stretching My Wings,” one of 13 finalists, was chosen by a public vote at HartEyeCenter.com. Second-place winner Lonnie Miller was awarded a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses from Lakeside Optical, located within Hart Eye Center. Lydia Lerman-Spinks won a Canon PowerShot digital camera from a drawing of contest participants.

LocalsCompeteatnationalGamesTen athletes and three coaches from the region were selected to attend the second Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln, Neb. Athletes chosen were Boyd Reeves, Brian Conner, Heather Hebert, Patricia Westrope and Virgilene Cagle, all of Lake Charles; Ashton Lognion of Westlake; Dedrick Chavis and Willie Joyce, both of DeRidder; Hebert Collins of Opelousas; and Jelena Carroll of Sulphur. Coaches chosen were Hilda Trahan, Julie Montague and Tomekia Brown-Briscoe, all of Lake Charles.

Domino’sHostsPhotographyContestDomino’s has launched an online competition called “Show Us Your Pizza,” in which customers can submit a photo of one of their pizzas to compete for one of four $500 prizes. The contest prohibits any artificial manipulation of the product during shooting, among other rules. For information, visit showusyourpizza.com.

RowlandnamedVPatL’AubergeHarold Rowland has been promoted to vice president of resort operations at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Rowland, who joined L’Auberge in May 2006, will oversee all non-gaming operations for the property. Prior to joining L’Auberge, Rowland worked as general manager of the historic Tantallon Country Club in Fort Washington, Maryland and as general manager at The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe, New York. He is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 2007 he graduated from the Cornell University General Manager Program. Active in the hospitality industry, he was appointed to the Louisiana Hotel and Lodging Association board in January 2010.

Arts exhibit centers on VietnamThe Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA , 809 Kirby Street, will present “Vietnam Forty Years Later” by Louisiana native Reggie Keogh through the month of August. The show will bring together a selection of Keogh’s photographs on the Vietnam culture and people, which have been previously published in Vietnam Revisited: Then and now, 1970/1 and 2009. The entire collection highlights the wide spectrum of Vietnamese culture and ethnic groups by capturing religious ceremonies, architecture and nature, cultural festivals, street life, and the everyday faces of the Vietnamese people.

WCCHAnnouncesWinnerofPostercontestTo celebrate the opening of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s new wing, the hospital recently invited all area third, fourth and fifth graders to participate in a poster art contest entitled “What My Hospital Means To Me.” Local fifth-grader Tristan Baggett was named

as the winner of the contest. Pictured are crystal and randy Baggett, parents of the winner, Tristan, and karenLambert, WCCH director of marketing.

CameronStateBanknamedTopnationalPerformerbyABAABA Banking Journal , the national magazine of the American Bankers Association, has named Cameron State Bank as one of the 25 top performing community banks in the country for 2009. The annual ranking was published in the June issue of the publication, and Cameron State Bank was the only bank in the state to be included in the list. Cameron State Bank’s performance was compared to that of other community banks of similar size with assets between $100 million and $3 billion. Performance rankings were based on the institution’s return on average equity (ROAE) for the year.

IncumbentWestlakePoliceChiefAnnouncesBidforRe-ElectionIncumbent Westlake Police Chief Jeremy Cryer announces his candidacy for re-election in the October 2 race for Westlake Chief of Police. Cryer, a life-long resident of Westlake and graduate of Westlake High School, holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Sowela Technical Community College. Cryer has also received advanced FBI training, advanced crimes and narcotics training and attended numerous police academies, including the Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Computer Drug Training Academy. “Thefts and burglaries have been cut drastically

thanks to the hard work and focus of our task force,” said Cryer. By working with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Cryer secured funding for the installation of lap top computers and cameras in all police units. With such technology, officers can write reports without leaving their units, enabling them to spend more time on the streets patrolling. Cryer serves on two state governmental boards, the Violent Crimes and Drug Policy Board and the Louisiana Emergency Response Commission, both of which require being appointed by Governor Jindal. Cryer is the son of Gerald Cryer and Linda Trouille Cryer and is married to Loren Roberts Cryer. He is the grandson of Effie and Alvin Trouille and Jackie and Edward Cryer. He is a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Westlake.

MediaPost Staff Announcements MediaPost has announced that Chris Lognion, founding partner, has regained ownership of the video production company and is now sole owner and producer. Joe Whitbeck, formerly of Whitbeck Advertising, has joined the staff to oversee sales and marketing. Whitbeck has more than 21 years’ experience in advertising, marketing and public relations and has a master’s degree in communications.

ChristophernamedFeatureArtistNatchitoches native Diane Christopher has been named the Featured Artist for the Kiwanis Club of South Lake Charles. Christopher’s work will be displayed at the Jackson Square West Show from November 5-7.

Harold rowland

Jeremy cryer

C H AT T E R • E V E R Y B oDY ’ S TA L k I n ’ • D I D Yo U H E A R T H AT ? • WoW - W Ho k n EW ! • C H AT T E R • E V E R Y B oDY ’ S TA L k I n ’ • D I D Yo U H E A R T H AT ? • WoW - W Ho k n EW ! • C H AT T E R • E V E R Y B oDY ’ S TA L k I n • D I D Yo U H E A R T H AT ? • WoW - W Ho

ChrisLognion JoeWhitbeck


InsurancePre-LicensingCourseofferedThe Louisiana Consortium of Insurance and Financial Services at Louisiana State University in Shreveport will present a Property and Casualty Insurance Pre-Licensing Course from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 20-21 and Aug. 27-28 on the McNeese State University campus. Aug. 18 is the registration deadline and cost for the course is $230, which includes textbooks. This course provides 40 hours of class time suitable to prepare an individual to sit for the licensing exam. Topics include basic terminology, concepts, sales, the fundamentals of insurance law and agent’s responsibility. For registration information, contact the McNeese Electronic Learning office at (337) 475-5075.

kelleyAcceptedinArtMeltHeather Ryan Kelley, visual arts professor at McNeese State University, has had a painting accepted in this year’s ArtMelt, an annual summer event in Baton Rouge that features work by 100 Louisiana artists. Kelley’s accepted work, “Walk-O-Matic,” is an oil on canvas painting from the series Piso Mojado. The event is set from 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the Louisiana State Museum on 660 North 4th Street. Jurors for this year’s exhibition are Paul Dean, associate professor at the Louisiana State University School of Art, Denny Mecham, executive director of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, Miss., and Andrea Pollan, executive director of the Curator’s Office in Washington, D.C.

kandalam Published Dr. Anil K. Kandalam, McNeese assistant professor of physics, has recently co-authored articles for two journals: “Origin of the Unusual Properties of Aun(BO2) Clusters” recently published in ChemPhysChem journal and featured under “Hot Topics in Gold” by Wiley InterScience, the publishers of ChemPhysChem journal; and “Reactivity of Neutral and Charged B13 Clusters with O2: A Theoretical Study,” recently published in the Journal of Chemical Physics. He also made a presentation titled “Indo-U.S. Workshop on Nanotechnology: Applications and Implications” at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Hyderabad, India, and co-edited a conference proceedings book, “Materials Issues in a Hydrogen Economy” for the World Scientific conference in Singapore.

StudentsReceiveInternshipsThree students in McNeese State University’s College of Business have recently been selected for internships in Houston, Texas, and in Washington, D.C. They are:

AngelicaMariaGonzalez-Pimiento, accounting and finance major from Colombia in South America, is currently serving as an accounting intern for the corporate office of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Washington, D.C., established in 1887. Gonzalez, who will graduate in December 2011, has already completed a human resources internship with Unilever in Bogota, Colombia, during summer 2007 and an accounting internship with McElroy, Quirk and Burch of Lake Charles during spring 2010. She is the incoming president for the McNeese student chapter of the Society for Human

Resource Management.

Beth raley, accounting senior from Lake Charles, will serve as an intern for Hein and Associates LLP of Houston, Texas, during spring 2011. Raley was chosen from a field of approximately 60 prospective interns from universities across the country. For over 30 years, Hein & Associates LLP has provided accounting and advisory services to public and private companies in a variety of industries. Raley has completed previous accounting internships with Gragson, Cassiday and Guillory of Lake Charles as well as McElroy, Quirk and Burch.

chet Trahan, a Jennings graduate student pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree, is serving a 10-week summer internship at The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. office in Houston, Texas. As an intern, Trahan will be working on marketing strategies focused on corporate banking for the energy industry. Trahan will graduate in December 2010.

McNeese Corral

AngelicaMariaGonzalez-Pimiento

Beth raley

chet Trahan

FlaresFiguring Out

They can light up a night sky and make it seem as though something dreadfully wrong is taking place. Flares at local industry have caused many out-of-town visitors, and locals for that matter, to wonder what could be happening.

Flares are actually a safety mechanism, according to Joe Andrepont, community affairs representative with a local industry. “It looks like something is burning, so it’s understandable that it causes concern. But, the purpose of the flare is to minimize air pollution and prevent industrial accidents.”

Within the processes at some local industries, excess fuel gas is produced or it is impractical to continue storing a product. Flaring, or a controlled safe combustion, is the best solution in those cases. “Rather than venting potentially damaging hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, flares eliminate excess pressure and process gas by burning it off,” explained Andrepont.

Another cause for concern is the noise associated with flaring. Andrepont says it’s due to the introduction of steam within the flaring process. “Steam is used

as a coolant to promote a clean burning flame. When the steam is introduced, it creates a hissing or rumbling noise. The steam cools the system and reduces smoke.”

Because of the light from the flare and the noise, residents may not look too favorably at industries while they flare. “I’ve gotten many phone calls and comments from people while we’re flaring,” Andrepont said, “but once I give a brief explanation of what’s happening and why we’re doing it, they usually understand. We know it’s a nuisance, and it actually costs the company money to flare. We don’t want to do it, but it’s the safest way to handle the product at times. We try to minimize it as much as possible.”

For more information on flaring, or to submit a question about an industrial process, visit www.laia.com.

by Christine Fisher


1747 Imperial Boulevard, Lake Charles(337)721-7236

Get Back to Lifewith advanced treatment options at the Spine Pain Center.

We take a conservative, multi-disciplinary approach to neck and spine pain treatment, with a team led by two board certified physicians: an orthopedic surgeon and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Our goal is to provide the right treatment at the right time to restore the highest level of pain-free function. Our services include: • Patient Education • Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation • Interventional Injections • Minimally Invasive Procedures • Spine Surgery

If back pain is keeping you from enjoying your life, call the Spine Pain Center today at 721-7236 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

We’ve Got your Back --for Anesthesia Coverage TooWe perform outpatient spine and neck surgery and pain injections at Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center, where full-time anesthesia coverage is available. We have negotiated in-network anesthesia agreements with major insurance providers in our area. So you can get the care you need and get back in action as soon as possible.

www.centerforortho.com

1636 Elton Road, Suite 204824-7833www.jalh.com

Johnny Segura, MD, family medicine physician, is a Jennings native and glad to return, providing health care for all ages. Dr. Segura is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received his medical degree from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.

Appointments are now available and Dr. Segura’s office will accept most major insurance plans.

Low landscape maintenance is the goal of homeowners, but it’s possible only through proper planning. With the fall planting season coming soon, begin your planning now.

Home gardeners who enjoy caring for their grounds may find themselves designing an elaborate landscape, which requires high maintenance. A simple landscape design is more manageable.

It is important to consider maintenance at the planning stage. Elevations, trees, flowers, shrubs and projected use of an area all are primary considerations. You can achieve low maintenance in a landscape by adopting some or all of the following recommendations:

reduce the amount of lawn care. How many times does a lawn need to be mowed during a given year in Louisiana? Probably 30 times if it is done properly.

Usegroundcoversandmulchtominimizeweedproblemsandtofillinoddlyshapedareas.You’ll need to maintain and groom these area only once or twice a year to keep things looking fresh.

Minimizeflowerbeds.Typically, the more flower beds in a landscape, the more maintenance is required. You can select flowering perennial plants instead of annuals to reduce maintenance and long-term cost.

Whenselectingplants,remember which plants require the least amount of pruning, watering, pest control and fertilization.

Usenativeplantsincombinationwithintroducedspeciestohelpreducemaintenance.Native plants often require less maintenance and add valuable benefits to a landscape. Pest problems also are minimized.

Pave heavily traveled areas or use gravel pathways with weed-barrier fabric underneath.

Usewalls,fencesorotherphysicalbarriersinsteadofformallyprunedhedgesorscreens.Walls and fences need maintenance only every three to five years, but formally pruned shrubs may need pruning two or three times annually.

Installanirrigationsystem.This lessens the amount of hand watering. If you manage the system properly, you will apply water more efficiently and more effectively.

For more information on landscape maintenance, visit the Louisiana Yards and Neighborhood initiative at www.lsuagcenter.com.

High Time for Low Maintenance Landscaping


CONTESTLog on to watchfox29.com and

submit a photo of your furry friend for a chance to make your pet a TV Star!

We’ve become a nation of sitters. You’re probably sitting down right now, and odds are you spend more time sitting than you realize. New research from the Institute for Medicine and Public Health reveals that the average person now spends 56 hours each week sitting – this doesn’t include sleeping. It may seem hard to believe, but when you take a closer look at your daily activities, it’s easy to see how the conveniences of our high-tech world are allowing us to sit our life away.

A growing body of research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. The problem has become so common, that most experts agree that “sitting disease” has become an epidemic. Earlier this year, British experts linked prolonged periods of sitting to a greater likelihood of disease, and Australian researcher reported that each hour spent watching TV is linked to an 18% increase in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, perhaps because that time is spent sitting down. Just last month, the American Cancer Society released results from a 13-year study that found the more a person was sedentary, the higher their risk of mortality, particularly in women.

“Our bodies were designed to move,” says Maureen Kaough, MD, primary care physician with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group. “We’ve evolved to stand upright, walk on two feet, and for thousands of years, our environment demanded nearly constant physical activity. That is not the case any longer.”

Technological advances have resulted in a work environment that requires little or no physical activity for many people, with much of the workload managed from behind a desk. “People today find themselves communicating with others in their own office by phone or email, instead of walking down the hall,” says Dr. Kaough. “And the faster technology develops, the more demands people place on themselves, often working longer hours and eating at their desk to keep up the pace, and it’s all done sitting down.”

Outside the workplace, electronic living has also taken a big bite out of what was once typical daily activity. “You can shop, pay bills, watch television, download music and catch up with friends without so much as standing up,” says Dr. Kaough.

And even if you exercise, you’re not immune to the effects of sitting disease. Researchers say we’ve become so sedentary that 30 minutes a day at the gym may not do enough to counteract the detrimental effects of eight, nine, or 10 hours of sitting. “This is one big reason so many women still struggle with weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels despite exercising regularly,” says Dr. Kaough. She explains that when you sit for an extended period of time, your body starts to shut down at the metabolic level. When muscles are immobile, your circulation slows and you burn fewer calories and less fat.

That’s not all. The less you move the less blood sugar your body uses. Research shows that for every two hours spent sitting each day, your chance of developing diabetes goes up by seven percent. Your risk for heart disease also increases, because enzymes that keep blood fats in check are inactive. You’re also more prone to depression: With less blood flow, fewer feel-good hormones are circulating to your brain.

A recent study found that regardless of how much moderate to vigorous exercise participants did, those who took more breaks from sitting throughout the day had slimmer waists, lower BMIs (body mass indexes), and healthier blood fat and blood sugar levels than those who sat the most. In a recent extensive study of 17,000 people, Canadian researchers drew an even more succinct conclusion: The longer you spend sitting each day, the more likely you are to die an early death—no matter how fit you are.

The good news is you that fighting sitting disease is not that difficult if you put a little effort into it

“We’ve got to stop limiting our thoughts of physical activity as a set part of our day, like a run or a workout at the gym, and take more of a whole-day approach to physical activity. You don’t have to sweat to realize the benefits of activity – you just have to move. ”

TakeaStandAgainst

Sitting DiseaseMostly c’s: It’s possible that you have joined ranks with the millions of Americans who have chosen sitting over moving. You’re definitely not alone – but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. Make it a life goal to get fit. Leading a sedentary lifestyle has detrimental health effects, including obesity, which can lead to even more health threats. Modern conveniences have made it easy for us to sit still, even when our minds are moving. Get off the chair and get those blood vessels flowing! Stand up when you talk on the phone. Deliver a message in person instead of over email. Take the stairs. Get on the treadmill. If you’ve been at your desk for an hour, stand up and move around. You don’t even need a destination – just remind your blood to circulate!

1. Howmuchtimedoyouspendwatchingtelevisionperday?a. Idon’twatchtelevision.b. 1-2hours.c. 2 hours or more.

2. You’reatwork.It’sbeenanhourandfifteenminutes.Howmanytimeshaveyougottenupfromyourdesk?

a. Severaltimes.I’mrarelyatmydeskforlongperiodsoftime.b. One or more times.c. Ihaven’t.

3. Youhavetenmessagesyouneedtosendtoco-workersinyouroffice.ofthese10,howmanydoyouthinkwillbeconveyedviatechnology,whetherit’saphonecall,textoremail?

a. I’llwalkovertomostoftheiroffices,andsendothersthroughtechnology.

b. I’llsendmostviaemail,butImaygetuptodeliveracoupleofthem.c. Mostlikely,allwillbeconveyedbytechnologicalmethods.

4. Whengiventheoptionbetweenstairsandanelevator,whatarethechancesthatyou’lltakethestairs?

a. 75percentofmore.b. 50percent,dependingonhowIfeel.c. I’lltaketheelevatoreverytime–let’sfaceit,stairsarehard.

5. Whatpercentageofyourdayisspentstandingversussitting?a. Probablyhalfofmydayisspentstanding;theother,sitting.b. I’monmyfeetalittlelessthanhalfoftheday.c. I’mrarelyonmyfeetforanysignificantperiodoftime.

6. Howoftendoyouexercise?a. 2hoursormoreperweek.b. Between1-2hoursperweek.c. Rarely,ifever.

Mostly a’s: You may be at low-risk for sitting disease. You seem to spend a good deal of your time moving around, which is ideal. Be sure to keep it up, or even take it up a notch by adding an extra element of exercise in your week.

Mostly b’s: You may not have sitting disease, but you could be headed that way. When presented with the option of moving or sitting, try to choose moving more often than not. Walk down the hall to chat with a co-worker or opt for the stairs instead of the handy elevator. Incorporate exercise into your life.

Dr. Kaough offers these additional tips for fighting the effects of sitting disease:• Standupeveryhalfhourorso–setanalarmifyouhavetountilyougetinthehabit.Ifyouaregoingtohavetosetbackdownagain,walkaroundforafew minutes before you do so.

• Uselesstechnology.Ifyouhaveaquestionforyourco-workerdownthehall,don’tshootthemane-mail;walkoverandaskface-to-face.Ifyouwanttocatchupwithaneighbor,walkovertotheirhouseinsteadofcheckingtheirFacebookpage.

• Standingusesmoremusclesandburnsmorecaloriesthansitting,sotrainyourselftostandwheneveryoutalkonthetelephone.

• Askfriendstogoforawalkduringlunchinsteadofchattinginthebreakroomoreatingatyourdesk.

• Usethestairsinsteadoftheelevator.• Moveyourtrashcan,watercooler,faxmachineandotherfrequentlyusedofficeequipmentfurtherawayfromyourdesksoyou’llhavetogetupandwalktousethem.

• Shopatthemallorlocalstoresinsteadofonline.• Cookathomeinsteadofpickinguptake-out.• LimitTVtimetotwohoursadayorless,andgetmovingwhileyouwatch.Useatreadmillorotherexerciseequipmentwhileviewingyourfavoriteshow.Ifyoudon’thaveexerciseequipment,marchinplaceordootherexercise.

Do you have “sitting disease”?Determine your risk factors with this quiz.

by Kristy Armand


It seems that at times I am classified as a “mean mom” among my son and his friends. That was never my goal, but apparently that’s what I’ve become.

My “meanness” started when my child was an infant. One of my friends, who knew me well, told me about a particular book on infancy. The book was right

up my alley. It was recommended that you have your child on a schedule right from the beginning – sleep, then eat, then awake time, then sleep.

Several people I knew scoffed at the book – “It will never work. You can’t get an infant on a schedule – they get you on a schedule!” Well, I decided

to try it anyway. For my own sanity, I needed to be able to plan my day. In order to plan my day, I had to know when my child would be sleeping/eating/

awake. Lots of people thought I was crazy to wake my infant up at 7:00 am no matter what time he had last gone to sleep. But that was the schedule I had devised, so

I decided to stick to it. Miracle of miracles, it worked. My son was soon on a predictable schedule and I could tell you with accuracy what he would be doing at certain times of the day. Which meant I could also figure out when I could grab a shower, plan a lunch with a friend, catch a nap, etc.

The meanness was carried out in other ways, as well. My son was never allowed to sleep with my husband and me. He was out of his layette in our bedroom and in his own room within two weeks of his birth. Why? Because I wasn’t sleeping as long as he was in the room with us. I heard every movement, every sigh, every snuffle. His bedroom is right next to ours anyway, so he wasn’t being relegated to the other end of the house.

A couple of results came from these decisions that are still in place nine years later. One:my son rarely gets frantic. Because as an infant he was awoken and immediately fed, he learned that his needs would be met and he didn’t have to pitch a fit to get attention. I try very hard to be responsive to him when he is speaking to me. I want him to know he can get my attention without having to yell or act out. Two: he is an excellent sleeper who goes to sleep on his own and stays asleep all night. I’ve asked if he wakes up in the night, and he says, “yes, but I just turn over and go back to sleep.”

As my son grew older, the meanness began to take other forms. Food was a big issue. Lots of people thought I was way overboard on the healthy eating thing. Frankly, I thought I was being lenient. If I had been a homemaker, I’m pretty sure I would have made my own baby food. As it was, my insistence on fresh fruits and veggies as teething materials (if you’re going to be gnawing on something, it might as well be healthy) has trained my son that those are the go-to snacks, and junk is only an occasional thing. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like he goes to other people’s houses and says, “No, thank you. I don’t want pizza. Got any broccoli?” TV has also been an area where I have been and continue to be mean. I have a child who would watch TV or play video games 24/7 if I’d let him. But I don’t. He knows that when he’s with me, he’s going to have limited “plugged in” time. I continue to preach to the other people in his life that anything more than one hour of TV per day, and brain function begins to be hampered. So, I’m sticking with that one too. When he has friends come over, they all know not to head straight for the video games. Oh no – you guys are together to play, and play you shall! Amazingly enough, they often get so engrossed with playing that they don’t notice the time I gave them that they could play video games has come and gone. (And I’m certainly not going to remind them.) Another reason I keep the TV off when friends are over, is that’s when I get to interact with the friend. As we’re playing Mexican Train or Monopoly, I’m getting to watch these kids build a friendship – a beautiful sight!

Sure, it would have been easier to give in to all the things my child has asked for over the years. My personal time would certainly be more abundant if I let him zone out in front of the TV all the time. But it’s not about me. It’s about growing this person and helping him be as healthy as possible. Besides, I’ll have plenty of time for myself when he’s gone. Until then, the vigilance (and the meanness) continues!

Next month, I’ll share with you even more ways my meanness has reached epic proportions!

This monTh: mean mom - And Proud of it!

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

!Solutions for Lifefrom SolutionsEmployeeAssistanceProgram

WhyWaitUntil She’sBorn to SeeHer BeautifulSmile?You can get a clear picture of your baby’shealth and maybe even a glimpse ofpersonality, while still in thewomb. OBG-1's ultrasoundsystem takes prenatal ultrasoundimages to a whole new dimension.Literally.

The ultrasound system combines 3Dimages with a fourth dimension, time.

The results of the3D/4D ultrasound arelive-action, high-resolutionimages of the baby.

Mothers who choose to have the 3D/4D ultrasound administered will receive two3” x 5” color photographs, two 2” x 3” black and white images and a CD-ROM, allowingthe images to be printed out, or e-mailed to friends and family. The cost is $150.

OBG-1 is accepting orders from other physicians whose patients wish to experience these incredible images.These ultrasounds are available in our Lake Charles office. For more information, please call (337) 312-1000.

1.866.312.OBG1 • obg-1.com • 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 110, 312-1000

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

OBG-1_fullpage_thrive:full page cmyk_thrive 7/28/10 3:47 PM Page 1


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and UnexpectedAches Pains

Strains

AccessoryZone–Missoops’®RescueSpongeMiss Oops’ Rescue Sponge is perfect for cleaning up messes on the go! This dry sponge is designed specifically to remove deodorant, baby powder, and makeup from clothing without needing water. “This is not your typical sponge, and it’s great for removing those embarrassing marks without water and without the worry of having to hide the mark all day,” says Accessory Zone owner, Rhonda Kleckley. Each red sponge is 3”x3” and has scalloped edges which allow for greater use in hard to reach areas, such as in between buttons. Best of all, the sponge is reusable and safe for use on all fabrics. To use, simply rub the sponge against the offending spot and watch it disappear.

Expressions–BillyJealousy’s™AboutFace™Anti-AgingSerumSay goodbye to your complexion flaws with this anti-aging serum! This citrus scented formula is made for all skin types and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, large pores, and wrinkles. The serum also treats skin-deep scar tissue, moisturizes, removes dead skin cells, and restores PH balance, revealing

healthier, smoother, and more youthful skin. According to Susie Book, owner of Expressions, “I tested a bottle one night for my laugh lines, and when I woke up the next morning, they were gone. Its magical and I don’t ever leave town without it!” To use, dispense 2-3 pumps onto fingertips and work gently into your face, neck and all areas of obvious decline. For best results, use every other night before going to bed.

For more information on these products, visit the retail shops listed above.Ifyourshophasanitemthatyoufeelfitsthe“bestkeptsecret”category,[email protected]

Best Kept ShhecretIn each issue, we will spotlight “best kept secret” items found within local retail shops; the things that

could make your life better if you only knew about them.

t

t

by Katie McDaniel

NewFeature!


DeilLaLandesaid depending on the person and situation, he handles conflicts differently. “If the conflict is something I know and expect to happen, I make sure to have all of the facts before entering.” His objective is to see their side and show them his. “If I am not prepared and really want to end it or win it, I will wait and notice slip ups in their speech.” The goal of a conflict, LaLande said, isn’t to win and leave the other party feeling worthless, but to get a point across. LaLande laughingly added, “I’m a stubborn guy too, so I hate to lose, just ask my girlfriend!”

Unless you live alone in a cave, odds are you’ll experience conflict with those you live and work with from time to time, and you won’t always agree on things. Thrive asked five local residents:

“How do you handle conflict?”

Become a fan of Thrive on Facebook so you can give tips on future High Five topics!

by Haley Armand

EthanMcInnissaid when involved in a conflict he likes to take a step back for a few days and give the other person and himself time to cool off. “Trying to talk things over with someone who is worked up or angry will not solve anything. A person’s temper could get the best of them and could provoke them to say things and act in a way that they will later regret.” McInnis added that it is always best to discuss things when all people involved have a level head. “Usually a conflict arises over confusion between people that can easily be resolved after a calm discussion.”

Genna Guidry said in dealing with conflict she canget a bit hot headed, especiallyif it is something she values morally or it is dealing withfamily. “In this case I would behonest and straightforward, Guidry added that she would approach the person in a mild manner, not raising her voice, but at the same time having conviction and persistence. If the conflict were a conflict in her profession, she said she would approach it with more of a professional attitude. “I would approach the personor issue in a calm manner andexplain why there is a conflictin our views and ask how thematter could be resolved. If thedisagreement could not beresolved, or a compromise not reached, I would leave it how it is and work to get over it. There’s no sense in having a lingering conflict in the workplace.”

JordanToepfersays she tries to avoid conflict, but if she can’t she confronts the other person involved. “Going straight to the person involved in the conflict is always the best idea. Involving other people in the conflict or getting worked up over it and blowing things out of proportion only make the situation worse.” Toepfer added that after a solution has been reached, she likes to discuss ways to avoid the problem from arising in the future.

cheryl Gully says, “When dealing with conflict, I’d have to say that both sides need to be heard so that no one makes a snap decision or judgment against one another.” She added that most of the time conflict is caused by a simple miscommunication or wrongful assumption. “There is always more to the story than what is on the surface. Being a good listener along with talking it seems to work.”

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1.888.878.0337

Howaremyretirementbenefitscalculated?HowdoIreplacealostorstolenSocialSecuritycard?HowdoIapplyforMedicareExtraHelp?HowcanIgetareplacementMedicarecard? According to the local Social

Security office, these are some of the most common questions received from the public.

To answer a bulk of these inquiries, Social Security has updated its frequently asked questions feature on its website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Through the Web site, you can get your

questions answered and also apply for benefits, use financial planners, request replacement cards, and complete other actions typically serviced by SS.

Get Your SS Questions Answered

Myths About Job HuntingEveryone knows the job market isn’t that great these days, but giving up isn’t an option. Don’t make your search more difficult by believing these common myths:

Gimmicksmakeyoustandoutinthecrowd.In this economy people will do anything to get noticed, like the recent college grad who stood outside a company with a big sign strapped to him that said “HIRE ME, I’LL MAKE YOU MONEY!” Or the jobseeker who sent 10 chocolate feet to a company with a note that read “I just wanted to get my foot in the door.” Most hiring managers agree that gimmicks and stunts are more annoying than intriguing. If you really want to get their attention write a great cover letter and clearly show how your experience will benefit their company.

Acollegeeducationguaranteesyouaspotatthetop.Not true. When a job requires a degree it’s a minimum requirement. It’s real world experience that gets you ready for higher level jobs. So, if you’re a recent grad, be ready to start at the bottom.

Ifyoucan’tfindajob,gotogradschool.Grad school is expensive, time consuming and probably won’t make you any more marketable than you were before. While everyone else is getting real world experience, you’ll be writing papers. You should go to grad school if your chosen profession requires it, or if you’re passionate about a field of study. Otherwise, stay in the job market.

nevershowweaknessinaninterview.This is a big myth. Everyone has something they can work on. When you try to hide your faults from a hiring manager, it comes off as fishy. Instead, give them a realistic assessment of your pros and cons and let them decide if you’re right for the job. After all, you don’t want to talk your way into a job that’s over your head and end up getting fired anyway. Source: US News and World Report


Where do you stand in

the mix?

For anyone who has followed the state of the national economy over the past several years, the news that American credit scores have tanked to a new low doesn’t come as much of a surprise. An increased dependency on credit has been targeted as one of the reasons why many Americans found themselves in a financial pinch as the new millennium comes out of its inaugural decade. The rocky national economy, which has resulted in job loss and cutbacks for many, only aggravates an already shaky situation – now, more than ever before, Americans have relied on credit to carry their lifestyle. A steady rise in credit dependency from the 1980s until today has finally reared its undesirable consequence: More than 25 percent of consumers now have a credit score of 599 or below.

The FICO Inc. credit scoring system gives lenders a snapshot of a potential consumer’s credit worthiness. Scores range from 300-850. The highest-scoring consumers, considered the least risky, receive the most loan approvals and best interest rates. Although the determination of whether a consumer is credit-worthy or not depends on individual lenders, a credit applicant with a score of 599 or lower is generally considered a high-risk for lenders, making it more difficult for them to secure lines of credit.

“The consequences of having a low credit score can be significant,” said Mike Harmison, Executive Vice President with Cameron State Bank. “It means that the consumer will have trouble getting an auto loan, mortgage loan, and other types of credit that most of us have generally come to rely on, especially now that tighter lending standards have been implemented in the wake of the recession.”

According to the most recent figures released by FICO, more than 2 million consumers have joined the ranks of those with scores at 599 or below. In the past, only about 15 percent of credit-holding consumers have been in this category.

“The increase could be attributed to many factors. In addition to having too much debt compared to income, many Americans have lost their jobs. Medical bills have also put a strain on family finances, especially as baby boomers age,” Harmison said.

He says now is a good time for consumers to check their own credit scores to see where they stand. “Consumers can request their credit score at no cost at least once a year, and they should do it faithfully. One tip is to use your birthday as a reminder to check your FICO score. Knowing your credit score not only helps you prepare for

future financial decisions, it also reassures you that no fraudulent activity has happened under your name. Identity theft has risen in recent years and it’s always a good idea to make sure no one has tampered with your credit,” Harmison said. “By reviewing your credit report you may also come across some issues that you want to dispute, such as if you’ve paid off an account and it’s still listed as an

outstanding account.”

Many consumers are confused by their FICO score; they’re unsure how it’s

calculated, what role in plays in obtaining credit and how it can be changed in their favor.

Harmison explained that the FICO score aims to answer typical questions that lenders would have

about an applicant, such as: Will this person be able to pay back the loan? Does this person have a good track record of

repayment? Does this person have too much other debt as it is? Will this person take on more debt later, which could decrease

their ability to pay back this one?

Here are the basics on what is included in your FICO score, how it’s calculated, and what it means for most Americans, according to

Cameron State Bank and FICO Inc.:

Payment history.Lenders want to know if you will pay back your obligation in a timely fashion.

One way for lenders to determine the chances of timely repayment is your past history. FICO considers your payment history on lines of credit for many different accounts – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, retail accounts, finance company loans, mortgage loans, delinquencies on medical bills, and so forth – to calculate your score. A good track record on most of your credit accounts will increase your score. Payment history carries the most weight in determining your score. According to FICO, about 35 percent of your score is based on this category.

Amounts owed. Lenders want to make sure that you haven’t overextended yourself. Let’s say you earn $80,000 a year, for example. You have a solid payment history, but you owe money to many different lenders – so much so that your debt gobbles up 70 percent of your income. Even with a solid payment background, lenders may be wary to lend more money to someone who owes so much. That’s why amounts owed account for about 30 percent of your FICO score. FICO determines how much money you owe, how much of your available credit you use, and how many installments you have left on existing accounts.

Money Matters...answers to common questions about

investing from the Investment Executivesat Mallard Investments

QUESTION:What happens to the price of bonds when interest rates go down?ANSWER:The price goes up. Bond prices and interest rates typically move in opposite directions. When the level of interest rates rises, bond prices fall. When interest rates fall, it is generally a good thing for bondholders because it leads to price gains. In this way, bonds may offer diversification away from the stock market.

To learn more about managing your investments wisely, call Mallard Investments at (337) 312-7040.

(337) 312-70404440 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles

Stacey Corbello, Investment Executive/Wealth Consultant

Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency Not a Bank Deposit

Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency Not a Bank Deposit

Diversification can not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Securities and insurance products offered by UVEST Financial Services and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC. UVEST and Mallard Investments are independent entities.

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

Credit Scores Tumble to New Low

Lengthofcredithistory.Lenders want evidence of a solid and responsible credit history. Consumers without much credit history won’t have much to show. “If you’re about to lend someone $200,000 for a mortgage loan, it helps to know that the consumer understands credit obligations and has a way to prove that they will act responsibly,” Harmison said. Having established credit accounts for about 15 percent of your score, according to FICO.

newcredit.Are you amassing more and more debt? A lender may be wary of giving money to someone who continually borrows money. It may mean that the consumer will eventually get over-extended, which is why about 10 percent of your FICO score is based on new credit.

Typesofcredit.Do you have experience with different types of credit accounts? Is your debt diversified? Lenders like to see that consumers have a healthy mix of credit. This factor weighs in about 10 percent of your overall score.

So, what’s considered a “good score”? According to Harmison, that answer is difficult to determine because it depends on individual lenders. “The FICO score merely provides lenders with a calculated snapshot of a person’s credit history. It doesn’t tell lenders whether they should or should not lend money to that person – that decision is left to the discretion of the lenders themselves,” he said. “Each institution will have their own standards as to what kind of score they will accept and the interest rates that they will offer to someone with a score of 800 versus someone with a score of 550. The key is to get your credit score as high as possible and if you plan on applying for a line of credit – whether it’s a mortgage or an automobile – check your score at least six months in advance so you can come up with a game plan on how to raise your numbers. Also, talk to your lender of choice to find out what their particular standards are.”

by Erin K. Cormier

Mark Your Calendar! The fun never stops in Southwest Louisiana. Don’t miss these upcoming events:

Tournament of the StarsAugust13–15,VariousLakeCharlesLocationsCome out and cheer for both adult and youth basketball teams around the Lake Area in this three-day tournament. Exciting events include Slam Dunk and Dance Off contests, a golf tournament and special guests. For more information, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/tos. Family & Youth FestivalAugust21,LakeCharlesCivicCenter(9a.m.–4p.m.)Summer would not be complete without the Family and Youth Family Festival. The festival provides an alcohol free environment where families can enjoy wholesome activities such as a hands-on Children’s Factory, live musical entertainment, a petting zoo, a fun zone with athletic games, clowns and more. www.fyca.org nationalProFastpitchTournamentAugust26–29,SPARFraschSoftballFacilitySee the nation’s finest softball players as they compete for the 2010 National Pro Fastpitch Championship in Sulphur, Louisiana. Top teams from coast to coast will be there, including players such as Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, Jessica Mendoza, Monica Abbott and Taryne Mowatt. www.visitlakecharles.org/npf. ImaginationCelebrationAugust28,LakeCharlesCivicCenter(6:30–11p.m.)Enjoy great food from over 20 area restaurants, live and silent auctions and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 and are on sale now at the Children’s Museum. Sponsorships are also available. Call the Children’s Museum at 337-433-9420 for more information, www.visitlakecharles.org.


If you’re a child of the 80s like me, you do. You probably had one – maybe plain red or blue, or perhaps one with abstract 80s art, or shots of space. You may have clipped some special fancy folders inside of it. In my case, it was a folder resembling Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album.

It’s back to school month and being the nostalgic gal that I am, I’m reflecting on the days of newly sharpened pencils and fresh packs of loose leaf paper. I’m digging in the recesses of my brain to recall what it was like to pick that ever-important outfit for the first day of school, and the nervous

anticipation of getting a class schedule and comparing it with friends.

It’s particularly nerve-racking for me because life has come full circle: My daughter is heading back to S.J. Welsh for another year. Any parent who watches their child walk through the unforgiving doors of

middle school can’t help but remember their own awkward pre-high school days of yore. Just three years ago, I had the luxury of putting it on my list of things-to-think-about-later. When she was in elementary

school, I spent my time wondering about things like how to decorate the pumpkin so she could win first prize at Halloween or whether or not she was taking her nap instead of talking in class. Now I spend my time fretting over

what’s being talked about at school and whether or not I raised a leader instead of a follower – since the formers aren’t always reliable and the latters are all too vulnerable.

As youth we’re told that one day we’ll leave school and head out into the “Real World,” but if you ask me, there’s nothing more real than junior high. This is the world where you are faced with some of life’s hardest lessons – the value of friendship, the dangers of trusting too much, the limitations of trusting too little, the inner workings of boys and girls, and of course, that evil adolescent phenomenon known as “peer pressure.” The great irony is that you’re facing Real World lessons with the brain of an adolescent, and let’s face it: adolescents aren’t famous for their wise decision-making skills. If they were, I would never have self-permed my hair in eighth grade, or been busted for skipping school after my grandiose let’s-run-across-the-street-after-the-bell-rings plan.

When I tell people I am the mother of a thirteen-year-old girl, I inevitably get a sympathetic head nod. Sometimes I even get a hand on the shoulder and a soft apology. Very often I get

unsolicited reassurances, like “Don’t worry, she’ll come back around,” or “It gets better, I promise.” If I was wearing any rose-colored glasses a year ago, they’re off now. Last week I actually sent my parents an email that said: “I apologize for every time I rolled my eyes, sighed loudly, slammed a door, kissed a boy, smoked a cigarette, snuck a drink, failed a test, and so on and so forth, during my teenage years.”

A National Institutes of Health study suggests that the region of the brain responsible for prohibiting risky behavior and making logical, practical decisions isn’t fully developed until age 25. So by the time our kids get to their mid-20s, they should be well-equipped to handle the real world of middle school. And when my daughter’s 25, I’ll be in my 50s, so maybe I’ll be better equipped too.

Then again, maybe not.

Email Erin at [email protected]

The Last Word

Remember the Trapper Keeper?

by Erin K. Cormier

Que s t i o n

I am a local physician. I’ve noticed that Home Health Care 2000 is offering a Home Telehealth program. I have a new patient

who is diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Initially , this 68 year old presented to the emergency room with acute exacerbation of the following symptoms; shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, edema in both lower extremeties, fatique, palpitations, and

hypertension. She was admitted and has been an in-patient for about a week, but is now stable and will be discharged soon. Her health history shows that this is the second time this year that she has been readmitted to the hospital via emergency room with CHF. She takes a diuretic, an anti-hypertensive, and an ace inhibitor. The patient had run out of her medication and had not been using her oxygen or adhering to her low sodium diet. Her activity level is limited and she is able to leave the home with assistance, only. She has poor disease process management

and inadequate self monitoring, but is capable and willing to make the changes she needs to improve her health. She lives with her daughter who works at night. She needs regular and consistent monitoring while at home. I think that this patient could be an ideal candidate for Home Health Care 2000’s home telehealth program. Can you tell me more about home telehealth? With the information that I’ve given you, would Home Telehealth be beneficial in this situation, and would this patient qualify?

Home Telehealth can result in better patient outcomes. It has been proven to reduce hospitalizations by much as 90

percent, reduce hospital readmissions within 30 days by as much as 30 percent, reduce hospital bed days by as much as 80 percent, and reduce emergency room visits by as much as 80 percent. Because nurses receive daily information on the patient, we are able to provide timely intervention when needed. Home telehealth enhances disease process management, thru increased compliance and behavior modification. This leads to improved patient outcomes and an increased quality of life.

Telehealth has proven to increase patient satisfaction rates. The way it works is that patients receive a mix of in-person skilled nurse visits and telehealth monitoring visits. Patients who are candidates and are given a telehealth

monitor usually gain more confidence. They express that home telehealth helps them to understand their chronic disease better, is simple to use, and increases their satisfaction. They express feelings of empowerment in managing their disease process.

The home telehealth monitor is compact, lightweight, and extremely easy to use. It is flexible enough to adapt to each patient’s individual care plan without compromise. With a touch of the button, patients can measure blood pressure, blood oxygen, weight, pain level, peak flow, record temperature, blood glucose, PT/INR, and record fluid level. These measurements are transmitted via home telephone connection to a central location and any problems are immediately communicated to the home health clinical staff. The home telehealth monitor can also personalize advice questions, customize questions, answer with interaction, and provide friendly reminders messages for scheduled health related activities. Your patient sounds

like she would be an ideal candidate for Home Health Care 2000’s home telehealth program. For an in-home clinical consultation and evaluation by a licensed home health care professional, call 1-800-HOME-CARE (1800-466-3227)

1820 Oak Park Boulevard • Lake Charles, LA, 70601

337-430-0245 • hhc2000.com1-800-HomeCare1-800-466-3227

Home Health Care 2000 is a for-profit organization certified by Medicare and Medicaid as a provider. Home Health Care 2000 bills Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial Carriers directly for all qualified patients. We also accept payment from all major insurance companies, Workman’s Compensation, Veterans Administration and Private Funds.* *A co-pay may apply.

Ask the Home Health Care Expert

Inquiring About Home TeleHealth

Lisa WalkerMSN, APRN, CNSChief Executive OfficerHome Health Care 2000

Answer

88 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living August 2010

StrongMedicine

Just got stronger.

Memorial is changing the face of healthcare

in southwest Louisiana. We are committed to

building the strongest heart and vascular center

of excellence in the Lake Charles community.

We’ve expanded our team of skilled and

talented cardiovascular specialists. From the

first symptom of heart distress to your recovery,

we’re strengthening the entire continuum

of heart and vascular care at Memorial with

advanced resources for lifesaving assessment

and lifesaving treatment.

With offices in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeQuincy

and Jennings, we’re not only expanding our

service team, but bringing cutting-edge heart

care to a larger area of Southwest Louisiana.

Memorial Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Team is the strong medicine you need.

Heart & Vascular Medicine Team

(l to r)

Dr. Steven Howe, Cardiovascular Surgeon

Dr. John Winterton, Cardiologist

Dr. Kevin Young, Cardiologist

Dr. Christopher Thompson, Cardiologist

Dr. William Condos, Cardiologist

Dr. Fernando Ruiz, Cardiologist

Lake CharLes, suLphur, DeQuinCy anD Jennings offiCe LoCations

urgent neeD appointments avaiLabLe

er 90-minute rapiD response CarDiaC treatment

aDvanCeD DigitaL imaging &

interventionaL teChniQues

nuCLear imaging, uLtrasounD anD eChoCarDiography

CarDiaC event reCorDing anD hoLter monitoring

newLy expanDeD, renovateD CarDiaC anD peripheraL vasCuLar Catheterization Lab

innovative heart anD vasCuLar surgiCaL teChniQues

CertifieD CarDiaC rehabiLitation program

Learn more at www.lcmh.com/heart

LAKE CHARLES337-49-Heart1717 Oak Park Blvd., 2nd Fl.

SULPHUR337-527-3610 913 E. Kent Dr

DEQUINCY337-49-Heart110 W. Fourth St

JENNINGS337-49-Heart1322 Elton Rd., Suite E

For specific office hours and locations of each physician, please call the respective office for appointment information.

Documents

Thrive August 2010 Issue