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Happy ! Holidazede Gift Guie Insid NOVEMBER 2010
Cold & Flu SECtion Health & Wealth Connection November 2010
Turn Off the Tube Giving Thanks is Good Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Pedestrian Safety in SWLA www.thriveswla.com
Contents 6
The Health and Wealth Connection
10 18
In This Issue
Regular Features
3 The Connection Between Health and Wealth
2 2 By the Numbers
6 Be Grateful - Your Body Will Thank You
34 50 60 64 65 67 68 70 74
8 Mayor's Arts Awards Honors Locals 1 0 COLD AND FLU SEASON SECTION 1 6 Stressed at Work, Ladies? Here's How to Deal 1 8 Safety on Foot - Pedestrian Safety in SWLA 2 3 Why You Should Turn Off the Tube
8 Cover Story: 3 Body Language
4 2 Social Media Safety Tips
Get your wallet under control and you'll get your waist line under control. This powerful statement is based on the connection between health and wealth. Experts are noticing a trend between people who are drowning in debt and struggling with weight. Recently, the financial gurus have compared notes with the health gurus and they're both noticing similarities.
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Although it's not a new occurrence, this topic started making news about a year ago when financial expert Suze Orman was a guest on The Biggest Loser. She predicted the winner of the show based solely on his approach to finances, and she was right. Orman has also observed this phenomenon over the years while giving financial advice. "If you're not balancing your checkbook and you don't know where your money is going, chances are you're not disciplined about what you put in your mouth either," she said.
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A recent Harvard study confirms the connection between food and money. Research showed that stressing out over bills is associated with weight gain. The study's lead author said that finances were the most consistent influences seen associated with stress-related weight gain.
Family practice physician Todd Peavy, MD, with The Clinic, says this idea isn't new. "We've known that people under stress will tend to gain weight, but studies like this directly connects the weight gain to stress over unpaid bills. The burden of debt can translate into extra pounds."
4 4 Color Cues to Jazz Up Your 'Do 46 Eyewear for Hunters 6 6 Sick? Stay Home!
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Survival techniques are ingrained in our bodies from thousands of years ago. Whenever we feel threatened, whether it's another collections call or a wild-eyed tiger from pre-historic times, hormones are released into the system to help fight the attacker or run away. "Adrenalin gives instant energy, and cortisol helps replenish the body after the stress has passed," Dr. Peavy explains. "Cortisol remains elevated and causes an increase in appetite. These days, as someone worries about their unpaid bills, or unexpected expenses, they aren't releasing any of that extra adrenaline by doing extra physical work, so the result can be eating to calm down, which results in excess weight."
The basics of gaining control of health and wealth are similar:
Face it. If you've dismissed the extra pounds as baby weight from your
last pregnancy, but your "baby" just started high school, it's time to be realistic. Excess weight affects your health, specifically with blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and energy levels. Tackle money issues much the same way by totaling the amount of debt you owe. Include all credit cards and loans.
Get a game plan. To lose excess weight, make time for exercise in
your day. Find foods that are low in fat and brown-bag your lunch instead of eating out. To trim debt, decide which credit card you can tackle with a payment plan first and pinpoint areas where you'll spend less and stay within budget.
Be consistent. Keep in mind, for both physical and financial areas: you didn't get into this situation overnight, and you won't get out overnight. Resolve to stick with your plan, even when you're tempted. If you do slip up and spend more or eat more than you intended, get back on your plan and keep going. Enjoy the rewards. As you see the pounds come off and the
financial pressure ease, you can regain control of your life, be proud of your hard work and feel good about your achievements. A bigger nest egg feels better than a bigger belt size; gaining control of both areas will promote better quality of life. Turns out being healthy, wealthy and wise may come as a package deal.
Local finance expert Christa Comeaux with Cameron State Bank says she's noticed a correlation between fitness and finances, also. "People deal with these two issues – money and food – every day. We make several choices daily in these two areas. It's simple things like whether to have a hamburger or a salad for lunch, the designer label jacket or the mass retail jacket. When we're in control, we tend to manage them well. When we give away our control, we become overwhelmed." by Christine Fisher
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.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Eye Exams Show Unseen Vision Changes in Diabetics Diabetics who are keeping tabs on their health are used to being on guard for signs and symptoms that may indicate their health is changing. They likely keep track of their blood sugar throughout the day, choose healthy foods, follow medication guidelines, and watch out for circulation and kidney troubles. One thing that may escape their watchful eye is their vision.
"Diabetics can do themselves a tremendous favor by maintaining a healthy lifestyle," said Alan Lacoste, MD, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic. "Keeping blood sugar in the desired range, getting regular exercise to stay within an acceptable weight and encourage blood circulation, and staying within the recommended ranges of cholesterol and blood pressure can go a long way in having a healthy life for a diabetic, including the prevention of diabetic eye disease."
John Winterton, MD cardiologist 14 years
He explained that regular eye exams are crucial for diabetics. "There are no noticeable symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in its beginning stages." The first indications, which are found through a dilated eye exam, are changes in the blood vessels in the retina. As it progresses, diabetics may begin to notice blurred vision, spots or floaters within their vision, then, in worst cases, partial or total vision loss.
Christopher Thompson, MD cardiologist 16 years
Diabetic retinopathy remains the number one cause of vision loss in the United States among people ages 20 to 74, according to the research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
As a cardiologist at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, we see many chronic heart and vascular conditions each and every day. And thanks to the hospital's commitment to the most advanced technology, we can treat those conditions right here, locally. The hospital's latest investment in a new cardiac catheterization lab allows us to clearly visualize the finest vessels and intricate anatomy of the heart. We're seeing your heart more clearly than ever… closer than ever. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital - your local address for heart care.
Dr. Lacoste said that everyone with type 2 diabetes, usually diagnosed during adulthood, should have a dilated eye exam soon after their diagnosis. "Many people have type 2 diabetes for a while without knowing it. Once they're diagnosed, it's helpful to have an eye exam to determine if the disease has affected their eyes, and to use as a benchmark for reference." Those with type 1 diabetes, typically diagnosed during childhood, should also have a dilated eye exam, but they may not need to have it yearly. "Their ophthalmologist can direct them based on their diagnosis, age, and health," he said. As the researchers dug deeper in the study's findings, they found that slightly more men than women had diabetic retinopathy, 32 percent of men compared to 26 percent of women with diabetes. African Americans and Mexican Americans have a higher rate of the disorder than Caucasians, about 39, 34 and 26 percent, respectively.
We treat: Peripheral Vascular Disease Arrhythmia Coronary Artery Disease Heart Attack Chest Pain Congestive Heart Failure For more information on Cardiology services at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, call (337) 527-4189.
701 Cypress Street, Sulphur (337) 527-7034
by Christine Fisher
For more information about diabetic retinopathy, call The Eye Clinic nearest you or visit theeyeclinic.net.
We are… Your neighbors Your doctors Your local source for heart care
The occurrence of diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease associated with diabetes with no noticeable symptoms early on, is creeping up. New research shows that one in three people with diabetes has evidence of diabetic retinopathy. Four percent of those with the eye disease have it so severe, it's threatening their vision.
"The numbers for diabetic retinopathy remain high. Diabetics must be vigilant in taking care of their health. Focus on maintaining good blood sugar levels, and keep their cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control. Their quality of life, and eyesight, depends on it," Dr. Lacoste said.
Heart Care Has A LOCAL Address
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Being thankful can cause a chain reaction of mind and body benefits, according to health experts. The simple act of appreciation could lower blood pressure, ease stress, increase happiness and improve sleep. Studies by health experts show a correlation between an ongoing awareness of being thankful and having improved health. "Research shows that people who have a positive outlook have lower rates of diseases," said Amanda LaComb, MD, family medicine physician with Jennings American Legion Hospital. "This translates into less medication and fewer sick days. People with a mindset of being thankful, in my experience, usually have a more satisfying life. And, they tend to live longer." Heart problems have been linked to lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, as well as stress levels. In a study conducted at Emory University, the effects of positive thinking and being thankful were put to the test concerning cardiovascular disease. Individuals who indicated they were "flourishing in life" had an eight percent rate for heart disease compared to a 19 percent rate for those "languishing in life" and experiencing depression. Participants who did not indicate depression but reported a negative outlook had a 13 percent rate for cardiovascular disease. Being able to check off "flourishing in life" in that study may seem far-fetched to the majority of Americans who lead stressful lives, but Dr. LaComb says remembering to count your blessings is one way of coping with stress. "Everyone experiences stressful times, and a physical reaction to it is normal. It's important to encourage yourself to be appreciative, because there are so many physical and mental health benefits associated with a life of gratefulness."
Giving Thanks Does a Body Good
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
When compared with those with a negative outlook, thankful people, on average: • have better health • are more resilient in the face of stress • exercise more • sleep better • report having a more satisfied life • have more energy • are less bothered by life's hassles
It's important to encourage yourself to be appreciative, because there are so many physical and mental health benefits associated with a life of gratefulness.
Amanda LaComb, MD
Harnessing the energy of thankfulness requires consistency and an open mind. Giving thanks requires action and cultivating a thankful attitude is about making a decision to look for the positive side. "It's a disciplined effort. It doesn't come naturally to everyone," said Dr. LaComb, "but it can be developed." Many experts agree that being thankful sets the stage for other, unexpected opportunities of happiness; people with thankful mindsets tend to have reasons to be more thankful. (By the way, thank you for reading this article.)
by Christine Fisher
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Mayor's Arts Awards Honors Local Names, Businesses Julie Dallas was named Art Educator of the Year and Candice Alexander received the Artist of the Year award recently during the Mayor's Arts Awards at the Central School Arts and Humanities Center. Dr. Daniel Vidrine, Art Supervisor for Calcasieu Parish School System, described Dallas, a nationally certified art teacher at S.J. Welsh Middle School, as "an excellent choice. As a teacher to children and leader among her peers, she is one of the best."
las, f the Year l a D e i l Ju ducator o y Roach Art E ayor Rand llas and M Julie Da
Alexander has spent the last several years making a name for herself as someone who has built a career solely out of art. Her work adorns countless offices, homes, galleries and public spaces. She serves her community by offering printmaking lessons to elementary age students and participating as a visiting artist.
"Candice has an amazing sense of humor and her personality seems to draw people in. Where others may dodge grunt work, Candice is side by side with her team—setting up show tents in the blazing heat and tying down walls of art in the wind and rain," said Mayor Randy Roach. FOX 29/CW Lake Charles was named Business and Corporate Patron of the Year for their extensive community involvement including Coats for Kids, Empty Bowl, Just for Jesus, and the Tobacco and Alcohol free zone located in downtown Lake Charles for use during the Mardi Gras parades. They are also a leader in promoting Breast Cancer Awareness and will host a Pink Celebration: Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast at L'Auberge du Lac. Heather Metzger, Promotions Director, accepted the award. The Arts/Cultural Organization of the Year award went to Associated Louisiana Artists (ALA), a nonprofit organization for 27 years in Southwest Louisiana. This year, ALA will sponsor the "Foot by Foot" project. Artists created fifty twelveinch-square paintings to represent the area of Louisiana's coastal lands that vanishes on an average of every sixty seconds. The exhibit will travel the state to bring attention to the monumental problem. Anne Dentler along with numerous other ALA members accepted the award. The American Press Foundation was recognized as Citizen of the Humanities. This award is given to those who devote themselves and their work to our
City by aiding in the progression of our culture through fundraising and volunteering efforts in our many non-profit organizations in the region. This year's award could not be captured in one person. The Shearman Family and the American Press Foundation have improved the quality of life in Southwest Louisiana by becoming an active partner with local organizations. Managing Editor, James Bennett, accepted the award. Leif Pederson was named Citizen of the Arts for 2010. Senior Vice President of Philanthropy for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital since 2009, he has brought peace of mind and comfort to patients through the establishment of Art for the Soul, a permanent exhibit of local artists' works hung throughout Memorial Hospital. In addition to being an astounding community leader, one of Leif's passions is music, which gave him the upper hand in connecting the art and business worlds within Memorial Hospital. He has traveled with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and was inducted into the Southeastern Louisiana University Music Hall of Fame in 1998. He currently leads his own 14-piece orchestra, The 1944 Big Band. Leif was recognized for all his creative contributions and his willingness to support the efforts of artists throughout our community. The Keystone Award went to Shelly Appleby. This award goes to a person who works behind the scenes to make exhibits and performances happen. Shelly is a past board member of Arts and Humanities Council, served as Production Manager, Grant Writer, and Administrative Specialist for Children's Theatre Company for twenty years. She works for the City of Lake Charles and was the coordinator assigned to spearhead the development of Adventure Cove Park. With an endless network, she was significant in pulling together a team of artists to paint the rock wall and fun house.
Keeping a Steady beat Without a conscious thought, your heart beats as you read this. With each beat, steady, electrical impulses travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid, and as a result, the heart beats irregularly and usually rapidly. Atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm, affects more than 2.2 million Americans, and the number is growing dramatically. Research shows a strong link between atrial fibrillation and the rise of obesity. Although some people report no symptoms at all, most experience palpitations, a fluttering, or rapid heartbeat; others experience light-headedness, fainting or shortness of breath. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the loss of organized and coordinated contractions between the chambers of the heart. The upper chambers, or the atria, quiver instead of beating effectively. "The beat isn't forceful enough to pump the blood out completely," explained Christopher Thompson, MD, cardiologist with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. "This causes a risk for the blood to pool and clot. If the clot leaves the heart and blocks an artery in the brain, a stroke could occur." About 15 percent of strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation. "The risk for atrial fibrillation is increased if a person has high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, a previous heart attack or is obese."
by Chrisitne Fisher
"While we don't know the exact cause of atrial fibrillation, we know that an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, is a factor," said Dr. Thompson. Recent data shows the risk in U.S. obesity mirrored the rise in arrhythmia, which contributes to atrial fibrillation. "It's a web of links, with one thing affecting the other. If we can prevent significant weight gain, and get regular exercise which strengthens the heart, we can hopefully avoid significant problems, including atrial fibrillation." Treating atrial fibrillation aggressively is usually recommended, as it is a risk factor for stroke. Treatments available for atrial fibrillation include: • medications to slow down a rapid heart rate • blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke • electrical cardioversion, also known as an electric shock • possible pacemaker "Treating atrial fibrillation is important to help prevent stroke. That's why we are concerned about an irregular rhythm and continue to treat it until we find a method that works for the individual patient," said Dr. Thompson. Atrial fibrillation is one of the heart treatments provided at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital's Cardiac Cath Lab. For more information, call 527-4189.
The likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age. Three to five percent of Americans over the age of 65 have it.
Following the awards ceremony, attendees were invited to attend the opening of the Dr. Joe Cash 4th Annual Juried Exhibition in the Art Associates Gallery, also located on the second floor of the Historic Central School. Mayor Randy Roach presented the awards. Individuals and groups are nominated by the public through the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, the umbrella organization representing individual artists and cultural nonprofit organizations across the Imperial Calcasieu Region.
Candice Artist o Alexander f the Y , ear
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Cold and Flu Season
Is It the Cold or Flu? Identifying which seasonal illness you are fighting is a challenge made more difficult because many of the symptoms are the same. Todd Peavy, MD, family medicine physician with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, says there are a few indicators to guide you in your self-diagnosis. "Although colds and flu are similar in many ways, there are some key differences. Colds start more slowly and are generally milder. Flu develops quickly and tends to be more severe. A stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing are often signs of a cold, whereas fatigue, fever, headache and major body aches typically indicate flu. Coughs can occur with either, but a harsh cough is more likely to accompany the flu." He adds that most people can function fairly normally with a cold, but their daily activities will be difficult with the flu. Years ago, there was really no way, other than these symptoms to determine whether a person had a cold or the flu. But today, there is a rapid throat swab test that is 99.9% accurate for diagnosing influenza. Dr. Peavy says adults can expect to get anywhere from two to four colds during the winter months, and children may get as many as 10. As a nation, we experience about 1 billion colds a year, according to some estimates. And while less dangerous than the flu, a cold can still make a person feel pretty miserable. More than 200 distinct viruses are known to cause the common cold. That's why there isn't a cold vaccine. Experts says it's just too complicated to create one that will provide protection for all the many different cold viruses. Although it affects fewer people than colds, the flu shouldn't be underestimated. It strikes approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population every year, Annually, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized for it, and over 36,000 die from it each year. "People often don't realize the flu can be a fairly serious illness," says Dr. Peavy. "For elderly people, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses, such as cancer or heart problems, the flu and its complications can even be life-threatening." That's why it's important to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season by arming yourself with the knowledge and supplies you need to prevent and treat these illnesses. Dr. Peavy says there are several preventive steps you can take that can help you avoid these viruses: • First, get a flu shot. • When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. If you use a tissue, dispose it immediately. • Wash your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are acceptable, but make sure you clean all the crevices of your hands. • Avoid contact with those who are sick or show signs of sickness. • Clean shared spaces regularly. • If you get sick, stay at home.
Cold and Flu
When they develop symptoms, many people mistakenly think they need a prescription for antibiotics to get better, but Dr. Peavy says these can't help with cold and flu. "Antibiotics only kill bacteria, and colds and flu are both caused by viruses." In most cases, individuals can treat themselves by treating the symptoms of the virus. Dr. Peavy recommends plenty of bed rest, warm liquids, and aspirin or an aspirin substitute to relieve headache and muscle aches. "In addition, you can take a mild cough medicine and use hot steam or over-the-counter decongestants to relieve congestion. Be sure to use an aspirin substitute for children under the age of sixteen. If you aren't sure which over-the-counter medications to take for your symptoms, check with your doctor." In the past few years, several new prescription medications to treat the flu have been introduced. Dr. Peavy explains that these antivirals can shorten the duration and severity of the flu by actively attack the flu virus. "However, in order to be effective, antiviral medications must be used within the first 12-48 hours of onset of flu symptoms, which can be difficult if you mistake these symptoms for a cold. If you feel your symptoms are caused by the flu, or if you have been directly exposed to the flu, see your doctor immediately, and you may be able to derail the worst of the flu symptoms." Dr. Peavy says most people recover from a cold in a few days, and from the flu in seven to 10 days. 'But if your symptoms get worse, instead of better, call your doctor."
Myths by Kristy Armand
Misinformation can spread faster than viruses during this time of year. Here are the facts about some common seasonal health myths:
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If you go outside in cold, wet weather, you'll catch a cold or the flu.
Colds and flu are more common in the winter because this is the time of year that viruses spread most quickly. It has nothing to do with the weather or climate, but is the result of people being more confined in close proximity during the winter months, which makes it easier for the viruses to spread. Rhonda Salvador, LPN, LT
You should feed a cold and starve a fever.
Both are bad ideas when you have a cold or the flu. You should eat enough so that you're not hungry, and make sure you drink plenty of water and juice to prevent dehydration.
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Vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of the flu.
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While an upset stomach can affect some people with the flu, it's rarely the main symptom. If you're suffering from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, you probably have another virus, bacteria, or food-poisoning.
The flu vaccine can give you the flu.
The vaccine is made from an inactivated, or dead, virus so there is no way it can cause the flu.
Getting vaccinated guarantees protection from the flu.
by Kristy Armand
The influenza vaccine's effectiveness varies each year and depends on two things: the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) prediction and the strength of a person's immune system. The CDC predicts what strains will cause the next year's outbreak. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of you getting the flu by 70 to 90 percent, according to the CDC, and even if you do get the flu after getting the immunization, your illness is likely to be much less severe than if you had not been vaccinated.
If you get the flu vaccine too early in the year, your protection will wear off before flu season ends.
The protection from the vaccine is good for a year, so getting the vaccine anytime in the fall will provide protection well past flu season.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Cold and Flu Season
Diabetes and the Flu Having the flu is a miserable experience for anyone. For most people, the misery ends after several days and the risk of serious complications is minimal. However, for someone with diabetes, a case of the flu can have the potential for much more serious consequences. "If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop a severe case of the flu, as well as more serious complications of the flu than the general population" says Kelly Fuqua, MD, family medicine physician with Calcasieu Family Physicians in Sulphur. "Having the flu can increase your blood glucose level, and it may keep you from eating regularly, which also affects your blood sugar. Because your immune system is typically weaker, you may also have more severe flu symptoms. Having a chronic condition like diabetes also puts you at higher risk for developing a secondary illness, such as pneumonia, that can be triggered by the flu. That's why anyone with diabetes should do everything they possibly can to avoid getting the flu." The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all diabetics get a seasonal flu shot between October and mid-November. "Even after that time, you should still get one if you have not done so. It's better to get the vaccine late than not get it at all," stresses Dr. Fuqua. Although flu shots do not provide 100 percent protection, they do make it much less likely that you will get the flu. For extra safety, Dr. Fuqua recommends those who live with a diabetic also get a flu shot, to decrease the risk of direct exposure. She says diabetics should be extra vigilant about other preventive measures, including frequent hand-washing with soap and water. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away. Try not to touch your nose, eyes, or mouth to reduce the spread of germs, and keep hand sanitizer with you to use frequently throughout the day. If you know a flu outbreak is taking place in your community, try to avoid crowded areas to reduce your risk of exposure. If, in spite of all your precautions, you are diagnosed with the flu, there are steps you should take to minimize potential complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, it's important to check your blood glucose more frequently – several times a day – during the course of the illness. "When you have the flu, you're feeling tired and awful and may not be aware of your blood sugar soaring
by Kristy Armand
high or dipping low. The flu may mask diabetes-related symptoms that you would normally notice right away," warns Dr. Fuqua. Even if you feel sick and aren't eating as much as usual, Dr. Fuqua says you must continue to take your glucose-lowering medications. "Blood glucose may rise even without food during an illness because of hormone imbalances. Not taking enough insulin during an illness is a common cause of diabetic ketoacidosis. She says you should also be aware that over-the-counter medicines may contain ingredients that can affect blood glucose levels, such as sugar, pseudoephedrine and alcohol, all of which can wreck havoc with glucose levels. Loss of appetite or vomiting can make staying nourished an added challenge when fighting the flu. If your stomach is upset, Dr. Fuqua advises trying to consume soft foods or drinks that contain similar carbohydrate levels to your normal diet. "If you are not able to do this, talk to your doctor about adjusting your diabetes medication. A big change in your food intake can affect the amount of medication that you need.
Those with diabetes need to be extra vigilant about monitoring the course of their flu onset and recovery. You should call your doctor if: • You aren't feeling better after a few days. • Vomiting or diarrhea lasts for more than six hours. • Your blood glucose levels remain consistently above 250 mg/dl. • You have signs of very high blood glucose like dry mouth, fruity breath odor, or disorientation. • Abdominal or chest pain is severe. • Breathing becomes difficult. "No one likes getting sick, and people with diabetes face a set of special challenges when it comes to the flu," says Dr. Fuqua, "By following recommended guidelines for prevention and treatment, you can make it though the snifflin', sneezin' season without any serious problems."
Flu Shot Hits the Mark for Those with Heart Disease by Kristy Armand
If you have heart disease, the flu is much more than a potential seasonal annoyance. You face a higher risk of complications from the flu, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, and heart attack. In addition, death from flu complications is more common among people with heart disease than among any other high risk group. That's why the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have issued guidelines strongly recommending annual flu shots for all patients with cardiovascular disease. "Getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of not only
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She adds that hydration is also important. "Drink plenty of calorie-free liquids, like water, and try sports drinks to help replace the carbs you are missing or losing. This may help prevent hypoglycemia."
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
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getting the flu, but also for developing complications associated with the virus if you do get it," says cardiologist John Winterton, MD, with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. The recommendation that all cardiac patients have flu shots stems from several studies showing the benefits of flu vaccine in cardiac patients. In some reports, the risk of cardiovascular mortality was reduced as much as 50% in cardiac patients receiving flu shots, leading the AHA/ACC to recommend vaccination in an advisory "with the same enthusiasm as cholesterol and blood-pressure control." The lower mortality rate resulted from fewer cases of flu-related deaths in those with cardiovascular disease and also from the prevention of flu-triggered heart attacks. Dr. Winterton explains how the flu can trigger a cardiac event: "Any type of viral infection, including the flu, makes the heart work harder. If you've already had heart problems or a heart attack, chances are your heart is already weakened.
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The added burden from the flu can result in a cardiac event. This is one reason why more heart attacks take place in the winter during cold and flu season." "The take-away message is that if you have heart disease you should get a flu shot," says Dr. Winterton. "Even if you get the flu after getting vaccinated, you'll have a less severe case and your risk of life-threatening complications will be minimized in most cases." Dr. Winterton adds that flu shots are safe for most people who have heart disease, however the flu vaccine that is given by nasal spray isn't, because it is made with live virus that can trigger flu symptoms in people with heart disease. Dr. Winterton also recommends the flu vaccine for anyone who lives with or is frequently in close contact with someone who has heart disease.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Cold and Flu Season
Flu Finds
by Kristy Armand
Kids First
Natural Remedies for the Cold and Flu With cold and flu season upon us, many people are beginning to take a more natural approach to bring symptom relief. Below are 10 tips to help treat colds and flu from the comfort of your own home. 1. Make sure to stay hydrated to help break up your congestion. For example, water and juice will prevent dehydration and help keep your throat moist. It is best to include other fluids such as water, sports drinks, herbal teas, or ginger ale. Avoid other drinks such as cola, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks because they may dehydrate you. 2. To ease a drippy nose, inhale steam. Boil a pot of water and hold your head over the pot while breathing in through your nose. If the steam burns your nose, try breathing in more slowly. Other suggestions to ease congestion are saline nasal spray, a room humidifier, or simply standing in a hot shower with the door closed. 3. It is important to blow your nose rather than sniffling mucus back into your head when you have a cold. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril while blowing gently to clear the other. Blowing hard can carry germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages and cause an earache. 4. Make your own salt water rinse or use saline spray to help irrigate your nose. Salt water rinsing helps to break up nasal congestion while removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose. 5. When you first come down with a cold or the flu, stay as warm and rested as possible. This will help your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. 6. Gargle with warm salt water to help moisten and bring relief to a sore or scratchy throat. Use a half-teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of
If you're wondering when flu season will arrive in our area, just keep your eyes on the children in your neighborhood. And if you live in an area where there are lots of children, be extra vigilant. Experts say flu may strike your community sooner and harder than areas without children. Flu-shot season begins this month, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) are recommending for the first time this year that everyone, including children over the age of six month be vaccinated. "More and more evidence has found that children are key flu spreaders, and we know the flu vaccine can help control the spread of the virus," says pediatrician Luis F. Apellaniz, MD, with the Jennings Pediatric Center. Any parent can attest that their children are virtual germ factories. It takes years of nagging before they cover coughs and sneezes. Even teenagers aren't great hand-washers. Crowded schools, preschools and day-care centers act as incubators for numerous communicable diseases, and now more and more research is linking this fact to the spread of the flu. Preschoolers often signal the first wave of the flu in their communities. According to a study conducted by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital, when it comes to the flu, children lead adults presenting with symptoms. Researchers found that approximately 30 days after three- and four-year-olds started showing up in doctors' offices and emergency rooms with the flu, adults followed.
warm water four times daily. If you find that you have a tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle to tighten the membranes. 7. If you're too congested to sleep at night, try an age-old remedy and have a hot toddy. Make a cup of hot herbal tea and add one teaspoon of honey and one small shot of whiskey or bourbon. Any more than one shot will inflame the membranes that line your nose and throat. 8. Place a dab of mentholated salve under your nose to help restore irritated skin at the base of your nose and to help open breathing passages. 9. Buy a reusable hot pack at a drugstore or make your own. Apply them around your congested sinuses to help relieve sinus pressure. To make your own, take a damp washcloth and heat it for 30 seconds in a microwave. 10. Sleep with an extra pillow or two under your head to help relieve congested nasal passages. Make the positioning a gradual slope rather than an awkward angle.
When to See a Doctor for Cold or Flu
Another four-year study by Harvard researchers correlated winter emergency room visits of adults with flu symptoms to emergency rooms with census data for corresponding regional zip codes. Flu-like symptoms struck first and worst in the zip codes that were home to the most kids. Every one percent increase in the child population brought a four percent increase in adult ER visits. Researchers cautioned that this doesn't mean the areas without kids are protected from flu. It just means they experience flu later and at lower rates.
Although most people recover from a cold or the flu within a week or so, there are times symptoms linger and could indicate something more serious. Family physician Jason Ramm, MD, with the Cypress Clinic in Sulphur, says if your symptoms get worse, instead of better, you should always consult your doctor. He adds that you should also call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms in conjunction with your illness:
Dr. Appelaniz says the new recommendations will hopefully encourage more parents to have their children vaccinated each year for the flu. "Because the vaccine takes approximately six to eight weeks to provide full protection, the best time to get the vaccine is before the end of November," he explains. "Flu season typically peaks between January and March, so even getting the shot as late as December will help protect children against the seasonal flu virus."
Difficultly breathing or chest pain
Aside from the stuffy nose and some general muscle aches, a cold or the flu should not make you short of breath or cause pain in your chest. These could be symptoms of a more serious problem such as heart disease, asthma, pneumonia, or others. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Persistent fever
This can be a sign of a secondary infection in your body that should be treated.
Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
by Kristy Armand
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Source: WebMD
November 2010
November 2010
Your body needs fluids to stay hydrated. If you can't keep down fluids, you may need to go to the hospital to receive fluids intravenously.
Painful swallowing
This is not normal. Although minor discomfort when you swallow can come from a sore throat, severe pain can be a sign of an infection or injury that needs to be treated by a doctor.
Persistent Coughing
A cough that won't go away is usually just postnasal drip that may be treated with antihistamines. However, it could also be related to asthma or GERD, or an infection, all of which should be treated differently.
Persistent congestion and headaches
Colds and allergies that cause congestion and blockage of the sinus passages can lead to a sinus infection. If you have symptoms don't go away with usual medication, you may need to be treated with antibiotics.
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Here's How to Deal
by Christine Fisher
As a whole, American working mothers continue to put in more hours than men, when household and child care duties are considered. "Most women are working toward obtaining a balance between home life and work responsibilities during their late-twenties and thirties. These are often the busiest years of a woman's life as they struggle to progress in their career, while their families increase," explained Dr. Archer. "By the late-forties and fifties, most women achieve a rhythm that works for them. This doesn't mean that working women of this age don't have stress, far from it. But, many women are tuned into their body's ability to handle stress, and they know how much they can tolerate, and when they need to make adjustments." Reducing stress is an ongoing quest for many women, much like the search for the elusive fountain of youth. Dr. Archer warns women not to stress about reducing stress, which could just make it "another source of stress. Take care of the tasks you need to handle and recognize that you can't be the office magician who picks up the slack the others leave behind." Other stress-reducing tips include:
Job stress is an everyday occurrence for most American workers. As many businesses tighten their economic belts, it has led to reductions in the workforce. While being laid off is a severe stressor, employees left to pick up the slack are also under pressure.
Create a workable work environment. A cluttered desk and lack of organization may make you feel overwhelmed before you get started on your day. Tackle these issues to help you feel in control and capable of handling what comes your way.
"Just about every workplace is living the motto 'Do more with less." Juggling more projects with less people within the same amount of time is difficult to do, and leads to feelings of incompetency, frustration and impatience," said Dale Archer, Jr., MD, psychiatrist, founder of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry and frequent guest on national TV addressing various psychological topics.
Understand that you can't control other people's opinions.
Stress on the job is an equal opportunity factor. Both men and women suffer from the pressure that a job brings, but studies show that women react to stress differently, and have more health problems than men in relation to stress.
Stress-related illnesses are leading to the deaths of thousands of Americans each year. Taking steps to lower your stress level is a worthwhile endeavor.
In a comprehensive study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, nearly 200 American workers were studied for two years to examine the relationship between hypertension and job strain. Those with the most job strain had significantly higher blood pressure than those with low-stress jobs. Employees who reported having little control and virtually no power to make business-related decisions had three to five times higher blood pressure readings and were at greater risk of developing heart disease than workers who did not experience such job strain.
Women are natural people-pleasers and will often sacrifice their own personal desires in an effort to please other people. Forget trying to please people for the wrong reasons, and simply concentrate on doing the best job you can.
Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana:
A Vital Part of the Lake Area Community
• Safety and Health Training • Water and Wastewater Training Programs • Contractor Safety Programs Industry Site Orientation Programs • OSHA Compliance Training • Defensive Driving, Substance Abuse Studies, Community Service Program, several other Court Mandated Training Programs, and a New Driver Program • Classroom, Computer-based, and Web-based Training • Solutions Employee Assistance Program Call Today for More Information.
Recognize that stress should be handled, not tolerated.
Stress on the job affects both men and women, and it is important for both genders to acknowledge the affect stress has on their health. Being conscious of stresstriggers and taking an active role in lowering stress will help reduce the toll it takes on physical and mental health.
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With these results in mind, researchers took a closer look at how job stress affects women. Findings showed that consequences of job strain were more severe for women than for men. Women who reported having high-stress jobs had higher blood pressure than men in similar, high-stress jobs, and their blood pressure remained elevated even after leaving work. "This may be due to the fact that many women who work are also mothers, and their work day does not end at 5 p.m. They are still on the clock, so to speak, as they deal with laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, helping with the children's homework, and as all women know, the list goes on and on," explained Dr. Archer. Women often arrive at work stressed out. Research shows that women who are currently in relationships continue to shoulder more than 60 percent of household maintenance and childcare. Divorced and single women have 80 to 100 percent of children and household duties. Therefore, many women aren't able to maintain a balance of work vs. rest, and little to no time is left for stress-reducing activities, such as pursuing personal interests. Even with the additional stress, women report satisfaction with their working lifestyle, saying they'd rather work and deal with the additional strain than not work at all. The additional income, health insurance benefits, and boost in self-esteem are significant positive outcomes to a working woman's life. Statistics show more women than ever are attending college and seeking advanced degrees. "When women can find a balance that works for them, they show creativity in dealing with the additional stress," said Dr. Archer. "Women are multi-tasking by nature, and are able to get many things accomplished in a given day."
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Pedestrian Safety:
A Guide to Sharing the Road Ideally, all communities would have appropriate crossing signals, open sidewalks flanked by patches of grass, and motorists who keep one eye out for people walking on foot. Unfortunately this isn't the case for many cities in America. Locally, two recent accidents and resulting deaths have raised awareness of these important issues. What makes a community pedestrian-friendly and how can pedestrians be protected in areas that aren't? According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, a pedestrian-friendly community has the following elements: operable traffic signals at crosswalks; an ample amount of open sidewalks, especially in areas where there's a lot of foot traffic; sidewalks and curbs that aren't broken or otherwise in need of repair; adequate room to walk; motorists that are expectant and cognizant of walkers; friendly and patient drivers; and well-lit walkways. A "walkable" community is also clean, safe and beautified by flowers, trees and other elements. Even in walkable communities, however, pedestrians can be in danger of becoming victims of accidents, said Joni Fontenot, spokesperson with the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana.
by Erin K. Cormier
Here are more tips provided by the Safety Council and the FHWA: • Many people wear headphones or earbuds when they're walking, but this is a potential danger because it lowers your ability to hear oncoming traffic or other hazards. You want all your senses at full awareness, and that includes your hearing. • When possible, use the sidewalk. • Bicyclists follow the direction of traffic. They share lanes with vehicles heading in the same direction. Not so with pedestrians. When on foot, you're supposed to walk toward traffic, not with it. • Be aware of cars going in reverse (out of parking lots, for example) or pulling out of on-street parking spaces. • Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. Don't assume you're safe just because you're using a functional crosswalk, however – you still need to look both ways and take note of your surroundings. Pedestrians can practice all the safety rules in the world, but that certainly doesn't negate the responsibilities of motorists, according to Fontenot. Drivers can also maintain pedestrian safety in their communities by following these tips: • • • • • • •
Scan all areas of the road for potential pedestrians. Keep your windshield clean at all times. Look all directions before making any turns. Stop or yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even those that are unmarked. Stop or yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections. Do not block crosswalks when coming to a stop. Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians. If you see a car stopped, practice patience before veering off into the passing lane. It's possible that the car has come to a halt to give right-of-way to pedestrians that you can't see from your point of vision. • Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians, especially in residential areas and near schools. This includes following all posted speed limits.
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A pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 120 minutes and injured in a traffic crash every eight minutes, according to the FHWA. The vast majority of these accidents, 89 percent, occur during normal weather conditions. There were 69,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2008.
Pedestrian Problems
Below are a few of the more common problems that pedestrians face which make them vulnerable to traffic accidents, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. Whether you're a pedestrian or a motorist, be aware of these poor walking accommodations so you can take proper additional precautions: • No Place to Walk. Not enough sidewalks, paths or trails. Existing sidewalks and trails do not connect to schools, transit stations, parks, churches, or other areas with significant foot traffic. • Narrow sidewalks, which aren't wide enough for people to walk comfortably or pass each other. • Sidewalk surfaces that are uneven, broken, or covered with debris. • Sidewalks and paths that are blocked by barriers such as vehicles, trash cans, vegetation, utility poles, mailboxes, and so on. • Not enough space between the sidewalk and the roadway. • Long crossing distances and wide intersections that encourage drivers to turn at higher speeds. • Intersections with no pedestrian signals, curb ramps or median crossing islands. • Insufficient lighting.
PAP SMEAR We know.
On your list of things to do, this falls somewhere between completing your tax forms, getting a root canal, and hand-scrubbing the floors. But, a pap smear, as part of a woman's routine pelvic exam, is much too important to postpone. It's a vital diagnostic tool that can save your life. Half of women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between the ages of 35 and 55 - a busy time in any woman's life. But taking the time for your annual exam now can mean you'll be around to file your taxes, suffer through dental work and scrub the floor for many years to come. Make your annual exam appointment today. It's one less thing on your to do list, and one more thing you can do for your health.
"As children we're taught to look both ways before crossing the street, but pedestrian safety isn't that simple. When people travel on foot, they are vulnerable to motorists, crosswalks, busy roads, and sidewalk conditions. Obviously looking both ways is a good idea, but that doesn't necessarily fully protect pedestrians from potential accidents," said Fontenot. "You have to take additional precautions to ensure your personal safety, whether you're a pedestrian or a driver. If you find yourself on foot in areas that don't meet the FHA's vision of a walkable area, your awareness should be all the more heightened." According to Fontenot, one of the best modes of protection if you're a pedestrian is to make yourself visible by wearing reflective materials or bright clothing, especially at night. The FHWA states that retroreflective materials like those found on many runners or bikers can make a person visible from up to 500 feet away in the nighttime. If you don't have retroreflective vests or clothing, carry a flashlight. Always assume that drivers can't see you.
Physicians: Ben Darby, MD Scott Bergstedt, MD Walter Guth, MD Brad Forsyth, MD
"When you're walking at night, always assume that no one can see you. When you have that mindset, it makes you more aware of your own safety," Fontenot said. 520 McNeese St. • (337) 478-0269 Mon. 9–2 • Tues.–Fri. 9–5 • Sat. 9–12 www.cypicakes.com 18
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Nurse Practitioners: Tammy Gillett, APRN, NP Marilyn Watson, APRN, NP Certified Nurse Midwives: Bonnie Leger, CNM Allison Hansen, CNM
1.866.312.OBG1 • 312-1000 • obg-1.com
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ntertain EinStyle
City Recognized for Achievements in Recycling The City of Lake Charles and Team Green were recently awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Amerimex Recycling, LLC. The Certificate of Recognition notes the following accomplishments in recycling and conservation for 2009-2010:
663 tons of paper recycled, and the following resources conserved: 11,271 trees; 4,641,000 gallons of water, 39,780 pounds of air pollution, 2,718,300 kilowatt hours of electricity, 1,989 cubic yards of landfill and 47,073 gallons of oil, 117 tons of plastic recycled, and the following resources conserved: 675,558 kilowatt hours of electricity, 3, 510 cubic yards of landfill, 80,145 gallons of oil, and 9,804 million British thermal units. "We are very pleased to receive this certificate … which reflects highly on the efforts of our dedicated City of Lake Charles Public Works employees who work our recycling Green Stations and Green Truck locations weekdays and Saturdays and, in so doing, contribute to our efforts in recycling and conservation," said Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach, who also recognized Team Green "for all the invaluable volunteer work they do to help keep our area clean and beautiful." The city provides solid waste recycling Green Station drop-off locations and schedules as follows: Green Station No. 1: 4331 E. Broad St., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Green Station No.2: Nelson Ball Field - Alma Lane, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Green Truck recycling locations and schedules and a list of acceptable items for recycling can be found at www.cityoflakecharles.com at the Team Green web page under the Planning and Development Department.
We Honor Your Service. Cameron State Bank is proud to introduce
a special account available to U.S Military Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard & Reserve and their families*. The sacrifice of those who serve in our Armed Forces, as well as their family members, is immeasurable. We are extremely grateful for your courage and willingness to put the needs of our country first. Patriot Checking is our humble way of recognizing and honoring your dedicated service.
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury's heightened enforcement to combat underage drinking and drunk driving throughout the parish is showing results. Alcohol-related vehicular crashes and fatalities are down from 15 fatalities and 15 crashes in January through August 2009, to less than half, with six fatalities and five crashes in the same period in 2010. This past February, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury launched its program, Project KNOW Underage Drinking, to combat underage drinking and drunk driving parish-wide through enforcement and education. The enforcement arm of the program, the Party Patrol, is a team of officers from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies who are cracking down on underage drinking and drunk driving in the parish with increased DUI checkpoints, compliance checks with bars and businesses that distribute alcohol, and "party patrols" to shut down underage drinking parties.
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Since February in Calcasieu Parish, the Party Patrol has: · Shut down 82 underage drinking parties and issued 153 summonses · Conducted 2,505 compliance checks of parish bars and businesses · Held 20 standard and roving DUI checkpoints · Assessed the drivers of 18,626 vehicles through standard checkpoints · Stopped 1,857 vehicles during roving DUI checkpoints · Conducted 541 Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) during the standard and roving checkpoints · Made 128 DWI (driving while impaired) arrests (8 were underage drinkers)
You Serve With Honor.
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Thanksgiving 46 million
The year President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday.
The number of turkeys consumed, approximately 1/6 of all turkeys sold in the U.S. each year.
16 lbs.
by Erin K. Cormier
Tuning In? Try Tuning Out
The average weight of turkeys purchased. Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Ever since the television found its way in the living room, it has been blamed for everything from degrading young minds to encouraging laziness among American households, yet it has only strengthened its position. Viewers can now select from hundreds of channels offering everything from "The Jersey Shore" to LPB. Yet despite its increased popularity and development into a standard household staple, study after study reveals the toll that too much television can take on its viewers, particularly children.
Source: history.com
50 million
people watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
pumpkin pies are made from canned pumpkin. Source: U.S. Census
38.4 million
Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more by car over the Thanksgiving weekend, making it one of the busiest on U.S. highways.
Source: nbc.com
"For years it has been recommended that children remain active to improve their mental, physical and emotional health, and while that's still the case, there is a chance that excessive use of electronic media could take its toll, even on active kids," said Kendall LeJeune, MS, LPC, therapist with Solutions EAP (Employee Assistance Program). "This only reinforces the idea that children and families need a balanced lifestyle. There's no need to throw the television to the curb. The key piece of advice from mental health professionals has always been to practice moderation, and that hasn't changed."
87 million
people watch football. Source: Neilson
Source: AAA
Researchers advised parents to limit their children's use of the computer and television to ensure their "optimal well-being." Previous studies have repeatedly provided the same findings. In 2008, a 20-year study by the New York State Psychiatric Institute found that teen-agers who watch several hours of television a day perform more poorly academically than their peers. But how much is too much?
of the 735 million pounds of cranberries produced in the U.S. are eaten on Thanksgiving. Source: U.S. Census
Research by the U.S. Journal Pediatrics found that kids who spend hours each day in front of television or video games have more psychological problems than those who don't. These problems include emotional issues, poor conduct and hyperactivity. The researchers, from the University of Bristol in Britain, found that children who spend more than two hours a day watching television or playing computer games were more likely to have a compromised psychological state, even if they engaged in physical activity at other points during the day, indicating that screen time could be more detrimental than being sedentary.
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November 2010
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two not watch any television at all. According to the AAP, the first two years are a critical time for brain development and children are best served by exploring, playing and interacting with parent and others, rather than blinking at a television screen. Children over the age of two shouldn't watch more than two hours daily, providing that those two hours are filled with quality programming rather than something vulgar, violent or otherwise inappropriate, the AAP recommended. "I think most parents have a good understanding of what is appropriate and not appropriate for their children to watch. It's up to them to decide what is too vulgar or too violent, or what is considered 'quality programming.' One parent
November 2010
may think that SpongeBob Squarepants has some kind of intellectual or emotional value for kids, while another may think it provides nothing useful," LeJeune,said. "As long as parents keep in mind that their children should practice moderation in front of a television or computer screen, and use common sense with regards to what their children watch or do, it should be beneficial all the way around. Obviously television isn't the root of all evil. In that long list of channels, there are programs with substance – shows that are educational, as well as entertaining. If your kids are going to tune in, have them tune in to those if possible, then take them away from the TV or computer so they can be active, interact with friends and family, and work on interests outside of electronic media. There are few, if any, disadvantages to limiting the time spent plopped in front of a TV set."
The question we are asked most frequently is "How can you do what you do?" The immediate response is that we can't do it alone; only with the help of a wonderful team and the grace of God are we able do what we do. Being a hospice nurse allows us the privilege to make a difference in not only our patient's lives but their families and Melinda Kellar, RN Sandi Hebert, RN caregivers as well. They are often faced with what can be very stressful and uncertain circumstances which can lead to difficult and confusing decisions. As hospice nurses this allows us to support the family unit physically, emotionally and spiritually with compassion and respect for their wishes as the Proudly Serving Southwest Louisiana end of life approaches.
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Local Author Revives 1978 Game
by Erin K. Corm
Paul "Sonny" Marks was nine years old when he listened to a monumental basketball game on the radio – a match between the unranked LSU Tigers and the no. 1-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. It was 1978 and Kentucky had lost only one game of the season; they were by far the favorite to win, but at the end of the night, the Tigers emerged victorious, winning by one point in a game that included 65 fouls, five LSU substitutes and overtime. Kentucky went on to win the national championships that year, while the Tigers embraced a new era of LSU basketball.
More than 30 years later, Marks, a Baton Rouge native, would reflect on the significance of that game and commit Paul "Sonny" Marks to telling its story. The result is "Five," a 159-page book that gives a comprehensive account of everything that led to the climactic night of February 11, 1978, and the impact that followed. A lifelong LSU fan, Marks believes that LSU's upset against Kentucky that season was about more than just basketball; it was a story of roughness, victory, defeat, unity, race relations, and self-gratification – both on and off the court. He said it also served as backdrop to the story of longtime basketball Coach Dale Brown, known throughout his tenure as the "Master Motivator."
Hamilton Christian Academy
Marks, now an attorney, worked for several years as a sportswriter and feature writer for the American Press. Sports, he says, often make for great stories for a variety of reasons. "It's unpredictable. No one ever knows for sure what will happen. It's like its own soap opera with a cast of characters," Marks said. "On one level, there's this competition through which other people can live vicariously, watching athletes do amazing things. Then there's the teamwork aspect – so many different personalities uniting for a common goal. And basketball, when played well, can be a form of artistry. From the right perspective, sports is a wonderful thing, especially in the days before we were inundated with it all day."
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From Marks' perspective, the 1978 game was among the most memorable in the legacy of LSU basketball. The Tigers not only faced the Wildcats unranked, they also went into overtime with five substitutes – an African American Jewish freshman from New York, a senior with a bad knee, a dentist's son from New Orleans, a seven-foot surfer from Florida and a walk-on.
• Low student to teacher ratio • Array of extracurricular activities • Acclaimed athletic department • Non-denominational, culturally relevant Bible teaching and chapel service • After-school care
"LSU basketball wasn't even on the map yet," Marks said. "Kentucky didn't lose another game for the rest of the season." Marks started his research with Coach Brown, whose career at LSU had wavered somewhat by the time the 1978 game rolled around. Despite having a winning record during his first season in 1972, the team fell behind in subsequent seasons; the team's upturn reached a crescendo with the win over Kentucky and launched a new era of LSU basketball.
Mission stateMent: The goal of Hamilton Christian Academy is to provide a Christ-centered college-preparatory education in a disciplined environment. HCA admits students of any race, color and nationality or ethnic origin.
"Five: The Night Dale Brown's Bench Met the Best" can be purchased on amazon.com, through sonnymarks.com, or at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, 204 W. Sallier.
Steve Powers, Principal
A Great Place to Grow…Families side-by-side.
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The testing device resembles a desktop computer and is performed in the Center for Orthopaedics office. Nerve conduction studies measure how well the nerves function. During this study, small, surface patch electrodes are placed on the skin over the median nerve at various locations. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for the impulses to travel between electrodes are used to calculate nerve conduction velocity. Dr. Lowry says a decreased speed of transmission indicates nerve damage.
Get a Grasp on
by Kristy
Dr. Lowry says there are some simple steps you can take to not only prevent development of carpal tunnel problems, but to also relieve pain if you have already been diagnosed with it: • If you find yourself doing repetitive work with your hands, or work that puts continued stress on your wrists, take a rest. Your hands need a rest, just as your eyes or your body do.
During an EMG, a small needle is inserted through the skin into the muscle. After placement of the electrode(s), the patient is asked to contract the muscle. The resulting electrical activity is detected by this needle and displayed visually. Dr. Lowry says the activity is also audible with a speaker, so you can actually hear the level of activity. "Each muscle fiber that contracts produces an action potential in a wave form. We use the presence, size, and shape of the wave form to determine the ability of the muscle to respond to nervous stimulation."
• Maintain safe control on tools -- everything from pens to gears -- but use the lightest grip you can. • Pay attention to how you treat your keyboard. Pounding on the keys only creates more stress on your wrists and fingers.
Dr. Lowry says once he gets the results from the electrodiagnostic tests, he is able to determine if carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause of their symptoms and how advanced the condition is. "Ideally, we can provide relief with non-surgical measures." These may include overnight wrist splints to relieve nighttime symptoms of tingling and numbness; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and corticosteroids, an injection that decreases inflammation and relieves pressure on the median nerve.
• If possible, alternate hands during a long task.
"If symptoms persist, or worsen, surgery to release the compression on the median nerve may be needed," says Dr. Lowry. "There have been advances in surgical techniques for carpal tunnel syndrome as well, and today, a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure is used in most cases with great success."
• Purchase ergonomically designed tools, if possible. There are many of them out there. • If you work with power tools or other types of items designed for manual labor, make sure they're in good condition to minimize the need to use more force.
For more information about carpal tunnel syndrome, call the Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles or Sulphur at 721-7236 or visit www.centerforortho.com.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
During the workday, employees often stop to rest their eyes after staring at a computer monitor, stretch their back after sitting for long periods of time, or sit down to rest their feet and back if they have been standing for hours. But you've probably never heard someone say, "I'm giving my hands a rest," or "My fingers need a break," although doing so could help prevent the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. It may be caused by repetitive motions of the wrists and fingers; constant grasping of tools or objects; the use of vibrating hand-held tools; or continual leaning of the heel of the hand on a desk. "This condition, if left untreated, results in pain that becomes more advanced as the median nerve is continuously compressed at the wrist," explains physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist William Lowry, MD, with Center for Orthopaedics. "The symptoms are typically mild at first -- a person might feel slight numbness in their hand, a little pain in their fingers, or cramping in the thumb. As the condition progresses, however, the pain can start shooting up the arm and make it difficult for the individual to complete manual tasks, like typing on a typewriter or holding a hammer." Dr. Lowry says the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but it is more common in those performing repetitive type tasks in the manufacturing, construction, clerical, sewing, finishing and cleaning industries. "Basically, anyone who often has their wrist situated at an awkward and repetitive angle for extended periods of time is vulnerable to the condition." 26
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults, and women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Lowry says this may be because the carpal tunnel itself is typically smaller in women than in men. The dominant hand is usually affected first and produces the most severe pain. Persons with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body's nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also be genetic, according to recent research. Dr. Lowry says that it is very important to pay attention to early warning signs – the tingling, numbness and mild pain or cramping. "If we can diagnose early, there are more options for non-surgical treatment, and we can hopefully avoid permanent damage of the median nerve, which can lead to loss of grip strength." A diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome involves a physical examination of the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders, along with electrodiagnostic tests to measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. "When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of the muscle activity," explains Dr. Lowry. Electrodiagnostic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome typically include nerve conduction studies and an EMG (electromygram). Dr. Lowry says electrodiagnostic tests are very accurate for confirming a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. "The technology has been around for a while, but it continues to improve, and today is considered more than 90 percent accurate."
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November 2010
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We're Talkin' Turkey Leftover Turkey
After the final bite of Thanksgiving dinner, families are often left with two things – a mound of dishes and a pan of leftover turkey. When Friday lunchtime rolls around, the thought of eating another helping of meat, rice dressing and stuffing may seem like the least appetizing thing on the mental menu, yet a turkey sandwich doesn't seem very interesting either.
by Erin K. Cormier
Industries' Role in Maintaining Waterways
Thrive asked readers for their inventive thoughts on how to give leftover turkey its due while giving the palate something new and tasty.
"El Paso" Turk Submitted by re
Turkey Tetranezz"Bino"i Rentrop
Submitted by reader
1/4 cup butter ped 1 small onion, chop sliced ly in th y, ler ce of 1 rib s, sliced om ro 1/4 pound mush lt, thyme, sa : ch ea on 1/2 teaspo white pepper en soup 1 can cream of chick
ey Enchiladas
ader Ginny Kar g
mixed with 1/2 soup can milk, r te 1/2 can wa dar cheese 2 cups grated ched ped turkey 3 cups leftover chop les 8 ounces egg nood cheese 1/4 cup Parmesan
tover gravy may gs and soups. Any lef over low heat in on as se in ir st r, butte and stir Saute vegetables in ater mixture. Cook /w ilk /m up so of rt be substituted for pa ghly mixed. Add turkey. ou . Drain thoroughly until mixture is thor odles according to package directions proof casserole no Turn into oiled oven and bubbly, Meanwhile, cook ll. we ng xi mi , er ov t ure 350 degrees until ho and pour soup mixt esan over. Bake at rm Pa kle rin sp d an dish s. Serves 6. about 25-30 minute
Leftover turkey 16 oz. shredded 1 pkg. flour tort Co illa 1 (8 oz.) carton -Jack cheese 2 cans Old El Paso shells sour cream enchilada sauc e Shred turkey by hand. Set aside cheese and sour 1 cup cheese. M ix chic cream 9x13 inch pan to just cover the bo together. Pour enough enchila ken, remaining Place a gene da sauce into a tt om . rous amount of turkey in a tort the ends open. ill Roll the enchila da in the pan so a (toward one end) and roll it in pan. up it is covered co mpletely with sa , leaving Repeat above th uce. Place ree steps until the each other in th e pan. Save 1/2 pan is full. Enchiladas should be can sauce and se enchiladas. Spri nk t aside. Pour re right next to maining sauce ov Heat in preh le top with 1 cup of cheese yo u ha eate er serve with ench d 350 degree oven until hot an d set aside. iladas. d bubbly. Warm remaining sauc e and
Several times in 2010, the Department of Environmental Quality issued advisories against drinking and swimming, prompting concerned citizens to wonder about the safety of local waterways. Advisories for local waterways are occasionally issued, but they are associated with biological waste hazards from homes and businesses, according to Frank Phillips, Ph.D., environmental professor at McNeese State University, not due to industrial processes. The water treatment procedures at area industries utilize advanced biological technology to eliminate unwanted materials so water can be reused. In the event that
the water is contaminated with oil, the oil is physically separated from the water and both are reprocessed by industry. "Industries have to meet strict standards within their own facility, and they are certified by the Department of Environmental Quality to avoid any perceived bias," Dr. Phillips said. Stringent guidelines are in place to monitor the effect local industries have on the waterways in Southwest Louisiana.
manager at a local industry. "We aim to recycle, reuse, reduce and treat as much as possible because that just makes good business sense. As with any business, keeping production high and waste low is our goal; it's good for the environment, and good for business." One of the reasons Louisiana is known as the Sportsman's Paradise is because of the area's rich waterways. "Everyone – including local industry – plays a role in maintaining good water quality," McGee said.
Industries reuse as much of the water as possible, because it makes good business sense to reduce waste. "The water is tested routinely before it's discharged from the plant," said Kevin McGee, environmental
by Christine Fisher
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Submitt rkey Gum 1 c plus b ed by re 2 ader Be o 1 1/4 cu tablespoons v th Fonte egetable p flour not 1 1/2 cu oil 1 lb. sm p oke 1 cup ch s chopped onio ns o crosswis d sausage, cut 1 cup ch pped celery 3 bay le e into 1/2 in opped b ch slice a ell pepp salt s ers 6 cups t ves urkey st cayenne ock leftover tur 4 cups key meat, abou t 3 to 2 tables In a gum poons ch bo pot, o 1/2 cup opped p constan ver med a c tly iu 1 tables hopped green o rsley and bell for 20 to 25 m m heat, combin p n o ions o peppers inutes, m e the oil n file po salt and a wder pepper. nd continue to ake a dark bro and flour and s tir slow wn roux Add the stir for stock. S ly 4-5 tir . s Cook, un until roux and ausage and bay minutes, or u Add the onions and , celery, n covered le s t il a t o v w c e k ar s. St ilted , hours. S kim off stirring occasio e well combined ir for 3 to 4 min . Season with a n parsley . and gre ny fat that rise ally, for one ho Bring to a boil, utes. Add the en onion s to the ur. Add then red s t s. Remo ve the b urface. Remove he turkey. Simm uce heat. ay leave s and se from the heat. er for two Stir in t rve with he rice.
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Do you have holiday recipes you want to share for the December issue? Email them to email@example.com!
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
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A Treatment that
to All Skin Types
Have acne? Sun damage? Wrinkles? Large pores? Uneven skin tone? One or more of these issues?
Chemical peels have been the treatment of choice to stimulate controlled shedding of damaged skin cells and increase cellular turnover. Many different types of chemical peel solutions are used by skin care professionals, and vary depending on the type of skin condition being treated and the desired depth of the peel.There were a few drawbacks with many of the peels used in the past , including discomfort during treatment and the length of healing time. In addition, specific solutions addressed a specific problem, so if you had more than one skin care problem, you had to pick and choose what you wanted treated. Peels were also not an option for most people with ethnic skin. Now there is a new option. Leann Widcamp, medical aesthetician with the Aesthetic Center, says the Vi Peel offers all the major benefits of a traditional chemical acid peel, without the downsides."The main difference is the client's comfort and convenience. We can treat a multitude of skin care conditions with this peel and it is appropriate for all skin types, including darker, ethnic skin. Best of all, the Vi Peel is virtually painless and produces quick results with little or no downtime." The Vi Peel combines the power of various acids and the nourishment from many vitamins, which sooth the skin while at the same time allow for deep penetration of the peel. Widcamp says it's this powerful, yet gentle mix, that gives this unique peel the ability to combat wide variety of difficult skin conditions, including acne, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, sun-damage, freckles and hyper-pigmentation. It will also shrink enlarged pores and promote collagen and elastin production, which will result in tighter, more supple skin.The Vi Peel also provides excellent result for acne skin conditions, including acne cysts, and can be used for both teenage and adult acne sufferers. "The results are quick and impressive,"says Widcamp. "Clients are surprised at the improvement they see after just one treatment." Widcamp says the Vi Peel treatment takes just 20-30 minutes. "Recovery time is also much shorter than with other peels. The skin will be slightly red immediately after the treatment, and for the first two days you will show no signs of peeling. We include home care products in the treatment package and you are able to go about your normal routine as the skin's peeling process begins on day three. This usually takes a couple of days, and once complete, reveals the significant results." The Vi Peel may be repeated every two weeks for the purpose of repairing damaged skin, however, for skin maintenance (usually for average skin), it is not recommended to have Vi Peel treatments any less than 3 months apart, to prevent skin damage. The Vi Peel is part of the Aesthetic Center's Peel and Polish package. For more information, call 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Just like medicine, dentistry has its fair share of myths. Believing these myths can be dangerous, because it can keep you from receiving essential dental care and lead to problems in other areas of the body. "Some of the most popular myths stem from dental phobias, which are also very common," says Tim Robinson, DDS, a dentist at Robinson Dental Group in Lake Charles. Here, Dr. Robinson separates facts from fiction.
Myth #1: Hard-bristled toothbrushes are the best for brushing "Many people think that using a hard-bristled brush will be a better tool for removing plaque or food residue; however, most dentists recommend brushing with soft-bristled brushes. Hard-bristled brushes can remove tooth enamel, leaving your teeth sensitive to temperature, and they can also irritate your gums."
Myth #2: Bleeding gums are normal "Bleeding gums are not 'normal.' They are one of the main symptoms of gum disease. Imagine if your hands bled every time you washed them—you would have no doubt that something was wrong."
Myth #6: Bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene "Even the best oral hygiene does not always stop bad breath. There are certain types of bacteria within the mouth that produce volatile sulfur compounds. If these compounds build up enough, they can result in bad breath. The best way to combat bad breath is to brush your tongue along with brushing and flossing your teeth."
Myth #7: The more sugar, the higher the chance of tooth decay "Tooth decay isn't determined by the amount of sugar you eat, but by the amount of time that sugar has contact with the teeth. The sugar from sticky and sugary foods and drinks like candy and soda can remain in the mouth for longer periods of time, increasing the teeth's exposure to acids formed by the bacteria from sugars."
Myth #8: It's okay for children to lose baby teeth to tooth decay "Many people think it is okay for a child to lose a tooth to decay, because they will lose it anyway. This is not a true. Losing a baby tooth to decay can damage the crowns of the growing permanent tooth. It can also cause the permanent tooth to be positioned incorrectly and orthodontics could be needed later on."
Myth #4: Dental issues do not affect overall health
Debunking Common Dental Myths 32
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"Studies have shown that periodontal disease—a form of gum disease—may contribute to a variety of other health problems, including the development of heart disease, an increased risk of stroke and an increased risk of a woman having a pre-term or low-birth-weight baby. It can also cause complications for people with health issues such as diabetes, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis."
Myth #5: Stress does'nt affect the teeth or gums "Studies have shown that stress can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. Just as with other areas of the body, it's important for the health of your gums to find ways to effectively deal with stress."
November 2010
Behavioral Health
T r e aT i N g C h i l d r e N a N d a d u lT s
• Psychiatric Evaluations • Medication Management • Play Therapy • Pet Therapy • Individual, group, and family therapy • Eating Disorders Medicaid, Medicare & Private Insurance Paula Kline, pmhnp-bc
Have questions about dental health? Call Robinson Dental Group at 1-888-651-1019 or visit www.robinsondentalgroup.net.
423 cypress street • sulphur, la 70663 P: (337) 528-7992 F: (337) 528-7994
Myth #3: Chewing sugarfree gum can replace brushing "While research suggests that chewing sugar-free gum after meals may reduce plaque build-up, it's never a replacement for proper brushing and flossing. Gum will not remove plaque that has already accumulated on the teeth, nor will it remove food or plaque between the teeth or kill bacteria."
• Group fitness classes • Cardiovascular equipment • Circuit training • Weight training • Personal training services 836 University, Lake Charles, LA 70605
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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. Watch for a new story each issue. To nominate someone for this series, send a brief description to: firstname.lastname@example.com
by Erin K. Cormier
Our rates are small
to save you
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Dr. Yvette Degazon
Belize to the Bayou
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The Journey of Yvette Degazon Yvette Degazon believes that if you look hard enough, you can find pieces of any city that remind you of home. The search for the peacefulness of Belize brings her to waterfronts. "I grew up in a house across from the Caribbean Sea. Every so often I miss it and I have to visit the sea, even if it's Galveston. Obviously it's not the same, but there are things that are similar. Sometimes I just like to feel the sea breeze. There's a feeling about the sea that a lake or a river can't give you, but even at the lake, you can feel the breeze off the water," she says. "That's the thing I miss the most about home – the natural beauty. Belize has the sea, the rainforest, and the second largest barrier reef, with all kinds of sea life. I am a water person, and there is a peacefulness that I can only find there." Degazon grew up in a small town in the Corozal district, The Caribbean coast of Belize in the northern part of the country just across the border from Mexico. Her childhood sounds close to idyllic – summers spent in the water from sunrise to sunset, neighbors who left their doors open, a community where everyone knew everybody. The border was peaceful and safe, "nothing like what you see on the news," she says. Because of the town's proximity to Mexico, many of the residents spoke mostly Spanish, rather than "Kriol," the most extended language in Belize. Kriol is a broken English language similar to many Caribbean English Creoles. Although the language in English-based, it incorporates words from various African languages, as well as Central American Spanish and English. 34
English is the official language of Belize, which was a British colony until the country gained its independence in 1981. Degazon, whose father is from the West Indies and mother is Mexican, says she is often confused in the States for being Indian or from the Middle East, and in Mexico as being Colombian. "No one can ever really tell," she jokes. "I'm a foreigner everywhere I go." Degazon ultimately followed in her father's footsteps and went to medical school. A family practice physician, she earned her medical degree at the Universidad Del Noreste in Mexico and completed her residency at the New York Medical College Family Medicine Residency Program at Saint Joseph's Medical Center in Yonkers.
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 accepts most major insurance plans.
She had been to the States before her residency because she has relatives in Houston; she says America has never been much of a culture shock for her. "America is so diverse. If you look hard enough, you can find areas that remind you of home, and you can visit. New York had all these beautiful parks that I would go to, and even though it didn't look like home, it was peaceful like home. Even if it's not the same kind of place, there are places everywhere that can bring you back," she says. "We're usually just too busy to look for them."
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Immunizations for children as well as flu shots for the whole family are now available.
1636 Elton Road, Suite 204 • 824-7833 www.jalh.com
A sign along the Mexican border
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Festive, Fitting and
Fashionable The party invitations are about to flutter in, which means it's time to assess the wardrobe for appropriate holiday wear, according to Lauren Monroe, owner of Mimosa Boutique on Ernest Street. "One thing people struggle with is deciding whether or not something is appropriate for functions like office parties," she said. "No one wants to show up too undressed or too overdressed." Monroe provides these tips for partygoers this holiday season: • If you decide to go strapless, make sure your skirt isn't too short. "Decide whether you want to show shoulders or legs, because you don't want to do both," Monroe said.
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The LiveFit7 Way
• If you choose to wear a miniskirt, put tights on underneath. Not only are tights in style this season, they also downplay the shortness of the skirt while still making it fashionable. • Use accessories to make your outfit more festive. • Wanna step up the class? Get a clutch. "Clutches can dress up an outfit in a heartbeat," Monroe said. In addition to tights and miniskirts, several other looks are in hot style this holiday season, according to Monroe. One-shoulder tops, embellishments like beadwork, and velvet will all be popular. For more information on how to dress festive, fitting and fashionable this season, contact Mimosa Boutique at 564-5818, or visit the shop at 3101 Ernest St.
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What Is Brachytherapy? One option that your doctor may recommend for treating prostate cancer is brachytherapy (brachy is Greek for "short"), which is the use of radiation implants to slow or control the growth of your tumor. "Brachytherapy is a minimally invasive procedure," said Dr. James Maze, a radiation oncologist on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. "The tiny radioactive implants give a high dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing the exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue." Implanted directly into or near a tumor, brachytherapy is used for small, localized tumors or in combination with other treatments. Depending on the type of cancer, the implants may resemble seeds, ribbons, or wires and may stay in place for minutes, hours, days, or even permanently. But don't despair: "The permanent implants are so small—about the size of a grain of rice—that you won't be able to feel them," Dr. Maze explained. A common procedure for treating prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and cancers of the head and neck, brachytherapy can also be used for treating breast cancer, uterine cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and tongue cancer. For more on brachytherapy, visit www.lcmh.com/cancer or call Memorial's Cancer Center at (337) 494-2121.
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Listen toWhat's Being Said …
Hear What Isn't
by Erin K. Cormier
If you really want to hear what someone has to say, listen with your eyes.
Most of communication isn't what we say, but what we do when we're saying it – the way we move our bodies, subtle facial expressions that we don't even realize we're making, how we use our hands. Listen with your ears too, but not just to the words alone. They don't convey a complete message either; the tone and tenor in which the words are said and the number of words used also speak volumes. "You can't convince anyone you're being truthful with your words unless your tone of voice and facial expression support what you're saying," said instructor David Kay, who has taught speech and communication for nearly 40 years at the high school and college levels. "Posture and movement are also important. They can convey whether or not you're nervous, worried, or comfortable. Personal space is another form of non-verbal communication, as is appearance. Basically, we're always communicating non-verbally. Anytime someone can see you, you're communicating with your body, even if you're not speaking. But we also communicate non-verbally when people can't see us – over the phone, for example, our tone of voice, even our silence, conveys a message." Understanding nonverbal communication involves far more than knowing that crossed arms are defensive and batted eyelashes are flirtatious. There are tangible reasons for improving your skill of "reading people" beyond the words they speak. Researcher Daniel Goleman, a psychologist with the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence at Rutgers University, found that an individual's emotional intelligence, which includes the ability to recognize, sense and understand others, as well as the ability to master self-awareness, was a key factor in personal success. While IQ was often accurate in predicting academic accomplishments, researchers found that those with high emotional intelligence could often do just as well, if not outperform, peers with high IQs. Why? Because the ability to read others well provides more opportunity to influence, encourage and motivate others. "You can control your own non-verbal communication and make it work for you. If you want to appear comfortable and confident in a certain situation, you can. If you want to appear professional, you can. And if we pay attention to the non-verbal communication of others, we can better control our responses to them," said Kay. "We're not just one person. We're a mixture of all different personality traits and there are times when we want to put our best persona forward." According to Amy Veuleman, instructor in the department of mass communication at McNeese, being perceptive to your own non-verbal cues as well as those of others is beneficial to our personal, professional and romantic relationships. 38
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
"People are happiest working with people who can relate to them and those around them. You don't have to be all things to all people; it's enough just to understand how to deliver your message. Even just a basic understanding of nonverbal communication is important because it can help you avoid a lot of misconceptions. If you know one of your employees or co-workers is more comfortable being addressed in a certain way, change your delivery. You don't have to change the information. You'll find that more people like and respect you," Veuleman said. "Being perceptive also helps with our personal relationships. We are all individuals who grow up with different families, different personalities, and different ideas of what intimacy is. One person may interpret non-verbal messages of intimacy in one way, and someone else may interpret it another. It can lead to mixed messages and misreading. Paying attention to the non-verbal cues of those around us also helps us to be more perceptive to their needs; better able to tell if something is wrong or if they are acting out of the ordinary." Too often people spend more time talking than they do listening, which makes it difficult to master your skills of non-verbal communication, Veuleman said. "Nonverbal communication is very vague and can be difficult to interpret. Words have very clear-cut meanings, but non-verbal language is much harder to understand." To polish your ability to read others, learn how to listen closely with your ears and your eyes. When you understand the messages that people want to convey, you're better able to hear what they really need. Here's how: • Become a master at people watching. Sit and observe how people interact with one another non-verbally. If you sit in the middle of the mall, for example, can you pick out which couples are romantically involved and which aren't? How? Observe a group solely of men or women, then one of mixed genders. In what ways do the communication styles change? • Pay attention to the people at work or in your inner circle. In what ways do they communicate non-verbally with each other, and how (if at all) does that affect the way you communicate with them? After your observations, try changing your approach and see what kind of effect it has.
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Continued on p40 www.thriveswla.com
Do You Read Me? Continued from p39 • Know your audience, Kay says. When you're interacting with people, understand what kind of communicators they are. • Some people only evaluate what they see based on what they know, but if you want to communicate with people well, you have to expand your understanding of what "communication" means, Veuleman said. "You can't just use your own standards of interpretation because what is true for you isn't always true for others," she said. "We assume the way we do things is how we should evaluate others, but that's a big no-no. There are so many things that contribute to how we communicate – our family background, what we're taught in school, gender, culture, not to mention basic individual differences." For example: In countries outside the U.S., it's not uncommon for close male friends to show affection toward one another. An American man approached the same way could misread such a gesture. "It's important to 'perception check.' Before you make an assumption, ask yourself why you're interpreting something in that way.
Men and Women
• What's true for one gender is neccessarily true for another. According to Kay and Veuleman, men and women generally communicate differently. Although this isn't necessarily true for all men and women of the world, several research studies have found that there are non-verbal standards that are typical for either gender. For example: In general social situations, women use fewer gestures than men. They also claim less spatial territory and stand closer together when they speak. When women are touched by men, they don't necessarily assume it's a romantic invitation; when men are touched by women, they often interpret it as flirtatious. • When you're communicating with someone of the opposite sex, don't assume that their gestures or facial expressions mean the same thing as when you're communicating with someone of the same sex. • Females claim less territory as their own. When communicating with each other, they tend to stand closer together than men and take up less room. • Women use more eye contact, facial expression and expressive indicators. • Men smile less and are less likely to return a smile. • Men tend to have legs apart at 10-15 degree angles or arms at 5-10 degree angles away from their bodies, whereas women tend to stand with their legs and arms closer to their bodies – again, taking up less space. www.thriveswla.com
ToTell the Truth
According to crash data collected by Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there are more automobile accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday than any other holiday period, and an average of 13 people are killed each year in traffic crashes in Louisiana during this holiday.
Fontenot. "Unfortunately, not everyone buckles up and we need that number to be higher in order to prevent more injuries and deaths." Fontenot adds that in addition to wearing seatbelts, there are several ways drivers can help reduce their risk of being involved in a crash. "The main causes of death and injury in highway crashes are preventable. Not driving drunk, staying alert behind the wheel and driving within speed limits, will greatly reduce your chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash." Studies show that driver fatigue contributes to many highway crashes, particularly over the holidays when people are in a hurry to reach their destination. "Take frequent breaks and be extra cautious so that you can enjoy the holiday with your family," advises Fontenot.
"As a result of stronger seat belt laws and strong enforcement of those laws, the national seat belt use rate is at a record high of over 80 percent," says
• Although there is no exact science to unmasking lies, research indicates an association between lying and increased pupil size, which is an indicator of concentration and tension. • Think you're a cynic? Maybe not. Studies show that people are more likely to assume truthfulness from the get-go, which could be why it's so difficult to detect lies. • Liars are more likely to press their lips together. • Contrary to popular belief, liars typically don't appear fidgety or uncomfortable. Lack of eye contact isn't a red flag of lying, either – although researchers did find that the higher the stakes, the more likely it is that the liar will appear unusually still. • When caught off-guard, liars will take longer answering questions, but if given time to plan, they'll answer more quickly, and they'll talk less. • Liars use fewer hand movements to illustrate their actions, and are more likely to repeat themselves. • Liars usually avoid the use of first-person pronouns as a way to distance themselves from their stories, and they use fewer exclusionary words like "except," "but" or "nor," because these words distinguish what they did from what they didn't do, and it can be difficult to work out this complexity.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Don't Be a Turkey – Drive Safely This Thanksgiving Holiday The Thanksgiving holiday period is one of the busiest times on U.S. highways, as millions of Americans hit the road to share time with families and friends. "Of all the holidays, Thanksgiving sees more families traveling long distances in the family car," says Joni Fontenot, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. "That makes the Thanksgiving weekend one of the most dangerous times for highway crashes and fatalities."
One of the most talked-about modes of non-verbal communication is the ability to sniff out a lie. Although most people fancy themselves as perceptive at detecting lies, research indicates that people aren't all that good at it. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, only about 53 percent of people surveyed could accurately detect fibs. Interestingly, agents with the CIA, FBI and DEA didn't score much better. So what are the cues of deception? Psychologists with Texas Christian University, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and the University of Texas at Austin have studied the art of lying and came up with these findings:
Research studies have determined that men and women generally have different ways of communicating non-verbally. Although these studies cannot predict or assume individual behavior, there are typical characteristics found in each gender. Some differences are dependent on age and culture, but more than one valid research study has found that:
• Men maintain the same distance no matter how loudly or softly someone is speaking. Women tend to stand further away if someone is speaking loudly. • Women use fewer gestures than men in general, but they use more gestures when communicating with men compared to when they communicate with women. • Men tend to use sweeping hand or arm gestures. Women usually play with hair or clothing, or keep their hands in their laps. • In a study of 426 male-female pairings on airplanes, 284 men took the armrest. Only 57 women did. • Men usually have more negative reactions to crowding.
by Kristy Armand
Being a member is the that keeps on
GIFT GIvInG! We're celebrating the holidays throughout November and December! UpcomiNg EvENts: t toy DrivE Tuesday November 9th. We're teaming up with O'Charleys and United Way for a toy drive. See you for lunch!
t skip A pAy Need a break before Christmas? Skip your loan payment(s) for one month during November or December.
t Wii gAmE systEm givEAWAy* Enter to win one of two
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3 Locations • multiple Atms Lake Charles, Sulphur & Westlake
Membership is easier than you think! November 2010
November 2010
337-477-9190 www.swlacu.com
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Social Media Safety Tips
• Doctor Recommended • Easy 4-Phase Protocol • Maintains Muscle
The whole social networking phenomenon has millions of Americans sharing their photos, favorite songs and details about their class reunions on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and dozens of similar sites. But there are a handful of personal details that you should never post if you don't want criminals — cyber or otherwise — to rob you blind, according to Beth Givens, executive director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Vacation Plans
There may be a better way to say "Rob me, please" than posting something along the lines of: "Count-down to Maui! Two days and Ritz Carlton, here we come!" on Twitter. But it's hard to think of one. Post the photos on Facebook when you return, if you like. But don't invite criminals in by telling them specifically when you'll be gone.
Home Address
A study recently released by the Ponemon Institute found that users of Social Media sites were at greater risk of physical and identity theft because of the information they were sharing. Some 40% listed their home address on the sites; 65% didn't even attempt to block out strangers with privacy settings. And 60% said they weren't confident that their "friends" were really just people they know.
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You may hate your job; lie on your taxes; or be a recreational user of illicit drugs, but this is no place to confess. Employers commonly peruse social networking sites to determine who to hire — and, sometimes, who to fire. For example, just recently, an emergency dispatcher was fired in Wisconsin for revealing drug use; a waitress got canned for complaining about customers and the Pittsburgh Pirate's mascot was dumped for bashing the team on Facebook. One study last year estimated that 8% of companies fired someone for "misuse" of social media.
M oney Matters... answers to common questions about
investing from the Investment Executives at Mallard Investments
Password Clues
If you've got online accounts, you've probably answered a dozen different security questions, telling your bank or brokerage firm your Mom's maiden name; the church you were married in; or the name of your favorite song. Got that same stuff on the information page of your Facebook profile? You're giving crooks an easy way to guess your passwords.
Risky Behaviors
You take your classic Camaro out for street racing, soar above the hills in a hang glider, or smoke like a chimney? Insurers are increasingly turning to the web to figure out whether their applicants and customers are putting their lives or property at risk, according to Insure.com. So far, there's no efficient way to collect the data, so cancellations and rate hikes are rare. But the technology is fast evolving, according to a paper written by Celent, a financial services research and consulting firm.
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(337) 312-7040
4440 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles
What defines a bull market and a bear market? ANSWER:
When the overall level of stocks has fallen at or below 20 percent, this is typically considered a "bear market." Bull markets consist of stock prices that increase more than 20 percent – in other words, just the opposite. Although the 20 percent figure is considered a good rule of thumb, it is not a hard-and-fast rule, and the terms are used to describe the overriding mood of investors.
To learn more about managing your investments wisely, call Mallard Investments at (337) 312-7040. 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. Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency
Source: CSB Money Watch
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You can certainly enjoy networking and sharing photos, but you should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. What should you never say on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site?
Sure, you can say what day you were born, but if you provide the year and where you were born too, you've just given identity thieves a key to stealing your financial life, said Givens. A study done by Carnegie Mellon showed that a date and place of birth could be used to predict most — and sometimes all — of the numbers in your Social Security number.
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The folks at Insure.com also say that ill-advised Facebook postings increasingly can get your insurance cancelled or cause you to pay dramatically more for everything from auto to life insurance coverage. By now almost everybody knows that those drunken party photos could cost you a job, too.
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November 2010
November 2010
May Lose Value Not a Bank Deposit
Thrive Magazine for Better Living Securities and insurance products offered by UVEST Financial Services and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC.
Mike Allen,
Investment Executive/Wealth Consultant www.thriveswla.com
Hit the Right Tone
Lost on where to start? LeDoux suggests looking at baby pictures. "Find shots of when you were about two years old. That's a safe range to play with, going lighter or darker two shades. 'Toddler hair' is a good indicator of the hair color that will complement your skin tone and eye color." Keeping skin tone and eye color in mind is key. Even though the store shelves are loaded with at-home hair color kits, and Sarah Jessica Parker is on TV saying it's easy to do, home color can be tricky and disastrous if things don't go well. Sometimes it's best to trust the professional hair color experts. They understand how hair tones interact, blend and reflect off each other, and which tones work well with your skin coloring.
Color Cues by Christine Fisher
Ancient Greeks lightened, ancient Romans darkened. Today, an estimated 75 percent of American women color their hair in some form or fashion, whether it's subtle highlights, chunky stripes or a totally new color from root to tip. And, blondes aren't having all the fun. Red is currently the hottest shade for hair. To get the best look, remember that your hair is an accessory that you're always wearing and it's worth working with experts. When compared to $200 boots or a $100 top that you wear every now and then, making sure your hair looks its best is worth the investment since it's seen every day. You take it with you to work, parties, weekend errands, church, and to lunch with the girls. Hair color is one of the first things people notice – and remember – about you.
Young and Hip
One of the best ways to stay hair-current is with color. Back in the day, as in the 1950s, "only her hair dresser knew for sure". Today, you don't get any points for being natural. And if you're clinging to the notion that natural is better by default, you're losing points. Staying young and hip is about staying current and fresh; and one of the best ways to do that is with hair color. 44
"A solid block of color isn't the goal," explained Lacy LeDoux, stylist with Signatures Salon. "Multi-tonal, well-designed hair color will take years off your look, brighten your face, and give you a current, hip style." She said a technique that works well on most people is to add highlights near the face, going darker toward the back. "It's a good starting point, then we customize depending on the client's individual coloring and preferences. We can take baby steps, if they're unsure. We can always do more color later, or if they want something fun, we can do chunky highlights, go lighter on top and dark at the bottom. It's limited only by imagination."
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
What about Gray?
Leave it to the Baby Boomers to make gray groovy. Silver tresses have turned many heads among the sea of blondes and red heads. In fact, many occupations are helped by projecting an image of experience, confidence and authority. When gray is done well, there are few things as striking. "Gray doesn't mean 'no maintenance'. If you decide to go gray, make sure your haircut is neat and edgy," said LeDoux. "Use products to promote shine and softness. Avoid frumpy!" Adding a rinse to grayheaded beauties helps to keep the brassiness out while emphasizing the silver tones. "Gray hair can be chic if done the right way," LeDoux said. The bottom line is to give attention to one of the most visual accessories you have. Hair color can set the tone for your whole image, so be sure it's sending the right message. Signatures Salon offers hair color, cuts, styles and up-do's as well as waxing, skin care treatments and make up applications. For more information, visit www. signaturessalon.biz or call 478-4433.
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Hitting the Target with Eyewear for Hunters
Can't Sleep? Get Moving!
by Kristy Armand
Fifty percent of middle-aged and older adults complain of chronic insomnia symptoms, according to the National Sleep Foundation. A recent study by Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University found that millions of these adults may get some relief from aerobic exercise.
If you're tired of hunting for eyewear that offers you the visibility and protection you need, set your sights on Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic. They offer sports eyewear that a specialized selection of frames and lenses developed just for hunters. According to Optometrist, Dr. Melvin Gehrig, with The Eye Clinic, any person involved in hunting or shooting sports should wear protective eyewear. "Protective eyewear is important to hunters for several reasons," he explains. "Having the right eyewear can sharpen your vision, provide safety in the field, protect your eyes from damaging UV radiation and enhance your overall performance. Of course, the quality of your frames and lenses will determine your overall benefit from sports glasses." Features to look for in hunting glasses include frame designs that are tailored to your facial features and to accommodate your specific firearm and shooting style, spring hinges, bridges that can be adjusted for any shot, comfortable nose pads, wrap-style features for secure fit around the ears and lightweight materials like plastics or titanium. The lenses themselves may be the most important feature when it comes to choosing your hunting glasses. Dr. Gehrig says protective eyewear should be worn at all times while hunting, and polycarbonate is the lens material of choice. "Polycarbonate lenses are so strong, they can sustain the impact of a 12-gauge shotgun blast at 10 meters." He says polycarbonates should be at least 3.0mm thick in the center for the lens to provide optimum protection, and should include built-in UVA and UVB protection. The lens color used in hunting glasses has become a science of its own. Dr. Gehrig explains that the lens color you need is determined by several factors, including the terrain, game and lighting conditions. Many hunters are most comfortable in lenses that are yellow or orange. These hues block haze, and with the addition of an anti-reflective coating, allow 99% of the light through the lens. A yellow contrast enhancing lens will absorb blue light which if present on overcast days. This will help make objects against a colored background appear brighter, helping you better distinguish an animal in the field," explains Dr. Gehrig. Other popular lens colors and recommendations are:
The study included 23 sedentary adults, primarily women, 55 and older who had difficulty falling sleep and/or staying asleep and impaired daytime functioning. Women have the highest prevalence of insomnia. After a conditioning period, the aerobic physical activity group exercised for two 20-minute sessions four times per week or one 30-to-40-minute session four times per week, both for 16 weeks. Participants worked at 75 percent of their maximum heart rate on at least two activities including walking or using a stationary bicycle or treadmill. Exercise improved the participants' self-reported sleep quality, elevating them from a diagnosis of poor sleeper to good sleeper. They also reported fewer depressive symptoms, more vitality and less daytime sleepiness. "By improving a person's sleep, you can improve their physical and mental health," Zee said. "Sleep is a barometer of health, like someone's temperature. It should be the fifth vital sign." Source: sleepfoundation.org
Step Forward
if You've Had a Sports Injury Center for Orthopaedics will get you back in action whether you've been injured on the field, at a gym or in your own backyard. We offer national-level sports medicine expertise right here in Southwest Louisiana. Our team of doctors and support staff provides experienced, hands-on care to tackle the toughest sports injuries. Put our team on your team for excellence in sports injury care.
Red – excellent for hunting in green background Purple or violet – shooting sports like clay targets Orange – excellent for clay-target shooting Bronze – good for bright, glaring days with open backgrounds Green – good all-purpose lens; best in bright sunny conditions
Saturday Morning Walk-in Clinic
Dr. Gehrig recommends purchasing shooting eyewear that features interchangeable lenses so you can change your lenses based on the type of shooting, the color of the target, the color of the background or the lighting conditions. Most sports frames can be fitted with prescription lenses as well and tinted with the colors you specify. "Most hunters invest a great deal of time and energy in making sure they have the equipment they need to improve their performance in the field. Unfortunately, they forget about protecting their eyes or enhancing their most important hunting skill – their vision," says Dr. Gehrig. For more information on eyewear for hunting, visit Optics Unlimited, located within The Eye Clinic in Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Sulphur, DeRidder and Jennings.
For athletes/active individuals of all ages
8am - Noon • No appointment needed
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Something Old, SomethingNew The Junior League of Lake Charles Inc. will host the 18th annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market Wednesday-Saturday, November 17-20, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This year, the theme and décor is geared toward celebrating Louisiana's unique culture, natural resources and fabulous cuisine. The Civic Center Coliseum and Exhibition Hall will be transformed into a southern style Plantation Shopping experience and artwork will be available for viewing throughout the Market to see how local children are inspired by Louisiana.
In honor of Louisiana, and to cherish their former French horn logo, the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. enlisted the talent of local artist Candice Alexander to intertwine the original logo with the fleur-de-lis, the state's official symbol. General Admission is $7 per person, Thursday-Saturday during the Market (no stroller fee on Thursday). Kids 8 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
Special events which require advance ticket purchase are: • PLANTATION & PEARLS PREVIEW PARTY GALA: Wed., Nov. 17, 7-10 p.m., $40/person • SOUTHERN SASSY BRUNCH: Thurs., Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-noon, $25/person • BELLES & BORDEAUX LADIES NIGHT: Fri., Nov. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $25/person • BEIGNETS WITH SANTA: Sat., Nov. 20, three seatings, $10/person (kids one & under free) Proceeds from the Market are used to fund the many projects of the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. Visit www.jllc.net for ticket information, event descriptions, and a list of merchants.
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S H O P S M A RT E R AT Located off I-210 take the Lake Street Exit. Shopping Line 337.477.7411. ®
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Community Contributor$
CSB to First Baptist Christian Academy
CITGO to McNeese Foundation
Cameron State Bank recently donated $1310 to First Baptist Christian Academy in Moss Bluff, to be used to purchase a computer program curriculum. The program will be used for students in 5th – 7th grades. Pictured are, from left, Amy Nyberg, marketing director with Cameron State bank; Tonya Goss, assistant branch manager at Hwy. 171 in Moss Bluff; Stormy Homan, computer teacher; and David Rhodes, principal.
CITGO Petroleum Corp. has presented a $5,000 donation to the McNeese State University Foundation for student scholarships in the McNeese College of Business. Dr. Mitchell Adrian, second from left, college of business dean, accepts the donation from CITGO representatives (from left) Mickey Mancuso, human resources consultant, Rhonda Reed, senior corporate auditor, and Petula Glaspie, human resources consultant.
McDonald's to Interview for Life
Governor's Office to Leadership Center for Youth
Get Your Pet In Shape The latest obesity problem isn't in humans, it's in our pets. According to LiveScience. com, pet obesity has reached epidemic proportions and now human-inspired weightloss techniques for dogs and cats are on the rise too. A recent survey, by the Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity, found that 45 percent of dogs and almost 60 percent of cats are now dangerously obese. Those kinds of weight problems lead to serious health issues, just like they do in humans. Pets can get arthritis, diabetes and cancer. In fact, one study found that dogs on low-cal diets lived two and a half year longer than overweight dogs that ate a steady diet of treats and highfat kibble. Now, pet-loving entrepreneurs are looking for ways to get a piece of the fat-pet pie. Michael Landa runs a pet sitting business in California. He says over the last five years he's seen more and more overweight pets with serious illnesses. He started a website called Nulo.com that is like weight-watchers for your pet. There are meal planning tools and fitness logs. You can even get specially-designed doggie diet-food delivered to your door. Other companies like Jog a Dog sell treadmills made for dogs. They even have a teeny, tiny one for your cat or your Chihuahua. All across the country personal trainers have started bootcamp style workouts for humans and their dogs. You don't have to spend thousands on a treadmill to keep your pet in shape. Responsible owners should: • Look for food that has meat, barley or vegetables as the main ingredient. Avoid corn and wheat-based foods because they're high in carbs. • Also, rotate the healthy kibble with low-cal human foods. Your vet can tell you which foods are safe for your pet. • Help them get plenty of exercise. Get out and walk with your dog. Dogs need to walk at least 4 blocks for every 10 pounds they weigh daily. So if you have a 40-pound dog, that's a 16-block walk.
will soon arrive.
We've made an early New Year's Resolution: We're ringing in the new year with an updated look, so be sure to usher in 2011 with us.You'll still get all the informative, fun and interesting features you want – with a little extra polish.
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The Center for Orthopaedics proudly introduces the Spine Pain Center, offering advanced non-surgical and surgical treatment options.
McDonald's of Southwest Louisiana recently contributed $10,000 to Interview for Life to assist with student education workshops. Interview for Life conducts traveling workshops to help high school and college students make a smooth transition into the adult business world. Pictured are Nikki Fontenot, director of Interview for Life, and Doug Gehrig, owner and operator of McDonald's of Southwest Louisiana.
The Leadership Center for Youth accepted a $25,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Community Programs to provide the Positive Action and Anger Management to teens. Pictured are Rep. A.B. Franklin, Youth Action Forum members Tiffany Fontenot and Katelynn McCartney, and Julio Galan, Family & Youth Executive Director.
This new service is part of our commitment to provide the region's most comprehensive state-of-theart musculoskeletal care. We take a conservative, multi-disciplinary approach to neck and back 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 for each patient to restore the highest level of pain-free function. Services at the Spine Pain Center include:
• Patient Education • Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation • Interventional Injections • Minimally Invasive Procedures • Spine Surgery
Firestone Polymers to Care Help of Sulphur
Firestone Polymers LLC of Lake Charles donated $1,500 to Care Help of Sulphur, a Christian non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that assists residents from the Sulphur/Carlyss areas and transients in emergency, temporary situations in the form of food, clothing, utility, rent, medication, and referrals.
If spine 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.
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Center for Orthopaedics 1747 Imperial Boulevard, Lake Charles (337)721-7236 50
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Fitting in Fitness During the Holidays Many people find it tough to work exercise into their regular schedule, and with the holiday season fast approaching, it's about to get a lot more challenging. With the holidays, comes the additional temptation to indulge in high-calorie, high-fat foods found at family feasts, office parties, social gatherings and seasonal treats . "This means at a time when you could actually use more, not less, exercise, you are likely to get much less than you usually do, " says personal trainer Shelby Hodges with LA Fitness in Lake Charles. And you are not alone -- between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the average weight gain is seven pounds. It may be difficult, but Hodges says it's not impossible to keep fitness on your agenda and still enjoy the holidays. He offers these suggestions. • Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and consider them as important as other events on your calendar. • On the days that you really lack motivation or simply do not have time for your complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10 minutes of exercise. Chances are once you start, you'll actually exercise longer, but even if you don't, 10 minutes is still much better than none at all. • Acknowledge that you're probably going to miss some workouts during this time and plan now to work around it. You may not be able to exercise right after work like you usually do, but you can take advantage of late hours offered by some fitness centers and go later. You can also add extra physical
activity at home. Do simple exercises like running in place during every commercial break while watching TV. If you can't make it to the gym, walk or run in your neighborhood. • If you have out-of-town guests visiting, invite them to take a walk with you around the neighborhood or at a nearby park after dinner or bring them to the gym with you. Many fitness facilities, like LA Fitness, offer guest passes that will allow them to workout with you. • During the holidays, and for days after, the malls are packed. Instead of circling around to find the closest space, make your goal to find the farthest parking space you can. Better yet, if you plan to shop at a specific store, park on the other side of the shopping center. When grocery shopping, park far away and use a shopping cart. Once you've unpacked the groceries in your car, take the cart back to the store. Every extra step burns extra calories. • Work in a workout at work. Use your lunch break to take a walk or climb a few sets of stairs. Bring some hand weights to work and use them while you're on the phone. All activities add up. "Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up," says Hodges. "The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Do your best to keep fitness in the mix of fun and festivities, and plan on getting back on your regular fitness program after the celebrations are over." For more information about fitness programs available, call LA Fitness at 478-8686 or visit www.lafitness.cc. Guest passes are available. by Kristy Armand
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Louisiana Crossroads at Central School Theater
The City of Lake Charles is teaming up with Louisiana Crossroads for a new season in the Central School Theater. Louisiana Crossroads is an intimate music performance series that debuts each month with a live radio and Internet broadcast featuring a live audience. The shows bring a wide range of artists together for conversation with audience members and an interview with the series host. The program airs via 100,000-watt regional National Public Radio affiliate KRVS, simultaneously streaming audio worldwide via krvs.org.
Advance tickets can be purchased on line at www.louisianacrossroads.org and link to the Central School concerts. Or, you can purchase tickets at the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana on the second floor of Central School. The Arts and Humanities office is open Monday through Friday, and closes during the noon hour. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Louisiana Crossroads' 11th season will continue in the Central School Theatre with live broadcasts of The Dylan LeBlanc Band, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010; 100 Years of Robert Johnson with Scott Ainslie, Sam Broussard and David Egan, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011; and Dash Rip Rock & The Swingin' Haymakers, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011.
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Lake Charles November 2010
November 2010
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Thinking About Taking an Online Class? Online college courses are exploding in popularity. Last year, over four million students took classes - most of them working adults. It's great for students: There's no commute, and they can listen to lectures and do homework at any time. If you're thinking about taking college courses online, you could blow a lot of money and hurt your academic record if you're not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
reading and studying because you don't attend lectures. For some classes, that means 20 hours a week. So, before you sign up, find out how much work you're expected to do each week.
A Sudden LINK between you and your customers
Taking an online class if you're technically-challenged. Most colleges use advanced high-speed computer systems. So if you're still on dial-up or don't have Microsoft Word or Excel on your computer, taking an online class is probably not your best move.
Not making sure the online college is federally accredited. Credits from online colleges that don't have the government stamp can't be transferred to other brick and mortar colleges, which means you might have to re-take the classes. Also, if your employer has a tuition-assistance program, they'll usually only cover your education costs from accredited schools. Registering for a course without budgeting enough study time! The good news is that some of the class time can be broken up into 10-minute blocks at your convenience, say at breakfast or during lunch. However, online classes require extra
Taking on too much too soon. Experts suggest starting out by taking just one easy course, because signing up for a full course load right off the bat can be overwhelming, especially because most students have full-time jobs. Thinking it's okay to "copy and paste." It won't work. Why? Because most reputable online schools and instructors use anti-cheating software that searches web pages, books, newspapers and magazines to uncover plagiarism, which can get you suspended or even expelled.
Source: U.S. News and World Report
Straight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment
There are big plumes of smoke coming from industries. Is this pollution?
Advertise on the networks they watch most.
Go Purple to Stride for Action
The plumes are water vapor, not smoke.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of your pancreas — an organ in your abdomen that lies horizontally behind the lower part of your stomach. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of sugars. Cancer of the pancreas is rarely detected in its early stages and usually spreads rapidly, which is one of the reasons why it's a leading cause of cancer death. Pancreatic cancer often has a poor prognosis, as signs and symptoms usually don't manifest until the cancer is advanced and surgery isn't a viable option.
public relations director with local industry
More than 43,100 new cases are expected by the end of 2010, with more than 36,800 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Visit www.laia.com to learn more and submit your question about local industry and the environment. Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Target your customers. Target your dollars with Suddenlink Media.
The walk through Prien Lake Park will bring awareness to the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and will raise much needed funds for pancreatic cancer research, according to Event Coordinator Kristy Remy. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.
Carol Collins
Suddenlink Media has networks custommade to please certain viewers.
The Lake Area affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will sponsor PurpleStride Lake Area 2010, a 5K walk through Prien Lake Park to bring awareness to and raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, on Saturday, Dec. 4. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. The walk follows at 8:30 a.m., beginning at the outdoor amphitheatre.
What you see is actually water vapor. A significant amount of heat and water are required in the industrial process. Cooling towers are used to cool the hot water that is generated when heat is removed from the process. Industry reuses the water as much as possible, and then cools it before returning it to local waterways. Temperature, humidity and wind all affect the visibility of the water vapor and how quickly it's absorbed into the air. You may notice it more on a cool, humid evening when there is very little wind. The fact that it's more visible at some times than others is a result of weather changes, not changes within the industrial process. These cooling towers are an environmentally friendly way to keep local industry working.
Businesses have selections because that's what customers want—CHOICES.
November 2010
November 2010
Phone: 337-477-9616
For more information, contact Lynda McLeod at
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
We've Got Your Number And it tells us everything we need to know about caring for your clothing. This tiny bar code is heat sealed onto each garment you bring into AAA. It's an important feature of our new automated assembly system that helps us track and process your dry cleaning order more quickly, carefully and efficiently. Drive through convenience, improved automation and digital tracking are helping AAA raise the bar for customer service.
The Secrets to Getting Your House
SOLD Your house has been on the market for months. You've got a great relationship with your real estate agent and other houses on the block have sold, but despite a few visitors, you haven't had an offer. You can blame it on the economy or the housing market, but there's a chance that the cause of your market stagnancy can be found in something as trivial as bad lighting, overgrown flower beds, dust bunnies under the sofa and your collection of German beer steins. "Homesellers often underestimate the importance of the little things. They either don't want to spend the money to fix up their home or they don't think it's important, since someone new is moving in anyway," says Nikki Hagen, agent with Century 21 Bessette Realty. "Selling a house can be a frustrating and daunting task, even without the small touch-ups, but if you don't take care of these small details, it is likely to become even more frustrating. When it comes to making the sale, success really is in the details." Hagen says one of the most important things to consider is how your house appears from the outside. First impressions can make a world of difference in selling your home. The front of the house should be attractive, welcoming, neat and clean. Make sure the grass stays cut, the garden is weeded and hedges are trimmed. If you want to really ensure that the front of your house stands out above the rest, plant some flowers and do a little landscaping. Another option is to add decorative pots with plants to the front and/or back porches. "It's amazing how much of a difference good landscaping can make in creating a welcoming and attractive atmosphere for a home," Hagen says. "It doesn't take much to make a difference." Once potential homebuyers are attracted to the outside look of your home, make sure you keep them hooked when they walk through the door. To make an effective impression, your house must be clean. Steam clean your carpets. Dust the shelves. Wipe down countertops and windows. Mop the floors. "Basically, you want to do a floor-to-ceiling cleaning of your home," Hagen says. "You want visitors to see the best attributes of your home, not dust and grime." Another overlooked aspect of interior preparation, according to Hagen, is the ability to create an atmosphere that appeals to people of all tastes and walks of life. When a potential buyer walks through your living room, den, dining room and bedrooms, they don't want to see you – they want to see themselves. It doesn't take much to turn off a buyer during the walk-through.
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"If you collect safari animals and your house is decorated with animal prints, you may want to consider downplaying those things during the visits. A potential buyer will see it as your house, not theirs, and if they don't like animal print, it may be difficult for them to see past it," Hagen says. "The best thing to do is keep everything neutral, from the colors to the furniture. Then, when your buyers are walking through the rooms, they can think about where to put their couch, instead of thinking they don't like the color of yours. Everyone's tastes are different. By neutralizing, you'll help your house appeal as many people as possible."
A final word of wisdom: "Minimize, minimize, minimize," Hagen says. "If your house is cluttered, clean it out. If your walls are packed from top to bottom with family photos, take some down. Bring them to a storage room or put them in the attic. You do not want your potential buyers to look at your things; you want them to look at your home. Clutter also makes your house appear much smaller, which isn't a good thing. Give your potential buyers breathing room so they have a good understanding of the space and can easily imagine it as 'their space'." For more information about selling a home, call CENTURY 21 Bessette at 474-2185 or visit century21-bessette.com.
November 2010
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Another element that is sometimes overlooked is lighting, according to Hagen. Make sure all the interior and exterior lights are working. In darker areas that have limited access to natural light, make sure you choose lighting schemes that create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Natural light is always best, adds Hagen, so make sure you open your curtains.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
SWLA Center for Health Services will meet any of your healthcare needs, no matter what your financial situation.
SWLA is the only healthcare center in Southwest Louisiana to be accredited with the Joint Commission Approval.
November 2010
• Obstetrics/Gynecology • Pediatrics • Internal and Family Medicine • Women's Health • Kid Med/WIC • Immunizations • Nutrition Counseling • Case Management • Laboratory • Pharmacy • Outreach/Health Educaton • HIV Testing and Education • Oral Health (Dentistry) • Physical Fitness and Wellness Programs/Aerobics/KidFit • Behavioral Health Management • Substance Abuse Prevention and Counseling • Podiatry (Foot treatment) • Optometry (Eye Care) • Nu-Exodus (adolescent substance abuse program) • State-of-the-art Fitness Center
Open Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8am–5pm Tuesday 10am–7pm • Friday 8am–Noon Lake Charles Campus (337) 439-9983 Crowley Campus (337) 783-5519 • Lafayette Campus (337) 769-9451 Thrive Magazine for Better Living
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In Honor of Lives Affected by Drunk Driving The Southwest Louisiana chapter of MADD will host a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Prien Lake Park. The event will honor victims and survivors of drunk driving. The vigil has been organized by chapter president Barbara Dartez, whose 24-year-old grandson Ryan Vezinot was hit by a drunk driver while crossing Nicholson Drive in Baton Rouge in October 2007. The driver, who had spent the day tailgating at the LSU vs. Auburn football game, was in a Chevy Yukon going an estimated 40 miles per hour when he hit Ryan. Although Ryan had no internal or spinal injuries, the brain damage was extensive. He lived for eight months on oxygen, feeding tubes, saline drips and antibiotics before he died. The driver's blood alcohol level was reported to be 0.14. For the eight months Ryan lived, his family was dedicated to his therapy and never wavered in their belief that his condition could improve. Barbara visited him daily, as did his mother Julie and other members of his family. Because his case was deemed hopeless by many, Ryan was not put in physical therapy, so his family took over the job – they exercised his arms and legs, spoke to him even though he was mostly unresponsive, and befriended hospital staff.
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Ryan was an avid Tigers fan, so they watched games in his hospital room and kept him updated on the program's season. "Sometimes when I close my eyes, I see him in that hospital bed, and it hurts, but then I remember him as a little boy – all the little pranks he loved to pull, and how good-natured and kind-hearted he was. That's what I want to remember. I never want to forget that," Dartez said. "So many people try to forget their loved ones because it hurts too bad, but I love to talk about Ryan. It's a healing process. That's why events like this candlelight vigil are so important." AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C The public is invited to the vigil, as well as any families affected by drunk driving. The event will feature music and several guest speakers. For more information, contact Dartez at 474-4322.
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Louisiana has one of the highest drunk-driving rates in the country. Last year, 18 people were killed in Calcasieu Parish as the result of alcohol-related vehicular crashes, according to Project KNOW.
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A Difference you can See
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
: Lamar Orange
1717 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles
: Lamar_Orange
www.lsco.edu November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Kevin Guidry,
one of the most recognizable faces in Southwest Louisiana, first stepped into the spotlight as a high school athlete for the Lake Charles High Wildcats in the early 1980s. In the 20+ years since, he has steadily remained in the public eye as a sought-after ball player for the LSU Tigers, professional football player with the NFL, media personality for Sound Off 60, and as an elected official with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. His name was one of the most familiar in the prep sections of the American Press during his high school career, a legacy he would continue through college and beyond. In 1988, the Denver Broncos surrendered a 10th-round choice to New Orleans to get him in the third round of the draft. After playing for the Broncos, Guidry continued his professional career to the Atlanta Falcons and Phoenix Cardinals in the NFL, and the Tampa Bay Storm and Orlando Thunder in the World and Arena leagues. Despite having a professional sports career that relocated him to points nationwide, he says that from the moment he left Lake Charles to play for the Tigers, he knew he would eventually come home. Since his return to the area, he has remained active on numerous boards, including the American Red Cross, Southwest Louisiana Marine Institute, United Way Pillars Club, 100 Black Men and the Calcasieu Parish School Board Drug Advisory Board. In addition to his full-time position as state sales manager for L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, Guidry co-hosts Sound Off 60, a weekly sports talk show, and provides sideline coverage for Tiger Vision in Baton Rouge, covering LSU home games. He remains a die-hard LSU fan. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority honored him with community service awards in 2003 and 2008; and in 2005 he earned the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Black History Hall of Fame Trailblazer Award. Guidry, who studied mass communications and journalism at LSU, has been married to his high school sweetheart, Michelle Gallow, for more than 20 years. Together they have two daughters, Khristian and Kayla. Guidry admits that he is proud of his accomplishments, but says none of it would have existed without several key figures that played pivotal roles in his life. His family and God are first. From there, it started with one man: an elementary-school coach. Here, Guidry shares his story.
first person with
Kevin Guidry by Erin K. Cormier
First Person is a monthly Q&A that features local names and faces. Ideas for future Q&As? Email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
A lot of children dream of becoming professional athletes. Was that your dream when you were a kid? No. When I was a kid, sports wasn't even something I was interested in at first. I was only interested in getting into trouble – nothing major, but just getting into things that I wasn't supposed to. My mom, Edna Guidry, would always say I needed to get some structure. My uncles all played sports and they felt it would give me some discipline. That's how I got started playing football. I was at T.S. Cooley, about to be headed into junior high, and I signed up for something similar to the city league. Everything began with Coach Robert Hebert. If not for him, I wouldn't have any of the accolades I have today – none. He was a stern, military-type guy. I was probably the smallest kid of the group at the time, but he would have me run plays; he saw something in me that I didn't even see. He'd say 'Wow, you run fast,' and he'd keep me running. I was being raised by a single mother and had four siblings so at the time we didn't have much money. All the kids on the team had uniforms and new shoes. I didn't have any of those things and I knew my mother couldn't afford them; I didn't want to be a burden on her. But Coach said, 'Come back again tomorrow, and you'll have your shoes.' I went back, and sure enough, he had shoes for me. Then he and the other coaches all got together and bought me the other stuff I needed. I owe Coach Hebert such a debt of gratitude for the way he believed in me, and the way he was willing to give me all the tools I needed to go in the right direction. If he hadn't done that, nothing else in my life would have happened. It just goes to show what a big difference one person can make in another person's life. All it takes is one person to believe in you. Every day I try to be that person for someone else to show my appreciation to the people who have done the same for me.
Who were some of your other mentors as a young athlete? When I got to junior high, my coach was (current city councilman) Rodney Geyen. He became a father figure to me. I didn't always have someone to watch over me or take me to practice, but he would be there. He'd call and ask if I needed a ride to school. He always made a point to let me know that if I ever needed someone, he was right there. I'm so grateful for him taking the time the way he did. He found time to truly believe in me, and that's something that's missing in the lives of a lot of young black kids. In high school, it was Coach Paul Lanier and Coach Larry Hunter. Coach Lanier wanted me to take a leadership role in life, even though I didn't think I was ready. He started me as a freshman playing varsity. I was the only freshman playing with juniors and seniors. I kept thinking, 'What's wrong with this guy? Why is he doing this to me?' (Laughs). He would just say that I took the game seriously and I ran fast. I have Coach Hunter to thank for helping me develop my speed through track. To be honest I think I learned how to run fast because of all the trouble I would get in as a kid.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
At what point did you realize that you might be able to make a career out of football? I don't think I ever realized I could actually have a career in football when I was young, but the moment I realized maybe there was something to it was when American Press Sports Editor Scooter Hobbs contacted me and said he wanted to write a feature story. I'd been voted the high school player of the decade and I made the Louisiana All-State and All-American teams. That's when the letters started coming in from the colleges. I never even thought that I'd ever go to college – I figured I would graduate high school, get a good job at the plants, help my mom, start a family. But my wife – my girlfriend at the time – kept saying 'send the letters back and see what happens.' She was almost like my personal assistant, keeping track of all the letters and all the responses. Then one day my senior year, it hit me: I might actually go to college.
You were recruited by several teams throughout the U.S., but most heavily by Texas A&M and LSU. What made you choose LSU? At that time I had enough Aggie gear to hand out to all the kids in the neighborhood (laughs), but the local coaches kept coming to me, saying 'Wouldn't it be great to play for the flagship school in your home state?' It was the best decision I ever made.
Describe your experience playing ball at LSU. I'll tell you this: I have played in just about every stadium in the country, college and pro, and LSU is the loudest stadium I've ever played in. There's something about the energy in Death Valley that you don't find anywhere else. There were times when I couldn't even hear the guy standing next to me. We would have to use hand signals to call plays because no one could hear anything. When you walk through that tunnel, touch the bar and look around at all those people, you knew you had the love of a lot of people on your shoulders. It was a great feeling when you played a good game. But even after the bad games, LSU fans still loved you at the end of the day. People would still come up to me and say, 'Good game,' even if it wasn't.
Continued on p62
first person Continued from p61. What was the moment like when you realized you had been drafted into the NFL? The league had sent letters to the college players asking for contact information in case one of the teams wanted to draft them. My girlfriend kept saying, 'You better make sure you send that in,' so I did. We were all at my mom's house. A whole bunch of friends and family were there, thinking that they wanted to be there for me just in case I didn't get drafted. I figured I'd be lucky if I was picked in the eighth round. We were all watching on TV and when it got to the third round, the phone rang. A woman asked for me and said 'Mr. Guidry, this is Jenny with the Denver Broncos. I just wanted you to know you will be in the upcoming three picks. Keep watching and we'll get back to you.' I honestly thought someone was messing with me, so I said, 'Stop playing around, this isn't the time …' and she said, 'No, Mr. Guidry, this is really Jenny with the Denver Broncos.' I was a little hard-headed and thought that if I was really being picked, a man would have called – a coach or something – so I didn't take it seriously. She said, 'Just keep watching,' so I went back to the television and they announced that Denver had the 24th pick in the third round. A guy came out and said, '6'2, 190 pounds, left cornerback Kevin Guidry.' The whole house just exploded. It seemed like the entire neighborhood came out of their houses at that moment and came to my mom's. The KPLC truck pulled up outside just a couple minutes later. Coaches were coming over, people were calling. It was the
best day of my life. I never realized how many people actually cared about watching me play.
Obviously there is a rush that comes with playing ball, whether you are in high school, college or professional. In what ways were those experiences different? Was the rush always the same? There is a rush, but it's different with each experience. In high school you're mostly playing for family and friends. In college, it's a lot of fun, but it's more serious because there are lots of things to consider – your scholarship, having good conduct so you can keep playing, following curfew, GPA. There were things you had to abide by. In the pros, it's a job. It's fun, but it was all business. It's something you're paid to do. As a matter of fact, Tuesdays are the only thing I really miss about it. That's the day the NFL cut the checks (laughs).
What was it like getting that first paycheck from the Broncos? (Laughs). When I opened it up, I looked at the check and immediately called down to the accounting office. I said, 'Before I cash this check, I want to make sure this amount is correct. It's just my first week, and I think there's been a mistake.' The lady said, 'There's no mistake, Mr. Guidry. That's how much you get
Your Good Health Is Our
CENTER of Attention
based on your contract.' I said, 'This is gonna be how much I'm gonna get every check?' She said yes, and I said, 'WHAT! You mean this is all mine!?' (Laughs).I was just a little country kid from Lake Charles and I was holding a check for $17,000. I immediately sent money to my mom and my family. And I bought all kinds of things that young kids blow money on when they don't know any better. I didn't make millions like other players in the NFL, but I certainly made a good living and continue to benefit from it to this day.
You have made a point to involve yourself in organizations and causes that allow you to serve as a mentor, much like the mentors that helped you make your path. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? The foundation of everything I do in life is based on my favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.' I don't think any personal accomplishments are for nothing, or for my own personal gain. There is a reason why God places people in your life. To help you, to lead you and allow you to accomplish things. I just want Him to use me to be a role model for the next generation of athletes and community leaders. That's what I strive to be.
For the physicians of the Urology Center, providing excellent care is not only their mission, it is a personal commitment. Our entire focus is centered in one specialized area – your urological health.
From being the first in the region to perform ground-breaking robotic treatment for prostate cancer, to innovative options for treating all types of urological conditions, our goal is to be the center of excellence for urology in our region.
We've been providing comprehensive urology services to men,women and children of Southwest Louisiana for over 70 years. Our services include treatment for: • Bladder Problems • Prostate, Kidney and Bladder Cancer • Sexual Dysfunction • Kidney Stones • Urinary Tract Infections • Female Incontinence
Physicians with the Urology Center provide emergency room coverage at the following hospitals: West Calcasieu Cameron, CHRISTUS St. Patrick's and Women's & Children's.
234 S. Ryan Street, Lake Charles • (337) 433-5282
K.S. Verheeck, MD • J.J. Jancuska, MD • F. M. Siddiq, MD
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Our team of board certified professionals provide quality care in a compassionate, confidential atmosphere. When you're ready to see a urologist who is centered on you, call the Urology Center, and experience the difference.
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Solutions for Life Solutions Employee Assistance Program from
by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP
by Rose Klein
This month:
Sometimes, Ignorance is Bliss
Q: My boss brings her small dog to work and whenever I am called into her office, the little dog jumps on me and barks constantly. I love animals, but this dog is annoying and the entire staff agrees on this. What can we do?
Why, oh why, did I agree to go to this scary movie? I don't like feeling scared. I don't like seeing people go into dark rooms, hearing the ominous music, or having the knowledge that the person may not come out alive. I don't like blood and gore – even when I know it's not real. I'm so nervous I can't even eat my coveted popcorn and M&Ms combo. Don't go in there! When I became a therapist, I stopped subjecting myself to unnecessary anxiety and fear. I was dealing with enough of it in my office. After a day of being with people in their pain, the last thing I wanted to do was go home and do more of that. So, I quit watching the news every night. I never watch any of the 24-hour news programs. I read the newspaper so I can decide how much detail I need. I often wonder why some people enjoy scary movies while others don't, or why some people relish in watching "reality" shows. I'm still not clear on why watching others get dumped in public is a good thing – perhaps something to do with living vicariously? I guess mine is not to reason why. A couple of months ago, I wrote about not allowing my son to play gory video games because when a person is exposed to something over and over, he eventually becomes impervious to it. In my opinion, becoming impervious to human pain is not a good thing. I need to be able to be with my clients and truly try to get a sense of where they are and how they are doing. I need to be able to treat their history and memories with the respect they deserve. I need to be with them so they can unload bearing the burden of abuse or violence on their own so I can be on the journey with them. In order to do all that, I need to connect. Don't get me wrong – I don't stick my head in the sand. I'm pretty up to date on current events. I know bad things are happening all over the world, I just choose not to delve into all the details unless I'm actively involved in the situation. Over the years I have had to develop the ability to get distance from things in order to preserve myself (and my sanity). I remember after hurricane Katrina, I was initially glued to the TV. As I was sitting there in disbelief and tearing up, then worrying, then not sleeping, I realized I had to turn the TV off. I couldn't help anyone if I was a blubbering mess. I had to pull myself together and figure out what I could do to help. By distancing myself from the constant footage, I was able to get my head together and get something done. Perhaps it's time for you to quit voluntarily subjecting yourself to unnecessary negative feelings and experiences. If, after every time you are with a particular person you feel worse than when you got there, you need to ask yourself if you truly need to be spending time with that person. If you can't sleep at night because of what you read, watched on TV or saw at the movie, maybe it's time to acknowledge that it's having more of an impact than you would like. With distance often comes clarity. Sometimes you really can know too much.
A: Well, you could meet in your office or you could quit. Without knowing the business and assuming that having pets isn't against the law, I am also assuming she has the final say in the business decisions. Perhaps you can politely say that the dog jumping on you really bothers you. She should be understanding and offer to meet somewhere else or curtail the dog. Q: I live in an apartment complex and my neighbor plays music late into the night. I have politely requested that the music not be played after 10 p.m. Unfortunately, my neighbor does not honor my request. What can I do?
A: I would seek assistance from the landlord or apartment complex manager. Q: We invited some friends over for an informal dinner and I decided to use paper plates and other disposable serving pieces. One of the guests made a tacky comment about my not using china for company. Was using paper products inappropriate?
A: It's your home and he or she who made the unkindly comment was a guest partaking of your hospitality. I believe the "tackiness" lies with your guest. As the host, you set the tone for the party and certainly an informal gathering can support paper products.
Best Eye Site Around
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Lake Charles Moss Bluff Sulphur DeRidder Jennings (337) 478-3810 1-800-826-5223
S November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Sick? Do your office a favor – stay home
Best Kept Shhecret by Katie McDaniel
We're shining the spotlight on"best kept secret" items found within local retail shops; the things that could make your life better if you only knew about them. Old door
Hard-working Americans often consider themselves troopers if they roll into work with a throbbing headache, low-grade fever or sore throat, but physicians agree that when you're not feeling well, it's best to swallow your pride and stay home. When you show up sick, you may think you're doing everyone a favor, but what you're actually doing is costing the company money and exposing your coworkers to all your disgusting germs.
Indian Architecture from 505 Imports
Each one of these hardwood pieces are one of a kind and have been hand carved and exported from India. 505 Imports believes in creating pieces that people will fall in love with and that are built to last a lifetime. "We have been working closely with our skilled artisans in India to bring Southwest Louisiana furniture with designs unique to 505 Imports," says owner, Rebekah Dressler. "There are 2 or 3 unbelievable homes being built in Lake Charles that showcase these architectural doors and windows from our store." 505 Imports continues to develop new products each month from old salvaged pieces in India and Indonesia.
Unfortunately, germs aren't the only thing that's contagious. Working while sick can become an epidemic of its own – when one employee fights through the common cold, others often follow suit. "No one wants to be the 'non-trooper' of the bunch. Showing up sick is often seen as a great sacrifice to get the job done, but research shows that sick employees' lost productivity costs companies more than if they'd taken a sick day," said David Heinen, MD, family physician with the Urgent Care Center. According to the Emory University School of Medicine, it has been estimated that as many as 75 percent of Americans go to work with the common cold or other ailments; their lost productivity accounts for up to 60 percent of employer health costs. "Not only do sick employees themselves produce far less effectively, they also expose their co-workers to their illness, causing even more loss in productivity. It can start an unhealthy, counterproductive cycle."
by Erin K. Cormier
505 Imports 1776 W. Prien Lake Road, Suite G Lake Charles
If you think you're out of the woods because you're taking antibiotics, don't be so certain. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, such as strep throat or earache. They are useless against common colds or the flu; in fact, taking antibiotics to treat a common cold can do more harm than good by building up bacteria that is resistant to the very antibiotics you're using to fight it off.
"Just being sick puts most of us in a haze. Being medicated and sick certainly isn't any better," Heinen said. "It can be very difficult to concentrate when you're feeling miserable and in a medicated fog. In some cases it may not even be safe to work while medicated, especially if you work with machinery or sensitive information that requires your focused attention."
If you're taking antibiotics to treat a true-blue bacterial infection that is contagious, like strep throat, chances are you probably haven't even considered going into the office because you are so miserable. But even if you aren't contagious, and you're taking legitimate medications to treat your symptoms, don't assume that you have a pass to bring your sickness to the office, Heinen said. Most medications have side effects, particularly drowsiness. Even if the label says it's non-drowsy, it could still put you in a medicated haze, depending on how it interacts with your body.
For Peaceful Nights & Productive Days…
Do it yourself mesh decorations at Bella Cosa/La Grenouille
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This deco-mesh is great when decorating outdoors for the holidays because the product is weather proof and durable. "A lot of our customers like to select the elements and have us work them up," says La Grenouille owner, Sara Smith. "We have everything from ribbon to ornamental decorations to help make your piece one of a kind." Aside from garland and wreaths, this fabulous deco-mesh can be used for floral designs, bows, party decorating and wrapping gifts. "The possibilities are endless!"
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances accepted.
If you're an allergy sufferer with a slight sniffle and dry eyes, you can probably stand to get to work. But if you start coming down with cold or flu-like symptoms – fever, body ache, sore throat, cough, fatigue – call your boss and take a sick day. Even if you aren't completely miserable yet, you're still contagious. Overall, "presenteeism" – the term used to describe the opposite of "absenteeism" – costs employers an estimated $2,000 annually per employee, according to Cigna Behavioral Health. The BNA Professional Information Center also found that employees working at diminished capacity cost employers about $250 billion a year. "When in doubt, stay home and call a doctor," Heinen said.
Bella Cosa/La Grenouille 3101 Ernest Street, Suite 2 Lake Charles
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Jana P. Kaimal, MD Michelle Zimmerman, NP The Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana is SWLA's ONLY AASM accredited sleep center.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
McNeese Corral Homecoming Queen and King
Donavon Anderson and Laura Dunnick
Laura Dunnick, seated, a biology senior, and Donavon Anderson, an electrical engineering senior, both from Lake Charles, have been named as McNeese's 2010 Homecoming Queen and King. The royal pair and their court will be presented during the McNeese vs. Nicholls State football game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, in Cowboy Stadium. Other court members to be presented during halftime ceremonies are: Josh Dewees, Elton, Carrie Hebert, Lacassine, Deil LaLande, Creole, and Mandy Michalko, Hackberry, seniors; Roger Laughlin, Elton, Kyle Leger, Sulphur, Erin Moore, Westlake, and Amanda Perkins, Lake Charles, juniors; Staci Guidry, Lake Charles, and Will Hetzel, Hathaway, sophomores; and Lauren DeVillier, Lacassine, and Ryan Rapp, Sulphur, freshmen.
Sneddon Receives National Award
Dr. Joseph Sneddon, professor of chemistry, is the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Torok Tibor Commemorative Medal presented by the Spectrochemical Association of the Hungarian Chemical Society. Sneddon received the award at the 53rd annual Hungarian Chemistry Society conference this summer in Hajduszoboszlo, Hungary, where he also gave a plenary lecture titled "Thirty Years of Spectrochemistry and Still Going Strong." This international award, established in 1999, is named in honor of Tibor, who was the founder of spectrochemistry in Hungary and a recognized expert in emission spectrometry. Spectrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical analysis of substances by means of the spectra of light they absorb or emit. Sneddon was presented this award to honor his lifetime contribution to Hungarian spectroscopic research. He is the second American to receive this award. He received his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in analytical chemistry from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland and is the author or co-author of over 170 research publications and original articles, 10 edited or co-authored books and has made more than 100 presentations at regional, national and international conferences.
People at McNeese
Dr. Deborah I. Holder
Sarah Hogan has been selected to serve as the executive assistant to President Dr. Philip Williams. A graduate of the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Ala., Hogan holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and has completed course work for a master's degree in counseling. Dr. Deborah I. Holder, assistant professor of nursing, received her Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in health care education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale Fla., in August. Her dissertation is titled "Evaluation of a Collegiate Nursing
Faculty Orientation Program." Dr. Valarie Waldmeier, associate professor of nursing, has been elected to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and has been accepted as a grant reviewer for the Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Kiran Boggavarapu, assistant professor of chemistry, has co-authored two articles accepted for publication into two journals: "Chain and Double-ring Polymeric Structures: Observation of AlnH3n+1 (n = 4-8) and Al4H14-" in the Journal of Chemical Physics; and "Superhalogen Properties of Fluorinated Coinage Metal Clusters" in the Journal of Physical Chemistry. Dr. Ray Neyland, associate professor of botany, and Dr. Mark Merchant, associate professor of chemistry, have co-authored a paper, "The Evolution of Mycoheterotrophy in Family Ericaceae Inferred from Large Ribosomal Subumit (26S) rRNA Gene Sequences," published in the annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences journal. Merchant has also co-authored two articles accepted for publication in the Microchemical Journal—"Measurement of Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Using a Miniaturized Colorimetric Assay" and "Determination of Heavy Metals by Inductively Coupled PlasmaOptical Emission Spectrometry in Fish from the Piracicaba River in Southern Brazil." He has also co-authored two articles published in Veterinary Immunology Immunopathology, an international journal of comparative immunology, on "Characterization of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Enzyme Activity in the Blood of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus); and "Identification and Characterization of Serum Complement Activity in the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)." Dr. Gerald Ramelow, professor of chemistry, has co-authored an article, "Assessment of Heavy Metal Mobility and Bioavailability of Metals Trapped in Sediment Cores from Bayou d`Inde, Louisiana" accepted in Water, Air & Soil Pollution, an international journal of environmental pollution. Dr. Ulku Ramelow, professor of chemistry, co-authored an article, "Synthesis of EGDMA-MMA copolymers: Determination of Their Reactivity Ratios and a Study of Dopant and Temperature Effects on Their Conductivities," in a special issue of Conductive Polymers. Dr. Joseph Sneddon, professor of chemistry, has co-authored an article titled "Determination of Cadmium, Iron, Nickel, Lead and Zinc in Crawfish (Procambrus clarki) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry: A Study over the 2009 Season in Southwest Louisiana" for publication in Microchemical Journal and a book chapter on "Spectrochemical Methods for the Determination of Metals in Seafood" in "Safety Analysis of Foods of Animal Origin," published by CRC Press in Boca Raton, Fla.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
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.
Fall skin care tips From summer's heat to fall's breeze, skin takes a beating as the seasons change. Here are tips from Licensed Aesthetician Leann Widcamp of the Aesthetics Center to keep your skin healthy this fall: 1. Hydrate your skin. Fall weather can cause dryness, so moisturizers and serums are your first line of defense. 2. Oily skin needs moisture too. Acne or oiliness can be caused by dryness, says Widcamp, because the skin is producing more oil to make up for the moisture loss. 3. Use sunscreen year round. Even is it is cold outside, the suns rays can still cause damage to your skin like age spots or freckles. Wearing sunscreen everyday can help protect your skin year round. 4. Try a professional treatment. Microderm Abrasion or a chemical peel can lift off dead skin cells from summer and leave your skin smooth and glowing.
African Americans have a higher chance of glaucoma Eye doctors call it the 'silent vision thief' and now researchers are finding that Glaucoma is affecting one race more than any other. African Americans are five times more likely to contract the disease than Caucasians. Dr. William Hart, an ophthalmologist at the Hart Eye Center, warns the disease can cause complete blindness and often doesn't show any symptoms until a person begins losing visual field. African Americans and older Hispanics are also six times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians, "simply because they're not getting their eye pressure
November 2010
checked frequently," said Dr. Hart. He said researchers are not sure why race plays a role in contracting the disease, but "it has something to do with connective tissue and in blacks and Hispanics the little crisscrossing beams of connective tissue are thicker." The eye pressure inside of the eye can build up from this disease and then push on the optic nerve and damage the nerves sending signals to the brain, explained Dr. Hart. Eye doctors can prescribe special eye drops and, when taken once before bedtime, these drops can lower the eye pressure and ward off loss of vision. Dr. Hart said a major problem with the treatment is many people do not keep up with the drops. He urges anyone over 40 years old to get their eye pressure checked annually and if you have a genetic history of glaucoma to start getting checked after age 20.
New shoulder replacement bolts rotator cuff into bone Two years ago Mable Moore could only hold her arm up to her chest. She could not play with her grandchildren, shampoo her hair, mop, sweep or even vacuum. Moore had pseudo-paralysis, a condition that prevented her from a normal range of motion in her arms, because her rotator cuff had essentially disappeared. Moore visited Dr. Geoffrey Collins, an orthopedic surgeon at the Center for Orthopaedics, who decided to perform a reverse shoulder procedure giving her a brand new rotator cuff and shoulder ball. Dr. Collins bolted these new parts into her existing bone. Now Moore can roll her shoulders, shrug and best of all hold her grandchildren. The procedure is fairly
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new with the Federal Drug Administration approving it only five years ago.
A heartfelt thanks James Romero survived a major heart attack and wanted to find a unique way to express his gratitude to the doctor and nurses who saved his life. Registered Nurse Stephanie Sumpter, Christus St. Patrick hospital, worked to keep Romero comfortable and pain-free during the recovery. She works twelve or even sixteen hour shifts, but still likes to keep a smile on her face for every patient. "The healing process needs a positive attitude an uplifting attitude to get them through one of the most difficult times in their life," said Sumpter. Romero says the positive attitude made all the difference and helped him get back on his feet faster. To say thanks to all the nurses and doctors James fashioned a special T-shirt with a heart covered by a band-aid. "I can't go to them individually and express how I feel so I just wanted to tell them thanks and that's the only way that I knew to do it," explained Romero. The shirt is a big hit at the hospital. "To see them come back with a smile, hugs… the warm thank you from the family to the patient that's what it's about," said Sumpter. Romero is still recovering, and uses any excuse to tell his story. 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
Green Awarded Board Certification in Foot Surgery
Tyson Green, DPM, foot and ankle specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, has earned board certification in foot surgery from the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. In order to receive this recognition, Dr. Green had to present surgical cases for national peer review and pass rigorous written and oral exams testing his knowledge in his field of expertise. Dr. Green received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Tyson Green, DPM Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then completed a three-year residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Scott & White Memorial Hospital – University of Texas A&M Health Sciences Center in Temple, Texas.
Grubb Elected President of Louisiana REALTORS
Derenda Grubb, with CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty in Lake Charles, was installed as the 2011 President of Louisiana Realtors during the group's 2010 Fall Business Meetings in Baton Rouge. Grubb was a teacher for 16 years before becoming a Realtor in 1997. She has received numerous honors as a Realtor, including "Rookie of the Year" and Realtor of the Year in 2007, both awarded by the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtor. She has served in several positions for this organization including president in 2008. The installation ceremony was held at a special Derenda Grubb reception on September 16 with over 100 Louisiana Realtor members in attendance. Grubb and her leadership team begin their terms on January 1, 2011.
Rau Attends National Conference
Denise Rau, President of Rau Financial Group, recently attended the LPL Financial 2010 National Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Focus 10 is the financial service industry's premiere sales and education event hosted by LPL Financial, an independent brokerdealer. Speakers included Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric; and Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. Through the hundreds of business sessions, technology training and continuing education classes at this event, LPL Financial advisors gained valuable knowledge to help Denise Rau them continually improve the service they offer to clients and operate their independent practices more efficiently.
Painting with a Purpose
The Community Oncology Resources Foundation Inc. named P. LeNae Goolsby, J.D. as Senior Executive Director. Goolsby recently graduated from Tulane University P. LeNae Goolsby, JD Kati M. Smith Law School and is the president and CEO of Ivy & Granger Consulting Inc., a small business management consulting firm. Prior to attending law school, Goolsby was the practice administrator for Southern Tennessee Cancer Center Inc. The foundation also named Kati M. Smith as director of fund raising and event planning. Previously, Smith volunteered for the Texas Children's Cancer Center and the Children's Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson in Houston, and was instrumental in assisting in the coordination of various cancer research fundraising events.
L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort has appointed Randy Peterson to slot performance director. Peterson will manage slot performance and technical operations for the property which includes Louisiana's leading casino featuring 63 table games and 1,600 slot machines. In his new role, Peterson will oversee gaming floor layout at L'Auberge, slot optimization and analysis, slot repairs and installations, system integrity and superior guest service. He is also responsible for the hiring and management of the slot technician team. Randy Peterson Peterson comes to L'Auberge from Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota where he held a variety of positions; most recently Slot Service Manager. He has extensive training with player tracking programs and has a proven track record of leading a service-oriented team. A former Marine, he earned a Masters of Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.
Memorial Honors Young Artists
Christina Joyce Wilson, performance consultant and president of Envision Learning, recently spoke on the impact of effective communication at the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) 30th Annual Conference in San Antonio. More than 1,500 professionals from across the United States attended the conference. Wilson was selected to speak from a group over 300 applicants. Envision Learning, headquartered in Sulphur, offers employee and managerial training to variety of industries, including government entities and civic organizations.
Bosom Buddies Celebrate Anniversary
The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group celebrated their 18th anniversary meeting last month at the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer Center. The support group was founded in 1992 by breast cancer survivors DeeDee Savoy and Bertha Stoner and is facilitated by the American Cancer Society and CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010
National Parks, Toy Exhibits at 1911 City Hall
A traveling exhibition entitled American Legacy: Our National Parks is now on display at 1911 Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan Street. The 94 paintings depict sites from coast to coast, border to border, and from the earliest park designation to one of the most recent. The exhibition is a "field journal" experience that draws viewers into seasonal and daily experiences of color and light rendered in pigment on paper or canvas. In some instances, the field studies were used to create larger, studio paintings. Also on display is "Toys of Our Fathers," a collection of antique toys owned by local collector Chuck Ehlers. The collection includes a century of select boys' toys from 1870 to 1970. The exhibit includes toy trains, automobiles, steam engines, early electrical toys, workshops, games & play sets, tools and miscellaneous toys from both Europe and the United States. Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Platinum and Pearls Award Winners Camdyn LeCronier
Ethel Precht
Jingle Bell Run for the Arts
The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will host the first local "Jingle Bell Run," 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk for the arts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, in conjunction with the City of Lake Charles's Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration. All proceeds will benefit the Arts Council, which provides support, assistance, and funding to many regional arts and cultural organizations and programs. Registration will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 6:30-7:30 a.m. The registration fee for pre-registered runners and walkers is $20 (you must pre-register to be guaranteed a t-shirt) and $15 for Lake Area Runners members. Pre-registration ends Monday, November 15. Race Day Registration is $25. Registration forms are available on the Arts Council's website at www. artsandhumanitiesswla.org and should be sent with payment to P.O. Box 1437, Lake Charles, LA 70602.
Squadron Certifies New Navigators
Marva Matthews
accomplishments in the community. Precht is a breast cancer survivor and founder of the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer 3K. Matthews is the facilitator and a key organizer for Sisters Survivors Breast Cancer Support Group. Both have promoted community-wide awareness of the seriousness of the illness. Both will be recognized at the Platinum and Pearls Gala/ Fundraiser "Dancing with the Stars" Tango Masquerade Ball on November 14.
Camdyn LeCronier
Conner Earns Fellowship
Lisa S. Conner
Seven students from the Lake Charles Sail & Power Squadron recently completed the Navigation Course. This is the final educational course and the highest level of education offered by the United States Power Squadrons. They are Sheryl H. Dautriel, Ned L. Dautriel, Benjamin A. Garber, Benjamin A. Garber Jr., Harvey E. Kuttner, John L. Loukas, and Alice M. Pippin. November 2010
Ethel Precht and Marva Matthews received the Making a Difference Award from the 2000 Health Foundation. The award honors those who have made exemplary strides and
Meredith Caldwell
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently honored kindergartener Camdyn LeCronier, first-grader Meredith Caldwell and secondgrader Olivia Walker, participants in the Young at Art Program, which spotlights artwork from a different local elementary school each month. The students received a $50 savings bond.
Wilson Speaks at National Conference
Christina Joyce Wilson
Four New Orleans-area locations of Corks N Canvas, a painting studio that offers instructional art classes, recently featured a piece of art originally designed by Allison Milliron, an artist and instructor with the Lake Charles-based Painting with a Twist, a franchise of Corks N Canvas. The artwork was dedicated to Milliron's mother, a breast cancer survivor. The painting, "Fight Dat," was recreated by artists throughout several of the franchise studios.
Goolsby and Smith Join Oncology Foundation
Peterson Named Slot Performance Director at L'Auberge
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Lisa S. Conner, business office director of Imperial Calcasieu Medical Group, has been named a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives. She is one of the first women in the state to receive this distinction, considered the highest in the medical group practice management profession. Conner has over 19 years of experience in the healthcare field. She holds degrees in accounting and finance from McNeese State University and is also a Certified Administrator of Surgery Centers. Conner currently serves as President of the Louisiana Medical Group Management Association.
Continued on p72
Pickard Named WCCH Employee of the Quarter
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Tammy Pickard, pharmacy technician, as its fourth quarter Employee of the Quarter. In her current position, Pickard assists hospital pharmacists in their daily duties, such as filling medication orders, restocking automated medication cabinets, unit dosing ??????? medications, as well as taking on extra responsibilities associated with the running of a hospital pharmacy. Pickard is a resident of Carlyss and has worked at WCCH for over 12 years. Prior to joining WCCH, Pickard worked at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital for 10 years.
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New Board Members for Arts Council
The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana has added six new members to its board. They are Anjo Elsbury, Patricia Schmidt, Dr. Michelle Swift, Matthew Welsh and Amanda Winterbottom, all of Lake Charles, and Beverly Gott of DeRidder. The Arts Council also welcomed a new executive committee for 2010-2011. They are Kaysie Bolton, president; Paula Mosca Gillard, first vice president; Jason Martinez, second vice president; Sally Cappel, secretary; and Amanda White, treasurer.
Nick Fuselier
Johnson Joins Law Firm
The law firm of Johnson &Vercher L.L.C. has announced the hiring of Adam Johnson as its newest associate attorney. Johnson recently completed a yearlong clerkship working under the Honorable Robert L. Wyatt and the Honorable Ronald Ware. He attended Louisiana State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business management before earning his J.D. at Southern University Law School.
Vicki Fontenot, RN
Vicki Fontenot, RN, was the recipient of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital's bi-monthly Rosie Thompson Award for June and July of 2010. Fontenot was nominated by patients and fellow hospital employees for service excellence as a registered nurse at Memorial's Medical/Surgical Unit. A native of Big Spring, Texas, Fontenot graduated from McNeese State University two years ago, earning a degree in nursing after owning a beauty shop for thirty years prior.
Pumpelly Tire Joins with AskPatty.com
Pumpelly Tire, with locations in Lake Charles and Sulphur, has joined the growing network of AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly Tire and Service Centers in North America. Team members at Pumpelly Tire have completed a training and certification process to provide a Certified Female Friendly experience. To earn the certificatoin, personnel completed training on how to best serve female customers and will participate in year-round instruction to enhance awareness, appreciation, and commitment to a female-friendly service experience.
Adam Johnson
Math, Reading, Science Certifications Now Offered at LSC-O
The Accelerated Certification for Educators Program at Lamar State CollegeOrange has been approved to offer several master teacher certifications. The ACE Program prepares potential teachers for certification and now offers classes for a supplemental certificate. Classes will be offered beginning January 2011 for master math, master reading and master science certifications. Registration deadline for all classes is December 1. For more information please call the ACE Program at (409) 882-3053.
Ride 'Em Cowboy
Cameron State Bank recently installed a bicycle rack at their McNeese location, 135 W. McNeese Street. According to Summer Jones, branch manager, "We have quite a few McNeese students who live nearby and ride their bikes to school. This gives them a convenient and safe place to leave their bike." The bike rack is located on the east side of the bank.
Grand Opening of Computer and Notary Services
Kathy Malone Meaux has recently announced the opening of Kathy's Computer & Notary Services in Moss Bluff. The business assists with affidavits, car titles, powers 72
S ReseaRch study opportunitieS
Fontenot Receives Memorial Hospital Award
Fuselier Promoted at Cameron State Bank
Nick Fuselier was recently promoted to personal banking officer with Cameron State Bank. As the branch manager at the main office on Nelson Road in Lake Charles, Fuselier is responsible for branch operations, as well as processing and approving loan applications. He has been with Cameron State Bank for seven years.
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Book lovers across the country are pondering the question: To switch or not to switch to ebooks? According to a new survey in USA Today, one-in-nine people said they expect to buy an ebook reader – like the Kindle, Nook or iPad – within the next six months. With ebook sales having doubled in the past year, many experts are predicting that ebooks could make up the majority of all book sales within two years. By the way, that's already the case on Amazon, where ebooks have outsold real books for several months. According to the survey, these are the main reasons people love ebooks: • There are thousands of titles you can download for free. • Ebooks also reduce the need for storage space, because you can carry thousands of your favorite books in a device the size of a clipboard. • If you're impatient, ebooks are the perfect fix, because if you discover you like one book in a series – like Twilight, for example – you can easily download the entire series in minutes. • Ebooks are great for the environment, since you don't have to drive to a bookstore, or library, and no paper is used. On the flip-side, there are still more than 120 million people who believe ebooks are pointless. • Why buy an electronic device to do something you can already do for free – just crack open a book and read! • Others point out that most of us stare at computer screens all day at work. So why stare at another screen just to read a book? • Also, many parents say the colorful pictures in children's books don't translate well in the black-andwhite world of a Kindle. • There are purists who say an ereader can't replace the simple joy of pulling books from a shelf, cracking the spine, and relaxing as you turn pages with your hand.
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November 2010
November 2010
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Do You Think Twice About Being Tardy? These days, tardiness has reached epidemic proportions. Experts say thanks to our growing obsession with cell phones, Blackberrys and other gadgets, most people no longer think twice about showing up late for appointments. They figure as long as they can send a message telling others that they're running late - then they're somehow "off the hook." Some people even say it's beneficial to be late for group events, like a dinner party. The thinking is that there's always going to be at least one person who calls to say they're stuck in traffic, or delayed at work. So if you're the last to arrive, it means your wait will be the shortest.
Dr. Ariely says the only way to guarantee that you always show up on time is to plan for delays. It sounds obvious, but a study found that volunteers who made a commitment to leave early for appointments, were more likely to follow through and arrive on time. Or you could start thinking like a Marine. They have a saying that goes: "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late."
Dr. Dan Ariely is a professor of psychology at Duke University. He says delays are a fact of life, but many of the delays we consider "unexpected" these days are more likely the result of poor planning. Basically, he says we tell ourselves we'll be out the door "in a minute." Then we get distracted by a household chore, a wardrobe malfunction, or something on TV, and suddenly we're an hour late. Constant tardiness can seriously hurt your relationships. Being late is one of the most common dealbreakers in dating. Also, most hiring managers say they'll automatically dump a job applicant if they show up just a minute late for an interview. That's because being late is a form of disrespect. It sends the message that your time is more important than theirs.
The Last Word Cormier by Erin K.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Lake Charles has a goodwill ambassador. He is an unsung champion of spreading random cheer and kindness – something most of us are too busy to do.
I've never actually met him and I don't even know for sure if he's friendly – but if he isn't, he does a good job of acting like it from seven to eight a.m. on weekday mornings. Meet your goodwill ambassador: the crossing guard assigned to F.K. White Middle School. If you drive down that side of McNeese Street on school mornings, you'll see him. He's the friendly guy, smiling and waving to every car. And I mean every car, all four lanes, not just the north side of the street where he stands. Sometimes he even nods and mouths good morning. When there are gobs of children at the crosswalk, he chats with them as he guides them across the street. I have no clue what he's saying, but I'll bet it's something encouraging. At times the kids' tough middle-school exterior falters and a smile sneaks in.
I pass his way daily to bring my daughter to school. Every morning we make a point to wave and smile at him to show our gratitude for his inexplicably cheery disposition. On some mornings I forget and realize with disappointment that I have arrived at the Kirkman Street light without returning the good-morning favor.
It's difficult, maybe impossible, to measure the effects that a friendly gesture has on society. It's been said that smiles are contagious, and I think that's true. I don't know if there's scientific evidence that friendliness spreads like the flu, but I know for sure that it's really hard to frown at a smiling face. Have you ever tried it? It's not as easy as it sounds. And once you smile back, you inevitably feel better. By my unscientific standards, your mood increases by at least 25 percent. This makes me wonder: Would the world be a better place if we took the time to smile, wave or say hello to strangers who crossed our paths? Or would it just become another nicety that we take for granted, like when someone waves us into traffic or holds the door open? One thing I know for sure is that on my grumpiest of mornings, it's always uplifting to encounter McNeese Street's ambassador of goodwill – always consistent, forever smiling, as if every morning is a new day and he wants us all to get off on the right foot. I've been accused of being a cynic, and maybe I am. In a matter of seconds I can list off at least ten reasons why I'm disgruntled at the world for one reason or another – traffic's too slow, traffic's too fast, there's too much to do, there's too little to do, people are insensitive, people are too sensitive … this list could go on for days. But when I'm taking a right off Louisiana Avenue, there he is. And with one wave, he says: "I know all about your list, but I hope you have a good day anyway."
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care which includes medical attention and emotional support.
hat is hospice? How does a patient qualify for hospice care and what services are provided for hospice patients? Can you give me some specific information about Hospice Care 2000?
We also offer volunteer services, and a bereavement program. Our staff includes a diverse group of professionals to care for the hospice patient. We have board certified physicians and professional nurses who meet the patient's medical needs. Hospice aides and homemakers assist with the patient's personal care, and volunteer workers devote their time in assisting the family and caregiver. To complete our professional staff, we have counselors, therapists and clergy who meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our patients.
ospice is a concept of care, which assists a person in their right to be in control of their lives, to be free from pain and to experience the challenges of their illness with dignity. Hospice Care 2000 emphasizes palliative care through pain and symptom management, and psychosocial and spiritual support. We understand how important it is to be cared for with compassion, dignity and respect in the comfort of your own home or environment. We provide patients and family members with personalized
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Some common diagnoses that qualify a patient for hospice care include terminal cancer, stage IV congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stage IV alzheimers /dementia, complete renal failure, etc. For an in-home clinical consultation by a hospice care professional, call 1-800-HOME-CARE (337)-466-3227.
Lisa Walker
MSN, APRN, CNS Chief Executive Officer Home Health Care 2000
Hospice care is affordable. Medicare and Medicaid's "Hospice Benefit" covers services related to a terminal illness with no deductibles, co-insurance or out-of-pocket expenses when the patient qualifies. The benefit also covers the cost of medication, supplies,
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 * A co-pay may apply. patients. We also accept payment from all major insurance companies, Workman's Compensation, Veterans Administration and Private Funds.*
1820 Oak Park Boulevard • Lake Charles, LA, 70601
Erin K. Cormier has been a local journalist for more than 12 years. Email her at email@example.com, especially if you know of any other unsung goodwill ambassadors in Southwest Louisiana. 74
Hospice Care 2000 admits patients under the care of their physicians. Our RNs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
equipment and all other services related to the terminal illness. Private insurance is accepted with prior authorization.
337-430-0245 • hhc2000.com 1-800-HomeCare 1-800-466-3227 November 2010
November 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
November 2010