Thrive August 2012 Issue by Thrive Magazine

AUGUST 2012

Local Athletes Who Made it to the Pros

BEST. YEAR. EVER! Back to School Section August 2012

First Person with

Jennie Finch Daigle Thrive Magazine for Better Living

DECODING Your Handwriting www.thriveswla.com

Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients. 24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today. One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

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Contents 13

In This Issue

6 Decoding Your Handwriting

Home & Family 8 The Nuts and Bolts of a Home Inspection 12 Keep Your Home Out of the Spider’s Web 13 Did You Say Duct Tape? BEST. YEAR. EVER!

4 - 33 1 A back-to-school special section.

Money & Career

50 Regular Features

38 Business Buzz 48 First Person: with Jennie Finch Daigle 54 Who’s News 58 Solutions for Life 60 By the Numbers 72 McNeese Corral 76 Ready to Wear 78 Happenings 80 Community Contributors 83 Best Impressions

34 Create Your Own Benefits Package 36 Keep Your Debit Digits Secure Welcome to the

Big Leagues 42-47

Local athletes who made it to the pros

Places & Faces

Editors and Publishers

Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Creative Director/Layout

Barbara VanGossen

Assistant Editor

Katie Harrington

Business Manager

Katie McDaniel

Assistant Designers

Shonda Manuel Kris Roy

Advertising Sales Shanteé Gotte ads@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

50 The Undersea World of Keith Monroe 52 Methodist Children’s Home

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

Mind & Body 62 Vision-Threatening Eye Disorders on the Rise 64 Weekend Warrior 68 Stressed? Change It with Exercise

Reserve your ad space now in the Thrive Playbook, our annual high school football special edition. We’ll preview the upcoming season and profile each area team.

Style & Beauty 74 Peel Away Sun Damage 75 10 Wardrobe Looks That Stay In-style Don’t just live, thrive!

Copies will be distributed at each school, at kick-off jamborees and in our racks in late August.

Email shantee@thriveswla.com or call 310-2099. Space is limited and going quickly.

FOLLOW US ON: Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career. 4 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Meet Erlinda Edwards. Connoisseur of Great Service A greeter at Walmart, Erlinda is passionate about service. As a self-described ‘Director of First Impressions,’ Erlinda knows the value of making people feel extra special. It’s what made her smile when she encountered the G.I. Center’s staff at Memorial Hospital. Read Erlinda’s story at:

SixtyStrong.com

Sixty Years and Stronger Than Ever Celebrating 60 Years of Delivering the Best Gastroenterology Services Our high-definition imaging equipment and renowned board-certified gastroenterologists are great advancements to our renovated G.I. Center. But Memorial Hospital’s best asset is our staff, who make even routine procedures special.

lcmh.com

August 2012

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coding your Handwriting

by Katie Harrington

According to Curt Baggett, professional document examiner and handwriting analysis expert, the answer is an unequivocal yes. “By studying someone’s handwriting you can discern everything from work ethic to attitude and outlook on life,” says Baggett, a Kinder native. “Take the sample from the lead of this article. The author tends to want things to be perfect and is very focused. Their intensity shows in how heavy the ink is laid onto the paper.” For centuries handwriting analysis has been used to examine everything from the authenticity of documents to helping create suspect profiles for detectives. “We recently worked a 100-year-old case from New Zealand where it was determined that a parcel of land was stolen by forging documents,” adds Baggett. “Over the course of time there have also been cases where a death was ruled a suicide and then later determined to be a murder based in large part off expert testimony from a document examiner/handwriting analyst.” Handwriting analysis and professional document examination are valuable tools for the legal system, but according to Baggett, there are many benefits to knowing how to analyze a person’s handwriting style. “In addition to its use in the court system, 70 percent of the businesses in Europe use handwriting analysis to gain key insight in to a potential employee’s personality and companies in America are catching on,” Baggett adds. “Another growing area of use is found in behavior modification for children.” Baggett says that by educating yourself on what it means when you cross your t’s in a certain direction or leaving an open or closed tail on your y’s or g’s, for example, then you can begin to affect change in person’s personality or outlook on life. “For example, if a person crosses their t’s from right to left, they tend to look back on the past and have a more negative outlook on things,” Baggett says. “If this same person makes a conscientious effort to cross them from left to right with a slant upward, then they will soon begin to look toward the future more and be more positive.” Baggett goes on to say that one of the best parts of handwriting analysis is that, thanks to the Internet, there are a lot of educational tools available to help the general public learn more about what their own handwriting says about them. He suggests www.handwritinguniversity.com, which is operated by his son, and www.handwritingwizard.com, as two starting points for those wishing to learn more. 6 www.thriveswla.com

“These websites offer some really great tools for those wanting to learn more, not only about themselves, but also about others around them,” Baggett says. “Also, the book Change your Handwriting, Change your Life, is a great read for those wanting to learn more about modifying behavior by changing handwriting technique.” For fun, Baggett examined the handwriting of local media veteran John Bridges, Kerry Andersen of Pinnacle Entertainment and Kristy Armand, publisher of Thrive. The samples submitted as well as a few key points of his analysis are provided in the pictures surrounding this story.

Kerry Andersen: Kerry is really fun at a party, so optimistic, loyal, honest and generous. She talks to herself, is a very independent dresser and a strong perfectionist. Kerry makes big deals out of little things, loves to learn, does not like to be told what to do, has good intuition, a really high I.Q. If Kerry doesn’t want to face something she buries her head in the sand. She also loves to read Robert Frost.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Kristy Armand: Wow! What a great personality - a natural born salesman, teacher, preacher, or actually anything she wants to do, she does! Kristy could join her friends’ detective squad with her tremendous persistence, quick mind (high I.Q.), and super analytical ability. Kristy can’t stand slow thinkers, slow movers, idiots, or signal lights. She was bashful when she was young, is a takeover queen, loves responsibility, and is always thinking. She also knows when to shut up. Kristy loves to learn.

August 2012

John Bridges: John is so super nice we sometimes can’t believe it. He is a great story teller, has more energy than most of us, is well balanced, and always future thinking. John has an overdose of will power and determination. He does not like confrontation, and has been accused of being stubborn. He is sensitive, secretive, listens well and exaggerates real good. John loves women and dogs.

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Home & Family

The Nuts and Bolts of a Home Inspection by Katie Harrington

You’ve found your dream home and made your offer. Now it’s time to get the financing in order, appraisal completed and start picking out all of your new furnishings - or is it? 8 www.thriveswla.com

After all, how can you be sure there are no hidden flaws in your new-to-you home? Some serious problems may be invisible to the untrained eye, but stick out like a sore thumb to an experienced home inspector. “Home buyers often ask me if they need to go through the expense of a home inspection,” says Nikki Hagen, REALTOR with Century 21 Bessette Realty. “My answer 99.9 percent of the time is going to be yes. When you sign on the dotted line to buy a home, you are making a huge investment, so it is definitely worth it to protect yourself by getting an inspection. You wouldn’t buy a car without looking under the hood and taking it for a spin around the block. You can’t do that with a house, but you can bring in an expert to check it out for you.” A home inspection is completed after the potential buyer and seller sign a contract and should be viewed as a protective measure for the potential buyer. Should the inspection come back with less than favorable results, the potential buyer can walk away at that point or negotiate with the seller to have the defects fixed, often at the seller’s expense, prior to closing on the final sale.

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August 2012

“There are several things a home inspector is looking for when he or she comes out to the property,” says Hagen. “The typical list includes everything from the construction of the walls and state of the foundation to the status of the electrical and plumbing components in the house.” Here’s a brief rundown of what your typical home inspector is going to inspect: • Structural elements: Construction of walls, ceilings, roof, floors and foundation. • Exterior evaluation: Wall coverings, landscaping, grading elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, etc. • Roof and attic: Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing and gutters. • Plumbing: Identification of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes, including the condition. • Systems and components: Water heaters, air conditioning, fireplaces, chimney, duct work, etc. • Electrical: Main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures. • Garage: Slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, exterior windows, etc. Finally, Hagen says a home inspection is especially important in this area considering that many homes were affected in one way or another by hurricanes in the past decade. “Many area homes have new roofs and have had some level of reconstruction done to them since 2005 so it really is best to proceed with caution” adds Hagen. “A home inspection can provide you with valuable piece of mind and protect you from a bad experience.” For more information, contact Bessette Realty at (337) 474-2185 or visit www.century21-bessette.com.

Relax. Make an appointment online at LakeAreaPhysicians.com for you and your family today! Now accepting new patients. Same-day appointments. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans accepted. Offices located behind Women & Children’s Hospital at 4150 Nelson Road, Building G. August 2012

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When it comes to finding a primary care physician, we’ve got you covered – now with extended hours.

Dennis Fletcher, M.D. Family Medicine 337-562-3761

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Dennis Fletcher, M.D. Hilma Lisa Green, M.D. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tolvert Fowler, M.D. Dennis Miller, M.D. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hilma Lisa Green, M.D. Atif Jadoon, M.D. Internal Medicine/ Internal Medicine Pediatrics 337-562-3709 337-562-3773

Lake Area Internal Medicine Atif Jadoon, M.D. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday until 7 p.m. 2nd Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-Noon

Open most Wednesdays until 7 p.m. Most Saturdays, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. LakeAreaPhysicians.com

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7/16/12 5:44 PM

Home & Family

Protecting Your A/C from the Summer Blues by Jody Carroll

The temperatures are rising and a properly maintained A/C is essential to staying cool during the sweltering months. Here are some tips to keep yours in top-running shape: Maintenance:

• Check your air filters. Dirty air filters restrict air flow and should be changed monthly. • Inspect and clean the condensate drain, evaporator and condensing coils, and the blower. A blockage in the condensate drain can increase indoor humidity or cause water damage. Cleaning the coils will help by not over-working your system. Keeping the blower clean increases good air flow. • Adjust thermostat settings. Keeping the temperature set at a nominal degree will keep your A/C from over-heating. • Check the refrigerant level. Improper refrigerant levels will hinder energy efficiency. Have the refrigerant levels checked if your system is having trouble cooling. • Clean away debris. Remove weeds, leaves and grass clogging your outdoor unit.

• Plan your chore times wisely. Run your dishwasher and dryer overnight. Use the grill more, or cook quick meals. Cooking during the heat of the day increases your kitchen temperature by 10 degrees. • Change your lighting habits. Indoor lighting adds to indoor heat. Use indirect day light when possible, and consider changing to CFL bulbs rather than incandescent bulbs to save about 12 percent of your energy use. • Insulate your attic. Proper insulation is important. Older homes may need added inexpensive blown-in fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Neglecting your A/C system can lead to costly repairs. Be sure to maintain your system to ensure its long, productive life, and enjoy many happy cool summers.

Additional energy and money saving tips:

• Use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans inexpensively decrease the temperature feel of your home by five degrees. Since fans cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave. • Install a programmable thermostat. This will help regulate indoor temperatures when you are not home.

10 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Refinancing for the Right Reasons If you’ve thought about refinancing your home mortgage, it’s important to do it for the right reasons. Here are a few to consider:

Score a Lower Interest Rate Lower interest rates = savings, and sometimes quite substantial ones. A Federal Reserve guide compares the monthly payments on a 30-year fixed rate loan of $200,000 at 5.5 percent and 6 percent: • Monthly payment at 6 percent: $1,199 • Monthly payment at 5.5 percent: $1,136 • Over 10 years, at 5.5 percent, you will have saved: $7,560

Get out of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Huh? With an ARM your mortgage rate could go down - or up - throughout the life of your loan and you’re probably not going to like it when it spikes at some point. Interest rates have not been this low in 40 years so experts say now is the time to lock in at a fixed rate.

Your Credit Score is Stellar Let all those years you’ve spent building a great credit score work for you. According to the Federal Reserve Board, your mortgage rate could be lowered when you refinance if your credit has improved from when you originally took out your loan.

You’re Rollin’ in Dough If you recently hit the jackpot via a large salary increase, or have fallen into more money than you know what to do with, refinancing could be a great option for you.

The choice is yours. . . Why choose us. . . • We believe that the patient and family come first • Our staff will always go above and beyond to meet the needs and expectations of the patient and their families • Our patients’ and families’ wishes, experiences and opinions are valued when developing the plan of care for each patient

Proudly Serving Southwest Louisiana www.brightonbridge.com 1-888-878-0337

August 2012

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Home & Family

Keep Your Home Out of the Spider’s Web by Kristy Armand

You don’t have to have arachnophobia (fear of spiders) to feel a little uneasy after an up close and personal encounter with a spider in your home. Fortunately, most of the estimated 3,500 species of spiders in North America are not poisonous. “With a few exceptions, spiders pose no real danger to humans, and while they may be viewed as a nuisance, they actually play a beneficial role in pest control,” says Robert Soileau, manager of J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles. “A typical home has a resident – and hopefully unseen—spider population. These spiders prey on other insect pests in your yard and home. The spiders living in your home tend to stay in hidden in attics or closets, and under or behind the furniture.” However, Soileau understands that regardless of any benefits they might provide, for most people, spiders are an unwelcome sight in the home. “The biggest concern is usually about spider bites. It’s true that spiders are active hunters and rely on their bites and venom to paralyze and kill their prey before consuming it, but keep in mind, humans are not their prey. Most spider bites occur when humans unintentionally press up against spiders and receive a defensive bite. The majority of the spiders in our region are not strong enough to even break human skin with their bite, and their venom is not harmful to humans. Very often, the person receiving the bite may not even notice it, or it may resemble a mosquito bite with a little swelling and itching.” Soileau says there are three poisonous spiders in Southwest Louisiana that residents should be aware of: the brown recluse, the black widow and the brown widow. “The venom of these species is very harmful and potentially deadly to humans, so it’s important to be on the lookout for these spiders.” The brown recluse spider is often found in boxes, among papers, in folds of clothing, and in bedrooms, bathrooms, cellars, and attics. They prefer dry locations that remain undisturbed, such as closets, attics, and garages. Outdoors, the spiders are found under rocks, logs, or loose bark in relatively dry areas, such as under rock ledges. Soileau says these spiders are not aggressive and bite only when forced into intimate contact with human skin. Bites often occur when spiders are trapped in clothing or bedding. The black widow spider has a venomous bite that can be very painful or life threatening for those sensitive to the venom. These spiders are black with a red or orange mark on their abdomen, usually in the shape of an hourglass. Their webs are usually found in dark, undisturbed places. The brown widow spider is usually found in tropical climates, but Soileau says it has been found in increasing numbers in recent years in many areas of Louisiana, including ours. The female of this species 12 www.thriveswla.com

is very venomous. In fact, the venom of the brown widow is more potent than that of the black widow, but usually very little venom is transferred in the bite, making it less intense. The spider ranges in color from gray or tan to dark brown and may reach 1 inch to 1½ inches long. Like its better-known black widow cousin, the brown widow spider has an orange hourglass marking on its belly. The brown widow prefers secluded, undisturbed sites in man-made structures or in vegetation. Common locations are cluttered closets or garages, crawl spaces under homes, doorway corners, empty buckets, flower pots, mail boxes, old tires, recessed handles of garbage containers, and under eaves, shutters, yard furniture, tree branches and shrubs. “If you are bitten by any spider, attempt to capture or at least visualize the spider so the species can be identified,” says Soileau. “If you know what the spider looks like, identification shouldn’t be terribly difficult. If you can’t identify the spider, monitor the bite and any symptoms if there are any. If you’re allergic and/or identify the spider as poisonous, seek immediate medical attention.” Even if the spiders you see in and around your home are of the nonpoisonous variety, you are likely still not willing to share your home with these eight-legged creature. “Every home likely has spiders; you just don’t see them. When we have long, hot dry spells, like we did earlier this summer, they’ll come out in search of water and we’ll get more calls,” says Soileau. “And if you are seeing spiders and their webs on a regular instead of occasional basis regardless of the weather, then you probably have a bigger problem that needs immediate attention.” He says spiders are different from many other pests because they do not tend to colonize as most insect pests will. “Instead we have to find them, and the web often provides the best clue. We remove the webs and apply treatment in the area around the web, making sure we get it into any crack or crevice associated with the web. By doing this, we ensure that if the initial treatment doesn’t reach the spider, they’ll be exposed to the treatment when they return to rebuild their web.” Soileau says the best way to prevent spiders from becoming a problem within the home is to make it difficult for them to get comfortable. “When cleaning inside, be sure to sweep, dust or vacuum corners, under furniture and in closets and cabinets. Knock down any spider webs you see. Outside, remove or limit heavy, ground-covering vegetation near the building. Install tight-fitting screens on all attic and foundation vents. Check weather stripping on your windows and doors regularly and seal any cracks. And when you are working outside, pay attention to areas of your yard and house where spiders might choose to make their home, such as eaves and gutters, and keep these cleaned out.” He adds that regular preventive pest control services are also a good way of keeping spiders – and other pests – away from your home. For more information about spiders or any pest control problem, call J&J Exterminating at 474-7377.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Just Duct Tape It! Gone are the days of boring old gray duct tape. This handy household tool is now available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making accessorizing with it fun and fashionable. Pick up a few rolls at your favorite local store and try out some of these ideas:

Not sure where to start? Search www.pinterest.com for project ideas like zebra-striped purses or rings made of duct tape rosettes.

Accessorize your favorite outfit:

Breath new life into a flea market find:

Forget the spray paintâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;use duct tape to cover a scratched dresser drawer, liven up the frame of a mirror or cover torn upholstery.

Organize your pantry: Cover dry-good containers with strips of tape and then use a Sharpie or whiteboard marker to make note of the contents or purchase date.

Laminate your passes:

Waterproof, clear duct tape can be used to laminate important documents like a fishing license or seasonal pool pass to help protect it from the elements.

Fun Duct Tape Facts Did you know: It was originally made for the US Army with a green cotton duck backing? Soldiers began bringing it home and using to to make repairs like connecting heating ducts. Manufactures began making it in silver and named it duct tape. It was used by astronauts to fit square carbon dioxide filters from a broken command module into round receptables in the lunar module durig the Apollo 13 mission? This allowed the craft to have enough oxygen to return home.

August 2012

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Best. Year. Ever!

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Brand-new crayons and shiny new notebooks can only mean one thing, it’s back-to-school time! Whether you’re an old pro at getting your children back into a routine or you’re sending your baby off to pre-school or even college for the first time, the start of a new school year can be stressful for the entire family. Our Best.Year. Ever! Back to School Guide will help take a load off your mind and prepare your entire family for a smooth transition from the lazy days of summer to the hectic days of hitting the books.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Managing Overscheduled Kids by Kristy Armand

The beginning of a new school year signals a return to more hectic schedules for many families. From sporting events to dance and music classes to tutoring sessions and parties, parents today seem to be on a mission to give their children advantages; unfortunately, this can quickly become a disadvantage. And for families with working parents and more than one child, getting everyone where they need to be is often a daily challenge. Surprisingly, with such busy schedules, parents aren’t the only ones who tend to be overwhelmed. According to Chauntelle LeJeune, MA, LMFT, LPC, therapist with Solutions EAP (employee assistance program), “Children can have the feeling of being pressured or stressed to perform when they have too many activities on their plate.” Over the past decade, the number of activities available to kids seems to have grown exponentially. “Many parents believe that the more involved their child is, the more opportunities he/she will have to develop life-learned skills and talents, which can eventually help a child get into college or find a good job,” says LeJeune. “And while this may be true, if not managed appropriately, the effort to gain these skills and talents is all too often accompanied by the pressure to achieve more and be competitive. What is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable activity can cause stress and anxiety.” In some cases it’s the kids – particularly those in high school – who do the over-scheduling on their own. As requirements for attending college become more stringent, many high school students enroll themselves in advanced level classes and get involved in numerous community service projects to enhance their list of qualifications on college applications. “Add this to regular school work and other extracurricular activities like clubs and sports, teens today often have very little free time left for anything else,” LeJeune says, “While extracurricular activities are great for teaching time management and building structure into a child’s life, moderation is the key. It’s not just a cliché – kids really do need to be allowed to be kids.” Over-scheduling can lead to numerous unhealthy consequences for children. LeJeune says the signs of a stressed or over burdened child are similar to those of a stressed-out adult, and may include: • Worry, excessive anxiety or even panic attacks • Feeling of being constantly pressured or hurried • Irritability • Falling grades • Moodiness • Decreased interest in other activities • Physical symptoms, such as stomach problems or headaches • Sleep problems • Sadness or depression

The answer to this over-scheduling is a simple one, according to LeJeune: “Simplify. Find a balance that incorporates what is best for your child with those activities they are most interested in, and that allows for a schedule that you and they can successfully manage.” She says if you set priorities and develop a realistic schedule, your child will be faced with less stress and have more time to enjoy the activities they really like. “Encourage them to set aside time for family and for just doing nothing. Remember, in addition to teaching them how to set and achieve goals, your job as a parent is also to teach them how to relax and enjoy life. Continue to keep your children involved, but be alert for any signs of burnout and make adjustments if you feel they are overloaded. By helping your child learn to manage their time now, you’ll be providing them with a solid foundation for life balance as they get older and face more demands on their time.”

August 2012

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Lunch Lessons for a Healthy School Year

by Kristy Armand

For many school children, buying a new lunch box is a much-anticipated ritual of the new school year. For parents, packing that lunch box every day is a chore. Not only is it one more thing to do in the hectic morning rush to get out of the door, it’s a challenge to pack it with nutritious food their child will eat. Maybe it’s time to think outside the school lunch box. That’s what Samantha Rider, LDN, RD, Assistant Director of Patient Services at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital suggests. “What’s packed inside that lunch box is what fuels your child’s learning and play for the rest of the day, and even into the evening if they are involved in after-school activities.” Of course, Rider adds that the trick is getting them to eat what you pack, and that’s where some creativity can help. “Many parents are stuck on packing a traditional sandwich, fruit and milk,” she says. “This does provide a healthy balance, but may not be very exciting to your child day after day. You need to consider variety and nutrition, along with your child’s eating preferences.” She adds that getting children involved in the process – from making a shopping list to helping prepare lunch items ahead of time – is a great way to stimulate their interest in what they are eating as well as provide the opportunity for some hands-on nutritional lessons. Rider provides some suggestions for taking an everyday school lunch from ordinary to extraordinary with a few simple tricks:

Mix and Match

• Pair up a traditional turkey sandwich with a serving of applesauce instead of chips. • Cheese cubes may spark more interest than sliced cheese. • Grapes and pineapple and apple slices dipped in lemon juice go well with cheese. • Create your own snack mix and let the kids help. Use a selection of small flavorful crackers, cereal, dried fruit or pretzels. Just about anything goes. Toss in a few chocolate chips, M&Ms or yogurt-covered raisins. Experiment with different mixes and pre-package in individual zip lock bags. You can prepare enough for the week. • From time to time, include a fun sticker for Good luck on smaller kids, and for older kids tuck in a funny your test. You’re joke or encouraging note. t!

going to do grea

“It’s important to adjust your lunch planning to Mom match your child’s tastes, but encourage them to try new, healthy things,” Rider says. “If you plan and prepare lunches with this in mind, you’ll set yourself and them up for success, and minimize the chance of them tossing their lunch in trash, or even worse, bringing it back home again.”

Sandwich Switch-Ups

• Break out the cookie cutters and cut bread into fun shapes. • Break away from bread completely. Use whole-grain tortillas to make roll-ups with sliced turkey and cheese. Fill a mini-pita pocket with tuna or chicken salad, and cut vegetables. Use a wheat bagel or roll instead of regular bread. • Try new sandwich fillings. Consider combinations like diced chicken and corn, ham and avocado, grated carrot and cheddar cheese, or jam and cream cheese. • Choose crackers instead. Pack these along with a side of cheese and ham slices.

Packaging

• Get an assortment of small containers that can be used to add variety and extra touches to a meal, such as salad dressing for vegetable dip or yogurt for dipping fruit. Make sure lids are easy for small hands to open and close. • Keep it cold. Add an ice pack to your child’s lunch to keep it cool while it sits in her locker or classroom. Warm food may lose the battle before it’s even begun. • Some like it hot. Use a thermos or insulated container to pack a favorite soup, chili or leftovers from a favorite home-cooked meal.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Brain Foods Your Kids Need

Boost your child’s brain power by adding these nine foods into their diet.

Eggs

Choline (a vitamin-like substance that is plentiful in eggs, and also found in nuts) is vital for the creation of memory stem cells that are formed deep within our brains. Experts have long recognized this nutrient as a vital one for pregnant and lactating women, because so much brain development occurs in utero and in infancy.

Oatmeal

Researchers believe that oatmeal--a whole grain that is high in fiber-digests slowly, providing kids with a steady stream of energy, as well as giving them protein.

Strawberries and Blueberries

These two juicy fruit favorites are ultrahigh in antioxidants. A diet rich in these brain foods has been shown to boost cognitive function of rats, according to research from Tufts University, and researchers believe that similar results occur in humans.

Sandwiches on Whole Wheat

Diocese of Lake charLes

Whole wheat breads are not only rich in fiber, but the enriched flour used by most commercial bakers is folate-rich, a B vitamin that is used to manufacture memory cells in the brain.

cathoLic schooLs

Milk

Fat-free milk is known to be a great source of protein, vitamin D and phosphorus; but the calcium in milk also affects how our bodies regulate energy.

Water

Water is an overlooked food and most parents would be amazed at how little of it their child is drinking while at school. Dehydration, even very mild cases, leads to listless, lethargic, and irritable children--not exactly the best frame of mind for learning.

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Cereal

Fortified cereals are a great source of vitamin B12 which is linked to how well we remember things, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Beef

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The most common type of nutritional shortfall in American children is iron deficiency. Even a minor deficiency can cause a decline in cognitive functioning and a child’s ability to pay attention. Source: Prevention

The partnership that occurs between parents, teachers and students ensures that Catholic Education is indeed a “gift of life”.

2510 Enterprise Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 436-7959 • www.stmcs.com

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1620 Bank Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 436-7275 • www.slchs.org The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles Mrs. Kimberlee Gazzolo, Superintendent of Catholic Schools statement of nonDiscrimination PoLicy

The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lake Charles do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national or ethnic origin.

office of catholic schools • 337-433-9640

Achieving Academic Excellence through Leadership, Unity and Service August 2012

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Now Hear This! by Christine Fisher

Back-to-school hearing screenings should be on every parent’s checklist as they prepare for their child’s new school year, according to Jake Cavanaugh, audiologist with Hearing Solutions of Louisiana and medical staff member of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

If hearing problems go undetected, the child loses out on valuable developmental milestones. Louisiana law mandates a newborn hearing screening before they leave the hospital. Infants who don’t pass the screening are referred to an audiologist for further testing. If parents neglect the follow up screening, hearing loss in children is often unknown until between the ages of two and four, or sometimes later. “As children grow, ensuring they can hear well is a vital part of their development,” said Cavanaugh. “Waiting until it’s discovered later on means valuable time has already been lost.” Even mild hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to speak and understand language. Hearing loss is not a common birth defect, but does affect one out of every 1,000 babies in the United States. Even though babies are screened at birth, Cavanaugh said it’s important to have regular screenings throughout their childhood. “Hearing loss can be caused by infections, trauma, and excessively high noise levels. Getting routine hearing evaluations is a good idea to ensure there are no damages to the child’s hearing ” he explained. Parents and grandparents are usually the first to notice hearing loss in children. “Even if your baby passed the infant hearing screening, you should continue to have them screened and look for signs that indicate he or she is able to hear well.” Signs of hearing loss in children include: • Limited or poor speech • Frequent inattention when being spoken to • Difficulty learning • Increased volume of TV or music • Failure to respond during conversations During a hearing evaluation, audiologists use several types of screenings depending on the age and maturity level of the child. Behavioral tests are a common way to evaluate hearing. “In babies, I watch their eye movements in relation to sound, toddlers will turn their heads toward sound, preschoolers will follow spoken directions for games and toys, and school-aged children can follow audio instructions. If there are problems in any of these screening methods, there are more in-depth tools to get a more detailed diagnosis,” Cavanaugh explained.

18 www.thriveswla.com

Hearing loss in children can be temporary or permanent. Sometimes, medical problems could cause temporary hearing loss, whether it’s an ear infection or even excessive earwax. If the hearing loss is permanent, many children benefit from hearing aids. They are individually fitted for comfort and durability. Research shows that if a child’s hearing loss is remedied by six months of age, it will prevent subsequent language delays. For more information, or to schedule a hearing evaluation, call Hearing Solutions of Louisiana, LLC at (337) 528-7842.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Quick Response Can Protect a Child’s Smile Back-to-SchoolTooth-Saving Tips Back to school means back to a ‘normal’ routine for children across the area and for many, part of this routine includes sports, physical education and other after-school activities. Just as playing sports, learning to ride a bike and playing tag are childhood rites of passage, so is chipping or injuring a tooth in the pursuit of these worthwhile activities. In fact, according to pediatric dentist Dr. Eric Sanders, injuries to the teeth are more common than most parents realize. “Childhood tooth injuries can occur when a child falls on the playground, is playing a sport or just goofing around with a sibling at home,” says Dr. Sanders. “Often times the injury often looks worse than it is because even a small puncture wound in the mouth can bleed a lot.” Combine the blood with pain and swelling and it may seem like you have an emergency situation on your hands. Dr. Sanders says once an oral injury is detected, it’s important to calm the child down and stop the bleeding in order to assess the situation. “Your child is likely to be in a state of panic so it is important for you to remain calm and reassure them that you can help,” adds Dr. Sanders. “By placing a small piece of folded gauze at the spot of injury and having them bite down on it, you can begin to slow the bleeding. Sips of cool water and sucking on an ice pop can help with the pain and swelling.”

Discover the

by Katie Harrington

Dr. Sanders offers these next steps:

Treatment for an injured tooth:

• If a tooth is chipped or cracked, collect all the pieces of the tooth and make sure pieces of tooth are not imbedded in the lips, tongue or gums. • Rinse the mouth and damaged area with warm water. • Put a cold compress on the tooth. • Contact your child’s dentist for further follow-up and care as sharp or jagged tooth edges may need to be smoothed and further treatment may be needed to preserve the tooth and root.

If the tooth has been knocked out:

• Hold the tooth by the crown (the top of the tooth), not by the root. Plug the sink to prevent loosing the tooth down the drain and gently rinse the tooth with milk (do not scrub the tooth or use tap water as it contains chlorine and may injure the tooth.) • If your child will cooperate, place the tooth back in your child’s mouth in its socket and have your child bite down on a gauze pad placed over the tooth. continued on p21

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Safety as Easy as 1, 2, 3 As you gather up your child’s supplies and uniforms in preparation for the new school year, be sure to add a review of school-related safety to your list of things to do. Joni Fontenot, spokesperson with the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, says that parents often overestimate their child’s ‘safety sense.’ “There’s a big difference between knowing what you should do to stay safe and actually practicing these rules on a daily basis. Parents should be proactive and take the time to talk about safety with their kids before they head back to school.” The Safety Council advises parents to cover the following information, at a minimum, with their children in preparation for the new school year:

School Bus

• When walking to the bus stop, walk on the sidewalk if possible. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face the traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can. • While waiting for the bus it is important to stand six feet away from the road or curb. • When riding the bus, remain seated and keep the aisles clear. • When getting on and off the bus, wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to do so. If you must cross the street, do so 10 feet in front of the bus where you can see the driver and the driver can see you. • Be aware of the street traffic around you. Look both ways and always be on alert for oncoming traffic.

Walking and Biking

by Katie KristyHarrington Armand

to be involved in a fatal crash. If your teen is driving to school, Fontenot advises these rules: – Teach them to always buckle up and to require everyone else riding with them to buckle up as well. – Limit the number of passengers. – Remind them to always obey the speed limit and to be extra alert in school zones.

Home Alone

• Lock all doors when alone. • Never indicate you are home alone when answering the phone. • Decide on whether friends are allowed over or not. If so, how many and for how long. • Decide if using the internet is allowed. • Discuss if using the stove or oven is allowed. For most kids, it’s better to not cook without adult supervision. • Arrange for an “emergency person”, a parent with a cell phone always on, or a neighbor who has agreed to be on call and could respond quickly if an emergency occurs. • Post emergency numbers beside the telephone.

Fontenot says there is no “right” age for kids to start walking or biking to school. Each family needs to consider the maturity of their child, how many busy streets have to be crossed, and if these streets have lights or crossing guards. • Before school begins, take your child on trial run. Help them pick the safest direct route with the fewest streets to cross. Try to restrict crossings to intersections that are guarded by a police officer or an adult crossing guard. Point out potential hazards along the way. • Look left, right, and left again for traffic • Walk on sidewalks, where available. If there are not sidewalks on your route, walk single file, facing the traffic, and as close to the edge of the road as possible. • Walk or ride with friends, if possible. • Follow all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard. • Walk your bike through intersections. • Bikers should wear helmets and have some type of reflective markers on their bike, book bag or helmet.

General Safety

Riding in a Car

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

• Buckle up every time you ride in a vehicle, whether you are a passenger or the driver. • Studies show that teen drivers are four times more likely

20 www.thriveswla.com

• Instruct your child to NEVER talk to strangers. • Make sure the school has a list of adults who are allowed to pick your child up from school. Teach your child to never leave school with any adult they do not know. As a safeguard in case of an emergency, give your child a code word that can be used by anyone you send to pick them up. • Never have your child’s name embroidered on the outside of their belongings. Abductors have been known to call kids by their names because they read it on their backpack. Then the kid thinks they know them and trusts them. • Make sure your child is not afraid to tell a teacher or other trusted adult at school if they are afraid, or if they see or hear about anything suspicious at or around school.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Tooth-Saving Tips

continued from p19

• If you cannot replace the tooth in your child’s mouth, place it in milk or inside your own mouth, between your cheek and teeth to be bathed in saliva, until you get to

337-477-1884 1503 East Prien Lake Rd

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the dentist. • Contact your child’s dentist immediately for further follow-up and care. The tooth can often be placed back in its socket, but must be done quickly.

Is car care on your back-to-school list?

According to Dr. Sanders, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help make your child more comfortable, but be sure to check with his or her physician first. There are also some steps you can take to prevent tooth injuries, says Dr. Sanders. “Teaching your child not to walk or run with objects in their mouth and teaching them not to chew or suck on hard, sharp or pointed objects can help lessen their risk of tooth injuries. Also, if they play sports, they should definitely wear a mouth guard to prevent injuries.”

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Staying focused on summer fun is great, but school is in sight! Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic has the styles kids want, and the quality parents are looking for in children’s eyewear. Beat the back-to-school rush and schedule your child’s eye exam this summer at one of The Eye Clinic’s five convenient locations. We’re making it easy with these special offers:

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*Contact lens exams and fittings require additional fees.

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Early Childhood Music Education Research tells us that we are all born with an aptitude for music, but did you know that some experts say that aptitude can diminish if it isn’t actively nurtured between the ages of birth and nine years old? Carla Breaux, owner and instructor at Musikgarten, offers classes that are designed to nurture children’s music aptitude by engaging them and their families in singing and movement activities which help attune the ear, refine the voice, and develop a rhythmic body through which music can be expressed. Additionally, instrumental activities are part of the program, ranging from playing simple rhythm instruments such as sticks and drums for babies and toddlers to playing keyboards for older children. Breaux, who has been playing piano for 30 years and has been teaching full-time for six years, earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance with a concentration in piano pedagogy at McNeese State University. She has also presented music programs for children at several locations of the Calcasieu Parish Library. Through Musikgarten, she is licensed to teach the curriculum for babies and toddlers from birth to 3 years old. “Through the classes that I offer, which are parent-child classes, there is an opportunity for parents to interact with their babies or toddlers in a musical setting, experiencing music and movement activities designed to delight the child and awaken his or her curiosity about music,” Breaux said. Various classes are available, including: “Family Music for Babies,” newborns-18 months; “Family Music for Toddlers,” 16 months-3 years; and “My

22 www.thriveswla.com

by Lisa Addison

Musical World,” birth-4 years. Each class is 30 minutes per week. Breaux said that her Musikgarten class goes well beyond traditional music education. “It touches a child’s language development, cognitive skills, and stimulates their brain, all while sparking a love of music,” Breaux said. “It’s just wonderful!” For more information or to register your child for Musikgarten classes, call Carla Breaux at (337) 884-6389.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Get Focused

by Kristy Armand

for a Great School Year

It’s difficult to learn if you can’t see clearly. In fact, 80 percent of learning in a child’s first 12 years comes through the eyes. That’s why undetected vision problems can have a tremendous detrimental impact on their ability to learn. According to eye doctors at The Eye Clinic, vision problems are treated more successfully during the growth and development of a child’s visual system. That’s why they recommend a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor for all children before four years of age. Once a child enters school, they should have an eye exam at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. Parents and teachers should be on the look out for these warning signs of vision problems in school-age children: • Squinting, closing or covering one eye • Excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes

• Dislike and/or avoidance of close work • Short attention span; frequent daydreaming • Placing the head close to a book when reading • Turning or tilting the head to one side • Losing place while reading; omits or confuses small words when reading • Complaints of headaches, nausea and dizziness • Excessive clumsiness • Consistently performs below potential If any of these signs are noticed, the child should see an eye doctor as soon as possible for an exam.

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Sleep Well. Live Better.

Sleep is so much more than the thing you do after work and play. The Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana has been helping Southwest Louisiana residents get their best rest for over a decade. Trust our board-certified sleep specialists and qualified staff to help you achieve peaceful nights and productive days.

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Educational Ergonomics Long gone are the days when all kids needed for school were paper, pencils and pens. The list of required school supplies seems to get longer and more technical every year, increasing the physical strain on kids as they carry and use all of these modern-day educational necessities. Advances in technology are apparent in both the classroom and at home, and according to physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Bill Lowry, MD, with Center for Orthopaedics, addressing the ergonomic issues this technology creates is something that parents and educators often overlook. “Ergonomics is the science and practice of designing jobs, tools, equipment and environments to match the capabilities and limitations of the human body. Ergonomics has traditionally focused on the workplace, but can also be applied to students, helping with computer workstation set up, backpack design and the use of other technology, in an effort to prevent injury.” Carrying heavy backpacks is not a new problem and it may even be getting worse as many kids add a laptop, calculator and other new types of school supplies to their book bags. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 7,000 children are injured each year due to overloaded backpacks. Research indicates that many students carry far more than the recommended weight (10 percent or less of their body weight) in backpacks, which puts them at increased risk for back strain and injury. “We know that up to 25 percent of young students are carrying backpacks weighing more than 20 percent of their bodyweight on a daily basis. This is equivalent to an adult carrying a small refrigerator, and is far too much weight for a child to support, especially if they are walking to school or carrying it on only one shoulder,” says Dr. Lowry. “When a backpack is too heavy, a child hyperextends or arches their back or leans the head and trunk forward to compensate for the weight of the bag. This stresses the muscles in the neck and back, increasing the risk of fatigue and injury.” Poor computer posture – leaning towards the computer with slumped shoulders and eyes glued to the screen – is another big area of concern for teens and even younger children. Dr. Lowry says it can lead to accelerated fatigue, eventual soreness and, cumulative trauma/pain. “By being aware of the risk, parents can make a few adjustments and prevent problems from developing.” The increased use of technology by kids is obviously not linked just to school demands. A recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation confirmed what most parents already know: kids of today are insatiable consumers of new media and technology. The average 11-year-old owns a television, laptop computer, cell phone, MP3 player, gaming systems and a hand-held game or learning device. Children are spending hours every day texting, gaming, downloading music, posting on social media sites and watching programming. The average adolescent/teen sends more than 100 texts each day, which adds up to almost two hours of texting per day. Dr. Lowry says that computing, texting and gaming are all activities that require typing. “This involves small, precise movements with the hands, wrists and fingers, particularly the thumb. These body parts involve small muscle groups that fatigue easily and are highly susceptible to repetitive stress injuries. It takes

24 www.thriveswla.com

about 10 to 15 years for this type of injury to develop but with the increasingly high use of technology at a young age, we’re seeing these injuries in much younger people.” A new study by Cornell University documented the incidence of repetitive motion injuries at a younger age. The report showed that in the 1990s, the average age of workers reporting carpel-tunnel syndrome was late 30s to early 40s. Now, the average age has dropped to the mid-20s. “This means these injuries didn’t start in the workplace, they started in the teens,” says Dr. Lowry. While it may seem unbelievable that a 6- or 7-year old could develop carpel-tunnel syndrome from too much time at the desk, Dr. Lowry says kids are actually more susceptible to these types of injuries than adults. “A child’s musculoskeletal system is more flexible, and will easily adapt to unnatural postures without any noticeable discomfort. Young people are not as attuned to the position of their bodies while engaged in different activities, so it’s particularly important to watch your children’s posture and habits. This is an age when many lifelong habits are formed that can be very difficult to break later in life. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that the habits they develop now are good ones.” He says there are several steps parents can take improve their child’s school and technology-related ergonomics. He offers the following suggestions:

Chair.

Good ergonomics start here. Kids need a chair that will get them to the proper height for working at a computer. Ideally, the chair will support their upper and lower back, and allow their feet to be firmly planted. If you need to, add a pillow to an adult chair to provide more support for the child’s back, and use a box or a stool for the footrest.

Computer Monitor. Height is the most important factor. The

monitor should be positioned so that your child’s eyes are about two feet from the monitor’s surface and equal to the top of the monitor. Encourage them to use laptops at workstations or desks. If they are using it while sitting more casually, get a laptop desk which will at least provide a flat surface and raise the height.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

by Kristy Armand

Keyboard.

Kids’ arms and hands should be in a neutral position. This means that their elbows should be relaxed at their sides, and not outstretched. If your child uses a mouse, encourage them to hold it close so they can keep their arms relaxed, and the wrist straight, and remind them to avoid holding the mouse tightly.

Breaks. Overuse is perhaps the biggest cause of computer-related injuries, so be sure your child takes frequent breaks from their time at the computer. Encourage them to get up and stretch, or do a few jumping jacks, at 30-minute intervals. Backpack.

• Choose one that has two wide, padded straps that go over the shoulders and a waist belt to distribute weight more evenly across the body. • The width should not be greater than the child’s torso. • Look for multiple compartments to help distribute the weight of the load. • Use both shoulder straps. • If the backpack is too heavy, remove some books and carry them cradled in the arms or against the stomach. • Adjust the straps so the backpack sits on the hips and pelvic area, not higher on the back or at the buttocks. • Arrange the heaviest items close to the back. • Use a backpack with wheels if your school allows.

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Back to School

Tech Savvy by Katie Harrington

Tablets, book readers and computers, oh my! Navigating the ever-changing world of technology is a challenge on even the best of days, but deciding which gadget is best for a student can be completely overwhelming. According to Shawn Davis, co-owner of Southern Technologies, the best place to start is with a list. “When trying to decide which tech product to buy for your student you should start by making a list of what exactly needs to be accomplished with the device,” says Davis. “If they are only going to use the device as an electronic book reader, then the Kindle or Nook with their eInk displays allow for easier reading for longer periods of time. If they are looking for apps and Internet capabilities, an iPad or Android table is likely a better bet.” Other factors to consider include cost, portability, storage and processing power. “One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that a tablet can replace your need for an actual computer,” adds Davis. “While we’ve come a long way and devices like the Windows 8 tablet scheduled for release later this year will help bridge the gap even more, we just aren’t there yet. An actual computer, be it a laptop or desktop, is still going to be your best bet for word processing and other similar tasks.” Cost is always a major factor when making any purchase, but when it comes to technology, you truly get what you pay for, says Davis. “There are many companies now making these devices and many promote their low cost as a major selling point, but you have to be careful when going with an off-brand or lower-cost item,” Davis says. “Many of the cheaper alternatives offer lower-end processors such as the Intel Atom or AMD C-30. At the very minimum look at purchasing a machine with an Intel Core i3 or AMD A6 processor. Nowadays, most machines ship with at least 4GB of RAM which is enough for most people.”

26 www.thriveswla.com

Davis adds that with major platforms like Apple, Android and Windows, you are paying for more than just a name. “These companies offer not only updates for their software, but also offer hardware and device support.” Portability is major thing to take into account. Will the student be taking the device to class or work with them or will it stay put in a bedroom or dorm room? “With tech devices even a few ounces can make a difference,” says Davis. “You don’t want to purchase a laptop that weighs 10 pounds and then try to lug it around campus. The lighter the better is a good rule of thumb.” No matter which device you choose, it’s important to do your homework first. With proper research and a solid handle on expectations, you’re sure to pass the back-to-school technology test. For more information on purchasing tech devices for students, contact Southern Technologies at (337) 474-3567 or visit www.southern-tech.net.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Gotta Have

Southern Technologies recommends these options when it comes to purchasing a computer.

Budget PC

ASUS A53TA-EH61 AMD A6-3400M 4GB RAM Fast 7200 RPM 500GB Hard Drive Standard 15.6” Screen Less than $499

Apps

Middle of the Road PC HP ProBook 4430s Intel Core i5 2450M 4GB RAM Fast 7200 RPM 500GB Hard Drive smaller 14” screen ideal for portability Less than $650

Higher End PC

Samsung NP700Z7C-S02US Intel Core i7 8GB RAM 750GB 7200RPM Hard Drive Large 17.3” screen meant to sit on a desk NVIDIA Geforce GT 640M suitable for gaming or light CAD work Less than $1,500

Entry Level Mac

Apple Macbook Air Core i5 4GB RAM Super Fast 128 GB SSD Hard Drive 11.6” Screen and ultra thin for portability Around $1100

Mac Performance

MacBook Pro MD103LL/A Core i7 4GB RAM 500GB 5400RPM Hard Drive (consider upgrading this) 15.4” Screen Over $1700

August 2012

Students of all ages can always use a little help when it comes to homework management. With multiple assignments in a variety of classes, it can be hard to stay on top of all of the studying, assignments and tests. We’ve put together a list of 5 free smartphone apps to help make life as a student even easier.

EverNote EverNote is an award winning note-taking and organizational app. Take notes anywhere and organize them, then access them from any mobile device or computer. You can also create to-do lists, save useful web pages and share your notes with friends and classmates.

dropbox Download Dropbox on your computer or mobile device to take advantage of its online storage system that allows you to access your files anywhere. With this app, there is no need to carry around a USB flash drive or other mobile storage devices because users receive 2GB of storage for free.

flashcards+ Flashcards+ is an optimized way to learn and retain new information. It allows you to easily create and study flashcards without the hassle of having to buy and write on actual note cards.

Grades 2 The Grades app shows students what they need to score on their upcoming assignments, tests and finals in order to get the grade they want. Track grades, extra credit, due dates and even past years or semesters.

dictionary. com Dictionary.com is a dictionary and thesaurus app that provides access to nearly two million words. The app also features audio pronunciations, similarly spelled words and Word of the Day.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

Add

Vaccination Updates

to College Prep List Think immunizations stop at childhood? Think again. College kids may need a shot or two before they begin their first semester, according to John DiGiglia, M.D., Imperial Calcasieu Medical Group family medicine physician and medical director of The Clinic Urgent Care Centers in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff. “Certain immunizations are important for college students, and some universities have specific requirements, while others just make recommendations,” says Dr. DiGiglia. “The often-crowded classroom setting, social activities and shared housing lifestyle can lead to increased risk of communicable diseases being spread among the student population. This transitional time – from childhood to adulthood – is a good time to make sure you are as protected as you can be from these types of diseases.” Dr. DiGiglia says to avoid delays in enrollment, be sure to check the university’s immunization policy, and have the appropriate documentation available. Dr. DiGiglia offers the following list of immunizations that college students may need, or want to consider getting:

Meningococcal (meningitis)

The vaccination is now required by Louisiana law for all college freshmen, and Dr. DiGiglia says this is one that many freshmen may need to get before they are allowed to complete enrollment because it was not a required immunization during this age group’s earlier school years. It is now a requirement for all children 11 years old and entering sixth grade to have this vaccine as well.

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

A second vaccination is required for primary school. If college students have not received this, they are required to have a second vaccination before going to college.

Varicella (chickenpox)

Recommended if there is no history of physician-diagnosed chickenpox, or if this vaccination was not received during childhood or adolescence. Two doses of this vaccine are needed for full protection, so even if one was received previously, a second is recommended before college.

28 www.thriveswla.com

Hepatitis A

If students have not received two doses of hepatitis A as a child, they should strongly consider receiving this vaccine before entering college.

Hepatitis B

This three-shot series has been a part of routine infant immunizations since 1991, and recommended to all older children since 1999, but not all teens have received it. It is strongly recommended that the three-dose series be completed before college.

HPV

This three-dose series is recommended for all females age 11-12 years with catch-up for females age 13 to 26 years for prevention of the virus that can be associated with cervical cancer.

Tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis booster (Tdap)

A booster vaccine that contains acellular pertussis is now required for students at 11 years of age. A booster dose of tetanus vaccine, given within the past ten (10) years, is required for college enrollment in Louisiana.

Influenza

The flu virus is easily spread in classrooms and dormitories on college campuses. All students should consider getting the flu vaccine each fall to reduce their risk of infection and missed days of class. Immunizations and back-to-school physicals, as well as minor illness and injury care, are available at both locations of The Clinic Urgent Care Centers, located at 4201 Nelson Road in Lake Charles and at 277 Highway 171 in Moss Bluff. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call (337) 310-CARE or visit The Clinic Urgent Care Centers Facebook page.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Building a Workforce through Alternative Degree Programs

by Lisa Addison

One benefit of today’s society is that there’s more than one path to success. Alternative programs are proving to be valuable tools in workforce development and are offering people a different path to success. Academy of Acadiana, located in Lake Charles, is one local school that offers an alternative to a traditional college degree. Its four to 10 week programs are designed to provide students with the hands-on training needed to secure employment in the growing medical and dental fields. “We believe that our training should respond to the needs of the medical and dental professions,” says Ginger Barras, director of Academy of Acadiana. “We prepare men and women alike with hands-on training directed toward practical applications.” Additionally, Barras says that their students are supervised by qualified, experienced instructors and the students have the opportunity to train with modern, common use equipment for each field. In addition to the curriculum, the school has a policy of discipline and protocol that provides a professional learning environment. “This is done to better assure our students will be prepared with the kind of work ethic that is so highly valued in our healthcare field today,” says Barras. Barras says that the graduates are fully trained, enthusiastic, and well prepared for their careers in the medical field. Visit www.academyofacadiana.com or call (337) 437-7877 to learn more about program offerings.

When a Heart Attack Occurs, Faster Treatment Saves Heart Muscle & Saves Lives. CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital – Providing heart attack treatment faster than all healthcare facilities in the region. Once a heart attack begins, blockage begins to harm the heart. Minutes can make all the difference for saving heart muscle. Our nationally recognized cardiac team provides treatment 25 minutes faster than the national average

and far ahead of all other healthcare facilities in Southwest Louisiana. The choice for cardiac care is easy. CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center – your partner in wellness.

(337) 491-7577 www.christusstpatrick.org

August 2012

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College Students and Drinking – What Every Parent Should Know

by Katie Harrington

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College is a time to sow wild oats while getting an education that will secure your future. After years of being under constant supervision from a parent or guardian, experiencing college freedom for the first time is exciting for any teenager. It’s easy to get swept up in the idea of being able to come and go as you please and the social scene, including parties and bars, can tempting for anyone trying to fit in to a new adult life. The realities of binge drinking on college campuses are quite sobering according to Scott Riviere, MS, LPC, RPT-S, certified life coach and owner of Success Coaching and founder of K.I.D.Z. Inc. “Binge drinking on college campuses is really an epidemic,” says Riviere. “The truth is that alcohol is the drug of choice for teenagers and young adults, and is used by more young people than tobacco or illegal drugs.” Statistics show that each year around 1,400 college students are killed in alcohol-related accidents and 70,000 college students fall victim to alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. “Many parents have the mindset of ‘at least they’re only drinking,’ but forget that alcohol is a powerful, moodaltering drug,” Riviere adds. “And, in addition to the dramatic effects alcohol has on the mind and body, teens often lack the judgment necessary to make wise decisions when it comes to how much they drink and whether or not they get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.” Related to sexual activity, studies show that teens and college-aged kids who drink are more likely to participate in sexual intercourse at an earlier age, to have sexual intercourse more often and are less likely to use protection. Drinking also impacts classroom performance, says Riviere. “About 25 percent of college drinkers have trouble keeping up in the classroom and fall behind academically.” The statistics regarding college drinking are numerous, including the fact that 31 percent of this population meets the criteria for substance abuse and 6 percent for alcohol dependence. “As a responsible adult, there is nothing wrong with having a drink or two in a social setting,” Riviere says. “The important thing is that parents begin to speak with their kids early on and educate them about drinking responsibly.” One of the best ways is to set a good example for them but Riviere also provides these tips for talking to your teen/ young adult about drinking. • Open the door for communication; let your son or daughter know that you’re available if they need help, even if it is just to talk. • Educate them by talking about the facts of alcohol and effects of drinking in addition to providing reasons not to drink. • Provide resources by telling them how to find help on campus for themselves or a friend.

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• Teach them the law by making sure they know the penalties for underage or excessive drinking. • Continue to stay in contact once school starts by asking how they’re feeling, their experiences, roommates and friends and if they’re enjoying activities and classes. • Encourage them to schedule at least one Friday class. Studies show that students who have no classes or activities on Fridays begin their weekend partying a day earlier than those that do. • Keep your eyes open to signs of abuse such as lower grades, reluctance to talk about friends and activities, mood swings, etc. An additional point that Riviere makes is to begin the talk as early as middle school. “Many parents put these discussions off until the end of high school, but recent data shows that 34 percent of eighth- graders report drinking in the last year and 64 percent of children this age report that alcohol is easy to obtain.” Riviere adds that it’s never too early to introduce your child to key life skills such as problem solving, communication, self-confidence and adaptability. “By urging your children to openly communicate with you on this one topic, you are opening the door to future conversations on a variety of topics throughout their adolescence and young adulthood.” For more information on life coaching for teens available from Scott Riviere at Success Coaching, call (337) 497-1002.

August 2012

OUR REPUTATION IS GROWING, AND SO IS OUR PHYSICIAN TEAM We’re proud to welcome four new doctors to Imperial Calcasieu Medical Group (ICMG), the region’s largest, independent, physican-owned multi-specialty medical group.

RONALD S. KOBER, M.D., General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgeon

Dr. Kober has been praciting medicine in the Lake Area since 1982. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology/chemistry. He earned a medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Kober completed residencies in General Surgery at both Charity Hospital in New Orleans and University of Tennessee Center For Health Science in Memphis, Tennessee; followed by a Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery residency at University of Tennessee Center For Health Science. Dr. Kober is a diplomat of the American College of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

(337) 433-6451 • 641 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles

MICHAEL LAFUENTE, M.D., Internal Medicine Physician

Dr. Lafuente has practiced medicine in the Lake Area since 2007; working as an emergency medicine physician and hospitalist. He specializes in multiple and complicated medical issues. Dr. Lafuente received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston. He earned a medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in 2001, followed by an internship at New York Medical College–Fifth Pathway. Dr. Lafuente completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

(337) 312-8414 • 501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles

MELISSA L. RASBERRY, M.D., Family Medicine Physician Dr. Rasberry is a family medicine physician specializing in the primary care needs of adults and children. Dr. Rasberry, a Cameron Parish native, graduated from Louisiana State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. She earned a medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 2009 and recently completed the three-year Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program in Lake Charles; focusing on internal medicine and its subspecialties, pediatrics, surgery and its subspecialties, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry and community medicine. Dr. Rasberry will begin seeing patients at her new medical practice on September 1.

(337) 474-2856 • 1920 Sale Rd., Building F-2, Lake Charles

JONATHAN L. FORET, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Foret has joined the Center for Orthopaedics, a division of ICMG. He is originally from Lake Charles and earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree from Louisiana State University. Dr. Foret received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Foret will see patients at the Center for Orthopaedics’ offices in Lake Charles, Sulphur and DeRidder beginning September 1.

(337) 721-7236 • 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles

August 2012

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Money 101 for Freshmen & Their Parents by Kristy Armand

When our teen-agers leave the nest to embark on the next phase of their lives, we spend a lot of time worrying about the decisions they’ll make away from our watchful eyes. Will they wear their seat belts? Study instead of party? Use good judgment when confronted with collegiate peer pressure? Find the right career path? Meanwhile, a handful of other important questions often go unasked and unanswered: What will they do with the deluge of credit card offers headed their way? Do they know how to manage their money? Will they end up with a heavy load of debt? College freshmen, who have yet to accumulate debt and are often in need of extra funds, are a prime target for credit card offers. “Credit cards are a snare for anyone, but especially for college students because they are in a vulnerable position. They have limited access to funds, but plenty of wants and needs,” said Lyles McDaniel, Senior Vice President with Lakeside Bank. “That credit card offer will look better and better as they discover that they want to spend more than they have.”

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Although credit cards get a bad rap, they are not inherently bad, according to McDaniel. The key to mastering credit cards is to use them only when needed, pay as much on them as possible every month (ideally the entire balance), pay on time and never max them out. “But first and foremost, make sure you don’t sign on for a credit card that has an enormously high interest rate when you can get one at a lower rate. Parents should make sure that their young adults understand that and show them how to read and understand credit-card offers,” McDaniel said. “Also, teach them not to use their credit card for daily needs, like groceries or textbooks. Credit cards should be limited to emergency use only.” McDaniel offers these additional tips for parents of college freshmen: • Make sure they understand that the financial decisions they make today could affect them for years to come. A balance of $1,500 on a credit card could theoretically take years to pay off if it’s not managed properly. • Teach them how to create a budget and stick to it – it’s okay to do without things you want. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. • Never use your credit card as a source of cash. Many cards offer cash withdrawals on your line of credit, but fees are usually much higher for these amounts. This is also reinforces the bad habit of living beyond your budget. • Encourage them to build a rainy day fund, if possible. • Make sure they choose the right bank for their business. Banks have varying offers – some charge for checking accounts, others don’t, for example. • When in a bind, tell them to avoid the lure of quick cash, payday loan offers. • Show them ways to save money, such as coupons, generic brands, used textbooks, thrift shops, and so on. “Remember,” stresses McDaniel, “the college years are a time of transition to adulthood. Of course you want to help them as much as you can while they get their education, but don’t take care of everything for them. You won’t be doing them any favors if you shield them from making some tough financial decisions. One of the most important lessons parents can help their college student learn during this time is how to manage their money responsibly.”

Win the Back to School Sleep Battle

The relaxed, lazy days of summer are giving way to the hectic, high-pressure days of school and homework. Late nights of studying compounded with early mornings can wreak havoc on a child’s sleep patterns. Jana Kaimal, MD, medical director at the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana, provides these tips for hassle-free nights and mornings.

How much sleep is enough? Everyone is different but most school-age children need about 10 to 12 hours per night, while teenagers require about 8.5 to 9.5 hours. Many children don’t get these critical hours of shut-eye and it often shows in their classroom performance. Aside from poor academic performance, sleep-deprived students are more likely to develop behavior problems and attention issues, and have more difficulty learning and remembering new skills. Start early. Once you’ve determined how much sleep your child needs, set the stage for your new timeframe. Don’t wait until the weekend before school starts to implement a new bedtime routine. Start now and gradually move bedtime and wake-up times up by 30 minutes every few days until you get it where you want it. Use light exposure (or lack of it) to your advantage. Expose children to bright light in the morning to ensure that children are awake, rather than groggy or half-asleep. Open blinds or curtains and ideally, get outside for some walking or other light activity before leaving for school. As bedtime approaches, keep your kids away from light-emitting devices like televisions, computers and cell phones to help them fall asleep faster. Stay on schedule. Once school starts, it is best to follow a regular sleep schedule throughout the year by going to bed and waking up at nearly the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps optimize sleep and allows your body to get in a rhythm. If your child continues to struggle with getting to bed on-time or complains of excessive tiredness during the day, it may be time to seek help from a qualified sleep professional. For more information, contact the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana at (337) 310-7378 or visit www.sleepdisordercenterofla.com.

August 2012

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Money & Career

Create your Own

Benefits Package

by Kristy Armand

Over the past several years, the economic downturn caused many employers to scale back on benefits like sick pay, retirement options, vacation and health insurance. For other companies—particularly small businesses—it is more challenging than ever to offer any type of benefit packages at all.

Reti rem ent

What’s an employee to do?

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e h c t l n a a e r H nsu I

August 2012

The downfalls to having a job without benefits are obvious, but Eva Abate, LPL Financial Advisor with Rau Financial Group, says there are ways to make sure that you don’t get left behind in the quest for benefits. “Rely on yourself rather than your employer, and create your own benefit plan.” Abate says while it’s definitely preferable to work for a company that offers benefits, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, particularly if you like your job and everything else about your employer. “Health insurance is generally cheaper through an employer and retirement options are typically more favorable – although some of those perks have been downplayed in recent years as businesses struggle with a less than desirable economy. Having a great job with a great benefits package is just not as easy to find as it once was, but that does not mean you have to go without the benefits. You just have to take control and build your own package.” Health insurance is an important consideration. Although private, individual health insurance may seem to be a financial obligation that you don’t want to shoulder, it’s a vital piece of the benefits pie. According to Abate, the first step is gathering information on options and rates. “You might be surprised at how affordable some rates are. Although it’s true that health insurance premiums can carry a big price tag, it depends mostly on your personal health, the health of others you insure through the plan, and how much coverage you want or need. Some individual policies are actually cheaper than group plans, but because employers often pick up some of the premium tab, it doesn’t seem that way. The key is to shop around for the best rate. It’s worth your time and effort to compare prices and plans.”

No retirement plan at your job? Create your own. Just because your job doesn’t offer a pension or 401(k) doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to spend your golden years in retirement bliss. “There’s no rule that says you have to participate in an employer plan for retirement or else you’re out of luck. Many people have employer-sponsored plans and still have a supplemental IRA,” Abate said. “And remember, it is best not to put off investing for your retirement. It’s tempting to let it go, but believe me, you’ll be thankful you didn’t.” Abate advises speaking with a trusted financial professional to find out which option is best for you. The most common retirement vehicles are traditional IRAs, which allow you to defer taxes until withdrawal, or a Roth IRA, which allows your earnings to grow free from future tax liabilities. “These are only two of several options out there,” says Abate. “With the help of a professional, you can create your own retirement plan based on how much you can afford to invest and how much you realistically want to earn over a specific time period.” When you work for a simple paycheck without the perks, you take on a great responsibility that is all too easy to avoid. “However, “if you choose to take the more disciplined route, you’re providing a financial future for yourself and a benefit plan for independence,” Abate said. For more information about retirement planning or to schedule a consultation, call Rau Financial Group at 480-3835 extension 11.

Join the Migration to one of the

Safest Banks In The Nation Lakeside has been recognized as one of the safest banks in the United States.

Of the more than 7300 banks in the country, Lakeside was one of just 359 banks to be included in the list

released by MSN Money and calculated by financial researchers. Lakeside was the only bank in Southwest Louisiana to pass the stringent evaluation and one of three in the state to make the national list.

The safety and security we offer our customers, combined with our commitment to personal

service provided by experienced local bankers, is why Lakeside is the fastest growing bank in the region.

The way banking should be. 4735 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles August 2012

474-3766

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Money & Career

Keep Your Debit Digits

Secure In the early days of debit cards, PIN numbers were considered the first line of defense against theft. Although they still provide some identity protection, thieves have become more sophisticated. Consumers need to be ultra-sensitive to who has access to their financial information.

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by Christine Fisher

August 2012

“Using a PIN is still an effective way to make purchases, but thieves no longer need a person’s actual card to steal money out of their account,” said Robert Grant, information technology officer for First National Bank DeRidder. Skimming is copying account information encoded on the magnetic stripe of a credit or debit card, which is then recoded on a counterfeit card and used fraudulently. Bankrate.com reports theft from skimming is approaching $1 billion annually. Skimming is achieved when thieves affix tiny, virtually undetectable cameras to accessible places where consumers most often use their cards. It could be at gas stations, stores, even restaurants. The cameras are left unattended for hours while the camera records hundreds of numbers. Thieves can also capture numbers online with the help of a computer program. They can then transfer those numbers to existing credit cards using a swiping machine similar to those found in legitimate businesses. “Through skimming, a person’s bank account can suddenly be compromised by someone who doesn’t even have the physical card. The consumer will realize that someone tried to make purchases with their debit card, even though their debit card is still in their purse or wallet,” Grant said. To reduce the threat to their customers, most banks, including First National Bank DeRidder, has a security system in place to detect questionable purchases to a person’s account. For example, if a customer’s noon purchase in DeRidder is followed by a $200 cash withdrawal in Memphis at 1:30 p.m., the customer will probably get a phone call from a bank representative, asking if this transaction was legitimate. Grant suggested that consumers change their PIN numbers often. Without the PIN, thieves are greatly limited by what they can do with your debit card numbers. Also, if possible, be aware of what’s happening with your card at all times. “This can be challenging, especially in places like restaurants, where the server disappears to the register to complete the sale,” he said. “The key is just to be aware of how your card is being used and what it’s being used for.” Grant said consumers should review their bank records often, either online or checking their paper statements. If anything seems out of place, call the bank immediately. Cover your hand while entering your PIN number, so if criminals have installed a surveillance camera, they won’t be able to see your security code. Finally, consider using a credit card rather than a debit card. If thieves do access your number from a credit card, they don’t have access to your bank account.

IndustryInsider Straight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

Q: A:

Industry says they care about the environment, but isn’t it true that the only reason they try to be environmentally responsible is because government regulations make them? Being environmentally responsible makes good business sense.

At local industries, keeping our products safely in the pipeline is not only environmentally friendly, it improves our bottom line. Being environmentally responsible is part of everything we do. In fact, local industry reduces, reuses, recycles and treats nearly all of the waste it produces. The key to growth is increasing productivity. Industries promote growth and good business by implementing programs to significantly reduce waste. Yes, government regulations require us to invest in environmentally-friendly equipment and procedures, but we know these same investments help us increase our productivity. Going green isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business.

Visit www.laia.com to learn more and submit your question about local industry and the environment. August 2012

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Money & Career All you need to know to stay in the know! Lakeside Funeral Home Now Open Kyle Ardoin has announced the opening of Lakeside Funeral Home at 340 E. Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Ardoin and his staff have more than 60 years of combined industry experience. To learn more about their prepayment options and other services, visit www.lakesidefh.com or call (337) 656-2628.

Kyle Ardoin

SWLA Imaging Performs MRI-Guided Biopsy Southwest Louisiana Imaging performed the first MRI-guided breast biopsy in Lake Charles utilizing their 3T MRI. SWLA Imaging has also added DynaCAD for Breast, which is a computer-aided detection visualization system that allows physicians to perform comprehensive analysis of breast MRI studies. For more information on this procedure or services, please call 439-7778 or visit www.swlaimaging.com.

Louisiana Casa Received National Certification Louisiana CASA (LACASA) was awarded certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. The certification recognizes that LACASA meets National CASA’s high standards for program operations and management.

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Jeff Davis Bank Ranked Among Nation’s Top Community Lenders Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Co. is No. 61 in a national ranking of the nation’s top 200 community banks and thrifts. Compiled by SNL Financial and recently published in American Banker magazine, the list examines L-R: Executive Vice President and CFO Paul Brummett; U.S. banks with up to $2 billion Chairman of the Board Dan Donald; President and in assets and ranks them CEO Boyd Boudreaux. according to average return on equity for the three years ending in 2011. For more information, visit www.jdbank.com or call (800) 789-5159.

Back to School Physicals Offered The Clinic Urgent Care Centers, located at 4201 Nelson Road in Lake Charles and 277 Highway 171 in Moss Bluff, are offering special rates on back-to-school physical exams for students, grades Pre K through high school, from July through September. For more information, call (337) 310-CARE, or visit The Clinic Urgent Care Centers Facebook page.

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August 2012

“Good Boy” Now Available On VOD “Good Boy”, a movie directed by former McNeese State film professor, Patrick Roddy, is now available on Video on Demand. The film was written by Moss Bluff native, Ken Henderson and has won a prestigious Award of Excellence from the Accolade Competition. For more information, visit www.bigstar. tv/movie/good-boy-2010.

Making a difference... one child at a time.

Lake Charles/SWLA CVB Awarded Member of the Year

Eric Zarlter, senior sales manager/athletics for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau and Gumbeaux Gator.

The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was named Member of the Year by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) at their 2012 conference. This marks the first time that the bureau has been awarded a Member of the Year award by NASC.

City Savings Bank Ranked Among Community Banks City Savings Bank was ranked No. 19 in a listing of the top 400 U.S. community banks for return on assets by the financial publication Independent Banker. For more information on City Savings Bank, contact Matthew Bowles at (337) 463-8661, ext. 235.

Lakeside Bank Named One of Nation’s Safest Banks Lakeside Bank was recently named one of the 359 safest banks in the United States. The locally owned bank was the only bank in Southwest Louisiana to receive the designation and one of only three financial institutions in the state of Louisiana to make the list. The list, released this month by MSN Money, was compiled using a system called the Texas Ratio which accurately predicted bank failures in Texas during the 1980s recession and again in New England during the 1990s recession. Researchers evaluated all banks in the country – over 7300 - and applied this stringent formula to evaluate the safety of each. For more information, visit www.lakesidebanking. com or call (337) 474-3766.

Visit any one of our convenient Southwest Louisiana locations today! www.iberiabank.com |

August 2012

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Money & Career

The Sane Way to Lend Money According to a National Bureau of Economic Research survey, one in three Americans say they’d ask friends or family for a loan to get through a financial tight spot. Before you decide to become The First National Bank of B.F.F. and bail them out, consider this advice: Put It in Writing

Know When to Say No

A verbal or nonspecific lending arrangement is a recipe for disaster. To save both parties future stress and embarrassment, have both sides sign a document detailing the terms of the load including installment amounts, due dates and interest rate. Write it yourself or download a formal promissory note from www.nolo.com for $15.

Find your lending limit by subtracting three months’ worth of expenses (the minimum you should have saved for emergencies) from the balance of your savings account. What’s left is the amount you can consider lending, but make sure to pay off any of your own debt first. There’s always the chance that your friend or relative won’t pay you back. If you really can’t afford that, then be honest and say no.

Charge Interest Feel like it’s too cutthroat? Let it go. Interest makes the loan feel less like a handout and more like a deal that is mutually beneficial. Ask for at least the amount that the same amount of money would make sitting in your savings account.

Save the Date!

Ladies, mark your calendar for the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana’s annual Fall Conference. This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, October 18 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Since the Commission Incorporated in 1994, they have sponsored this dynamic, one-day event that is attended by nearly 2,000 women from Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. The conference features an array of workshops and lectures on topics designed to assist women in furthering their careers and managing their health, family, social and legal issues. This fun-filled, all day event also includes a popular MarketPlace with over 150 vendors and an exciting and entertaining luncheon with a celebrity Keynote Speaker. This year’s speaker is Joan Lunden, journalist, author and host of Good Morning America from 1980 through 1997. For more information or tickets, visit www.womenscommissionswla.com.

Mark your calendar for a day you will not want to miss!

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August 2012

Top 5

Window Tinting

Highest Paying Majors Heading off to college? Consider one of these majors, which according to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), will net the largest paycheck once your diploma is in hand.

• Automotive • Residential • Commercial

5. Economics/Finance

The average starting salary is around $45,000 per year.

4. Accounting

Custom Car Stereo • Overhead DVD Marine Audio • Navigation Remote Start Systems

A rookie accountant can expect to earn around $46,000 per year.

3. Computer science or Mechanical Engineering

These two degrees tie with a starting pay of $50,000 per year.

2. Electrical Engineering

Typical pay starts out at $53,000 per year.

1. Chemical Engineering

Graduates can expect to start out earning $56,000 per year.

3711 Ryan St. LC, 70605

NACE also reports that employers say they are planning to hire 15 percent more college grads this year than in year’s past.

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Insurance products are not insured by any federal government agency. Not FDIC insured; not guaranteed by the bank. Insurance is offered through First Federal Insurance Services, LLC, a registered agency in the state of Louisiana. First Federal Insurance Services, LLC is a service corporation of First Federal Bank of Louisiana. August 2012

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Welcome to the

Big Leagues by Tom Hoefer

Rapp

Livings

Thomson

Local Athletes Who Made it to the Pros What parent of a young star athlete doesn’t have at least a fleeting thought of seeing their child play on a much bigger field? It’s hard not to look for and encourage the signs of talent that set them apart from all the other players as you cheer them on from the sidelines. But the odds of one athlete making it all the way from Little League to the pros are the perfect example of the phrase “slim to none.” Among four major sports — basketball, football, baseball and soccer — less than 6 percent of American high school athletes advance to NCAA-level competition. Among NCAA athletes, just 2 percent or less make it to the pros, with the exception of baseball, where about 10.5 percent of college players go on to play professional baseball at some level.

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August 2012

It doesn’t hurt to dream, though, and a surprisingly high number of parents from Southwest Louisiana have seen that

dream come true for their children. Thrive spoke to some of those who made it big to see what they are doing now and how growing up here influenced their sports careers.

Pat Rapp

Pat Rapp pitched for six Major League teams in a 10-year career from 1992-2001 and now spends his time “chasing my three boys.” Rapp was born in Jennings and grew up in Sulphur, where he starred in high school. He took his considerable talents to Southern Mississippi and then to professional baseball, debuting for the San Francisco Giants in 1992. That’s when Pat’s father saw his dream for his son come true. “My dad, Big Jim Rapp, has always been my hero,” said Pat. “It seemed when things got tough with school or baseball, Dad always knew the right words to say to get me back on track. He never forgot to remind me, either in person or on the phone, when it was time to go, ‘Remember the Lord.’ Those words will never leave me even now that he is gone.” Pat’s dad saw his son thrive after he was sent to the Florida Marlins in the expansion draft. In 1995, Rapp enjoyed his best year as a major leaguer, going 14-7 with a sparkling 3.44 earned run average. He later played with Kansas City, Boston, Baltimore and California.

Nate Livings is currently a member of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys after signing as a free agent in March. Livings started every game at guard for Cincinnati the past two seasons after starring at LSU and at Washington-Marion here in Lake Charles. The road to a big free-agent payday was not easy for the 6’5” 330lb lineman. He was undrafted after his Tiger days, signed with the Bengals and worked his way up from the practice squad to the big club and then to the starting lineup. Livings credited his high school principal, Madelyn Miller, as the person back home most responsible for his success. “She was always there for me. She was like a second mother.” Like all the athletes we spoke to, Livings is drawn back home to Southwest Louisiana. “One of the great things about being in Dallas is it’s close to home. In Cincinnati, it was like 14 hours and now it’s six. I can get back home almost every other weekend.”

NATE LIVINGS

jon thomson

David LaFleur spent four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL from 19972000, after a standout career at Westlake High and LSU. He agrees that the culture is why Southwest Louisiana is a hotbed for professional athletes. “Sports are a traditionally important part of a youngster’s life growing up in this area.” LaFleur, who was an All-American tight end in college and a first-round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys, also credited the family support he received in establishing his career. “There have been a lot of people from an early age who impacted my career. (Westlake High) Coach Max Calderera of course, but my parents have been there since the beginning. They have been a rock, a steady influence.” LaFleur led the NFC in TD receptions by a tight end in 1999. Back injuries led to his early retirement, cutting short a promising career. Now he’s settled in Sulphur and in the medical imaging business.

All four men spent time in interesting and even exotic cities during their careers, yet Southwest Louisiana remains their point of reference, their home. “I am a slow person,” joked Thomson. “I don’t like to be in a fast-paced world. I like coming home and hanging out with the people I grew up with. I can duck hunt, deer hunt; I can salt-water and fresh-water fish.” “There’s so much talent here,” said Livings. “And so much interest in football. That’s why I like doing my camps here.”

david lafleur

Jon Thomson is one of three Sulphur High products to pitch in the Major Leagues in the last couple of decades, along with Rapp and Casey Daigle. He believes that the local success of baseball players specifically, and athletes in general, is due to the culture. “Just look at the type of facilities we have around here in Sulphur. It’s a good community, a good home town. Everybody wants to play and everybody gets a chance.” Thomson was known for his durability during his 11-year career, spanning 1997-2007, with five MLB teams. He led the American League in starts with the Texas Rangers in 2003. Like Rapp, he credits his father for helping him reach his dream. “If he didn’t know something, we went to the library and found something, a book or a video. Then it was all about watching the video or reading the book and going out and doing it, practicing it every day.”

Rapp planned to come back here all along. “My wife Becky and I always planned on returning home to our family and friends. We wanted to return to our roots for us and especially for our children. I think growing up here in Sulphur in a working-class family and a working-class city helped me learn the value of a dollar and how hard you have to work to achieve your goals.” “I am a Southwest Louisiana boy,” agreed LaFleur. “There was no doubt in my mind where I wanted to end up.” continued on p44

August 2012

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Here are some of the most notable and interesting professional athletes from Southwest Louisiana:

alvin dark

Alvin Dark. This Major League shortstop and third baseman played from 1946-1960 and was the National League’s Rookie of the Year. He played for six different Major League clubs. Born in Oklahoma, Dark moved to Lake Charles as a youth and starred in baseball and football at Lake Charles High, then at LSU and UL-L (then SLI). He was drafted by the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1945, but served in the military after WW2 and chose baseball as his career. He managed five different MLB teams and became only the third manager to win pennants in both leagues. Dark, 90, lives in South Carolina.

Vincent Brisby. A sure sign that you have arrived as an athlete is when ESPN’s Chris “Boomer” Berman gives you a nickname. Boomer’s notorious puns on ballplayers’ names are a part of pop culture. Vincent, a star receiver for Washington-Marion and Northeast Louisiana, was dubbed Vincent “Ultimate” Brisby. Brisby had a successful eight-year NFL career, mainly with the New England Patriots for whom he played in the 1996 Super Bowl. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones. All biographical articles state Jones played in the Negro Major Leagues in the mid 1920’s, although no records can be found to authenticate it. We will give him a pass because the rest of his life is so amazing. After being born in Lake Charles in 1905,

Jones became both the baseball coach and Grambling University president before turning 30. He remained at both positions for decades, founding the Grambling Tiger Marching Band, composing the school’s fight song and hiring Eddie Robinson as football coach. He served at Grambling until 1977. Casey Daigle. Daigle was born in Lake Charles, grew up in Vinton and went to Sulphur High. He played parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues, including two with the Astros. He is married to Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch (see page 48).

casey daigle

Paula Mayo. Now a basketball and volleyball coach at Washington-Marion, the Lake Charles native played for the Houston Angels in the Women’s Professional Basketball League in 1978-79. Mayo scored 36 points in the final game of the league championship series to lead the Angels to the title. The team had an all-male cheerleading squad called The Guardian Angels. Tierre Brown. Iowa’s Brown is perhaps the best-traveled athlete on the list, having played in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Signed by the Rockets after a standout career at Iowa High and McNeese State, Brown bounced between the NBA and the NBA’s development league for years before leaving for Italy in 2006. He came back to the US for a few more years in the NBA Development League until he ended up in Qatar in 2010.

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Ted Lyons. A Vinton native, Lyons is arguably the most successful pro athlete from the area. Born in 1900, he went to Baylor University and then jumped straight to the big leagues in 1923 without spending a day in the minors. Lyons played 21 seasons in the American League, all with the Chicago White Sox, and pitched a no-hitter in 1926. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955 and had his number (16) retired by the White Sox shortly after he died in 1986. Lyons had a career record of 260 wins, 230 losses. Eddie Kennison. NFL defensive backs had trouble keeping up with Kennison’s sprinter speed. He played for Washington-Marion, LSU and five NFL teams during a 13-year career. His nickname was “Boo,” which is odd for someone who heard so many cheers. He is considered possibly the fastest athlete in SWLA history, running a 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds. Ray Fontenot. Born in Lake Charles, Fontenot attended LaGrange High and McNeese and played four seasons in the majors. He replaced injured left-hander Ron Guidry, a fellow Cajun, in the Yankees rotation in

1983. Sports writer Graig Nettles once noted that Fontenot’s teammate Oscar Gamble struggled to pronounce “Fontenot,” calling him Ray “Footnote.” Ray is hardly a footnote in SWLA athletic legend; he’s one of the best.

mike white

Kevin McArthur. This linebacker played in parts of four seasons for the NFL’s New York Jets, highlighted by an interception return for a touchdown in a 1986 playoff game against Kansas City. Born in Cameron, he attended Lamar University. He is the only major sports figure from Cameron Parish on our list. Do you know the details of a pro athlete that we missed? Email us at edit@ thriveswla.com to let us know.

Local Pro Athletes

In the course of writing this article, we asked readers and Facebook fans for help in compiling a list of local athletes who played/performed professionally. The response was overwhelming and we’ve summarized it below. We realize this is in no way an all-inclusive list so please forgive us if we missed someone.

Name

Where From Sport

Team

Alvin Dark

Lake Charles

Baseball

Atlanta Braves/San Francisco Giants

Carmen Angelini

Lake Charles

Baseball

New York Yankees

Casey Daigle Sulphur

Baseball Houston Astros/Arizona Diamondbacks

Garen Cecchinni

Lake Charles

Baseball

Boston Redsox

Gavin Cecchinni

Lake Charles

Baseball

New York Mets

Jared Gothreaux

Lake Charles

Baseball Houston Astros

Joe Lawrence

Lake Charles

Baseball

Toronto Blue Jays

Pat Rapp Sulphur Baseball San Francisco Giants/ Florida Marlins/ Kansas City Royals/ Boston Red Sox/ Baltimore Orioles/ Anaheim Angels Ray Fontenot

Lake Charles

Baseball

Cubs/ Yankees/Twins

Terry Burrows

Lake Charles

Baseball

Padres/Rangers/Brewers

Wade LeBlanc

Lake Charles

Baseball San Diego Padres

Walt Nolen

Lake Charles

Baseball

Chicago Cubs

Chad Ogea

Lake Charles

Baseball

Cleveland Indians/Philadelphia Phillies

David Lawrence

Lake Charles

Basketball

Portland Trailblazers

Desmond Mallet

Leesville

Basketball Spirou Charleroi in Belgium

Edmond Lawrence

Lake Charles

Basketball

Cleveland Cavaliers

Jerome Batiste

Crowley

Basketball

New York Knicks

Joe Dumars Shreveport

Basketball Detroit Pistons

John Rudd DeRidder

Basketball

Al Wood

s jr

New York Nicks

Paula Mayo Lake Charles Basketball Houston Angels Los Angeles Lakers continued on p46 August 2012

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Name

Where From Sport

Team

Tierre Brown

Iowa, LA

Al Woods Jr.

Elton, LA Football

New Orleans Saints

B. Wayne Kingery

Lake Charles Football

Baltimore Colts

Brandon Winey

Lake Charles Football

Washington Red Skins and New York Giants

Bryan Hicks

Lake Charles Football

Cincinnati Bengals

Buford Jordan

Iota Football

New Orleans Breakers/Saints

Charlie Granger

Lake Charles Football Dallas/St. Louis Cardinals

Darrell Lester

Lake Charles Football

David LaFleur

Westlake Football Dallas Cowboys

Basketball Houston Rockets/Cleveland Cavaliers/ New Orleans Hornets

Minnesota Vikings/Denver Broncos

Donald Breaux Jennings Football Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers Eddie Kennison, III

Lake Charles Football St. Louis Rams

Ellsworth Kingery

Lake Charles Football

James Griffin

Lake Charles Football San Diego Chargers/Cincinnati Bengals

Chicago Bears

Joe Morgan DeRidder Football San Francisco 49â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers John Demarie

Lake Charles Football

Cleveland Browns

Justin Vincent

Lake Charles Football

Pittsburgh Steelers

carmen an

gelini

Ken Bahnsen Vinton Football San Francisco 49â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers Kevin Guidry

Lake Charles Football Denver Broncos

Kevin McArthur

Cameron Football

New York Jets

Marc Boutte

Lake Charles Football

Los Angeles Rams

Marcus Lester

Lake Charles Football

Minnesota Vikings

Martin Mitchell

Lake Charles Football

Philadelphia Eagles

Matt Forte

Lake Charles Football

Chicago Bears

Michael January

Westlake Football

Chicago Bears

Michael Mayes DeRidder Football

New Orleans Saints

Monte Ledbetter

Roanoke Football

Buffalo Bills/Houston Oilers/Atlanta Falcons

Nate Livings

Lake Charles Football Kansas City Chiefs/Dallas Cowboys

Paul Hynes Sulphur Football

New York Titans

Richard Ellender

Lake Charles Football Houston Oilers

Richard Lee

Lake Charles Football

Buffalo Bills

Stephen Starring Vinton Football

New England

Thomas Mason

Minnesota Vikings

Lake Charles Football

Mike Henien Jennings Golf

PGA

Billy Ward

Lake Charles

Professional Danseur

Christine Duhon

Lake Charles

Professional Danseur

Libby Lovejoy Sulphur

Professional Danseur

Megan White

Lake Charles

Professional Danseur

Michelle White

Lake Charles

Professional Danseur

46 www.thriveswla.com

don brea ux

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August 2012

duvall

Name

Where From Sport

Trisha Lundy Barrow

Lake Charles

Professional Danseur

Wendy Derouen

Lake Charles

Professional Danseur

Mike White

Lake Charles

Rodeo

Professional Bull Rider

Spud Devall Sulphur

Rodeo

Professional Steer Wrestler

Zacheus “Casey” Martin Sulphur

Rodeo

Professional Steer Wrestler

Chris Hill

Track

Lake Charles

Team

JenniegFinc Dai le

buford jo r

dan

of Team Courtesy

USA

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When

Thrive set out to highlight local athletes who made it to the big show—the professional level of their given sports— we knew we needed to dedicate some extra space to American softball player and Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch Daigle. Finch Daigle, a native of La Mirada, Calif., started pitching at age eight. It was clear from an early age that she had a cannon for an arm. She was recruited by several universities before choosing the University of Arizona, where she became one of the most formidable pitchers in college softball. The team went on to win the national championship, and Finch was named Most Valuable Player and received the Honda Award as the National Player of the Year. Her softball legacy continued well after graduation. She competed in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and took home the gold with the rest of Team USA, then went pro with the Chicago Bandits. In 2008, she competed once again as an Olympian with Team USA in Beijing and brought home a silver medal. Although she wasn’t born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, you’d be hard-pressed to find a local who isn’t willing to claim her as one of their own. In the years since she married Sulphur High standout and Major League Baseball pitcher Casey Daigle in 2005, she has taken on a vested interest in bringing big events to Southwest Louisiana. It was at one of these big events recently, the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team’s Battle on the Bayou, that we were able to catch up with her and learn just what it is that makes this area so special to her, and find out what she’s been up to since her 2010 retirement.

August marks two years since you threw your last professional pitches in front of a record crowd at Sulphur’s McMurry Park during the National Professional Fastpitch (NPF) Championship Series. Has life slowed down any since you retired? It hasn’t slowed down too much! We’ve been blessed as a family with another little guy, Diesel, as of June 2011, so the two boys keep us pretty busy. And then having been given so much by the games of softball and baseball, my husband Casey and I continue to try to find ways to give back. I was lucky to run the New York Marathon last November, and in doing so raised over $30,000 for charity. I raised a dollar per person I passed, which was fun. The training was pretty intense especially since I only had about four months after giving birth to our youngest! But I was lucky enough to find a group of women in the area who run and not only were they my angels helping me get through those long runs, but they helped me feel at home after moving to Sulphur. It was such a blessing. Casey and I were also able to raise over $200,000 for Wounded Warriors last month by hosting a celebrity softball event right here in Southwest Louisiana. It was amazing how the community Jennie with her husband, Casey Daigle.

48 www.thriveswla.com

embraced the event, and helped us give back to those who have given so much for our country and freedoms. I was able to publish a book, Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big and Believe in Yourself, to share some of my experiences and hopefully help young girls and parents. That was a long-time dream, and I’m happy it’s a reality. And then, too, we keep hosting our softball camps and clinics, which are a ton of fun. I love meeting young players who have it all ahead of them. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm for the game is such a gift. Over the years you have worked hard to put the area on the map by bringing a number of events here, including the United States Softball Bound for Beijing Tour in 2008, two NPF Championship Series, the Battle on the Bayou Wounded Warriors event held last month and numerous camps. What is so special about Southwest Louisiana, other than being married to local baseball star Casey Daigle, of course? I have been blown away by the kindness, hospitality, and generosity of the people I’ve met living here. We are so grateful to be able to raise our family here, with Casey’s family nearby, in such a wonderful community. And of course the food here is special, too! I love Cajun cooking. I’ve enjoyed eating and learning to cook some of the special dishes that come from here. This past June marked the 40th anniversary of Title IX and all these years later, experts still say there is a long way to go until there is true gender equality in sports. You have been credited with showing young girls around the world that it’s okay to put on a pink glittery headband and make-up before hitting the field; as well as shattering many age-old stereotypes of what a female athlete should look like and how they should act. How important is it to you to continue this role?

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I’ve always felt like I was just being me, and I’ve always tried, and continue to try and be the best person I can be, which actually doesn’t have much to do with how I look. I want to be a good person, a positive light in this world, and I strive for that every day. I also am so grateful for everything sports have given me – from off the field opportunities to my husband and family. I’ll always speak up so that women continue to have the same opportunities I had. It’s so important to young girls to have the opportunity to play sports. The benefits to those who do play are measurable and last their whole lives long. You are a national sports celebrity, recently starring in a national yogurt commercial with your kids and now are doing some commentary for ESPN. How do you balance this side of your life with a normal family life in a small town? Those are fun things I get to do, but when I come home, I’m just a mom and wife – like every other working mom out there. I have my hair in a pony tail and I wear my sweats and I take care of my family. I love coming back to our place when I’ve been away. It’s so different from somewhere like Los Angeles or New York City, and I like that. You and your husband are obviously both very competitive athletes. Is it challenging to put aside your competitive nature? Well, we’ve never competed against each other, which might be the key! What was the biggest challenge of competing at the highest level of competitive play? Going from playing in college where you’re around your teammates all the time, to training mostly on your own for USA Softball was a big challenge. I really had to look inside and find that drive and commitment to do it on my own, and to hold myself accountable. It wasn’t easy.

August 2012

Of all the memories you have from your years of playing softball, which one(s) stand out the most? Standing on the podium in Athens in 2004 alongside some of my idols, like Lisa Fernandez, with a gold medal around my neck while our national anthem played is my favorite memory. There was nothing else like it. I was so proud to play for my country and to bring home the gold. What are the most important lessons you have learned from your career? What advice would you like to share with young female athletes? There are so many lessons I’ve learned. I’m still learning. In the Pat Summitt tribute at the ESPYs she said, “If I’m not leading by example, I’m not living right. And I want to live right.” Pat Summitt has accomplished so much, and worked so hard for her success, and set such an amazing example for everyone. I think it’s worth sharing with a twelve year old or a fifty year old. I try to live that every day by working my hardest and looking for the positive. I tell the young girls I meet to dream and believe because if they do, and then work hard to reach those dreams, amazing things can happen.

Courtesy of Team USA

First Person is a monthly Q&A that features compelling people who excel in their chosen endeavors. Ideas for future Q&As? Email edit@thriveswla.com.

first person with

Jennie Finch Daigle by Katie Harrington photos by Shonda Manuel

August 2012

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Places & Faces

The Undersea World of

Keith Monroe by Brett Downer

There’s a whole other world to see beneath the surface of the world’s waters. Acclaimed photographer Keith Monroe is a regular visitor, capturing images for the rest of us.

Monroe, of Lake Charles, travels all over the globe to dive in waters ranging from tropical to near-arctic -- and to shoot what he sees. He has encountered sharks within arm’s reach, creatures thriving in subfreezing saltwater, and a brilliant spectrum of fish and reef life colonizing the bases of oil-drilling rigs. To do this, Monroe pairs several skills with his underwater photography. For example, Monroe was captain and divemaster for a National Geographic shoot in the Gulf of Mexico about artificial reefs. (In fact, he appeared in a photo -- with Cher Walker, owner of True Blue Watersports -- in the magazine’s February 2011 issue.) It was one of the many opportunities to see how metal titans rising from the sea floor actually create attractive habitats for native life. In warm waters elsewhere, he has come nearly nose-to-snout with some of the most notorious sea life, including sharks. Some might panic. Monroe calmly shoots. “The question I am most often asked related to diving is, ‘Aren’t you afraid of sharks?’ To which I reply, ‘It really is the reverse,’” he said. “They are often very suspicious and difficult to approach -- especially with scuba gear, because the exhaust bubbles from exhalation create unfamiliar vibrations that irritate the shark’s senses.” Hmm. Now you know. “Another comment I hear is, ‘The colors are amazing underwater!’ That’s even in the Gulf of Mexico,” Monroe said. “Many people do not realize that without strobes or other artificial lighting, most all colors appear muted, bluish green, gray and black at depth. The strobes I use are set to a color temperature that in 50 www.thriveswla.com

essence simulates sunlight around midday. The strobes simply reveal true color without altering the subject.” Monroe’s most recent expedition took him to ice floes of northeastern Canada for a shoot. “I went from the apprehension of getting into sub-freezing waters to elation challenge of that environment that was new and opened new challenges,” he said. Monroe began his photography and diving career in 1977 as a U.S. Navy photographer. He has traveled from the remote, pristine coral reefs of the Bismarck Sea off Papua New Guinea to the historical wrecks in the Red Sea. His has been published in a number of local and national publications including Newsweek, United Press International, Pacific Stars and Stripes and Surface Warfare magazine. Though his photography focuses on the underwater world, local wildlife and scenics are also parts of his portfolio. Monroe hopes to have a photo exhibition next year.

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Places & Faces

Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana: Providing Refuge for At-RiskYouth

More than 100 years ago, members of the Methodist church in Louisiana became very concerned over the growing number of orphaned children. In an effort to provide food, clothing and the love of Christ to these children, the Louisiana Methodist Orphanage was formed in 1902. In 1904, the first residence was opened in Bunkie before eventually being moved to Ruston in 1906. By the 1940s, the organization was serving the needs of an increased number of children from broken homes. Today, the organization is known as Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc., and operates three facilities statewide with the newest one in Southwest Louisiana. The Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana and its 15 residents have made many strides and learned many valuable lessons in the months since their first anniversary, according to Dr. Steven Franks, program director. “Our residents come from across the state and are either in the foster care system or have been in the court system,” says Dr. Franks. “It is our goal to equip them with the necessary tools to be upstanding, fully functioning members of society when they leave here.”

by Katie Harrington

The 24-bed residential program offers a safe haven for at-risk boys ages 12 to 17 who are referred through the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) and the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). A typical day for the residents is really no different than that of your average school-aged youth. Teachers from the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Homebound Program come in daily during the regular school year to provide an education that is in line with state standards. “Our residents are provided the same educational opportunities as every other student in Calcasieu Parish,” says Dr. Franks. “Our classrooms are equipped with Promethean boards and our students use the same text books and curriculum as well.” In addition to the schooling provided by the school board, the staff at the home has worked hard to come up with innovative ways to teach the students. “We are blessed with a dedicated staff that is very creative when it comes to thinking up new and exciting learning opportunities,” Dr. Franks says. “Recently, we did a series of country-themed days and for example, when we studied about Italy, we made homemade pizzas under the supervision of our kitchen staff.” Being located on 39 acres of land just off of Houston River Road provides some great opportunities for learning as well. “We’ve cleared some pathways down to the river bank and take the students fishing on occasion,” says Dr. Franks. “They love to have the opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.” The students also have the opportunity to take field trips. Recently they toured Avery Island and in the past have been able to attend the rodeo, circus, go crabbing and go to the beach. Trips to the movies and local museums are also favorite activities for the children. “In addition to all of these great learning opportunities provided to our residents, we also focus on providing them with counseling services to help them reform their lives,” adds Dr. Franks. Through a DCFS and OJJ contract with Gulf Coast Teaching Services, the students are also provided with life skills training in areas such as cooking and money management. The Southwest Louisiana home was made possible by many generous donors, including the Henning family in Sulphur, and even though the provided services are funded by a mix of state and federal dollars, Dr. Franks says that donations can help them in many ways.

Dr. Steven Franks

photos by Shonda Manuel

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THESE PIGGIES WENT TO

A Better Way to Pay for College—

A Private Student Loan

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COLLEGE.

August 2012

*All loans subject to approval. Must meet membership eligibility.

For more information on the Southwest Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, call (337) 527-5056 or visit www.lmch.org.

3600 Nelson Rd. & 488 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles | msfinancialfcu.org | 337.437.3994

“Donations allow us to do more with the kids. We can take them on more field trips, purchase additional learning tools and someday, we hope to add a soccer/football field and a fishing pier,” says Dr. Franks. “Donations help us fund additional programs that are important to the spiritual, mental, and physical growth and development of our youth. Our donors bless the youth daily with their gifts of money, time, prayer, and resources.” As the facility moves beyond its one-year anniversary and looks to the future, Dr. Franks invites civic organizations or members of the community who wish to tour the facility to give him a call. He says they want the community to see the good that is being accomplished.

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Places & Faces

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

Swift Appointed to Small Business Council George Swift, president and CEO of the Chamber Southwest Louisiana and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, was selected to join the U.S. Chamber of George Swift Commerce’s Council on Small Business. The council is the U.S. Chamber’s principal policy committee and action group representing the issues of concern to small business.

Schlamp Receives Award from American Medical Association Kevin Schlamp, MD, family medicine physician and medical staff member of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, received the Physician’s Recognition Award with Kevin Schlamp, MD Commendation from the American Medical Association. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schlamp, call Schlamp Family Medical at (337) 527-6385.

Dr. William Lowry Earns Board Certification William Lowry Jr., MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, was awarded Certification by the American Board of William Lowry Jr, MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR). Dr. Lowry sees patients in the Lake Charles, Sulphur and DeRidder offices of Center for Orthopaedics.

District Attorney Elected President District Attorney John DeRosier was elected President of the Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association. District Attorney DeRosier will proudly serve with two of his employees. Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Clay Guillory was elected 54 www.thriveswla.com

President of the Assistant District Attorneys’ Board of Directors and Megan Dougherty was elected President of the District Attorney Investigators’ Board of Directors.

Buford Receives WCCH Safety Award West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital named Riki Buford, food service aide, as the recipient of its safety award. The award, which honors employees for their promotion of safety and safety Riki Buford awareness in and around the hospital, is distributed to those employees that demonstrate extraordinary awareness and action in minimizing potential safety risks.

Cardiologist Begins Scheduling Patients Lam Nguyen, MD, interventional cardiologist, has opened his cardiology practice located at 1322 Elton Road, Suite E. A member of the medical staff of Jennings American Lam Nguyen, MD Legion Hospital, Dr. Nguyen was named director of the hospital’s cath lab. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 824-6835.

St. Louis Students Win Art Contest St. Louis Catholic High School Students, Isabelle Moreno, Hannah Savoie and Maris Nixon were chosen as winners of the Family & Youth 2012 Shannon Cox Memorial Tennis Tournament Art Contest.

with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

Sam Hebert Chosen As Keynote Speaker Sam Hebert with Sam Hebert Financial Group was chosen as a keynote speaker for Hispanic Top Agent Summit in New Orleans. The summit invites top Hispanic Agents with New York Sam Hebert Life. Sam’s speech was centered on the best financial practices and nurturing a positive attitude.

Susan A. Jones, MD Joins Memorial Medical Group Susan A. Jones, MD, internal medicine physician, has joined the Memorial Medical Group. Her office will continue to be located at 2708 2nd Avenue, Suite C. For more Susan A. Jones, MD information or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 474-0046.

Dr. David Drez Honored by LSU School of Medicine The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans honored David Drez, Jr., M.D., orthopedic surgeon and David Drez Jr, MD sports medicine specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, at their orthopeadic residency graduation ceremony.

Local Radiologist Elected President of RSL Adam Olsan, MD of Radiology Associates of Southwest Louisiana was elected President of the Radiological Society of Louisiana, the state chapter of the American College of Radiology. The ACR is a national professional organization serving radiologists, oncologists and physicists Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Local Red Cross Elects Board Members

The Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross has elected new board members: Heath Allen, of the Lake Charles Regional Airport; Carol Collins, of Conoco Phillips; Bill Hankins, of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital; Gerrit Lawrence, of WebTronics; Ross Raley, of Stockwell Sievert Law Firm; and Perry Vincent, of Louisiana Radio. For more information, visit www.redcross.org.

Amerisafe Welcomes Rowan Amerisafe welcomed Kathryn Rowan as its new Senior Vice President – General Counsel, Secretary. In her new position, Kathryn will report directly to Allen Bradley, Chairman and Kathryn Rowan CEO, and will oversee the operations of regulatory, human resources and payroll.

Lynn Jones Sworn in as President Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court Lynn Jones was recently sworn in as President of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association during its annual state convention. Jones is Lynn Jones and District Attorney John DeRosier the first Clerk from Calcasieu Parish ever to hold this position. He will begin his third term as Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court on July 1st.

Rasberry named LCMH Sports Medicine Director Jamey Rasberry was named Director of Sports Medicine for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital (LCMH). A graduate of McNeese State University, Rasberry is a licensed Jamey Rasberry athletic trainer. For more information about LCMH Sports Medicine, call (337) 494-4790.

Irrik Godsey Receives Chester Daigle Jazz Music Scholarship Jazz in the Arts announced Irrik Godsey as the winner Irrik Godsey, right with Chester Daigle of the 2012 Chester Daigle Jazz Music Scholarship. The annually endowed scholarship of $1,000 was established in 2011 in honor of professional jazz musician, composer, and producer Chester J. Daigle II. For more information on the scholarship, visit www. jazzinthearts.com.

Iberia Bank Hires Two

Chelsi Nabours

Edwards Joins Medical Staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital Richard Edwards III, MD, family medicine physician has joined the medical staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital. A graduate of Richard Edwards III, MD Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. Edwards completed his family practice internship at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital/LSU Health Sciences Center Family Medicine Residency Program. His office, Edwards Family Medicine, is located at 1636 Elton Road, Suite 204. Appointments for all ages are currently being scheduled, call (337) 824-7833.

New Director for Calcasieu Parish Public Library

Christopher Hyde

Iberia Bank announced Chelsi Nabours as Public Relations Coordinator for Southwest Louisiana and Christopher Hyde as Vice President and Branch Manager for the McNeese Street location. Nabours is located at 4440 Nelson Road in Lake Charles and Hyde is located at 135 West McNeese Street.

Gabriel Morley, Ed. D.

Gabriel Morley, Ed. D., has joined the Calcasieu Parish Public Library as director. Prior to arriving in Lake Charles, Morley was the library director at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.

Women & Children’s Hospital Welcomes New Directors

Lakeside Officer Featured in National Publication

Nick Fuselier

Lakeside Bank Compliance and Security Officer Nicholas Fuselier was featured in the June 2012 issue of TriComply Magazine, a national journal for financial institution compliance

professionals. Fuselier was the subject of the June On the Job column and spoke to the publication about the day-to-day activities of a compliance officer and the challenges facing today’s banking industry. He joined Lakeside Bank in January of this year after earning more than a decade of experience in the local banking industry. Fuselier is one of the youngest officer’s to hold his position in the state of Louisiana. To view a copy of the magazine, visit www.trinovus.com/tricomply/. For more information about Lakeside and its services, call 474-3766 or visit www.lakesidebanking.com.

Kevin Gobert

Tracie Young

Brian Shepherd

Sherron Deculus

Women & Children’s Hospital (WCH) has welcomed four new directors to their staff - Kevin Gobert, director of respiratory therapy, Tracie Young, business office director, Brian Shepherd, director of emergency department and Sherron Deculus, director of case management. Continued on p57

August 2012

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Celebrating 65 Years of People, Progress, and Growth When PPG Lake Charles was built in 1946, a small staff of 108 people began what has grown to be the fifth largest employer in Southwest Louisiana. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud of our history and even more proud to be part of this unique region: a place where people come first, innovative ideas are celebrated and our beautiful environment is something we all work to protect. We are grateful for the strong foundation created by our retirees and for the hard-working men and women who walk into PPG Lake Charles every day to build on that legacy. As we celebrate the milestone of our 65th anniversary, we look forward to future growth and partnership with the Southwest Louisiana communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the place we call home.

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continued from p55

Big Easy Foods Appoints Southeast Division Sales Manager

Julie Giordano

Julie Giordano had joined Big Easy Foods as Southeast Division Sales Manager. She previously served as the executive director for Habitat for Humanity, Calcasieu Area and in her new position with Big Easy Foods, will be responsible for strengthening and expanding the placement of Big Easy Foods’ products in retailer grocers in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and North and South Carolina.

Simpson Appointed to Safety Managers’ Board of Directors Keith Simpson, chief operating officer at Jennings American Legion Hospital, was recently appointed to the Board for Certification of Safety Managers board of directors for a three-year term. Established in 1976, this certification board has issued over 8,000 certifications to safety professionals worldwide. The BCHCM issues six safety certifications to qualified individuals in the areas of healthcare Keith Simpson safety management, patient safety, healthcare emergency preparedness, fire and hazard control management and product safety. Simpson holds IBFCSM safety certifications and is also a certified professional in healthcare risk management and FELLOW of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management. He was a founding member of the

Louisiana Society for Health Care Risk Management. Simpson is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Business Administration.

Trahan Joins Healthy Image Marketing Agency Local marketing veteran Liz Trahan recently joined the staff of Healthy Image Marketing Agency as a marketing assistant. Trahan is from Lake Charles and earned a bachelor of science in mass communications from McNeese State University. She is currently pursuing a degree in graphic design from Sowela Community College. She recently served as the sanctuary media director at Christian World. Other Liz Trahan past roles include regional director for the American Heart Association and marketing director for Prien Lake Mall. Healthy Image Marketing Agency is a full service marketing, advertising and public relations firm. The company has been in business for 10 years and recently was named the 2012 Louisiana Small Business of the Year for the Southwest Region. For more information, call (337) 312-0972 or visit www.ehealthyimage.com.

Business is Booming in Louisiana Business Facilities magazine recently released its 2012 Best Business Climate rankings and Louisiana moved up two slots from 2011 to bring in a fifth place ranking. Gov. Bobby Jindal called the move a fresh signal of Louisiana’s emergence as one of America’s top climates for business investment and job creation. “This ranking speaks volumes about our work to eliminate burdensome business taxes, rein in excessive spending, reform our ethics system and overhaul our workforce development system,” said Gov. Jindal. He went on to say that the ranking demonstrates that the state’s efforts are paying off and the business world is taking notice of Louisiana as more and

August 2012

more companies are moving here to create jobs and opportunity. This number five ranking is one of many high honors for the state. Currently, Area Development ranks Louisiana No. 6 in the magazine’s Top States for Doing Business report, while Site Selection magazine ranks Louisiana No. 7 among the best business climates in the U.S. In its 2012 report, Business Facilities says the state has married an unmatched workforce training program with new incentives that are spurring growth in new sectors, including digital media. For more information on the 2012 Rankings Report, visit www.businessfacilities. com.

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Solutions Solutions Employee Assistance Program for Life Purposely Imperfect from

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

I took up tennis a couple of years ago. When we joined the sports club, I honestly pictured myself hanging out at the pool more than anything. I’m not very athletic, and I really don’t like to run or sweat. But my husband played tennis in high school, and thought it would be good for my son and me to have a working knowledge of the game. And since I wanted my son off the couch, I felt like I could at least take a couple of lessons with him.

I’ve spent hours replaying the many mistakes, and for what? So I could feel that terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach? I’ve had enough of that. Of course, I always try to be the best version of me I can be, but sometimes I fall short. I can now admit when I mess up, take responsibility for it, and laugh afterwards (well, most of the time). Believe me, tennis gives me lots of opportunities to work on this area.

Fast forward two years – we’re still taking lessons, and my son can beat the pants off me. I never would have dreamed I wouldn’t be fabulous at the game by this point! If I had devoted two years to learning a new language, I would probably be fairly proficient. In two years’ time I could have an associate degree in something, for goodness’ sake.

What about you? Is it time for you to try something new? Something you know you won’t be good at, but you’ve always wanted to try? You’ll try only if failing is OK. And failing is OK only if you are secure enough. Remember this: anytime you are learning something new, you are sharper in all other areas of your life and you tend to have more energy. Who doesn’t want that?

More surprising than not being on the cusp of playing at Wimbledon is the fact that I’m still playing at all. You see, I tend to be a perfectionist, as anyone who knows me at all can tell you. Generally if I’m not good at something, I move on to something else that I am good at. Not good at decorating, so I get someone else to do that for me. Don’t enjoy cooking, so don’t spend any more time than is necessary doing it. Don’t even get me started on arts and crafts projects.

I’m so glad I have not given up on tennis. I’ve decided it is good for me to have something in my life that I am not so great at but that I enjoy. I ‘ve accepted that there are a bunch of people who are much better at the sport than I will ever be. It’s OK that sometimes I look silly as I am running around chasing that ball (as long as I have cute tennis clothes on). See you on the courts – I’ll be the one missing shots, laughing at myself, having a blast, and basking in my security!

That’s why taking up tennis has been so weird for me. Even though I’m not particularly good at it, I love it. I don’t mind the sweating and the running. I crack up at myself when I hit a bad shot (or miss the ball altogether, which I do pretty regularly). I beg for help and coaching from my husband. All of these are very unusual experiences for me. I normally don’t like looking like I don’t know what I’m doing, yet I’m doing that regularly. I also don’t like it when others excel ahead of me, and that’s happening too. What is wrong with me? Here is what I think is wrong with me: nothing. In fact, I think it’s a sign that something is right with me. I think I have finally reached a place in my life where I no longer have to be the best at whatever I’m doing. I think in the past, I enjoyed only things I at which I was good because of insecurity. When you do something you’re not good at, you might look inept or silly. If you have some insecurity issues, looking silly is not OK. I can remember so many times that I was mortified when I messed up or did something I found embarrassing (like the time I did an entire presentation with my pants unzipped).

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Pet Contest

They’re lovable, squeezable and provide us with plenty of reasons to smile. Our pets bring so much joy to our lives. As a salute them, Thrive is dedicating our September cover story to PETS! As Our New Cardiologist has kept part of our story, we want to feature Southwest Louisiana’s cutest pets, so get your camera out and Jennings American Legion Hospital is pleased get ready to submit your to welcome Lam Nguyen, MD, interventional pet’s best photo. Details cardiologist. Dr. Nguyen, who had a successful internal medicine practice for 10 years in will be posted soon on our Jennings, will return as a full-time cardiologist Facebook page so make and medical director of the JALH cath lab. Lam Nguyen, MD, interventional cardiologist sure you’re a fan. The Dr. Nguyen: pictures scoring the most • Graduated from Louisiana State University Health Dr. Nguyen is currently scheduling Sciences Center in Shreveport patients at his new office located at likes will be featured in our • Completed Internal Medicine Residency at 1322 Elton Rd., Suite E. To schedule University Medical Center in Lafayette September edition! an appointment, or for more • C ompleted Cardiovascular Diseases Residency at Tulane University School of Medicine

information, call (337) 824-6835.

• C ompleted a Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Duke University School of Medicine

www. j a l h .co m August 2012

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1634 Elton Road

616-7000

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BY THE NUMBERS

number of predicted named storms

6 2

average life of a hurricane in days

number of predicted major hurricanes

season with the most hurricanes (15 total)

Source: weather.com

number of predicted hurricanes

2005

degree in water temperature (fahrenheit) at which the formation of tropical cyclones is possible

Source: globalsecurity.org

miles of a typical hurricane eye Source: globalsecurity.org

Source: weather.com

1950 year the Weather Bureau officiallly began naming hurricanes Source: weather.com

Hurricane Scale 74 - 95 mph - Category I 96 - 110 mph - Category II 111 - 130 mph - Category III 131 - 155 mph - Category IV 155 > mph - Category V Source: nhc.noaa.gov

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Hurricane Supply Check List

JD gets me

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

• Food—at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food

• Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Extra batteries • First aid kit • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)

• Multi-purpose tool • Sanitation and personal hygiene items • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers • Family and emergency contact information • Extra cash • Emergency blanket • Map(s) of the area • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

• Tools/supplies for securing your home • Extra set of car keys and house keys • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes • Rain gear • Insect repellent and sunscreen • Camera for photos of damage August 2012

JD Gets Me Whether buying groceries or school supplies, we know your list of daily responsibilities can get overwhelming. At JD Bank, we have what you need to help make your day a little more convenient. From personalized service, online banking & bill pay and a mobile banking app, we’re a community bank committed to making your life just a bit easier.

CHECKING | SAVINGS | LOANS | MORTGAGES | BUSINESS MEMBER FDIC

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Mind & Body

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Vision-Threatening Eye Disorders on the Rise by Katie Harrington

As more and more Americans are being diagnosed with diabetes, and the baby boomer population grows older, an alarming increase in cases of vision-threatening eye diseases is taking place. Diagnosed cases of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts have all seen a dramatic increase over the last decade, according to data recently released by Prevent Blindness America in partnership with the National Eye Institute and John Hopkins University. From 2000 to 2010, the number of adults over the age 40 in the United States grew by 19.5 percent. More startling, however, is that the percentage of adults over the age of 40 diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in American adults, increased by 89 percent. Cases of agerelated macular degeneration increased by 25.3 percent in adults ages 50 and up. Additionally, diagnosed cases of cataracts increased by 19.2 percent in those 40 and up, while incidents of glaucoma rose by 22 percent in the same age group. “Probably the most frightening information to come from this new report is the drastic increase in cases of diabetic retinopathy,” says Alan Lacoste, MD, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic. “An 89 percent increase means nearly 8 million people now have this disorder that involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina.” Dr. Lacoste adds that with current projections showing a 165 percent increase in the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes through 2050, we are in for a continued rise in diabetic retinopathy cases. “These numbers are simply a sign of the current diabetes epidemic that Americans are facing.” The age of the people being diagnosed with these disorders is cause for concern as well. “These are people who are still in their prime working years. The possible loss of vision could be devastating for those still working to support a family and raise children or those preparing for retirement, not to mention the impact on their quality of life,” Dr. Lacoste says. As startling as these statistics are, the more sobering thought may be in the simple fact that the risk for developing these diseases can be reduced. “Take age-related macular degeneration,” says Dr. Lacoste. “By not smoking and keeping your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, you can reduce the risk of developing this disorder and most of the others discussed here. Even if you have diabetes, the impact of this disease on eye health can often be delayed by keeping blood sugar levels within the recommended guidelines” He says all adults should have regular routine eye exams – at least every two years if there are not problems or other health issues, and more often if recommended by your eye doctor. A simple, routine eye exam should be the initial step taken to prevent or lessen the risk of vision loss.

August 2012

Dr. Lacoste adds that a regular check-up with your primary care physician, and especially a blood glucose screening to make sure you are not in the early stages of diabetes, are also essential preventive health habits. “And with regards to diabetic retinopathy, you should see an eye doctor when you are first diagnosed in order to see if any damage has already been done, and at least annually after that even if you are not experiencing any noticeable problems.” Ethnic background also plays a role in the risk of developing certain eye diseases. Caucasians typically have a higher risk for developing macular degeneration, while African Americans, Hispanics and Asians carry a higher risk for developing glaucoma. To learn more about these vision disorders, visit www.theeyeclinic.net. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call the office nearest you or 1-800-826-5223.

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Mind & Body

Easing the Battle Cry of the Weekend Warrior by Christine Fisher

As the workweek wraps up, many people begin a mental list of what they want to get done over the weekend. It’s usually several activities crammed into the precious few weekend hours. It could be a round of golf, tackling home improvement projects, or batting practice with the grandkids. Busy baby boomers are notorious for continuing at a fast pace even if their bodies have different ideas. People with sports injuries are now the second most common reason for a doctor’s visit and baby boomers are at the head of the group. Before diving in to a busy weekend, Orthopaedic Specialist Michael Holland with Jennings American Legion Hospital says aches and pains after vigorous activity can happen especially to those who aren’t used to it, but severe pain or swelling should be seen by a doctor. “We live in a sedentary society. Many people sit for hours at a desk with light physical activity then explode to high speed on the weekend, trying to get projects done and have fun and our bodies are not used to it.” The weekend warrior phenomenon is causing many baby boomers to have muscle aches and pains and sometimes more serious problems. Some of the most common weekend warrior injuries include:

Plantar Fasciitis This inflammation on the bottom of the foot can happen after a day spent walking an amusement park, a walk-a-thon or after a pick-up game of basketball. It occurs in people with flat feet and those with high arches. Wearing shoes with good arch support will help prevent the pain. Before hitting the pavement, stretch the foot by pulling up on your toes and calf and doing hamstring stretches. 64 www.thriveswla.com

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August 2012

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

WE’RE ON THE

The rotator cuff tendons run under the bony point on top of the shoulder. Overhead activities, such as extensive cleaning of a high shelf, painting a ceiling, or stacking boxes at the top of a closet can be the cause. Stretch these muscles by crossing one arm in front and holding for a few seconds then repeat on the other side.

LEADING EDGE OF THE

Bicep Tendonitis Pain in the front of the shoulder can be caused by overhead activities. If seldom used shoulder muscles are suddenly called upon to throw the winning basketball shot, they may not be up to the task. “Most weekend warrior injuries are because people try to do too much too fast. The best thing to prevent injuries is to warm up and stretch the muscle before playing or working,” said Dr. Holland. He also recommends light activity during the week. “For a healthy lifestyle, it’s best to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise several times a week. It’s not only good for your heart, but it’s good for your muscles, too.” Slow and steady stretching can help prevent many weekend warrior injuries. Avoid bouncing during a stretch; concentrate instead on feeling a slight stretch in the targeted muscle and holding for 15 to 2 0 seconds. If you should happen to push too far and find yourself hobbling around on Monday morning, Dr. Holland said applying cold treatments to the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day, along with appropriate use of antiinflammatory medicines, can help relieve pain and swelling. “See your doctor, though, if you have sharp pain or if you feel the pain or swelling is excessive. Assuming you have a certain type of injury could do more harm than good; it’s best to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan,” he said. Staying active, even if it’s mostly on the weekend, is a good thing; and by stretching out ahead of time, weekend warriors can continue the crusade. For more information about preventing muscle and joint pain, call Dr. Holland’s office at (337) 824-3819.

Alice Babst-Prestia, MD FACOG Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Currently Accepting New Patients • In-network with most insurance providers

4150 Nelson Road, Building E, Suite 2 Lake Charles, LA 70605 Phone: (337) 475-8949 • Fax: (337) 475-8946 August 2012

TRANSRADIAL REVOLUTION EXPERIENCE A NEW GENERATION OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARDIAC PROCEDURES.

If you or someone you care about needs cardiac

Dr. Thomas Mulhearn is the only cardiologist in the region dedicated to using this innovative technique to access the heart through the radial artery in the wrist for cardiac catheterization and stent procedures instead of the traditional femoral artery entry point in the groin.

catheterization, ask your doctor about the transradial technique, or call Dr. Mulhearn at 436-3813.

This option provides numerous patient benefits, including reduced risk of complications, less pain, an almost immediate return to mobility and shorter hospital stay. And when it comes to matters of the heart, getting back to the ones you love sooner is the best benefit of all.

600 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive (337) 436-3813 • www.csswla.com

LAKE CHARLES SULPHUR JENNINGS

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Mind & Body

Check Up On Your Health

Most things run more efficiently with a little maintenance now and then. You change the oil in your car, the air filters in your home, but when was the last time you went to the doctor for a check up? If you go only when you are sick, you’re missing the opportunity to capture important information that could help you maintain your good health. “As much as 60 percent of deaths are preventable things, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The early symptoms could be noticed during a routine check up, in time to make lifestyle changes to avoid serious problems,” said Phillip Conner, MD, family medicine physician with Prien Lake Medical Clinic. Regular check ups establish a time line of health. A high blood pressure reading every now and then isn’t usually cause for concern, but if it becomes a pattern, it should be addressed. “These are the types of things that are noticed over a period of time with routine wellness exams,” said Dr. Conner. A regular check up is also the time to bring up things that people feel may not be important enough for a visit on their own; things like feeling more tired than usual, a strange ache in your shoulder, extra dry skin or trouble sleeping. A check up is a good time to bring these issues up. Finding a remedy can help you have better quality of life. “During a routine visit is a good time to go over all of your medications with your doctor and talk about their effectiveness and any side effects,” Dr. Conner said. Wellness exams vary depending on a patient’s age, family history, health level and individual needs but they usually include:

In addition, women should have a pap smear and breast exam each year, with an annual mammogram over the age of 40. Men should talk with their doctor about a prostate exam once they read the age of 40; there are differing views of the effectiveness of prostate exams, therefore, it’s recommended for them to speak with their doctor who is familiar with their individual medical history. “These regular screenings along with talking with your doctor about any concerns or problems you are having allow you to take control of your health care,” said Dr. Conner.

Cholesterol Check.

Ideally, your cholesterol level should be below 200 mg/dL. 200 – 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high and anything above 240 mg/dL is high. Fasting for four to six hours before having a cholesterol check is usually recommended.

Glucose.

This screening checks for high blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, and low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia; it also checks for diabetes and pre-diabetes. There are few early symptoms for diabetes, so having a glucose screening is helpful. A normal fasting glucose level is between 70 to 99 mg/dL; pre-diabetes is classified as anything between 100 – 125 mg/dL and diabetes is 125 mg/dL and above on more than one testing occasion.

Blood Pressure.

This simple, non-invasive screening is so commonplace, it tends to not get the credit it deserves. High readings can indicate very serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke. The top number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and the bottom number measures the pressure in the arteries between heart beats. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80, prehypertension is when the top number is between 120 and 139 and the bottom number is between 80 and 89. High blood pressure is defined as anything from 140 to 159 for the top number and 90 to 99 for the bottom number.

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August 2012

The Wrist May Provide a Safer Route to the Heart As a general rule, people undergoing heart catheterizations in the United States do so with the procedure starting at the femoral artery found in the groin. However, local interventional cardiologist Dr. Thomas Mulhearn with Cardiovascular Specialists is using a new technique that accesses the pathway to the heart through the wrist. It’s called the transradial approach to cardiac catheterization, and he says it offers many benefits to patients. Dr. Mulhearn says 95 percent of patients are candidates for transradial catheterization, which offers a quick recovery time and minimal blood loss. “Patients are able to sit up and eat right away, whereas with femoral artery catheterizations, patients traditionally have to lay flat for four to six hours after the procedure,” he said. Joe Pool, 67, of DeRidder, was a perfect candidate for the transradial catheterization. “For over a year, I was experiencing discomfort in my chest and a little problem with getting my breath,” he said. Pool’s failure of a cardiac stress test led Dr. Mulhearn to discover that he had a 90 percent blockage in one of his arteries that needed immediate attention. The transradial approach uses the wrist to gain access to arteries that lead to the patient’s heart. Once access to the artery is made, the physician is able to perform either a diagnostic procedure, which determines if and where there are blockages that impede the flow of blood to the heart muscle, or an interventional procedure (angioplasty) to open the blocked artery. Each year, more than a million cardiac catheterizations are performed in the United States, with most starting with a puncture to the femoral artery in the groin. While this is the most common approach, the entry point is sometimes difficult to access and has a greater associated risk of bleeding complications, especially in women, post-procedure pain, and a slower recovery period. For certain types of patients, including women, the obese, and the elderly, and patients with peripheral vascular disease, transradial access to the heart provides documented reductions in bleeding complications, including hematomas (swelling), less back pain and quicker recovery. Now that Pool is feeling 100 percent again, he has been able to get back to his family and the DeRidder church he pastors. “I’m doing great. I was surprised by how simile the procedure was. The doctor told me I can do anything I want. I just have to take medication,” said Pool. “As the use of the transradial approach becomes more and more common, we look August 2012

forward to many more stories of shorter recovery times, fewer complications and a high level of patient satisfaction like in Mr. Pool’s case,” adds Dr. Mulhearn. For more information on transradial catheterizations and other cardiovascular disorders, call Cardiovascular Specialists at (337) 436-3813 or visit www.csswla.com.

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Mind & Body

Stressed?

by Christine Fisher

Change Your Frame of Mind with Exercise Stress levels are higher than ever these days. For most of us, it’s because life is more emotionally challenging than physically demanding. We’re accomplishing more than ever but instead of enjoying the results, we’re trying harder to get more done. This can lead to mental fatigue and frustration. With increased stress and decreased time, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol kick in, blood pressure rises, and memory and the body’s selfhealing mechanisms don’t respond as they should. “Basically, the body begins to decrease its functioning level to compensate for the overload,” said Tressie Bares exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. There are a variety of exercise-related techniques to help rid the body of stress hormones and help calm down the brain, nervous system and muscles. “When people think of relaxation exercises, they may not think of an intense aerobic workout with a fast tempo and big movements,” said Bares. “But when you’re stressed out, it feels great to get moving. Taking your frustration out on a punching bag is better than your boss or co-workers. A good workout gives your mind something to focus on besides your problems and your body can take over. Afterwards, you’ll likely have a different frame of mind.” Bares suggested trying physical ways to calm down when problems occur. “Going for a walk, jogging in place, stretching, or simply doing deep breathing exercises can help reduce the stress level and calm your mind and body.” While exercise is a great way to burn up excess energy, changing how you approach a stressful situation can keep you from becoming overwhelmed from the beginning. “Exercises that incorporate the mind and body are good options for stress-reduction and relaxation,” she explained. “They call for concentration, controlled breathing, balanced shifting of body weight and muscle relaxation.

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These forms of exercises are often called ‘moving meditation’ because they require a high level of intensity from both the mind and body.” By incorporating mind and body exercises on a regular basis, experts agree it will help participants maintain a more peaceful, balanced approach to life. Group Centergy® is a group fitness class available at both locations of Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur and Moss Bluff. The movements focus the body’s energy to relieve stress and encourage a strong body and peaceful mind. “The music is uplifting and helps create a soothing atmosphere that makes people feel enabled and in control,” said Bares. “Those taking the class have said they feel stronger, have more endurance and a better sense of inner peace. We incorporate simple but effective movements into the workout for a total mind and body experience.” The benefits of relaxation are numerous, including: • more effective functioning of the body’s immune system • lowering blood pressure • decreasing likelihood of stroke and heart disease • resetting the emotional portion of the brain – the part that gets worked up during stressful times • lowering the risk of mental health problems • increasing memory and learning • improving coping skills For ongoing inner calmness and continual stress-reduction, relaxation exercises and techniques can be just what the doctor ordered. For more information, contact Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur at (337) 527-5459 or in Moss Bluff at (337) 855-7708.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2012

Baseline Concussion Testing for Athletes Begins in Lake Charles Concussions are the elephant in the room in all levels of sports today. Athletes at schools throughout southwest Louisiana now have some of the latest technology to treat and monitor the effects and symptoms of concussions. This July, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Sports Medicine started baseline testing athletes with a new program called ImPACT® (Immediate PostConcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). Jamey Rasberry, director of sports medicine at LCMH, says ImPACT® is a 20-minute neurological and cognitive computer evaluation that will assist healthcare professionals in evaluating an athlete should they ever suffer a concussion. “Our plan is to baseline test all football, baseball, softball, basketball and soccer athletes before their season begins,” Rasberry says. “These sports are recommended to baseline by ImPACT® because of the high incidence of concussions while competing.” In the United States, the annual incidence of sports-related concussions is estimated at 300,000. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19 percent per season. Dr. Brian Harrell, of the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Center, says statistics show that if you have a concussion, then there is also a 35 percent chance of you receiving a second one. “Having another concussion can prolong and worsen your symptoms,” Dr. Harrell says. “Second impact syndrome can also happen if you go back in too soon. Then, there is a possibility of having severe brain injury or even death, it’s pretty rare but possible.” Dr. Harrell is certified in sports medicine and will be working with area athletes and the ImPACT system. He first became familiar with the cutting edge evaluation system during his time working with LSU athletes. “This is a hot button issue in the pros and college level and those are levels that deal with athletes with developed brains,” Dr. Harrell says. “In regards to adolescents and high school age athletes, their brains are still being modeled so you have to be more careful with them.” If an athlete does receive a concussion during the season, the plan of action is they must see a physician to be released for activity, according to state law. After they have been released to activity, LCMH sports medicine trainers August 2012

put the athlete thru a physical exertion program to see if any concussion symptoms return. If they complete this program, they return to the doctor for an evaluation. The athlete would then take a post injury test on the ImPACT System. The baseline results and the post injury results would be evaluated by a physician to determine if they are equal and if it is safe for the athlete to return to play. “This is why the ImPACT system is so important it gives us another great tool in concussion evaluation that can test the brain with out bias,” Rasberrry says. “So many other tests out there have the human error factor, this does not. The NFL, NHL, MLB, and numerous colleges across the nation are using this, and we want to bring this important tool to help provide the best care for the athletes of Southwest Louisiana we can.”

Jamey Rasberry (left), director of sports medicine at LCMH, monitors a Iowa High School athlete completing a baseline test on the ImPACT System.

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Battle on the Bayou Knocks it Out of the Park How do you measure success on the field? For the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST), $202,000 and 5,700 cheering fans is a great start. The team made its way to Sulphur, July 13-14, to take on Jennie Finch Daigle and her team of Bayou All-Stars – former pro athletes and local “celebrities” - in what was dubbed Battle on the Bayou. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) is a nationally recognized team made up of amputee active duty military personnel and veterans. They work to raise awareness, through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge. Their goal is to show other amputees and the general population that these athletes, through extensive rehabilitation and training, are able to express their desires and perform the sport they love. All funds raised through their efforts benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The work started long before game day and was headed up by a hard-working team of volunteers from across Southwest Louisiana The staff at Sulphur Parks and Recreation worked tirelessly to prepare

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Join us in celebrating our

Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale? the beautiful McMurry Park facility for the two-day event, even after a week of hard rain. Corporations large and small reached deep into their pockets to provide sponsorship dollars, a cook-off and much more. Huge crowds of fans cheered on both teams as the WWAST came out ahead of the Bayou All Stars both nights. The event was so successful that a record-breaking amount of money was raised – enough to fund the travel of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team for the next year. Organizers say it far surpassed their goal. The WWAST coach, David Van Sleet, said the SWLA community made a huge impression on their team. It’s safe to say, the Wounded Warriors made a huge impression on our community as well. Turn to page 79 for more images from the game and a list of the members of the Bayou All-Star team.

Laughing your way to a healthier ever-after.

Featuring motivational speaker,

Kelly Swanson, in her hilarious one-woman show

Thursday, September 6

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge • Lake Charles

Making memories

Women’s Health Fair & Expo: 4-6 p.m. Dinner & Program: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 per person To purchase tickets, visit Women-Childrens.com/HealthyWoman or call 475-4064. Registration deadline: Monday, August 27

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