Learn to care for the brain, mitigate dementia
BY JOLIE LINDLEY
Contributing writer
An upcoming free lunch and learn program at Lakeview Hospital aims to educate community members about cultivating healthier personal habits to protect aging brains
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body” will provide research-based recommendations anyone can practice to support brain health and mental wellness
Presenter Heather Rietschel, an outpatient speech therapist who regularly works with adults with brain injuries, hopes to highlight simple steps people can take to help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life “I think anyone who wants a healthier lifestyle
BY MARGARET ALBERT
Contributing writer
The Jaws of Life extrication device is familiar to most people through news reports or television shows.
But on Aug. 10, 2025, at 5:15 a.m., the device was used by local first responders to save the life of Bush resident Meagan Hously, who was driving to work on Interstate 10 when an accident left her car upside down under the roadway, covered in briar-filled underbrush.
should attend. It’s never too late to change; anyone can learn from this program,” she said.
A volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, Rietschel said she was motivated to work with the organization after watching her husband’s mother die from the disease. She said the presentation on June 18 is aimed at those ages 40 and up, but even younger adults might want to attend if they’re supporting aging family members or want tips on building healthy habits throughout adulthood.
“We serve St. Tammany Parish, and we want all our population to be healthy,” Rietschel said. She said the program will focus on how sleep quality, improved
physical health, smoking cessation, good nutrition, and cognitive and social engagement all work together to mitigate dementia risk later in life.
“The program is pretty in-depth about the body-brain connection. Heart health is brain health. Science is now able to tell us why this is true and how to maximize the benefits for the brain,” Rietschel said.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are an estimated 4,900 individuals living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in St Tammany Parish about 10.3% of the 65+ population.
“The importance of building healthy habits cannot be overstated because everyday positive actions can signifi-
cantly lower the risk of cognitive decline and may help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Our program emphasizes the importance of taking action at every age to help protect your brain,” according to Eileen Moynihan, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter Reitschel said she hopes people will take advantage of the local program to learn more about protecting their health as they age, and that if she had one piece of advice to give to anyone wanting to stave off cognitive decline, it would be staying active.
“Being social as you age is the most important thing. You don’t want to become isolated. Engaging with other people regularly helps with keeping your brain active and making cognitive con-
PROVIDED PHOTO Survivor Meagan Housley, from left, thanks her rescue team and sees them honored, including, operator Jon Miller; Capt. Ryan Gaudin; Capt. Chris Frazier, team leader; operator Cain Knight; Capt Glenn Morris; distributor MES representative Daryl Foret; Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann; and Johnny LeBlanc, also with MES Recipients not pictured were operator Dylan Estain and firefighter Jordan Roberts.
In recognition of their response, a Hurst Jaws of Life distributor has bestowed their Green Cross Award on the first responders who used the device in a rescue that saved a life. Hously suffered considerable injuries throughout her body and was unable to walk for two months after the accident, but she lived. On May 21, the rescue
team met at St. Tammany Fire District No. 1 in Slidell to receive their awards from representatives of MES Life Safety, local dis-
tributors of the life-saving equipment.
Each member of the eightman team received a Green Cross Award medallion and certificate.
Captain Chris Frazier, who led the rescue operation, told Hously, “Saving your life was our real reward.” She responded, “In that darkest moment, you didn’t just show up to do a job. Your compassion gave me hope.”
The Hurst Jaws of Life uses high-pressure hydraulics, operating at about 10,000 psi, to generate such mechanical force that it allows trained first responders to cut, pry and push apart heavy materials, such as a vehicle’s metal frame, to rescue trapped crash victims.
BRAIN HEALTH SEMINAR
WHAT: ‘Healthy Living for Brain and Body’ is a free education program to learn simple, everyday habits that can help protect your memory and thinking as you age.
WHO: Hosted by Lakeview Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter; led by Heather Rietsche. Lunch will be provided.
WHEN: June 18 from noon — 1 p.m.
WHERE: Lakeview Hospital’s Pelican Room, 95 Judge Tanner Boulevard, near Covington HOW: Register online at https://www.communityresourcefinder org/. or call (800) 272-3900 to access the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter 24/7 helpline.
nections,” she said.
The Lakeview Hospital event will provide free lunch, and participants will leave with hands-on educational resources. The Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter raises awareness each year by providing in-person and virtual education programs for the general public, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Moynihan said, “This past year, we reached nearly 4,000 individuals through our online and in-person educational events.”
Staff report
St. Tammany Health System is hosting its fourth annual Man Up! men’s health event, a free communityfocused evening dedicated to education, prevention and accessible screening opportunities for men across the northshore on June 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Covington Beer Garden, 436 N. New Hampshire St. Complimentary beer will be provided to those who complete screening activities, with additional food and adult beverages available for purchase.
“Men’s health is often delayed or overlooked until symptoms become impossible to ignore,” said Anne Pablovich, director of community engagement for St. Tammany Health System.
“Man Up! is about changing that pattern.” Education and screening opportunities this year will include: n Men’s health education provided by Lakeshore Urology n Lung cancer screenings and education via the STHS Breathe Well ConneCTion mobile CT unit. n Musculoskeletal ultrasound screenings and education provided by STHS Physical Therapy n Colon cancer screenings and education provided by Gastro Group & Endocenter n Skin cancer screenings and education provided by Dr Christel Malinski
n Heart health education and carotid ultrasound screenings provided by STHS Covington Cardiovascular Clinic and STHS Ultrasound.
