Expertadvice 2017

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SPRING 2017

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2 Locations Proudly Serving You Since 1976

Gem Drugs

Pharmacy | Specialty Compounding | Infusion Therapy

Compounding is the practice of preparing customized medications — a compounding pharmacy works closely with the prescriber and the patient to prepare alternate strengths, dosage forms and combinations that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs.

139 Central Ave. • Reserve, LA

(985) 536-3957

• Get personalized dosages, strengths and forms • Relieve pain with fewer side effects • Develop allergy-friendly medications • Combine multiple prescriptions into a single dose • Re-create discontinued medications

www.gemdrugs.com

1635 Hwy. 3125 • Gramercy, LA

(225) 869-3651

SPRING 2017

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How to Choose the Right Staffing Firm By: Julie East, Corp. Mkt & Recruiting, Lofton Staffing Services

In today’s uncertain and ever-changing business environment, how do you decide which staffing service is best to partner with when building a strategic staffing plan? According to the American Staffing Association’s website, more than 90% of companies in the US use staffing firms, and 40% of employees looking for their first job or who are reentering the job market have done so by working with a staffing company. When charged with the task of hiring a staffing agency for your company, finding the right agency to partner with is becoming more difficult.

How do you choose the right company to fulfill your staffing needs? Ask these five questions before hiring a staffing partner.

tion. The winners of this award truly stand out for exceeding client expectations. #3: What is the agency turnover rate for internal staff last year?

#1: What expertise does the agency have with recruiting in your industry?

#4: Do you expect your rates to be higher, lower, or about the same as other agencies?

When partnering with a staffing agency, you want a firm that has a vested interest in your industry. Does the agency attend your industry events? Have they filled position for your competitors? To connect with top candidates, you’ll need a staffing firm that’s been in business long enough to develop relationships with and respect from top businesses and leaders in your industry. Those are the firms that attract the most skilled candidates.

Lofton Staffing has over 37 years of experience in providing staffing and consulting services throughout the southern region. Our commitment to service is evident through memberships in more than 45 trade and civic organizations throughout our network. Our staff actively recruits from colleges, business schools, service organizations and special field recruiting programs designed specifically to match your industry to attract top talent. #2: How does the agency measure client satisfaction and what is their most recent score?

One of the most reliable indicators of future performance is past performance.

Ask your staffing agency to provide you with their most recent client satisfaction score and how they compare to their competitors. Satisfaction scores is a strong measure of an agency’s effectiveness in not only finding the right talent, but their commitment to a long-term relationship with their clients.

Inavero’s Best of Staffing winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based completely on the ratings given to them by their clients and talent.

Focused on helping companies find the right people for their job openings, Lofton Staffing Services received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 78% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 29%. With fewer than 2% of all staffing agencies in U.S. and Canada earning the Best of Staffing Award, just 23% of the 2017 Best of Staffing winners earned the Diamond Award distinc-

Partner with an agency that has low turnover of their internal staff so that you can build a long-lasting relationship. It’s important that your account manager and recruiter know you, your business, and your industry. At Lofton Staffing Services, our testament to our commitment to our employees and clients is the longevity of our internal staff. Several members of our staff have tenor of 20 years, with even more members with 10 years with Lofton or more.

Don’t just partner with a staffing agency with the lowest price or markup. It’s important to make an informed decision based on value, and not solely on cost. The expense of hiring the wrong person can be huge. In fact, a U.S. Department of Labor estimate equates the loss to almost 30% of the employee’s first year’s salary. But if you use a staffing firm, finding the right candidates is their job. This alone can do a lot to ease the hassle of the recruitment process because it means you’ll have a team of staffing specialists using their expertise to shortlist suitable candidates. #5: Does the agency provide temporary workers benefits?

A staffing agency with happy people working for them is invaluable. In todays competitive job market, offering benefits to temporary and temp-to-hire employees may be the difference between a good employee and a great employee. Lofton Staffing Services offers a variety of benefits available to assignment employees including: major medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K, holiday, vacation, employee referral bonuses, competitive wages, direct deposit and same week pay. Our benefits and incentives show our appreciation for their efforts and help demonstrate to our assignment employees that a long-term working relationship with Lofton can be fulfilling as well as financially satisfying.

Lofton was founded in 1979 by Tommy Lofton and has grown from a small firm to a full-service corporation with consulting, staffing, security, energy, and medical staffing services. Lofton has twelve offices throughout Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi with its corporate headquarters located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Lofton specializes in partnering with clients to continuously develop their business through the recruitment and retention of the top talent in their respective industries. Lofton provides its clients the flexibility of utilizing employees on a full-time or interim basis, thus increasing the operational effectiveness of their clients’ business. Contact Lofton for more information: www.loftonstaffing.com.

When You Need Personnel ‐ Choose The Best!

When it comes to choosing personnel for your company, why se�le for just anyone...when you can choose the best.

Few suppliers can match Lo�on’s award winning service to our employees, customers, and to the community. Lo�on can put the right people to work with the right skills right when you need them.

Temporary • Temp‐to‐Hire • Direct Hire • Payrolling • Security Gonzales (225) 644‐0200

New Orleans (504) 210‐0500

LaPlace (985) 651‐4900

www.lo�onstaffing.com / www.lo�onsecurity.com LA: Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Houma, Lafaye�e, Lake Charles, LaPlace, New Orleans TX: Beaumont, Houston AR: Li�le Rock MS: Jackson

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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE APP FOR APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES

• RECEIVE URGENT MESSAGES FROM THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE • INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE • CRIME MAPPING, INMATES & WARRANTS • SUBMIT TIPS • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

SHERIFF MIKE TREGRE St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office

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L AU R E N B O U R G E O I S , OT SJPH Rehab Department

This institution is an equal opportunity provider & employer.

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EXPANDED

Therapy Hours Starting April 3rd, St. James Parish Hospital’s Rehab Department will offer extended hours 7AM to 7PM—three days a week.

Schedule an Appointment

225.258.5934

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SPRING 2017

An Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea may be the Right Option for You Daily fatigue or complaints of your snoring from family have led you to see your doctor about the problem. After an exam and a test session in a sleep lab, your problem now has a name — obstructive sleep apnea.

This common sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat overrelax during sleep. The relaxed tissues obstruct air flow to the trachea (windpipe) and cause “apnea,” where you cease to breathe. The lack of oxygen causes you to wake, even for a micro-second, to begin breathing again. This may occur multiple times throughout the night, diminishing the quality of your sleep and leading not only to drowsiness and daily fatigue but also contribute to cardiovascular disease or other systemic conditions.

The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine while you sleep. The machine delivers pressurized air to a face mask you wear while

you sleep; the additional pressure keeps the airway open.

However, a CPAP machine does have a few disadvantages, including discomfort while attached to the machine, nasal congestion and dryness, or claustrophobia. These effects can be so pronounced for some patients, they’re unable to adjust themselves to the machine.

If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, there may be an alternative — a custom-fitted oral appliance we manufacture for you to wear in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance pulls the lower jaw forward resulting in a wider opening of the airway. In addition to being less cumbersome than a CPAP mask, an oral appliance is easier to wear, compact in size for easy travel and doesn’t require electricity.

While an oral appliance is an effective alternative to a CPAP machine for many patients, it does have a few disadvantages including problems with saliva flow (too much or too little), muscle or teeth soreness and minor tooth or jaw movement.

Still, an oral appliance might be the right solution to relieve your sleep apnea over the long-term.

If you would like more information on oral sleep appliances, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

SPRING 2017

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Nalco Supports Teachers through Visions for Learning National Education Grant Program In keeping with its more than a quarter-of-a-century tradition of supporting community schools, Nalco Champion an Ecolab company, will award grants to K-12 teachers in the St. John the Baptist Parish, St. James Parish, and St. Charles Parish school systems through the Ecolab Foundation's 2017 Visions for Learning grant program.

"Education is the cornerstone of a strong community, and a focus of Ecolab's community giving initiatives," said James Kulesa, Plant Manager.

"Ecolab consistently supports educational initiatives to help today's students become tomorrow's leaders. Our Visions for Learning grant program provides teachers with funds to obtain additional classroom materials to help students in grades K-12 achieve their learning goals.�

Visions for Learning grants are awarded by the Ecolab Foundation to K-12 teachers to support and engage students, helping to augment basic skills instruction and enrich their classroom experience. î ˘e deadline for teachers to submit an on-line application for consideration is Monday, May 1, 2017. You can nd the application at the following link: http://www.ecolab.com/about/corporate-responsibility/community-involvement/apply-for-a-grant/other-us-locations.

For questions, please contact Christy Ordeneaux at cordeneaux@nalco.com or 985-535-2221.

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SPRING 2017

At Butler Law Firm, we know it’s all about the work.

Shouldn’t it be?

Butler Law Firm is a local minority owned general practice law firm. We offer experience and a fresh perspective – a combination appreciated by clients as diverse as the firm that services them.

Civil & Commercial Litigation Municipal Liability and Law Enforcement Liability Defense

Carl A. Butler

Tiffany M. Fleming

Jonathan L. Brehan

2400 Veterans Blvd. Suite 485 • Kenner, LA

504.305.4117 www.butlerlawllc.com

SPRING 2017

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By now, most people are familiar with the multicolored ribbon cam­ paigns, which seek to raise awareness for various issues.

Those who are working to prevent child abuse have come up with something a little different.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Pinwheels for Prevention is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of child abuse through large displays of colorful pinwheels planted in communities across the coun­ try.

St. John the Baptist Parish takes part in this effort by planting a pin­ wheel garden at the St. John Community Center on U.S. 51 in LaPlace.

Local volunteers, parish officials, and school children place 200 blue pinwheels on the grounds to help raise awareness about the role the community plays in the healthy development of children.

There are approximately 25 children currently in the foster care system in St. John Parish, some due to abuse and/or neglect.

The good news is the number of volunteers are going up and more awareness drives more response.

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Ginger Cangelosi, Community Outreach Director for Child Advocacy Services, said the organization offers Pinwheel Gardens to Go, a starter kit containing 20 pinwheels and a sign, for any individual, business, church or group that wants to plant a smaller garden on their own.

Sponsorships of gardens also are welcomed, as are donations, Cange­ losi said.

According to the National Children’s Alliance, more than 700,000 children are abused annually in the U.S. In 2015, an estimated 1,670 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.

Children’s Advocacy Centers helped more than 300,000 victims of child abuse throughout the country last year.

“Last year’s garden got a great response and increased awareness for this important issue,” Cangelosi said. “It did spur many calls from peo­ ple saying, ‘I want to be a volunteer. I want to help’ Some people called and said they wanted to bring Christmas presents to the children in our programs. People want to be involved. The community here wants to help and that is a great thing.”

Home Healthcare Private Duty Hospice

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SPRING 2017

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We’re upgrading our natural gas pipelines from the ground up.

It’s how we invest in homes, lives and generations.

Atmos Energy is committed to being the safest natural gas provider in the nation. That’s why we’re investing between $90 and $105 million a year in system upgrades. It’s how we provide you with safe and reliable natural gas service for generations to come.

Visit atmosenergy.com/LouisianaSafety to learn about upgrades in your area.

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SPRING 2017

INVISIBLE DEVICES START AS LOW AS

598

$

We understand that a hearing loss can often alter a person’s lifestyle. It can restrict the ability to interact with others, increase stress, and cause undue fatigue. At Kim Juneau Hearing, our mission is to improve the quality of your life by optimizing your ability to hear.

HEARING INSTRUMENT SERVICES:

• Customized and prescription hearing aid fittings On site hearing aid manufacturer • Digital and programmable hearing aid programming Hearing aids built specifically for Audiophiles.

• Computerized analysis of all hearing devices • On site and factory hearing instrument repairs (all makes)

AUDIOLOGICAL SERVICES:

• Personalized diagnostic testing • Hearing loss identification for Adults and Children • Hearing Aid Evaluation and Consultation • Middle ear analysis Otoacoustic Emissions • Speech Understanding evaluations • Ear wax inspection and removal

Dr. Kim Juneau Hearing 175 Brookhollow Esplanade, Ste. B | Harahan 504-733-3745 | www.kimjuneauhearing.com

WE CAN FIX ANY BRAND OF HEARING AID WHILE YOU WAIT!

SPRING 2017

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Little Crusaders

Monday - Friday 9 am - 3 pm Before & After Care available

Ascension of Our Lord 1809 Greenwood Dr. • LaPlace

985-652-4532

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Fst Cla Suthern Hostaity | EXPERT ADVICE |

SPRING 2017

Group Rates

• Large Outdoor Pool • Large Lawn Area • Banquet Rooms • Parties/ Graduations/ Weddings • Bridal & Baby Showers • Reunions • Meeting Rooms (Corporate Training/Seminars) • Plantation Homes–5miles away • Free Wireless High Speed Internet • Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet (hotel guests only) • Microwave/Mini-Fridge in All Rooms

Available

Sunday Nights 6 pm - 10 pm Oldies But Goodies

3900 Hwy. 51, LaPlace, LA • 985.652.5544 • www.choicehotels.com/hotel/la151

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Chicken & Sausage Jambalya

Ingredients

MEAT

expires 4/30/2017

1099 3 lb. box Don’s Smoked Sausage Hot/Mild ...... $369 lb. Fly. Pk. Don’s Fresh Sausage ...................... $329 lb. Fly. Pk. Don’s Seasoned Ground Meat .......... $299 lb. Fly. Pk. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts .... $169 lb. Fly. Pk. Drumsticks .................................. 79¢ lb. Fly. Pk. Wings ......................................... $189 lb. Fly. Pk. Whole Rack Ribeye ....................... $799 lb.

Ribeye Steaks .............................. $829 lb.

Boneless Seven Steak ..................... $269 lb.

Boneless Sirloin ............................. $499 lb.

Bryan Hot Dogs ............................. $149 12 oz.

Veron’s Smoked Sausage Hot/Mild ..... $

GROCERY

399 128 oz.

Watermaid Medium Grain Rice ......... $399 5 lb.

Mahatma Long Grain Rice ................$399 5 lb.

Louisiana Sack Size Seafood Boil .. $399 4.5 lb.

Shurfine Pure Sugar ....................................... $249 5 lb. $499 16 oz.

Louisiana Select 71-90 ct. Shrimp $1699 4 lb.

Guidry’s Catfish Filets ValuTime Vegetable Oil ............................ $

.........

....................................

388 Central Ave., Reserve, LA

985-536-2275 OPEN: Mon-Sat, 7am-7pm • Sun, 8am-1pm

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED • WE ACCEPT FOOD STAMPS & WIC Vouchers.We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct pricing errors. NO RAIN CHECKS

1 tablespoon canola oil 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 large white onion, chopped (about 2 cups) 1 large green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk) 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cups uncooked converted rice 3 cups chicken broth 2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes Sliced scallions (optional)

Instructions 1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add chicken and sausage, and cook, stirring constantly, until browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels; blot with paper towels.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, bay leaves, Creole seasoning, thyme, and oregano to hot drippings; cook over medium-high until vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in rice, and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, chicken, and sausage. Bring to a boil over high. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.

Strawberry Cake Ingredients

2 cups white sugar 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O® 1 cup butter, softened 4 eggs (room temperature) 2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup whole milk, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter alternately with the milk. Blend in vanilla and strawberry puree. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in their pans over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, before tapping out to cool completely.

LAPLACE 429 Airline Hwy, Ste. J 985-267-0036 Tues, Thurs & Fri 8-4

THIBODAUX 531 Green St. 985-227-4156 Tues & Thurs 9-5

NEW ORLEANS 4640 S. Carrollton Ave. 504-708-4631 Mon, Wed & Fri 8-4

HOUMA 251 Enterprise Dr. 985-242-4445 Mon - Fri 9-5

GONZALES 2012 S. Burnside Ave 888-885-5066 Mon - Fri 9-4

METAIRIE 4141 Veterans Blvd, Ste. 210 504-273-7467 Mon - Fri 9-5