Thrive September 2011 Issue by Thrive Magazine

Fall Into Sports Pet Talk

SEPTEMBER 2011

September 2011

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

Contents 8

In This Issue

Regular Features

4 A New You: Focus on Fitness 6 Why You Should Heed Hypertension Warnings 8 Tips for the Fall Garden

8 By the Numbers 1 50 First Person: with Sheila Gilley 66 Chatterbox 76 Stethoscoop 77 Well Aware 78 Community Contributors 80 Solutions for Life 81 Best Impressions 83 The Last Word

Special Section

Fall Into Sports

15 19 20 22 22 26

McNeese Football LSU Football The Fastest Growing Sport in America Wrestling with Momentum Cross Country Highs Just for Girls: Injury Prevention

53 The Winning Photo!

Cover Story: Improve Your Home from the Inside Out 46 McNeese Banners Season 36

Special Section

52 54 58 60

Pet Talk

Cats vs Dogs Picking a Pet Available for Adoption Animal-Assisted Therapy

62 Overscheduled Kids, Counteractive Benefits 68 Fitness Fun for Kids 74 Sowela: Enrollment, Buildings Rise Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just live, thrive!

Editors and Publishers Kristy Armand Christine Fisher Creative Director/Layout Barbara VanGossen Assistant Editor Erin Kelly Assistant Designers Jason Hardesty Shonda Manuel Staff Writers Katie McDaniel Brett Downer Haley Armand Advertising Sales 337.310.2099 Emily Porche emily@thriveswla.com Mona Martin mona@thriveswla.com Submissions edit@thriveswla.com or fax to 337.312.0976 Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and be successful in all areas of their lives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; family, health, home and career. September 2011

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Focus on Fitness by Erin Kelly

regimens, he said. If you see someone crying at CrossFit, you might assume that they’re shedding “We’re about getting people better at life and having a workout program that tears at the prospect of running 800 meters in the heat with a medicine ball directly relates to everyday life,” John said. “I’m 47 and I should be able to play or doing Olympic-style weight lifting under the watchful eye of a personal a game of basketball without hurting myself or being sore for days. Getting in trainer, but when Regina Smart gets emotional at the Easy Street facility, it’s not shape so you can do what you want to do –that’s what it’s about.” because she can’t do those things. It’s because she can. The final unveiling of the New You Makeover Challenge recipients – Regina, Regina, 37, is part of the New You Makeover Challenge, a comprehensive Hannah, Amanda, Jill Portie and Renee Thornton – will appear in the October makeover program sponsored by Signatures Salon, CrossFit Lake Charles, Dr. Eric Snow and Thrive. New You, which kicked off in June, was designed to enrich issue of Thrive. the lives of five local women across all areas of their lives, from daily nutrition to overall fitness. Part of the challenge was for the women to visit CrossFit Lake Charles on a regular basis to receive personal training from certified trainers and CrossFit co-owners Ashley Navarre and John Wilson. CrossFit is a functional fitness program that focuses on optimizing physical competence in cardio-respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. Unlike traditional gym workouts, which rely on using equipment to work isolated areas, CrossFit works John Wilson CrossFit Lake Charles every part of the body using familiar everyday movements such as bending, lifting, walking and pulling. The program is designed to adhere to all fitness levels and body types. According to John, individualized personal training in an environment of camaraderie and support is part of the CrossFit experience. Regina says her experience has been above and beyond what she expected – so much so that she gets emotional talking about it. “This experience has taught me that I’m so much stronger than I ever thought I was. If someone would have told me a year ago that I would be doing Olympic-style weight-lifting one day, I would’ve said they were crazy. Amanda Bryant But I’m doing it,” Regina said. “I’ve done away with the word ‘can’t.’ I’ve learned to push myself and I’ve reached a new plateau. The first day I came to CrossFit, my trainer Ashley told me to do pull-ups and I remember looking at her and saying ‘I can’t.’ She said, ‘Yes, you can.’ Without her there I would have given myself permission to quit, but I didn’t quit, and today I’m in a different place, photos by Shonda Manuel not just physically but mentally and emotionally.” The experience has also been rewarding for Amanda Bryant, 31, who celebrates each of her little victories in a big way. In the first week, Amanda could only run 100 meters before taking a break. She’d never worked out before and wondered how she would ever survive CrossFit’s 800-meter run. “I remember the day I ran 400 meters without stopping. I ran back like Rocky and told everyone,” she said. “If you talk to someone who runs marathons, they’ll say 400 meters is nothing. But for someone who could only run 100 meters before, it was a really big victory.” When New You Makeover recipient Hannah Vincent, 17, joined CrossFit, her mother followed in her footsteps. Both women say that the experience has helped them gain energy, sleep better and feel better overall. “I can lift a lot more than I ever thought I could. I never thought I had much upper-body strength,” Hannah said. According to John, that’s what CrossFit is about: Pushing people to their limits and showing them that they are capable of much more than they think. These little victories provide momentum and encouragement that rivals other workout Jill Portie, left, and trainer Ashley Navarre

“ The demands of the body vary in degree, but not design.”

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Heed the Warning of Prehypertension Your blood pressure isn’t just a reading at your doctor’s office. It can predict your risk for heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Simply put, the higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk for these and other deadly diseases. Suppose you learn you have something known as prehypertension? Your blood pressure isn’t high enough to be called hypertension (high blood pressure), but it falls in the “high-normal” range. What does this mean for you? “It tells us a lot,” says Ameer Khan, M.D., family medicine physician on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. “It means you’re most likely headed down the road toward high blood pressure, but you still have time to apply the brakes—and perhaps even make a U-turn—by adopting a healthier lifestyle.” That is, if you stay on course. “The danger from having prehypertension turns out to be greater than we previously thought,” Dr. Khan adds. According to the American Heart Association, the progression to high blood pressure occurs within four years of being diagnosed with prehypertension. That’s true for nearly one in three adults ages 35 to 64 and one in two ages 65 and older. Even at these lower levels of blood pressure, doctors start to see damage to the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls. When it stays high over time—at a level of 140/90 mmHg or higher—it’s known as high blood pressure. If your blood pressure reading is consistently between 120/80 and 139/89 mmHg, you’re in the prehypertension range. “The heart is a pump, and blood vessels are like pipes,” Dr. Khan says. “When there’s high pressure, there’s more wear and tear on the pipes and the pump. This can translate into problems with hardening of the arteries, or with damage to the kidneys or heart.” The best first step to taking control is to have your blood pressure checked routinely. There’s no other way to know when your pressure is high—you can’t feel high blood pressure at work. You can also check your own pressure at home with electronic digital monitors that can be relatively simple to use. When blood pressure is elevated, it’s critical to control it by making certain lifestyle changes.“These are the things all adults should probably do, but they’re even more important for people with prehypertension and high blood pressure,” Dr. Khan says. He recommends the following: • Maintain a healthy body weight. • Eat healthy foods. • Reduce salt intake. • Increase physical activity. • Limit alcohol. • If you smoke, quit. 6 www.thriveswla.com

“Some of these things are hard to do,” says Dr. Khan. “I recommend moderation—plan to make changes you can live with. Following a healthy diet is important. Try to do it most days of the year, and on those special occasions— such as holidays—lighten up a bit so you can stay in it for the long haul.” For more information about prehypertension or high blood pressure, log on to www.lcmh.com or call Ameer Khan, M.D. at (337) 480-5520.

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September 2011

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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 September 2011

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Fall Gardening Tips Gardening is a year-round activity. Those who garden usually have an appreciation and desire for fresh, nutritious vegetables and fruits, and what better way to ensure this supply than by growing them in your own yard? As the hot days of summer draw to a close, it is time to start planning your fall garden. “A successful fall garden depends on adequate soil preparation, available garden space, the type of crops to be grown, space for each of these crops and obtaining the quantity and varieties of the seeds needed,” explains Ray Fontenot, lawn, garden and outdoor living buyer for Stine. Fontenot offers these additional guidelines for growing a bountiful fall garden.

Soil Preparation Modifying or improving soil prior to and during gardening season is important. Various fertilizer elements can be easily applied. “If the soil is very sandy or heavy you should be sure to include a type of organic matter to reduce rapid drying, improve water absorption, drainage and nutrient availability,” according to Fontenot. The addition of fertilizers stimulates growth and production overall.

Selecting the Crop These plants will produce excellently in the later fall season: spinach, pepper, sweet potato, cowpea, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkins, carrots, collards, onions, rutabaga, garlic, turnips, and mustard.

Planting the Seed First, your garden should not be placed within six feet of hedges, shrubs or trees. These larger plants will steal all the nutrients and water you’re trying to provide for your vegetables to grow healthy. “In order for a seed to germinate or sprout, it must have the proper temperature, adequate moisture and sufficient oxygen,” Fontenot said. Vegetable seeds should be planted three times the diameter of the seed deep. For smaller seeds this means they experience more sun exposure. To combat the extra heat, apply mulch over the seeds after they have been watered. This will help maintain the soil’s proper temperature and moisture needed for the seed to grow. To get an early growth and conserve water usage, soak the seeds overnight—this will quicken germination. Fall vegetable crops are categorized into long and short-term crops. “Duration of these crops depends on when the first killing frost occurs and the cold tolerance level of the crop,” Fontenot said. Long-term, frost-tolerant vegetables should be planted together so they can be harvested together. These include: beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, collards, garlic, kale, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley, spinach and turnips. Short-term, frost-susceptible vegetables should be planted together so they can be removed easily after the first killing frost. These include: beans, cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, peas, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes and squash.

Harvesting When harvested, the vegetables should be stored in a cool, moist area. They can be placed in ventilated plastic bags. Pumpkins and squash however, should be stored in cool, dry areas. For protection during the colder winter months, the soil layer over the plants should be six to 10 inches thick. by Haley Armand

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September 2011

Blame it on the Rain

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Headache triggers can range from perfume and being in a smoky room to eyestrain and loud noise. One of the most common reasons for headaches, though, turns out to be the weather. Changes in barometric pressure, humidity and temperature can bring on the pain in three out of four people who frequently suffer from headaches, according to a survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation. “Most people who get frequent headaches tend to have a greater sensitivity to environmental changes,” said Steve Springer, MD, family medicine physician with The Clinic, a division of Imperial Calcasieu Medical Group. “Whether it’s bright light, smoke in a restaurant, or even air fresheners, it can cause serious pain in people who are sensitive to these things. One of the most common triggers is a change in weather.” Thirty-two million Americans report suffering from migraines; many of them responded to surveys saying they’ve noticed a correlation between their headaches and the weather. In one study conducted in a Massachusetts emergency room, over 7,000 patients were surveyed. For every nine degree Fahrenheit increase in the temperature, both migraine and non-migraine headaches complaints went up seven percent in the next 24 hours. A drop in barometric pressure also resulted in an increase in reported headaches. “When the temperature goes up and the pressure goes down, people of all ages and health levels report having more headaches than usual,” said Dr. Springer. Experts aren’t sure why weather and headaches are related. Some speculate that atmospheric changes may influence the sinuses and lead to headaches. Hurricanes can wreak havoc on people at risk for headaches. The barometric pressure usually drops before a storm, so weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes cause many people to feel sick. “There are several effective medications for people who suffer from headaches and migraines. Talk to your doctor about how the weather affects your susceptibility for headaches, and see if there is a treatment plan that takes the weather into consideration. It could lessen the duration of the headache from several days to hopefully a shorter time,” said Dr. Springer. For more information, or to make an appointment, call Dr. Springer’s office at 436-1370. September 2011

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Smart Phones Can be [ Hard on the Eyes ]

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The communication convenience of smart phones has changed the way we use them. These high-tech devices function more like a hand-held computer than a simple phone, allowing us to not only talk and text, but to access email, browse the Internet, review documents, catch up on the news, get directions, play games and engage in many other useful and entertaining activities. Neilson research estimates that over 50 percent of Americans will own a smart phone by the end of 2011, but according to a research published recently in Optometry and Vision Science, our eyes may be paying a price for the convenience of this technology. Researchers with SUNY State College of Optometry in New York found that people reading text messages or browsing the Internet on their smart phones tend to hold the devices closer than they would a book or newspaper. “This forces the eyes to work harder,” explains optometrist Dr. Jeffrey Hankin, with The Eye Clinic. “Reading at the closer distance required by the small device, combined with the tiny font sizes on smart phones, creates a significant strain on the eyes.” The researchers conducted relatively simple experiments to study the link between smart phones and eye problems. In the first, about 130 volunteers with an average age of 23.2 years were asked to hold their smart phone while reading an actual text message. In a different experiment, 100 participants, whose average age was 24.9, were next asked to hold their smart phone when reading a web page. Researchers then measured the distance between the device and the eyes, as well as the font size. When reading printed text in newspapers, books and magazines, the average working distance is close to 16 inches from the eyes, but the study volunteers writing or sending text messages held their phones, on average, only about 14 inches away. In some people, it was as close as seven inches. When viewing a web page, the average working distance was 12.6 inches. The font on text messages tended to be slightly larger (about 10 percent, on average) than newspaper print, but web-page font was only 80 percent the size of newspaper print and, in some cases, as small as 30 percent, according to researchers.

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“Trying to read on tiny smart phone screens can cause many of the same symptoms as computer vision syndrome, including headaches, eye fatigue, focusing problems, burning, dryness, blurred vision and light sensitivity,” says Dr. Hankin. “With smart phones, the symptoms are often worse. Because the phones are backlit and portable, people tend to use them in places they wouldn’t normally try to read, such as dimly lit restaurants, dark movie theaters, outside or while riding in a car. In these situations, the poor lighting and glare contribute to the problem.” Dr. Hankin says the new research is something both smart phone users and eye doctors should be aware of. Users can minimize eye strain risk by increasing the font size on their devices, using a magnifier application, avoiding extended use and being conscious of how close you are holding the device to your eyes. Eye doctors can help by asking patients about their smart phone use and any symptoms of eye strain they might be having. “We can help them adjust their viewing habits on smart phones, and adjust their prescription if needed to minimize strain.” The research did not address any problems with the use of e-readers, netbooks or ipads, but the font size on these devices is larger, so any problems should not be as severe, according to Dr. Hankin. by Kristy Armand

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Resilience: Why Some Cope and Others Crack

by Kristy Armand

When something goes wrong, do you tend to take it in stride or fall apart? If you’re one of the first group, then you probably posses what is known as resilience, the ability to adapt well to stress, adversity, trauma or tragedy. According to success coach Vidushi Babber, MD, having resilience means that, overall, you remain calm, stable and are able to function fairly normally on psychological and physical levels even when faced with disruption or chaos in your life. “People with resilience are able to harness inner strengths and rebound more quickly from a crisis or challenge, whether it’s a career setback, an illness, a relationship crisis or even the death of a loved one.” When faced with adversity, resilient people are able to continue with daily tasks, remain generally optimistic about life and recover a normal frame of mind more quickly. “People who are more resilient have the ability to say to themselves, ‘Okay, this bad thing happened, and I can either dwell on it and do nothing, or I can take action, learn from it and get back on track,’” explains Dr. Babber. She says resilience isn’t about toughing it out, and it doesn’t mean you ignore feelings of sadness over a loss. Being resilient doesn’t mean that you’re emotionally distant, cold or unfeeling, nor does it mean that you always have to be strong and that you can’t ask others for support. In fact, Dr. Babber says being willing to connect with others for support is a key component of being resilient. In contrast, she says people who are less resilient are more likely to become immobilized when an unexpected problem arises. “These are the people who just can’t seem to handle any type of stress or adversity. They are more likely to dwell on problems, feel victimized, become overwhelmed and/or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse. They are also more likely to develop mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder as a result.” Why are some people more resilient than others? Dr. Babber says a combination of factors come into play when it comes to this aspect of personality. “The temperament you are born with is a factor as is the type of coping skills you see demonstrated by adults around you as you are growing up. The way you handle a crisis is usually a combination of our personality and learned behavior.”

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If you recognize that you aren’t resilient, she says this is something you can work on changing. “You can learn new coping skills and become better able to respond positively and productively to adversity. A big part of it is changing your outlook – how you view the world and your role in it.” A big ingredient in resiliency is being able to recognize that some things are out of your control, and that your energy is better focused on the things you can do something about when a catastrophe occurs, according to Dr. Babber. “Instead of thinking, ‘This is so horrible! Why did it happen to me?’ when faced with a challenging situation, think, ‘Okay. This happened. Now, what can I do right now to make things better?’ This is all part of looking past the problem to the positive. Even if you can’t solve the big problem immediately, you can stop and force yourself to think about what you are thankful for – these are the things that will help you cope.” Dr. Babber stresses that it’s important to understand that having resilience doesn’t make an individual’s problems go away, but it can give you the ability to see past them, find some enjoyment in life and handle future stressors better. “Resilience will help you survive challenges and even thrive when faced with adversity.”

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September 2011

People with resilience tend to possess certain characteristics. This chart from the Mayo Clinic can help you get a general idea of how resilient you are. The statements on the left are characteristics of people who are resilient. Put a check mark next to each characteristic that you believe you have. Statement

Check if you agree

I’m able to adapt to change easily. I feel in control of my life. I tend to bounce back after a hardship or illness. I have close, dependable relationships. I remain optimistic and don’t give up, even if things seem hopeless. I can think clearly and logically under pressure.

From our den to yours…

I see the humor in situations, even under stress. I am self-confident and feel strong as a person. I believe things happen for a reason. I can handle uncertainty or unpleasant feelings. I know where to turn for help. I like challenges and feel comfortable taking the lead. Do you have only a few marks or many? Think about the ones that you left blank. You may want to focus on developing resilience skills in those areas. If you don’t feel you’re making the kind of progress you’d like or you just don’t know where to start, Dr. Babber recommends talking to a counselor about developing resilience. She can be reached at PRN Coaching, 800-PRN-9906.

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Fall Sports The Champion of All Sports Seasons

photos provided by McNeese Athletics Dept.

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September marks the beginning of a new season. Call it autumn, call it fall, or just call it game time. In the South, no sport reigns supreme more than football. From the smallest high school stadiums in Southwest Louisiana to the 76,000 seats in the Superdome, Southerners pack the seats to watch their favorite teams battle it out for gridiron glory. These fervent fans have McNeese and LSU football flags fluttering from their car antennas and drawers full of Who Dat T-shirts. Although football takes the throne of fall sports in the South, there are others gaining momentum on the field. Soccer, the sport of the world, has charged into the American mainstream in recent years at breakneck speed. Wrestling, which suffered in the 1980s, has also made a healthy comeback. Fall is also the season for cross-country runners to reach the height of their runner highs. No matter what season it is around the world, there are sports being played. But in the South, there is no better gametime than fall.

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September 2011

Go Pokes!

Fall is here and for many Southwest Louisiana residents, that equates to one thing: Football. More specifically,

C o wb o y f o o tb a l l . The McNeese State Cowboys will play six games at home this season. Although they opened the 2011 schedule on the road against Kansas, the only other road games are conference outings. The Cowboys, led by Coach Matt Viator – currently the Southland Conference’s winningest active coach with a 27-7 league record – will kick-off the season with a No. 13 national ranking, based on a preseason poll by the College Sporting News. Defending SLC Champion Stephen F. Austin ranked at No. 18, while Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Delaware, William & Mary and Eastern Washington topped the list. Central Arkansas was picked No. 25. McNeese has won three of the last five SLC titles and finished second twice. They ended last year with a 6-5 record and 5-2 conference mark. Forty-eight lettermen will return for the Cowboys, including key players like tailback Andre Anderson, who earned all-SLC honors last year; punter Ben Bourgeois; offense tackle Alec Savoie; offensive guards Jonathan Landry and Miguel Gouthreax; defensive returns Desmund Lighten; cornerback Seth Thomas; free safety Malcolm Bronson; weak safety Darrell Jenkins; and kicker Josh Lewis.

2011 McNEESE SCHEDULE

2010 McNEESE RESULTS

SEPTEMBER 3 at Kansas Lawrence, 6 p.m. 10 Open 17 Sioux Falls, 7 p.m. 24 *SE Louisiana, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 4 Lamar, M 30-27 11 at Missouri Columbia, Mo 50-6 18 Open 25 Cal Poly, CP 40-14

OCTOBER 1 at *Northwestern State Natchitoches, 6 p.m. 8 Texas State, 7 p.m. 15 at +*Central Arkansas Conway, 3 p.m. 22 #*Sam Houston St., 7 p.m. 29 at +*Stephen F. Austin, 3 p.m.

OCTOBER 2 at *Northwestern State Natchitoches, M 24-7 9 *Stephen F. Austin, S 32-27 16 at LSU Baton Rouge, L 32-10 23 at *SE Louisiana Hammond, M 13-10 30 *Nicholls, M 24-14

NOVEMBER 5 *Nicholls State , 7 p.m. 12 UT San Antonio, 7 p.m. 19 at *Lamar Beaumont, 6 p.m.

NOVEMBER 6 at *Sam Houston, M 33-28 13 *Texas State, M 36-6 20 at *Central Arkansas, C 28-24

* - Southland Conference game # - Homecoming + - SLC television game. All times are central.

* - Southland Conference game

September 2011

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We Built a

Power House

by Christine Fisher

McNeese athletics have always been a leader among other Southland Conference schools and now the athletes finally have a field house to match. The newly renovated Jack V. Doland Field House on the McNeese State University campus is open and receiving rave reviews from alumni, administration, community members and most importantly, the athletes. “This is my senior year at McNeese, so I played football when we had the old field house, then we transitioned to the portable buildings during the construction, and now I’m able to play my final year with this new field house,” said Miguel Gauthreaux, offensive guard. “There’s no comparison to the old one and this new one. We have better equipment, more room for team meetings, our Hall of Fame area is impressive. Now it reflects the pride we’ve always had here at McNeese. We knew we had first-class teams, now we have the house to match.” The new field house, accommodating both male and female athletes from all McNeese sports, features a compartmentalization approach to the layout. “We have sections divided into administration, study, coaching offices, and the athletic area,” explained Athletic Director Tommy McClelland. “This layout is a hidden gem because it allows us to operate in day-to-day routines without disrupting the athletes as they work out or study.” The project included a complete remodel of the former field house along with the construction of the new area, bringing the total to over 55,000 square feet. The weight room went from being 2,000 square feet to 8,500 square feet; it’s the largest in Louisiana. “The previous weight room was so small, it didn’t even accommodate half of our athletes,” according to McClelland.

The Hall of Fame and expanded ticket office give McNeese enthusiasts a more convenient way to purchase tickets and access historical moments through the years. The soon-to-be-installed TV monitors in the Hall of Fame area will be interactive, allowing sports buffs to research players and pivotal games throughout McNeese athletic history. McClelland said it will have a museum-like feel, “we’ll finally be able to showcase the strong history of sports that we have here. Many of our players have gone pro, and we’ll be able to see them when they were getting their start here; and enjoy highlights over the years.” The Hall of Fame area is scheduled for completion in the next few weeks. The coaches now have offices with enough room for their players to meet together to review film and work on strategy. In addition, there are several large meeting rooms to accommodate all players from a sport, along with several other rooms such as the equipment, locker and film review rooms. The second floor houses the Blue and Gold area; comprised of banquet-style club house seating in the air-conditioned upper deck and 138 outside seats above the athlete’s field entrance overlooking the north end of the field. It features concessions, restrooms and elevators. “This area sold out quickly,” said McClelland. “We’ve had a waiting list for years to get into the Sky Ranch, so this gives us another option for club-style seating and yet retaining the energy and excitement of being outside watching the game.”

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Strategy Room 2011 September

The previous field house hadn’t been updated since 1975, but the athletic program continued to grow over the years. The cramped quarters and deteriorating building were hindrances during a prospective student athlete’s tour of the campus. The new field house was built thanks to community support, dedication and relentless work to see it through. David Buttross, III, MD, formed a committee back in 2005 made up of McNeese athletic fans and community leaders and began a fundraising effort in cooperation with administration. Hurricane Rita sidelined the plans for a few months, but in the spring of 2006, the Building a Power House campaign began in earnest. The fundraising efforts involved several key components including working with a legislative delegation, a student assessment voted on and approved by the MSU students and a portion of an occupancy tax. “We worked with many individuals and companies who donated to the project with their time and talents,” said Dr. Buttross. “A field house creates an image of a university’s athletic program. It’s part of the recruitment process and a showcase of athletic ability and tradition,” said Dr. Buttross. “We believe the new field house will have an immediate impact on the

recruitment of the best athletes, which will facilitate winning championships, which will benefit the entire university by bringing more recognition to McNeese.” He said the domino effect continues as more alumni and community members attend more games, bringing additional revenue to benefit the university. “Now we have the field house that reflects the true image of our athletes and those of us in the community who support the program. It’s one part of the great updates happening on the McNeese campus. It was several years of work to get a project of this magnitude on people’s radar, and to get them to see the need and our vision for what we could accomplish; and thanks to a lot of people, it’s now a reality. Our athletes, our university and our community deserve it.”

photos by Jason Hardesty

Overhead view of field from new sky box.

AFTER September 2011

Weight Room

Lockers

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BY THE NUMBERS

Cowboy

Football

10x 4 In the 39 years it has been a member of the Southland Conference, McNeese teams have won 10 or more games a total of 10 times.

Undefeated seasons

Regular season undefeated records in its history, the latest being the 2007 team of Coach Matt Viator.

Southland Conference Championships

In the 2000s. 2009, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2001.

Winning percentage in all games during the 2000s.Cowboys have won 88 games and have compiled 10 winning seasons in the last 11 years.

1940 First football game.

Southland Conference titles

Winning percentage in conference games since 2000. Cowboys have won 52 of 69 league games.

13,770

Number of head coaches in teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

Since becoming a league member in 1972.

.754

.694

Cowboy players have turned pro.

Cowboy teams have participated in a league record 14 post season NCAA playoffs....the Cowboys have been in seven of these playoffs since 2000. Average home game attendance in 2010. Source: McNeese State University Athletic Department

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Thrive Magazinefor forBetter BetterLiving Living Thrive Magazine

March2011 2010 September

Purple and Gold

Hearts Beat in Southwest Louisiana by Brett Downer

Who are the biggest LSU fans in Southwest Louisiana? OK, first off: Yes, your name should’ve been included in this story. Tiger Nation extends in every direction from Baton Rouge, and the Southwest Louisiana chapter is teeming with LSU students, alumni and general football fans. It’s evident every fall -- when purple and gold is seen on baseball caps of guys mowing their lawn, on flags attached to the SUVs of soccer moms, and on the Saturday-night TV screens of every tavern in town. Of course you’re LSU’s biggest fan. And so are the people farther down the bar, and two houses down, and three tailgates away. To seek wisdom on what constitutes being a top LSU fan, Thrive turned to some living legends who happen to be right here in town: Ed McCreedy and Dave McCarty, two Lake Charles residents who were members of LSU’s fabled 1958 national championship team. McCreedy was a high school All-American from Mississippi who bypassed schools like Ole Miss -- which must have raised some eyebrows back home -to go to LSU. He has witnessed Tiger Nation at close range in the years since. McCreedy was asked to name the top local LSU fan that came to mind. “Charlie Henry,” he said. “He’s since deceased. Charlie was a diehard LSU fan. He loved to go to all the games. He’d even go to the out-of-town games. He was the kind of guy who couldn’t wait for the season to start. That’s what you’d call a diehard fan.” McCreedy might have special appreciation for that kind of fan following, because he played in an era before easy cable, satellite and Internet access to college sports. He also played on a team that was given nearly zero chance -- at least in the preseason AP and UPI polls -- of winning the national championship McCarty, his teammate, described the famous title run -- and the fan reaction. “In ‘58, we kind of took Louisiana by storm,” McCarty said. “To the students, we were just Average Joes. But with some of the fans, we were kind of like heroes. Celebrities.” In the years since, McCarty -- who spent 24 years at LSU as a student, graduate assistant and coach -- has heard “wonderful things” from LSU fans. “Even to this day, people will say, ‘He played on the ‘58 team.’” What does it take, then, to be a top LSU fan? Continued on p34

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The

Fastest Growing Sport in America

Despite having been established around the eighth century, soccer has only recently found solid footing in mainstream America. It could be validly argued that no other sport in the past 20 years has filled American playing fields with more momentum. According to the United States Soccer Federation, the number of youth soccer players in the U.S. has doubled since 1990 to about 4 million, and statistics from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association indicate that soccer is the fastest growing sport in high school athletics, with more than 730,000 players. Jason Oertling, athletic director for St. Louis Catholic High School, attributes much of this growth to the shrinking of the global world through media like the Internet and television. The 1999 World Cup, in which the U.S. women’s soccer team took the win, also helped fuel the soccer fire. “With all the other sports to compete with, soccer has historically lagged behind. When I first started coaching, the only time you’d see soccer on television was if it was the World Cup, and then you’d only catch one or two games. Today, the Fox Soccer Channel runs soccer all day,” Oertling said. “I think people in America have only recently discovered just how big soccer is around the world and how little influence some of our sports have globally. With the exception of little places around the world, football is primary an American sport. Basketball is changing, but for the most part, American teams have no competition. Soccer is worldwide.” Just as soccer has dominated the growth spurt in national athletics, the Saints of St. Louis Catholic have dominated soccer in regional prep sports.

Last season was the ninth time in 10 years that the boys’ team made it to the semifinals; they ultimately won their eighth state championship. The girls, who are three-time defending state champs, also made it to the semifinals for their sixth consecutive trip. Oertling said as people have gained more appreciation for the worldwide fervor of soccer – one that certainly rivals the fan-hood of American football – they have also gained more appreciation for the sport itself. For fans who are accustomed to watching basketball teams hit ninety points or football games ending at 27-13, soccer games can appear lackluster, but as the visibility of the sport grows, so does public understanding. “Soccer is low-scoring and I think a lot of people think it’s boring, but with a game like soccer, you have to truly understand the game by Erin Kelly to appreciate it. There are many intricacies to the game and many people don’t know the rules, which can make it hard to enjoy. But once you understand it, you realize just how much stamina and athletic ability it takes. In a normal match there are incredible things happening all over the field, and not just with the soccer ball. When you consider that a midfielder could theoretically run ten to eleven miles in one game, you understand how much ability it takes. The goal may only come once within that ninety minutes, but to me, that’s just the reward for all the hard work that’s been put into the game,” Oertling said. “Americans may understand football, but the world understands soccer.”

The St. Louis boys’ soccer team won their eighth championship last season.

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The girls’ team of St. Louis have been crowned state champs three times.

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U nd e r st a nding S o cc e r Left Forward

Striker

Right Forward

Left MF

Right MF

Central MF Central MF

Centre-Back

Goalkeeper Soccer is a game of two teams with 11 players each. It’s a fast-paced 90-minute match with few breaks in the action. Each team has one goalkeeper and 10 field player. Every player – no matter if they’re on defense or offense – helps their team score goals.

Goalkeeper: The keeper is the only player allowed to use his hands, and that activity is restricted to an 18-yard by 44-yard area called the penalty area. If a goalkeeper handles the ball outside of the box, she should be awarded a red card and the attacking team given a free kick from that spot. Defenders: They play in front of the goalkeeper, and their primary duty is to stop the opposition from scoring or getting shots — quality and quantity. Their assignments and responsibilities can vary from manto-man coverage or zone defense, in which they defend a particular area. Outside fullbacks play on the left and right wings and patrol the flanks and rarely move from their sides of the field. Central defenders play in the middle of the field and usually cover the opposition’s leading goal scorer or center forward(s). Midfielders: These players are the link between the defense and attack. Midfielders must be the most physically fit players on the field because are expected to run the most in a game. They should be able to penetrate deep in enemy territory on attack and make the transition to defense when the opposition retains possession of the ball. Midfielders can specialize as an attacking player or defensive midfielder.

Forwards: Their primary job is to score goals or to create them for teammates. There are several types of forwards. Wings play on either the left or right side and usually run up and down the sides of the field. They can either take the ball into the penalty area for a shot or keep it on the flank and try to pass it to a teammate in the area. Center forwards play in the middle of the field, but they are allowed to wander if open space is there. A center forward, also known as a striker, should be a team’s leading goal scorer and most dangerous player up front. SOURCE: Soccer For Dummies by United States Soccer Federation, Inc.

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Wrestling Mats Gain Momentum

by Erin Kelly

Wrestling has gained strength on high school campuses nationwide, according to recent trends. The National Federation of State High School Associations reported that the number of high school wrestlers is at its highest point since 1979. The number has grown steadily for the past six years, jumping 14 percent from 2003 to 2009. Last year, more than 270,000 high school wrestlers took the mat. USA Wrestling has credited big-city grassroots efforts nationwide with the increased attention and growth of the sport, which embraces strength, agility, endurance and sharp mental focus with a different approach than other sports. Some have further speculated that the soaring popularity of mixed martial arts has fueled the American wrestling fire, although some take exception, pointing out that MMA is so different from traditional wrestling that the two shouldn’t be linked. Whatever the reason, the sport continues to gain momentum in schools across America, including St. Louis and Sulphur High, where 2011 graduate Joey Mereo competed. Mereo was ultimately recruited by the wrestling coach at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he received an academic scholarship and plans to study – and wrestle – this fall. “Wrestling is unique from any other sport because it is both a team sport and an individual sport. You practice hard with the team, but when it comes down to a match, it’s just you and your opponent,” Mereo said. Joey Mereo, left. In competitions, wrestlers earn points for taking and escaping control of their opponents, switching control from the opponent to themselves, almost-pins and overall pins. Competitors are awarded wins by pinning their opponent, leading in points or through an oppositional disqualification. There’s more to wrestling than meets the eye, according to Mereo. “People like to judge when they don’t understand the sport. For example, ‘It’s just guys in tights grabbing each other’ or ‘It shouldn’t even be a sport,’ but once you actually watch wrestling and start to understand it, it’s a lot different than people make it out to be. You need to have dedication, determination, a not-give-up attitude, and a no-one-can-beat-me attitude.”

The Runner’s High Phenomenon

by Erin Kelly

For years die-hard distance runners have talked about a phenomenon known as the “runner’s high” – a feeling of euphoria that comes with clocking the miles at a steady pace. The validity of the runner’s high was long debated as researchers struggled to find a legitimate way to prove (or disprove) its existence. Now, researchers in Germany using advances in neuroscience have issued a statement that running indeed elicits a flood of endorphins in the brain that lead to a feeling of peace and euphoria. As cross-country season gets on its mark this fall, distance runners will begin the arduous challenge of fighting terrains with varying difficulty, but according to the researchers, whose findings were published in Cerebral Cortex, their uphill battle could be offset by a greatly improved disposition. Researchers recruited 10 distance runners for the study. The runners were not told that they were investigating “runner’s high”; they simply underwent a PET scan before and after a two-hour run. They also took a standard psychological test. The data showed that endorphins, produced during running, linked themselves to areas of the brain that control human emotions. David Rooney, McNeese’s top returning cross country runner.

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September 2011

Cowboys!

Raise Your Hand if You’ve Had a Sports Injury

Center for Orthopaedics will get you back in action whether you’ve been injured on the field, at a gym or in your own backyard. We offer national-level sports medicine expertise right here in Southwest Louisiana. Our team of doctors and support staff provides experienced, hands-on care to tackle the toughest sports injuries. Put our team on your team for excellence in sports injury care.

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September 2011

James Perry, MD John Noble Jr., MD Geoffrey Collins, MD Steven Hale, MD George “J.” Trappey III, MD Foot and Ankle Specialist

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists

Craig Morton, MD William Lowry Jr., MD

Practice Limited to Sports Medicine, Shoulder & Knee Problems

David Drez Jr., MD

Tyson Green, DPM

(337) 721-7236 • www.centerforortho.com Lake Charles: 1747 Imperial Blvd. Sulphur: 250 S. Beglis Pkwy., Ste. 1

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CFO and Rehab One Lead McNeese Sports Med Team The Center for Orthopaedics and Rehab One have been selected to manage the Sports Medicine program for McNeese State athletics. “We are very fortunate that the Center for Orthopaedics and Rehab One will be handling sports medicine needs of our student athletes. We look forward to a long relationship,” Athletic Director Tommy McClelland said. Dr. John Noble Jr., who will serve as McNeese’s head team physician, said, “We are very grateful and humbled that we were chosen to take over the management of the Sports Medicine program for McNeese athletics. It is especially nice for Scott Duplechin (Rehab One) and for me as we grew up in the shadows of the stadium and spent a lot of time in the flieldhouse as children. Scott played cornerback in the 80’s and his Dad coached before that. Almost all of my friends’ fathers were coaches at McNeese growing up.” Dr. Geoffrey Collins and Dr. David Drez will join Dr. Noble as McNeese team physicians. Dr. Noble is a graduate of McNeese State and received his medical degree and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the LSU Medical SchoolNew Orleans. He also completed a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Noble has over 15 years of private practice experience, the last 10 of which have been at the Center for Orthopaedics, the largest musculoskeletal group in Southwest

Louisiana. A frequent guest instructor and speaker at conferences across the nation, Dr. Noble is also actively involved in orthopaedic research projects, including studies relating to new technology for cartilage growth, knee replacement, hip resurfacing and surgical technology. A native of Lafayette, Dr. Collins received his undergraduate degree from LSU and his medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans as well as a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Miami Department of Sports Medicine. During his fellowship he served as team physician for the University of Miami, Florida International University and for the Florida Marlins baseball team. Dr. Drez is now in his 34th year as a McNeese team physician, an association that is the longest in the nation. A native of DeQuincy, he is a graduate of the Tulane Medical School and is a nationally known lecturer and author. He has been inducted into the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and the McNeese Hall of Fame. He was a high school athlete under former McNeese president, athletic director and head coach Jack Doland. Dr. Drez is also a member of the McNeese Hall of Honor and has served as president of the McNeese Quarterback Club, one of the school’s athletic booster organizations.

L ro R: Dr. Geoffrey Collins, Dr. David Drez Jr., and Dr. John Noble Jr.

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September 2011

Heed the Heat Warnings by Christine Fisher

New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how much heat young athletes can handle have caused confusion instead of clearing the air. Their report said that heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses affected young athletes in the same way as adults. The previous theory was that young athletes were more vulnerable than adults to problems with the heat and should take extra precautions. The new advisory from the AAP suggests that young people and adults with comparable fitness levels have similar responses to heat when they are well hydrated. In many cases, people interpreted the new warning to say that high temperatures should not pose much of a threat for high school athletes and members of the band and dance lines. Health and fitness experts said the wording was not strong enough and they feared coaches and parents would not pay enough attention to the dangers of heat illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their own advisory soon after, saying that all athletes need to take special precautions in hot weather. They stressed that the extremely hot temperatures can cause illness or death. “The two reports are basically the same, but the wording from the AAP wasn’t as strong, leaving the door open for some avid coaches and students to possibly misinterpret,” said Scot Duplechin, physical therapist and sports

September 2011

trainer with Rehab One, an orthopaedic and sports physical therapy group. “The standard that all of the experts agree with is that when the temperature is high, everyone, whether it’s kids or adults, need to practice safety precautions,” said Duplechin. High school football practices have been in full swing for weeks now, while the temperatures have been in the high 90s and heat index above 100. In addition, members of the high school bands, color guard and dancers are also spending hours in the heat practicing. Being mindful of the risks of heat-related illnesses is critical, for everyone involved, including the students, coaches and teachers. Extremely high temperatures have prevailed over the summer. A Dallas coach with a heart condition died a few weeks ago after conducting a practice in 100-degree heat. Soon after, two 16-year-old Georgia players died from heat exhaustion, and a 14-year-old football player in South Carolina died during a morning workout on a 101-degree day.

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Just for Girls:

Sports Injury Prevention and Conditioning by Kristy Armand

We all know the obvious differences between boys and girls, but you may not be aware that there are also some key differences when it comes to sports injuries. David Drez Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, says the huge increase in female sports participation in recent decades has led to an increased understanding of injuries and problems associated specifically with female athletes. “The myth that women are not capable or strong enough to participate in athletics has definitely been disproved, but no one should make the mistake of thinking that females should be treated the same as males. The good news is that because we know more now about the types of injuries they are more likely to suffer, we can develop training programs to minimize the risk.” He explains that some differences in female athletes may not be surprising. Female athletes as a group are not as strong as their male counterparts. They can increase their strength percentage wise at the same levels as males, but their overall strength will never be as high. Women are also slower runners than males, primarily because the leg length in women is a smaller percentage of overall body length. In the area of endurance, women are approaching male levels much more rapidly than in strength or speed events. Some experts believe women’s bodies use oxygen more efficiently, making them more suited for endurance activities. There are other differences that aren’t as obvious. “Females tend to have more lax ligaments than males, which is thought to put their joints at increased risk for injury,” says Dr. Drez. Studies have shown this laxity may correlate to hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle. This causes females to have a higher incidence of knee ligament injuries, shoulder instability and ankle sprains. Female athletes also seem to be disproportionately at risk – up to eight times higher – for injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. Dr. Drez says there may be several reasons for this, and adds that there has been a great deal of research in the sports medicine field focused on this issue in recent years. “Females tend to have a narrower space in the knee available for this ligament, causing it to tear under less stress than in males. Studies have also shown that female athletes rely on their quadriceps more than their hamstrings compared to male athletes. This leads to weaker hamstrings, which are one of the main protectors of the ACL.”

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Body shape can also put females at a higher risk for certain types of injuries. Women have wider hips than men, creating a wider angle at the knee, where the knee cap (patella) meets the femur. This increased angle can create tracking problems, which can lead to pain and instability or dislocation of the patella. Ankle sprains are more common in female athletes than in males. Dr. Drez says this is due to several factors including ligament laxity, decreased muscle strength and coordination. Women also have a narrower heel in relation to their forefoot than men. “Increased ligament laxity also places the female athlete at higher risk for shoulder instability, particularly in overhead sports such as volleyball, tennis, swimming and baseball. Their lower levels of upper body strength add to the risk. Other sports injuries that are more common in female athletes include shin splints and stress fractures.” Dr. Drez says the best way to prevent any of these injuries is to be aware of the risk and to follow proper prevention and conditioning guidelines. He suggests: • Strengthen the muscles around the knee (quadriceps and hamstrings) with leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, squats. • Incorporate supervised jumping and plyometric exercise training. • Include stretching the muscles used in the sport (i.e. shoulder stretches for swimmers, leg stretches for soccer, etc.) • Train year-round, not just when the season begins. • Include agility drills in your routine. Agility involves changing direction while moving quickly. Becoming more agile may help you land in a better position. • Strength training overall can be very important for prevention of injuries for female athletes. This type of conditioning can help achieve balanced overall body strength. Weight lifting programs done two or three times a week also increase bone density, decrease fat, and improve muscle definition and improve sports performance. • Pre-participation sports physicals are also important for female athletes to ensure that there are no pre-existing conditions that would increase the risk of injury or medical problems. For more information about sports training and injury prevention for female athletes, call Center for Orthopaedics at 721-7236.

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A Celebration of Women “It’s Never Too Late to Feel Great”

Find balance, make good choices, decrease stress, become empowered — it’s a lunch that will change your life! Friday, October 7, 2011 • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort • Grand Ballroom • $12/person Lunch to be served. Entertainment provided by Peggy Kline, motivational speaker and humorist

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CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group physicians are dedicated to providing you with information and resources so you can be proactive about your health. Yoko Broussard, M.D. Carolyn Hutchinson, M.D. Maureen Kaough, M.D.

September 2011

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New Development Will Merge Medical,Retail and Residential Space

Plans were recently announced by Roland L. “Rocky” Robin of Derek Development Corporation that Imperial Pointe, a $200 million development, is coming to south Lake Charles and will be located at the intersection of Nelson Road at Imperial Boulevard. The development will encompass approximately 75 acres and will blend medical, retail and residential in one aesthetically pleasing planned community. This unique project will incorporate the existing medical facilities on Imperial Boulevard - Center for Orthopaedics, Rehab One, Imperial Calcasieu Imaging and Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center. Plans for new construction include a surgical specialty hospital, rehab hospital, health and wellness center, multi-level parking garage, medical office buildings, retail shops, residential areas, restaurants, professional office complexes, assisted and independent living, recreational areas, and more – all in one convenient and well-designed location. Planning for the project began in late 2010, and was granted approval by the Lake Charles City Council in July. The project was planned by Derek Development Corporation, which obtained the services of Barras Architects, and civil engineer Barry J. Bleichner, PE, PLS, LLC, all of Lafayette. After conducting demographic studies, the developers created a plan for a surgical hospital along with other specialty use buildings over a 924,250-square-foot area. The first phase consists of a 136,550-square-foot hospital complex, five-story 72,500-square-foot medical office building and three-story 165,000-square-foot parking garage. The uniquely-designed parking garage, with a 300-vehicle capacity, will be concealed behind medical offices with a brick façade, blending seamlessly with the town center format. Robin, Derek Development’s managing partner, explains “the highlight of the project is Imperial Calcasieu Hospital,” a three-story, 75,000-squarefoot surgical specialty center, which will feature six operating rooms, five ICU beds, 20 surgical beds, full imaging capabilities and total joint department, along with lab, pharmacy and physical therapy. He says the hospital is being designed to accommodate additional hospital rooms, procedure rooms 28 www.thriveswla.com

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Vous. TERRANCE SIMIEN BOUDIN WARS CULTURE and services for future growth. Next door to the surgical hospital will be a freestanding rehabilitation hospital, which will be a three-story, 60,000-squarefoot freestanding facility. Initially, the state-of-the-art rehab facility will have 40 to 60 inpatient beds. Behind the hospital will be a medical office building, a projected 75,000-square-foot, three-story complex. Physicians will be able to reserve spaces for patients and employees in the adjacent parking garage. The remainder of the garage will be paid public parking. Nearby in a stand-alone building near the existing medical offices will be separate vein and wound care centers, and cath lab. A stand-alone office park, constructed by S.L. Shaw, will be located next to the Center for Orthopaedics. This two-phase project will consist of 12 to 15 multi-use office space units offered for sale or lease. Robin says the mission of the development is not just to provide facilities for treating illness, but also create easily accessible facilities and programs to keep people healthy. Continued on p31

AT THE GREAT ACADIAN AWAKENING

OCTOBER 11, 2011 LAKE CHARLES CIVIC CENTER For a complete schedule:

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“I lost over 100 pounds and gained my health. Thank you, Women & Children’s!” Andy Dressler, Weight Loss Surgery Success

“By the time I hit 367 pounds, I needed 10 different medications to manage my diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and acid reflux. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. So I went to a seminar on bariatric surgery at Women & Children’s Hospital. It was my first step toward wonderful results. Since the surgery, I’ve lost over 100 pounds and I’m off all my prescriptions. My family and I are so grateful for the difference it’s made.” For more information on weight loss surgery and free seminars at our recognized Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, visit women-childrens.com/bariatrics or call 337-475-4760.

Typical results depend on many factors. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery for your condition.

September 2011

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8/25/11 8:28 AM

Ce nege n ic s by Haley Armand

Age management

The Cenegenics age management program is not a fad diet or radical surgical procedure. It is a customized health program geared towards youthful aging. Patients who participate don’t just look better, but they feel better as well. Aging is not a disease, but a natural process that can be managed. “By perfecting their age-management medicine program, Cenegenics is helping thousands of patients realize remarkable health goals. These include boosting energy and stamina, increasing lean muscle mass, reducing body fat, improving cholesterol levels, strengthening immune systems, lifting moods, managing stress, improving cognitive function and optimizing one’s hormone levels,” said Dr. Harold Bienvenu M.D., F.A.C.S. with Bienvenu Aesthetics in Lake Charles. “It’s true that you can’t stop your biological clock and that challenges will arise in the aging process, but the key is to fully live out those years and pummel the challenges.” What makes Cenegenics different from other age management medicine is that it is a medical program that takes a proactive method that encourages healthy aging verses the typical disease-driven approach. “Through diet, exercise and bioidentical hormone therapy, Cenegenics brings your body closer to the optimum health level of a 30-year-old,” said Dr. Bienvenu. He says much of what people consider to be “aging” is actually diminished hormone levels—substances our bodies once produced in abundance. Hormones alter physical, sexual and cognitive functions, often with psychological complications. Dr. Bienvenu said poor lifestyle choices and a diminished endocrine system paired with stress can take a depressing toll on a person. In addition to impacting a person’s personal life, hormone imbalances can encroach on job performance and success. “It is crucial that people realize that restoring hormonal balance with hormone optimization and healthier lifestyle choices can return the endocrine system to a healthy level, giving them the best opportunity for a healthier and more vigorous life. The goal isn’t to replace hormones, but to stimulate the body to make hormones on its own.” Cenegenics uses results from your health evaluation to develop an individualized healthy-aging program to help guard you against chronic disease, promote better physical and mental health, increased libido, and more energy leaving you feeling and looking younger. Cenegenics is a program for patients who aren’t going to settle for old age without a fight. “The key to success is to focus on health by taking control of it as you age,” said Dr. Bienvenu. For more information please visit Bienvenu Aesteteics website: bestfaceforwardlc.com or call (337) 439-2040.

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Paying College “That is why a large state-of-the-art Fitness and Wellness facility will be a cornerstone of the development.” As for the retail/residential area, Robin says, current plans are to front this area with a water feature surrounding a gazebo area. “The multi-use complex will be similar to Lafayette’s planned community, River Ranch, with retail on the bottom and residential units on the top two floors. On the drawing board are a pond-side community center flanked by two retail/dining areas.” He says local favorite Street Breads sandwich/salad/pizza shop, a 10,000-square-foot Chinese buffet, and a 10,000-square-foot Cajun restaurant have already committed. Eventually, assisted living and independent living areas will be added to the development. Allotted are 55,000 square feet for 100 assisted living units, and 20,000 square feet for an independent living area. Robin says residents will be able to easily access medical services, as well as shopping, restaurants, retail and other services, on foot or by golf cart. Behind the community center will be a mixed-use residential/retail area and townhouses. Residences, offered for sale or lease, have covered surface parking in the rear. Recreation areas with heavy emphasis on green spaces and water features will round out the development. Work is already underway to add the needed infrastructure for the development and ground breaking is anticipated by the end of the year, according to Robin. For more information on leasing opportunities, contact Ryan Robin, Derek Development’s vice president of development, at (337) 993-2221.

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Connecting Life to Learning at the PPG Teacher’s Institute

Nineteen teachers from throughout Southwest Louisiana recently attended the 18th annual Teacher’s Institute at PPG-Lake Charles. PPG created this program to provide area educators a hands-on opportunity to learn all that PPG has to offer the community, including: • history of industry in SWLA • closer look at the internal operations and technology within a large chemical facility • understanding of environmental initiatives • insight into the future workforce needs and career opportunities

“ After 18 years, the PPG Teacher’s Institute continues to grow The teachers have a better understanding of what PPG does to protect the environment and the safety of our employees and community. They share this information and knowledge about our operations with their students in the classrooms.”

Activities at the four-day Teacher’s Intistute include plant tours, one-on-one sessions with plant workers, fire training, team building techniques, lectures and total quality management techniques which ultimately are credited to the teachers’ certification. Over 300 teachers have attended the Teacher’s Institute since it began. The teachers report that the information they gain is invaluable, and gives them real-world experiences to share with students in the classroom. 32 www.thriveswla.com

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Tom Hatfield, Teacher’s Institute Program Director

Lake Charles Complex September 2011

Heat Warnings

Continued from p25

“Heat-related illness is serious,” said Duplechin. “Making sure the students know the symptoms is important, so they can monitor their own health. Coaches and teachers need to be watching and listening for clues.” The physical condition of the student does play a part in their ability to withstand extreme heat and humidity. A well-hydrated, physically fit student who is used to the heat will fare better than an overweight student with other ailments such as asthma. “Many schools have heat-safety regulations in place. If it gets to a dangerous heat index, they get out of the sun and go indoors. The majority of schools practice in the mornings and late afternoons, avoiding the intense heat of mid-day. Even so, temperatures can still be brutal during those hours. If you’re sweating just walking from your car to the office, imagine how it feels to wear heavy pads, a helmet and uniform and run drills for several hours,” Duplechin said. Knowing the symptoms can help avoid serious problems. Duplechin advises students and coaches to watch for these signs: • Excessive thirst • Headache • Dizziness • Cramps • Excessive fatigue • Confusion Coaches, band directors and dance instructors are there to get the most out of their student and encourage them to push themselves to achieve success, but they should also be mindful of not pushing them too far. “I’ve talked with a lot of the coaches and teachers here and they are very much aware of the heat-related risks when taking to the field,” said Duplechin. “Everyone’s better off with safety in mind.”

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Purple and Gold

Continued from p19

“Number one, you need to attend some games,” McCarty said. “You can’t go to all of them, but if you’re going to claim to be a fan, you need to attend some. You watch the games on TV, too. Maybe you watch the replay. My wife thinks I’m crazy for watching a replay of a game I’ve already been to.” “Second, you have to follow the team,” he said. “When I say ‘follow,’ I mean you read the paper -- there are a lot of Web sites out there, too -- and you keep up with what’s happening and who’s playing. Who are the offensive linemen? Who are they playing next week? Who’s the leading rusher? Those kinds of things.” And: “You can make a donation, too -- to the university or the Tiger Athletic Foundation.” Final question, then: Who’s a top LSU fan in the area? “Emmett Sole,” McCarty said. “He follows the game closely. He can tell you what so-and-so did 25 years ago.” “Really? I’m flattered,” said Sole, an attorney at Stockwell Sievert, when told of his anointment. But he shouldn’t be shocked. Sole has been a fan, a recruiter, a friend of coaches and a sports agent. One example: “I’m great friends with Dale Brown,” Sole said. “I’ve helped him many times over the years.” Sole met Brown at a 1971 high school basketball game -- a matchup that featured future NBA players Edmund Lawrence and Robert Parish. The game was between W.O. Boston High and Woodlawn High, but the real contest may have been the recruiting intrigues that took place in the stands -- where people like Brown, Joe Dean and a Kansas State coach were seated within arm’s reach of each other. Sole, seated behind them, was on a recruiting effort as well -- and had brought along Edmund Lawrence’s brother-in-law to help the cause. He met Brown that night. “And within two days, I started getting mail from him,” Sole said. That began a four-decade friendship. Brown, of course, was later

hired as LSU’s basketball coach and retired as a legend. “I was a friend of Charlie McClendon, too, and am friends with Bill Arnsparger,” said Sole, turning to football. “And I’ve known all the other coaches very well.” Besides the insider stuff, Sole also talked about the game itself. “I go to more than half the home football games, and follow the rest on TV,” he said. Asked to describe what it takes to be a hands-on LSU fan, Sole cited locals who go out and tailgate at Tiger Stadium. “People like Ben Taylor. Lehrue Stevens and all his group. Eddie Ellington,” he said. Taylor, for example, is a part of a local group that set up a scholarship fund and sit together on the 25-yard line. Taylor’s group -- which includes Ellington, Jeff Townsend, Jim Boyer, and Dr. James “Buzzy” Leithead -- has also tailgated together since the 1980s. They rotate the parking pass, so “we’ve tailgated with everything from Suburbans to pickups, whatever they’re driving that day.” The tailgate fare varies, but when it’s Taylor’s turn, “I prefer boudin, chips, beer -- that kind of thing,” he said. Their tailgating slot is easy to find -- it’s right next to a vintage Pontiac Bonneville convertible painted in LSU colors. “To be a fan, you need to support LSU -- not just athletically, but the whole nine yards. At the games, you should support them, and cheer,” Taylor said. When things don’t go well on the field, “some people act like it’s the end of the world, and they shouldn’t do that. When you want to boo, you should just shut up.” Sole’s nominations of Taylor and the others illustrate how LSU’s local following cuts across all sorts of professions. Taylor is the head of the Lake Charles Housing Authority. Stevens is a clinical pathologist. Ellington is a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch.

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September 2011

There are also butchers, bakers and candlestick makers who are LSU fans. And other lawyers, too. Down the hall from Sole is Sonny Marks, a fellow attorney at the firm. Marks is the author of “Five: The Night Dale Brown’s Bench Met The Best,” a book about the unforgettable 1978 basketball game in which LSU had to field five subs to finish a game against the top-ranked team in the nation. As an undergraduate at LSU, Marks covered the football team for the Reveille student newspaper. “In ’92, the team went 2-9 under Curley Hallman, worst record in school history,” Marks said. “The record didn’t deter the Sonny Marks interest in the program, though. One of the players that season needed some money so he chained a campus parking meter to the back of his pickup and took off. I don’t remember if the parking meter gave way. “Now, 20 years later, as I sit in my office 120 miles away, I think about pregame and the band taking the field and the drum major leading them. The opening drumbeat to pregame -- ‘Touchdown for LSU’ -- gives me goosebumps thinking about it,” he said. “It’s the buildup, the anticipation for what’s taking place and going to take place on the field. I sing the alma mater out loud in pregame.” Shamus Barras of Lake Charles also revels in pregame festivities. “I love the history of LSU football, the traditions, tailgating on gameday, trashtalking with opposing teams. I love it when the band and the players march down the hill on Shamus Barras game day and when they play ‘Calling Baton Rouge’ before the game and every time the crowd screams ‘Geaux Tigers!’ There is nothing like sitting in Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night surrounded by 92,000 Tiger fans. I love all things purple and gold.” The fact that those 92,000 fans come from all walks of life is another aspect of LSU football that gets Marks ready for the season. “LSU football is community,” he said. “We watch together and it hopefully breaks down the divisions of race, religion, politics, socioeconomics.”

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Home Improvement 2011: NewWays to Look at Space by Erin Kelly

Not long ago, the term “home improvement” conjured images of floating sawdust, excavated walls, buzzing saws, grinding sandpaper and pounding hammers, but after years of a floundering economy, the projects of resourceful homeowners have become much quieter.The walls are now painted rather than excavated. Saws and hammers have been replaced with decorative accents while the sandpaper languishes in the garage. Based on current trends, the economy has convinced most American homeowners to make two consecutive decisions: Stay put, and make the most of it. Instead of moving to a higher square-footage, they are improving on the square feet they have, and they’re doing it in ways that are cost-effective and practical. According to a forecast by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, annual spending for home improvement projects is expected to increase by 6.5 percent before the end of the year.The struggling national housing market is expected to pick up sooner rather than later, so many of these projects aren’t just for the benefit of the homeowner, but for the sake of future buyers as well. Other determined homeowners who want to update their homes rather than their addresses are focusing on designs on a dime – they’re turning to things like paint and furniture to make their homes feel like new. 36 www.thriveswla.com

Improving Bricks and Mortar

Homeowners choosing renovation over relocation often have a substantial task on their hands. The potential for home improvement projects are endless, from replacing the sink in the bathroom to replacing the bathroom itself. Homeowners typically make the decision to remodel for one of two reasons – they want to spruce things up for themselves or they want to spruce things up to lure potential buyers. There’s no reason why these shouldn’t go hand-in-hand, according to Grace Robideaux, Realtor of Bessette Realty. “Even if you don’t plan on selling your home any time soon, it’s wise to consider future buyers when you make the decision to remodel,” Robideaux said. “If you’re going to invest time and money into a home improvement project, you will probably want to utilize those investments to your financial advantage, even if that advantage is well into the future.” According to the Residential BuildFax Remodeling Index, the current trend for homeowners is to focus on smaller projects rather than massive undertakings. These small projects include things like window replacements and roofing. Instead of tearing down walls to open more space, as was seen in the past, homeowners are making the most of the space they have. Robideaux said homeowners can approach all projects, large and small, with various mindsets. “You can go full-force into something that you want specifically that may not appeal to everyone – vintage colors or fixtures, for example – or you can choose to put that money and energy toward something that you like which also adds value,”

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Home Improvement Robideaux said. “Just because you invest $10,000 in your dining room doesn’t mean that your house is suddenly worth $220,000 instead of $210,000.” Outdoor decks are one popular project that can increase a home’s price tag, Robideaux said. “Decks add square footage to a house and are a great lure for buyers when they’re touring the home. Another good thing about decks is that they are usually timeless, so even if you don’t plan on selling your house right away, it’s not as if it will go out of style when you’re ready to sell,” Robideaux said. According to value reports calculated by Remodeling Magazine, decks recoup about 85 percent of their value. New windows – currently a popular remodeling trend nationwide – are one way to spruce up your home while also providing practical value in energy efficiency. Choose windows wisely, however. Robideaux said that overly ornate shapes or customized bays that cost a hefty price don’t necessarily add any resale value. In addition to outdoor living, such as decks and well-manicured lawns and gardens, bathroom investments are also popular. Remodeling Magazine found that homeowners recouped about 78 percent of their investments in bathroom improvements. “Another popular room to remodel is the kitchen,” Robideaux said. “Even the smallest of upgrades, like changing the paint or replacing cabinet hardware, can make a big difference in how the room appears.” Another current trend is to invest money on basic improvements, which is always a wise move for homeowners, according to Robideaux. For the most part, fix-it projects are now more popular than big endeavors. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve replaced the floors if the roof is going to leak on it every time it rains,” she said.

Improving with Color and Accents

If you don’t have the energy, interest or money to invest in renovation projects, then look no further than accents, furniture and paint, because that’s the key to making your old home feel new. If you can’t move to a new space, then create a new space where you stand. “Paint and color is always the least expensive way to update the look of your home. It’s such an easy thing to do,” said Glenda Tupper, interior decorator with Silver Spoons Interiors. “Professional painters provide you with such quality and attention to detail, but it can also be a do-it-yourself project as well. Color is probably one of the biggest things that customers stress over and it’s the easiest and least expensive thing to change.” According to Tupper, many homeowners want bright and vibrant colors but are afraid of taking the plunge. Her advice? 38 www.thriveswla.com

Have fun with it. If the colors don’t work, it’s easy to change, she said. “Current colors that are popular right now are teals, greens and browns. Almost every magazine and catalog you pick up now has shades of teal and lime. The teals can take a room from calm to sophisticated, vibrant and exciting,” Tupper said. “Gray is the new neutral and tends to give a more contemporary look. Design trends are becoming more contemporary.” She said that black accents are consistently popular choices to bring a room together and anchor more vibrant colors. Black can have either a traditional or contemporary look, but rarely does it go out of style. One of the best ways to improve your home interior with items rather than (or in addition to) paints and colors is to invest in a large piece of art. Tupper said that if a homeowner could only replace one item in their living room to update its look, she would suggest “a piece that commands your attention when you enter a room.” “Hopefully when the homeowner purchased the big items for their living room, like the sofa, they went with solid or neutral colors. If so, then it is easy to change the look of the living room. I would go with a large piece of art because that one thing can change the entire room and can be achieved in a reasonable price range,” Tupper said. “You can order prints or even more fun is to shop local art walks and become acquainted with local artists. This not only provides a great look but adds a wonderful conversation piece to the room.” A few more tips from Tupper: • One focal piece rather than small pictures on every wall will give your home a much better look. • Having too much stuff is the biggest no-no when accenting your home. Less is definitely more. • Use your favorite things when decorating. Dig out a favorite memento and display it. Place it where you can see it often. These types of accent not only make you smile, they also fill your home with a sense of warmth and uniqueness.

Improving Your Space

One reason families upgrade to a new home is because they need more space. A new baby, more stuff, an at-home mother-in-law – whatever it may be, American families often find themselves stepping up on the square-footage every decade or so as their space needs become considerable. Current trends, however, suggest that buying a bigger home may not be in the cards for everyone, in which case you may want to think of innovative ways to work your existing square footage instead. “When your space is tight, thinking vertical is your gold,” said Melody Granger, professional organizer. “Nice bookshelves flanking the right and left side of a window setting or lining a wall. A beautiful tall piece of furniture with cabinets and drawers. Appealing adjustable shelving installed directly on a wall. These are all great examples of using vertical space.” According to Granger, to improve the space of your home you need to learn how to look at your space differently. Just because one element of your home was designed for one thing doesn’t mean you have to follow the rules. Think about your laundry room, for example. How much space is there? Are you utilizing the additional square footage to its greatest potential or do you have detergent and dryer sheets sitting on an empty, virtually unused cabinet? Consider your extra rooms, as well. A nationwide poll conducted by eLocal USA found that home experts predict more “hybrid” rooms in American homes – spaces that play a double role. For example: Many homeowners want both a guest room and an office, but only have one room to spare. The solution? Do both with the same space. Office and guestroom hybrids “can be accommodated by furnishing a portion of the room with a sleeper sofa and armoire with clothing rod, plus drawers for storage of linen, toiletries and other items,” Granger said.

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September 2011

“Another option is to install a Murphy bed. That way your office can truly be an office until company comes. Then it turns into a guest room.” Murphy beds are available locally through Closet Tailors. According to Granger, innovation is key to maximizing space. “The innovation in space solutions is being open-minded to endless ways you can use one piece of a storage product,” she said. “A dresser doesn’t have to be a place to store your clothing. An antique cabinet can be turned into an office. A kitchen hutch can be an entertainment center.”

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Improving with Pieces

The pieces you choose to decorate your home can speak volumes. As centerpieces of the floor, your furniture is often a good place to start in your quest to update, modernize or change the look of your interior. According to Pat Kelty of the Decorative Center, current trends are “more refined styles – not too stiff, but a relaxed elegance.” While it used to be in vogue years ago for homeowners to have formal rooms that they only used a few times a year, the trend of comfort and togetherness continues. “We are still more focused on the family being together as a unit, but realize that we do not need all the pieces to be old and distressed,” Kelty said. “Our French styles, which will always be important here in Hybrid rooms are expected to become increasingly popular. In this Louisiana, are becoming sleeker, both in style case, a Murphy bed turns an office into a bedroom. and texture.” Another current trend? Going with less. “Comfortably glamorous, monochromatic rooms infused with texture and a splash of color that can be changed seasonally or as one desires,” Kelty said. “Simplicity in our alltoo-busy world. These are a few thoughts for updating.” More tips from Kelty: · Choose furniture that can be used in more than one place in the home. · Purchase items that are well-constructed and timeless, even if you can only buy one piece at a time. · Avoid having multiple focal pieces that compete with each other. Items of different scales often work well. “Small pieces can be very interesting,” Kelty said. · Buy items that look collected rather than matched. · To update upholstered furniture, pillows or seat cushions can be changed to a different fabric, texture or pattern. This is an easy way to change the look of your furniture without upholstering the entire piece. “Wood furniture is a bit harder to change without getting into refinishing or repainting,” she said.

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Home Improvement

There’s an App forThat When the first television remote control was invented in the mid-twentieth century, it seemed like a gift from the gods. In a few short years, remote controls evolved to include other household gadgets as well – the VCR, the DVR, the stereo. Soon living rooms across America were buried in various remote controls monitoring numerous items in the house. As it often goes with modern technology, the most convenient of conventions became inconvenient as we scrambled to find the proper remote to turn up the volume or turn off the movie. Today, technology has become so sophisticated that even the least techsavvy among us can send a text message or forward an email from a smart phone. And if you can do that, you have the ability to do much more than you think when it comes to your home, according to Jason Ryder of Porche Advanced Systems. Porche Advanced Systems is a locally owned audio, video and lighting company that’s best known for outfitting large houses of worship in Southwest Louisiana. But in addition to hooking up impressive lights and sound, the company can now take it a step even further: home automation. According to eLocal USA’s nationwide poll of home improvement experts, “smart homes” are expected to become an increasing trend as the role of technology in homeowners’ daily lives become more and more dominant. There was a time when home automation seemed like a thing of the future, a phenomenon reserved only for the ridiculously wealthy. Well, the future has arrived. Today, homeowners can control virtually every system in their house without stepping foot inside of it. With the touch of a button, they can instantly adjust their blinds, turn on the air conditioner, heat the iron, listen to music, dim the lights, see who’s at the front door, monitor the kids’ movies, turn on the television, turn off the oven, warm the pool, the list goes on. Through automatic scheduling, they can even do it without pushing any buttons. “I think people have the idea that home automation is unattainable and hard to operate. It used to take a very technical person to even understand it, but now it’s been brought to the mainstream. It’s convenient, not frustrating. If you can operate an iPad or smart phone, you can operate your house,” said Jake Porche, owner. Through the Savant system offered through Porche Advanced Systems, customers can custom-fit a home automation program for them, which includes small joys like mom and dad being able to listen to their iTunes playlist in the kitchen while their kids listen to their own playlists in the living room – no earbuds necessary – to more practical benefits, like conserving energy. The home automation technology enables homeowners to monitor heating and cooling systems with total control of thermostats, window shades and draperies through a single Savant app. If you want to control it without thinking about it, you can do that too, according to Ryder. Savant systems have the ability to monitor the weather, temperate and angle of the sun to adjust everything accordingly and automatically, based on your pre-set commands. “It’s a very easy and intuitive program that can kick on the lights when it’s dark outside, monitor the internal temperature of the house to adjust the thermostat as a way to regulate energy, and all you have to do is set it and never think about it again,” Ryder said.

40 www.thriveswla.com

by Erin Kelly

The home system talks to the homeowner through any Apple-based technology, such as iPhones, iTouch, and iPad. A family of four can each have the Savant app on their iPhones so they can control things like televisions and music, but parents can set up kid-specific controls if needed. Most modern security systems can also be routed through the Savant app, so that when you’re away for business or pleasure you can check the goings-on at home. “The way people interface with technology today makes this system much easier to understand. Theoretically you can learn how to control everything in your house in a matter of minutes because it’s an Apple-based interface that people are familiar with,” Ryder said. Home automation was once viewed as a hallmark of science fiction movies or faraway millennia, but today, if you have something that can be turned off, turned up, turned down or tuned out, there’s an app for it, even if you’re in Rome and your house is in Louisiana. Need to turn something on in your home? Pull up images of different rooms on your iPad and use the touchscreen.

Different areas of the house can be programmed with their own playlists.

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Home Improvement

Don’t Cut Corners on Showers The kitchen and bathroom are often considered the best rooms to remodel if you want a return on your investment. According to Olivier Grosset, owner of Artisan Tiling, a current trend is to upgrade the bathroom by replacing your own tub to a walking shower. “The great advantage of having a custom-built shower installed with ceramic tile or stone is that you can design it the way you want it – the color of the tiles, the accent design border, with or without a bench, with a niche to hide your shampoo and conditioner. You can also choose to lay your tiles straight or diagonal or mix larger tiles with smaller ones. But the most important step of the installation is definitely the waterproofing,” Grosset said. If you don’t waterproof your walls and floor before installing the tiles, chances are that you will have a leak sooner rather than later, he said. “The shower liner that most houses have consist of a thick rubber membrane that is placed underneath the concrete shower floor and go up to the walls about 12 inches. This will stop any leak going through the tile floor of your shower, but will not stop it above those 12 inches. In recent years, the tile industry has introduced a new product, in form of a membrane, that you apply everywhere on the wall and the sloped concrete floor of your shower before installing the tiles – that way, no water will go behind this point,” Grosset said. “As an owner, you need to know that the most affordable way is not always the right way.”

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

Painting Pointers Watch any home makeover program or read any home improvement article, and you’ll find applying a new coat of paint as the top suggestion for breathing new life into a room. It sounds simple, and it can be, but professional painters also say if you don’t take the time to do it right, it can become a complicated process. Before you embark on a painting project, they offer the following tips to avoid mistakes and simplify the job.

Do • Buy a quart of paint to begin with just in case you aren’t completely satisfied with the color. Before painting any walls, paint on a piece of foam board and go around the room with the board testing how the light affects it at different times of the day. • Take time to correctly prep the work area. Move the furniture into another room or to the center of the room. Then wipe down all the walls, tape down molding, cover the floor with a drop cloth. • Remove all hardware—doorknobs, drapery, outlet and switch plates, etc. • Set up a paint station in the room. This should include: paint trays, brushes, rollers, stir sticks, paint can opener, rags, paint thinner, screwdriver, hammer, ladder and painters’ tape. • Calculate how much paint you will need and get it mixed at one time to ensure uniformity of color. • Choose appropriate brushes and rollers. The right kind will depend upon how well the paint rolls onto specific surfaces. Ask for advice at the paint store.

• Wear appropriate clothing and slip-on shoes for easy access in and out of the room. • Expect to apply at least three coats, one primer and two paint. • Keep foam and artist brushes on hand for touch-ups on trim and hard-to-reach spots.

Don’t • Skip the tape. Regardless of how much experience you have, no one can get perfectly straight lines around woodwork, windowsills and doorframes. • Skip the primer. Primer gives paint a good surface to adhere to and brings out the true color of the paint shade you’ve chosen. • Be impatient. You can’t rush a good paint job. Do the prep work and make sure each previous coat is dry before adding another. When humidity is high, water-based paint takes longer to dry. • Pour the paint from the can until you can notch holes into the pant can rim. Hammer holes around the metal rim with a nail to create holes to allow the paint to drip back down into the can. • Apply latex on or oil finish or vice versa without sanding the walls and wiping away dust particles with a tack cloth. Remember to wear a mask and apply a primer of the same composition. • Paint directly over wallpaper. Remove all wallpaper with a steamer or paper-removing solution and prime. Sand and wipe with a tack cloth then prime. • Close the room. Leave doors and windows open to allow proper ventilation. • Put off cleaning brushes or rollers. The paint will harden quickly and they will be ruined. Wet brushes with water and shake the brush dry before dipping it into paint. It will hold more paint and deliver better results. • Reattach the paint lid without cleaning the rim of the can first. Hammer the lid down to secure. Sources: Do It Yourself Network Home and Garden Television

For the

e t a m i t l U Team

whether home finding or selling

Debbie Link Michael Wicks 337.540.6258

337.540.0255

ERA Moffett Realty, Inc. Office: 337.436.6639 210 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive Lake Charles, LA 70601 www.eramoffett.com

September 2011

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When Medicine Just Isn’t the Answer by Christine Fisher

When suffering through coughs, fever and sore throats, most people see a doctor hoping to get relief through antibiotics. If their symptoms are not caused from a bacterial infection, though, antibiotics won’t help. “A doctor cannot really prescribe any medication to a patient with these symptoms without being sure of the cause,” said Kelly Fuqua, MD, family medicine physician with Calcasieu Family Physicians in Sulphur. “Bacteria are living organisms that can be found anywhere, while viruses need a host in order to survive because they are not alive.” Viral infections usually prompt nausea and diarrhea, especially in children, while bacterial infections are usually accompanied with aches and pains in various areas of the body. Viral infections do not usually need medication to be fought, as the body’s immune system usually fights them effectively, while bacterial infections often need an antibiotic for successful treatment. If you see a doctor for cold symptoms, he or she will determine whether or not a bacterial infection is present. “Prescribing antibiotics is simply not something we like to do if we are not sure our patient has a bacterial infection, because the body can become immune to antibiotics if they are given when it is not necessary. In addition, the patient can simply get worse if the medication is prescribed without a proper diagnosis,” Dr. Fuqua explained. This caution is especially true of children. Giving young patients antibiotics repeatedly for symptoms such as runny nose, fever, and sore throat without knowing the exact cause of these symptoms can prove to be futile and dangerous, as children may then develop bacteria that will no longer respond to treatment by antibiotics. 44 www.thriveswla.com

Once the cause of the symptoms is known, the doctor will prescribe the proper medication if it is a bacterial infection. The antibiotic prescribed should be taken according to the instructions, and no medicine should be left untaken. Most antibiotics work best when taken the same time every day, regulating the amount in the bloodstream. Since viral infections do not usually require medication for treatment, those suffering from cold-like symptoms should drink plenty of fluids, get a lot of rest, and avoid smoking or smoky environments. Over the counter medications can be used to combat the symptoms of a viral infection, such as acetaminophen for fever or soreness. Washing hands frequently is the number one way to prevent both viruses and bacteria from spreading; hand sanitizing cloths and gels have made it easy to keep germ-free even on the go. Sanitizing bathroom and kitchen surfaces frequently will also help keep these often-used areas clean and stop the spread of germs. “Determining the cause of the symptoms helps us know whether or not antibiotics will help. We want our patients to feel better quickly, but prescribing antibiotics when they won’t help will only do more harm than good,” said Dr. Fuqua. “The best medicine is to follow your doctor’s advice, get some rest, and, if medication is prescribed, take it as directed.” For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fuqua, call 528-7472.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

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Banners Michael Cooper Masked Marvels

photo by Jamey Penney

McNeese

What do you call it when belly dancing meets Bollywood dancing? The answer is “bellywood.” And the Bellywood Superstars will open the 20th season of the Banners Cultural Series at McNeese State University. “We truly try to have something for everyone,” said Mary Richardson, director of the series. “The performances are selected by the Banners Committee, and committee members represent a great many segments of our community. The committee’s diversity is reflected in our season, and I personally think it is one of our greatest strengths.” She said the beginning and ending of the series illustrate that diversity. “We will start with an extravaganza with scant costumes and lots of dancing, and we end with a puppet show for children,” she said. “In between there will be classical music, jazz, world music, roots music, lectures and more.” The Banners Series is supported by membership fees, corporate sponsors and grants. Information about joining is available on the website at www.banners.org or by calling the Banners Series office at 475-5123. A basic membership, which includes two tickets to all performances and invitations to special receptions, is available for $150. Friend memberships, which include four tickets to all events, are $250. Patron memberships, which include six tickets, are $500. All membership levels include reserved seating areas. Tickets to individual performances will be

46 www.thriveswla.com

available at the door at $20 for adults, $5 for students and free to McNeese students with IDs. Lectures are open and free to the public. Corporate sponsors, which pick up more than 50 percent of the cost of the series, include CITGO, the Isle of Capri, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Chase, ConocoPhillips, PPG, SWLA Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Entergy, city of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Empire of the Seed, Hoffoss & Devall Law Firm, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation, Union Pacific Railroad, Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Co., Stockwell Sievert Law Firm, AT&T, Bolton Ford, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Fuerst Law Firm, Southwest Beverage Co. Inc., Southern Sound Systems Inc., State Farm Insurance Co., Turner Industries, Louisiana Swashbucklers, Domino’s Pizza, Lake Charles Pre-Sort, Knight Media Inc., KPLC-TV, Ranier Law Firm, Sasol North America, Louisiana Lottery, The Stream Family, Sweets & Treats, Dr. & Mrs. A.T. Ordinario Jr., First Federal Bank of Louisiana, Greg David’s Frameworks and Paradise Florist. Events scheduled to date are listed below. Times, dates and especially locations are still subject to change. Updates will be posted online at www. banners.org. A synopsis of the Banners lectures will also be posted on the website in the early fall. To receive a printed brochure, contact the Banners Series office through the website or at 337-475-5123.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

EVENTS: “Bombay Bellywood” by the Bellywood Superstars: Feb. 26, Rosa Hart Theatre, 7:30 p.m. These dancers are not purists – and proud of it. The show merges traditional and tribal belly dancing with Indian dance styles. The result is an extravaganza rich in costuming (warning: some costuming is scanty!) with exciting, infectious music. www.bellydancesuperstars.com “Rice Family Secrets: Vampires, New Orleans and Costume Balls,” a lecture by Christopher Rice: Feb. 28, Ralph Squires Auditorium, 7 p.m. Author Christopher Rice will share stories about growing up with a famous mother in New Orleans. MozARTS: March 4, F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 3 p.m. Members of the MozART quartet love classical music and they love laughter. Their concerts evoke the spirit of Victor Borge. In their own words: “We exist despite the sober formality of great concert halls, despite the boredom of classical musicians’ life, despite fanatic lovers of classical music, despite fans of rock, rap or pop who are afraid of classical music. We treat our muse with a humorous irony, and we’re sure she will have nothing against it!” MozART group. www.mozartgroup.net A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra: March 9, F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Founded in 2007, these 17 young musicians are bent on making music according to their own rule and are a far cry away from ordinary chamber orchestras. Everything is up for interpretation – including the way the group prepares, performs and experiences classical music. They are the Chamber Orchestra in Residence at Boston’s Gardner Museum. The concert will include music by Schmelzer, Respighi, Beethoven and Britten. “The orchestra brims with personality or, better, personalities… passionate involvement…a sensation jam.” New York Times. www.afarcry.org

Continued on p48

September 2011

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Banners

Continued from p47

“When Religion Becomes Lethal,” a lecture by Dr. Charles A. Kimball: March 13, Parra Ballroom, 7 p.m. Dr. Charles Kimball will give his second lecture for the Banners Series. The first was “When Religion Becomes Evil.” He has continued to work on issues related to Islam, the Middle East and Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations, and has just published his follow-up book, “When Religion Becomes Lethal: The Explosive Mix of Politics and Religion in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.” He is the head of the Religious Studies Program at Oklahoma University.

Rhythmic Circus in “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now”: March 17, F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Rhythmic Circus is back for a command performance after giving the alltime favorite performance in 19 years of Banners Series history last spring. See the dance troupe that has become an underground percussive-dance phenomenon, backed by a funky seven-piece band. Samite: A Trio with the Soul of Africa: March 24, Shearman Fine Arts Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Joseph Shabalala, founder and leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, said, “When you hear the music of Samite, the soul of Africa is revealed to you.” Samite Mulondo gave a memorable concert to a small audience for the Banners Series following Hurricane Rita. We’re finally getting him back to Lake Charles to give the gift of his voice to a larger audience. A refugee from Uganda, Samite sings about his difficult and inspiring tale with grace, warmth and wit. He sings in a bright, sweet tenor, often accompanied by thumb pianos (kalimba), flute, guitar, marimba and percussion instruments. www.samite.com John Pizzarelli Jazz Quartet: April 13, F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, John Pizzarelli, has had a multifaceted career. He is internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads and the cool jazz flavor he bring to his performances and recordings. He is also among the prime contemporary interpreters of the great American songbook. His latest release, “Rockin’ in Rhythm,” brings his signature style and brilliant guitar playing to the music of Duke Ellington. www.johnpizzarelli.com

“He Said – She Said,” the blues of Peter Karp & Sue Foley: April 27, F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. “He Said - She Said” is blues at its best -- moving, literate, romantic, rocking and exciting! The project is based around letters Peter Karp and Sue Foley wrote to each other over the period of a year. The letters started as a casual exchange between two committed performers sharing their common bond of the loneliness of the road, the pain of separation from family and home, and above all, the drive to make music. As time went on the letters became more poignant and more revealing. The final result of “He Said - She Said” is just plain great music! www.hesaidshesaidproject.com “Masked Marvels & Wondertales” with Michael Cooper: May 12, Shearman Fine Arts Theatre, 4 p.m. Breathtaking handcrafted masks made by Michael Cooper -- student of Etienne Decroux, Paris’ master of mime, and protégé of Tony Montanaro, theatrical genius -- are used to tell his original stories of courage and wonder. And he combines these stories with outlandish stilt dancing and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime. A mask workshop will precede the show. www.themaskedmarvel.com “Tradition and Creativity: From Louisiana Creole Expressive Culture to ‘American Routes,’” a lecture by Nick Spitzer, date and place TBA Nick Spitzer, host of the popular public radio show, “American Routes,” will talk about what he learned doing field work in the Creole communities of southwestern Louisiana and how that knowledge influenced the creation of “American Routes” and its eclectic balance of tradition and improvisation.

John Pizzarelli

photo by Jimmy Katz

“25 Million Miles in Orbit – An Unforgettable Space Story,” a lecture by Story Musgrave: April 20, F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. Pilot, surgeon, mechanic, poet and philosopher Story Musgrave is the only person to have flown on all five space shuttles. He is one of NASA’s most colorful, dedicated and passionate astronauts, plus he fixed the Hubble space telescope. He is also a speaker who weaves a thought-provoking program with stunning photos from space. He will leave you spellbound with possibilities. “Circus Incognitus” with Jamie Adkins: April 21, Rosa Hart Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Jamie Adkins has a stellar clown pedigree. He was a featured soloist at Cirque du Soleil for Montreal’s Cirque E’loize. And he received both a bronze medal and the Annie Fratellinni Clown Prize at the Festival International du Cirque Demain in Paris Now he’s developed a one-man show, “Circus Incognitus,” and it’s very funny. His clowning and acrobatic feats on the ground and on a slack wire bring life to the story of a man who has something to say, but can’t quite get it out. Warning: the show involves fruit. It may (read “will”) get messy. www.jamieadkins.com

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

Fall-into-Color

VOTE OCTOBER 22

Leadership. Experience. Integrity. “ The citizens of Calcasieu Parish need and deserve a public official they can trust to manage the Assessor’s office. I will bring honesty to the office to ensure that all local citizens are represented fairly, and I will modernize the office to make services more convenient for everyone. I am ready to work for you and pledge to restore leadership, experience and integrity to your Assessor’s office. I ask for your vote and your support.”

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IndustryInsider

Straight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

How did Southwest Louisiana become home to so many industrial plants?

Because of our access to raw materials, abundant water supply for the manufacturing process, rail lines, a skilled workforce and our port, we were a natural choice for petrochemicals.

Back in the early 1900s, area leaders took note of the Union Sulphur Company, the largest sulfur mine in the world at the time, and the flourishing oil fields nearby. These leaders took the steps necessary to expand the Port of Lake Charles into a deep-sea channel, and Southwest Louisiana began attracting industrial business in the 1930s. In the early 40s, we were primed and ready to produce fuel and supplies for World War II. Following the war, industrial areas were created by government to encourage additional industry growth. Today, Southwest Louisiana is home to more than 25 industrial plants. Thousands of local residents over the years have built the industrial complex we have today. We salute our retirees who have been part of the economic engine fueling this corner of Louisiana.

Nancy Tower

human resources representative with local industry

Visit www.laia.com to learn more and submit your question about local industry and the environment. September 2011

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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first person

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.

with

Sheila Gilley

by Erin Kelly

photo by Jason Hardesty

50 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

you’re a member of the animal welfare community – or the proprietor of a puppy mill – chances are you are familiar with Sheila Gilley. This Louisiana native has been an animal rescuer since she was a little girl in Reeves, where she would beg her mom and grandmother to let her keep stray kittens and dogs she would find abandoned out in the country. Gilley, a graduate of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, McNeese State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, was a therapist with the Office of Juvenile Justice Services for several years before moving to private practice at the Institute for Neuropsychiatry. Since 2009 she has been a vocal advocate and active volunteer with 4 Paws Society, a well-established Sulphurbased organization dedicated to all-breed dog rescue. Gilley serves as the group’s public relations coordinator. She also writes a regular column for Examiner.com that educates the public about animal welfare issues and responsible pet ownership. Gilley is the owner of three dogs – Mr. Blue, a male Pekingese; Nela, a female Pekingese; and Peaches, a toy poodle that she rescued herself. She notes that all three are fixed. There are many local volunteers who are champions of animal rescue, but Sheila Gilley’s voice often stands above the rest, whether she’s breaking down puppy sales in parking lots, on the radio introducing listeners to adoptable animals, or educating pet owners about the importance of spay/neuter. Thrive caught up with Gilley to discuss her career as an animal rescuer and her experiences throughout the process.

How did your work with animal welfare begin? Basically, I was rolling around in the grass with the puppy dogs when I was a young girl and I worried about the ticks so much that I would sit on the ground and pick ticks off the dogs for hours. Also, my brother could tell you stories of me chasing all the birds out of the trees before he could shoot them with his pellet gun. So, my love and protective stance for animals started as far back as I can remember. My first rescue as an adult was helping a classmate in graduate school to free a kitten from behind a car’s tire. Its tail was stuck in the axle, but we gently wiggled him free and got him to a vet where he had a couple inches of his tail amputated. I took the kitten home and made signs to hang on campus until I found a loving family for this kitty. That’s where it all began. What were your earliest experiences with animals? I grew up in rural Allen Parish, where “stray” dogs and cats were a common sight. My grandparents, Will and Azzalee Gilley, helped raise me while my mom was at work, and I always remember my grandma’s kindness toward the stray dogs that had wandered up to her house. She fed them and cuddled them, while most of the family complained. My first pets growing up were always strays – a cat that I named “Candy,” a black lab mix puppy, another puppy that had an injured paw, and so on. Where does your love and passion for animals come from? What nurtured this passion? I have always given my grandma credit for modeling a love for dogs and cats. I loved playing with the dogs, getting kisses from them and playing in the yard. There always seemed to be dogs around when I was a child and I could always count on them to give unconditional love.

September 2011

As an animal welfare advocate, I have definitely educated myself about the lack of humane treatment of all animals worldwide. I encourage everyone to watch the documentary “Earthlings” for an eye-opening, heart breaking view of inhumane animal treatment. What compels you to serve as their advocate? I’m not a “fanatic” like many people might label animal welfare advocates, but I’m not afraid to speak on behalf of the animals who cannot speak for themselves. I’m compelled by my own adoration of dogs; years of seeing the joy that our rescued dogs have brought to adopters; getting the “Happy Tails” stories from adopters who adore the dog that I scooped up off the street, nurtured back to health, and placed into their loving homes; and looking into the eyes of my own adopted dogs and seeing the love they have for me and hoping they know that I love them too. My advocacy is mostly fueled by the dogs we have lost, like Charlotte, who, was shot full of buck shot as a puppy, which shattered her pelvic and hip bones.Charlotte stayed with 4 Paws Society for two years giving boundless love and joy to everyone who met her until her pain became too much. She couldn’t be repaired by surgery so we set her free to run at the Rainbow Bridge on August 12. There are so many special rescues that have suffered due to human cruelty and neglect and who never made it to their Forever Homes, but we keep telling their stories to teach humans to open their eyes and their hearts. Those who might not agree with my opinions about animal welfare issues are often those who have never opened their hearts and minds to the value and purpose a pet can have in their lives.

Why is it important for people to speak for animals? Simple – because they can’t speak for themselves and are exploited daily for money making purposes. We are their voice. Thousands of animals are suffering right here in Calcasieu Parish because of lack of education about spay/ neuter and from plain old laziness. Some people just don’t know about responsible pet ownership because no one ever taught them. If I can inform even one person about how to protect and care for their pet, then I have accomplished something great, and even more rewarding, if I can stop animal abuse and neglect of animals by taking direct action, then I will. I love shutting down puppy sellers in parking lots. It’s one of my biggest peeves. If you are finding it necessary to sell your puppies in parking lots, you are hiding something, and it usually involves some kind of dog suffering. What, in your opinion, is the greatest threat to animal welfare in our society? There are too many dogs and not enough homes! Spay and neuter should be mandatory unless you are responsibly breeding show dogs. If your pet keeps having litters and each offspring of that litter keeps having litters, just imagine the impact you are having on the pet overpopulation problem in our area and the suffering that goes with it. Humans must do better! Don’t tell me you love your pet and let it keep producing litters and litters of puppies or kittens that nobody wants. Right now the economy is forcing many families to give up beloved pets because they can no longer afford to care for them, so why on Earth are people still breeding their dogs? Puppy mills are also an evil enterprise, exploiting the wombs of female dogs that are forced to produce litter after litter of puppies for the sole purpose of making money. Continued on p64

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Pet Talk

Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog and 33 percent own at least one cat, according to the Humane Society of the United States. With so many Americans welcoming pets into their homes, it’s no wonder that our four-legged friends have positioned themselves as some of the most beloved members of society. Despite their sometimes frustrating antics, pets have scratched, chewed, barked, meowed and wagged their way into our hearts. Even people who don’t own pets have trouble resisting puppy-dog eyes or the quiet purr of a kitten. Take a moment to browse through Thrive’s pet section and be sure to check out the adoptable pets!

Cats or Dogs?

The Great Pet Debate

Does a soft meow melt your heart or make you cringe? Does a hearty woof trigger a smile or feelings of fear? Just about any discussion among pet owners reveals the fact there is a clear distinction between cat people and dog people. In some cases exclusive in their preferences, liking either dogs or cats and loathing the other species. Apparently cats appear to be much easier to hate. Fifteen percent of the adults questioned said they disliked cats a lot while the number who said they disliked dogs a lot was only two percent. Pet owners tend to identify themselves as either cat or dog people, and numerous research studies have found that there is a link between the types of personalities that bond best with each breed of pet. Experts say research suggests there are significant differences on major personality traits between dog people and cat people. And given the tight psychological connections between people and their pets, it is no surprise that the differences between dogs and cats make each species more suited to different human personalities. The dog has been extremely adaptable to what humans want: hunting, guarding, sniffing everything from bombs to drugs, providing therapy, being the eyes for the blind, rescue, war and family protection. In addition to their vast and numerous job skills, dogs excel at human companionship. They are considered “man’s best friend.” Dog owners see themselves as being friendly, outgoing, assertive, self-confident and persistent, according to researcher Sam

Gosling at the University of Texas at Austin. They get very excited when seeing someone they haven’t seen in a while and are more likely to greet their spouse at the door in the evening—both habits of their canine. They are more tolerable of disorder and clean their houses only when necessary. Dog people are also more likely to be married, live in a house, and have children. The cat, on the other hand, is more of a loner, often invisible, usually appearing during the evenings. The cat occasionally engages in “play” with its owners, but its interest is limited. Cat people enjoy quiet, down time and consider themselves to be more independent, reserved, neurotic, timid and trustworthy, according to Gosling. They are finicky and want things their way, but are more risky and willing to attempt tasks like skydiving. Cat people need to have order and despise change. They do not need to be surrounded by people to be happy and they don’t particularly like meeting new people. Cat people want affection on their own terms. Therefore, cat owners are one-third more likely to live alone and twice as likely to live in an apartment. When it comes to relationships between Team Cat and Team Dog, there some interesting findings also. Although cat people can generally tolerate dog people as friends, according to Gosling they tend to become irritated with their constant affection and need for attention, whereas dog people often view Team Cat as too introverted. And what of people who own both cats and dogs? Gosling says they share more qualities with dog people. by Haley Armand

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

September 2011

Picturepurrrfect Pets

Thrive recently invited its Facebook fans to nominate their pets for the coveted cutest-among-them-all title. Thrive received lots of nominations and after a difficult process of narrowing down the semifinals to 10, Thrive’s Facebook Fans were asked to vote on their pick. The winner? Arthur, a.k.a. “Poodle,” who belongs to Cyndi King of Lake Charles! This standard poodle received a whopping number of votes and now stands proud. The four runners-up will be featured throughout this section. To like Thrive on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/ThriveSWLA.

September 2011

Gill Animal Hospital Sherwood Gill, D.V.M.

Veterinarian Supervision • Boarding • Grooming & Baths • Doggie Daycare • A/C & Heated Kennels • Inside & Outside Kennels 406 W. McNeese St. • Lake Charles, LA 70605

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Poodle/Cindy King Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Picking a Pet by Haley Armand

Choose the Best Pet for You Having a pet in your life can bring you joy, laughter and friendship. There are many factors to consider before allowing an animal to share your home, such as how much space is available for them to live, how much time you and your family have to spend with them, and how much money you have to spend on the animal’s needs, including food, veterinary visits and supplies. You should also consider if you or anyone in your family has allergies to a specific animal, and if you want a playful pet, a calm companion or just a pet to watch. If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, Sherwood Gill, DVM, with Gill Animal Hospital says it is best to learn about the needs of each animal and how they will fit into your life. He offers these facts on popular house pets to help you make this big decision. Dogs are very social creatures who aren’t happy when left outside or chained up in the yard alone all the time. If you decide to get a dog, be sure you will be able to spend several hours each day with him. Also, you need to make sure at the beginning of the co-habitation process that you have the time and patience to housetrain your new dog. Dogs can be very costly. They require toys, leashes, a crate, training, grooming, spay/neuter surgery and routine and sometimes emergency vet care. Dogs are a long-term commitment, with an average lifespan of more than ten years.

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Cats are reserved animals that require little play time and should be kept indoors to prevent diseases. You will not have to adapt your life much a cat, but you need to be willing to provide several necessities. Cats need a litter box that will need to be cleaned at least once a day and a scratching post in order to protect your furniture. Their nails will also need to be trimmed. If you have children under the age of three, kittens are not a suitable pet choice due to the health risks they pose. You will also need to discover what kind of personality your cat has, whether they like to be snuggled or left alone. Cats are also a long-term commitment, since they can live for more than fifteen years. Birds are beautiful creatures, but they are not easycare pets. They require a lot of attention and a life alone in a cage is not much of a life for the bird, so getting two is the best option. At a minimum, a bird’s cage should be large enough so that they can spread their wings fully and fly from one side to the other. It is best if there is a room available in your house in which they can be set free to safely roam during the day. Birds are also very messy. You’ll need to have the time to clean their cage and play areas around the house multiple times a day. A bird as a pet is a very long-term commitment. A parrot, for example, can live more than fifty years. Birds require a very complex diet that will need to be prepared daily.

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Rabbits are very social animals that can become wonderful companions. They need daily care, and if they are not handled often and gently they can become violent. Rabbits prefer quiet environments, so they may not fit into a busy family life well. They should be kept inside to ensure their protection from predators, and will require a litter box. Rabbits typically live for more than ten years.

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Fish are entertaining and require little attention and commitment. They will need a habitat that meets their actual size and quantity. When buying fish, make sure you purchase fish that will not prey on each other. Their tank or bowl will need to have the correct amount of water at the appropriate temperature, and will need to be cleaned periodically.

One key question all pet seekers have is where to get their new pet. Please consider adopting from a local animal shelter or rescue group. The staffs at these operations know the animals and can help find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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Look What the Cat Dragged In by Christine Fisher

Regular pest control for your home not only protects your family from the germs and general nastiness of bugs, it also protects your pets. Fewer bugs inside your home and yard means there’s less of a chance for them to cozy up to your cat or dog. Fleas and ticks are a nuisance for people as well as pets, especially in warm weather, but they can cause harm, too. Excessive bites lead to problems for the pet, including extreme scratching, red bumps and irritated skin under the fur of a dog or cat. Even worse, flea saliva can also cause anemia and transmit tapeworms. Ticks can cause a number of health problems including Lyme disease and other lesser known but serious diseases for pets. Even mosquitoes can be a problem for dogs, since they can transmit heartworm parasites. “While it’s more difficult to keep fleas and ticks completely out of your yard, having a regular pest control program, along with properly treating your pets, can discourage them from thriving inside your home,” said Robert Soileau, manager with J&J Exterminating. “And that will reduce the harm they cause to your pets.” Regular pest service provides a barrier between a home and the bugs, ants, rodents and spiders that attempt to gain access. “Many types of bugs leave pheromone trails, a sort of road map specific to each species that helps others follow it inside the home, often leading to a water or food source for that type of animal,” explained Soileau. “When you have regular pest service, the number of bugs, rodents, ants, etc. are greatly reduced, so these pheromone trails are also reduced, which makes it harder for new creatures to make their way into your home and onto your pet.”

Pet Boarding

PET TIPS

Many pet owners make the decision to take their pets to pet boarding facilities when traveling or during times of emergency. Dr. Sherwood Gill, veterinarian with Gill Animal Hospital, has offered a few tips on what to bring with your pet for a smooth stay. • Copies of vaccination and health documents to help the transfer go smoothly. With these documents, the boarding facility is able to protect not only your pet, but other pets that will be staying as well. • Any medicine that your pet will need, including any medicine for allergies or that is scheduled to be taken while you are out of town. • The food and treats that you give your pet on a regular basis. This will help to not upset their stomachs during their stay. • Your pet’s favorite toys and blanket. Having these handy at the boarding facility will help give pets a sense of comfort and home. • Contact information in case the boarding facility needs to get ahold of you during your time away. Dr. Gill also encourages pet owners to call and check in with their pet as often as they would like. “Our goal is to have the stay be as smooth as possible for both the owner and the pet.” For more information, contact Dr. Gill at Gill Animal Hospital at (337) 477-4252.

Keeping Your Pet Happy

Food and water aren’t the only things that pets need to live full and happy lives. Fallon Harrison, owner of Harrison Hotel for Dogs, has a few suggestions on how to keep your pet smiling from ear to ear. 56 www.thriveswla.com

Keeping your home free from bugs and pests greatly reduces the chances that they’ll become a nuisance to your cat or dog. To further reduce the aggravation and health risks to both you and your pet, consider these tips: • Avoid walking dogs in tall grass, a common hideout for fleas. • Low-growing bushes are favorite spots for ticks, especially near the edges of woods; avoid those areas when out with your pet, or check your pet carefully after a hike. • Frequently wash pet bedding and toys, and vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture often. • Watch your pet for excessive scratching or nibbling, signs of a pest problem. “People don’t often think how regular pest control can help out their dogs or cats,” said Soileau, “but reducing access of bugs is good for both humans and pets.”

• Human Contact – Just like a baby thrives on having human touch, pets do as well. Make sure you give your pet plenty of one on one time, and also a lot of belly rubs, ear scratches, and attention. • Activities – While spending time with your pet is a great way to keep your pet happy, doing different activities with them can be even better. This can mean anything from walking to playing fetch with your pet. A well-exercised dog is a happy dog and a much less destructive dog. • Grooming – They may not enjoy it while it is going on, but keeping up with all areas of hygiene maintenance is a good thing. With dogs, for example, keeping their hair trimmed or cut down in the summer so they aren’t sweltering or becoming matted will help keep them happy. Trimming toenails, brushing teeth, cleaning ears and brushing your pet are also great ways to keep your pet healthy. • Spay/Neutered – This can be a great thing for your pet. Dogs and cats that are not “fixed” have much more problems in general with other animals. They can be more aggressive and are also at risk for roaming and certain cancers. • Treats – Use treats as a reward and have a variety available so your pet never knows what you are going to take out of the cabinet or canister, which is a huge excitement. Training your pet stimulates their mind and allows a deeper bonding connection. Just like with couples who do things together and achieve goals together have a happier relationship, the same can be said about you and your pet. To sum it up, let your pet have plenty of playtime and bonding time so they do not get bored or depressed. Contact Fallon Harrison at Harrison Hotel for Dogs at (337) 842-6131 for more information on pet care.

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September 2011

Get Ready for

“WOOFSTOCK” LaPAW Rescue, an Ambassador for the Purina® Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue® program, will host an adoption event and Fun Family Day called Woofstock from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, October 8, to raise awareness and funds for pet rescue and help local homeless dogs and cats find permanent homes. The day will start with a Mutt Strutt and animal blessing, followed by contests, a Flea-less Market and music. The event is designed to help achieve the Rally to Rescue® goal of providing loving, forever homes to 500,000 animals across the country by the end of 2011. Since 2005 Rally to Rescue® and its Ambassadors have successfully found homes for more than 400,000 homeless animals. Last year Pro Plan Rally to Rescue organizations found forever homes for more than 100,000 dogs and cats across the country. Claire Whitlock – Skinner, LaPAW Rescue’s Fundraising Event Director said , “Events like this provide us the opportunity to give deserving animals a new leash on life. We are dedicated to making a difference and saving thousands of pets,” said Claire Whitlock-Skinner, event director for LaPAW Rescue. LaPAW Rescue is responsible for adopting out more than 100 animals each year in Lake Charles and surrounding areas. Smaller pet rescue organizations like LaPAW help place nearly half a million dogs and cats in homes each year across the United States, and represent nearly 45 percent of all pet adoption agencies. The organization was started in 2004 by several local animal lovers with a mission to help as many dog or casts as they possible could. Since then more than 1,000 animals have been saved and adopted to loving homes.

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PET ADOPTIONS

Open Your Home Calcasieu Parish Animal Services is forced to euthanize about 10,000 animals every year. With so many homeless animals in Southwest Louisiana, the need for loving and responsible pet owners is vast. Many animals are rescued through animal-welfare organizations like 4Paws on the Bayou, LaPAW and Hobo Hotel, while many others remain at Animal Control waiting for homes. Considering a pet? The best places to look are foster organizations and the shelter. These are just a handful of animals awaiting adoption. For information on these or any other homeless pets, email one of the contacts below.

Rocco

Buster

Sarah

Rocky

Jack Russell Terrier. Happy, sturdy, spirited, obedient. Contact: fourpawssociety@aol.com or 287-3552.

Miniature Pinscher Mix. Three years old. Calm, docile, housetrained, lovable. Contact: careinlc@gmail.com or 533-8212.

Labrador. Puppy. Up-to-date with shots. Contact: Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, 721-3730, tgardner@cppj.net, agodeaux@cppj.net.

Chihuahua Mix. Up-to-date with shots. Contact: Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, 721-3730, tgardner@cppj.net, agodeaux@cppj.net.

Daizi

Rat Terrier. Rescued after suffering burns. Now healthy and happy. Loves to play and gets along with other dogs and children. Contact: careinlc@gmail.com or 533-8212.

Harlow

Jack Russell Terrier Mix. Young, 28 pounds. Loves to play and good with children and dogs. Contact: fourpawssociety@aol.com or 287-3552.

Happy

Ben

Bullmastiff/Boxer Mix. Two years old. High energy, loves fetch, intelligent and ready for obedience school. Contact: lynfisher@bellsouth.net.

Petey

Pit Bull. Available through Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue. Contact: a.berthold1@yahoo.com.

Ivy

Chihuahua. Five pounds. Friendly, loves to play, very loving. Because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so small, best in a home without toddlers. Contact: 533-8212 or fourpawssociety@aol.com.

Ibizan Hound Mix. Playful, intelligent, alert. Contact: lynfisher@bellsouth.net.

Lady

Chewie

Labrador. Puppy. Up-to-date with shots. Contact: Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, 721-3730, tgardner@cppj.net, agodeaux@cppj.net.

Happy, playful, affectionate. Contact: lynfisher@bellsouth.net.

Lilly

Little Bear

Poodle. Young. Up-to-date with shots. Contact: Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, tgardner@cppj.net, agodeaux@cppj.net.

Playful puppy. Contact: lynfisher@bellsouth.net

Harley

Jack Russell/Terrier Mix. House-trained, crate-trained, cuddly, friendly, playful, gets along with dogs and cats. Contact: 4Paws, 255-3030, 558-5184. 58 www.thriveswla.com

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The Best Kind of Therapy #5

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Ramone provides therapy to patient Ruby Gieger, left.

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photos by Jason Hardesty

For someone who doesn’t have a degree in occupational or physical therapy, Ramone certainly makes the rounds. A dedicated therapist, he spends hours visiting autistic children, rehab patients, nursing home residents and others who need specialized care to help them achieve therapeutic victories, whether it’s standing, walking, speaking, smiling or laughing. When you see Ramone – a black French bulldog with the face of Vito Corleone and the demeanor of a couch potato – it’s impossible not to smile, and according to Susan Stanford, that’s what it’s all about. Stanford, the local Humane Society Pet Therapy Team Leader, organizes teams of pet owners to bring their well-behaved, affectionate dogs to visit those who need a physical, mental or emotional lift. Ramone is just one of 20 pooches whose mission is to make life better for humans. Ramone was recently joined by Pierre, a well-groomed miniature poodle, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s Extended Care of Southwest Louisiana. One of the patients Ramone and Pierre visited was Rodney Fontenot of Kinder, who shared stories about his own dogs. “I just love everything about dogs,” he said. “They’re so cuddly and beautiful, and they can sense things in humans that other people don’t see.” Stanford said the pet therapy team recently visited a young boy with autism who didn’t speak – not until he met Ramone. Dogs in the program have been used to provide balance and incentive in physical therapy; to help stroke victims regain mobility through brushing and stroking the animals; and even in speech therapy, where patients are asked to describe what the dog looks and feels like as they get wet, encouraging kisses. Perhaps above all else, the dogs offer emotional therapy. by Erin Kelly

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“Pet therapy has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. It brings a little bit of home to someone, especially in a hospital setting. Sometimes all it takes is for you to see a sweet dog and you forget your pain,” Stanford said. For more information on the Humane Society’s pet therapy program, which also includes a program at the Juvenile Detention Center called New Leash on Life, as well as Fun with Fideaux reading program at the Calcasieu Parish Library, email Stanford at ssdogwood@aol.com.

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Pierre comforts patient Rodney Fontentot.

September 2011

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Overscheduled Kids by Kristy Armand

Now that the school year is underway, schedules are starting to get pretty hectic 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, which, in some cases, 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 Kendall 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 opportunity 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, many kids – particularly those in high school – do most of 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

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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.” He says over-scheduling can lead to numerous unhealthy consequences for children. For most, 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 According to LeJeune, the answer to this over-scheduling is a simple one: “Simplify. Find a balance that incorporates what is best for your child with those activities they are most interested in.” He 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 – teach them how to relax! 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 there time.”

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September 2011

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first person with Sheila Gilley Both the male and female breeding dogs are typically neglected and receive no veterinary care because that would eat into the profit of the breeder. The adult dogs get no socialization because they are kept in kennels most of their lives making puppies. Locally we have “backyard breeders” trying to sell “registered” dogs, and people assume “registered” means approved of by AKC or CKC, but it doesn’t mean that at all. There is very little oversight by anyone of authority. So, buyer beware! “Registered” puppies that you buy in parking lots, online, and out of the classifieds, could be the product of inhumane breeding practices and that puppy is very likely poorly bred and full of health problems. For more information about puppy mills and getting educated before you buy puppies from breeders, go to www.aspca.org and click on the “puppy mill” links. What are the greatest challenges of an animal rescuer? The greatest challenge is ignorance. Maya Angelou said “when you know better, you do better,” but sadly, there are so many dog and cat owners who know better and yet they don’t do the right thing for their pets. We need people to take accountability and responsibility for their pets. Don’t just dump your unwanted dogs and cats at the shelter or into a rescue group and drive away thinking you did the right thing. That should be your last option. We don’t have the resources to care for and house all the unwanted dogs that people want us to take, so they end up at the shelter or on the side of the road. First, try to find the pet a loving home among your family and friends. If you must surrender your dog at a shelter or a rescue, make a donation to cover the dog’s ongoing care until placed in another home. Don’t get a pet if you cannot afford to care for it responsibly by getting it fixed, keeping it

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Continued from p51

vaccinated, on heartworm and flea prevention, and groomed. Too many people buy or take in a dog thinking “it’s so cute, it’ll be a perfect dog and never potty in the house or chew up my belongings.” When they realize they have to teach the dog these things, most people are too lazy or too busy to do so, and the dog ends up neglected and unhappy. What have been your greatest successes or most rewarding experiences as an animal rescuer? Personally, I am proud of anything I can do to help any dog in need, but I do have my favorite stories. My most rewarding rescues were dogs that I fostered myself: Molly Sue, who was a nine-month-old black lab that had four knee surgeries; Sugar, the English Setter who ate my mouth guard; Scooter, the St. Bernard mix whose human mom was murdered; JoJo, the dachshund mix that “sang” to me; Rolo, the rat terrier mix found in an ice chest in a ditch; Britney, the beautiful Pomeranian that had been living outdoors with little human interaction; and tiny Tina, a three-pound Pomeranian with no teeth and poor health, rescued from a Sulphur puppy mill. Tina was adopted by a wonderful woman in Cleveland, Ohio, who runs a puppy mill rescue group called Marilyn’s Voice. So Tina, now called Princess Teentsy, is a spokespup for fighting puppy mills in Ohio. My friends and I saved Tina, and now “Teentsy” is saving puppy mill dogs on a grand scale. That is a great feeling. My all-time greatest success in rescue has been adopting my sweet toy poodle, Peaches. I adopted her about three years ago after fostering her for months. Peaches was already a senior, was deaf and had separation anxiety, so I knew that no adopter would be patient enough with her to see the love and sweetness she had to share, so I adopted her. She survived on the street

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September 2011

15 Years of Knowledge & Experience

twice and has a strong spirit. I call her my “gangsta granny poodle” because she isn’t afraid of anything.

As with any passionate endeavor, I started off feeling like I could, or should, save them all. After 8+ years in the rescue world, I know it is impossible to save them all, but the ones we do save are so grateful, and so worth it. I have become known to my friends and family as the “rescue girl” so I get almost daily phone calls or messages asking for help with dog issues. I can honestly say that it is exhausting, infuriating, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I call myself the doggie “case manager” (an ode to my “real” job as a counselor). I try to sponsor only one dog at a time, so I can focus on finding a safe foster home, get the vet care scheduled, do fundraising to pay for vet costs so it doesn’t eat into our 4 Paws Society funds, and “publicizing” that dog like crazy until it’s adopted. If you are my friend on Facebook, you know my page is mostly full of rescued dog stories, pleas for donations for the dogs, or advocacy and education for animal welfare. Right now I am a little bit frazzled because I have been case-managing four boxers all at one time. Three were owner surrenders and one was found the typical way, on the side of the highway, starving and suffering from injuries from being hit by a car, and all four boxers are heartworm positive. Yikes! I have luckily found fabulous foster homes for the boxers, and one was just adopted to his forever home in Natchitoches. How am I staying focused and motivated? I have lots of reminder alerts set on my phone – Ha! And my motivation comes from knowing that my efforts do make a difference. And how do I know that I’m making a difference? When I get the updates from adopters telling stories of joy, laughter, cuddles and sloppy doggie kisses. I know that I made a difference in those dogs’ lives. I am their voice!

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With so many animals euthanized every year and more and more homeless pets being born, it sometimes seems as if this is a problem that has no end. How do you stay focused and motivated?

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Calcasieu Parish Ranks 3rd for NACO

conflict, and they evaluate the direction of their life. The program is free to participants and includes monetary incentives for their participation. For more information or to enroll your teen, contact Barbara “BJ” Miller or Kelli Barnes at top@slac.org or call 439-5861.

Terrell Receives Advisor Award Center Stage Honored at WDCS

Four routines by Tammy Palmer’s Center Stage dance company were chosen for competition in the World Dance Championship Series. These routines were selected following a regional dance competition in which Center Stage competed against schools in Houston and throughout the south-central U.S. At the World Dance Championship Series, which includes dancers from the U.S., Canada and Europe, Center Stage was named the number one studio in the south central U.S., a region that includes New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

Claude Syas of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury recently accepted an award from the National Association of Counties on behalf of the parish’s Prescription Drug Car Program. The Police Jury’s program currently ranks third in the nation for the Discount Card’s use. Data indicates that about 1,200 Calcasieu parish residents utilize the Parish’s discount drug card on any given month. The program assists residents in receiving a reduced rate for most medical prescriptions not covered by insurance, and is a joint service provided by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, CVS Caremark, and NACo.

Chicageaux Opening

City Savings Bank Sells Pink Bottles City Savings Bank has joined the fight against breast cancer by selling special-edition Ethel Precht and City Savings Bank pink aluminum Vice President Belton Thibodeaux water bottles saluting the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer 3K. The water bottles can be purchased for a donation of $10 at area City Savings Bank locations. All proceeds from the sale of the water bottles will benefit the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer 3K.

Sam Houston High Reunion Sam Houston High School Class of 2001 will hold its 10-year reunion at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 8, at the Brick House, 110 West Pine Street. The event will include a DJ and live music. Reunion festivities will also include a Family Fun Day, golf tournament and 66 www.thriveswla.com

Chicageaux Bar recently held a grand opening at 829 University Drive. According to owner Sean McGill, who relocated to Louisiana from Chicago, the bar will serve sandwiches, hot dogs and other food during the day. For more information or to see a menu, visit www.facebook.com/pages/ChicageauxBar/.

Teen Outreach Program at SLAC The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council now offers the Wyman Teen Outreach Prevention Program to Calcasieu Parish youth ages 12 to 17. This national program is designed to offer comprehensive youth development strategies that promote positive growth and development through a combination of curriculum-guided group discussions and volunteer community service learning activities designed to increase self-esteem and teach important life skills. Teens learn important resiliency skills, pro-social behaviors, positives responses to Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Benson “Barry” Terrell Jr., CFP, of The Firm of Louisiana in Lake Charles, was named one of Advisor Today’s top four under 40. This feature recognizes four outstanding advisors as recognized by the Barry Terrell National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the nation’s largest financial services membership organization. Terrell acquired an insurance license at age 17 and a securities license at 18 and has been a member of NAIFA since 1994.

Plauche Offers Music Courses Music instructor John Plauche will offer private and public instruction for all ages at Doc’s Music Shoppe, 2508 Ryan Street. Courses will focus on guitar, electronic bass and music history. Plauche, John Plauche who has opened for such groups as Sly and the Family Stone, Roy Ayers Ubiquity and the Neville Brothers, has a bachelor’s of fine arts in music from McNeese State University and is a member of the American Federation of Musicians. For more information, call 474-1991.

Junior League Celebrates Great Awakening The Junior League of Lake Charles Inc. will participate in the Great Acadian Awakening on October 11, 2011 at the Lake Charles Civic Center by selling its winning cookbook Marshes to Mansions. Proceeds from Marshes to Mansions sales go directly to funding the projects dedicated to improving the communities of Southwest Louisiana.

Mom and Me Painting Classes Nancy Melton will lead a Mom and Me watercolor painting class from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, September 27-October 6, through McNeese Leisure Learning. The class is open to teens and their mothers or grandmothers. Participants will share supplies and learn Chinese watercolor painting techniques. Cost is $99.

September 2011

D I D Y O U H E A R T H AT ? • W O W - W H O K N E W ! • C H AT T E R • E V E R Y BO D Y ’ S T A L K I N • D I D Y O U H E A R T H AT ? • W O W

Moses Announces Candidacy Davis Moses has announced his candidacy for Beauregard Parish Assessor in the October 22 election. A graduate of South Beauregard High School, Moses received a Bachelor of Science Davis Moses degree in business administration from McNeese State University. He is a longtime employee of Cintas, where he is involved with Partners in Education, the Louisiana Restaurant Association, Matthew 25 Ministries, a nationwide, non-profit humanitarian organization, and other civic associations. He is also the owner of a Beauregard Parish small business. Moses is a life-long resident of Beauregard Parish. He is an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he chaired the personnel committee for six years, and has taught AWANA classes. He is also a supporter of the South Beauregard School system and athletic programs.

Lake Charles Urgent Care Now Open Lake Charles Urgent Care, under the direction of Dr. Melvin “Jay” Marque III, has opened at 1905 Country Club Road. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dr. Melvin “Jay” Marque III on weekends. Lake Charles Urgent Care provides walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries. The state of the art facility is equipped with advanced technology including digital x-ray and an electronic medical records (EMR) system.

Patient Endurance Available for Purchase Patient Endurance by local resident Kari Bailey is now available for purchase through www.patientendurance.net. This inspirational book chronicles Bailey’s struggles and experiences as a sufferer of chronic pain following a back injury. Bailey is a resident of Moss Bluff

Zigler Hosts Veteran Exhibit The Zigler Museum of Jennings will host the “Unsung Heroes of Vietnam” exhibit through September. This exhibit honors Vietnam veterans in conjunction with the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which will visit the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park in Jennings from October 14-16. For more information call (337) 824-0114. September 2011

Reed Visits Mimosa Royce Reed, VH-1 Reality Star of “Basketball Wives,” was recently in Lake Charles promoting her new book College Girls. Mimosa Boutique, a locally owned Royce Reed business, was selected as the venue for the book signing.

Lovejoy Announces Candidacy Meg Lovejoy has announced her candidacy to represent District 12 of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. Lovejoy, a graduate of Sulphur High School, has been a resident of the district for more than Meg Lovejoy 30 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and an M.B.A. from McNeese State University. After receiving her M.B.A., she trained as a securities investor and has managed trust funds and investments. She currently runs a small business as a grant writer for non-profit organizations and is a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where she is a licensed lay Eucharistic minister and worship leader. She currently serves as co-chair for the volunteer committee for the rebuilding of Millennium Park and served as trustee on the Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School board. She also volunteered with the Calcasieu Parish 4-H Club for more than 15 years and as a volunteer on the Livestock Show and Sale committee. She is a member of the LA and Calcasieu Parish Cattlemen’s Associations, the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce, the League of Women Voters, and a volunteer with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

Patriots Honored with Awards At the recent Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission Patriots Ball, Mayor Randy Roach and Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission President LCDR H. James Dodd, USNSCC, recognized three patriots with the 2011-2012 Patriot Award. The three honorees were: Col. John J. Halloran, Jr., USA, (Ret.); Elson “Boone” Lopez (awarded posthumously); and Nicholas Hunter. The Patriot Award is presented each year in honor of three individuals who exemplify patriotism. The Patriot Award reads as follows: “If you look into the heart of a Patriot you will find they are all the same. It is not what they expect Thrive Magazine for Better Living

from their country but more what they could do for their fellow man. They expect nothing in return. Their Honor, Integrity and Character are above all else. For their endless dedication to helping our veterans, past, present, and future, Thank You.”

Andrepont Announces Candidacy for Calcasieu Parish Police Jury District 13 Francis Andrepont announces his candidacy for Calcasieu Parish Police Jury District 13. The election will be held October 22. Francis Andrepont Andrepont has been the chairman of every major Calcasieu Parish Police Jury committee as well as a former president and former vice-president of the Police Jury. His accomplishments include the paving of 1200 miles of rural roads, upgrades to public parks including Intercoastal and Niblett’s Bluff, and widening of the I-10 feeder road to encourage economic development in Sulphur. His experience also includes being an advisory board member with the Calcasieu Council on Aging, board member of Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission and member of the Louisiana Police Jury Association Executive Board for region seven, an eight-parish area. District 13 includes Sulphur, west of Beglis Parkway and unincorporated areas west and north of Sulphur. A member of Our Lady Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Andrepont is married to Barbara Dartez Andrepont. They have two sons, Joe Andrepont and Mark Andrepont, and six grandchildren. For more information, call 527-5644.

Local Stylist Completes Advanced Training Lensi White, stylist with Signatures Salon in Lake Charles, recently attended an advanced styling course BbU at Bumble and bumble University, often referred to as the “Harvard Lensi White for hairdressers,” in New York City. The workshop focused on high fashion runway styles, including the slick ponytail, chignon and double French twist. White has worked at Signatures for four years. Signatures is owned by Wendy White McCown and has been in business for 15 years .

Continued on p73 www.thriveswla.com

Making Fitness

Fun for Kids

by Christine Fisher

When it comes to the mega-dollar industry of kids’ entertainment, forget the Hokey Pokey. It’s a different world in kids’ entertainment than it used to be. No physical effort is needed these days. Basically, just a few keystrokes and buttons can keep kids happy for hours. But at what price? Kids today can defeat a myriad of electronic evil aggressors, but can’t run down the street without getting winded. Instead of getting the physical benefits from exercise, kids are struggling with obesity, diabetes and depression. Inactivity is becoming an epidemic among children. “They’re missing out on play as we remember it, where you actually sweat, jump and run,” said Suzy Trahan, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and director of Dynamic Dimensions of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “Some things have improved with time, but kids’ fitness isn’t one of them, unfortunately. Technology has allowed us to accomplish much more in a given day, but it has taken away the ‘sweat factor’ that we needed to complete routine things.” Exercise can strengthen children’s bones now as well as later in life. Children who participate in weight-bearing, impact sports such as running, gymnastics, tumbling or dance have higher bone density than children who are not active, or kids whose major exercise is a non-weight-bearing activity such as swimming. Building strong bones in childhood helps to maintain bone health later in life. So, how do we get kids moving? “Make it fun,” she said. “Adults have made exercise a punishment. If a kids’ team wins, we take them to get a burger. But if they lose, they have to run laps. Kids are smart and they pick up that physical exertion is something to be avoided.” Parents can talk with their child to find out what activities they enjoy. Not every child wants to play team sports, but may excel in individual competition, such as martial arts. Dance, gymnastics, or tumbling may not suit your daughter, but bike riding or soccer might. “It’s important for kids to learn exercise habits at a young age to keep their hearts strong and prevent many diseases associated with obesity,” Trahan explained. “If kids learn exercise at a young age, those habits will likely stay with them throughout their life.” It’s recommended for children to get at least 30 minutes of physical exercise or activity a day to develop their muscles and bones properly. Trahan urges parents to allow time for their child to play 68 www.thriveswla.com

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without structure. “Kids need time to be active without an agenda. Let play time be just that – play.” Consider these suggestions for getting your kids off the couch: • Allow your child time to play outside. • When they are especially rambunctious and it disturbs the household, remind them to take their energy outside with bike rides, tree climbing and jump roping. • Be a role model. Get the whole family involved in games, bike rides or throwing a Frisbee. If you’re involved, your child is more likely to get involved. • Buy active toys. Purchase things that require active participation, such as scooters, balls, climbing equipment and skates. • Teach younger children games you played, like duck-duck goose, hide and seek or freeze tag. “The habits you start with your kids today will last beyond this phase in their lives,” said Trahan. “Parents should understand the importance of physical fitness and get moving with their kids. Everyone will reap the benefits.”

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The shoes you wear for your sport should be as carefully considered as any other piece of equipment you use. Learn more about the role your footwear plays in your athletic performance as well as injury prevention from Dr. Tyson Green at “Get a Winning Fit for your Feet,” a free community seminar at Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles. He will discuss the importance of getting the correct fit, and how to evaluate other sports shoe features such as support, weight, sole, shape and more. Dr. Green will be joined by Terry Butts, owner of Tri Running Lake Charles and the Strength and Endurance Performance Institute. Terry will demonstrate fit analysis techniques and common mistakes. A variety of athletic shoes for different sports will also be on display.

Get a Winning Fit for your Feet Tuesday, Sept. 20 • 5:30pm Center for Orthopaedics 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles (Just off Nelson, a half-mile South of Country Club Road)

Seating is limited and pre-registration is requested.

Call 721-2903 or email abooth@centerforortho.com to pre-register.

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foot and ankle specialist September 2011

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Is it Time to Stop the Music?

Distracted Pedestrians Lead to Increase in Accidents

The next time you pick your play list for your morning run or crank up the volume on your ipod for your weekend bike ride, stop to think about all the things you won’t be hearing: approaching cars, horns, sirens, warning signals, shouts and all those other sounds that could alert you to possible danger along the way. Most individuals are aware that distracted driving is a significant contributor to car accidents, and most states have enacted laws designed to limit cell phone use and texting while driving. But Joni Fontenot, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, says this focus is expanding to include distracted pedestrians whose connections to their electronic devices put them at increased risk for accidents. A report released earlier this year by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows pedestrian fatalities are on the rise for the first time in four years, and the increase is attributed to distractions caused by devices such as cell phones and ipods. For example, you may have seen video footage of the woman who was texting while walking through a mall in Pennsylvania who fell into a fountain. “And while amusing to watch, it’s very fortunate that this was not a more serious accident,” says Fontenot. “It illustrates just how easy it is to be so focused on your electronic device that you don’t pay attention to your surroundings.” There are numerous other examples in just the past year: a texting teen who walked into an uncovered city manhole, a college student killed by a bus while jogging and listening to music, a man hit by a train while walking and talking on his phone, a biker listening to music hit by a dump truck – unfortunately, the list goes on and on. Experts say the main reason for the high level of distraction from electronic devices is related to auditory masking. Auditory masking a risky behavior defined by the Governors Highway Safety Association as an activity that filters out external noises including oncoming traffic, contributing to pedestrian injury or even pedestrian fatality. Researchers in cognitive science at the University of California explain that that listening to sounds through two earbuds creates a particularly powerful kind of “auditory masking” that drowns out external sounds. Such masking not only goes directly into the ear, it also is involuntary in the sense that the sound floods the brain even when a person tries to listen to something else like traffic. Fontenot says research has shown this is even more overwhelming than the kind of muiltitasking distractions we juggle on a normal basis, and this is the reason people like to use these devices to distract themselves from the rigors of exercise. “But it may work too

by Kristy Armand

well,” she says, “preventing them paying attention to the sounds that could warn them of traffic dangers.” Law makers are taking note of the increase in these types of accidents and some are trying to take action. In New York, a bill is pending in the legislature’s transportation committee that would ban the use of mobile phones, iPods or other electronic devices while crossing streets — runners and other exercisers included. Legislation pending in Oregon would restrict bicyclists from using mobile phones and music players, and a Virginia bill would keep such riders from using a “hand-held communication device.” A proposal in Arkansas would ban pedestrians from wearing headphones in both ears on or adjacent to a street, road, intersection or highway. The measure also applies to runners and cyclists, but would allow pedestrians to wear headphones in one ear. In California, a bill has been reintroduced that would fine bicyclists $20 for talking on a cell phone or texting while riding. Continued on p72

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Fontenot says there is much debate on what legislation can really do to protect pedestrians from their own risky behaviors. “This may be a case where individuals have to take responsibility for their own actions and use common sense when walking or bike riding.” The Safety Council recommends avoiding the use of hand-held devices while walking or cycling and being extra vigilant when wearing headphones or ear buds. When in public, keep the volume low enough so that you can still hear external noise, or consider only putting in one ear bud. When possible, walk, bike, or jog on sidewalks or other areas designated for pedestrian use to reduce accident risk. “Pay attention to what you are doing and where you are at all times,” stresses Fontenot. “You should always be aware of your surroundings, and this includes looking and listening.”

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September 2011

C H A T T E R • E V E R Y BO D Y ’ S T A L K I N ’ • D I D Y O U H E A R

WCCH Diabetes Support Group Welcomes Guest On Tuesday, September 13, Joseph Burke, a member of the sanofi-aventis A1C Champions Program® will be the featured speaker at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s monthly diabetes support group meeting. As a sanofi-aventis A1C Champion, Burke will share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on extensive training and his personal experience with diabetes. The diabetes support group at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room. There is no charge to attend these monthly meetings. For more information, call (337) 527-4282.

Quayhagen Wins World Championship Former McNeese football player Josh Quayhagen recently won the individual black belt middle-weight Kumite World Championship and Black Belt World Team Kumite Championship. Quayhagen, who was undefeated in all his matches, is owner and head instructor at Performance Evolution of Lake Charles, a martial arts, sports training and fitness facility. He has won eight Kumite World Championships.

September 2011

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Enrollments and Buildings Rise at Sowela by Brett Downer

“ A building boom is underway.” Dr. Andrea Miller Chancellor

Busier now than at any time in its history, Sowela Technical Community College -- once a small trade school, now a rapidly expanding campus with an enrollment to match -- will continue to enlarge its focus, and its square footage, in 2011-2012. That’s according to Dr. Andrea Miller, chancellor, who is steering Sowela toward the future after Hurricane Rita nearly shipwrecked it six years ago. This is not your father’s Sowela -- or, for that matter, even your older sibling’s. What was once a place to learn welding, then a technical school left in post-Rita ruin, is now a full-fledged public community college with “a role that is comprehensive in nature,” Miller said. “Sowela is evolving quickly in order to fulfill its mission as a comprehensive community college, while maintaining a commitment to high-quality career and technical programs—a hallmark of Sowela,” Miller said. This “Version 2.0” of Sowela may be the area’s best-kept secret, but students are reveling in it. Enrollment that has rocketed 67 percent since 2007 -- the fastest growth at any school in Louisiana. The state, and key corporate donors, have taken notice -- and have responded with public and and private investments to build three major academic facilities on campus. 74 www.thriveswla.com

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September 2011

Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana:

A Vital Part of the “A building boom is under way,” said Miller, who has turned a shovel on two projects already. New buildings for Process Technology and Arts & Sciences -- “with a state-of-the-art library,” Miller added, with emphasis -- will be completed in 2012. Next up is a home for the Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing programs; the work is expected to begin before the turn of the year. It’s what goes on inside the walls that counts, of course. In that regard, Sowela offers coursework in five facets: career education, leading to an associate degree or certificate; transfer education, for those who will transfer to a four-year college; transitional studies, for remediation; notfor-credit continuing education; and industry training, in which Sowela partners with employers for contracted training. Also, Sowela has quadrupled the number of courses that transfer to Louisiana’s four-year colleges, such as McNeese. “Our workforce training programs are often designed to attract new employers to a location while retaining existing ones,” Miller said. “Training opportunities provided by Sowela make our city and our region more attractive to investors.” For these reasons and more, Miller said Sowela can be “a first choice” for college for many people. The open-admissions policy, lower tuition and flexible schedule mean Sowela can “provide opportunities for students to receive a post-secondary education who would not have attended college otherwise,” she said. Sowela grads go off to jobs at area petrochemical industries, Chennault International Airport, construction firms, healthcare institutions, advertising agencies and more. “Sowela fulfills the promise of American democracy -- equal opportunity for all, and economic mobility,” she said. “The role of most community colleges in the United States, as with Sowela, is comprehensive in nature. Community colleges like Sowela have played a significant role in U.S. higher education and the nation’s economy. No other segment of postsecondary education has been more responsive to its community’s workforce needs.” Miller said Sowela “is evolving quickly” to fulfill its mission and, as part of that, has nearly quadrupled the number of courses that a student can take for transfer to Louisiana’s four-year colleges and universities.

Lake Area Community

• Safety and Health Training • New Drug and Alcohol Program for Workers (DOT Certified Collectors) • Contractor Safety Programs Industry Site Orientation Programs • OSHA Compliance Training • Defensive Driving, Substance Abuse Studies, Community Service Program, several other Court Mandated Training Programs, and a New Driver Program • Classroom, Computer-based, and Web-based Training • Solutions Employee Assistance Program Call Today for More Information. Ryan at Clarence Lake Charles Monday - Thursday 7am - 4pm Friday 7am - Noon (337) 436-3354 www.safetycouncilswla.org

Up to fifty-six million American adults experience chronic pain. If you are living with chronic pain or caring for a sufferer, Patient Endurance is a must-read book. This true story depicts the stunning pain and loss Kari Bailey suffers after enduring a life-altering back injury. Her gripping journey from immeasurable heartache to peace and wisdom will both inspire and bless you. God bless you on your journey.

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LCMH Welcomes Residents

Romero Joins Internal Medicine Clinic Cristian Romero, MD, an internal medicine physician, has joined the Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Dr. Romero received his medical degree from University of Cuenca in Ecuador. He then went on to complete his residency in internal medicine at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York through the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. He is certified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Cristian Romero, MD Graduates and is a member of the American Medical Association and American College of Physicians. Dr. Romero is experienced in the care and treatment of such conditions as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Internal Medicine Clinic at (337) 494-6800.

Dr. Craig Morton Earns National Recognition Craig G. Morton, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, was selected for inclusion in the 2011Guide to America’s Top Physicians. This listing is compiled by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. The selection process is based on a point value system that recognizes education, years in practice and affiliations with professional associations. Originally from Lake Charles, Dr. Craig Morton, MD Morton graduated from McNeese State University and received his Medical Degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport. He completed a Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, with an emphasis in non-surgical spine care and intervention. He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), and has been with the Center for Orthopaedics for four years.

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has accepted eight new physicians to the Memorial/LSU Health Sciences Center Family Medicine Residency Program. The selected residents were among applicants across the country who participated in the National Residency Matching Program. The 2011 first year residents are, from left, Stewart Greathouse, M.D., Ashley Greenman, M.D., Ben Proctor, M.D., Amy Soileau, M.D., Jason Hagen, M.D., David Landry, M.D., Micah LeLeux, M.D. and Spencer Launey, M.D.

Axelrad Joins Orthopaedic Specialists Lake Charles Memorial Hospital welcomes Thomas W. Axelrad, MD, PhD, an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, has joined the Orthopaedic Specialists staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Dr. Axelrad received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. He also received a doctorate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from LSU Health Sciences Center, and went on to complete his internship in general Thomas W. Axelrad, MD, PhD surgery and his residency in orthopaedic surgery from the Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. While at Boston Medical Center, he also taught residents through the Trauma Review Program. He later served as Director of Orthopaedics at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and he most recently completed a fellowship in orthopaedic trauma at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, New York. As an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, Dr. Axelrad is experienced in the treatment of pelvic and acetabular injuries, as well as joint reconstruction and replacement. He is also experienced in hip replacement, resurfacing and osteomy, as well as in the treatment of bone infections and nonunions.

LaBorde Joins Christus St. Patrick Medical Group Thomas LaBorde, M.D., has joined CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group and CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. His outpatient practice, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group Rehabilitation Services, is now open at 1605 Foster Street. He is also the new Medical Director of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital’s Regional Physical Rehabilitation Center. Board certified in physical medicine Thomas LaBorde, MD and rehabilitation, Dr. LaBorde completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He is a native of Lafayette, La., and a well-respected rehabilitation specialist across the region. Dr. LaBorde has been practicing medicine for over 30 years.

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Aesthetic Center at The Eye Clinic Now Offering Saturday Appointments Appointments for skincare treatments are now available on Saturday mornings at The Eye Clinic’s Aesthetic Center. The new hours are offered as a client convenience for those who aren’t able to schedule treatment appointments during the week. Skin care treatments include facials, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Consultations and home care products are also available on Saturdays. The Aesthetic Center is located in The Eye Clinic’s Lake Charles office at 1717 Oak Park Blvd. All services are provided under the medical direction of facial cosmetic specialist, Dr. Mark Crawford. Call 310-1070 for more information or to schedule an appointment, or visit facehealth.net.

Gardiner Named Oncology Services Nurse Manager

Choosing the Right Sports Shoe will be Topic of Upcoming Seminar The shoes you wear for your sport of choice should be as carefully considered as any other piece of equipment for optimum performance and injury prevention. This will be the topic at “Get a Winning Fit for your Feet,” a free community seminar at Center for Orthopaedics on Tuesday, September 20, at 5:30pm. Dr. Tyson Green, foot and ankle specialist, will discuss the importance of getting the correct fit, and how to evaluate other sports shoe features such as support, weight, sole, shape and more. He will be joined by Terry Butts, owner of Tri Running Lake Charles and the Strength and Endurance Performance Institute. Terry will demonstrate fit analysis techniques and common mistakes. A variety of athletic shoes for different sports will also be on display, and participants can register to win a pair of athletic shoes from Tri Running. Seating is limited and pre-registration for the seminar is requested. Call 721-2903 or email abooth@centerforortho.com to pre-register. Center for Orthopaedics is located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles, just off of Nelson, one-half mile south of Country Club Rd.

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has named Rae Gardiner, RN, MSN, Oncology Services Nurse Manager. Gardiner, a 13-year employee of Memorial Hospital, will provide leadership and guidance to oncology nurses in both the outpatient and inpatient hospital setting. She will also serve as a member of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Management Team. Gardiner earned a Bachelor’s Rae Gardiner, RN, MSN of Science degree and Masters of Science degree in Nursing from McNeese State University. She is an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), and an officer of the Lake Area ONS Chapter. Gardiner also serves on the planning committee for the Institute on Oncology Nursing; an annual continuing education offering sponsored by McNeese State University and the American Cancer Society.

We Have the Keys You Need When looking for a new address, there are questions around every corner. CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty has the answers whether you’re buying or selling. We’ve won numerous awards for customer service, sales excellence and community involvement, but we know the most important reward is earning your trust through superior service. To search at your leisure, visit century21-bessette.com for current listings, financing options, and chat live with one of our Realtors®. We’ll guide you through the process and help you find just the right key for your future.

474-2185 | century21-bessette.com | live chat September 2011

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Bessette Realty, Inc.

Each office independently owned and operated.

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Community Contributor$ Local Businesses to McNeese The Sonny Watkins Athletic Scholarship was recently established with the McNeese State University Foundation with donations totaling $15,664.30 from friends and businesses in honor of Watkins, former athletics director, basketball coach and student-athlete in basketball at McNeese. Looking over the criteria for the new scholarship are, from left, Watkins and Melissa Ellis Northcutt, director for university advancement operations and special events.

Orthopedic Association to McNeese The Calcasieu-Cameron Association for Persons with Orthopedic Disabilities has established a $240,000 endowed scholarship - the CalcasieuCameron Students with Orthopedic Disabilities - with the McNeese State University Foundation. McNeese President Dr. Philip Williams, seated center, accepts the donation from the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president Pansy Skipper, seated left, and secretary Sondra Hodge, seated right, as Richard H. Reid, from left standing, vice president for university advancement and executive vice president of the McNeese Foundation, and Bob Davidson, president of the McNeese Foundation Board of Directors, look on.

Cooper Cares to Millennium Park Rebuild

Cooper Cares presented a check for $5,000 to the City of Lake Charles and Rebuilding Millennium Park Committee in support of the Rebuilding Millennium Park project. Pictured, left to right, with the check presentation are: Cooper Olinde, Cooper Cares; Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach; Kay Barnett, Rebuilding Millennium Park chair; and John Ieyoub, President, Lake Charles City Council.

Blue Knights to Millennium Park Rebuild The Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club of Louisiana VIII presented a check for $5,500 to the City of Lake Charles and Rebuilding Millennium Park Committee in support of the Rebuilding Millennium Park project. Pictured, left to right, with the check presentation are: Gary Lemons, President of Blue Knights, Chapter VIII; Kay Barnett, Rebuilding Millennium Park chair; Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach; and John Ieyoub, President, Lake Charles City Council. 78 www.thriveswla.com

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September 2011

Your Good Health Is Our

CENTER of Attention

For the physicians of the Urology Center, providing excellent care is not only their mission, it is a personal commitment. Our entire focus is centered in one specialized area: your urological health. From being the first in the region to perform ground-breaking robotic treatment for prostate cancer, to innovative options for treating all types of urological conditions, our goal is to be the center of excellence for urology in our region. We’ve been providing comprehensive urology services to men, women and children of Southwest Louisiana for over 70 years. Our services include treatment for: • Bladder Problems • Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Cancer • Kidney Stones

(337)439-8857 • www.ucswla.com 234 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles

Kenneth Verheeck, MD September 2011

James Jancuska, MD

• Sexual Dysfunction • Female Incontinence • Urinary Tract Infections

Timely appointments available. Self-referral appointments accepted.

Farjaad Siddiq, MD

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Eugene Hong, MD www.thriveswla.com

Solutions for Life Solutions Employee Assistance Program from

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

A is for Attitude, Part II Last month I shared with you some of my thoughts on attitude, and its importance to your job. This month I’m going to finish up this topic (for now – I always reserve the right to bring up anything as many times as I feel necessary!) As you may recall, in last month’s article I had been approached while conducting a workshop by a manager with a frustrating employee. This employee was “rude and moody,” although she performed the technical skills of her job well. I then set about trying to convince the manager that the employee’s attitude was AT LEAST as important as those technical skills. I made two points in last month’s article: 1. Positive attitude is a part of every job description; 2. All areas of deficiency must be directly addressed. First, a positive attitude is an assumed part of every job, especially in today’s job climate. Not only do you have to have knowledge of your position, but you also have to be pleasant to deal with. Gone are the days when a “temperamental genius” could get away with being downright ugly. The work world no longer works that way. Second, when working with someone who has a poor attitude, one mistake many managers make is addressing the issue in a vague manner. “I’d like you to improve your attitude,” means nothing to people with poor attitudes. Remember, if they have reached adulthood without having a good attitude, they obviously are lacking in the social skills and intuition departments. Being vague with these people is not helpful. They need specific guidelines so they will know what is expected (and so you will be able to clearly document the situation, if needed). Here are my final two points on this topic: All progress must be directly addressed. Along the same lines as the second point in last month’s column, when you see behavior that you do like, you’d better say something. If you’ve asked for smiles and warm greetings, when you see them you’d better find a way to let that employee know you saw them and that’s what you want to see. And don’t tell me you don’t think you should have to pat this employee on the back for doing what she should have been doing all along. As we said earlier, if we were dealing with a person who “gets it,” we wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with. I’ve written many times in this column my belief that whatever behavior you like, you’d better pay attention to. The surest way to keep a behavior around is to point it out, whether that behavior is desired or undesired. Just as with last month’s second point, this feedback is also going to be very specific: “This morning, when I saw you look up from your computer at Mrs. Jones, smile at her and greet her warmly, I felt impressed and on track.” No “your attitude is better” kind of stuff.

Attitude is difficult to change. It really is. It’s not impossible, but it is difficult. And typically the person who needs the “attitude adjustment” is not open to hearing that until the situation is pretty dire. Let’s face it: if it was easy, this person would have already done it. So, if you are the employer, remember that you are getting the best attitude the person has to offer during the interview process. It’s not going to get any better. If you believe the potential employee is “shy” with you because he is nervous and doesn’t know you, remember that he is going to be “shy” with your customers (whom he will also not know). Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire the candidate. It just might mean that you don’t want him to be working with the public. He might be fine with co-workers, with whom he will get the chance to form relationships. So, during the interview process, make sure you weigh attitude and “soft skills” (communication, conflict resolution) at least as heavily as you do the hard skills. If you are the employee who has received feedback that your attitude needs some adjusting, I encourage you to begin that journey immediately. It is not your employer’s responsibility to “grow” you into the person they need you to be. The job market is too tight for that. It is your responsibility to always be working on becoming the best version of yourself possible. If your company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), take advantage of the counseling sessions. Do on-line research and/or read books about improving your customer service skills. Look for someone with a great attitude to mentor you in this area. As stated earlier, this is difficult work. However, your attitude (good or bad) will affect every job and relationship you have for your entire life. Isn’t that worth a little hard work?

elebrate Your special occasion with us at the Castle.

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September 2011

Best Impressions

Modern Day Manners & Everyday Etiquette by Rose Klein

Q: I don’t have steak knives in my sterling silver flatware. If I wish to serve steak, what do I do about knives for my guests? A: Great question! Have you ever dined in a fine restaurant and noticed that the patrons who ordered beef or lamb are given a “special” knife? It’s serrated and usually does not match the flatware at each place setting. I would suggest buying a nice set of serrated knives that compliment your silver. Q: Is it just me or are more and more people talking on their cell phones or using their blue tooth in stores? Do they think we want to hear their conversations? A: I find it awkward because you are only hearing one side of the conversation and with the blue tooth, I always think they are talking to me! It is rude. If a telephone conversation must take place in a public place, at least have the courtesy to talk softly and make the conversation short!

Questions for Best Impressions can be submitted to edit@thriveswla.com.

September 2011

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

Grapes’ heart health benefits, research conflicting

CDC: Plenty of flu vaccine available

Researchers credit red wine with helping fight heart disease, but the main ingredient in wine, grapes, may also have some heart-healthy benefits. Antioxidants housed in the skin of red grapes are the subject of many studies, but Dr. Jeffrey Mulhearn, cardiologist at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital and Cardiovascular Specialists, said the results are conflicting. Resveratrol is one of the antioxidants researchers are interested in and a Harvard Medical School study found some positive results of it on mice. The 2006 study focused on obese mice and discovered resveratrol helped reverse the effects of high-calorie diet. Not all of the studies on this particular antioxidant have been positive. In fact, an Oregon State University research center finds “no convincing evidence” that the antioxidant can prevent heart disease. “Several large studies have been done with kind of conflicting results,” explained Dr. Mulhearn. He suggested alcohol in red wine could even play a role in heart health. For grapes, the antioxidants are the main benefit, but Dr. Mulhearn pointed out supplements will probably not give the same results. “I wouldn’t recommend people go out and buy these antioxidant vitamins that you see over the counter. Those really haven’t shown any benefit,” said Dr. Mulhearn. Grapes may also help with sun protection. A University of Barcelona study found flavonoids in the fruit can reduce cell damage from ultraviolet exposure, but suggested ingesting grapes will not replace sunscreen. “I think the jury’s still out. I don’t think there’s much harm in eating red grapes,” said Dr. Mulhearn. He recommends one to two glasses of red wine per day and says the benefits include promoting good cholesterol and thinning of the blood which could help prevent clots.

Flu season is right around the corner, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there should be plenty of vaccines available this year. CDC officials said just about everyone older than 6 months should get flu shots each year. Last year, 41 percent of American adults were inoculated against seasonal flu. This year, people 65 and older can choose a new, high dose form of the flu vaccine. The flu shots should be available beginning in September. Flu season typically runs from October to May.

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Exercise eases low back pain Americans spend an estimated $50 billion every year on low back pain and, according to the National Institute of Health, exercise is one of the most successful remedies. Back pain is now the second most common neurological ailment, only beat by headaches, and a study from McGill University in Montreal finds that chronic back pain could alter brain function. The study discovered that blood flow patterns changed in those with chronic back pain and that could have an adverse effect on cognitive ability. Exercise helped ease Martha Moreland’s, a retired schoolteacher, low back pain. She said, “it worked wonders for my back.” Thanks to core strengthening workout with her trainer Chase Gary, fitness specialist at Dynamic Dimensions, Marsh dropped four dress sizes and banished the back pain. “We always make sure especially if there’s any back pain that we start slow and that we make sure we can control the lower back while trying to stabilize the abdominal region,” explained Gary. He added that a sedentary lifestyle, low flexibility and weak core strength could worsen low back pain symptoms. Gary recommends starting each workout with a low-impact warm

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up and stretching. He said back pain does not just stem from poor abdominal strength. “We focus a lot on core exercise when we’re worried about our lower back. People tend to forget that any exercise can help,” said Gary. He said some exercises could aggravate the low back problem such as full sit-ups, toe-touches and any stretch that requires arching of the back. Moreland is hoping to lose even more inches and keep her back pain at bay. Gary recommends consulting a doctor if you experience low back pain before trying any exercises.

La. ranks 49th in children’s wellbeing Louisiana once again ranks 49th in the nation when it comes to the wellbeing of its children, according to the annual Kids Count survey. According to a report, it’s the 10th year in a row Louisiana has ranked second-to-last on this annual survey of indicators collected by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The 22nd installment of the Kids Count survey, however, reveals that while Louisiana is about the same, even slightly improved, compared with its standing a year ago, the national economic downturn has pulled several other states down closer to Louisiana levels. Louisiana’s high rate of child poverty has always pulled the state down on these surveys. But, between 2000 and 2009, Louisiana’s child poverty rate declined from 27 to 24 percent. To learn more about these stories and more, visit us on the web at kplctv.com and tune into KPLC 7News daily for the latest news, weather, sports and health reports. You can also stay connected 24/7 on your mobile device at kplc7newsnow. com

September 2011

Tip:

Refuel in the morning or evening

www.allianceswla.org

About five years ago, my life depended on a single soccer goal. My daughter played for the recreational soccer league and it was a blazing hot Saturday morning. She was eight years old and mostly played defense, but now and then the soccer ball crossed her path in an ideal scoring opportunity. The first time it happened, I crossed my fingers. I watched and waited as she maneuvered across the field. When the ball rolled her way, my heart and pulse raced so quickly that I felt like I was running on the field instead of sitting in a lawn chair. In the five-second time span that followed her aim at the goal, I thought of how disappointed she would be if she didn’t make the goal and how proud she would be if she did. I imagined all the ways we would celebrate her first score (I’d take her out for an enormous ice cream cone with all the sugary toppings she wanted). I mustered up as much energy as possible and wished for the ball to make it. When it did, I had to stop myself from hugging everyone within a five-foot radius. Forget overdue bills. Forget the long work week or the unfinished task lists – my daughter made a goal! For a moment, that was all that mattered. As a parent I have learned that there are two types of human emotion: the ones you have in response to your own experiences and the ones you have on behalf of your child. I had asthma as a kid and every time I wheezed, coughed or gasped, my mother said she felt it in her lungs. She’d give me warm soup and tell me that she wished she could take every cough for herself instead. As a little girl, I didn’t understand why she worried so much (I always got better, after all) or why she would ever want to have my asthma. Then I had a daughter of my own.

September 2011

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The Last Word

When we love by Erin K elly someone deeply and honestly, we offer support through their tragedies and congratulate their triumphs, but when it comes to our children, we not only offer our support and guidance, we endure every heartbreak and celebrate every success as our own. If we could, we would sacrifice our own joys so that they’d never be without one. Getting them dressed, bringing them to school, helping with homework – that’s the easy stuff. Surviving those five seconds after they take aim at the goal is another story. Unfortunately, those five seconds happen every hour of the day, and they last a lifetime.

Erin Kelly has been a local journalist for more than 12 years. Email her at edit@thriveswla.com.

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Medical Milestones. Here at Home.

OBSTETRICS & G Y N E C O LO G Y Did you know? A century ago, a woman’s average life span was about 50 years. Today, the average is age 84. So choosing the right ob/gyn in many cases is a lifelong commitment that may take you from your first child to your senior years. Skill, kindness, and compassion, combined with the latest training in minimally invasive

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surgical techniques, are important considerations

Pregnancy & Childbirth Breast Lumps Menopause & HRT

through every step of your life.

Ovarian Cysts & Menstrual Pain

At Memorial, Medical Milestones are happening

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Memorial • The Doctors You Want 1-800-494-LCMH (5264) www.lcmh.com/physicians

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Urinary Pain & Incontinence Laparoscopic Hysterectomies Osteoporosis Breast or Gynecological Cancer Evaluations

September 2011