Thrive's April 2019 Issue

April 2019

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Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients.

24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today.

One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

They’re Just Around the Corner ... ...and heading our way! In Louisiana, spring rain and summer heat bring out the termite swarms, and they’re looking for space to occupy.

J&J Exterminating offers effective weapons against termite infestation of your home or business including the Termidor® and Sentricon® Systems.

Don’t wait! Get the J&J Shield today. Trust Louisiana’s largest independently-owned pest control company to take care of the unwanted guests.

Ask about a FREE termite inspection today!

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EXTERMINATING

Termites, Pests & Mosquitoes

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E.P.A. and State approved.

Lafayette •Crowley •Lake Charles •DeRidder •Baton Rouge •Mandeville Hammond •New Orleans •Shreveport •Alexandria •Natchitoches •Monroe

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Contents In This Issue Style & Beauty

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Your Spring 2019 Style & Accessory Guide Modern Hairstyles Channel Past Decades Get Glowing – An Esthetician’s Guide to Spring Skin

Wining & Dining 12

16

19

Coffee Shops Galore in SWLA Community Coffee’s 100th Anniversary Health Benefits of Coffee

Places & Faces 20 - 39 Thirteen Thriving 30-Somethings

40 Harbour House, Junior League

Home & Family 44 - 50 Real Estate Guide

45 Navigating the Current Housing Market

46 What to Expect from your Real Estate Agent

48 The Importance of Staging

50 First Steps for First Time Home Buyers

58 Pool Days are Coming 60 Hardscape vs. Softscape

Mind & Body

64

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68

Silver Sneakers What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self National Occupational Therapy Month

Money & Career

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Empowering Women in Money Management/Planning Roth vs Traditional IRAs Test Your Financial Literac2

Regular Features

42 Who’s News 60 Happenings 75 Solutions for Life

@thriveswla | thriveswla.com 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 to be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career.

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

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

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It's never too early to think about summer plans! In next month's issue, watch for our 2019 Summer Guide!

52 - 61 Home Improvement Handbook

54 Home Style Trends

56 Texas Furniture Company

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44 Managing Editor Angie Kay Dilmore Editors and Publishers Kristy Como Armand

Christine Fisher Creative Director Barbara VanGossen Design and Layout Shonda Manuel

Sarah Bercier Business Manager Katie McDaniel Stevenson Advertising Sales katie@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

Emergency and Inpatient Care for Adults and Without the Wait.

Welcome to Avail Hospital, a new, state-of-the-art emergency center and acute care hospital specially designed to make getting the high quality, affordable and highly personalized care you need, easier and more convenient than ever.

• No wait times • Inpatient and outpatient admissions for adults and kids

• 24/7 onsite board-certified physicians, hospitalists and advanced practice nurses • Onsite laboratory services with state-of-the-art molecular testing • Onsite pharmacists • Digital x-ray, ultrasound, cat scan, 3D cardiac imaging WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PROVIDERS INCLUDING: Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare and More!

We accept your in-network benefit level (copay, deductible and co-insurance).

3730 Nelson Rd. | Lake Charles | 337.656.7700 AvailHospitals.com

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Style & Beauty

YOUR SPRING 2019

Style & Accessory Guide

by Emily Alford

Mardi Gras is over and Easter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to freshen up your wardrobe with lighter, brighter spring styles. Here are a few of the season’s trendiest pieces for both men and women.

OVER THE RAINBOW

For the past few years, floral patterns have been the hottest trend for dresses and lightweight, warm weather tops. So much so that they started to get a little bit boring. But if you love patterns and colorful clothing, you’re in luck this spring. Rainbow hues were the hottest pattern on the spring 2019 runways. Look for long dresses in a variety of bright, stripy hues.

A LITTLE BIT DOTTY

Black and white polka dots are another pattern that’s big this year. Look for polka dot skirts and pair with a clean black or white tee shirt for a fun, slightly 1950s look that works just as well for the office as it does for a casual dinner.

BIKER BABE

This is either good news or bad news, depending on how you feel about the “athleisure” trend, but biker shorts are back!

Once a 1990s wardrobe staple, it has been a pretty long time since stretchy, spandex shorts 6

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

have been seen anywhere outside the gym. But this year's bike shorts are actually pretty cool.

Some designers pair them with an oversized blazer for a dressier look, others with a casual button down top. The truly bold trendsetters are going full gym wear with bike shorts, crop top, and athletic jacket, so that it’s hard to tell if fashionistas are hitting the gym or the town.

The best thing about these spring trends is that they’re pretty easy to try out without completely updating your wardrobe. Just pair some bike shorts with your favorite flannel button down or give a neon tee shirt a try with your favorite jeans or joggers.

Sometimes little tweaks mean big payoffs, style wise!

FASHION FANNY PACKS

If the bike shorts weren’t enough to indicate that the early 90s were all over this season’s runway, wait until you get a load of the designer fanny packs that are all the rage for both men and women. No longer buckled around the hips, this new iteration goes over the shoulder and honestly makes a pretty cute (and handy) carryall.

NOVELTY NEON

Menswear usually gets awfully pastel in the spring. If button downs in Easter egg colors aren’t really your thing, this year, you’re in luck! Neon is very in for men. From neon tees to neon jackets, these pieces look best if they’re worn casually with a pair of dark jeans and clean sneakers in a solid color.

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Style & Beauty

Modern Hairstyles CHANNEL PAST DECADES

by Emily Alford

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the groovy vibes of the 60s and 70s, then you’re going to love spring’s hottest hairstyles. According to Lensi White, master stylist at Signatures Salon in Lake Charles, some of the looks that recently went down the runway at New York Fashion Week would have looked right at home at Studio 54. Here are the hairstyles she’s anticipating seeing a lot more of this spring.

THE HIGHER THE HAIR, THE CLOSER TO HEAVEN In the South, big hair is never really out of style, but on this year’s New York Fashion Week runways, volume made a major comeback. And anyone who loves a high hairstyle can tell you that when it comes to big, beautiful styles, product means the difference between looking great all day and hair that falls flat. “Think full on 60’s volume – so bigger is better,” White says.

“Bumble and Bumble has a whole line of thickening products that will get you to the volume of choice and last all day.”

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

BE BLUNT

In years past, short hairstyles featured a lot of layers, but this spring sharper-edged, blunter bobs are all the rage with all the most stylish celebrities, according to White: “If you are into shorter styles, for this season keep them more blunt and less layered,” White says. “1970’s inspired bobs are what Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and Hailey Bieber are sporting right now.

Though if you still want separation with the blunt bob use Bumble and Bumble’s Brillantine for that slept in perfection.”

GET GLASSY

Another major runway trend was hair so shiny it looks like glass. Getting ultra-glossy “glass hair” takes a lot of moisture from good products and a few visits to the salon.

“Alexander McQueen, Fendi, and Burberry, to name a few, were sending high gloss looks down the runways at Fashion Week,” White says. “Glass hair is sure to become only more popular this coming year. To keep the glassy hair, it’s not only about styling products but, more importantly, getting regular treatments for your tired hair to revive and replenish the moisture so it can shine bright like a diamond.”

GUYS CAN GO WILD

For a few years, mens’ hairstyles have been all about the shorter sides with the longer top slicked into place with paste or pomade. This year, more and more men are choosing to let their natural hair texture shine: “For mens’ hair, I’m still seeing the ultragroomed fade with longer swept back top,” White says. “But to modernize it, let your natural texture go. Let the curls free.

To keep them in line, use a light pomade, wax, or cream. Bumble and Bumble Grooming Cream or Brillantine would work fabulously.”

And it’s not just women who’ll be sporting 70s style in the spring. Those far-out looks are back for men, as well.

“For the men, the 70s are going strong,” White says. “Grow your locks out, maybe with a little bit of face scruff, and if you are feeling fine, add a pair of aviators into the mix.”

And while you’re getting ready to rock your retro hair, it wouldn’t hurt to throw on some ABBA and brush up on those disco moves.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Signature's Salon at 337-478-4433.

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Style & Beauty

Get Glowing!

AN ESTHETICIAN’S GUIDE TO STUNNING SPRING SKIN

by Emily Alford

At this point, we’ve seen the worst of winter, and it’s time to start looking ahead to warm spring sunshine and sun-soaked summer beach days. But all that time hanging around indoors during the winter months can wreak havoc on skin. Luckily, many skin problems can be solved with a day at the spa. Here are some tips for fresh-looking, summer-ready skin from Sasha Baldwin, esthetician at GlowDoc Med Spa.

Do away with dry winter skin

Itchy, flaky skin is pretty common during colder, drier winter months. It’s easy to hide dry winter skin under big sweaters and pants, but to get ready for spring skirts and swimsuits, you may need some exfoliation. And if your face is feeling a bit dried out after months of harsh artificial heat, a hydrafacial that cleanses, exfoliates, and then rehydrates with serums could be your best bet for getting a springtime glow.

“Spring is a great time to exfoliate the dead skin cells that have collected in the cold, dry winter months and replenish the moisture that’s been lost,” Baldwin says. “The hydrafacial is an excellent choice to replenish and infuse your skin with hydration and antioxidants. We love adding an O2 treatment, which will bathe the skin with additional nutrients, hydration, and antioxidants. We finish our treatments with our collagen-building

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

LED light, which will lock in amazing results. Clients leave with plumped, hydrated and radiant skin. Just what we all need for spring!”

Shape up

Tips for newcomers

If you’re curious about the spa but have never been, don’t worry about feeling like a fish out of water. Here are Baldwin’s best tips for those who have never treated themselves to a spa day:

Of course, every body is a beach body.

But if you’d like to tighten up a tad before swimsuit season gets into full swing, there are spa treatments that can help firm and smooth those parts we might otherwise edit out before posting beach pics to Instagram.

“Our ultrashape and velashape treatments are essential for those who want to be swim-suit ready in time for summer,” Baldwin says. “Our ultrashape treatment destroys fat, while velashape firms, tones and smooths stubborn cellulite. Because it takes two or three months to achieve optimal results, now is the time to start your treatment plan.”

“If you’re a first-time client, arrive five to ten minutes early to fill out new client forms and enjoy a cup of tea or glass of wine. Be prepared to tell your esthetician about your skin concerns as well as discussing your current skin care regimen.

Your esthetician can assess your skin and determine which service, treatment plan, and/or skin-care regimen will be best for you.”

Spring-ready skin is as close as your local spa. Get ready to get glowing!

For more information or to make an appointment, call 337-433-8988

There’s strength in our numbers.

We’re proud to be the region’s largest, independent musculoskeletal group. Our experienced specialists work together to provide our patients with the type of care they expect and deserve—personalized, attentive, respectful, and of the highest quality. And when it comes to technology, we’re bringing the latest advances to Southwest Louisiana so you won’t have to leave home to get the care you need.

Our team of doctors includes these specialties: orthopaedic surgery physical medicine and rehabilitation foot and ankle care/surgery primary care sports medicine

interventional pain management hand surgery neurosurgery

Whatever your musculoskeletal concern, we’ve got you covered from head to toe.

Lake Charles | Sulphur

CenterforOrtho.com

Mom Deserves a Facials • Hydrafacial MD • Massage & Body Services Salon Services • Spa Packages • Waxing We can customize a treatment plan or package designed specifically to meet all of your personal needs. Please visit our website to learn more, call us, or stop by for a tour of all we have to offer.

Gift Cards Available

5656 Nelson Rd. • Lake Charles • dermalogixspa.com • 477.1195 thriveswla.com

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Wining & Dining

Coffee Shops Galore IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Looking for a great cup of coffee? You’re in the right place. Louisianans love their morning cup, most having grown up on “coffee milk.”

Whether you like it black or loaded with cream, sugar, flavorings, and whipped cream on top, read on for places to satisfy your coffee cravings.

Most of these establishments are open for breakfast and lunch and offer some combination of pastries and baked goods, homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. So go there hungry!

The Bekery daily serves Early Bird Medium

and Columbian Dark Roast from locally-owned Acadian Coffee Roasters, a USDA Organic Certified Women-Owned Business. They rotate a third ‘specialty blend’ (Mardi Gras King Cake, French Vanilla, Chocolate Pecan Pie and Cinnamon Roll are customer favorites). They recently added Acadian Roasters Cold Brew, great for warm, muggy Southwest Louisiana days. Customers can choose from whole, 2%, or almond milk to blend with their cold brew.

206 W 11th St, Lake Charles

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Common Grounds Sit & Chill Coffee House in Moss Bluff offers a unique line-up of coffee

from Acadian Coffee Roasters. Varieties include an Asian coffee roasted to a medium level with notes of wine and spice.

A Central American dark roast coffee brings a smokiness to plum, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Their espresso is a special full-bodied four-bean blend with a slight fruitiness.

They also offer a cold brew that is a customer favorite.

4185 US-171, Moss Bluff

Downtown Grounds Coffee Shoppe

in DeRidder opened in 2017 and they’ve already been voted Best Local Coffee Shop in Beauregard & Vernon Parishes two years running! The owners also source their beans from Acadian Coffee Roasters – a unique branded blend.

They offer drip coffee and a made-on-site cold brew. Their espresso is made the old-fashioned way with an authentic Italian machine. In a hurry? Check out their drive-thru. The owners worked several years in Alaska, where drive-thru coffee shacks are common. So they knew their DeRidder shop would need that convenience. Want a pound of coffee to go? Get it in whole bean or ground to order.

310 W 1st St, DeRidder, La.

Organic Coffee

LAKE CHARLES COFFEE ROASTERS

Keeping it Fresh... Keeping it Local!

Call for Inquiries!

Wholesale & Retail • Roast to Order Private Labeling • Locally Owned & Operated Fund Raising • Organic/Fair Trade Certified

2908 Hodges Street • Lake Charles, LA • 337-433-1949 • www.acadiancoffee.com

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Java Joltz

in Jennings touts themselves as the freshest coffee in town! They source their coffee from Rêve Coffee Roasters and grind the beans immediately before serving, using pour-overs, V60, French Press, and slow cold brewing.

In addition to coffee, you’ll find lattes, frappes, iced coffees, Italian sodas, refreshers and more. Two private meeting rooms are available, perfect for book clubs, study groups, breakfast or lunch meetings, or just hanging out with friends.

115 E Shankland Ave, Jennings, La.

Chez Caffé

At a quality cup of coffee or espresso is the base of any of their handcrafted drinks with flavor combinations from their large selection of syrups. They source their coffee beans from two specialty coffee roasting facilities. Katz Coffee from Houston, Tx. is one of the largest boutique coffee roasting facilities in Houston area. They also brew Enduro Coffee from Fort Worth, Tx. With Enduro Coffee Roasters and a farm-to-table mindset, they offer a wide selection of retail and drip coffees from Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia, Papa New Guinea, and Ethiopia.

127 W College St, Lake Charles

Café du Bayou Bayou Rum/Louisiana Spirits

recently opened a coffee shop and café in a renovated rustic 1903 farmhouse situated on the property. They offer a wide variety of coffee drinks including, espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and more made with Louisiana’s beloved Community Coffee.

If you’re so inclined, they also make signature adult beverages with spirits from their own distillery. Try a Spiced Tea (Bayou Rum Spiced and sweet tea), a White Russian with Bayou Rum White, Gator Bite Coffee Liqueur, and half-n-half, or add a shot of Gator Bite Coffee Liqueur to a cup of coffee.

20909 Frontage Rd, Lacassine, LA

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RēCC Coffee, pronounced “reach”, was established in November of 2018 as a community relations-based, subscription coffee company. Their name comes from their primary goal – to “reach” people. They offer fresh, locally roasted, organic coffee beans through subscription plans that allow your coffee to be delivered to you. They source their coffee from five unique geographic regions; Guatemala, Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.

The community side of their business aims to reach the community, raise awareness to local needs and resources, and restore unity throughout the community.

RēCC Coffee is available online at recccoffee.com.

PJ’s Coffee

of New Orleans brings the savory taste and experience of New Orleans coffee to the world . . . and Lake Charles! Founded in 1978 as one of the original specialty coffee brands, PJ’s Coffee utilizes only the top 1% of Arabica beans, sourcing 14 origin coffees from Sumatra to Ethiopia, Colombia to Papua New Guinea. They are industry leaders in sourcing methods; from farm to cup.

3625 Nelson Rd, Lake Charles

Great Harvest Bread Co. proudly serves

coffee and espresso by Rêve Coffee Roasters out of Lafayette, La. Every coffee order is roasted fresh the day of or the day before ordering. Their brewed coffee is a single origin Costa Rican coffee and their espresso is specially blended for Great Harvest, using beans from Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Columbia for an extra smooth, never bitter drink. Staying true to the Great Harvest tradition of using natural ingredients, their coffee syrups and chocolate sauces use no artificial flavors or sweeteners. They offer a full line of coffee and espresso from cold brew to iced lattes and “seasonal” flavors year-round. Got a special request? Just ask! Great Harvest adds new and exciting flavors like their latest “Bee’s Knees” with lavender and honey or the popular “Cinnamon Roll” latte with white chocolate, brown sugar, and cinnamon. They’re more than just a bread company!

4112 Lake St #100 206 W 11th St, Lake Charles

Next up on the Lake Area coffee scene?

A CC’s Coffee House on the corner of Elliot and Country Club Rd is currently under construction. They are based in New Orleans and known for their wide variety of coffee house favorites and superior guest service.

Got a latte on your mind?

We are more than a bread company!

Come in and try our fresh roasted coffee from...

4112 Lake Street, Suite 100 – Lake Charles GREATHARVESTLAKECHARLESLA.COM

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Wining & Dining

COMMUNITY COFFEE'S 100

There’s nothing we Louisianans have in common more than our food and drink. Regardless of age, gender, or race, most all of us all love our crawfish, our boudin, our jambalaya, our gumbo, a good Sazerac, or a cold Abita Strawberry.

But there’s one staple we share more than any, and that’s a hot cup of Community Coffee in the morning.

One hundred years old this year, Community Coffee Company is now the largest family-owned coffee company in the United States and controls over half of the coffee market in Louisiana.

The business got its start in 1919 when the brand’s founder, Norman Saurage, commonly called “Cap”, started blending coffee in his general store in downtown Baton Rouge. These experimental blends were a huge hit with locals. Cap’s coffee became so popular that in 1923 coffee production was moved from his grocery stores to a dedicated facility in an old converted barn. With this increased capacity for coffee production, Saurage left his grocery business in 1924 to focus solely on coffee. Starting first in Louisiana, the company put its coffee in their signature red bags to stand out against other brands in retail

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TH

Anniversary

environments. Cap decided to name the company “Community Coffee” to recognize his neighbors, friends and family that supported him.

Growth continued to explode, and it wasn’t long before Community Coffee expanded across Southeast United States, becoming one of the five major coffee companies in the South. During the Great Depression, American families and businesses alike fell on hard times.

Though the other four southern coffee companies were technically competitors, it was imperative that they all work together to survive. That sense of community and cooperation within the industry helped build Community Coffee’s reputation, and the resulting company culture of “shared community values” is something the company credits with its long-term success.

Through the years, the company and the communities they serve have survived major storms, supply issues, competition from large national chains, workforce issues, and World War II. Yet they have grown from serving four states to 24 states, and they continue to grow.

by John O’Donnell

Though many things have changed, two factors remain constant at Community Coffee. The Community empire remains a family-run business, now to the fourth generation; and their signature red bags continue to draw people to their products on the shelf.

With 100 years of legacy behind them, Community Coffee works hard to give back some of the success they have enjoyed. Through a new campaign called #Community100, they are raising funds for non-profits, charities, and schools throughout the states they serve, adhering to what has always kept them going and growing: A sense of strong relationships with the people they serve, and fostering community in everything they do.

Happy Centennial Birthday, Community Coffee!

GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CRAWFISH DAILY AT LE BEAUCOUP BUFFET

/LAubergeLC

@LAubergeLC

@LAubergeLC

Must be 21 years of age or older. ©2019 Penn Gaming, Inc. All rights reserved.

GAMBLING PROBLEM? PLEASE CALL 800.522.4700.

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Wining & Dining

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COFFEE

by Andrea Mongler

Everyone knows someone who can’t make it without their daily coffee. Maybe it’s you, a loved one, a co-worker . . . or all of the above!

Not so long ago, that daily coffee-drinking habit tended to be viewed as a bad one, with more potential risks than benefits. We were told that coffee could affect our sleep, increase our heart rates and — worst of all — potentially cause cancer.

Fortunately for coffee drinkers, though, coffee’s reputation has improved a lot in recent years.

The idea that coffee might cause cancer has largely been disproven. In fact, newer studies have linked coffee drinking to a decreased risk of some types of cancer, particularly uterine and liver cancer.

Other studies have found that coffee drinking might be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke. If you recall, past research concluded that coffee consumption might be associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

But here’s the catch: Those studies mostly observed an increased risk in people who drink a lot of coffee — well more than four cups per day — and they didn’t take smoking into account. Smoking, of course, often accompanies coffee drinking, and it’s known to increase heart disease risk. In other words, there’s a good chance that if there is a link between high coffee intake and heart disease, it’s due to smoking

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

or another related factor, like lack of exercise.

In addition, moderate coffee consumption is associated with reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), by the way, defines “moderate consumption” as three to five cups per day with no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine total. (An average 8-ounce cup has about 95 milligrams of caffeine.)

So, what’s the takeaway? First, if you don’t drink coffee, there’s no reason to rush out and pick up the habit. Though research certainly indicates some health benefits, coffee is not some miracle drug that will protect you from all manner of diseases. And it can cause some bothersome side effects, like heartburn and frequent urination.

If you do enjoy your coffee though — and you do so in moderation — drink up! As a USDA advisory committee said in a report on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, “Moderate coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy dietary pattern, along with other healthful behaviors.”

It’s worth noting, though, that the agency also pointed out that many people don’t take their coffee black but instead add cream, milk, dairy substitutes or sugar. These items, of course, can add lots of unnecessary calories to your morning joe. So, yes, enjoy your coffee. But go easy on the add-ins.

$1.7 billion Payroll and benefits of

16,000 54 million

Source: Plant Manager Survey

jobs

$

Source: Plant Manager Survey

in property taxes

Source: The Calcasieu Parish School Board and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

Industry is Powering SWLA Local industries have a positive impact in Southwest Louisiana. The petrochemical industry brings good jobs, great benefits and security to thousands of residents in our region. Their tax dollars benefit our community through infrastructure, funding for our law enforcement agencies and schools as well as improvements to roads and parks to make our region better. They are among our most generous corporate citizens, volunteering thousands of hours for area organizations as well as giving millions in donations.

Area industries are producing opportunity right here at home.

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by Angie Kay Dilmore Photos by Shonda Manuel

Chairs . . . we generally take them for granted, but where would we be without them? We sit in chairs to eat; to visit with friends and family. We often sit in chairs to work. We sit in chairs to relax; to read. We travel while seated in cars, planes, trains, buses. We take care of ourselves while sitting in chairs at the offices of healthcare providers. We are entertained while seated in theaters, concert halls, and our own living rooms.

What would we do without chairs?

The word chair can also imply leadership, as in chairperson. Our annual Thirteen Thriving 30-Somethings contest features young dedicated leaders in our community; individuals who have achieved success in their profession and exhibited a commitment to community service that often defies a 24-hour day. If the chairs these people sit in could represent the positive impact our winners have made in their workplaces and neighborhoods, they would be very large chairs indeed, figuratively speaking.

Like the chairs we sit in every day, we need caring, compassionate, enthusiastic, high-achieving people in our communities. Read on to learn about how this year’s winners have strived to make a difference in their world.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Amber Ewing, 35 Director of Business Development, DeRouen Girola & Associates

Amber graduated from South Beauregard High School and McNeese State University with a B.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences/Concentration in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Initially, she considered a teaching profession – she enjoyed babysitting and many in her family were teachers.

But a stint as a substitute teacher changed her mind. “After that, I decided to stick to retail,” she says. She worked for several local businesses during college and after graduation – Party Time Store, Dress Barn, and Claire’s Boutique – working her way into management positions.

Retail gave Amber a foundation in customer service, which led to positions with Allstate Insurance and then banking, first at Capital One followed by First National Bank DeRidder. “At Capital One, I received tons of training for people management that would prove to be beneficial in my personal life and throughout my journey.”

In 2016, Amber joined Lofton Staffing & Security where she worked in Business Development and was quickly promoted to manager. Earlier this year, she joined the team at DeRouen Girola & Associates as Director of Business Development and also handles their marketing. “I love being able to get out in the community and tell friends and new colleagues about how Derouen Girola & Associates can be a life-changing experience.”

In 2014, Amber was introduced to Fusion Five. “I began networking and growing professionally because of the group of young people I was surrounded by and the events I attended. I feel strongly that I am where I am today because of my Fusion Five connections.”

Amber has served on several committees is now Fusion Five’s President. She is also a Chamber SWLA Board member and Ambassador. “I enjoy being plugged into the community.”

If you could sit at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

I would turn back the clocks and have a round table discussion with some of the most influential women in history. Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poor. Eleanor Roosevelt led the framework for human rights issues. Marie Curie was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize for her development of the x-ray. Diana, Princess of Wales was inspiring with her natural sympathy and humanitarian charity work. Rosa Parks became the leading figurehead and spokesperson for equality and the promotion of civil rights. Women like these made the noise, overcame hardships, blazed trails, and showed us that being a strong woman is beautiful.

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Morgan Turpin, 30 College of Business Internship Director, McNeese State University Morgan completed her undergraduate double degree in Marketing and Management and earned an MBA at McNeese State University. She is proud to serve her alma mater as Internship Director in the College of Business. “In my role, I help connect students with internship opportunities, so they may obtain practical experience in their chosen field,” she says. “I am also a faculty member teaching Marketing Principles. My role includes fostering student engagement and outreach to the business community.”

Morgan’s first job after finishing graduate school was at the SWLA Economic Development Alliance.

“The Alliance taught me the impact that a group of people can make with a collective mission and voice. The organization instilled in me the importance of being engaged in your community and the difference you can make through active involvement and volunteerism. My primary role at the Alliance was economic development which consisted of research, fundraising, and coordinating the Leadership SWLA Program. While there, I was also a visiting lecturer in the Burton College of Education at McNeese for the course Office Systems and Business Communications 105. This experience helped me stay connected to my university and revealed how much I enjoyed teaching and working with McNeese students. As a former student, I know that the faculty and staff at McNeese changed my life for the better and I am proud to pay it forward.”

Morgan says she loves Southwest Louisiana and feels a deep sense of civic responsibility to her community. Her volunteer activities include serving as 1st Vice President of the Arts & Humanities Council Executive Board, the Board and Events Committee of Fusion Five Young Professionals Organization, CHRISTUS Ochsner LiveWell Advisory Council, Chamber SWLA Quality of Life Task Force, Chamber SWLA Women's Business Network Advisory Group, and Chamber SWLA Education and Workforce Committee.

“Volunteering gives me purpose and I have gained many meaningful friendships through working toward a common goal. I believe that if everyone pitches in, we can build an even greater SWLA.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

My favorite seat in the world is always next to my husband, Lonnie Turpin. He is the light of my life and brings joy to every day. I feel very lucky to experience life’s adventures with him.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Crystal M. Briscoe, 38 Corporate Affairs Advisor, Sasol

Crystal Briscoe attended Barbe High School and McNeese State University, where she had an internship at Sasol and earned a B.S. in Liberal Arts.

Her past employment includes roles as Morning Show Co-Host with KZWA Vibe 104.9 Radio Station, Promotions Director with KVHP FOX29 TV, Promotions/Marketing Coordinator with Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, and Public Relations and Communications Manager at L'Auberge Casino Resort. “Over the course of my career, I worked for great companies that allowed me to dibble and dabble in areas outside of my job scope. Through those types of opportunities, I tested the waters and found my sweet spot in community relations focused on corporate social investments.”

Now as Corporate Affairs Advisor for Sasol, Crystal feels confident in her career. “I will always continue to learn and grow in my field, but after putting in some years, I have a greater sense of confidence about my job, responsibilities, and expectations.”

Growing up, Crystal watched her mother volunteer with organizations and she began tagging along. When she was in high school, she worked in the guidance counselor's office and volunteered with the Red Cross teaching toddlers how to swim.

She has carried this early foundation of serving into adulthood and says volunteering is a part of her life. “It’s who I am,” she adds. “Sometimes I feel I don't contribute enough to community organizations, but then I remind myself to do what I can no matter how small the task and hope my children will be community-minded, too.”

Crystal’s long list of volunteer efforts include CHRISTUS LiveWell Women’s Network Advisory Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Oasis a Safe Haven Board Member, SWLA AIDS Council Board Member, Christian World, and a former member of the following: SWLA Economic Development Alliance’s Quality of Life Task Force, Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Foundation Board, Children’s Museum Board, Foreman Reynaud Community Center Board, Literacy Council Board, Fusion Five, and Ad & Press Club.

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

Oprah Winfrey. I'm in awe of her; she is an AfricanAmerican female powerhouse. A young girl with a rough start in life blossomed into a journalist, TV personality, philanthropist, and business mogul with her own network. Oprah accomplished all this and more while remaining true to herself, her goals, and faith. I would love to have a conversation and discuss her thoughts on being a successful business woman, self-care ideas, and ways she overcame adversity.

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Mind & Body

Dr. Donald "D.J." Higgins, 32 Family Physician/ Wound Care Specialist, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital/Memorial Medical Group. Medical Director/Harbor Hospice

Growing up, Donald had a huge interest in medicine and sciences and his parents encouraged him in these pursuits. After graduating from Barbe High, Donald attended LSU in Baton Rouge where he was blessed with opportunities that led him closer to medicine. “I gained some experience as an EKG tech in Lafayette, La. at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital while studying for my MCAT, then decided to step way outside of my comfort zone and travel to Grenada, West Indies to study at St. George's University School of Medicine,” he says. “Exposure to several cultures outside of my own have deeply enriched my life and my practice. After spending two years in the Caribbean for course work, and then two more in New Jersey for clinicals, I was again blessed to finish my training as a Family Medicine Physician here in Lake Charles through LSU-Health Sciences Center and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.”

Donald enjoys his profession and says he is privileged to help local people improve their lives.

“I try to treat each of my patients the way I would want my family to be cared for. I take a special interest in caring for minorities due to increased risk of several health issues and evidence of improved medical care and outcomes when directed by a culturally-similar physician. I am also able to "wear many hats" and stay flexible as a doctor – I practice primary care, wound care, and end-oflife care (still a very taboo subject in SWLA).

In addition to caring for his patients, Donald appreciates the continuing education required to be a healthcare provider. “Medicine is practiced and not mastered for a reason. It is simultaneously rewarding and humbling, and the knowledge is constantly evolving. I have also never been satisfied with a single subject, so it’s exciting to not know where my next venture may take me – both in medicine and in life.”

Donald’s community involvement includes sports medicine coverage for local high school football teams, the March for Babies fundraiser, NPHC Literary Extravaganza 2019, and he assisted with Hurricane Harvey Medical Relief.

If you could sit in someone else’s seat for a day, whose seat would that be and why?

U.S. Senator John Lewis: Civil Rights leader, U.S. Senator, and my fraternity brother – member of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc. He has and is still helping to shape American Civil Rights.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

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Melissa Hill, 34 Owner, Niche Creative Studio Melissa Hill says she’s been creative her whole life. She grew up sitting on the floor of her grandmother’s sewing room, watching her mother and grandmother work.

Though she loved sewing and crafting, Melissa never imagined it could be more than a hobby.

She graduated from LSU with a degree in Public Relations and has worked with non-profits such as the Big Buddy Program and CASA, a non-profit that advocates for children in foster care. “Organizing events and connecting with people was my passion, and I loved the opportunity to help build awareness for non-profit organizations,” she says.

During that time, Melissa married, had two children, and continued working her “real job.”

She’d stay up late sewing, hot gluing, and dreaming of owning a craft business one day. She started a side business with her mom that focused on making t-shirt quilts. She hosted Pinterest parties and taught sewing classes. “I discovered I really loved teaching others how to find their creative niche in sewing, painting, or crafting.”

In 2013, Melissa and her family moved to Lake Charles, where she connected with another nonprofit, the United Way of SWLA. That marketing position gave her insight into the SWLA community.

She felt a need to offer a creative outlet to people in the area. “After much prayer and long talks with my husband, I took a leap of faith and opened Niche Creative Studio. I believe everyone needs some form of creative outlet in their life.”

Melissa uses her creativity and her business to volunteer for organizations such as DeWanna’s Closet, Angel Gowns of SWLA, and the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk. She works with local Girl Scouts troops and schools to teach basic sewing skills and crafting techniques. “It’s inspiring to see a new generation discover the value of sewing and creating. Now more than ever our kids need an outlet to design and create, and I believe sewing and crafting can pave the way for the makers and engineers of the future.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

My favorite table to sit at is the one my family is around. As a family, we are very busy. Our quality time looks different than other families, and that’s okay.

Meals might happen sitting around the work table at my store or in seats at the ballpark. No matter the table, having my family with me makes it all worth it.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

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Charley Lemons, 39 Superintendent of the Cameron Parish School System

Charley attended McNeese State University and earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. His first job was as a special education teacher and coach at Kinder High School. After nine years, he became an assistant principal at Kinder High for three years, followed by three years as Kinder High principal, which led him to his current role in Cameron Parish.

Lemons went into the field of education because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. He loves his job because he enjoys the people he works with, whether teachers, students, or parents. “I have been very fortunate to have worked with many GREAT people along the way and those people, the ones who I worked for and the ones who worked for me, made it easy to be successful. The old saying of ‘If you want to be successful, surround yourself with good people’ is absolutely true. It truly takes a group effort from all individuals involved in the educational process, whether you are a student, parent, classroom teacher, or a superintendent, with common goals to achieve success. It’s really a team effort and that is what I like about it!”

Charley has moved through the ranks in the education system because it’s important to him to show his own children how to balance a successful career with everyday family life. “I want them to understand they can achieve whatever they want, especially with support from those around you.”

Charley’s community involvement includes years of volunteering as a coach for youth baseball, softball, and football. He’s volunteered with SWLA Special Olympics and served as Parish Director for Allen Parish. He is currently an active member of the Cameron Lions Club.

He says, “Community involvement shows your commitment to doing something that not only benefits you, but the community as a WHOLE.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

My wife and kids. I enjoy spending as much time as I can with them. They are all very active so it is tough at our house . . . sometimes we don’t know if we are coming or going; but that’s the joy of it. It keeps us on our toes and we manage it. We have some great people around us that support our careers and they are always willing to lend a helping hand with the kiddos.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Justin Holt, 36 Executive Vice President, Lakeside Bank

As a young boy, Justin worked at his grandfather’s gas station in DeRidder. “I believe Pawpaw thought he was teaching me how to change oil, fix flats, and wash cars, but in reality, he taught me the things I have used daily that have brought me to where I am today in my career,” says Justin. He graduated from DeRidder High and McNeese State University with a degree in Business Management. During his senior year, he embarked on what would become a stellar career in banking when he started a mortgage company out of his grandparent’s garage. The garage office led to a DeRidder storefront, which led to a position at First National Bank DeRidder (FNBD). “Hard work and long hours began to pay off early in my career as I expanded my knowledge and reputation as a young banker providing the best service and products to all of Southwest Louisiana.”

Justin had achieved significant success at that point, but knew continuing education was key to further advancement. He graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU in 2012. A year later, he was promoted to Chief Lending Officer of FNBD. In 2017, he was promoted to Regional President at FNBD and in the spring of 2018, he was hired as Executive Vice President of Lakeside Bank. Around that same time, he graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Wharton.

“Looking back at my first few years at McNeese, I would have never imagined I would be in the banking field. But I love the experience of helping others. I truly believe God has placed me where I am today for that reason. The reward of leading a team of amazing people and seeing their success is priceless to me.”

Justin has served as local Rotary Club president and currently serves as Rotary Club secretary.

He has co-chaired the DeRidder Delta Waterfowl Organization and coached Dixie Youth Baseball and Softball. Justin participated in the 2018 Real Men Wear Pink of SWLA and was recognized as one of the top 10 fundraisers in the area. He says, “SWLA is home. The ability for me to show my four children the importance of giving a helping hand to your neighbor is one of the main reasons I strive to give back to this community.”

If you could sit in someone else’s seat for a day, whose seat would that be and why?

My grandfather’s. The knowledge he has taught me over my life I’ll forever be grateful for, but what an experience it would be to see life through his eyes.

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Dr. Michelle Swift Corcoran, 37 Dentist

Michelle lives in Lake Charles with her husband Sean and three children – John Francis, age 4, Zizi, 3, and their recently adopted son Henry.

She attended Barbe High School, earned a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences at LSU, and then LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans in 2010.

Interestingly, Michelle had a fear of getting dental work done for many years. During her college years, she went to a dentist who offered a kinder, gentler, relatively pain-free dental visit.

Originally planning on attending medical school, this positive experience sparked her interest in dentistry. “I wanted to help others get over their dental phobias, not with heavy sedation, but with patience and empathy,” she says. “Since then, my mission is to make everyone's dental experiences as comfortable and relaxing as possible.”

Michelle is passionate about "whole-body dentistry” – also called Biological Dentistry. She uses the safest materials possible, such as BPA-free fillings and ozone gas. She can examine teeth above the gums with a special light instead of traditional x-rays if a patient is pregnant or chooses to limit their radiation exposure. “I'm passionate about staying on top of my game in dentistry and thoroughly enjoy when I can help someone realize that their dental visits are important to their overall health.”

Michelle has been President of local dental societies and served on the Louisiana Dental Services board. She’s on the board for the Children's Museum in Lake Charles. She volunteered at the Remote Area Medical Clinic at the Civic Center last year, providing free dental services for many in our community. “I feel my purpose here on this earth is to remain humble and serve the Lord. Being a dentist provides me this opportunity every day.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

Pope Francis. I admire his kindness and loving nature. He speaks his true heart and mind, even if some of his opinions are revolutionary to the Catholic church. I feel he is a great leader.”

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

CONGRATULATIONS! Dr. Michelle Corcoran on behalf of

SeanCorcoranLaw.com • Lake Charles • 337- 602- 6214

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John Viator, 31 Owner, Southern Bicycle Company (Lake Charles), Acadiana Bicycle Company (Lafayette), Southern Golf Cars (Westlake), and OAKE Properties John Viator attended Sulphur High and McNeese State University. He graduated with a B.S. in Advertising Design/Marketing. He self-admittedly had difficulty discovering what he wanted to be when he grew up. In high school, he worked at Subway; during college, Office Depot and a local bike shop. A year after graduation, he worked at Dashiell as a high voltage tester, Arthrex as a medical device sales rep, and briefly sold insurance for a local financial advisor. “I learned quickly after college that I wanted to work for myself and it all started at the bike shop,” he says.

John started cycling in college. As he became more involved in the sport, he worked at the bike shop to learn how to fix his own bikes.

“That decision turned out to be one of the best decisions for my career,” he says. Soon after he left the insurance business, the previous owner of the bike shop called John to say he’d be interested in selling the shop at some point. John jumped at the opportunity to once again work there.

He managed the bike shop for three years and purchased it in 2015. “Being self-employed gives me the freedom to know I will get back what I put in, even though there are uncertainties. I get to do something I truly enjoy every day.”

John says giving back to our community is important. “We live in a fast-paced world. I feel sometimes we lose touch with how short life is and why we are here. I want to do as much as I can to help anyone who truly deserves it. My wife, Lindsay, and I want to teach our daughters, Olivia and Kallie, compassion and not to judge a book by its cover.”

John has served on the Tour Lafitte board for several years and is currently president.

Through his shop, he sponsors many events and organizations. He and Doug Sherman participate in a program that refurbishes used bikes and returns them to the community. “I feel as a business owner, I have an obligation to help those in need, even if it’s just fixing their bike.”

If you could sit in someone else’s seat for a day, whose seat would that be and why?

Guy Raz, the host of my favorite podcast How I Built This. I’m obsessed with how successful entrepreneurs build their businesses and what happens along the way. I would love to sit across from great entrepreneurs and ask how they got to where they are now.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

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Mind & Body

Megan Norris, 37 Plant Manager, Entergy-Lake Charles Power Station

Megan’s first paying job was as a lifeguard at age 16. During high school, she was very athletic and later played soccer at McNeese State University, serving as team captain her sophomore year. She graduated in 2004 with an Engineering degree and again in 2012 with an MBA. “While earning my MBA at McNeese, I realized I had leadership capabilities that would benefit my company and found I truly enjoy the process of mentoring others and helping them find their own niche. I found I was better at my job, better at decision making and overall a better manager when that measure of success shifted from 100 percent task-driven to a more team concept of success.” Her degrees led her to various management and supervisory positions, first at Sasol and then Entergy – each one a step up the ladder that led to her current plant manager role.

As manager of a brand-new, still-underconstruction plant site, Megan has had the unique opportunity to hire staff and create a plant culture that is diverse and inclusive. “This plant culture is very different than what most people picture when they think about a majority white male industry. Changing the way these industry jobs and our culture is perceived is critical to ensuring we open the competition for these jobs to the most talented people regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual orientation.”

Megan was a founder of SWLA Pride. “I founded this organization in 2009 to help increase the acceptance of LGBTQ people in this area and help educate the general public on LGBT issues.” She participated in McNeese Lunch and Learn lectures on Women in Engineering and assembled a panel of three successful McNeese engineering graduates to discuss their career paths. And she’s been active in the CrossFit community for 10 years. Her mother was a middle school basketball coach, so she grew up in the gym. “Coaching is a hobby and a passion that translates into managing a power plant. Most of the volunteer work I do is personal in the ways I wish I would have had the type of acceptance and visible female/open role models and coaches.”

If you could sit in someone else’s seat for a day, whose seat would that be and why?

The president of the United States of America. I am always curious as to why someone aspires to be the president. I would like to understand the true stresses of that job and how much or how little power the president has to make meaningful change.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

A strong leader for a brighter future.

Entergy Louisiana congratulates Megan Norris on being named one of Thrive’s 13 Thriving 30-Somethings for 2019. As plant manager for our Lake Charles Power Station, Megan’s leadership has ensured the highest standards of operation while building a diverse and inclusive culture. She is also a mentor, a coach and, above all, a shining example of our community’s bright future.

A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC ©2019 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

14658-1 - Congratulations Megan Norris Print Ad_5.25x4.875.indd 1

3/18/19 3:30 PM

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Jenny Bono, 37 Chief Financial Officer, Jennings American Legion Hospital Jenny started college at McNeese State University with the goal of pursuing a career in physical therapy. During her first semester in college she worked a part time job at a hockey rink where she assisted in the office with the bookkeeping. This sparked a passion for business and accounting.

The following semester, Jenny changed her major to accounting. She interned at a local CPA firm and after graduation, accepted a position at a CPA firm where most of their clients were in the healthcare industry. This early introduction to healthcare shaped her career. “In my mid-20s, I led the finance team of a growing healthcare company, then went on to work for several Fortune 500 companies that provided valuable experience in leadership, business analytics, and strategic management.”

As CFO of a hospital, Jenny combines her interests for both accounting and community.

“I love that my passion for our community can come through by the strategic plans we implement. I have the opportunity now to work directly with our employees, patients, and medical providers in order to find new ways of providing the best care and valuable jobs to the community. This keeps me excited about the future in an ever-changing industry.”

Jenny’s love of community is evident by her list of volunteer endeavors. She’s a past Board Member for Susan G. Komen- Acadiana and SWLA affiliate and a current Board Member for Fusion Five - co chair of the membership committee and co-treasurer. She’s volunteered for various local walks to fundraise for non-profit organizations and participated in the Susan G. Komen Big Wig fundraiser in 2016 where she was named the SWLA "Big Wig" for raising the highest donations. Jenny has volunteered at various school functions and class events for both her sons. She attributes her commitment to community to her small-town upbringing.

“My father was in public service as a Police Juror after Hurricane Rita to assist in the rebuilding of his hometown of Cameron. This inspired me to become more involved. I feel it's important to find your passion and give back to your community.

We all have something to provide and with each of our efforts we can build a stronger community.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

Ellen DeGeneres, a Louisiana native who is known for her generosity and commitment to her community after the devasting floods in New Orleans. Who wouldn’t also enjoy a laugh or two?

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Brittany Manuel, 31 Program Coordinator, Second Harvest Food Bank

Born and raised in Opelousas, La., Brittany exhibited a strong work ethic from a young age.

She tutored elementary school students and was a softball umpire during summers. Later, she worked at a local grocery store and McDonalds. During college at Northwestern State University, she worked with the Boys and Girls Club. Senior year, she interned at the Opelousas City Court House as a probation officer while working part time at Sears.

After graduation with a B.S. in Criminal Justice, she worked at the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). After over four years there, she was hired at Unitech Training Academy as the Placement Coordinator. “I assisted the students with completing resumes, mock interviews, and I networked in the community to locate jobs for the students once they finished their coursework,” Brittany says. A year later, she was hired by Second Harvest Food Bank as the Program Coordinator over six parishes. “My job at Second Harvest has been so vital to me. I help the community feed the less fortunate and the homeless population. I love giving back and having this job is definitely allowing me to fulfill my passion.” In May 2017, she obtained a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from McNeese State University and plans to pursue a doctorate.

Brittany founded the nonprofit Mothers in Action Lake Charles to empower and motivate mothers by providing significant and relevant information through resources, education, and support. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The National Association of University Women. She volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters and was named the 2018 Community Big Sister of the Year. She is Vice-President of PTO at T. S. Cooley Magnet School. Add Abraham’s Tent, Adopt-a-Spot, Catholic Charities, and Open Door (to mentor incarcerated women) and you’ve got one busy woman! “Giving back to my community is my passion. There is satisfaction in knowing I can make an impact in someone’s life. I often include my son, so he will grow to learn life lessons as well as continue to serve in the community. Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

My father, Donald Clayton Bouyer, Jr. He passed when I was only eight months old. Everyone who knew him speaks so highly of him. If only I could see for myself what a great man he was. And to know what the saying “daddy’s little girl” feels like.

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Chef Michael Elliott , 37 Property Executive Chef, Golden Nugget Lake Charles Michael Elliott has always loved food. As a teenager, he would often host small dinners with friends and family. After graduating from Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh PA., he worked for various hotels and casinos in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. He moved to Lake Charles in 2015 to join the Golden Nugget Lake Charles (GNLC) culinary leadership team as Executive Chef. He enjoys his work, as it affords opportunities to influence both his fellow team members as well as the customers. “I truly enjoy the ability to have an impact on the future of my team members through training, growth, and onsite educational opportunities,” he says. “And customer service is a GNLC Core Value that all culinarians must have to ensure our guests are pleased and happy each time they visit our establishments.”

In the community, Michael volunteered to feed the National Guard in Orange, TX after Hurricane Harvey. He meets with school groups such as Chefs for College Street Prep, Sam Houston High School, Sulphur High School, and OLQHS onsite at GNLC, giving students a full tour, complete Q/A, hands-on demonstrations, and lunch. He has served as a volunteer judge for various culinary contests including Cookie Decorating with the Southwest Louisiana PROs and the GNLC Iron Chef.

He judged the annual OLQHS Recipe Contest, which results in the winner having his or her recipe featured in The Buffet at GNLC. He’s partnered with CARC, Southwest Louisiana Independent Center (SLIC), Goodwill, and United Way to provide employment opportunities for those with special needs. Michael has also partnered with SOWELA and is a certified instructor. He supervises about a dozen incarcerated Work Force Team Members and another seven full time GNLC employees who will graduate soon with their culinary degrees.

Michael gives back to the community because he was also given a chance years ago with his first few jobs. “I was young but eager and really wanted to be in the kitchen even though I had no experience.

It’s important to give people a fair opportunity to achieve their own success stories. Never forget where you came from, how you got to your current role, and where you see yourself in five years.”

If you could have a seat at any table in the world, who would you sit next to and why?

Michael Symon! I have dined at a few of his restaurants and love his creative style, drive for perfection, and charismatic persona.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

ULATION T A R G N S CO MICHAEL ELLIOTT ON BEING NAMED A

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Places & Faces

Helping Hands at Harbour House

by Lauren Atterbery Cesar

Junior League of Lake Charles’s Provisional Class helps to update the Harbour House facility In the words of Nelson Mandela, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” In keeping with the sentiment, the ladies of the current Junior League of Lake Charles’s Provisional Class have decided to focus their efforts on helping to update the facility of Harbour House, an 18-bed licensed residential facility for children ages 10 to 17 years old who need emergency shelter services because they are runaway or homeless youth, status offenders, or other community youth in need of a safe place. The Junior League of Lake Charles Provisional ladies in conjunction with the Harbour House staff hope to create a homier environment in which these children can thrive.

our money and time. It turns out the rest of the Provisional Class felt the same way. We hope that providing these children with updated bedrooms will bring smiles to their faces and make it feel like their own space, not just a room.”

This year, each Provisional meeting was held at a Junior League of Lake Charles Legacy office or facility. After their visit to Harbour House, the Provisional class ladies were deeply moved by the work being done with the youth of our community through Harbour House, and they wanted to serve them in some way.

Their ultimate hope is that the youth who find themselves at Harbour House will see the work that the League ladies and the employees at Harbour House have put into their facility and know that their community cares about them and will do their best to create a warm, nurturing environment in which these children can thrive.

They decided that raising funds and assisting in planning to help Harbour House welcome the children they serve by updating some of the physical attributes of the facility was how they could help achieve the mission of the Junior League of Lake Charles, which focuses on seeking out community needs and finding ways to meet them.

Habour House is one of the services of Educational and Treatment Council, or ETC. In addition, ETC also offers a Transitional Living Program, Functional Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention Services, Drug Court Treatment Services as well as Camp New Directions.

Provisional member Kristin McMahan says, “The first time we visited Harbour House, I knew that was where I wanted to put

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Toni Canon, Provisional Class Leader, explains, “Though we have not necessarily worked directly with the youth, the employees and facilitators at Harbour House are extremely gracious, openminded, and easy to work with. They are always so appreciative of any and every idea that we have, and it is so humbling to see how much they care about their service to our community's youth. “

For more information about ETC, call (337) 433-1062 or visit etcyouth.org.

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Places & Faces

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana...

Who’s News? You tell us! Send press releases to edit@thriveswla.com

Lakeside Promotes New Assistant Loan Operations Manager

Melissa Miller

First Federal Bank Announces Circle of Excellence SWLA Recipients

Melissa Miller, former Loan Processor with Lakeside Bank, has been promoted to new banking officer and Assistant Loan Operations Manager.

Millers brings 32 years of experience in the banking and financial industry to her new position. Before joining Lakeside Bank in 2018, she served in financial positions with several other local banks and businesses. Her work experience includes serving as an underwriter and loan estimate processor, legal secretary, real estate process and closer, loan operations manager, operations specialist, document review officer, consumer real estate, branch manager, loan processor and assistant branch manager.

Nicole Croker

John Fazende

Penny Rajewski

Troy Rideaux

Lakeside Announces New Westlake Branch Manager Bell

Contessa Bell

Bell brings nearly 12 years of experience in the banking and financial industry to her new position. Before joining Lakeside Bank, she served in positions with Assurance Financial and MidSouth Bank as Mortgage Loan Originator, Banking Center Manager, Assistant Manager and Universal Banker.

For more information, visit www. lakesidebanking.com or call (337) 502-4144.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

• Nicole Croker, Quality Control Specialist, Main Office, Lake Charles • John Fazende, Systems Engineer, Main Office, Lake Charles • Penny Rajewski, Loan Processor, Main Office, Lake Charles • Troy Rideaux, Runner/Mail Clerk, Main Office, Lake Charles • Laci Roger, Universal Banker II, Vinton Branch • Haylee Shuff, HR Generalist, Main Office, Lake Charles Imperial Health’s Jacobson Awarded SHRM-CP Certification

For more information, visit www. lakesidebanking.com or call (337) 502-4144.

Contessa Bell joins Lakeside Bank as new banking officer and Westlake branch manager.

Circle of Excellence Award Recipients in Southwest Louisiana include:

Laci Roger

Haylee Shuff

The Board of Directors of First Federal Bank of Louisiana is proud to announce the Southwest Louisiana Class of 2018 for the Bank’s prestigious Circle of Excellence Awards.

The annual award program recognizes and showcases First Federal Bank employees who go above and beyond in every aspect of their employment at the Bank.

Visit www.ffbla.bank to learn more. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

Brydon Jacobson, SHRM-CP, human resources coordinator of Imperial Health, the largest multi-specialty physician group in Brydon Jacobson Southwest Louisiana, has earned the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.

This certification signifies that Jacobson possesses the behavioral competencies and technical knowledge needed for effective job performance in his human resources role.

The SHRM certification examination assessed Jacobson’s HR expertise in four HR knowledge domains: people, organization, workplace and strategy.

Additionally, Jacobson completed eight behavioral competencies in situational judgment certifying that he not only mastered technical HR knowledge, but also the ability to effectively apply that knowledge in the workplace.

Jacobson is from Lake Charles and has worked at Imperial Health since 2017.

Clemons Elected to Board of Governors with Louisiana State Bar Association

Todd S. Clemons

Lake Charles Attorney Todd S. Clemons was recently elected to a three-year term with the Louisiana State Bar Association Board of Governors; the body charged with fiscal responsibility and administrative tasks of the Association.

Clemons is currently serving his second term with the Judicial Council of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He is also a member of the Sowela Foundation Board of Directors, and the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions/Bar Examiner. He has served as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, a Judge Pro Tem on the 14th Judicial District Court as well as an assistant district attorney for Calcasieu Parish. Clemons received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and graduated magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center.

He founded Todd Clemons and Associates in 2007. The firm’s primary areas of practice are criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury and family law.

For more information, call (337) 477-0000 or visit www. toddclemons.com.

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Home & Family

Real Estate Guide Purchasing a home is expensive and often stressful, yet 75% of Americans say buying a home is a priority, according to a December 2017 NerdWallet survey. In Lake Charles, homeownership is slightly over 50%. If you’re looking to buy or sell your home, you’ll find valuable information in our special Real Estate Guide. Look for answers to your questions on the current housing market, the benefits of using a real estate agent, the importance of staging a home for sale, and tips for first-time home buyers. Let these real estate experts help you navigate the challenging waters of home buying and selling.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

It's a buyer's market across the U.S. right now. There's more supply than demand, and listed properties are staying on the market longer; but how is the housing market in Southwest Louisiana? Is SWLA in step with these national trends?

Well, yes and no...

The State of the Housing Market in Southwest Louisiana

by Gena Latrell

Nationally, home prices and mortgage interest rates are somewhat low but on the rise. According to bankrate.com, on average, a 30-year fixed mortgage comes with an interest rate of 4.49%. In Louisiana, the average rate of a 30-year fixed mortgage is 4.37%. Home prices across the state are relatively stable, making Louisiana a lukewarm market with not a lot of activity, according to zillow.com.

Locally, the Lake Charles-Sulphur area seems to be similar to the rest of the country – with a few exceptions. Parts of Southwest Louisiana have been labeled by zillow.com as buyer's markets while some areas have been declared very active seller's markets. This is based on three factors: the sale-to-list price ratio, price cuts on home listings, and time on the market.

Tommy Eastman of Flavin Realty says these and other factors affect market activity, but signs point to this area being a buyer's market overall. "In Southwest Louisiana, [market activity] depends on the price range that you are buying in," said Eastman.

"However, our area has about five and a half months of inventory. This is good for buyers because there is enough inventory that sellers have to price their home right to get it sold."

Stable and reasonably-priced homes should be a win for buyers and sellers, but increasing mortgage rates cause hesitation for some potential buyers. Yet Eastman encourages buying now. "We tell all of our clients that this is the time to buy," said Eastman. "With the rising interest rates and the fact that we do have a market where there is a healthy amount of inventory, a buyer can get a great interest rate and a nice deal on a home."

A 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the Lake Charles-Sulphur area ranges from 4.32 to 5.11% and is expected to increase. There is also a slower selling rate in the area; another sign of a buyer's market. "Last year at this time, the average days on market was 84 days; now, we are just above 100 days," said Eastman, "but length of time on the market depends on the property and its location, condition, and price."

Buyer's market or seller's? Cold market or hot? Southwest Louisiana is mostly on-trend with the nation; it is currently a market that benefits the buyer. So if you're looking to buy (or sell), this may be the ideal time to lock in a lower interest rate and finalize that purchase.

For more information, call Flavin Realty at 337-478-8530.

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Home & Family

What to Expect from your Realtor®

by Kristy Como Armand

DECIDING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME IS A BIG DECISION, BUT AN EVEN BIGGER ONE MAY BE CHOOSING YOUR REALTOR. "Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime," says Kim Granger, agent/Realtor® with CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty.

"When you stop to think about the importance of this decision and look at how huge it is on a scale of major life events, it just makes sense to use the services of a professional real estate agent when it comes to buying or selling a home."

If you're buying, Granger says the services of a Realtor® can be invaluable in helping locate the property that's right for you and your budget. If you're selling, she says a Realtor® can be a huge asset to help you sell your home in the least amount of time for the best possible price.

While you can attempt to sell your home on your own, real estate industry statistics show that a huge percentage of FSBO (for sale by owner) homes -- about 80 % -- do not get sold by their owners and ultimately are passed on to a real estate agent.

"The resulting delay can lead to missed opportunities and higher costs in the long run," Granger says. "Homes sold by their owners typically get lower prices than homes sold through realty firms. That's because real estate agents are trained to know the market and how to price your home for sale, as well as negotiate the best price."

When you enter into a contract with an agent, you have the security of knowing that your agent is legally representing you and acting in your best interest throughout the property transaction. Additionally, choosing to work with a real estate agent who's a Realtor® can give you added peace of mind. Realtors® are more than licensed real estate practitioners; they subscribe to a Code of Ethics and pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to both buyers and sellers.

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Real estate agents do charge a commission for their services, which is what can make some people hesitant to use one.

This commission is paid by the home seller, unless otherwise negotiated. “All professionals, who have spent years learning their field, are paid for their services,” explains Granger. “That is what you are paying for – their expertise in their field. Real estate agents are committed to making sure that our clients get the most value for their services. Ultimately, our goal is to help clients save time and money while helping them sell or buy a home.”

Granger says there are certain things you can expect to receive when you work with a qualified, experienced Realtor®:

Determining your Buying Power.

What can you afford to buy? Your agent can help you evaluate your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity, and even refer you to the best type of lender for your specific financial situation.

Guidance Through the Closing Process.

This is a complicated process and overlooking a vital detail can bring the process to a halt or result in future problems.

Resources to Assist with Home Search.

Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market.

It will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties. Realtors have access to a variety of informational resources and can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and other details that matter to you.

Granger says another important point to remember is that working with a Realtor® can take a great deal of the stress out of buying or selling a home. “This should be a fun and exciting event in your life, but without expert help, it can quickly become stressful and even take over your life. And remember, realtors come with a guarantee. If your home doesn’t sell, even after all of our efforts, we won’t get paid. There aren’t too many businesses that can offer this level of assurance that you will get your money’s worth.”

Market Knowledge.

Your agent can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold quickly, at the best price with minimum hassle.

For more information about using a Realtor®, call CENTURY 21 Bessette at (337) 474-2185.

Marketing of Your Property.

Your agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will enhance the salability of your property. In addition, your agent will know when, where and how to advertise your property, and they will share information about your listing with other agents.

Negotiation.

There are countless negotiating factors involved in real estate transaction, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Due Diligence Regarding Property Evaluation and other Legal Documents, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do these investigations and can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date. They have the expertise to help you evaluate offers and sift through the technical jargon often contained in appraisals and financing paperwork involved in buying or selling a home. Your agent can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to be accepted.

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Home & Family

Would you like to sell your home faster . . . for more money? Consider staging.

A sofa here and a rug there can make a big difference in how long your property stays on the market. Discover the benefits and rules of this approach to help you get your home sold.

to STAGE . . . or not to STAGE

by Gena Latrell

What is staging? It is the process of furnishing and decorating your home – while it's on the market – to define rooms and enhance its overall look. You can hire a professional staging company or take on the process yourself by leasing furniture or using some of your own. There are different routes to take if you choose to stage your property, but the goal is the same: a sold sign by the curb.

Staging has its benefits. Among them are a quicker sale and more cash in your pocket. According to realtor.com, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than nonstaged homes. Staging will also cost you. If you choose to hire a professional staging company, you may pay up to $600 a month per room – with a possible additional fee for the initial consultation.

Nikki Pruitt of Nikki P’s Realty says professional staging is desirable but may not be doable for those selling their homes.

"Budgets are tough," said Pruitt. "Most people selling their homes don't have the means to pay a huge upfront fee plus monthly fees for staging."

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Pruitt says she and the home sellers she represents choose a more cost-effective way of staging. "We use their belongings.

Most of my clients are homeowners so their homes are furnished. So, we declutter and sometimes use feng shui principles to stage their properties. It's all about having a good energy and good feel in the home."

There are some general rules to follow when staging. One of the first rules is to stay neutral. This allows prospective buyers to see the room and imagine themselves in it, and not be distracted by a bold design. A second rule is that it's not necessary to stage the whole home. Decorating only the living room and one bedroom could be enough to garner interest.

A third rule is to remember that staging starts outside. Curb appeal is important. Fresh landscaping and a rocking chair on the porch could help those contemplating purchasing your place decide whether to venture inside the home.

Furniture and a couple of pieces of artwork can go a long way to persuade a potential buyer. Statistics back up the benefits of staging, and if it increases the possible price, why not stage your home? It may just get you closer to that anticipated sale.

Pruitt's tips for staging include: - Cleaning your home thoroughly inside and out - Making sure you have open windows to bring in natural light - Include nature through use of

"We try to make the place open, light and clean, using the homeowner's furnishings," she said. "This saves time and money, which is better for everyone involved."

For more information, call Nikki P's Realty at (337)-302-7994.

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Home & Family

FIRST STEPS for First-Time Homebuyers

by Haley Tarasiewicz

Home ownership has long been held up as the cornerstone of the American dream. But how do you know if you are ready to make the dream a reality?

“Do your homework - literally,” says Laurie Bonsall, mortgage loan officer with Lakeside Bank’s Mortgage Services. “When you think you are ready to get serious about buying a home, there are a number of things you need to consider to determine if you are actually ready, and to make sure the mortgage process is as hurdle-free as possible.”

Bonsall says the first and most important step on the road to home ownership is to get your financial house in order, including organizing your income and tax records, and checking your credit report. Some lenders may require more information, but this is typically the minimum. The American Bankers Association recommends that potential homebuyers obtain their credit score at least six months before a mortgage application. “This gives you enough time to dispute any errors or resolve any outstanding debts that could affect your loan application,” she adds.

Next, Bonsall says you should choose your lender before you even start looking at homes and take the time to get pre-approved for a loan. “This decision is just as important as choosing your real estate agent. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your lender and counting on them to be with you through this entire process. You want someone who understands you and your situation, and with whom you communicate well.”

The pre-approval process can save you time and disappointment during your home search. “For most people, a lot of time is invested before an offer is ever made on a home. Imagine how frustrating it would be to spend weeks searching for a home, only to learn that you don’t qualify for the loan to buy it,” says Bonsall. “It’s helpful to know, up front and with certainty, how much you can borrow for your home in order to know what you can afford.”

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Once you get your pre-approved loan amount, Bonsall says the single most important thing she can recommend for potential home buyers is to shop in the middle of the range you were given. “If you shop at the top of the range, you may find a home you can buy, but odds are you’ll be stretching your budget to the limit. Remember, a new home comes with other new expenses besides a mortgage. You have to include insurance, taxes and all the things you are going to want and need to buy for your home in your calculations. You don’t want to get into a situation you’re overextending yourself just as your mortgage payments are beginning.”

When it comes to loans, it’s also vital that you scout your options. “That’s another reason working with a trusted lender who knows the local market is so important,” says Bonsall. “There are some really affordable loan options available for first-time homebuyers. At Lakeside, we work to customize a loan to put the least amount of stress on the home buyers and set them up for longterm financial success.”

Once you’ve completed all this homework, it’s finally time for the fun part. “Get out there and find a house you love and become a homeowner!” says Bonsall.

For more information about mortgage options for first-time homebuyers, call Lakeside Mortgage Services at (337) 474-3766. Lakeside is a member of FDIC and is an equal opportunity lender.

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company grow. Whatever your banking needs, call one of our business bankers. We’ll even come to you.

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Home & Family

Home Improvement Handbook MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME

After you purchase a home, or maybe years later when you want to change things up a bit, you want to decorate with all the small (or big!) touches that make your home uniquely yours.

If you need some help in determining what exactly your home décor style looks like, read our special section Home Improvement Handbook and make your house a home you love living in. From lighting and fixtures to pools and landscaping, you are certain to be inspired.

Call us today to schedule your FREE IN-HOME consultation!

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra. Custom blinds, shutters, shades, drapes or bedding, we can meet your needs and stay within your budget.”

Locally owned and operated by Tom & Phyllis White (337) 436-2323 | 1721A W. Sale Road, Lake Charles LA

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

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Home & Family

Home Style Trends How we furnish our homes says a lot about our personalities. Some people prefer a minimalistic, sleek style, while others opt for bright colors and designs. Some keep décor traditional, while others prefer contemporary and edgy.

Whatever your personal style, it’s interesting to follow the trends. Read on and be inspired to spruce up your own home furnishings!

LIGHTING

One current style in lighting takes a cue from the country farmhouse. “Dark bronze, black, or rustic finishes made to look worn or antiqued are very popular,” says Erin Howle at Joseph’s Electrical Center in Lake Charles. Gold is also popular, but “this isn't your mother’s or your grandmother’s gold,” Erin adds.

The golds of today are more muted, ranging from champagne tones to darker, aged brass colors and are found in a variety of styles.

Locally, Howle commented that SWLA consumers tend to lean toward the more traditional styles, but as the area grows, the company has seen more interest in modern styles, with a wider range of tastes than in years past.

Other trends nationwide include:

Exposed cords in styles like pendant lamps designed to leave cords visible, giving a composed but relaxed feel to a room.

Matte finishes are preferred over shiny metallics and are perfect to pull together a modern look.

Reclaimed materials like unfinished metal or repurposed wood are becoming more popular, especially in rustic or farmhouse styles.

Larger fixtures are another trend — think oversized, sculptural shades and bolder lines.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

FLOORING

What we put on our floors makes a huge impact on the atmosphere of our home.

Vinyl flooring serves as a durable, easy-to-clean, budget-friendly option in several varieties such as luxury vinyl tile. “LVT is overwhelming the market right now,” said Kenny Fusilier at Kenny Fusilier & Co. Flooring. Though carpet still sells, it’s losing ground to LVT. This material mimics high-end options like hardwoods or marble but costs much less and has less upkeep. It’s a great alternative for families, pet owners, or for high-traffic areas in the home.

Character in wood flooring is also very popular, going hand-in-hand with the reclaimed wood trend. Choose flooring boards with knots, markings, and wire brushing to enhance the charm and give a more natural feel.

Eco-friendly options from sustainable and renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood top the charts this year.

Carpet manufacturers likewise are considering the environment in their manufacturing, with styles made with 100% post-consumer plastics.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Curtains, sheers, and blinds are both functional and beautiful. Budget Blinds, Lake Charles offers something to fit every style and need.

Natural shades made from renewable and natural resources are a great option for your home and the environment! This trend is available in a variety of colors and styles. Paired with a blackout curtain, woven wood shades are a perfect option for light control and style. Soft curtains bring a room to life with a well-paired design or a pop of color.

by Keaghan P. Wier

Dual shades integrate two layers of fabric that can be independently lowered and raised. This creates versatile light and privacy levels, making your home beautiful and energy efficient.

Cordless shades are made with new safety regulations in place for childproofing. Whether you have children to protect or you simply prefer a sleek silhouette, this is a great trend.

Solar shades make your home more energy efficient while also reducing glare and protecting your furnishings from UV rays, especially on patios and in sunrooms. Choose muted colors in grays, soft whites, neutrals, and soft blue tones.

COUNTERTOPS

Both in the kitchen and bathroom, countertops should be durable and lowmaintenance, while also contributing beauty to the room. Look for these trends: Veiny or patterned materials are growing in popularity, such as quartz made to mimic the natural character of marble or granite. These manmade pieces add texture to your room without the price tag of other stones. Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous and low maintenance, not requiring a sealant or frequent upkeep.

Neutral tones, such as soft grays, white, beige, greige (a beige-gray combination,) and other gentle neutrals are common requests for kitchen countertops. Pair with a more graphic or patterned backsplash.

BATHROOM & KITCHEN FIXTURES

In terms of colors, the biggest trends are brushed gold and matte black.

“Though most options available in black lean toward the modern look, I expect it will branch out into the traditional style soon,” said Katie Hooper at The Plumbing Warehouse in Lake Charles. Subtle gold tones are available in both traditional and modern styles.

In the kitchen, industrial styles continue to be popular. “Cafeteria style” faucets are trendy. Farmhouse and apron-front sinks are also popular, in white, stainless steel, copper, and cast iron.

For the bathroom, freestanding or garden tubs are all the rage – a streamlined approach from past decades when things like jets and full-body spray shower systems were common.

Exposed plumbing styles in showers are becoming more common, pairing industrial and sleek styles to create a striking look.

Whatever trends you choose to follow, the most important thing is that your home is your own. Choose colors, styles, and materials that make you happy and bring out the best in your space.

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Home & Family

Texas Furniture Trading Company Opens Downtown THE LONE STAR STATE COMES TO THE LAKE AREA

by Stefanie Powers, Photos by Andrew Dilmore

There are a lot of new and interesting things happening in downtown Lake Charles lately. Along with some exciting new music venues, an innovative furniture design store has popped up that is sure to get a lot of attention.

While his workshop (along with his farm and home) is in Bridge City, he decided to open his storefront in Lake Charles. “I chose Lake Charles because of the people,” he says.

“They’re very cool, laid-back, out-of-the-box thinkers.”

The Texas Furniture Trading Company is owned and operated by David Mitchell. This Bridge City, Texas native offers high quality urban and industrial-style furniture.

Mitchell specializes in custom design, but there is also furniture for sale in his store, all quite unique. “My clients prefer pieces that are hard to find.”

Mitchell’s dream began with his frustration over the poor quality of industrial dining tables and home décor seen in typical furniture stores.

If you’re interested in a custom piece, he will meet with you to get your ideas, then put together a design for your approval. He prides himself on the exceptional quality of his work, and your purchase will most certainly be a conversation piece in your home. “I like to push the envelope on quality and style,” he adds. “I personally like things a little edgy.”

“My background is in residential real estate,” he says. When he was furnishing a commercial building he owned, he wanted to create a place for people to enjoy themselves in a comfortable and unique environment. Mitchell soon realized that he had to step out of the box to find not only quality items, but unique pieces, as well. This ultimately motivated him to create them himself.

Since quality was so important to him, he decided to build what he wanted. He scoured the internet looking for ideas. Shortly after, he was in his shop, designing and building.

Mitchell admits he has no training. “I have ADD, that’s how I create this stuff!” he says, with a laugh. “I trained myself – hours upon hours and sleepless nights.”

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Speaking of edgy, take a look at his “live edge” countertops and tables, where Mitchell incorporates the natural edge of the wood into the design of the piece. It’s no wonder the company now ships all over, especially to the East Coast.

Under foot since 1988

“ Walk on our reputation�

What’s ahead for Texas Furniture Trading Company? “I enjoy my time at my farm in Bridge City, but I also love looking globally for new projects to build,� he says. “Eventually, I plan to franchise the operation.�

So, next time you’re downtown, visit Mitchell for the very latest in urban/industrial design. You may just come away with a conversation piece of your own.

Texas Furniture Trading Company, 706 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, (909) 964-2619. Check them out on Facebook or www. texasfurnituretradingcompany.com

(337) 478-6700

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to get your legs ready for warmer weather.

We offer comprehensive medical and cosmetic treatment services for peripheral vein disorders, including varicose and spider veins.

Our founder and medical director, Dr. Carl Fastabend, has over 30 years of experience in the cardiovascular field, and is the only full-time, comprehensive vein specialist in Louisiana. He provides minimally invasive, painless, outpatient treatment options that deliver excellent results in a short period of time.

If you’re experiencing visible spider or varicose veins, or other symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, itching or tiredness, call today to schedule your evaluation: (337) 312-VEIN.

711 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., Ste. 100 Lake Charles • 312-VEIN (8346)

veincenterofswla.com thriveswla.com

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Home & & Family Family Home

Take the Plunge!

POOL DAYS ARE COMING

We are fortunate to have early springs in Southwest Louisiana.

While some parts of the nation still struggle with winter weather conditions, our azaleas started blooming in March and everyone’s thoughts have turned to outdoor home improvements.

Because of our extended summers, swimming pools are a big deal in SWLA. Whether you already have one and want to upgrade, or you’re considering making this investment, there are a number of things you need to know.

Beth Frey is a Sales Specialist at Sabine Pools, Spas and Furniture, a Louisiana company that has been in business since 1975. She says homeowners today know what they want: highend materials and exquisite design for an outdoor live and play area that’s as well thought-out as their interior spaces.

“There is still a market for pre-fab vinyl or fiberglass pools that are just dug and set in the ground, but we find our clients really want to use larger spaces with topof-the-line hardscaping and gunite pools custom-designed for that space,” Frey says. Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. The method is preferable over a traditional poured concrete pool that requires a wooden framework to hold the shape of the basin. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last.

“Infinity edge pools and beach entry pools are extremely popular right now.

For each new design, we create custom, unique water features, like waterfalls, fountains, and spillovers to really bring out our homeowners’ personal design styles.”

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by Stefanie Powers

Frey says that saltwater pools are not necessarily more popular than chlorine. “It depends on the setting and environment around the pool,” she says. “When we come out to measure the backyard and start the design process, we discuss the options with our homeowners. There’s a misconception that pools are either chlorine or salt, when in fact, salt is simply being used as the chlorine source.”

When it comes to shape and size, it’s whatever works for your space and your home’s architectural and design style.

“That’s what’s so great about a custom gunite pool,” Frey adds.

“Whether it’s a large or small space; backyard, side yard or waterfront; sharp, modern edges, Roman or Grecian styles or freeform shapes; fun-play pool, lap pool, or architectural beauty pools, there’s really no limit to what we can do!”

There are also many ways to update your present pool. “You can modernize the hardscape area surrounding the pool, refresh or change your colors, update equipment and add automation,” Frey says. “Because we’ve been building pools since 1975, we certainly do our share of renovations – as well as build new pools for repeat customers as they move to new homes over the years.”

Frey says hot tubs and spas are also still popular. “You can either include a spa in the pool, incorporated within the design with its own heater for yearround use, or you can get a stand-alone hot tub, which is filled with a water hose and also stays hot and ready year-round.“ Sabine Pools, Spas and Furniture, 3213 Common St., Lake Charles 70601, (337) 433-1193, www.sabinepools.com. For more information, contact Beth Frey at BethF@SabinePools.com.

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Home & Family

Are you designing or redesigning your landscape?

It’s important for you to know there are two basic components to landscape design: hardscape and softscape.

What’s Your ‘Scape?

The difference between hardscape and softscape.

by Haley Tarasiewicz

Hardscape is the hard features in your yard, such as concrete, bricks and stone. These design elements are solid and unchanging as the seasons change.

“We implement hardscape designs by using these inanimate objects to create things like rocks, walkways, retaining walls, paver patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, decks and more to help your yard feel organized, structured, and tailored to the things you and your family enjoy about being outdoors,” says Richie Everage, landscape design consultant with Landscape Management.

Softscape is the soft, growing features in your landscape— bedding, flowers, shrubs and trees. These design elements are living and changing as they mature. Without enough plant life, explains Everage, landscaping can appear empty and/or erratic, without a design structure.

“While these elements are completely opposite of each other, they are both necessary to make a landscape design fully functional and complete,” says Everage. For example, if there is too much paving or mostly rocks, it can look like a parking lot; a yard that goes overboard with trees, flowers, and ornamental grasses without any structural elements could look like a jungle. Too much of one or the other in a front yard can compromise your home’s curb appeal, and an overabundance of either will fail to create a relaxing atmosphere in your private back yard.

“An ideal landscape is a balance of both hardscape and softscape design elements,” says Everage. “With smart planning, even the smallest yard can be well designed and incorporate areas of hardscape and softscape.”

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Landscape Management offers comprehensive landscape planning and implementation services, as well as a “we plan; you plant” option that provides landscape design consults for do-ityour-selfers. Their full-service retail yard is stocked with plants and hardscape supplies.

For more information call 337-478-3836 or visit www. landscapemanagement.org.

Spring is here, and it’s time to begin planning for your beautiful yard.

We can help. We’ll create a plan, help you choose the plants from our huge retail yard, lay out your beds and guide you as you create the yard of your dreams.

If you need custom design and installation, we can handle that too.

Spring

into Action!

Landscaping made simple.

5005 Cobra Road in Lake Charles (337) 478-3836 M-F: 7am – 4pm Sat: 8am – 2pm (Spring only)

landscapemanagement.org

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Home & Family

HAPPENINGS MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Chennault International Airshow Takes Off May 10-12 Get ready for speed, power, and thrills! That roar you’ll hear above Lake Charles will be an F-16 Viper jet, the Phillips 66 Aerostars and the Red Bull aerobatic team —and much more — as the familyfriendly Chennault International Airshow returns on Mother's Day weekend, May 10-12, at Chennault International Airport.

Other top attractions include a vintage Chennault-style P-40 fighter plane, a rare B-17 “Flying Fortress,” a Soviet MiG, a wing walker and Louisiana aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss. Plus: A jet-propelled fire truck and BMX superstar Terry Adams will scorch the runway. Young people can enjoy the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Kids' Zone as well as handson tech exhibits in the Sasol STEM Tent. Tickets are $24 at the gate or $20 via online advance sales.

For tickets or more info, visit chennaultairshow.com.

Iowa Arts & Crafts Fair St. Raphael’s Catholic Daughter Court #1377 will sponsor their first Spring Fling Arts and Craft Fair on April 13-14, at the I-10 Outlet Mall 62

in Iowa. Show hours are Saturday, 9am-7pm and Sunda, 11am-6pm.

Vendors seeking spaces are asked to visit Facebook @ Fall Fest Arts & Craft Fair for details and forms or contact (337)660-1404.

Cars for Christ Car Show The sixth annual “Cars for Christ” car show will be held on May 5 at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church in Lake Charles from 12:30-5pm. The proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the Plauche’ quintuplets education fund.The show is open to all vehicles, motorcycles and trucks. Pre-registration is $25 per vehicle and $30 the day of the show. The event is free to spectators and will include a bake sale as well as concessions.

For more information and car show visit www.facebook. com/CarsforChrist.

Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Festival The Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Festival, a new event coming to the Lake Charles area, will take place 19–20 from 3–11 pm at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

The two-night festival will consist of live music, food, dancing, family-friendly entertainment, fireworks, and hot air balloons!

Friday night will be a Faith & Family Night with local, regional, and national artists performing.

Saturday’s festivities will include a barbecue competition, VIP beer tasting, and more live music! Both nights of the festival conclude with a brilliant firework spectacle.

the workshop, the group plans a reception, open to the public, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on April 12 from 7-9pm. Members of Nancy Melton and Friends will also have paintings for sale with a percentage of sales benefitting a number of non-profit groups.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.

SWLAballoonfest.com.

For more information, visit www. gatewaychog.org.

The 2nd Annual Holden’s Hope Forever Race is scheduled for April 13 at Walnut Grove Development in Lake Charles. All proceeds benefit families in Southwest Louisiana as well as Louisiana NICU units. The mission of Holden’s Hope is to support families of children who have long medical stays in the NICU and families who are coping with miscarriages, stillbirths or the loss of an infant. This race is a special one as it is also a memory walk/run for families who have lost an infant or wish to honor the memory of a baby.

Watercolor Workshop Scheduled

For more information or to register, visit www.holdenshopeforever.org or www.runsignup.com.

Community Easter Egg Hunt Featured at Gateway Church of God Gateway Church of God will host an Easter Egg Hunt on April 13, from 10:30am-12pm. This event will offer children ages 2 years to 9 years old the chance to chase down those elusive Easter Eggs.

The event is free and open to the public.

On April 12, Nancy Melton and Friends will host a 4-day watercolor workshop led by Lian Quan Zhen, widely known watercolorist from California. At the close of

For more information, email artistnancymelton@gmail.com.

Holden’s Hope Forever 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk

$817,120

raised in 2018

for United Way of Southwest Louisiana Thanks to our employees at all four Westlake Chemical Lake Charles facilities.

Westlake Chemical Lake Charles was recognized during United Way’s annual luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 21 as the largest campaign of 2018.

Chris Tumey and Erika Carlisle, chairs, Westlake Chemical’s 2018 campaign; and Nathan Folse, campaign co-chair at Westlake Chemical Lake Charles South facility.

Lake Charles North

Special thanks to Lake Charles South IAM Local 470 for its dedication and support.

Lake Charles South

Lake Charles Polymers

Lake Charles Petrochemicals Complex thriveswla.com

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Mind & Body

Mind & Body

Silver Sneakers

Healthy Aging is Possible Thanks to Silver Sneakers

by Christine Fisher , Photos by Shonda Manuel

Feeling vibrant and energetic, having good flexibility and balance, and preventing or decreasing aches and pains – these are high on the wish list for most people. “Aging well is part genetics, yes, but people would be surprised to learn that a person’s degree of health and vitality largely depends on their habits,” says Adele Stewart, nationally certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer with Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

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offered. These classes provide variety while focusing on the important movements that will help our seniors live vibrantly.”

SilverSneakers is available at no cost for those who qualify. The program utilizes select Medicare health plans, Medicare supplement carriers, and group retiree plans. A Dynamic Dimensions representative can assist with the qualification assessment.

Chronological age doesn’t necessarily correlate to the age someone feels. A person can feel a lot younger than they are if they’ve adopted a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook.

By moving, stretching and lifting as much as possible, the body will be more fit and flexible.

Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that being active substantially impacts one’s mobility as we age.

To help in the aging well process, Dynamic Dimensions offers the nationwide program called SilverSneakers. “It’s a comprehensive fitness program for anyone looking for a gentler approach to fitness,” Stewart explains.

“Cardio, muscle conditioning, flexibility, and balance are all included in the various classes

For seniors who haven’t exercised in a while, choosing the right setting is important because the expertise of an exercise specialist is crucial to avoid injury. “For those who battle bad knees, bad backs, arthritis, high cholesterol and the list of things that can happen as we age, utilizing an exercise specialist who

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

understands healthy aging is important. All of our exercise specialists are certified,” Stewart explained. “We understand how to help people of all fitness levels and ages attain better health.” The SilverSneakers program incorporates standing and sitting yoga and exercises, but can easily be modified to chair yoga and exercises for those who may not have the ability to stand.

The SilverSneakers program addresses aging in a positive way by offering classes as well as social events for seniors. “A lot of our SilverSneakers members enjoy the social aspect of the club, beyond simply attending the fitness classes,” says Stewart.

Socializing is an important component of healthy aging.

Within the SilverSneakers program, 49% of active members say they are motivated to continue exercising because they have a friend in the program.

For more information about the SilverSneakers program at Dynamic Dimensions or to learn more about the qualifications, call the Sulphur location at (337) 527-5459 or the Moss Bluff location at (337) 855-7708.

CAUTION:

Progress Ahead!

Occupational therapy for all ages.

1727 Imperial Blvd, Bldg 3 | 478-5880

HopeTherapyCenter.net

#WalkTalkMove

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Mind & Body

What I Would Tell My Younger Self

– Local doctors share their thoughts

Hope is not a strategy.

I would tell myself to go to bed earlier, J. Gregory Lugo, wake up at the same Memorial Medical time every day, and Group Cardiovascular/ exercise more. Also, Thoracic Surgeon not to worry as much; everything works out for the best in the end.

Michelle Swift Corcoran, D.D.S.

Maintain a healthy weight, get regular cardiovascular exercise, don’t smoke, drink in moderation or not at all, eat a healthy diet, avoid overexposure to the sun and My best opportunities are get regular checkups with a ahead. Never get bogged primary care physician to down in the difficulties of monitor for diseases such as the now, rather focus on hypertension and diabetes. goals and plans that are J. King White, MD, achievable in the future.

Also, invest in WAITR! Memorial Medical Group Interventional Cardiologist Phillip Conner, MD, board certified sleep specialist with the Sleep Disorder Center

Better Health has a New Address Iowa Primary Care Clinic Imperial Health is pleased to announce the opening of a new primary care clinic in Iowa.

Family Nurse Practitioner Darci Portie, APRN-FNPC, and her staff offer experienced healthcare services for residents in the region, backed by the resources of the region’s largest multi-specialty medical group, Imperial Health.

Iowa Primary Care Clinic provides convenient access to routine care, treatment for illness and injury and management of chronic conditions for patients. We are committed to providing personalized care and timely appointments. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare.

Diet is becoming recognized as the most important variable we can control. The most important variable we cannot control is our genetic code. Most amazingly to me it appears that moderate activity (not overzealous or excessive activity) and proper diet can lead to increased longevity.

As young men in the world, we are taught to strive and succeed. Those attributes, which by themselves may be good, can sometimes cause us to lose our focus.

With a God-centered life, I would have avoided many heartaches and pitfalls by a simple concept: The things that matter the most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter the least.

Dr. John Noble Jr., orthopaedic surgeon with Center for Orthopaedics

Christopher Thompson, MD, Memorial Medical Group Interventional Cardiologist

Darci Portie, APRN-FNPC • Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Master’s degree in nursing - family nurse practitioner, McNeese State University • Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Northwestern State University • Over 15 years of clinical experience • Clinical background in Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine, Wound Care and Wellness • Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist

The care you need, where you need it – in Iowa!

Our office hours are Monday - Friday. Call today to schedule your appointment, (337) 582-5555.

607 N. Thomson Ave., Iowa | ImperialHealth.com

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Walk-ins Welcome!

Diabetes Management:

Designed for

You

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. Thanks to West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s diabetes education program, I learned what to eat and how to monitor my glucose. It was important to me because I have a lot of living to do.

Tori Arabie and Annie (337) 527-4282 701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com

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Mind & Body

Back to the Basics of You HOW EXCEPTIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CAN BE UNEXPECTED

by Taylor Trahan Henry

April is National Occupational Therapy Month, which provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the strides occupational therapy makes in returning independence and quality of life to patients each and every day.

The word independence may imply that occupational therapy is mainly for adults but that’s not the case. Childhood is geared towards learning how to be independent and developing the skills that will be necessary in adulthood. Occupational therapy in children can address a multitude of issues such as handwriting, sensory processing, fine motor skills, and various activities of daily living. An occupational therapist evaluates and then designs challenges that build on a child’s unique strengths to facilitate progression through developmental skills.

Playing outside with your children, painting a photo, baking your favorite dish and typing on a keyboard are all examples of the meaningful activities that can fill your days. None of those tasks sound monumental but the truth is that the small activities that make up your day are a huge part of who you are as a person.

“Those without inhibitions tend take those every day activities for granted when, in reality, they are essential to the big picture of a person’s overall health,” says Sonya Brooks, owner of Hope Therapy Center in Lake Charles. “It’s not just physical. Anytime our normal routine is interrupted we are thrown off balance, but for some patients the lack of independence can impact psychological health as well.”

If you have a medical condition, your health status changes or if you are recovering from an accident or injury, your valued occupations may become more difficult. Occupational therapy focuses on supporting independence and safety, improving quality of life, enhancing function and supporting leisure activities.

It’s all about allowing you, the patient, to live life to the fullest.

While recovering, you could meet with an occupational therapist to address the underlying deficits hindering you.

When people think of therapy, they often have images of cold, sterile environments. While some types of therapy can include medical technologies and the goal is certainly to improve your health, the environment can really be the most unexpected – and fun – place.

Occupational therapists use a multi-sensory approach to both adult and pediatric patients.

Employing methods like touch with writing letters in sand to using stories to relate sound to the way a word is written make occupational therapy for children an engaging experience. Similarly, stacking blocks and piecing together puzzles can help children perceive differences between objects in their environment. For adults, a simple activity like baking cookies can help with motor skills such as reaching, grabbing and pushing.

“Occupational therapists are problem solvers who

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

Email or Text Notification when your RX is ready!

marry clinical skills with creativity to get the best results for a patient,” says Brooks. “They have a variety of skills and equipment at their disposal. Everything from a pencil and paper to a state-of-the-art aquatic therapy pool.

Whatever it takes.”

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Because every patient differs in what makes up a typical day, occupational therapy treatment plans are uniquely tailored. It’s also for that reason that occupational therapy tends to be more patient-led than other forms of therapy. You are in charge of what’s important to you, of deciding which activities will improve your quality of life and get you back to feeling and moving like yourself.

Occupational therapists focus on lending their skills and expertise on your journey to independence.

• Citywide Delivery Service • Drive-Thru Pick-Up Window • E-Mail and Call in RX Service

For more information about occupational therapy, contact Hope Therapy Center at 337-478-5880.

601 S. Pine Street • DeRidder, LA 70634 • (337) 463-7442 www.thriftyway.com • thriftyway2@thriftyway.com

Welcome to the

Newest Member of our General Surgery Team West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is pleased to welcome Devin Seale, MD, general surgeon, to its growing medical staff.

Dr. Seale practices alongside Drs. Ledet and Castleberry at Sulphur Surgical Clinic, located at 914 Cypress Street in Sulphur.

Dr. Seale is a Sulphur native and received his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans; he completed his residency in general surgery at Oschner’s Medical Center, also in New Orleans.

To schedule an appointment, please call (337) 527-6363.

Devin Seale, MD general surgeon

Dr. Walter Ledet | Dr. Stephen Castleberry | Dr. Devin Seale

914 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com

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Money & Career

Empowering Women to Take the Financial Wheel

by Kristy Como Armand

Women control more than 51 percent, or $14 trillion, of American personal wealth. They earn more college degrees. In the past three decades, their average income has soared over 65%.

that eight out of 10 women will be solely responsible for their financial well-being at some point in their life but may not be prepared to handle the long term planning aspects.”

We’re talking about women and they are gaining career success and financial resources at an ever-increasing rate.

What’s behind the disparity in these key financial areas? “It’s not as if women aren’t making financial decisions every day – for their household and on the job. But when it comes to planning for retirement or investments, study after study has found that most women are either uninterested or believe their husbands are more qualified,” says Rau. She says there are several reasons for this.

“Clearly, women are more educated, accomplished and empowered than ever before,” says Denise Rau, Certified Financial Planner and President of Rau Financial Group.

“But when it comes to investing their money, they haven’t made as much progress.”

A new report from UBS (a Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company) released last year found that 56% of married women leave investment and long-term financial planning decisions to their husbands, and 85% of women who defer to their husbands believe their spouses know more about financial matters. This wasn’t just found in older generations. Millennial women are more likely to leave investment decisions to their husbands than any other age group, based on the report, which included surveys with nearly 1,700 married couples.

Rau says this is very concerning when you look at two important factors relating to women. “Women are living longer than men.

The average life expectancy for a woman is five years more than a man's, and the divorce rate among couples 50 and older has almost doubled in the past two decades. This means

Gender roles are certainly hard to shake, with men traditionally handling the longterm financial planning decisions instead of their wives. Time is another consideration.

Whether married or not, women have many demands on their time. They take on the majority of household duties, including childcare and chores, as well as paying bills and tracking spending. It’s not surprising then that most married women prefer their husbands to take care of it.

Lack of confidence is also a big factor. Studies show both men and women are convinced that men are better equipped to invest, understand financial topics and make long-term financial decisions. “This belief is totally unsubstantiated," says Rau. “Women need to understand that you don't need to be an expert to handle retirement and investment decisions. You have to think of managing your money as just one part of managing your life; like getting

dressed every day or taking the garbage out once a week. It simply has to be done.”

To begin meaningfully engaging in your long term financial security, regardless of gender, Rau says you just need to be able to answer straightforward questions about what your goals are for your life and who are the people that matter most to you. “All it takes is starting the conversation – with your spouse, friends and/or a trusted financial advisor – to begin to take a more active role in this area of your finances. You’ve worked hard for your success; you need to take active role to make sure you will be able to enjoy the rewards when you retire.”

Here are more statistics that reinforce the financial strength of women as a demographic: • Women earn nearly 60% of the bachelor and master degrees awarded in the U.S., and 52% of the doctoral degrees • Women fill 52% of management, professional and related positions • Women are the primary breadwinners in 40 percent of U.S. households • Women make over 80% of all household buying decisions Investment advice offered through GWM Advisors, dba Rau Financial Group, a registered investment advisor. GWM Advisors and Rau Financial Group are separate entities from LPL Financial. To begin planning for your financial future, visit www.raufinancialgroup.com or call 337-480-3835.

Looking for Financial Independence? Let’s Build a Plan.

Marty DeRouen CFP®, ChFC® Wealth Management Advisor (337) 437-7811 derouengirola.nm.com

David Girola CFP®, CLU® Wealth Management Advisor (337) 437-7811 derouengirola.nm.com

© 2018 The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual)

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

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71

Money & Career

Roth vs Traditional IRAs:

Which Is Right for Your Retirement?

Both traditional and Roth IRAs can be effective retirement savings tools, but eligibility limitations mean one or both may not be right for you. Here’s a guide to help you choose.

What’s the difference between a traditional and Roth IRA? A traditional IRA is an individual retirement account that allows you to make contributions on a pre-tax basis (if your income is below a certain level) and pay no taxes until you withdraw the money. This makes traditional IRAs an attractive option for investors who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement than they are now.

On the other hand, Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars. The benefit of a Roth IRA is that you can withdraw your contributions and earnings tax-free after age 59½, if you’ve had the account for at least five years, or you meet certain other conditions. In addition, your after-tax contributions to the Roth account can be withdrawn at any time, tax and penalty-free (however, if you make an early withdrawal of any earnings you will have to pay taxes and penalties on them).

This makes a Roth an attractive option for investors who expect to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement than they are now. A Roth IRA can also offer some spending flexibility in retirement, as money can be withdrawn without increasing your tax bill and you

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019

won’t have to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) after you turn 70½.

How much can I contribute?

The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA in 2019 is $6,000, up from $5,500 in 2018. The catch-up contribution for those ages 50 or older remains $1,000, bringing the total contribution for those 50 and older to $7,000. However, there are some rules that affect IRA contributions and deductibility. Here’s an overview: Traditional IRA There is no income limit for contributing to a traditional IRA, and the contribution is fully deductible if neither you nor your spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work during the tax year. However, if either of you was covered by a workplace retirement plan, deductibility phases out depending on your filing status and income: Roth IRA Roth IRA contributions are made with aftertax dollars. You can contribute to a Roth IRA only if your income meets certain limits and depending on filing status. (Consult your tax

preparer or financial planner for parameters.)

So, if you do qualify for a traditional IRA (with the ability to deduct contributions) and a Roth IRA, how do you choose between them? Here are thoughts and guidelines to help you make a decision: – If you think your tax bracket will be higher when you retire than it is today, you may consider a Roth IRA—especially if you’re a younger worker who has yet to reach your peak earning years.

– If you think your tax bracket will be lower when you retire, you may be better off taking the up-front deduction of a traditional IRA. If you think your tax bracket will be the same when you retire, it’s almost a wash for income tax purposes. However, you aren’t subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) with a Roth, and if you leave it behind when you die, your heirs can stretch out their own tax-free withdrawals. A Roth IRA can also be a flexible source of retirement funding: You can withdraw a large sum, if you have a large one-time expense or other needs in retirement, without increasing your tax bill.

Allocating a portion of your retirement savings to a Roth can increase the flexibility you have to manage taxes in retirement.

diversification of your retirement savings in the event Congress increases tax rates in the future or when you retire.

Another advantage of a Roth IRA is that contributions may be withdrawn any time for any purpose without tax or penalty.

However, just because you can do this doesn’t mean you should. The opportunity costs are high—taking money out of your Roth IRA means you may miss out on compounding interest. When you can put in only $6,000 for 2019, plus an additional $1,000 “catchup” contribution if you’re age 50 or older, taking out previous contributions may be hard—or even impossible—to make up.

Finally, we can’t know with certainty future tax rates. Contributing part of your retirement savings dollars to a Roth IRA after paying taxes can add tax

The bottom line A Roth IRA can be a great long-term savings tool, so try to take advantage of these rules if you can. Just remember that tax laws are subject to change, so check out the IRS’s Latest News page regularly for updates.

Also, be sure to talk with your accountant or other professional tax advisor about whether a Roth IRA makes sense for you.

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Money & Career

Test your Financial Literacy April is Financial Literacy month, which allows government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations to highlight their efforts in personal finance education. Financial literacy should be a year-round discussion, but the month of April is a great place to start.

For many, this is the time of year when we look back at last year’s finances, with April 15 being the tax filing deadline.

The information you have from last year’s finances can be a good tool to set up a budget for this year and beyond.

There are four steps to take this month on a personal level, and we hope you continue your efforts well after financial literacy month has ended:

Butch Ferdinandsen

CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS, CRPC Investment Advisor Representative Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), member FINRA/SIPC. WFS is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of WFS.

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Create and Follow a Budget A budget need not be complex or technical, just accurate and up-to-date. Even keeping a simple budget on a sheet of paper can go a long way in improving your financial situation. There are websites and internet tools that can keep track of everything for you, including alerting you when bills are due.

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk about Money If your personal finances are combined (or will be soon) with a significant other, have the money talk.

According to a New York Times article, “Research shows that money is the number one reason couples fight and a main reason marriages split up.” Like many other things in relationships, communication is essential. Take some time out of your schedule to sit down and work on your finances together. Have a good idea of your budget, as well as spending and saving priorities to help avoid issues going forward.

Pay Down Debt Paying down debt has countless benefits, including relieving stress and reducing finance charges.

“Debt or money is such a pervasive and difficult kind of stress because it’s so interconnected with other areas of our lives,” said Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., a psychologist and researcher at Stanford University. Regardless of what caused the debt, paying it back is not always easy. Be sure you know all your options, and don’t get discouraged. It may seem like a long journey, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Start Teaching Money Management Early If you have children, start talking to them about money early.

It’s not necessary for your five-year-old to understand the difference between hard and soft inquiries on a credit report.

Yet, explaining to a young child why they need to save money if they want to buy new toys is a good place to start. Try starting with a money counting game.

As children grow, introducing them to the entire spectrum of personal finances can help them have a better financial future.

Saving and borrowing habits can be established long before they become adults, so teach good habits early and often.

Understanding your personal finances is a year-round task and it should not be limited to the month of April. In fact, financial education is a lifelong project.

But the principles are the same.

The goal? Spend less than you make, decrease debt, and increase your net worth. Sounds simple, but often it’s not. If you have the knowledge, you have the power to move in the right direction.

Solutions for Life

!

from Solutions Counseling & EAP

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

Never Put Off Until Tomorrow . . .

(Part III) Welcome to the third installment of my series on learning to manage your life better. Two months ago, we discussed Procrastination and how fear-driven it is. Last month, we discussed Time Management and the three magic questions you should always be asking yourself (you can see the previous articles on my Solutions Counseling Facebook page).

This month, I want to address your belongings and some techniques for managing them better.

It’s no secret – I love to organize! I can’t think with clutter, and don’t fool yourself into thinking that you operate better with a little mess either!

Below are the rules I live by when thinking about all the stuff I own: 1. Everything must have a home.

And that home cannot be a pile on your desk, the floor, or the dining room table. A home indicates a place you are going to put an item after you’ve used it - every time. Think about how much time you waste looking for things – if those things had a home, you’d know exactly where to go! If you can’t find a home for something, you don’t need it.

2. Free yourself. We are all prisoners of our past until we make the choice to free ourselves from the lessons with which we grew up. Did you grow up in an obsessively neat house? Or was your house messy all the time? Maybe you remember your parents always frantically running around looking for lost items

(keys, important papers, etc.). When we grow up like that, typically one of two things happens: either you blindly follow the path your parents have laid before you (and wonder how you ended up exactly like them), or you make a conscious decision to be different. As with most things in life, the middle ground is the best. Be organized to the point that you can find things without wasting time, but not so obsessive that no one can stand to live with you!

3. Organize by broad categories.

Whether you have a hard copy filing system, or your computer (or both), create folders for broad categories.

When I am looking for that handout to give clients on modifying a child’s behavior, I just go to my “Parenting” file then sort from there. When I am looking for my worker’s comp insurance policy, I go to my “insurance” computer file as a starting point. When you’re looking for that illusive article or document, you no longer need to remember the exact name of the file, just the broad category it falls in.

4. Have a schedule. You must at least have a template of how your day should go. What do you need to do first?

And after that, what will you work on? That way if you get interrupted, and you will get interrupted, you can easily remember what you were working on based on where you are in your schedule. Others will get used to the schedule, too, and learn when you typically work on certain things, like projects or returning phone calls.

5. Prioritize. Everything you do in the course of your day falls into one of three categories: “must do”, “should do”, or “nice to do.” You need to begin to organize your day based on these categories. “Must do” items are necessary to your goals, and typically have a deadline attached. Prioritize them and work on them first. No “must do” shopping! Work on your #1 item, even if you can devote only a few minutes to it. “Should do” items are important, but don’t have a deadline. They can be worked on after the “must do” stack is completed. “Nice to do” things are those items you would enjoy doing, or that would be fun when you have free time, but they are not necessary.

Those are tackled after the first two categories are complete. Obviously, you need to review each category regularly as items will move from category to category (deadlines get attached or moved, or priorities change).

People who are less organized tend to work on the “nice to do’s” instead of the “must do’s”. The “nice to do’s” are more fun and appealing. But all those “must do’s” are still waiting on you, no matter how much you avoid them.

So, to wrap up this series: face your fears and stop procrastinating, use the three magic questions to help you manage your time better, and use the above five tips to help you manage your stuff better. There! Now, we’re all organized and ready to be successful!

thriveswla.com

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Every journey

is personal.

“

IT’S PERSONAL. No treatment is ever

routine to us. Each type of cancer, its location and

its stage determine the best course of radiotherapy.

Memorial has the latest cancer-fighting technology comparable to cancer centers nationally. Our linear accelerators use intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to deliver a precise, high-dose radiation beam that conforms closely to fit the area of the tumor while healthy cells nearby receive a much lower dose. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) rotates around the patient during treatment. The machine continuously reshapes and changes the intensity of the radiation beam as it moves around the body. It’s very accurate, shortens the treatment time, and uses a lower overall dose of radiation.

“

Dr. James Maze, Radiation Oncologist

www.lcmh.com/cancer

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2019