Thrive January 2021

January 2021

HEALTHCARE

2021 Lessons Learned in 2020 THE LATEST IN FITNESS Navigating Your Home Insurance Policy After a Crisis

2021 Hair Styles Tech Trends in a COVID-19 World

first person

thriveswla.com

1

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 • January 2021

Our OB/GYN team is STRONGER than ever

James Barrow, M.D.

James Brown, M.D.

Rachel Chua, M.D.

Karen Fisher, M.D.

Stanley Kordish, M.D.

Brandon Leggio, M.D.

Kilee Lincoln, M.D.

Uzma Naeem, M.D.

Alice Prestia, M.D.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Gynecology

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Gynecology

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Obstetrics/Gynecology

To find a physician, visit ChristusOchsner.org or call 337.491.7577.

thriveswla.com

3

20-1433

In This Issue Mind & Body

6 10 14 16

The Latest in Fitness Tips to Lose that Extra Holiday Weight COVID and Foot Health Cooler Weather and Vein Health

Regular Features

12 Solutions for Life 50 Who’s News 56 Recovery Spotlight

6

Money & Career

18 Special Section:

Navigating your Home Insurance Policy after a Crisis

26 New Year, New Roof 28 Want a Better Business in the New Year?

30 First Person – LA Senator Ronnie Johns

Places & Faces

32 Special Section:

Healthcare 2021:

NEW REALITIES & THINGS LEARNED

58

tyle & Beauty S

52 2021 Hair Styles 54 Put your Best Face Forward

Home & Family

58 Tech Trends in a COVID-19 World

62 Celebrate Martin Luther King Day 64 Landscape Lighting 66 By the Numbers – New Year’s Resolutions

@thriveswla | thriveswla.com 4

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

52

See Player Services for details.

thriveswla.com

5

Mind & Body

We’re Still Moving

THE LATEST IN FITNESS Historically, there have always been hot new fitness trends each year that prompt us to move – hula-hoops in the 50s, vibrating belts in the 60s, Jane Fonda, Jazzercise, and Buns of Steel in the 80s, and Bow-Flex and the ThighMaster in the 90s. Over the past two decades, we’ve seen P90X, Zumba, FitBits, Spin classes, and CrossFit, just to name a few. 2021 is expected to have its own trends, many brought on by a global pandemic that forced us out of our normal exercise routines, ie. gyms and fitness centers, and into either the great outdoors or our living rooms with YouTube videos. Read on for some of the latest developments in the fitness industry.

6

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Moving Exercise Online or Outdoors

Last year proved to be an exceptionally difficult year for fitness centers across Southwest Louisiana – first they were forced to shut down in the spring due to Covid-19, and while some re-opened as restrictions lifted, many were destroyed or severely damaged during Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The result was an excruciating transition for diehard gym rats, but their dedication to health and fitness overcame their need for routine, and they found new avenues to feed their exercise addictions.

Fortunately, several options were available.

For those who simply couldn’t break their gym membership habits, many fitness clubs moved their programs online, for example Mossa on Demand at Dynamic Dimensions and Les Mills On Demand.

Some fitness fans opted to move their exercise routines outdoors – there’s no end to the possibilities: walking, running, biking, tennis, basketball, swimming, kayaking . . .

Aquatic Based Stability Training

Balance training on an unstable surface – for example, water – is one of the coolest new trends for fitness. It is basically a workout on a floating yoga mat. An offshoot of stand-up paddleboards, products from Glide Fit are designed for indoor and outdoor pools. This unique, stationary, floating fitness mat enables clients at gyms, resorts, recreation centers, and hospitals to get all the benefits of core stabilization and the challenge of instability.

JOIN NOW

$0

EN R OL L M EN T *

3 DAY GUEST PASS

Must be 21, local resident, show proof of ID, some restrictions may apply

VISIT CLUB4FITNESS.COM TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU LOCATIONS IN: AL, LA, MS, TX, AND TN

*PREMIUM & PREMIUM PLUS MEMBERSHPS ONLY. KID CARE FOR 2 CHILDREN NOW INCLUDED WITH PREMIUM PLUS

Are you Are you ready ready to feel to feelin the great great in the in? skin you’re skin you’re in?

Nestled in the heart of Lake Charles, The Skin Studios Louisiana’s Nestled in the heart ofisLake Charles, premier medical spa.isWhether you are The Skin Studios Louisiana’s looking a relaxing or ayou statepremierfor medical spa. facial Whether are of-the-art contouring looking forbody a relaxing facialtreatment, or a state-we have you covered!

At The Skin Studios,we of-the-art body contouring treatment, we want help you best have you to covered!

Atbecome The Skinthe Studios, version of yourself. we want to help you become the best version of yourself.

We Offer: We Offer: Aesthetic medicine

Botox/Injectables Aesthetic medicine Laser Skin Resurfacing Botox/Injectables Skin LaserCare SkinProducts Resurfacing Non-Surgical Body Contouring Skin Care Products Non-Surgical Body Contouring Give us a call!

Give us a call!

337.474.1220 337.474.1220 2640 Country Club Road, Suite 100

Lake Charles, LA 70605 2640 Country Club Road, Suite 100 w w wLake . s k Charles, i n - s t uLA d 70605 ios.com www.skin-studios.com

thriveswla.com

7

Mind & Body A Higher Standard of Sanitation and Safety

Once restrictions were lifted and gyms were able to re-open last year, responsible management followed CDC guidelines and ramped up their efforts to keep clients and staff safe by limiting the number of people allowed inside, decreasing class sizes, moving exercise equipment six feet apart, and escalating disinfection efforts. Mike Elinski, Managing Partner at CLUB4 Fitness, says providing safe and clean facilities has been a fundamental part of their operations plan since their inception in 2002, with strict cleaning zones and time bound rotations. “This past year we further bolstered these measures by implementing electrostatic sprayers and enhanced protocols for our team and club members so that we were able to continue to provide safe clubs for all members of the community.”

A Smart Way to Exercise

We could have guessed that after the advent of Smart TVs, the technology would soon translate to the exercise business and Smart workout machines. Peloton was all the rage last year, but that is only the beginning. Exercise equipment with built-in smart technology connects with apps to track progress. Consider, for example, Mirror ($1,495, plus $39 every month for the content subscription). Mirror looks like a giant iPhone hung on the wall. Through the device, participants engage in more than 70 workouts—think cardio, strength, Pilates, barre, boxing—streamed from Mirror’s production studio in New York, either live or on-demand. The experience is akin to that of an in-person class, without the hassle of commuting or being held to a strict time commitment. The downside of these products is that they lack the social interaction, which is a huge draw for some to join a gym.

8

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Mind Meets Body

No doubt about it, 2020 was a year fraught with stress and anxiety, which led to an uptick in practices that provide not only physical fitness, but a mental boost, as well; for example Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and other holistic health disciplines.

“Whether it be Pilates, yoga, ballet or an online fitness class, moving my body helps to clear any mental stress I may have,” says Colleen Benoit, fitness enthusiast and owner of Lake Area Ballet Theatre. “It is one of the most important things that I have continued in my daily routines during the past year, to help keep myself moving forward.”

Senior Fitness

Seniors have been intentionally active for decades. The iconic Silver Sneakers organization was founded 28 years ago. And seniors continue to strive to be as healthy and fit as possible through exercise and diet.

In 2020, the number of people age 60 or older who exercise regularly surpassed one billion for the first time ever, according to the International Council on Active Aging.

Fitness clubs recognize this trend and create classes and programs specifically for the Baby Boomer generation. This age group prefers activities such as walking, biking, dancing, swimming/water aerobics, and exercise classes with peers. Gardening and lawn care are also great sources of physical activity.

NEW TRENDS IN

WORKOUT WEAR

Confused about what to eat?

Let us show you how to eat for optimal health!

WORKOUT WEAR TRENDS When dressing for exercise, comfort is key. Seams in snug clothing can cause chafe and itch, so seamless exercise bras, tanks, and leggings are a new favorite.

• Flared leggings (aka yoga pants) are a 2021 fitness fashion.

• Ditch the standard black and brighten your workout wear wardrobe with pastels.

• Look for one-piece unitards or body suits.

• Ultra-high- waisted leggings provide more core support and tunny control.

• We provide personalized nutrition assessments and counseling for people with diabetes and non-dialysis kidney disease.

• Telehealth and in-home visits available.

• Medicare pays 100% which means no cost to you.

• Most major insurances accepted.

WE ARE YOUR NUTRITION SOLUTION

Tabitha Nicholas, MS, RDN, LDN

Physicians & Home Health Agencies: Let us help improve your nutrition outcomes.

337.419.0942

Schedule an Appointment Today • www.dietitiansinhome.com

• Moisture-wicking fabrics and reflective capabilities are becoming standard.

• Like to feel put together, even when working out? Look for matching top/ bottom sets.

• Hoodies apparently are timeless.

• Sports bras come in a wide range of variations: padded and non-padded; racerback; low impact, medium impact, and high impact; compression; seamless; with underwire and without; encapsulation and crisscrossed back styling. Longline sports bras offer more coverage than your typical sports bra. Although the chest coverage can vary from a high neckline to a deep plunge, the coverage below the breast in a longline bra extends farther down the ribcage.

thriveswla.com

9

Mind & Body

Lose that Extra Holiday Weight

TIPS FROM A SWLA LOCAL FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM by Sinead Buckley From the land of Robinhood in the heart of the United Kingdom, to Lake Charles, La., English-born Terri Ann is a Southwest Louisiana expert on healthy eating.

As a girl who had always struggled in the past to lose weight, she knows a thing or two about weight loss – when she developed her own diet plan, she lost a staggering 100 pounds.

Growing up in a working-class family in the suburbs of railway town Doncaster, UK, Terri Ann ate classic English food such as Yorkshire pudding and mash, and fish & chips. After having two children, she no longer recognized herself despite trying nearly every diet out there. She was ready for a change. For over seven months, she focused on cultivating a new way of looking after her body through making positive changes to the way she ate. People began to ask her how she lost the weight, and Terri Ann had the idea to start her own business by sharing her plan and how she did it with friends and family. Over time, her plan became a huge success. She went on to star in the UK TV series, “Rich House, Poor House,” and caught the attention of British viewers.

Now a local in the Lake Charles area after meeting her partner Garret, a SWLA native, Terri Ann has developed a business model for the US market. She has even developed what she calls a “Louisiana Plan” – it’s all the favorite dishes of Louisiana inspired by the culture here, from fried chicken to seafood jambalaya, and the healthy, tasty dishes are a sure fire way to kickstart losing those extra holiday pounds.

“After the year we’ve had, everyone was bound to indulge a little extra over the holiday season, and my plan is all about getting you back on track,” Terri Ann says. “The choices of dishes offer something for everyone to enjoy and it really doesn’t feel like a diet because you never have to cut any important food groups” 10

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

GET ORGANIZED.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, so get organized by planning your meals.

GET MOVING.

Your body wants to move, and when you stay active, you burn more calories. Start the new year by implementing some new moves; be it a workout with weights or walking.

HYDRATE AND FEEL GREAT.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body working as it should and avoid overeating.

BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK.

Deciding to drop holiday weight is one thing, but staying on track is another. Build a support group around you to keep you focused and tell friends and family what you want to achieve so they support your goals, too.

BE PATIENT AND DON’T GIVE UP.

It takes 21 days to get into a routine and once you’ve passed those first three weeks, it gets easier. Yes, we all have our off days, but if you feel like giving up, remember why you started in the first place. Don’t feel discouraged.

Terri 123 Terri Ann's Anns 123 Louisiana LouisianaInspired Inspired Recipes Recipes

TERRI 123 PLANS usA

Seafood Jambalaya

Seafood Jambalaya TERRI 123 Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion • ½ green bell pepper-chopped • ½ cup chopped celery • 2 garlic cloves-finely chopped Inspired Recipes •Louisiana 2 seallions- chopped PLANS usA • 7 ounces shrimp ounces scallops • 2 cups chicken stock • tbsp Cajun spice Ingredients Serves 2 • tsp paprika • 1 small onion • 1 cup rice • veg ½ green bell pepper-chopped Ingredients: • tbsp oil • 1 small onion • ½ cup chopped • hot sauce - to taste celery bell pepper-chopped • • ½ green 2 garlic cloves-finely chopped • • ½ cup chopped celery 2 scallionschopped Method: garlic cloves-finely chopped heat. Pat prawns and scallops dry with • 2 oil Heat large pot over medium-high • 7inounces shrimp • 2 sea llionspaper towels andchopped season with salt, pepper and paprika. Cook, stirring until they • ounces 5 ounces scallops Just to become • 7begin shrimpopaque, about 2 minutes. Do not cook through, seafood will continue cook later on.

Transfer seafood to bowl and set aside.

• ounces 2to cups chicken stock scallops • tbsp Cajun spice 2 cups To•the samechicken pot add stock the chopped onions, celery and capsicum. Cook, stirring occasionally, forspice 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cajun spice. Cook, paprika • • tbsptsp Cajun stirring, 1 minute or until fragrant.

• • tsp paprika 1for cup rice • • 1the cup rice Add chicken tbsp veg stock oil to the vegetable mixture, along with the seafood, a few splashes of hot • tbsp veg oilsauce and rice. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

• hot sauce - to taste Bring the mixture to a boil, once boiling. cover, turn the heat to low and cook for 15 Method minutes.

Terri Anns 123

•s Seafood Jambalaya

•s

ABOUT TERRI ANN NUNNS Terri Ann Nunns has authored an entire collection of books focused on making healthy food and lifestyle choices. Her original, best-selling UK plan - Terri Ann 123 - is now available to order in the US. For more information, go to terrianns123dietplansusa.com.

Method:

Sprinkle onion on top heat. and serve.

Heat oilthe in chopped large pot green over medium-high Pat prawns and scallops dry with paperHeat towels season pepper andheat. paprika. oil and in large pot with oversalt, medium-high Pat Cook, stirring until they Nutritional Calories: 489,215g Fat, 44g 39g carbs seafood will Just begininformation: to become opa ue, about minutes.

DoProtein, not cook through, qdry shrimp and scallops with paper towels and season continue to cook later on. Transfer seafood to bowl and set aside.

with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring until they just

To the same pot add the chopped onions, celery and capsicum. Cook, stirring begin to become opaque, about 2 minutes. Do not cook occasionally, for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cajun spice. Cook, through, seafoodorwill continue to cook later on. Transfer stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.

seafood to bowl and set aside.

Add the chicken stock to the vegetable mixture, along with the seafood, a few splashes of hot sauce and rice. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

To the same pot add the chopped onions, celery and

Bring the mixture to a boil, once boiling. cover, turn the heat to low and cook for 15 paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes minutes.

or until soft. Add the garlic and cajun spice. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Sprinkle the chopped green onion on top and serve.

Nutritional information: Calories: 489, 15g Fat, 44g Protein, 39g carbs

Add the chicken stock to the vegetable mixture, along with the seafood, a few splashes of hot sauce and rice.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover, turn the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle the chopped green onion on top and serve.

Serves 2

Nutritional information: Calories: 489, 15g Fat, 44g Protein, 39g carbs

thriveswla.com

11

Solutions

for life

!

from Solutions Counseling & EAP

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

Adding Winter Blues to the Mix So, we’re still in a pandemic, we’re still struggling to recover from hurricanes, and now we’re also dealing with less sunlight and cold temperatures???

Welcome to January, everyone!

You’ve probably heard of Seasonal Affect Disorder (or SAD). It’s the form of depression that has a seasonal pattern, typically showing up during the fall and winter when there is less sunlight during our waking hours and it is colder. (I’m still lobbying that we stick with daylight saving time all year long). Fortunately for us in Southwest Louisiana, we typically don’t get really cold until January/February, so our winter depression season is shorter. This is the time of year I begin to see clients who I believe are suffering from either the “winter blues” or SAD. Winter blues are a milder form of SAD, and there are many people who feel the “heaviness” of this time of year while still functioning.

SAD’s signs and symptoms include feeling depressed most of the day every day, having low energy and feeling tired, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, irritability, and isolation. SAD sufferers also tend to gain weight and their circadian rhythms get off track as the body tries to deal with decreases in serotonin, melatonin, and vitamin D. It typically begins to loosen its grip as the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to warm up.

But this year is very different for people who struggle with SAD or even the winter blues. We have already been isolating and living with fear for many months. Job loss, lack of routine, illness, and the political climate was already severely affecting us and then we had the hurricanes hit. Many holiday celebrations were canceled, and lots of people spent those special days alone or in very small groups. So many people were already struggling with anxiety and depression heading into January. Because of our circumstances, people who have never had the winter blues or SAD very well may experience it this year.

12

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

So, what can we do to help ourselves through this long winter?

Here are my suggestions: Light it up! Maximize the light of day all around you. Open all those blinds and curtains. Get outside during the day so you experience the light firsthand. You might want to try light therapy, or phototherapy.

I know several people who sit in front of a light box for 30 minutes in the morning and report it helps them feel better.

Go for a walk. Exercise is key for dealing with both anxiety and depression. Exercising outside, in the daylight, is very helpful (as indicated in #1) for your mood as well. So, lace up those tennies and go for a walk, jog, or bike ride!

Do something every day you enjoy. It doesn’t matter what it is. All that matters is that you have something to look forward to every day.

Read a book, talk to a friend, listen to favorite music, tinker with a car. Doing something you like daily gives you a much-needed break from the doldrums. It won’t make you “happy”, but you will likely feel better.

Stay social. Your inclination may be to withdraw and isolate. Fight it.

You need to reach out to your friends and family and stay connected.

Many people isolated when the pandemic started and figured out this is not a good idea. We are social creatures, and one of the ways we stay sane is by spending time with people we love and feel love from.

Get some support. If you’ve never tried counseling, now is a great time. You don’t even need to leave your house! I’ve had several new clients tell me they tried counseling because it was so easy to take the first step. They like being in their own environment to start what can be a scary process. Your counselor will help you determine the level of support you need. It may be reading self-help books, downloading an app for depression or anxiety, attending a virtual self-help group, or maybe medication is the best course of action. Don’t suffer alone. Help is available.

I feel like I have been saying and hearing the same phrase over and over – “We are going to make it through this.” It’s been referring to the pandemic or hurricanes in the past. Now it is referring to the next couple of months. Keep looking for the light – it is coming back!

from the officers of your locally-owned, award-winning community bank.

Roy Raftery

Jeff Mancuso

Shively Verrette

Misti Young

Vickie Buckels

Renee Lassiter

Michael Hardy

Jamie Schiro

Bonnie Kotara

Connie Tregle

Regina Thomas

Aaron Scott

Jon Georgiades

President & CEO

Senior VP

VP, Westlake

Banking Officer

Executive VP

Senior VP

VP

Banking Officer

Executive VP

VP

VP, Oak Park

Banking Officer

Karen Quinilty

Aaron LeBoeuf

Bobby Broussard

Kala Kuhlthau

Michael Moore

Melissa Miller

Cheryl Bertrand

Christa Comeaux

Lisa Pinder

Virginia “Ginger” Karcher

Senior VP

VP

Asst. VP

Banking Officer

Senior VP

VP, Sulphur

Asst. VP

Senior VP

VP

Banking Officer

Asst. VP

Heidi Towery

Banking Officer

LAKE CHARLES | SULPHUR | WESTLAKE DERIDDER (Loan Production Office)

MYLKSB.BANK

thriveswla.com

13

Mind & Body

2020

WAS A PAIN IN THE FOOT With so much attention focused on COVID-19 precautions, recovery from multiple hurricanes and the resulting stress from the convergence of all these disasters, it’s understandable if you didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about your foot health in 2020. But according to foot and ankle specialist Dr. Tyson Green with the Center for Orthopaedics, many people did feel the impact of the year’s events on their feet.

“We saw a marked increase in certain types of foot problems last year. It’s even been called ‘quarantine foot.’” says Dr. Green. “The primary reason is more time going barefoot at home. Before the COVID-19 crisis, many people regularly went barefoot in and outside their homes, but time spent without shoes greatly increased in 2020 as people retreated to their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Walking around barefoot, or even with just socks on, for extended periods can put you at increased risk for foot problems.”

Not wearing shoes may feel like you’re giving your feet a rest and is more natural, but it’s a big change for your feet. “We grow up wearing shoes, so our feet and ankles develop with a dependence on this support,” explains Dr. Green. “Our ligaments and tendon structures are not adapted to support bare, or feet in just socks or slippers, day after day, even if the activities have you staying in and around the house. It’s the length of time without adequate support that can lead to pain and injury.”

14

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

by Kristy Como Armand

When you are barefoot, your foot has to spring unsupported off the floor. When this happens repeatedly, Dr. Green says it stresses the ligaments and tendons around the ball of the foot. This can cause metatarsalgia, a condition in which the ball of the foot becomes painful and inflamed.

Another common problem Dr. Green saw more of in 2020 was plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain but can also cause pain in the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a structure that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. Its job is to help to hold the arch in place. “When you walk around barefoot, there is nothing to support the arch, as an arch support would do in a shoe,” he says. “Your body weight strains the bottom of the foot, straining the plantar fascia ligament, which can cause pain in the heel, arch or both.”

Without shoes on, Dr. Green says people with flat feet put more stress on the inside of their foot and ankle, leading to tendinitis.

Those with high arches also face risks of problems because there's extra pressure on the ball of the foot and the heel that is usually alleviated with shoe support.

Unprotected feet at home also leads to more injuries, including fractures from stubbing toes against furniture and corners. “Without the protection of footwear, toes can be easily broken,” says Dr. Green. “If you’ve heard that nothing can be done for a broken toe, that’s a myth. If the fracture is unstable, or if the fracture involves the joint, it should be treated so it can heal properly. Not doing so can lead to more problems later.”

With gyms and recreational sports shut down during the pandemic, more people exercised at home, in some cases without the same footwear they would have worn at a fitness center. “Exercising barefoot can cause foot strains, ankle sprains and overuse injuries,” says Dr. Green. “You’d never go to a gym, take a run, play a team sport or do other high impact exercise without the proper footwear. You have to think about working out at home the same way and protect your feet.”

The COVID-19 crisis wasn’t the only threat to foot health in 2020. Two major hurricanes brought new risks for foot injuries. In the aftermath of the storms, debris cleanup was a top priority, and people were faced with doing this in whatever footwear they had access to.

“Navigating piles of debris and flooded areas is dangerous for many reasons, and your feet are especially vulnerable,” says Dr. Green.

“Sharp objects can be hidden, and surfaces are unstable. We saw a big increase in foot injuries in the months after the storms, including puncture wounds, cuts, sprains, strains, fractures and more. It’s important to seek care for these types of injuries. Open wounds can easily become infected in this type of situation and continuing to work with an injured foot or ankle can lead to a more serious problem.”

The past year was obviously one for the record books for disasters in our region, but Dr. Green says he hopes the challenges we faced provided a reminder of the importance of taking care of your feet. “Healthy feet give you the foundation for a healthy active life, whatever the circumstances.”

For more information about foot problems and podiatric care available at the Center for Orthopaedics, visit www.centereforortho.com.

Dark spots on the roof

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

ROOF

Water spots in the attic

Could indicate a variety of roofing problems, including leaks

REPLACEMENT Why You May Need to Replace Your Roof

Missing shingles

You might find them in your yard

Signal that shingles are old and not fully protective anymore

Cracked, curling shingles

Vulnerable to wind and water damage

Moss growing on the roof Can get in between shingles and weaken them

225-406-ROOF www.myroof4free.com

thriveswla.com

15

Mind & Body

WINTER WEATHER & Varicose Veins

by Kristy Como Armand

For Southwest Louisiana, cold weather does not usually get too extreme. Many look forward to those times a cold front moves through our region as the perfect excuse to whip up a gumbo, wear a favorite sweater or gather with family around the fire.

But for those with varicose veins, harsh winter temperatures could present some challenges in managing the condition.

“Varicose veins are surface veins that have become enlarged, swollen, twisted, and/or bulging due to vein disease,” explains Dr. Carl Fastabend, founder and medical director of the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana, and Louisiana’s only full-time, comprehensive vein specialist. “Some people assume that varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, but varicose veins are often a sign of underlying vein disease and may require treatment to prevent a more serious venous problem from developing.”

The cold weather news is not all bad, according to Dr. Fastabend. “Cold temperatures can cause veins to contract, making it easier for the valves inside the veins to function properly. This could mean fewer leg cramps and swollen ankles for some people.”

However, overall, winter weather typically leads to an increase in symptoms for many with varicose veins. Weight gain over the holidays is common, and this year, there may have already been weight gain earlier in the year due to a more sedentary lifestyle resulting from COVID-19 restrictions.

16

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

More weight means more work on the part of your legs to get blood back to the heart. Dr. Fastabend says it’s easy to talk yourself out of an outdoor walk or other workout that requires leaving the house in cold weather.

“If it’s cold out, try to stay active indoors,” he says. “This will keep the valves actively pumping blood through the veins.”

When the temperature drops, there is also usually a temporary change in atmospheric pressure. “That change can cause your circulatory system to generally become less efficient, which can further aggravate issues with the veins,” says Dr. Fastabend. This is also something to monitor if your winter travel plans take you to the slopes.

Another concern in colder weather is its effect on the skin. Dr. Fastabend says dry, cold weather can contribute to dry skin on the legs and even a rash, which may cause itching of varicose veins. He suggests you apply moisturizing lotion regularly to avoid this.

To manage vein disorder symptoms in the winter, Dr. Fastabend recommends pampering your veins a little during these months. “Elevate your legs for 30 minutes before going to bed, stretch throughout the day and massage your ankles and lower legs whenever you can.” You can also promote vein health by minimizing your salt intake and drinking plenty of water.

For more information about vein disorders and treatment options, contact the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana at 337-312-VEIN or visit www.veincenterswla.com.

DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS

copiers • scanners • printers • fax • shredders

Locally owned and operated for over 30 years

600 W McNeese Street, Lake Charles | (337) 474-9913 asiofficesystems.com

Open Enrollment Begins February 1st Two Years Through 10th Grade

NORTH CAMPUS

Two Year Olds - 6th Grade 803 N. Division Street Lake Charles

SOUTH CAMPUS

7th - 10th Grade 5665 N. Gray Market Drive Lake Charles

EDS does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,national and ethnic origin,or gender in admission of its educational policies,admissions policies,scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs.

337-433-5246

www.episcopaldayschool.org

Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School provides academic excellence to a diverse student body in a Christian environment. thriveswla.com

17

Money & Career

Navigating Your Home Insurance Policy

AFTER A CRISIS Retirement… Are We There Yet? Let’s Build a Plan.

Residents of Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas have, out of necessity, learned more about their homeowners insurance than they ever knew they needed to know. Safe to say, few homeowners have been 100% satisfied with their claims experience. If you’re struggling to receive what you are owed from your insurance company, what should you do next? What if you’re in the market for a different insurance company? And what can you do differently in anticipation of the inevitable next storm? Find answers to help you better navigate the homeowners insurance policy process in this timely special section.

337.437.7811 • DEROUENGIROLA.NM.COM

Marty DeRouen CFP ®, CHFC ®, LUTCF Wealth Management Advisor Martin DeRouen, David Girola provides investment brokerage services as a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, brokerdealer, registered investment adviser and member FINRA and SIPC. Martin DeRouen, David Girola is an Insurance Agent(s) of NM. Martin DeRouen, David Girola provides investment advisory services as an Advisor of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, (NMWMC) Milwaukee, WI,

18

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

David Girola CFP®, CLU® Wealth Management Advisor

a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank. There may be instances when this agent represents companies in addition to NM or its subsidiaries. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

thriveswla.com

19

Money & Career |

HOME INSURANCE POLICY

Tips to Ease the Process for Future

INSURANCE CLAIMS

by Stefanie Powers

The aftermath of

Hurricanes Laura and Delta taught us some serious lessons. As we navigate the murky waters of our homeowners insurance claims, we realize that there are a lot of things we should have done beforehand to make the claims process easier.

Ross Byrley of Shelter Insurance offers some helpful tips for next time. Be prepared!

20

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON •

Many people had issues because they weren’t sure what their policy covered. “Make sure you sit down with your agent for a full policy review to include auto, home, boat, and flood insurance,” Byrley says.

“Don’t wait until the last minute because there is a point in time, when the storm is approaching, that insurance companies are no longer allowed to write business or make changes to policies.”

•

Also, consider purchasing flood insurance if you don’t already have a policy, but remember, it takes 30 days to go into effect.

•

Buy a generator if you don’t already have one. If you do, get it checked out before storm season. Have at least five full gas cans on hand to run generators and to put in your car.

BEFORE EVACUATING •

“Put together a file/folder that includes pertinent policy information such as declaration pages, agency contact information and claims department contact information,” Byrley says. “And take photos of the exterior and interior of your home. Include ALL rooms and closets.”

•

Empty fridges/freezers to lessen food spoilage and unplug all appliances and electronics. Bring all outdoor items inside or secure as best as possible. Lift everything off the floor as high as you can, just in case your house does flood in the storm. If you have a garage door and are leaving a vehicle behind, back it up against the door to keep it from blowing in. Turn off main breaker when you leave.

WHILE EVACUATED •

Save all evacuation receipts from the date of mandatory evacuation through the date it is lifted, or the date you return home, whichever is first. Keep evacuation expenses reasonable. If possible, do not return home until it is safe to do so.

WHEN MAKING A CLAIM •

“Try to wait until you know the extent of your damage to turn in a claim,” Byrley says. “This helps to better prioritize your claim so that your insurer can assess those that have the most severe damage first.”

•

Aim to be as descriptive as possible when turning in a claim. If major issues arise after the claim was turned in, call your insurance company as soon as you can and update them. Keep a file that includes your claim number for each item damaged, whom you have spoken with, along with the date and time of interaction.

•

“If you have any issues or problems don’t panic,” Byrley advises. “Remember, your agent is on your side and is there to help. Contact them with any issues you have.”

®®

AUTO••HOME HOME •• LIFE AUTO LIFE 1-800-SHELTER

1-800-SHELTER ShelterInsurance.com ShelterInsurance.com

Ross Byrley Agent 4566 LakeByrley St. • 478-8349 Ross Agent

4566 Lake St. • 478-8349

thriveswla.com

21

Money & Career |

HOME INSURANCE POLICY

IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW HOMEOWNERS INSURER? What You Need to Know The hurricane season of 2020 was a rude awakening for many SWLA homeowners. Dissatisfied with their insurance companies for a variety of reasons, many residents are seeking to change their insurer.

Shayne Laughlin, ChFC® LUTCF of State Farm sheds some light on what we need to look for when shopping for homeowner’s insurance. “I believe the most important thing to look for in your insurance company is a competent, local office, with an agent and team who are readily available and willing to go to bat for you,” says Laughlin. “In a catastrophic event of this magnitude, most people have quickly realized that no matter who you are insured with, the adjuster that shows up at your door can make or break your experience. If the adjuster is great, you have no worries, but if not, that’s where your local agent makes all the difference.”

Laughlin says the local agent and team should know the policies they sell and be your advocate. “They should be the liaison between you and the insurance company, helping you to navigate through the steps and processes that all insurance companies have,” she continues. “No insurance company can get it right 100% of the time, so when things aren’t going right, you should feel confident that you can sit down with your local agent and be heard.”

22

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Don’t just shop price, Laughlin advises.

“The people of SWLA should realize now more than ever that they need to take a more active role in their insurance. Gone are the days when you can pay your premiums and know nothing about your policies. If you purchase a policy and that company does not even attempt to review what all it covers, then you should run. Insurance is one of the most difficult industries to understand, but you have to have it, so you may as well educate yourself so you won’t be caught off guard.”

All policies are not created equal. “There are at least eight different levels of Homeowners policies, from HO1 - HO8, which not only dictate the price but the coverage options as well, so buyer beware,” she cautions. “What a policy should cover truly depends on the individual purchasing the policy.”

Laughlin says the biggest issues she saw after the hurricanes were people being underinsured on the dwelling extensions.

“This is not the home itself, but the additional structures on the property, such as fences, sheds, shops, pools, etc. There is an automatic coverage with each policy (usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage, and that percentage can vary by company) but it is up to the homeowner to inform their local agent if they add structures after they purchased the policy and need to increase this coverage.”

Additionally, consumers should look for Replacement Cost Policies. This means that when you have a claim, the company will pay you the Actual Cash Value (what the item is worth today based on age and condition). Then, once you replace that item, they will pay you the difference between the ACV and the Replacement cost.

“There are lots of endorsements that can be added to a policy, but the agent has no way of knowing what each individual needs unless they sit down and review with them,” Laughlin says.

She also makes a side note for business owners like herself. “The policy you carry should cover loss of income. This income payment can be the difference between recovering from the loss and closing your doors permanently.”

Many homeowners discovered their deductibles were so huge they cannot afford repairs. “The remedy for this is to take one-to-two hours a year and schedule an appointment with your local agent to review your policies and ask questions,” Laughlin advises. “The deductibles are generally clearly listed on the Declarations page of every policy and not hidden in the fine print.

AUTO-HOME-LIFE-HEALTH The renewal policies are sent out approximately 45 days prior to the renewal date. When homeowners get this in the mail, it should be their trigger to contact their agent and either set an appointment to review the policy or at minimum, ask questions about their deductibles. All companies are different, but 30 days prior to your renewal is typically when you can make changes to things like hurricane deductibles.”

4344 Lake Street Lake Charles, LA

337.477.7354 For a quote visit www.insureswla.net

Shayne M Laughlin, Agent • www.insureswla.net

IndustryInsider

Straight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

Q:

What products do local industries make?

Is it anything I use?

A:

The industries here in Southwest Louisiana make ingredients for products that are used in travel, healthcare and around the house.

Many of the end products are easily recognizable in our everyday routines. For example, local industries produce ethylene, an ingredient in food wrap. They also produce ingredients for vinyl, widely used in the healthcare industry for things like heart catheters and IV’s.

Ingredients for synthetic alcohol are produced here, resulting in hand sanitizers and liquid soaps. Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, motor oil and specialty additives are made locally, making it possible for us to travel, enjoy a day on the water or just drive across town. Local industries have a part in producing many products to enrich our quality of life.

Roman Thompson

industry representative

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

thriveswla.com

23

Money & Career |

HOME INSURANCE POLICY

WHEN YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WON’T COOPERATE:

The Next Step Two back-to-back hurricanes hit Southwest Louisiana with a double wallop that left homeowners reeling. The storms are estimated to have done more than $14 billion in damage to west Louisiana and east Texas.

In the days that followed, it became abundantly clear that the response from insurers was, in many cases, lacking. Frustrated claimants are wondering what to do next. If all else fails, it may be time to contact an attorney.

24

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

The Lake Charles law firm of Broussard + Williamson receives calls every day. “There are lots of problems,” says partner Aaron Broussard. “Insurers are overwhelmed, but that’s because they chose to understaff their response teams. Then, they sent out of a lot of rookie claims adjusters who did not have the necessary experience or knowledge to do the job right. Many of them quit or were let go shortly after the storm, and then someone else had to take over resulting in even more delays. In short, the larger insurance companies wrote more policies than they could handle. But that was a choice motivated by profit, so don’t feel sorry for them.”

This isn’t to say that the insurance companies don’t have the money.

“They have it, but they are holding out,” Broussard continues. “They will give you a long list of excuses for their delays. Don’t buy them. They may also misrepresent coverage, either because they don’t understand their own policies or they are intentionally trying to shortchange you.”

BROUSSARD + WILLIAMSON HAS COMPILED SOME HELPFUL GUIDANCE FOR THOSE HANDLING THEIR OWN CLAIM: •

Only communicate with your insurance company by email and always reference your claim number in the subject line.

•

Send new information to your insurance company as you receive it. After you have proof of your entire loss, resend everything in one package/email.

•

Your insurer must pay the undisputed amount of your claim within 30 days of receiving satisfactory proof of loss without requiring any signatures or releases.

•

It is okay to deposit checks from your insurance company before your claim is final, as long as the check or paperwork does not state something like “FINAL PAYMENT.”

•

If you have any questions about your claim, ask an attorney for advice. Most attorneys will not charge to review your claim.

•

You should get advice from an attorney if your insurance company has: 1) denied coverage of any loss 2) treated you unfairly 3) delayed your payment 4) made inconsistent statements, or 5) refused to accept your contractor’s estimate.

IF YOU DECIDE TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY, CERTAIN STEPS WILL BE TAKEN. •

“We use a three-step process. We start by resending the information you already gathered with a demand from our law firm,” says partner Michael Williamson. “Often, a letter from an attorney is all that is needed to motivate the insurer to do the right thing. If all we need to do send this letter, we do not charge a fee. If our first letter does not work, we visit the property, either sending out our own expert, or an independent party. From there, we send a new demand package to the insurer, urging them to do what is right. If this demand doesn’t work, it’s time to take the next step and file a lawsuit.”

•

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Lawsuits usually take a long time, but Williamson pointed out that Federal Judge James Cain recently approved a plan to expedite hurricane lawsuits against insurance companies. “The process is similar to what judges in Texas used after Hurricane Harvey and New York used after Superstorm Sandy,” Williamson says.

•

Insurance companies and the parties who sue them will have to share information with each other as soon as possible and then meet (online or on the phone) within a month of the deadline to share information and discuss a possible settlement.

•

If the two sides can’t agree on a settlement, the case will go to mediation. Anyone who wants to opt out of the process will have to file motions with the Court.

Email or Text Notification when your RX is ready!

ThriftyWay PHARMACY #2

Friendly service from your home town pharmacy.

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

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

25

Money & Career

New Year, New Roof No matter where you live, chances are you’ve encountered your share of rough weather over the years.

From tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms and summer squalls that bring driving wind and rain, storms can wreak havoc on roofs and other exterior home surfaces.

So how do you identify roof damage, and what should you do about your roof after a major storm?

Brian Heyse, owner of Superior Group Roofing and Design, discusses the types of roof storm damage and what steps you should take for future reference:

SO, YOUR ROOF HAS DAMAGE, WHAT’S NEXT? “As always, safety is first,” said Heyse. “Contact a trusted, professional roofing contractor to schedule an inspection to assess your damage with a professional eye, provide an estimate on repair costs, replace or repair your roof and work with your insurance company on coverage. It is important to work with a contractor you trust – don’t just go for the sales pitch and quick fix. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure the roofing contractor you’re considering is licensed, insured and can offer a strong warranty for the work they do. Furthermore, check out online reviews from other people’s experiences using their services.”

TYPES OF ROOF STORM DAMAGE Wind—Hurricane-force winds, classified by meteorologists as 74 mph or greater, or gale-force winds, which are between 39-54 mph, can cause visible damage to your roof by removing or tearing shingles, leaving the underlayment, roof deck or waterproofing material exposed to the elements. During less severe storms, sudden, sharp gusts of wind can lift and curl shingles, breaking the seal and potentially leaving your roof vulnerable to damage from wind-driven rain.

Hail—Hailstorms tend to be short, rarely lasting longer than 15 minutes, but the hailstones they bring can leave dents or pockmarks in shingles and knock granules loose. More than just ruining the aesthetic of your roof’s surface, your roof is now exposed to rain and sun damage due to missing granules.

Standing Water—Roofs without proper drainage can experience problems with standing water after big rainstorms, especially in uneven areas. Clogged gutters can also back up rainwater under your shingles, which allows moisture to potentially penetrate the underlayment or the roof deck.

Debris—Depending on how severe the storm is, debris can end up on your roof.

Large objects can dent or impact the surface of the shingle, leaving that area of the roof vulnerable to moisture intrusion.

26

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Ready to replace your roof? There are many things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability top the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these considerations: Shingle Style and Color—Asphalt, fiberglass, wood, slate, tile and metal are the most popular types of shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common, but 3-tab or architectural? While architectural may be more expensive, they can increase a home’s value. They are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles with two or three reinforcement layers versus one, making them a more durable option with longer warranties. When it comes to shingle colors, they can have a chameleon effect once they are matched up to another color on the exterior, so don’t focus too much on trying to match colors exactly. Also, while you may be tempted to play it safe and replace with the exact same shingle color, use this as an opportunity to refresh and boost curb appeal. Dark colors draw more attention than light colors do, and for a multi-level home, darker shingles tend to make the roof look more substantial to balance the height of the house. Keep in mind your siding, door, accent trim and shutter colors too, if it is blended like multi-color brick, stick with a solid color.

Underlayment—Roofing underlayment is a fitted layer over a roof’s sheathing or roof deck, under the shingles. This layer is the most important component of your roof, as it is the last line of defense in protecting your home from the elements. There are two types—felt and synthetic.

Roofing felt is infused with asphalt or fiberglass, and is prone to tearing in high winds, and rain can blow under the gaps in the felt. A synthetic underlayment is more water-resistant, tearresistant, UV resistant and maintains its integrity when exposed to cold weather. It offers a higher degree of weather protection than felt, but because it creates a waterproof barrier, attics must be properly vented to prevent condensation buildup.

Ventilation and Insulation—Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can build up in an attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle and insulation to lose its effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to never block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents. The most effective vents have four open sides and rise above the roof, which allows them to capture wind from all directions to product a suction effect.

To achieve full ventilation of the attic, there must be an air inlet at the base of the roof, through perforations in the eaves soffit.

Plumbing vents are pipes that emerge from the roof and admits air into the plumbing system to allow wastewater to flow properly to the sewer or septic-system leaching field. Flashing or joint covers are flexible or rigid and made of galvanized steel, aluminum or plastic molding that prevents water flowing near roof openings— usually in valleys and at the bases of chimneys, roof and plumbing vents.

After a crisis, if there is damage to your home, contact your insurance company as soon as possible for an adjuster to come to your home and appraise the damage. Remember, in a disaster situation, someone may not come immediately, so try to be patient. It is beneficial to have a trained roofing contractor on site to meet with your adjuster so nothing is overlooked and you get a fair assessment of the damages.

If you are interested in a free inspection for a new roof, contact Superior Group Roofing and Design at 337-967-ROOF or complete their web-based form at www.myroof4free.com to receive a Superior experience.

Light it upIT’S GLOW TIME!

Nothing brings warmth to landscaping quite like custom lighting and no one does it better than we do. From a simply lit pathway to a brilliant yard overhaul, our lighting specialists can make your yard glow. The possibilites are endless!

Landscaping made simple for your home.

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

landscapemanagement.org

thriveswla.com

27

Money & Career

Want a Better Business in the New Year?

TIPS FOR SETTING BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS by Haley Armand Tarasiewicz

When people hear ‘New Year’s resolutions,’ they often think of exercising more, decluttering or spending more time with family and friends. But these are personal goals; what about your business? According to Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, CEAP, LPC-S, LMFT, president of Solutions Counseling and EAP, the New Year is the perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been, dream of where you want to go and create impactful resolutions to bridge the gap. “Much research has shown that business professionals who create conscious, well-thought-out goals are more likely to achieve long-term success.”

So how do you set clear, actionable and attainable goals for your business? ForbessMcCorquodale offers the following suggestions to help make 2021 the year you hit every business target you set.

28

IDENTIFY PRIORITIES USING A SWOT ANALYSIS.

When setting big, overarching company goals for the year, you must know what your priorities are. A SWOT analysis identifies your business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, helping you to define your top three focus areas.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

DEFINE SMART GOALS FOR YOUR FOCUS AREAS AND MAKE THEM SMARTER.

All too often, goal setting gets sidelined in business.

In fact, research shows roughly half of all employees don’t know what is expected of them at work and get frustrated, confused and disengaged. The SMART system gives organizations a smarter way of setting objectives to create, track and accomplish short and long-term goals.

Tips for making SMARTER goals: Specific—be clear and specific about the outcome to be achieved and designate a lead member.

Measurable—specify the key results or milestones that indicate meaningful progress. This could be a number, an event or an experience.

Achievable—set ambitious, yet attainable goals and solidify a strategy for achieving them.

Realistic—ensure relevance by aligning goals with overall mission. Designate priority and importance of each goal in your plan.

Timely—set a clear deadline and milestone dates to track progress.

Evaluate—evaluate progress, prioritization and action strategy frequently with your team and discuss challenges and provide feedback/ guidance.

Recognize—recognize effort, collaboration and milestone wins.

Reward significant achievements and successful goal attainment.

“When your goals are this defined, it becomes easier to visualize the outcome and objectively determine if you have achieved it or not,” says Forbess-McCorquodale. “Along the way you will also acquire information to help you set additional goals for the future based on successes and shortfalls.”

REVIEW THE GOALS WITH YOUR TEAM AND GET THEIR FEEDBACK.

Successful business owners know that the people who work for them are their most valuable asset. Your team is essentially your brand—they develop and work on your products and talk with current and potential clients. They can tell you what is working and what is holding your business back. It is important that you sit down with them, review the goals and get their feedback.

They may agree—giving you their buy-in and commitment, or they may have useful insights you haven’t thought of yet. By involving your employees, Forbess-McCorquodale says you make them feel valued and engaged, and at the same time ensure your goals are achievable.

CREATE GOOD HABITS.

To make a goal a reality, you need to create a schedule and build good habits around it. The actions that will achieve your goals need to be scheduled and regularly reviewed to resolve any issues before your window of opportunity passes.

Automate as much as possible, for example, use a shared calendar for all team members that includes check-ins and deadline dates.

Create task plans with clearly defined objectives and responsible parties to organize duties. Write your goals down and display them on an office wall to keep them visible and top of mind.

Business goal-setting might sound a little overwhelming, but ForbessMcCorquodale says it is much less overwhelming than feeling like you’re drowning in work and no closer to achieving your goals. “So, develop business resolutions this year to make 2021 the year your business booms.”

For more information on Solutions’ services for businesses, call 337-310-2822. thriveswla.com

29

Money & Career

Louisiana Senator Ronnie Johns graduated from Northeast Louisiana University with a degree in Pharmacy but is best known for his nearly four decades as a State Farm insurance agent in Sulphur and his stellar career in Louisiana public service. Thrive magazine recently caught up with this busy 71-year-old and learned about Johns’ passion for politics, policy, and the importance of paying it forward.

first person with LA Senator Ronnie Johns

by Angie Kay Dilmore

30

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Ronnie Johns and family

Describe your childhood in rural Bunkie, La. Bunkie was a great place to grow up! I learned a lot about family values and the importance of community involvement. It has changed a lot since I left there 39 years ago, especially since the building of I-49, which bypassed the town by around five miles. I left Bunkie in 1982 when I left the pharmacy practice to begin a career in insurance. I lived and worked in DeRidder, La. for one year and relocated my business to Sulphur in 1983.

What prompted your transition from pharmacy to insurance?

People often ask me why I left a career in pharmacy to pursue a career in the insurance industry. I practiced pharmacy from 1972 until 1982. It was a great career, but I wanted to own my own business, and I began to see the demise of the independent drug stores by the late 1970s.

I remember telling my family that I didn’t want to wake up having to work at a chain pharmacy at 10:00 p.m. on a Sunday night. My opportunity to open my own business with State Farm came from an uncle who was in management with the company. I made an entire career change at 32 years old.

What did you enjoy about the insurance business?

It’s been a great career and it gave me the opportunity to help many people through some catastrophic times. Whether it was a hurricane, a home destroyed by fire, or a serious automobile accident, I had both the opportunity and the obligation to help my clients rebuild their losses and hopefully restore some normalcy to their lives.

What were the challenges?

The insurance business, just like any other business, brought its challenges. New underwriting rules, high cost of insurance in Louisiana, and changes in the service model of the company were always difficult to deal with, but it was part of doing business and we always adapted to those changes.

How has the insurance industry changed over the years?

The insurance industry has changed dramatically over the years. The internet and online sales have changed the business model to a great degree.

The industry is not as personal as it once was.

Years ago, I knew most company underwriters and claims personnel on a first name basis. Many were local residents. We went to church together, we hunted together, our families socialized together.

Like most of Corporate America, that has changed by centralizing all operations of the business into large offices across the country. In the past few years, I seldom personally knew who I was working with on behalf of a client. Being old school, I believe it’s not been in the best interest of either the client or the agent by eliminating those close personal relationships to help solve problems.

And now you’re retired.

I retired from State Farm on August 31, 2020. My decision to retire was actually made in August of 2019, not knowing that Hurricane Laura would hit our area on August 27, 2020. My retirement contract was irrevocable and therefore I had to legally leave my agency at a critical time but also knowing that a new agent was in place to handle the business. I now tell people I have gone from two full times job to one full time job – the Senate. While many people think legislators only attend a Session for two or three months each year, it is a seven day a week job, every day bringing new challenges.

What prompted you to get involved in politics?

My itch for politics began in high school when I ran for and was elected Student Council President. While living in Bunkie, I successfully ran for City Council and served in that capacity for four years prior to moving to Sulphur. My father had previously served on that City Council and we are the only father and son to serve that community in that position.

Describe some highlights of your public service career.

After moving to Sulphur, I became active in numerous campaigns. I served as the campaign chairman for the successful campaigns for both State Representative Dennis Stine and later his brother, Tim Stine. I was active in the campaigns for Randy Roach for both State Representative and later Mayor of Lake Charles, as well as other campaigns and voter initiatives too numerous to list here. I served on the La. State Mineral Board under the administration of former Governor Buddy Roemer. In 1995, I ran successfully for State Representative. I served in the La. House of Representatives from 1996 until 2008 when my term limit was completed. The following three years, I was appointed by former Governor Bobby Jindal as Chairman of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation.

In 2011, I decided to return to the legislature. I ran unopposed in that election cycle and was elected overwhelmingly to my second term in the fall 2015, and then was elected once again unopposed in the fall of 2019. I am now serving in my third and final term of the La. Senate due to term limits. As a Senator, I have ascended into a leadership position, now serving as Chairman of Senate Commerce, a committee that oversees a wide variety of important business interests. I also serve on the Senate Finance Committee, which crafts and oversees a $32 billion budget. I am the first Senator in 16 years to serve as a committee chairman and also hold a seat on the Finance Committee.

Tell us about your involvement with the issue of human trafficking.

I have authored numerous pieces of legislation that address human trafficking, both from a criminal aspect to protecting the rights of the victims. I’m also involved with the Metanoia Foundation and serve on its Board of Directors. The foundation built the first shelter for minor female victims of human trafficking in our state and it’s been hugely successful. This $2 million home provides up to 16 young women a safe

haven, psychological help, education opportunities, healthcare, and especially love. We built this facility strictly with private funds, with no government funds involved. One of the highlights of my work on human trafficking took me and my wife Michelle to the Vatican in Rome, where we met Pope Francis and received his personal blessing. As lifelong Catholics, that was a very special moment for us.

You’ve also done extensive legislative work on adoption and foster care issues.

Yes, my only child, Claire Abel, is an adopted daughter that we have been blessed with since her birth in 1989. In 2017, I was honored in Washington DC by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption with their Angel in Adoption Award. I have since helped start a similar coalition in the LA Legislature and we now recognize individuals and families who have done special work on adoption and foster care.

List three things you plan to do in retirement.

I intend to spend more time with my family. Many retirees say this but in my case, it’s a real priority. My daughter was in first grade when I began my House legislative career, and she was graduating from high school when I term-limited out. I missed much of her childhood. I now have four grandchildren and I want to spend time with them and help them grow into productive citizens.

Michelle, and I want to travel more these next ten years or so. We are in the “4th quarter of life” and want to see more of this great country we live in.

I want to remain active in my community and my state. I have three years left in my last Senate term and I intend to make the most of my opportunities to make our state a better place for its citizens, especially our children and grandchildren. I believe we owe something to the community, state, and country in which we live. I plan to continue doing that as long as God will allow me the health and energy to do so.

Any other thoughts, Senator Johns?

I’m proud to say that I live in Southwest Louisiana. It’s a place where people care about their neighbors. Our people here are proud, strong, and resilient. The aftermath of Hurricanes Laura and Delta have proven that once again. Our communities will rebuild and be better places to live because of its people and their determination to help each other. thriveswla.com

31

HEALTHCARE

2021 Lessons Learned in 2020

T

o say 2020 was a year for the books would be an understatement, at best. Last year changed the way we do just about everything, from our work lives to our personal relationships and activities. Yet no experience is without merit if we emerge on the other side somehow better, with new information that improves the way we do things.

Our January 2021 cover story looks at healthcare and the many ways this industry has navigated through devastating back-to-back hurricanes and a global pandemic. What have healthcare providers gleaned from the events of last year that ultimately result in better patient care?

What will they do differently now that might improve the services they offer? In this insightful section, local healthcare providers share their 2020 experiences and how those events resulted in a positive impact on the ways they serve their patients.

32

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

When considering cosmetic surgery, two things are essential.

An experienced, highly skilled surgeon who understands the structure of the face both inside and out is, of course, a requirement. But, making skin smooth and tight again is only a part of the process.

A keen understanding of the balance and proportions of your particular face—how the chin, nose, eyes and neck work in harmony to enhance your appearance is critical.

Adjusting this balance, delicately and gently, requires the experienced eye of an artist. Uncovering the beauty beneath demands a special touch.

1000 W. Pinhook Road • Lafayette 337-237-0650 • www.acadianent.com

The hands of a surgeon. The eye of an artist.

board-certified & fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon jeffrey j. joseph, md, facs

Meet the Newest Member of our Physician Team Tyler Zachary, MD, Endocrinologist Dr. Tyler Zachary, endocrinologist, has joined the medical staff of Imperial Health. He will be practicing with Dr. Timothy Gilbert and Dr. Sandra Dempsey at the Endocrinology Center of Southwest Louisiana.

Originally from Sulphur, Dr. Zachary earned his Medical Degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.

He completed a Fellowship in Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Zachary is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Call (337) 310-3670 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zachary.

imperialhealth.com

1727 Imperial Blvd., #2, Lake Charles | 1327 Stelly Lane, Sulphur | (337) 310-3670

thriveswla.com

33

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

CHRISTUS Oschner Health SWLA Expect the

Unexpected & Stay Two Steps Ahead T

hrough both the pandemic and the hurricanes, leaders at CHRISTUS Oschner understood the importance of local healthcare. “We’ve always tried to be the best community partner, and in a year where healthcare was one of the most important services, we learned that our nurses and frontline healthcare workers are some of the bravest people around,” said Kevin Holland, President and CEO of CHRISTUS Ochsner Health SWLA.

34

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

“We’ve always had processes in place for infection control – and this year was no different – but the pandemic shined an even brighter light on those processes and ensured we excel in patient safety.

This means we keep our associates safe as well. Last year was about being prepared for anything thrown our way. We adjusted when patients couldn’t have visitors.

We became patient advocates as well as caregivers.

We understood the importance of being available for care before, during and after the hurricanes. The biggest thing we learned from 2020 is to expect the unexpected and to stay two steps ahead.”

The pandemic and hurricanes prompted CHRISTUS Oschner to look at some things differently, for example, their supply needs. “We were fortunate to be a part of a larger system that ensured we had the needed supplies to care for our patients,” Holland says. “Another change has been a greater reliance on telehealth. We utilized telehealth in small ways before 2020, which made for an easy transition during the pandemic and became hardwired before the hurricanes. Telehealth has allowed people to continue to safely receive medical care – something we’ll continue long after the pandemic.”

“Our biggest goal for any storm is to make sure we remain open before, during and after,” Holland added. “No matter the storm severity, there will always be medical needs and people who need to remain home despite a mandatory evacuation order. With the 2020 hurricanes, our goal was to ensure available care.

The plan took quite a bit of preparation. We had alternate water sources and large industrial generators brought in before the storms to ensure our services would continue.

We participated in state and local planning and assisted officials in storm recovery efforts. We sent out frequent media releases and updated our social media often to keep the community informed on service availability. We also prioritized caring for our Associates. To continue to provide community care, we ensured our employees were cared for by offering sleep rooms, laundry facilities, shower facilities, free food and supplies.

Associates were able to request needed funds to get their homes and families back together after the hurricanes. We knew if our Associates were cared for, we could continue to provide top quality healthcare, even in that very trying time.”

CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick, CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area and their many clinics and ancillary locations all received substantial damage during both storms, including roof damage, window damage and overall damage to campus grounds. At St. Patrick, the top of one of their crosswalks blew off.

“Because of preparations by our facilities and maintenance team, we had immediate temporary remediation during the storm and remediation crews began work the morning after each storm,” Holland said. “We never lost service and continued extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ throughout the storms’ aftermath.”

THE WAIT IS

OVER

With OrthoExpress, the wait to get care for a musculoskeletal injury is over.

24-hour Appointment Guarantee | Monday through Friday

Sports Injuries Broken Bones Sprains & Strains

Knee Injuries Hip Injuries Foot & Ankle Injuries

Shoulder Injuries Elbow Injuries Sudden Back or Neck Pain

Hand & Wrist Injuries Work-Related Injuries

at Center for Orthopaedics * pending insurance approval

(337) 721-7236 | CenterForOrtho.com 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles thriveswla.com

35

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

Through Hurricanes and a Pandemic,

MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

puts Patient Care First 2020

was a challenging year for healthcare and our community, starting with COVID-19 and then two hurricanes.

Memorial has learned to adapt and continue its mission of being a SWLA healthcare leader. COVID-19 facilitated healthcare changes that in effect proved to be beneficial precursors for how they could continue to deliver needed services even in the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. COVID-19 helped fast track the capabilities for virtual visits and digital patient communications. These services allowed Memorial doctors to minimize the disruption of care and continue to keep in touch with patients who needed them the most.

36

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Memorial never closed in the aftermath of the hurricanes, and lessons learned as a result will help the health system better prepare for future disasters. Memorial plans to fortify its emergency response capabilities to improve services after a disaster strikes. As Southwest Louisiana’s largest community regional health system and level III trauma center, the community depends on Memorial to remain open and accessible.

Memorial Hospital’s main campus was fortunate as it only sustained comparatively minimal damage in both Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The Plant Operations team worked diligently around-the-clock to repair windows and work through power and water issues when the area lost these services due to the storms. Within days, auxiliary power and water were operational.

Memorial had several offices, clinics, and the Memorial for Women plant that sustained varying degrees of damage.

The Women’s campus resumed operations within a couple of weeks and the Archer Institute, which sustained heavy damage, is now partially reopened. Since then, their contractor and plant operations teams worked hard to get those facilities back open. While most services and clinics have been restored, Memorial still has work to do at Archer and at some of the offsite offices and clinics, but progress is being made every day. Despite everything, Memorial Medical Group doctors have continued the quality care and treatment of their patients.

Memorial’s vision, to continually improve their quality and safety, advance their standards, and be a major healthcare delivery system for ALL people of Southwest Louisiana, has not wavered. Through the pandemic and hurricanes, Memorial Health System and its staff strived to adapt in an effort to continue services for the people of SWLA. Putting patients first, many employees stayed onsite during the storms to take care of critically ill and emergency health needs while their families evacuated and their homes were damaged. It proved a daunting task, but Memorial is still here and plans be to stronger than ever in 2021, continuing to offer the best healthcare for our region.

COMING SOON: A GRAND RE-OPENING THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF CARE IN SENIOR LIVING

RETREAT TO LUXURY

Beautiful renovations feature contemporary upgrades throughout entire facility.

Lake Charles’ newest rehab-to-home community.

Private accommodations available Free cable, internet, and wifi Restaurant-style dining

Custom programs that promote social, emotional, and physical engagement and well-being

20 spacious private suites with private restrooms State-of-the-art therapy gym

Television in each room with free cable and wifi throughout Private dining

Call Christi Miller at 337-439-0336 to reserve a room.

2701 ERNEST STREET | LAKE CHARLES, LA | 337-439-0336

lakecharlescarecenter.com thriveswla.com

37

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

WEST CALCASIEU CAMERON HOSPITAL Leading

by Example T

he pandemic of 2020 along with the two hurricanes put the tenacity and perseverance of Southwest Louisiana to the test.

“We’re proud to say we continuously provided exceptional healthcare services to our community throughout this trying year,” says Janie Fruge’, chief executive officer of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH).

38

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

When COVID-19 became a reality in the community, WCCH responded quickly and efficiently. “As we all in the medical community learned more about this novel virus, we made necessary adjustments and continued to focus on patient care as well as employee safety,” explains Fruge’.

“Navigating through the COVID-19 crisis has been one of the biggest challenges we have faced. Our mission of providing exceptional care never wavered as we implemented additional procedures to keep our patients, employees and community as healthy as possible.”

When the hurricanes struck within six weeks of each other, WCCH remained open and operational. “Leaders show up when there’s a crisis,” says Ben Darby, MD, FACOG, obstetrician and gynecologist with OBG-1 of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. "Janie put herself on the line. She did everything.

She was on the front lines, rounding day and night, seeing what people needed."

WCCH regularly participates in hurricane preparedness planning and Fruge' credits that, along with lessons learned during Hurricane Rita in 2005, for helping employees know what to expect.

“Having them execute the plans and training we’ve put in place really was a beautiful thing for me to see as their leader. I feel very honored, humbled and privileged to be on this team," she says.

“The generous spirit of our community was evident as businesses, industry partners and individuals stepped up in many ways; by ensuring our team had the necessary personal protective equipment and other medical supplies needed to navigate through COVID-19. And, again after Hurricanes Laura and Delta, by handling infrastructure repairs so we could remain operational and provide uninterrupted patient care when our community needed it most,” explains Fruge’.

WCCH and the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation launched a community-wide thank you campaign in late 2020 in appreciation of the many businesses and individuals who showed overwhelming support and generosity during the pandemic and hurricanes. “We needed to reach out to our community and let them know how much we appreciated and felt their support,” she says. “As a community hospital, we are committed to providing care to those within our service district and being a good healthcare partner along with the rest of the hospitals, physicians and healthcare providers in Southwest Louisiana.”

right us

we’re you

where need

Breast Health

Pediatric Care

Cancer Care

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Cardiology Ear, Nose & Throat Care Emergency Care Family Medicine Home Health Care Laboratory Nutrition & Wellness Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics

Pulmonary & Respiratory Care Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging Rural Health Centers Sleep Medicine Surgical Services Wound Healing Center

701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com

thriveswla.com

39

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

SWLA CENTER FOR HEALTH SERVICES Strives to Find New Ways to Reach the Community

T

he unexpected events of 2020 provided SWLA Center for Health Services knowledge to provide better patient care. “In order to do this, we first had to take care of our caretakers,” says Jessica Jolly, Chief Operating Officer of the Center.

“Our frontline workers lost homes during the hurricanes, experienced COVID-19 firsthand, or lost friends or family due to the virus, and as healthcare leaders, we recognized the importance of making sure this group is cared for.”

40

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Jolly says caring for the whole person and looking at a patient’s social determinants of health helps them to understand their clients’ concerns, identify the lacking resources, and meet those needs. “We approach healthcare in a holistic way.

We have learned that the only way to truly make people well is to recognize all their experiences – whether they be trauma or challenges and try to address all the needs in order to care for the entire person. Care should be tailored; what works for one patient may not work for the next. We have also learned the importance of access to mental and behavioral health services.”

Moving forward, the team at SWLA Center for Health Services is focused on strengthening their infrastructure; not only those affected by the disaster, but throughout the entire organization. “We plan on modernizing our physical buildings to create an environment conducive to high-quality, team-based care.

We also plan on leveraging technology to create more flexibility and opportunities for our patients to be seen. We are working on a remote patient monitoring program to allow patients to have their blood pressure, oxygen, glucose, and weight levels monitored and transmitted to our network portal which will reduce the need for travel and the potential for exposure in our at-risk patient population.

We will also further incorporate behavioral health into primary care. We want to eliminate the stigma surrounding behavioral health and ensure that patients can be quickly set up with therapists if they need services. We plan to conduct educational series and group therapies as another way to reach out to our patients in order to educate and ultimately meet the needs.

JayVon Muhammad, SWLA Center for Health Services CEO, organized grassroots relief efforts almost immediately once Hurricane Laura passed. They positioned themselves to be the Hurricane Relief Command Center at their Lake Charles site. They partnered with multiple organizations to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of resources for the community, and received truckloads of donated items from the city of Houston, T. D. Jakes Ministry, Kroger, CVS and countless churches to provide access to basic essentials. They used social media, television, and radio to get the information out that the health center was providing relief efforts.

“Probably one of the most memorable experiences for me was the community walk with the doctors,” Jolly says. “Our providers walked the neighborhood and knocked on doors to do welfare checks.

Most people didn’t expect to see anyone out so soon, and it was a joy to do it, especially for our elderly population who couldn’t make it to the center for even important things like food and prescriptions. We will continue to find ways to be here for the community because that’s what we do. It has been an honor and a challenge, but will ultimately make the organization and community stronger as we move forward. The bottom line is ‘Our business is making people WELL, and we aim to do that daily!”

thriveswla.com

41

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

IMPERIAL HEALTH More than a Doctor - a Healthcare Team

T

he year had barely begun when the COVID-19 crisis began, and as the year ends, repairs from two major hurricanes are ongoing, and the pandemic continues. There is no doubt that 2020 presented unique challenges for our community, even more so, in many ways, for healthcare providers.

As the region’s largest multi-specialty regional medical group, Imperial Health has over 60 providers and 23 locations, so responding to a pandemic took a great deal of coordination and communication. “It was a gamechanger for the regular way of caring for patients.

42

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

There was a great deal of education that took place in the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, especially during the shutdown,” says Dr. Andrew Bradberry, family medicine specialist. “As doctors, we had to be fully informed about the guidelines for prevention, protocols for seeing patients, what procedures were still allowed and which were not, testing and much more. We had to make sure our staff was educated about these things as well, and confident in the measures we had put in place to protect them. We all had to work together to communicate accurate information to our patients. It was a massive effort to somewhat restructure how we operate and we did so very quickly.

Part of the group’s response involved offering care through telemedicine. In addition, they offered COVID testing at their urgent care centers. A contactless walk-up testing window was created at the Urgent Care Center in Lake Charles to make testing even more convenient and safe. Dr. Bradberry says patient communication was a big part of the group’s pandemic response. “Patients were contacted directly about new office visit protocols, we added signage throughout our offices, and we used social media and our group’s website to communicate with our patients, and the general public as well, about prevention guidelines, office policy changes and to correct misinformation. After schools reopened,

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Imperial Health’s Primary Care Clinics in Iowa and DeRidder provided posters on COVID-19 prevention to schools in their areas of service.

When two hurricanes struck within six weeks of each other later in the year, Imperial Health again relied on teamwork and communication to manage the new crisis. “Every Imperial Health office was affected in some way by the storms,” says Dr. Bradberry. “Once the storms passed, our team immediately began assessments to determine the extent of the damage at each location and to develop a reopening plan. We knew we’d be without power, internet and even water in some locations for quite some time, so a plan was put in place to allow patients to access their medical records if they needed them where they had evacuated. We set up a patient call center to answer patient questions and to assist them with getting the information they needed to get the care they needed. Updates were provided to our staff and to our patients throughout the recovery process. Social media and our website served as effective ways to communicate during this process.”

Dr. Bradberry says the events of the past year have reinforced the importance of Imperial Health’s team approach to caring for our community. “This has always been a part of our mission, with our primary care doctors, specialists and clinical support professionals working together, sharing resources and expertise to provide high quality health care.

This approach served us well as we faced the challenges of 2020 together, and we are all proud to be part of a community that demonstrated such resilience and compassion as we faced such extreme circumstance. We, along with everyone in Southwest Louisiana, are looking forward to better days ahead in 2021.”

TIMPERIAL H HEALTH I N FORK NEUROLOGICAL CARE

Dr. Nirmala Tumarada offers comprehensive neurological diagnostic and treatment expertise. She specializes in all general neurologic conditions, including: • Migraine

• Tremor

• Stroke

• Spasticity

• Epilepsy

• Dystonia

• Neuromuscular disorders • Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis

NIRMALA TUMARADA, M.S., M.D.

Neurologist and Neuromuscular Medicine Specialist • Medical School: Guntur Medical College, India • Masters Degree in Neuroscience, LSU Health Science Center, New Orleans • Neurology Residency, LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans • Fellowship in Neuromuscular Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham • Board Certified in Neurology and Electrodiagnostic Studies

To schedule an appointment, call (337) 312-8730.

imperialhealth.com 501 DR. MICHAEL DEBAKEY DR. | LAKE CHARLES | (337) 312-8730

thriveswla.com

43

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

MAYFIELD CHIROPRACTIC Supporting Immune Health through Chiropractic Care D

r. Ryan Herold at Mayfield Chiropractic understands the importance of a strong immune system, especially during a pandemic.

“The castle that will fend off the invasion is the one with the best defenses – a moat, thick walls, tall walls, the most soldiers, etc. The same applies to the body’s immune response. The better the support (i.e. nutrition, exercise), the stronger the response. I have always believed in the importance of building the defensive walls for our patients, but this year has really pushed that idea forward at an incredible pace.”

44

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Throughout this pandemic and hurricane recovery, Dr. Herold’s goal has been to help support his patients’ physical health and their immune systems. Chiropractic care has been shown to help the immune response, as well as proper diet and exercise. He works with his patients to improve their diet and exercise routines and maintain regular chiropractic care.

“A big issue with the stay-at-home order seems to be decreased overall activity,” Dr. Herold says. “Along with missing out on the social aspect of life. We can help some of that by giving home exercise advice and even supplementation to boost the immunity and help with the stress response of this year.”

Dr. Herold says you truly are what you eat. “As cliché as it sounds, it’s true. Everything starts with a solid foundation, and for your health, that’s diet. Start with proper nutrition to support the body overall and give the body the tools it needs to build its defensive walls. Supplementation is built to fill in the missing bricks of your walls.”

Mayfield Chiropractic works with Standard Process and Apex Energetics to offer high quality supplements, such as vitamin D3, vitamin C, and zinc, which work together to help support your immune response.

Regarding exercising at home, Dr. Herold focuses on proper technique to ensure patient safety, along with a routine that fits his patients long term goals. “Improper technique can lead to injuries which will hamper your immune response and overall progress. With what has been learned through this pandemic and how COVID is spread, we have a better understanding of the proper routines to advise people.”

Mayfield Chiropractic suffered considerable damage from the storms and was closed for over two months.

“We reopened on October 19 and started contacting our patients' to let them know we were available again,” Dr. Herold says. “We also started letting the community know we were open. With the amount of cleanup and construction happening right now, we want to be available for those who need our care.

We continue to maintain our regular business hours with some modifications due to the current circumstances with COVID.”

Perform at your Optimum MCLCCHIRO.COM

thriveswla.com

45

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

EXECUTIVE MEDICAL CLINIC Communication with Clients is Key A

fter the horrific events of 2020, Executive Medical Clinic co-owners Dr. Melissa LeBrun and Mary Dahlen, FNP, discovered the importance of communication when caring for their clients “Clear communication during a pandemic by the provider and staff ultimately results in better patient care,” says Dr. LeBrun. “We had several patients with anxiety and depression that were exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as the hurricanes. Listening to our patients and being there for them was key to better outcomes. We made sure to check our answering service messages daily and to refill medications for our patients even during evacuation. We are also better prepared now to offer telemedicine as a result of the pandemic. We have increased access to care more readily with this added service.”

46

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Even though Executive Medical Clinic wasn’t open for a time after the storm, the providers and staff were readily available for patient calls. “In addition to our telemedicine visits, we answered all of our portal messages to keep communication open with our patients,” Dr. LeBrun says.

“We also provided a free clinic day for the community after the storms. We gave out toiletry supplies and other donations during the free clinic day.”

Executive Medical Clinic has participated in COVID-19 testing. “We tested patients in their vehicles for COVID to protect our patients and staff,” Dahlen says.

Executive Medical Clinic is a family practice serving all ages. They accept most major insurances.

“If anyone in the community is in need of a family practice provider, we are accepting new patients,” adds Dr. LeBrun.

Located at 2002 W Walnut St #1a, Lake Charles, LA. Call 337-210-1260 for more information.

Executive Medical hosted a free clinic day.

Dr. Melissa LeBrun (L) and Mary Dahlen (R) prepare for COVID-19 testing.

We are a FAMILY PRACTICE CLINIC that provides quality personalized health care approach in the Lake Area community. Quality care, close to home.

SERVICES:

• Primary Care • IV Fluid Hydration • Medication Management

Direct Primary Care Memberships Available. We accept most private insurances & Medicare.

CLINIC HOURS:

Monday - Thursday 8AM-5PM Friday- 8AM-12PM info@executivemedicalclinic.com

337-210-1260

executivemedicalclinic.com •

2002 W. Walnut S t . , Su i t e 1 A

•

L ak e Ch ar l es, L A 70601 thriveswla.com

47

Places & Faces |

HEALTHCARE 2021

SOUTHSTAR URGENT CARE Starting Up During a Shut Down T

here’s nothing like a Cat-4 hurricane to put a damper on your grand opening plans.

SouthStar Urgent Care in Lake Charles was scheduled to open on September 9.

Hurricane Laura’s landfall on August 27 changed everything, but not Southstar’s commitment to being a vital part of the Southwest Louisiana community.

48

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

SouthStar is the signature brand of Hulin Health, which was founded in 2011. SouthStar has grown to become the largest Louisiana-based urgent care network, with 20 locations across the state. The Lake Charles clinic is the first SouthStar to open in Southwest Louisiana.

On September 4, just a week after the storm devastated the region, SouthStar teamed up with Taylors International Service to provide hot meals to first responders, essential workers and residents working to recover from the storm. They served over 600 people in the parking lot of their new location.

“We had some damage to our office, but we were grateful it wasn’t major. So many were not as fortunate,” says Jessilyn David, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience. Most of the community was without power and water, facing months of recovery for their homes and businesses. As they worked in the heat to clear debris and salvage belongings, serving a hot meal and providing water was one way we could help at that point.”

COMPASSION + CARE

NOW OPEN!

Two months later, On November 4, the grand opening of SouthStar in Lake Charles took place with a virtual live radio remote and the first patients being seen.

The care available at SouthStar provides an alternative to an emergency room visit when someone needs care for minor injuries and illnesses, and to offer convenient access to routine healthcare services. SouthStar’s services range from treating allergies to onsite X-rays, flu symptoms to stitches, or simply a general sports physical for school. All ages can be seen. Select occupational medicine services are provided.

With 22 locations across the state, SouthStar has a depth of experience in handling COVID-19 protocols in their clinic, including rapid response testing and online check-in.

Nationally recognized for their award-winning customer service, SouthStar has built a reputation across the state for their focus on the patient experience. “You just get a different feeling when you walk into SouthStar,” says David. “That serviceoriented experience begins the moment you enter, from the warmly decorated, comfortable waiting area with refreshments available to the personal service provided by all staff members.”

SouthStar Urgent Care in Lake Charles is located at 3829 Ryan Street. No appointment is necessary.

Business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit GoSouthstar. com or call (337) 399-0001.

Open 7 days a week.

No Appointments needed!

All ages are welcome.

With sincere passion for making a difference, SouthStar Urgent Care is focused on developing leaders, providing an exceptional customer experience, and changing the way health care is delivered, one community at a time.

Compassion is a pillar of SouthStar Urgent Care that influences all aspects of our commitment to deliver the highest quality of care. SouthStar Urgent Care has over twenty additional locations in New Iberia, Lafayette, Abbeville, Eunice, Opelousas, Marksville, Oakdale, Ville Platte, Bastrop, Minden, Gramercy, Winnsboro, Springhill, Slidell, Many, Farmerville, Vidalia, Scott, Monroe and Lake Charles with plans on expanding locations throughout Louisiana.

We’re now providing exceptional urgent care in Lake Charles!

3829 Ryan Street, Ste. 300, Lake Charles 337 399-0001 | GoSouthStar.com

NEXT TO SOUTHERN SPICE

thriveswla.com

49

Places & Faces Places & &Faces Faces

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana...

Shonda Manuel Appointed to Visit Lake Charles Board of Directors Shonda Manuel, partner and assistant creative director at Healthy Image Marketing/Thrive Magazine was recently appointed by the City of Lake Charles to serve on the board of directors at Visit Lake Charles, Shonda Manuel representing the Arts & Humanities of Southwest Louisiana.

A graduate of McNeese University with a B.A. in Visual Arts, Manuel has a multifaceted career spanning casino resorts and advertising agencies to marketing in the hospitality industry, including working at Visit Lake Charles. She began her career as a graphic artist at Coushatta prior to joining the O’Carroll Group advertising agency. She worked as the advertising coordinator/electronic media specialist at L’Auberge Casino Resort before coming aboard at Visit Lake Charles as the publications manager/graphic designer. Currently in her position at Healthy Image Marketing/Thrive Magazine, she develops and oversees the creative aspects of integrated campaigns in addition to photography, web and social media, client development and representing the company at various events.

Additional board members who were recently reappointed by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to serve include Jonathan Ringo, representing the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and Mike Buckley, serving on behalf of the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association.

The CVB is governed by an 11-member board of directors. Ringo will serve as the chair for the 2021 board. Willie Mount, representing the Chamber Southwest, was selected to be the vice chair, with Nick Zaver, representing the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association (City of Sulphur) serving as secretary/treasurer.

For more information on Visit Lake Charles, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org or call 337-436-9588.

Koch Appointed as Interim Director on CUCB Board CSE Federal Credit Union (CSE) is pleased to announce President/ CEO Matt Koch has been appointed as an interim director on the Credit Union Cooperative Branching, LLC (CUCB) Board, taking the place of CSE’s President/CEO Matt Koch Emeritus, Clark Yelverton. The CUCB is a Louisiana Credit Union Service Organization which offers shared branching services to Louisiana credit unions and their members.

The CUCB network provides 156 credit union outlet locations at 61 Louisiana credit unions for shared branching services in Louisiana. There are over 6,000 outlet locations with 1,872 participating credit unions nationwide covering all 50 states, along with six countries and two territories. CSE provides four of those outlets for credit union members in the Lake Charles area.

Koch will serve as an interim director until the CUCB annual meeting in August 2021, at which time he will be able to run for election to serve a full three-year term.

Yelverton fully supports the decision, stating “I know Matt will do a great job representing the Lake Charles area credit unions and members on the shared branching network.”

CSE is the largest credit union headquartered in SWLA with assets over $335 million. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis Parishes. If you would like more information about CSE, please contact Morgan Daniels, Marketing Communications Specialist, at 337-562-3161 or email mdaniels@csefcu.org. CSE is insured

by NCUA. Membership and Eligibility required.

at the 22nd International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities in January 2021 in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Duff’s research focuses on the diverse cognitive function of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how this effects their ability to recognize and express empathy and emotions.

Family Medicine Specialist Deanne Daigrepont, MD Joins Memorial Medical Group Memorial Medical Group welcomes Deanne Daigrepont, MD, a boardcertified family medicine specialist to its staff. She joins fellow family medicine specialist Ameer Khan, MD at their office located on the Lake Charles Memorial Deanne Daigrepont, MD Hospital for Women campus.

She sees patients of all ages from newborns to senior citizens, with a focus on women’s health.

Dr. Daigrepont has a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from Louisiana College in Pineville. She received her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Her post-graduate training includes a family medicine residency at the LSUHSC/Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Lake Charles. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Daigrepont is accepting new patients and walk-ins at her office located at 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 155 in Lake Charles.

Camara passes Merchants & Farmers baton to Foster After more than 40 years in Calcasieu area banking, Shawn Camara, City President at Merchants & Farmers Bank, announced his retirement while Merchants & Farmers CEO/President Ken Hughes named Christopher Foster the new Southwest Louisiana President.

Foster’s background includes extensive lending expertise with regional and local banks.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a double major in Management from McNeese Stat University and completed Graduate School of Banking at LSU. He will supervise the Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Vinton offices.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 337.480.5550 or go to www.lcmmg.com McNeese Professor to Present Research at International Conference Dr. Christine Duff, assistant professor of education at McNeese State University, will present her research proposal, Neurodiverse Assessment and Expression of Empathy, Dr. Christine Duff

50

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Left: Shawn Camara, Center: Ken Hughes, Right: Christopher Foster

McNeese Graduate to Lead New Ascension Parish School Moquita Chretien-Winey, a 2000 family and consumer sciences education graduate at McNeese State University, will begin the 2021-22 Moquita Chretien-Winey school year as a first time principal and the inaugural principal for Sugar Mill Primary School in Ascension Parish.

Sugar Mill is the third primary school to be developed in the parish.

Winey strives to go above and beyond for her incoming teachers, students, staff and community of Sugar Mill Primary School as she does for her own family. Her goal is to help each child to reach their highest level of learning while building teacher leadership and leaving a long-lasting love for learning in the minds of every child the teachers meet.

BOTOX MICRONEEDLING FILLER MORPHEUS8 BOTOX | | MICRONEEDLING | | FILLER | | MORPHEUS8

5656 Nelson Suite | 337-508-2559 | renaitrelakecharles.com 5656 Nelson Rd,Rd, Suite C-1 C-1 | 337-508-2559 | renaitrelakecharles.com

thriveswla.com

51

Style & Beauty

2021 HAIR STYLES

by Lauren Jameson

IT’S A NEW YEAR AND MORE THAN EVER, IT FEELS LIKE A GOOD TIME TO MAKE A FRESH START AND SHAKE THINGS UP A BIT. A great way to do this is with a new hairstyle.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some of the “hair-raising” hair trends for 2021.

While low-maintenance styles were the norm for 2020, 2021 styles will also be carefree – but they will borrow generously from popular styles from the past. , Deanna Knighton with Strandz Hair Studio said 2021 will be all about shaggy and textured layers, sleek bobs and the reappearance of bangs.

Yes, bangs!

52

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

Short and cropped

If you like short hair, pixie cuts are timeless. Think Demi Moore in “Ghost.” Try a longer pixie cut for more elegance.

Waves and curls

Most styles call for waves or curlier, tight curls.

Keep it low maintenance. Your flat iron may get lonesome! Also, perms are making a comeback.

“They are now called ‘texture chemical services,’” Knighton said. “They’re great for those who want curls, waves and texture.”

Bobs and lobs (long bobs)

They will remain popular this year.

You can’t go wrong with a shoulderlength blunt cut bob. Also popular is the sleek, chin-length bob with minimal layering.

Bangs

Afros are in

Skip the straightened, tedious extensions and various styling products. Just air dry your hair and let it do its thing – the frizzier and bigger, the better!

Let’s talk about mullets

Wispy, curly, straight, short, curtain (straight along the forehead), or sideswept, bangs are definitely making a “bang” in the style world in 2021. Go for it!

Is the infamous ‘80s “business in the front; party in the back” style really back? Long in the back, short on the sides, Knighton said the style - with updates - is really “a thing” for 2021.

Textured or choppy layers

Popular colors

This style is perfect for those with fine hair. Long hair with generous layering will also be in demand for those who prefer longer tresses. The ‘70s shag style – with various layers around the crown, shorter on the top and sides – is definitely making a comeback.

Ask for browns (dark chocolate, warm brown, toffee), red (auburn, cinnamon, copper) and even pastel pink. Blonde is always in but go for a more natural, less-maintenance shade.

Whatever cut or color you choose, just remember to be a little adventurous, use your imagination – and have some fun!

thriveswla.com

53

Style & Beauty

PUT YOUR BEST

Face Forward in 2021

by Lauren Jameson

Let's face it. 2020 was quite a challenging year. The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting stay-at-home order, social distancing, masking up – not to mention TWO hurricanes – have all wreaked havoc in most of our lives.

Has all this stress taken a toll on your complexion?

If so, maybe 2021 is the year to treat yourself.

54 Thrive

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

“I think everyone needs a little something to feel good about,” said Hannah Grogan, nurse practitioner at Renaitre A Williamson Cosmetic Center. “I have clients tell me every day that they feel they’ve aged more this year than ever before.”

Grogan and Dr. Allison L. Clement, medical director of Skin Studios, said there are plenty of products and treatments on the market that can give you a lift in 2021.

Botox and Dysport, as well as dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, continue to be the most sought-after cosmetic treatments in 2021.

"Don’t be afraid of injectables!" Dr. Clement said.

"In the hands of an experienced physician, they are safe, effective, and can provide extremely naturallooking results."

“Injectables are great because they’re truly 'lunchtime' treatments,” Grogan added. “Botox is quick, painless, and you see results in just a few days. It offers a very natural result. It’s still you – just without the lines. Dermal fillers are a favorite as well. As we age, we lose volume. Fillers help bring our trouble areas back to where they used to be. You don’t have to look overdone or overplumped.”

Although injectables help noticeably reduce wrinkles and add volume, it's important to take care of your skin as well. “These days it's all about collagen!” Grogan said.

Some collagen-inducing procedures include:

Microneedling involves tiny needles passed over the skin, creating minute channels and controlled micro-injuries on the skin. This triggers the body's natural healing process to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Your skin will feel tight and will appear slightly sunburned for a day or so.

Morpheus takes it up a notch by combining the power of microneedling with radio-frequency, further stimulating collagen production by emitting radio-frequency heat through the needles. You’ll feel mild heat on your face immediately afterwards, along with mild-to-moderate redness for day or so.

Both treatments results in firmer skin, enhanced skin tone, and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and both procedures are made comfortable with the use of numbing agents. “While everyone heals differently, both treatments have a minimal downtime,” Grogan said.

Accounting • Assurance • Auditing Accounting Assurance • Auditing Tax • ••Business Advisory Accounting Assurance • Auditing Tax • Business Advisory Tax • Business Advisory

Accounting • Assurance • Auditing Tax • Business Advisory

Medical-grade skin care products are essential for your daily, at-home skincare routine.

“A medical-grade retinol, in my opinion, is the most important anti-aging product you can invest in,” Grogan said. “Retinol products fight fine lines/ wrinkles, increases the turnover of old, dull skin cells and gives a more youthful glow.” Dr. Clement adds that using sunscreen year-round is a must.

"Prevent, protect against, and reverse sun damage with full-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher, chemical peels, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which uses pulsating light wavelengths to treat a range of skin conditions with the goal of making skin look younger and more even toned.”

Antioxidant blends and growth factors are beneficial in anti-aging products.

“Antioxidants help fight premature aging and protect the skin cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also help reduce inflammation and pigmentation, promoting a more even skin tone,” Grogan said. “Growth factors help maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity by enhancing collagen and hyaluronic acid production.”

Before trying any new treatments, Grogan recommended you talk to your medical aesthetic provider first about which ones would be right for you. "We meet with you, listen to your concerns, and develop an individualized plan for your goals and needs. We help guide you towards the perfect plan.”

Pay close attention to your skin. "Your skin is an organ

and its function and appearance can be a reflection of internal health,” Dr. Clement said. “Certain findings on the skin are reflective of underlying medical conditions. Skin checks performed by your doctor on at least an annual basis are recommended and part of basic preventative health.”

Finally, Dr. Clement recommends you use the right regimen and products in the right order for YOUR skin. “It isn’t a one size fits all situation!" Clement said.

Providing clients with a wide Providing clients with aawide Providing clients withtax wide range of accounting, and range of accounting, accounting, tax range of taxand and business advisory services business advisory services business advisory services tailored to meet today’s tailored to meet today’s tailored to meet today’s challenging times. challenging times. challenging times.

2740 Rue de Jardin, Suite 100 | Lake Charles, LA 70605 2740 Rue de Jardin, Ste. 100 | Lake Charles, LA 70605 5100Rue Westheimer, Suite 200 | Houston, 2740 de Jardin, 337.478.7902 Ste. 100 | Lake Charles,TX LA77056 70605 2740 Rue de Jardin, Ste. 100 | Lake Charles, LA 70605 337.478.7902

337.478.7902

w w w. j w a l k e r c o . c o m w w w. j w a l k e r c o . c o m

w w w. j w a l k e r c o . c o m thriveswla.com

55

Style & Beauty

RECOVERY SPOTLIGHT

This year we start a new monthly feature called "Recovery Spotlight." We will highlight a different business each month and celebrate their posthurricanes journey.

Signatures Salon

Signatures Salon co-owners Wendy White McCown and Cortney Blalock and their team share the resiliency exhibited throughout Southwest Louisiana this past year. As with Hurricane Rita in 2005, the shop sustained roof damage during Hurricane Laura that caused extensive interior water damage. The building needed to be re-roofed and the interior rebuilt. The first step was to gut the interior. Multiple dumpster-loads of wet debris were thrown away and the shop contents stored in two ship containers kept in their parking lot. Next came new insulation, electrical wires, sheetrock, trim, paint, and floors. Cortney and her husband, Kevin, managed the repairs – they’d had experience restoring Signatures after two cars damaged the building when they ran into it on two separate occasions over the past five years! They were fortunate to sustain little damage from Hurricane Delta, and the remodel process after Hurricane Laura took about 10 weeks.

56

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

W

C

endy and ortney were naturally concerned about both their team and clients after the storm, so while the shop was being repaired, they reopened and set up a temporary salon location outdoors in the garden next to Signatures. “It was perfect!” Wendy says. “The weather cooperated most days.

Our clients were so grateful we were able to accommodate them.” The team also stayed connected with their clients and the community via social media.

Wendy and Cortney are proud of their team and how they pulled together after the storms. “Many had their houses damaged as well,” Cortney says. “After making sure their homes were secure, they came back with smiles, ready to tackle the salon and reopening. We appreciate the patience the community has shown us through the reopening after Hurricane Laura. The salon is beautiful, and the team is ready to serve!”

Bring in this ad to receive 25% off any full size product.

803 West McNeese St. Lake Charles, LA 70605

www.signaturessalon.biz

337.478.4433

Celebrating EST. 1996 Expires 2/13/21.

thriveswla.com

57

Home & Family

Tech Trends in a

COVID-19 WORLD

by Kristian Bland

No one could ever say the COVID-19 pandemic has improved our lives, but at least technology has made dealing with the virus a bit more bearable. From enabling us to work from home to ordering curbside delivery and allowing our kids to enroll in virtual classrooms, the country in lockdown would look a lot different without our tech. “This year has shown us the emphasis that technology plays in our lives, from school to work and everything in between,” says Bruce Petry, CPA, President and General Manager, Cameron Communications, LLC. “Technology is in demand and has become a lifeline as our day-to-day lives take on a different shape.”

58

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

DISTANCE LEARNING While whether or not school campuses are super spreaders is still a hotly debated topic, providing the option of distance learning has been a great help to many families. Of course, there are always problems. Keeping your kids focused and on task is always a challenge, and it’s strange how a tech-savvy child who could probably launch the space shuttle with their cell phone can suddenly become befuddled about how pressing the Submit button works whenever you check their grades and discover they haven’t been turning in assignments; but that’s just a little glimpse into the daily life of on-campus teachers. Consider it a shared experience and don’t let your kid sell you any lines. They know how to use their computers and tablets better than most parents when it comes to literally anything other than school, so they should be able to handle navigating their online coursework.

SERVING UP FINGER-LICKING FOOD FOR THREE DECADES

& SPORTS BAR

DARRELL’S TO-GO

N

EW

We are now available on Eats 2 Go, Gubers & Waitr!

119 West College Street, Lake Charles | (337) 474-3651 | darrellspoboys.com Monday – Thursday: 11am–10pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm Closed Sunday | Happy Hour 4–7pm

thriveswla.com

59

Home & Family

Tech Trends in a COVID-19 World continued. . .

WORKING FROM HOME Despite all the studies that have shown allowing employees to work remotely often results in increased productivity and high job satisfaction ratings, most businesses were previously reluctant to hop on board the tech train. However, the pandemic forced their hands, and now that the positive benefits have been made clear, it might be difficult to go back to the daily grind of commuting to the office. Working remotely often involves employees setting their own pace without direct managerial oversight, which can be great for some people while others need the structure that strict supervision provides. You can also show up to work without suffering through rush hour traffic and no one’s going to mind if you wear your slippers during the daily team meeting. That’s not to say there aren’t downsides to working from home, though. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of work-from-home becoming always-at-work, which can quickly lead to employee burnout.

CURBSIDE DELIVERY Many people find the act of shopping to be a calming, almost meditative experience of finding joy as they wander through the aisles and fill their carts. For others, the grocery store is a nightmare landscape of long checkout lines, annoying customers, and always getting that one cart with the squirrely wheel. Fortunately for the latter group, the pandemic accelerated the deployment of curbside delivery options at most major grocery stores and retailers. When you think about it, scrolling through your shopping list online and then driving to the store to have it delivered to your car combines the best of online shopping and same-day delivery.

VIDEO CONFERENCES A large part of working from home, distance learning, or simply staying in touch with friends and family during the pandemic has involved video conferencing. From Zoom to Microsoft Teams and FaceTime, most of us have spent more time staring at postagestamp-sized videos of our co-workers than we ever did seeing them in person. One reaction to everyone suddenly working from home was an increase in team meetings so managers could keep up with their teams progress, and they’re something we’re all probably tired of. Still, they beat the hours-long in-person conferences where they bring in the deli platter just as you were getting excited to break for lunch.

60

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

If the pandemic had happened just a few years ago, much of the technology we’ve come to rely on today wouldn’t have existed.

Working from home wouldn’t have been an option, video conferencing was still slow and in its infancy, and distance learning was a pipe dream of school district IT departments across the country. “We provide services – phone, digital cable and high-speed internet – that keep our customers safely together and connected,” Petry says. As time goes on and we continue fighting the virus, technology will only become more important to our daily lives.

thriveswla.com

61

Home & Family

Martin Luther King Day

TIPS TO PLAN YOUR CELEBRATION

Martin Luther King Day offers a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate our history and culture. Consider the following to make your event or activity a success.

62

ORGANIZE YOUR WORKPLACE, SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY GROUP Maximize your impact by organizing a group to serve the community with an activity done at your own location in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Choose a local charity and determine the best way for your group to show support.

Ideas include packing snack bags for after-school programs, collecting coats and hats for a homeless shelter, planting trees, creating a mentoring program, or writing letters of support to our military abroad.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

RAISE NEEDED GOODS

The kids are home from school.

Remember, as a Day of Service, MLK day is supposed to be “a day on, not a day off.” Plan an activity of service and involve your children. Show by your example that volunteerism is important to your family and help cultivate a new generation of compassionate, communityminded citizens.

Support a local charity with a drive for the goods they need to serve the community. Consider an online fundraising platform.

You can set up your drive in a matter of minutes and have it underway in time for MLK Day this year. Then invite your online community via email and social media to support your cause.

#MLKDay

18

SPREAD THE MESSAGE

COMMIT TO SERVICE IN 2021

Use social media (use hashtag #MLKDay) to share MLK’s ideals and inspiring words.

You will find his words to be stunningly timely and relevant in today’s world. Talk about what you will do in honor of MLK Day and encourage your circle of friends to take action to support the community.

Use Martin Luther King’s example to plan a 2021 where you take action. If you are unable to volunteer on January 18, simply spend some time researching, choose your charity, make that phone call and find out how you can best serve them in the future. Charities need help all year long!

Welcome to Kirby Street We are very excited to welcome you to our new Main Office in the heart of downtown Lake Charles!

As always, we are dedicated to providing the best possible service so you feel like family.

We encourage you to use our convenient drive-thru and deliver items in our night drop. Lobby access and an ATM will be coming soon.

Sign up to get updates about the Grand Opening Celebration!

r�

�F�O�l�l�N� FEDERAL

CREDIT

UNION

519 Kirbq Street Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm Tue 9:30am - 5:00pm Federally insured by the NCUA. © Access of Louisiana Federal Credit Union 2020.

� EQUAL HOUSING 1.:1 LENDER

'" -""1

�-

-----------------------------1 ....

1�

1

I

I

Pre-K3 – 8th Grade Excellent Student/Teacher Ratio Participant in Education in Virtues Program

“Nurturing All Children and Achieving Academic Success in the Spirit of Christ”

Open House

Tuesday, January 26th 6pm

&

Wednesday, January 27th 10am - 2pm

New Family Registration Opens February 1st

2510 Enterprise Boulevard | Lake Charles, La. 70601 | (337) 436-7959 | stmcs.com

Diverse Student Body Morning, Noon, Afternoon Prayer & Weekly Liturgy Special Education Services After School Care Available for PK3-8th Grade Spanish Enrichment Offered to All Students

St. Margaret Catholic School welcomes all children regardless of race, creed, or nationality.

thriveswla.com

63

Home & Family

Shine a Light on your

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

by Kristy Como Armand

2020 will go down in the history books for many reasons, but our homes played a bigger role in our lives than we would have ever anticipated. After spending more time at home during the pandemic and tackling repairs after two hurricanes, many people are choosing this time to focus on creating and/or improving living space outside their homes.

“For some, these types of landscape and outdoor living projects are something they’ve been putting off for years and they’ve decided now is the time to tackle it, while they are already working on home repairs. Others have realized they need more living space as they continue to spend more time at home due to COVID restrictions,”

64

Thrive Magazine Magazinefor forBetter BetterLiving Living •• January January2021 2021

says Richie Everage, landscape design consultant with Landscape Management.

While you’re making these improvements or additions, don’t forget the lighting. “Landscape lighting can add the perfect finishing touch to your landscape and outdoor living areas,” Everage says. “With the flick of a switch and some strategically placed outdoor lights, you can roll back the darkness to add both aesthetic and functional benefits to your home.”

According to Everage, today’s landscape lighting is low voltage, which makes it safer to work with and less costly, while still delivering a wide variety of effects. “There’s an artistry that can be incorporated to landscape lighting that goes beyond functionality to showcase architectural and landscape features.

For example, an ethereal moonlight beamed down from a tree canopy affords a subtle glow that washes up over a low deck wall.

Everage provides some advantages of properly installed landscape lighting: VISUAL APPEAL Landscape lighting design can highlight the best aspects of your home’s exterior and landscape. This will make your home more inviting and expand your use of the outdoor space. A well thought out lighting plan can transform the shadows and darkness of your home into an illuminated showplace.

SECURITY Thieves thrive in darkness, making landscape lighting a great deterrent to home burglary. Lighting draws attention to a house, increasing visibility of entry points. Landscape lighting also gives homeowners increased visibility when arriving home at night. Another benefit from the security aspect is an insurance credit/discount offered by many insurance companies.

While a landscape lighting plan should be customized to each homeowner’ needs, Everage says there are some exterior areas every homeowner should consider for landscape lighting:

SAFETY The increased visibility provided by landscape lighting helps minimize the risk of trips and falls outside your home. Properly placed outdoor lighting can illuminate uneven paths, steps, cracks in sidewalks, tree roots and more.

VALUE Regardless of your home’s size or design, landscape lighting can enhance positive features and add both style and dimension. In addition to the visual curb appeal, landscape lighting increases the value of a home. A well-lit home is more attractive to potential buyers, making the addition of lighting both practical and a wise investment.

While outdoor lighting can be placed virtually anywhere, Everage says some exterior features benefit from it more than others. “There are multiple types of exterior lighting features to consider depending on the location and purpose,” he explains. “When we work with a homeowner, our goal is to help them choose a lighting plan that will enhance their home and allow them to enjoy their outside space as much as possible, as well as add additional security and safety features for their families and guests.”

• Paths: A well-lit path provides a safe, welcoming walkway. High illumination isn't necessary, and downlights will prevent glare.

• Entries: The best choice is lights placed on each side of a door or overhead at all entry doors. This is a critical safety feature to deter thieves, as well as a great way to showcase your home’s entrance.

• Driveway: Low-voltage landscape lighting, which uses less energy than other systems, is a good option along a driveway.

• Steps: Exterior steps should be lit for safety and there are options for risers or treads.

• Decks or Patios: Lighting in these areas can be used to illuminate specific areas, such as a pool, outdoor kitchen or seating area. Railings and steps in these outdoor living areas should have some type of light as well.

• Gazebos, Pergolas, Walls, Fountains or Trees: Landscape lighting is an excellent way to accentuate an interesting outdoor feature or landscape element.

For more information on landscape lighting, call Landscape Management at 337-478-3836 or visit www.landscapemanagement.org.

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TRAVEL, WE’LL BE HERE.

We’re open for business and rebuilding for a bright future.

#SWLAStrong

FlyLakeCharles.us

thriveswla.com

65

Mind & Body

Each New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the United States celebrate with the hope that next year will be better than the last. Consider these numbers:

New Year's Resolutions

2

66

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2021

0

2

1

thriveswla.com

67

What makes motherhood

to be a go

od

Through it all, is here for you...

se t h e p hoo er c f I

answering questions, easing anxieties, and making your pregnancy personal.

Memorial. Your healthcare is personal.

www.lcmh.com/ob Family-centered Birth Experience • Updated Labor & Delivery Suites • Newborn Level III Critical Care 68

Thrive Magazine forGenetic Better Living Testing • January 2021 Prenatal &

Education • AIMIS Center of Excellence • Infant Safe Sleep Certified

e? nam

Memorial Hospital for Women

a

wi ll

ar t

yb m l I fe e

t ec

es this he

will

Ho w

h W

ean a l o to

by m

ove?

rs? fea

en

air?

Do

s

nd

Wh at a

I

go ing

ever get my

k s bac on?

Am

t my hopes u a bo

fh

m rn u b

I ill

W

y?

om ?

lthy bab

m

e

ea ah

e ho

Will I h av

UNI UE?