OCTOBER 2014
Your body is talking. Are you listening? Your body is programmed for survival and has a built-in early warning system to alert you to problems. Signals are often sent from multiple locations to ensure reception, but are you paying attention?
SPECIAL SECTION:
ELECTION October 2014
lanc e et B R 2014 Roug OCTOBE
GUIDE
by ored Spons
Louisiana’s Agriculture :
Growing Our Economy
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Rehabilitation Hospital
of Jennings
DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT
• Brain Injury
• Hip Fractures
• Strokes
• Osteoarthritis/DJD
• Amputations
• Neurological Disorders
• Burns
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Major Multiple Trauma
• Congenital Deformities
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Vasculidities
• Joint Replacements
Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients. 24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today. One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2 www.thriveswla.com
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
October 2014
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Contents 6
52 12
In This Issue
Regular Features
Wining & Dining
6 Who’s News 1 18 First Person with Mike Strain 26 Business Buzz 69 By the Numbers 70 McNeese Corral 72 Happenings 74 Solutions for Life!
6 Grillin’ It Up 8 Hot Toddies, Pumpkins and Everything Nice laces & Faces P 12 Haunted New Orleans 14 Parapokes Ready to Jump this Football Season Money & Career
20
Louisiana’s Agriculture is Growing Our Economy 24 Master the Meeting
Home & Family
32
Fabulous Fall
32 – 36 Special Section: 38 Are You Raising Kind Kids? 39 Don’t Derail Your Home Sale
40 – 46 Special Section:
ELECTION
Style & Beauty
GUIDE
50 It’s All in the Bag 52 Dream It, Create It, Wear It
Ready to Thrive through the Holidays? Plan Ahead & Save!
Mind & Body Your body is 56 Cover Story: talking; but, are
Place in our November & December issues & receive an extra discount! Call us today for more information - (337) 310-2099!
you listening?
62 Birthing Balls Help Ease Labor Pains
DON’T JUST LIVE, THRIVE!
Editors and Publishers
Kristy Armand Christine Fisher
Creative Director/Layout
Barbara VanGossen
Assistant Editor
Katie Harrington
Business Manager
Katie McDaniel
Assistant Designers
Shonda Manuel Kris Roy Mandy Gilmore
Advertising Sales Jeannie Weise Lauren Tarasiewicz ads@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.
Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career. 4 www.thriveswla.com
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October 2014
VE A LAP? r you! DO YOU HbAab y girl is fo
a d Chihuahu Then, this 2-year-old re Great family a is a it am . M for cuddling with a love t to meet a lap she ye s pet. She’ e, or fit on! doesn’t lik
LUCKY LUCY
lucy
This 4-year-old Yorkie needs a quiet home, but understandably so. Lucy is a puppy mill rescue. She needs a sweet, gentle owner, ready to shower her with lots of love. She’s earned it.
a mamit
Pl ea se
Jo in
Us !
All our wonderful dogs are available for adoption through 4Paws Society. Call 287-3552 for more information and to learn about other programs that are available.
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Wining & Dining
t i ’ U n p i l l i r G by Angela Hauser
Fall is on its way in the Deep South, and many people will enjoy cooking outside with the temperatures finally cooling down from summer. Patios, decks, and back yards will have a variety of grills going with some delicious meals.
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October 2014
Sitting in the yard with a drink in hand while chatting with family and friends is a great way to pass the time while enjoying the beautiful October weather and grilled vegetables are a delicious way to spice up a meaty meal. Enjoy the following recipes for easy ways to add tasty side dishes to an outdoor dinner. Feel free to add spices, herbs, or Tabasco to any recipe. Begin by lightly oiling the grate on the outdoor grill over a medium heat.
Asparagus Fresh asparagus is available locally in green and white varieties. Trim 1 pound and place in large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toss. Place asparagus spears on grill with tongs for about 5 minutes. You can add more cheese, bacon, or spices before serving.
corn Peel back the husks on six or more ears of corn, and remove the silk. Add butter, salt, and pepper, and close husks. Wrap each corn cob in aluminum foil, and cook on grill for about 30 minutes, turning the ears every so often.
zucchini Quarter two or more zucchinis lengthwise then add 1 teaspoon olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt over each. Cook until they begin to brown, about 4 minutes. Brush zucchini with balsamic vinegar and cook another minute.
Fall
vegetable medley Take a large Ziploc bag and add 2 tablespoons each of olive oil, parsley, oregano, basil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 6 minced cloves garlic, red onion cut into wedges, 18 trimmed asparagus spears, 12 mushrooms with stems removed, 1 eggplant cut into 1/4 inch rounds,and 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper cut into wedges. Seal the bag and refrigerate about two hours. Grill vegetables about 5 minutes each side, and serve.
zucchini boats Boil 2 medium zucchini about 5 minutes, cool, and cut in half lengthwise. Remove pulp about 1/4 inch from skin, chop, and place in bowl. Add 1 slice white bread torn into pieces, 1/4 cup bacon bits, 1 tablespoon minced black olives, 1 minced jalapeno pepper, 3 tablespoons diced green chile peppers, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1/4 cup chopped tomato, 6 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese, a pinch basil, salt and pepper to taste. Place mixture into zucchini halves, and wrap each zucchini half in aluminum foil separately. Cook 15-20 minutes.
in love with our seasonal bakery
items!
Pumpkin Spice Cannoli • Sweet Potato Cake • Spice Cake Carrot Cake • Apple Caramel Cream Cake • Sweet Potato Pie Pecan Pie • Pumpkin Pie • And our always popular, cookie cakes!
Call or stop by to place your order today!
Pronia’s Deli and Bakery
October 2014
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Phone (337) 478-0785 Fax (337) 477-6289 3101 Kirkman St. • Lake Charles www.thriveswla.com
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Wining & Dining
Hot Toddies, Pumpkin, and Everything Nice
by Ellen Frazel
Fall is coming, and that means sugar and spice, and everything pumpkin. We’re talking about spicy cider, pumpkin flavored cocktails, and deliciously sweet-but-not-too-sweet hot toddies that warm your belly. Oh, and don’t forget apple! Who doesn’t love a hot apple pie cocktail on a chilly fall day? And the smell of wine mulling with cinnamon and cloves on the stove or in the slow cooker? Heaven. We’ve got both hot and cold cocktails to satisfy your autumnal cravings this year. Invite friends and family over and enjoy some chilled cider punch or golden green apple cocktails as the season changes. Calvados Hot Toddy ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon, plus more for garnish 6 oz. apple cider, plus more for rimming glass 1½ oz. fine calvados (French apple brandy) 4 oz. heavy cream 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl wide enough to fit the rim of a double-walled glass. Pour apple cider into a bowl of similar size to about ¼-inch depth. Dip the rim of the glass in apple cider and then cinnamon-sugar mixture. Whip cream and ½ oz. calvados until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use. Heat 6 oz. apple cider in a 2-qt. saucepan. Add remaining calvados. Pour into glass and top with whipped cream. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon stick.
Hot Peppermint Patty Cocktail
1 ounce peppermint schnapps 1/2 ounce dark crème de cacao 1 teaspoon crème de menthe hot chocolate whipped cream Shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for garnish Pour the liqueurs into a mug or Irish coffee glass. Fill with hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles.
Hot Apple Pie Cocktail
Autumn Bellini
(makes 2 drinks) 2½ oz. mulled cider syrup 1 oz. figenza (Mediterranean fig vodka) 12 oz. chilled prosecco Combine cider and vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake and strain into champagne glasses; top with prosecco. To make the mulled cider syrup: Bring ½ cup apple cider to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until cider is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add 2 cloves, 1 whole green cardamom pod, 1 whole star anise, 1 stick cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg; remove from heat, allow to cool, and strain.
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
2 tbsp. pumpkin puree 1 ½ oz. bourbon 1 oz. maple syrup ½ oz. Grand Marnier dash orange bitters Orange peel twist, for garnish
Bourbon Cider 1 cup sugar 2 tbsp. whole cloves, crushed 1 3” piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 1 cinnamon stick 3 oz. apple cider 1½ oz. bourbon 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice Dried apple slice, to garnish Boil 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Remove from heat; stir in sugar, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon; let sit for 1 hour. Strain and chill syrup. Mix ¾ oz. ginger syrup, cider, bourbon, and juice in a shaker with ice; shake to chill. Strain into a martini glass; garnish with apple.
Maple Vodka and Espresso Dessert Cocktail 2 oz. Vermont Gold Maple Vodka 1 oz. espresso 1 oz. Kahlua 1 oz. heavy cream Combine all ingredients over ice, shake and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
Combine pumpkin puree, bourbon, syrup, Grand Marnier and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with orange twist.
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2 ounces Tuaca (vanilla and citrus liqueur) Hot apple cider Whipped cream Cinnamon stick for garnish Prep Time: 3 minutes Total Time: 3 minutes Yield: 1 Cocktail Pour the Tuaca in an Irish coffee glass. Fill with hot apple cider. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
Make Your Waiter Love You by Angela Hauser
Eating out is a treat, and should be a wonderful experience for not only the diners but the wait staff as well. Here are a few pointers to enjoying a great meal, while considering the person serving you. • If there is a sign that says wait to be seated, then wait. • Be patient in a restaurant, especially on the weekends. Remember, the waiter or waitress has many more customers than just you. • Be nice to your server, talk to them, and remember their name. • Let your server know right away if you are in a hurry. • Order all the condiments you need for your meal at one time. • Read the menu and the ingredients for each item, and order accordingly. Do not try to order off the menu. • You are an adult, so don’t order off the child’s menu. • Let the server know if there is a problem. • Be familiar with meat temperatures so when you order a steak or hamburger, it’s cooked the way you like it. • Don’t ask for individual bills. Sort the bill out between you and your friends. • Remember that everyone wants their food, and be patient. • Tip at least 15 percent and refrain from writing nasty notes on the receipt. • Don’t pretend it’s your birthday if it’s not. • When you have finished your meal, place the silverware on your plate. • If you liked your server, ask for them the next time you dine at the restaurant. • Enjoy your dinner out, and help make it a great experience.
October 2014
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Wining & Dining
Experience Flavorful Decadence with
White Truffle Oil
October marks the start of truffle season, and we’re not talking about delicious rum-filled candies dusted with cocoa powder. The truffles we’re referring to are a rare type of white mushroom only available a few months of the year from one area of Italy where they must be foraged by special pigs. Considered a luxury food item, white truffles are not something you’ll find in the produce section of your supermarket, but you can experience the sought-after flavor in white truffle oil, which is available locally at Crave, a gourmet food and gift store in Lake Charles. “The rich, aromatic white truffle has been naturally infused into our high quality olive oil for a unique truffle taste you can enjoy anytime and
with almost any dish,” explains Melanie McMullen, co-owner. “This oil will enhance all truffle dishes or can be used in recipes directly in place of real, fresh, white truffles.” She adds that truffle oil is meant to be a finishing oil, rather than a cooking oil used for sautéing or frying. This means it’s best used just before serving: drizzled over soup, risotto, or seared fish, for example, or whisked into potatoes or into a simple vinaigrette. Because the flavor and aroma are quite powerful, Fran Avery, co-owner, says it’s important to use truffle oil sparingly. “A few drops just before serving
by Kristy Armand
is all you need to add for aromatic fragrance and luxurious flavor to enhance any dish. Try it as a drizzle over your favorite entrees and casseroles, brush onto vegetables before roasting or grilling, drizzle it on popcorn, or use it as an alternative to regular olive oil for dipping crusty bread. You’ll be amazed at how much you love the new flavor!” Crave is located at 2801 Ryan Street. Call (337) 421-0040 for more information.
White Truffle Oil Recipes Oven-Fried Truffle “Chips”
Asiago & White Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Short and thick, these oven-baked fries are modeled after British “chips.” Parsley, Parmesan, and truffle oil toppings give them a gourmet feel.
6 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled 1 stick (8oz.) unsalted butter 2 medium cloves garlic 1 cup half & half 2 Tbs Crave White Truffle Oil 1 cup grated Asiago Cheese Sea salt & fresh cracked black pepper to taste Optional: finely minced, fresh chopped parsley for garnish
3 lbs. Idaho or russet potatoes, peeled 2 Tbs. Crave olive oil ½ cup chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional 1 tsp. Crave White Truffle Oil Cut potatoes into English-style “chips” by slicing lengthwise into 1/2-inchthick sticks. Transfer to large saucepan with enough salted water to cover, and bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes. Drain, and cool. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Toss potatoes with oil in large bowl. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheets, and bake 30 minutes, stirring potatoes and switching baking sheets from top to bottom racks every 10 minutes. Transfer potatoes to bowl, and toss with parsley, Parmesan (if using), and truffle oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serves 8
Dice potatoes, making sure all are relatively the same size. Place in a large saucepan add the salt, and cover with hot water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to maintain a rolling boil. Cook until potatoes are tender throughout when poked with a fork. Heat the half-and-half, butter and the garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and set aside. Remove the potatoes from the heat and drain off the water. Mash and add the garlic-cream-butter mixture, grated Asiago and truffle oil. Stir to combine. Let stand for 5 minutes so that mixture thickens Garnish with chopped parsley if desired Serves 6
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October 2014
Fueling Good for 70 Years CITGO Lake Charles is celebrating 70 years of fueling good in Southwest Louisiana. We began building the Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex in 1942 and established the Maplewood area in Sulphur for incoming workers and their families. CITGO then began fueling the World War II effort in 1944. As we’ve grown, so has our community. Today, we’re the 6th largest refinery in the U.S., fueling our nation and exporting our products worldwide. We’re proud of the difference we make, both on the job and in our community.
We’re CITGO and we’re here to stay.
©2014 CITGO Petroleum Corporation October 2014
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Places & Faces
Haunted New Orleans
by Allie Mariano
NEW ORLEANS IS WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS CONNECTION TO THE SUPERNATURAL, VOODOO, MAGIC, AND GHOSTS. OCTOBER IS THE BEST MONTH FOR TAPPING INTO THE PARANORMAL, AND A WEEKEND IN NEW ORLEANS IS SURE TO PROVIDE THE PERFECT GETAWAY FOR TRAVELERS WHO YEARN FOR SOMETHING CREEPY. SEVERAL HOTELS IN THE NEW ORLEANS HOTEL COLLECTION ARE KNOWN NOT ONLY FOR LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS, BUT ALSO FOR THEIR GHOSTLY RESIDENTS.
The Dauphine Orleans Bar
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October 2014
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel
One of these is the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. The hotel building is located on Orleans Street and was originally the Orleans Ballroom and Theatre. For much of the 1800s, the ballroom hosted quadroon balls. Contemporary visitors have reported a solo dancer in the ballroom under the chandelier, as well as mysterious rustling behind the curtains. At the end of the 19th century, the building became a convent and orphanage that was struck by a yellow fever epidemic. Over the years, there have been many sightings of young ghosts: a little girl who rolls a ball down the 6th floor hallway, young ghosts who want to be close to the hotel guests, and child-like footsteps down the halls. One man claims to have felt a slap after cursing in a stairwell where he was working completely alone. The Bourbon Hotel is a stop on the Grayline Ghosts and Spirits walking tour, so even if you aren’t a guest, you still have a chance to see its spirits. Another of the Hotel Collection’s properties, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel also hosts its share of supernatural residents. From 1897 to 1917, prostitution was legal in New Orleans and relegated to a October 2014
red-light district known as Storyville. The Dauphine Orleans bar, May Baily’s place, was once a well-known bordello, and that history seems to have stayed with the bar until today. Bar patrons have reported a lingering ghost in uniform, and some say he is a Creole soldier. He has also been sighted wandering through the courtyard. Other visitors have seen a woman who seems a little off, and perhaps troubled. She may have been a prostitute who eventually became an alcoholic, and more than one guest has seen a flash of her dancing in the courtyard. Dr. Larry Montz, a parapsychologist investigated the Dauphine Orleans and found the spirit of a soldier named Eldridge. Supernatural sightings are not uncommon in New Orleans, and these beautiful historic hotels can provide lovely accommodations and, if you’re lucky, a unique spiritual experience. The New Orleans Hotel Collection is currently offering a special New Orleans Spirits Package that includes a two-night stay, a haunted tour for two and much more. Visit www.neworleanshotelcollection.com to learn more.
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Places & Faces
Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion Complete The ribbon cutting for the completed Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion at McNeese State University was held last month. The 4,709 square-foot outdoor facility is located in the Alumni Grove directly south of the McNeese Stream Alumni Center off Common Street. The pavilion was the culmination of years of planning by the McNeese Alumni Association Board of Directors and construction on the facility began in August 2013. It was primarily funded through the generosity of Lake Charles businessman Robert Noland, who donated $460,000 to the project. Additional funds were received from the McNeese Alumni Association, the student Campus Development Committee and the PetroChem Athletic Booster organization. The facility features air-conditioned restrooms, concession area, storage room, televisions, audio/ visual equipment, large ceiling fans and McNeese ironwork. In addition, the pavilion seats up to 270 people at 27 tables. The facility was designed by Randy Goodloe of the American Institute of Architects. The contractor was John D. Myers and Associates. “The pavilion has over 5,000 square feet of covered area and the university can now host large outdoor events regardless of the weather,” said Joyce Patterson, alumni affairs director at McNeese. “The Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion stands out as a state-of-the-art university facility. This project would not be possible if not for Robert Noland’s support. He has done so much for McNeese and continues to find ways to make a real difference in the lives of our students.” Noland has provided endowed funds for faculty development and academic student scholarships
through the McNeese Foundation including the Robert Noland Nursing Scholarship, the Powell Timber Company Scholarship and the Helen Weber Harris Memorial Scholarship. He has also generously supported McNeese athletics – especially football - over the years by providing funding for the resurfacing of the football field Construction is complete and the new 4,709 square-foot Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion is now open in the Alumni Grove. Photo by Shonda Manuel. and the renovation of Cowboy Stadium, and American Sulphur & Oil Company of Louisiana, he donated a 55-passenger custom motor coach Powell Timber Co., Land Management & Realty for the athletics department. The Noland Family Services LLC and W.G. Ragley Lumber Co. and SkyRanch, which houses private suites, club seating manager and owner of RN Entertainment LLC and and the press facilities, is also named in honor of Timber Land Ranch LLC. He also is a member of his family. He is a member of the McNeese Athletics numerous community and civic organizations in Hall of Honor, past president of the McNeese Southwest Louisiana. Quarterback Club and an honorary member of the “Robert Noland is a tremendous supporter of McNeese Petrochem Athletic Association. McNeese State University,” said Dr. Philip Williams, Noland also established six endowed rodeo McNeese president. “His generosity extends to scholarships through a $724,500 contribution to all areas of the university including academics, the university for the McNeese rodeo program and athletics, the rodeo team and now this wonderful has donated a truck to the program. facility that will become a focal point for events for For his generosity and years of support to years to come.” McNeese, he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2011. Noland serves as president and director of Bennett Oil Co., president, CEO and director of
Parapokes Ready to Jump this Football Season by Allie Mariano
Football season is in full swing, and the McNeese Cowboys will continue the season with their unique game-opening tradition. Not every college football team kicks off home games with a troupe of skydivers falling into the stadium, but the Cowboys do. They are called the Parapokes, a group of skydivers who chance death before every home game, and do it for free. The Parapokes are all volunteers. They do it for the love of the jump and quite simply because, as founding member DeWayne Bruette says, “they let us.” Since 2004, the Parapokes have jumped before every home game, weather permitting. They do it, Bruette emphasizes, “in service to McNeese.” They find all of the sponsors and resources to fund the jumps. “It’s a labor of love,” he adds. 14 www.thriveswla.com
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The origin story is a little bumpy. The Parapokes first formed in 1967 when McNeese was McNeese State College. Bruette was a member, and they tried to become a collegiate jump team, but it didn’t work out. “Broke my heart,” Bruette says. At the same time, Louisiana Tech also had a skydiving club whom the Parapokes often jumped with. In 1971, Bruette had moved to California with the Marine Corps, and the Louisiana Tech Skydiving Club won the National Collegiate Championship for skydiving. Bruette himself didn’t stop jumping; during and after his service he “spent all his time chasing airplanes.” Eventually, he was married and had children and could only manage a few jumps a year. In 1994, he became a single parent, working shift work and raising his two boys. In 2000, he was able October 2014
to retire in order to parent full time, which is when he was invited to join a club in Lafayette, the Flying Dragons Inc. From there, Bruette worked to bring the Parapokes back to McNeese. In the 2002 season, the group had the opportunity to jump at three games. For the past 10 years, they’ve jumped at every home game, as long as the weather allows it. Currently, the Parapokes have seven members. All of them have been jumping for quite some time: T.J. Middleton, an engineer in Houston, has more than 1,500 jumps; Mike Nugent, who works for the Department of Immigration in Houston, has completed more than 2,500 jumps; Robert Rocke is retired and has jumped more than 6,500 times; Chris Wade of Beaumont has done more than 6,000; and Dewayne Bruette has done more 4,500 jumps in his life. Jimmi Heath, who has jumped about 200 times, is taking some time off with his new baby. The newest member of the team is Dr. Steve Thompson, a criminal justice professor at McNeese. These men are Parapokes because they love skydiving. Bruette makes sure to emphasize they look for a special quality in their team: “Whenever I bring some on in, no matter how bad things are going, they are calm; they cannot panic.�
October 2014
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Places & Faces
Movers and Shakers in Southwest News? You tell us! Send press releases to Louisiana... Who’s edit@thriveswla.com with the subject line “Who’s News.”
Dr. Justin Wu Joins the Physician Staff of Imperial Health Rheumatologist Justin Wu, OD, has joined Imperial Health, the region’s largest multi-specialty medical group. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid Dr. Justin Wu arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. His office will be located on the second floor of the group’s main office, located at 501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive in Lake Charles. For more information, call (337) 312-8650.
Dr. Sandra Dempsey Joins the Imperial Health Medical Staff Endocrinologist Sandra Dempsey, MD, has joined Imperial Health, the region’s largest multi-specialty medical group. Dr. Dempsey will be practicing with Dr. Dr. Sandra Dempsey Timothy Gilbert at the Endocrinology Center of Southwest Louisiana, an affiliate of Imperial Health. Dr. Dempsey will be seeing patients at the Endocrinology Center’s new office, located at 1727 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles. For more information, call (337) 310-3670.
Michael Pendergast
Randy Peterson
Management Promotions
of Resort Operations at L’Auberge, joining the company in September 2012. Randy Peterson has been promoted from Director of Slot Performance to Vice President of Casino Operations. He joined L’Auberge in October 2010 to manage slot performance and technical operations for Louisiana’s leading casino featuring approximately 70 table games and 1,600 slot machines. For more information, visit www.mylauberge.com.
Tarek Polite
Glen Bertrand
Myrna Conner
Marion Fox
Julia O’Carroll
Partnership Announces New Leadership Appointments The Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana (Partnership), has announced Tarek Polite as the new chair, and vice- chair, Julia O’Carroll. Tarek is an employee of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, where he serves as the Human Services Director. Julia O’Carroll has her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from McNeese. She is a former English Professor at MSU and is the Program Manager and self-professed health advocate for ERA Helicopters. For more information, call (337) 478-4822.
Former Principal of the Year Becomes Regional Director for Charter Schools Sabrah Helms Kingham, a high profile educator and leader with the Calcasieu Parish School System for the past 25 years has joined the Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) team as the Louisiana Regional Director. Kingham was named the 2013-2014 Calcasieu Parish Principal of the Year and is a Council Member for the LA Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and LEAD evaluator for AdvancED. She taught grades pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade and served as an elementary curriculum specialist, pre-K director, assistant principal and principal. For more information, visit CharterSchoolsUSA.com.
L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles announces the promotions of Michael Pendergast to Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Finance, and Randy Peterson to Vice President of Casino Operations; pending regulatory approval. Michael Pendergast previously served as Vice President 16 www.thriveswla.com
Sawsan Abu Shamat
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CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation Announces 2014-2015 Board and Officers CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Administrator Donald Lloyd II announced the newly elected 2014-2015 Officers of the CHRISTUS David Sickey St. Patrick Foundation. These members include: Sawsan Abu Shamat, Glen Bertrand, Myrna Conner, Marion Fox and David Sickey. Abu Shamat is a business manager and accountant for The Kidney Clinic in Lake Charles, LA. Along with serving on the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital 100th Anniversary Gala Committee, she remains active in the community. Bertrand, CEO of City Savings Bank, brings to the Board years of experience in finance and development. Conner, AFLAC agent, has a passion for serving her community. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Board of the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation and Louisiana Blood Center. Marion Fox is the President and CEO of the Jeff Davis Economic Development Commission, directing the offices of Economic and Film Development and Parish Tourist Commission. She brings to the Board expertise in economic development and community relations. Sickey is an elected member of the Tribal Council of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, a federally recognized Native American Tribe located in SWLA. For more information, call (337) 430-5353. October 2014
MediaPost Welcomes Paula Tullos Arrington
Angela Franks Named City Savings Bank Assistant Branch Manager
MediaPost Film & Video welcomes sales and marketing specialist Paula Tullos Arrington to the staff. A native of Moss Bluff, Arrington is a graduate of Sam Houston High School and Sowela Technical Community College with a certification in Computer Technology. In addition, Arrington brings an extensive background in direct and outside sales, as well Paula Tullos Arrington as cross-functional team leadership and event management experience to the position. For more information, call (337) 474-7678.
Angela Franks
Riviere Elected to National Board Scott A. Riviere, MS, LPC, RPT-S, owner of KIDZ, Inc. (Kids Interactive Discovery Zone, INC), was recently elected to serve a three year term on the Association for Play Therapy, National Board of Directors.
Amos Orr Named One of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Marketing Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), along with founding program partner SearchWide, and supporting sponsors IMEX and USAE, selected Amos Orr, of the Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau for its renowned “30 Under 30” program. In its fourth year, this program focuses on identifying and developing the talent of destination Amos Orr marketing professionals, 30 years of age and under, through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership. For more information, visit www.destinationmarketing.org.
City Savings Bank announced the appointment of Angela Franks as lending officer and assistant branch manager of its location at 3881 Gerstner Memorial Blvd. in Lake Charles. Franks has more than 20 years in the legal field with an emphasis on real estate law, most recently at Stockwell Sievert Title. For more information, call (337) 477-8661.
Scott A. Riviere, MS, LPC, RPT-S
My Story… “I chose SOWELA because I was ready to advance in my studies. As a high school senior in a small school, there wasn’t much opportunity to take college classes. SOWELA offered the “STEPS Program,” and I was able to achieve thirty-two college credits and still participate in my high school dance line, which I have a passion for. There are going to be a lot of jobs coming in to the Lake Charles and Sulphur area by the time I graduate, so I am definitely working toward that now. That’s my story.”
Let your story start with…
Vivian
SOWELA Student STEPS Program
October 2014
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17
Places & Faces
Mike Strain
faced numerous challenges when he accepted his role as Louisiana’s agriculture commissioner in January of 2008. He inherited an agency that was nearly $100 million in debt—due in part to failed ventures backed by the former commissioner, the late Bob Odom— and needed to operate more effectively and efficiently. But Strain doesn’t back away from challenges. After all, in his run for the office, he challenged an incumbent who had held the post for 28 years. Odom was a popular and influential Democrat when it came to state politics and elections. But Odom’s star was fading, as his agency had come under fire for some of his projects and his expenditures. Strain, a cattle farmer and a veterinarian, had been a state representative when he decided to forego the legislative office to challenge Odom. He forced him into a runoff. Odom garnered 41 percent of the vote to Strain’s 40 percent, and Odom withdrew his re-election bid, giving the office to Strain. As soon as Strain was sworn in as commissioner, he launched vigorous reform efforts. Over his two terms in office, he has cut the debt to $34 million. He restructured the agency and cut the work force by 300 employees. He removed 410 vehicles from the motor fleet, and reduced the aviation fleet and fuel consumption dramatically. He has also worked to grow the agricultural economy. As the global population is projected to increase 32 percent by 2050, there will be stronger demand for agricultural products, and Louisiana will be well prepared to capitalize on that growth. Thrive recently had the opportunity to get some of Strain’s ideas about the strength of the agricultural economy in the state and some of the changes that have taken place in the industry.
first person with
Mike Strain
by Ann McMurry
First Person is a monthly Q&A that features compelling people who excel in their chosen endeavors. Ideas for future Q&As? Email edit@thriveswla.com.
18 www.thriveswla.com
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
Louisiana’s economy is quite diverse. How important is agriculture and forestry when we look at the state’s overall economic picture? The Louisiana agricultural industry, including forestry, is a nearly $12 billion industry. The ag industry is second to energy in the state of Louisiana. Agriculture is a part of our heritage and culture. For example, Cajun food is recognized worldwide and has its roots and traditions in agriculture. How important is this industry to the nation? It’s extremely important, as well as our ports. Louisiana exports $15.8 billion worth of agriculture products each year internationally to help feed the world. As the population increases, there will be a need to increase food production. In Louisiana, one of our greatest resources is water. As droughts affect other regions, we continue to produce food and agricultural products.
October 2014
What are some of the natural resources in the state that play a role in the success of our agricultural and forestry industry? The natural resources of the state include some of the richest soils of the world. We also have an abundance of farmland and an abundance of water –surface and ground. We also have research, mild weather and adequate rainfall. Nationally, agricultural exports are expected to increase substantially within the next few years. How will that impact our state? Ag exports bring in new net dollars into the economy--what we call original dollars—which then circulate five to eight times through the rural, suburban and ultimately urban economies. This is reflected in the increased sale of equipment, supplies, services and growth of infrastructure throughout the state providing jobs and the net increase in overall wealth. How has the farming industry changed in recent years? Farming is big business with marked increases in the application of sciences, technology and business management.
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Does the “family farm” hold the attraction to young people as it once did? Unfortunately, our farmers are getting older and older. The average age of a farmer is someone 58-plus. Let’s face it—it’s very hard work. The younger generation is not staying in farming. However, that should change. The future economy will be based on resource based industries. Southwest Louisiana and some other areas of the state are losing farmland for wetlands protection. To what extent is that a critical issue for the agricultural industry? In the last 20 years, we’ve lost more than 1 million acres to urban encroachment, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, mitigation and government programs. What are some of the challenges facing the agricultural community? Besides the loss of farmland, farmers of all types face increased governmental regulations and permitting.
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19
Money & Career
Louisiana’s Agriculture Is
Growing Our Economy by Ann McMurry
Rice, soybeans, corn and cattle thrive in Louisiana’s rich, fertile soil and relatively mild climate. The state’s lakes, rivers and bayous are home to fish, shrimp, crabs, and other seafood, and the Gulf of Mexico sits at her back door.
Agriculture and aquaculture are big business in Louisiana.
Historically, agriculture has been a vital component of the state’s economy, and it continues to be important today, said Jimmy Meaux, county agent with the LSU AgCenter in Calcasieu Parish. The value of agriculture to the state’s economy in 2013 was $11 billion. But it is important to Southwest Louisiana as well. In Calcasieu Parish alone, the total value of agriculture, which includes all plant, animal, and fishery commodities, was $100 million. The value in Jeff Davis Parish was $171 million; in Cameron Parish, $71 million; and the value exceeded $60 million in both Allen and Beauregard parishes. Meaux said Calcasieu is one of the largest cattleproducing parishes in the state, with more than 40,000 head of cattle. “During the last few years the cattle business has been a very good business to be 20 www.thriveswla.com
in, with it being very profitable,” said Meaux. Some crops, such as soybeans and corn, have done well in this area, “but rice prices have not been very good, with other countries competing with the U.S….The price has been depressed and it’s been hard for rice farmers to make a good living.” Rice and soybeans are the two big commodities farmers produce in Calcasieu Parish, according to Meaux. “Farmers annually produce 13,000 acres of rice and 8,000 acres of soybeans, which is not very much compared to other Southwest Louisiana parishes, but it is still a $14 million economy in our parish,” he added. Statewide, poultry production is the largest animal industry with over $2 billion in annual sales. The forestry industry—with more than $2.8 billion in sales—further boosts the Louisiana economy. Thrive Magazine for Better Living
According to Meaux, the Port of Lake Charles and the Farmers Rice Milling Company are important to agriculture in Southwest Louisiana. The port ships rice and other commodities around the world, and many of its shipments come from local mills such as Farmers Rice Milling. These two industries help bring thousands of jobs to the local economy. Meaux said the idea of the “family farm” is changing in Louisiana and the rest of the nation. The average age of farmers–now 58–continues to increase, with fewer younger farmers getting into the business. In Louisiana, farming is still primarily a family tradition, with most farms in the state being family-owned. “But it’s getting harder for younger people to get into farming because of the large capital investment it takes to get started,” Meaux said. Land, equipment and gasoline costs have been October 2014
JD Gets Me
rising, which significantly impacts farmers. “It’s hard to get a loan for $750,000 to $1 million dollars as a 22-year-old to start farming when you are not sure if you will make a crop next year,” he said. “Farmers depend on the weather so much to have a successful year. It can be a very stressful job but it can also be one of the most rewarding, knowing you are helping to feed the world.” While the agricultural industry has fewer young people going into farmer, the seafood industry faces similar challenges. The number of licensed fishermen in the state has dropped from more than 22,000 in the 1980s to just over 12,000 today, according to Karen Profita, executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, which represents wild caught shrimp, oysters, crabs, crawfish, finfish and alligator. October 2014
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Money & Career |
Agriculture
Despite the drop in the number of licensed fishermen, seafood numbers are strong. Louisiana is second only to Alaska in total landings each year. The economic contribution from sales of Gulf seafood is $1.5 billion, the highest of the Gulf Coast states. Louisiana is also the highest in total economic contribution of jobs from the industry at 30,676. The seafood industry is one of the state’s biggest industries, Profita said. “In a recent interview, I heard the head of Celtic Studios talking about how strong the movie industry is in Louisiana and proved that by saying it employed almost as many people as seafood. (That) shows we are still a standard bearer for the state,” she said. Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the nation. “Currently prices and demand have been high as imported shrimp have suffered a disease process that left their supplies extremely low,” Profita said. Oysters are having a huge resurgence with numerous oyster bars opening across the country. “These establishments offer tastings not unlike those offered by wine and cigar bars in years past,” she said. “Our supply has been low but the latest review by Wildlife and Fisheries indicated some improvement. Meanwhile,
22 www.thriveswla.com
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LSU has been developing bigger oysters that develop fasters and can be raised in baskets. There is great concern in the industry that plans for coastal restoration could introduce too much fresh water and kill the oyster beds.” Profita said the Louisiana Blue Crab is the first in the world to have Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification. “This means they have met very stringent criteria and proved our crab fisheries are sustainable.” In addition, she said Louisiana has abundant species and amounts of finfish. “Research shows that 77 percent of the people visiting Louisiana come in part because they want to taste our seafood,” Profita said. “We have a unique ecology that gives us an abundant and tasty supply. As you know, whenever we have an abundance in Louisiana, we just want to celebrate and share. It is the quality, amount and our wonderful culture that put Louisiana seafood in such high demand.”
October 2014
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23
Money & Career
Master the Meeting
by Erin Kelly
Meetings aren’t as easy as they look. It’s more than a bunch of people sitting around a table jabbering on about their agendas and workloads—if done properly, they’re a constructive and productive method of professional interaction. But they have to be planned and managed with a strategic eye. Things can get a little hectic when you’re at the helm, especially if there’s a lot of people, a lot of topics, and a swirling pool of different opinions. People will interrupt, interject, highjack. They will pull your train away from its well-plotted course, take an off-topic ball and run with it, come up with illogical ideas and unanswerable questions. To lead a meeting, you can’t just be a master of minutes— you have to be a manager of people. “People want to be heard, especially in a professional environment. That’s a good thing—a meeting isn’t productive if no one offers ideas—but it can also get complicated. Clashing personalities and priorities can make for a whirlwind in the conference room,” said Oliver G. “Rick” Richard III, president of Empire of the Seed in Lake Charles and member of the Board of Visitors of the LSU Manship School of Mass Communications. “That being said, 24 www.thriveswla.com
there are several things people can do to master the art of the meeting. Some things may seem obvious. Others should be obvious, but aren’t.” Want to make your meeting matter? Richard, who has managed a company of over 10,000 employees and now one with three, suggests following these tips: Keep it simple. Rather than invite 100 people from 30 different departments, find out who should be there and why. Invite the most effective people for your particular project. It may seem like a good idea to include as many people as possible so you can cast a wider net for input and ideas, but more people just complicate the process. Be strategic about who you invite. If other people need to be included, you can send them a copy of the agenda and meeting minutes as an FYI. Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Have a point. “This isn’t as obvious to some people as it may seem,” said Richard. “Anyone who’s ever been to a pointless meeting can attest to that.” Don’t call a meeting just to have face-time or because it’s routine. With so many busy schedules, who has time to meet unless the meeting matters? In some cases, email might be a more efficient and effective mode of interaction. Ask yourself: Is this really necessary or can it be handled just as effectively in a more efficient way? Have an agenda. Once you know what the point is, you can spell it out for the attendees. This keeps the message on track and, hopefully, on time. If you don’t have a structure for your meeting, it’s likely to fall apart. Everyone should understand the objectives of a meeting before it starts. Plus, an agenda allows for the most important element of October 2014
Be objective so you can encourage feedback. As the meeting leader, you shouldn’t rush to take sides or quash ideas. Ask for constructive feedback and build on it in a positive and constructive way. If the attendees see you knocking down ideas with abandon, they won’t be in a hurry to share theirs. Remember: Everyone wants to be heard. Wouldn’t you? Hear people out, be open-minded, and respond objectively and professionally.
an effective meeting—a goal. “If you have no goal, you have no meeting,” Richard says.
Take charge. Make sure everyone knows how much you appreciate their attendance and time. Before the meaty dialogue gets underway, let the group know that it’s imperative to stay on track and stick to the agenda so everyone benefits. If the conversation strays, bring the focus back to the agenda. “You can say something like, ‘That’s an interesting Have a plan. Every person in the point. I’ll make a note of it so we room should leave the meeting with can discuss it more at a later date. a clear understanding of what just Right now, I’d like to get back to the happened and what’s to come. What’s agenda,’” Richard says. “Follow up the point of a meeting otherwise? with that person by email, after the Richard suggests ending the session meeting, if necessary.” It might be a good idea to let attendees know what by reviewing what was discussed and assigning tasks if necessary. “Send the time it is as the meeting continues— for example: “ Now that we’ve reached meeting minutes to everyone in the group, along with a debriefing of next the halfway point of the meeting, I’d steps. This will help your project move like to discuss the next item,” or “It’s a forward and create context for your quarter after, so let’s move on.” Also, next meeting—if there is one.” attend the meeting on time! Your tardiness is insulting to those who are Thrive-LC-Team4_Layout 2 9/18/14 2:33 PM Page 1 on time.
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T H E
B A N K
Baton Rouge
October 2014
T H A T
Bayou Region
P U T S
Lafayette
Y O U R
B U S I N E S S
F I R S T
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Money & Career
Arts Council Celebrates 35 Years with Ribbon Cutting The Arts Council of SWLA held a ribbon cutting with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance and the City of Lake Charles in celebration of the Council’s 35th anniversary this year. The milestone anniversary marks 35 years of grantmaking, arts events, and services for the Southwest Louisiana creative workforce. For details, visit www.artscouncilswla.
Charisma
Are some lucky people just born with it or can anyone develop it? Few traits or characteristics have influenced the course of history in the same way as charisma. Whether describing the world’s greatest heroes, like Martin Luther King Jr. or the most infamous villains, such as Adolph Hitler, both types of influencers are typically known for being charismatic. Despite its impact, we still don’t have a clear perception on where charisma comes from. Science has long debated whether it is as much a part of “genetic destiny” as your mother’s nose or grandfather’s ears, or if it is a learned behavior. The quest to decode the magic behind charisma can be traced back to ancient Greece when philosopher Aristotle argued in favor of it being a learned behavior. Many modern scientists and scholars, especially those focused on business and political studies, agree with Aristotle that charisma is not innate, but a skill that can be learned and developed. Olivia Fox Cabane, executive leadership coach and author of multiple books exploring the science behind this mysterious trait, has dedicated her career to proving that the key to charisma is confidence and practice. While she found that most charismatic individuals learn the behavior early in life through a series of trial and error with results that eventually become instinctive, she notes that it’s possible to gain this attribute later in life. She cites Steve Jobs as one such example. “Steve Jobs, considered one of the most charismatic CEOS of the decade, came across as bashful and awkward in his earliest presentations. Jobs painstakingly worked to increase his level of charisma over the years, 26 www.thriveswla.com
and you can see the gradual improvement in his public appearances,” Cabane claims. According to Cabane, there are three core elements of charisma: presence, power and warmth. Many charismatic individuals naturally prioritize one of the elements and it becomes the “core” of their charismatic behavior. “Presence often turns out to be the core component of charisma, the foundation upon which all else is built,” she writes. “But if presence is the foundation on which charisma rests, power and warmth are the stuff of which it is built.” The biggest enemies of charisma are low self-confidence and self-doubt. Cabane refers to the combination of these dominate inhibitors as “impostor syndrome,” which she describes as a fear of being viewed as incompetent. According to Cabane, this is a fairly common phenomenon, with more than 70 percent of the population experiencing it at one time or another. Interestingly, impostor syndrome is the worst among high performers. Here are a few quick tips to help you become more charismatic: • Maintain deep, but warm eye contact throughout the conversation • Adjust your stance: Stand tall with good posture to project power and confidence • Be mindful of your tone. Speak slowly and clearly in a warm and resonant voice. Another key to developing your charismatic talents is to not beat yourself if you stumble the first few or several times. You’ll gain important insights from each slip-up. Remember, practice makes perfect.
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L to R: Arts Council staff and board members, Scotty Higginbotham, Daniel Ieyoub, Ashli Waldrep, Shonda Manuel, James Babin, Mayor Randy Roach of Lake Charles, Arts Council Executive Director Erica McCreedy, Chamber CEO George Swift, Mark Eckard of Lake Charles City Council, Arts Council board member Chuck O’Connor and Arts Council board president Mindy Schwarzauer.
SLIC Presents Plaque to Kroger The Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC) presented this plaque to Kroger of Lake Charles in appreciation for their participation L to R: Holly Leggett, hiring in the Supported manager for local Kroger stores; Employment Program Stephanie Reliford, store manager for the Kroger McNeese store; and for persons with Gretta Manuel, Southwest disabilities through Louisiana Independence Center the Louisiana Program manager. Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and the Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC).
Cardiovascular Specialists Announces Relocation of Jennings Office Cardiovascular Specialists, an affiliate of Imperial Health, has relocated their Jennings office. The new address will be 1322 Elton Road, Suite H. The phone number, (337) 436-3813, will remain the same. Dr. Miguel A. DePuy, who is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, will continue to be the cardiologist caring for patients at this office. For more information, visit www.csswla.com. October 2014
All you need to know to stay in the know! SLIC Presents Plaque to Service Companies The Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC) presented this plaque to The Service Companies of Lake Charles in appreciation for their participation in the Supported Employment Program for persons with disabilities through the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and the Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC). L to R: Gretta Manuel, Southwest Louisiana Independence Center Program manager; Mildred Botley, The Service Companies human resources associate; and Katrina Hudson, The Service Companies human resources coordinator.
’s What your
O’Carroll Group Expands Marketing Capabilities With a New Location
SLIC Presents Plaque to Kohls
O’Carroll Group has announced the company’s relocation to a newly expanded office in Lake Charles’ Heritage Square professional complex. O’Carroll Group’s newly designed, larger office space located at 125 Jefferson Dr. is creatively suited to support the growth of this team of advertising, marketing and public relations of professionals. Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach, Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan, Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance CEO George Swift along with other dignitaries, clients and friends joined O’Carroll Group for a ceremonial ribboncutting and open house. For more information on O’Carroll Group, call (337) 478-7396.
Plan 10 years from now?
The Southwest Louisiana Independence L to R: Yvette Griffin, Kohl’s manager Lake Center (SLIC) Charles Store; Romona Richard, Southwest Louisiana Independence Center supported presented employment specialist; and Vanessa Million, this plaque to Kohl’s customer service. Kohl’s of Lake Charles in appreciation for their participation in the Supported Employment Program for persons with disabilities through the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and the Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (SLIC).
Rau Financial Group can Help. Whether you are just getting started or ready to intensify your focus on planning your financial future, our experienced LPL Financial Advisors are here to assist you. We have over 100 years of combined experience, in partnership with LPL Financial the number one independent broker/dealer in the country.* From investing, planning for college, saving for retirement, long-term care insurance and everything in between, we can help you develop a sound, customized financial plan to help you pursue your financial goals. There is no time like the present to secure your future.
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October 2014
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27
Money & Career
Joint vs. Separate Accounts for Couples We all know that financial differences play a large role in marital breakdowns, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are ways to prevent economic turmoil from becoming a separating factor in your marriage – the key is to understand each other’s financial philosophies and deciding how to make it work for both of you, according to Mike Carr, Vice President with Lakeside Bank. One of the most important decisions to make is whether you will have joint or separate checking accounts. Since this is where your spending money lives, the decision should not be taken lightly. “With a joint checking account, the marital finances become far more transparent. You absolutely have to have an openness and willingness to discuss money with each other,” Carr said. “However, even if you choose not to have a joint checking account, that doesn’t get you off the hook. In a marriage, you can’t get away with not discussing money, even if all the money is separate. True separateness is virtually impossible when you’re in a committed marriage, even if just legally speaking.” Separate accounts are usually an ideal choice for couples who have already established
individual systems, which is common particularly among older couples. It can also work if one person enters the marriage with debt that the other partner doesn’t need or want to be responsible for – credit card debt, for example. Whereas joint accounts lend themselves to open financial discussions, separate accounts don’t necessarily require the same amount of transparency, which can create challenges, according to Carr. “When everything is separate, it can be easy to roll along in the marriage without ever discussing money, but it is guaranteed that at some point in time, it will become an issue that needs to be addressed. It’s best to address those issues throughout the marriage, rather than waiting until something significant happens that forces you to be open about expenses and income,” Carr said. “Separate accounts can work very well for some couples, but paying the bills and taking care of financial responsibilities should never fall on one person. Although it’s common for one person to take care of the bills, especially among separate account holders, it’s necessary to discuss these expenses so both partners are aware of the financial health of the marriage.”
by Kristy Armand
There is also the in-between option of having individual accounts in addition to a joint account – the latter being used for combined household expenses. This gives couples the autonomy they need to spend money as they see fit, while also allowing for a combined money management style. Typically, couples decide on a percentage that each of them will contribute from their income to the joint account. According to Carr, it’s important that couples realize that just because one spouse – presumably the spouse who earns more money – puts more money into the joint account doesn’t mean that they should have more control or judgment on that money. “Marital harmony is about being open and working together as a couple. If you start to use money as a power pawn, you are laying the foundation for future discourse. Money should not be used as a tool of control,” Carr said. The best approach is to discuss financial philosophies before getting married, and then determine which system works best based for you as an individual and a couple.
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October 2014
OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS
RS E N
Vinton High School
ION
Vinton Elementary School LaGrange High School
AT
Sam Houston High School
IN
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School
C
PA R T
Axiall Blue colors
EDU
Holy Family Catholic School Maplewood Elementary School
Connecting ELife R Sto Learning N
S.P. Arnett
ION
PA R T
From kindergarten through college and beyond, Axiall team members show their passion for education in our community in many ways. Members of our team provide 360-degree support to local schools and other educational
AT
organizations through financial donations, fundraisers, and volunteer efforts to reach children and teachers throughout our area. Axiall partners are
IN October 2014
C
proud to invest in the education of Southwest Louisiana Students.
EDU
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At the intersection of chemistry and progress. www.thriveswla.com
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Do your Homework before the
November 4th
Election
and
STUDY
THE ISSUES
& Candidates in the School Board Race
Eleven of the 15 seats on the Calcasieu Parish School Board are come. That is why a group of concerned and interested citizens on the ballot. Education is the key to not only our children’s have formed the Committee for Better Schools in Calcasieu future, but also the economic future of our region for years to Parish, a group with the following shared goals:
Committee for Better Schools in Calcasieu Parish Education Platform • Hold the best interest of the children, paramount. • Put the best interest of the Parish above that of individual districts. • School Board members are not to engage in the day-today operations of the school system. • School Board members hire and supervise the superintendent, whom they hold accountable for daily operations and long-term results. • Govern through policy and remember that the power of a board member is limited by the will of the entire board. • Each member is expected to make good, well-informed decisions, not based on preconceived notions, but based on research and documented facts. • Establish and monitor budgets while holding strict fiscal accountability providing for both current and future
needs in preparation of the expected economic growth of Calcasieu Parish. • Establish annually both short and long range goals; tracking, monitoring, and evaluating results against the established goals, such as:
We’re fortunate to have many good, qualified candidates from which to choose. We urge you to evaluate their positions on the key issues, and most importantly, vote on November 4. Early voting is October 21 – 28.
Paid for by the Committee for Better Schools in Calcasieu Parish, Paul Bonin, Chairperson.
1. Establish an academic performance plan, with annual benchmarks to get all Calcasieu Parish Schools at or above basic and to advance our statewide academic standings annually. 2. Research and support new alternative education methods that raise the bar for better results. 3. Actively reach out to business and industry leaders and other governmental bodies to understand their objectives, plans and concerns in an effort to align board planning and objectives with that of the community. 4. Recognize and celebrate exemplary performance of students, teachers, staff, administrators, and board members. 5. Present annual written reports to the local news media with live presentations to the Chamber Southwest that evaluate the academic and financial achievements as they relate to the performance plan. It should also include progress of both short and long range goals.
Star Jones THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 LAKE CHARLES CIVIC CENTER Ladies, mark your calendar for the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana’s annual Fall Conference. This year’s keynote speaker is Emmy award nominated TV host, attorney and best-selling author, Star Jones! For more information or tickets, visit www.womenscommissionswla.com.
28 WORKSHOPS • MARKETPLACE
WORKING YOUR NETWORK: Turning a Setback into the Setup for Your Next Big Thing 30 www.thriveswla.com
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October 2014
APPsolutely the Best Way to Follow High School Sports Download the FREE Imperial Health Scoreboard APP from the Sports Medicine Team at Center for Orthopaedics to stay connected to your favorite teams in Southwest Louisiana. You’ll get scores, schedules, team news and more. Put high school sports in the palm of your hand, with the Imperial Health Scoreboard APP.
Regain Your Focus Today’s digital age has allowed us to become master multitaskers. The downside to this increased productivity is that we’ve gotten so used to rapidly switching gears that it can be hard to concentrate when it really counts. Luckily, you can retrain your brain. At work, use a timer and challenge yourself to stay on task for 10 to 30 minutes at a time. Take five to 10 minutes breaks if you need them. When out with family or friends, leave your phone in your purse or pocket to minimize the temptation to check it in the middle of a conversation. Finally, do things that require sustained attention, like reading a book—without the television on or other electronics nearby. The more you practice focusing, the easier and more habitual it becomes.
DOWNLOAD TODAY:
Available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “Imperial Health Scoreboard” (include quotes).
Brought to you by the Center for Orthopaedics, the region’s preferred Sports Medicine provider.
Team Physicians: McNEESE ATHLETICS 14 AREA HIGH SCHOOLS
Learn more at
www.centerforortho.com
(337) 721-7CFO
LAKE CHARLES • SULPHUR • DERIDDER
October 2014
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Fabulous Fall
Home & Family
Pumpkins, spice and everything nice. Fall is in the air and as we all anxiously await the arrival of cooler weather, it’s hard not to get excited about the change in seasons. Football, gumbo and the upcoming holiday season are just a few things to look forward to. Thrive is helping you fall into a fabulous fall this season with everything from decorating tips to what to plant in your fall garden.
Mums the Word
by Christine Fisher
Fall in love with autumnal gardens The intense explosion of fall colors isn’t readily available in Southwest Louisiana foliage, but we can bring in those vibrant hues of golds, purples and oranges with bedding plants. Getting in the garden and removing spent, summer-weary flowers can be therapeutic. “Especially on a crisp, cool day, it’s nice to get outdoors and work in the garden,” said Clovie Holmes, specialist with Greengate Garden Center. “Adding fall color to your garden is easy thanks to the bright shades of available fall-friendly bedding plants.” Mums are almost synonymous with a fall garden. From bright yellow to deep burgundy, they come in traditional autumnal colors and add instant vibrancy. “They can either stay in pots for use on patios, or they can be planted. They fill the gap during the fall, bringing color through November,” Holmes said. Add texture and interest with ornamental kale, cabbage and Swiss chard. The colorful foliage and unique shapes will create even
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more interest. Their color will intensify as the weather gets cooler. Snapdragons, petunias, and pansies are also great choices for cooler fall weather. When planning your fall garden, Holmes says it’s important to set aside time to maintain it. “A thick layer of mulch will keep weeds at a minimum, but you’ll have to pull a few weeds now and then to keep them at bay.” Removing spent blooms will also take a little time, but you’ll be rewarded with even more flowers. “A little maintenance goes a long way to providing you with a beautiful garden.” Remember that color is powerful. Plant vibrant colors near areas you want to highlight, such as your front door or a garden statue. You can draw attention to these areas and enhance them.
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Newly planted bedding plants will need a thorough watering every few days if the weather is dry after planting. Once established, a good soaking once or twice a week is needed. Frequent, light watering is not ideal, as it promotes shallow root systems and diseases on the leaves due to moisture. It’s good to let foliage dry out thoroughly between watering. Tucking a few pumpkins in with your fall foliage is a great way to embrace the fall season with additional texture and color. “Our fall plants are continuously arriving, we look forward to gardeners stopping by. We’re always available for advice or suggestions,” said Holmes. For more information, visit Greengate Garden Center at 4226 Lake Street or call 477-6080.
October 2014
October 2014
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Home & Family | Fabulous Fall
The Creepy, Crawly Season by Christine Fisher
Ghosts, monsters, witches and goblins aren’t the only scary critters to steer clear of at this time of year. The cooler weather of fall signals the arrival of a host of other tricky pests that want to invade your home and yard. “Pests, like people, crave warm places, especially those that provide food, water and shelter. Unfortunately, your home meets all these criteria,” explains Robert Soileau, Manager of J&J Exterminating. He adds that many fall pests are nocturnal, so the longer nights that arrive later in fall provide them with increased time to infiltrate homes in search of warmth and shelter. Pests most likely to be a problem in the fall are large tree cockroaches, ants, spiders, and rodents. Soileau says homeowners can prevent this with a few simple steps, the most important of which is keeping your house sealed up tightly. “Inspect
your home for gaps in window seals and doorways, to minimize the number of accessible routes pests have to get inside. Yard maintenance is also very important. Piles of leaves and grass clippings provide typical access points for pests. Collecting fallen leaves, clean out gutters, keep shrubs neat, cut branches back from the roof, and remove leaves and grass clippings from around the foundation. Firewood should also be stacked away from the house to prevent rodents, and insects from nesting near the home.” And just because summer is over, don’t assume mosquito season is, too. Soileau says widespread mosquito activity is likely
Don’t Be Afraid of Braces
to continue well into the fall. “Although mosquitoes are typically thought of as a summer pest, they remain a problem at least until the temperature drops below 60 degrees, which may not be until late fall or early winter. The milder the weather, the longer mosquitoes will linger.” Homeowners can help control mosquito infestations in their yards by eliminating breeding grounds and environments conducive for mosquito activity. Pay particular attention to discarded tires, wheel barrows, pool covers, bird baths and flower pot basins that accumulate standing water. Turn over containers when not in use, and drill holes in the bottom of trash receptacles to allow for drainage. Soileau says other cool-weather habits, such as opening windows and using the fireplace, also provide additional access points for pests to enter the home. “Screens on all windows, doors and chimneys can prevent flies, mosquitoes and rodents from entering the home. If you have screens in all these places already, fall is the time to inspect them to make sure they are secure and don’t have any holes. A pest doesn’t need much space to get in.” To learn more about fall pests and how to protect your home, call J&J Exterminating at 474-7377 or 463-4574, or visit www.jjext.com.
At Crawford Orthodontics, braces aren’t scary at all. We offer a variety of advanced orthodontic techniques that create great smiles. Fall is a great time to begin orthodontic treatment, allowing you to take advantage of flexible benefit account deadlines, as well as annual insurance deductibles that have been met.
We’ll give you - and your kids - something to smile about. Call Crawford Orthodontics today to schedule a free consultation.
(337) 478-7590 701 West College Street, Lake Charles www.drcrawfordorthodontics.com
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
by Kristy Armand
Don’t Fall Down on Safety during Fall Yard Clean-up Who doesn’t love autumn weather? While it may not be as cool in Southwest Louisiana in October as it is in other parts of the country. Here in Southwest Louisiana, true fall weather may still be several weeks away, but even the hint of crispness in the air has many people reaching for the rakes and ladders to get started on fall yard work and outdoor clean-up. That may be why fall is also the season for back injuries, tumbles from ladders and yard equipment accidents. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 42 million people seek emergency room treatment for such injuries each year. Many of these injuries can happen while performing seemingly routine tasks, like cleaning out the gutters, trimming limbs and raking leaves,” says Mason Lindsay, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. “Carelessness and lack of attention are usually the culprits when it comes to these types of accidental injuries.” He says the lawn mower is a perfect example. “You use it so often for such routine tasks that it’s easy to forget that it is a powerful tool that can cause significant injury, but it definitely does. Last year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that a quarter of a million people were injured in lawn mower accidents.” Lindsay offers some simple tips from the Safety Council to avoid common yard work injuries this fall: LEAVES • Use a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength. Wear gloves or use rakes with padded handles to prevent blisters. • Vary your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often.
October 2014
• When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist. LADDERS • Be aware of your balance when using a ladder. If you have to stretch or lean to reach your work area, it would be safer to climb down and reposition the ladder closer to your work. • Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off accumulated mud, dirt or liquids. • When using a ladder, make sure all four legs rest on a firm, level surface. Avoid uneven ground or soft, muddy spots. • Before you climb, be sure all ladder locks and safety braces are engaged. • Never sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf. These areas were not designed to carry your weight. • Choose the right ladder for the job. A step stool or utility ladder is good for working at low or medium heights, for jobs such as washing windows. Extension ladders are appropriate for outdoors to reach high places, for when you need to clean gutters or inspect the roof.
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Home & Family | Fabulous Fall POWER EQUIPMENT • Never remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches of any powered lawn equipment. • Wear protective gear like goggles and gloves, boots and long pants when using power equipment. Never mow barefoot or in sandals • Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower. Use a stick or broom handle instead. Likewise, never touch the blades with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still move and cause serious injury. • Make sure the engine is off and cool before you begin any maintenance work or refuel your lawnmower. • Do not leave a lawnmower running unattended. For more information on any safety topic, visit www.safetycouncilswla.org.
Ready. Set.Work. Be a part of the economic boom in SWLA. Wondering which career path is right for you? Feeling stuck at your current job? There’s more than one road to career success, whether you’re just entering the workforce or feel it’s time for a change. You can learn a new skill and earn a good living. Southwest Louisiana is growing and the need for skilled workers is too. Get the training you need now so you’ll be ready for new career opportunities. Learn more at www.allianceswla.org.
(337) 433-3632 l www.allianceswla.org 36 www.thriveswla.com
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
Bringing Children Home Each day, an abused or neglected child is removed from an unsafe home and placed in Louisiana’s foster care system. They remain in the system until their home environment is safe—but for many, that never happens. Of the 4,000 children currently cycling in state foster care, about 350 are ready to be adopted today. More than 60 of them are in Southwest Louisiana, right here in our community.
CONTROL YOUR HOME FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
Young Mathematician Holds Hope for Home Eleven-year-old Tyrese is an athletic kid who loves sports, especially basketball and football. Eager to please and ready to laugh, he understands that his foster family—selected by the Department of Children and Family Services—is intended as a short-term home as he waits for an adoptive family. Tyrese is one of many Southwest Louisiana children who are in the DCFS system. In addition to sports, Tyrese loves math. “It’s easy,” he says. “It’s the easiest thing you can learn.” Adoption worker Kara Ortego describes Tyrese as polite and sweet. “Any time I’ve been around him he’s very well-mannered. He is really just looking for a forever family that he can call his own.” The fifth-grader has learned to be adaptable and patient and says his reasons for wanting adoption are simple: “So I can have someone to take care of me.” His ideal family includes a mother and father, and he wouldn’t mind if they had other children, too. He says he would prefer African American parents, and hasn’t given up on the thought that they’re out there. Tyrese is legally free to be adopted through the Department of Children and Family Services. Call 337-491-2470 to make an inquiry. KPLC reporter Britney Glaser, in partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), highlights one child each month who is legally ready to be adopted. Thrive is supporting The New Family Tree by featuring each month’s story. For more information, call 337-491-2470. or 1-800-814-1584. Follow Britney Glaser’s “The New Family Tree” series at www.kplctv.com.
• New or Existing Construction • Whole House Audio & Video • Smart Lighting • Control Cameras & Door Locks
Quick Facts on Adopting a Foster Child • Minimum age is 21. • Single people can adopt. • Many of the children in state custody are considered “special needs,” which is defined as the following: older child, race/ethnic background, sibling group, medical conditions, physical/mental/emotional handicaps. • Children in foster care are there as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment. • The certification process typically takes 90 days to complete. Once matched with a child, the process to legally adopt a child takes about one year.
WE ALSO SPECIALIZE IN: • Car Audio • Marine Audio • Glass Tinting
www.baileysaudio.net Call Clint Holt at 433-4005 | 3711 Ryan Street, Lake Charles October 2014
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Home & Family
Are You Raising Kind Kids?
by Erin Kelly
If you want to raise your children to be kind and compassionate, you have to do more than take them to church on Sundays or give them lip service about what it means to be a nice person. You have to actively show them what it means to be kind. You have to practice compassion. And you have to explain why kindness should be a vital part of everyday life. “Ask most parents if they’re raising nice children, and they’ll say yes. They’ll tell you that their children are polite, don’t bully their peers, or do what they’re told. But obedience and politeness don’t necessarily equate a clear worldview of empathy or morality,” says Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, owner of Solutions Counseling & EAP. “To teach our children what it means to be moral and kind, we have to actually show them -- just as we do with anything else. Our kids hear what we say, but they do what we do.” Although most parents think they actively teach kindness and compassion, a Harvard study indicates that those lessons went largely unnoticed by today’s youth. Eighty percent of youth surveyed believed that things like good grades, personal achievement and individual happiness made their parents prouder than being kind or treating peers with respect. That’s not to say that parents didn’t value those things—they just didn’t seem to make it a household staple. “Parents may think that kindness is a trait that goes without saying, but it’s not,” ForbessMcCorquodale says. “It’s a lesson that deserves to be 38 www.thriveswla.com
actively taught.” But how? Forbess-McCorquodale offers these tips: Discuss acts of kindness when you see them. They’re all around you—when you go out for dinner, on TV, in movies, at school. Ask your children why they think it’s important to be kind, and make sure to point out random acts of compassion. Teach them to appreciate these things. Discuss acts of injustice, too. Sure, you don’t want your child to be a bully. But why not take it even further, and make sure your child is someone who will stand up for a peer who’s being bullied? Teach them what injustice looks like, and why it’s important to speak out against it. Give them examples of role models to follow, and be one yourself. Show and tell. You probably tell your children all the time that they need to share, or stop interrupting, or answer politely when someone is speaking to them. But do you explain why? Thrive Magazine for Better Living
“Rather than give your children protocol to follow, tell them why the protocol exists. Don’t just tell them to share—show them why it’s important,” Forbess-McCorquodale says. “Teach them to view different perspectives outside of themselves. This is a skill that will help them immensely in the long run, when they’re out in the ‘real world’ and have to interact with all kinds of people with varying worldviews.” Create a daily ritual of gratitude or kindness. At night, share at least one thing you’re grateful for, or one act of kindness you witnessed. Be a role model. “Take note of how you behave around your children. Think about what they hear,” Forbess-McCorquodale says. “Do they hear you using negative, hateful or disrespectful words? With children, what you do is more important than what you say.” For more information, call Solutions at (337) 310-2822 or visit www.solutions-eap.org.
October 2014
Don’t Derail your Home Sale by Kristy Armand
The economic expansion taking place in Southwest Louisiana make it a sellers’ market – one of the top ones in the country according to the latest reports. But even with fewer homes available to meet the increasing demands of our growing population, Nikki Hagen, Realtor with CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc., says homeowners looking to make a quick sale still need to be careful not to take shortcuts. “It’s easy to get so excited about seeing the ‘Sold’ sign out on your lawn that you get careless or overconfident and do things – or not do things – that could have a negative impact on how quickly and easily your home sells. It’s worth taking the time to make sure all the most important details are in order before you ever put out the first listing.” Hagen says the best way to do that is to work with a qualified, experienced realtor who knows this market. “Trying to sell your home on your own is one of the most common mistakes we see. Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If it were a $100,000 tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a serious medical problem, would you use home remedies, or rely on the services of a licensed, experienced physician? When you stop to think about the importance of this decision and look at how huge it is on a scale of major life events, it just makes sense to use the services of a professional Realtor® when it comes to buying or selling a home.” Real estate industry statistics show that most FSBO (for sale by owner) homes -- about 80 % -- do not get sold by their owners and ultimately are passed on to a real estate agent. “The resulting delay can lead to missed opportunities and higher costs in the long run,” Hagen says. “In addition, homes that do get sold by their owners typically get lower prices than homes sold through realty firms. That’s because real estate agents are trained to know the market and how to price your home for sale, as well as negotiate the best price.” Hagen says other common mistakes that can sabotage your home sale include:
they are going to want discounts or credits worth far more than what it would have cost you to make the repair yourself.
Unflattering Photos 90% of all prospective home buyers start their search online, so poor photos can take your home out of the running before they have a chance to see it. Be sure to take photos that show your home in its best light – literally and figuratively. You want well-lit photos of clean and uncluttered rooms, showcasing your home’s best features.
Hiding Problem Issues From the Buyers Don’t try to keep the home’s past history a secret. Besides the fact that honesty really is the best policy, a home inspector could locate the problem(s) later into negotiations and cause the buyers to distrust everything else about the negotiations.
Not Making Obvious Repairs You will lose money if you don’t take care of repairs before the house goes on the market. Showing the house when there are leaking faucets, holes in the walls, water stains on the celling, and an air conditioner blowing warm air are all ways to turn off potential buyers. And even if you do find a buyer willing to overlook those necessary repairs, October 2014
Not De-Cluttering If your house is cluttered, clean it out. If your walls are packed from top to bottom with family photos, take some down. Store excess furniture and belongings away from the home. You do not want your potential buyers to be focused on your things; you want them to focus on your home. Clutter makes your house appear much smaller, which isn’t a good thing. Give your potential buyers breathing room so they have a good understanding of the potential and can easily imagine it as ‘their space.’
Still
Letting Emotion Play a Role In Negotiations Even though the house you are selling is your family home overflowing with personal memories, you have to put sentimentality aside and think of it as a commodity. When negotiating price and other factors with potential buyers, keep your emotions out of it. Real estate transactions are business deals. If an offer comes in low, don’t make the mistake of being insulted and refusing to negotiate. Always counter back. Remember your end goal: getting your house sold. For more information about selling a home, call Hagen at CENTURY 21 Bessette at 474-2185 or 884-4455, or visit www.century21-bessette.com.
Ignoring the Backyard Everybody knows the importance of curb appeal, but don’t forget the backside of your home. Outside spaces have become an big part of living space consideration, so trim and stage your backyard and outdoor entertaining areas as beautifully as you do the interior of your home.
National Certification Available Dental Assistant • October 27 | EKG Technician • October 27 Physical Therapy Technician • November 24 Medical Insurance & Coding Specialist • November 24 Phlebotomy Technician • November 24 Medical Office Assistant • January 5
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ELECTION
GUIDE By Brett Downer
It’ll be more than civic duty that drives Southwest Louisiana voters to the polls this fall. There are lots of races on the local front, several of them hotly contested. There are issues percolating on local, state and national fronts that could boil over for incumbents at all levels. And polls indicate there’s an every-vote-counts sweepstakes at the top of the ticket — one that will decide not only who we send to the U.S. Senate, but perhaps which party will control it. So: We’re debating Common Core here, keeping eyes on ISIS over there — and weighing our options for the time when we’re finally behind the curtain. The countdown until the elections is under way. KNOW THE NUMBERS
WHO GOES TO WASHINGTON?
For a moment, look past the onslaught of political signs at every intersection and the campaign spots at every commercial break. (There. Enjoy the silence.) What matters is voting — and knowing how you’ll vote before you get to the polls.
U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., is engaged in a spirited race with Republican challenger Bill Cassidy.
First, some non-political numbers to know: • The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. It’ll be (correctly) referred to as the “Congressional election” or the “primary,” but basically, this one is “the election.” Note that it’s not on a Saturday, like most elections in Louisiana. Reason: Races involving federal seats have Tuesday elections. You’ll need a photo ID; having your voter identification card, too, will save you time.
The other less-funded candidates, and their party affiliations, are: • Wayne Ables (D) • Raymond Brown (D) • Thomas Clements (R) • Rob Maness (R), Brannon • Lee McMorris (L) • Vallian Senegal (D) • William Waymire Jr. (D). This race is so close, every vote will matter.
• Early voting for the election will take place from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 2128, except Sunday, at each parish’s registrar of voters’ office. You can vote early for any reason. Again, you’ll need a photo ID. • For races that aren’t decided and require runoffs — when no candidate wins a simple majority of the vote — the general election, or runoff election, will take place Saturday, Dec. 6. Early voting for that election will be Nov. 22-29.
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Southwest Louisiana’s man in the U.S. House of Representatives, Charles Boustany Jr., has been reelected comfortably in the past, but like all House members, must run every two years to keep his seat. He is challenged by fellow Republican Bryan Barrilleaux of Lake Charles and Russell Richard.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
THE JUSTICE LEAGUE The Calcasieu Parish courthouse crowd is busy with lots of races. The candidates’ names greet passing drivers at every turn — or the high-traffic ones, at least. You could set it to music: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign ...” In 14th Judicial District Court, the Division A seat is being sought by David Palay, Mitch Redd and Oliver “Jackson” Schrumpf, while in Division G, Judge Mike Canaday is challenged by King Alexander Jr. Both judgeships of Lake Charles City Court are contested races — Jamie Bice, Brent Hawkins and Rob McCorquodale in Division A and Bryan Gill, incumbent John Hood and Ron Richard in Division B. King Alexander and Kent Savoie are vying for a seat on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier is being challenged by Christian Chesson, while Marshal Joey Alcede faces opposition from Jeff Hooper and Jimmy Richard.
• Our area’s massive petrochemical complex. We never needed to flex our muscles for the rest of the nation in this regard, but our growing presence in energy matters, from river to Gulf, creates needs and issues that are relevant from City Hall to Capitol Hill. • Our country’s defense. Issues abroad have put our men and women into service, and in peril, in the name of security and freedom. Louisiana has sent its own sons and daughters to these places in numbers that are disproportionately higher than other states — and, as home to Fort Polk, it is the place that readies so many of these people. What voices do we want in Washington on matters of defense? The voting booths will be waiting.
Anyone driving around major Lake Charles thoroughfares of late might recognize most names already — from the street-level postings that appear on supportive lawns and just about all available neutral ground ... “blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.”
RACES ALL OVER Eleven of the 15 seats on the Calcasieu Parish School are contested races. District 6, for example, has four people in the race — Ted Atterbery Jr., Gino Lubrano, Dean Roberts and Debbie Theriot.
for
Westlake has mayoral (Bob Hardey vs. Lori Peterson Manuel) and City Council races on the ballot. In DeQuincy, Mayor Lawrence Henagan is challenged by Dan Abdalla.
WHY BOTHER? Why then, will people go vote, other than to earn good-citizenship points? Their hearts, pocketbooks and kids, in no particular order, might be among the reasons. Specifically, there are three factors that might apply, and they run up and down the scale: • Our local economy. We’re not like the rest of the country. Southwest Louisiana joins U.S. outliers like North Dakota, suburban Houston and other areas that are outperforming the national economy and poised for major growth — observable, measurable growth — not just potential — in the short- and long-term future. The area’s multibillion-dollar industrial expansion is in its earliest rumble, and it’s already the envy of markets elsewhere. With it comes a renewed interest in — and need for — area leadership and direction. October 2014
www.robforjudge.com
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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Rob McCorquodale City Court Judge. Campaign Chair, Keith Duplechain.
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CANDIDATE
ROUND-UP
There are a myriad of different races to consider this election season. The following announcements were submitted to Thrive by the candidates.
14th Judicial Court, Division A, Family Court MITCH REDD
DAVID PALAY
OLIVER ‘JACKSON’ SCHRUMPF
A Sulphur native, Mitch Redd earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Management from Louisiana Tech University and his Juris Doctorate degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law School at Louisiana State University. He is the managing partner of W. Mitchell Redd, LLC. With 24 years of experience, Redd has has handled cases ranging from highly contested and emotional divorce and child custody issues, complex community property partitions, succession contests and much more. He also has been appointed by the judges in the Juvenile Court to represent children in the some of the most severe cases of neglect and abuse. Redd is also currently serving his fourth year as Sulphur City Attorney. He is an active member of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Family Law Section and the Louisiana Bar Association. Redd and his wife Dawn Ferguson Redd are parents to two sons, Will (20) and Andrew (11). Redd is an active member of the Sulphur Kiwanis Club and serves on the board of directors.
Our community has long suffered from lengthy family court delays. This is especially troubling because most often it is children who suffer. To solve this crises, on Janurary 1, 2015, one of our District Court Judges will, for the first time in our history, need to tackle that problem while also maintaining an already overcrowded criminal docket. As a felony prosecutor on leave from the District Attorney’s office with 24 years of actual trial experience, I am the only candidate with extensive experience in both criminal and family law. We need this breadth of experience right now. We all know that soon our community will rapidly grow, and our courts will be used even more. Now more than ever, we all need to work hard and be accountable – to God, to each other, and to our community. It’s time for change.
Oliver “Jackson” Schrumpf is a candidate for District Judge, Division A. Schrumpf, 64, holds a Juris Doctor degree from LSU Law School, and has 38 years of experience in all areas of the law, including civil, criminal and family law. Schrumpf was selected by his peers as a “Louisiana Super Lawyer”; received the 2013 President’s Award from the Louisiana Association for Justice; and was named to Who’s Who in American Law. “As a judge, I will apply every bit of knowledge, experience, maturity and wisdom that I have acquired in my 38 years of law practice—and my 64 years of life. I pledge to work hard, to be fair and to apply the law as written,” Schrumpf said. Schrumpf graduated from Sulphur High School and attended McNeese State University. He is the only McNeese alumnus in the Division A judge’s race. He is married to Judy Messer Schrumpf, and together they have 7 children and 11 grandchildren. More information about Schrumpf is available at jackson4judge.com.
for Paid For By The Mitch Redd Election Campaign
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DISTRICT JUDGE • FAMILY COURT www.mitchredd.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014
Calcasieu Parish School Board, District 6 TED ATTERBERY Ted Atterbery, Jr., is a candidate for Calcasieu Parish School Board member, District 6. Atterbery, 58, is general manager and consultant for Ita Truck Sales and Service. He owned and operated Atterbery Truck Sales and Atterbery Idealease for 22 years. He holds a B.S. degree in business from McNeese State University. He attended S.J. Welsh Junior High School and graduated from Barbe High School. “I want to apply my strong business background to my service as a School Board member,” Atterbery said. “It all starts with education. Education contributes to our quality of life, to economic development, to a skilled workforce, to better community planning, to our health and safety,” Atterbery said. “We need strong, visionary leadership on our School Board; we can’t afford to drop the ball on education here in Calcasieu Parish.” Atterbery is married to Glinda Stephens Atterbery. He has two daughters, Lauren and Meredith, and one grandson, Luca.
GINO LUBRANO Why is Gino the best candidate? – Has a vested interest in education right now and willing to make time for our children – Will make educated choices during this transformational period – Advocates for our children and teachers who need support Who is Gino? – Operations Manager for Westlake Chemical Corp., working with multi-million dollar budgets, providing vision, and promoting growth – Married to Melanie Lubrano, a 5th grade school teacher at St. John Elementary with over 19 years of classroom teaching experience – Family man - daughter Toni, attending Barbe H.S., and son Christopher, attending St. John Elementary – Active member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, lectoring and volunteering through A.C.T.S. teams and missions – Highly educated with a Chemical Engineering degree and a MBA in Finance Website: www.ginolubrano.com I humbly ask for your consideration and your vote on November 4th!
October 2014
Lake Charles City Court Ward 3 - Division A
Vote #66 November 4th
A message fromJamie Bice...
A
s a life-long resident of Lake Charles, I am proud of our community and all it has to offer. Lake Charles is a vibrant, growing city with unlimited potential. As the city expands and evolves, it is imperative that we have a judicial system that meets and complements that growth - and ensures that all of our citizens’ rights are protected and their responsibilities are enforced. I know our people and our problems. My twenty years of practice have taken me to numerous courtrooms across this state on a wide variety of legal issues that impact people in a number of ways. I have seen - on a daily basis - what does and does not constitute fair and consistent judgment. Quite simply, this kind of experience is vital for anyone who sits in judgment.Paid for by e Committee to Elect Jamie Bice I am running for Judge, Lake Charles City Court to ensure that all citizens of our community have their day in court when problems arise. As such, I will listen with an open mind and heart, treat all litigants, witnesses, and attorneys with an even temperament, and apply the law as the facts dictate. I am running because the problems faced by our community can and must be lessened by our judicial system and by a judge who, as a life-long resident, has a vested interest in making sure that all of our citizens enjoy life in a safe, stable, and secure environment. Finally, Finall I am running to be your judge because I have always had a passion and a desire to serve this community that has been so good to me. I truly believe that my proven legal accomplishments, community participation, and innate understanding of this wonderful place we call home uniquely qualify me to serve as your next judge of Lake Charles City Court in Ward 3, Division A. I will be working tirelessly from now until the election to earn your confidence and support. In so doing, I humbly ask for your vote on November 4th.
Vote #66 Nov. 4
Paid for by e Committee to Elect Jamie Bice
JamieBiceForJudge.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living
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DEBBIE THERIOT Debbie Theriot has a wide-ranging background in education, from teacher to administrator. Her three post-graduate degrees in education enable her to understand standards and curriculum. Her job duties included working closely with teachers and administrators to improve the education of students and help them to achieve their goals. She has worked extensively with professional education associations, civic groups, businesses, her church and her children’s schools. She is a proud graduate of McNeese University. Debbie has served as a teacher in private and public schools, as well as an administrator in Special Education. “I believe strongly in the necessity of the Board to unite and develop policies and procedures and to provide oversight. The abilities demonstrated by our Superintendent, staff, administrators and teachers lead me to believe that this will be a fluid process. I also believe that it is imperative that we communicate with parents.”
Ward 3 Marshal
JOEY ALCEDE Joey Alcede is a candidate for reelection as Ward 3 City Marshal. Alcede successfully ran for the office of Ward 3 City Marshal in 2004 and continues to serve in that position. He brings to the job an exceptional background in law enforcement and management. His distinguished law enforcement career includes 33 years of service with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office; he worked in communications, patrol, investigations, administration, armed robbery and burglary—and served as Chief of Corrections for 20 years. He has received extensive law enforcement training, and was an instructor at the Calcasieu Regional Law Enforcement Academy for 25 years. Alcede is heavily involved in his community, serving in many volunteer and leadership roles. Has served as president of the Louisiana City Marshals’ Association and currently serves as secretarytreasurer. Alcede graduated from Lake Charles High School and attended McNeese State University. He and his wife, Dianna, have three children and seven grandchildren.
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Third Circuit Court of Appeals JUDGE KENT SAVIOE Judge Kent Savoie has served the people of Southwest Louisiana as district judge on the 14th Judicial District Court for the past thirteen years. A United States Navy Veteran and former operator at PPG Industries, Judge Kent Savoie’s thirty-four years of legal experience includes serving as City Prosecutor and City Attorney of Sulphur for four years each, Magistrate of Vinton for eight years, Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial District Court for two years, and twenty years in private practice. A Sulphur High School and McNeese State University graduate, Judge Kent Savoie is an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoys serving in various civic organizations including the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club, as well as coaching youth sports and attending St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. He has been married to Patricia Borel Savoie for forty years and together they have five children and thirteen grandchildren.
JAIME YELVERTON Lake Charles prosecutor and businessman, Jamie Yelverton, is running for Judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. The voting election district includes all of Vernon, Beauregard and Cameron parishes and most of Calcasieu and Jeff Davis. Yelverton, a Lake Charles native, is a Republican. He is married to Charmayne Dingler Yelverton, for 34 years. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. Jamie graduated from McNeese in Business later from Southern University Law Center. After serving as a law clerk, he spent 12 years in the private practice of law. For the past 10 years, he has been a prosecutor serving the public as an Assistant District Attorney in Calcasieu Parish. He has over 24 years legal experience. Jamie and his wife attend St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. “Faith, family and community are the values I cherish, my values are deeply Christian, strongly conservative, and clearly pro Constitution”, Yelverton noted.
Calcasieu Parish District Attorney
Ward 3 City Court Judge, Division B
CHRISTIAN CHESSON
JUDGE JOHN HOOD
Lake Charles lawyer Christian D. Chesson has announced he will run for District Attorney in Calcasieu Parish. “The more I’ve worked in and watched the local justice system in the last 19 years, the more frustrated I’ve become,” Chesson said. “Calcasieu Parish is moving into new times with new opportunities. Change is coming with growth, and we need to see improvements in government and in the officials we elect. Voters are no longer satisfied with political dynasties, and they’re ready for new ideas and new faces in leadership. Politics has no place in the justice system, and when career politicians engage in questionable ethics andpolitical patronage, change must come. The people deserve better, and I’m offering myself for service.” If the people of Calcasieu Parish choose me for this office, I will restore confidence, demand competence, and administer even-handed justice.” Citizens interested in getting involved can email ChessonForDA@chessonlaw.com.
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Judge John S. Hood is a candidate for reelection to Ward 3 City Court, Division B. Judge Hood brings 30 years of judicial experience to the bench—real-life experience with every kind of case that comes before City
Court. In an anonymous survey of all attorneys of the SWLA Bar Association, Judge Hood was rated highest among the 16 trial court judges (federal, district and city) in Calcasieu Parish on the basis of integrity, impartiality, knowledge of the law, judicial temperament and work ethic. During Judge Hood’s term, a new City Courthouse was constructed. Remarkably—thanks to good planning and respect for the taxpayer— the facility was made possible without using any tax money. The new court building greatly increases the efficiency and security of court proceedings. Also during Judge Hood’s term, the court information system developed by Lake Charles City Court was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to be a model for other City Courts statewide. October 2014
Ward 3 City Court, Division A JAMIE BICE Lake Charles attorney Jamie Bice has announced his candidacy for Judge, Lake Charles City Court – Ward 3 - Division A. A native of Lake Charles, Bice is a 1985 graduate of LaGrange High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history from LSU in 1989, and Juris Doctorate from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law School in 1993. Bice went into private practice in 1994 as a founding partner in the law firm of McLaughlin & Bice, and subsequently became a founding partner in the firm Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson. In addition to being an active member of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, Bice has served as past president of the South Lake Charles Optimist Club, co-chair of the professional division of the United Way Fundraising Campaign, and on the boards of the American Red Cross Society, Crime Stoppers, and Tiger Athletic Foundation. He is currently counsel for the Charles McClendon Scholarship Foundation, and coaches youth football, basketball, and baseball.
October 2014
BRENT HAWKINS
ROB MCCORQUODALE I, Attorney Brent Hawkins, am pleased to announce my candidacy for judge for Lake Charles City – Ward 3 Court. I am accustomed to serving the public as a former staff attorney at the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal and as a prosecutor
here in Calcasieu Parish. I’m committed to using my 26-years of work experience (16-years of diverse non-legal experience and 10-years experience as an attorney) to serve the people in our community by bringing real life experience to the bench. I unequivocally support alternative sentencing for redeemable non-violent offenders and believe in crafting creative resolutions that hold persons accountable for their conduct while creating the opportunity to grow from the experience. I am happily married to Dr. Gisele McKinney, M.D., the mother of my three children, twins Brandon and Bria and our youngest Morgan. I seek the honor of serving the residents of Lake Charles/Ward 3 as judge.
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Rob McCorquodale, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, is a graduate of McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University, McCorquodale has 10 years of experience as a prosecutor and has served the last 14 years as in-house counsel to the Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s Office. He also serves as Of Counsel to the Stutes and Lavergne Law Firm. He is a former Lake Charles City Councilman who served as president of the council from 2003- 2004. McCorquodale is a graduate of the Career Criminal Prosecutors School and serves as an Instructor for the Southwest Law Enforcement Training Academy. He is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association and serves on the State Board of the Foundation. McCorquodale is a past president of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Foundation. He has been married to Keri ForbessMcCorquodale for 20 years and they have one son, Ethan.
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United States Congress BRYAN BARRILLEAUX, M.D. Bryan Barrilleaux, candidate in the November 4th election for the 3rd Congressional District of Louisiana. Barrilleaux is nominated to run for Congress by petition of 1260 voters. Barrilleaux is a Pro Life Conservative Republican on a campaign finance reform platform. Because, “campaign donations are used as legalized bribes to buy influence in Washington,” Barrilleaux pledges to accept no campaign contributions and spend no money on a campaign.” Not my money or anyone else’s,” says Barrilleaux. If elected, Barrilleaux states, “I will represent the people of the 3rd District with no conflict of interest. I will serve diligently with no fund raising distractions.” For these and other issues, voters can learn more and share this message with friends at http://www.bryanbarrilleauxforcongress.weebly.com/ , or Facebook. Barrilleaux, a 57 year old physician in private practice in Lake Charles for 23 years. Married to Kathy for 33 years, Catholic, they have 6 children and one grandchild.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES BOUSTANY, M.D. “The people of South Louisiana deserve a strong leader that can listen to their needs and effectively produce results. I am proud of my strong conservative record focused on policies that will promote job creation and a better quality of life for all Louisianans. Over the past two years I have worked hard to pass an effective Farm Bill, support important legislation to maintain our ports, reform the flood insurance program, authorize new veterans clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles, and continue supporting energy investment in our state. We’ve accomplished so much together, but our work is not yet finished. Over the next months I will ask South Louisiana to allow me to continue fighting for the ongoing growth and prosperity of our state as our Representative in Washington.”
14th Judicial Court, Division G
Calcasieu Parish School Board, District 1
JUDGE MICHAEL CANADAY
AARON NATALI
Judge G. Michael Canaday is seeking re-election for 14th Judicial District Court, Division G. Judge Canaday, 59, has served 14 years on the district court bench. He has 34 years of legal experience, including private practice and clerkships at the district and appellate court levels. As a district judge, Judge Canaday has presided over criminal trials, civil cases and nearly 100 jury trials. He has served as Chief Judge of 14th Judicial District Court, and is the senior sitting judge for civil and criminal matters. He was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to be a mentor judge for newly elected judges Along with Judge David Ritchie, he established the 14th Judicial District Drug Court and DWI Court, and they share responsibilities for these two courts in addition to their regular judicial duties. He has been married 36 years to Cindy Bosworth Canaday, and they have two daughters, Jennifer Canaday O’Neil, MD, and Leah Canaday, and a son, Bren Canaday.
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Aaron Natali is a candidate for Calcasieu Parish School Board member, District 1. Natali was born and raised in Holmwood. He was educated at Bell City High School and holds a B.S. degree from McNeese State University. He and his wife, Christi, have been married 16 years and have three sons, Gene, Joseph and Luke. The Natalis reside in LeBleu. Natali has been a Northwestern Mutual representative since 1999. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Natali has a strong record of community involvement. “This community has been good to me,” Natali said, “and I want to dedicate my efforts to making sure our parish school system is the best it can be. If elected, I promise to be a hardworking School Board member and a good listener, and make sound decisions based on what’s best for the kids and their futures.
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October 2014
Even though LCI Workers’ Comp has never once checked the fluids, we have worked alongside local business owners for more than 25 years. Offering important free training programs like QuickBooksTM , online marketing, and safety education, LCI continues to provide expert guidance and deliver exceptional service. So put us to work for your Louisiana business, even if we don’t know where the oil goes. :: lciwc.com :: 985-612-1230
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VOTER RESOURCES. Make sure your voice is heard. Here are some important dates you need to know ahead of the November 4 election. The last day to register to vote in this election is Monday, October 6. Early voting for this election will be held October 21-28. To register to vote and view sample ballots, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.la.gov. For a list of local polling locations, visit www.calclerkofcourt.com.
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6 TIPS FOR CORRECTING A DOG BEHAVIOR
1. Decide on a Plan - Everyone in the household must be in agreement with and participate in the treatment plan. Have a meeting and put the rules down so everyone is on-board. One person not participating can change the outcome. 2. Examine the Human Behaviors - Are you or someone in the house reinforcing the bad behavior? Example: Jumping. When the dog jumps on you or someone else, are you yelling? Pushing him off? These actions reinforce the jumping because the dog is getting attention. Ignore the bad behavior. 3. Reward Good Behavior - Using the jumping example, when the dog stops jumping then walk through the door. Teach the dog jumping is ignored, and the jumping will stop over time. Patience is needed. 4. Teach an Incompatible Behavior - Think about what you would like the dog to do instead of the bad behavior. Keeping the jumping behavior, would you like the dog to sit? Go to his spot? Teach him to sit in front of you when you come home or go to his spot, then reward the good behavior. 5. Start Small and Build Up - Being realistic about our previous example, you can’t expect your dog to go to his spot and lie there for an hour when you first teach the behavior. You start by standing at the bed, sending him to the bed, and reward for standing on the bed for a couple of seconds. You build duration, distance, then add distractions. 6. Be Consistent - The secret to successful training is consistency. Be positive and consistent, and your dog will begin to respond and eventually learn the behavior.
Meet the Newest Member of our Physician Team,
Justin Wu, DO, Rheumatologist
Dr. Justin Wu, rheumatologist, has joined the medical staff of Imperial Health, the region’s largest multi-specialty medical group. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Dr. Wu earned his undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California at Berkeley, and his Medical Degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Alameda County Medical Center in Oakland, California, and a fellowship in Rheumatology at UCLAOlive View Medical Center in Sylmar, California. Dr. Wu has participated in several research studies, and presented the results at medical conferences across the country. For more information about Dr. Wu’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 337-312-8650.
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Style & Beauty by Ellen Frazel
It’s All in the Bag
Purses are going old school this year. We’re talking drawstring backpacks, trunk purses, and even a modern twist on the fanny pack. While serving a practical purpose, these purses are also all about standing out, being bold, and helping you accessorize. Oversize clutches and big, bright totes will be staples this fall, but some bags are getting tinier and funkier. Drawstring backpacks with two shoulder straps change things up by adding a casual, youthful element to a nice leather or crocodile skin purse. Bucket bags are similar, with a drawstring that closes the bag, but with one regular shoulder strap. Both of these styles introduce an older twist to shake up the look of the modern handbag.
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Trunk or briefcase-style purses, with hard cases and buckles or clasps, are super-cool options to introduce something new to your purse collection. Think classic, old-fashioned luggage transformed into a handbag. Some are a little larger and over the shoulder, while others are cross-body. Smaller, more modern looking hard case-style purses are also popular. Some have a hand strap to slip the hand under so that they can be carried like a clutch; others have features like a fine gold chain strap that can wrap around the wrist and double as a bracelet. With the modern fanny pack look, we’re seeing small bags that have a nice chain that goes around the waist like a belt or clasp to a belt buckle. If that’s too much of a fashion Thrive Magazine for Better Living
statement for you, another retro look is a mini bowler bag, maybe in bright blue or pink with two handles or a big chain link shoulder strap. Some trends for colors and styles this fall are two-tone leather, metallics, and painted purses. A traditional leather handbag with a two-tone look of tan with light pink, or dark tan with light tan, adds a beautiful effect to a simple handbag. Metallic purses are a good option for a night out when you’re feeling lively. The painted purses are an interesting take on the typical handbag: you’ve got your usual black leather or snakeskin, but it looks like someone handpainted large watercolor flowers or patterns on top. Not your “bag”? Well, find the perfect new style for you.
October 2014
Bring Summer Clothes into Fall Just because the temperature outside will soon be dropping (we hope), it doesn’t mean you have to put away your entire warmweather wardrobe. First, mix pastels and other brightly-colored clothes that scream ‘summer’ with neutrals in heavier fabrics for balance. Think dark-rinse jeans and anything in camel. Next, meet your new best friends: accessories. Tights, scarves, beanie hats, felt fedoras, chunkier statement necklaces
and bangles and even bags in rich hues like navy, burgundy and chocolate are key to transitioning your look for fall. For example, wear shorts or a sundress with opaque tights, a scarf and leather jacket draped over your should. Congratulations, you’ve got an effortless autumn ensemble. Finally, another simple trick is to add boots to everything. Try pairing cropped pants and midi skirts with stiletto booties.
Fall into an Improved Skin Care Routine It’s important to treat your skin well all year long, but skin care experts know that treating your skin appropriately season by season is what will determine its overall health. And by the time fall comes around, your skin is ready for a vacation from the harsh conditions of our long Southwest Louisiana summer. “Summer can be hard on the skin, draining it of nutrients and causing sun damage. Chlorine and salt water can also take a toll,” explains Tana Garcia, skin care consultant with The Eye Clinic’s Aesthetic Center. “For many people, months of summertime fun lead to premature aging, wrinkling, dryness, hyperpigmentation and an overall faded appearance. That makes fall an ideal time to jumpstart your skin care routine – you can repair summer skin damage and get a head start on preventing winter dryness.” She recommends chemical peels as a great way to handle the most fall skin care issues. Traditional peels affect the dead protein tissue that connects dead skin cells to each other, rather than the live protein that is found in live cells. These peels remove only dead skin and never effect the living skin underneath, except to expose it. Increased cell turnover is beneficial, bringing the skin to a state of healthy equilibrium. Peels are a particularly effective way to reverse premature aging. “And just because the weather is cooler does not mean the sun is not as threatening,” stresses Garcia. “On the contrary, clouds actually reflect the sun’s rays, increasing your risk of exposure to harmful UV rays. So don’t forget to apply a moisturizing sunscreen daily throughout the fall and winter.” In addition to peels, Garcia says skin rejuvenation treatments including facials and microdermabrasion can also help address and prevent fall skin problems. “The products you use at home are also very important. Cleansers, moisturizers and products used to treat specific concerns such as sun damage and dry skin are key to achieving the desired results. By taking October 2014
by Kristy Armand
care of your skin now, you’ll have the healthy look you want for the upcoming holiday season and throughout the winter months.” For more information on skin care treatments available through the Aesthetic Center, call (337) 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net.
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DREAM IT,
Style & Beauty
CREATE IT, WEAR IT
1. CAD image of how ring should look, using 3D technology at Bijoux.
by Christine Fisher
Few things in life are exactly as we’d like them. We wish we could tweak this, move that, rearrange those things over there. When it comes to designing a piece of jewelry, Annette St. Romain with Bijoux Fine Jewelry says people are surprised to find out the process is relatively easy. “It starts with an idea,” she said. “A customer either sees something similar and wants to create it a little differently, or they have a new idea. Either way, we can make it a reality.” The in-house master jeweler at Bijoux takes into account many things, such as the mechanics of the ring, the sturdiness and the weight of the design. St. Romain works with the customer on the design process in order to transfer their idea into a tangible piece of jewelry. During the initial conversation, the customer describes what they have in mind. “It can be a rough idea or a detailed vision. I’ll work with them wherever they and we’ll go from there,” St. Romain said. “They can bring in a sketch, many different pictures showing parts they like from other designs, or just describe it and that’s where we start.” The 3D rendering technology available at Bijoux allows the customer to see the ring from all angles during the design process. Once the design is finalized, the master jeweler makes it a reality within a matter of weeks, usually. “When the piece is ready, it’s always exciting for them to see it in person,” St. Romain said. “The 3D technology has really simplified the process, enabling the customer to have realistic expectations of what it will look like.” After designing jewelry for over 20 years, St. Romain has a few guidelines to help her customers achieve their dream piece of jewelry:
Communicate your idea in a variety of ways. Pictures and drawings are best as they show exactly what you have in mind for parts of the piece. Even if you have a picture of a setting you like, another picture of the size, and still a third picture of the cut of the stone, that helps the designer know what you want. “You can’t give us too much information,” she said. Do your research. What type of setting would you like? Bezel, prong, pave? What type of metal: silver, gold, platinum? Would you like to include stones? What type and size? “You don’t have to know these things ahead of time, but we’ll ask these questions and show you options. If you’ve given it thought already, we can move through that part of the design quickly and it’ll make things that much easier,” St. Romain explained.
Have an open mind. Creativity is a process of considering new ideas. There may be a practical reason why a certain design might work better in a different way. Keeping your mind open to new possibilities could allow for the jewelry piece to turn out even better than what you had in mind. “It’s fun and rewarding to create and own a oneof-a-kind piece. These pieces become treasures; they’re often handed down in families,” St. Romain said. “It’s gratifying to be part of the process.”
Think ahead. Will this piece be part of a future set? Perhaps there will be earrings now and a necklace later? That could impact the design; so if you’re interested in possibly expanding into a set later, let the designer know. For more information about designing jewelry, call Bijoux Fine Jewelry Center in Sulphur at 525-9971 or Bijoux Jewelry Design Center in Lake Charles at 478-0770. 52 www.thriveswla.com
2. Wax replica of ring
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3. Design achieved! The finished ring is beautiful.
October 2014
Email or Text Notification when your RX is ready!
Men: You Can
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by Ellen Frazel
To wear jewelry, or not to wear jewelry: is that still the question, men? Not anymore—it’s 2014, and men can accessorize just as much as women. It’s simply a matter of finding the right style of jewelry for you. Watches are a go-to accessory for men. For a more formal setting, these are usually stainless steel or leather with a simple watch face or a flashier one, depending on your taste. Casual watches might have a woven wristband with a few different colored stripes that attract more attention. Building off of 601 S. Pine Street • DeRidder, LA 70634 • (337) 463-7442 this, bracelets, if paired well, can look great with your watch. A simple woven www.thriftyway.com • thriftyway2@thriftyway.com bracelet or a thin leather bracelet worn below your formal watch can introduce some playfulness into your style for the day. With a casual watch, you can stack bracelets above it, like beaded bracelets or braided leather bracelets. For your non-watch hand, metal bracelets are a popular item. They worked for Marlon Brando and James Dean. These can be small chain link style bracelets or a simple metal cuff. There’s even a bracelet shaped like a railroad spike that is manly Dr. Kindler is a Southwest Louisiana native, originally from DeRidder. She earned a Bachelor but subtle. Nautical bracelets are another good of Science in biological sciences from McNeese State University and a Doctor of Optometry choice for a casual, non-watch day. These can be degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Kindler has six years of cord or rope bracelets with a metal clasp or with a clinical experience in the ophthalmic field, beginning with a position as a medical fastening in the shape of a hook and anchor. technician at the Eye Clinic while she was at McNeese. She also completed an As far as necklaces go, simple chains or dog tags extern program at the Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center in Houston as part of have always been standard choices. Going with the her training. Dr. Kindler is licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Optometry nautical theme, a chain necklace with an anchor and a member of the American Optometric Association and the Optometric can be fun; or, if you are into hunting, a necklace Association of Louisiana. with silver antlers is a cool option. Leather or hemp necklaces with a stone pendant like onyx or Appointments are now available with Dr. Kindler in The Eye Clinic’s turquoise is a good choice for a more natural look. Lake Charles, DeRidder, Moss Bluff and Jennings offices. Rings, earrings, and cufflinks are other jewelry items that men can work with and make their own. One large-banded ring with a simple design or a nice stone can add some personality to your look, and small, snug hoops or titanium studs in both ears can look alternative and funky if you have 478.3810 | 800.826.5223 pierced ears. Cufflinks are very versatile and can be serious or silly—men can get really creative with www.theeyeclinic.net these. Find what works for you and work it.
Come See our New Doctor The Eye Clinic proudly welcomes
Dr. Rebecca Kindler
Dr. Kindler is now accepting Medicare and private-pay patients.
October 2014
FIVE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA Lake Charles • Sulphur • Moss Bluff • DeRidder • Jennings
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Nominations Sought for the 5th Annual Hector San Miguel Memorial Award Luncheon The Hector San Miguel Memorial Fund is now seeking nominations for the fifth annual award to be bestowed in the former American Press reporter’s honor. The awards luncheon will be Thursday, December 4 at 11:30 a.m. in the L’Auberge Casino Resort Event Center; L’Auberge is Presenting Sponsor of the luncheon. Further details and ticket information will be released at a later date. Award nominations are now being sought. Recipients must meet the following criteria: • Outstanding achievement in journalism and/or relentless pursuit of the truth. • Must live in the five-parish region or their work shall have impacted Southwest Louisiana. • Must be nominated in writing no later than Monday, October 13.
Look
Fabulous this Fall
Our services include: • • • • • • • •
Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion Targeted Skin Care Treatments Dermapen Treatment Cosmetic Injections PCA Home Care Products Jane Iredale Mineral Make-up Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Revive your skin for the new season. Call 310-1070 for more information or to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Mark Crawford,
Freshen up for fall with a little help from the Aesthetic Center. Our skin care specialists will asses your skin and recommend rejuvenating treatments and products to restore a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Medical Director
(337) 54 www.thriveswla.com
Summer is history and it’s time to get focused on looking your best for the fall and upcoming holiday season. Months of summertime fun in the sun can drain the skin of nutrients and lead to premature aging – wrinkling, dryness, discoloration and an overall faded, tired appearance.
310-1070 l facehealth.net
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October 2014
This year’s Hector San Miguel Memorial Award recipient will be honored at the luncheon with a commemorative plaque and a cash stipend. Hector left an indelible mark on Southwest Louisiana through an award-winning journalism career driven by his relentless pursuit of the truth. His memory will be honored by recognizing others for their excellence in journalism. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, the goal is to bestow an annual award stipend for a recipient selected by the fund’s advisory board. The Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that connects donors with opportunities to make a permanent, positive impact through their charitable giving. Additionally, Southwest Louisiana journalists may apply for an award to receive monetary assistance to attend a professional conference. Nominees should include information about themselves, their work, and the conference they want to attend, and include a letter of support from a supervisor. The conference should be in either 2014 or 2015. Written nominations, including a brief description of the candidates’ work, can be mailed to the attention of the Hector San Miguel Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, PO Box 3125, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70602, sent via fax to (337) 491-6710, emailed to HYPERLINK “mailto:dvaughan@ foundationswla.org” dvaughan@foundationswla. org or delivered to any advisory board member. No clips, videos or other supporting material are to be submitted but contact information is requested for those making nominations. Current journalists may be nominated, and non-journalists who relentlessly pursue the truth may also be nominated. The advisory board consists of the following members: Kerry Andersen, event chair; Carla Chrisco; Peter Dart; Kristy Armand; Patrick Gallagher; Pam McGough; Ann McMurry; Rick Richard; Theresa Schmidt San Miguel; Vic Stelly; Brett Downer; Sara Judson; and George Swift. Hector lost his battle with leukemia in December 2009 at the age of 51. He is remembered as a passionate journalist, faithful friend and dedicated husband and father. Through hard-hitting investigative pieces, Hector earned numerous state and regional awards and the position of City Editor at the American Press.
Prien Lake Mall
Anyone wishing to donate to the award fund may do so by contacting the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, www.FoundationSWLA.org, at (337) 491-6688 or dvaughan@foundationswla.org; all donations are tax deductible.
October 2014
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Mind & Body Your Body’s Talking. Are You Listening? by Erin Kelly
EYES
Our bodies have much to say. Sometimes the messages are obvious—a hacking cough, runny nose, or sore throat, for example—but more often, it speaks more subtly. Brittle hair could mean more than an overdue salon visit. The shade of your tongue might signal a forthcoming bacterial infection. And then there’s the skin, the largest organ of all, which reveals volumes about your personal health. When it comes to your physical wellbeing, don’t just rely on the big picture. Pay attention to the details.
Your eyes provide a window into your overall health. In many cases, signs and symptoms of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke and heart disease, just to name a few, are visible in, on, or around the eyes long before other symptoms are apparent. “That’s why having regular eye exams is so important,” says ophthalmologist Virgil Murray IV, MD, with The Eye Clinic. “During a fully dilated eye exam, we’re checking your vision and eye health, and we’re also able to see small changes in the blood vessels and tissue in the back of the eye which reveal underlying symptoms of other health concerns.” Dr. Murray notes that there are other changes in the eyes that can be seen without the aid of a dilated eye exam and high-powered microscopes used by eye doctors. Diseases of the liver, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, can turn the white portion of the eyes yellow. The color is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a compound created by the breakdown of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule inside red blood cells. Though prominent, “bulging” eyes may simply be a family trait, eyes that appear to bulge may be evidence of thyroid disease. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone cause tissues surrounding the eye to swell, making it appear that the eye is bulging. The pupils of healthy people are usually (but not always) symmetrical. They’re usually of the same size, and show the same reaction upon exposure to light. If one pupil is bigger than the other, or if one pupil shrinks less, or more slowly, on exposure to light, there could be an underlying medical problem. Possibilities include stroke, brain, or optic nerve tumor, brain aneurysm and multiple sclerosis. Droopy eyelids, called ptosis, can be a sign of aging, but in rare cases, it can be evidence of a brain tumor or a neuromuscular disease known as myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder that weakens muscles throughout the body. Dr. Murray says if you notice any of these signs, or other significant changes, in your own eyes, see your eye doctor right away. “The worst thing you can do is ignore any change in your eyes. Your vision – and your health – could depend on a quick response.” 56 www.thriveswla.com
TONGUE You’ve probably been asked to stick out your tongue at a doctor’s visit. It’s so common that we think nothing of it. But it’s not just for routine kicks. Getting a good look at a person’s tongue is a logical part of an overall examination, according to Melissa Rasberry, MD, family medicine physician with Imperial Health. “People don’t think much about their tongue. In reality, the shade and condition of the tongue can tell physicians a lot about someone. A white, pasty, coated tongue could indicate a yeast infection of the mouth. It can also indicate an auto-immune related inflammatory disease,” Dr. Rasberry said. “The tongue should be warm, with a pinkish hue.” Tongues are covered with a thin layer of hairlike projections called papillae. This is totally normal, unless the “hair” becomes so long that it changes the normal appearance of the tongue. Sometimes this is a side effect of antibiotics of chronic dry mouth, but it can also be the result of a bacterial infection. Bacterial or fungal infections can also create a yellowish tint on the tongue. “Acid reflux can also turn the tongue yellow because acid changes the normal bacterial growth of the mouth,” Dr. Rasberry said. “When that happens, it’s important to consult a physician. Acid reflux that appears in the mouth can mean that the gastric issue is also causing damage to the esophagus.” If your tongue is pale and smooth, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear, Dr. Rasberry noted. The tongue is supposed to be a healthy reddish pink. If it isn’t, that could mean not enough blood is getting into the tissue, which is commonly caused by iron deficiency or anemia.
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October 2014
HAIR
SKIN
Your hair tells a lot of stories. Although it’s common to lose strands every day, sudden and noticeable hair loss can be indicative of a greater problem, such as iron or protein deficiency. People with eating disorders often suffer hair loss due to malnutrition, but thyroid disease, anemia, and other adverse health conditions can also shut down hair growth. “We all lose hair every day, but it typically grows back,” said Sandra Dempsey, MD, endocrinologist with Imperial Health. “When hair thinning and loss becomes visibly noticeable, it’s time to talk to your doctor.” A shock to your system, such as childbirth or surgery, can sometimes trigger hair loss, but it’s usually temporary and restores itself, Dr. Dempsey added. She also noted that male baldness and premature graying are both hereditary and rarely signal any health concerns.
Skin can be a high-maintenance, complicated beast, susceptible to so many things—rashes, blemishes, acne, pimples, patches, moles, freckles, scales—that it can be difficult to determine what’s normal and what isn’t. But when you pay attention to your skin, you pay attention to your health, Maureen Olivier, MD, dermatologist with Imperial Health, says. “Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, health problems very often manifest through it,” she says. More often than not, curious rashes and strange blemishes don’t signal anything serious. It’s common for rashes to appear as an allergic reaction, either to environment or medicine, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). But there are times when they can indicate something more serious. A slightly darkened rash on the back of the neck or around the arms could imply an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, according to Dr. Olivier. “If you notice a velvety rash in those areas, tell your primary physician, just in case you need your sugar checked,” Dr. Olivier said. She also noted that a hepatitis C infection can manifest with stubborn rash on the lower legs, and a darkening of skin in folds, joints, elbows or knees could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. New growths, such as moles, should always be examined by a doctor, according to the AAD. “Most of the time it’s nothing, but there are rare times when new growths are a form of skin cancer or internal disease,” Dr. Olivier said. “It’s worth getting checked out.”
TEETH AND GUMS Teeth and gums have so much to say about personal health that New York University’s College of Dentistry and its College of Nursing pooled resources to check patients at the university’s free dental clinic. They found that more than 60 percent of the patients referred from the dental clinic met the criteria for hypertension and 30 percent had diabetes or pre-diabetes. Typically, it’s tooth pain that pushes people through the door, according to Stephanie Weaver, DDS, with the Center for Restorative Dentistry. She says people with uncontrolled diabetes are more vulnerable to dental issues. “Diabetes can reduce blood supply to the gums, which allows infection to spread when the body would normally be resistant. Unfortunately, many people skip routine exams, which is where an assessment of their dental heath can often give us insight into other health conditions. Routine dental care can help us prevent more serious problems, not just with oral health, but with overall health as well. Blood sugar issues can also cause dry mouth, which activates bacteria and plaque build-up.” If you’re having problems with your teeth and gums, be sure to visit your dentist, but also mention the issues to your physician—especially if you have other high risk factors related to diabetes.
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Mind & Body SLEEP
HEADACHE Got a headache? Most people do at one point or another. The vast majority of the time, headaches are caused by eye strain, stress, or something else that’s easily explained. Other times, it could imply infection, elevated blood pressure, or an impending stroke. “Headaches are extremely common and rarely serious, so people usually won’t see a doctor right away—and most of the time, there’s no reason to,” said Brian Wilder, MD, internal medicine physician with Imperial Health. So how do you know when you need a medical opinion? According to Dr. Wilder, the more ominous of headaches usually makes themselves known. If you have accompanying symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, or blurred vision, alert your doctor. This is especially true if you have underlying health conditions like cancer or diabetes. You should also raise a red flag if your headaches comes with confusion, changes in personality, numbness or weakness. “Onset and progression are other factors to consider. Does your headache feel natural and gradual, or does it hit you over the head like a thunderclap? The former could be just a run-of-the-mill headache. The latter could require medical attention,” Dr. Wilder said. “If your headache worsens and doesn’t appear to improve no matter what you do, see a doctor.”
If you toss and turn, stay up all night, wake up tired, or find yourself opening your eyes and glaring at the clock every few hours, it could mean you have underlying health conditions. “Remember: Poor sleep habits have negative effects on your health, and vice versa,” said Michelle Zimmerman, nurse practitioner at the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana in Lake Charles. A 2009 report in Diabetes Care found that people who had insomnia for a year or longer and slept less than five hours per night had a three-times higher risk of type 2 diabetes compared with those who slept more peacefully. Researchers believe that insufficient sleep could disrupt the body’s normal hormonal regulation, creating the threefold risk. Short-term sleep deprivation has been associated with several well-known risk factors for heart disease. In 2009, researchers studied women who slept for seven hours a night with those who got four hours of sleep or less and found that the women who slept poorly were two times more likely to die of heart disease. “Sleep apnea also raises heart disease risk. Unfortunately, many people aren’t even aware they have it. They wake up tired and don’t know why. Sleep apnea, which is a life-threatening condition, raises a person’s risk of heart disease by three,” Dr. Zimmerman said. “Apnea spells can cause irregular heartbeats, and can increase a person’s chances of stroke or heart failure.” According to Dr. Zimmerman, people with sleep apnea are often alerted to their condition by their partners, who notice loud snoring and irregular breathing. “If you snore and have to catch your breath throughout the night, it’s imperative that you get tested for apnea.”
FEET Your feet could be the first step to uncovering a hidden health condition. Even something as simple as nail fungus could be more than just an annoyance, according to Dr. Tyson Green, foot and ankle specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, an affiliate of Imperial Health. Often caused by trauma, infection or the spread of athlete’s foot, a fungal nail usually appears thickened, discolored loose or deformed. But Dr. Green says these symptoms can also be an indication of conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. Poor circulatory problems often manifest in the feet. The most common and well-known cause is diabetes. When a person suffers from diabetes, the compromised blood flow can cause nerve damage
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and numbness. When nerve damage prevents someone from having complete sensation in their feet, blisters and sores can develop, which creates a whole new host of problems,” said Dr. Green. But diabetes certainly isn’t the only health condition to find its way to your toes, Dr. Green noted. Anemia and hypothyroidism can also make themselves known in your feet. “If you always have Thrive Magazine for Better Living
cold toes, it could mean the blood isn’t flowing properly. Sometimes we see this with smokers or people who have heart disease,” Dr. Green said. “But anemia and hypothyroidism are culprits, too.” Swollen feet are common if you’ve been standing or stationary for too long, but if they remain swollen for no obvious reason it can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a blood clot, kidney disorder, or underactive thyroid. Chronically swollen feet are also another common indicator of diabetes. “If your feet are swollen on a regular basis, see your physician—especially if the swelling accompanies other things, like numbness or pain,” Dr. Green said.
October 2014
IT’S TIME
TO GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM. Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. Mammograms can find suspicious lumps even before they can be felt, and if diagnosed early, a woman with a cancerous lump has a much better chance of surviving breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram for women over the age of 40.
Have you scheduled your mammogram? In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering a 20% discount during October on digital screening mammograms. Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Thursdays until 7 p.m. Call (337) 527-4256 to schedule yours today. Radiologists’ fees are billed separately from the hospital and are not included in the discount.
701 Cypress Street, Sulphur
wcch.com
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Mind & Body
An Extraordinary Gift
Woman donates kidney to stranger When Gina Ardoin walked into a New Orleans hospital for transplant surgery in the early morning hours of July 7, she didn’t arrive as an organ recipient. She showed up to donate one of her healthy kidneys to a person she’d never met. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 100,000 people currently need lifesaving kidney transplants. The vast majority of them are under the age of 49. Twenty-nine percent are between the ages of 18 and 34. Some have waited nearly a decade. Family members and friends are typically first in line to donate kidneys to sick loved ones. When those potential donors aren’t a match, extraordinary strangers like Gina help fill the void. She says she was inspired by a woman at Good Shepard Episcopal Church. “A young woman who goes to my church received a kidney three years ago. She and her 7-year-old son inspired me,” Gina says. “There is really no explanation as to why. It is something I was able to do so I should do. I felt kind of honored to be able to do it and privileged. It’s a very humbling experience because I’m really healthy and really grateful not to be sick.”
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She made the decision to donate last December. Gina called Ochsner a month later and was scheduled for testing in the spring. The medical testing revealed she was eligible to donate and a few months later she was matched with a recipient and scheduled for surgery. The procedure took four hours and Gina was discharged from the hospital three days later.. The procedure took about four hours and Gina spent the rest of the day in recovery. The surgery took place on a Monday and she left the hospital on a Wednesday afternoon. “It just felt like a normal surgery, because I have been through surgery before. The staff was a little amazed that I was donating to a stranger. They kept asking who the recipient was and I said, ‘I don’t know.’ They were curious as to why I would do this.” Gina returned to work as a clinical dietician at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital three weeks later. There were no complications during surgery,
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but the sacrifice was great. In the rare event that Gina’s remaining kidney is compromised by health problems, she won’t have another one to compensate. Her body will also have to readjust. But Gina hopes that others will be inspired to follow in her footsteps. “Being a living donor is something to consider because it’s a very rewarding experience,” Gina says. “I know most people wouldn’t hesitate to donate to a family member or friend if they needed to. Donating to a stranger is something to think about as well because there is life out there that can be saved by you.” Today, she still knows nothing about her organ recipient, other than that person left the hospital with a functioning kidney. Gina said she would welcome a reunion one day if the recipient ever reached out to her.
October 2014
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When it comes to women’s health, experience is on our side. Many women feel uncomfortable talking about gynecological issues. So at Surgicare of Lake Charles, if you need GYN surgery, we’ll work hard to help you feel at ease. And because your gynecological health can quickly impact you emotionally and physically, the surgical specialists will do everything they can to get you feeling better and back to your life as soon as possible. Women have placed their trust in the experienced staff at Surgicare for the past 38 years, and so can you. For a physician referral or more information, visit SurgicareLC.com or call 337-436-6941.
2100 Lake Street • SurgicareLC.com Typical results depend on many factors. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of surgery for your condition.
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7/8/14 11:15 AM
Mind & Body
Birthing Balls Help Ease Labor Pains by Christine Fisher
Easing labor pains has been an ongoing quest for women and their healthcare providers for centuries. If it helped, women were ready to try it—from root-and-herb concoctions to proper breathing techniques.. Birthing balls, designed to support the weight of the mother and place her pelvis in proper alignment, have grown in modern popularity. “The alignment is a key factor in pregnancy,” explained Allison Hansen, certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner with OBG-1 of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “As the mother gets closer to her due date, the baby should ideally settle head first, allowing a traditional birth to take place.” Some near-term babies face the mother’s back, also known as the posterior position. In these cases, the baby and mother must work harder during birth. Labor is often longer and more painful as the baby attempts to rotate to the anterior position. One of the ways to encourage the proper position is through better posture. Years ago, before recliners and remote controls, women were more active and maintained relatively good posture. Today, women tend to recline,
causing the uterus to tilt forward. “To sit on a birthing ball, you have to assume proper posture,” said Hansen. “The back is straight, and the legs are supported.” Other posture-improvements that occur by using a birthing ball include: • Increased blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and baby • Counter-pressure to the perineum and thighs • Support for knees and ankles “I encourage my patients to use a birthing ball throughout their pregnancy, sitting on it as they would any other chair, whether it’s to watch TV, work on a computer or simply to rest. Even if it’s for 30 minutes a day, it’s a good way to train your body to have good posture,” Hansen said. “It’s especially helpful during the last trimester, as the baby begins to descend and get ready for birth. We want him or her to be in an ideal position for a smooth, short labor.” During labor, using a birthing ball can help ease labor pains. In fact, uterine contractions are more effective if the mother is upright and can lean forward. Pressure from the baby’s head on the cervix remains constant when a woman is positioned upright, encouraging cervical dilation.
The baby benefits when mom is in an upright position during labor, as it increases blood flow to the uterus, placenta and baby, reducing fetal distress. A birthing ball can remain useful even after the birth. Many mothers find that it reduced pressure on the perineum. Its encouragement of good posture is beneficial during feeding times, or any time the mother has a few minutes to sit and rest. “When mom or dad is sitting on the ball and holding the baby, it provides a smooth, gentle bounce that babies usually enjoy. In my opinion, birthing balls should be standard equipment for any expecting mother,” Hansen said. For more information on birthing ball techniques or alternative forms of natural labor and delivery techniques, please contact OBG-1 of WCCH at (337) 312-1000.
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Fight like a girl. Get a mammogram.
Memorial Main Campus 1701 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles (337) 494-4755
Memorial for Women 1900 Gauthier Rd., Lake Charles (337) 480-7444
Moss Memorial Health Clinic 1000 Walters St., Lake Charles (337) 480-8100
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Mind & Body
Sleep Surprises: Sneaky Stealers by Katie Harrington
Modern life is so much easier and more efficient thanks to technological advances like smartphones and energy-saving light bulbs. But could these items be stealing much needed sleep from you and keeping you awake at night? ZZZ STEALER #1
Not long ago the TV screen captured most of our attention, especially at bed time. These days it’s smartphones and tablets that have us reading and tweeting when we should be winding down. “These devices actually interfere with the way our brain prepares for sleep,” says Dr. Jana Kaimal, a sleep specialist and medical director at the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana. “Even though the light they emit looks white, it’s actually on the blue wave length. While all light can promote wakefulness, blue light has the
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most disruptive effect on the production of melatonin, a hormone that causes sleepiness.” A recent study from the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that staring at a tablet for two hours can suppress melatonin output by 23 percent. Dr. Kaimal suggests outsmarting this sleep stealer by eliminating the usage of these devices two hours before bedtime. “This isn’t always realistic, however, so the next best option is to block some of the blue light using a program like f.lux that gradually adjusts the screen according to the time of day so less blue light is emitted in the evening.” Dr. Kaimal adds that putting your phone in another room instead of next to the bed is another best practice. “This will help avoid having the alerts and light wake you up and it will remove the temptation to check it for new messages.”
ZZZ STEALER #2
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Those energysaving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) may be better for the environment, but there’s a drawback when it comes to our sleep. “These bulbs actually emit more blue light than their incandescent ancestor, thus making them having the same negative effect on melatonin production as smartphones and tablets,” Dr. Kaimal says. “Of course you turn these lamps off before
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going to bed, but even when your home is pitch black, there’s still light coming through the windows from your neighbors’ houses, the streetlights on your street and beyond.” In a report issued by Italian researchers in conjunction with the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center, it was discovered that 99 percent of people in the continental United States live in an area where the night sky is above the threshold for light pollution. “In addition to the beams interfering with your ability to feel sleepy, the light can also affect your mood,” Dr. Kaimal adds. “A John Hopkins University study linked exposure to light at night to depression, a disease that, in itself can cause insomnia.” A simple way to reduce your exposure to blue light from these bulbs is to switch to blue-blocked CFLs. You can also use blackout shades or curtains to cut down on street light invading your sleep sanctuary. Cover the small LED lights on your cable box, TV and computer monitor with black electricians tape and if your alarm clock is too bright, turn it away from you.
ZZZ STEALER #3
Nearly 36 percent of adults in America are obese and those extra pounds are linked to a wide variety of sleep problems. “Among other things, obesity can raise your risk of sleep apnea, a disorder that prevents you from breathing properly while sleeping,” says Dr. Kaimal. “Sleep apnea causes you to wake several times a night, without even realizing it, and feel exhausted during the day.” Being overweight drastically increases your likelihood of developing restless legs syndrome, a condition in which your legs tingle, itch or jerk when you lie in bed. October 2014
In addition to restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea, being overweight contributes to the narrowing of your airways, possibly causing snoring. This not only disturbs your sleep, but can also harm your cardiovascular health. “The best way to outsmart this sleep stealer is to stay as close to a healthy body mass index as you can,” recommends Dr. Kaimal. “For each 10 percent increase in weight, your risk of developing moderate to severe sleep apnea increases sixfold.” In addition to following a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, it’s also best to sleep in a dark room, according to Dr. Kaimal. “There’s a lot of evidence to support the theory that even light that’s as dim as a night-light can interfere with your body’s metabolism, making it that much harder for you to lose weight.”
ZZZ STEALER #4
James Ingram, Jr. MD, FACS
When you wake up exhausted in the morning, your go-to remedy is likely coffee or some other caffeinated beverage. When you start to get groggy in the afternoon, you grab another cup or two. The cycle continues on day after day. “The United States is the world’s largest consumer of coffee with more than 80 percent of Americans saying they are coffee drinkers,” says Dr. Kaimal. “The problem is that caffeine contained in coffee, soft and energy drinks and even dark chocolate, stays in your system longer than you think.” For example, if you drink a large coffee at 7 a.m., depending on the brew, you’re consuming an average of 400 milligrams of caffeine. There will still be about 200 milligrams in your bloodstream at lunchtime. If you drink another cup in the afternoon you can see why you might find yourself tossing and turning well into the night.
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155 Hospital Drive • Lafayette, LA • 1-888-499 -VEIN
Meet the Newest Member of our Physician Team,
Sandra Dempsey, MD, Endocrinologist
Dr. Sandra Dempsey, endocrinologist, has joined Imperial Health, the region’s largest multi-specialty medical group. Dr. Dempsey will be practicing with Dr. Tim Gilbert at the Endocrinology Center of Southwest Louisiana, an affiliate of Imperial Health. The Center provides specialized treatment of metabolic disorders, including the management of thyroid disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and pituitary and adrenal disorders. Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, Dr. Dempsey earned her Medical Degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. She completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine, as well as a Fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Dempsey is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and has over 20 years of clinical practice experience. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dempsey, or for more information, call 337-310-3670.
www.imperialhealth.com
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Mind & Body
ADHD: The Entrepreneur’s Superpower What do business mogul Sir Richard Branson, Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad, and JetBlue founder David Neeleman, have in common? Well, besides being monumentally successful, they all have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and, like many other entrepreneurs and CEOs, some will even tell you that they are successful largely because of the “diagnosis”, not in spite of it. According to psychiatrist Dr. Dale Archer, New York Times best-selling author and founder of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry in Lake Charles, they may well be onto something. At a time when health care professionals are over prescribing stimulants like Ritalin, medicating the so-called ‘symptoms’ of ADHD out of existence, Dr. Archer says it’s worth noting that some of the trait’s most common characteristics – creativity, multi-tasking, risk-taking, high energy and even resilience– are, in fact, strengths when leveraged in the right way and in the right career. It’s why so many high profile achievers are beginning to publicly embrace their diagnoses of ADHD. “Of course in our over-diagnosed, overmedicated culture, we choose to only focus on the negative aspects of ADHD,” says Dr. Archer, “which include procrastination, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, disorganization and easily distracted. He explains that one easy way to think about ADHD is having a low boredom threshold. Those with the trait become frustrated with routine, whether that includes sitting in a classroom for eight hours a day, or spending time behind an office desk performing routine tasks. “But there is so much more to this trait that can be leveraged to an advantage. ADHDers are often at their best in crisis mode, multi-tasking and free associating to intuitively reach a solution. And if they find something they truly love to
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do, they are able to focus for hours on end.” The entrepreneurs I have mentioned here are all very different, but their ability to leverage their ADHD traits as strengths is the common thread. Alan Meckler, Chairman and CEO of WebMediaBrands , has a famously short attention span. But it enables him to listen only for the most important details in order to digest complex information. It’s a lightning-quick reaction time that’s typical of many in the IT industries leading innovators, including the likes of the late Steve Jobs whom Dr. Archer and many others speculate also had ADHD. Some research has suggested that a tendency to be self-employed and an entrepreneur is dominant in individuals with ADHD. One study of note found a genetic link between a dopamine receptor gene variation associated with ADHD and the tendency to be an
entrepreneur. Sensation seeking, common in ADHD, is more common among entrepreneurs than in the general population and anecdotal reports bolster this point, saying that people with ADHD are three times more likely to own their own business. “It makes sense,” says Dr. Archer. “Besides being easily bored with routine and the status quo, those with the ADHD trait tend to thrive in times of crisis.” It also takes an adventurous spirit, to strike out on your own, and Dr. Archer says entrepreneurship fits perfectly with the ADHDer’s need for stimulation and a willingness to take risks. “The greatest success stories in business took a leap based on what they saw in the marketplace at a particular moment in time, rejecting solutions that seemed to be ‘normal.’ Instead, they trusted their instincts and forged ahead with something new and unproven.” He adds that ADHD entrepreneurs are also creative, with high-energy and an ability to hyper-focus on something they find innately interesting. This gives them the ability to spend limitless amounts of time accomplishing any continued on p68
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Sneaky
Stealers continued from p65
“Stay away from the afternoon fix as a best practice,” Dr. Kaimal says. “If you still have a hard time falling asleep, cut yourself off even earlier. Also, be aware that some painkillers contain caffeine too, so check the label.”
ZZZ STEALER #5
The pressure of making ends meet can be exhausting.
see where money goes, find some areas where you can cut back. This will help you feel more in control, which may help you relax in the evening.”
“A 2009 Sleep In America poll by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that 27 percent of Americans said financial stress kept them up at night,” explains Dr. Kaimal. “One way to relieve some of this stress is by automating as many of your bill payments as possible.” Many credit card companies and utilities will also let you pay online and will send you reminders before the due date. Dr. Kaimal also recommends creating a budget, outlining where your money is going. “Once you
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 310-REST or visit www.sleepdisordercenterofla.com.
Advanced Cardiovascular Care:
We know it by heart.
Meet the Cardiologists of Imperial Health and CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center Jake LeBeau, MD
Miguel DePuy, MD
Richard Gilmore, MD
Michael Turner, MD
Carl Fastabend, MD
Thomas Mulhearn, MD
Corey Foster, MD
Your life, your family, your heart are here in Southwest Louisiana. Ours are too. We have deep roots in this region and understand its people and culture. We are committed to improving the long-term heart health of our community, from early detection and prevention to advanced high tech treatment -- we have it all! Our areas of specialization include:
· Interventional Cardiology · Coronary Angiography · Coronary Angioplasty and Stents
· · · ·
Peripheral Vascular Disease Cardiac Electrophysiology Nuclear Cardiology Echocardiography
· Carotid Artery Disease · Cardiac CT · Vein Disease
Our physicians have have been the first to bring many innovative cardiac care advances to patients in Southwest Louisiana and are committed to continuing to be pioneers in heart care so that our patients can keep their hearts close to home.
World-Class Heart Care Here at
Home. www.christusstpatrick.com
LAKE CHARLES • SULPHUR • DERIDDER • JENNINGS • KINDER • LAFAYETTE October 2014
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Mind & Body |
ADHD: The Entrepreneur’s Superpower
task necessary to take their business to the next level. Dr. Archer adds one other thing to this list of traits: an ability and desire to multi-task. Interestingly, he says that studies show that ADHDers are not that much better at multi-tasking than the general population but, in his experience, the difference is that they LOVE to multi-task, whereas for most, this is perceived as stressful. “This strength lends itself perfectly to entrepreneurship because that’s what owners of startups do: juggle many tasks at one time. When you start something from nothing, you have no choice but to dart from task to task, doing everything for yourself until you can afford to hire help. It’s a role tailor-made for those with ADHD.” “To be sure, the ADHD trait isn’t always a superpower,” says Dr. Archer. “For those who haven’t managed to garner the right insight or support, especially early in life, it can lead to problems.” A recent paper published by the Yale School of Public health found that children with ADHD are 10-14 percent less likely to be employed as adults, and those who are employed earn 33 percent less income than people who don’t have ADHD. “Of course, many do struggle and need treatment, and in certain cases medication is warranted, although nowhere near at the levels it is being prescribed now– for both children and
adults,” says Dr. Archer. “We need to understand that ADHD, isn’t just something that flicks on and off like a switch. It exists along a continuum, on a scale from one to 10, as I described in my book Better than Normal, and very few with the diagnosis have symptoms that are severe enough to warrant a 9 or 10 and hence require medication. Unfortunately many in the 5-8 range are also receiving the diagnosis, and in today’s pop-a-pill culture, a diagnosis usually means a pill. For these, sometimes all it takes is awareness and a few simple
adjustments to leverage this trait into your greatest strength. The real solutions aren’t that complicated, if you change your point of view.” Dr. Archer is currently working on his next book, titled, The ADHD ADDvantage: What You Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength, to explode the myth that ADHD is an epidemic that needs to be medicated out of existence. It will be released in 2015.
LaserCenter AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C
LaserCenter AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C
“Moms and daughters don’t always see eye-to-eye, but we do, LaserCenter A T Tto H E LASIK E Y E C L I N at IC thanks The Eye Clinic.” Wendy and Celeste Woodard share the same great point of view these days; one that’s clearly focused on all the things they can see without the need for glasses or contacts. AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C LASIK at The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center
LaserCenter
A Difference You can See
LaserCenter AT T H E E Y E C L I N I C
www.theeyeclinic.net 1717 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles Interest-Free Financing | Advanced Custom View LASIK | Board Certified Physicians
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FREE LASIK Screenings available on Wednesdays & Saturdays by appointment. Call 1-877-95-FOCUS.
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October 2014
DO number of Empire State Buildings, stacked on top of each other, it would take to reach the deepest point in the Gulf of Mexico
6
$1.3 Million
number of years it took Leo Tolstoy to write War and Peace
most amount of money ever paid for a cow at auction
More than 1
measured in inches, the distance the main library at Indiana State University sinks every year because engineers failed to account for the weight of books occupying the building
30 feet
5
number of times the average person will walk the equivalent of the distance of the equator in a lifetime
69
percentage of Americans who consume food and beverages past their expiration date
1982 year Diet Coke was invented
distance the human heart creates enough pressure to squirt blood
40 Million
estimated kangaroo population in Australia October 2014
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Source: Parade Magazine, www.cs.cmu.edu www.thriveswla.com
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McNeese History Professor Publishes Book Dr. Michael T. Smith, associate professor of history at McNeese State University, has published a new book titled “The 1864 FranklinNashville Campaign: Dr. Michael T. Smith The Finishing Stroke.” Praeger Publishers published the 180-page book. In his book, Smith examines how the strategic and tactical decisions by the Confederate and Union commanders contributed to the Northern victories in Tennessee in November and December of 1864. Smith considers the conflict through the lens of New Military History, including the manner in which the battles both affected and were affected by the environment, civilian individuals and common soldiers. He has published two other books and was recently interviewed about his 2011 book, “The Enemy Within: Fears of Corruption in the Civil War North,” on the public radio program, “BackStory,” on a segment titled “On the Take: Corruption in America.”
McNeese Receives National Recognition by U.S. News and World Report For the fourth consecutive year, McNeese State University has received national recognition as one of the best regional universities and one of the top public universities by U.S. News and World Report, widely considered to be the foremost authority on college rankings. In the just released 2015 edition of “Best Colleges” McNeese is ranked in Tier One in the Best Regional Universities-South category and it is also ranked in the top 50 among the top public schools in the southern region for a fourth consecutive year. To see the full Best Colleges 2015 rankings by the U.S. News and World Report, visit www.usnews.com/education and follow the links.
community is invited to participate in this annual event. October 10 is the deadline for community entries and the fee is $50 per unit. This year’s theme is “Cowboys Forever.” The Cowboys are playing the Wildcats of Abilene Christian for homecoming at 6:00pm on October 18 in Cowboy Stadium. For more information or to register for the parade, call (337) 475-5706 or go online at www.mcneese.edu/ homecoming.
McNeese Accepting Homecoming Parade Entries from Community McNeese State University is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will make a special appearance in the 2014 McNeese Homecoming Parade as part of the celebration. The parade rolls down Ryan Street at 7:00pm on October 16, and the
Horse and Rider Statue Raffle to Support McNeese Endowed Scholarships During football season, a 4-foot horse and rider statue will be raffled to support endowed scholarships through the McNeese Foundation at McNeese State University. The statue was designed for McNeese by Bernadette Navarre. Raffle tickets are $5 each and are available at the McNeese Stream Alumni Center from 8:00am-noon and 1-4:30pm Monday through Friday. The McNeese Student Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management will also help sell the raffle tickets before the kickoff at all home football games between the Cowboy Corral and the Alumni Grove. The winner will be announced at the November 8 football game. For more information or tickets, call the alumni center at 337-475-5232.
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October 2014
NOW ACCEPTING NEW VISION PLANS: ®
Dr. Timothy Boreing
NEW HOURS: 8-5 M-F Walk-in, No Waiting
October 2014
BOREING VISION CLINIC 500 W. McNeese • 474-6161
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Mark Your Calendar! Fish-O-Rama Tournament Scheduled G2XEnergy will present the 2nd Annual Fish-ORama Family Fishing Tournament on October 4 with the tournament beginning at 7:00am. For more information, contact Roxanne Camara at (337) 436-9533.
Step Up for Down syndrome Event Scheduled The 12th annual Step Up for Down syndrome walk is set for October 4 at the McNeese Quad. The walk is scheduled from 10:00am with activities for kids to follow. To register, join a team or form your own team, call (337) 842-6555.
Mayor Randy Roach to Honor Creative Workforce In concert with the City of Lake Charles, the Arts Council of SWLA invites the public to the 2014 Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony Lindsey Janies was awarded Artist of scheduled for the Year by Mayor Randy Roach at the 2013 ceremony. October 10 at 6:00pm at Central School. For more information, call (337) 439-2787.
Louisiana Film History Seminar at the Lake Charles Film and Music Festival A fun and informative presentation on Louisiana film history is scheduled for October 11 as part of the 3rd Annual Lake Charles Film & Music Festival. For more information, visit www.lakecharlesfilmfestival.com.
Wheels of Hope Charity Bike Ride Wheels of Hope Charity Bike Ride is scheduled for October 11 at St. Theodore’s Holy Family Catholic School in Moss Bluff. The ride will begin at 7:30am. For more information, call (337) 491-0800.
Abraham’s Tent Benefit Set The Southwest Louisiana Sportsmen for the Hungry organization, in affiliation with Hunters for the Hungry, will host their annual food collection drive on October 19 from 1-4:00pm in the Gordon’s Drug Store parking lot. For more information, call (337) 433-7090.
ArtsFest 2014 Celebrates International Monuments
6th Annual Pink Celebration Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast Scheduled FOX29/The Lake Charles CW in partnership with L’Auberge Casino Resort prepare for their annual Breast Cancer Breakfast in support of the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, which will be held on October 14 from 8-10:00am at L’Auberge Casino Resort. For ticket and sponsorship information, call (337) 474-1316.
Regional Arts Network Seminar and Luncheon Scheduled The next edition of the Arts Council of SWLA’s Regional Arts Network will be held on October 14 from 11:30am-1:00pm at Central School. For more information, call (337) 439-2787.
Our Lady Queen of Heaven School Announces Upcoming Events
On October 25, ArtsFest returns to engage area children in a free arts event from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. In the spirit of Halloween, children are encouraged to come dressed in their costumes. For more information, call (337) 439-2787.
Cooking Demonstrations to Provide Healthy Tips On October 21, at 10am and 6pm, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will provide free cooking demonstrations in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room. For more information, or to sign up for a class, call (337) 527-4261.
On October 4, Our Lady Queen of Heaven School will host the Heavenly Fish Fest Weigh-in at Prien Lake Park from 11:00am-1:00pm. For more information, call (337) 477-7349. On October 19, Our Lady Queen of Heaven School will host its annual School Carnival from 10:00am-4:00pm at OLQH. For more information, call (337) 477-7349.
Travis Tritt Performs on Isle of Capri Main Stage Two-time Grammy Award winning country music star Travis Tritt is bringing his iconic country sounds to the Isle of Capri Main Stage on October 10 at 9:00pm in the Event Center. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lake-charles.isleofcapricasinos.com.
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Flamethrowers
Side Street Jazz Band
Musicale Music for Literacy Event Scheduled Musicale for the Literary Council of SWLA returns again for the third year. Mark your calendars for November 1 from 6-9:00pm in the exhibition hall of the Lake Charles Civic Center. General admission reserved seating and tables available. Side Street Jazz Band and Flamethrowers, performing a variety of music, will present the music. For more information, call (337) 494-7000.
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Louisiana State Championship Soapbox Derby Plans Underway Planning is underway for the Louisiana State Championship Soapbox Derby, slated for October 25 in downtown Leesville. The practice round will begin at 8:00am followed by the derby. For more information on entry fees, rules and guidelines, visit www.venturevernon.com.
Central School to Transform into Haunted House for Halloween Friends of Central School invites you to experience another side of local history by bringing the family to the Central School Arts and Humanities Center on October 26 from 5:30-7:30pm for the Central School Spook House. Admission is free.
2014 SWLA Heart Walk Scheduled More than 3,000 residents are expected to take steps to improve heart health on November 1 when they participate in the 2014 SWLA Heart Walk at McNeese State University. The walk is scheduled to begin at 8:00am with a fundraising goal of $220,000. For more information or to register, call (337) 249-8935.
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital To Host Medicare Seminar West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host a free seminar about understanding Medicare benefits on October 14 at 11:30am at Frasch Park Meeting Room, 1000 Picard Road in Sulphur. For details or to RSVP, call (337) 527-4282. Lunch will be provided.
My Story… “Before I came to SOWELA, I was working at Era in Houma, Louisiana. A couple of guys I worked with told me how great SOWELA was…so I took the opportunity. It’s a great experience with a lot of hands on action. We’ll take engines off and do structural repairs. The aviation maintenance program is a two-year program. With my degree from SOWELA, I plan to work overseas or, you know, become a boss. My story started at SOWELA.”
Trey SOWELA Graduate Aviation Maintenance Technology
October 2014
Let your story start with…
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!
Solutions for Life
from Solutions Counseling & EAP by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP
The Campaign of YourLife I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we have an election coming up! (Insert sarcastic face here.) We are so fortunate to live in a country where democracy reigns and we get to speak our mind with our votes. It’s time to start studying up on the different races and qualifications of each candidate. The November 4 ballot is going to be a long one, so I suggest you start tuning in so you don’t need more than your allotted 3 minutes in the voting booth. (Of course, early voting is also an option!) I know most candidates have been working tirelessly, aided by the support of family/friends/ neighbors/business associates, and will work even harder the closer we get to election day. Lately I’ve been thinking about how this campaign is really no different than all the other points in our lives where we were trying to win someone over. Think about how we establish friendships, or go on job interviews, or interact with potential romantic partners. Things always go better when we are genuine, happy with ourselves, and have some characteristics important to the other person. Here are some things I’ve learned during this process that you can apply to your own life:
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Work hard. Anything worth having involves hard work. I hope you’ve already figured this out. I love the saying “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Good relationships require hard work. Good jobs require hard work. Good health requires hard work. I am amazed at people who honestly think their life should be better than it is, but haven’t done the required work to make that happen. When I was conducting job interviews recently, I was most impressed with the candidates who took the time to do some research on my company prior to coming in, and had solid questions ready to ask. They stood out from their peers who did nothing wrong, just nothing extra. Choose to be involved. I believe we are placed on this earth to serve others. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a great life too, but selfishness guarantees loneliness. Candidates who start out their campaigns with strong community connections have a good foundation for their candidacy. It’s a great way to get to know what the needs are in your community and to work with others to address those needs. If you want your community to grow and thrive, you’d better get involved in making that happen!
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Choose your relationships wisely. I remember my mother telling me “you are who you hang out with.” And now I tell my younger clients the same thing. Choose to surround yourself with people who think like you do, and have similar values. Don’t think you can bring other people up to your level – it’s much easier and more likely they will drag you down to theirs. When you involve yourself in relationships where you are trying to keep the other person “on the straight and narrow,” it’s exhausting and futile. Get off your white horse. You aren’t rescuing anyone – you can’t. Your friendships and romantic relationships need to be easy and comfortable in this regard. If you have the same basic beliefs, most other issues can be worked out. As you “run” for the various offices of your life, I encourage you to think about these points. I want you to win by a landslide.
October 2014
October 2014
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THE HEALING POWER OF HOME Cancer Care Evolved
At the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer Center, patients come first. With our recently completed $4.5-million expansion, we have elevated the Regional Cancer Center to technology and treatment levels unmatched in our region, allowing individuals to remain here at home with the benefit of family, friends and familiarity working together to support healing: • Advanced Treatment Planning Enables our team to create a customized treatment plan for each of our patients based on their specific needs and diagnosis • Survivorship Registration Provides information to our patients, their families and other physicians about long-term follow-up of cancer treatments
• Elekta Infinity™ Linear Accelerator Treats all parts of the body, delivering radiation to tumors while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue to promote faster reduction of tumors with less side effects and shorter recovery time
• Ease of Access New technology and equipment enable us to provide a more comprehensive approach to cancer care with all services available in a convenient, centralized location on our campus
• CT Simulator Produces 2-D and 3-D images to provide the most beneficial treatment dosage and beam positions in order to save as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible
• Clinical Research Improvements and upgrades give us the opportunity to pursue an academic affiliation to support improved access to clinical trials and the newest evidence-based clinical treatments
Bringing all of this together, our CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer Committee, consisting of individuals across a variety of specialties, focuses on every part of our cancer program, from planning community education programs to ensuring that our services remain at the forefront of cancer treatment and healing. Every person is dedicated to our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR MINISTRY
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– we will continue providing the healing power of home to those who need healing. Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2014