Thrive August 2011 Issue

Investment Guide

AUGUST 2011

August 2011

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

Contents 4

48

38

In This Issue

Regular Features

4 New Approach to Nutrition 6 Creole Nature Trail: Louisiana Outback

28 By the Numbers 50 First Person: with David Sickey 63 Best Impressions 64 Well Aware 66 Chatterbox 68 Community Contributors 70 Solutions for Life 71 The Last Word

Special Section

Get a Smart Start – Back to School

12 Helping Your Forgetful Child 18 A Lesson on Germs 21 Smooth School Transitions

Special Section

Investment Guide for Non-Investors 30 A Beginner’s Roadmap 31 Common Investment Mistakes 34 80 Percent Behavior, 20 Percent Knowledge 38 Batter Up! Sulphur Hosts Professional Championship Series

Cover Story: Take Control of Your Career 48 The Best Time for a Workout 54 How to Stress Less 44

58 Not Guilty: Understanding the Anthony Verdict

Don’t just live, thrive!

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Editors and Publishers Kristy Armand

Christine Fisher Creative Director/Layout Barbara VanGossen Assistant Editor Erin Kelly Assistant Designers Jason Hardesty

Shonda Manuel Staff Writers Katie McDaniel

Brett Downer

Haley Armand Advertising Sales 337.310.2099

Emily Porche emily@thriveswla.com

Mona Martin mona@thriveswla.com Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

or fax to 337.312.0976 Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

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

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by Erin Kelly

A New Approach to Food

When Amanda Bryant, 31, was named one of the five winners of the New You Makeover Challenge, she knew she had a challenging road ahead, but she had no idea that she would have to sacrifice one of the staples of her daily routine: Diet Coke.

“Diet Coke has been part of my life for so long,” Bryant said. “I’m still mourning its loss.”

Carbonated drinks are just one element of the standard American diet that Dr. Eric Snow, whole food nutrition therapist, hopes to eliminate from the daily routine of Bryant and the four other New You Makeover recipients – high school ag teacher Regina Smart, 37; recent high school graduate Hannah Vincent, 17, who will enroll at Louisiana Tech this fall; registered nurse Renee Thornton, 51; and school principal Jill Portie.

The makeover, which kicked off in June, seeks to re-tool the women’s lives in three areas – nutrition, fitness and appearance – through a comprehensive lifestyle change, including a complete revamping of how they look at food, including soda.

“The biggest problem with soda is the tremendous excess of sugar it contains,” said Dr. Snow, who is also a chiropractic physician. But even diet drinks, which substitute sugar with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners, are not beneficial to individual health. “Aspartame is a neurotoxin that overexcites the brain tissue and these sugar substitutes can have numerous side effects including increased heart rate, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, headaches and gastric problems.”

Dr. Snow oversees the nutritional makeover angle for the six recipients, while CrossFit Lake Charles is responsible for getting the recipients into shape.

Despite the rigorous workout routine involved at CrossFit, Jill Portie says learning how to eat right is a much bigger challenge.

“I’m actually enjoying the exercise. It’s become a habit for me,” said Jill, who signed up for the New You Makeover Challenge after learning that her cholesterol had reached 400. “The hardest part is not knowing what to eat. I like to taste my food.”

Dr. Snow’s nutritional consultation launched with a “sugar challenge,” in which he challenged all of them to avoid sugar for at least three weeks.

According to Dr. Snow, this included most food items that Americans typically identify as carbohydrates – specifically bread, pasta, white potatoes, white rice and pastries. “Bread is often the hardest one for people to give up, but it’s amazing how much healthier a person can become just by eliminating bread, pasta and white rice from their diet.”

He recommends that these sugar-based foods be avoided longer than the three weeks, but maintains that that portion size and moderation are key. The initial period is designed to get the body accustomed to burning fat instead of refined carbohydrates, according to Dr. Snow, who says that “the body burns fat and protein more effectively than processed carbs. If fat and protein are the logs on the fire, then carbs would be considered the kindling.”

Dr. Snow’s nutritional plan also involves limiting red meat to three times a week and limiting dairy; he said even with these moderations, people still get the protein they need to burn energy.

According to Dr. Snow, it’s a misconception that people need animal products to get ample protein in their diets. Assuming that you follow a well-balanced diet consisting primarily of fresh, living foods, you will get enough of the 4 www.thriveswla.com

essential proteins that you need.

This contention is backed by the American Heart Association, which has stated that neither animal nor plant protein is superior to the other. Foods such as sprouts, green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds are packed with protein, according to Dr. Snow.

Unfortunately, for those who have lived and cooked in Southwest Louisiana all their lives, switching from gumbo to sprouts can seem impossible.

“I’ve gotten creative with it,” Amanda said. “At first, I was thinking, ‘What am I gonna eat?’ But then I realized that there are actually lots of things that I can eat, and it gets easier once you get into the habit. Slowly I started to feel the effects of my change in diet.” She admits that after following the regiment for several weeks, she cheated and ate a raspberry scone. “All I had was that one scone and I felt the effects it had on my body. I just wanted to go to sleep.”

Jill, who is a self-professed down-home Cajun cook, said she “definitely” has felt the everyday benefits of her changed diet and fitness routine. “I used to wake up and just want more sleep, but now I’m up and ready to start the day, full of energy.”

Dr. Snow said he doesn’t want the makeover challengers to view his recommendations as a diet, but more of a lifestyle change that will stick with them indefinitely. “When they go to the supermarket, I want to keep them close to the fresh food section and away from the middle of the store, where all the processed foods live. Right now their bodies are still going through a massive hormone shift, but eventually they will learn to crave healthy foods instead of the processed foods that most Americans eat every day. It took time for them to get where they are today, so it will take time to get them where they need to be. I’ve told each of them, stick it out for one or two months. I guarantee you’ll feel better and more balanced. And it will become a habit.”

Thrive partnered with Dr. Snow, Signatures Salon and CrossFit Lake Charles in providing and promoting the New You Makeover Challenge. We will follow-up with the makeover challengers through October, when the results will be revealed.

Jill Portie, left, and Amanda Bryant discuss the challenge of nutrition.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

Dr. Eric Snow, whole food nutrition therapist, discusses carbohydrates.

An example of a meal recommended by Dr. Snow – rich in vegetables and low in meat and dairy.

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Creole Nature Trail Adventure into the Louisiana Outback LOUISIANA’S OUTBACK

Visitor Center Westlake

Vinton

337-436-9588

School starts this month, which means family vacations will be limited to holidays and weekends. If you want to take advantage of the last legs of school-free summer, consider taking a journey down the Creole Nature Trail.

Intracoastal Park The Creole Nature Trail leads its visitors along 180 miles of scenic byways, driving and walking trails, and wildlife habitats. It’s an adventure that begins in Lake Charles and Sulphur and journeys into one of America’s last great wildernesses – CAMERON PRAIRIE (Big Lake) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE the Louisiana Outback,Northline which stretches down Southwest Louisiana Hog Island Gulley Wildlife and throughout Cameron Parish and to the GulfNational Blue Crab Refuge Complex SABINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Visitors Center of Mexico. Visitors experience Blue world-famous Goose Wetland Walkway Walking Trail habitats, estuaries, wetlands and waterways while CAMERON PRAIRIE appreciating the wildWestterrain that is unique ourREFUGE Cove NATIONALto WILDLIFE state.

The Creole Nature Trail was recognized as a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration’s America’s Byways program in 1996. And, in 2002, this designation was upgraded to the highest possible status, that of an All-American Road.

Iowa

LA 108

Alternate Routes

Illinois Plant Road

Scenic Overlooks Boat Launch Recreation Area

LA 3056

Lacassine Pool

Streeters Road

The more than 180-mile Creole Nature Trail was one of the first National Scenic Byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in the Gulf South, and that designation was upgraded in 2002 to the highest category, an All-American Road. Along this distinctive natural corridor through Louisiana’s Outback — one of America’s “Last Great Wildernesses” — you have the opportunity to experience world-famous wildlife habitats and estuaries. The Creole Nature Trail is a journey through a wild and rugged terrain unique to Louisiana, America and the world . . . Louisiana’s Outback.

LACASSINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Wildlife Drive

BE PREPARED! to Vermilion Parish / Rollover Bayou

Fishing Pier/RV Park

Price Lake Nature Drive

Rockefeller Headquarters

Facilities: Hurricanes over the past several years have impacted the manmade facilities along Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. The most current information about the trail is always accessible at www.CreoleNatureTrail.org.

Continued on p8

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Exiting I-10 in Sulphur or Lake Charles, prepare yourself for your journey into Louisiana’s Outback. Check fuel levels; get snacks and light beverages; stock up on film; and, most importantly, assign each person in the vehicle to a window. Because on the Creole Nature Trail, everyone is a lookout!

Please be aware that public restroom facilities, gasoline and eateries are limited along the trail, especially south of Hackberry on LA 27; LA 27 south of the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge; or on LA 82 from the Texas State line to the Vermilion Parish line.

5 miles

W W W. C R E O L E N AT U R E T R A I L . O R G

photos by monsourphotography.com

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

photo by Brenda LaFleur

photo by monsourphotography.com

August 2011

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It’s recommended that visitors fill up their gas tank and pack lots of water as they begin their adventure – which can be enjoyed from the car, on foot, or both – with small-town restaurants and stops along the way.

The mapped trail meanders through the southwest part of the state and includes visits to the Sabine and Cameron-Prairie National Wildlife Refuges. The trip provides countless opportunities for birding, crabbing, hiking, fishing, picnicking, shrimping, photography and other activities that allow trail-goers to appreciate the natural and peaceful beauty of Southwest Louisiana.

The experience is further enhanced by the GPS Ranger Handheld Video Solution and Smartphone application for visitors. As you drive through the state’s fertile marshlands you can enjoy the cutting-edge technology of a self-paced tour guide delivered from the palm of your hand. The GPS Ranger system delivers content based on where you are located on the trail, providing information on the history, culture, industry and wildlife of the area. The free GPS tour guide is available at the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.

LOUISIANA’S OUTBACK

Visitor Center Westlake

Vinton

337-436-9588

Iowa LA 108

Alternate Routes

Illinois Plant Road

LA 3056

Intracoastal Park

Lacassine Pool

(Big Lake) Northline Hog Island Gulley Blue Crab

SABINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Wetland Walkway

West Cove

Blue Goose Walking Trail

CAMERON PRAIRIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitors Center

Scenic Overlooks Boat Launch Recreation Area

Streeters Road

The more than 180-mile Creole Nature Trail was one of the first National Scenic Byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in the Gulf South, and that designation was upgraded in 2002 to the highest category, an All-American Road. Along this distinctive natural corridor through Louisiana’s Outback — one of America’s “Last Great Wildernesses” — you have the opportunity to experience world-famous wildlife habitats and estuaries. The Creole Nature Trail is a journey through a wild and rugged terrain unique to Louisiana, America and the world . . . Louisiana’s Outback.

LACASSINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Wildlife Drive

CAMERON PRAIRIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

BE PREPARED! to Vermilion Parish / Rollover Bayou

Fishing Pier/RV Park

Price Lake Nature Drive

Rockefeller Headquarters

Exiting I-10 in Sulphur or Lake Charles, prepare yourself for your journey into Louisiana’s Outback. Check fuel levels; get snacks and light beverages; stock up on film; and, most importantly, assign each person in the vehicle to a window. Because on the Creole Nature Trail, everyone is a lookout!

Facilities: Hurricanes over the past several years have impacted the manmade facilities along Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. The most current information about the trail is always accessible at www.CreoleNatureTrail.org.

0

Please be aware that public restroom facilities, gasoline and eateries are limited along the trail, especially south of Hackberry on LA 27; LA 27 south of the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge; or on LA 82 from the Texas State line to the Vermilion Parish line.

5 miles

W W W. C R E O L E N AT U R E T R A I L . O R G

Don't Forget to Pack Your Water!

photo by monsourphotography.com

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

photo by Shonda Manuel

photo by Brenda LaFleur

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Small

Incisions Can Lead to Relief for Back Pain

Big

by Kristy Armand

Sometimes the biggest advances in healthcare are smaller. This is news that people with back pain will be happy to hear.

Many people with lower back pain dread the thought of surgery so much that they delay seeking treatment and suffer for years. They assume that back surgery involves a long, complicated procedure and extended hospital stay, followed by weeks of bed rest, lingering pain, limited activity and a prolonged recovery. While this may have been a common scenario in the past, the road to back pain relief is now smoother and shorter, thanks to improved surgical techniques that expedite recovery.

Dr. James Perry, orthopaedic spine surgeon with the Center for Orthopaedics, says advances in technology have led to dramatic improvements. “The microsurgery revolution has impacted virtually every surgical field, including spine surgery. Most people are familiar with minimally invasive techniques, both arthroscopic and laparoscopic. The same concepts have now been adapted to treat many back problems as well,” says Dr. Perry.

“A big challenge we faced in the past was not having the right equipment to work in and around the delicate nerves and structures of the spine, but in recent years, tools and instruments have been refined for minimally invasive spine techniques.”

Many people who suffer from lower back pain and extremity pain from the back are experiencing symptoms caused by the natural degeneration of the spine. Dr. Perry explains that as we age, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and joints may become damaged. Examples of degenerative disorders include degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, pondylolysis/spondylolisthesis, arthritis and spinal stenosis. Back pain can also result from acute trauma, such as a car accident or fall.

Accurately diagnosing the source of a patient’s back pain is critical, and requires a thorough patient history and physical exam, along with any needed diagnostic tests to identify the underlying condition or conditions causing the symptoms.

“Once we have this information, we can recommend the best treatment, which may or may not include surgery,” says Dr. Perry. “Our goal is always to choose the most conservative treatment option that will provide relief and restore mobility.

Fortunately, most back pain can often be relieved without surgery.”

When surgery is determined to be the best recommendation, minimally invasive procedures have replaced traditional “open” back surgery for many back problems. With these innovative techniques, Dr. Perry uses specially-designed instruments to access the affected portion of the spine without making large incisions in the skin and muscle.

For patients, Dr. Perry says this provides several key benefits compared to open surgeries, including: • smaller incisions and scars • less tissue trauma and pain • decreased intraoperative blood loss • shorter hospital stay • reduced risk of surgical infection • quicker return to normal function and work

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Dr. Perry is specially trained in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques and has been performing them for 10 years. He says that although these types of procedures are more demanding of the surgeon, the payoff is a drastic reduction in post-surgical pain and complications for the patient.

Dr. Perry cautions that every case is different, and a minimally invasive procedure may not be an option for everyone. “But we are committed to making this technology available to help our patients return to productive, active, pain-free lifestyles.”

For more information about back pain and minimally invasive surgical options, call Center for Orthopaedics at (337) 721-7236.

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11

Keeping It All Together

by Erin Kelly

Help Your Forgetful Child Stay Focused Childhood may seem like it comes with few responsibilities, but kids often have a long list of things to remember, whether it’s bringing home papers for parents to sign or finishing homework assignments. For those involved in extracurricular activities, the list can grow even longer, and for parents with an even longer to-do list, keeping track of all the tasks can become close to impossible.

Levels of frustration, impatience and time-wasting have the potential to reach epidemic proportions when obligatory tasks find their way into the hands of absent-minded children.

Although thousands of children have diagnosable cases of ADD or ADHD, many are simply forgetful, unfocused creatures who are more preoccupied with play than anything else. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s normal for all children to have certain levels of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity and forgetfulness – but that doesn’t make the job of parenting an unfocused child any easier, especially during the school year when responsibilities mount.

To help parents battle the evil beast of juvenile inefficiency, Thrive consulted the NIMH and talked to Ruth Singletary, a local licensed clinical social worker whose thirty years of treatment experience includes working with children with attention disorders.

If you’ve got a forgetful young one at home, consider these suggestions to keep them on track for a successful school year:

Be clear and consistent with your expectations.

Most children – specifically those with attention problems – operate best when they have rules they can understand and follow.

Involve them in their planning process.

Just because a sticky note works for you doesn’t mean it’ll work for your child. Instead of imposing your own ideas of organization on them, get their suggestions. Ask them why they forget their folder every day then ask them how they think they can better remember. Work together to see that this happens. In most areas of parenting – including behavior modification offset absent-mindedness – giving the child some level of reasonable control over their own destiny makes for much better results, according to Singletary. “Your kid is more resourceful than you think. They need to be a part of the plans. Find out how they feel, what goals they would like to set, what things they need to do to get there, then suggest that you write it all down together.”

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Use reminders. “Make lists, use cell phone alerts – have some sort of actual reminder,” Singletary said. “What that reminder is depends on what works best for the individual child.”

Talk to your child. There’s only one way to know what works best for your child, and that’s to actually know your child. According to Singletary, parents should have productive conversations with their children. When you have a good grasp on their personality beyond minimal chit-chat, you have a better chance of figuring out how to help them modify their behavior.

Keep a schedule. According to the NIMH, maintaining the same routine daily can help organize a disorganized mind. From wake-up to bedtime, consider going through the same time blocks every day for homework, play, and other household activities. You can even take it a step further by posting a schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board.

Explain the whys. Parents are often so busy with the hustle of life to stop and explain things to their children, but things “stick” better when kids understand the bigger picture or goal, Singletary said. Tell them why it’s important for them to remember their school folder or homework assignments so they can fully appreciate the task of following through.

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1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 433-3497 • www.iccschool.org

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1111 Cypress Street, Sulphur, LA 70663 • (337) 527-7828 • www.olcs.org

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3908 Creole Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605 • (337) 477-7333 • www.olqhs.org

SACRED HEART/ST. KATHARINE DREXEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1100 Mill Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 436-3588 www.edline.net/pages/Sacred_Heart_SKD

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2510 Enterprise Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 436-7959 • www.stmcs.com

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785 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 70611 • (337) 855-9465 • www.sthfcs.com

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1620 Bank Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 • (337) 436-7275 • www.slchs.org The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles Mrs. Kimberlee Gazzolo, Superintendent of Catholic Schools STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lake Charles do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national or ethnic origin.

Office of Catholic Schools • 337-433-9640

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August 2011

READY FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR?

Try talking instead of scolding. Shouting at your child about their irresponsible behavior rarely does any good.

“Treating their forgetfulness like willful disobedience won’t cut it,” Singletary said. “People say terrible things in front of their children and even worse, people say terrible things to their children. Parents should not be in the business of diminishing the way their child feels about himself. There is always a better way to talk to your children other than yelling and criticizing.

Unfortunately many parents today feel overloaded and it causes them to go overboard with their responses.”

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13

Backpack Basics

by Kristy Armand

A backpack is probably on most back-to-school shopping list, but most parents - and children - are likely unaware of the potential injury that too-heavy packs can cause.

Research indicates that as many as 75 percent of school-age children experience back and shoulder pain from the weight of their backpack and that most carry far more than the recommended weight (10 percent or less of their body weight). Concerned parents have lobbied schools to cut down on homework, and some schools have even started issuing duplicate textbooks – one for home and one for school.

“There’s no question that overloaded backpacks place extra stress on the spine and shoulders which leads to muscle fatigue and strain,” says Craig Morton., MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Center for Orthopaedics.

He explains that when a backpack is too heavy, a child hyperextends or arches their back, or leans the head and trunk forward to compensate for the weight of the bag. This stresses the muscles in the neck and back, increasing the risk of fatigue and injury. Using only one strap causes asymmetry of the spine and affects the spine’s natural shock absorption abilities. Another concern is the bad habits children can develop as a result of carrying heavy backpacks, such as poor posture or excessive slouching, which can lead to back problems in the future.

When purchasing a backpack, parents should also consider the backpack’s construction.

Choose one that has two wide, padded straps

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

that go over the shoulders and a waist belt to distribute weight more evenly across the body. The width should not be greater than the child’s torso.

Dr. Morton offers these additional recommendations for backpack use: • Multiple compartments to help distribute the weight of the load.

• Use both shoulder straps.

• If the backpack is too heavy, remove some books and carry them cradled in the arms or against the stomach.

• Adjust the straps so the backpack sits on the hips and pelvic area, not at the top or at the buttocks.

• Arrange the heaviest items close to the back.

• Use a backpack with wheels if your school allows.

• If your child already has back problems, ask the school to issue a second set of books that can stay at home.

Parents should also be alert for warning signs of back problems from backpacks, including aching in the shoulder, neck or back; pain or tingling in the arms, wrists or hands, especially at night; muscle weakness; red marks or creases on the shoulder; struggling to get the backpack on and off; and noticeable imbalances in the child’s posture, including tilting the head and neck to one side and an uneven gait.

August 2011

Caring for School Uniforms

by Haley Armand

Love them or hate them, school uniforms are a reality for most students attending area schools.

And while having a uniform dress code may save parents on their child’s overall clothing costs, outfitting a student for the new school year represents a big investment.

Unfortunately, many parents face additional expenses during the school year when they have to purchase replacements. Reasons for mid-year new uniforms purchases may include premature wear and tear of garments, color fading, and visible stains and spots that cannot be removed.

Robert Guillot, owner of AAA Drive-In Cleaners in Lake Charles, says parents can extend the life of school uniforms and save replacement costs by investing a little extra time in the proper care and laundering of school uniform. He offers these tips for maintaining and caring for common styles of school uniforms:

O X XO Knit Polo-Style Shirts and Turtlenecks

Make a knit-only load, and wash a separate load for light and dark colors. Use non-chlorine bleach for light colors. Turn items inside out and wash in cold water on a slow wash cycle. If your machine allows, set for a three to five-minute wash time. Line dry or tumble dry on low to reduce shrinkage. If ironing is necessary, turn inside out to iron. Consider using dye to restore shirts to their original color.

Peter Pan Blouses and Oxford Button Downs

Make a woven-only load. Turn items inside out and wash in warm water for five minutes. Use nonchlorine bleach only, if needed. Tumble dry on low or medium and remove promptly. Use warm iron if necessary. If blouse has color piping, wash in cold to prevent bleeding. If bleeding of color should occur, wash the blouse again in cold water to remove color, and then dry.

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Turn items inside out and wash pants and shorts together. Be sure to check the pockets before washing.

Wash in cold water, then line dry or tumble dry on low setting to minimize shrinkage.

Skirts and Jumpers Most of these items are made of polyester and polyester blends. It is best to read the care label and follow specific instructions. In general, you should turn these items inside out and wash in warm water on the gentle cycle. Line dry or tumble dry on low-medium heat, then promptly remove. Use a warm iron if needed. Any pleated items should be professional dry cleaned one or twice during the school year.

Sweaters Fiber content determines the best care for sweaters. First check the care label inside the garment to identify the fiber content and suggested care instructions. Sweaters should only be washed with other sweaters and should also be turned inside out. If the sweater is 100 percent cotton, wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle. It is best to lay the garment on a flat surface to allow it to air dry or tumble dry on low. Both drying methods minimize shrinkage. If the sweater is 100 percent acrylic, wash it in warm water using the delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low and remove promptly from the dryer.

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Mon–Fri 9–6 • Sat 10–3 www.uniformshoplakecharles.com

August 2011

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15

EE

by Kristy Armand

Walking into an optical store can be a little confusing – especially if you are a parent trying to find the right glasses for your child. There are so many frames to choose from. How are you supposed to choose a style your child is not only willing to wear but that will also survive recess, P.E., soccer practice and other after school adventures?

There are many features to consider when choosing eyewear, particularly for a child, explains Dr. Mel Gehrig, optometrist with The Eye Clinic. “You want to get glasses that will provide the vision correction they need and that are durable enough withstand the lifestyle of an active child.” And regardless of their age, he says style matters. “Letting your child have a say in the frame style you purchase will help prevent future battles over wearing the glasses.”

Most children who need eyeglasses are either nearsighted or farsighted.

“The degree of visual correction needed will determine how the glasses will be worn,” explains Dr. Gehrig. “Some children will need to wear their glasses just for close work, while others may need to have them on every waking moment. How much they have to wear the glasses will more than likely be a factor in the type of eyewear they choose.”

To help you understand your options when purchasing eyewear for children, Dr. Gehrig provides some helpful details about key features:

Lens Thickness The prescription is always the primary consideration in choosing glasses.

If the prescription calls for strong lenses that are likely to be thick, it is important to keep the frames as small as possible in order to eliminate unnecessary thickness, and therefore weight, in the lenses. The optician can give you a good idea of how thick the lenses will be and can recommend suitable frames.

Plastic vs. Metal Children’s frames are made of either plastic or metal. Many manufacturers copy adult styles for children’s frames. In the past, plastic eyeglasses were a better choice for children because they were considered more durable, less likely to bend or break, lighter in weight and less expensive. But now manufacturers are making metal frames that incorporate these features as well.

16 www.thriveswla.com

Bridge Fit One of the toughest parts about choosing suitable frames for kids is that their noses are not fully developed, so they don’t have a bridge to prevent plastic frames from sliding down. It is important that the glasses stay in place, because kids have a tendency to look right over the tops of the lenses instead of pushing slipping glasses back up where they belong. A qualified optician is usually the best judge of whether a frame fits properly.

Spring Hinges Temples with spring hinges allow the temples to flex outward, away from the frames, without causing any damage. Kids are not always careful when they put on and take off glasses, and the spring hinges can help prevent costly repairs.

Lens Material For safety reasons, children’s lenses should be made of polycarbonate because it is the most impact-resistant material around. It is also thinner and lighter in weight than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate has built-in protection against potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, and the lenses are coated for scratch-resistance.

Dr. Gehrig says there are so many children’s eyewear options to choose from today that parents and their children can easily find a pair of glasses that meet both of their requirements: the quality parents know is critical, combined with the stylish design kids want.

Optics Unlimited in any of the five area locations of The Eye Clinic, or visit www.theeyeclinic.net. Special back-to-school savings are currently available.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

Practice Early Bedtime Before School Starts

Summer is coming to a quick close and parents around the area are busy picking up school supplies and uniforms. One thing that might be overlooked, but should be placed on any back-to-school to-do list, is readjusting to an early-to-bed/early-to-rise schedule for kids.

In a perfect world children and adults alike should aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time year-round. However, part of the fun of summer is staying up later so the start of a new school year is the perfect time to get children and the entire household on a good sleep schedule.

“Sleeping well is critical for everyone in the house but for kids in particular. Research shows that not getting enough sleep affects school performance and also can lead to attention and behavior problems,” said Michelle Zimmerman, nurse practitioner for the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana.

School age children require nine to 10 hours of sleep at night. With an early wake up call to make it to school on time, this means children need to be in bed earlier at night. Getting back into this routine after summer vacation can be a challenge.

August 2011

Zimmerman recommends starting any new bedtime routine two weeks prior to the start of the new school year.

“Like anything else, it takes time for something to become a habit. It is best to gradually ease children back into their bedtime routine,” said Zimmerman. “Start by putting them to bed 30 minutes earlier than what they have been used to and continue to adjust that number until they are going to bed at the desired time.”

Another tip is to begin waking your child up 30 minutes earlier once you start setting the earlier bedtime. Sleeping in too late will make it more difficult for the child to keep and early bedtime. They simply won’t be tired or sleepy.

For more information on this and other sleep disorders, call the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana at (337) 310-7378 or visit www.sleepdisordercenterofla.com.

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17

Back to School Means Back to Germs

by Kristy Armand

Germs are a part of life, especially in public places like schools. In fact, many experts consider schools to be the “ground zero” for infectious disease transmission because of the increased exposure to germ-filled areas: public restrooms, shared desks, lunchrooms, door handles, sports equipment, band instruments – the list goes on and on. When cold and flu season arrives in a community, it usually starts at the schools.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the common cold alone causes 22 million lost school days annually, as it is easily spread from student to student.

Phyllis Theriot, MT (ASCP), infection preventionist with Jennings American Legion Hospital, says 80 percent of infections are spread by hand, not in the air as many people believe, which makes the school environment one with a particularly high risk due to the sheer volume of children sharing the same small, enclosed spaces. “Whether germs are viral, bacterial, or fungal, many can remain active on most surfaces for several days or longer. And it doesn’t matter whether the surface is stainless steel, wood, plastic, or even a piece of paper. When a child touches that contaminated surface, any germs on it are transferred to their hands. Then if they touch their eyes, rub their nose or lips, eat, or in any way get their fingers in contact with a mucous surface, they become infected, and can spread those germs to others.”

Also contributing to the problem is a lack of preventive measures – such as hand washing – that would remove germs before they enter the body. “Let’s face it,” says Theriot, “getting kids to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day is a challenge. It’s hard enough for parents to monitor the hygiene habits of their own children when they are at home. It’s impossible for teachers to do this for the multitude of students in their classrooms every day. Parents can help by repeatedly stressing germ prevention strategies their children should practice while at school.”

Theriot says it’s also important for parents and students to be aware of the high risk “germ zones,” that might be encountered during the school day. “Most would probably guess the bathroom, and while that is certainly a high-risk area for the spread of germs, there are many others that are often overlooked.”

She gives an overview of some of these high risk areas:

Classrooms

Think about all the classroom activities that involve handto-hand contact – everything from passing papers, pens and books, to sharing scissors, rulers and other tools. In some cases, students sit together at tables, in others, they share desks as they move from classroom to classroom. All of this sharing provides ample opportunity for direct and surface spread of germs in the classroom.

18 www.thriveswla.com

Lunchroom

There’s almost no way to avoid germs in a lunchroom. Students are notorious for not only improper hand washing, but also for sharing food and drinks with one another. Hundreds of students pass through each lunchroom every day, using the same tables and touching the same shared surfaces, in an area where they will definitely be touching their mouths.

School Bus

The bus ride to and from school carries many high-risk opportunities, and a bus is not cleaned as often as a class room, bathroom or lunch table is.

Sharing drinks, snacks and even cell phones can contribute to the spread of germs, and book bags on the bus floor can carry germs back into the home.

Band Room

Instruments stored and shared in many schools’ band and music classes may be crawling with potentially harmful germs if not cleaned properly. Woodwind and brass instruments are at highest risk to become breeding grounds for bacteria because many students share instruments.

Locker Room

When dressing out for P.E. or sports’ practice, or using sports equipment, hygiene is not usually at the top of a student’s mind. Benches, lockers, equipment handles, mats, water bottles, face masks and many other potentially contaminated surfaces lurk in the athletic areas of schools.

Theriot says parents may feel like there is not much they can do about prevention while their children are at school, but they have more influence than they think. “The more you talk to your kids about preventing the spread of germs, the more they’ll remember. Practicing good prevention at home also helps your children adopt these behaviors as ingrained habits that they’ll take with them to school.”

She offers the following additional suggestions: • Children should be taught to wash their hands every time the visit the rest room and before lunch – at a minimum. Make sure they know to wash for 15 – 20 seconds with soap and water (about the same length of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.)

• When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

Do the words “math homework” strike fear in your child…or you?

What if we told you that we can change that fear into better grades and higher self-confidence, and eliminate the frustration, tears, and fights over math homework?

Imagine how much better homework time would be.

• Some schools ask each student to bring a box of tissues and a bottle of hand sanitizer and create the year’s supply for the classroom that way. The key for parents is to remind kids to go get a tissue from the box or use the hand sanitizer when they need to. You can also pack extra tissue and sanitizer in their backpack, or encourage older children to carry their own.

• Teach your children to cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw it away, and then clean their hands if possible.

• Send the supplies your child needs so they won’t have to share with others. Use mechanical pencils if allowed to avoid the need to use the shared pencil sharpener.

• If a tissue is not available, teach them to sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow, not into their hands.

• Instruct your child to avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes during the school day.

• Ask children to try to hang their book bags or place on a bench or chair whenever possible instead of setting on the floor or ground. At home, store book bags away from the kitchen table or counter.

• Children should be cautioned not to share food, drink or utensils with friends.

• No-sharing should also be the rule for towels and sports gear like helmets, gloves, or shin guards.

• If your child plays a school instrument, but sure they clean it frequently and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

They should not share their personal mouth pieces.

• In the locker room or gym, athletes should put a towel down on a bench or a piece of exercise equipment before sitting on it.

August 2011

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19

Dorm Essentials

Your college dorm room will become your first real taste of freedom.

You will want to make it your own—have it represent you. Everyone knows the basic things you need to survive in a dorm room, but there is a lot more to dorm life than just the necessities of a bed and desk. Here are some additional dorm room essentials to consider.

Big plastic bins:

dorm rooms are limited in size, therefore you’ll need to create a storage area that won’t create clutter. Giant plastic bins can be used to store anything and can easily be hidden under your bed or in your closet. They can also be stacked and serve as a night stand.

Extra sheets and towels:

Power strip:

A lot of dorms are older buildings and have limited electrical outlets.

Bring a couple of power strips to ensure you’ll have enough for all of your electronics.

Rug:

a rug is more comfortable to walk on and adds a nice, homey touch.

college life is fast-paced and most students forget to do chores, like laundry.

Mini fridge:

Alarm Clock:

so you can make it to those early morning classes.

Living on campus also means having a meal plan. This is great, but sometimes you will want a late night snack or early morning breakfast. To solve this problem get a mini fridge. They can fit great in a corner or under your bed. Also a microwave will come in handy for those late night eats as well.

Mirror:

a lot of dorms don’t have mirrors, especially the ones with community bathrooms. Invest in a tall mirror to hang on the inside of your closet door.

Dry erase board:

hang one up on the outside of your door and on a wall in your room. The outside one will be great for visitors to leave messages for you while you are gone and will be a quick way to leave notes for your roommate. The inside board will be great for staying organized and completing your assignments.

Laundry Basket:

make sure to get one that is large and easily portable, considering you will be going to a Laundromat to do your laundry—or bringing it home for mom.

Shower Tote:

this will make transporting your bathroom essentials back and forth from the bathroom easier, and makes a nice storage unit for when they aren’t in use.

Frames:

this is an easy way to liven up the dorm room with pictures of your family and friends, or posters of your favorite movies and bands.

Fan:

by Haley Armand

this will help keep you cool in warm months, to help yourself from overheating if you’re roommate keeps the thermostat set too high and to promote air circulation in the packed room.

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August 2011

Moving on Up Helping your Child Make a Smooth Transition to a Bigger School

by Kristy Armand

Think back to your middle school and high school days. Now think back to how you felt just before you entered those new schools, each one a mysterious, unchartered territory.

If you were like most kids, you probably felt a mixture of anticipation and fear. You’d finally made it out of your old school and were excited about the new experiences that awaited you. However, you were likely also worried about getting lost, not seeing any of your friends, not being able to open your locker, having to change clothes in front of people before P.E., the possibility of getting bumped down the social ladder, coping with loads of homework and a myriad list of other potential catastrophes that might lurk around every new corner.

Chauntelle LeJeune, MA, LMFT, LPC, therapist with Solutions EAP, says all of these feelings are completely normal. “And while a few details may change from generation to generation, these are the same fears that live in the hearts and minds of adolescents and teenagers making the same transition today.”

She says most kids make the adjustment to a new school in the first few weeks, but some may need more time. “Parents should be on alert for signs of any problems, such as faking illness, refusal to leave the house, nightmares, unreasonable fear and anxiety and other changes in normal behavior. If you notice any of these signs, the best thing you can do is listen to their concerns. Take them seriously, even if they seem minor or silly to you. Remember how you felt at their age. Work with them to find solutions to whatever is bothering them. For example, if they are worried about getting lost, print or draw the layout and map out the best route for them.

If possible, take them to the school before the new year starts and walk through it with them.”

If problems persist after several weeks into the new school year, LeJeune says parents should not hesitate to seek professional help. “These years can be tough for teens and for parents. They are struggling to find their way and become the well-adjusted adult you want them to be, and you are struggling to know the best way to help them along the way. There is nothing wrong with getting some guidance for both of you during this time.”

She adds that parents should keep a watchful eye for other problems that may develop throughout the school year as they adjust to the demands and new routines of higher grade levels. Time management, academic performance, social awkwardness, peer pressure, bullying and other challenges are common, and the sooner parents become aware of these issues, the more they can help their kids.

LeJeune offers these additional suggestions: • Take advantage of school orientation opportunities for you and your child.

• Help your teen review the piles of paperwork sent home during the first few week. This provides a good opportunity to talk to them about how things are going.

• Suggest an after-school schedule, at least initially, to ensure adequate time for homework, then make sure your child is studying during the agreed-upon time.

August 2011

• Listen intently, especially those during their first weeks of school.

• Don't minimize your child's feelings as they navigate and find their footing on the new terrain. The emotions they feel are very real to them; empathy is your best response.

• Encourage your child to be his or her own advocate. This is the time when parents should begin stepping back and letting their teenager deal with problems, whether it's homework, a broken locker door, or a conflict with a friend.

• Pay attention to who they are spending time with at school. Meet their friends and their friends’ parents.

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21

Starting the Wave of Positive Economic Change THINK POSITIVE. BE POSITIVE.

by Chrisitne Fisher

You’ve had them. We all have. The kind of day where your alarm fails to work so you’re scrambling around trying to get ready in half the time, the traffic is backed up so you’re even later, your desk is stacked with more work waiting on you and when you finally bid good riddance to the work day, you’re greeted with a flat tire. It’s hard to be cheery on a day like that.

Those days are proof that circumstances can affect attitude. But does it work the other way around? Can attitude change circumstances?

West Calcasieu Association of Commerce believes it does. That’s why they’ve launched the Think Positive Be Positive campaign. WCAC board member and local attorney Maurice Tynes initiated the idea. “Attitudes by the economic community can cause a chain reaction with economic growth,” he explained. “We’re encouraging people to shop locally and support our businesses in West Calcasieu and throughout Southwest Louisiana.”

The Consumer Confidence Index measures the degree of optimism on the state of the economy. The reasoning is when the public feels confident they tend to spend more on non-essential items which strengthens the economy.

West Calcasieu’s goal is to remind people that when they spend their dollars, they should consider spending them with local businesses. As Tynes explained, “When people buy from a local store, the store owner can buy a new car from a local dealer, the auto dealer can bring in more cars to grow his business, so he hires more employees and the cycle continues.”

Think Positive Be Positive yard signs and window decals can be seen throughout West Calcasieu; more are available from the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce. “We decided to take the lead on encouraging businesses and residents to take note of all that we have here in Southwest Louisiana, but this is not limited to West Calcasieu,” explained Brian Levens, president of WCAC. “We invite all of Southwest Louisiana to adopt this mentality, put these signs in their businesses and at their homes, too. We look for this to become the first wave in a statewide initiative about positive things in Louisiana.”

For more information, call the WCAC at (337) 313-1121.

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August 2011

Coming in August

PLAYBOOK 2011

Regional Guide to High School Football 26 AREA TEAMS GAME SCHEDULES PLAYER & COACHING STATS TEAM PHOTOS Sponsored by:

August 2011

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A Trend to Watch Would you believe that the wristwatch is making a comeback? Despite the fact that every cell phone, computer, and iPad displays the time, watches are selling like hotcakes. As recently as five years ago, the wristwatch seemed doomed to extinction - following VHS tapes, Walkman music players and pocket calculators. However, today, men in their 20s and 30s are wearing their grandfather’s watch. Or buying the most unique watch they can find, because having a smartphone no longer makes them unique.

Women in their 20s are wearing watches as fashion statements. The Swatch is even making a comeback! Remember those trendy watches from the 90s? Even though a younger generation has embraced the wristwatch – they’re not using it to tell time. They’ll still pull out their cell phone for that, because cell phones are always accurate, and because most of them consider a watch jewelry, not a timepiece.

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August 2011

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25

Lose, Gain, Repeat: Solving the Dieting Dilemma

by Erin Kelly

If you’re like millions of other Americans who want to get rid of a wayward waistline, you probably tried it all. You eliminated carbohydrates, just like Sugar Busters and Dr. Atkins suggested. You went one week on nothing but grapefruit. You swallowed colon cleansers and diet pills, overran your punch card at Subway and sucked food through a straw. Then you watched – proudly and hungrily – as the pounds fell off, one by one. When you lost that last twenty pounds, you promised yourself that you’d maintain your current weight at a healthy and leisurely pace, but six months later, you’d gained it all back and then some. You may have also noticed that an undertone of depression or anxiety had taken hold during the whole process – an undertone that cannot be shaken, even when you start the cycle up again.

Sound familiar? If so, you are not alone. Dieting has become a popular American pastime. The Boston Medical Center estimates that about 45 million Americans go on diets each year and spend about $33 billion on weight-loss products. Unfortunately, many of these dieters find themselves in a cycle that can threaten their physical, mental and emotional well-being, according to Christian Romero, an internist on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and the newest member of the Internal Medicine Clinic physician group.

Healthy and effective weight loss incorporates a well-balanced diet with regular exercise. To get safe and lasting results, weight-loss hopefuls have to do more than diet; they have to adopt a healthier overall lifestyle. Unfortunately, many of the 45 million Americans who want to shrink their size have fallen to the lures of increasingly popular “fad” or quick-fix diets.

“This form of dieting resembles the cyclical nature of a yo-yo: up, down, up, down. The danger of these yo-yo diets is that they can be bad for you, not only physically but mentally as well,” said Dr. Romero. “Many people go from eating too much to eating too little. They skip meals or restrict their diets. The body and brain cannot function well under this form of stress, so people often experience fatigue, loss of energy and mood swings that can result in depression.”

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

To function properly, the body needs a healthy balance of nutrients. These nutrients help stabilize moods, provide energy, focus the brain and prevent stress, among other things.

Unfortunately, yo-yo dieting often starts a cycle of nutrient deprivation, which can have numerous adverse effects, including mood swings (worsened by constant hunger or a feeling of being undernourished) and inadequate sleep patterns.

Examples of the some of the most popular fad diets include Atkins, The Zone, South Beach and Sugar Busters, which focus on eliminating specific foods. Other popular modern diets are food-specific, such as the grapefruit, cabbage soup and peanut butter diets, while others involve diet pills or supplements.

August 2011

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The allure of these diets is clear: Not only do they promise fast and easy weight loss, but many of the followers actually do lose weight.

Unfortunately, the weight loss is often temporary and the pounds come back with a vengeance.

“In the end, most people end up with weight gain. They not only get back the weight they lost, but they gain even more,” Dr. Romero said. “That is because while you’re dieting your body knows you’re not getting enough of the foods it needs.” When you finally eat a normal meal again, you have the propensity to eat more and your body, fearing another fasting period, has the potential to store more.

According to Dr. Romero, fad diets are also unhealthy because the rapid weight loss – losing ten pounds in three weeks, for example – increases risk for developing adverse health conditions. Also, diets that are high in some foods while eliminating others can increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies.

“You cannot deprive the body of nutrients,” Dr. Romero said. He encouraged potential dieters to instead focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Also: “Watch your portion sizes, do not skip meals and exercise regularly.”

August 2011

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27

BY THE NUMBERS

COLLEGE

19.1 million

$39,476 - $75,621

number of students in the U.S. enrolled in college.

national average starting salary offered to bachelor’s degree candidates

Source: Pew Research Center

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

$6,750 :: community college $9,800 :: 4-year public university $21,240 :: 4-year private university average amount spent per semester on tuition, fees, and room and board for full-time students

10

TOP 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Source: Pew Research Center

undergraduate majors

86%

Business Administration of college students are commuters Source: stateuniversity.com Engineering Marketing Management Information Systems/MIS students are expected to earn a Banking/Finance college degree this year Communication Computer Science Accounting average length of time it takes a Mathematics average cost of textbooks

Source: schools.com

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3.3 million

5 years

$1,137

student to achieve a college degree

per year per student

Source: payscale.com

Source: College Board

Thrive Magazinefor forBetter BetterLiving Living Thrive Magazine

March2011 2010 August

Your Dog Is Watching

You

Did you know that you could be teaching your dog new tricks – and rewarding them for bad behavior - without even trying? Studies suggest that dogs seem to know when they are being watched, and will even wait until they think you aren’t watching to do things they’re not supposed to - like digging in the garden. There’s new research to back that up. Researchers at the University of Florida focused on the role of eye contact and facial cues in influencing dog behavior. They tested a variety of pet dogs, shelter dogs, and wolves raised in captivity. First, the animals were taught that when humans they’d never seen before called them, they always got a tasty treat. Then, two testers at a time were put in front of the dogs. One looked at the dogs, and the other turned their back, or blocked their eyes with a mask. Then, both testers called for the dogs to come.

The result? All the animals - pet dogs, shelter dogs and wolves - ignored the person whose eyes weren’t visible, and begged for food from the person who was looking at them. Why? Because they’d learned that people who weren’t paying attention were less likely to feed them. Researchers said that dogs are good at reading our behavior. They watch, they’re fast learners, and they quickly figure out from your behavior whether they’re about to get a treat, or a bath. Pet owners often unwittingly reinforce bad dog behavior by giving in, such as giving the dog a treat when they beg, skipping a bath when they fight to stay out of the tub or letting them stay on the couch when they refuse to get down. That’s because dogs have figured out that you’ll eventually give up or give in.

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(800)826-5223 • www.theeyeclinic.net Lake Charles • DeRidder • Sulphur • Jennings • Moss Bluff

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29

Investment Guide

The Beginner’s Roadmap Tips for First-time Investors

The market is a confusing web of mutual funds and stocks, trades and sales, highs and lows, bears and bulls – it’s no wonder that some novice investors are intimidated by its inner-workings. However, financial professionals agree that unless you have been fortunate enough to stumble upon found money, the smartest way to build your wealth is to invest early and smartly. If you’ve missed out on the former, don’t worry. You can still make smart and sound investments.

Now’s the time.

But where to begin? There is no blanket fund that covers all types of investors; where you invest your money is a personal decision based on many factors, ranging from how much money you have to how old you are.

Luckily, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has already developed a roadmap for the beginning investor. According to the SEC, here’s how to start your financial journey:

to cut back on expenses and pay yourself first. An easy way to do this is to have your bank automatically deposit money from your paycheck into a savings or investment account.

Pay off High Interest Debt

Most credit cards charge high interest rates – as much as 18 percent and often more – if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month. If you owe money on your credit cards, the smart thing to do is pay off the balance as soon as possible. Virtually no investment will give you returns to match an 18 percent interest rate on your credit card. That’s why you’re better off eliminating all credit card debt before investing. Once you’ve paid off your credit cards, you can budget your money and begin to save and invest.

Determine Your Risk Tolerance Define Your Goals

It’s not enough to say “I want to be rich.” You need a solid financial plan. List your most important goals first and decide how many years you have to meet each one. Be specific. If your goal is to retire by age sixty, for example, you’ll need a plan with specific steps to take you there.

Determine Your Net Worth

Get a spreadsheet or loose leaf sheet of paper – whatever works for you. On one side, list what you own. These are your assets. On the other side, list what you owe. These are your liabilities. Subtract your liabilities from your assets; if your assets are larger, then your net worth is considered “positive.” If it’s negative instead, don’t worry. This is not uncommon. Make it one of your goals to turn your negative net worth into positive net worth by following a financial plan.

Determine Your Income and Expenses

Write down how much your household earns, how much it spends and how much is left for saving and investing. If you keep track of every dollar, you’ll be surprised how quickly small purchases can add up and how many opportunities there are to save. If you think you don’t make enough money to save or invest, you could be wrong. If you spend every dollar you earn, it’s time

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What are the best saving and investment products for you? The answer depends on when you will need the money, your goals, and how well you can tolerate the thought of losing your initial investment.

If you are saving for retirement, and you have 35 years before you retire, you may want to consider riskier investment products, knowing that if you stick to only the “savings” products or to less risky investment products, your money will grow too slowly. Or, given inflation and taxes, you may lose the purchasing power of your money. A frequent mistake people make is putting money they will not need for a very long time in investments that pay a low amount of interest.

On the other hand, if you are saving for a short-term goal, five years or less, you don’t want to choose risky investments, because when it’s time to sell, you may have to take a loss.

Save

Savings are usually put into safe places that allow you access to your money at any time. Examples include savings accounts, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit (see page XX for more information).

Invest

When investing, you have a greater chance of losing your money than when you save. Unlike FDIC-insured deposits like savings or CDs, the money you invest in securities, mutual funds, and other similar investments are not federally insured. You could lose your initial investment. But when you invest, you also have the opportunity to earn more money.

Diversify

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The idea is that if one investment loses money, the other investments will make up for those losses. Diversification can’t guarantee that your investments won’t suffer if the market drops. But it can improve the chances that you won’t lose money, or that if you do, it won’t be as much as if you weren’t diversified.

For more information and more tips, visit www.investor.gov.

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August 2011

Avoid Common Investment Mistakes Investing can be a complicated business. Once you’re invested, you become vulnerable not only to the volatility of the market, but to the whims of your own financial strategy. Even when you have a financial advisor, which is wise for virtually anyone considering an investment, your advisor is only able to work with the information you provide. It’s not uncommon for people to rationalize their financial strategy with dreams of hitting money market gold, but when it comes to investing, an honest and mapped-out plan is integral.

“One of the easiest ways to get off on the wrong foot is to over or under estimate your risk tolerance. The highest returns are often found in the riskier investments, and because we all want to get the most bang for our buck, it can be tempting to put our money toward the investment that has the biggest pay-off. If you have a low risk tolerance, however, putting your hard-earned money into a high-risk investment may not be the best approach,” says Stacey Corbello, Senior Investment Representative with Iberia Financial, a subsidiary of Iberia Bank. “When you enter into an investment strategy, you have to be honest about how much risk you can handle, what your goals are and how you can realistically reach those goals.”

Another common mistake people make, Corbello says, is investing in things you don’t understand. “Sometimes clients get a tip from a friend or relative, or see something on the news about a certain stock, and they immediately want to get in on the action. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with exploring investment options with your advisor, or getting more information about a hot stock, but it’s best to put your money toward a business that you understand. Some businesses and industry are highly regulated and complex, which can get confusing for stockholders, she adds.

Perhaps the most common -- and in some cases, the costliest – mistake people make is waiting too long to invest. To truly profit from the world of investing, it’s best to start as early as possible, according to Corbello.

“There are many, many benefits to starting early, the most obvious being that you have a longer period of time to earn money. Another great benefit of investing at an early age, like 18, 19, or even younger, is that you can take more chances. You can afford to put money in high-risk stocks because unlike an investor who is 50 or 60, you have time to recover from any losses you may incur,” Corbello says. “It’s never too late to invest, but it’s never too early either.”

She says if you are new to investing, it’s best to consult with a trusted financial advisor if you’re not sure of the best path to take.

“Financial planning isn’t always about looking at numbers and interest rates. Sometimes people want to do what feels right for them. Everyone is different and we all have our own expectations and temperaments. A good financial advisor understands that.”

For more information about investment services available through Iberia, call 312-7041.

by Kristy Armand

Insurance and Investments

N

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Investment Advisor Representative

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The Perry Agency and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are not affiliated entities.

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Investment Guide

Savings and CDs: Low-Risk Options for Wary Investors Savings accounts and certificates of deposit have long been popular options for account holders who want to build on existing funds, but are wary of investing their money in the fickle market. Both are virtually risk free and insured by the FDIC or the National Credit Union Administration and although their minimal risk means they are unlikely to yield the high return of riskier stock market investments, they provide a comfortable way for nervous investors to gain some momentum or added benefit from their money.

Most financial professionals agree that savings accounts are essential for any investor. The long-standing rule was to have at least three months of living expenses saved, but the rules have changed since the recession, according to Main Street Financial Vice President Misty Albrecht.

“These days we recommend that our members have at least six to nine months of living expenses saved – just in case. Savings should be part of everyone’s plan, because life never goes as we all plan,” Albrecht said.

The role that a savings account should play in an overall investment portfolio, however, will vary from person to person. Some account-holders, wary of investing their money in the market, settle for savings alone. Others opt for savings and certificates of deposit, known as CDs. Still others utilize CDs as a supplement to a diversified portfolio.

Savings accounts provide little by way of high return, but the benefits are clear. “You have easy access to your money. Most institutions can link your checking and savings accounts, so money from your savings account can be

by Erin Kelly

quickly transferred to your checking account to avoid overdrafts,” Albrecht said.

CDs are designed to accrue interest over a specific period of time before they reach maturity; they cannot be cashed-out prior to that time without a penalty. Once the CD has reached maturity, the investor can access the money and the gained interest. The time period to maturity can range anywhere from six months to three years, and sometimes longer.

“For long-term financial needs, CDs have higher interest rates. Because you can’t access the funds early without a penalty this will also prevent you from cashing it in for the new dress or pair of shoes you want. It is a great way to keep you focused on a long-term goal,” Albrecht said. “Interest rates on savings accounts change over time. With CDs, you are locked into a rate for a specific period of time. Most require a minimum deposit of $500.”

According to Albrecht, people with a good financial cushion – typically in the form of a well-padded savings account – can benefit from a CD. The rate is locked-in, earning more in the long run. She noted that CDs are also good investment alternatives for those who don’t want to take big risks.

“Depending on your short and long-term financial needs, the pros of each product can also be considered a con,” she said. “We recommend that everyone speak to a personal financial planner to determine the answers that are right for them.”

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Put Your Money

Where Your Mouth Is

Investment LIngo for Non-Investors You may think you have a good handle on your finances, and are ready to consider making some investments. Before you get too far, you realize you don’t even speak the right language – or at least it may seem that way. The terms and abbreviations used in the investment field may seem like a foreign language. It’s your money, and you should be aware of how and why it is being managed in a particular way. The first step in becoming aware of what is going on with your invested funds is learning the “lingo.” Here is a list of some common investment terms.

• Annual return: increase in value of investment. This is expressed as percent per year.

• Annuities: contract between you and an insurance company, under which you make a lump-sum payment or a series of payments. In return, the insurer agrees to make periodic payments to you beginning immediately or at some future date.

• Asset allocation: dividing your money among the basic asset classes—stock and bonds—to match your financial goals. This can help investors control risk and improve the probability of achieving expected returns.

• Bear market: a prolonged period of declining stock prices • Blue chip: a well-known corporation with a long history of growth and profits.

• Bond: a legal document that is a promise to repay borrowed principle along with interest on a specified schedule of due date.

• Bull market: a prolonged period of rising stock prices • Buying on margin: buying stocks with money you’ve borrowed from a brokerage house.

This is very risky behavior.

• Capital gains: the amount of money you make on an investment when you sell it.

• Capital growth: this is the growth of your original investment amount before any tax or charges are applied.

• Capital loss: the amount of money you lose on an investment when you sell it.

• Commission: a fee an investor pays a broker for executing a transaction—buying or selling stock.

• Commodity: a tradable item that can generally be further processed and sold.

• Compound interest: interest calculated on the initial principle plus accumulated interest.

• Correlation: the degree to which two or more assets values move in the same direction.

• Dividends: cash or stock payment to stockholders from a company’s profit.

• Dollar-cost averaging: investing the same amount of money on a regular schedule regardless of market price. This strategy helps reduce market volatility. Volatility is how much an investment can rise or fall.

• Equity fund: a mutual fund investing in company shares.

• Fixed income bond: a debt bond issued by a company of government • Index: the measure of price movement in financial markets • Invest: use money to make more money • Liquidity: how fast investments can be bought and sold.

• Maturity: time when a bond issuer pays you back the money you loaned plus any interest earned.

• Portfolio: all the assets you own and represents the choices you’ve made with your money • Retirement plan: the setting aside of money or other assets to obtain a steady income at retirement. The goal is to achieve financial independence.

Continued on p37

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Investment Guide

Investing: %

Behavior

KNOWLEDGE

by Erin Kelly

Financial wellness isn’t achieved simply by understanding the functions of investing. It’s a life stage that’s reached through deliberate steps in personal finance, including saving, investing, managing personal debt and budgeting household income. According to the philosophy of Dave Ramsay, internationally acclaimed business consultant, financial success is 20 percent “head knowledge” and 80 percent personal behavior. Local LPL Financial Advisor Mark Eckard with Rau Financial Group operates under this philosophy.

“When you set a goal for monetary success, there are no guarantees. The only guarantee you can give yourself is that you will try your best to make smart financial decisions. First you need to know what decisions there are to make, and what to do from there,” said Eckard, the only local financial professional who is an endorsed local provider using the Ramsay model.

“Some think they can invest a few thousand in an account then sit back and watch their riches grow. Unfortunately, it’s doesn’t work that way. In addition to building an investment portfolio, you have to take small steps toward financial comfort.”

Once you put your money toward an investment, it may not be immediately accessible; and if you’ve invested it in something like an individual retirement account, it may only be accessible with fees attached. So before you put all your eggs in an investment-account basket, you have to make sure that the money you have immediate access to – the funds that help your household operate – are in good shape. That includes putting at least $1,000 toward an emergency fund. “Things happen. You need to be able to cover those unexpected events without taking an enormous hit on your everyday finances,” Eckard said.

Based on the Ramsay model, building a rainy-day fund is the first baby step toward investment success. The second is to pay off all debts using the “debt snowball” theory. According to Eckard, this involves listing all your debts in order then placing priority on the smallest balance. Advisors have traditionally recommended that the highest-rate debts be paid off first, but this philosophy

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%

forgoes math in favor of motivation. With personal finance 80 percent rooted in behavior, as Ramsay suggests, the concept is that small victories, such as bringing a $200 account to zero, will achieve greater motivation than chipping away at a $2,000 block.

“Much of successful investing is based on psychology. The logic may say one thing, but our mind interprets another. It’s a phenomenon that shouldn’t be overlooked by investors. When we see a small debt paid off, it gives us much greater satisfaction than watching a bigger bill trickle down slowly. A bigger bill with a higher interest rate seems impossible to conquer when you’re sitting at your kitchen table with your bills spread in front of you. But if you’ve already conquered small battles, you’re trained and ready for the big ones,” Eckard said.

Once you’ve bulked up your emergency fund and paid down your debts, the next step is to invest in individual retirement accounts. This is where wealthbuilding truly begins to gain momentum, according to Eckard.

“A financial professional can help individual investors find out which retirement account is best for them, but I often recommend investing 15 percent in a Roth IRA or pre-tax retirement plan,” he said. “Personal finance is just that – it’s personal – so this advice isn’t set in stone and can be tailored to fit individual goals and expectations. However, 15 percent is typically a good rule-of-thumb number. Any less and you don’t realize the full benefit of the investment. Any more and you may not be able to fully accomplish the other goals that are wise to set forth, which include paying down the mortgage, building a college fund for your children and developing an investment portfolio.”

For more information on building an investment strategy, contact Eckard at 480-1975 or mark.eckard@lpl.com. Eckard helps people take control of their finances and investments with a comprehensive approach that focuses not just on investments, but personal financial wellness, “which is integral to ultimate wealth-building success.”

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August 2011

IRAs: A Breakdown for Beginners

One of the most popular questions of hopeful retirees is how to adequately save for retirement. With so many options, many consumers are left with more questions than answers.

Planning ahead and understanding your options are the cornerstones of adequate financial planning. According to CSE Federal Credit Union Marketing Director Colleen Desselle, many members without access to a retirement plan through their employers turn to places like their financial institution.

“Many times we have members that are just entering the work force for the first time and their employer does not offer a retirement plan or 401k plan to their workers. We also work with members looking for a safe haven for their retirement rollovers when moving from one employer to another. Our area has witnessed a lot of organization changes within the workforce, such as layoffs and job transfers, which create a movement of retirement funds,” Desselle said.

According to a recent Callahan & Associates survey, those between the ages of 18 and 39 are most likely to open an IRA. “Young adults may have less money to invest, but most are aware that their future contributions and balances are worth the sacrifice today,” said CSE Individual Retirement Account Specialist Judy Morrissey. “It’s never too early or too late to plan and save for retirement.

Still, the closer you get to retirement, the tougher it becomes. Keep in mind the sooner you begin saving for your retirement the more time your money has to compound its earnings over time.”

Because you don’t have to keep your IRA in the same account forever, it pays to shop around, Morrissey said. She noted that IRA rules permit you to transfer, tax-free, IRA assets to different financial institutions or brokers, and f you leave an employer, you may be able to move accumulated pension benefits into an IRA. If you’re switching jobs, you also can use an IRA as a holding account for moving funds to your new employer’s plan, she said.

Let us Help Get your Retirement on the Right Path.

Continued on p36 *Membership & Eligibility Required.

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35

Investment Guide IRAs: Continued from p35 Morrissey answered Thrive’s questions about IRAs and provided several financial tips for investors to consider:

What is a Traditional IRA? A traditional IRA is an individual retirement savings plan that offers taxdeferred earnings and the possibility for tax-deductible contributions. These tax advantages make the traditional IRA a powerful tool in creating a balance long-term savings plan. You are eligible to contribute to a traditional IRA if you are under age 70 ½ and earn compensation (or file a joint return with a spouse who earns compensation).

What is a Roth IRA? This type of IRA offers different tax incentives than a traditional IRA to boost your retirement savings. Unlike the traditional IRAs, contributions to a Roth IRA are never tax-deductible. But the money in your Roth IRA can be withdrawn tax-free at any time and if you qualify, you can withdraw the earnings tax-free too. You are eligible to contribute if you earn compensation (or file a joint tax return with a spouse who earns compensation) and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than or within the defined limits.

Assuming you qualify to use both, how do you figure out which one is best?

Annual contributions will differ between Roth and Traditional IRA. However, sometimes the choice is easy. The Roth IRA will probably be a more effective tool if you don’t qualify for tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA.

However, if you can deduct your traditional IRA contributions, the choice is more difficult. The Roth IRA may very well make more sense if you want to minimize taxes during retirement and preserve assets for your beneficiaries.

But a traditional deductible IRA may be a better tool if you want to lower your yearly tax bill while you’re still working (and probably in a higher tax bracket than you’ll be in after you retire). When it comes to taxes, a financial professional or tax advisor can help you pick the right type of IRA for you.

What is a Coverdell education savings account (ESA)?

Coverdell ESAs were created to help people save for a child’s education expense, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment and in some cases, room and board and computers.

Who can contribute to an ESA? Anyone—family member or nonfamily member—can contribute to a child’s ESA, as long as the contributor’s MAGI falls below or within the income limits for the year. If your MAGI falls below the lower limit, you may contribute up to the $2000 maximum per child. If it falls within the limits, you may contribute a portion of the maximum annual contribution. If your income exceeds the limits, you cannot contribute to an ESA for that year. Business may also contribute and are not subject to the MAGI limits.

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Put Your Money

Where Your Mouth Is Continued from p33

• Return: the increase in value of an investment over time such as the amount received when a stock sold or a bond was redeemed.

• Risk: the chance that an investment’s actual return will be different than expected • Take up: the amount of additional space leased in a property market in a given period • Time horizon: the length of time before you must sell investments to raise cash to meet your spending needs.

• Total return: the capital growth plus the income return on an asset.

• Trend: the current general direction of commodity prices.

• Vendor: the seller of an asset • Yield: the income return on an investment expressed as an annual percentage of the value of the underlying asset.

• 401K: typical retirement plan offered by an employer.

• 403B: retirement plan offered by universities, civil government and non-profit employees.

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Take Me Out

to the Ball Game

by Erin Kelly

Sulphur Hosts 2011 Professional Championship Series If there’s restless energy at McMurry Park in Sulphur, it’s because the ballfields are ready to play host to the seventy-mile riseballs and hard hits that come with the horde of professional athletes competing for the title of National Pro Fastpitch champion.

The championship series is the hallmark event for the NPF League, formerly the Women’s Pro Softball League, and is hosted by the Sulphur Parks and Recreation Department and the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Olympian Jessica Mendoza, who received a gold medal as part of the 2004 USA Team in Athens, Greece, was part of the 2010 USSA Florida Pride championship team that took the title last year.

“This will be my third year playing in Sulphur.

We’ve played in big cities and traveled all over, but Sulphur is almost like a home away from home. The turnout and support is unbelievable,” Mendoza said. “There’s such hospitality.”

According to Mendoza, the small-town setting coupled with unwavering local support allows the players to get involved with their fan base by signing autographs, taking pictures, meeting young aspiring athletes or talking to spectators. If there’s one thing the players are more passionate about than the game, it’s reaching out to the masses to talk about the athletic power of softball.

“We get compared to baseball a lot, and even though there are elements of the game that are similar, softball moves so much faster, at much quicker pace. I see something amazing every day that I play the game, not just on my own team, but on the teams we play against,” said Nicole Tromboli of the Akron Racers. Trimboli, who has played for three NPF Championship Series teams and was named MVP in 2008, grew up competing in numerous sports, including volleyball and baseball, but says that softball has its own energy that makes it

uniquely satisfying for players and spectators. “I love how hard the game is. When you’re up to bat, it’s you against nine people, but you have to be connected to the person whose batting after you and the one who went before you. You’re working with a lot of different people at once.”

Mendoza said one of the unique spectator experiences in women’s sports is the opportunity to watch players compete in the purest form of the game; the athletes are driven by competiveness, achievement and love of the game, as opposed to fame, riches or glory.

“We play the game the way we did when we were younger – because we love it. We don’t play for money. We get paid to play for the love of the game and we leave it all on the field.

We have a desire to do our best.

This series is about bringing the best softball players in the world together to give it all they’ve got to win,” Mendoza said. Mendoza also played a variety of sports as a young athlete, including tennis, track and field, volleyball and soccer, but says that one thing that stands out to her most about softball is that its non-discriminatory in what types of athletes can excel. “You can have a 6’2 pitcher on the mound and a 5’11 player on second base. There are no specific attributes you have to have to do well in softball. There’s so much athleticism in the sport and it’s across a broad spectrum. Girls can look at professional softball players and see themselves somewhere on the field. No one can say ‘you’re not tall enough’ or ‘you’re not fast enough.’ There’s a place for everyone.”

NPF players locate to their team cities for three months to play for one of four professional championship series teams -- the USSA Pride, Akron Racers, NPF Diamonds and Chicago Bandits -- before the ultimate Sulphur championship. The championship series has been hosted in several other cities in the past, but according to Trimboli and Mendoza, the players have developed a sincere connection with Southwest Louisiana residents.

AU G U S T 1 8 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 1

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August 2011

“

We play the game the way we did when we were younger – because we love it. We don’t play for money. We play for the love of the game.

”

Jessica Mendoza NPF Athlete

“Sulphur has stepped up to a whole other level compared to other cities where we’ve played.

When we first came to Sulphur we didn’t know what to expect. What struck me wasn’t just the friendliness, but the level of respect the people had for what we do. The whole city is just fantastic.

The level of support is pretty amazing, actually,” Trimboli said. “The players talk about how they can’t wait to come back to Louisiana.”

Eric Zartler, senior sales manager of athletics for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the community has “truly embraced” the sporting event. According to Zartler, residents showed their support by turning out in record numbers. He said last year’s attendance exceeded 9,000 and the economic impact was just under $4 million. Zartler anticipates that those numbers will increase in this year’s series because ESPN2 will broadcast the Sunday games.

“Southwest Louisiana set the bar a long time ago for youth sports and we are thrilled to be part of bringing professional athletes and a professional championship series to the area once again,” Zartler said. “The women who play this game are the best in the world and it is an honor to have them show their skills here.”

The series will be held from Thursday-Sunday, August 18-21. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the NPF Championship Series Web site at championship.profastpitch.com. Prices start at $10.

Continued on p40 August 2011

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39

“

Sulphur has stepped up to a whole other level compared to other cities where we’ve played. The players talk about how they can’t wait to come back.

Nicole Tromboli NPF Athlete

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”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

From l-r: Clarence Doucett, PPG Friends; Kay Barnett, Chairman Millennium Park Rebuild Committee; Todd Spier, PPG Friends; Bob Dewey, Millennium Park Committee; Jon Manns, PPG Plant Manager

PPG is proud of its employee volunteer groups for their commitment and support of community projects.

Each year, our employees donate thousands of dollars and thousands of man hours to dozens of community programs, fundraisers and other initiatives.

One of our proudest achievements was our work on Shiver-Me-Timbers Millennium Park just over a decade ago. In fact, we received special recognition for our overwhelming contribution to this landmark project:

PPG-Lake Charles was a corporate financial sponsor, and nearly 700 volunteers worked over 3000 hours to build the original Millennium Park which was visited and enjoyed by over 50,000 children each year.

We’re ready to rebuild!

August 2011

Tragically, a fire destroyed the park in January. The City of Lake Charles has plans to rebuild it, and has asked for the community’s support to make that happen.

Once again, PPG is responding with the full force of our community commitment.

We were among the first companies to commit to a $10,000 corporate contribution. In addition, our PPG Friends volunteers are committed to the rebuild effort and are ready to help rebuild an even bigger, better Millennium Park for our community.

PPG Volunteers Work.

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Industry’s Role in

Everyday Products

by Christine Fisher

Industries are a familiar part of the landscape here. They’ve been part of Southwest Louisiana for more than 60 years, employing thousands of people, and giving this economy a boost. But, what are they doing inside all of those pipes and towers? Obviously, a few facilities are making fuel, and some people know that area plants make plastics and rubber, but you might be surprised to learn that products made by local industries are used in everything from toilet bowl cleaners to toothpaste.

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“Every industrial facility in this area makes ingredients that go into consumer products,” said Nancy Tower, communications specialist at one of the area industries. “Some products are more well-known than others, but they’re all manufactured to make our lives cleaner, safer, healthier and better.”

For example, products from industry are used throughout the healthcare field. Vinyl is produced locally, and used extensively in the health care field including tubing for IV’s and syringes, bags for blood donations and even heart catheters. Synthetic alcohol, made locally, is found in hand sanitizers and liquid soaps. Even contact lens cleaners, eye drops and other pharmaceuticals contain products produced locally.

“Several local industries have education programs for students, and the kids are always interested to know that our products are found in a lot of familiar places, including in their refrigerators,” said Tower. “They get a kick out of learning that we make ingredients that go into food wraps and bowls to store leftovers. Such everyday items aren’t usually associated with these big industrial facilities.” Polystyrene and polyethylene, produced by area industries, are very useful in the kitchen when they’re turned into bags, bowls, cups and wraps.

Many of the products produced by area industry, which may come in contact with food, are certified as Kosher to ensure that they meet the requirements of Jewish dietary laws.

“It’s not something people think much about, but throughout a day, there are dozens of products we use that our local industries had a part in making.

Deodorants, DVDs, athletic shoes, medications, lip balm and household detergents all contain primary ingredients manufactured by local industries. These products are sold all around the world, and much of it starts right here in Southwest Louisiana,” said Tower.

For more information, visit www.laia.com.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

It’s Your Career: Take Control of It

by Erin Kelly

When you sit back and consider your daily quality of life, there are few things that are more important than what you do for a living. Whether you’re an entry-level employee or CEO of a big-business conglomerate, your job has a hold on everything you do and ultimately affects how much money, time, health and energy you have left for leisure.

The average American spends more than eight hours a day at work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The only activity that even comes close is sleeping. With so much of your time spent earning a livelihood, it’s seems logical that you would want to do something that you actually enjoy. Unfortunately, most don’t. Research by the Conference Board found that only 45 percent of Americans are happy with their jobs.

If you’re part of that 45 percent, now is a better time than any to assess your career goals and find out how you can get out of your daily-grind rut.

Whether it’s a promotion, pay raise or exit strategy, there are ways to take control of your career.

Move Up If you want to get promoted to management, you have to do a good job.

That’s a no-brainer, according to certified career coach Anne Nowak. The biggest mistake is that people think that’s all it takes, she said.

“Too many people think that all they have to do is do a good job and eventually they will get promoted or get a salary increase. It can happen that way, but it doesn’t have to and it often doesn’t. That’s not all it takes. You have to manage it. You have to be proactive. It’s not enough to just do a good job,” said Nowak, program director for the Career Center in Baton Rouge.

Nowak has more than ten years’ experience in human resources, personnel management and professional development.

She said that all too often, employees make inaccurate assumptions about how things operate within their company. “If you want to move up the ranks, people need to know your name and they need to associate some type of achievement with it. To make this happen, you have to network. Networking is probably the most important skill people need to master.”

You don’t need to be a brown-noser, she said. You just have to be a presence. If there’s a new project coming up, volunteer for it. If there are courses or seminars available, take them. If the office is holding a staff party, attend. If your company has an org-chart, learn it.

“Demonstrate your understanding of the organizational mission and goals when you offer suggestions for change or improvements (and) find ways to participate in goal accomplishment,” suggested Mary Kay Eason, coordinator of support services for the McNeese State University College of Business and board member of the Imperial Calcasieu Human Resource Managers Association. “In every decision you make, keep the organization as a whole in mind.”

If any of this makes you cringe, then you may want to re-think your career goals, according to Nowak. She said employees pining for promotions often spend too much time thinking about the bump in salary and not enough time considering what they’ll actually be doing, day after day. If you don’t like networking or dealing with people, then management may not be the best place for you, “because you’ll spend eighty percent of your time managing people.”

“Before the promotion, you may have been the expert on the supply chain, but once you move to a management level, it usually becomes a whole different ballgame. You’re no longer the expert on the supply chain, you’re now the expert on managing the people working on the supply chain. Your job will be managing people, reviewing their performance, hiring and firing.

It requires a completely different skill set. Many people often don’t consider that. They just focus on getting a promotion or a title,” Nowak said.

Additional tips offered by Eason: • Always complete your job tasks and consider more ways to make positive contributions.

• In decision-making, be sure to develop a complete list of alternatives and evaluate each alternative and its consequences.

• Participate in organizational initiatives and express an interest in organizational development.

• Approach each opportunity with enthusiasm.

• Find ways to add value to the organization.

• Maintain a positive attitude and appearance at all times.

• Accept responsibility for your mistakes. Own up to it, learn from it and develop a strategy to prevent the same mistake in the future.

Continued on p46

August 2011

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45

Make More There are at least two common-sense rules when requesting a pay raise – first, you want to do a good job deserving of a raise and secondly, you want to outline what those good tasks are. Those are the bare bones. But according to Nowak and Eason, many employees too often opt for other illthought-out strategies.

“When asking for a raise, it is not effective to threaten to leave or to compare your salary to competitor salaries. Instead, compile a list of your accomplishments or improvements you made in your position,” Eason said. “It’s best if you can quantify the list. For example ‘I have increased my number of client accounts by 150 percent and my sales have doubled over the past 12 months.’ Be prepared to sell yourself.”

It’s also ineffective to grumble about your co-workers’ salaries. In fact, it’s unwise to grumble at all if you can help it, according to Nowak.

“Stay friendly and focus on what you’ve done, rather on what others aren’t doing,” she said. “Most companies offer regular performance reviews. Keep a folder handy year-round in which you keep track of all your achievements.”

Nowak and Eason admit that requesting a raise can make for an uneasy conversation, particularly in a rough economy. If you feel that your company may be unable to provide the raise you want at the time because profits are down, it’s okay to recognize that in the performance review, Nowak said.

“If you feel that could be a concern, point it out. You can say ‘I realize that the timing to ask for a raise may not be ideal right now, but when profits go up again, I’d like to be considered for an increase,’” Nowak said. “One thing you should never do is complain to your superiors about pay, or to your fellow co-workers.”

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The key is to keep it positive. “Make sure your employer knows that you remain happy and loyal in your job and you aren’t seeking to leave, but you feel that you are worth more based on your productivity and added value to the organization.”

And if you aren’t happy and do want to leave?

If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to move on.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

Move On In a perfect world, everyone graduates high school or enters college knowing exactly what they want to do. They thrive at a job they love and spend their adult years in professional bliss doing what they were born to do.

In the real world, people graduate high school and go into college somewhat-kinda knowing what they might want to do. They get a job that they like, but then they start to not like it as much and wonder if maybe they should be doing something else, but now they’ve been in this other job for ten years and they think that perhaps it’s too late to start on that other thing that they’ve been considering but aren’t sure about.

Sound familiar? If so, you are not alone.

“I see it daily,” Nowak said. “People expect an epiphany. Poof! All of a sudden everything is clear to them and they know exactly what they want to do with their lives. Yes, that happens for some people. But the majority of people need time to find out who they really are – and that takes a lot of hard work, especially because who we are changes with time. Many people find their careers almost by accident. They land it through an internship, or someone gets them a job somewhere and even though it worked for them at the time, now they want something different.”

Maybe in your 20s you were ready and willing to work 90 hours a week, but now you’re ready to settle down. Maybe in your 30s you realized that you’re tired of being a teacher and want to do something else with your life.

Whatever it may be, don’t settle, don’t allow others to define your career for you and don’t kick yourself for what might-have-been.

“If you’re miserable and you know you want to do something else but aren’t sure what that is, take time to really assess who you are, what your skills are and how you want to spend your time. What are your interests, skills and values? That will point the way,” Nowak said. “What are your interests? Do you like to interact with people? Do you like to build things or find out how things work? Do you prefer to be outside or inside? It’s like a puzzle piece, and it’s very personal. Don’t let others tell you, ‘You’d make a great so-and-so.’

Find out for yourself what you want to do. The answer comes from within.”

The key is to do inner research and actual research, according to Nowak.

Dig deep to determine what your strengths and joys are, find out how you can apply those professionally, and talk to people who are doing those things. If you’ve always toyed with the idea of becoming a teacher, talk to teachers and find out how they spend their time.

If you have no idea how to translate your strengths and joys into the workplace, take an aptitude test. The answers are no fail-safe, but they can give you some form of direction. The career center at McNeese can assist both students and non-students with finding avenues for these tests – and

if your chosen career path requires further education, they can help with that too.

If the idea of switching paths right now frightens you and seems insurmountable, remember: You don’t necessarily have to take an overnight plunge.

“If you can, start doing things on the side that relate to what you might want to do full-time,” Nowak said. “You can build up that way.”

Some people may feel stagnant in their jobs without needing a complete shift. “Ask yourself if you are truly reaching your maximum potential. If not, then what do you need to do? Do you need more training or education? What is holding you back? Do you look forward to going to work each day? Every job has its downside, but when the downside begins to outweigh the upside, it may be time to make a change,” Eason said.

“Try making a list of the things you would really miss about the job you have. It’s possible that you have become so comfortable in your position that you’re taking good things for granted. However, if you truly need a change to re-energize, then evaluate your strengths, decide what industry or what kind of job you want to pursue, update your resume, begin networking and begin your search.”

Leadership. Experience. Integrity.

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Tip:

Refuel in the morning or evening

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47

What’s the Best Time

Workout?

for a

by Kristy Armand

The best answer would be, “any time,” because finding a way to fit exercise into your schedule – regardless of the time – is the biggest challenge most people face.

Charlotte Antonetz, fitness instructor with LA Fitness, says this is a question that fitness experts can’t even agree on and there has been no definitive research that shows the time of day makes a huge difference. “Some people swear by their 5 a.m. run to get them going for the rest of the day, while others need that stop at the gym after a long day at the office to get rid of the day’s stress. The most important thing is to find a time that works for you and stick to a regular schedule.”

She says if you are just getting started with a fitness routine, or if you feel you need to change it up, there are some factors regarding the time you exercise that you might want to consider:

Medical Concerns.

If you have health problems, talk with your doctor about an exercise program that’s right for you and about the timing of your workout if you live with a chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes.

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Effects on Metabolism.

Extended, vigorous exercise raises your metabolic rate, the process by which your body burns calories for energy. This remains accelerated for a brief time even after you stop exercising, which helps you continue to burn additional calories. Avoid exercising right before you need to go to sleep. Exercise makes you more alert, and you may have trouble falling asleep.

Impact on Appetitie.

After a sustained, strenuous workout, you may not feel like eating. Most people consume the majority of their calories after 4 p.m., so exercising before the evening meal may help you reduce your total daily calorie intake.

Meal Time.

There’s no evidence that exercising right after a meal can eliminate the calories you just took in. If you choose to exercise after eating, wait at least an hour and keep a moderate intensity level.

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If you’re training for a specific event, such as a long-distance walk, spend several weeks training at the time of day the event will take place. This helps your body become accustomed to the conditions under which you’ll compete.

Antonetz says the key is choosing a time that’s convenient for your daily workout and treating it like you do any other activity that is part of your regular schedule. “Consider your job and family responsibilities, the availability of exercise facilities, the weather and your lifestyle when deciding on a time that works best for you. This will decrease the chance that you’ll have to cancel it.”

For more information about starting a fitness program, call LA Fitness at 478-8686 or visit www.lafitness.cc.

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Straight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

Q:

Industry says they care about the environment, but isn’t it true that the only reason they try to be environmentally responsible is because government regulations make them?

A:

Being environmentally responsible makes good business sense.

At local industries, keeping our products safely in the pipeline is not only environmentally friendly, it improves our bottom line. Being environmentally responsible is part of everything we do. In fact, local industry reduces, reuses, recycles and treats nearly all of the waste it produces. The key to growth is increasing productivity. Industries promote growth and good business by implementing programs to significantly reduce waste. Yes, government regulations require us to invest in environmentally-friendly equipment and procedures, but we know these same investments help us increase our productivity. Going green isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business.

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operations director with local industry

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

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49

David

Sickey is a member of the 873-member Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, a federally recognized Native American Tribe that regained government recognition in 1973. In 2003, at the age of twenty-five, David became the youngest person ever elected to the Coushatta Tribal Council. He accepted the role with fierce determination. Now vice-chairman, David has become a visible presence in tribal issues, both locally and nationwide. In 2009, he represented the Coushatta Tribe at the White House Tribal Nations Conference in Washington. He has been interviewed for articles in USA Today, The Washington Post and the New York Times and is involved in a variety of organizations, including the National Indian Child Welfare Association, National Congress of American Indians, Native Financial Education Coalition, National Tribal Environmental Council, Indigenous Language Institute and the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

In 2008, David helped create the Coushatta Tribal Department of Commerce to coordinate non-gaming economic development efforts for the Tribe, including diversification of business holdings, generation of longterm sustainable income, job creation, and promotion of economic development initiatives.

His contributions reach beyond local borders. In leadership with his brother, Tribal Chairman Kevin Sickey, David launched an effort by the Tribe to establish ties with foreign governments in order to foster cultural exchange and business development. The first step toward this effort took place in 2008, when the Coushatta became the first tribe to recognize, honor and welcome official representatives of the State of Israel. David has since traveled to the country to meet with high-ranking leaders as a way to clear a path toward developing a mutually beneficial relationship.

Thrive met with David to gain insight into Tribal issues and the long-term role he hopes to play.

first person

First Person is a monthly Q&A that features compelling people who excel in their chosen endeavors. Ideas for future Q&As? Email edit@thriveswla.com.

photo by Shonda Manuel

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with

David Sickey Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Erin Kelly

August 2011

Despite the monumental contributions of Native Americans throughout American history, it is a culture that has been largely misunderstood.

What are some things that you strive to teach people about your culture, specifically the Coushatta?

The Coushatta Tribe has withstood the test of time. Despite immense obstacles and struggles, the Coushatta have done a remarkable job of maintaining our unique identity and proud traditions - especially, our ancient language of Koasati which is still spoken fluently in its purest form in our community. Secondly, the Coushatta people are known world-wide for our skill at traditional long-leaf pine-needle basket weaving - an art form which is still being practiced today. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff at the Tribal Heritage Center, and along with Tribal member involvement and input, unprecedented initiatives are currently underway to guarantee that these sacred traditions are passed on to the next generation. Our survival has depended on our ability to adapt to circumstances. That says a lot about our ancestors and previous Tribal leaders who made the difficult decisions that have allowed our people to reach this point in our history. Without their sacrifices, perseverance, tenacity, and resilience, we, as a people, would not have survived to see the 21st century. The Coushatta, much like the history of Native Americans in general, have been producing abundance out of scarcity. My most fervent hope is that our people will continue to hold in high esteem the guiding principles of self-determination, self-governance, and sovereignty. I’m convinced that they will. Sovereignty should not be taken for granted. Sovereignty means that we as a people have the inherent right to determine and shape our own future. The struggle has indeed made us stronger. The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana was officially recognized by the Federal government in 1973. In only 38 years of official nationhood, much economic and social progress has been attained. But, I believe profoundly that the brightest days of the Sovereign Nation of Coushatta remain to be seen.

What do you perceive as some common misperceptions about your culture, and how do you seek to change that?

Native Americans are more than just ancient history. Unfortunately, what you read in text books and what is portrayed by main stream cinema is not, for the most part, an accurate portrayal of modern day Native Americans.

Furthermore, not every Tribal Nation owns and operates a casino enterprise.

The Coushatta Tribe has, in fact, operated Coushatta Casino Resort for 16 successful years. But, I can’t stress enough that Coushatta Casino Resort is a business enterprise of the Tribe and should not overshadow the rich, proud history of the Coushatta. The fact is, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana has become a key regional player influencing economic and social conditions in a positive way and I pledge to continue doing my part to ensure that the Coushatta Tribe continues to maintain our capacity to deploy the necessary time and resources required to remain a responsible neighbor and ally in the region for many decades to come.

In the fall of 2008 you were instrumental in the Coushatta becoming the first Native American tribe to recognize, honor and welcome official representatives of the state of Israel. How did this come about, why is it significant and what is the relationship between the Coushatta and Israel?

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana took advantage of its status as a sovereign nation by launching a major outreach effort targeting foreign governments and businesses. The first significant step by the Coushatta government took place in November of 2008 with an outreach effort to the Consul General of Israel to the Southwest, based in nearby Houston. This led to a formal visit from the Consul General to our Tribal headquarters and the ceremonial signing of a document that laid the foundation for cultural exchange between our two sovereign nations. In addition to cultural exchange, both nations pledged to explore economic and business opportunities that could potentially be mutually beneficial. This event coincided with Israel’s 60th August 2011

anniversary of official nationhood. The historic Affirmation of Friendship (“AOF”) event celebrated the shared spirit of endurance of both of our peoples. I am both very proud and pleased to report that the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana has recently signed an exclusive sole distributorship agreement for an amazing skin-care product line from the Galilee region of Israel. The Coushatta Tribe is investing in our future and creating job opportunities for Tribal members and contributing to our regional economic development efforts.

What are the greatest challenges you face in promoting and maintaining Coushatta history, culture and language?

The greatest challenges in promoting and maintaining Coushatta history, culture and language is made difficult by being born and leading in a generation where I see clearly the shifting make-up of the modern Coushatta generation while remaining acutely aware that there is a huge segment of our Tribal membership who remember the past as if were yesterday when times were vastly different. As somebody born in 1978, but blessed to have parents still alive and healthy to recollect the days of dismal prospects, I feel a deep affinity for both generations. The biggest question I ask, is “how do I move forward while preserving, protecting and defending the best interests of both generations?” My hope is that I can act as a bridge between them by promoting the rich Coushatta history by offering support and guidance to our Tribal Heritage Department, the Koasati Language Project, and at the same time anticipating and planning for the current and future needs of our 17 and under Tribal youth who currently make up 39 percent of our 879-member Tribal nation.

What is the role of the Coushatta Tribal Department of Commerce and why did you feel it was necessary to assist with its development?

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Department of Commerce was created in 2008 to coordinate all non-gaming economic development/diversification efforts. The establishment and development of the CTLA Dept. of Commerce is to diversify the Tribe’s business portfolio and create long-term sustainable revenue sources, create jobs, and vet potential business ventures to guarantee that they are in the best interest of the Tribe and for the good of the whole, not just the few.

One of your priorities is to develop the new leaders of the Coushatta Tribe.

What is your hope for these new leaders? What would you like to see for the Tribe in the near and distant future?

The leaders of tomorrow can’t be developed without a heavy emphasis on education and health and wellness initiatives. An educated and healthy society has a greater chance of survival and translates into increased productivity and progress. Education is a top priority for our people beginning at an early age. We are fortunate enough to have a preschool facility that can accommodate up to 12 Tribal children, but we are currently contemplating enlarging that facility or building a new one to attract a larger enrollment. I advocate for increased funding and general support for our Tribal Department of Education which offers significant financial assistance and full scholarships to preschool children all the way up to higher education students. My hope for this next generation is that they will have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to be productive, contributing citizens anywhere they choose to go here in the United State or even around the world. I want the Coushatta Tribe to continue being a thriving, robust nation within a nation now and for many generations to come. I do not want our proud people to dwell on the past injustices nor fixate on past Federal policies that were designed to destroy our great Native Nations. Instead, I want the Coushatta people to look forward knowing that their future rests in their hands and that their abilities can decide their outcome.

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51

Tips for a Clutter-Free Garage

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Christine Fisher

August 2011

Over time, garages often morph into a holding place for all kinds of gadgets, equipment, and tools. Vehicles may get squeezed out and end up parked in the driveway because the garage is too cluttered.

“Most of us are guilty of turning a blind eye on the clutter in our garages,” said Joni Fontenot, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. “But there can be significant safety hazards in these areas, so it’s important to take a fresh look at your garage and reduce the dangers as much as possible.”

Get a grip on garage clutter and safety with these 7 tips:

Lend a handrail.

Put a lock on poisons.

Ninety-four percent of people in a recent survey said they store at least one potentially dangerous product in their garage. These can include everyday things like lawn chemicals, paint, and fluids for the car. The Safety Council recommends a locked storage unit for any product with a caution, warning or danger label.

Give large items a place.

photo by Jason Hardesty

Bicycles, foldable lawn chairs, plastic play equipment for kids -- these are things that need shelter, but may not have a designated place anywhere else but the garage. If that’s the case, Fontenot suggests creating a space for them.

“There are many storage options available at home improvement centers and these can eliminate the problem of things being strewn around. Put some hooks on the walls and get as much off the floor as possible so there’s more room to walk around,” she said. Storage bins can hold outdoor toys for kids.

Corralling objects into buckets and boxes, like all the toys in the red bin, all the gardening tools in the blue bin, is an easy answer to clutter. It keeps Peter Pohorelsky things on-hand without being underfoot.

If steps are leading from the garage to the door, handrails are a good idea.

Even though there may only be a few steps, handrails can offer extra stability.

Sidestep slips and trips.

More than 33 percent of all garage-related injuries result from a fall. Spilled fluids, especially oil, make slipping a big hazard. Cluttered floors can cause too many falls. Organizing the items will reduce the chance for tripping, while making sure the floor is clean and degreased will help prevent slips.

“While most people don’t decorate their garage, furnishing it with useful organizational tools, like storage bins and shelves, will help make the room function better and give you peace of mind that it’s kid-friendly and as clutterfree as possible,” said Fontenot. Once you look space, A Taround T H E your E Y streamlined E CLINIC you’ll probably feel even more welcome and glad to be home.

Let there be light.

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And lots of it. Garages are often the most dimly lit room of the home. This is no place for shadows, so put in the maximum wattage the light fixture recommends. Security lighting that comes on when movement is great for protection and convenience for those times when hands are full and the light switch is hard to find.

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Examine extension cords.

Are you using household extension cords in the garage? Even though they may not be subject to direct outside conditions, choose cords to use in the garage that are specifically for outdoor use.

Damp concrete floors can increase the risk of electrical shock.

Laser Center

LASIK at The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center

A Difference You can See

Safe shelving.

Think you’re clutter is conquered with your new shelving unit? You’re not finished until the unit is secured to the wall with screws. Children are hurt every day by climbing up a shelving unit. If it’s not secured, it’ll fall on top of them, along with everything stored on it. Once secured, though, a shelving unit is a good way to get objects off the floor.

August 2011

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53

Stress Less Easy Ways to

by Kristy Armand

For modern Americans, stress has become a way of life. A recent Gallup poll found that more than three out of four Americans experience stress in their daily lives, with nearly half experiencing stress frequently. High levels of stress were most prevalent among those between the ages of 30 and 49, parents of young children, and working Americans. Only three percent of the population reported a stress-free life.

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“Chronic stress is so common, we’ve become desensitized to how it impacts our quality of life,” says psychiatrist Dr. Dale Archer, founder of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, and regular expert guest on national news programs. “And even if you do recognize the emotional and mental impact of stress on your coping abilities, you may not be aware that stress can also literally make you sick.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, longterm stress can contribute to several adverse health conditions, including upset stomach, depression, headache, sleep disorders, anxiety and heart disease.

Stress is a normal part of everyday life and can sometimes help us meet new challenges and deal with difficult situations. “Our bodies are designed to undergo a hormonal and biochemical transformation – called the fightor-flight response -- when faced with a tense situation,” explains Dr. Archer.

“However, in the hectic modern world, this response is being triggered by life’s

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August 2011

daily, mundane aggravations, with no down time for the relaxation response which would allow the mind and body to recover. This is referred to as chronic stress, and can lead to a multitude of mental and physical health problems.”

He says most people know they need to manage their stress levels, but the thought of working relaxation into their already hectic schedules just stresses them out even more. “Sure it would be great if everyone reading this could immediately cut back on their work load, schedule a weekly massage, hire a housekeeper and cook, or take a two-week vacation every three months, but that’s not realistic for most people. Modern life is demanding, but what you can do is stop thinking about stress management in such big terms. There are many simple things you can do every day that can make a huge difference in your stress levels and how it affects your quality of life.”

He offers these suggestions: Continued on p56

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Breathe

When you are under stress, your heart rate increases, your breaths are shallow and faster, and your blood pressure is higher. Breathing deeply sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. For added benefit, incorporate it into meditation by giving yourself about 15 minutes of silent time. Focus on breathing and let your thoughts run free.

Put the Kettle On

Research shows that people who drink four cups of black tea daily for six weeks released fewer stress hormones after a tense task than those who drank a caffeinated fruit drink. Green tea has similar benefits.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are known to promote proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as help induce relaxation and fight fatigue. Indicators of B deficiency include irritability, depression and apathy, so to stave off those symptoms, increase your intake of foods rich in B vitamins such as cereal grains, beans, peas, nuts, liver, eggs and dairy products.

Organize

Don’t think of this as a huge undertaking to organize your entire life. Small changes can make a big difference, especially in the areas you spend the most time in. Straighten your desk, make a list of what you need to do each day, or clean out your closet.

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Exercise

Walk down the street, around the office, or up and down the stairs a few times.

Ten minutes of each every day releases mood-improving endorphins in the brain that improve mood and boost mental energy.

Stretch

You can stretch at your desk, while watching TV or even when brushing your teeth. Stretching eases tired muscles, increases flexibility, improves range of motion and circulation, and soothes away stress. Take it slow and hold each pose for ten seconds to maximize benefits.

Sleep

Sleep is the most important natural stress reducer of them all. Too little leaves us irritable and too much leaves us sluggish. Find the right balance.

Phone a Friend

Whether you see them every day or once in a while, friends foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and self-worth. Friendship even keeps you on a mental even keel.

Disconnect

A huge contributor to increased stress levels is that we are never truly able to disconnect. Turn off the Internet and shut off the cell phone for a while.

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August 2011

Aromatherapy

Inhaling certain scents has been shown to have immediate stress relief effects by raising mood, reducing anxiety and aiding focus and concentration. Experts say it’s because the smells can stimulate the limbic system, which promotes feelings of relaxation, calmness, love and excitement. Popular oils for stress relief and mental fatigue include lavender, cypress and rosemary.

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Laugh

Studies show that a good belly laugh takes the zap out of stress, pumps up your immunity, improves blood flow, and stabilizes blood pressure. A good chuckle may even help keep blood sugar levels down and aid digestion. So call a friend and tell a funny story or rent a movie and laugh it up Dr. Archer says another big step is to simply realizing you can’t do it all. “Cut yourself some slack. Everyone has limitations and there are only 24 hours in every day. Take a look at what stresses you the most. If it is something you can control, make a plan to manage it in a way that reduces how much it stresses you.

If it’s out of your control, then accept that and work to change how you react to it.”

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Not Guilty What happened in the Casey Anthony trial?

Casey Anthony walked out of the Pinellas County Jail in Florida a free woman. The jury in the case found her not guilty of murdering her 2-yearold daughter, Caylee Anthony. Reaction around the country was mostly shock and disappointment, with many feeling that the toddler did not receive justice. Casey was charged with first-degree murder, which could have brought the death penalty if she had been convicted.

The body of Caylee was found in the woods near the Anthony family home six months after she was reported missing; the medical examiner was not able to determine how she died. There was no forensic evidence directly linking Anthony to her daughter’s death.

Most of the 12 jurors have kept a low profile so far. The few who have made comments to the media say they were sick about their verdict, but felt they had no other choice, because the evidence was not there to convict Casey.

Local trial attorney Todd Clemons said a jury has to decide based on the evidence presented during a trial, even if they suspect something different happened. “Juries cannot be influenced by public opinion, sympathy or compassion. A jury can’t assume what may have happened, they can only go by what is proven,” he said. “In this case, it appears as though the state of Florida did not have sufficient evidence to convict Ms. Anthony.”

He said in severe penalty cases, such as this one with a death sentence on the line, juries expect strong evidence.

“They have to know beyond reasonable doubt that the person is guilty,” Clemons said. “They feel the burden of responsibility, and for them to come back with a verdict of guilty, they have to believe in the evidence. “ In this case, the jurors could not erase the reasonable doubt that lingered over the trial. Reasonable doubt is generally known as doubt based on data, reason or common sense, not speculation or a gut feeling. The juror has to be able to point to data, or the lack of it, to justify their doubt.

While few trials receive the attention that the Anthony case did, people’s lives are affected every day in courtrooms across the country. “As a trial lawyer, I’ve worked with juries since the early 90s,” Clemons said, “and I can see the burden they feel as they listen to testimony. Watching a trial on TV is completely different than being a juror. The juries have to evaluate credibility, body language, they pay attention to eye contact, whether or not a witness was straightforward or seemed to hide something. They are under pressure, but they are bound by the evidence presented.”

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In the vast majority of cases, jurors take their duty seriously. They sit on trials with no training or special insight. They are just average citizens, and that’s how the system works. “Lawyers may spend weeks or months preparing a case, and in the end, it’s all up to these 12 individuals,” said Clemons.

He said that while people may not agree with the decision made in the Anthony trial, he’s disappointed when he hears of people saying disparaging things about the jurors. “They took an oath to decide based on the evidence, and that’s what they did,” Clemons said.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Christine Fisher

August 2011

6thANNUAL

Your Last

LEGIS-GATOR LUNCHEON TO HONOR PRO-BUSINESS ELECTED OFFICIALS

Diet

The Chamber SWLA will host the annual Legis-Gator awards luncheon, the fastest growing event of its kind, at 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 19, at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. This luncheon recognizes Louisiana legislators and members of Congress for their work on pro-business legislation benefitting Southwest Louisiana. Last year more than 700 guests from across the state helped to recognize the honorees, this year’s event promises to be even bigger, with House and Senate leadership, several Members of Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation and many statewide elected officials set to attend.

Awards will be given to federal and state legislators who have supported the Chamber SWLA’s legislative platform, in addition to the prestigious Legis-Gator of the Year Award and special recognition for those who led efforts at the State Capitol and in Congress. A representative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to present the Spirit of Enterprise Award to members of Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation who supported its agenda. More than 120 federal and state legislators have been recognized for their pro-business legislation over the past five years.

Tickets are $45 for Chamber members and $55 for non-members. For more information, call 433-3632.

Caraway & Branch Chiropractic Clinic is now an authorized distributor of the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Protocol.

Ideal Protein is a medically designed and professionally supervised wellness protocol dispensed only by health care professionals. You will lose an average of 3-7 pounds per week without exercise.

Ideal Protein has a beginning and an end where we not only take the weight off and make you healthy; we show you how to keep it off.

Call Becky at 337- 439-9313 for more information

Pests like ants, roaches and termites are a nuisance. They can harm your home and even your health. If you see one, chances are there are many others hidden inside. If left untreated, these unwelcome intruders can cost thousands of dollars in damage. J&J Exterminating has over 50 years of experience in Louisiana. We know what works and we stand behind our guarantee of 100% satisfaction. If you have a problem, call us and we’ll respond within 24 hours or less at no extra charge.

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59

Signatures Salon

Nam e d a Top 200 Salon

For the second consecutive year, Signatures Salon in Lake Charles, owned by Wendy White-McCown, was named one of the top 200 salons in North America by SALON TODAY magazine, a top business publication for salon and spa owners. In addition to inclusion in the top-ranked salons, Signatures also received special recognition the categories of client retention and marketing.

Applications were submitted by readers and the magazine’ editors evaluated nominees in several areas of salon management. The criteria examined included business practices, retention of staff, customer service, marketing, client satisfaction, revenue, and range of services, among others. In a statement including with the profiles of the chosen salons, the magazine’s editors explained that the competition measured all areas of salon business for the calendar years 2008 and 2009—two of the toughest years for all businesses, and stated, “For a salon to not only survive, but thrive during these years, strong leadership, solid systems, motivated employees and loyal customers were mandatory.”

“This ranking would not have been possible without the work of our great employees and loyalty or our wonderful customers,” said McCown. “It’s very rewarding to receive national recognition for our commitment to education, continuous improvement and for doing what we love to do.”

Signatures opened in 1996 and has grown to include a staff of 16, including three business managers, nine stylists, two aesthetician and two front desk coordinators. The salon team attends regular courses on technique and business practices, and ongoing education programs are provided for staff in the salon’s education center.

Signatures is located 803 W. McNeese St. in Lake Charles. Additional information about services is available at www.signaturessalon.biz.

P O T SBACK PAIN

Small incisions.

Big Relief.

If you have exhausted non-surgical treatment options for lower back pain and are still suffering, minimally invasive spine surgery may provide the answer.

The spine specialists at the Center for Orthopaedics are specially trained and have over 10 years of experience with these innovative surgical techniques that help patients get back to an active, pain-free lifestyle. These procedures can successfully treat many common causes of lower back pain and extremity pain from the back. The benefits of the advanced technology include less tissue trauma, reduced pain, and a faster recovery and return to normal activities.

Don’t turn your back on life. Call Center for Orthopaedics today at 721-7236 to schedule an appointment to find out if minimally invasive surgical options can help you.

(337) 721-7236 • www.centerforortho.com 60 www.thriveswla.com

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OUR DOCTORS: James Perry, MD John Noble Jr., MD Geoffrey Collins, MD Craig Morton, MD Tyson Green, DPM Steven Hale, MD George “J.” Trappey IV, MD William Lowry Jr., MD David Drez Jr., MD

August 2011

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Fussy Parents, Tired Babies It’s common knowledge that marital problems can adversely affect children, but a new study suggests that the roots may run even deeper and sooner than previously thought. Researchers from the Oregon Social Learning Center found that marital discourse can cause sleep problems in infants and that these poor sleep patterns are often still prevalent when the child becomes a toddler – in fact, the problem actually worsens with increased marital disharmony.

The new study of more than 350 families found that infants of parents with marital problems often developed troubled sleeping patterns – including difficulty in falling and staying asleep – from infanthood to their toddler years. The findings held true even after considering factors like children’s temperaments, parents’ anxiety levels, genetics and birth order.

“Our findings suggest that the effects of marital instability on children’s sleep problems emerge earlier in development than has been demonstrated previously,” according to Anne M. Mannering, who was a research associate at the Oregon Social Learning Center when she worked on the study; she is currently with Oregon State University. “Parents should be aware that marital stress may affect the well-being of their children even in the first year or two of life.”

August 2011

In the treatment of prostate cancer, patients need to rely on an expert partner — a partner with the experience, technology and dedication to successfully treat them.

With hundreds of procedures performed since 2006, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital offers the latest technology used in the treatment of prostate cancer — the da Vinci Si Robotic Surgery System — which allows patients: • Improved erectile function • Better urinary control • Higher cancer cure rates Less pain, a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery are also great benefits of this state-of-the-art system.

Urologist Farjaad Siddiq, M.D., FACS, Director of Robotic Surgery, and the robotics staff

To watch patient stories, visit

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Call 491-7577 for more information.

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When it comes to your health, useful information is what you need. KPLC 7News is here to help with our Healthcast Report.

Get the latest medical news and see medical breakthroughs happening right here in Southwest Louisiana. The KPLC 7News Healthcast Report airs weekdays at 10 p.m. Here’s a recap of some of the most recent health news stories we’ve reported.

LA Top Nurse Practitioner Named McNeese State University’s Dr. Tari Dilks was named the top nurse practitioner in the state this year by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her specialty is psychiatric nursing, but she is also an Associate Professor of Nursing. Nurse practitioners help fill in the gaps in health care, said Dr. Dilks.

“For somebody in Lake Charles to get an appointment with a psychiatrist often times it takes a couple months and so I help with that. I’m able to diagnose. I’m able to prescribe and I’m able to provide care for people who can’t get it,” explained Dr. Dilks.

As a nurse practitioner she has special advanced training in order to prescribe medications. “We have 87 areas in our state that are psychiatric under-served areas. That is huge!” said Dr. Dilks.

She was nominated by her peers and chosen for the 2011 state award for nurse practitioner excellence. With 33 years of experience under her stethoscope, Dr. Dilks still cannot believe how she ended up as a nurse.

“My mother was a nurse! I swore I would never be a nurse until I started taking some nursing classes. I really realized that I loved it a lot!” explained Dr. Dilks. After the hurricanes of 2005, Rita and Katrina, the need for more psychiatric care skyrocketed in Louisiana, said Dilks. “It is just amazing how many people have psychiatric issues and that we’re beginning to see a resurgence of them after the hurricane,” said Dr. Dilks.

She teaches, treats patients at a private practice and still manages to keep up with her six grandchildren.

17 month old lives with jaundice 17 month old Emily Graves is still only the

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height and weight of a newborn because of complications due to gestational diabetes.

Her mother, Chancie Graves, 29, said she has suffered gestational diabetes with all three of her children, but Emily was the first to have serious side effects.

After birth Emily turned, “yellow like a banana,” said Graves. Emily’s liver was releasing too much bilirubin into her tiny body turning her a distinct shade of yellow. The condition is called hyperbilirubinenemia, commonly known as jaundice. Many newborns has a slight tinge of yellow after birth, but it eventually passes as they mature. Emily’s was much more serious.

She was born without a gallbladder and with a hole in her heart and her small system could not handle such a blow. Doctors kept her in the hospital for observation after birth.

“It was only 10 days, but that was 10 long days,” said Graves. Now Emily survives on her slew of medications. “If she doesn’t have her medicine for more than 18 hours she starts to turn yellow,” explained Graves. Baby Emily is small and struggles to walk and crawl. “She can barely crawl more like a military low crawl,” described Graves.

The side effects do not end there. She will have to take extra precautions for the rest of her life. “She can live a normal life. She just cannot drink or sky dive, which is fine with me. She doesn’t drink...she doesn’t get in trouble,” said Graves.

For now, Emily continues physical and speech therapy, but with a big smile on her face.

Put a smile on your face

Group. Smiling actually relaxes your chest and lungs and lets you breathe easier. More than that, theories say smiling can change your mood. Celebrated evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin theorized in the 19th century that facial expressions do not just reflect emotion; they can also cause those emotions.

As someone who perfects smiles for a living, Dr. Rusnak says a person with a great smile seems, “more confident, more competent.

They put other people in a good mood.” A Pennsylvania State study suggests smiling makes a person appear more likeable, courteous and competent. Dr. Rusnak’s key to a confident smile: “a great smile comes from a healthy smile.”

More fun smile facts: it takes 14 muscles to smile and research shows babies smile thousands of times a day. Children smile 400 times per day, but by the time a person reaches adulthood he or she only smiles an average of 14 or 15 times a day.

Before you start grinning ear to ear, a Michigan State study finds fake smiling all day long can actually worsen your mood, while genuine smiles can improve it.

With the start of school looming, a University of California at Berkeley study suggests those with a wider smile score higher on standardized testing.

To learn more about these stories and more, visit us on the web at kplctv.com and tune into KPLC 7News daily for the latest news, weather, sports and health reports. You can also stay connected 24/7 on your mobile device at kplc7newsnow.com

Have you smiled today? Research will give you a few more reasons to show those pearly whites.

Close study of 3Dultrasounds show that babies actually smile in the womb, said Dr. Jonathon Rusnak, dentist at Robinson Dental

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

Best Impressions

Modern Day Manners & Everyday Etiquette

by Rose Klein

Q: If wedding gifts are delivered to the home of the bride’s mother because the bride lives out of town, does that give the bride more time to write a thank you note for those gifts?

A: Thank you notes should be written as soon as possible; however, the true rule of thumb is a time frame not to exceed three months from the date of the wedding. If there are extenuating circumstances like the bride works or lives elsewhere, then notes should be written as timely as possible.

Q: If “in lieu of flowers” in an obituary states a specific charity, must one contribute to the charity specified or may one choose his/her favorite charity?

A: When a charity is specified it usually means it was important to the deceased or to the family. When it states to send to the charity of one’s choosing, then you are free to choose your favorite charity, but it is thoughtful to choose one that would mean something to the family.

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

S

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Road. Seminar attendees will receive up-to-date information about dental implants and learn about the benefits of replacing missing teeth with implants.

Interested attendees will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment for a free personal consultation, including a complete set of x-rays.

Dental implants are a medical advancement in tooth replacement. They are man-made tooth roots inserted into the jaw to replace missing teeth. Implants can be a superior alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. In addition to health benefits, implants blend in with other teeth, providing a more natural look. To reserve a seat or for more information, call 474-3636.

Physician Referral Line Offers Patient Service

Memorial Hospital Offers Prenatal, Family Education Classes The following is a list of education classes being offered by Memorial Hospital for Women in July, August and September. For more information or to preregister, call (337) 480-7243.

LA LECHE LEAGUE LAKE CHARLES—A breastfeeding group, La Leche League offers a series of meetings consisting of four classes that are helpful for pregnant moms and moms who are already nursing. Meetings are free and open to mothers and babies. Thursday, September 1.10am – 11:30am NEW MOMMY TOUR – Take a walking tour through the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women campus. A great way for any mother-to-be to learn more about what the hospital has to offer.

Thursday, September 1, 1:25pm ONE DAY PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS – Learn comfort, relaxation, positioning, breathing, and massage techniques for increasing the comfort level and enhancing the birth experience during this condensed version of the Prepared Childbirth Series. Recommended for the last three months of pregnancy. Saturday, September 24, 9am – 4:30pm, $35/couple BABY CARE CLASS – The Baby Care Class reviews newborn characteristics, general baby care, early parenting issues and community resources.

Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Monday, September 12, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, $10/couple BREASTFEEDING CLASS – Learn positioning, latch-on, early feedings and the importance of assessing baby’s intake during the Breastfeeding Class.

Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Thursday, August 11 or September 8, 6:30pm – 8:45pm, $10/couple SIBLING CLASS – This class is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Preparing siblings for the arrival of a new baby can be as confusing as it is joyous. This class focuses on the unity of the family.

Older siblings ages 2-10 are asked to attend with one or both parents. The children will have hands-on practice with dolls to learn how to interact with a new baby. Parents will receive informative guidelines and everyone will tour the mother/baby unit. Monday, September 19, 6pm – 7pm, $10/family PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS SERIES – This series of four classes is highly recommended for its hands-on, and often fun, approach to dealing with labor, delivery and recovery. Birth preparation is discussed regarding natural delivery, birth with an epidural and cesarean birth. Bring your pillows, your questions and don’t forget to breathe. Recommended during the last three months of pregnancy.

Tuesdays, August 9, 16, 23 and 30, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, $35/couple INFANT AND CHILD CPR FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS – Learn and practice rescue for choking and CPR for infants. This is not a certifying or credentialing course, but is recommended for expectant parents, new parents and support persons. Monday, August 15, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, $5/ person

Robinson Dental Group to Hold Free Seminar on Dental Implants Tim Robinson, DDS , Daniel Domingue, DDS and John Rusnak, DDS of Robinson Dental Group Family Dentistry in Lake Charles will host a free seminar on dental implants at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, at 2629 Country Club

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The Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Physician Referral Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By dialing toll-free 1-800-494-LCMH (5246), callers can be connected to hundreds of board certified physicians, with more than 40 different medical specialties on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Memorial Hospital for Women.

This free service provides users an opportunity to learn about a physician’s education and training, certifications and specialties, medical practice location, office hours, appointment availability and participating insurances. Callers utilizing the service Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding major holidays) can be directly connected to the physician’s office staff to set up an appointment. Physician profile information can also be found on-line at www. lcmh.com/physicians.

Mulhearn Joins West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Thomas J. Mulhearn IV, MD, cardiologist, has joined the medical team of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Dr. Mulhearn, who is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine, is seeing patients at the Diagnostic Center of WCCH on Beglis Parkway in Sulphur.

Dr. Mulhearn received an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, and a Doctor of Thomas J. Mulhearn IV, MD Medicine degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He also completed a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology from the University of Alabama Birmingham, as well as a fellowship in Cardiology from Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Mulhearn completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

A native of Southwest Louisiana, his addition to WCCH’s medical team allows him to return to the area with training and experience in interventional cardiology, which includes diagnosis and treatment of heart disease via cardiac catheterization, using procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mulhearn, call Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana at (337) 436-3813.

Musculoskeletal Symposium for Healthcare Providers to Take Place in Lake Charles The second annual Musculoskeletal Symposium sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital will take place on Saturday, August 13, from 9am – 4pm at the conference center of L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort in Lake Charles.

The program is open to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physical therapists and athletic trainers. CME (continuing medical education credits) will be awarded for participation in the program.

The goal of the symposium is to provide expanded learning opportunities regarding musculoskeletal disorders and advances in treatment options.

Session offerings will include lectures, workshops and group panels. Presenters for the program include specialists in the fields of orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiology, physical medicine and rehabilitative medicine, podiatric surgery, family medicine, physical therapy, bone health and outpatient surgery. The registration fee is $60. For more information or to pre-register, call (337) 491-7755.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

August 2011

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

Avery Appointed to Zoning Commission

Region Earns Development Accolades Southern Business & Development Magazine recently recognized Louisiana and the Lake Charles Metro in their Spring 2011 “State of the Year” feature. This is the third year in a row that Louisiana has received top ranking, but the first year standing alone after tying with Tennessee in 2010 and 2009.

Louisiana far outranked competitors with a 115.4 points per million ranking, outpacing secondplace Kansas (59.6) and North Carolina (51.9). Lake Charles was also recognized as the Mid-Market of the Year based on major new developments.

Rau Financial Group Holds Grand Opening

Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach has appointed local business owner Eric Avery to the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission. The planning and zoning commission reviews and considers Eric Avery subdivision plats, rezoning requests, comprehensive plan amendments and conditional use permits.

Avery, a graduate of McNeese and Louisiana State University, owns and manages five successful companies. He serves as executive vice president of Avery Archives, a records and information management company located in Lake Charles, and as president and managing partner of Neighborhood Mini Storage Company, Avery Resort Properties, and AGNG Development Group. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Self Storage Association of Louisiana and American Red Cross of SWLA.

Centanni Joins Chamber SWLA

A ribbon cutting and grand opening event took place at the new office of Rau Financial Group at 1634 Ryan Street. Denise Rau is the President of the company, which she founded in 2005. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a variety of other certifications and licenses for insurance and securities. Since its founding the group has grown and now includes LPL Financial Advisors Eva Abate, Mark Eckard and Denise Wilkinson.

For more information, call 480-3835 or visit www. raufinancialgroup.com.

CORF Board Adds Three Members Three new directors have been added to the board of directors of the Community Oncology Resources Foundation Inc. to begin three-year terms. They are Jeff Fruge, JD, Associate Attorney, Woodley, Williams Law Firm, LLP; Bennie J. Ringo, Owner/CEO, The Tour Company; Elizabeth (Bettye) Tillman, retired from the Calcasieu Parish School System. Ringo has also been named director of fund raising and event planning.

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Marie DesOrmeaux Centanni has been named vice president of public policy for the Chamber SWLA. Centanni will represent the Southwest Louisiana business community in Baton Marie DesOrmeaux Centanni Rouge and Washington.

She worked as a reporter and anchor for KLFY TV in Lafayette, then moved to Washington, where she worked as communications director for U.S. Rep. Mike Ross and the USA Rice Federation while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Legislative Affairs at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. She returned to Louisiana to work as capital correspondent for WAFB TV, and then joined Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco’s administration as press secretary. She now owns Centanni Communications, a legislative and media relations company.

L’Auberge Receives Award The Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort was just one of the 78 properties in the world to receive the 2011 Golf Tee Award from Marketing and Conventions Magazine. The award is given annually to outstanding golf/ meeting properties worldwide. Winners ofare nominated and selected by the 50,000+ readers of Meetings & Conventions Magazine based on their overall excellence.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Mount Announces Candidacy for Tax Assessor Sen. Willie Landry Mount has officially announced her candidacy for Calcasieu Parish Tax Assessor and opened a campaign office at 3435 Ryan Street. She is Willie Landry Mount running to replace the vacancy left by former Tax Assessor Richard Cole.

A Lake Charles native, Willie Landry Mount is a graduate of Lake Charles High School and McNeese State University. She is member of First United Methodist Church and is married to Ben Mount.

Mount worked as a licensed real estate agent and local business owner before being elected the first female mayor of Lake Charles in 1993. As mayor, she managed 800 employees and a budget of more than $70 million. During her tenure she implemented a number of civic improvements, restored community spirit and revitalized economic development. In 1999, she became the first woman elected to the State Senate from District 27. She is now in her final term in the Senate, where she chairs the health and welfare committee, and is a member of the transportation, legislative audit advisory and Judiciary C committees. She previously served as Chairwoman of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee, where assessor issues are heard.

Mount has received distinguished awards from numerous community organizations, including McNeese State University Alumni Foundation, the National Association of Social Workers, the Kiwanis Club, the NAACP, the Boy Scouts, and the Chamber Alliance of SWLA. For more information, call 477-4010 or visit www.williemountassessor.com.

Drewett Joins IBERIABANK Karen G. Drewett has joined Iberia Bank as senior vice president and senior commercial banker. Drewett has more than 23 years of banking experience where she most recently served as Karen G. Drewett senior vice president and senior commercial banker for Business First Bank in Lake Charles. Drewett graduated cum laude in accounting from McNeese State University. She is active in the Lake Charles community and is president-elect of the Lake Charles Symphony and a board member of the Calcasieu Community Clinic.

August 2011

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

Woods Named CNO of Jennings American Legion Hospital

Lonnie Puryear

Jennifer Zipprian

WCCH Presents Awards West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) recently named Lonnie Puryear, network telecommunications supervisor, as its third quarter Employee of the Quarter. In his Karen Lambert current position, Puryear is responsible for the computer network and telecommunications’ infrastructures at all WCCHowned buildings in the areas of Sulphur, Hackberry, Vinton, Johnson Bayou and Moss Bluff. He maintains WCCH’s telephone and faxing systems, video surveillance system, wireless networks and over 1500 hundred networking devices. Puryear has worked at WCCH for 6 years.

The hospital also named Jennifer Zipprian, radiology office clerk, and Karen Lambert, director of marketing, as recipients of its new Safety Award. The award, which honors employees for their promotion of safety and safety awareness in and around the hospital, is distributed to those employees that demonstrate extraordinary awareness and action in minimizing potential safety risks.

Jennings American Legion Hospital Receives Award Jennings American Legion Hospital has received the 2010 Louisiana Hospital Capstone Quality Award, presented by eQHealth Solutions, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. This award recognizes Jennings American Legion Hospital as one of only 38 hospitals in the state for achieving certain improvements in the quality of health care given to theirpatients. These awards are aligned with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ inpatient quality initiatives and recognize hospital achievement in appropriate care for patients with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, community acquired pneumonia and improvements incare related to measures outlined in the Surgical Care Improvement Project.

August 2011

Theresa Woods, RN, MSN, CNAA, CHE, FACHE, has been named chief nursing officer with Jennings American Legion Hospital.

She will oversee all aspects of patient care within the Theresa Woods hospital. Prior to accepting this position, Woods worked on a part-time basis within the JALH nursing department. She has more than 30 years of nursing experience, and was the chief operating officer at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur.

Local Businesses Participate in OurGift.Org OurGift.Org, a business that incorporates charity and commerce, has partnered with local businesses in its mission to provide retail discounts in addition to charitable donations. A variety of local businesses make their products and services available to consumers at a discount, ranging from 50 to 90 percent. When a purchase is made, OurGift.

Org donates profits back to the local community.

For more information, visit www.ourgift.org.

Whitney Bank Announces Promotion, Hiring

MARC Ribbon-Cutting

Local officials and guests recently participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Office of Juvenile Justice Services campus in Lake Charles. MARC’s mission is to provide services, and referral to these services, currently available to area juveniles in the community under one roof. The facility and overall project is a collaborative effort with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Calcasieu Parish Children and Youth Planning Board.

ACS Hosts 2011 Gala The American Cancer Society will host its 2011 gala, “A Night in Tuscany,” on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel. The evening will include fine wine and dining, a silent and live auction, and live entertainment by Soul Vacation. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease. Tickets are $100 per person and a table of 8 can be reserved for $1,000. For more information, visit the Wine Store, or call the American Cancer Society at 433.5817.

Taylor Announces Police Jury Candidacy Kevin Lacy

William Henning

Whitney Bank had promoted Kevin Lacy to vice president. Lacy joined Whitney Bank in June 2004.

His experience ranges from positions as a credit analyst and a treasury management specialist, as well as a graduate of Whitney Bank’s Management Training Program. He has served in his present capacity as a commercial lender for the past six years. A native of Lake Charles and a graduate of LSU with a degree in finance, he currently serves on the state board of Coastal Conservation Association, as well as serving as a finance committee member for United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

Whitney Bank also announced the addition of William Henning to the Lake Charles market. Mr. Henning joined Whitney Bank in June 2009, and is a graduate of Whitney Bank’s Management Training Program. He now serves as a business banker in the Lake Charles Market. A native of Lake Charles, Henning is a graduate of McNeese with a degree in finance.

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Ray Taylor has announced his candidacy for Calcasieu Parish Police Juror, District 12. District 12 includes most of the Carlyss area, Vinton and Starks. The election is October 22.

Taylor has been a resident Ray Taylor of West Calcasieu for more than 42 years. He is a graduate of Sulphur High School and McNeese State University and has been employed by Georgia Gulf for more than 20 years as an Instrument and Electrical Supervisor. He has served on the Calcasieu Parish Zoning Board since 2010, has coached youth recreational sports for over 15 years and volunteered with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Lunch Buddy program at Vinton Elementary School. He is a member of St. Theresa’s Parish in Carlyss and the Knights of Columbus.

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Community Contributor$ PPG Lake Charles to Millennium Park Rebuild

The PPG Industries Foundation has committed $10,000 on behalf of PPG Industries’ chemicals manufacturing complex in Lake Charles toward rebuilding Shiver Me Timbers Millennium Park, which was destroyed by arson in January. In addition to the corporate financial support, PPG will commit volunteer hours to assist with the construction project. PPG Lake Charles was a sponsor when the original park was built, providing nearly 700 volunteers who worked more than 3,000 hours on the project along with financial support. Pictured from left are Clarence Doucett, PPG Friends; Kay Barnett, Chairman Millennium Park Rebuild Committee; Todd Spier, PPG Friends; Bob Dewey, Millennium Park Committee; Jon Manns, PPG Plant Manager.

Church of Good Shepherd to Family & Youth

The Church of the Good Shepherd recently donated $2,000 to support the Civic Engagement Training Institute, a project of the Children & Families Action Network, a program of Family & Youth. Pictured from left are Amy Allen, Polly Cole, David Duplechian of Family & Youth, Patty Grandy, and Annette Ballard.

Henning United Methodist to Care Help and Wise Penny Henning United Methodist Church Life Saver Group recently processed VHS tapes, created 50-cent grab bag toys, and priced stuffed animals for sale at the Wise Penny Thrift Store.

Volunteers were mostly children.

First Federal to Care Help of Sulphur First Federal recently donated $500 to Care Help of Sulphur to support the organization’s Backpack Blessings program, which is designed to feed underprivileged local students through the 2011-2012 through weekend backpacks of food.

Pictured are Leslie Harless of First Federal and Care Help of Sulphur's Executive Director Sue Broussard.

L’Auberge du Lac to Early Overstreet Cancer Foundation L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently hosted a celebrity charity golf tournament at Contraband Bayou Golf Club in addition to donating $10,000 to the Early Overstreet Cancer Foundation. Pictured from left: Brian Overstreet, Founder; Bill Belcher, L’Auberge Director of Resort Services, Chuck Creedon, L’Auberge Host; Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers; and Morris Overstreet. The Early Overstreet Cancer Research Foundation, located in Houston, works to find a cure for the devastating disease.

LRC to Millennium Park Rebuild Louisiana Radio Communications, Inc. has made a $5,000 donation to the City of Lake Charles Rebuilding Millennium Park project. The check presentation was recently held at the July 12 Lake Charles City Council Agenda Meeting in

Cameron LNG to the Leadership Center Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG family donated $5,000 to The Leadership Center of Family and Youth. Pictured are Julio Galan, President & CEO of Family & Youth; Melissa Portie, Human Resources Manager & Community Relations for Cameron LNG; and Maria A. Faul, Vice President of Development for Family & Youth.

CITGO to McNeese Foundation CITGO Petroleum Corp. has presented a $35,000 donation to the McNeese State University Foundation for the endowed CITGO Petroleum Corporation Professorship in Engineering.

From left are: Eduardo Assef, vice president and general manager for the CITGO Lake Charles manufacturing complex, McNeese President Dr. Philip Williams, Dana Keel, CITGO interim government and public affairs manager, Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, dean of the McNeese College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and Tomeu Vadell, CITGO general manager engineering and technical services.

the Council Chambers of City Hall, 326 Pujo St. 68 www.thriveswla.com

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August 2011

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

Arts Council Manages Central School In partnership with the City of Lake Charles, the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana has been given the responsibilities of building manager for the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. The Arts Council will manage the incubation of arts and humanities initiatives at Central School while promoting the building as a hub for educational and cultural activities.

Guillory Receives Award

Holiday Guillory

August 2011

Holiday Guillory, LPN received the Patient Choice Award from Women and Children’s Hospital.

The award recognizes quality care, comfort and compassion. Nominations come from patients.

Seven additional nurses were nominated and recognized at the award dinner including Abby Hoffpauir, RN; Ashley Schexnider, RN; Christina Kratz, RN; Linda McBride, RN; Mindy Laughlin, LPN; Marie Burton, RN and 2009 Patient Choice Award Winner Roberta Palermo, RN.

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!

Solutions for Life Solutions Employee Assistance Program from

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

A is for Attitude, Part I I recently conducted a workshop for leaders of a large organization.

I love workshops. They allow me a freedom that therapy does not: blunt bossiness. Therapy is all about gentle guidance (“did you ever notice…” “have you ever considered…”), but in workshops I can say things like, “if you want to be a successful manager, you’d better…” or “the fastest way to fail as a parent is to…” Are you surprised that being bossy comes rather naturally for me?

But I digress. At the aforementioned workshop, I was approached by a participant during the break. She asked for my opinion about one of her employees. This employee, who was described as being “really good at her job,” had been with the company for about three years, but apparently was “kind of rude and moody.” I then asked, “What is her position in your department?” I got an answer that would have surprised me in the past: “She’s the receptionist.” Are you kidding me?

The receptionist?

Probably because I was in bossy-workshop mode, I did not treat this lightly. Instead, I blurted out, “In my book, her attitude is at least 50 percent of her job!” To which the manager said, “Oh, I know that, but she’s really good at the rest of her job.” Well, that’s great, but since when did a 50 percent score win anything? Fifty out of 100 is a failing grade, no matter how you slice it.

Our discussion progressed onto things the manager had tried to address the attitude issue, and how the material we discussed in my Communication Skills workshop could be helpful. Here are some things I hope this manager took away from our conversation: Positive attitude is part of every job description.

As the old saying goes, “No man is an island.” We all come into contact with others as part of our jobs. Even if you work at your computer from your home in your pajamas, you are still in contact with someone else at some point. Your ability to be pleasant and easy to deal with is imperative. It doesn’t matter how much of a genius you are, if you are a pain to deal with, you will be out of a job.

If the problem employee did not have direct contact with customers, the manager probably wouldn’t have even brought the issue up. What a shame. I believe we have just as much responsibility to treat our co-workers appropriately as we do our customers. In fact, I consider co-workers to be customers. The way we treat each other in organizations sets the tone and impacts how we ultimately treat our customers. You’ve probably been in businesses where the employees clearly were not getting along.

How awkward and uncomfortable!

All areas of deficiency must be directly addressed.

When speaking with this manager about how the employee’s surly attitude had been addressed in the past, the manager acknowledged it hadn’t been specifically dealt with. Well, that’s not really fair, is it?

Obviously if this employee had good social skills, we wouldn’t be in this situation. We are dealing with a person who doesn’t intuitively understand the need for being positive and pleasant. And since the employee has been allowed to get away with this poor behavior for three years, she believes it is acceptable. She deserves to be told directly that the rules of the game are changing, and that attitude is now a large part of what she will be evaluated on from this point forward.

Then, “attitude” needs to be specifically defined. It’s not going to be enough to say “we need you to improve your attitude.” “I expect you to look at our customers when they walk in the door, smile at them and greet them,” is much better. Or, “When you are given an assignment, I expect you to accept it with a smile and perhaps say, ‘Sure, I’ll be happy to get this done for you.”

Clearly defining expectations serves a couple of purposes: it helps our socially lacking employee know exactly what we want, and it will be much easier to measure progress (or lack thereof). “Improve your attitude” is entirely too vague and can be interpreted too many different ways.

Next month I’ll finish outlining my thoughts about this very important topic. In the meantime, I encourage you to take a look at your own attitude. If your employer reads this article, where would you fall on your organization’s “attitude thermometer?”

C

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August 2011

It’s a bazillion degrees outside.

That’s just an estimate, of course.

A more accurate number would be somewhere around 90-something, with a heat index of 100-something. In other words: It’s hot, no matter how you measure it, and at the end of the day, we’re all on the verge of baking in that masterful oven known as the Great Outdoors.

Some of you might be enjoying the ridiculously hot summer sun, but if you’re like me and most perpetually disgruntled Americans, you have found this to be a perfect opportunity to complain about the weather. What else is there to think about? The surface of the Sun is 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit and it could be a winter destination.

We’ve all heard the how-tos on how-to survive a heat wave – drink lots of water, don’t stay outside too long, yadda yadda yadda – but to truly “survive” this scorching excuse for an annual season, I feel it’s in our best interests to view the Louisiana summer in a new light – and I don’t mean the blinding light of the outlandish sun rays. I mean the figurative light.

Just to give you an idea of how much time I spend outdoors: I walk to and from my car to go to work. Then I have to go to lunch and home again. I also have to walk my dog. All in all, I’m outside for less than an hour every day. I realize that’s not a very long amount of time in the large scheme of things, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to strangle everyone in my path after I’ve been in the heat.

To prevent that from happening, I kicked back in my air-conditioned office and considered the various ways that a stifling heat wave can add quality to all our lives.

It gives us something to talk about.

The Last Word

by Erin K e

lly

It provides an easy excuse for utter laziness that secretly exists throughout all seasons.

In fall, winter or spring, we have to come up with really elaborate excuses for avoiding things like yard work or exercise. But during a summer heat wave, we can blame the weather. Just last week I thought about going for a jog, but then I decided it was way too hot. I think about going for jogs in the fall, winter and spring, but during those seasons I usually have to spend a lot more time rationalizing my reasons for staying on the couch instead. Maybe in the cooler months I should kick up my thermostat to ninety-five degrees so I’ll be compelled to go outside in the natural air conditioning. But I’d probably just wind up bringing the couch with me.

It gives us a legitimate reason to cook stuff outside whilst drinking beer.

What better time than a sweltering heat wave to hang out by smoldering coals and drink dehydrating beverages?

Now that we all have a healthy appreciation for the summer sun, I would like to take this opportunity to send my condolences to those who have to spend more than an hour outside every day. May you rest well when you reach air conditioning. May you always have full bottles of water, and may you not want to strangle anyone in your path.

What better way to kick-start a conversation than to bellyache about the thick, suffocating heat that has a stranglehold on all of us? It doesn’t make for an original conversation-starter, but it’s better than nothing.

It unites the masses.

Over the past couple of months I have come in from the heat and announced to people nearby that it’s really hot. You know, just in case they didn’t notice.

Any time I’ve said, “man, it’s hot,” all the people nearby have nodded and grumbled in agreement. It’s not often that a group of diverse individuals can come to complete 100 percent agreement about something. Politicians should forget about the issues of the day and just go around talking about how hot it is. That’s how you become a uniter and not a divider.

It gives us an excuse to eat ice cream.

Not that I need one.

August 2011

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

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