Thrive July 2011 Issue

July 2011 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 11 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 2011

JULY 2011

youth sports g u i d e

Road Ready

Car Traveler’s Guide

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Independent Member of the Medical Staff atEugene Hong, M.D.

Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana234 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive

337-439-8857

Experienced specialist. Quality urological care.Now accepting new patients.

Women & Children’s Hospital welcomes board-certified urologist Eugene Hong, M.D., to our medical staff. Dr. Hong attended Stanford University and completed medical school and residency training at New York University School of Medicine. He comes to us from The Permanente Medical Group in California. An experienced urologist, Dr. Hong treats all urological conditions including bladder problems, prostate, kidney and bladder cancer, kidney stones, female incontinence, sexual dysfunction and urinary tract infections. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, Dr. Hong is here to help you feel like yourself again.

56151_WCH_Hong_8x4_875c.indd 1 6/24/11 3:12 PM

Thrive is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Porche and Mona Martin to the advertising sales team.

New At ThrivePorche most recently worked as a marketing assistant at Cameron State Bank and has previous experience in marketing and catering for Gray Plantation and the Sports Club at Graywood. She also served as an organizer for the Children’s Miracle Network and as a dance instructor for Tammy Palmer Center Stage Dance Co.

Thrive, a full-color publication based in Lake Charles, is distributed from more than 200 sites throughout Southwest Louisiana. It is located in area restaurants, banks, retail stores and waiting rooms and is delivered directly to several local industries. Thrive began in 2003 as a quarterly publication and has since grown to 12 issues per year.

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Martin, a graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in marketing, worked as vice president of marketing and sales at the Cotswold in Lake Charles for nearly 15 years. She most recently worked as a personal banker and marketing assistant at Cameron State Bank.

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2 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 2011 July 2011 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 33 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 2011

Contents

In This Issue 4 NewYouMakeoverChallenge

6 TakeFive 8 Parents’FieldGuidetoSportsInjuries10 LocalHallofFamers12 BeaChampionParent

16 HowtobeSocialSecuritySavvy

18 GetontheDefensive:DrivingTips19 RoadSafety24 WhattoCheckBeforeYouGo

26 FoodFuelforYourWorkout30 TheVoiceofYoungPatriots34 Cover Story: Breaking Old Habits 44 SmallTownSWLA48 PediatricianPrepPointers54 AlternativeHealth&HomeRemedies

Special Sectionget in the game: guide to youth sports

Special Section Car & Driver Guide

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 [email protected]

Mona Martin [email protected]

Submissions [email protected] 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.

Don’t just live, thrive!

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Regular Features14 BytheNumbers50 FirstPerson: withDeniseHughes66 McNeeseCorral68 Stethoscoop69 WellAware69 BestImpressions70 CommunityContributors72 Chatterbox74 SolutionsforLife75 TheLastWord 44Road

Ready


Regina SmartThis 37-year-old mother of two has struggled for several years in her quest to get healthy and has finally come at a crossroads. A high school agriculture teacher, she says she wants to be a good role model for her students by developing healthy habits. “For me this would mean taking care of myself so that I can be a better wife, mother and teacher. It would help me to become stronger not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.” She hopes to not only inspire her students, but also her friends, family and co-workers.

Hannah VincentThis 17-year-old recent high school graduate will start her freshman year at Louisiana Tech in the fall, where she

plans to major in agriculture education and social studies. She wants to start college life on the right track. “I hope to accomplish being healthier and feeling and looking better than before I started,” she says. Hannah’s mother

Lee Ann said a “fresh start awaits” Hannah through this challenge, but a fresh start actually awaits the both of them – Lee Ann decided to complete the challenge with her.

Amanda BryantAs a mother of three and registered nurse, Amanda Bryant, 31, has always put herself last, but with this challenge, she hopes to put herself first so she can become a better mother, wife and nurse. “As time has gone on and I became older I started noticing my energy declining and I started to feel very out of shape,” she says. “I hope to take away from this experience the tools to teach my children about healthy food choices and also to stay active. I want to become a stronger person, not only physically but mentally.” Her primary interest is taking control of her diet and nutrition.

The Challenge Beginsby Erin Kelly

The best kind of makeovers have little to do with hairstyles and outfits and more to do with building a

new lifestyle – one that enriches your life and ushers you into a thriving and healthy future.

Signatures Salon, Dr. Eric Snow Chiropractic and Nutrition, Thrive and CrossFit Lake Charles have joined

forces to remake the lives of local residents who want to map out new roads in their lives. The New You

Makeover Challenge includes a nutritional evaluation and healthy eating plan, personal training sessions

and hair and skin treatments.

“The challenge encompasses the whole person, inside and out,” said Wendy White McCown, owner of

Signatures Salon. “We want to give them a complete transformation.”

Southwest Louisiana residents were invited to nominate themselves or others for the makeover

challenge.

Thrive readers will have the opportunity to experience the lifestyle changes with our six New You

Makeover Challengers each month through October. First, the introductions:


Renee ThorntonThis registered nurse is no stranger to a challenge. After her divorce 10 years ago she went back to college at age 45. A self-confessed yo-yo dieter and occasional exerciser, she wants to put the same level of determination into her physical health as she did with building her career and buying her first house after the end of a 21-year marriage. “I learned some things about myself that I didn’t know – I am not a quitter. I want to feel energetic and proud of myself on the inside as well as the outside,” says Renee, 51. “I’m tired of being tired! It’s finally time for me – time to work on my transformation.”

Jill PortieSchool principal Jill Portie avoided doctor visits for three years. When she finally went, the news was dire: Her cholesterol was almost 400 and her blood pressure was 189 over 98. With her stressful job, extra weight and a family history of heart disease, she knew it was time to serious about getting healthy. “I’ve been busy with life and my health has been put on the back burner. I love to take care of my children, family, school, teachers, staff (and) parents, but I never take care of myself. I want to serve as a role model for my own children and the children in my school.” An at-home self-professed Cajun cook, her biggest challenges have been changing her diet and focusing on good nutrition. “I would like to pop out of the bed in the morning, eager to take on my challenges and help others do the same.” Her son John will complete the challenge with her.


With so many activities happening year-round, the benefits and challenges abound. Here are a few snapshots of interesting tidbits for parents, coaches, and athletes.

5 Benefits for ParentsIt’s not just young adults who benefit from getting in the game. New research from Purdue University indicates that the benefits extend to parents, too. Here’s how:• Improved spousal

communication. Parents have to arrange carpools, pick-ups, time management, and other logistical tasks to get their kids on the field. Parents often attend practices and games together as well. All these things improve verbal communication between mom and dad.

• Playdates for parents. While kids are in the game, parents are on the sidelines, where they often develop new friends and meet new people.

• Quality time with the kids. Youth sports provide lots of opportunities for mom and dad to hang out with their children – and rarely is that a bad thing.

• Motivation. Watching kids run around all day can make even the most athletic parent feel worn out; many parents use this as an a-ha moment to get involved in physical activity themselves.

• Improved social skills. Being the parent of a young athlete means you have to work your socialization muscles. With all that hustle and all those kids, it takes social networking between parents to make sure all the bases are covered.

5 Challenges for Young AthletesDespite the numerous benefits offered by youth sports – increased confidence, leadership skills, socialization, and the list goes on – 75 percent of all young athletes drop out of sports by the time they’re 13 years old. It may seem like fun and games, but being an athlete also involves lots of pressure, not to mention tests to personal willpower and patience. According to The Ultimate Sports Parent by Lisa Cohn and Dr. Patrick Cohn, these are the top five challenges faced by young athletes:• Performing better in practice than the game. This is often caused

by fear of failure, high expectations, or self-criticism. To truly flourish, young athletes need to feel like they can perform in an environment of comfort and support – from their parents to the coaches.

• Stage fright. This is something most people can relate to. It’s one thing to kick the ball around in the backyard. It’s another to perform

with a crowd of eyes watching you. Preoccupation with potential embarrassment can often distract the young fielder from playing to full potential.

• Self-doubt. In practice, all is well, but on the court or the field, it’s another story. This is common among young athletes. The Cohns refer to the phenomenon as “competitive self-confidence.”

• Anxiousness or fear. Fear of failure or embarrassment can cause anxiety during competition.

• Loss of focus at critical times. The pressure of hitting a home-run with the bases loaded can crash hard on a young athlete and cause them to lose sight of the ball.

5 Ways to Be an Awesome Sports ParentFear of failure, mounting pressure, self-doubt and lack of confidence can erode an otherwise rewarding experience for your young athlete. The Cohns, authors of The Ultimate Sports Parent, provide these suggestions:• Be supportive. Attend practices, make sure your child’s coach is skilled and

sportsmanlike, make sure your young athlete stays in shape and commend them for jobs well done. Don’t focus on their errors – focus on their successes.

• Help your child overcome a fear of failure. Kids don’t want to be embarrassed. They don’t want to get in trouble with their parents or waste

anyone’s time or disappoint their coaches. Openly and honestly discuss your child’s fears. Develop realistic goals together, but make sure those goals are your child’s and not your own.• Develop realistic expectations. Children often

self-judge themselves throughout the competitive experience, which can be detrimental. Make sure your child understands personal strengths and help them build their expectations around them.

• Help your child focus on the process, not the outcome. Teach focus-related tasks, like preparing in the batter’s box, watching the ball, or making it to base, rather than simply “winning.”

• Teach them that it’s okay to fail. Make sure your young athlete understands that mistakes are okay and no one is perfect. If they strike out, so be it. Give them permission to fail.

get in the game: guide to youth sports

Take Five for Youth Sports

5UnSTrUCTUrED PLAYTIME HAS FALLEn BY THE wAYSIDE In rECEnT DECADES. For MAnY AMErICAn FAMILIES, STrUCTUrED YoUTH SPorTS HAVE STEPPED To THE PLATE To FILL PLAYTIME HoUrS THAT wErE onCE SPEnT rIDInG BIKES AroUnD THE nEIGHBorHooD or CLIMBInG TrEES In THE BACKYArD. THE nUMBEr oF AMErICAn YoUTH PLAYInG CoMPETITIVE SPorTS HAS SKYroCKETED SInCE 1990. rESEArCH InDICATES THAT THErE ArE now An ESTIMATED 41 MILLIon YoUnG ATHLETES rAnGInG FroM KInDErGArTEnErS To HIGH SCHooL SEnIorS.

by Erin Kelly


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get in the game: guide to youth sports5 Ways to Beat the HeatSummer heat in Louisiana is no laughing matter and the scorching temperatures often last longer than the summer months indicated by your calendar. To avoid heat stroke – a dangerous medical condition that can cause long-term damage – take these precautionary measures, offered by the American Red Cross:• Drink lots of water. If you’re not

crazy about water, your second-best option is sports drinks, such as Gatorade.

• Avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol. These fluids can lead to dehydration.

• wear light, loose fitting clothing in light colors.

• wear a hat and sunglasses or bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the heat.

• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. To learn more about heat exhaustion and prevention tips, see page 42.

5 Mistakes Parents MakeLack of self-confidence and fear of failure are often two of the catalysts that lead young athletes astray and prevent them from fully enjoying the benefits of their pastime. Most parents have their child’s best interests at heart and think they’re doing their kid a favor by pushing them hard or setting high expectations, but sometimes parents lose sight of themselves in the process. The International Mental Game Coaching Association and the Cohns provide the following list of common errors well-intentioned parents make in the world of youth sports:• Comparing your child to other athletes. Even if you’re being positive –

saying they’re better than player A or B, for example – it’s not a good idea. They need to focus on their own strengths rather than what the other kids are or are not doing.

• Failing to match their child’s sport choice to their temperament, sensibilities, talents and values. Sports are specific interests and can’t be painted with a broad brush. Find a sport that your child will truly enjoy based on their personality.

• over-analyzing the athlete’s performance or the competition. It’s best not to psyche them out with performance analysis just before the game. Providing detailed instructions beforehand could cause them to lose focus on their personal intuition, which is essential during game play.

• Immediate analysis. Hold off on the immediate after-game analysis. Give them an opportunity to review the win or loss on their own.

• Focusing on failures. Resist the urge to judge, criticize or lecture your child about their performance. You may think you’re boosting them up and providing “constructive criticism,” but often it detracts from the warm and supportive environment that nurtures confident athletes. Stay positive.


“There are more children playing competitive sports and many of them are playing year-round. The benefits of sports are substantial, but so is the risk of injury if proper precautions aren’t taken,” said Geoffrey Collins, MD, orthopaedic specialist with Center for Orthopaedics and Team Physician for McNeese Athletics. “We treat a large number of young patients who’ve been injured playing competitive sports and without adequate education, the rate can become alarming. Obviously it’s important for coaches and team staff to understand prevention and treatment of these injuries, but it is also extremely important for parents to understand the risks associated with the sports their child plays and how to avoid the most common types of injuries. When parents have a full understanding of this, it makes it much easier and more comfortable for them to enjoy the game. They feel educated and prepared.”

Not surprisingly, the most common injuries among young athletes are sprains and strains. Virtually all youth sports put athletes at risk for straining or spraining certain parts of their bodies, making it crucial that parents and supervising adults have a full understanding of how to prevent and treat them.

“A sprain involves the stretching or tearing of a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones or joints. A strain involves stretching or tearing of the muscle or tendon structures. Both strains and sprains can cause limited mobility, pain and swelling. If minor, they often heal quickly using the RICE technique – rest, ice, compression and elevation – followed by gradual re-use,” Dr. Collins said. “Early medical attention is wise for more severe cases or any injuries in which the pain is overly severe or causes complete immobility. Some strains and sprains can be serious and require medical intervention, but in many cases, these youth injuries can be treated with adequate rest and home care.”

Although all youth sports present opportunities for potential sprains and strains, certain sports do carry specific risks at a higher rate than others, according to Dr. Collins. “It’s more common to see wrist injuries in cheerleaders than soccer players and more common to see shin injuries from soccer players than cheerleaders, for example. Athletes are susceptible to injuries across the board – obviously cheerleaders are not immune from shin injuries – but some are more common in one sport than another,” he said.

Here are some of the commonly played youth sports, the injuries that are typically associated with each, and how these injuries can best be prevented.

BasketballDue to the frequent movement and contact involved in basketball, many parts of the body are vulnerable to injury; among them are the hands. “Jammed fingers” are a frequent injury experienced in basketball because fingers and thumbs are constantly being utilized and hit through repeated catching, passing, guarding and

shooting. Symptoms of a jammed finger include pain, swelling, discoloring and immobility. Sometimes finger joints can become dislocated. “Some athletes downplay finger injuries, but they should be taken just as seriously as injuries to the knees, especially if the joint has been dislocated,” Dr. Collins said. “Jammed fingers can worsen over time if not treated properly.”

TIPS: If a joint becomes dislocated, do not allow anyone but a trained medical professional to restore the joint to its normal position. Improper restoration of the joint could result in further injury. In the case of a swollen or sore finger which may not require medical intervention, Dr. Collins said ice should be applied as soon as possible and continued in 12-minute intervals with 20-minute breaks between ice applications. Elevate the injured finger. You can compress the finger also, but make sure the compression isn’t too tight and is not left on for too long.

CheerleadingCheerleading is considered one of the riskiest sports for injury due to the athleticism and routines involved. One of the more typical injuries experienced by cheerleaders is wrist pain because weight is constantly being put on the wrists to execute flips, lift fellow athletes, and other athletic demands.TIPS: It’s easy to forget about the wrists during stretching

exercises, but it’s crucial that both hands and wrists get conditioned during warm-up. If wrist pain becomes constant, seek the advice of a medical professional, Dr. Collins said. If left untreated, wrist injuries can worsen. Repetitive stress without adequate treatment or prevention can lead to arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

SoccerSoccer has become a wildly popular youth sport in the past ten years. “Not surprisingly, pain in the shins is very typical of soccer players,” Dr. Collins said. “Generalized shin pain that increases over time are often referred to as ‘shin splints,’ and is usually caused by improper

A Field Guide for Sport-Specific Injuries

THIrTEEn-YEAr-oLD PITCHErS wITH SorE SHoULDErS, 14-YEAr-oLD SoCCEr PLAYErS wITH ACHInG AnKLES, BASKETBALL STArS wITH THroBBInG HEELS – VIrTUALLY EVErY YoUnG ADULT SPorT HAS A rISK oF InJUrY AnD STATISTICS InDICATE THAT THoSE rISKS HAVE BEEn rEALIzED AT A STEADILY InCrEASInG rATE. ACCorDInG To THE AMErICAn ACADEMY oF PEDIATrICS, MorE THAn 3.5 MILLIon YoUnG ATHLETES UnDEr THE AGE oF FIFTEEn SEEK MEDICAL TrEATMEnT For SPorTS-rELATED InJUrIES EACH YEAr.

by Erin Kelly

get in the game


stretching, over-training, overuse, running or jumping, and inadequate cleats.” Shin splits are marked by pain in the lower leg which worsens while running or exercising, a lingering ache that continues even during rest, and tight or inflexible calves.

TIPS: The best thing that can be done for shin splints is rest. The RICE method can also be used for immediate relief, followed by a gradual return to non-weight bearing activities until the pain has disappeared.

FootballDamage to the ACL – the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee – is a common injury in football. Although typically thought of as an injury that damages the careers of NFL superstars, athletes as young as nine or

ten have now become susceptible to ACL damage, according to Dr. Collins. With increasingly aggressive arena leagues and heightened competition in youth football, younger athletes are more vulnerable to ACL injury than in the past. This is particularly concerning because surgery to treat ACL can cause more lasting damage because tissue and bones are still developing.

TIPS: Perform training drills that require balance, power and agility. Jumping and balance drills improve athletes’ muscular reactions, which has shown to cause a decrease in the risk of ACL damage. Make sure such drills are part of the athlete’s conditioning program.

BaseballThere has been a rapid increase in arm injuries among young pitchers, which is usually the result of overuse and improper technique. One of these injuries, “little league elbow,” seems to result when the athlete winds up and

uncurls the body too late before releasing the ball. Recent studies indicate that 60 percent of 11- to 18-year-olds have sustained an injury due to the repetitive motion and overuse of the elbow and shoulder.

TIPS: Make sure the team adheres to pitching limits, preferably those set forth by the American Sports Medicine Institute. Dr. Collins says parents of young pitchers should familiarize themselves with these limits and make sure the coaches follow them. Young athletes should also make sure they learn and understand proper throwing techniques and condition themselves adequately before game play.

Track The hamstrings are three muscles located in the back of the thigh which are responsible for bending or flexing the knee. Pulled hamstrings, which occur when one or more of the hamstring muscles have been strained, are a common injury faced by track runners. A hamstring pull is often the result of the athlete pushing the body to

perform to maximum capacity. It can also be caused by improper conditioning. A mild pull is often associated with a slight pull or ache in the back of the leg. More severe cases can involve swelling.

TIPS: Utilize the RICE method to heal a pulled hamstring. Walking is usually difficult with this type of injury, so rest is essential. Ice can be placed on the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and a compress is acceptable, as long as it’s not too tight, Dr. Collins said. It could take at least a week, maybe more, to recover from a pulled hamstring, depending on the severity. If the pain persists, physical therapy may be required. Athletes who suffer this type of injury may need medical intervention, depending on the intensity of the pain and immobility of the athlete.

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SIx rECEnT HIGH SCHooL GrADUATES – InCLUDInG A PoLE VAULTEr, ALL-DISTrICT InFIELDEr, TrACK rUnnErS AnD BASKETBALL PLAYErS – wErE InDUCTED InTo THE SoUTHwEST LoUISIAnA HIGH SCHooL SPorTS HALL oF FAME AT A rECEnT BAnQUET. THE HALL oF FAME wAS ForMED BY THE UnITED wAY oF SoUTHwEST LoUISIAnA To rECoGnIzE LoCAL SEnIorS wHo HAVE DISTInGUISHED THEMSELVES In THE FIELD oF ATHLETICS EITHEr BY VIrTUE oF THEIr ACCoMPLISHMEnTS on ATHLETIC TEAMS or BY MErIToUS EFForTS on BEHALF oF ATHLETICS, ACCorDInG To KIMBErLY CALDArErA-DIxon, DIrECTor oF CoMMUnITY InVESTMEnT.

THE STUDEnTS wErE SELECTED BY A 22-PErSon CoMMITTEE THAT ConSISTED oF LoCAL LEADErS wITH LonGTIME TIES To THE SPorTInG CoMMUnITY. THE CoLLEGE-BoUnD ATHLETES ArE THE 14TH CLASS oF InDUCTEES For THE ArEA. THEY ArE:

A native of DeRidder and Kinder resident, Carlee maintained a 4.0 grade point average while competing in basketball, softball and track, for which she received numerous honors – All-Distrct 42A Shortstop, first team All-District 4-2A Utility Player, All-State Class 2A, Composite Academic All-State, as well as district champion and regional titles in shot up, two-mile, discus, and field. She was also a District Cross Country Top Ten Runner in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In addition to participating in official school athletics, Carlee swims, rides four wheelers, hunts, fishes and plays basketball. She was named valedictorian of her graduating class and signed with Louisiana College to play basketball. She is the daughter of Alan and Debra Reeves.

Carlee ReevesEast Beauregard High

Jenna LeeSouth Beauregard High

Jenna, a native of Atlanta, was a member of the All-District Track Cross Country and State Qualifier teams and the State Quarter-Final, State Semi-Final and State Runner-up basketball teams. She served as captain of the school’s two-year undefeated basketball team in 2011 and was named All-District first team in 2010 and 2011 and All-District second team in 2009. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and being named school valedictorian, Jenna was a member of the Acadiana Stars AAU and the Cy-Fair Shock Nike Elite basketball teams. Jenna passed the pharmacy technician certification boards and plans to play basketball for the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She is the daughter of Stacy and Kim Lee.

High School Hall of famers

get in the game


Brittany is a Grant resident that participated in track, basketball and softball at Fairview. Her track team accomplishments include a second-place finish at State in the discus, the state championship in 2007 and state runner-up in 2010 and 2011. She was voted first All-District in 2007, 2009 and 2010 in softball. In basketball she was voted to the first team All-District every year from 2007-2011. She was named Class B Most Valuable Player in 2010 and 2011, All Southwest Louisiana from 2009-2011 and was a finalist in the Wendy’s Hesiman Award competition in 2011. She is the daughter of Mark and Sherry Maddox and plans to attend LSU-Shreveport.

In 2009, Evan was a member of the Team USA baseball team that defeated Cuba in the finals in Taiwan for the gold medal. In 2011 he was selected to play in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Baseball All-Star Senior game in Alexandria. During his high school baseball career Evan was named All-District Utility Player, All-District Infielder, All-Southwest Louisiana Infielder, first-team All-State Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association, 5-A District Most Valuable Player and 4A Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association 4A Player of the Year. But his athletic skills aren’t limited to the baseball field; he also lettered in football for four years and was named to All-District teams in defense and as second team punter for 2010 All-District. Evan, the son of Chris and Tamma Powell, was a four-year honor student. He has committed to LSU on a baseball scholarship.

This Houston native holds three Barbe Cross Country and Track school records and was also captain of the soccer team for three years. He was on the All-Academic State Composite Team for both soccer and track; as a cross country runner, he was named All-District and also made All-District in Outdoor Track in nine different events. He competed in the state 800-meter run meet and was named Outstanding Male Track Athlete. zachary’s athletic accomplishments are a complement to his academics – the Texas A&M-bound graduate is a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Honors and was the Barbe High School and Calcasieu Parish Student of the Year. He is the son of Tommy and Susan Stone.

Brittany MaddoxFairview High School

Evan Christopher PowellSam Houston High School

Zachary StoneBarbe High School

Cameron MeyerHamilton Christian Academy

Cameron has the second-highest pole vault ever recorded in Southwest Louisiana history at 16 feet, 6 inches. He was three-time district champion, two-time regional champion, two-time state champion and is currently the Louisiana state record holder in the pole vault. He also proved himself on the track as a member of the 2011 Regional and State relay teams. In 2011, he led his team to the 2011 Louisiana State Track and Field Championship as the team’s leading scorer with 14.5 points. In football, Cameron was a three-year two-way starter for the Warriors and was the first quarterback in Southwest Louisiana to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 1,000 yards in the regular season. He received the honors of All District Defensive Back in 2008, the Louisiana Football Coaches Association All-State Defensive Back in 2009 and was named All-Southwest Louisiana Quarterback for Small Schools in 2010. He also played baseball as a sophomore and senior. Cameron, a member of the National Honor Society, has signed with the University of Georgia Track and Field Team to pole vault. He is the son of Tim and Darla Meyer.


Jones is the athletic director and boys’ PE instructor at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. Next month, he’ll begin his 14th year in there -- enough time to start coaching the children of former students.

At ICCS, the grades run all the way from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, so that means students see Coach Jones early and often.

Along the way, student athletes learn a thing or two, or three, about sportsmanship.

In youth sports, wins and losses alone are an incomplete measure of what young athletes accomplish on the field -- or what they take away from it. Intangibles like effort and sportsmanship also play a part.

Effort comes from within. Sportsmanship is taught -- and learned, and exercised -- which means coaches, aided by the support of parents, are the people who instill it.

Jones teaches and coaches students through their first forays into team sports. He teaches them just how to play the sport, but how to conduct themselves within it.

He underscores sportsmanship by deeds, not words. He shows, rather than tells.

Here’s an example, one that takes place at ICCS football games: “If somebody on the other team has a good hit or makes a good play, I’ll tell them that they did a good job -- so my kids see it,” he said. “Even if you’re losing, you can appreciate the work of the other team.”

Also, “if we’re at a track meet, and it’s a close race and maybe our athlete doesn’t win, I’ll go over to the finish line and tell the winner they ran a good race,” he said. “And then I’ll huddle with them and my runner, and tell them they both did a good job -- and my kid will shake the other kid’s hand.”

These are first-time competitors. How soon can sportsmanship be developed?

“As soon as they’re old enough to go to school,” Jones said. “At ICCS, we have Character Education, and it starts when they’re in pre-K. By the time they’re in fifth grade and they get into team sports, they’ve been working on these things for years, and a lot of it applies to sportsmanship.”

Some of the learning can take place at home, too. What can parents do?“Support the coaches,” he said, needing no time to think of the answer.

“Coaches are trying to teach kids how to be good sports. When coaches make decisions, parents need to be right behind the coaches and back them up.”

He offered another tip as well. If parent sees their child display poor sportsmanship, “pull them aside after the game,” he said. “Talk about what they did, and how they could it differently the next time.”

Even without such sessions, Jones said kids learn things good and bad from their parents just by watching them.

“If I see a kid stomping around out there, and I can usually tell which ones their parents are,” he said. “Those kids’ parents are the ones who are screaming at the referees and arguing over the calls and screaming at the coaches. You’re setting an example whatever you’re doing. And some parents are setting the right example -- because their kids are out there smiling, and they’re happy, and their parents are there clapping and supporting their kids.”

How to be a Champion SportsDEPEnDInG on THE SEASon, CoACH CHrIS JonES IS THE GUY wITH THE wALKIE-TALKIE AroUnD HIS nECK, DIrECTInG A TrACK MEET LIKE A TrAFFIC CoP -- or THE onE on THE SIDELInES, CoACHInG SoME FUnDAMEnTALS InTo FLEDGLInG FooTBALL PLAYErS BETwEEn BLASTS oF HIS wHISTLE.

Parentby Brett Downer

get in the game


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It’s about encouragementDavid Haegele coached South Little League teams in both the 7-8 and 9-10 age groups this year, and the latter team finished with the top regular-season in its division. It was Haegele’s fifth season to coach baseball; he has coached basketball and flag football teams in the local Upward programs as well.

“Sportsmanship is having a good attitude and giving 100 percent,” Haegele said.

With young athletes, “I try to teach them competitiveness, but not against others -- competitiveness with their own personal best instead,” he said. “For instance, I’ll time players on their baserunning, but it’s not to beat other players’ times -- it’s so they can work to beat their own best time.”

Young athletes should like the sport while they’re learning it, he said.“If I go out to talk to the pitcher, or call the infield in for a meeting, I always

ask them, ‘Are you having fun?’ I ask that first, and then we can talk about being focused on the next play.”

Sportsmanship also means respect for officiating -- something that can be encouraged at the moment a player starts complaining about it.

“I tell them, ‘Listen, guys, the umpires are the umpires. It was one play and one call, and we shouldn’t be in a position where one play or one call will make or break the game.’ “

It’s a idea that extends to the spectators, too. “When parents are about complaining about balls and strikes, it bleeds over,” he said. “Lead by example. Don’t berate the officials.”

Instead, families can be a positive influence. “Parents should be encouraging, but not really coaching,” Haegele said. “It’s

good to say ‘good job’ or ‘good hustle,’ but when parents are giving directions, it puts added pressure on them. I’ve seen it. Every time a player does something, they’ll look at the stands -- and that’s confusing to them, trying to listen to coaches and listening to their parents.”

a Volunteer’s ThoughtsJason Young has volunteered for several seasons as a Little League coach. This month, he’s coaching a postseason all-star team for tournament play.

At the first team meeting, Young distributed a printout of a coaching philosophy -- a collection of ideas he said is based on his own time as a player, from things he learned from his coaches and from his own experiences in coaching.

Here are some of his tips: --Kids gain confidence and a love for the game through positive feedback from parents, coaches and other players.

--Tell the kids how important it is for them to support each other and to always be positive towards their teammates.

--Competition is an important element of any sport, and as kids grow they naturally become more competitive. Don’t talk to the kids about “needing to win” or “how important it is to win.” Help the kids develop the ability to deal with competition in a healthy way. Effort and attitude is a main focus.

--Children learn by example. Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game and practice. “Cheer for your child during games,” Young wrote as his final suggestion. “But try to keep from yelling instructions to them. Remember, this is their opportunity to enjoy playing the game. Much of the fun is lost if Mom or Dad is always shouting instructions.”

by Brett Downer

14 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 201115 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 20112 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living March 2010

450,000girls play basketball--making it the

most popular girl’s sportSource: U.S. Census

boys play football--making it the most popular boy sport

Source: U.S. Census

of sports-related injuries occur in children age 5-14

Source: National Center for Sports Safety

average age children begin playing recreational sportsSource: Mayo Clinic

children quit sports by age 13Source: Family Education

Youth SportS

BY THE NUMBERS

children are involved in sports each yearSource: Center for Kids First in Sports

40 million

Age 61 million

14 million3 hours

40%

TOP 5Youth Sports

average number of hours spentpracticing a sport in middle school.

Source: Positive Coaching Alliance

1. Football

2. Basketball

3. Baseball/Softball

4. Outdoor Track & Field

5. Soccer Source: LIVESTRONG

2average number of sports

each child playsSource: Encyclopedia of

Children’s Health


by Kristy Armand

“We always see an increase in patients with kidney stones in the summer,” says urologist Eugene Hong, MD, with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana. “Our climate in Southwest Louisiana makes us naturally more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to stones. Many people spend a lot of time outdoors and don’t drink enough water to replace what they lose sweating in the summer heat.”

A kidney stone is a collection of crystals that separate from the urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. “Normally, chemicals in urine will prevent these crystals from forming,” explains Dr. Hong. “However, due to dehydration or other causes, there are times when these crystals are allowed to grow and form what is referred to as a ‘stone.’”

Scientists have found evidence of kidney stones in 7,000 year old mummies – proof that this is a problem humans have battled for centuries. Every year, almost three million visits are made to health care providers because of problems associated with kidney stones. For more than 500,000, the problems are enough to take them to the emergency room.

If they remain small enough, Dr. Hong says many times the stone will pass through the urinary tract without notice if you are drinking enough water. But, when they grow, they can produce pain in the flank or back area. As the stone passes down the ureter, the tube between the kidney and bladder, it causes irritation, spasms, and kidney swelling, resulting in additional pain, which can become quite severe.

Common symptoms of a kidney stone include sharp, cramping pain in the back, flank, side or lower abdomen; nausea and vomiting; pain in the groin; blood in the urine; the need to urinate often; and a burning sensation during urination.

Once you experience symptoms of kidney stones, it’s important to make an appointment with your urologist. If your doctor thinks the stone can pass on its own, and you feel you can deal with the pain, treatment may be limited to pain medication and drinking enough fluids to help move the stone through the urinary system. “You need to drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear – about 8 to 10 glasses a day,” says Dr. Hong. “If the pain is too severe, if you have an infection, or if the stones are blocking the urinary tract, additional medical or surgical treatment may be needed. Fortunately, this is not typically the case.”

A urine sample is typically required for urologists to determine the potential cause of the kidney stone. Once that’s determined, a plan for future prevention can be determined. “We know that the development of kidney stones can be hereditary and that once you’ve had one, you are more likely to develop another one later,” says Dr. Hong. “They are also more common in men and Caucasians. Kidney stone formation can also be a side effect of other health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders or certain kidney diseases.”

Although it can be difficult to provide generalized information on how to prevent kidney stones, Dr. Hong says avoiding foods that contain high levels of oxalate (one of the chemicals that form the crystals), such as beets, wheat germ, peanuts, okra, chocolate, sweet potatoes or soybean crackers is often

recommended for people who are prone to developing stones. Contrary to popular belief, eating foods with higher calcium doesn’t

seem to increase the risk of kidney stones, although researchers have found a relationship between kidney stones and calcium taken in pill form. Other foods that have been found to potentially increase kidney stones include coffee, strawberries, tea and cola.

But before putting yourself on a specialized diet, Dr. Hong says it’s important to talk to your urologist. “Our top recommendation for kidney stone prevention is always going to be drinking plenty of fluids, and by ‘fluids,’ we mean water – not soft drinks or tea,” he stresses. “These can actually cause dehydration in some cases. And in the summer, water is the best fluid for rehydrating your body.”

For more information on kidney stone prevention and treatment, call the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana at 439-8857 or 1-800-523-9969.

Summer is the Season for Stones Kidney stones, that is.

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Strategizing Social Security to Get the Most for Your Money

The Social

Security program can be a daunting

and difficult maze of rules and regulations that leave potential retirees scratching their heads and wondering

what they should do. retire now or wait? work longer or go part-time? If not now, when?

“Like many investment or financial decisions, choosing when to withdraw Social Security is often an individualized matter that takes a taxpayer’s personal situation into consideration. we all have our own goals and plans and what works for one doesn’t always work for another. That being said, though, there are some general strategies that potential retirees may want to consider to get the most bang out of their Social Security bucks,” said Certified Financial Planner Denise rau, president of rau Financial Group. “There are claiming strategies that allow retirees to increase their payout, ultimately benefitting them for the rest of their lives.”

Strategy #1: STAYInG PowErBefore you retire, consider this – Social Security payouts are based on an average of your highest-earning 35 years in the workforce. So if you’re making more today than you ever did, it’s to your benefit to stay in the grind. Your salary will likely keep increasing, which means the overall average used in the formula will increase too. “Most people earned much less in their twenties and thirties than they do in their fifties and sixties. For each year you work as a higher earner, you boot one of those lower-earning years out of the formula,” Rau said.

If you retire at the earliest option, which is age sixty-two, you won’t get your full Social Security benefit, but if you stay in the grind until you reach your full retirement age, you have the option of earning up to $37,000 each year without affecting your monthly payout, which means you can earn $37,000 plus receive your monthly benefit, assuming you hold out until you hit full retirement.

According to Rau, your full retirement age depends on what year you were born. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, it’s 66. For those born between 1955 and 1959, it’s somewhere between 66 and 66 and 10 months. The retirement age is 67 for those born after 1960.

Strategy #2: SEVEnTY rEIGnS SUPrEME“When you know there’s a retirement benefit waiting for you, it’s tempting to take advantage. Who wouldn’t want to? This is a retiree’s chance to relax and enjoy the fruits of their long-working labor,” Rau said. “However, if you turn 67, but wait until 70 to claim, your payouts will increase by 8 percent each year. The downfall is obvious, however – you have to wait until you’re 70 to fully retire.”

by Erin Kelly


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Who does your hair?Strategy #3: SPoUSAL SUPPorTIf you’re married, you have more options than your single counterparts to maximize your payouts. Married workers receive benefits based on their own earnings, but are also eligible to receive payouts that are equal to half of their spouse’s benefit. A couple seeking to boost total payout may want to consider which spouse will claim first and who will wait. It depends largely on who has earned the most money.

“Some think it’s best for men to claim early because their lifespan is shorter, but if you’re married and want to strategize on your overall payout, it’s quite possible that the opposite is true,” Rau said. “More than likely, the husband has earned more money and is older than his wife. This is a generalization, but it tends to be true more often than not. In this case, it makes sense for the lower earner to sign up for benefits early and the higher earner to wait as long as possible.”

By withdrawing benefits early, the wife will receive a smaller payout while her husband’s benefit value increases the longer he works. If she outlives him, she will then receive the widow’s benefit, which bumps her up to the higher benefit. The survivor’s benefit for spouses is the full amount of Social Security of the higher wage-earner.

“This is a general strategy that may not work for all couples. This formula assumes that the higher wage-earner is making more money than ever before and also assumes that the husband, who generally has a lower life expectancy, is earning more than his wife. Although these factors are typical, they aren’t true for everyone,” Rau said.

Rau suggests that potential retirees talk with a trusted financial planner before making any grand decisions about their Social Security payout. “As I said, it is a very individualized decision because there are many factors to consider,” Rau said.


We’re all familiar with the driving habits of your typical road rager. They follow too closely, change lanes erratically, speed, ignore traffic control devices, forget to signal and refuse to yield rights of way. Sometimes they highlight their behavior with frustrated gestures or exasperated expletives.

Whether this describes your personal driving habits or those of motorists sharing your patch of road, the statistics are clear that aggressive driving habits practiced by road ragers account for a significant portion of traffic accidents. Summer is one of the most heavily traveled times of year and most road rage accidents happen on clear, sunny days, which are often the hallmark of Louisiana summers; with this in mind, it’s vital that motorists not only learn how to control their own angry driving habits, but know how to maneuver the roads defensively to protect themselves against more pushy drivers.

According to Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, speeding – a hallmark tactic of aggressive drivers – is one of the primary causes of summer traffic accidents. Researchers at the Louisiana State University Highway Safety Research Group estimate that 51 percent of driver fatalities in Louisiana involved “aggressive driving,” which is typically used to describe the behaviors of people who suffer from road rage.

To fight against aggressive road hogs, your most sensible option is to go on the defensive. Here’s a few tips from the Department of Transportation:• Be extra-cautious at intersections; aggressive drivers often

run red lights, speed through yellows, ignore stop signs or only stop for a brief second.

• Stay ahead of other motorists’ blind spots, especially larger vehicles that may not see you on the road.

• Use your turn signal every time you turn and when you change lanes.

• About 10 percent of accidents are caused by tailgating. Use the two-second rule. When driving under normal road and weather conditions, your car should be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. Find a point in the road ahead – a sign post, for example – and count off the seconds it takes you to pass that same point. It should take at least two seconds. If you’re driving at a higher speed or in inclement weather, give yourself an extra second or two.

• Always wear your seat belt.• Avoid distractions. Do not eat, read, write or study a map while

driving. • Use a hands-free set when talking on the phone.• If you need to tinker with the radio, keep your eyes on the

road.

Get on the DefensiveControl the Road –

Don’t Let the Road Control You

Road Ready

A Car Traveler’s Guide


Aggressive Behaviors noted in fatal Accidents Source: 2009 AAA Foundation for Road Safety

Johnnie’s Paint and Body Shop has been serving SWLA for over 50 years with vehicle repair and towing. “My father began the business in the late 1950’s,” said Stanley Caldarera. “I practically grew up in and around the business.” Johnnie’s Paint and Body Shop remains family-owned and operated and is still at 1103 Broad Street, the same location where the late Johnnie Caldarera started his business 50 years ago. Stanley became president and manager of the company in 1995.

Johnnie’s Paint and Body Shop does repairs on all makes and model vehicles; foreign and domestic. They use state-of-the-art equipment, and the technicians are ASE certified and ICAR-trained, assuring customers of top-quality work. “Everyone can promise you something,” Caldera stated. “It’s whether they deliver

that counts.” All work is guaranteed at Johnnie’s Paint and Body Shop. The number of satisfied customers over the last half-century can attest to the fact that they deliver on their promises.

They take all the work out of dealing with insurance companies by guiding customers through the claims process. Johnnie’s Paint and Body Shop works with all insurance companies and are “customer preferred.” They want you to know that you have the right to request them for all your collision repairs. The company offers 24-hour towing, so be sure to request Johnnie’s Paint and Body Shop at the scene of an accident or breakdown.

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Road Ready

Mason Lindsay, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, says everyone should have a plan for handling roadside emergencies. “No one expects to have a flat tire or engine trouble, but it happens. What you can plan for is how to stay safe until help arrives.”

He says your first and most important goal is to get safely off of the road and out of traffic. At the first sign of car trouble, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly. Carefully work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or the side of the road. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you. If it is necessary to change lanes, watch your mirrors and the traffic around you closely.

Once off the road, make your car visible. Lindsay advises keeping some type of reflective emergency signal in your trunk. Put these behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. If you don’t have these, turn on your emergency flashers. If it is dark, turn on the interior dome light as well.

When you have a flat tire, and have the tools and skills to change it, be certain you can change it safely without being too close to traffic. If that is possible, change the tire as you normally would. “If it’s not, wait for help to arrive,” says Lindsay. “It’s not worth the risk to change a flat tire in an area where you will be dangerously close to passing cars.”

For most mechanical problems, Lindsay says it is best to call for professional help. “Most people have cell phones today, but even if you are one of the last hold-outs, it’s a good idea to consider getting a disposable model with a predetermined amount of minutes to leave in your vehicle for use in emergency situations. Then you can safely call for help regardless of where you break down. And keep in mind, pay phones aren’t as common along roadways as they once were now that cell phones are used by the majority of the population. Finding one could be a challenge – and a risky endeavor.”

Another modern option is the OnStar service feature in many vehicle models that allows a driver to contact an OnStar service center for assistance with vehicle problems with the touch of a button.

“Once you call for help, it’s important to wait safely away from traffic,” says Lindsay. Do not try to flag down other vehicles. Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know help is needed. Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle. If the car is in the roadway, stand away from the vehicle – and traffic – and wait for help to arrive. If your car is safely out of traffic, wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked. If someone stops and offers to help, open the window slightly and ask them to call the police, if you are unable to do so.

Watch for a uniformed police officer or other emergency or assistance personnel. All interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. Also, some highways have special “call-for-help” phones.

Lindsay advises against walking on an interstate, especially during bad weather. However, if you don’t have a way to call for help, and can reach a source of help on foot without jeopardizing your physical or personal safety, try the direct approach by walking. Keep as far from traffic as possible and walk on the right side of the roadway. Never attempt to cross a multi-lane, high speed roadway.

“Don’t wait until it happens to think about what you would do,” stresses Lindsay. “It may be too late then. Make sure you have the resources to keep yourself, your passengers and your vehicle safe should a roadside emergency occur.”

For more information about any safety topic, call the Safety Council at 436-3354 or visit www.safetycouncilswla.org.

Roadmap to Roadside Safety

EVEn wITH THE HIGH CoST oF GASoLInE, MILLIonS oF AMErICAnS wILL STILL BE TAKInG SUMMEr VACATIonS THIS YEAr AnD A LArGE PErCEnTAGE ArE DrIVInG To THEIr DESTInATIonS. THE LAST THInG AnY oF THESE TrAVELErS wAnTS To ExPErIEnCE IS CAr TroUBLE, BUT ACCorDInG To AAA, nEArLY 9,000 MoTorISTS wILL BE LEFT STrAnDED on THE SIDE oF THE roAD DUrInG THE SUMMEr TrAVEL SEASon. IF YoU’rE onE oF THEM, woULD YoU Know wHAT To Do In orDEr To EnSUrE YoUr own AnD YoUr FAMILY’S SAFETY UnTIL HELP ArrIVES?

by Kristy Armand


It may seem easy to avoid a drowsy driving accident. Just don’t drive when you’re tired, right? The problem is many people don’t realize how tired they are until they get behind the wheel and start their journey. At the start of the trip they feel awake and alert but soon the steadiness of the drive starts a quiet lull that brings on the drowsiness and unexpected patch of sleep.

Drowsy driving crashes are likely to be serious and occur in the late night, early morning or mid-afternoon, according to the Hartford Financial Services Group, which released “Fatigue: Its Impact on Motor Vehicle Crashes” in 2009. These accidents usually involve a single vehicle leaving the roadway and there are often other passengers in the car. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimated that at least 100,000 police-reported crashes are caused by sleepy motorists each year, which result in 1,500 fatalities and 71,000 injuries.

Our biological clocks are programmed for sleep at certain points of the day and after being awake for a specific length of time. Drivers with sleep debt are at greater risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. The AAA and Hartford Financial Services Group, which oversees car insurance policies, offered the following tips on drowsy driving and how to avoid it:• Those who suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea,

chronic insomnia or narcolepsy are at increased risk for sleep-related accidents. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with your physician. If you’re aware you have a sleep disorder, use extra precaution before and when you drive.

• Planning a long trip? Get at least six hours of sleep the night before to reduce your risk of falling asleep during your drive. Research shows that drivers who have been awake for 20 hours or more are at high risk of falling asleep.

• Travel during times when you are normally awake. If you typically sleep from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., don’t plan to hit the road during those hours. Your biological clock is programmed to expect sleep at routine hours of the day. You don’t want to be driving when that happens.

• Don’t drive alone if there’s a chance that you’ll get drowsy. Alert passengers can watch for signs of fatigue.

• If needed, take a power nap. Pull over on the side of the road or into a safe and quiet area, such as a park or rest stop, to take a quick nap. Be sure the area is well-lit and visible to passerby. Take at least 20 minutes. When you wake up, take a quick walk to get the body moving again.

• For longer trips, schedule a break every two hours rather than trucking straight through.

• If you start daydreaming, yawn frequently, rub your eyes or drift into opposite lanes, these are signs that it’s time to pull over immediately and get some rest.

Driving Under the influence of drowsiness

how to Avoid sleep-Related Crashes

by Erin Kelly

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Road Ready

When Your vehicle talks, Do You Listen?

AUToMoBILES HAVE A LAnGUAGE ALL oF THEIr own, AnD wE Don’T MEAn THE VoICE oF YoUr GPS SYSTEM. wE’rE rEFErrInG To THoSE rATTLES, CLUnKS, SQUEAKS, AnD oTHEr MECHAnICAL noISES. We all know the everyday noises our vehicles make and become to used them. You know when your vehicle is running well, because you can hear it. However, a new noise may be a warning of mechanical problems. Try to figure out where the sound is coming from and when it happens. Then, determine what type of sound it is, such as clicking, clanking or squealing. Your mechanic needs this information and the more accurate it is, the better – and faster – job they can do identifying and repairing the problem.

To assure that you and your mechanic are speaking the same language, here is the a list of some common car noises and what they might be trying to tell you:

Buzzing: Vibration of a loose fascia, vent, knob or wiring connector rattling against ductwork usually causes this bee-like noise. Debris in the ductwork also causes buzzing. High-pitched buzzing from under the vehicle usually means the heat shield on the catalytic converter is loose.

Clicking: A metallic-sounding clicking noise that becomes more frequent as the throttle is applied may be caused by bent or loose fan blade hitting the radiator or protective shroud. This is especially true on older vehicles with metal fan blades.

Clunking or Thumping: A heavy, metallic sounding noise that usually happens as the vehicle is put into gear. On rear-wheel drive vehicles it can indicate a failing universal joint on the drive shaft. Also, check for loose items stored in the trunk.

Grating or Grinding: Metallic grating or grinding sounds occurring when the brakes are applied means worn brake pads or shoes. Good brakes are vital to vehicle safety. Get them repaired right away.

Growling: On older vehicles, a growling sound coming from under the dash means a worn speedometer cable. In the engine, it can mean the crankshaft bearings are worn. Growling sounds may also be an indication of rear end problems.

Hissing: If it sounds like air escaping, it probably is. Check the tires for a puncture or loose valve stem. Escaping steam from a blown radiator hose also hisses. When checking for steam, open the hood carefully. Steams burns can be nasty.

Knocking: A metallic knocking sound like a hammer hitting a metal door could mean worn piston rod bearings, allowing the piston rod to knock against the inside of the engine, destroying it in minutes.

Pinging: If the engine makes noises that sound like loose gravel in a tin can, you probably have pre-ignition, a condition caused by improper timing or by using the wrong octane fuel.

Rattles: These can be caused by anything from a loose jack handle in the trunk to a broken or loose shock. Check for loose items before seeing the mechanic.

Squeaks: Most squeaks are in the suspension system and are caused by a combination of road dirt and a lack of lubrication. Pressure wash the suspension and get a lube job. Spraying door seals with a Teflon lubricant will usually cure squeaking doors.

Squealing or Screeching: A loose drive belt can cause a high-pitched squeal under the hood. If the sound happens as the brakes are applied, the wear indicators are telling you the pads are worn.

Tapping or Ticking: A light metallic tapping or ticking sound may mean that the valves aren’t getting proper lubrication or need adjustment.

Whirring: A whirring, whirling sound may be an indication of pending automatic transmission trouble.

Whistle: Caused by disturbed airflow around the vehicle, whistles can be difficult to pinpoint. Anything from a loose molding, antenna, mirror, roof rack or slightly open window can cause a whistle.

I’ve been squeeking for a week now.

It’s making her crazy!!Make sure you stop when she

takes you to the shop!


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How To Keep Kids Busy on a Road Trip• Purchase travel sized games. Many discount stores sell smaller versions of games that

can be played on the road.• Have a portable DVD player handy. They are fairly inexpensive and can entertain kids for

hours.• Let them compile a CD of their favorite songs and encourage everyone to sing along.• Bring along healthy snacks. Kids can munch on fruit, pretzels, nuts and other easy to eat

snacks.• Pack a blanket and pillow. On long road trips, staying comfortable is key and can lead to

naptime.• Plan break stops. Stop and let your kids out to stretch, go to the restroom or check out

tourist attractions on the way.• Plan games. This can be an interactive way to get the whole family involved.

Popular Travel Games• Alphabet Find – This is a good game for young children who are learning their alphabet. In

this game, while going in order A through Z, find objects outside of the car for each letter of the alphabet. First person to call it gets a point.

• I Spy – A classic road trip game. Each person in the car takes terns finding nearby objects then announces, “I spy something green,” for example. Every else in the car then takes turns guessing until the correct answer is given.

• who Are They? – A popular game of choosing another group in a vehicle next to you on the road, and coming up with stories about who they might be and where they might be going.

• The License Plate Game – Make a list of the 50 states or print out a map of the United States. Each time someone spots a license plate from a different state, mark it off the list.

• Castle in the Sky – Everyone takes turns picking out clouds in the sky and deciding what they most resemble.

A roAD TrIP CAn BE A GrEAT BonDInG ExPErIEnCE For THE wHoLE FAMILY, BUT IF THE KIDS GET BorED, IT CAn MAKE For An EVEn LonGEr DrIVE. BY TAKInG SoME TIME To PLAn AHEAD, THE TrIP CAn Go oFF wITHoUT A HITCH. HErE ArE SoME TIPS on How To KEEP THE wHoLE FAMILY EnTErTAInED.

Road trip Entertainment


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Road Ready

What to Check Before You Go

VACATIon SEASon IS oFFICIALLY HErE AnD MAnY TrAVELErS ArE oPTInG To DrIVE rATHEr THAn CHooSInG oTHEr ForMS oF TrAVEL. To GUArAnTEE SAFE TrAVELS, THE AMErICAn AUToMoBILE ASSoCIATIon EnCoUrAGES ALL DrIVErS To Do THrEE EASY MAInTEnAnCE TASKS To HELP AVoID BECoMInG STrAnDED, IMProVE SAFETY AnD SAVE MonEY on GAS. 1. Inspect All FIVE TiresMany motorists may be confused when told to check five tires, however AAA has found one of the most frequently overlooked items on a vehicle is the spare tire. When inspecting tires, it’s important also to make sure the spare is in good condition and ready for use in case it’s needed.

2. Check and Clean Car BatteryAAA estimates it will assist nearly 1.7 million motorists with dead batteries during the summer driving season—replacing nearly 700,000 batteries at the roadside. Summer heat breaks down car batteries internally and accelerates the rate of corrosion on the vehicle’s battery terminals. Both conditions can lead to insufficient electrical power being available, and leave a motorist stranded without warning.

3. replace wiper Blades and refill washer FluidLow or no windshield washer fluid was the number two problem AAA uncovered during its 2010 car care inspections. Rain, insects, grime and other debris on a windshield will compromise the driver’s vision, and safety, if the windshield wipers cannot remove them. A supply of the proper washer fluid, delivered effectively to the glass, helps the wipers remove these contaminants.


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She says the ideal “pre-game” meal should include low fat, moderate carbohydrates and protein, low fiber and fluids. The moderate carbohydrates and low fat items can be easily digested and normalize blood sugar, while the protein is just enough to satisfy hunger. These foods should be familiar to the body and well-tolerated—this is not a time to try new foods or to consume fried, greasy foods. “Consuming sugared soft drinks or a candy bar before a workout does not give a quick burst of energy. Instead, they can lead to a stomach ache because they will delay the stomach from emptying and cause low blood sugar,” Trahan said. Although exercising on an empty stomach is okay if you are just going for a brisk walk or light jog, a more intense workout will need easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as half a plain bagel, banana or instant grits. This is especially recommended for an early morning workout, because the overnight fast can deplete the carbohydrate storage in your liver.

During a workout, staying hydrated is crucial for performance and can prevent potentially serious health problems during exercise. Water acts as your body’s cooling system, restricting your body temperature from reaching dangerously high levels during exercise. “Water is the best fluid choice, but if you are exercising for more than 60 minutes in hot, humid conditions, playing a team sport like football or you sweat heavily, sports drinks are the better choice because they not only provide fluids, but carbohydrates, sodium and potassium as well. These contain quickly absorbed electrolytes and can replenish sweat and blood sugar lost during a workout,” Trahan said. It is recommended to drink about two cups of water two

hours before you exercise. You can monitor your hydration status by weighing yourself before and after you workout, replacing each pound lost with two cups of fluids; and by checking the color of your urine. Trahan said when you are well hydrated, your urine will be a light straw color.

After a workout, your body needs carbohydrates and fluids to replace glycogen and water that was lost. Trahan says many people reach for a sports drink, which are best for fluid and electrolyte replacement, but do not provide the right combination and amounts of carbohydrate and protein for recovery post-exercise. “A glass of chocolate milk or a protein shake is a good post-exercise choice because the protein will give your body the amino acids it needs to help your muscles recover and grow and the carbohydrate will help to replenish muscle stores of carbohydrate called glycogen. “You should plan to consume the ‘post game’ meal about an hour after completing a workout because muscles can store glycogen immediately after

exercise. This meal should provide quality protein and carbohydrates to repair your body and get it ready to perform the next day,” Trahan said.

Nutritional consultations are available through Dynamic Dimensions. Call either location in Sulphur or Moss Bluff.

your WorkoutswHAT To EAT BEForE, DUrInG AnD AFTEr ExErCISE

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Scheduling exercise into a busy lifestyle is one challenge, and planning meals and snacks around the exercise is another. Eating too much food or the wrong food before a workout can impair your performance and cause indigestion, sluggishness, nausea and vomiting, but not eating for a few hours can leave you feeling unmotivated and weak. Timing is important – what you eat before, during and after you exercise makes a big difference in your performance and recovery whether you’re just trying to stay fit or training for a marathon.

Although what you eat should vary by what type of exercise you are doing, eating right in general will give you the edge needed to help energize your workouts and exceed your goals, according to Suzy Trahan, registered dietitian, ACSM certified health and fitness specialist, and director of Dynamic Dimensions of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “Fueling your workout regimen requires quality carbohydrates, lean protein, heart-healthy fats and fluids. Think of it like a car engine: These foods will provide fuel to your body’s engine, while the fluids provide water to your body’s radiator. Without these your body will have a hard time performing at its peak.”

by Haley Armand


by Haley Armand

“I am very much an animal lover,” said local artist Nancy Melton. “I jokingly say that dogs and cats are not really animals, but people in pet clothing.” Melton is a well-known watercolor artist in Lake Charles. She said she has always enjoyed painting portraits of people, and is now branching out to include pets.

Melton wanted her portraits to make a difference for dogs and cats. About two years ago, Melton read a story about a special rescue by the non-profit animal rescue organization LaPaw. “The story touched my heart, so I chose them,” Melton said. She gives 20% of each pet portrait to the organization.

“LaPaw sent me a photo of Kendall, a discarded golden retriever who came to them underweight and matted. I plan to paint the photo I received of him—now a happy, contented dog, referred to as a bed hog by his new owner.” Melton said that LaPaw was able to place 117 dogs and 55 cats into new homes last year. The work this group is doing is amazing and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

LaPaw Rescue can be reached through their website: www.lapaw.org, or they can be emailed at [email protected]. Anyone interested in a pet portrait can reach Melton through her website: nancymelton.photoreflect.com or by email at [email protected]. “

Pet PortraitsLending a “paw” for the cause

“I hope others will join me in helping LaPaw.”

Nancy Melton

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Volunteer Center Prepares for new Annual Fundraiser – Casino royaleSponsorship opportunities and tickets ON SaLE NOWThe Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana Inc. will host a Casino Royale fund-raiser from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Reeves Uptown Catering in Lake Charles.

The event will feature games like blackjack, roulette, poker and craps, along with a live auction, food and music. Tickets are $50 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds benefit the Volunteer Center.

“The Volunteer Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization, founded by the Junior League of Lake Charles in 1987,” stated Executive Director Beverly McCormick. “Many people in Lake Charles and surrounding areas utilize our services, but don’t realize everything the center does. We operate Hands on Southwest Louisiana, which works with recruiting and training volunteers within the five parish area. We facilitate the local 211, which provides free community resource information for social services and disaster aid for the five parish area. The Volunteer Center also manages ServicePoint Southwest Louisiana.


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It is the designated regional agency provider for the Homeless Management/Client Management Information System that collects and manages uniform information on clients.”

“We need the community’s support of the Volunteer Center,” said David Nixon, Volunteer Center board member and Casino Royale event chair. “No other entity in the community offers the services that the Volunteer Center provides and unfortunately, the center is truly underfunded. In coordinating this event, we hope to bring more public awareness of the organization and bring in some much needed funds,” Nixon stated.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the fundraiser or purchasing tickets can call Ms. McCormick at 337-513-4616.

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Alaina Davis, 19, of Sulphur, thinks Americans could take a cue from those who serve in the millitary. “Patriotism is what every service man and woman possesses -- a great love and devotion for our country,” said Davis, a sophomore at Northwestern State University. “We should all have that, because many people sacrificed their lives for the rest of us to be able to enjoy the freedoms we have.”

For Gabriel Brown, 25, patriotism means being “diligent and zealous” on your country’s behalf.

“Any positive step and selfless effort made toward making one’s country a better place for all humanity is a true sign of patriotism,” said Brown, who recently completed his theatre arts degree at McNeese.

Andy Derouen, 18, who enters LSU next month, thinks patriotism can also be a pocketbook issue.

“Because of the current economic dilemma, being patriotic means buying more American-made goods,” DeRouen said. “Even more so, contributing to local revenue is essential because small business owners here in town make up the America we know and love.”

Claire Barrilleaux, 19, a Mcneese freshman, sees a spiritual side.

“Patriotism is the moral obligation to love, honor, and respect one’s country and its people,” she said. “This is done in service to God, our Creator.”

Paul williams, 18, thinks that idea should be put to some practical application. “Patriotism is showing that you actually care about your country and the people in it,” said Williams, a St. Louis High graduate who will start at Nicholls State University this fall. “Most people today feel that patriotism is only for the troops fighting overseas for our country’s right to freedom, but everyone should take part. Reach out to your neighbors; treat them the way you would want to be treated.”

The Emerging Generationof Patriotism

Patriotism comes in as many stripes as the flag.Expressing it here in Southwest Louisiana, however, is more than just a one-day show of support on the Fourth of July. For many, it’s part of the culture, and it’s year ‘round.

In Lake Charles alone, casual passersby can’t help but spot Veterans Memorial Park, with its memorial bricks, military helicopter and tank sprawled under a huge American flag -- and, further down the lakefront, the 9/11 memorial, anchored by an actual piece of the destroyed Twin Towers.

If they visit during a holiday, those visitors might see the Avenue of Flags, featuring hundreds of coffin flags from military veterans. It’s an all-volunteer memorial project -- and one of the nation’s largest. It takes place at Orange

Grove/Graceland Cemetery -- just a few blocks away from the National Guard Armory, where servicepeople have gathered for decades to serve therir country here and abroad.

For those who have grown up in this local environment, then, what’s their view on patriotism? How do younger people define, and regard, patriotism -- and what do they think is the right way to express it?

Thrive invited some of the next generation of Americans -- current and soon-to-be college students, all with local ties -- to talk about patriotism. We offered a series of open-ended questions and fielded a wide variety of comments.


“It’s looking out for your country, not just yourself, said Connor Broussard, 19, of Estherwood, a sophomore majoring in professional aviation at Louisiana Tech. “It’s about being open-minded about what others think, and what others have to say. We should be united, but some people try to be all about ‘being different’ and making a show of it.”

“It’s loyalty and unity,” said Drew Dampier,18, a staff instructor at Chennault International Airport’s aviation youth camp. “It doesn’t matter what your political views, or race, or whatever, are. We’re all part of the same community -- just like small towns are close, our nation is one community, too. It should be that way, at least, but in the real world, politics get in the way. Even if we have differences, we can still come to solutions as a group.”

when Americans are at their best, “we’re all supporting the best things for our country,” said Spencer ryan, 19, a classmate of Dampier who’s on summer break from Louisiana Tech. “But too many people want it their own way. We always have differences, like the war. But wars are always an issue -- whether it’s Iraq, Vietnam, or World War I. We can still work together.”

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The 39th annual Gridiron show -- the Ad and Press Club of Southwest Louisiana’s musical spoof of local newsmakers -- will hit the stage Saturday, July 23, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The show pokes fun at local newsmakers and media through skits, songs, monologues and videos.

This year’s theme is “It’s a Wonderful Lake.” The show will be Saturday, July 23, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The show will be preceded by a social and networking hour plus serving stations with heavy hors d’ouevres from local restaurants and caterers, said Pam McGough, club president.

The show’s proceeds will benefit McNeese State University students through the club’s permanent scholarship foundation and fund the Commercial Arts Department at Sowela Technical Community College.

The cast includes KPLC anchors John Bridges, Elizabeth Temple and Lee Peck; American Press journalists Jim Beam and Laura Heller; 92.9 The Lake co-host Heather Partin; McNeese Cowboys play-by-play announcer Tom Hoefer; monologists Russ Bordelon and Patty “Lurlene” Hebert; and veteran local performers Cornell Thomas, Cathy Chapman and Theresa Needham.

The director of the show is Outsourced Media Group’s Brett Downer, a regular contributor to Thrive. This is his 15th year as Gridiron director.

Tickets are $60 per person and $400 for a table of eight. Seating is limited and by reservation only.

For tickets, or to inquire about corporate sponsorships, call the Gridiron voicemail hotline at 583-4766 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

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According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, Americans who make New Year resolutions come out the gate with lots of momentum and the vast majority are able to maintain their goals for at least two weeks. As times rolls on, however, the percentages slowly dwindle and after six months, less than half have kept their personal promises.

Perhaps the most perplexing dynamic of unhealthy patterns is that most of us know that our bad habits will have long-term, detrimental effects on our quality of life, yet we still reach for the bag of chips, light up the cigarettes, chug sodas, drink too much alcohol and collapse into a stress-filled haze at the end of the day to get three hours’ sleep.

“We form bad habits because we have the desire for instant gratification. Our present-day desires take over our long-term goals,” said Keri Forbess-McCourquodale, licensed professional counselor and director of the Solutions Employee Assistance Program.

The phenomenon involves more than human hard-headedness. According to research conducted by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, we are hard-wired to give greater value to immediate rewards. Our body eventually turns the quick doses of happiness of our bad-habit decisions into a chemical known as dopamine, which conditions the brain to demand that same reward again. That conditioning is especially heightened with the right environment cues.

Researchers found that people tend to overestimate their ability to fight their body’s urges to smoke, snack or drink, which undermines their attempts to kick their bad habits and ultimately ends in frustration.

Thrive researched the most common bad habits reported by modern Americans and sought innovative expert advice on how readers can replace the bad with the good.

First: Get into the right mindset. “Don’t tell yourself what you’re not going to do. Tell yourself what you’re going to start doing instead,” Forbess-McCourquodale said. “Don’t say ‘I will quit smoking.’ Say ‘I will be smoke free.’ That way it becomes something positive and it reinforces the idea that you aren’t breaking a bad habit – you’re replacing a bad habit with a good one. Make sure you’re also realistic. Instead of promising yourself that you’ll quit smoking within six months or lose ten pounds by the end of the summer, take it day by day. Tell yourself, ‘I really want to do this right now, but instead I’m going to do something else.’ If you have a few setbacks now and then don’t beat yourself up about it. Just make a different decision the next time you’re faced with the same temptation.”

SMoKInGThere are few bad habits that are

harder to break than the eternal snuffing of a lit cigarette. A scientific advisor with the American Council on Science and Health concluded that although addictive smokers abuse their substance far more often than users of other addictive substances, they receive

less pleasure and most want to quit. Unlike the “high” experienced by illegal drug users, smokers don’t gain much from their habit – and yet they keep smoking. The final conclusion was that cigarette smoking is the most addictive form of drug taking.

The Surgeon General reports that up to 85 percent of cigarette smokers want to quit smoking for good and have tried unsuccessfully to do so.

Smoking negatively affects virtually every single system and element of the body. It affects the efficiency of the heart, lungs, central nervous system, arteries, oxygen, and brain. It causes cosmetic breakdowns as well – yellowing of the teeth, wrinkling of the skin, thinning of the hair. Despite this widely known and accepted knowledge, millions of people choose to smoke repeatedly throughout the day. According to the American Council on Science and Health, most of those people don’t even like smoking and want to quit.

The nicotine in cigarettes alters the function of the brain and causes users to crave it in increased quantities. When the body becomes accustomed to the nicotine, withdrawal symptoms occur. These include irritability, restlessness, loss of focus, weight gain and anxiety. What makes cigarettes particularly dangerous is that once the smoker uses them, those side effects seem to disappear, which only increases the smoker’s dependence.

If you’re serious about snuffing the smokes, here are some tips:

• wait it out. Most cravings will dissipate if you give them time. Those first ten minutes will be agony, but give it another ten minutes and the urge will likely wane, said Forbess-McCorquodale, whose areas of specialty include substance abuse.“There is a usually a big crescendo and then it falls,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to wait it out.”

• Prepare for the consequences. Most smokers can appreciate the positive consequences that come with quitting, such as overall health and wellness and an improved financial situation, but you also have to truly prepare for the physical condition your body will experience during withdrawals, such as hunger, irritability, anxiousness and restlessness. Forbess-McCorquodale suggests replacing your negative habit with a positive one, like journaling or sketching.

• Find out why. What are the triggers that get you to light up? Most smokers have triggers that link their brains with the act of smoking. It might be habit to have a cigarette with morning coffee, for example, or to light up in the car on the way to work. To ease this burden, change your trigger behaviors and get rid of anything that supports your habit – lighters, ashtrays and, of course, cigarettes.• See your doctor. Some people are able to quit cold-turkey. Others need a

medicinal boost. It all depends on the individual. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to no avail, make an appointment with your doctor.

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Break the Habit of Bad HaBits by Erin Kelly


MInDLESS MUnCHInGResearch shows that Americans have

mired themselves in the nasty habit of mindless eating – the act of ingesting

food without paying attention to how much you’re eating or what’s influencing

your eating habits. Danette Null, M.D., family practice physician at Lake Charles

Memorial Hospital, said one of the worst habits she sees among her patients is the practice of sitting in front of the TV with a lapful of junk food.

“When you’re busy focusing on something else while you’re eating, you’re not paying attention to the body’s cues telling you that you’re full,” Dr. Null said.

Television isn’t the only distraction that takes our minds off what and how we’re eating. There are plenty of others, according to Brian Wansink, PhD, director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. These triggers include the eating behaviors of those around us, the placement of food in the kitchen and the time that we start snacking.

The following tips were offered by Drs. Null and Wansink:• Eat at the dinner table instead of in front of the television. Research has

proven that people eat less when they are engaged in the single activity of eating, rather than eating as a secondary act.

• If you’re eating at the dinner table, particularly with a group, keep the high-calorie foods in the kitchen and put veggies and other healthy items on the table.

• Be the last one to start eating. • Don’t eat directly from the package. If you’re eating chips, for example, pull

out a small amount and place it in a separate bag for your snack. According to Dr. Null, you are far more likely to eat less.

• Put your fork down after every bite. This makes you much more mindful of how much you’re eating, which means you’re more likely to listen to your body’s cues.

• Put tempting “bad foods” out of sight and out of easy reach.

SUCKInG Down SoDAAmericans are suckers for soda, to the detriment of their health. A Harvard

endocrinologist found that sweetened drinks are the only specific food that clinical research has directly linked to increased weight gain in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that soft drinks contribute about 10 percent of the calories in a typical American diet; and researchers at Purdue University found that soda consumption has doubled in the past 25 years, with the average American drinking about 600 sodas a year.

What does daily soda consumption do to your body? According to the Nurses Health Study, women who drink one or more servings per day of sugar-sweetened soft drinks are twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, have a 25 percent change of developing high blood sugar, face a 32 percent greater

chance of poor cholesterol numbers and a 40 percent increased risk of heart attack or death.

According to Dr. Null, it’s easy for consumers to disregard the effects of soda because we often don’t consider our drinks as part of the overall meal.

Although the long-term effects of artificial sweetener is still being studied, Dr. Null said soda drinkers shouldn’t assume that they’re in the clear just because they choose Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, or other zero-calorie counterparts. “When you drink a lot of soda you run the risk of mild dehydration because if you’re drinking lots of soda, chances are you aren’t drinking enough water,” Dr. Null said. “In addition to having the effects of the caffeine, when you’re mildly dehydrated your body sends a signal that’s similar to hunger, which means you have

the potential to eat more.” Mild dehydration caused by over-consumption of carbonated drinks can also cause headache, fatigue and other minor irritants that affect the quality of your day.

Dr. Null suggests that soda lovers slowly wean their dependence on carbonated drinks by drinking more water. “For my patients who just can’t fathom the thought of living without soda, I tell them to at least consider switching to the ‘zero’ options,” Dr. Null said.

SACrIFICInG SLEEPThanks to our unbelievable stress levels (see page 36

to read about stress – another major bad habit of modern Americans), we’re not getting our rest. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 43 percent of Americans said they rarely or never get a good night’s rest during the week and 60 percent said they experience sleep problems almost every night.

Being tired isn’t necessarily the problem. Many Americans would claim to be beat, but still can’t manage to get in bed and get to sleep. Dr. Jana Kaimal of the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana provided these tips:• Melatonin, a hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle, is

secreted at night in response to darkness. “Light interferes with its production, making it harder to fall into a deep, restful sleep,” said Dr. Kaimal. Add blackout curtains or opaque shapes to darken the room.

• Sometimes a clock can disrupt sleep because you wind up watching the time tick by. If possible, put it out of your view.

• Potential stress causers like laptops, cell phones and clutter don’t belong in the bedroom.

• Keep a regular sleep schedule.• Use the bed only for sleep and sex so your body can associate the bed

with these activities rather than relating it to book-reading, working or other non-restful functions.

• only go to bed when you’re drowsy. “If you get into bed and are not drowsy and are unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, leave the bedroom and engage in a quiet activity in another part of the house,” Dr. Kaimal said.

• Limit daytime naps to less than an hour.• Take a warm bath.

HAVInG onE Too MAnYYou don’t have to have a diagnosable problem to suffer from the effects

of alcohol over-consumption. Even if you have just one too many every now and then, you leave yourself open to alcohol-related problems. The National institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides these tips to avoid drinking too much in social situations:• Keep track of how much you’re drinking. Make check marks in your wallet,

keep the drink straws in a line on the bar, put an entry in your iPhone – whatever works for you, as long as you don’t try to keep the tally in your head.

• Pace yourself. Instead of drinking one after another, order water between drinks. The water will keep you hydrated – which can help you avoid the nasty physical side-effects of alcohol – and it will force you to space your drinks apart.

• Don’t drink on an empty stomach.• Have a goal. Limit yourself to a set number

of drinks.• If you’re concerned that the environment

will be conducive to over-drinking, change the environment. For example: Instead of watching the game at the bar, offer to host it at your house.

by Erin Kelly


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“People are experiencing an addiction to stress,” said Dale Archer, Jr., MD, psychiatrist and president of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, and frequent mental health expert on national news programs. “If they aren’t drowning in paperwork on their desk, running from meeting to meeting, or shuffling their kids from one activity to another, they feel inadequate.”

That surge of energy felt as a deadline approaches can become habit-forming. Stress stimulates adrenaline, cortisol and another hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone; the rush makes people feel alert, productive and needed.

Most people can manage an excessive workload well for a few months, but then it begins to negatively affect them. “Signs of stress overload include not sleeping well, weight gain, aches and pains, irritability, a detachment to work and current projects, and an overall negative attitude,” Dr. Archer explained. “In essence, they lose excitement, passion and positive feelings toward their job.”

Ironically, as people accept more and more work on the job in an effort to remain employed and vital to the company, it may all be in vain. The number one reason employees go on disability leave is chalked up to stress, and two-thirds of doctor visits are related to stress. Other health conditions, such as high

blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, are impacted by on-going stress. It has been estimated that about 80 percent of diseases are stress related.

“Corporate America is still doing more with less and in today’s economy, employees want to be viewed as essential, but in the majority of cases, some of the stressors can be controlled. For our own good health, both mentally and physically, we need to learn to manage stress,” said Dr. Archer.

In some cases, stress can be a good thing. It jump-starts the mind to solve problems quickly, but when the stress continues, those elevated hormones begin wreaking havoc, depleting the reserves of B vitamins, and causing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels to increase to unhealthy levels.

“It’s obvious that ongoing stress is harmful to our health and productivity, but many people are stuck on stress overload,” said Dr. Archer. “For example, if you see someone at a function, more than likely you both talk about how busy you are. It’s as if we validate ourselves by how much we are drowning in projects.” Stepping off of the stress cycle can be done, but it takes a conscious effort. There are a few small steps that can make a big difference.

Managing the Busyness of Business Do YoU EQUATE STrESS wITH SUCCESS? In YoUr MInD, IS THE BUSIEr YoU ArE A CLUE

To YoUr VALUE? In MAnY CASES, PEoPLE STrUGGLE To MAnAGE An oVErwHELMInG AMoUnT oF worK BECAUSE, In THEIr MInD, IT VALIDATES THEIr worTH To THE CoMPAnY. SHoULDErInG Too MUCH STrESS IS onE oF THE worST HABITS oF MoDErn AMErICAnS.


As a woman, you nurture, comfort, protect, provide for, guide, discipline, delegate and advise every day. The physicians, nurses and staff of OBG-1 have provided excellence in women’s health care for over 30 years. We pledge to continue providing you with the care you need so you can continue to care for those you love.

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Caring for You, As You Care for Them

CLEAn YoUr DESK. More than 70 percent of Americans are visual learners, which means the space around us is an influence. If papers are scattered every which way on your desk, folders are askew and you have to dig in piles to find something, it can make you feel

defeated before you even start. It doesn’t mean that your surface has to be clear, because, after all, there’s work to do, but keeping it relatively organized can give you a sense of control.

CrEATE A To-Do LIST. If you juggle many projects throughout the day, it’s mentally draining to try to remember them all – and let’s face it, you probably don’t. This could explain why you wake up at 2 a.m. worrying about the Pensky file, or whatever your current project

might be. Ease your mind by taking a few minutes and putting what’s in your mind on paper. “The very act of writing it down helps to reinforce it,” said Dr. Archer. Checking off things as they are accomplished gives a sense of satisfaction.

PACE YoUrSELF. Next time you’re due for a meeting, add a few extra minutes to get from point A to point B, instead of sending one more email or making one more phone call. It can change your attitude.

FoCUS on PrIorITIES. Instant messaging, non-work-related emails and updating your Facebook status won’t help you accomplish things on your to-do list, unless you have an unusual list of things to do. If you feel

overwhelmed, double check that you’re spending enough time doing actual work. Technology can help us accomplish more than we thought possible, but it can also suck you into spending more time than you intended as you surf the web or chat.

MAnAGE THE STrESS. We all know that no matter how organized you are, things happen unexpectedly that can send your day into a downward spiral. When that happens, remember that some stress can be beneficial by propelling you to finish a task or suddenly remembering where you left your keys. “When the

stress gets to be difficult to handle, do what you can to give yourself a mental break. If you can, go for a walk to clear your head, or share the load with a co-worker so you can vent. Blowing off steam will help diffuse the situation,” said Dr. Archer.

TAKE CArE oF YoUrSELF. A healthy mind and body will handle stress better than someone who doesn’t get enough sleep, eat right or exercise.

“When you realize that you can’t do everything that’s asked of you, and you can’t be everyone’s answer for their problems, you’ll probably feel a sense of relief. Simplifying your life can help you regain a sense of control,” said Dr. Archer.

by Christine Fisher


by Kristy Armand

The first steps toward longer, fuller lashes are to make sure you know a few important things about eyelashes in general, and that you are caring for them properly, according to ophthalmologist and facial cosmetic specialist Mark Crawford, MD. “Lashes are much more than just a conveniently located accent for your eyes. They actually serve a functional purpose and play a critical role in your eye health,” he explains. “Your lashes are the first line of defense, serving as a type of ‘antennae’ to sense when something is close to the eye, which stimulates the protective blink reflex. They also block and trap foreign matter before it can enter the eye.”

Many people feel like their lashes thin out as they age, but humans are born with a set number of lash follicles which remain constant. Dr. Crawford says a lash “lives” about three months before falling out and typically grows back to full length in approximately two months. “So we are constantly losing and re-growing lashes, and the potential remains to have the same number and length of lashes throughout your lifetime – if you take care of them.”

However, he adds that the aging process and bad habits can set the stage for lash damage, preventing them from growing in as long and thick as they

LashFACTSIF you’re longIng For luSh lASheS, Then bACk AwAy From The mASCArA AISle.

beFore you deCIde whAT you need To puT on your lASheS, IT’S ImporTAnT To leArn AbouT how To TAke CAre Them To keep Them lookIng TheIr beST.


by Kristy Armand

did when you were younger. Stress, an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep and poor overall health habits impact your lashes, just as they do other parts of your body.

Dr. Crawford says wear and tear, such as rubbing and tugging on the eyelids and leaving mascara and other eye makeup on while sleeping can also damage the lashes. Wearing waterproof mascara for a long length of time can also dry out the lashes. “Even the process of removing mascara, if not done properly, can impact lash health if done too aggressively. Lashes are delicate and can break easily. And if the follicle is damaged repeatedly, it may produce more fragile, thinner shorter lashes, or it might stop growing new lashes completely if the damage is severe. Once this happens, you can’t restart lash growth.”

Fortunately, by avoiding bad habits and developing good ones, Dr. Crawford says you can keep your lashes healthy. He offers these suggestions:

• never tug at lashes or rub eyelids• Avoid water-proof mascara • Use eye make-up remover and dab it on gently rather than

rubbing or pulling• If you use a lash curler, make sure you’re not pulling on your lids

at all – be gentle• Don’t keep mascara longer than three to four months • never share mascara • Condition your lashes with a lash conditioner product, which

contains ingredients to moisturize and strength lashes • If you’ve had pink eye or other eye condition, replace or

sanitize anything that was close to your eyes to avoid further contamination

False eyelashes, first made popular in the 1920s by Hollywood film stars, are still around – and still damaging real lashes, according to Dr. Crawford. The adhesive used to apply these, along with the added weight, can cause permanent damage if worn frequently. He says a better option is eyelash extensions, which have become more popular in recent years. The process is more expensive but lasts several months and provides a more natural result. It involves tiny synthetic hairs being glued to individual lashes for a convincing appearance of lush lashes. “There is still a risk of lash damage with eyelash extensions, and I recommend that this option be considered when other steps for achieving healthier lashes have been exhausted,” says Dr. Crawford.

He says one relatively new product, Latisse, is the only science-based treatment approved by the FDA for eyelash growth. It was introduced just over two years ago and is available only by prescription.

Latisse is designed to lengthen, strengthen and darken eyelashes. Other products have only been able to affect existing lashes, but Dr. Crawford says Latisse promotes new growth and lash thickening. It’s applied once daily to the base of the upper eyelashes and works by keeping lash hairs in their growth phase, producing longer, darker and thicker eyelashes. The effects of Latisse are not permanent, and continued use is required to maintain the improved lash growth.

“The best thing you can do to keep your lashes looking great is to be aware of your lash health and treat them gently so they’ll continue to grow strong,” says Dr. Crawford. “If you do this and still notice a problem, it’s best to consult an eye doctor rather than try over-the counter products without knowing what is causing the problem.”

For more information on eyelash care, the Aesthetic Center in The Eye Clinic at 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net.

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Brides do it, Audrey Hepburn did it, even First Ladies do it. Women of all ages are wearing pearls and have been for centuries. A fragment of a strand of pearls was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess who died in 520 BC; it’s on display in the Louvre in Paris.

Pearls were symbols of the moon in ancient times and considered to have magical powers. A Roman legend says that the pearl is formed when dewdrops filled with moonlight fall to the ocean and are swallowed by oysters.

“The popularity of pearls continues to be strong,” said Annette St. Romain, owner of Bijoux, a member of the Master Independent Jewelers Organization. “They used to be reserved only for dressy events, but not any more. Even when worn casually, they still add a touch of sophistication. That’s why they continue to intrigue.”

The pearl is the oldest known gem and was considered the most valuable for centuries. Symbolizing purity and innocence, brides often choose to wear them. “Women today tend to view pearls as a sophisticated jewelry that can be worn everyday,” she said.

A strand of pearls is usually the first type of pearl a woman owns; it’s often a gift from parents, grandparents or fiancées. Pearl stud earrings usually follow and then women start buying their own pearls, often to mark significant birthdays or successful events in their lives. Today, women are buying real, faux, large and clusters.

In Latin, the word for pearl means unique – and there are definitely many unique types of pearls.

South Sea pearls are grown in the waters off of Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. They are the largest and rarest of all pearls, taking about 22 months to grow a single one. If complications occur, which they often do, the pearl is lost. South Sea pearl sizes range from nine to 20 millimeters.

Freshwater pearls are formed in lakes, rivers, ponds and other freshwater bodies, mainly in China, but also in Japan and the United States. Up to 40 pearls

can be grown at once, but it takes about five years. “They’ve really perfected the freshwater pearl process and they are now very round and have great luster,” said St. Romain. They usually range in size from three to 13 millimeters.

Keshi pearls are formed when the oyster rejects the nucleus before the culturing process is complete. These pearl sacs eventually produce pearls without a nucleus. Keshi may form in either fresh or salt water. Because the

oyster has expelled the beginning of the pearl, the resulting Keshi pearl is 100 percent nacre, giving it an especially lustrous and

shimmering surface quality. “Most Keshi pearls have a greater luster than even the highest quality cultured

pearls,” said St. Romain. “But, because they are a bi-product of the culturing process and not a natural occurence, they aren’t considered natural pearls.”

Pearls are formed naturally and through man-made processes. Natural

pearls form when a foreign material, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters

the mollusk, causing irritation. The oyster produces a secretion known as nacre. The nacre

builds up forming a pearl. The process is repeated almost identically for cultured pearls, except humans

purposely add the irritant and the pearls are grown in a lab. Identifying a natural pearl from a cultured pearl can be done through an x-ray.

“Because there are so many types of pearls, they have a variety of looks and characteristics. Their mythical allure adds to their mystique and women of all ages continue to enjoy wearing them,” said St. Romain. “Pearl jewelry is handed down through generations. Men often buy their wives, mothers or daughters pearl jewelry because they are a safe purchase – the majority of women love pearls of all shapes, sizes and configurations. You can’t go wrong buying or wearing pearls.”

of Pearls

The

by Christine Fisher


Our Award Rewards Us All

At PPG-Lake Charles, we know that by doing more, we’re doing less to impact the environment. And our achievements are being recognized, year after year. We’re very proud of our most recent recognition:

This award from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality recognized the results of PPG’s Derivatives Copper Catalyst Screening Project. Through new screening and reuse techniques,

PPG was able to reduce purchases of virgin catalysts for use in fluidized reactor beds. As a result, PPG now avoids

the disposal of approximately 147 tons of hazardous and industrial solid waste annually. The reduction in catalyst purchases and waste disposal results in savings of over $500,000.

The positive impact on the environment is real and measurable. For us, that’s the best possible reward

for a job well done.

2011 LouisianaEnvironmental Leadership Achievement Award in Pollution Prevention

PPG INDUSTRIES • LAKE CHARLES PLANT


Summer in Southwest Louisiana never fails to deliver rising temperatures combined with soaring humidity. As much as we all love spending time in the great outdoors, Dr. David Heinen, family physician with The Clinic’s Urgent Care Center in Lake Charles, says it’s important to be aware of the risk of heat illness.

“Your body is designed to cool itself when overheated. Typically, the heat is lost through the evaporation of sweat and other means,” he explains. “However, in climates like ours with high humidity, this evaporation does not occur. As a result, your body function is affected. Blood is diverted from the muscles to the skin, blood volume is reduced, and water and electrolytes are lost in the sweat.”

Other physiological changes may also occur, causing hyperthermia, which is a sharp rise in body temperature that can trigger heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Dr. Heinen says this risk increases most when the relative humidity exceeds 65 percent. Heat exhaustion is best treated by moving the person from the hot environment to a cooler, well-ventilated area. The victim’s temperature should be lowered by drinking ice water, removing unnecessary clothing and placing ice packs or iced towels on the body.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if not treated. Heat stroke is the most serious of heat illnesses and occurs when body temperature is 104°F or higher. Dr. Heinen says the classic signs are sluggishness, confusion, and hot, dry skin. “These signs are not always present. Heat stroke can occur without warning and can damage vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys and brain. Immediate medical attention should be obtained for anyone suspected of suffering from heat stroke, with body cooling techniques beginning immediately.”

He says one of the best things you can do when exercising on a hot, humid day is drink plenty of water to replace the fluids lost from sweating. “Dehydration is not to be taken lightly,” stresses Dr. Heinen. “A mere three percent loss of body weight from dehydration has been shown to significantly reduce muscle endurance. As little as four percent can significantly reduce muscle strength. And contrary to advertising claims, water is just as beneficial as sports drinks for activities lasting 90 minutes or less, but for some people, the flavor of sports drinks entices them to drink more. It’s also important to not count on thirst to be your guideline. The thirst mechanism always underestimates fluid loss.”

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to be out in the sun to be at risk of heat illness. Dr. Heinen says heat, not sunlight, is the danger to avoid. He offers these additional suggestions:• wear loose-fitting, loosely-woven, light-colored

clothing. Dark colors attract heat, and tightly woven clothes don’t allow your skin to breathe.

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella.

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.

• Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity. Drink extra water all day. Drink fewer beverages that contain caffeine (such as tea, coffee and cola) or alcohol.

• During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids.

• If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat, about drinking extra fluids and about how your medications might be affected by the heat.

• Schedule outdoor activities during cooler periods of the day (morning and evening), seek out shade, and schedule regular rest breaks during any activity that lasts longer than one hour.

The Clinic’s Urgent Care Centers are locally owned and operated in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff. They offer extended weekday hours and are open on weekends. No appointment is required. Call 310-CARE for more information.

Play it Safe in the Heat

by Kristy Armand


ArE YoU HAzY on THE GUIDELInES For CHooSInG AnD APPLYInG SUnSCrEEn? now THAT SUMMEr IS In FULL SwInG, IT’S TIME To CLEAr THInGS UP So THAT YoU CAn MAKE SUrE YoU’rE FULLY ProTECTED FroM THE DAMAGInG rAYS oF THE SUn. BUT wITH ALL oF THE InForMATIon – AnD MISInForMATIon – THAT ABoUnDS In THE MEDIA, ProDUCT LABELS, ProMoTIonAL MESSAGES AnD ADVICE FroM FrIEnDS, IT CAn BE VErY DIFFICULT To Know wHAT KInD oF SUnSCrEEn IS BEST AnD How To USE IT ProPErLY.

Amanda LaComb, MD, with LaComb Family Medicine in Jennings, explains that there are two types of ultraviolet light that damage the skin. “UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer, and UVA penetrates the skin more deeply and can cause photoaging, such as wrinkles, sun spots and other changes; and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed every year. This is why it’s so important to protect your skin every

day.” Dr. LaComb addresses some of the most common sunscreen myths, and shines some light on the facts you need to know to stay protected.

myth: The higher the SPF, the better the protection.Not necessarily. Although it sounds logical, don’t judge the protection factor on the SPF number alone. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of the amount of UV your skin absorbs. These numbers are proportionate, so that SPF 30 is not twice as effective as SPF 15, for example. SPF 15 absorbs 94% and an SPF 30 absorbs 97%. And Dr. LaComb says this number really doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t applying enough, and reapplying often. “The one vital fact to remember in relation to SPF sunscreen sun protection factor is that the amount you apply determines the amount of protection you will receive.” The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you use an SPF 15 sunscreen and reapply about every two hours, or more often if you swim, sweat or even roll over on your towel.

myth: I don’t need it.Some people think they can skip sunscreen because they don’t go out in the sun. Others with naturally dark skin or who tan in tanning beds believe they have “built-in” protection. Dr. LaComb says everyone needs sunscreen. Even if you are not lying out in the sun, you are exposed to UV rays through windows. This is true even on cloudy days. And if you have dark skin, you may be less likely to burn, but your skin is not protected from damage unless you wear sunscreen.

Uncovering Sunscreen Myths

by Kristy Armand

Continued on p58

Rough week at work?

That’s why we’re OPEN on SATURDAYS.

Center for Orthopaedics is now offering Saturday morning appointments to help working people and students get the care they need, at a time that is more convenient for their busy schedules. So if your knee is in need, your back’s out of whack, your shoulder feels strain, or you’re just off your game, give us a call. We’ll give you an accurate diagnosis and get you back on track to enjoy the rest of your weekend.

(337) 721-7CFOwww.centerforortho.com1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles


Brimstone Museum & Henning Cultural CenterThe Sulphur Brimstone Museum is the site of the restored Southern Pacific Railway Depot, which was built in 1915 to ferry passengers and cargo to the small sulfur mining community. A group of community organizers decided to save the depot from disrepair in the 1970s and the building was moved, cleaned, repaired, refinished, repainted and reborn as the Brimstone. According to the museum Web site, it is the only museum in America to spotlight the Frasch mining process. Next door is the Henning Cultural Center, which features cultural traveling exhibits from around the country as well as works from local artists.

SPAR Aquatic and Recreation CenterIt’s not much of a hidden gem, but Sulphur Parks and Recreation’s water park is a gem nonetheless. Out of district park-goers can spend all day slipping, sliding, swimming and going down water slides and inner tubes for just six bucks a piece. If you’re in Southwest Louisiana, SPAR’s Aquatic Center is a must to beat the heat.

McMurry ParkNext month, professional athletes will once again descend on McMurry Park in Sulphur to compete in the National Pro Fastpitch Championship and take advantage of the city’s state-of-the-art ballpark. McMurry Park features a covered and lit outdoor basketball pavilion, lighted tennis complex, batting cages, youth softball and baseball fields, regulation-size youth soccer fields, five picnic areas and a walking and jogging path. The pro fastpitch series has become the hallmark athletic event of the region, but you don’t need crowds of pros and fans to enjoy the perks of McMurry Park. Head over with friends or family to pitch friendly games of your own.

Sam Houston Jones State ParkSam Houston Jones State Park is one of the most scenic and peaceful small-

town stops in Southwest Louisiana. Located on more than 1,000 acres in Moss Bluff, the park is home to abundant wildlife, tree-dotted lagoons, pine forests, scenic campgrounds and ample opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, camping and boating. About 200 species of birds can be spotted at the site. There are also several hiking trails which wander through the area. Serious hikers can choose the more difficult trek, while leisurely nature-lovers can take opt for a low-maintenance stroll.

New Reasons to Travel Up the Road

wHo SAYS YoU nEED A PLAnE TICKET To TrAVEL SoMEPLACE nEw? In MoST CASES YoU BArELY nEED A FULL TAnK oF GAS. MoDErn AMErICA MAY LooK LIKE A LoT oF HUSTLE AnD BUSTLE, BUT THErE ArE STILL PLEnTY oF SMALL TownS THAT MoVE AT A LEISUrELY PLACE AnD CrEATE IDEAL DAY-LonG GETAwAYS For InDIVIDUALS, CoUPLES AnD FAMILIES. SoUTHwEST LoUISIAnA IS CErTAInLY no ExCEPTIon. oUr ArEA IS rICH wITH CULTUrE, AMBIAnCE AnD nEw ExPErIEnCES, AnD IT’S ALL JUST A HEArTBEAT AwAY, So PrEPArE YoUrSELF To VIEw YoUr HoMETown AS A ToUrIST AnD UnCoVEr HIDDEn rEGIonAL GEMS.

Small Town SWLA

photo by SWLA CVB

photo by SWLA CVB


Yogi Bear’s Jellystone ParkIn addition to Sam Houston Jones State Park Moss Bluff offers Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, with cabins, paddle boats, canoes, mini-golf and a small water park. Pack a lunch and spend the entire day at Jellystone with your family or enjoy a quiet afternoon to yourself under the shade of an oak tree. The park is located off Luke Powers Road, two miles from Interstate 10 in Moss Bluff.

Niblett’s Bluff ParkFor a nice picnic, good fishing or southern scenery, stop by Niblett’s Bluff Park in Vinton. Along with hiking, bird-watching and camping opportunities, you can absorb a bit of history. During the Civil War, Fort Niblett was established on this site. During Reconstruction it became a lumber camp with a railroad, general store and hotel.

Are we there yet??!

I need to potty!!

I’m bored!!

I-10 Oil & Gas ParkThe best pit stop in the state

Clean bathrooms

Coffee & Refreshments

Picnic areas

Playground

Hold baby alligatorsThey’re dying to eat... MEET you!

Exit 64 right off I-10 in Jennings, LA1(337) 821.5521 | www.jeffdavis.org

photos by Shonda Maunel


DeQuincy Railroad MuseumDeQuincy has always been a railroad town, and nothing preserves that history more than the DeQuincy Railroad Museum at 400 Lake Charles Avenue. Located in DeQuincy’s quaint historic district, the railroad museum is housed in the 1923 Kansas City Southern Depot and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On display is a collection of railroad memorabilia, which includes a restored 1913 steam locomotive, 1 947 passenger coach and two vintage cabooses. A landscaped park is nearby, so after spending time in the railroad of yesteryear, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon outside.

Founders ParkThis park pays tribute to the history and founding fathers of Jennings. The park includes a 40x138-foot mural, landscaped brick patios, fountain, antique clock and wrought-iron benches. It is located at 341 N. Main Street in the heart of the city.

Louisiana Telephone Pioneer MuseumThis is the state’s only museum which depicts the history of the telephone. From audio/visual presentations to hands-on interactive learning experiences, this is a particularly fun stop for kids, who can learn about the science of communication and technology while playing with their friends. The telephone showcase is located in the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum on Jennings’ North Main Street.

Pieta Prayer GardenInside the wrought iron and brick fence of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arthur is an original reproduction of Michelangelo’s infamous Pieta, a sculpture which stands at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. This replica, also sculpted in Italy, was commissioned in 1996 and now stands on a four-foot granite base in a landscaped prayer garden which is accessible 24 hours a day.

Welsh MuseumThe museum, located at 117 South Elms St., celebrates the history of the town of Welsh. The museum features an extensive collection of memorabilia inside a brick building built in 1903.

Tupper General Merchandise MuseumYou don’t need a time machine to rewind fifty years. All you have to do is visit the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum in Jefferson Davis Parish. This authentic country store, which operated in the area from 1910 to 1945, once sold everything from groceries to medicine. It is now a snapshot of early 20th century life, with merchandise such as antique toys, newspapers, clothes and school supplies in stock.

Small Town SWLA


Zigler Art MuseumThe largest art museum in Southwest Louisiana, the Zigler Art Museum in Jennings is considered the finest art museum between New Orleans and Houston. Despite being located in the quaint town of Jennings, Zigler’s permanent collection represents major movements in art from the Middle Ages to today. The colonial museum consists of more than 4,500 feet of exhibition space and two gallery wings. The west wing features a collection of European and American art; the east wing exhibits colorful southwest Louisiana wildlife dioramas. Rotating exhibits are presented in the central gallery. Altogether the Zigler’s collection includes more than 200 works of art, wood and bronze sculptures, a collection of American art glass and pieces from John James Audubon and William Tolliver. The Zigler is located at 411 Clara Street.

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

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HAVE ARTIST NANCY MELTON PAINT YOUR PET. IT WILL BE A TREASURED WORK OF ART!

Nancy donates 20% of her pet portrait profits to the local LaPaw Rescue Organization.

To place your order, email Nancy at [email protected].

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REFINANCE

NEW

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4321 Nelson Rd Lake Charles, LA

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Sulphur, LA 337.625.5747

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Caring is not just our job; it is who we are.

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www.brightonbridge.com

1.888.878.0337

Our Certified Nursing Assistants are a vital part of our patients day to day care. They provide personal, hands on care and act as an extra set of eyes and ears that assist our nurses in

providing quality care for our patients.

In your baby’s first years of life, they will have plenty of visits to the pediatrician. In fact, Luis F. Apellaniz, MD, with the Jennings Pediatric Center, says at a minimum, you should expect at least nine appointments the first 18 months of your child’s life, which is number of visits the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. These are well-baby check-ups to make sure that your baby is developing and thriving normally, to get immunizations, and just to make sure everything is okay. It is highly likely that you’ll see your pediatrician more often than this when they get sick or you have a specific concern, he adds.

Bringing a baby anywhere, including the doctor’s office, can be quite an undertaking, with all the supplies that must go along for the trip, and scheduling around their sleep and feeding schedules. And when they are sick, it just adds to the stress – for them and for the parent. “But there are some things parents can do to minimize the stress and to get the most out of every appointment,” said Dr. Apellaniz. He offers these suggestions:

TimingThe appointment should not interfere with nap time, meals or any period that your child normally gets fussy. If it is just for a check-up, find out when the office is the least busy so you will not have to wait long.

ClothingYour baby should be dressed in clothes that are easily undone. Try to avoid multilayer clothing and a lot of snaps or buttons. Slip-on shoes are also a great choice.

Be PreparedThe doctor is going to ask a series of general questions such as what and how much your child is eating and whether you have noticed any behavioral or health change since the last visit. Be prepared to answer these questions to help the pediatrician make an accurate assessment.

Prepping for the Pediatrician by Haley Armand


IndustryInsiderStraight Answers to Your Questions on

Industry and the Environment

What you see is actually water vapor. A significant amount of heat and water are required in the industrial process. Cooling towers are used to cool the hot water that is generated when heat is removed from the process. Industry reuses the water as much as possible, and then cools it before returning it to local waterways. Temperature, humidity and wind all affect the

visibility of the water vapor and how quickly it’s absorbed into the air. You may notice it more on a cool, humid evening when there is very little wind. The fact that it’s more visible at some times than others is a result of weather changes, not changes within the industrial process. These cooling towers are an environmentally friendly way to keep local industry working.

Q:A:

There are big plumes of smoke coming from industries. Is this pollution?

The plumes are water vapor, not smoke.

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

Carol Collins public relations director with local industry

NotesIf there is something in particular you want to discuss, bring a list of questions to make sure you don’t forget anything. Also bring a pad and pen to ensure you remember the doctor’s answers and instructions. If you know your child is having a problem that may require more attention, alert the office staff when you make the appointment so more time can be allotted.

be an advocateIf your infant is extremely uncooperative about a particular routine process during doctor visits, tell the doctor so the visit can run smoothly for everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—you are the voice for your child. The purpose of the check-ups is to get information on how to improve your child’s health.

relaxYour baby can sense when you are anxious. Try to relax and remain calm throughout the whole process. By doing so, your child will be more relaxed and their behavior at the office will be much better.


first personwith Capt. Denise hughes by Erin Kelly

Denise Hughes joined

the Lake Charles Police

Department in 1979, the number of women in

law enforcement was at a staggering low – just

2 percent nationwide. As a communications

officer, Hughes’ primary responsibility was to

dispatch officers to the scene, but after just

fourteen months she realized that she needed to

be on the scene instead of sending other officers

there. She graduated from the Calcasieu Parish

Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy in

1981, where she was elected class president and

graduated with the highest scholastic honor.

Hughes initially served in the uniformed

patrol division of the Lake Charles Police

Department, where she was the first female

supervisor of a uniformed patrol shift. She also

served in the detective division, where she was

commander of the violent crimes section.

In conjunction with Chief Donald Dixon, she

was instrumental in creating and organizing the

department’s first intelligence division, which

she now commands. Today she is a member of

the Louisiana Narcotics Association, Louisiana

Homicide Investigators Association and the

Louisiana State and Analytical & Fusion Exchange.

She is a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement

instructor for the state of Louisiana and has

received several Officer of the Year awards

from various civic organizations and was twice

honored by her peers as Supervisor of the Year for

the LCPD.

Hughes was recently promoted to police

captain. She is the first female in LCPD history to

obtain this rank.

photo by Jason Hardesty

When

First Person is a monthly Q&A that features compelling people who excel in their chosen endeavors. Ideas for future Q&As? Email [email protected].


first personwith Capt. Denise hughes

what inspired you to become a police officer?

I was attending McNeese State University and working in the fast food industry, when my college roommate took a job with the police department as a communications officer. I met some of the guys she worked with and was intrigued by their stories about the calls they responded to. I was taking some criminal justice courses when I decided this might be a career worth pursuing. I was initially hired as a communications officer and discovered that I wanted to be handling calls, not dispatching. Fourteen months later, I became a patrol officer.

You have moved up the ranks in a predominantly male field. what particular challenges do women face in the field of law enforcement?

I believe that the challenges women face have evolved over the years. When I began my career, the terms “sexual harassment” and “gender bias” were non-existent. It was extremely difficult to gain acceptance by some male officers and even their families. The families were afraid if their husband or son was involved in a physical confrontation, their female counterpart would not adequately protect them. I also found some resistance from the public. Several times, I went on a call and the complainant would ask for a male officer. Generally, female officers utilize a different policing style, relying less on physical force and more on communication skills. Policing philosophy has changed over the years, emphasizing problem solving and community over intervention, thus playing to a woman’s strengths.

You have worked in various areas of law enforcement, from patrol to homicide. what skill sets are required for the patrol division? what about narcotics or homicide? In what ways do these areas present unique challenges?

The patrol division is the backbone of any police department. Patrol officers usually patrol a certain area and keep watch over that community. These officers are the first line of defense and must possess an ability to make split-second decisions in dynamic situations, which can be life changing for all involved. They are involved in the initial investigation of reported crimes and due to time constraints and call volume, pass those investigations on to detectives. a detective then continues the investigation until an arrest has been made or he has exhausted all leads. an investigator tries to answer the most common questions – who, what, when, where, and how. although we are intrigued by “why,” that answer may or may not be learned, and is not relevant to an investigation.

Television has glamorized police work in many ways. what are your thoughts on the way law enforcement is depicted in pop culture?

I do occasionally watch some “police shows” for entertainment – the key word being “entertainment”. Pop culture seems to either glamorize the profession or depicts police officers in an unfavorable light. The glamorization idea tends to focus on the highs of police work, the excitement of the high-speed chase, the thrill of shooting the bad guy, etc., leaving out how hard it is to go home to a family after seeing someone who has been brutally murdered or comforting a molested child and act as if you had a “normal” day. Rarely is it glamorous. Usually mundane, frustrating, heartbreaking, but always rewarding. Unfortunately, as in any profession, there are bad apples. These individuals get most of the attention on television and in song, which in turn sheds a bad light on the profession as a whole to young impressionable minds.

In your opinion, what are the characteristics of an effective law enforcement officer?

In my opinion, integrity is the most important characteristic of an effective law enforcement officer. We are in a position of public trust. You must be committed to honesty and ethical behavior in your actions and accept individual responsibility and accountability for those actions and any decisions you make. I believe in loyalty to my department and the citizens of Lake Charles and I take pride in the uniform I wear and the badge and what it stands for. I believe that an officer must possess the courage to face what others fear and be able to run towards the sound of gunfire. I believe all people deserve impartial and effective service from all LCPD officers and that we must be compassionate in our interactions with the people we serve. We must treat everyone as if we were dealing with a member of our own family.

what is your personal mission statement? what do you strive for each day in your role as a leader?

My personal mission statement is to maintain and enhance the department’s tradition of excellence in police service to the community. I want myself, as well as all members of the LCPD, to be dedicated, well-trained, well equipped, and well led. I want to recognize the need for change, aimed at providing the most innovative and effective problem resolution. I want to maintain and enhance the confidence and trust of the people we serve and continually pursue excellence.

The number of women in sworn law enforcement positions nationwide ticked upward slowly as Hughes worked her way through the ranks of the local

department. Still, law enforcement remains a predominantly male profession. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that women account for about 15 percent

of the total sworn law enforcement officers in departments of comparable size throughout the U.S. today. The Journal of Police Science and Administration has

presented research indicating that female officers are not as likely to use excessive force and their increased presence in agencies nationwide could greatly

reduce liability for cities and states, as well as increase effectiveness in responding to domestic violence cases, which comprise a large part of dispatched calls.

Thrive recently spoke to Capt. Hughes about her experiences as a female officer and her personal approach to policing.


It’s true that money makes the world go round, but it’s equally true that you can’t go round the world without money – so don’t take your funds for granted when you are traveling.

These days, sticking twenties in your sock won’t cut it. You have to take extra precautions to ensure that you don’t end up without access to funds, whether you’re vacationing in Boston or Brazil.

“I think we can all agree that nothing ruins a vacation quicker than financial trouble,” said Brenda Fontenot, Iberia Bank’s Premier Elite Club Director. “But even if you prepay for much of your trip expenses, it’s still highly unlikely that anyone would be willing to travel without money or a means of payment such as credit cards or traveler’s checks, for small incidentals or big emergencies.”

Fontenot recommended that travelers avoid leaving town with large amounts of cash. Instead, consider traveler’s checks or gift cards that can be used as major credit cards.

“Be very careful not to keep your cash under wraps – literally,” Fontenot said. “Pulling a pile of twenties from your wallet can make you an easy target for thieves. Also, don’t bring all your credit cards with you. Two credit cards should be your limit. If you stuff all your credit cards in your wallet and then your wallet is stolen, the liability on those cards can add up quickly.”

Fontenot offers these tips for travelers:• Don’t pack any valuables, such as jewelry or

money, in checked luggage. • never carry large amounts of cash at one time. If

you need to take a significant amount of cash with you on your trip, carry only enough for the day in your pockets.

• never carry both credit cards at the same time.• Don’t let your credit card out of your sight. “This

means you may have to actually follow someone to a register, but it’s worth it,” Fontenot said. “In fact, this is a good rule to follow in general, even when in your hometown.”

• Make copies of all vital information, including copies of your credit cards and pertinent travel documents. Leave the copies with a trusted relative.

• Don’t carry cash all in one place. Use various pockets on your clothes.

Don’t Let a Thief Steal Your Vacation by Kristy Armand


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• If possible, research popular “pickpocket” techniques of your destination. Certain destinations are sometimes known for particular thievery methods and areas of thievery.

• Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Thieves have usually developed a fairly sophisticated system, especially on tourists. “Something as simple as a bump in a crowded marketplace could result in your wallet being pick-pocketed right from under your nose,” Fontenot said. The Premier Elite Club offers a wide range of

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When it comes to personal health, most Americans have a clear understanding of the treatments and process of traditional medicine. From popping the smallest aspirins for headaches to swallowing daily doses of statins to counteract high cholesterol, the benefits and features of conventional healthcare are a familiar standard of everyday life.

In recent years, however, other forms of healthcare have increasingly taken shape. Known as alternative or complementary health, its mission is not to replace or undermine modern medicine, but to offer modes of treatment that fill the voids of personal health.

Based on statistics gathered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the use of alternative medicine is not a novelty. About 36 percent of adults said they used some form of alternative medicine, which the CDC defined as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products which are not presently considered part of conventional medicine.” Fifty-five percent of those using alternative medicine used it as a complement to conventional medical treatments; 26 percent said they were following the advice of a medical professional.

Treatments that typically fall under the umbrella of alternative health include acupuncture, chiropractic, whole-food nutrition and therapeutic massage.

Licensed massage therapist Joy Clement Derise of Special Touch Therapeutic Massage said massage has proven beneficial for clients who suffer from traditional ailments such as arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome and preterm infants.

According to Derise, massage also provides an emotional balance that is often “just as valuable” as the tangible benefits. She said the body experiences specific physiological and chemical effects during the massage experience.

Derise believes that stress is the root cause of many health complications and said massage therapy can, “without a doubt,” decrease anxiety, improve concentration and circulation, which are both often adversely affected by stress, enhance sleep quality and energy levels and reduce fatigue. She also credits massage with the ability to alleviate lower back pain, ease dependence on medication, enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, promote tissue regeneration, reduce spasms and cramps, relieve migraine pain and alleviate

the side effects of depression. According to Eric Snow, DC, chiropractor and whole food nutrition therapist,

alternative medicine is often viewed as a step-sibling of traditional healthcare when it should be considered an equally legitimate vehicle toward disease prevention.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about alternative medicine lies in the name itself. Our conventional treatments like drugs and surgery save lives and ease human suffering every day. However, the danger is the priority they have over natural therapies,” Dr. Snow said. “We shouldn’t consider things like nutrition, chiropractic, acupuncture and other natural approaches to healing as an alternative, but in a lot of cases, first-line treatment choices.”

As a nutrition therapist, Dr. Snow focuses on whole-food nutrition, which emphasizes unprocessed natural foods and whole-food supplements designed to supply the body with the vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and phytonutrients “in a way that nature intended.”

“Nutritional therapy with the foundation of a whole-food diet can get to the root of many health conditions and offer the body the vitamin complexes, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals the body needs to heal, repair and support proper physiology,” Dr. Snow said.

Dr. Snow complements whole-food nutrition with chiropractic care, the goal of which is to “prevent problems before they become a major event.”

“Many musculo-skeletal problems can be prevented by proper exercise, diet and early detection. It can be beneficial to have one’s spine checked to see if they have the early signs of spinal misalignment and nerve impingement,” he said.

He takes a spiritual approach to patient treatment as well, believing that the best way patients can show appreciation for their health and bodies is to take charge of their personal well-being.

“The number one cause of disease is ignorance,” he added. “It’s time for us to step up to the plate, educate ourselves and honor God with responsible stewardship of our bodies.”

The Rise of Alternative Health

by Erin Kelly



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Take care of your immune system and it will take care of you!

Bronchitis: for mild bronchitis symptoms, take a steamy shower to

open up your chest.

Common Cold: take vitamin C to prevent the cold from escalading;

drink green tea—which acts as an antihistamine; eat or drink thyme to break

up congestion and relieve stuffy noses; gargle with salt water several times a day to

relieve a sore throat.

Flu: mix lemon juice, one spoonful of honey and one spoonful of brandy for a therapeutic

cocktail.

Fever: eat an artichoke and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Headache: while waiting for a typical headache medicine to kick-in, place a bag of ice to your head.

Arthritis: soak a teaspoon of black sesame seeds in a quart of water. Let this sit overnight and in the morning

eat the seeds and drink the water that remains.

Toothache: chew fresh guava leaves or oregano leaves

Sore Throat: gargle with a mixture of warm water and salt

Bee Stings: moisten a cigarette and gently rub the wet tobacco on the sting—this will bring out the poison and help with the pain.

Minor burns: soak the burn in whole milk and apply preparation H daily.

Black eye: to reduce swelling and the ugly appearance, eat a papaya and pineapple.

Home RemediesYoU MAY DISrEGArD HoME rEMEDIES AS oLD wIVES’ TALES wITH LITTLE VALIDITY, BUT Don’T wrITE THEM oFF JUST YET.

SoME oF THoSE TALES MAY HAVE HAD DoSES oF TrUTH wHEn IT CoMES To TrEATInG SorE THroATS, FEVErS AnD HEADACHES.

MoST HoME rEMEDIES ArE BASED on THE IDEA oF USInG nATUrAL InGrEDIEnTS FoUnD In MAnY SPICES, FrUITS, GrASSES AnD HErBS To nATUrALLY TrEAT CoMMon HEALTH CoMPLAInTS.

SoME ALTErnATIVE MEDICInE rEGIMEnS ArE MorE PoPULAr THAn oTHErS. HErE ArE A FEw HoME rEMEDIES For CoMMon AILMEnTS—MorE THAn LIKELY YoU ALrEADY own THE InGrEDIEnTS nEEDED.


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Mosquito bites: reduce itching by applying apple cider vinegar.

Tummy aches: eat ginger cookies, drink ginger tea, coconut water, ginger ale or lemon tea with a squirt of honey.

Varicose veins: eat blackberries and cherries to reduce their appearance.

Eczema: take an oatmeal bath.

Acne: zinc, niacin and vitamin A are helpful in treating acne, while lemon juice and toothpaste can reduce blemishes overnight.

Dandruff: rinse hair with one teaspoon of lime juice to prevent dandruff.

Flatulence: calm with ginger.

Earache: drop garlic juice into your ear to relieve the pain.

Home remedies are in no way a substitute for medical conditions that need a physician’s treatment and oversight. But for minor, common ailments they can suffice.

Sources:MSnBC www.msnbc.com/id/38386022/ns/health-alternative_medicineHealth Magazinewww.health.comnursing online Education Basenoedb.org/library/nursing-careers/101-at-home-remedies-for-common-ailments


myth: I only need to apply sunscreen to exposed skin. The average t-shirt offers an SPF of about 7. Darker fabrics and tighter weaves provide more protection, but it is much safer to apply sunscreen to your entire body before you get dressed. newer option that provides additional protection is clothing made of fabrics which have been specially treated with colorless UV-absorbing dyes. Most offer an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50, which blocks both UVA and UVB. There are also wash-in SPF products you can toss in with your laundry to add protection to your clothes.

And don’t forget some key areas which are often neglected but at high risk for sunburn. These include the ears, back of the neck, scalp and lips. Wearing a hat is also a great way to shade your face, scalp and neck. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30.

myth: The SPF in my makeup is enough.Many makeup products are produced and marketed as containing sun protection, and while this may be true, Dr. LaComb says it’s not enough. “Of course it’s better than not having any protection, but you should think of this as added protection, not your first line of defense.” She advises applying a layer of lotion or moisturizing sunscreen before applying makeup.

myth: I can use last year’s bottle. If you’re applying enough for adequate protection – two to four ounces – you shouldn’t have enough left to use from summer to summer. But if you do, check the expiration date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of about two years.

myth: waterproof sunscreen doesn’t need to be reapplied after swimming.This is a one of the most common – and dangerous myths, says Dr. LaComb. While the FDA recognizes the term “water resistant” (which means a sunscreen offers SPF protection after 40 minutes of exposure to water), it does not acknowledge the term “waterproof.” “No sunscreen is truly waterproof,” ways Dr. LaComb. “It should be reapplied every two to three hours, as well as every time you get out of the water.”

Uncovering Sunscreen Myths cont. from p43


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Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have:

• Fair skin or light-colored eyes

• An abundance of large and irregularly-shaped moles

• A family history of skin cancer

• A history of excessive sun exposure or blistering sunburns

• Lived at high altitudes or with year-round sunshine

• received radiation treatments


Several area doctors have joined forces to form a local chapter of the Save a Leg – Save a Life Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to provide education, improve care and reduce lower limb amputations related to chronic wounds caused by diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Save a Leg – Save a Life emphasizes community education, awareness and outreach – three keystones to an effective health management program. In addition to promoting proactive approaches to diabetes and peripheral vascular care, the organization will provide support services and education for patients who face potential amputation.

The doctors organizing the local chapter of the group – Dr. Tyson Green, Dr. Steve Springer, Dr. Carl Fastabend, and Dr. Tim Gilbert – all work extensively with patient populations at high risk for complications that could lead to limb loss. Tyson Green, DPM, foot and ankle specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, is on the medical staff of the wound care centers at CHRISTUS St. Patrick and West Calcasieu Cameron Hospitals. Steve Springer, MD, family medicine physician and wound care specialist, provides wound care services for CHRISTUS St Patrick and Lake Charles Memorial Hospitals’ wound care centers. Carl Fastabend, MD, cardiovascular specialist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, is the medical director of The Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana. Tim Gilbert, MD, Endocrinologist, is the founder of the Endocrinology Center of Southwest Louisiana and specializes in the management of high risk diabetic patients.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Each year in the United States diabetes results in the amputation of over 65,000 legs or feet. About 85% of those begin with a diabetic foot ulcer. Dr. Green explained that diabetic foot ulcers, or DFUs, are usually located on the ball of the foot, the bottom of the big toe or sides of the feet. They can be a result of neuropathy, or nerve damage which leads to a loss of feeling.

Although prevention is key, appropriate treatment as early as possible is critical. Not treating an ulcer can lead to infection and eventual loss of a limb. “And one statistic is very clear and alarming: If you have a DFU that leads to a major amputation, your risk of death within the next five years is greater than that of breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” says Dr. Green.

Dr. Springer said the group’s primary goal is to prevent the causes of lower limb amputations through patient and physician education, and awareness of preventive care available in our area. “We treat patients every day who suffer from the effects of various illnesses that put them at a higher risk of limb loss due to complications of their diseases. But lower extremity problems do not have to be an inevitable part of their disease process.”

Dr. Fastabend explained that patients with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease are at higher risk for peripheral arterial disease – a condition of the blood vessels that leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. The local incidence of these health conditions has long been a concern.

“About 11 percent of Louisiana residents over the age of 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician – this is significantly higher than the average rate for the majority of the country, and doesn’t take into account the additional thousands who have the disease but are unaware of it,” added Dr. Gilbert. “Considering the far-reaching effects that such diagnoses have, not only on the patient and the patient’s family, but on the economy and health care costs in general, this is a statistic that is important to everyone.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, the total cost of diabetes nationally is about $175 billion, with 75% directly attributed to the complications such as amputations, kidney disease, and blindness. This disease kills countless numbers of patients yearly with a vast majority these deaths being preventable.

save a save aDoctors Work Together to Form Local Chapter

leg,life

Pictured L to R: Dr. Tim Gilbert, Dr. Tyson Green, Dr. Carl Fastabend and Dr. Steve Springer

Continued on p62


leg,life

Continued on p62


Jennings Hospital1634 Elton Rd., Jennings, LA • (337) 616-7000 • www.jalh.com

KID-SIZED HEALINGRIGHTAT

Maria Fontanez, MD Michael Benoit, MD Luis Apellaniz, MD

HomeKids can often have big health concerns. Whether it’s an ear infection, the flu ormysterious symptoms that need to be addressed now; when it’s your child’shealth, it’s anything but small.Our pediatricians are ready to give your child’s growth and development the

full attention they deserve. And you can rest easy knowing these quality servicesare available locally.

You may have to travel for some things, but quality healthcare isn’t one ofthem. With Jennings American Legion Hospital, the healing touch is right here athome.

All of these doctors belong to practices that are part of the larger parent company Imperial Calcasieu Medical Group (ICMG), which was formed by Center for Orthopaedics and Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic in 2010. Since that time, other doctors wishing to maintain independent practices have joined. One of ICMG’s goals is to allow doctors to combine resources for the ultimate benefit of their patients. “Starting this new program is just one example of how we’ve been able to do just that,” said Dr. Green. “We’re all from different medical specialties, but as part of ICMG, we are also able to share ideas and experiences, and are working together to find solutions for patient problems that concern us all.”

Additional information about the Save a Leg – Save a Life chapter and planned events, including seminars and screenings, will be will be announced in the coming months. For more information, contact Center for Orthopaedics at (337) 721-7236.

Heal2getherIn addition to becoming involved with the local chapter,

Dr. Green suggests patients with diabetic foot find support

through Heal2gether, an online community that provides

resources, information and support for patients who have

undergone amputation or are at risk for amputation. The

website is www.heal2gether.org.

save a save a

leg,life continued from p60


A dash of cayenne may burn caloriesA new study says spicing up your food may burn more calories. A dash of cayenne pepper did curb participants’ appetites, but according to Dr. Abhishek Agarwal, a family physician at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, the study results come with a major flaw.

“It’s a small study. It’s conducted with only 25 people... So you can’t generalize the results with the entire population.” 12 of those 25 participants liked spicy foods and 13 did not, so after weeks of testing Mary Jon-Ludy, a graduate researcher at Purdue University, said, “What was special about those unfamiliar with spice is that they also reported feeling less hunger for sweet, fatty and salty foods after the meal and ate approximately 70 calories less at their next meal.”

She said the red pepper itself helped to knock off some of those calories. “Participants burn about 10 more calories after eating spicy tomato soup containing about half a teaspoon of ground cayenne red pepper,” compared to non-spicy tomato soup, said Jon-Ludy.

Dr. Agarwal countered, “if you use a lot of cayenne pepper in cajun cooking then by all means go ahead do it! But for somebody who doesn’t like spicy food…then there’s absolutely no need to add a lot of in the cayenne pepper hope of losing weight. It’s not going to help you lose a dress size.”

Ludy added, “this is not a miracle cure to the obesity epidemic, but adding small amounts of red pepper to the diet is fairly easy to implement. An extra dash of red pepper probably will not do any harm to your health, said Dr. Agarwal. “Cayenne pepper traditionally comes from red hot chili peppers and we haven’t seen any side effects like ulcers or high blood pressure,” continued Dr. Agarwal.

The study, which was conducted at Purdue University, was sponsored by a spice manufacturer.

Packaged skin heals wounds fasterWhen a band-aid just won’t cut it, doctors are now using a futuristic tool called bio-engineered tissue. The tissue is essentially packaged skin taken from pig intestine and human foreskin that can simply be placed on a wound.

The square of tissue acts like a scaffold for new cells to latch onto. The NIH said if you zoomed in on the tissue you would see something like a giant loofah sponge with interconnected cells.

Dr. Ameer Khan, a family medicine physician at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, uses the tissue for persistent wounds and said it can heal the wound three or four weeks faster than traditional treatments. He said doctors can use the tissue on any kind of wounds such as diabetes ulcers and arterial wounds.

According to the NIH, researchers are still investigating all of the uses for this tissue including ligament reconstruction and treating incontinence, but more than a dozen companies have already capitalized on the product.

Women with college degrees waiting to have kidsThe United States Census Bureau finds more women with a college degree are waiting to have children later in life. The bureau calls the trend a “delayer boom.” Instead of having children in their early 20s, most women with a bachelor’s degree are choosing to wait.

Dr. Gisele McKinney, an OB/GYN at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, offered this

explanation for the trend: “You try to make sure you have everything in place and you want to finish school. You want to live your life and then you meet that person and forgo having children until you’re stable or financially able to.”

Dr. McKinney did just that. She waited until 31 years old to have her first child and was surprised with twins. She said after age 35 women have a slightly higher risk for having a baby with a congenital defect, but age is not a fertility killer. “We use to think by age 35 by shear age that you were a high risk pregnancy, but now the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology is changing that risk and not considering them just by age a high risk,” said Dr. McKinney.

Many people are concerned about their “biological clock” ticking away at the chance to have children, said Dr. McKinney. “Some people say, ‘I’ll be 30 and I want to have all my children before I’m 30.” Well you can still have children after 30. Your fertility doesn’t end with a switch because you’re 30. Just don’t rush. Be prepared and then have your children and you can have your cake and eat it too,” explained Dr. McKinney.

The Census Bureau discovered over half of the women who had children last year were working mothers. Also, those with a college education overall had less children, an average of 1.7, while those with only a high school education averaged 2.5 children.

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

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.


Photophobia sounds like it could be a fear of pictures, but it’s actually a common eye problem for many people, especially those with light-colored eyes.

“After a few hours spent outdoors on a particularly sunny day, whether it’s gardening, boating or on vacation, some people may notice their eyes are fatigued and sore. Many of my patients with green, blue or hazel eyes have experienced this,” said ophthalmologist Jon Yokubaitis, MD, with The Eye Clinic.

Light sensitivity, or photophobia, tends to affect people with light-colored eyes because darker-colored eyes have more pigment to protect against harsh lighting.

“It’s not a disease, just a condition that can be treated to minimize discomfort. In addition to fatigue and soreness of the eye, it can also cause irritation,” said Dr. Yokubaitis. “Some people are sensitive to only sunlight, others may have problems in any kind of brightness, including fluorescent or incandescent light.”

Photophobia can also be caused by certain medications, including tetracycline, doxycycline, and furosemide. In the case of medication issues, check with the pharmacist or the physician who prescribed the medicine before changing or discontinuing.

People who have migraines often have light sensitivity. In extreme cases, it can be caused by a variety of eye conditions, such as:• Corneal abrasion• Detached retina• Uveitis, or irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the

eye“Most of these are rare and not run-of-the-mill eye

sensitivity. If eye soreness is experienced after a day in bright sunlight, chances are the treatment will be practical such as remembering to wear quality sunglasses when outside, and wearing a hat to shade the eye area,” explained Dr. Yokubaitis.

When choosing sunglasses, look for ultraviolet protection and glare-control. Both of these features will reduce eye strain in bright light. In fact, Dr. Yokubaitis suggested thinking of sunglasses as sunscreen for the eyes, because continued exposure to the sun for light-colored eyes can cause a more significant problem. “Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of older eye vision loss in the United States. Wearing sunglasses while outside helps protect the retina and the delicate photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Light-colored skin and pale eyes are two of the risk factors for age-related macular degeneration.”

For the sake of comfort now and for healthy eyes in the future, it’s best to keep the shades on while outside.

For more information about photophobia and eye protection, call The Eye Clinic nearest you or visit www.theeyeclinic.net.

Blinded by the Lightby Christine Fisher

[ ultraviolet protection and glare-control ]


David Drez Jr., MDOrthopaedic Surgeon www.centerforortho.com

The knee is one of the largest joints in the human body and one of the most easily injured. That’s why it’s no surprise that knee pain is the most common reason people visit an orthopaedist.

If knee pain has you out of step, then the first thing you need to know is what is causing the problem. Join David Drez, Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sport medicine specialist, at Know your Knees, a free community seminar at Center for Orthopaedics . You’ll learn about the different causes of knee pain, as well as the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of knee problems.

Step Past Knee PainFREE

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Mcneese Hosts Ag InstituteHigh school agriculture teachers Kary Cooley, left, of South Beauregard High School, and Jason Cutler, of Franklin Technology Center/Joplin High School in Missouri, compare effects of ethanol and kerosene as alternative fuel choices during the national Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education Institute hosted by McNeese State University’s Harold and Pearl Dripps Agricultural Sciences Department. Twelve high school teachers from seven states attended the institute.

“Artists Interpretations: Heads” on ExhibitAn exhibition titled “Artists Interpretations: Heads” is currently on display through Aug. 19 in the Abercrombie Gallery of the Shearman Fine Arts Center at McNeese State University. More than 50 artists were invited to submit artworks dealing with the human head, according to Gerry Wubben, professor of art at McNeese. The exhibition, located in Room 125 of the Shearman Fine Arts Center, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–4 a.m.

Dugas receives Excellence AwardJacob Dugas, a Lake Charles senior majoring in art with a concentration in graphic design and printmaking, is the spring recipient of the Nowell A. Daste Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts awarded bi-annually by the McNeese Department of Visual Arts. The $500 award is given by the department’s faculty to a student who has demonstrated superior

ability within that student’s concentration area. The Nowel A. Daste Award is funded by the Art Associates of Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana’s premier arts support organization.

Faculty Discusses Superhalogen DiscoveryDr. Anil K. Kandalam, left, assistant professor of physics, and Dr. Kiran Boggavarapu, assistant professor of chemistry, discuss the displayed model of the new class of magnetic superhalogens that they and some of their research colleagues have recently

discovered. The professors have collaborated with researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Johns Hopkins University to discover “magnetic superhalogens,” a new class of superhalogens. They are part of a team that made this recent discovery that was published in the Angewandte Chemie International Edition, the international chemistry journal.

Longtime Engineering Dean HonoredThe College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Industrial Advisory Board has named the Faculty Excellence Award that it sponsors each year for a McNeese professor in honor of Dr. o. Carroll Karkalits, who served 34 years as the college’s first dean

from 1972-2006. The O.C. Karkalits Faculty Excellence Award recipients will have their names and copper-based images permanently displayed on a mahogany wood display with raised panels on the wall outside the Dr. O. Carroll Karkalits Conference Room in Drew Hall. At the recent unveiling ceremony are: back from left to right, robert Chandler, IAB chairman, Global Industries, Ben Garber, IAB treasurer, W.R. Grace, wejee Lechtenberg, IAB vice chairman, Lechtenberg Consulting, and Mike nodier, Polaris Engineering; and front from left to right, Karl Heimbach, Firestone Polymers, Patricia Heinen, Sasol North America, Dr. o. Carroll Karkalits, Brenda Donnelly, Shell Global Industries, Joe Brewster, ConocoPhillips, and Alex Boti, ReCon Engineering Management.

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rusnak Joins robinson DentalJonathon Rusnak, DDS, recently joined Robinson Dental Group in Lake Charles. Dr. Rusnak is a Lake Charles native and a graduate of Barbe High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from LSU and his doctorate in dental surgery from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry in the areas of Prosthodontics and Oral Surgery. Dr. Rusnak

also completed a rotation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and coursework in Endodontics at the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. Dr. Rusnak has volunteered with Special Smiles, a dental program that works in conjunction with the Special Olympics, and with Habitat for Humanity. He also volunteered with Latin World Ministries and traveled to Atoyac de Alvarez, Mexico, to provide dental services to the impoverished.

Mulhearn Joins Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest LouisianaThomas J. Mulhearn IV, MD, has joined Cardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana. He provides general cardiology care and specializes in interventional cardiology, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the heart and vascular disease via cardiac catheterization, using procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement.Dr. Mulhearn, a native of Southwest Louisiana, completed a fellowship in interventional cardiology

from the University of Alabama Birmingham and cardiovascular disease from the Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Mulhearn performed his internship and residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Osler Medical Housestaff Training Program. He is a graduate of LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Bienvenu offering Balloon SinuplastyDr. Hal Bienvenu, a local surgeon board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology, has received training in the new balloon sinuplasty technology now offered by Acclarant Inc. This minimally invasive sinus surgery technology uses a tiny balloon that can dilate and open blocked sinus passages gently, without removing bone. The service is now offered at his clinic at 711 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. For more information call 439-2040.

Hofer Completes Subspecialty TrainingScott Hofer, DO, local orthopaedic surgeon with Orthopaedic Specialists and a physician on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, recently completed an extensive three-month subspecialty training in foot and ankle disorders at the Texas Orthopedic Hospital. Dr. Hofer specializes in a variety of foot and ankle issues including: Achilles and other tendon disorders, flat feet deformities, bunion deformities, plantar fasciitis, fracture care, arthritis and ligament

and cartilage injuries. Dr. Hofer also treats injuries and disorders of the knee, shoulder and upper extremities. Dr. Scott Hofer is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery with a subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Thomas J.. Mulhearn IV, MD

Hal Bienvenu, MD

Jonathon rusnak, DDS Scott Hofer, Do

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Q: I am going to my class reunion in my hometown. My husband and I are staying with a classmate in her home. Should I take her a gift?

A: Even if the two of you have remained close and see each other on a regular basis, staying in someone’s home, no matter how considerate you are as a guest, is work on the part of the hostess. Taking a gift such as flowers, a plant, a cookbook, or even a special blend of coffee is a thoughtful and proper thing to do.

Q: I attended a seminar recently and was introduced to someone I did not know. In conversing with this person, I noticed that she had lipstick on her teeth. I had just met the woman and did not know what to do: tell her or not tell her. I did not tell her. was I wrong?

a: I ask you: if you had lipstick on your teeth, would you want someone to tell you? How about your blouse unbuttoned or food in your teeth or your skirt tucked into your pantyhose or toilet paper stuck to your shoe? I recommend the Golden Rule here as I would certainly prefer knowing any or all of the above as opposed to walking around embarrassing myself.

Questions for Best Impressions can be submitted to [email protected].

S

Best ImpressionsModern Day Manners & Everyday Etiquette by Rose Klein

Seminar on Knee Pain Causes and TreatmentsDavid Drez Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, will be the guest speaker at “Know your Knees,” a free community seminar that will take place at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 21, at Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles. The knee is a complex joint

with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries that result in pain. Knee pain is actually the most common reason people visit an orthopaedist. Understanding the cause of your knee pain is critical for determining the appropriate treatment. Many knee injuries can be successfully treated without surgery, while others require surgical intervention. At the seminar, Dr. Drez will discuss the most common causes of knee problems as well as the latest advances in treatment options. For more information or to pre-register, call 721-2903 or email [email protected].

Center for orthopaedics now offering Saturday AppointmentsAppointments are now available every Saturday morning at Center for Orthopaedics in their Lake Charles office. The new hours are offered as a patient service to help working individuals and students get the care they need, at a time that is more convenient for their busy schedules. The office is located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles, just off of Nelson, one-half a mile south of Country Club Road. Call 721-7236 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Additional information about CFO services is available at www.centerforortho.com.

Calcasieu Community Clinic Begins Diabetes Management ProgramThe Calcasieu Community Clinic, a non-profit free health care clinic for the low-income working uninsured, has launched a comprehensive Diabetes Disease Management Program. The goal of the program is to empower patients to manage their disease process so that they can be more productive in their work place and community. All patients with diabetes will receive a glucometer and strips

to test their blood sugar twice each day, and a log for recording results. All patients will receive eight hours of Diabetic Education. Many medications are available through the Clinic’s pharmacy. Patients may also be eligible for vision and hearing screenings through the program. Merck Pharmaceutical Company and local educators will present classes for the clinic patients. The glucometers and strips will be provided through a grant from Sempra Foundation/Cameron LNG. Hearing and vision screenings will be provided through local volunteer providers. The program is designed for those working at least 20 hours per week and struggling to manage their diabetes. For more information call the Calcasieu Community Clinic at 478-8650.

west Calcasieu Cameron Hospital to offer Free Foot ScreeningsWest Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will offer free foot screenings on Wednesday, July 13 from 5-7 p.m. in the hospital’s Wound Healing Center. Foot and ankle specialist Dr. Tyson Green will be conducting the foot screenings, and will provide patients with information on how to prevent, detect and manage foot complications. Diabetes patients are encouraged to attend. Appointments for the screenings are limited. To register, or receive additional information, call (337) 528-4708.

Seminar for Caregivers and Family A free seminar for caregivers and family members of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, will be from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, in the Healthstyles Room at the WCCH Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Center at 545 Cypress Street in Sulphur. The seminar will allow caregivers to ask questions and received information about long-term care insurance, Medicaid, wills, powers of attorney and other issues that affect loved ones of Alzheimer’s patients. Speakers will include Arnetti Taylor, associated director of clinical trials for the Alzheimer’s Association; Dr. Paul Matthews from Advanced Psychiatric Services, who will review tips for coping with daily challenges; Debbie Comeaux, RN, and certified long-term care planning specialist with Southern Care Hospice; and Betty Raglin, attorney with David Sigler and Associates, who will discuss estate planning. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900.


L’Auberge du Lac to officers Spouses of Ft. PolkL’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently donated $5,000 to the Officers Spouses Club of Fort Polk. The organization’s main focus is to provide care packages for soldiers injured in the line of duty.

Pictured left to right are Erin wright, Officers Spouses Club President; Keith w. Henson, L’Auberge du Lac Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Casino Operations; and Jennifer Antonia, Officers Spouses Club Advisor.

Care Help to M.A.r.C.Care Help of Sulphur donated toys to the Mulit-Agency Resource Center. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Office of Juvenile Justice opened the center to help troubled youth in Southwest Louisiana by implementing multiple resources in one location. Pictured are Provisional Sulphur Chief of Police and Detective Lane Matte.

Sempra to Samaritan Counseling CenterSempra Energy Foundation recently provided a $8,000 grant to the Kid’s Pocket program of Samaritan Counseling Center. Kid’s Pocket is a counseling program for indigent children. Pictured from left are Dr. Julia Bernard,

Samaritan Counselor; Brenda Hollenbeck, Interim Director, Samaritan Counseling Center; Melissa Portie, Cameron LNG’s Human Resources & Community Relations Manager; and Michelle Trenton, Samaritan Counselor.

Sempra to Care HelpA $5000 grant from the 2011 Sempra Energy Foundation’s Helping People in Need Initiative will support Care Help’s Backpack Blessings program which feeds more than 100 Sulphur area children on weekends during the school year. Pictured are Melissa Portie of Sempra and Care Help Executive Director Sue Broussard.

Blue Cross Blue Shield to Autism Services of SwLAChad Minaldi, Chairman of the Board of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana, second from right and Ann Knapp, Board member of BC/BS, second from left recently met with Krystal McGuire, Executive Director, far left,

Fred nodier, Finance Chair, center and Geri Christ Landry President of the Board of ASSL, far right, to present to Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana a check for $5,000. These funds will be used for the continued support of persons with autism by providing housing, specifically trained personal care attendants and community integration.

First Federal Bank to Family Foundation of SwLAFirst Federal Bank presented a check to Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana to sponsor the second annual Family Foundation EGala. Pictured are Julio Galan, President and CEO of Family

Foundation; Cathy Banks, Family Foundation board member; Leslie Harless, Family Foundation Board member and representing First Federal Bank; and Kerry Andersen, Family Foundation board member.

west Calcasieu Cameron Hospital to Care HelpEmployees at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently collected over 340 canned goods to donate to Care Help of Sulphur,

Inc., a local organization providing help to area residents in need of temporary, emergency assistance. The donation was part of the hospital’s recent activities during National Hospital Week. Pictured from left are Karen Lambert, WCCH director of marketing; Bill Hankins, WCCH CEO; and Sue Broussard, CareHelp executive director.

Perry to Family Foundation of SwLAChristine Perry and her children, Cassi and Brennan, recently made a $10,000 endowment to the Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.

Community Contributor$


Memorial Hospital Auxiliary to the LCMH The Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, which includes more than 63 volunteers, donated $100,000 to Memorial Hospital.

Pictured from left are Leif Pedersen, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy; Barbara Bourgeois, Past President; Virginia Turner, Recording Secretary; reta Kaspar, President Elect; Bobbie Jefferson, President; Dorothy Bryant, Treasurer; Anita Morgan, Corresponding Secretary; Sherry Schofield, Director of Volunteer Services; Larry Graham, CEO.

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Foundation to LCMH Employees raised $107,000 in funds toward the $1 million reconstruction and renovation of the new Café Bon Vie, which was completed early this year at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, through the “I Gave a Day” campaign. The medical staff supplemented the campaign by making a $20,000 donation to the cause. Pictured are Foundation Board member and Memorial employee Karen Kleinman and Larry Graham,

Memorial Hospital CEO and Foundation President.

Bolton Ford to the Arts CouncilBolton Ford donated $3,000 to support the Arts and Humanities Council’s Gold Key Quest and 2nd Annual Arts and Crabs, which spotlights the local seafood industry as well as local artists and musicians. Arts and Crabs is scheduled for August 20th at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Pictured are Arts Council board members and staff along with Kaysie and King Bolton of Bolton Ford.


Henson named to Chamber BoardL’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Casino Operations Keith W. Henson was named to the board of directors for the Chamber Southwest Louisiana. Henson’s term,

effective immediately, extends through December 2011. He replaces Senior Vice President and General Manager Geno Iafrate.

Festival representatives receive Award

rob Piraro, from left, walter Gotreax and Janet Piraro of the Cajun French Music and Food Festival were recently presented with an award that names the CFMA as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. The award was presented by board chairman Michael Carrier of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Cappo named Clinical Department Manager for Vein CenterBonnie Cappo has been appointed Clinical Department Manager for the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana. The Vein Center is under the medical direction of Dr. Carl Fastabend,

cardiovascular specialist with Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic (The Clinic). Originally from Kansas, Cappo is a graduate of McNeese State University, where she earned

a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education with emphasis in Exercise Physiology. She has worked in the healthcare field for over 13 years. In addition to her position with the Vein Center, she also serves as the practice manager for Center for Orthopaedics. In her new position, Cappo will be responsible for operational management of Vein Center services, as well as community outreach and expansion. The Vein Center provides state-of-the-art, non-surgical outpatient treatment options for varicose veins and venous insufficiency or reflux. It is located within The Clinic at 501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr. in Lake Charles. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 312-VEIN (8346).

wainwright Joins First Federal InvestmentsDaniel Wainwright has joined First Federal Investments bringing six years of experience in the financial services industry. Wainwright started his career with American Express Financial Advisors (later known as Ameriprise

Financial). During his tenure there, he earned numerous company awards in financial planning and investments. Wainwright, a graduate of the University of Liverpool, has a strong background in comprehensive planning with a focus on financial education and investment sales.

Earhart named Executive Vice President of IberiaBankPhilip C. Earhart has been named executive vice president and president of the Lake Charles market. Earhart joins the company with more than 34 years in the banking industry,

the majority of which has been spent in Southwest Louisiana. He most recently served as president of the Southwest Louisiana market for Business First Bank. His career also includes nine years at Whitney National Bank in Lake Charles as area president. Earhart’s banking career originated in the New Orleans and Jefferson Parish areas where he served in various roles with National Bank of Commerce and Hibernia National Bank.

Carriere wins PromotionFreddie Carriere received a 2011 Chevy Silverado from Billy Navarre Chevrolet and Coca Cola as part of Market Basket’s 50th anniversary celebration drawing. Carriere’s name was chosen from more than 100,000 entries.

Breaux Promoted at St. LouisGeneva Breaux was recently promoted to director of Alumni Advancement and Admissions at Saint Louis Catholic High School. In this new position, she will manage and implement a comprehensive alumni

affairs program for Saint Louis Catholic as well as oversee all aspects of admissions providing a quality experience to prospective students. Previously serving as a certified art teacher, Breaux brings nine years of experience in education and Catholic school development to the school community. She received a bachelor’s degree in art education and a Master’s in Educational Technology from McNeese State University.

Lakeside Bank Breaks Ground Lakeside Bank recently broke ground on a new 6,000 square-foot facility on Nelson Road. The facility is scheduled to open in spring 2012. Lakeside Bank, a member of the FDIC, is a locally owned and operated community bank focused on serving local consumers and businesses.

Lake Charles Dance Academy opensColleen Cannon Benoit, former teacher and dancer with the Lake Charles Ballet Society with 20 years of teaching and performing experience, has opened The Lake Charles Dance Academy at 5028 Cobra Road. The LCDA’s curriculum offers a variety of dance classes including classical ballet, hip hop, jazz, and tap as well as piano lessons. Adult classes in zumba, Pilates, ballet and hip hop will also be offered. The studio is co-owned with her husband John. A three week summer workshop will be held from July 11-29. For more information, visit www.lakecharlesdanceacademy.com

C H A T 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 A T ? • w o w - w H o K n E w ! • C H A T T E r • E V E r Y B o D Y ’ S

Keith w. Henson

Daniel wainwright

Freddie Carriere

Geneva Breaux

Philip C. Earhart

Bonnie Cappo


Knight Media Announces PromotionsChris Ehlers has been promoted to chief operating officer and Allen Jarvis has been promoted to chief financial officer of Knight Media. Betsy Granger has joined the staff as an account representative.

Ehlers has worked in the printing industry for 21 years, beginning with basic bindery and film-and-plate work and working his way up to managing all areas of printing operations. He currently manages the company’s estimating, job planning and maintenance and production supervision. Jarvis, a graduate of McNeese, began his career with Knight Media as a delivery driver in 1990 and currently manages the company’s financial activities. Granger, a graduate of LSU, has a variety of experience in sales and marketing and was previously sales and convention manager for the Holiday Inn in Sulphur and director of sales and marketing for the Wingate by Wyndham.

Several Honored by Junior League of Lake CharlesThe Junior League of Lake Charles recently presented several awards to community leaders, including Monte Hurley, Della Krause Thielen Voluntarism Award; Marily Strait Dunn, Sustainer of the Year Award; and Amanda McElveen, Active of the Year Award. The Active of the Year award was established to recognize those members who went “above and beyond” to further the Junior League of Lake Charles’ vision and mission

wCCH Home Health receives AwardThe Home Health Agency of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has received a 2010 Louisiana Home Health Capstone Quality Award presented by eQHealth Solutions, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. With this award, the Home Health Agency of WCCH has been recognized for improving the quality of health care given to their patients, and is one of 17 home

health agencies in the state to receive the 2010 Louisiana Home Health Capstone Quality Award.

Memorial Hospital Honors Auxiliary VolunteersMembers of the Volunteer Auxiliary at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital were recently honored for their hours of dedicated service to the hospital. The recipients of awards at the luncheon were: Laveta Norris, Jeanne Hartman, Virginia Turner, Lurline Carter, Bridget Barnes, Jo Ann Beam, Della Johnson, Anita Morgan, June Key, Anita Gold, Richard Ott, Mary Sue Shelton, Cornell Chaumont, Rolando Gugol, Suzette Gugol, Irwin Gugol, Debbie Ott and Susan Wood. Memorial’s new Auxiliary officers were also named at the ceremony. These members were: Reta Caspar, President; Virginia Turner, President Elect; Bobbie Jefferson, Past President; Della Johnson, Corresponding Secretary; Myron Brown, Recording Secretary; Dorothy Bryant, TreasurerRichard Ott, Anita Gold, Tessie Boulet and Lillian Salvador, Three-year Board membersSally Picheloup and Celena Perry, One-year Board members.

Sowela Fall registration BeginsFall registration at Sowela Technical Community College begins this month. Time slots are for all Sowela students unless otherwise indicated: Early fall registration – July 12: students graduating in fall, 8-10 a.m., students continuing from spring or summer, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-6 p.m.; July 13: 8–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3 p.m.; July 14: 8 a.m.–noon; August 1, Deadline for new applications for fall. Late fall registration is from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-6 p.m. August 16; 8 a.m.–3 p.m. August 17; and 8-11 a.m. August 18.

Putter’s Under new ownership

robbie newton, the area’s premier club fitter and designer of the RT Technology shaft, has purchased Putter’s Driving Range and Deli. Golf instructors Bear Suarez, neel Derouen, Steven Buller and ric Kennedy are part of the staff.

Gator Lounge Entertainment AnnouncedThe Gator Lounge at Delta Downs has announced entertainment through July. All performances are Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m.-1 p.m. They are Leon Chavis, July 15 and 16; Pookie Marceaux, July 22 and 23; and BB and Company, July 29 and 30.

L’Auberge opens Barbershop

L’Auberge du Lac Casino recently opened 1740 Barbier, the region’s only full-service barber shop for men. The outlet gets its name from the year the straight razor was first constructed in Sheffield, England. All guests receive a complimentary cocktail with each service; cigars are available for purchase to enjoy in the Barbier Cigar Lounge. Barbier is open Tuesday through Sunday until 9pm and is located across from the casino resort’s Le Café restaurant.

MBL Great Johnny Bench Visits Patients at west Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

Gervis Conner, a patient at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, receives an autographed baseball from Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member Johnny Bench. Bench, who has had both hips replaced, was in town to speak at a joint replacement seminar hosted by the hospital and Stryker Orthopaedics featuring surgeons from the Center for Orthopaedics. John Noble, Jr., MD, orthopaedic surgeon, performed hip replacement surgery on Conner, with the same technology used on Bench.

D I D Y o U H E A r T H A T ? • w o w - w H o K n E w ! • C H A T 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 A T ? • w o w

Chris Ehlers

Betsy Granger

Allen Jarvis


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

!Solutions for Lifefrom Solutions Employee Assistance Program

Have you ever wondered what all the counseling fuss is about? I mean really, how much can telling your secrets to a total stranger help? How does lying on a couch and talking about your childhood do any good? And why would anyone talk to an empty chair as part of therapy? Seriously, does therapy really work? The short answer is “yes.” At least I hope so, after doing this for 20 years. Just for the record, I do have a couch, but no one lies down on it (except someone on my staff who likes to nap). And I do have some empty chairs, but we’re not talking to them. Of course there are many variables that influence the effectiveness of counseling. Here are some things I have found to be true:

1. You have to want to get better. Not everyone does. Some people are happy being miserable. Some people thrive on chaos. Some people like having “anger issues” and watching everyone else be scared of them. Counseling is not going to work for those people until something happens in their lives that cause them to want to change. Counseling is painful and uncomfortable at times. It is hard to look at yourself honestly and determine to improve certain aspects of yourself. But it’s worth it. To be able to look in the mirror and know you handled yourself the way you wanted in a situation is worth all that pain.

2. It’s not exactly the way I was taught it would be. In order for counseling to work, the client has to realize there is a problem and they have to have a desire to fix the problem. In graduate school, we were taught that everyone walking into our offices would have figured out an area of their lives they wanted to be different and we would help them achieve that. Aah, if only that were so. Some of my clients are “dragged” into therapy by a spouse, a parent, their job or a judge. They don’t really want to be there, and they view their current situation as bad but not their fault. Then it becomes my job to work with the client to decide what areas they’re willing to work on. Maybe that teen wants his parents off his back more than he wants to be lectured about

following the house rules. Maybe that employee needs her job more than she needs to win arguments. Maybe that husband wants to stay married more than avoid conflict. The art of therapy is being able to read people and figure out what motivates them so they can move toward healthiness.

3. Not every therapist fits every client. I’m pretty direct. OK, very direct. If I see something, I want to address it. I’m also a little (a lot?) sarcastic and playful, particularly to emphasize a point. And I’m here to work. I don’t do well with clients that want to come in and just talk about how bad things are (or “bellyache” as my uncle always called it) without ever getting to the point of fixing things. Over the years, I have honed my ability to read my clients and determine what level of my style they can handle. I’ve also learned which clients I’m better suited for, and am not afraid to refer out if needed. If you feel your therapist doesn’t “get” you, try another therapist until you get the right fit.

4. There is no going back. Once you have decided to come out of the cloud of oblivion and look at something in yourself, you can never put it back in the box and have it stay there. A client told me recently, “Yeah, I know I need to do something about this, but it’s going to open up a whole can of worms.” Well, it’s not as though you didn’t already know the can of worms existed. You had just chosen not to open it. The worms are still in there, squirming around your life. Let me end by saying that I believe counseling is not for everyone. But if you want another pair of eyes and ears to look at your situation, you might consider it. The eyes and ears of a therapist have been specifically trained to help you become your vision of yourself. We have a set of skills that go beyond “bouncing” something off a friend or family member. We can give you the tools you need to fix yourself.

Does Therapy Really Work?


He was the cashier

at a local department

store that I visited a few months ago.

I had an armful of clothes and the line to

the register was short but sluggish. Some of the people behind

me gave up and moved to another line, but I was committed to my spot and decided to stick it out.

I once read that standing in line is the least favorite pastime of modern Americans and that’s certainly true for me, so when the woman in front of me made it to the register, I felt a sense of relieved accomplishment that comes when you know that your wait is about to be over. The woman perched her young granddaughter on the counter as the male cashier – a senior citizen – went to work on her purchases.

He wasn’t very swift with his process. It was obvious that he was flustered, perhaps overwhelmed, by the growing line at his register and it was even more obvious that he didn’t have much department-store cashier experience. The woman grew increasingly agitated as she watched him fumble with her credit card, punch in the wrong buttons on the register and stumble to reload the receipt spool. The cashier apologized and made a self-depreciating quip – “Looks like the machine is smarter than I am,” he said.

“And you have no idea what you’re doing,” she snapped. When her transaction was finally complete, she thanked him with an eye-roll and a sarcastic ‘good job’ before leaving the register to me.

Her rudeness caught me by surprise. Say what you will about Southwest Louisiana, but one thing’s for certain – blatant rudeness isn’t our general cup of tea.

In the span of time between the woman gathering her bags and leaving the store, a hundred responses scrolled through my head of ways to put this lady in her place. It was obvious the cashier was having trouble and moving as fast as he could. He was apologetic, not apathetic. What was the point of being rude for no reason? The woman was obviously upset that he was holding her up, but what was her big hurry? What was the big appointment that she had to keep that she couldn’t spend four extra minutes at a mall cash register?

The woman walked out and I never said a word – not even a simple remark to let her know that her behavior was needlessly patronizing, or to reassure him that fumbling over a cash register wasn’t the end of the world. Instead I moved up to my turn in line and we shared a mutual joke about how modern technology can outsmart even the best of us. Clearly bothered, he made a few more uncomfortable quips and explained that it was only his first week on the job and he was “probably a little too old” to be doing it.

After the woman left the store, I’m sure she forgot all about her extra four-minute wait, but I guarantee that the cashier thought about it long after she left. We all know how it feels to have words hovering around us for hours, days, sometimes even years, after they’ve been said. Words that tell us that we’re too slow, too old, too incompetent.

Sometimes the only way to get rid of those haunting word bubbles is for someone else to speak louder. I made sure to be polite and light-hearted, but in hindsight I should have told him – or her, maybe – exactly what I thought.

When it comes to even the smallest of injustices, quietly waiting for your turn sometimes just isn’t enough.

The Last Word

by Erin Kelly

Erin Kelly has been a local journalist for more than 12 years. Email her at [email protected].

There’s someone I’ve been thinking about for a while.

Mow in the morningor evening.

www.allianceswla.org

Tip:

76 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 2011

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