Thrive July 2009

July 2009 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 1

JULY 2009

Also:Handling Headaches page 9

Ground Level OzoneA Seasonal Concern page 18

Stone Prone? Help for Managing Kidney Stones page 44

Buds Are Bad for Ears page 50

Summer

health &

safety

survival

guide

2 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living July 2009

Youth Athletic ScreeningSSaturday, July 18th

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital • 524 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive(Day Surgery area, 2nd floor of hospital)This comprehensive screening will include the required Louisiana High School Athletic Association physical criteria as well as cardiovascular screening criteria proven to reduce the incidence of sudden deaths in young athletes. These screenings are ideal for children as young as six years old. The cost is $35 (actual screening value of $350) and the screenings will include the following:

• Physical (height, weight, physical exam)• Cholesterol and glucose tests• Orthopedic analysis for children who have had previous injuries• EKG• Echocardiogram testing, if necessary• Body fat analysis

Each team with five screening participants will receive a free team first aid kit.Each participant will receive a free guide to preventing and treating sports injuries.

Sports HealthThis program made possible

by a grant from the Children’s Miracle Network.

AppointmEnts ArE rEquirEd:Call 491-7577 to register for

the July 18th screening.• students should bring their school’s athletic screening packet, if one is required. • For parents’ convenience, the notary public will be on-site to notarize the paperwork (notarization included in total cost)

StAY in the gAme.

$35 (notary charges included)

$350 VALUE


Walking into an optical store can be a little confusing – especially if you are a parent trying to find the perfect glasses for your child. There are so many frames to choose from! How are you supposed to figure out which ones your child is willing to wear and, more importantly, which will last longer than their next playground adventure?

There are many features to consider when choosing eyewear, particularly for a child, explains Doris Oeder, Certified Optician with Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic. “You want to get glasses that will provide the vision correction they need, and that will stand up to the rough and tumble lifestyle of an active child. And I speak from experience when I say letting your child have a say in the frame style you purchase will help prevent future battles over wearing the glasses.”

Oeder says most children who need eyeglasses are either nearsighted or farsighted. “The degree of visual correction needed will determine how the glasses will be worn. Some children will need to wear their glasses just for close work, while others may need to have them on every waking moment. How much they have to wear the glasses will more than likely be a factor in the type of eyewear they choose.”To help you understand your options when purchasing eyewear for children, here’s a closer look at some key features:

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

Fashion savvyWhether they wear them are full- or part-time, most kids will get at least a little teasing about their glasses, especially the first time they wear them. One way to help make your child more comfortable with wearing glasses is to let them try on a variety of styles in order to pick those that best flatter their features.

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about children’s eyewear, call or stop by Optics Unlimited in any location of The Eye Clinic. continued on page 4

The AB Sees of Children’s Eyewear

by Kristy Armand


continued from page 3

Don’T JusT live, Thrive!

editors and Publishers Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Creative Director Barbara vanGossen

layout Tony lee

Assistant editor erin K. Cormier

Advertising sales Danielle Granger Ashley Gatte 337.310.2099

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.

it’s time for your business to Thrive! Thanks to our full color pages, high quality printing and fun, informative format, Thrive is the perfect place to showcase your business through advertising. We’d love to spend a few minutes with you to put together an advertising plan that works for your business.

Danielle Granger, Sales Manager

[email protected]

Ashley Gatte, Sales Representative

[email protected]

Five Trends in children’s eyewear1. Designers have taken cool and classic designs that work for adults

and scaled them down for kids. Don’t be surprised if your child wants eyeglasses that look a lot like yours.

2. Branded or licensed eyewear lines grab a child’s attention. Fisher-Price, Hush Puppies, Hannah Montana, and Disney appeal to kids of all ages, but especially to very young children. Lines related to extreme sports (X-Games), basketball (Nike) and other sports are very popular with slightly older kids.

3. Spring hinges, strong and flexible frame materials and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses all help protect your child’s eyes — as well as your financial investment in their eyewear

4. Don’t forget about sunglasses for kids. Protecting your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays may lower their risk of adult eye problems like cataracts later in life. Photochromic made of impact-resistant polycarbonate are an excellent choice for kids who spend a lot of time outdoors. Clip-on sunglasses (or newer versions that magnetically attach to eyeglasses) also work well.

5. For the child who is fast becoming a teenager, eyewear fashion is increasingly important. Designer eyeglass frames from Guess, Vera Bradley and others are very appealing to “tweens.” Also popular are frames branded with apparel and accessories names such as Coach, BCBG and Candies.

source: All About Vision

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


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Harbor Hospice is a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medical care and support for people at the end of life and their families. It’s care focused on maintaining dignity, increasing quality of life, and providing comfort, including pain and symptom control. Harbor Hospice recognizes that every person’s experience will be different and the hospice team creates a plan of care according to the individual needs and wishes of each patient.

Harbor Hospice staff members are available at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is the mission of Harbor Hospice staff to walk side-by-side with patients and offer support, not only for any physical symptoms, but for emotional and spiritual needs, as well. This support extends to family members, and Harbor Hospice helps them cope with their own unique and spiritual concerns.

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While clinical studies support the use of the da Vinci System as an effective tool for minimally invasive surgery, individual outcomes may vary. © 2008 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved. Intuitive, Intuitive Surgical, da Vinci and EndoWrist are registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. PN 871883 Rev. A 6/2008

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Minimize potential side-effects such as incontinence and impotence by choosing da Vinci Surgery. More men choose da Vinci Surgery than any other prostate cancer treatment. If you have been considering treatment options for prostate cancer, ask Farjaad Siddiq, MD, FACS about da Vinci Surgery.

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Local professional photographer Victor Monsour has photographed more than 2,000 weddings over his 30-year career, so he’s learned a lesson or two about the chaos of last-minute checklists. Thankfully, he says, most of the frustrating snags that pop up during the week before (and even the day of) the wedding can be prevented with a few phone calls and a little planning.

“With the bride busy with so many things, she can sometimes forget to check in with her vendors,” Monsour said. “I photographed a wedding once where they changed the date and neglected to tell the caterer. It was just by chance that I’d talked to the caterer and told him his dates were wrong.”

Monsour offers these tips for a seamless wedding day:About two weeks before the wedding, check in with your vendors. Confirm dates, times, and other •arrangements. Make sure you have contact numbers for all of them, and make sure they have contact information for you as well.Make sure your wedding schedule is carefully plotted out. Monsour said the biggest time-crunchers tend •to be hair and make-up. It’s best if you know how long it will take for the hair and make-up stylists to have everything done so your photography sessions can run on time.Keep track of payments arrangements with each of your vendors. Pay them ahead of time if possible •so you don’t have to concern yourself with it on your wedding day. Keep receipts.An experienced photographer will know the obvious photos to take, but there might be •someone or something special you want. Have a discussion with your photographer so he or she understands who you want photographed and when.

For more information on wedding planning and wedding photography, contact Monsour’s Photography at 433-2333 or visit monsoursphotography.com.

Picture Perfect!Brides and Grooms: Don’t Forget These To-Dos


Using a cell phone to merely call someone is so yesterday; these days, they can be used for checking email, taking pictures and even banking. Mobile banking is the new wave of technology enabling bank customers to check their balances or make simple transactions using their cell phone. If you’re not taking advantage of this convenience, experts say you will soon.

More than three million people in America used mobile banking last year, ten times the number from 2007 and projected numbers forecast a thirty percent

increase by 2010. “The numbers are increasing exponentially,” said Loyd Rion, Executive Vice President with Cameron State Bank. “As consumers, we all want things to be convenient, simple and get a quick response. Mobile banking gives customers access to their account so they can take care of a few banking needs wherever they are, at no charge. We offer our customers the ability to check their balance, transfer funds between accounts and view their account history all on their cell phone.”

Javelin Strategy and Research, a financial research firm, polled consumers on which banking services they would use with a cell phone. The responses included 71 percent who said they’d check their balance and 41 percent who favored monitoring recent transactions.

As with anything in cyber-space, safety is the number-one concern for both consumers and providers. Historically, financial industries have invested heavily in security and as technology has become more commonplace, it continues to be a top priority. “Just as we have a secure website to allow for online banking, our mobile banking system allows our customers to safely access their accounts,” said Rion.

For mobile banking account security, a password and user name must be typed in before gaining access to the account. Mobile banking is a boon for consumer convenience, but it also provides banks with a reduction in the cost of operations. If a customer checks their balance online or with their cell phone, that’s one less phone call for the tellers to answer, providing better service to customers who are in-person at the bank.

As the popularity of mobile banking continues to grow, more and more banking customers are enjoying the portability of taking their bank with them wherever they go. Cameron State Bank customers can access their accounts by typing www.csbmobi.com into their cell phone with internet capabilities, or stop by any CSB location for details.

Is Mobile Banking Really Safe?

by Christine Fisher

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Headaches come and go for many reasons: too much noise, hormone fluctuations, stress, depression, muscular tension and even flashing lights are the usual suspects. Ironically, people can even get headaches from taking too many headache medications too often. Twenty-eight million Americans get headaches. Most people find relief through over-the-counter medications and possibly some quiet time spent in a darkened room. However, for tension headaches, migraines and cervicogenic headaches, there are other treatments that can provide relief. “Tension headaches are the most common and are caused by muscular tension in and around the head, neck and shoulders. Migraine headaches can be very severe with other unusual symptoms occurring with the headache. Migraines usually have some kind of triggering factor that cause abnormal dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head or abnormal neurological activity which in turn causes the severe headache. Cervicogenic headaches originate for abnormalities in the joints, muscles, ligaments, or discs in the neck,” explained Donald Thigpen, DC, with The Chiropractic Center. Studies have shown that some headaches are due to dysfunctional vertebral joints in the spine. This can cause irritation of the nerves, joints, muscles, and ligaments and trigger a headache. “Studies have shown that spinal manipulation can be a safe and effective way to help manage headaches,” Dr. Thigpen said. Since so many people are afflicted with headaches, there have been many studies done to learn more about the cause, find out what remedies seem to work best and why. In one such study, researchers randomly assigned people with migraine headaches to receive spinal manipulation, a daily medication used to treat chemical imbalances in the brain, or a combination of both. Spinal manipulation was as effective as the medication in reducing migraines and had fewer side effects. There was no added benefit to combining the two therapies. In addition, researchers reviewed studies that tested spinal manipulative therapy for tension headaches and found that it was as effective as medications in preventing these headaches. “Each patient is unique. It is not guaranteed that spinal manipulation, nor any other treatment for that matter, will eliminate every headache every time. But studies show that spinal manipulation has provided countless people relief from the pain and should be an option that is given consideration,” said Dr. Thigpen. Posture can play a prominent role in proper spinal alignment. Sitting up straight, moving around frequently, using a firm pillow while sleeping, and sleeping on your side or back are good ways to maintain good spinal alignment. Although the majority of headaches are benign, Dr. Thigpen did stress the fact that some headaches could indicate serious pathological conditions. “Patients must be aware that if a headache has a sudden onset of extremely intense pain, or if it is accompanied by numbness, confusion, slurred speech, or any other unusual symptoms, seek emergency care immediately,” said Dr. Thigpen. For more information, call Dr. Thigpen with Chiropractic Center at (337) 562-0817 or visit www.chiropracticenter.info.

by Christine Fisher

Relieving Pain Through Chiropractic

HeadacHesThe Headache of…


ummertime means extra time outdoors for most people – regardless of how hot it is. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, tending

flower beds, sitting by the pool, or gathering around the grill, many summer chores and activities put you in the path of seasonal stinging insects, including bees, wasps, and yellow jackets.

Many people refer to all flying insects that sting as “bees,” but Robert Soileau, manager of J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles says his crews are called upon to control wasps and yellow jackets as well as bees, and all of these groups can pose a serious problem if not managed properly.

Stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to emergency rooms every year, and Soileau says it’s critical to understand the risks associated with trying to handle an infestation on your own, or leaving it untreated. Aside from painful stings, stinging insects present a serious health and safety hazard to people who are allergic. “In addition, most bees and wasps are social insects and will attack in swarms if they feel threatened, and even people who aren’t especially allergic to stings could be in danger if attacked by hundreds of insects at the same time.”

Soileau offers the following key details about flying stinging pests in Southwest Louisiana:

honeybeesThese bees, along with bumblebees, are essential pollinators and should not be interfered with except when they pose a threat to human health and safety. They usually are non-aggressive unless they

are threatened. Soileau says when control is necessary, the preferred method is to have a beekeeper remove and relocate them. Although these bees are not particularly aggressive when foraging, they can be extremely aggressive when they feel threatened. As social insects with a highly-developed communications system, they can rapidly attack in great numbers if they feel threatened. For this reason and others, honeybee control shouldn’t be attempted by homeowners or other untrained individuals. It is best to call a trained exterminator who will coordinate a safe removal and relocation if possible.

Carpenter BeesCarpenter bees resemble honeybees in appearance but are actually quite different. The male of the species is very aggressive, and will dive bomb anyone – including children and pets, if their nest is approached. Female carpenter bees have a painful sting. Soileau says these bees typically like to nest in the tunnels they have created by chewing into unpainted or weathered woods. Eliminating these bees is more complicated than just spraying a little pesticide because normal aerosol spray can’t reach into the tunnels they have made.

Yellow Jackets Yellow Jackets are very aggressive. Yellow jackets are very susceptible to insecticides and may be controlled using any of a wide variety of aerosols and dust products that are labeled for their control. But because yellow jacket nests are often concealed within structural cracks and crevices, and may have multiple entry holes, control can be difficult. Soileau says these insects can become very aggressive when

Steer Clear of

by Kristy Armand


sprayed, increasing the risk of attack. “This is why it is not a good idea to try to handle these insects on your own.” Paper Wasps These are very common in our region and there are many species of “paper wasps” whose size, appearance, and habits vary greatly. They all share one behavior, however, they build their nests out of paper that they manufacturer themselves from wood and saliva. Typically, paper wasps build their nests in relatively exposed locations under horizontal surfaces, such as under porch ceilings, attached under the top of door and window trim, under awnings, etc.; as well as in hollow voids such as metal fence posts and swing sets, basketball hoop stanchions, PVC furniture, and inside vacant birdhouses.

Living in colonies ranging between 5000 and 10,000, wasps are known for their unprovoked aggression and typically sting humans near nesting sites or if swatted away from a food source. It may be possible to control paper wasp problems with a spray or two of over-the-counter “wasp freeze” sprays. Soileau advises following the label instructions carefully and paying attention to things like wind direction. “And make sure you have a clear getaway path behind you in case you miss and have to run!”

If you have a large infestation, professional help is recommended. He says wasps in places like fence posts and PVC furniture require a bit more care to eliminate because you have to get to the nest. Most professional exterminators use dusts injected into the posts or furniture to treat these sorts of problems.

Soileau says there are steps you can take to avoid getting stung:

When outdoors, wear shoes, especially in grassy areas. •Bees and wasps are attracted to sweets, so do not leave drinks •or food in accessible areas. Do not wear light blue, yellow, and/or brightly colored and •patterned clothes or bright flashy jewelry. Promptly remove garbage and store it in sealed receptacles. •Avoid scented sprays, including cologne, hair spray, suntan •lotion, sunscreen, cosmetics, deodorants and shaving lotions. Do not sit down on or handle wet towels, washcloths or clothes •without first checking to make sure no insects are are drinking the moisture. Do not swing/swat at stinging insects as it increases the •likelihood of an aggressive reaction. If stung, seek immediate medical attention as reactions can be •severe. Do not shine a flashlight or cast a shadow on the nest at night. •Don’t vibrate, hit, move, touch or make any unnecessary •movements around the nest. Stay calm. Running, screaming, and flailing only agitates wasps •and bees.

“It’s also important to know when to call an expert,” Soileau adds. “Of course you are going to see bees, wasps and other insects during the summer months. That’s not a bad thing or cause for alarm. If these insects are aggressively attacking, then you need to take action to prevent injury. The key is to be aware and vigilant.”

To learn more about stinging pests and control, call J&J Exterminating at 474-7377 or visit www.jjext.com.

Nearly everyone has been stung by an insect at one time or another. And while it’s an unpleasant experience, the damage inflicted is only temporary for most people. Only a very limited portion of the population is allergic or hypersensitive to bee, yellow jacket or wasp stings. Todd Peavy, MD, family physician with Urgent Care in Moss Bluff, says although most stings are more painful than dangerous, in some cases the swelling they cause can cause additional problems, especially if the victim is allergic to the toxins contained in the sting.

Most people will have a mild reaction to bee, wasp, or yellow jacket stings, which may include minor itching, irritation, redness and swelling. “In these cases, treatment for stings is very straightforward, and directed at relieving pain and swelling,” Dr. Peavy says. “If the victim is a child, your biggest challenge may be calming them down before treating the actual sting. Many children are terrified at the prospect of being stung, and will be more affected by the fright of the experience than by the pain that it has caused.”

In most cases stings don’t require medical care, but Dr. Peavy says it is still important that these injuries are cared for properly to avoid complications. “Knowing a few simple first aid tips can help promote healing and prevent infection.”

A bee will leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. “Remove the stinger as quickly as possible, because venom continues to enter the skin from the stinger for 45 to 60 seconds following a sting,” says Dr. Peavy. “While much has been written about the proper way to remove a bee stinger, new research indicates that it doesn’t matter how you get it out as long as it is removed as soon as possible. If removed within 15 seconds of the sting, the severity of the sting is reduced.” Wasps and yellow jackets don’t leave their stingers in the skin after stinging, which means they can sting more than once.

Wash the site of the sting carefully with soap and water. Several over-the-counter products or a simple cold compress can be used to alleviate the pain of a sting. Aerosol or cream antihistamine preparations that contain a skin coolant can also help.

Dr. Peavy says a sting anywhere in the mouth warrants immediate medical attention because stings in oral mucous membranes can quickly cause severe swelling that may block airways. He says you should also seek medical care if you notice a large skin rash or swelling around the sting site, or if swelling or pain persists for more than 3 days, which could indicate an infection.

Approximately one to two people out of 1000 are very allergic to stinging insect venom. Dr. Peavy says you should seek medical care immediately if you notice any of the following signs, which may indicate a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction:

wheezing or difficulty breathing •tightness in throat or chest •swelling of the lips, tongue, or face •dizziness or fainting •nausea or vomiting •

“Individuals who are aware that they are allergic to stings should carry a ‘sting kit’ with them that contains epinephrine in either a normal syringe or an auto-injector, Epi-Pen whenever they think they might encounter stinging insects,” says Dr. Peavy. Epinephrine is obtainable only by prescription from a physician.

The Clinic’s Urgent Care Centers are located in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff and offer care for minor illnesses and injury. Extended weekday and weekend hours are provided.

First Aid for


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For more information about appointments and services, or if you need assistance withtransferring your medical records, call Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists at (337) 233-PACE,or visit www.heartrhythmmd.com.

Follow theBeatto Lafayette

The City of Lake Charles has announced two exhibits through the month of July at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street.

“We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Original Paintings by Kadir Nelson” will run through Saturday, August 15, while “Good Vibrations,” an exhibition of local artist Sue Zimmerman, will run through August 1.

“We Are the Ship” is the story of Negro League baseball – the story of gifted athletes and determined owners, racial discrimination and international sportsmanship, fortunes won and lost, triumphs and defeats, and hundreds of unsung heroes. Nelson, an award-winning journalist, tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s

through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. What

makes this exhibition unique are the dozens of oil “paintings” breathtaking in their perspectives, rich in emotion, and created with understanding and affection for lost heroes of our national game.

“Good Vibrations” is a collection of watercolor paintings on paper that share a central theme of the flora, fauna and other sights in and around Louisiana. Zimmerman is noted for translating a typical scene into a study of value and color to produce a visual statement of her perceptions. Zimmerman, a Louisiana native, intends to raise awareness and appreciation of southern Louisiana landscape and culture through her artwork.

Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Historic City Hall Announces new exhibits


Nothing’s more appealing than a cool pool in the heat of a Southwest Louisiana summer. As enjoyable as a pool is, parents also need to realize it represents one of the biggest safety risks for children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between the ages of one and 14 in the United States. The National Safety Council reports that almost 50 percent of children’s deaths caused by drowning occurred during the summer months.

“While swimming pools can be hazardous to the lives of children, it is not necessary for parents to avoid having a pool at their home,” says Joni Fontenot, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. “A home pool can be an important part of family fun and relaxation. They also promote physical fitness, giving kids a cool way to stay active in hot weather. Children can safely coexist in houses with pools as long as parents are aware of the risk and follow swimming pool safety guidelines.”

Fontenot says many parents make the mistake of thinking their child is safe just because they know how to swim. “In many drowning cases, the accident happened even though the child was an experienced swimmer. It’s important to realize that accidents in the swimming pool can happen very suddenly without warning”

Here are some safety tips for home swimming pools from the Safety Council:

Make sure every child in the home knows how to swim. If a child •doesn’t know how to swim, enroll the child in a swimming class with a qualified instructor. Always supervise a child while in and around the pool. Do not •use older children or floatation devices as a substitute for adult supervision. An adult who is supervising a child should also know how to swim •and perform CPR. The adult should remain close to the pool and able to reach the child quickly. Install a pool safety fence with gates and latches that close •automatically. The fence should be at least 4 feet high and surround the entire pool. Latches should be high enough so that a young child cannot reach them.

Do not allow a child to dive off a diving board unless the pool is at •a minimum of nine feet deep. When the pool is not in use, steps and ladders should be secured or •removed.Empty all buckets, containers and wading pools after use. Store •them upside-down and out of a child’s reach. Remove all toys from the pool area so there is no temptation for a •child to go back and reach for them. Get a regular inspection by a professional for any potential hazards.•Install multiple drains in the pool to minimize suction at one drain. •If a child has long hair, pull it up so it is less likely to be caught in a drain. Check on a regular basis to make sure the drain covers don’t have any cracks and are secure. Replace flat drain covers with dome-shaped covers. Do not leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to •climb over it. Keep the pool area clear of things that could cause someone to trip •and fall. Keep a cordless, water resistant telephone with emergency •numbers posted in the pool area. Pool alarms and pool covers are another good layer of protection. •Pool covers can be motorized and pool alarms will sound if a child steps out of a doorway between the house and toward the pool.

Fontenot says with vigilance and precautionary measures, summers can be accident-free for parents with outdoor pools. For more information, call the Safety Council at 436-3354 or visit www.safetycouncilswla.org.

by Kristy Armand

SplashSplashwith Home Pool SafetyMake a


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facehealth.net • 478-38101717 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles

(in The Eye Clinic)

Beautyon the SpotThe latest innovation in laser skin rejuvenation is available at the Aesthetic CenterDOT (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) Therapy is delivered with SmartXide, an advancedCO2 laser system that provides a revolutionary new way to improve the appearance of damaged and aging skin. The laser delivers light in a customized pattern of tiny,micro-sized dots, stimulating collagen growth for rapid healing and rejuvenation.DOT Therapy can be used to treat:Wrinkles • Sun damage • Skin texture/sagging • Acne and other scarsDOT Therapy can be performed safely on nearly anyone with signs of aging skin.And best of all, DOT Therapy is Quick and Comfortable with Minimal Downtime and Excellent Results.Call the Aesthetic Center for an appointment today to see if DOT Therapy is right for you.

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Medical Director: Dr. Mark Crawford, Facial and Cosmetic Eye Surgery Specialist

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You’re feeling good, you’re proud of your progress, you’ve hit your stride. Then you pull a muscle, overwork a joint or strain your back, and your fitness goals come to a grinding halt. Sound familiar?

At a time when the lack of regular exercise is a national – and local – health issue, those who take the time to work out have reason to be proud. But when exercise leads to injury, it’s easy to feel mentally as well as physically defeated.. “Don’t let a minor injury become a long-term excuse for not exercising,” says Geoffrey Collins, MD, orthopaedic and sports medicine specialist with Center for Orthopaedics. “ Just because you are temporarily unable to complete your usual walk, run, swim or gym workout doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fitness goals. Instead, focus on your recovery and you’ll be back in action in no time.”

Dr. Collins recommends the following treatment guidelines for minor exercise or sports injuries, but stresses that these apply to minor injuries only. Any injury that leaves you out of alignment or unable to support your weight requires immediate medical attention.

riCe The immediate response to minor exercise-related injuries should be RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation Rest in this case means you must stop doing whatever led to the injury and rest the injured area. As soon as possible, apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel (never apply ice directly to the skin) for 20 minutes and continue icing the injured area for 20-minute periods as often as you can over the next two days (apply ice for 20 minutes, leave off for 20 minutes; then repeat). At the same time, you should gently compress the area to limit swelling. You can use a wraparound elastic bandage, but be careful not to apply too tightly. “The goal is to keep the area from swelling, not impair circulation,” explains Dr. Collins. Elevate the injured area as well, so it’s above your heart. If it is you ankle or knee that is injured, you may find it easier to elevate if you lie down. “This sounds like a lot of things to do at once, but if you take it one letter at a time and remind yourself that these steps are putting you on the road to recovery, it will be easier to manage.”

MeDiCATionA short course of NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with pain and inflammation. One or two tablets every four to six hours for five to seven days is recommended. You can stop sooner if the pain and swelling go away. Dr. Collins cautions that over-the-counter doesn’t mean completely safe, so if you regularly take any other medications, consult your doctor first.

heATOnce the swelling has gone down – usually about 48 hours after the injury – it’s time to apply moist heat. At this stage of recovery process, increasing circulation to the injured area can accelerate healing. Use the type of heating

pad that comes with a spongy insert that you can dampen with water; a cheaper option is to wet a washcloth and stick it in the microwave for a minute.

GenTle sTreTChinGNext you can carefully test out your range of motion in the injured area. Ask your doctor, a physical therapist or professional trainer to recommend a couple of simple moves, and do them slowly, never going to the point of pain. If the area feels stiff, apply moist heat before you try anything. Then let your body’s reactions be your guide. Stretching will bring down inflammation of the connective tissues and actually speed the healing process. “The old wisdom was that you should stay off a pulled muscle or sprained joint until you no longer felt the slightest twinge, yet recent studies have found that people who spent a week or more resting after an ankle sprain had more pain and a higher rate of re-injury than those who were up and moving sooner,” says Dr. Collins. “The key is to keep the movements restrained and within your range of comfort, not ‘work through the pain.’ Listen to your body and if the pain becomes worse, stop. Apply an ice pack, wait a day or two, then try again. If you don’t feel better in a week or two, or if the pain becomes more severe, call your doctor.”

ADJusT Your WorKouT As you ease back into being physically active, modify your workouts to avoid re-injury. This may simply mean reducing the length of your sessions or your previous level of intensity, or it may call for switching to an activity that won’t stress the vulnerable area. If you’re a runner with a hurt knee, for example, you could try using a rowing machine, cycling, swimming, or running in the pool – whichever feels best to you. In addition, do some specific strengthening exercises for the muscles that support the area you injured. Again, if it’s your knee, you want to build up the thigh muscles (inner, outer, and back) of both legs to guard your knees against future problems.

If you’re feeling no pain, you’re ready to pick up the pace and resume your workout schedule. Start with a shorter and less vigorous version and then work up to your former time span and intensity. “Recovering from an injury the right way ensures that you will reap the full benefits of being physically active,” says Dr. Collins. “And it will also renew your appreciation for the satisfaction and well-being that an active lifestyle can bring.”

For more information on any type of exercise or sports injury, call the Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles at 721-7236 or in Sulphur at 626-2529.

Don’t Let an InjurySidetrack YourFitness Plan by Kristy Armand


CFo Welcomes new Foot and Ankle specialistTyson Green, DPM, podiatric surgeon, has joined the medical staff of Center for Orthopaedics. Dr. Green is originally from Lafayette and received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed a three-year residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Scott & White Memorial Hospital – Univeristy of Texas A&M Health

Sciences Center in Temple, Texas. During his residency, he was appointed Chief Resident and served on the Resident Research Board for the hospital.

Dr. Green specializes in diabetic foot care, foot surgery, bunions, podiatric sports medicine, custom orthotics, hammertoes, heel pain, children’s podiatry, arthritis, and sprains and fractures of the lower extremities. He is a member if the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Green will be seeing patients in the Lake Charles and Sulphur offices of Center for Orthopaedics. Call 721-7236 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

hebert receives Platinum louisiana health Care Quality AwardW. Gerry Hebert, MD, an internal medicine specialist on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, has received the Platinum Level 2008 Physician Office Quality Award, presented by Louisiana Health Care Review, Inc. (LHCR), the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. The award was announced at the second annual Louisiana Health Care Quality Summit hosted by LHCR in Baton Rouge recently. With this award, Dr. Hebert has been

recognized for achieving defined levels of heath care improvement.As the recipient of a Platinum Award, Dr. Hebert was recognized as achieving

at least 80% on each of the five core measures or at least 75% on the first four measures plus an aggregate score of at least 85%.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hebert, please call Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles at (337) 494-6800.

Bailey Participates in landmark studyCardiac Electrophysiologist William Bailey, MD, of Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists, participated in the REPLACE Registry, a multi-center trial designed to provide physicians the data they need in advising patients and deciding on replacement of cardiac rhythm devices, pacemakers and defibrillators. Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists was one of 69 centers nationwide selected as a site for the clinical trial, and one of only a few private practice centers in the country asked to participate. More than 1,500

patients nationally and 26 locally, many from the Lake Charles and Lafayette area, participated in the landmark study, which was designed to define the complication

Tyson Green, DPM

William Bailey, MD

W. Gerry hebert,MDWachovia Securities is now Wells Fargo AdvisorsSM

Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affi liates of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0409-3012 [76148-v1] 5/08

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and infection rates associated with all-cause device replacement.The trial collected data on predefined major and minor complications, which

could shape clinical practice guidelines for elective device replacements. According to Dr. Bailey, the study revealed that major complication rates associated with pacemaker replacements, 2.5%, are higher than actually perceived by the medical community. ICD’s were over twice that of pacemakers at 6.0%. This is considered a landmark study because it is the first large prospective study on cardiovascular medical device complications, Dr. Bailey said.

For more information about cardiac rhythm conditions and treatment, call Louisiana Heart Rhythm Specialists at (337) 233-PACE.

Dr. Maureen olivier Joins The Clinic’s Physician staffDermatologist Maureen Oliver, MD, has joined the physician staff of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic. Dr. Olivier has practiced in Lake Charles for 26 years. She is originally from New Orleans and received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans and her Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Ochsner Foundation Hospital and

a Residency in Dermatology at Tulane. She is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology and also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. At The Clinic, Dr. Olivier will be providing both general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology services. Her office is located at 1920 W. Sale Rd., Building F, Suite 5. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 474-1386.

Turner receives CMn “Miracle Maker” Memorial AwardThe recipient of the 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Dr. Charles Michael “Buzzy” Vanchiere, Sr. “Miracle Maker” Memorial Award is CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center Cardiologist Michael Turner, MD received the 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Dr. Charles Michael “Buzzy” Vanchiere Memorial Award. Turner has been instrumental in getting Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in 27 area schools following 2008 CMN Miracle Kid Marcus

Carter’s near fatal cardiac arrest. He began practicing medicine in Lake Charles in 1975 and serves as the

Medical Director of the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Heart Center and Director of Outpatient Cardiac CT. He is a Fellow of The American College of Cardiology and immediate past ACC Governor for Louisiana. He is board-certified in cardiology and cardiac CT.

noble reports on FDA study results at state orthopaedic ConferenceOrthopaedic Surgeon John Noble, Jr., MD, with the Center for Orthopaedics, was a speaker at the recent Louisiana Orthopaedic Association’s annual meeting in New Orleans. Dr. Noble presented early data from an FDA post approval clinical study of BHR (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing). He is one of eight physicians in the United States chosen to serve as a principle investigator in this 10-year outcome study which began two years ago.

At the conference, Dr. Noble reported on the patients he has enrolled in the study, as well as those that are not. Although the data is too new to make significant conclusions, he has found that his patients are definitely experiencing significant improvement in their clinically measured hip scores, as well as overall quality of life.

For more information about BHR, call Center for Orthopaedics at (337) 721-7236.

Michael Turner, MD

Maureen oliver, MD

John noble, Jr., MD

Please call today for an appointment!

(337) 479-2200 or (800) 863-7787

Dr. Robert A. Arango performs Out-Patient Surgery for… BuniOnS

(a.k.a. Hallux Valgus) deformities

HAmmeR tOeS(a.k.a. “cocked up” toes)

Heel SPuRS(a.k.a. plantar fascia release)

BOne SPuRS of the foot

neuROmAS(a.k.a. excision of Morton’s Neuromas)

GAnGliOn cySt, tumors

in office Dr. Arango treats common foot ailments: Diabetic foot care Diabetic neuropathy Chronic wounds of the foot Ingrown toenails Bunions Heel spurs/bone spurs Hammer toes/corns/calluses Ankle sprains/strains Foot fractures Tendonitis Flat feet (custom orthotics/arch

supports) Plantars warts Chronic foot pain (arthritis of the

foot)

DiABetic cROcS AvAilABle HeRe

Sandwiches•Soups•Salads•Catering•OnlineOrdering•OnlineNutritionalGuide•

Whatever Your Taste... We’ve Got Your #

Visit us online @www.rolypoly.com

3100 Ryan Street • (337) 433-3130

We really do have something for everyone! On a special diet or counting carbs? We’ve added Specialty Salads and Low Carb Tortillas. Fat Free Cheeses, dressings and spreads add an even lighter dimension to our menu. Not just delicious, but healthy and hearty too. We’re not just the original rolled sandwich, we’re the original healthy sandwich too!

Healthiest restaurant in town…no sacrifice on taste!

Thanks for five years of business!


As Southwest Louisiana enters into summer with temperatures steadily in the upper 90s, industry, business and local government leaders and local residents are encouraged to consider ways they can reduce emissions that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.

Although ozone in the upper levels of the atmosphere filter the sun’s ultraviolet rays, thus giving us some protection, ozone at lower levels result in a phenomenon commonly referred to as smog, which can affect some people who have acute respiratory health issues. Ozone is not something that is emitted; rather, it is formed in the lower levels of the atmosphere when certain types of emissions are exposed to sunlight and heat from the sun. The sources of these emissions include industry, cars, human activities, decaying vegetation, trucks, buses, airplanes, boats and ships, farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and elsewhere, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Lake Charles, as opposed to, say, Los Angeles, does not experience numerous days with periods of excessive concentration,” said Dr. Bruce Wyman, an environmental scientist with McNeese State University. This is because vehicles comprise about 49 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions, or NOX, a criteria pollutant that contributes to the formation of ozone.

There are 26 ozone monitors in the state operated by the Department of Environmental Quality. Ozone monitors in Southwest Louisiana, which are located in Vinton, Westlake and Carlyss, have provided some of the lowest readings in the state.

According to 2008 data, the monitor in Westlake registered the lowest design value in Louisiana. Design values are calculated figures that compare monitors’ results to the federal standard.

“It would be great if all the monitors in the state showed Westlake’s readings,” said Billy Eakin, regional manager for DEQ. According to Eakin, the DEQ has intensified efforts to educate the public about ground-level ozone formation, especially as local temperatures reach high summer levels.

Louisiana’s ozone monitors determine if the various regions of the states are adhering to standards set by the EPA, Eakin said. The standards set by the EPA are designed “to protect the most sensitive groups from symptomatic aggravation,” according to Wyman; at low levels, such as those in Southwest Louisiana, the vast majority of residents do not notice any effects of ground-level ozone, Wyman said.

“The EPA sets standards that are the target levels below which these monitors

Ground-level ozone –A seasonal Concern

Ozone Reduction is a Community Issue

by Erin K. Cormier


and those like them in various parts of the country must remain. If any combination of monitors located in a stated area exceeds the standard four or more times in any consecutive three-year period, that area is designated non-attainment,” said Larry DeRoussel of the Lake Area Industry Alliance.

“The non-attainment designation results in a host of regulations and mandates that effect business, industry, government and private citizens.”

Typical of these regulations are:Use of specially formulated gasoline and vapor collection systems at the •pump resulting in higher cost of fuel for cars, trucks, farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, etc.Higher cost for establishing and operating new businesses thus reducing •the local area’s competitive advantage over other parts of the country when competing for new businesses. This makes economic development more challenging and lower job growth.Higher cost of expansions for local industry and business due the increased •complexity of regulations and mandates.Stricter or more detailed annual automobile inspections to insure emission •control systems are properly functioning.

The categories of emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX), which are often referred to as “criteria pollutants.” The levels of both categories of emissions are monitored by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and local industry. Industry typically accounts for 58 percent of VOC emissions, followed by vehicles (37 percent) and other sources (5 percent). Vehicles comprise about 49 percent of NOX emissions, followed by utilities (28

percent) and industrial, commercial and residential sources (13 percent).“Southwest Louisiana is in attainment right now, even with the new standards set by the EPA. If everyone continues to work together, we will hopefully stay that way,” Eakin said.These achievements have come about by local industry making continuous improvements in their respective facilities to reduce emissions. “As a community we should be proud of these achievements, however, we must not let our guard down. To do so could result in the area slipping into the ‘non-attainment’ category for ozone,” DeRoussel said. “These statistics on the sources of emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone clearly show that everyone in our community has a role to play in maintaining the ‘in attainment’ status. Everyone – industry, small and large business, the ports, city and parish governments, transportation companies and private citizens – has a role to play.”

The Department of Environmental Quality web site (ldeq.gov) has suggestions on how each individual can contribute to the effort of protecting our area from slipping into non-attainment. A few simple but effective actions are as follows:

Keep car properly tuned and maintained, especially the emission control •system.Don’t spill gasoline while filling car or gasoline-powered lawn and garden •equipment.Keep tires on vehicles properly inflated.•Seal containers of household, shop and garden chemicals and solvents.•Fill up car and mow lawn during the cooler parts of the day.•

“If we work together as a community we can keep Southwest Louisiana in attainment creating a brighter future for all in the community,” DeRoussel said.

Cardiology

Dermatology

Ear, Nose & Throat

Family Medicine

Gastroenterology

General Surgery

Internal Medicine

Neurology

Oncology/Hematology

Pulmonary Diseases & Critical Care

Rheumatology

Urgent Care

Ancillary Services: Allergy Clinic, Endoscopy, Laboratory, Radiology & Research

The physicians of Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic proudly announce the association of board certified Dermatologist Maureen Olivier, MD. Dr. Olivier has practiced in Lake Charles for 26 years. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans and her Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Ochsner Foundation Hospital and a Residency in Dermatology at Tulane. Dr. Olivier will be providing full-time office hours for general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 474-1386. Dr. Olivier is a welcome addition to The Clinic’s physician staff as we continue to expand the range of comprehensive medical services we offer the community.

The ClinicWelcomesDr. Maureen OlivierDermatologist

There’s A Difference Here.1920 Sale Road, Bldg. F, Ste. 5

Lake Charles(337) 474-1386

www.lcmsc.com


Get Down to DowntownJuly 7-11 Tuesday, July 7– Gervis Guidry @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pmThursday, July 9– Dog Men Poets (san Antonio)

@ luna Bar & Grill, 9pm

– Glocca Morra w/red letter re-

verb @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10pm

– Brian racca and Corey lam-

bert @ sylvia’s Bistro, 7pm

Friday, July 10– The Winter sounds (Athens,

GA) & more @ luna Bar & Grill,

9pm– sunrise Kills, Anavie and

Carion @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10pm

– southbound @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pmsaturday, July 11– Champagne Brunch @ social

Denim, 12pm– Wendy Colona (Austin) @ luna

Bar & Grill, 9pm– Parabelle, neverset, 32 leaves

and Parallel The sky @ AJ’s Bar

& Grill, 10pm– salsa night @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pm

July 12-18 Thursday, July 16– Pandemic and The Blacksmithz

@ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10pm

Friday, July 17– Paper Plains & much more @

luna Bar & Grill, 9pm

– Mason Down, Built For speed

and Coldshock @ AJ’s Bar &

Grill, 10pm

saturday, July 18– Champagne Brunch @ social

Denim, 12pm– lake Charles symphony

presents summer Pops ft.

Marcia Ball @ lake Charles

Civic Center, 7:30pm

– The Gills (Pensacola, Fl) @


– red november and otenki @

AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10pm

– Dan Desandro @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pm– Bluues Tonic @ sylvia’s Bistro,

9-12pm

July 19-25 Monday, July 20-24

– 2009 summer starz series:

Midsummer Fun! @ Central

school Arts & humanities,

10am-12pmFriday, July 24– Mynameisjohnmichael (new

orleans) w/red letter reverb

@ luna Bar & Grill, 9pm

– Colorcast veteran, Magnolia

sons and Paper Plains @ AJ’s

Bar & Grill, 10pm

– City heat & DJ Gen Dwayne

@ sylvia’s Bistro, 6-7:30pm &

8 - untilsaturday, July 25– Champagne Brunch @ social

Denim, 12pm– Du lAC live: Pasenger, 6 Pack

Deep & much more @ luna Bar

& Grill, 8pm– research Turtles/

Flamethrowers @ AJ’s Bar &

Grill, 10pm

– salsa night @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pm– Gridiron by Ad & Press Club @

lake Charles Civic Center, 6pm

July 26-Aug 1Tuesday, July 28– Alvin Touchet & Wine Tasting @

sylvia’s Bistro, 7-9pm

Wednesday, July 29

– laurel at sunset @ sylvia’s

Bistro, 7pmThursday, July 30– echo Movement (Jersey shore,

nJ) @ @ luna Bar & Grill, 9pm

– Dave Pellerin @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pmFriday, July 31– Devil & The Details @ luna Bar

& Grill, 9pm– Cracker Jackson @ AJ’s Bar &

Grill, 10pm– southbound @ sylvia’s Bistro,

7pmsaturday, Aug 1–The roaming soldiers @ @


– Paris Green, Forever Falls and

she Craves @ AJ’s Bar & Grill,

10pm– sugar house @ sylvia’s Bistro,

9-12pm

To be included in this calendar, please send downtown event or band schedules to [email protected].

Looking to add

some culture

into your life

this Summer?

Head downtown for these

exciting events!


Monday1/2 price domestic pitchers 9pm-midnight

Tuesday2 for 1 wells & domestic pints all day

Wednesday$3 Jager bombs & $3 import draft pints 9pm-

12amThursday

Ladies Night 3 free drinks (well, draft, or wine) 9pm-12amFriday and saTurday – Live Music

Buy any 2 Burgers, sandWiches or

WhoLe poBoys &geT 1 Free appeTizer.–––––––– expires 07-31-09 ––––––––

C o u p o n

noW serving Lunch – Monday - Friday 11am - 2:30pmdinner – Monday - Friday 5pm-9pm

710 Ryan St. • (337) 433-4388www.myspace.com/ajslakecharles

catering now available.call us today for AJ’s Venue pricing!

Whether you are dining in or calling in for takeout, let The Luna Bar and Grill do all the work.

Come in today for one of our specialty salads, stellar sandwiches, or exceptional entreés. We offer many choices for the health conscious individual.

We’re locally owned and the best place in town for live entertainment, food, and drinks.

719 RYAN STREET • DOWNTOWN – LAKE CHARLES

(337) 494-LUNA

Donuts • Kolaches • Croissants And Much More!

Plate Lunches Starting May 1st (on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)

Family Owned and Operated!

1004 Broad Street • Lake Charles, LA • 433-8139

Thank you for your continued support!The Children’s Museum still needs your help!

Donations can be made at any Cameron State Bank branch or by mail to the Children’s Museum at 327 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.

See you thiS FALL!


Just when you thought you’d seen every exercise program under the sun – Pilates, water aerobics, boot camp, Yoga – along comes something like LiveFit7’s “Tire Flipping Workout.” Although the concept is not completely new, Mike VanGossen and Carl Comeaux have designed their own routine to allow participants to get the maximum benefits from the program.

The workout uses tires to generate power and conditioning movements, but also incorporates the whole body into a cardiovascular training mode. This program is appropriate for beginners and experienced exercise enthusiasts. According to VanGossen, participants need proper supervision when flipping a tire “to ensure safety and injury prevention, as well as to get all the physical benefits of the exercise.”

“The tire is moving as you lift it, so you are moving as well, which means you experience increased cardiovascular output and whole body strength movements,” Comeaux said. The LiveFit7 program also incorporates many different agility, balance and plyometric movements, which results in benefits like weight loss, improved endurance and increased strength.

The workout is designed for all genders, body sizes and fitness levels. For more information, contact LiveFit7 at 853-2122 or email [email protected].

Tire Flipping Workout Offers Something New

July 2009 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 23PPG INDUSTRIES • LAKE CHARLES PLANT

Growing a

Future.Through PPG’s $10.8 million canal reroute and wetlands restoration and creation project,

local residents can witness the effects of proactive conservationism. The wetlands are clearly visible as you cross the I-210 bridge on your daily commute – a constant reminder that,

in our community, environmental protection and industry work together.

“It’s encouraging to see PPG take matters into their own hands and work for the betterment of the environment.This new area of wetlands will go a long way to restoring the natural order of the estuary.”– La. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Dr. Harold Leggett

“The Coastal Conservation Association is pleased to see PPG complete the Calcasieu Estuary Wetlands project, which has rebuilt a portion of our coastal estuary lost over the years due to coastal erosion. The

restoration of our coastal wetlands will enhance critical habitat for plants, fish and other wildlife.”– Rusty Vincent, Coastal Conservation Association

New Reroute Canal4,500 feet of new canal

About the Marsh GrassFour different marsh grass plant species• Louisiana licensed nursery provider of plants• Plants installed within 48 hours of lifting or plant delivery to ensure viability• Only United States Coast Guard licensed captains allowed to operate marsh boats for planting•

PPG Wetlands Creation ProjectWetlands Creation

80,000 cubic yards of dredged soil, approximately one mile in length• 20 acres of new emergent marsh• 1,764 plants per acre to be planted•


rrTs receive CertificationRegistered respiratory therapist Donna Stelly Jorden, left, recently passed the National Asthma Educator Certification Examination. She joins Lana Credeur-Gammage, RRT, AE-C as W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center’s second board-certified asthma educator.

Memorial hospital receives Breast health GrantLake Charles Memorial Hospital’s Breast Health Center recently received a $12,500 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to provide no-cost mammography screenings for medically underserved and medically uninsured women and men in southwest Louisiana.

“These funds will help remove financial obstacles to mammograms for those not covered by state or federal funding sources,” said Kim Strong, director of the Breast Health Center at Memorial.

Referrals into the no-cost mammography program can be made through the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services, Calcasieu Community Clinic, and Urgent Care, or through the patient’s personal physician. For more information on eligibility criteria,

contact Memorial’s Breast Health Center at (337) 480-7444.

Free Community seminar on Back Pain at st. Patrick hospitalChritus St. Patrick Hospital will host a free community seminar on neck and back pain at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, in Garber Auditorium at 430 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive.

Neurosurgeon Bryant George Sr., M.D., will discuss the most common causes for neck and back pain and treatment options that are now available. Dr. George is a neurosurgeon with Christus St. Patrick Hospital’s surgical services department and is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Seating for the seminar is limited. To register call 491-7577.

lCMh Announces Group Meetings and Classes for JulyLake Charles Memorial Hospital has announced the following support group meetings for July:

Diabetes Support Group: Don’t underestimate the importance of education •and peer support when living with diabetes. For more information, call Memorial’s Diabetes Education at 494-6425. Tuesdays, July 7 and 21, 10am – 11am.Coping with Cancer: For those cancer patients who are newly diagnosed, •undergoing treatment, or who have completed treatment. For more information, call Memorial’s Chaplain, Rev. David DeWitt, at (337) 802-1933. Tuesday, July 21, Noon, light refreshments.Sisters Surviving: A breast cancer support group for African-American women, •but open to any woman regardless of race. For more information, call 433-5817, Tuesday, July 21, 6pm.Mended Hearts: Join other patients, their families and caregivers to discover •how to enjoy a rich, rewarding life after heart disease. For more information, call 494-2166. Wednesday, July 15, Noon.

The hospital has also announced upcoming prenatal and family education classes at the Memorial Hospital for Women. For more information or to pre-register for the following classes, call 480-7243.

One Day Prepared Childbirth Class: Learn comfort, relaxation, positioning, •breathing, and massage techniques for increasing the comfort level and enhancing the birth experience during this condensed version of the Prepared Childbirth Series. Recommended for the last 3 months of pregnancy. Saturday, July 11, 9am – 5pm, $35/couple.Breastfeeding: Learn positioning, latch-on, early feedings and the importance •of assessing baby’s intake during the Breastfeeding Class. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Thursday, July 16, 6:30 – 8:45pm, $10/couple.Sibling Class: Preparing siblings for the new arrival can be as confusing as it is •joyous, so the Sibling Class focuses on the unity of the family. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Monday, July 13, 6-7 p.m., $10/family.Baby Care Class: The Baby Care Class reviews newborn characteristics, general •baby care, early parenting issues and community resources. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Monday, July 27, 6:30– 8:30pm, $10/couple.Safe Sitter®: The best sitter is a safe sitter! Safe Sitter® is a program designed •for boys and girls ages 11 – 13. This class teaches sitters how to have fun with children. They will also learn safety tips, how to recognize a medical emergency, and what the appropriate action should be during an emergency, such as when a child or infant is choking. Wednesdays, July 8 and 15, 8:30am – 4:30pm, $35/sitter.

Grand opening held for The eye Clinic’s new Deridder office The Eye Clinic recently relocated their DeRidder office to 801 S. Pine Street and hosted a one-day Grand Opening celebration on June 29. A ribbon cutting with the Beauregard Chamber of Commerce will take place at Noon.

The new, more modern Eye Clinic office features a full service contact lens department and an expanded Optics Unlimited eyewear store.

Comprehensive family eye care for patients of all ages is available in the DeRidder office, which is open every Monday through Friday. Facial cosmetic specialist Mark Crawford, MD, also provides Botox and cosmetic filler injections in DeRidder, as well as cosmetic eye surgery consultations. For more information, call 462-3937.

Pictured are Kim Strong, director of the Breast Health Center at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, and Thad Minaldi, a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana board of directors.


Center for orthopaedics hosts Mobile surgical skills CenterCenter for Orthopaedics was one of 60 specialty groups and hospitals in the country chosen as a participating site for the ArthroCare Mobile Surgical Skills Center, an advanced sports medicine surgical training lab. This innovative training program is designed to provide physicians, nurses and surgical support staff with first-hand experience using some of the latest advances in sports injury treatment technology. The mobile center was set-up at Center for Orthopaedics on May 28.

According to orthoapedic and sports medicine specialist Geoffrey Collins, MD, the physicians at Center for Orthopaedics feel it’s very important to make sure patients in Southwest Louisiana have access to the most advanced treatment options available.

“This mobile lab gives us the opportunity to evaluate new technology and equipment, and to share this educational experience with other doctors and healthcare professionals in the area. Best of all, it’s convenient and cost effective, because the classroom and lab come to us. We don’t have to take time away from our practice and patients to travel to seminar,” he said.

The ArthroCare Mobile Surgical Skills Center is equipped with five complete training stations and features the medical company’s full spectrum of sports medicine equipment for hands-on learning. Each station contains full visualization equipment for arthroscopic and other procedures, and there is ample room in each suite for two surgeons plus one assistant, if needed.

John Noble, left, and Dr. Geoffrey Collins welcomed the ArthroCare Mobile Surgical Skills Center to the Center for Orthopaedics.

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Sometimes, in the wake of a tragic event, life hands us a blessing. Such was the case for young Mattie.

Mattie, a female Pitt bull, was dumped into a Sulphur ditch last month and left to fend for herself in 100-degree weather. The milk that she carried for her

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missing puppies had developed into an infection. Heartworm positive and badly malnourished, the clock was ticking. But just when it seemed that life had kicked Mattie into an irreversible tailspin, she was handed a blessing – a compassionate passerby discovered her, took her out of the ditch, and gave her a second chance.

In the hands of animal rescuers with Four Paws Society, Mattie has proven to be sweet and loving. Rescuers suspect that Mattie was forced to produce litter after litter of puppies until she was no longer useful. Her most recent litter is nowhere to be found, but because of Mattie’s infection, it is obvious that they were taken away from her too soon – either they are being held in a backyard puppy mill, or their own clocks ran out. It’s hard to say which fate is worse.

In a world where bad things happen for no good reason, it’s comforting to know that there are people who go out of their way to make our world a better place. There are times when I know I’m not doing enough, and those times became most evident when I see what other people are doing. When I think about all the time, money, and anguish that people dedicate to make life better for other living things – be they people, animals, or the environment – I know, with certainty, that I’m not doing all I can. How many of us can honestly say that we dedicate enough of our lives to doing things we don’t have to do, just for the sake of doing something good?

Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to contribute to the end of suffering for animals like Mattie. You could help Mattie directly by reading her story and making a donation through the Four Paws Website (www.4pawssocietyinc.com) or mailing a check (Subject: Mattie) to Four Paws Society, P.O. Box 1129, Sulphur , La., 70664. You can also help shut down puppy mills in a more general way, the most obvious being to adopt through a rescue group or animal shelter. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to go to breeders to buy purebreds. Not only are there purebred rescue groups, abandoned purebreds often end up in shelters, as well.

If you insist on buying a dog from somewhere other than a shelter or rescue group, make sure you know who you’re buying from. A good breeder will screen you just as thoroughly as you screen them – if they truly care about their animals, they’ll be concerned about more than making money. If they only want to get paid, consider it a red flag. Another big, bright, red flag: If they ask to meet you somewhere other than their breeding premises. There’s no reason why they should be wary about you seeing their facility – in fact, you should insist to see where your potential new puppy was born, and that includes meeting its parents. If they won’t let you see the facility, take your business elsewhere. For this same reason, buying animals off the Internet is rarely a good idea.

If you know someone who’s thinking about buying a puppy, please share this information with them and anyone else who will listen. When you buy an animal from a puppy mill, you not only help support the mill itself, you also take on more than you bargained for. Dogs that are bred in puppy mills are often difficult to train, suffer from long-term behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, and have medical conditions that often don’t materialize until months or years later.

With the help of Four Paws rescuers, Mattie will eventually lead a happy and productive life. Unfortunately, there are still hundreds of Matties out there who may never find their compassionate passerby. They need a voice, too.

Erin K. Cormier is a board member of the local chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana. Email her at [email protected].

Mattie is a Champion in Fight Against Puppy Mills


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We’ve raised the bar with cutting edge techniques that go between the muscles, tendons and ligaments rather thancutting through them. Tiny cameras and surgical instruments are inserted via one or two incisions. Surgeries andprocedures, in most cases, take less than two hours, with reduced trauma, faster healing, less pain, shorter hospital stay,and better cosmetic benefits for those with active lifestyles.

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The endoscope, a small fibro-optic camera, can be inserted through a single half-inch incision just above the wrist torelease the ligament that compresses the median nerve. Surrounding structures are protected, recurrence rates aremarkedly reduced, and the patient returns to work twice as fast when compared to open procedures.

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Most teen-agers (and probably most adults) have no idea what a pescetarian is, but

when 15-year-old Maya Trahan discusses her evolution from a carnivore to an herbivore, she admits that when she first gave up meat at age thirteen, she wasn’t really a vegetarian. She was a pescetarian.

A pescetarian, she explains, is a person whose diet excludes meat such as pork, chicken or beef, but includes seafood. Maya says she was a pescetarian for about six months before she also swore off seafood, making herself a

true vegetarian – a person who maintains a plant-based diet of vegetables, fruits, grain, tubers and legumes.

A student at Barbe High School, Trahan is the only vegetarian in her circle of friends. “At school people kind-of freak out and ask me how I survive. The people in Lake Charles live off crawfish and cows, so there aren’t many people who understand it. I tell them I eat all the same things they eat, just without the meat,” she says.

Trahan, who went meatless to demonstrate her belief in animal welfare, is also the only vegetarian in her family. She said the older family members especially aren’t sure what to make of it.

“I went to a graduation party a while back and they were saying, ‘Oh, you don’t eat meat? That’s okay, we have rice dressing and salad.’ And I’d say, ‘You mean the rice dressing with the meat and the salad with the ham?’” Trahan says, laughing.

Although her dietary choices are often met with skepticism in the high school community, she said she knows a few peers who are interested in becoming vegetarians, but are discouraged by family members who think it’s not healthy. “People around here think your diet has to include meat or it’s not good for you,” Trahan said.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a plant-based diet plays a vital role in personal health and can significantly contribute to preventative health. Plant foods are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients which can protect cells from damage by cancer-causing agents. Eating an abundance of

Barbe student sharesher experiences as an herbivore

By Erin K. CormierI am a Teen-Age Vegetarian

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JALH provides a wide range of high quality healthservices in our community, including:• Emergency Medicine• Orthopedics• Radiology• Intensive Care Unit• Cardiology• Labor and Delivery• Respiratory Therapy• Laboratory• Surgery, including Outpatient Surgery

You may have to travel for some things, but qualityhealthcare isn’t one of them. With Jennings AmericanLegion Hospital, the healing touch is right here at home.

fruits and vegetables has also been shown to protect against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cataracts, obesity, and several other health conditions.

Not only is Trahan a general anomaly among her age group, the simple fact that she even eats the recommended portion of fruits and vegetables has become increasingly rare. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, only 21 percent of high school students reported eating fruits and vegetables five or more times a day, which is the recommended amount. Sixty-seven percent exceeded recommendations for fat intake, and 72 percent exceed the recommended saturated fat intake.

Gene Lampson, co-owner of Pure Foods and Health on West Prien Lake Road, retired from medical practice after 32 years and

consistently touts the benefits of plant-based dieting. Although he is not a vegetarian, the vast majority of his diet – and that of his wife and co-owner Shively – consists of fruits and vegetables. Eighty percent of the Lampsons’ diet is from raw and living foods.

All agree that a diet which eliminates or reduces animal-based products can still be flavorful and varied.

“People need to know that vegetarianism is not as limiting as they think it is,” Trahan said.

For more information on how to make the transition to a vegetarian or plant-based diet, contact Shively Lampson at Pure Foods and Health, 905-7873. The store hosts cooking classes and weight loss support groups that are based on healthy, holistic, and spiritual living.

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“This is the perfect time to pamper yourself,” Dr. Guth said. “Wear comfortable clothes, rest when

you’re tired, and don’t go outside. Just relax and prepare for the newborn.”

Because this is Leah and James Verret’s second child – they have a toddler, Jack, who is equally anticipating his new sibling’s arrival – Leah says she’s

not as anxious about labor and delivery. “At this point, I don’t have any anxiety,” she says.

“I guess having been through the process before makes me feel more at ease. With Jack, I was definitely

more nervous because I had no idea what to expect. However, I know that each delivery is different. I may be a nervous wreck as the time gets closer.”

Dr. Guth said it’s a common perception that the first delivery is the most difficult and it gets easier with each child, but that’s not always true. “As Leah said, each delivery is different,” Dr. Guth said. “The key is to stay healthy throughout the pregnancy and use these last remaining weeks to emotionally and physically prepare for a new member of the family.”

Leah and James have put the final touches on the nursery, organized the baby supplies and have rounded out other tasks on the to-do list. The clothes and blankets are washed and folded. They’ve chosen not to learn the gender of their baby, but they have names picked out, no matter which way it goes. For them, waiting is the hardest part.

Meanwhile, the fully developed baby is now able to distinguish between light and darkness. Hypodermic fat has accumulated. The baby’s head may start turning downward, preparing for birth.

“Because the baby has virtually grown into an infant, it can be a very uncomfortable time for the mother physically. It’s common for the baby to press on internal organs, causing breathlessness, heartburn, and frequent urination. Even though now is the optimal time to get adequate rest, mom may find it difficult to sleep or lay down,” Dr. Guth said.

Leah said she now feels defined body parts pushing around in her belly, rather than the flutters of movement experienced in earlier pregnancy.

“It is really neat to see my belly move in such strange ways, (but) I’m starting to get uncomfortable, mostly at night. I just prop up on a pile of pillows,” she says.

Dr. Guth said trouble sleeping at this stage is common. For expectant mothers who can’t sleep well, he suggested performing a few relaxing exercises before going to bed and, as Leah said, using strategically placed pillows to ease the weight.

With local temperatures reaching close to 100 degrees this summer, you may think you have it bad. Imagine being eight months pregnant.

Leah Verret of Lake Charles is closing in on her final weeks of pregnancy and admits that she is “definitely not” enjoying the summer weather. If she stays outside too long, her body starts to swell. When she goes inside, she can’t cool off.

“I just try to stay indoors as much as possible,” she says.

That’s a good idea, according to Walter Guth, MD, of OBG-1 in Lake Charles. His other bits of advice for expectant mothers struggling through summer heat: Drink plenty of water, avoid salty or heavy foods, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. According to Dr. Guth, pregnant women already experience a rise in body temperature as their bodies generate heat for the baby; the Louisiana sun, combined with the extra weight of pregnancy, only makes it worse.

This monthly series follows leah and James verret as they experience the surprises and challenges of pregnancy, the second time around.

by Erin K. Cormier

Month Eight:The Joys and Discomfort of late-Term Pregnancy

Photo by Ben Verret


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Getting makeup in your eye is annoying, but if you aren’t careful, you could be risking a lot more than frustration when you apply your eye

makeup. Improper use of eye cosmetics can lead to eye infections, irritations and corneal injuries, and the risk is higher if you wear contact lenses.

The American Optometric Association reports that cosmetics are one of the most common sources of problems for contact lens wearers. These problems include deposits on the lens, eye irritation, allergy, dryness injury, infection.

Dr. Mel Gehrig, optometrist with The Eye Clinic, says this is why contact lens wearers should take extra precautions when using cosmetics. “Whether you are an adolescent just beginning to experiment with make-up or an adult who has been wearing it the same way for years, we want everyone to get into the habit of applying cosmetics in a safe way to avoid painful eye injuries. We spend a lot of time with our contact lens patients, instructing them in how to minimize the risk of any problems.” He says eye make-up is not prohibited for those who wear contacts, but there are some basic precautions lens wearers should be aware of:

Choose non-scented, hypoallergenic •cosmetics manufactured by a well-known, trusted brand name.Wash your hands before inserting or •removing your contact lenses.Do not borrow or lend your cosmetics to •others.

Wash all make-up application brushes •frequently.Apply make-up after inserting the contact •lenses.Do not purchase mascara refills in which •you insert your old applicator.Avoid frosted, pearlized, iridescent, or other •glittery types of eyeshadow, which may contain ground oyster shells or tinsel.Do not apply eyeliner to the inner edge of •the lid or above the lash line on the lower lid.Avoid using loose powder on the face.•Do not apply creams too close to the eyes.•Never apply eye makeup while in motion •or while driving.Never use makeup testers in stores or share •eye makeup with others. Dispose of eye cosmetics three months •after purchased, according to the American Academy of OphthalmologyDo not use water or saliva to lubricate •applicator or thin cosmetics.Remove lenses before removing makeup.•Do not apply cosmetics if your eyes are red, •swollen, or infected. If symptoms persist, see your eye doctor.

Dr. Gehrig says that by following these guidelines, there’s no reason contact lens wearers can’t wear eye makeup without putting their vision at risk.

For more information about contact lenses and proper usage, call The Eye Clinic nearest you in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Jennings.

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Coming to America tells the story of local residents who left their native country to make a new home in the United States. Watch for a new story each issue. To nominate someone for this series, send a brief description to: [email protected]

How a Girl from Bromsgrove Gets a Dog Named Boudreaux

by Erin K. Cormier

No doubt there are pets in Southwest Louisiana wearing dog jerseys for the McNeese Cowboys or LSU Tigers, but Boudreaux Stride, a pit bull mix, might be the only one representing Birmingham City, an English soccer team in the Barclays Premiere League.

When Boudreaux’s owner Sally Stride of Bromsgrove, U.K., is asked what she misses most about her home country, she quickly names three things: her mother, British humor, and football – “proper football, where they actually use their feet,” she jokes. Living in Louisiana, Stride is relegated to watching her team on the tube rather than the field.

“Birmingham City isn’t doing very well right now, but they’re still my team,” she says.

Her hometown of Bromsgrove is twelve miles outside of Birmingham, the

second largest city in England. When Stride was a girl, Bromsgrove was a marketing town with large fields of farmland. In the years since she left in 1990 at age 17, the town has developed into a Birmingham suburb, with a population of more than 85,000.

“Bromsgrove is a beautiful place, but I never really noticed how beautiful it was when I lived there. Years later, when I went back with other people, they kept saying how beautiful the landscape was. I was thinking, ‘What, Bromsgrove? Really?’ Then I looked around and realized that it was actually beautiful. We never seem to notice the good things about where we live until we see it through someone else’s eyes,” Stride said.

The first time Stride saw America, she was 12 years old in Southern California, where her dad had been offered a job. She spent summers in America and school years in England, all the while planning a permanent move to the States. Although she maintains a special native pride for her country, she said the easy, laid-back nature of American life appealed to her, and “right away, I knew I belonged in the States.”

At 17, finished with school and ready to embrace a new American life, Stride worked as a nanny in California for a couple years before getting into the

The Worcester Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove is popular for leisure activities like walking and fishing. – Photo by Anneli Salo

Sally Stride’s dog, Boudreaux, supports his team.


restaurant industry. In 1996, a friend asked if she wanted to move with her to the Pacific Northwest.

“She walked up to me and said ‘I’m moving to Seattle. You wanna come?’ I said yes, and we moved. It was just as casual as that,” Stride said. The move proved to be life-changing – it was in Seattle that she met her husband, Justin Sells. After moves to Austin and New Orleans (where she followed through on a personal vow to own a Louisiana dog named Boudreaux), Justin was offered a job as executive chef at the Snake River Grill in L’Auberge du Lac. They’ve been in Lake Charles for four years.

Stride worked as a wine seller and in restaurant management before eventually tiring of the industry and returning to her first love – dogs. She has since developed a thriving pet-training business known as Proper Pooches. A graduate and mentor of Animal Behavioral College, a good citizen evaluator for the American Kennel Club and the only certified pet dog trainer in Southwest Louisiana, Stride handles everything from basic obedience to rehabilitation of aggressive and fearful dogs.

Her training experiences often reflect the area in which she lives; in Lake Charles, she says there are so few places where dogs can interact that the most common problem she sees is under-socialized dogs, which can cause behavior issues. “A great way to socialize them is to throw dog parties with friends and other friendly dogs in fenced-in yards,” she said, noting that her training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, rather than the “traditional, old-fashioned method of forced training, using choke chains or pinch collars.”

Stride’s business brings her in contact with many different people from all walks of life, yet few manage to pinpoint her accent. “It’s very rare that people can tell where I’m from, but I don’t take offense at all,” she says. “I get some of the strangest questions. One of the questions people ask that I find funny is ‘What language do you

speak in England?’ I just ask, ‘What language are you speaking?’ And when they say ‘English,’ I wait for it to register. A lot of times it doesn’t.”

Stride does admit, however, that though Americans and English technically speak the same language, they may as well be different dialects. “There’s a difference between American English and British English, for sure,” Stride says. “For the longest time I thought Americans were the most agreeable people because when I’d talk to them, they would just smile and nod. I finally realized that they were nodding because they had no clue what I was saying.”

Small differences in word usage – chips vs. French fries, cupboard vs. closet, trousers vs. pants – made interactions interesting during her first years in the States. “I had a lot of conversations that sounded a lot like ‘Who’s on First,’” she says.

Despite the occasional language snag, Stride eased into American life with little trouble. In 2002, she became an American citizen.

“I’m definitely Americanized now, but I still refuse to call trousers ‘pants,’” Stride jokes. “They’re not pants. They’re trousers.”

For more information on Proper Pooches Dog Training, call 480-9349 or email [email protected]. Erin K. Cormier writes a feature every month about local residents who moved here from other countries. For more information or to nominate someone, email [email protected].

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Poor Sleep HabitsStudies by the National Sleep Foundation have found that at least 40 million Americans suffer from more than 70 different sleep disorders. Sixty percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more.

Stress is a major factor when it comes to difficulty sleeping, according to Phillip Conner, MD, of the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana.

“After a busy day, the quiet of the night-time can create a constant flow of incoming data. You start thinking about the things you need to do tomorrow and the things you didn’t get done today. All kinds of stressors starts popping into your head,” Dr. Conner said. If you suffer from a busy brain at bedtime, he recommends keeping a notebook near your bed. “When you have a thought, write it down. That helps get it out of your head.”

According to Dr. Conner, stress often manifests itself as insomnia, which is typically a self-reinforcing condition – as the minutes tick by, the insomniac becomes more and more concerned about getting enough sleep, which causes the body to tense and become less receptive to rest.

“Studies show that stress is the number one cause of sleeping problems. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can continue even after the stressful situation has passed,” said Patrick Griffith, MD, an internist with Jennings American Legion Hospital.

Having too many things to do doesn’t just prevent us from falling asleep; sometimes, it prevents us from considering sleep. Since it’s impossible to cram more hours into a 24-hour day, we sacrifice a few hours of sleep. Busy

parents wait until the children are in bed before they tackle the day’s tasks, which could last well into the night. Workaholics cram as many tasks as possible into their waking hours. Nowadays, despite modern conveniences, there are more things to do and less time to do them. For many, a good night’s sleep has become a dispensable luxury.

“People need to realize that sleep is not optional. You’ll eventually have to pay for those hours of sleep that you’re missing. It’s inevitable,” Dr. Conner said.

Put simply, sleep refreshes our body by allowing our muscles and brain to relax and recharge. If you skimp on sleep, you’re missing out on an opportunity to get recharged for the next day. You may find that you have increased difficulty concentrating, staying alert, and focusing on tasks, according to Dr. Conner. “It’s tempting to seize an extra hour to get things done, but you will have to pay for it,” he said, noting that a better strategy is to prioritize your to-do list, with sleep somewhere near the top. “If you have to sacrifice something, consider something else.”

Dr. Griffith said poor sleep has been related to several health conditions, including obesity. “It’s unfortunate that we fail to recognize the importance of a good night’s sleep,” he said. “Having restful and productive hours of sleep can make a noticeable difference in our quality of life.”

is also high in sugar, which causes a big rise in blood sugar, followed by a rapid fall. This explains why people often feel ‘low’ at the end of the day.”

This also explains why it’s best not to rely on caffeine or other stimulants to break out of your fog. According to Trahan, excessive caffeine actually contributes to fatigue because it interferes with productive sleep patterns, making it counterproductive. She suggests limiting yourself to two cups of coffee or two caffeinated beverages per day. “Caffeine can also contribute to dehydration, causing fatigue in the muscles,” she said, adding that water is your best beverage option because it keeps the body hydrated. Even a mild amount of dehydration can lead to physical exhaustion because it reduces blood flow to the organs and slows down the brain.

“Drinking sugared drinks in place of water not only provides empty calories, which means they have no nutritional value, but contributes to blood sugar changes that contribute to fatigue and irritability,” Trahan said.

To get an energy boost, toss out the surge drinks and grab a plate of natural foods.

“True energy foods are complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain foods and fruits and vegetables. Consistent eating of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and some protein and fat will do more for your energy level than any quick fix,” Trahan said. “Try eating five or six smaller portions throughout the day. This keeps the blood sugar steady and provides consistent energy.”

In addition to proper nutrition, she also says it’s important to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, consider adding physical activity slowly and consistently. During the first few weeks, you may feel even more fatigued as your body adjusts, but “soon you will sleep better and therefore get better rest, which allows your body to recover and restore for the next day.”

According to Trahan, a strong body and strong heart doesn’t have to

There are several simple ways to remedy poor sleep habits:• Developaroutine.Gotobedat thesametimeeverynight.• Makesureyouhaveapeaceful sleepenvironment.• Don’tworkonyourlaptopor watchtelevisioninbed AccordingtoDr.Conner,this istheoneofthemostcommon mistakes.“Yourbraintakes signalsfromyourbody,whether yourealizeitornot.Whenyou lieinbed,yourbrainshouldget thesignalthatit’stimetosleep –notthatit’stimetoworkor watchtelevision,”Dr.Conner said.• Avoidover-the-counteror prescriptionmedicationsif possible.Theseareashort-term solutionanddon’treallysolve thelong-termproblem.• Limityouruseofcaffeineand alcohol.• Exerciseinthemorningsona regularbasis.• Ifyoudon’tfallasleepwithin20 minutes,getupanddo somethingrelaxing,likereada book.

In some cases, sleep problems are associated with health conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia.

Poor DietEnergy is commonly sacrificed at the expense of food, especially in a state like Louisiana, where even the veggies are fried.

“Diet affects energy levels and fatigue in many ways,” said Suzy Trahan, exercise specialist and registered dietitian with Dynamic Dimensions of

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “Poor nutrition contributes to fatigue because we are not getting the appropriate vitamins and minerals that are involved in the energy process. Most Americans’ diets consist of highly processed foods, which do not contain great nutritional value and contain high levels of preservatives, such as MSG and sodium. The average American diet

work as hard to perform everyday tasks, which means you won’t feel as tired.

IllnessMost people who are just plain tired can refresh their energy resources by improving sleep patterns and nutrition; however, some suffer from health conditions that could contribute to constant fatigue. One of the most common sleep disorders that Dr. Conner treats is sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea is as common as adult diabetes and affects more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. According to Dr. Conner, common symptoms include snoring, restless sleep, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, headache, and dry mouth. Sufferers will often feel tired immediately upon waking, he said.

Fatigue is also a common symptom for diabetes, anemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a host of less common health conditions.

Glucose is fuel for the body and because diabetics don’t use glucose properly, the effects often manifest themselves through fatigue. Anemics lack sufficient iron, which means their blood can’t carry enough oxygen to the cells of the body; fatigue, weakness, faintness and dizziness are typical results. Those with hypertension have hearts that have to work harder than usual to get the body working properly, which requires extra energy. Fatigue is also one of many flagship symptoms for hypothyroidism, which is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone.

A consistent lack of energy, feeling “blah,” and fatigue are also the most noticeable signs of depression, according to licensed professional counselors with the Samaritan Counseling Center.

“Depression displays itself differently in each person, but depressed people will have a majority of the general signs, which includes fatigue and lack of energy,” said Samaritan’s Michelle Trenton, LPC. “Indecision, trouble focusing, or trouble thinking can be other hallmarks. Often, there are changes in sleep patterns and appetite. People feel bone tired and get tired more quickly than someone not experiencing depression.”

According to Trenton, who counsels youth, it is possible for a person to suffer from depression and not realize it, especially teenagers, who often display their depression through irritability. “For some people, depression

happens gradually, so it’s not that noticeable. It’s like gaining a few pounds here or there and suddenly realizing your pants are snug.”

Licensed professional Paul Godeaux said it is possible for constant fatigue and lack of energy to develop into depression if it’s left unchecked for too long. “If the lack of energy prevents people from achieving their dreams and goals, a person could see life pessimistically, which could influence other symptoms to occur,” he said. “Our bodies need to have sunlight and physical activity to work at its peak performance. If the body does not get these resources, it adjusts negatively and starts to have other symptoms.”

by Erin K. Cormier Sick of Feeling Tired? You Can Win the Battle

With the number of sleepyheads in modern society, it’s a wonder we get anything done. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 40 percent of Americans experience daytime sleepiness, with 28 percent admitting that it interferes with their daily activities. Most Americans simply accept their sleepiness and keep on trucking, while 32 percent use stimulants like caffeine to put spring back in their step. Neither are ideal solutions to a frustrating lack of energy.

To find out how to get your energy back, you first have to find out where you lost it. More than likely, the steam in your engine was snuffed out by poor sleep habits, poor diet, illness, or a combination of the three.

Formoreinformationonthepossiblecausesandmanagementoffatigue,contactthefollowingexpertsinourstory:

Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana, 310-7378 or 1-877-597-7378;

Dynamic Dimensions, 527-5459 or 855-7708;

Samaritan Counseling Center, 433-4357 or 1-866-433-0701;

Patrick Griffith MD, Internal Medicine, (337) 824-9119.


Poor Sleep HabitsStudies by the National Sleep Foundation have found that at least 40 million Americans suffer from more than 70 different sleep disorders. Sixty percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more.

Stress is a major factor when it comes to difficulty sleeping, according to Phillip Conner, MD, of the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana.

“After a busy day, the quiet of the night-time can create a constant flow of incoming data. You start thinking about the things you need to do tomorrow and the things you didn’t get done today. All kinds of stressors starts popping into your head,” Dr. Conner said. If you suffer from a busy brain at bedtime, he recommends keeping a notebook near your bed. “When you have a thought, write it down. That helps get it out of your head.”

According to Dr. Conner, stress often manifests itself as insomnia, which is typically a self-reinforcing condition – as the minutes tick by, the insomniac becomes more and more concerned about getting enough sleep, which causes the body to tense and become less receptive to rest.

“Studies show that stress is the number one cause of sleeping problems. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can continue even after the stressful situation has passed,” said Patrick Griffith, MD, an internist with Jennings American Legion Hospital.

Having too many things to do doesn’t just prevent us from falling asleep; sometimes, it prevents us from considering sleep. Since it’s impossible to cram more hours into a 24-hour day, we sacrifice a few hours of sleep. Busy

parents wait until the children are in bed before they tackle the day’s tasks, which could last well into the night. Workaholics cram as many tasks as possible into their waking hours. Nowadays, despite modern conveniences, there are more things to do and less time to do them. For many, a good night’s sleep has become a dispensable luxury.

“People need to realize that sleep is not optional. You’ll eventually have to pay for those hours of sleep that you’re missing. It’s inevitable,” Dr. Conner said.

Put simply, sleep refreshes our body by allowing our muscles and brain to relax and recharge. If you skimp on sleep, you’re missing out on an opportunity to get recharged for the next day. You may find that you have increased difficulty concentrating, staying alert, and focusing on tasks, according to Dr. Conner. “It’s tempting to seize an extra hour to get things done, but you will have to pay for it,” he said, noting that a better strategy is to prioritize your to-do list, with sleep somewhere near the top. “If you have to sacrifice something, consider something else.”

Dr. Griffith said poor sleep has been related to several health conditions, including obesity. “It’s unfortunate that we fail to recognize the importance of a good night’s sleep,” he said. “Having restful and productive hours of sleep can make a noticeable difference in our quality of life.”

is also high in sugar, which causes a big rise in blood sugar, followed by a rapid fall. This explains why people often feel ‘low’ at the end of the day.”

This also explains why it’s best not to rely on caffeine or other stimulants to break out of your fog. According to Trahan, excessive caffeine actually contributes to fatigue because it interferes with productive sleep patterns, making it counterproductive. She suggests limiting yourself to two cups of coffee or two caffeinated beverages per day. “Caffeine can also contribute to dehydration, causing fatigue in the muscles,” she said, adding that water is your best beverage option because it keeps the body hydrated. Even a mild amount of dehydration can lead to physical exhaustion because it reduces blood flow to the organs and slows down the brain.

“Drinking sugared drinks in place of water not only provides empty calories, which means they have no nutritional value, but contributes to blood sugar changes that contribute to fatigue and irritability,” Trahan said.

To get an energy boost, toss out the surge drinks and grab a plate of natural foods.

“True energy foods are complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain foods and fruits and vegetables. Consistent eating of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and some protein and fat will do more for your energy level than any quick fix,” Trahan said. “Try eating five or six smaller portions throughout the day. This keeps the blood sugar steady and provides consistent energy.”

In addition to proper nutrition, she also says it’s important to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, consider adding physical activity slowly and consistently. During the first few weeks, you may feel even more fatigued as your body adjusts, but “soon you will sleep better and therefore get better rest, which allows your body to recover and restore for the next day.”

According to Trahan, a strong body and strong heart doesn’t have to

There are several simple ways to remedy poor sleep habits:• Developaroutine.Gotobedat thesametimeeverynight.• Makesureyouhaveapeaceful sleepenvironment.• Don’tworkonyourlaptopor watchtelevisioninbed AccordingtoDr.Conner,this istheoneofthemostcommon mistakes.“Yourbraintakes signalsfromyourbody,whether yourealizeitornot.Whenyou lieinbed,yourbrainshouldget thesignalthatit’stimetosleep –notthatit’stimetoworkor watchtelevision,”Dr.Conner said.• Avoidover-the-counteror prescriptionmedicationsif possible.Theseareashort-term solutionanddon’treallysolve thelong-termproblem.• Limityouruseofcaffeineand alcohol.• Exerciseinthemorningsona regularbasis.• Ifyoudon’tfallasleepwithin20 minutes,getupanddo somethingrelaxing,likereada book.

In some cases, sleep problems are associated with health conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia.

Poor DietEnergy is commonly sacrificed at the expense of food, especially in a state like Louisiana, where even the veggies are fried.

“Diet affects energy levels and fatigue in many ways,” said Suzy Trahan, exercise specialist and registered dietitian with Dynamic Dimensions of

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “Poor nutrition contributes to fatigue because we are not getting the appropriate vitamins and minerals that are involved in the energy process. Most Americans’ diets consist of highly processed foods, which do not contain great nutritional value and contain high levels of preservatives, such as MSG and sodium. The average American diet

work as hard to perform everyday tasks, which means you won’t feel as tired.

IllnessMost people who are just plain tired can refresh their energy resources by improving sleep patterns and nutrition; however, some suffer from health conditions that could contribute to constant fatigue. One of the most common sleep disorders that Dr. Conner treats is sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea is as common as adult diabetes and affects more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. According to Dr. Conner, common symptoms include snoring, restless sleep, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, headache, and dry mouth. Sufferers will often feel tired immediately upon waking, he said.

Fatigue is also a common symptom for diabetes, anemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a host of less common health conditions.

Glucose is fuel for the body and because diabetics don’t use glucose properly, the effects often manifest themselves through fatigue. Anemics lack sufficient iron, which means their blood can’t carry enough oxygen to the cells of the body; fatigue, weakness, faintness and dizziness are typical results. Those with hypertension have hearts that have to work harder than usual to get the body working properly, which requires extra energy. Fatigue is also one of many flagship symptoms for hypothyroidism, which is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone.

A consistent lack of energy, feeling “blah,” and fatigue are also the most noticeable signs of depression, according to licensed professional counselors with the Samaritan Counseling Center.

“Depression displays itself differently in each person, but depressed people will have a majority of the general signs, which includes fatigue and lack of energy,” said Samaritan’s Michelle Trenton, LPC. “Indecision, trouble focusing, or trouble thinking can be other hallmarks. Often, there are changes in sleep patterns and appetite. People feel bone tired and get tired more quickly than someone not experiencing depression.”

According to Trenton, who counsels youth, it is possible for a person to suffer from depression and not realize it, especially teenagers, who often display their depression through irritability. “For some people, depression

happens gradually, so it’s not that noticeable. It’s like gaining a few pounds here or there and suddenly realizing your pants are snug.”

Licensed professional Paul Godeaux said it is possible for constant fatigue and lack of energy to develop into depression if it’s left unchecked for too long. “If the lack of energy prevents people from achieving their dreams and goals, a person could see life pessimistically, which could influence other symptoms to occur,” he said. “Our bodies need to have sunlight and physical activity to work at its peak performance. If the body does not get these resources, it adjusts negatively and starts to have other symptoms.”

by Erin K. Cormier Sick of Feeling Tired? You Can Win the Battle

With the number of sleepyheads in modern society, it’s a wonder we get anything done. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 40 percent of Americans experience daytime sleepiness, with 28 percent admitting that it interferes with their daily activities. Most Americans simply accept their sleepiness and keep on trucking, while 32 percent use stimulants like caffeine to put spring back in their step. Neither are ideal solutions to a frustrating lack of energy.

To find out how to get your energy back, you first have to find out where you lost it. More than likely, the steam in your engine was snuffed out by poor sleep habits, poor diet, illness, or a combination of the three.

Formoreinformationonthepossiblecausesandmanagementoffatigue,contactthefollowingexpertsinourstory:

Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana, 310-7378 or 1-877-597-7378;

Dynamic Dimensions, 527-5459 or 855-7708;

Samaritan Counseling Center, 433-4357 or 1-866-433-0701;

Patrick Griffith MD, Internal Medicine, (337) 824-9119.


D e Q u i n c y | L a k e c h a r L e s | M o s s B L u f f | s u L p h u rProud Members of LHC Group | www.lhcgroup.com

• Rehabilitation therapy for joint replacement & other surgeries

• Low Vision• Pelvic Floor dysfunction

for incontinence• Diabetes management

• Wound Care Program• Medication and nutrition

management• Ostomy care & teaching• Catheter/tube care• IV Therapy• Lifeline—24 hr Personal

Response and Support

For more information call337-479-2233

The healing power of homeThe healing power of homeAt Southern Home Health one of our main goals is to provide patients with peace of mind as they make the transition from the hospital to home. We have the technology and specially trained staff to help you regain your strength and independence. We strive to help our patients in attaining the quality of life they deserve.

Some of our specialized services include:

Our most convenient locations yet.

OUR MObile banking gives you the freedom and security to access your accounts 24/7. go to www.ffbla.com, log into “Mobile banking” andget started!

433-3611 • ffbla.com

NEW NON-SURGICAL TECHNIQUE NOW AVAILABLE

FINALLY ... a non-surgical treatment with no downtime that'sdesigned to help you fight against arthritis and sports injuries!

First, the physician introduces natural medicines into damaged, arthritic cellsby means of a precise injection. This is followed by infrared laser, and othermodalities in order to accelerate the process. It usually only takes 1 to 6 treat-ments for you to improve, depending upon tissue damage, severity and joint size.

There is usually no downtime, and you can resume your usual activitiesimmediately.

If you suffer from muscoskeletal problems such as knee or shoulder pain,whiplash, tendonitis, torn ligaments, cartilage damage or sprains and strains, giveus a call today for more information!

R. Dale Bernauer, M.D.Stephen J. Flood, M.D.

4150 Nelson Rd., Bldg. D, Ste. 1Lake Charles, LA 70605

For more information call 337-474-6960

FINALLY... a non-surgical treatment with no downtime that’s designed to help you fight against arthritis and sports injuries!

This is how it works: The physician introduces natural medicines into damaged, arthritic cells by means of a precise injection. This is followed by infrared laser, and other modalities in order to accelerate the process. It usually only takes 1 to 6 treatments for you to improve, depending upon tissue damage, severity and joint size.

There is usually no downtime, and you can resume your usual activities immediately.If you suffer from muscoskeletal problems such as knee or shoulder pain, whiplash, tendonitis,

torn ligaments, cartilage damage or sprains and strains, give us a call today for more information!

Do you need a joint replacement or suffer from arthritis or sports injuries?

We offer a non-surgical solution.

NEW NON-SURGICAL TECHNIQUE NOW AVAILABLE

Breaking the Painof ARTHRITIS and SpORTS INjURIES


There’s still time to take the family on a summer vacation. To give you a head start, we consulted a few local experts and asked them:

by Katie McDaniel

Angie Manning-istre, communications manager with the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, suggests looking for a fun Southern destination this summer, complete with sandy beaches or bayous, blue skies and sunshine, jazz, festivals and sweet Southern cooking. She said a website worth checking into is www.southcoastusa.

com where you can find tips and social media tourism connections. What’s great about SouthCoastUSA is that all these unique destinations are in a row along Interstate 10, so they are impossible to miss!

James halphen, owner and manager of GlobeTrek Travel Inc., suggests having a passport handy for booking last minute trips to out-of-the-country destination spots. There are all-inclusive packages to Mexico for as low as $600 per person. The more last minute you plan your trip, the more unbelievable deals you can find, Halphen said.

Kimberly leleux, travel consultant and owner of Partners in Travel, said there are several popular destinations within driving distance for a last-minute getaway – Galveston & San Antonio, Texas or Destin, Florida for example. But, another great alternative is a cruise. Carnival Cruise Lines have several ships with 4, 5, or 7-night cruises from Galveston or New

Orleans sailing to Mexico and the Caribbean.

ray hammond, cruise and tour specialist with Econo Travel, suggests flying somewhere new. With two airlines at the Lake Charles Regional Airport, there are now more options with better deals. For those who do not drive, having the opportunity to fly directly out of Lake Charles can give someone the chance to see new places and with last minute

booking deals, your destinations are endless.

Captain sammie Falk, chairman of the Cameron Parish Tourist Commission, said to “experience Louisiana’s Outback this summer with a trip down the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. This 180-mile National Scenic Byway offers family fun that is educational too. Crabbing, shelling and alligator sightings are just a few activities that you can experience without going too far from home.”

What spots would you recommend for a last-minute

vacation destination?

The Young at Heart Expo is an event focusing on healthcare, education, leisure and useful information for seniors and their caregivers. There will also be guest speakers, activities, entertainment and food presentations, all geared toward the ever-changing lifestyles of people 50 and over. Contact KPLC at 337.437.7551 to reserve a booth.

PrEsEnTsFree expo

ThursdayAugust 27, 2009

Lake Charles Civic Center8am to 3pm


Generation rx:Teen Prescription Drug Abuse IncreasingThe nation’s teenagers are increasingly trying prescription drugs, usually painkillers, to get high, often raiding their parents’ medicine cabinets in search of these legal, but potentially dangerous, drugs. New statistics from the latest national study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America paint an alarming picture.

The 20th annual study on teen drug abuse found that about 1 in 5 teens (19 percent), or 4.7 million, reports abusing a prescription medication at least once in their lives, and 1 in 10 teens (10 percent), or 2.5 million, teens reports having abused a prescription pain reliever in the past year. About 7 percent, or 1.7 million teens, have reported over-the-counter cough medicine in the past year. Forty-one percent of teens mistakenly believe that abuse of medicines is less dangerous than abuse of illegal street drugs and 61 percent of teens report prescription drugs are easier to get than illegal drugs, up significantly from 56 percent in 2005.

“This is not just a national problem,” says psychiatrist Dale Archer, Jr., MD. “We are seeing this type of abuse in our local community also. Today’s teens are more likely to have abused a prescription painkiller to get high than they are to have experimented with a variety of illegal drugs. Parents need to be aware of this trend so they can take better precautions with medications in the home.”

Dr. Archer says for teens, prescription and over-the-counter medications are appealing for a number of reasons. “They are easily accessible and are perceived as safe when compared with street drugs. In a kid’s mind, these substances are legal, doctor-prescribed and FDA-approved. Most teens are getting these medications from medicine cabinets at home or at a friends’ house.”

“Too many parents are missing opportunities to talk about the intentional abuse of prescription and OTC medications, which is the most serious—and least understood— threat to teens today,” says Dr. Archer. “This risky behavior is unfortunately still not on the radar for most parents, and they may be unaware that when abused or used without a prescription, these medications can be every bit as dangerous as illegal drugs. Prescription medications can be abused in a number of ways. Some teens simply swallow the pills or drink liquids; others may crush pills before snorting or smoking the powder. Still others melt or dissolve the medications and then inject them. Another popular way of abusing prescription drugs is to mix them with alcohol and street drugs.”

Dr. Archer says there are many things parents can do to prevent their child from abusing prescription medications, including:

Educate yourself about medications that kids are abusing.•Discuss the subject with your teenagers. Explain the risks and find out what •your kids know about their peers using medications without doctors’ orders. Set clear expectations, letting them know that under no circumstances should •they ever take any medications without your knowledge.Ask your healthcare provider if any medications prescribed for your family have •a potential for abuse. Take an inventory of both prescription and over-the-counter medications in •your home. Pay attention to quantities and check regularly.Keep medications out of reach – and out of easily accessible places like the •medicine cabinet.

“As with any type of substance use, awareness of the potential

problem and monitoring your child’s behavior are a parent’s best weapons in preventing medication abuse,” stresses Dr. Archer.

1511 S Huntington St • Sulphur, LA 70663-5839 • (337) 527-4433

• Deluxe Apartment Living

• Three Exquisite Meals Daily

• 24-Hour Assistance• Medication Assistance• Alzheimer &

Dementia Care Unit• Houskeeping &

Laundry Provided• Transportation• Entertainment

Excellence in Senior Living !

Around town or across campus…Scooters are the smart, economical

and fun choice!

Augie’s Scooters

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301 West Prien Lake Road • Lake Charles, La • (377) 477-7977

by Kristy Armand


PERFORMINGLIVE

in the Delta Event Center

PETER FRAMPTONFRIDAY, JULY 24, 2009 • 8PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE ATLAGNIAPPE GIFTS AND SUNDRIES,

DELTADOWNS.COM AND TICKETMASTER.COMLIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE

MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO ATTEND

TICKETS STARTINGAT $40

* Must be 21 to attend all events. Some events may contain profanity or other content of anadult nature. Subject to change or cancellation without notice. Tickets available online atticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets including select Dillard’s, select Kroger’s, Be-Bop Records, Major Video, Peaches, Tower Records, and Wherehouse Records & Tapesstores. To charge tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000.

THRIVE July ent 6/10/09 11:09 AM Page 1


Bon Temps ExpressRide along for the fabulous food,

chic shopping and wild nightlife of

NEW ORLEANSWe’ll take you to the door of your accomodations so you can wander as you wish for two days and one night in the Big Easy! Check out Bourbon Street, the French Market, ghost tours and more! Call for details.

337-774-4FUNwww.bontempsexpress.com • [email protected]

Southern Louisiana charm is easy to find in the growing city of Jennings. Whether you’re looking for small-town hospitality, an historic look at the discovery of oil in Louisiana, or boutiques offering one-of-a-kind finds, you’ll spot it in Jennings. Check out these other great Jennings gems!

Glass Camp July 28, 29 & 30Glass fusing projects galore! $75

Summer Art Camps 2009

526 N. Main Street, Jennings, LA 70546 337-824.2223 • [email protected]

For My RoomJuly 21, 22 & 23

Paint your name on canvas, make a dry erase board, paint a light switch plate, make a glass night light.

$65

Clay CampJuly 14, 15 & 16

Learn the basics of creating

with clay. Hand building and

wheel throwing. $65

Ladies NightSpend time with your girlfriends and

enjoy painting and pottery! Every Wednesday 6pm ‘til.

Garden FunJuly 7, 8 & 9

Create a mosaic stepping stone, dragon fly garden stake,

“Welcome” plaque and bird feeder from clay.

$65

Got a health problem?

www.shaklee.net/patsnc • Jennings 337-230-3598Lake CharLes (huggy Bear’s MaLt shop) 337-474-3554

s h a k l e e c a n h e l p !

pat Landreneaunutritional Consultant

We are BaCked By sCienCe and researCh. if you BeLieve in prevention, you WiLL Love shakLee. We are as CLose to nature as possiBLe.


With Louisiana being listed as the 49th healthiest state in the country, Suddenlink Cable Television is teaming up with Lake Charles native and fitness expert Damien Thibodeaux to bring Lake Charles a weekly television workout program titled Workout TV. It will offer viewers a variety of exercise options and ideas that can be followed along in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

Each episode will feature a full body workout, which can be followed without extra props or workout equipment. “Even deodorant is optional,” says Thibodeaux. Shively Lampson, owner of Pure Foods and Health will participate in each episode, giving healthy cooking demonstrations.

The workouts will target specific muscle groups but will incorporate the entire body for overall strength and agility. The program is designed for a wide range of body types, conditions and fitness levels. Depending upon the viewer, the exercises can be modified or advanced according to their personal fitness levels.

Thibodeaux, a former professional ballet dancer, has been in the fitness industry for 13 years. He is now a certified personal trainer, Pilates and group instructor with experience in physical therapy, working with clients living with Parkinson’s Disease, recovering from stroke, hip and knee replacements and cancer survivors, with clients ages ranging anywhere from 10 to 84. Thibodeaux says, “I know first-hand that the body and mind are powerful healing tools that are available to everyone.”

The mission of Workout TV, which Thibodeaux hopes to expand throughout the

state, is to touch, move, and inspire Louisiana to self-empowerment through exercise and the arts. “We don’t have to be the number one healthiest state, but the top ten would be nice, Thibodeaux says.”

“There is a myth that in order to workout you must already be in shape but that is only because people hold a very narrow view of exercising. If this were 1982, aerobics and weight lifting would be fantastic workout options but in 2009, we know so much more about physiology, human behavior, and the connection between the mind and the body,“ Thibodeaux says. He believes that living a healthful, joyous life is our natural state of being. “Workout TV is an expression of my belief.”

Workout TV will air Saturday mornings on Suddenlink Channel 8 at 9:00am from July 11 through September 26.

Workout tv

By Katie McDaniel

Please join us in welcoming foot and ankle specialist, Tyson Green, DPM, to Center for Orthopaedics and our medical community. Originally from Lafayette, Dr. Green received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed a three-year residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Scott & White Memorial Hospital – University of Texas A&M Health Science Center in Temple, Texas. Dr. Green specializes in:

Dr. Green will be seeing patients in the Lake Charles and Sulphur offices of Center for Orthopaedics. Call 721-7236 to schedule an appointment.

WE’RE TAKING A BIG STEP FORWARD

IN FOOT CARE

Diabetic Foot CareFoot SurgeryBunions

Podiatric Sports MedicineCustom Orthotics

HammertoesHeel painChildren’s podiatry

ArthritisSprainsFractures

OUR PHYSICIAN STAFF:James D. Perry, MD • John W. Noble, Jr., MD • Geoffrey J. Collins, MD • Craig G. Morton, MDCOMING SOON: Dr. Steven Hale, MD (337) 721-7CFO • www.centerforortho.com


Manage Kidney Stoneswith Professional Intervention

Scientists have found evidence of kidney stones in 7,000 year old mummies – proof that this illness has wreaked havoc on mankind for centuries. Thankfully we now have access to pain medication and urologists, but that doesn’t mean that the common (and sometimes

painful) inconveniences of this urological disorder have faded into memory. 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.

“Kidney stones are formed when the body’s water, salts, minerals, and urine chemicals are out of balance within the urinary tract. Our urine contains many different chemicals and sometimes these chemicals do not interact properly with each other. When this happens, they begin to crystallize into a hard mass known as a kidney stone,” said urologist Farjaad Siddiq, MD, with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana. “They are much more common in men.”

Although most of Siddiq’s kidney stone patients are in their 40s, urologists across the country have seen a steep rise in young patients, some as young as five or six. Pediatric urologists with the pediatric kidney stone clinic at the University of Wisconsin attribute the spike largely to an increase in salt in children’s diets, which includes highly processed foods like sandwich meat, canned soups and packaged meals. The fact that children, like most adults, don’t drink enough water just compounds the problem.

Drinking large quantities of water over a period of time will usually flush smaller stones from the body, preventing them from growing. When small enough, kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract without causing any pain or discomfort. If given the chance to grow, however, their passage through the body can be painful.

The common symptoms of the formation of a kidney stone include sharp, cramping pain in the back and 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.

Despite years of research, it is still relatively unknown why certain people develop kidney stones and others don’t. It was long suspected that diet

played an integral role, but researchers no longer believe that certain foods can cause them to form.

“We know that the development of kidney stones could be hereditary and that once you’ve had one, you are more likely to develop another one later,” Dr. Siddiq said. “Kidney stone formation could also be a side effect of other health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders or certain kidney diseases.”

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. Although it can be difficult to provide generalized information on how to treat or prevent kidney stones, Dr. Siddiq explains that two effective measures could be to avoid 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; and to drink plenty of water – ideally, enough liquids to produce two quarts of urine in one 24-hour period.

Medications are available to decrease the amount of acid or alkali in the urine, which are key factors in crystal formation.

“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 take in pill form,” Dr. Siddiq said. “Other foods that have been noted to increase kidney stones include coffee, strawberries, tea and cola, but before putting yourself on a specialized diet, talk to your urologist.”

Once you experience symptoms of kidney stones, it’s important to make an appointment with your urologist, according to Dr. Siddiq. If needed, certain medications can be prescribed to reduce pain and prevent future kidney stone formations. Kidney stones are often passed without requiring surgery, but in severe cases, surgery made be required.

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

“Kidney stone formation could also be a side effect of other health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders or certain kidney diseases.”– Farjaad Siddiq, MD, with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana

by Erin K. Cormier


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Blotchiness. red patches. Burning. For people with sensitive skin, these are run-of-the-mill occurrences. You can’t sneak much past this type of skin because it notices everything.

Aesthetician Leann Widcamp explained it as moody skin. “Some skin types can take almost anything and it doesn’t cause a reaction. Sensitive skin isn’t as easy-going. You have to be careful what you do to it; it’ll flare up if exposed to certain chemicals, treatments, ingredients, too much sun, not enough water. The list is long.”

While there’s not a clinical definition of sensitive skin, it refers to skin that tends to get blotchy, red, and/or itchy in response to products, treatments or environmental conditions. Since it affects more than half of women and a third of men, there are thousands of people who deal with it every day. “The sensitive skin industry is booming because if the label says ‘for sensitive skin’ it appeals to pretty much everyone,” said Widcamp. “Combine that with the reality that there are varying degrees of sensitivity and it makes choosing products and treatments difficult.”

In the quest to calm down their sensitive skin, some people actually do more harm than good. They use too many different products and opt for treatments that do them no favors. “Even though we all have skin, it doesn’t make everyone a skin expert. People who truly want to take proper care of their skin, combat signs of aging and promote youthful, healthy skin will be most satisfied seeing a qualified aesthetician for guidance and an ongoing program that adjusts to changes of the season, hormones, age, and environment.”

Even though sensitive skin varies, there are skin care ingredients that should

automatically send up a red flag of warning. Alcohol, beta hydroxyl acids, retinoids and lanolin often cause adverse reactions. Many skin care products use fragrance to mask the chemical smell that often exists; this added fragrance can cause irritation. Choose fragrance-free options whenever possible.

Simplicity is often the best route. Too many products will overwhelm the skin, but a few high-quality products will produce clean, healthy skin.

Obviously, skin care products aren’t the only things that cause problems with sensitive skin. Foundations, powders, bronzers and blushes can also affect the skin. Being smart about makeup choices will help reduce redness and inflammation. Mineral makeup is made with few, if any, preservatives; making it a natural choice for sensitive skin. “It’s also a good choice for anyone who has recently had a chemical peel or laser resurfacing. The ingredients have a calming effect because of the anti-inflammatory product,” Widcamp said. Better still, mineral makeup has natural sun protection built in. Because of the presence of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, these products protect skin from the sun; a source of inflammation for sensitive skin.

“Those with sensitive skin are not doomed to having blotchy, irritated skin forever. We can calm down the skin, reduce the redness and promote healthy skin by using the right products and treatment,” said Widcamp. “It’s all about understanding your particular skin, working with a knowledgeable skin expert, and creating a skin care routine that works for you.”

The Aesthetic Center of Southwest Louisiana offers a complete line of skin care products, treatments and makeup designed for healthy skin. For more information, call 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net.

Simmering

SE SITIVE skinby Christine Fisher


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City officials broke ground in June for the $3.6 million lakefront development project, an initiative that has been in the works for several years and includes enhanced landscaping, improved infrastructure for developers on the east side of Bord du Lac Drive, enhanced lighting, and improved amenities for festivals and events. An additional $1.7 million will be used to construct a floating marina and docking facility known as the Bord Du Lac Marina. Both projects are expected to be complete by the first half of 2010.

Lake Charles voters approved a $90 million bond issue for city projects in November 2006 and overwhelmingly approved a lakefront development plan in May 2007. Just before breaking ground, Mayor Randy Roach acknowledged that the foundation of the project was built on voter support.

“This project is not about mayors and city councilmen. It’s about a community. It will take a while to get it done, but our promise to you is that when we do it, we’ll do it the best we can with the funds we have available,” Roach said.

Discussion on how best to utilize the lakefront began long before the 2006 bond issue, Roach noted. The area has been a topic of debate, contention, and discussion as far back as the 1950s. The first steps toward waterfront

development started with construction of the Lake Charles Civic Center and Amphitheatre in the 1970s, according to Roach.

“We realized it wasn’t enough. We created a civic center, amphitheatre and places to park, but but we needed more than that, especially in the twentieth century, as we look forward and see what communities need to be,” the mayor said.

The groundbreaking was held near the 9/11 memorial and, according to City Council President Stuart Weatherford, is “just the beginning of what we’re going to see on this lakefront over the next few years.”

Long-awaited lakefront Development Begins

By Erin K. Cormier


Loud rock music in the 60s and 70s was a contributing factor to hearing loss among baby boomers. Today, hearing experts are becoming more and more concerned about the impact of music on the next generation. “While the sound may be different and the technology much more advanced, the next generation of music lovers also faces an increased risk of hearing loss,” explains audiologist Ram Nileshwar, MA, CCC-A, FAAA, with the Hearing Center.

MP3 players, like the popular iPod, which pump music through ear buds directly into the ear canal, enable the user to “crank up the volume” without anyone around them being disturbed. Without the complaints of “turn it down!” from bystanders, there’s less reason for the listener to limit to the volume says Nileshwar. As a result, the user easily becomes desensitized to dangerously high sound levels. In addition, because they hold thousands of songs and can play for hours without recharging, users tend to listen continuously for hours at a time, and there’s no stopping to change a CD or a tape.

Since damage to hearing caused by high volume is determined by its duration, continuous listening to an MP3 player, even at a seemingly reasonable level, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound impulses to the brain, according to Nileshwar. Multiple studies have shown that people exposed to 85 decibels for eight hours are likely to develop hearing loss and possibly tinnitus, a condition that results in ringing in the ears. Research has also found that most brands MP3 players produce sound levels well in excess of 85 decibels.

“Every time you increase a sound level by three decibels, listening for half as long will produce the same amount of hearing loss,” explains Nileshwar. “When you consider that most people with MP3-type players listen to their music for several hours every day, often at levels in excess of 85 decibles, you see the large noise burden being placed on millions of people, creating the

potential for significant hearing problems in their future.”

As an example, the noise from a lawn mower is about 80 to 85 decibels. If someone listens to their iPod while mowing, and raises the volume 20

decibels above the noise of the mower, he’s in the range of 100-105 decibels. “At that sound level he shouldn’t listen for more than eight to

15 minutes without serious risk of hearing damage,” says Nileshwar.

Limiting the volume of MP3 players may seem like an obvious solution, and there are devices on the market that do claim to reduce the sound output of MP3 players. “But remember, these

only reduce the sound level, they don’t control the listening time, which is a big part of the risk,” adds Nileshwar.

The simple fact is that young people like their music loud and seldom believe that hearing loss is a serious danger. Nileshwar says denying the danger of noise-induced hearing loss would not be so easy if loud music produced dramatic, immediate symptoms, or made the ears bleed, for example. But the early symptoms tend to come on gradually, with the full damage not realized until later in adulthood.

However, an alarming indication of the growing problem is that the incidence of hearing loss is already creeping farther down the age spectrum. A recent article in the journal Pediatrics estimated that 12.5 percent of children aged 6 to 19 – about 5.2 million – have noise-induced hearing loss.

“As difficult as it is, we have to try to get young people to understand the seriousness of the risk. Parents can help by stressing the three most practical ways to deal with loud noise: turn it down, walk away, or protect your ears,” stresses Nileshwar.

Hearing experts recommend that MP3 users set the volume at no more than 60 percent of its maximum when using in-ear headphones. Nileshwar says some people think you can toughen your ears by listening, but you can’t. “If it’s loud enough for long enough, you’re going to cause permanent damage to your hearing.”

For more information about hearing loss, or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing Center in Lake Charles at 474-3880.

Listen Up:Buds are

Bad for Hearingby Kristy Armand


LookforCool

SchoolThe Eye Clinic and Optics Unlimited can help give your kids a new and improved point of view this school year. Your child’s vision is the most important tool for school success. That’s why it’s important that children have an eye exam before they start school and on a regular basis after that. Beat the back-to-school rush and schedule your child’s eye exam now. We’re making it easy with these special offers:

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Richard Janise of Moss Bluff was the June winner in Cameron State Bank’s Outdoor Adventure Giveaway. Janise registered once at the new Moss Bluff North location of CSB. “My wife, Cheryl, and I like to spend time outdoors with our family and friends, so this outdoor giveaway caught my eye,” he said. Janise won a guided fishing trip for two to Lake Sam Rayburn, including meals and lodging, an insulated Igloo cooler as well as a framed, signed and numbered print by Elton Louviere. His name goes back in for the grand prize drawing for a 17-foot fishing boat, motor and trailer to be given away in November. Drawings are held each month. Registration slips are available at Cameron State Bank locations throughout Southwest Louisiana.

June Winner Announcedfor Cameron State Bank’s Outdoor Adventure Giveaway

Leslie Harless (far left) and Lyles McDaniel, vice presidents with CSB (far right), present Cheryl and Richard Janise (center) with a framed, signed and numbered print by Elton Louviere; part of the winning package for June for the Outdoor Adventure Giveaway.


Rob Standing likes to make something better out of what’s in front of him. As a physical therapist with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, he works with patients to regain mobility and improve function when lost through an accident or disease. In his spare time, Standing carves unique pieces from cypress knees or cottonwood bark.

His works of art depict the faces of Indians, Santas and wood spirits. Standing first became interested in carving when he attended the University of Missouri while he studied physical therapy. After graduating, marrying and settling in Southwest Louisiana, he met a fellow carver. The two met once a week to carve together and for Standing to hone his skill. His friend moved away, but Standing continued his pursuit of becoming a master carver. He has attended classes in Fredericksburg, Texas and Branson, Missouri and plans to take classes in Nebraska later this year. “I’d like to move on to carve busts of similar objects that I’ve done on a smaller scale,” he said.

He’d like to sell some of his pieces, but Hurricane Ike put a damper on his plans. “I live in an area of Lake Charles that had not flooded in at least thirty years,” he said. “I had to put my plans to market my pieces on hold so that we could regroup after the hurricane. It’s still a challenge.”

Standing’s persistence is evident by the intricate details of his carvings as well as the steady improvements seen by his patients every day.

Carving Out Improvements

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The sun is shining, the air is hot and sticky and you’re packing for a well-deserved vacation. Suddenly you feel a tickle in your throat, notice the beginning of a headache and realize your nose is stuffy. Then you cough, sneeze and resign

yourself to throwing a box of tissues and cough drops into your beach bag. You have a summer cold.

Most people expect to get sick during the winter. It’s not fun, but after all, it is known as the “cold and flu season.” However, many people are surprised when they come down with a cold in the middle of summer. Who wants to spend their sunny weather stuck inside or a week at the beach with a runny, stuffy nose?

“In a typical year, cold season goes pretty much through the school year and flu season usually falls between December and March,” says Kelly Fuqua, MD, family medicine physician with Calcasieu Family Physicians in Sulphur. “However, this has been a very unusual year. We’ve seen higher rates of colds and flu over a longer period of time,

and we’ve had the addition of the H1N1 swine flu virus. It won’t be surprising if we see more people with colds this summer than we usually do.”

As a nation, we experience about 1 billion colds a year. Adults can expect to get anywhere from two to four colds each year, and children may get as many as 10. Summer colds are less common because people spend more time outdoors instead of indoors as they do in the winter, where germs are more easily spread from person to person. In addition, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which are stronger in the summer, kill many cold viruses, which can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours.

Unfortunately, Dr. Fuqua says some of the 200 or so viruses that cause common colds are still able to survive and spread during the summer, usually just in time to ruin a long-awaited vacation. “And while there’s no difference between the viruses that cause winter colds and summer colds, there is a difference in the way many people react when they get one. People are usually more annoyed when they get a

The Seasonal Trespasser

Summer Colds –

by Kristy Armand“If you suffer with allergies in the summer, you may be more likely to get a summer cold because allergies irritate the airway and make them more

susceptible to infection.”– Kelly Fuqua, MD, family medicine physician with Calcasieu Family Physicians in Sulphur


cold in the summer, whereas they might normally take in stride during the winter. They are more likely to use it as a reason to call in sick, stay home and take care of themselves in the winter, but when it happens in the summer, they don’t want to be inconvenienced and miss out on summer fun. Instead of staying home, and resting, people are more likely to continue with the outdoor activities they have planned and that may stretch out the duration of the cold.”

Allergies and air conditioning can also complicate matters, according to Dr. Fuqua. “If you suffer with allergies in the summer, you may be more likely to get a summer cold because allergies irritate the airway and make them more susceptible to infection. Air conditioning may alleviate allergies since it takes moisture and pollen out of the air, but it can also set the stage for infection. Cold dry air tends to dry out the mucous membrane of your nose and mouth and that can make you more susceptible to irritants and infection.”

Regardless of the season, Dr. Fuqua says the best cold advice is to avoid getting one. “Prevention is always preferable to treatment. Taking good care of yourself will boost your body’s natural defense mechanism against viruses, and a well-nourished immune system is also better able to fight off infections. You should get plenty of rest, exercise, eat nutritious foods and wash your hands frequently.” Cold germs are spread from one person to another by direct contact, so washing your hands often will decrease the risk of getting or sharing

germs. Use warm water and soap and wash the entire hand for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to water, use a water-free hand sanitizer.”

If you do get a summer cold, Dr. Fuqua says the good news is the typical cold usually lasts just a few days. “There is no magical cure. Many people think an antibiotic is what they need when they get a cold, but antibiotics are used to treat infections, and don’t work against viruses, which is what causes colds. We will usually only prescribe antibiotics if there is indication of a secondary bacterial infection such an ear infection, strep throat or sinusitis.”

She says in most cases, the best advice for treatment is rest, drinking plenty of fluids and over-the-counter medications, if needed, to address specific symptoms caused by the virus. “Read the labels carefully and only take what you need for your symptoms. If you are confused, ask a pharmacist or doctor for help. And if your symptoms get worse instead of better after a week, you should call your doctor.”

It may be hard to cope with cold symptoms when you’d rather be out having summer fun, but Dr. Fuqua says if you take care of yourself and have just a little patience, you can quickly send your summer cold on an extended vacation.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fuqua, call 528-7472.

No One Is Immune to Cancer.Including Me.

I’m probably like many of you. I never thought I’d get cancer. I guess I thought I was immune. But I wasn’t. The good news is that I found it early enough to get treatment. My doctor said if I had to have

cancer, finding it early was best, because it greatly increases my chance for a complete recovery.

Early detection is a key in cancer survival. See your doctor. I’m glad I did.

The chances of getting cancer here are about the same as nationwide - approximately 1 in 3 will be diagnosed*. But, here in Southwest Louisiana, the survival rate is lower. One

reason is because many people don’t see their doctor until the cancer is in later stages. Early detection gives more time to beat cancer. Take control of your cancer risk: get

screened, get active and learn the facts.*American Cancer Society

Fight Cancer with Facts.

A community partnership between:

Randy Veillon,winning the battle against cancer


WCCh Announces PromotionsChristi Kingsley has been promoted from director of human resources to vice president of human resources at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Her new role will involve planning, coordinating and administering policies relating to all phases of the hospital’s human resources activities. She will provide administrative oversight for Human Resources, Dynamic Dimensions, Nutrition Services, Marketing/Public Relations and Foundation/Auxiliary. Kingsley, a graduate of Louisiana State University, has been with the hospital for 14 years.

Karen Lambert has been promoted from marketing representative to marketing manager. She will oversee hospital marketing activities, advertising, service development and public relations activities. Lambert, a graduate of McNeese State University, is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration degree from McNeese and has been with the hospital for one

year. Prior to joining West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, Karen served as Director of Marketing for Allen Parish Hospital in Kinder and also assisted the Lake Area

Industry Alliance in special projects.

Cameron state Bank ranked First in stateCameron State Bank has been named the overall best bank in Louisiana based on its excellent performance and soundness according to the Louisiana Bank Performance Report published for the 1st Quarter of 2009, by Financial Management Consulting Group, a Kentucky based consulting firm. The report lists Cameron State Bank as the number one bank in Louisiana out of all 133 banks in the state.

“Cameron State Bank’s superior performance indicates they have an extremely capable management team, especially since many banks are having trouble in these tough economic times. It is quite an accomplishment to be ranked in the top five banks, but to be ranked number one out of 133 state banks, Cameron State Bank has to be hitting all the financial marks. The bank’s clients are fortunate to have such a sound financial institution in their community, and the bank deserves to be congratulated,” says W. Timothy Finn II, a principal at the consulting firm.

Performance rankings for Louisiana banks are based on eight financial factors. Six of those factors are based on earnings or components of earnings. Additional components such as operating overhead, efficiency ratio, return on

assets, and return on equity are also included in the evaluation. The remaining factors that complete the evaluation process are related to a bank’s strength, equity, and reserve position relative to non-performing assets as well as the bank’s overall asset quality. All Louisiana banks are scored and ranked in each category, with an overall composite score and the bank’s ranking determined by the average of all the accumulated factors.

Financial Management Consulting Group has been publishing Bank Performance Reports since 1998. Additional information can be obtained by contacting W. Timothy Finn, II at 270-866-2566 or [email protected].

Cameron Communications expands serviceCameron Communications announced expansion of its cable TV, Internet and phone services to new Moss Bluff neighborhoods. The expansion will make service available to 237 more homes in the developed areas of Coffey Pines, Orleans Run, Pentangeli Square, Christy Drive and Evergreen Estates. Cameron Communications already serves more than 1,000 Moss Bluff homes.

To reach the new neighborhoods, Cameron Communications will run fiber-optic cables from the current stopping point on U.S. Hwy. 171 along Joe Miller Road and North Perkins Ferry Road. Completion is expected by late summer to early fall, with some home installations as soon as July. Moss Bluff residents can call 855-2009 for answers to questions regarding service. The Cameron Communications Web address is www.camtel.com.

Grand opening for Cameron state Bank location

Cameron State Bank celebrated the opening of their second banking center in Moss Bluff with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 30. Local officials were on hand to help CSB leaders with the ribbon cutting for the new banking center, located at 1838 N. Hwy. 171 North, on the corner of Hwy. 171 and Clyde Dulaney Rd., north of Moss Bluff. Attendees also got a first look at the new Outdoor Adventure Giveaway from CSB, a 17-foot Tracker fishing boat, motor and trailer. Hunting and fishing trips will also be given away every month. Registration slips are available at any CSB banking center. The giveaway is open to the public.

lCMh Auxiliary Announces Board Members The Auxiliary at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has announced the Board of Directors for 2009. Members of the executive board include: Bobbie Jefferson, President; Reta Kaspar, President-elect; Barbara Bourgeois, Immediate Past President; Anita Morgan, Corresponding Secretary; Virginia Turner, Recording Secretary; and Dorothy Bryant, Treasurer. Members-at-large include: Tessie Boulet, Inez Morris; Gay Arnold, Lillian Salvador, Janet Chapman, Maxine Bennett, Tasnee Lianmongkol, Shon Castillo, Della Johnson, Barbara Fox, June Key, and Bridget Barnes.

northwestern Mutual opens District officeNorthwestern Mutual Financial Network will open a district office in Lake Charles at 127 W. Broad St. Northwestern Mutual of Louisiana, which offers

Karen lambert

Christi Kingsley


Care help Calls for volunteersCare Help of Sulphur needs volunteers during the summer months to assist with sorting, tagging and hanging clothes and working in various department of the store. For more information, call Debbie Russell at 528-2273 or visit the Wise Penny Thrift Store at 200 N. Huntington in Sulphur.

Cameron Communications Sponsors Marshland Festival Cameron Communications PR Coordinator Trina Johnson and Marketing, Sales, and PR Supervisor Kristi Broussard presented Marshland Festival Vice President Kevin Moreau with a check for $6,500. Cameron Communications is the stage sponsor for the 20th Annual Marshland Festival. The festival will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Jul. 31 - Aug. 1, 2009.

Cameron Communications Donates to West Cal Arena Carlyss, LA - Cameron Communications Public Relations Coordinator Trina Johnson presented $2,500 to Adrian Moreno for the West Cal Arena. Cameron Communications is able to aid the West Cal Arena facility in hosting various activities throughout the year.

Jon Margeaux receives lantern AwardJon Margeaux, located in the Cottage Shop District on Hodges Street, received the 2009 Lantern Award for the Imperial-Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission, District 5. This annual award, presented by Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, recognizes those manufacturing companies that have made a significant impact on Louisiana’s economy. Accepting the award at the Governor’s Mansion on

a holistic approach to financial security solutions, has six other locations throughout the state. The local branch will be managed by Ted Harless Jr.

Mak Joins lCMh as Finance vPDavid Mak, a native of Hong Kong, was recently named Vice President of Finance at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. A graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Mr. Mak has more than 12 years experience managing fiscal affairs for hospitals, most recently serving as Assistant Chief Financial Officer at Women & Children’s Hospital in Lake Charles.

In his new role, Mr. Mak’s duties include the oversight of Memorial’s revenue and supply cycles, as well as the accounting and medical records departments. An avid golfer and wind sailor, Mr. Mak is the father of two grown sons.

Gary Curtis, CEO of Louisiana Health Care Review is pictured with WCCH employees Annette Belcher, Medical Telemetry/Resource Manager; Becky Stein, ICU Director and Regina Ellender, Medical Surgery Manager.

Gary Curtis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Louisiana Health Care Review, presented the Platinum Award to Marilyn McSwain, Chief Nursing Officer, and Kevin Haymon, Director of Quality Management.

West Calcasieu Cameron hospital and lCMh receive Platinum AwardsWest Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently received Platinum Level 2008 Louisiana Hospital Quality Awards, presented by the Louisiana Health Care Review Inc., the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana, based on improvements in the quality of health care for patients in the clinical areas of heart failure, pneumonia, acute myocardial infarction and surgical care. These areas have been designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The quality improvement efforts at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital have been led by members of the medical staff, as well as Annette Belcher, Medical Telemetry/Resource Manager; Becky Stein, ICU Director; Regina Ellender, Medical Surgery Manager; Cynthia Sullivan, Cardiology; Kris Conner, Director of Surgical Services and Kathy Doty, Quality Management Director. Staff members from Memorial have been working with quality improvement specialists from Louisiana Health Care Review, Inc. (LHCR) to use proven, evidence-based practices to improve care for their patients.

LHRC established the award to recognize Louisiana hospitals that successfully implement quality initiatives directed toward improving patient care in the hospital setting.

Forrest receives service Award from lCMhLake Charles Memorial Hospital recently awarded the Rosie Thompson Service Excellence Employee of the Year Award to Christina Forrest, a registered nurse at Memorial Hospital for Women.

Forrest was recognized for her unwavering optimism and deep concern for patients and fellow hospital employees alike. In addition to hospital and community recognition, Christina also received prizes and $1,000 cash.

David Mak

continued on page 58Christina Forrest


June 16, 2009 were Founder Sarah Ehlers and Vice President Greg Mahoney. Jon Margeaux is a wholesale giftware company, manufacturing soy candles, reed diffusers, pewter-accented glassware and stationery items.

Parker Joins sweet spot TelemediaOran Parker has joined the staff of Sweet Spot Telemedia, a Sulphur-based video production company, as creative services director. Parker is an award-winning designer and illustrator with more than 13 years of advertising and production experience. Most recently he served as creative director for the O’Carroll Group, a local advertising agency.

Women’s Commission Plans for 2009 Fall ConferenceThe Women’s Commission of SWLA Inc. invites all businesses and organizations to register for a booth at the 2009 Women’s Fall Conference. The Conference will be held October 15, 2009 with Meredith Baxter as the keynote speaker. More than 150 businesses typically participate.

Booth rentals are $175. For more information on the Commission and Conference visit www.womenscommissionswla.com. For additional information on MarketPlace booths contact Angel Mefford at 337-499-8671 or marketplace@

womenscommissionswla.com.

Foltz Joins l’Auberge du lac as Pastry ChefBill Foltz has been named pastry chef for L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Foltz specializes in fine dining, high volume banquets and exquisite chocolate and sugar showpieces and has held successful leadership positions at 4-star/4-diamond rated establishments. In 2006, he earned a gold medal at the U.S. Pastry Competition and was named U.S. Pastry Chef of the Year.

Foltz brings more than 17 years of experience to L’Auberge. He most recently served as executive pastry

chef for Alon’s Bakery & Market, a multi-outlet bakery and market in Dunwoody, Ga.

All About Kids expo July 11 Prien Lake Mall will host an “All About Kids Expo” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Kids of all ages are invited for free activities, face painting, and arts and crafts. Balloon animals, mascots and inflatable jumpies will be stationed throughout the mall.

For more information on the Expo or Prien Lake Mall, contact Nikki Buxton at 477-7487.

Colonna Joins richard law FirmE. Jacob Colonna has joined the Richard Law Firm as an associate. Colonna is an LSU graduate from the Paul M. Hebert School of Law in Baton Rouge. Colonna will practice law at the firm’s new location, 1322 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA, 70601.

Women’s shelter Golf Classic July 13The Calcasieu Women’s Shelter will host its annual Golf Classic fund-raiser on Monday, July 13, at the Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Individuals and teams are welcome. Awards will be given for four-person scramble, gross low score, longest drive, closest to the pin and hole in one. For information on the event or to be a sponsor, contact Jennifer Couvillion at 436-4552 or Wanda Cooper at (281) 797-8278.

continued from page 57

haircuts on the Beach July 18The Odyssey Salon will host Haircuts on the Beach, a family-oriented event with live entertainment, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18. The Loaded 44rz and Ashes of Babylon will perform and a jump waterslide and refreshments will be provided. Haircuts are $10. All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Shelter and Abraham’s Tent. For more information, contact manager April Davis at 437-3997.

Derouen Joins sports Club staff at GraywoodTodd DeRouen has joined the professional fitness staff at the Sports Club at Graywood as a personal trainer. Originally from Gueydan, DeRouen earned a degree in Health Promotion from McNeese State University. He has three years of fitness training experience and specializes in interval training and plyometrics. At the Sports Club, he works one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals.

Antique Appraisal Fair July 18The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will host “Country Crossroads Antique Appraisal Fair” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Wooten Theatre in DeRidder.

Gold Key Quest ticket holders may each bring two items to be appraised. Non-members will be asked to donate $10 for each item they want appraised. Items may include china, crystal or flatware; small to medium housewares and goods; two and three-dimensional art; and tapestries. For more information or to purchase Gold Key Quest tickets, call 439-2787 or visit www.goldkeyquest.org.

le Bocage Team Wins horse show ribbons

Five team members of The Stables at Le Bocage won ribbons at the Spring Flowers Horse Show in Katy, Texas. Keli Sonnier riding on Phoebe of Le Bocage won a total of 11 ribbons, finishing with the Grand Champion in the Beginner Equitation Division. In addition to Grand Champion, she earned three first-place, two second-place, one third-place, two fifth-place, one sixth-place and one seventh-place ribbon. Isabel Boudreaux earned seven ribbons and secured the Championship in the Pre-Green Hunter Division while riding Quickly of Le Bocage. Her ribbons consisted of two first-place, four second-place, one fourth-place and one fifth-place finish. Victoria Vallier earned 11 ribbons, two of which were Reserve Champion in the Non-Pro Hunter Division riding Quickly of Le Bocage. In addition she won five second-place and four third-place ribbons. Reni Botha of Lafayette earned a third-place ribbon in the Amateur Jumping Division. Naomi Smith of Chicot, Louisiana also competed with the team at the show. The Stables at Le Bocage is a full-service equestrian facility offering group and private lessons, horse training and boarding. For more information call 337-905-JUMP (5867) or visit their web site at www.thestablesatlebocage.com.

oran Parker

Bill Foltz

e. Jacob Colonna

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Slathering sunscreen onto African-American

skin may seem pointless; after

all, doesn’t the melanin inherent in the darker skin

protect it?

Not really, according to the

American Academy of Dermatology. In fact, all

types of skin cancer are increasing among African

Americans and Hispanics, and are fatal more often because they are not detected early.

Darker-skinned people do benefit from the extra melanin,

but only a little. It’s equivalent to a natural sun protection factor

of about 13; below the AAD’s minimum guideline of SPF 15 for

everyone to use every day.

“Traditionally, African-American skin was thought to be well-protected from sun

damage, but when it comes to skin cancer, new evidence says otherwise. Increasing cancer rates tell us clearly that we need to change habits when it comes to protecting skin of all colors from the sun,” said Maureen Olivier, MD, dermatologist joining The Clinic July 15.

Only twenty-seven percent of people with self-described darker skin used sunscreen when outdoors for more than four hours, according to a Consumer Reports survey, compared to sixty-four percent of lighter-skinned people.

Ideally, sunscreen should be applied half an hour before sun exposure and reapplied after being in the sun for a few

hours or after getting wet. Dr. Olivier said most people don’t use enough sunscreen when

they do apply it. “Be generous and use more than you think you need. That will probably give you the right amount,” she said.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 1 million unreported cases of various skin cancers this year. Sixty-eight thousand cases of melanoma are expected to be diagnosed. “Melanoma affects Caucasian and African American skin and is best treated when detected early,” said Dr. Olivier. “Things to look for include a change in the size or shape of a mole, oozing or bleeding from a mole or a mole that feels itchy, hard, swollen or tender to the touch.”

Studies show the skin cancer survival rate for African Americans is lower. In many cases, by the time the cancer is detected, it has spread to other parts of the body; greatly reducing the chances for a complete recovery. Also, it often appears in unusual locations. African Americans, darker-skinned Hispanics and Asians tend to get skin cancer on the palms, soles of the feet, as well as in and around fingernails and toenails. In Caucasian people and lighter-skinned Hispanics, melanomas appear more frequently on the back in men and on the legs in women.

“Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer for both men and women. The survival rate could dramatically increase if more people would realize they have some control over their risk of getting cancer,” said Dr. Olivier. “Lifestyle factors influence about two-thirds of all cancers that are diagnosed. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a big role in reducing the cancer rate. This includes eating right, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and using sunscreen as advised. If there are any areas of concern, it’s important to see a doctor to check it out.”

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals reviewed cancer rates of all types in Calcasieu Parish for the years 1987 – 1997 and reported that overall cancer incidence rates were comparable to cancer incidence rates statewide. Louisiana’s cancer rate as compared to the rest of the nation is the same, according to the American Cancer Society: people nationwide have a one in three chance of getting cancer at some point in their lives. But, the survival rate is lower in Louisiana. Health experts attribute this to several reasons that apply to all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity:

ignoring recommended health screenings•not getting regular exercise•being overweight•continuing to smoke or drink alcohol in excess•

“Simple steps are all that’s needed to greatly improve survival rates,” said Dr. Olivier. “Hopefully, this message will be a wake-up call for everyone, no matter what their heritage, to take care of their health and to use sunscreen daily, especially during these summer months.”

For more information about skin cancer, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Olivier, call 474-1386.

Sunscreen is Essential for All Skin Colors

by Christine Fisher


Summer is the time for picnics, barbeques, ball parks, swimming pools and all those other fun-in-the-sun activities that go so well with another favorite pastime – eating. Unfortunately, food you eat outside may be

carrying some unwanted ingredients: food-borne bacteria. You can’t see them, you can’t taste them, but they may make their nauseating presence known hours or days later.

Each year about one in every ten Americans has an illness caused by food. The problem is definitely more common in the summer, but Registered Dietitian, Holly Compton, Director of Nutritional Services at Jennings American Legion Hospital, says higher temperatures are not the only cause. There are natural causes, including the bacteria itself. “Bacteria are present throughout the environment in soil, air, water, and in the bodies of people and animals. These microorganisms do grow faster in the warm summer months. Most food-borne bacteria grow fastest at temperatures from 90 to 110 °F. Bacteria also need moisture to flourish, and summer weather is often hot and humid.”

Given the right circumstances, Compton says harmful bacteria can quickly multiply on food to large numbers. When this happens, someone eating the food can get sick.

She says people and seasonal situations are also part of the problem. “People are spending more time outside and cooking outdoors. The safety controls we take for granted in an indoor kitchen, including a refrigerator, thermostat-controlled cooking, and easily accessible washing facilities, are usually not conveniently available in the outdoors.”

Most instances of food-borne illness result in simple gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms can develop anytime between 20 minutes and 6 weeks after eating food that contains harmful bacteria. Fortunately, people seldom get seriously ill from contaminated food because most people in the United States have a healthy immune system that protects them. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at the greatest health risk.

Compton says there are simple steps individuals can take to greatly reduce the risk of food-borne pathogens.

Wash your hands and cooking surfaces often. If clean water is not available at your picnic facility, bring a jug of water from

home for food preparation and cleaning. Or pack antibacterial gel, moist towelettes and paper towels to clean hands and surfaces.

Keep cold food cold. When traveling to a picnic or barbecue, store refrigerated perishable foods in an insulated cooler packed with several inches of ice, ice packs, or containers of frozen water. Keep a cooler in your trunk all summer to store cold food on the trip home from the grocery store.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Most produce should be rinsed under cold running water to help eliminate hazards. Scrub melons with a brush and peel carrots to eliminate dirt and other hazards.

Keep foods separate. When packing the cooler, securely wrap raw meats or seafood to prevent the raw juices from coming in contact with ready-to-eat food, like fruits or vegetables. Wash plates, utensils, and cutting boards that touched the raw meat or poultry before using again for other food. Also, don’t use raw eggs for preparing homemade ice cream, uncooked desserts, or salad dressings. Prevent cross contamination from marinades. Always marinate raw food in the refrigerator, never on the counter. If you want to use the marinade as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before putting the raw meat or poultry in it. Cook to proper temperatures. Raw foods must be heated long enough and at a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Grilled meat and poultry often brown very quickly on the outside, yet still may not be thoroughly cooked. Always check the internal temperature with a food thermometer:

T-Bone Steaks - 145 °F Hamburgers - 160 °F Hot Dogs - 165 °F Chicken Breasts - 170 °F.

refrigerate leftovers promptly. Food left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s 90 °F) may not be safe to eat. Refrigerated leftovers should be used or frozen within four days. Compton says if you have any doubts about the safety of any food – throw it out. “If you prepare and then store foods properly, you’ll never have bacteria as an unwelcome guest at your outdoor meals.”

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Who says you need plane tickets and hotel reservations to have a vacation? Sure, most of us would jump at the chance to fly to Europe with our spouse and kids, but international travel does not a vacation make. What matters is the important stuff – downtime, relaxation, family togetherness, and a chance to regroup. In today’s economy, most folks are pinching pennies together just for a weekend jaunt. That’s why it’s time to stop thinking of “vacation” as an exotic destination and start thinking of it as a mindset – one that can be enjoyed in the comforts and sights of Southwest Louisiana.

“Southwest Louisiana is a great destination for summer vacations, not only for out-of-towners, but locals too. The area’s attractions are affordable, if not free,” said Katie Harrington, public relations manager for the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Area museums offer great educational family fun at a minimal cost and the Creole Nature All-American Road allows families to experience nature up close and personal, with activities like crabbing, shelling on the beach or alligator and bird sighting. The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitors’ Center recently re-opened and now features exhibits, along with stories told by local favorites Tante Marie and T-Maurice.”

A “staycation” doesn’t mean you have to spend your days at home, Harrington said. She suggested that families fill their picnic baskets, grab a few blankets and spend the day poolside at the Sulphur Aquatic Center. Not in the mood for a swim park? Take your baskets and blankets and lounge near the PPG Fountain or under a tree at Prien Lake Park.

“No matter what adventure you choose, we encourage you to step out and explore your own backyard,” Harrington said.

A few other staycation ideas:Go horse riding at the • stables at le Bocage, 4550 South Park. If you don’t know how, not to worry. They offer lessons for beginners. For more information, call 905-5867.Take the family to • sam houston Jones state Park. Have a picnic, stroll along the boardwalk, or enjoy the new interpretive amphitheatre. If you want to make it a mini-vacation, book one of the cabins for the weekend … or longer. Enjoy the • Wetland Walkway, located on the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge along the Creole Nature Trail, as well as the Blue Goose Trail. If making bets is your bag, watch horse-racing at • Delta Downs racetrack and Casino, melt island-style at isle of Capri, or get lazy near l’Auberge du lac’s lazy river.Visit one of the area’s many museums: • imperial Calcasieu, Central school Arts and humanities Center, 1911 City hall, Brimstone, DeQuincy railroad, or the Mardi Gras Museum, to name a few.Explore • niblett’s Bluff, a Civil War encampment on the Sabine River in Vinton.Designate a water sports day for the family, and take to the water.•

If you’re not interested in traveling anywhere further than your sofa, but need a few days off to unwind (a true “staycation”), make sure you do just that. Don’t waste your downtime doing things around the house or catching up on unfinished work tasks. It’s your time – enjoy it.

For more information on all the weekend and day trips that Southwest Louisiana has to offer, contact the local Convention and Visitors Bureau at 436-9588 or stop by the office at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive for brochures and information.

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Bluebirds Find an Exclusive Nesting CommunityConservation Efforts Help Offset Population Decline

The pair of birds who decided to nest in the Pucketts’ mailbox couldn’t have picked a better house. Whereas most people would consider it amusing to have a feathered family growing on their front porch, Alton Puckett, a lifelong bird enthusiast, immediately recognized his new residents as Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) – the first he’d ever seen in Lake Charles.

According to a study by the department of zoology and wildlife science at Auburn University, the U.S. bluebird population has declined by as much as 90 percent over the past 60 years, thanks mostly to urban sprawl, competition with more aggressive breeds, and changing agricultural practices. When Puckett discovered the growing bluebird family at his house in Graywood,

he wanted to do more than see them off well; he wanted to accommodate other bluebird families as much as possible.

“When riding my bike around Lemongrass Circle, I found three mailboxes out of thirty that had bluebird nests in them. It was obvious to me that something needed to be done,” Puckett said.

Bluebirds are cavity nesters who thrive in open, well-manicured areas, such as golf courses, cemeteries and, apparently, Graywood. According to Puckett, bluebirds have trouble hunting in overgrown areas because they can’t see the tasty insects below, so they need sprawling areas – something that has become less common in recent decades. Meanwhile, other cavity nesters, such as sparrows and starlings, continue to aggressively evict them from their homes by cracking their eggs or pitching them out. This has left the waning bluebirds with fewer and fewer options, until Puckett and the small-but-growing local Bluebird Society stepped in.

Puckett, with the help of Graywood administrators, created a Bluebird Trail in the Graywood community to give the birds a place to flourish. Preparing a nesting box for bluebirds isn’t as simple as nailing a birdhouse to a tree. The boxes had to prevent more aggressive birds (such as sparrows and starlings) from nesting; prevent predators like raccoons, squirrels and even ants from gaining access; and give the birds an appropriate territorial radius.

Puckett studied potential areas of Graywood and eventually erected five nesting boxes. A predator guard keeps raccoons and others away, a four-inch band of automotive grease on the post prevents the ants from making headway, and the entrance hole to the box is only 1 ½ inch around, too small for many other species.

“Graywood has become the local representatives for bluebirds,” said Puckett, who is now scouting other locations around Lake Charles that would be ideal for nesting boxes.

It takes a lot of patience to effectively observe bluebirds in their nests, as they are largely hidden from view and their flying patterns to and from the nest are never certain, but Puckett encourages Southwest Louisiana to be on the lookout for these elusive birds.

“They are cobalt blue, with a rusty redness across the breast. They’re about the size of a house sparrow,” Puckett said.

If bluebirds continue to survive in healthy numbers in the south, it could be because of volunteer movements like the local Bluebird Society. According to Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology, bluebird sightings increased significantly in 2005, probably as a result.

For information on how to join the Louisiana Bayou Bluebird Society, visit labayoubluebirdsociety.org or call Alton Puckett at 337-433-2069.

The U.S. bluebird population has declined by as much as 90 percent over the past 60 years, thanks mostly to urban sprawl and competition with more aggressive breeds.

Bird enthusiast Alton Puckett inspects one of the nesting boxes he built for the Bluebird Trail at Graywood.

By Erin K. Cormier


Within 24 to 48 hours after learning new concepts, students often forget information unless it is reinforced or applied immediately. That’s why, during summer break, even the best students forget lessons they have learned during the school year.

While a break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, if students aren’t using the skills they acquired in the classroom, they could find themselves lagging behind once the school bell rings again. Sylvan Learning Center offers recommendations to inspire academic discovery when away from the classroom.

WriTinG – Encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a grandparent or friend. On vacation, ask your child to keep a travel journal recording where you stayed and what you did. This not only reinforces writing skills, but helps develop family memories.

MATheMATiCs - Helping mom or dad with grocery shopping develops opportunities to use math skills, such as making change or weighing fruits and vegetables. Providing assistance with cooking can also familiarize children with weights and measures, organization and planning and following a recipe. Help children pick a recipe, create an ingredients list and go shopping together.

reADinG - You can’t start too early. You can’t read too much. Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and communication. For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting. Children also learn by example. If parents are setting time aside to read, it reinforces the fun and enjoyment of reading. There are an abundance of sites that provide summer reading lists for children. At www.bookadventure.com, children (K-8) create personalized books lists from more than 7,000 recommended titles, take quizzes on the books they’ve read at school or at home, and earn prizes for their reading comprehension.

AnAlYsis AnD loGiC - Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but help children to develop and reinforce skills. A simple card game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking.

suMMer enriChMenT ProGrAMs - There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out-of-session. Sylvan Learning Center offers engaging programs that keep the interest and fun in learning alive through the summer and into the school year.

For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please call 337-474-9998.

Help Kids

Hold onto SmartsDuring Summer

Each year hundreds of lives are lost... thousands are injured... and millions of dollars of property damage occur because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Wearing a life jacket is critical for boating safety.

Recent statistics show approximately 70% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Approximately 90% of the victims who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket). The statistics show over 400 lives could have been saved if they would have worn a life jacket. It’s simple, life jackets save lives.

1201 Ryan, Lake Charles Safe Line – 436-3354safetycouncilswla.org

The Safety Council of SWLA offers these tips for using a life jacket: ✖ Buy your own personal life jacket and use it. One size does not fit all. There may not be one available that fits to rent or borrow. ✖ Look at the label. It will provide weight and size information. ✖ Try it on to check the fit. Once the straps and buckles are secured,it should not slip over your head or come above your ears. ✖ Never use water toys in place of a U. S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. ✖ Throw away a life jacket if you find air leakage, mildew, or rot. ✖ Never alter a life jacket. It could lose its effectiveness.✖ Check your life jackets yearly for flotation and fit.


Love your

LinenLinen fabric has been used for centuries to produce many kinds of clothing. Linen is created from the stalk of the flax plant, using its strong durable fibers.

Linen is well known for wrinkling, and for some, that’s part of the attraction. Whether you like the wrinkling, or prefer your linen fresh and crisp, this is a fabric that needs special care.

Linen jackets, suits, and dresses must be dry cleaned to keep their inner construction (facings, lining, shoulder pads, etc.) intact. As a bonus, dry cleaning restores linen’s crisp shape and finish.

If you want your casual linen pieces to have that that same crispness, then you should also have them dry cleaned. However, if you prefer a more relaxed look and feel to your linen, you can wash them at home. Be sure to read the care label to check the manufacturer’s care recommendations. If your clothing does not list any instructions on the label, or is made entirely of linen, machine or hand washing in mild, bleach-free detergent is best. When hand washing linen, never wring or twist while cleaning. Carefully swish the item around in lukewarm or cool water, replacing the soapy water with fresh water until all soap is removed. When machine washing linen clothing, it is best to use the machine’s gentle cycle. Do not overload the machine, as linen launders best when given more room to move around freely. For items that are delicate, have embroidery or fringe, put the garment in a pillowcase or mesh bag to prevent wear and tear. The more you wash linen, the softer it gets. Softer linen is still sturdy, but will not wrinkle as much as stiffer linen.

If you choose to dry your linen clothing in a machine dryer, it is important not to over-dry. Over-drying can make linen brittle, causing it to wrinkle even faster than it naturally does. Remove linen clothing from the dryer before it is completely dry. When leaving linen items to dry on their own, best results are achieved when the item is laid and smoothed out on a flat surface to air dry.

Avoid folding linen, and always iron it when it’s damp. Ironing linen is not as difficult as you might think. Be certain your iron is clean and if you choose to fill with water for steam, be sure it is free of mineral deposits. Mineral deposits can cause spotting on the garment. To make ironing effortless, simply make sure the item is damp. Wrinkles are pressed away with ease when linen is dampened. Finish ironing when linen is smooth but still slightly damp, and hang or lay the garment flat until completely dry. For extra crispness, spray the linen garment with starch before ironing.

Avoid folding linen garments. Linen clothing should be hung on a padded clothes hanger in a cool dry environment.

Information provided by Robert Guilott, owner of AAA Drive-In Cleaners, a Certifed Garment Care Professional.

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If by chance you are battling with a stain on one of your linen garments, remember that stains are most easily removed when they are fresh. Never try to rub a stain away. Using a damp white napkin or cloth, blot the stain gently. If the stain is oil based, it is usually best to let a dry cleaner do the work for you. If you know that the stain is water based, blot the stain, and then wash the item as soon as possible. If you choose to use a stain remover or treatment product, it is safest to test an inconspicuous area of the garment with the product first. Apply the product and let it sit for at least five minutes and then rinse. If you notice no color change, then use the product directly on the stain. After using the stain remover, rinse the garment and launder as usual.

If cared for properly, linen clothing can last for years, and remain in excellent condition.


BI just got back from Europe – it was the trip of a lifetime and I highly recommend it! Travelling to Europe requires some adjusting. Life is very different across the pond. They eat at “weird” times, their air conditioning requirements are apparently not nearly as stringent as

ours, and the bathrooms – oh boy.

Whenever I travel, I love to immerse myself in the culture. I truly believe “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” The four days I actually was in Rome, I wanted to know how they live. I asked anyone who spoke English all kinds of questions – what time do you go to work, what do you eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner, why do you eat dinner so late, where do you vacation, how do you learn to drive in this crazy traffic, etc. I’m sure I was annoying to some (and embarrassing to my travel mates), but I don’t care. I have to know everything I can!

Here are my top tips for travelling:

Do The reseArCh. I read everything I could get my hands on about the cities I was visiting. I didn’t want to waste an hour, a site, or a meal. As a result this meant I was prepared for the bathroom situation (lack of availability, shared gender bathrooms, attendants who expect to be paid). I understood the dining schedule. And I knew the “must see” places.

PuT uP The reseArCh. Once you are familiar with a location, don’t rely only on your guidebook. Honestly, the best memories I have are of the places we stumbled upon. The restaurants where no English was spoken and we all just pointed, nodded and smiled. The palace not on our agenda where the newly married couple was strolling hand in hand in all their wedding finery. The day we leisurely wandered around instead of keeping a frantic schedule.

Be A GooD GuesT/visiTor. We were spending the majority of our time in Italy and Spain. I know just enough Spanish to get by, and I learned basic Italian before I left. I find that people are much more willing to help you if they feel you are at least attempting to work within their culture. Our reputations as “brash Americans” proceed us, and we are very often viewed as unyielding and expectant of everyone to accommodate us. Many people I know believe that anyone in our country should speak our language, and we should do the same when we travel to other areas of the world.

APPreCiATe Where You Are For WhAT iT is. I really had to slow myself down on this trip. The people in the places we visited move at a much slower pace. Also, several of the points of interest could be run so much more efficiently! As I was getting frustrated, I had a little discussion with myself that included, “They are happy with things this way. It works for them. They’ve been at it much longer than we have.” We met some wonderful people on the train that take a month-long vacation each year. They couldn’t believe that most people in America take only one-week vacations at a time. Having been gone for two-and-a-half weeks, I can see the value in this. When I train on stress management, I discuss the need for vacations and generally refer them as being one full week (since many people use their vacation time one or two days at a time, taking several long weekends). As you know, when you leave your work situation, it usually takes a couple of days to unwind and you have to start gearing back up a couple of days before you return to work. If you’re off for a week, you have at best four really relaxing days. A month off sounds really good, doesn’t it? The thought of an entire month off is scary to most people – how big of a mountain of work would I come back to? How would they make it without me? Would I still be viewed as indispensable? When I talked to the Italian friends I’d made about this, they all made it clear that while work is important to them, it is not the most important priority in their lives. Hmm…I think we can learn something here.

Ah, iT’s GooD To Be hoMe. I really think I could be happy living in Italy: the food, the wine, the history and ruins, the art. But that’s not my reality (at least, not now). So I choose to focus on what I love about our community – the friendliness of the people, the ease of communication, the really good air conditioning, readily available and clean bathrooms with only women in them, fabulous food, family and friends. I try to be a “make the best of whatever situation you are in” kind of person, and I believe there are always good things about every circumstance. You just have to discover them and focus on them.

Now, I bet some of you are saying to yourselves, “Keri just used her article to talk about her stupid trip to Europe. I’m not going to Europe, so what good does that do me???” Look again. I promise you there is a situation in your life that you need to apply my tips to: you need to do some research, you need to follow your gut, you need to immerse yourself in the culture of the situation, and you need to focus on the positives of the circumstances. It’s time for you to be a good traveler – on your life’s journey!

When In Rome…


by Rose Klein

Q: My daughter graduated from high school this year. We received an invitation from friends whose daughter was also graduating. Isn’t that improper?

A: It is inappropriate to send an invitation to the family of a classmate of your child’s as they are already included in the graduation. However, families of children graduating from other schools in the same year as your child may be sent an announcement. Recipients of an announcement are not expected to give a gift.

Q: When an invitation is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. does that automatically include the children?

A: No, it does not! If the children are included, the invitation should state “and Family” or “and Children” or list the children by name.

Q: I am single and have been invited to a wedding. May I bring a date?

A: If your invitation was addressed to you alone, then it was intended for only you. If it was addressed to you “and Guest” then you may bring a date or friend. If this is the case, you should let the bride know that you are bringing a guest and provide his/her name. This assists the bride in a headcount as well as a name for a place card if the reception is a seated dinner.

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

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(337) 480-1975 • 133 JEFFERSON DRIVEwww.raufinancialgroup.com


In the last article, we looked at the expenses physicians face in obtaining their degrees and setting up practices. In this article we will specifically look at the issues with Medicare.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law to provide health insurance for the elderly. Medicare initially reimbursed for health care at a rate very close to what doctors usually charged. Over the years, the coverage was expanded to people with disabilities and people with end- stage renal disease.

The population that qualifies for Medicare is sicker than the average non-Medicare person and requires more treatment and medication. The care is provided to older or disabled persons, many of whom have complicated health problems.

Over the years, the cost of all health care has increased. We have made tremendous advances in diagnosing diseases with advanced machines such at the CT scan and the MRI scan. We can see diseases much earlier and better than ever before. But these advanced machines are very expensive to build and maintain, and they require specially trained technologists to operate them. So the cost of medical care went up.

We have also made tremendous advances in health care. We know how to treat many diseases that were considered fatal in years past, but many of these treatments are very expensive and need careful monitoring with expense tests. So the cost of medical care went up.

The cost of health care has increased every year, as has the Medicare budget. Congress, concerned that the amount paid into the Medicare fund would not cover the cost of the charges, began limiting the fees Medicare would pay. At first, this was not that much a problem since there were not that many people on Medicare.

We have an aging population. The Baby Boomers are now reaching retirement. People are living longer. There are more people on Medicare than ever, and there will be even more in the future. All these factors have resulted in increasing costs for healthcare, particularly in the Medicare sector, despite the cuts in reimbursement.

Every year, Congress tries to balance the budget. Every year, Medicare fees have been cut to help with the balance.

So, if Medicare still pays for physician services, why aren’t doctors taking Medicare?

The basic care providers for Medicare are the family practice doctors and the internal medicine doctors who provide routine care. Medicare patients tend to

The Specific Issues with Medicare

from the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society

be older and have more complex problems, which requires more time. Although this patient requires more time and expense, the doctors are reimbursed less. Because the Medicare patients are complex, because Medicare has strict rules, and because it is expensive to run an office, physicians are now limiting the number of Medicare patients they accept.

There are also fewer and fewer physicians who decide to go into primary care. During their training, physicians look at trends and ultimately decide to get additional training in a specialty area to make enough money to pay their bills.

It is not limited to primary care, however. Some specialists will not accept Medicare either, as is the case in Lake Charles.

Since I am a radiologist, I have first-hand experience with Medicare cuts. During the past year, the reimbursement for the technical component has been cut about 25 percent and is scheduled to be cut even further in the future. This technical component is what we are paid for actually doing the study. This is the payment for the CT scan or the MRI or the ultrasound. The machines required for these studies are expensive. The utilities to power these machines are expensive. The technologists who operate these machines have had years of training and must be paid for their skills.

In the past year, there have been imaging centers which have closed their doors because they could not afford to pay their bills. People have been laid off in other imaging centers to keep down costs. Many plans for new imaging centers have been put on hold or abandoned. This is not an easy time.

There are few ways to bring down the costs. Limiting the number of people eligible for Medicare would result in many people losing medical care who may be very sick. Limiting the treatments available for Medicare patients would also mean limiting a doctor in the care of his patients. It could mean more deaths or delayed treatment since these patients may not get the treatments they need in a timely fashion.

If we require more payments from the Medicare patients, we would be asking for money from people who have a fixed income and are faced with the increasing costs of living day to day.

The basic plan for Medicare failed to take into account the number of people who would qualify and the need for expensive, prolonged care.

The current plan to reduce pay to physicians and pay for testing is not working.

There is one further note. There are many Medicare supplemental insurances. It is difficult to decide which is better. What most people do not know is that some of these supplemental insurances are not accepted by some physicians. Why? Because these companies delay payment for as long as three to four months after a bill is submitted. Medicare will pay a claim within two weeks. These insurance companies are withholding payments for a very long time. If doctors are not getting paid for this period of time, they cannot pay their own bills or their staff.

Ask your doctor if he takes a particular plan. If he doesn’t, you may be forced to find another doctor who will.

contributed by Barbara Tomek, MD


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PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: June 15, 2009

Cameron State Bank, Lake Charles, Louisiana, was named the

overall best bank in Louisiana based on its excellent performance

and soundness according to the Louisiana Bank Performance

Report published the 1st Quarter of 2009, by Financial Management

Consulting Group, a Kentucky based consulting firm. The report lists

Cameron State Bank as the number 1 bank in Louisiana out of all 133

Louisiana banks for the 1st Quarter of 2009.

Performance rankings for Louisiana banks are based on eight financial

factors. Six of those factors are based on earnings or components

of earnings. Additional components such as operating overhead,

efficiency ratio, return on assets, and return on equity are also

included in the evaluation.

The remaining factors that complete the evaluation process are

related to a bank’s strength, equity, and reserve position relative to

non-performing assets as well as the bank’s overall asset quality. All

Louisiana banks are scored and ranked in each category, with an

overall composite score and the bank’s ranking determined by the

average of all the accumulated factors.

“Cameron State Bank’s superior performance indicates they have an

extremely capable management team, especially since many banks

are having trouble in these tough economic times. It is quite an

accomplishment to be ranked in the top five banks, but to be ranked

number 1 out of 133 Louisiana banks, Cameron State Bank has to

be hitting all the financial marks. The bank’s clients are fortunate

to have such a sound financial institution in their community, and

the bank deserves to be congratulated,” says W. Timothy Finn II, a

principal at the consulting firm. Financial Management Consulting

Group has been publishing Bank Performance Reports since 1998.

For further information, contact:

W. Timothy Finn, II

Financial Management Consulting Group

[email protected]

270 866 2566

CAMERON STATE BANK

#Rated

1Bank in Louisiana

Documents

Thrive July 2009