Thrive October 2015 Issue

October 2015 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 11 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living October 2015

OCTOBER 2015

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PMS 7622Font: Caeldera

Bad Genes or Bad HabitsHow much

of your health is

inherited?

GOVERNOR’S RACE

2 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living October 2015

Rehabilitation Hospital of Jennings

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Call for a free assessment today.

• Brain Injury

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• Neurological Disorders

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Congenital Deformities

• Systemic Vasculidities

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients.

One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or [email protected] • www.jenningsrehab.com


CHRISTUSSTPATRICK.ORG

524 Dr. Michael DeBakey DriveLake Charles, LA 70601

“Seeing the dedication of the entire cancer team is why I became a Nurse Navigator.”

“At the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer

Center, we know just how overwhelming a

diagnosis of cancer can be. In my position as

Oncology Nurse Navigator, I serve as an advocate

for our cancer patients and their families, guiding

them through the entire cancer treatment

process. Our team provides education and

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will be with them every step of the way.

Because of the screenings, diagnostic

procedures, advanced technologies, and early

treatments we’re providing, we are saving lives

every day. This is truly my calling, an opportunity

to live out our mission of extending the healing

ministry of Jesus Christ.”

Michele Hurley, RN, CHPN

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call Michele at (337) 431-7916.


Contents

Regular Features 10 First Person with Shae Williams 16 Who’s News24 Business Buzz 70 Happenings 73 McNeese Corral 74 Solutions for Life

In This Issue Wining &Dining 6 Fall Seasonal Beer Review 8 The Art of Confection

Places &Faces 12 Run Your Own Race Leeza Gibbons Kenote Speaker at Women’s Commission Fall Conference 14 Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

Money &Career 18 Four Common Mistakes First-time Home Buyers Make 20 Stop Door-to-Door Scam Artists 22 College Students: Things to do Now to Succeed Later

Home &Family 26 Weddings in the Crescent City 38 Combating Crazy Ants 46 7 Ways to Revitalize Your Passion for Life

Style &Beauty 48 Fall Trends in Summer Heat 50 How to Rock Rainbow Hair

Mind &Body

60 COVER STORY:

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

DON’T JUST LIVE, THRIVE!

26

Editors and Publishers Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Creative Director Barbara VanGossen

Managing Editor Erin Kelly

Business Manager Katie McDaniel

Assistant Designers Shonda Manuel Kris Roy Mandy Gilmore

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

Advertising Sales [email protected] 337.310.2099

Submissions [email protected]

612

30–36 Special Section:



HalloweenYOUR GUIDE to the GOVERNOR’S RACE

Bad Genes vs. Bad Habits

48


QUIET AND SHYThis sweet girl is a very shy Chihuahua

that needs an older owner to best make

her feel safe, loved and comfortable. Once

she knows you, she will love you.

CUDDLY TO THE MAXAffectionate doesn’t even begin to describe this 3-year-

old female corgi/terrier mix. She loves giving kisses,

and does best with no small children. Look at those

freckles!

PUPPY POWERLexi is only 2-months-old and is as sweet as she is adorable.

She’s waiting patiently for that furever home with the

perfect family she can be with for a long time.

CASSIE

lexiBUNNY

All our wonderful dogs are available for adoption through 4Paws Society. Call 287-3552 for more information and to learn about other programs that are available.

Kevin White Weight Loss Surgery Success Story

Independent Member of the Medical Staff at Lake Area Medical Center.Individual results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery.An Accredited Bariatric Surgery Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Kevin White is an avid hunter. But when he reached 325 lbs., physical activity, including climbing a tree stand, became next to impossible. So Kevin turned to Dr. Keith Chung and Lake Area Medical Center. After weight loss surgery, Kevin lost 120 lbs! Today, Kevin can climb that tree stand with ease.

To learn more about surgical weight loss options, visit LakeAreaMC.com or to RSVP for a seminar, call 337-475-4075.

“Weight loss surgery got me back on the right path.”

Keith Chung, M.D.Board Certified in General Surgery

4200 Nelson Road • Lake Charles

M

84337_LAMC_BariatricKevin_8x4_875c.indd 1 4/10/15 5:07 PM


Wining &Dining

Now that summer has finally given way to fall, Southwest Louisiana residents are enjoying a welcome reprieve from the heat.

The changing of the seasons also means a new crop of seasonal beers is being brewed by Louisiana’s craft breweries. Although the growing craft revolution in the state is still in its infancy, roughly a dozen brewers develop a spectrum of world-class beers that literally change with the season.

We’ve compiled a list of a few of our fall favorites here. Happy sipping.

As I’m sure you’re familiar, the word “cocodrie” is Cajun French for alligator.

Like its reptilian namesake, this tripel IPA has “a lot of teeth,” brewery president Karlos Knott said upon its release. Also like an actual alligator, at 8 percent ABV this absurdly drinkable beer can sneak up and bite you if you’re not careful.

Born out of the union of the increasing popularity of craft beer and the continued love affair with football is the Gameday Session IPA.

In recent years, Session IPAs have gained traction as beers that can be consumed for long periods of time (all-day tailgate parties, for example). The lower alcohol content of sessions like Gameday allows craft beer lovers to sip flavorful, hoppy, full beers throughout the day without overindulging.

Released just in time for the start of this football season, Tin Roof’s blend of hops gives Gameday full piney and tropical fruit flavors with a relatively low alcohol content.

A relative newcomer to the Louisiana beer scene, Great Raft Brewing—which opened its doors in 2013—developed this coffee-infused English Ale in a partnership with Shreveport coffee house Rhino Coffee.

Although it is unrelentingly dark in color, casual beer fans need not fret. This fall seasonal ale carries smooth chocolate and roasted coffee flavors that are easily enjoyable for the craft novice.

If you enjoy a cup of Joe as much as you enjoy good ale, this one is for you.

The last on our list is not a seasonal, but it tastes like a crisp cool Friday night and is the color of fall foliage. So … you’re welcome.

A true Irish Red Ale style beer, Blaze is named for a New Orleans burlesque dancer (who had a well-publicized dalliance with Huey Long’s brother, Earl).

Its malty flavors are lightly sweet, smooth, and easy to get along with.

In 2014, Abita—the godfather of the Louisiana craft craze—released its take on the quintessential fall seasonal beer, Octoberfest.

A slightly more “hoppy” take on Abita’s “Fall Fest,” this full-bodied German style lager pairs well with red beans and sausage, étouffée, and those slightly-less-humid, slightly-less-warm fall nights.

Octoberfest, Abita (brewed Sept.-Nov.)5.4 percent ABV

Cocodrie, Bayou Teche Brewing (Arnaudville) (July-Dec.)8 percent ABV

Gameday Session IPA, Tin Roof Breweries (Baton Rouge) (Fall)4.3 percent ABV

Creature of Habit, Great Raft Brewing (Shreveport) (Fall)6 percent ABV

Bayou Blaze, Chafunkta (New Orleans)

by Chris LeBlanc


Salad ala Mason JarSalads are quick to make, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. If you’re bringing it to work or want one for a snack, you want to make sure it’s tossed so you can the enjoy the perfect ratio of dressing, veggies, and toppings. And you want to make sure your leafy greens stay nice and crunchy. But who has time to make salads in the morning before work? Or even the night before?

The mason jar is here to save you. Here’s how:

Coat the bottom of the jar with your favorite dressing. On top, layer it with your choice of veggies, like tomatoes, cucumbers, or broccoli. Then: sliced carrots, croutons, bacon bits and other toppings. Your leafy greens go on top, preferably something nutritious and tasty, like spinach or romaine. (Iceberg lettuce doesn’t have much flavor and virtually no nutritional value). Leave some breathing room between the greens and the lid.

Layering is key. If you put your lettuce or spinach on the bottom, it’ll get soggy and lose its crunch. So layer strategically.

Close the jar up tight. If you’re feeling productive, fill three jars and you have lunch for three days.

When you’re ready to eat, give the jar a good shake to distribute the dressing across your salad and voila! An easy salad on-the-go.

8 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living October 20158 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living September 2015

Wining & Dining

October 2015 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 98 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living October 2015 September 2015 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 98 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living September 2015

You may think that sugar is meant to be eaten, but for L’Auberge Casino Resort Pastry Chefs Cori Schlemmer and Rachel Young, that’s not the end-all of confection. Sugar can also become a work of art.

The chefs recently competed in Pastry Live 2015 in Atlanta, where they won the top national prize for Best Sugar Showpiece. This is the second national win for L’Auberge in a worldwide competition.

Chefs had to construct their sculptures using three pedestals and had just seven hours to finish their work. The sculpture, entitled “Free Bird,” features two marionettes made from pulled and blown sugar. The marionettes are attempting to free their strings and escape on their Radio Flyer.

Pulled sugar is cooked and liquefied sugar that is poured and folded repeatedly while the sugar is flexible. The sugar is then sculpted by

hand. Pulled sugar can also be blown with a pump and shaped into various pieces of art. Sugar sculpting is precise and challenging work that requires chefs to maintain a certain set of conditions—the correct temperatures, for example—for the sculpture to be successful.

According to Pastry Live, the highlight of their showpiece—entitled “Free Bird”—was “an amazing tricycle made entirely of sugar.” The piece was also praised for its figurine Pinocchio balancing on the handlebars. “The team’s sugar-work was also held in high regard for its flawless appearance and construction, and the high degree of skill,” judges said.

The Pastry Live Showpiece Championship is conducted before judges who are among the nation’s most accomplished pastry chefs. Eight teams of two chefs have the choice of either chocolate or sugar as their showpiece medium.

PASTRY-LIVE-BEST-SUGAR

L’Auberge Pastry Chefs Cori Schlemmer and Rachel Young work on their winning sugar sculpture, Free Bird.

Credit: Beatricess/Chicago School of Model Making.


Keisha “Shae” Williams’ first stage was at Greater St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Charles. It was at church that she first unleashed the powerful singing voice that would inch her closer to the spotlight. Gospel laid the foundation for a music career that would eventually take her to the studio, where her critically acclaimed team includes Grammy-nominated producers Alvin Garrett, who has worked with Joe, Johnny Gill, and Ruben Studdard; producer Roger Ryan, whose performance credits include Whitney Houston, Wynonna Judd, Faith Evans, and Kirk Franklin; and Michael Gaines, who has worked with Cher, Kelly Price, Eric Clapton and the Pointer Sisters.

Shae had polished and perfected her voice and stage presence her entire life, since the moment she first sang at church at age five, and throughout middle and high school, with choir director Gladys McKnight as her mentor. McKnight insisted that Shae study Mariah Carey, Lauren Hill, CeCe Winnans, and—of course—Whitney Houston. Shae cites Houston as one of her greatest influences and inspirations.

After graduating from high school, Shae majored in music performance at McNeese State University, where she studied classical and jazz. In 2002, she moved to Nashville, where she brought her gospel roots and classical training to the competitive R&B circuit. Her performances caught the eyes of BET-featured playwright Alvin Moore and award-winning playwright Garrett Davis, both of whom cast her in acting roles.

Shae is currently recording her latest R&B album. On November 13, she’ll return to her hometown to perform for the second annual Celebration of Life Cancer Showcase at the Lake Charles Civic Center, an event that benefits the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital’s Regional Cancer Center.

Shae recently spoke with Thrive about her emerging music career.

first personwith Shae Williams

Places &Faces

by Erin Kelly


How and when did you first discover your love of music? I sang my first solo at the age of 5. I would always mimic my choir director at rehearsal. One rehearsal she gave me the mic and told me she was going to teach me my first solo. That Sunday I was ready and I realized that music was my calling. Being able to reach people through music is my purpose in life.

You started singing as a young girl in church. Who inspired you most as a young singer?My mother Sarah Antoine and my brother Gus Antoine were strong singers! I would watch and study them. My brother played a major role because he was always leading songs and singing solos. I love to watch him perform. My mother made sure music was a major role in our lives.

Who inspires you today?Whitney Houston has and will always be my inspiration! She touched the world through music with her powerful gift. I’m learning so much about my craft that I find myself studying my own music. It’s always great to encourage yourself and be your own inspiration. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will!

How would you describe the role music plays in your life?Music is my life. Without it I feel empty. Now that I’m doing it professionally, it’s been everything I’ve ever dreamed.

What are some of your favorite songs to perform? Why?One of my favorite songs to perform would be my original piece “Ready.” The meaning behind the song is so powerful and I

get emotional singing it every time. You have to be ready for anything that comes your way in life. So when I decided to release the song I knew I was ready for the world to get to know who Shae Williams was. As a cover song I love performing “I’m Every Woman.” That song speaks for itself. And yes, it’s all in me!

You’ve said that you’d love a world where you could step onto a stage every morning. Describe the feeling of being on stage. What do you love most about it?Being on stage is like being in another world. Nothing else matters. Everything that was bothering me before I went on goes away and I’m in my zone. The feeling is amazing. When I look out into the audience and see the expressions on their faces and how they are relating to my music and performance it’s a feeling I can’t explain. The audience gives me energy that drives my performance to a higher level, carrying me to the end.

What advice would you give young girls who have big dreams? I would encourage them to follow their heart and never give up on yourself and your dreams. If you have goals you have to be consistent and dedicated to your craft. Stay focused. And no matter what anyone says to you, never give up! It’s going to be hard and it takes a lot of work, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Hard work and dedication will get you closer to your goals. The sky is the limit and it’s yours if you’re willing to work for it.


Places & Faces

American talk show host and 2015 Celebrity Apprentice winner Leeza Kim Gibbons, also known as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and the host of her own syndicated daytime talk show, Leeza, serves as the keynote speaker for the 2015 Women’s Fall Conference.

Gibbons, a native of Hartsville, South Carolina, started her career co-hosting local segments in Beaumont, Texas, and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband Steven Fenton. She has three children, daughter Leksi and sons Troy and Nate. Leeza started the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation after her mother passed away from Alzheimer’s, creating what she and her family wished they had during their caregiving journey. The foundation offers key programs called Leeza’s Place and Leeza’s Care Connection, where family caregivers are offered free services and encouragement to call on their courage and summon their strength for the long journey ahead.

Gibbons is an Emmy award winner and bestselling author, having published Take 2, a personal growth guide designed to help people recreate themselves and hit the reset button

on their lives. Gibbons uplifts, empowers and motivates audiences and viewers to get more out of life and business.

She shared some of her story in advance of her appearance at the Women’s Conference.

What inspired you to take your life’s path?I ended up in a place in my journey where I was faced with that question, “Now what?” as so many people face. In my case—what do we do now that mom has Alzheimer’s disease? This reality became the pivot point that caused me to adjust, adapt and change. I think that is the secret to successful survival; that we all have to become architects of our own life. That was my moment to really own it.

You recently appeared on Celebrity Apprentice. What is one of the most important lessons you learned?“Run your own race.’’ I think that’s some of the best advice I ever got from my mother. We live in a culture where we compare ourselves to everything and everyone. And when we do, it really just diminishes our own journey and devalues the uniqueness of our own experience.

I was with 18 cast mates that were very unlike me; that was the point, it gave me the chance to really stay in my lane and do what I do and try not to be influenced by the outside pressure, to play another way. It’s a great microcosm for life.

There are people trying to sabotage you and people trying to break you down, wanting to trip you up so they can win, and it’s that way in life, but we do have a choice. I hope that my experience there proved that who you are is more than enough, and nice girls can really finish first.

What would be your one super power?Forgiveness. It’s an emerging skill. I don’t know that it’s yet developed into a super power, but I think it’s one of the most powerful traits that we can develop within ourselves. Forgiveness for ourselves when we fail, when we trip up, when we fall down, and feel we’ve made a mess of things. Being gentle and forgiving ourselves and forgiveness of others because without that we just grow with toxicity and resentment. So I think that is one of the things that has allowed me to remain optimistic in my life.

What would be a good theme song for your life?“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. I used to walk out to it every day when I was doing my talk show. I had requested from the audience warm-up guy that they play that music for me. It’s a positive upbeat song anyway, but I really love the lyrics. It says, “Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.” It’s that reminder that we really can begin again every day we really can hit the reset button whenever we want. Just a reminder that we’re writing our story and every day is a chance to write a chapter that is more powerful and puts in whatever plot twists you want.

Do you have any future aspirations for your life and career?My biggest goal really is to keep growing, keep changing, keep softening, and opening up because I think that is where we get our strengths. I’ve learned so much from working with my non-profit (Leeza’s Care Connection) for the last seven years, visiting with families and mostly women who think they are at the lowest

Run Your Own RaceLeeza Gibbons to Serve as Keynote Speaker for Women’s Commission Annual Fall Conference


point in their lives and they don’t know how they are going to go on. They feel that asking for help is somehow an undesirable thing to do. But where they always end up and what they taught me is that we’re stronger because of our limitations and that when we can reach out and hold hands and lock arms with others, that’s when we really learn to receive and find our strengths. So that’s my biggest goal and aspiration: to continue to learn that lesson.

Have you ever been to Louisiana?I used to live in Beaumont, Texas. I used to do a lot of stories in your beautiful state, one of my favorite places. I’m from South Carolina, then Texas, New York and now I’ve been in L.A. for a very long time. I love the hospitality, I love the openness, I love the friendship and support. That’s always been my experience, especially with the women in Louisiana.

The annual Women’s Conference is sponsored by the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana Inc., an organization with a 25-year history of uplifting and empowering the lives of women in the Southwest Louisiana community. The 25th Anniversary Celebration Fall Conference will be held Thursday, October 15, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. For more information, visit www.womenscommissionswla.com


CITGO Lake Charles Refinery

In the Eye of the Forgotten

10th AnniversaryOur Story of Hurricane Rita

In the Eye of the Forgotten Storm, with video documentary, is available through mtpublishing.com and coming soon to local bookstores.

Remembering Rita www.CITGO.com©2015 CITGO Petroleum Corporation

In 2005, when Hurricane Rita spun toward Louisiana, CITGO Lake Charles employees braced for the worst. The refinery shut down for the first time in its history. Employees of CITGO Lake Charles pulled together amid loss, destruction, and chaos to tackle a monumental task: taking care of each other and the community they call home.

The events at CITGO Lake Charles leading up to and throughout Hurricane Rita are recounted in a new book and video documentary now available: In the Eye of the Forgotten Storm. The book is part of a series of initiatives that CITGO has embarked on in commemoration of the 10th anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It celebrates the recovery of not only CITGO Lake Charles but also Southwest Louisiana.

From shutting down output of 425,000 barrels per day of refined products, to the arrival of 500 FEMA trailers to house employees on site, to providing healthcare to employees despite limited supplies, the team at CITGO Lake Charles recovered among unprecedented challenges. They dealt with their own devastated homes and communities while they brought the refinery back online. CITGO Lake Charles was the first refinery in the area to resume operations after Hurricane Rita, fueling first responders, local communities and the nation.

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area—a program of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in the Office of Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne—is developing a self-guided driving trail that will show visitors how water has shaped the unique landscapes, people and cultures of the ANHA’s 14 parishes.

“This unique trail will set Louisiana apart by adding another dimension to our already well-established ecotourism and outdoor recreation opportunities,” Lt. Governor Dardenne said.

Every site selected for a stop along the Atchafalaya Water Heritage Trail will be ecologically and historically significant and will provide visitors with the chance to explore the local environment. The project team will incorporate some existing hiking, biking, paddling and birding trails while also

identifying future options.“Our region includes numerous

locations that are significant to Louisiana’s water story,” Debra Credeur, ANHA executive director, said. “Locals know these places, but the general population does not. By highlighting these sites in interactive and sustainable ways, we are educating visitors from near and far about how the land, water and people connect.”

Contractors hired to assist with the project are: Jeffrey Carbo Landscape Architects—project lead; Suzanne Turner Associates—site research, identification and selection; The Center for Planning Excellence—brand identity, website and promotion; LEO LLC—mapping and site selection; Stantec—circulation management and map

development; and The Nature Conservancy—environmental policy development and natural resource management.

“This trail is a wonderful opportunity to use the ANHA’s beautiful landscape to foster learning and

recreation,” Credeur said. “We are interpreting the environmental resources and also educating stakeholders about the value of protecting these natural treasures.”

The Trail, developed by funding from the National Park Service, should be complete by spring of 2016. Suggestions for potential sites can be submitted to www.waterheritagetrail.org

AtchafalayaNationalHeritage AreaDevelops Water Heritage Trail

Places & Faces


CITGO Lake Charles Refinery

In the Eye of the Forgotten

10th AnniversaryOur Story of Hurricane Rita

In the Eye of the Forgotten Storm, with video documentary, is available through mtpublishing.com and coming soon to local bookstores.

Remembering Rita www.CITGO.com©2015 CITGO Petroleum Corporation

In 2005, when Hurricane Rita spun toward Louisiana, CITGO Lake Charles employees braced for the worst. The refinery shut down for the first time in its history. Employees of CITGO Lake Charles pulled together amid loss, destruction, and chaos to tackle a monumental task: taking care of each other and the community they call home.

The events at CITGO Lake Charles leading up to and throughout Hurricane Rita are recounted in a new book and video documentary now available: In the Eye of the Forgotten Storm. The book is part of a series of initiatives that CITGO has embarked on in commemoration of the 10th anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It celebrates the recovery of not only CITGO Lake Charles but also Southwest Louisiana.

From shutting down output of 425,000 barrels per day of refined products, to the arrival of 500 FEMA trailers to house employees on site, to providing healthcare to employees despite limited supplies, the team at CITGO Lake Charles recovered among unprecedented challenges. They dealt with their own devastated homes and communities while they brought the refinery back online. CITGO Lake Charles was the first refinery in the area to resume operations after Hurricane Rita, fueling first responders, local communities and the nation.


Healthy Image Expands Communications TeamCaroline Landry has joined Healthy Image Marketing Agency as a communications specialist. She brings 10 years of experience in

marketing and event management to the team. In her new position, Landry will be responsible for working on a variety of public relations and communication projects for the agency’s clients.

Oler Joins Medical Staffa at WCCHWest Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Oler, MD, family medicine physician, to its medical staff. Dr. Oler practices alongside Dr. Kevin Schlamp at Schlamp

Family Medical Clinic, located at 921 First Avenue in Sulphur. Dr. Oler is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-6385.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA Announces New Board MemberBig Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana (BBBS-SWLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Dupre to its’ Board of Directors. Dupre has

a strong relationship with BBBS-SWLA having completed an internship with the agency last spring as a key project leader for its’ annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kid’s Sake. Dupre is currently a Business Marketing Specialist with L’Auberge Lake Charles.

Volunteers of America Welcomes Pregnancy CounselorDanielle Fleming, LMSW has joined the Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge Southwest Louisiana Programs office as the new Adoption & Pregnancy Services Division Director. Fleming

will serve as the Pregnancy Counselor working with women with unplanned pregnancies to find the resources they need to parent or develop an adoption plan. For more information about this service or the Adoption Program, call (337) 497-0034.

The Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana Names Barbour New Marketing CoordinatorLance Barbour has joined the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana as their new Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator. He will work

directly with Dr. Carl Fastabend, the founder and Medical Director of the Vein Center, to promote awareness of vein disorder prevention and awareness of symptoms and treatment options. Barbour will be working out of both the Lake Charles and Lafayette locations of the practice. For more information, call (337) 312-8346.

Memorial Welcomes ENT Hope Bueller, MDMemorial Medical Group Welcomes Hope Bueller, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, to its staff. She will see patients at her office located at 1890 W. Gauthier Road,

Suite 205 in Lake Charles. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 480-5595.

Memorial Welcomes Rheumatologist Gurjot Basra, MDMemorial Medical Group welcomes Gurjot Basra, MD, a fellowship-trained rheumatologist, to its staff. She will see patients at her office, located at 2770 3rd Avenue. For more information or to

schedule an appointment call (337) 494-6768.

Memorial Welcomes Neurologist Murali Bogavalli, MD, MPHMemorial Medical Group welcomes Murali Bogavalli, MD, MPH, a fellowship-trained neurologist, to their staff. He will see patients at 2750 Aster Street. For more information or to

schedule an appointment call (337) 480-8900.

Dr. Tammy Mitchell Joins Lake Area Physicians Medical GroupLocal Family Medicine Physician, Tammy Mitchell, M.D. has joined Lake Area Physicians and the medical staff of Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC). Dr. Mitchell is board-

certified in Family Medicine and has practiced in the Southwest Louisiana area since 2011, offering comprehensive medical care and preventive health services to patients of all ages. For more information, call (337) 562-3761.

Andrepont Announces Re-Election CampaignFrancis Andrepont announces his re-election campaign for Calcasieu Parish Police Jury District 13. The election will be held October 24. Andrepont is a member of the

Louisiana Police Jury Association executive board

Caroline Landry

Danielle Fleming Dr. Gurjot Basra

Dr. Murali Bogavalli

Dr. Tammy Mitchell

Francis Andrepont

Lance Barbour

Dr. Hope Buller

Dr. Michael Oler

Sara Dupre

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana... Who’s News? You tell us! Send press releases to

[email protected] with the subject line “Who’s News.”

Places & Faces


for Region 7, an eight–parish area; he is a member of the Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission and presently serves as chairman of the Wastewater committee. He has been the chairman of every major Calcasieu Parish Police Jury committee as well as serving as former president and vice-president of the Police Jury. District 13 includes Sulphur, west of Beglis Parkway and unincorporated areas west and north of Sulphur. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/francisandrepont-policejury.

Lake Area Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Blake LeBlanc, ENTLake Area Medical Center welcomes Blake LeBlanc, M.D. an Otolaryngologist (ear, nose & throat specialist) to its medical staff. Dr. LeBlanc has joined the medical practice of Brad LeBert,

M.D. and Bridget Loehn, M.D., at the ENT & Allergy Clinic located at 1920 W. Sale Road in Building F, Suites 3 & 4 in Lake Charles. For more information please call (337) 312-8564.

IBERIABANK Names Mancuso as Loan Portfolio ManagerIBERIABANK, the 128-year-old subsidiary of IBERIABANK Corporation, is pleased to announce the recent naming of Matthew Mancuso as Loan Portfolio Manager for Southwest Louisiana.

Matthew Mancuso joined IBERIABANK as an intern working closely with the Commercial Banking team. He can be reached by phone at (337) 312-7025.

Home Instead Names Van Dyke New Marketing RepresentativeTroy Van Dyke has joined Home Instead, a home care service provider offering personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their

families, as their new Marketing Representative. After working for 30 years in the business development and marketing fields, Van Dyke transitioned into the senior living industry four years ago. He has experience in both assisted and independent living. For more information, call (337) 214-4925.

Senator Ronnie Johns Announces Re-Election CampaignState Senator Ronnie Johns has announced his candidacy for re-election in District 27 in the upcoming October 24 election. A well-respected businessman and active community volunteer,

Sen. Johns was elected without opposition to the open Senate seat in District 27 four years ago. He previously served as a State Representative for three terms from 1995 – 2007. Sen. Johns currently serves on the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget and is the Vice-Chairman of the Judiciary-B Committee. District 27 covers most of Calcasieu Parish, including Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Westlake, Sulphur and Carlyss. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/senatorronniejohns.

SOWELA Technical Community College Names Dr. Wendi Palermo Dean of Nursing & Allied HealthSOWELA Technical Community College is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Wendi Palermo to its staff as the

Dean of the School of Nursing & Allied Health. As the college continues its priorities of enhancing our academic enterprise through the delivery of top tier teaching and student success, Dr. Palermo will be a key person in conveying these efforts. She will facilitate and provide exemplary leadership to the School of Nursing & Allied Health. For information, call (337) 421-6594.

City Savings Bank Announces Assistant Branch Managers

City Savings Bank is proud to announce Marlene Manuel and Monica Thompson as assistant branch managers for two of its local branches. Marlene Manuel now serves as assistant manager for the Lake Street branch in Lake Charles. Manuel brings nearly 20 years of banking experience—10 of which as a loan specialist—to her position. Monica Thompson has been named assistant manager of the Sulphur branch. Thompson has 15 years of extensive lending and management experience, and she volunteers regularly in the community. For more information, call (337) 463-8661.

Dr. Blake LeBlanc

Wendi Palermo

Marlene Manuel

Troy Van Dyke

Monica Thompson

Senator Ronnie Johns

Matthew Mancuso


For many people outside of the real estate business, the process of buying a home for the first time is fraught with confusion and missteps.

To help you guide the murky waters of realty, we talked to a Lake Area financial professional about some of the most common gaffes made by first-time home buyers.

Not establishing or reestablishing creditArguably the most important consideration

when seeking financing is the credit score of the potential home buyer. While this may seem obvious, many first-time home buyers overlook this critical step, according to Assurance Financial Branch Manager Jessica McBride.

“A lot of first-time home buyers don’t know what their credit scores look like. And, if they’ve

had some credit pitfalls in the past, they haven’t taken the time to kind of reestablish themselves in the credit market,” McBride said.

McBride said the worst thing people with sub-par credit histories can do is not to open any new lines of credit. She said potential lenders should speak with a financial advisor about what types of accounts or loans are best to establish or reestablish credit.

Not being completely honest with your loan officer and Realtor

With the amount of information instantly available to financial professionals, attempting to hide or falsify anything in your financial history (like job history or income level) is fruitless and could slow down the loan approval process.

“We’re going to find out. We do lots of verification,” McBride said. “The sooner we know about a potential issue, the better we’re able to handle it.”

Loan officers, she said, are the people who compile a client’s information in such a way that makes it more likely for the loan to be approved. If the information is incomplete or incorrect, it will raise questions and bog down the process and could potentially change the approval.

Not determining how much you can afford when looking at pre-approval.

When determining the price cap for your prospective home, it is essential that you determine and budget how much you can afford to pay each month.

Four Common MistakesHome Buyers Make

by Chris LeBlanc

Money &Career


“A lot of people come to us and they have a beer budget and champagne dreams,”

McBride said. “They want to buy a $250,000 house and they want to pay less than $800 a month.”

Before house hunting begins, McBride said it’s necessary to meet with a lender to find out what you can afford and secure pre-approval.

Not properly researching Realtors and mortgage brokers.

One of the most common misconceptions first-time home buyers have is that they have little or no control in the process. This often leads to potential buyers blindly following the advice of Realtors and not researching local lending options.

“As a borrower, you have the power to choose who you do business with,” McBride said. “People don’t realize that they really do have a lot more control than a lot of people let on. So getting a second opinion and getting more than one quote is always important.”

She said it is also necessary to research the difference in loans between mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions, and others to compare and contrast offerings and interest rates.

Additionally, on Oct. 3, the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) guidelines designed to further protect borrowers will go into effect, McBride said.

“It’s going to quite significantly change the process of pre-approval, underwriting, disclosures, and closing,” she said. “So make sure that when you choose a lender that you know and understand what’s going on within your market.”

20 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living October 201520 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living October 2015

Money &Career

Knock, knock: Who’s there? It might be a scammer, so use caution if someone shows up at your door offering a service or product at an incredibly low price. It could be a con artist trying to scam you.

“Scam artists often go door-to-door trying to separate consumers from their hard-earned money. Often they are the smoothest operators around, which means they’ve effectively ruined it for legitimate salespeople,” said Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Caldwell. “The key is being able to spot and stop door-to-door scam artists in their tracks.”

The attorney general’s office advises consumers to keep an eye out for these common forms of fraud regarding door-to-door solicitations.

Home Repair ScamsA handyman offers to clean your yard or repair

your driveway, for next to nothing, claiming that he and his partner just want to get rid of the leftover material from the job they just finished down the street. The con-artist takes a cash payment from you upfront… and never returns.

“Free” Energy Audits

A couple claiming to be with your utility company shows up at your door unannounced,

saying they’ve come to conduct a free inspection to see how much energy your home wastes. Once inside, they may try to steal. One diverts you while the other scoops up valuables. So, unless you’ve requested an energy audit, in advance, assume it’s a scam.

Survey Scam

You open the door to someone who claims to be doing a survey. It sounds plausible, so you invite the person in. What you don’t realize is that the survey is a trick. The scammer is collecting your personal information to steal your identity. They may also be taking a good look at possessions to steal or thinking of ways to disable or evade your security system.

Home Security System Scam

Unscrupulous door-to-door sales agents use a variety of approaches and pitches to get you to buy an alarm system and monitoring services. They may make a high-pressure, time-limited offer, and claim that you need to act now. They may also try to get you to sign a contract by telling you that the equipment is “free.” More than likely, strings are attached. For example, to get your “free” alarm, you may have to sign a long-term and expensive monitoring contract.

Spot and stop door-to-door scams by following a few tips:

• Don’t let anyone come into your home unless you have a pre-scheduled appointment. You are under no obligation to answer your doorbell. Call local law enforcement if you feel threatened or the person refuses to leave.

• Don’t pay cash to anyone who comes to your home claiming to be with a utility company or other service provider.

• Confirm any special offers with your service provider, using the number on your bill or their website.

• Know your rights and read the fine print. Be sure you read and understand all contracts before you sign. Get the terms and a copy of the contract in writing.

Presented by:Attorney General Buddy Caldwell

Learn more atwww.AGBuddyCaldwell.com


FUNDS | STOCKS & BONDS | ANNUITIES

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Not FDIC Insured. Not Bank Guaranteed. May Lose Value. Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency. Not a Bank Deposit. Securities and insurance products offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is not affiliated with any other named entity.

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Ready. Set. Work.Ready. Set. Work.Be a part of the economic boom in SWLA.Wondering which career path is right for you? Feeling stuck at your current job? There’s more than one road to career success, whether you’re just entering the workforce or feel it’s time for a change. You can learn a new skill and earn a good living. Southwest Louisiana is growing and the need for skilled workers is too. Get the training you need now so you’ll be ready for new career opportunities. Learn more at www.allianceswla.org.

Money &Career

The image of college as a diploma-dispensing machine and of diplomas as a voucher to be redeemed for a cushy job no longer holds true—if, in fact, it ever did. Students today are keenly aware that major generational shifts in the working world have brought with them a number of major cultural shifts in work, and that a successful career must be built on a foundation greater than a transcript full of As. According to Nigel Dessau, the origins of a successful career rest in large part with passion and the purpose derived from that passion.

And college, in many ways, is the perfect place to start exploring that.

“Purpose isn’t something you always know about. It’s something that becomes clearer in time,” explains Dessau, author of Become a 21st Century Executive and creator of the popular The 3 Minute Mentor web-series.

While students may be tempted to dig deeper into a subject they’re already passionate about, Dessau stresses that there is a danger to this. “It’s good to know as much as you can about your subject,” he says, “but you have to expand your breadth of knowledge—it’s within breadth that you find something new.”

This is the main reason that many colleges stress a core curriculum, but the problem with most of these core classes is that they’re often remedial classes that demand little from the student, according to Dessau. Instead of coasting, Dessau recommends pinpointing and specifically challenging the skills you lack.

“Whatever you major in, minor in things that give you the strongest breadth.” Even if you’re pursuing degree in one of the many STEM majors—majors for which there will always be a demand—there are other skills neither technical nor academic that every student might benefit from. “The two things that differentiate people who succeed in building 21st century jobs from those who don’t are very good verbal communication skills and analytical skills. More and more we are judged very quickly on what we say,” Dessau says. To that end, he recommends taking classes in communications and philosophy and joining a debate society or the local chapter of Toastmasters.

by Austin Price


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Of course, over all this hangs the age-old adage that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Though it would seem that young students shouldn’t be too worried of this – Dessau is quick to acknowledge that younger generations are excellent at building social networks – the fact is they haven’t always seen fit to leverage their formidable social skills in the interest of building professional networks. While he’s quick to emphasize the value of separating your social and business networks – “leave Facebook for friends and Linkedin for professional acquaintances” – Dessau knows even that is not enough.

“You don’t expand your network from your dorm room, your couch: you have to get out and meet people in clubs, societies and people in public. Go to conferences, get an internship or a placement,” he says. “Even if you don’t have a business yet, bring a business card with your name, your phone number and your email address on it.” You want to build as broad a network as early as possible, making it as inclusive as you can, because the fact is you never know who will be able to help you.

Of course, some relationships are more important than others; of particular interest are the bonds you form with your mentors. Dessau

is quick to stress that he doesn’t know anybody who’s succeeded in business who hasn’t also had a number of mentors. Though you might find these among your professors, again, don’t limit yourself to your immediate academic surroundings: expand your network through internships, modules and volunteer work. Of course, establishing the relationships isn’t enough; you’ve got to put the work in to keep those channels open and healthy.

“You don’t have to call or write once a week – that’s too much – but an hour long call once every quarter, every few months, even a fifteen minute lunch here and there go a long way towards establishing a lasting relationship,” he says.

Finally, keep in mind that building all of this – the skill set, the network, the job history – takes a tremendous amount of time and effort.

“Business is a marathon, not a sprint,” reminds Dessau. Pace yourself, making sure not to lose sight of your objectives to frustration, failures or even the daily disappointments. Life’s the longest thing you’ll ever do; if you stumble here and there you’ve still got plenty of time to right yourself.

by Austin Price


All you need to know to stay in the know!

The Sloppy Taco Wins Best Crab Dish Award

Chef Brett Stutes of The Sloppy Taco food truck was awarded Best Crab Dish at August’s Arts & Crabs Fest, hosted by the Arts Council of SWLA and the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Sloppy Taco, along with nine other local restaurants and caterers, served their own spin on the event’s crab theme, and the public voted The Sloppy Taco’s mango crab nachos as the best dish of the event. Stutes received a weekend getaway in New Orleans, donated by Acadiana Profile Magazine and The New Orleans Hotel Collection. Arts & Crabs Fest annually celebrates local cuisine and culture by showcasing the talents of local chefs. For details, call the Arts Council at (337) 439-2787.

JD Bank Makes Top 10 in Nationwide Community Bank Marketing AwardsJD Bank has been named a top-10 winner in the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 2015 Marketing Awards, which annually recognizes the nation’s best community bank marketing campaigns. JD Bank is the only Louisiana-based bank to make the list. More than 6,000 community banks were eligible to take part in this year’s awards program. The top 10 banks were chosen based on their marketing and branding campaigns’ quality of design, integration of different communication channels, overall execution, goal achievement and effectiveness of the initiative as a whole.

CSE Opens in Moss BluffCSE Federal Credit Union has branched off and set their roots in the heart of Moss Bluff. Now able to more conveniently serve their members in the Moss Bluff, Westlake and other surrounding areas, CSE remains true to their mission statement of “Experiencing the joy of helping their members achieve their financial goals.” For more information, visit www.csefcu.org.

Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff Announces Extended HoursThe Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff is offering new expanded hours. The new hours will be Monday – Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday, 8am-6pm; and Sunday, 10am-6pm. The Moss Bluff Urgent Care Center is staffed by primary care physicians, Jason R. Morris, MD, Richard D. Sanders MD, certified nurse practitioner, David Guillory, NP, and support staff. The center offers treatment for colds and allergies, sore throats, earaches, fever, the flu, stomach aches, sprains and strains, minor cuts and lacerations, allergic reactions, rashes and other non-emergency medical concerns. For more information, call (337) 217-7762.

Lake Area Medical Center Recognized Two Years in a RowLake Area Medical Center (LAMC) in Lake Charles announced it has been selected by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the 2015 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. The Best Places to Work in Healthcare award recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in economic development, employee retention and satisfaction. The complete list of this year’s 100 winners, in alphabetical order is available at www.modernhealthcare.com/bestplaces.

SOWELA Technical Community College Shares in the Success of Lakeside BankSOWELA Technical Community College students are sharing in the success of Lakeside Bank as it celebrates its fifth year of business in 2015. Lakeside Bank has established the Lakeside Bank Endowed Scholarship at SOWELA to be awarded to a Calcasieu Parish student through their graduation. In addition, Lakeside is hiring an intern from SOWELA to assist with

computer needs due to their expanding operations. To support student success at SOWELA, visit www.sowela.edu/GIVE or call (337) 421-6903.

Memorial Health System Tobacco FreeAt the request of the state and the medical staff and after much deliberation, administration has made the decision that all Lake Charles Memorial Health System facilities will be smoke and tobacco free. Tobacco use of any kind will not be permitted on any property owned or managed by the Memorial Health System, inside or out, by hospital staff, patients or visitors. This includes Memorial Medical Group properties and other affiliates. Prohibited tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco and snuff. E-cigarettes are also prohibited. Go to www.lcmh.com/smoking for more information.

Money &Career

Derek, Brett, and Amanda Stutes.


All you need to know to stay in the know!

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CSE helping to continue music throughout SWLACSE Federal Credit Union is a proud supporter of MusicMakers2U since the beginning. MusicMakers2u is a non-profit organization devoted to donating refurbished instruments to students who have an interest in music. CSE hosted the 2nd annual instrument drive and serves as the drop-off site year round where locals can bring instruments they wish to donate to aspiring young musicians. This year CSE helped pair 23 instruments with deserving students. Connecting over 200 instruments from your home to theirs’s, CSE hopes

to continue to receive donations in order to help several more local student musicians. Cash, new or gently used instruments are welcome year round. To find out more about how you may donate instruments to MusicMakers2u, visit their website at www.musicmakers2u.org or contact CSE Marketing at [email protected].


Home &Family

than anything, a wedding needs to be memorable—for all the right reasons, of course. There are many parts of a wedding day that can make it memorable, from the venue to the reception to the catering. Staging your nuptials in New Orleans can provide a wealth of memorable factors that money can’t buy.

More


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Whether you are buying or selling property, there are questions around every corner. CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc., and our staff of experienced agents have the answers. We’ve won numerous awards for superior service, sales excellence and community involvement. That’s what we’ve built our reputation on for over 20 years, and we’re ready to go to work for you.

It’s not the peak of wedding season yet, but we’re approaching the romance of the holidays, when wedding questions are popped and answered; changing two lives forever. The next step: finding the perfect scene to start your new chapter.

Which other cities can boast the mix of history, sense of occasion, romantic backdrop and indefinable magic that the Crescent City provides? It’s an authentic, unique backdrop that combines some of the most evocative architecture in the country with the vibrant influences of European and Caribbean cultures.

Not only will it mean fantastic wedding photos, but getting married in the Big Easy means that everyone from the bride and groom to their families and guests are truly embedded with a sense of place and romance that other American cities just don’t come close to.

The hotel portfolio of the city comes to the fore no matter what your taste in ceremonies, from grand ballrooms to intimate courtyards—all

backed by a world-class culture of service that has been attracting visitors from around the world for centuries.

For a large, sophisticated affair, there are the grand dames of the French Quarter, such as the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, the history of which includes its time as the most elegant ballroom and socialising venue in the city. The Dauphine Orleans is similarly well-suited for larger ceremonies, and the building has been a staple of the Quarter for decades.

The Hotel Mazarin is a relatively new edition to the city’s landscape, but is also right in the thick of things. It’s a more modern affair with top-rate amenities and a huge central courtyard that could really provide that wow factor. The famously hospitable Patrick’s Wine Bar next door means that guests won’t go thirsty, either.

For an elegantly intimate ceremony, it doesn’t get much better than the Audubon Cottages, hidden away behind gates in the Quarter, which

open up into a beautiful garden replete with the city’s oldest outdoor pool, a wonderfully atmospheric touch. The cottages have been a favorite for Hollywood celebrities over the years and you can really see why.

The Hotel Mazarin and the Witney Hotel both have their own brand of style, the former modern and chic, the latter a converted old bank with great traditional flair.

All the hotels offer packages to all couples wanting to get married in New Orleans, and have either onsite or partners of restaurants and bars that can help you plan everything from a perfect bachelor(ette) party to a grand rehearsal dinner. New Orleans will make such a positive impression on your wedding experience, that there’s a good chance you’ll want to toast the city itself before you leave.

For information on how to plan your New Orleans wedding, contact Dawn Ledet at (504) 527-0428.

WeddingsIN THE CRESCENT CITY


Home &Family

Each day, about 160,000 children miss school because they are afraid of bullying, according to the National Education Association. Bullying can have long-term effects—specifically, low self-esteem, isolation, poor academic performance, and health problems or thoughts of suicide. “As children return to school, it’s a great time to educate parents on how to prevent bullying and teach our kids how to combat it,” said Keli Wilson, founder of AlertID, a free neighborhood safety network and app.

Wilson provided these tips to prevent and manage bullying:

Teach children to be assertive and teach them to have empathy for others. Emphasize peaceful ways to solve problems and encourage kids to stand up for themselves verbally.

Give children positive feedback to build their self-esteem. Help give them the self-confidence to stand up for what they believe in. Encourage your child to help others who need it.

Bully Prevention: Tips to Protect Your Child’s Self Esteem


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Ask your children about their day and listen to them talk about school, social events, classmates, and any problems they have.Get to know their friends. Encourage your children to invite their friends to your home or accompany you on family outings.

If you see any bullying, stop it right away, even if your child is the one doing it.

Take bullying seriously. Many kids are embarrassed to say they have been bullied. You may only have one chance to step in and help—take that important step.

Teach your child nonviolent ways to deal with bullies, like walking away, playing with friends, or talking it out.

Help your child act with self-confidence. With him or her, practice walking upright, looking people in the eye, and speaking clearly

Don’t encourage your child to fight. This could lead to him or her getting hurt, hurting someone else, getting in trouble, and initiating more serious problems with a bully.

Seek help from a teacher or principal to help address the problem.



Your Halloween Headquarters

Corner of Lake Street & McNeese Street

337-477-2789

Originally known as Samhain (sow-in), Halloween originated more than 2,000 years ago as a day for the ancient Kelts in Ireland, England and northern France to prepare for the New Year on November 1. October 31 marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of often unforgiving winters. It was a night where the lines of past, present and future collided, allowing the dead to walk amongst the living. The winters were hard and food supplies were often low. Fearful that evil spirits would threaten the harvest, the Kelts wore masks in hopes of warding off evil spirits and left food outside their doors as an offering.

The Druids—the religious leaders of the community—would perform rituals to protect the community from the evil spirits and attract and welcome the good spirits who would guide them in making prophecies to navigate any dangers that may affect the promise of a prosperous new year. The Druids wore costumes with animal heads and held large bonfires with sacrifices from the harvest to satisfy both the evil and good spirits.

By 43 A.D., the Roman Empire had conquered most of the Keltic territories and throughout their 400-year rule they integrated two festivals: Feralia, a day to celebrate the passing of the dead and a celebration to honor Pomona, the goddess of fruits and trees, and Samhain.

By the ninth century Christianity had spread throughout Europe and the papacy looked to diminish Samhain by marking November 1 as All Saints Day. Samhain became All-Hallows Eve, eventually Halloween. November 2 marked All Souls Day to honor those who had recently passed and was similar to Samhain. It was celebrated with bonfires and parties with revelers dressing in costumes as devils, saints and angels. In England poor children would “go a-souling,” visiting houses for offerings of food called “soul cakes,” with the promise of praying for the giver’s loved ones.

During the Dark Ages All-Hallows Eve once again became a time of fear and birthed many of the superstitions associated with Halloween, such as the ill-fortune of having a black cat crossing one’s path. The people now saw the night as one filled with evil where witches engaged in debauchery with demons and black cats were assumed to be witches in disguise.

European settlers brought Halloween with them to America. Puritans forbade the holiday in the New England colonies, but it survived in some areas of the South as a night of ghost stories and community gatherings.

During the 1800s, when America was flooded with Catholic immigrants, Halloween emerged as a celebration to bring together communities with parties and parades, but by the early 1900s large cities were being flooded with vandalism on Halloween and the holiday was discouraged. In the 1920s Halloween became a secular holiday and was marked with parties, but vandalism was still prevalent.

In the 1950s the nation’s police had mostly disbanded the vandalism and with the explosion of baby boomers, Halloween became a children’s holiday; trick-or-treating became a way to connect with neighbors in the beginning of the suburban era. It was now a celebration of candy and costumes of favorite characters and ghoulish beings.

Halloween continued as a children’s holiday through the decades, but in the 1980s and 1990s fear began to arise with rumors of poisoned candy and apples with razor blades. As a result, community parties have returned in popularity and the holiday has shifted from being solely a children’s holiday to one that people of all ages can enjoy.

All Hallows Harvest Festival & Craft Fair

http://allhollowharvestfe.wix.com/all-hollows

A portion of the funds will go to the Wounded Warrior Association.

Merchant Vendors • Food Vendors • Kiddy KornerHay Rides • Adopted A Soldier • Zombie Walk

Pumpkin Carving Contest • Scary Okie • Scare Pageantand Much More!

October 17th Lake Charles Civic Center | Noon - 7pm



LAKE CHARLES • 474-7377 l DERIDDER • 463-4574

We’ll Protect Your Home from Fall PestsCooler days and longer nights are like a welcome mat at your home for pests. Cockroaches, ants, spiders and rodents, to name a few, are looking for a warm place and the extended darkness of fall gives them time to find a way into your home.

Get the shield and protect your home with J&J Exterminating. As the largest independently-owned pest control company in Louisiana, you can trust J&J Exterminating. For over 50 years, we’ve provided safe and effective pest control, along with exceptional customer service. Call us today for a free consultation.

The ChildrenLike most of New Orleans relics, the Bourbon Hotel has a long history masked in bits of joy and tragedy. Long before the hotel entertained guests it served as the home of the Sisters of the Holy Family who operated St. Mary’s Academy for Girls and an orphanage. When yellow fever ascended upon New Orleans the sisters converted what is now the ballroom into a medical ward to care for children afflicted with the unforgiving disease. After meeting their untimely demise many of these children have long since found solace within the walls of the hotel. Little footsteps can be heard down

the hallways. Tables get bumped as the unseen

children run and play, and a former general manager once heard the sound of a child crying in one of the suites. When he reached the room, the crying stopped.

The DancerThe New Orleans Ballroom was once home to one of the grandest social events in the 1800s. Today, it’s home to a lost dancer. A young girl can sometimes be seen dancing underneath the chandelier.

The NunsAccording to legend, a nun committed suicide at the convent. Guests of room 644 in the Bourbon Orleans have reported hearing her cries and a housekeeper once peered across the courtyard to see a ghostly lady holding a baby in a room on the opposite side—presumably a nun caring for one of the orphans. In another instance, a guest in room 324 awoke in the middle of the night to find a female apparition sitting on the end of her bed.

The Confederate SoliderA marching solider has been known to guard the guests of the sixth floor. While making his rounds up and down the hall he has been known to awaken guests from their slumber only to vanish when they open their doors, but even the best soldiers sometimes need a break. A male guest using the restroom on the sixth fllor looked up and saw the soldier’s reflection in the mirror. After apologizing for blocking the sink and stepping aside the phantom soldier disappeared.


MASH



All Hallows Harvest Festival & Craft Fair ScheduledThe All Hallows Harvest Festival and Craft Fair is scheduled for October 17 from Noon-7pm at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Events Include:Zombie Walk – Come and join the Zombie Walk around the Civic Center in your best zombie attire. The entry to be a part of the walk is $5.Pumpkin Carving Contest – Bring your already carved pumpkin to be judged. There will be prizes for best carved, scariest, funniest and most unique.Scare Pageant – Get dressed up in your favorite costume and come down the runway. Crowns will be announced for King, Queen, Prince and Princess of the festival. Entry fee is $5 per person.Scary Okie – Sign up for this event and you could win prizes and be named winner of the 2015 All Hollows Harvest Festival. From Monster Mash to Werewolf in London, come sing all of your favorite Halloween songs. And MUCH more! A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. For more information, visit http://allhollowharvestfe.wix.com/all-hollows.

USS Orleck’s Carnival of ScreamsThursdays-Saturdays, October 1 – 31USS Orleck Naval Museum604 N. Enterprise Blvd – Lake Charles$12 for General, $20 for fast pass tickets(337) 214-7447

The Lost Hallows Haunted AttractionOctober 2 – 313413 Derek Drive – Lake CharlesThe Lost Hollows is the newest entertainment venue in Lake Charles. It is the only venue in Louisiana offering a family-friendly Spooky Timbers trail and terror-filled Deadly Pines trail.$7 for all-ages Spooky Timbers trail, $20 for PG-13 Deadly Pines trail, $35 for Deadly Pines fast passE-mail: [email protected]

Our Lady Queen of Heaven School Fall CarnivalOctober 25OLQH School3908 Creole Street – Lake CharlesAnnual Fall Carnival with game booths, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, jambalaya, hamburgers/hotdogs, Baron Arcade, live entertainment and fun for the entire family.

Children’s Museum: WitchesOctober 26 – 11amThe Children’s Museum327 Broad Street – Lake CharlesCreate a scary or funny witch using paint and a fork. Classes begin at 11am and 12pm and are limited to 20 children, ages 3 and up.Free Admission(337) 433-9420

Children’s Museum: Story Time with the Three WitchesOctober 26 – 11:30amThe Children’s Museum327 Broad Street – Lake CharlesJoin Marj Gustine, Lena Roach and Joan Vallee-Rettke as the tree witches: Bibbidy, Bobbidy and Boo at 11:30am for the reading of eerie tales.Free Admission(337) 433-9420

Movies in the Square: CasperOctober 31 – 8pmThe Grove at Heritage Square1211 Ruth Street - SulphurFree Admission

Children’s Museum – HalloweenOctober 31 – 11amThe Children’s Museum327 Broad Street – Lake CharlesMake a jack-o-lantern. Classes begin at 11am and 12pm and are limited to 20 children, ages 3 and up.Free Admission(337) 433-9420

Lake Charles Community Band’s Fall/Halloween ConcertOctober 31Prien Lake Park3700 West Prien Lake Road – Lake CharlesEnjoy our beautiful Prien Lake Park and the Lake Charles Community Band for their annual Fall Concert. Bring your lawn chairs and picnics are welcomed.Free Admission

Bag of Donuts Halloween ConcertOctober 31Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel100 Westlake Avenue – Westlake

Jack Daniel’s Halloween PartyOctober 31 – Doors open at 8pm, Registration 8-10pm, Winners announced at 10:30pm.Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge – Lake Charles$10,000 Halloween Costume Contest and Party.$20 Cover Charge(337) 395-7777

LOCAL EVENTS

Don’t Be Afraid of Braces

(337) 478-7590701 West College Street, Lake Charles

www.drcrawfordorthodontics.com

At Crawford Orthodontics, braces aren’t scary at all.We offer a variety of advanced orthodontic techniques that create great smiles.

Fall is a great time to begin orthodontic treatment, allowing you to take advantage of flexible benefit account deadlines, as well as annual insurance deductibles that have been met.

We’ll give you - and your kids - something to smile about.Call Crawford Orthodontics today to schedule a free consultation.

Home &Family


Put us to work for you.

While we didn’t do such a great job picking out a book on animals for Mrs. Robinson’s preschool class, we do have a longstanding history of providing

expert guidance and personal service to educational institutions all across the state of Louisiana. In fact, for over 25 years LCI Workers’ Comp

has worked hand-in-hand with local businesses in virtually every category, from daycare centers to high schools. :: lciwc.com :: 985-612-1230

LOCAL EVENTS


They’re known by several names: Tawny ants for their brown-ish color; Rasberry ants, named after Tom Rasberry who first identified them in a Houston suburb in 2002; and crazy ants, for their erratic, chaotic behavior.

No matter what they’re called, they’re creating havoc.

The manager of J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles, Robert Soileau, says he’s getting more and more frantic calls about them. “We knew these ants were coming to our area, they’ve been migrating here for the past few years, but we’re now getting a lot of calls from customers who are finding them in their homes or businesses,” said Soileau.

Crazy ants have several characteristics: the colonies are huge, with millions of worker ants foraging chaotically through debris, damp soil, stumps, compost and garbage; queens that reproduce at an alarmingly fast pace; and an attraction to electrical equipment.

Large numbers of crazy ants infest TV’s, air conditioning units, computers and gas meters. They’ve even gotten into electronic systems in chemical plants and shorted out equipment, forcing the plants to shut down entire units, according to Tom Rasberry, the exterminator who first identified these pests.

Crazy ants don’t sting or bite like fire ants, but “when all is said and done, I guarantee you, you’d rather have the fire ants because they are much easier to deal with,” Rasberry said. Fire ants typically leave humans alone, unless their large mounds are disturbed. Crazy ants invade any area they can, wreaking havoc as they go.

As the crazy ants begin to infest an electrical device, the currents cause them to be electrocuted. They emit an alarm pheromone, attracting their fellow crazy ants. This creates a vicious cycle that can leave appliances and other electronics broken and full of ants, both dead and alive.

Soileau said when homes are infested with crazy ants, it can look as

if the ground is moving. “It’s frustrating for the homeowners to know their home has this huge number of ants inside. They just don’t know what to do to combat it. The treatment for these is different than for fire ants. We have to take a different approach. When homeowners try to treat this problem themselves, they don’t get results, and in the meantime, these ants are reproducing rapidly. It’s been noted that crazy ants reproduce so quickly that 15 to 20 billion ants can cover a one-acre field in a short amount of time.

A diagnostician with Louisiana State Arthropod Museum first identified the crazy ant in Calcasieu Parish in 2011. Today, there is widespread coverage as opposed to isolated sightings. According to the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center, all reported occurrences involve infestations of multiple dwellings and buildings.

The crazy ants are overtaking the population of fire ants. Crazy ants produce chemicals they use as an antidote to fire ant venom. When fire ants and crazy ants attempt to feed on the same source, crazy ants win 93 percent of the time.

“Their behavior is erratic, and they multiply so quickly, they can overcome a space in a short amount of time,” explained Soileau with J&J. “Couple that with their unusual attraction to electrical equipment, and they can cause a big problem very quickly.”

Qualified pest control experts are needed to combat crazy ants as they aren’t attracted to commonly used ant bait. “Customers come to us frustrated because they thought they could handle the ant problem on their own, and it quickly escalates,” Soileau said. “We have the treatments necessary to combat these pests.”

For more information, call J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles at 474-7377 and in DeRidder at 463-4574.

“Better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t.” That saying could easily apply to the latest pest invasion of a particular type of ant that is overtaking the fire ant population.

Combating CRAZY ANTS by Christine Fisher

Home &Family


IndustryInsiderStraight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

What you see is actually water vapor. A significant amount of heat and water are required in the industrial process. Cooling towers are used to cool the hot water that is generated when heat is removed from the process. Industry reuses the water as much as possible, and then cools it before returning it to local waterways. Temperature, humidity and wind all affect the visibility of the water vapor and how quickly it’s absorbed into the air. You may notice it more on a cool, humid evening when there is very little wind. The fact that it’s more visible at some times than others is a result of weather changes, not changes within the industrial process. These cooling towers are an environmentally friendly way to keep local industry working.

Carol Collins public relations director with local industry

Q:There are big plumes of smoke coming from industries. Is this pollution? A:The plumes are water vapor,

not smoke.

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


Home &Family

Flying Cars

Flying cars have been in the works for several decades. One that’s received some attention is the AeroMobil 3.0, produced by a Slovakia-based company. Their model has been in development since 1989—the same year Back to the Future II premiered.

According to AeroMobil, the 3.0 can reach 124 miles per hour and fly for 430 miles on a full tank of glass. It takes normal gas from normal gas stations and gets about 29 miles per gallon. Unfortunately, their most recent prototype crash-landed in May and it’s uncertain when the car—targeted toward wealthy supercar or flight enthusiasts—would ever be on the market. It’s often referred to as an “aircraft” rather than a flying car, since it transforms from one to the other.

In 2014, it was discovered that Toyota filed for a patent that resembled a flying car, but officials told the Verge that it’s not a “full-fledged flying car, but a vehicle that would be able to get a little bit away from the road.” Kind-of like a hovercraft, car-style. It’s uncertain when this would reach the market. Meanwhile, manufacturers in France developed

the Xplorair, which permits vertical automobile take-offs. A demonstration flight is scheduled for 2017.

There are others, but it’s unlikely anyone will be taking off by the end of this year.

HoverboardsSpeaking of Toyota, it appears they’ve also built a hoverboard via its luxury Lexus brand. The Lexus website states that the board uses liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and magnets.

People have actually ridden these hoverboards, so it’s clear they exist. So that’s the good news. The bad news is, you can’t buy them. At least not yet. As of today, the requirements needed to make the hoverboard move are too complex for common

is now

back to the

In the 1989 hit film Back to the Future II, Doc Brown, Marty McFly and Marty’s girlfriend, Jennifer Parker, climb into a time-traveling Delorean to blaze thirty years into the future at 88 miles per hour. The date is October 26, 1985. When they land in October 21, 2015, the world has undergone a modern facelift. Cars jet off like airplanes. Skateboards move without wheels. People wear inexplicable neon jumpsuits.

At the time the film was released, those thirty years felt like a lifetime, so the possibilities of the new millennium didn’t seem so far-fetched. But today’s 2015 bears little resemblance to the bustling land of Back to the Future II.

We’re probably better off without the neon jumpsuits, but those of us who saw the movie and glimpsed into our future collectively ask: Where are the flying cars? Before they jetted away from 1985, Doc Brown confidently said to Marty and Jennifer: “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” But lo and behold, the roads of 2015 continue to exist and there aren’t any cars launching off of them.

Most importantly, however: where are all the hoverboards?

How close are we to the future that director Robert Zemeckis imagined?

The hoverboard is perhaps the most coveted technology from Zemeckis’ 1989 vision of 2015.

In Back to the Future II (1989), Marty McFly arrives in his flying car in October 2015.

by Brett Downer


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Change your life.

Today’s technologyuse. You can’t zoom off across grass and concrete like Marty, for example—the Lexus design requires an opposing magnetic force for you to ride it. It also requires liquid nitrogen refills every 10 minutes. The hoverboard also weighs more than 25 pounds, so it’s not the most practical.

But, it exists. And that’s a start.

Power LacesNike has taken the lead on power laces and introduced the Nike Air MAG in 2011 as an exact replica of the shoes Marty wore in Back to the Future II. Unfortunately, the replica didn’t have power laces, which was the coolest part about the sneakers in the first place.

But Nike’s been working on it. There’s been longtime buzz about whether or not Nike will release power-laced shoes before the end of the year as a nod to the 2015 milestone. If you had to place bets on which will come first—the

hoverboard, flying car, or power laces—it’s safe to place your bet on the laces.

Although today’s 2015 bears little resemblance to Back to the Future II, there are several technologies that have ultimately come to pass since the film was first released in 1989. Here’s a few examples:

Thumbprint TechnologyIn the film, people use thumbprint technology to make payments or open doors—not dissimilar to the touchscreen technology we use today.

Instant CommunicationInstant communication was used in Back to the Future II. Marty gets a call from his boss through a quasi-hybrid of modern Skype and social media. Callers appeared on-screen, along with their name, the names of their family members, and information about their hobbies, likes, dislikes, and profession, all of which rolled across the screen below them.

Voice ActivationIn the Zemeckis future, people can turn lights on and off through voice activation—a technology that’s possible today. Although the technology may not be widely used to turn on lights, it’s certainly used often to get directions or Google information. Just ask Suri.Fans have anticipated

power laces since Nike first announced a prototype early this year.


Home &Family

With messages from ads, yard signs and commercials pounded into their heads, Louisiana voters go to the polls Saturday, Oct. 24, to pick the next governor. The voting booth will offer a few minutes of peace and quiet to make a big decision about the state’s future. Here are the nine people running for governor, from A (Angelle) to V (Vitter), and some specifics on what the top contenders say they’d do for you if elected. Happy voting. But save this guide if your guy doesn’t win, because you may be doing it all over again. Under Louisiana’s “jungle primary” system, candidates of all parties meet in one race. In the likely event that no candidate on election night wins outright — a majority of the votes cast, or 50 percent plus one — the top two vote-getters will go head-to-head in a runoff election on Saturday, Nov. 21.

YOUR GUIDE to the GOVERNOR’S RACE

SCOTT ANGELLE

JAY DARDENNE

Public Service Commissioner, District 2. Republican of Breaux Bridge. University of Louisiana-Lafayette graduate. Former Department of Natural Resources Secretary and St. Martin Parish president.

10 PLATFORM PLANKS• Do not expand the current Medicaid

system. Instead, “consider expanding healthcare coverage for Louisiana’s working class through conservative, market-based solutions.”

• Consider eliminating tax exemptions/credits that fail a cost-benefit analysis.

• Open up restricted funds that force budget cuts to higher education and health care.

• Reform the capital outlay process to prioritize major projects, such as roads and bridges.

• Lower and flatten the corporate income tax rate.

• Reform sales tax collection.• Streamline permitting and eliminate

unnecessary red tape and oversight for small businesses.

• Support technical training and industry partnerships in the energy industry.

• Criminalize the use of funds intended for coastal restoration for purposes not consistent with state’s coastal Master Plan;

• Replace Common Core with Louisiana standards and testing.

Lieutenant Governor. Republican of Baton Rouge. LSU, LSU Law School graduate. Former Baton Rouge Metro Council and state Senate member.

10 PLATFORM PLANKS• Prioritize the state’s general fund

spending “so that higher education isn’t on the chopping block every year.”

• Increase partnerships between higher education systems — don’t close any existing institutions, but look to eliminate duplication.

• Boost funding to districts that put in place a accountable pre-

kindergarten program that shows long-term success.

• Improve reading and math education in grades K-3.

• Create a statewide mentoring program for new teachers to provide support, encourage collaboration and improve professional development.

• Stop diverting road-maintenance money from the Transportation Trust Fund towards to ports, airports and elsewhere, Instead, create a separate funding mechanisms for ports and roads — and consider funding port maintenance/expansion through

fees on the vessels that use those facilities.

• Expand the Workforce and Innovation for a Stronger Economy (WISE) fund.

• Open up government records all branches of government to end loopholes in the state disclosure law.

• Force lobbyists to identify the lawmakers and government employees they’re entertaining.

• Increase fees on lobby registration and use the money to enforce ethics regulations.

VOTERS GO TO THE POLLS OCT. 24 AND NOV. 21


I want to represent you in the Louisiana House of Representatives. I care intensely about our state— and want to do my part to make it better for all of us and for our children.

Let’s continue Southwest Louisiana’s strong representation and leadership in the Legislature. I am dedicated, qualified and eager to serve you as your Representative.

I humbly and sincerely ask for your vote.

—Keith DeSonier

Leadership. Courage. Service.

Please Vote

October 24!

Physician(ENT Specialist)

Retired Military Officer(Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army)

Businessman(Independent Medical Practice)

Husband, Father, Grandfather

Paid for by Friends of Keith DeSonierAinsley DeSonier, Chair

P.O. Box 4390, Lake Charles, LA 70606

Learn more about Keith DeSonier atDeSonierStateRep.com

@kdesonier @keith_desonier/desonierstaterep

JOHN BEL EDWARDS

DAVID VITTER

Minority leader of the state House of Representatives. Democrat from Amite. LSU Law School and West Point graduate. Held rifle company command in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division following eight years as an Airborne Ranger.

10 PLATFORM PLANKS• Reduce or eliminate unproductive

parts of the $7 billion “in annual tax giveaways,” as he called them — referring to an economic study by LSU’s Dr. Jim Richardson — in order

to “address the structural problems in our budget and end the practice of putting a Band-Aid on this serious problem which is now causing our roads and bridges to be less safe, our hospital emergency rooms to close and our students to pay 90 percent more tuition.”

• Expand Medicaid and provide access to health care to uninsured Louisiana citizens (about 290,000 people).

• Increase the number of inpatient beds for mentally disabled people.

• Prioritize the quality of the state’s

mental healthcare system.• Not close hospitals and clinics.• Fully fund the cost of K-12 education.• Enhance local control over K-12

public education.• Invest in higher education.• Promote Louisiana as a premier place

to organize and train U.S. troops.• Interact with voters on plans to

improve healthcare, education, veterans affairs, transportation and infrastructure.

U.S. Senator. Republican from Metairie. Former U.S. Congressman and state legislator. Graduate of Tulane Law School, Oxford University and Harvard University. Rhodes Scholar.

10 PLATFORM PLANKS• Call a special session of the state

Legislature on spending and tax reform, with four key issues — cutting wasteful and unnecessary spending, including by removing protections and dedications from most spending categories; examining all tax credits, exemptions, and deductions through a cost-benefit analysis; passing

targeted rate cuts; and tightening dedications and protections in the Transportation Trust Fund to ensure the money goes to roads and bridges.

• “Convening a citizens panel of Louisiana parents, teachers, experts from higher education, and business leaders to develop an updated system of rigorous Louisiana standards and testing outside of Common Core/PARCC.”

• Streamline the sales tax system and repeal the inventory tax and credit.

• Sunset all tax credits or similar tax expenditures to ensure that they’re periodically reviewed.

• Require two-thirds legislative approval of new spending dedications and tax credits.

• Cancel consulting contracts when the work is unnecessary or can be performed by state employees.

• Trim the state’s 10,000-plus car fleet.• Add photo IDs to food stamp debit

cards.• Pass a “three strikes and you’re out”

drunken-driving law, and use ignition interlock technology where feasible to prevent drunk driving.

• Ban violent criminals from receiving welfare. Maximize work requirements in welfare programs.


YouThank

Dan ‘Blade’ MORRISH

State Senator District 25

119 W. Nezpique StreetJennings, LA 70546P: (337) 824-3979F: (337) [email protected]

To the people of Southwest Louisiana and Acadiana in Louisiana Senate District 25, I offer my sincere, “THANK YOU.” Your confidence in my service is a most humbling experience. As I begin my final term in the Louisiana Senate, I look forward to serving you for the next four years. As always, I pledge to you my full and complete efforts on your behalf during this term. My door and my phone line are always open. May God bless you and the state of Louisiana.

Home &Family | Governor’s Race

Five other candidates are also on the ballot. They trail the other candidates in campaign activity, fundraising and poll numbers. They are:

Beryl BilliotCary DeatonJeremy OdomEric Paul OrgeronS.L. Simpson

Paid for by the Ronnie Johns Campaign Fund.

Bringing our values to the Senate

VOTE EARLY: October 10-17 ELECTION DAY: October 24

VOTE EARLY: OCTOBER 10-17ELECTION DAY: OCTOBER 24


I’ll be the Assessor for the PEOPLE, NOT the Government!

Ken Brunot

• Former Calcasieu Parish Deputy Assessor IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers)

• Fundamentals of Mass Appraisal

• Assessment of Personal Property

• AIS (Assessor Information System)

• Improving Technology for Calcasieu’s Future

• Pushing for an Assessment % Cap to better protect Taxpayers

I’ll Work For YOU!I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON

OCTOBER 24th

22 YearsExperience

Like us on Facebook-Ken Brunot for Assessor

VOTE EARLY: OCTOBER 10-17ELECTION DAY: OCTOBER 24


A few decades ago, life got really big. Big hair, big shoulders, big houses and big mini-vans. Music videos and Madonna’s material world allowed us to dream bigger than we ever had before. We thought we’d finally made it, and there was no turning back as to what we could personally achieve. Not only were our prospects for a better quality of life opening wide, women began to have more choices than just motherhood, teaching, nursing or secretarial positions. Race relations were improving, the Berlin wall fell, Gorbachev was in office, and Space Shuttles were orbiting the Earth.

It was the Me generation. Individual expression was “bustier”-ing out all over in shocking new ways. We fretted over our children’s self-esteem, the number of things that excited us, and made sure we kept up with the latest fads and trends.

You may recall your own personal triumphs. But more importantly, how are you feeling about life right now?

Undoubtedly, your hopes and dreams are different than they once were. Change is occurring at such speeds, you might not be sure of what to wish for except for a global group hug and a well-earned paycheck in everyone’s hands.

What has become glaringly obvious is that our society is set up to push us toward an imbalanced lifestyle.

A new science is emerging linking happiness to our well-being. According to the World Happiness Report 2015 published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the United States ranks 15th in the world.

What is the common thread of personal well-being, or even ever-elusive personal fulfillment?

The difference between maintaining your zeal for life and heart-breaking disillusionment ultimately begins with you and where you are placing your focus.

Here are seven proactive life responses for the most common reasons why you might feel your passion for life slipping away.

You feel you have failed at something.Feeling cynical or defeated, or that your hard work is not paying off? When there is disappointment in life, seeing everything

as an opportunity will keep you invigorated and challenged in a good way. The ability to adapt and learn are vital to living the good life. Consider changing course or starting something new. Age is not important. Follow your bliss.

You play the comparison game.Making a living becomes complicated when you wish to live like someone else. Materialism and title are fake substitutes

for real affluence—the ability to inspire people. Make a list of what you admire and begin to make changes in your life to reflect your values.

You’ve mortgaged your life.Economy provides us with sustenance of life, but when it becomes the goal, you work like a machine, losing your passion

for living. Investigate new markets that allow you greater life flexibility through stewardship rather than ownership.

You self-medicate to fill the void.Innovation and automation have provided us with more free time than we’ve ever had. Instead of self-medicating your off-

hours with TV, smart phones, information, and shopping, regain a sense of wonder by looking at every day as a fresh beginning filled with possibility. Rediscover your inner child.

You are daunted by all the strife in the world.Living the good life is being peaceful even when those around you are stirring the

pot. When others engage in negativity, don’t get sucked in. Consider ending support of violent media content. Become responsible for you and your corner of the world. Seek common ground with those you come into contact with to build upon, supporting change as needed.

You’ve allowed technology to supplant human contact and nature.Do you ever walk your neighborhood and ask where all the people are? When

was the last time you roamed a nature trail? Technology is nice, but it’s not nicer than a sense of community and all the wisdom and health benefits hidden in nature’s vastness. If you’ve forgotten this, stop what you’re doing right now. Come back in 30 minutes and report your findings.

Too much “me” time.Self-love and self-care are certainly important, but keeping a healthy balance between ego and selflessness is the

striking point of cultivating personal fulfillment. In a synergetic world, personal fulfillment and social responsibility are intimately connected. Try volunteering just two hours a month to discover what you would grumble about at minimum wage. It is a gift—the most exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling gift you could ever give—the gift of you!

Finding balance between economic, social, and environmental objectives (or mind, body, and spirit) is key to personal and community well-being and happiness.

Your life becomes beautiful as soon as you put your heart into it. Your passion for life can never be taken away from you—unless you take away your focus.

Don’t worry, nobody’s perfect. We all have our rough patches. Focus is the key to mastery in life. Which do you wish to master? Gratitude for being alive or being alive and feeling like you’re dead?

Once you let go of what is illusory, you embrace life’s mystery and finally begin to live! Christine Horner, a nominee for the 2014 Dayton Literary Peace Prize, is co-founder of the What Would Love Do Foundation and author of Awakening Leadership: Embracing Mindfulness, Your Life’s Purpose, and the Leader You Were Born to Be. Learn more at www.ChristineHorner.com.

Ways to Revitalize Your Passion for Life

Home &Family

by Christine Horner

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“Your life becomes beautiful as soon as you put your heart into it.”Christine Horner, author of Awakening Leadership


More than 8,000 familiar are expected to move into Southwest Louisiana sooner rather than later, according to the SWLA Economic Development Alliance. This can have a profound effect on the area’s carbon footprint.

When choosing a new home, buyers often consider issues related to schools, neighborhood, floorplan, and house age. If you currently find yourself in the market, the environmental committee of the Alliance alerts potential buyers to a less-mentioned, yet important factor to consider—environmental effects.

Moving out to the “country” onto a big plot of land might be your dream, but when that dream becomes reality and you find yourself with a large lawn to mow and landscape to maintain, it may result in considerable expense and environmental repercussions.

For one, gas-burning yard maintenance equipment like lawn mowers and weed eaters have some of the least efficient engines around. Operating a push mower for an hour can spew nearly the same amount of pollution into the air as a 100-mile car trip. Those emissions are also a considerable source of smog or ozone, which is bad for you and your family’s health.

Developed landscape and lawns are also much less efficient at soaking up rainwater. Collectively, all the acreage in our area dedicated to roads, parking lots, and lawn space has led to an increase in storm water runoff and flooding.

New development accompanying our increasing area population has the potential to add to the problem.

Cutting back on the size of our lawns and landscaping can have a positive impact on our environment. If the thousands of families projected to move into Southwest Louisiana choose homes on half-acre lots, rather than full acres, this could mean fewer emissions from yard maintenance and would help maintain our air quality. It will also help control flooding. Further benefit could be realized through low maintenance landscaping and minimizing lawn areas.

So consider a smaller lawn. You’ll spend less time and money toiling in your yard and we all may breathe a bit easier, too.

More in the Know – About OzoneThe actions of area residents have a profound effect on ground-level ozone formation. Each time we mow the lawn, fill our tanks with gas, or perform household chores, we are presented with an opportunity to play our part in maintaining good air quality in Southwest Louisiana. Here’s how to reduce your ozone contribution at home:

• Keep your car maintained and serviced to ensure that you’re getting the best gas mileage possible. A well-maintained car produces up to 30 percent less air pollution.

• Keep tires properly inflated.• Don’t let your car idle.• Carpool with friends.• Combine errands.• Don’t overfill your gas tank. When it’s

full, make sure the cap is tight.• Mow and perform other lawn work after

5 p.m.• Refuel after 5 p.m.• Avoid solvent-based products; use

water-based paint, stain and sealants.• Seal containers of household, shop and

garden chemicals and solvents.

Buying a Home? Consider a Smaller LawnLess landscaping, less environmental impact


Style &Beauty

Fall Trendsin Summer HeatWhat, no crisp chill in the air? Never mind. Fall’s hottest fashion trends are easy to wear even in the season’s high temps. This year, keep your eye on classics with a twist, rich colors and lots of texture. Mixed, matched and layered, there’s plenty of room for your personal style to shine through.

For Her

Male callTake some cues from your guy’s closet for menswear-inspired weekend wear—a classic-pinstripe button down, those favorite worn-in jeans and well-stitched kiltie loafers.

Button upThis isn’t any old white shirt. Breathe some romance into your fall outfits with a versatile white blouse. Go for lace inserts and a high collar or dare-to-bare, flowing silk. You’ll be wearing this piece through spring.

Tweet, tweetPeacock shades of cobalt, violet and jade are this season’s hottest hues. Like to keep it toned down? Try a bold accent like a Lucite bangle or a peep-toe suede bootie.

Fall Trendsby Debra Goldberg


For Him

Velvet goldmineVelvet is back as fall’s must-have fabric. Why is this a good thing? It’s a little bit of luxury that doesn’t break the bank. Try warm, brooding tones like ink, charcoal and butterscotch for a day-to-evening jean. Add sexy python heels and go.

Fully vestedNylon puffers? Been there, done that. This season’s quilted vest is all grown up. It’s your go-to layering piece well into the winter months.

Hook, line and sinkerIn finer rib, lightweight cotton crewneck, this is a fisherman sweater cut for the modern man. Another stylish layering piece for the office or the stadium.

Friday night lightsThe fall accessory that will instantly update your entire wardrobe? Tortoiseshell frames for that retro movie star look on Instagram.

Great Scot!Brogue boots: Guys should invest in a great pair of shoes each season. This fall, make it these. Classy, classic and built to last.


Style &Beauty

How to ROCK

Rainbow Hair

If you’ve opened a magazine or flipped on an awards show lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of celebrities with hair colors that go across the ultraviolet spectrum and back again. The look has also caught on among the younger crowd, with young women from coast to coast experimenting with Crayola-bright hair.

And while these hyper-pigmented hues may have Gen-Xers and Boomers alike shaking their heads, Matt Crawford, a stylist at Salon Eden in Baton Rouge, says that he’d like to see women of all ages pushing the boundaries of “acceptable” hair color. According to Crawford, there’s nothing “weird” about wanting to try out a bold new hair trend.

“Vivid colors are definitely eye-catching,” he says. “But the fact of the matter is that having blue hair doesn’t make someone crazy or irresponsible any more than wearing scrubs makes them a doctor.”

Even if you’re thinking of trying the bold hair trend, there’s no need to go all in, all at once. Try out a new, brighter you with small sections to see how you like it, recommends Melissa Kaufman, senior colorist at Robert Gold Salon & Spa in Evanston, Illinois.

“Have fun with expression pieces,” she says. “Perhaps do a piece of pink or blue, but have them placed near the nape of the neck or just above the ear. This way it can be hidden or exposed.”

But just because you’re ready to play with rainbow color doesn’t mean you should disregard your natural hair color. In fact, your natural hue can help you and your stylist decide which shade works best. Crawford says that most hair colors can be dyed most hues, but the shade and the tone have to work together to create rich, flattering color.

“Color is the language, and tone is the accent,” Crawford says. “If you keep that in mind, you can make just about any vivid hue work. Are you a natural blonde looking for blue? Try going for a lighter, more pastel version versus a deep cobalt. Going with a softer vivid shade against lighter hair can definitely help keep your palette cohesive since lighter colored hair naturally contains less pigment.”

One warning stylists have for those interested in vivid color? Be honest about your hair’s history. You may need to let it heal before your can bleach and dye again.

“Achieving vivid hues will never be a healing experience for your hair,” Crawford says. “With that being said, a good stylist can evaluate your hair as well as your previous chemical history to find the best plan to achieve a result you are happy with while maintaining the integrity of your hair, even if this means telling you no. We don’t want you to have damaged hair any more than you do, and as our guest you are our walking advertisement.”

by Emily Alford


Our services include:

• Cosmetic Injections• Chemical Peels• Microdermabrasion • Targeted Skin Care Treatments• Dermapen Treatment• PCA Home Care Products • Jane Iredale Mineral Make-up• Facial Cosmetic Surgery

FabulousLook

this FallIt’s time to get focused on looking your best this fall and for the upcoming holiday season. Months of fun in the sun can drain the skin of nutrients and lead to premature aging – wrinkling, dryness, discoloration and an overall faded, tired appearance.

Freshen up for cool-weather season with a little help from the Aesthetic Center. Our skin care specialists will asses your skin and recommend rejuvenating treatments and products to restore a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Revive your skin for thenew season. Call 310-1070 for more information or to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Mark Crawford, Medical Director

(337) 310-1070 l facehealth.net

Our Patient Blood Draw Station located inside Imperial Health Urgent Care on Nelson Road in Lake Charles is adding Saturday morning hours for your convenience.

BUSY WEEK?Our Draw Station is Now

Open on Saturday

4201 Nelson Rd.Lake Charles, LA 70605

Monday – Friday:6am – 4pm

Saturday:8am – Noon

Cardiovascular SpecialistsLaboratory

Laboratoryimperialhealth.com | (337) 310-2273


Style &Beauty

Eyebrow trends come and go, as anyone who plucked their brows into stylish little commas circa 1996 can attest. And right now, big brows rule, though

many who have over plucked in the past don’t have much to work with.

EyebrowEXTENSIONSCan Save SPARSE Brows

by Emily Alford


T hat’s where eyebrow extensions come into play. Salons across the country are now using medical grade adhesive to

attach individual hairs to existing brows or even directly to skin in order to fill brows and give them shape. According to Courtney Buhler, founder of Sugar Lash Eyelash Extension Supplier, brow extensions mean that anyone can try any brow shape.

“With brow extensions, the sky is the limit,” Buhler says. “Anyone can get Cara Delevigne brows if they want because we can apply as many or as few hairs as the client wants. The best part is giving anyone their ultimate dream brow regardless of what they have naturally.”

Eyebrow extensions are definitely an investment, both in time and money. Umbreen Sheikh, founder of Wink Brow Bar, says that quality extensions generally cost around $200 for the first set and then $60 for fill-ins. Plus, you can expect to spend a little time in the chair getting the perfect shape on your first visit.

“If you have sparse brows or no brows or brows that are way too thin then these will work for you,” Sheikh says. “They are applied anywhere from gaps being filled over twenty minutes all the way to two hours, depending on how many hairs need to be applied to the brow.”

However, all that time in the chair generally pays off when adding brows takes years off

clients’ appearances. “The fuller the brow, the younger you look,” Sheikh says. “It’s evolutionary. As we get older, our brows thin, but extensions stop that process.”

Another group that benefits from brow extensions are cancer survivors, who may have lost eyebrows during treatment only to see them grow back patchy or suffer a second loss of brows later on.

“Cancer survivors are a huge point for brow extensions, and I have a lot of clients who have cancer or are recovering,” Sheikh says. “Cancer survivors usually lose their entire brow because of chemotherapy, but with the extensions, they can have their brows back and feel better about that.”

The length of time eyebrow extensions last varies. Brows glued directly to the skin tend to last somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 days, but brows glued directly to other existing hairs last up to a month. Those interested in brow extensions should look at them as a process rather than a one-time treatment.

“This is a maintenance process, that isn’t as invasive tattooing,” Sheikh says. “In the end, it’s about confidence. Women need to feel good about themselves, and if they feel good through brow shaping, that’s really important. When you look your best, you can conquer anything.”

by Emily Alford


Mind &Body

For more than 1,000 years, a second-century Greek doctor named Galen was viewed as the highest medical authority whose views on cancer set the pattern for disease management for centuries. Unfortunately, Galen believed—based on the information of the time—that patients were incurable following a diagnosis. Medicine progressed for centuries after Galen, but little was done for cancer prevention.

Unfortunately, the idea that a diagnosis was incurable persisted for generations; in some ways, it still does. The ACS notes that “this has served to fuel the fear people have of the disease. Some people, even today, consider all cancer incurable and put off seeing a doctor until it’s too late.” Although modern medicine has proven that people can and do survive cancer, it’s taken a long road to get where we are today—with a long road still ahead.

The development of anesthesia became available in 1846, which rapidly advanced cancer surgery, including the treatment of breast cancer. According to the ACS, William Stewart Halsted, professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University, developed the radical mastectomy during the last decade of the 19th century. Halsted proved to be revolutionary in the field of cancer treatment—he believed that local removal of the cancer could cure it, and if the cancer appeared elsewhere, another treatment process could begin. Through this belief, he developed the radical mastectomy, which became the basis of breast cancer surgery for almost a century.

Clinical trials persisted over the decades, further delving into breast cancer research. Researchers further evolved their understanding of the role of hormones and their role in breast cancer development and progression and in the 1970s, researchers found that less extensive surgery—a

lumpectomy—could be just as effective as mastectomy. Through lumpectomy, the primary tumor is removed, followed by radiation. According to Cancer Progress, lumpectomy dramatically reduced the physical and cosmetic side effects of breast cancer treatment and allowed women to recover more quickly after surgery.

The late 1970s also proved to be a pivotal turning point for breast cancer treatment. It was around this time that regular breast cancer screenings with mammography became increasingly common. Cancer Progress notes that the increased rates of mammography helped detect cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage. By the mid-1980s, nearly one-third of US women over the age of 40 were being screened, according to Cancer Progress. By 2009, this number had jumped to 70 percent. High screening rates have contributed to a 27 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality among US women since 1975.

In 2005, clinical trials further revealed potential links between lifestyle and breast cancer risk, which has fueled discussion around how women can be more proactive in preventing the progression of breast cancer. Researchers found that a low-fat diet and regular exercise decreased the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death in women with early-stage breast cancer. According to Cancer Progress, these findings are among the first to demonstrate that a healthy lifestyle could significantly affect breast cancer outcomes.

Today, breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the US, preceded only by lung cancer, according to Komen for the Cure. However, the number of women who have died of breast cancer has steadily decreased since 1989. Komen notes that in women younger than 50, there has been a decrease of 3.2 percent

per year from 2007 to 2011 in white women and a decrease of 2.4 percent per year in black women.

Currently, there are more than 2.8 million women living in the United States who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, according to Komen for the Cure. Early detection remains the best line of defense against cancer progression.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER TREATMENTBreast cancer is not a modern phenomenon. It’s likely that humans have suffered from various forms of cancer for about as long as they’ve been on Earth—and the condition has baffled and frustrated physicians, surgeons, and researchers for just as long. According to the American Cancer Society, even ancient physicians recognized the stubbornness of the disease, noting that it often came back even after being surgically removed.

by Erin Kelly


©2014, American Cancer Society, Inc.

When you walk and fundraise in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, you help the American Cancer Society make the greatest impact and save more lives in more communities, through groundbreaking research and programs like clinical trials matching and free rides to treatment.

Walk with us, because you can help us � nish the � ght.

This walk

gets us to

the finish line

faster.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 10, 2015 Heritage Square, Sulphur

MakingStridesWalk.org/swla

©2014, American Cancer Society, Inc.

When you walk and fundraise in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, you help the American Cancer Society make the greatest impact and save more lives in more communities, through groundbreaking research and programs like clinical trials matching and free rides to treatment.

Walk with us, because you can help us � nish the � ght.

This walk

gets us to

the finish line

faster.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 10, 2015 Heritage Square, Sulphur

MakingStridesWalk.org/swla

by Erin Kelly


Mind &Body

“We wanted a way to engage those men who were looking for a unique way to contribute to the fight against breast cancer. We often forget that breast cancer is not just a disease that affects women; many men are survivors themselves while others have a mom, sister, aunt, friend, etc. who have battled the disease,” says Mallory McGough, special events manager for the American Cancer Society.

This is the inaugural year for Real Men Wear Pink in Southwest Louisiana, according to McGough.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the positive feedback and support we have received from the community! The campaign has really been a great opportunity to engage community leaders in a fun and innovative way.”

This year, 16 community leaders will join the American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer by committing to wear pink every day in October, fundraising for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and raising awareness through social networks and sharing their story with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. One of those community leaders is Trevor Richard of OB’s Bar and Grill.

“Mallory asked me to get involved and I think that it’s a good cause,” he says.

Richard has been involved with Real Men Wear Pink for just two short months, but he’s already made an impact. He has offered OB’s Bar and Grill as a venue for fundraising. Real Men Wear Pink has made in difference in Richard’s life by allowing him to become involved in the fight against breast cancer.

The men involved in Real Men Wear Pink are making a big difference. “One out of every two women who are diagnosed with breast cancer contacts the American Cancer Society for help,” McGough says. “The money the men raise help end breast cancer by funding life-saving research and local programs and services. Every $20 raised could help provide one night of lodging for a

cancer patient and caregiver traveling away from Southwest Louisiana for treatment. One hundred could help guide four women facing breast cancer through every step of the journey through our Reach to Recovery program. Funds raised will help to provide wigs, personal health managers, lodging assistance, Reach to Recovery and Look Good Feel Better Programs, all right here in our backyard.”

McGough believes that in order to end the fight against breast cancer “it is imperative that we as a community come together to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of prevention and early detection.”

To become involved, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/swla or reach out to Mallory McGough directly at [email protected]. You can find them on Facebook at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Southwest Louisiana and Real Men Wear Pink of Southwest Louisiana.

The Calcasieu Community Clinic, a not-for-profit free clinic located on the McNeese State University campus, offers free breast cancer screenings to those who are eligible.

Eligible persons must be working at least 20 hours per week, with verifiable income in the form of an electronic pay check/stub and/or Federal Income Tax Return, and must have household income at or below 200 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines (for a family of three that would be $40,180 per year). Patients with Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, Veteran’s benefits or active with Moss Regional Hospital are ineligible.

Once screened and eligibility is determined, patients are referred to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Breast Health Center on Gauthier Road for a mammogram. The Calcasieu Community Clinic covers the cost for the patient.

In addition to health screenings, the clinic provides free ambulatory medical care and pharmaceuticals to the low-income, working uninsured in the five parish area of Imperial Calcasieu including Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis.

The clinic is located at 550 Sale Road, Suite 217. For more information, call 478-6196.

REAL MEN WEARSCREENINGS OFFERED BY THE CALCASIEU COMMUNITY CLINIC

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s the time of year many people wear pink ribbons on their clothes to show their support of those who have fought and those who are still fighting breast cancer. Real Men Wear Pink is an American Cancer Society campaign designed to involve men into the community.

PINKby Felicite Toney


701 Cypress Street, Sulphurwcch.com

Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram for women over the age of 40.

During OCTOBER, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering a

20% DISCOUNT ON DIGITAL SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS. Appointments are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Thursdays until 7 p.m. during the month of October.

Call (337) 527-4256 to schedule your mammogram today.

Radiologists’ fees are billed separately from the hospital and are not included in the discount.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TAKE CONTROL. GET SCREENED.


Mind &Body

1894year mastectomy was first

introduced as treatment

27%percentage of reduction in breast cancer mortality since 1975, when mammography became more common

2,350estimated US new cases of invasive

breast cancer in men in 2015

7%percentage drop of breast cancer incidence from 2002 to 2003, following a decline in hormone therapy

2.8number of breast cancer survivors living in the US today, in millions

12%percentage of women in the US who will develop invasive breast

cancer during their lifetime

85%percentage of new cases in women with no family history of breast cancer

40,290number of women who will die

from breast cancer this year

5-10%percentage of breast cancers that can be linked to gene mutations

231,840estimated US new cases of invasive breast cancer in 2015

BY THE N#MBERS


National DayBRABREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS BENEFIT

Professionals and Breast Cancer Survivors unite to benefit local charities.

at

6-10PMSilent Auction, Food, Drinks & More!

OCT

21

la femme

RSVP: BraDayLafayette.com | Tickets are Limited!

FREE health care for low-income, working uninsured!

Are you over 40 & without health

insurance?If you’re working at least

20 hours per week, you may qualify for a

free mammogram.

Call for information. 337-478-8650

550 Sale RoadLake Charles, LA

www.calcasieucommunityclinic.com

October is Breast Health

Awareness Month!

Leithead Orthodontics, the office of ABO-certifiedDr. James A. Leithead, Jr., has been serving the Lake Charles and Jennings communities for over twenty years! We pride

ourselves on providing the highest quality orthodontic care to our patients and their families, and have made it our mission

to create beautiful, healthy smiles of which our patients can be proud. We offer the best of today’s orthodontic technologies and techniques, and we strive to ensure all our patients achieve the

smile of their dreams in a comfortable, friendly environment.

James A. Leithead, Jr., D.D.S.

Lake Charles Office | 615 W. College StreetJennings Office | 310 N. Louise Street

(337) 478-8091 • [email protected]


Mind &Body

Genetics: Part of the PictureAccording to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, family history is one of the strongest risk factors for common diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and psychiatric illness. Each of us inherits a complete set of genes from our parents, which can be a precursor to future risk factors. But that’s not all we inherit. We’re also exposed to a vast array of cultural and socioeconomic factors—where we live, what our parents eat, where we grocery shop, what kind of behaviors we observe as children—all of which play varying roles in our physical, mental and emotional health. Inherited genetic variation contributes directly and indirectly to potential development of disease, but it’s not the only factor. It may not even be the overriding factor, according to some researchers.

Consider heart disease. “Cardiovascular disease can certainly be considered

an inherited condition. It tends to run in families. There might be 100 genes that all play their own role in elevating a person’s risk of developing it. But the risk factors can definitely be sideswiped by lifestyle choices. I’ve seen it happen with my patients,” Dr. Springer says. “A patient can have two parents and two grandparents who died from heart disease or stroke at a relatively young age, and still live a long and healthy life with no cardiovascular problems whatsoever, simply by changing their habits or maintaining healthy behavior.”

The same is true of diabetes, which is well-known to be hereditary but also proven to be manageable through healthy habits.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is increasing evidence that genetics play a significant role in noncommunicable diseases, like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and mental health. WHO says that “genetically predisposed individuals have an inherent risk independent of

environmental factors,” but adds that “individuals can lead a healthy lifestyle so that other factors do not augment their risk for disease.”

In other words: Your genetics have dealt you a hand of cards, for better or worse; sometimes, how you play the game can make all the difference.

Habits: The Other Part So what if you got dealt a bad hand in the gene pool and cancer, diabetes, and heart disease all run through your family? What then?

“Simple,” says Dr. Springer says. “You take good care of yourself, just like we all should, and you minimize the risk. Studies have shown that eating a healthy diet can turn the tide, no matter what your genetic make-up says.”

He explains that epigenetic research—a relatively new field—has increasingly shown that what we choose to put in our bodies can actually alter personal health at the gene level. “It’s possible that your choices can literally change the course of your gene pool.”

Smoking is one of the most obvious examples of how this can happen. We all know that smoking is bad and causes a wide range of health complications—but why, and how? Researchers have found that the carcinogens in the cigarette smoke directly affect the body’s molecules. This can cause our anti-cancer genes to mutate and malfunction. Thus, what you put in your body changes you, at the molecular level.

“That’s something to think about before you light the next cigarette,” Dr. Springer says. “But also something to think about the next time you reach for a healthy meal or go out for a walk. Just as cigarette smoke can damage you at the molecular level, healthy choices can strengthen you in the same way.”

So how do we become molecular warriors in the gene pool war? “We change our bad behaviors and start, or continue, our good behaviors,” Dr. Springer says. “And the best part is, it’s never too late to start.” Here’s how.

Visit your doctor regularly. Too often, people only visit the doctor when something’s wrong. It’s important to see your primary doctor annually, even when you feel well. Have blood drawn. Discuss your health history, habits, and diet. Ask if there’s any screenings you need, or what your risk factors are. “Be sure your doctor is aware of your family health history, as well as your personal health history,” Dr. Springer says.

Develop a relationship with your doctor. Find a doctor you’re comfortable with and stay there. It adds an additional level of effectiveness when your doctor knows your health history, your personality, the things that have and haven’t worked in the past, your history of medication and reactions—the works.

Bad Genes vs. Bad HabitsYour body is a complicated machine. Despite all the advances of modern science, researchers still haven’t completely cracked the code. Every day we get closer to understanding the human body, but many of its intricacies, mysteries and biological dynamics continue to elude even the smartest scientists.

The relationship between genetics, lifestyle and personal health remains one of the questions that continues to be asked—and answered—in various ways. It’s difficult to say how much of your current health condition has to do with your parents or grandparents and how much has to do with the plate of fried shrimp you ate last night or the three cigarettes that followed on the porch. But the answers are becoming clearer.

“We all know that one person, that uncle or aunt or grandma who smoked three packs a day and lived to be 110,” says Dr. Steve Springer, family medicine physician with Imperial Health and founder of allNhealth, a new direct primary care model designed to strengthen the relationship between patients and physicians. “When we hear stories like that, we think, ‘It must be something in the genes. It’s gotta be. What other explanation is there?’ And in some cases, that might be true. But in many other cases, it isn’t. And just because your grandfather smoked Camels until age 90 doesn’t mean you can do the same thing and have the same result.”

That’s because the human body doesn’t work that way, Dr. Springer says. “You’d be hard-pressed to find anything more customized that an individual’s personal health status. No two bodies are alike, because no two people are alike. We’re all a mess of cells, DNA, and lifestyle choices that produce wildly individualistic results.”

Certainly, genes play an important role. Some genes lead to disease. And some put you at higher risk than others.

“For example, if both of your parents had cancer or diabetes, that puts you at a higher risk. But it’s not a certainty,” Dr. Springer says. “The choices you make every day, and your lifestyle decisions, make a huge difference—and research has shown that lifestyle can overtake inheritance. Having bad genes doesn’t doom you, just like having ‘good genes’ doesn’t give you a free pass.”

by Erin Kelly


Exercise. Get up and get moving. Stay active. Get your blood flowing and your heart beating. Treat your body well and you’ll reduce any risk factors you may have.

Eat right. Talk to your doctor about the best diet for you. Be wary of fad diets. Think of your meals as lifestyle changes, not a chore. Find healthy fruits and vegetables that you enjoy. Remember: everything you put in your body affects the way it works. For better or worse.

Don’t smoke. “Smoking is one of the absolute worst things you can

do to your body,” Dr. Springer says. “I think if you lined up twenty doctors and asked them the worst decision a person can make to jeopardize their health, all twenty would say smoking.”

Lose weight, if needed. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a big difference, according to Dr. Springer.

For more information about allNhealth, call Dr. Springer at (337) 905-4372, or visit www.allnhealth.com.

Lake Charles • Sulphur • DeRidderJennings • Moss Bluff

theeyeclinic.net

Cataracts?Bring Life Back into Focus with Premium Lens ImplantsPremium lens implants available at The Eye Clinic can restore clear vision at every distance – near, far and everything in between – without the need for any type of prescription eyewear in many cases. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified ophthalmologists. Ask Us For Details!

Maybe you never clean your room. There are clothes all over the floor, dirty dishes on your desk, and a layer of dust on every bookshelf. Maybe it doesn’t bother you to step over mounds of discarded books or sidestep empty boxes from when you moved into your apartment six months ago. That’s just who you are, right?

Well, yes—but how did you get that way? When you were growing from fetus to baby, did your DNA all come together to create a single untidy human? Or did you learn these behaviors somehow?

Scientists still struggle to answer these questions.In addition to tidiness versus untidiness, researchers have also studied

the power of procrastination. Why do some people procrastinate, while other don’t? Is it something in our genes, or something in our habits?

According to Timothy Pychyl of the Procrastination Research Group at Carleton University in Otttawa, about each of our personality traits are about 50 percent heritable. But a study published in Psychological Science from the University of Colorado found that the heritability of procrastination was 46 percent.

The short answer is: No one really knows for certain how many of our personality quirks come from our gene pool and how many come from other factors, like environment, socioeconomics, or learned behavior. The foundation of human behavior continues to be an ever-evolving science.

Dr. Springer says he has just started using a new product in his practice that allows him to send off a swab and do a genetic analysis to determine the optimal carb/fat/ protein balance in someone’s diet, as well as appropriate calorie recommendations. It also analyzes the genetic make-up of muscle fibers to determine fast twitch vs. slow twitch fibers, which enables them to recommend the appropriate level of intensity and the length or amount of exercise on an individual basis. “This is something we are using for our medical weight loss patients, but being able to customize health recommendations based on an easily obtained genetic analysis is a very exciting development. This is something you’ll be seeing more of in the future for many diffferent types of conditions.”

Pinpointing Personality Quirks

Advances in Genetic Testing Show Promise for Health Improvement

by Erin Kelly


Mind &Body

Twelve-year-old Teddy Dean of Lake Charles—first introduced to Southwest Louisiana through a KPLC segment with Britney Glaser—has severe hearing loss as the result of a birth defect connected to Down syndrome. His speech was difficult to understand and he didn’t use much sign language - which often made understanding his needs a challenge. He would point to things he wanted or his mom, Suzy Borel, and brother, John Lonsberry, would use process of elimination to determine what it was that he was asking for. Doctors compared Teddy’s hearing to a muffled, underwater distortion. A Cochlear device was expected to give Teddy a world of sounds for the first time. Because of the type of hearing impairment, Teddy was a perfect candidate for the Cochlear Baha System, using his own body to conduct sound.

Cochlear invented the world’s first multi-channel cochlear implant more than 35 years ago. Today, they have three unique treatment systems to reverse the different types of hearing loss: The Cochlear Nucleus Hybrid Implant System, The Cochlear Nucleus System, and The Cochlear Baha System. The four types of hearing loss are: sensorineural, conductive, mixed, and single-sided deafness. The degree of hearing loss can range from mild (difficulty hearing a soft-spoken person or children) to profound (not hearing something as large as an airplane). From the moderately severe to the profound stages speech is inaudible without hearing aids.

The Baha System by Cochlear was the world’s first bone conduction implant developed by Dr. Anders Tjellström and his team of experts. It has

opened up a whole new world of hearing to those suffering from conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness. This technology has helped change the lives of more than 120,000 people world-wide.

Dr. Brad LeBert, with ENT & Allergy Clinic, and affiliate of Imperial Health, and member of the medical staff of Lake Area Medical Center, performed the surgery that was the first step to Teddy hearing clearly for the first time.

“Teddy has a deformity in his middle ear space that did not allow sound to go from the outside world to the inside world appropriately,” said Dr. LeBert. “The way that the Baha works is there’s a small abutment that is actually implanted into the bone of the skull. The key component to it is something called osteointegration and basically it’s the idea that the screw and the bone heal and fuse together as one.”

Teddy has a small abutment coming out of the skin where a processor clips. “That processor consists of a microphone that takes sound and turns it into vibrations that causes that small screw that’s implanted into the skull to vibrate,” said Dr. LeBert. “So it actually directly stimulates the nerve

of hearing itself using vibrations.”The procedure of implanting the abutment into

the skull and attaching the processor to the implant is a two-week process. After the abutment is implanted it takes about two weeks for the incision site to heal and for the swelling to go down to allow room for the processor to be attached and turned on. Dr. LeBert explains the process in steps, “First, the sound processor picks up sound vibrations from the environment. Then, sound vibrations are transferred through an abutment to the small implant inserted in the bone behind the ear. Finally, the sound vibrations are sent directly through the bone to the inner ear, the cochlea, where they are converted into electrical impulses by tiny hair cells inside the cochlea. These impulses travel to the brain, allowing you to perceive sound naturally.”

The last part of Teddy’s journey, after the surgery

Hearing Clearly Through a Cochlear® Implant

6TH ANNUAL

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPOSIUMSaturday, October 17, 2015 • 7:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino • Lake Charles, LA

An integrated educational program for physician and physician extenders in the areas of family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, occupational medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy, nursing and athletic trainers. Specialists from individual fields will speak on all aspects of musculoskeletal medicine.

For more information, call 337-312-8291 or register online at www.womansfoundation.com.Same-day registration is also available at the event.

a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ will be awarded

Dr. Brad LeBert and Teddy Dean

by Robin Barton


Chin Implants

Here at La Belle, we like to call the Quicklift® our ‘signature procedure’! The Quicklift®, is a minimally-invasive facelift procedure—and could be the answer to your needs! This procedure is designed to produce a natural appearance, and not the ‘wind swept’ look you may have seen from facelifts of the past. The downtime after this procedure is minimal, and the actual technique of the surgery is much less involved compared to other facelift procedures—which means prescription medication is rarely ever prescribed, and the healing time is much quicker when you choose the Quicklift®!

Dr. Jay Appurao, M.D, F.A.C.S, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, as well as the American Board of Surgery, amongst other distinguished honors. Dr. Jay has been practicing general surgery for thirty years, and cosmetic surgery for fifteen years--and he is the only surgeon in Louisiana who has the Quicklift® franchise!

To find out more information on this procedure, please visit our website at:labellecosmetic.com.

The Quick Lift®

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site healed, was the big moment: turning on the external hearing device. This part of the process was completed with Teddy’s Audiologist, Dr. Heidi Sorrells at Acadian Hearing & Speech Services where Dr. LeBert was also on hand for this very special moment, many years in the making.

When Teddy’s mother, Suzy, asked, “Teddy, can you hear momma?” His eyes lit up and he smiled. The crisp sound is unlike anything Teddy has heard before and the first minutes are an adjustment.

Teddy’s brother, John, asked, “Teddy can you hear Bubba?” “Okay man,” said Teddy. John and Teddy have a special bond. John was there for every appointment and procedure leading up to this memorable day.

Then, from another room, Teddy’s mom talks into a microphone, sending sound directly to Teddy’s device. “Teddy, you want to go eat a hot dog?”

Teddy hears, smiles, and replies: “Yeah ma’am!” However, the biggest moment comes through

music, with Teddy’s favorite artist, Pitbull. “To finally really be able to hear and he started

dancing, that was the best thing,” said Borel.The experience is equally memorable for Dr.

LeBert.“I could see immediately there was a difference

in his sound recognition and even though we were outside of the room playing it, he perked up and really got to enjoy that part of life that so many of us take for granted being able to enjoy the simple things,” he said.

With the Cochlear implant, there is an adjustment period for the patient’s brain to learn to minimize some sounds they are not accustomed to hearing in the background each day. Follow-up appointments will occur with an audiologist to have the device tweaked to make sure it is at its peak performance for the patient’s needs.

To learn more about Cochlear® Implants and this procedure call, Dr. Brad LeBert’s office at (337) 312-8564, or visit ENTandAllergyClinic.net.

photo by KPLC


Mind &Body

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Through Movementby Christine FisherJoy

Mike Peal and Eloise Huber, participants, have each found benefits in T’ai Chi Chih.


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A moving meditation. That’s how many people describe T’ai Chi Chih (pronounced tie chee chuh). These graceful, fluid-like movements are known to help people relax, find balance, and restore serenity.

T’ai Chi Chih is easy to learn, according to local certified instructor Caroline Guilott. It can be done by anyone, at any fitness level; and even be done while seated, she said. “It is made up of simple, easy movements, but in doing them, you strengthen your focus, balance and energy. It’s wonderful for the mind and body.”

Originally from Belgium, Guilott came to Louisiana to teach French. After teaching for years, she saw a sign for an Open House at a local studio, with T’ai Chi Chih and Yoga demonstrations. She was on her way elsewhere, but quickly turned around. She found herself inside, participating and then signing up to attend classes. “I don’t know what came over me! I took the next round of classes, and the next and continued like that for a while. My instructor asked if I wanted to train to be a teacher and here I am.”

The motions, made up of 19 movements and one pose, are performed in a slow, steady pace. “It’s as if you’re moving slowly through very heavy air,” Guilott described. “We aim for softness and evenness through all of the movements. The mind is focused on completing the patterns.”

T’ai Chi Chih originated in 1974 by Justin Stone, who lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He travelled many times to the Far East, studying with Yogis in India and Zen monks in Japan. At age 58, he was asked to write about T’ai Chi Ch’uan and he declined, saying his friend Professor Huang Wen-Shan had written the definitive book, but he could write about a few movements he was doing and that is how T’ai Chi Chih came to be.

The movements focus on balance and the circulation of energy known in Chinese philosophy as chi. Today, T’ai Chi Chih is taught across the world by accredited teachers. In 2012, Stone passed away at the age of 95.

Although T’ai Chi Chih is not a martial art, it uses similar principles about harnessing the power of energy, or chi, for wellness, and balancing the mind and body.

Students of the practice report a wide range of benefits, including:• Improved immune system• Relief from chronic fatigue• Lower blood pressure• Reduced stress levels• Improved circulation• Lower anxiety levels• Improved balance

“I’m in better shape now than I was at age 25,” said Guilott.

Mike Peal is an engineer at local industry and a T’ai Chi Chih participant in Guilott’s class. Dealing with his high-stress job and Type 2 diabetes, Peal finds the classes relaxing. “It helps me change gears when it’s time to leave the stress behind,” he said.

“These movements promote balance and circulate energy,” Guilott explained. “From that, good things will happen.” She said the movements can be done at most any age, with no special equipment or clothing needed. “Come as you are,” she said.

Guilott offers classes regularly at her T’ai Chi Chih studio on Center Street in Lake Charles as well as through Good

Shepherd Episcopal Church. “I’m available to teach classes for any group at their facility and help them experience the benefits,” she said.

Ellie Marquez saw T’ai Chi Chih on television and thought that if the opportunity presented itself, she would try it. “Soon, I found out Caroline was going to teach at my church, Good Shepherd. I gave it a try and found that I enjoy it,” she said. “It’s wonderful for balance, but also for peace and serenity.” Echoing her experience, Eloise Huber, another T’ai Chi Chih student of Guilott’s, said she’s found it to be helpful with reducing stress and anxiety. “We go so fast through each day, rushing from one thing to another. T’ai Chi Chih is a great way to slow down and de-stress. It helps you concentrate on yourself.”

Guilott said a new class begins in October, and participants can start at any time, even if they miss the first few classes.

For more information about local class times and dates, call Guilott at (337) 302-5928 or visit her Facebook page, Tai Chi Chih Lake Charles. Additional information about T’ai Chi Chih is available on the organization’s website, www.taichichih.org. Guillott will host an Open House on October 10 from 10:30 – noon at her studio, 3324 Center Street in Lake Charles.

Caroline Guilott


Mind &Body

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Allergens Aren’t Just for the Great OutdoorsThey also Lurk at Work

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“Employees are often hesitant to speak up about potential allergens or irritants in the workplace for fear it will upset their employer. It is very important, however, that you speak up and let those you work with know about your allergies,” Winders says.

What are the most common triggers? That depends on your work environment, occupation, and what kind of daily duties you perform, according to Winders. For example, hair stylists may experience dermatitis or eczema related to paraphenylenediamine in dyes and bleaches, or respiratory distress and skin conditions caused by persulfates in permanent wave solution.

Food service workers are also exposed to a large number of potential allergens, such as wheat flour, soy beans, fish, shellfish, egg, and peanut-based products, Winders says. Other common occupations to face workplace allergen hazards: factory workers, engine mechanics, cleaning staff, electrical workers, construction and dockworkers, pharmacists, florists, printers, and those who work in the laboratory or medical fields.

“When seasonal allergies are at their worst, many employees have significant impact to their productivity. Lack of sleep, days filled with sneezing, coughing, runny nose and itchy eyes will likely be noticed. Addressing this directly and seeking appropriate medical care to control your symptoms are critical,” she says.

If you suffer from workplace allergies, it’s important to tell your supervisor. It’s also important to have tools of defense on-hand, such as tissues, medications like intranasal steroid, antihistamine or eye drops, and epinephrine auto-injectors for more serious reactions, Winder says.

To find out which tools of defense you need, get an accurate diagnosis.

“If your allergy symptoms are not well controlled with over-the-counter products, see a board- certified allergy specialist for testing and treatment options. Once you know your key triggers you can take steps to limit exposure to those offending allergens,” Winders says.

If you’re at risk for a severe allergic reaction, make sure your co-workers are aware.

“Educate them on signs and symptoms of more severe allergic reactions, like shortness of breath, vomiting, hives, tongue swelling, etc., and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. Remember it is important to call 911 and seek emergency medical care due to the risk of a late phase reaction,” Winders says.

by Erin Kelly


You’ve had a bad shift at work, a disagreement with a family member, or a killer migraine all day. You come home and head straight for the cookie jar. We’ve all been there. But is this emotional eating what our bodies truly need?

Dr. Nzinga Harrison, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Anka Behavioral Health Inc. in Atlanta, says approximately 40 percent of Americans overeat in response to emotions. Emotional eating is defined as eating for the purpose of soothing our psyche, rather than a response to hunger. Anger, sadness, depression, grief, loneliness, self-pity, boredom – all these feelings can contribute to emotional eating. But these kinds of stress-induced snack attacks can pack on the pounds and lead to numerous health problems.

According to Dr. Harrison, emotional eating is partly related to our culture of excess, but there are also biological reasons we eat in response to emotions. We tend to emotionally eat foods that are very palatable, like those high in fat and sugar.

Address the StressPut an End to Emotional Eating by Angie Dilmore

Mind &Body

For decades, science fiction writers and movie producers have created imaginary worlds where robots were an integral part of everyday life, improving the lives of humans in numerous ways. And while you may not have your own personal robot cooking your dinner or freeing you from other mundane tasks, robotic technology is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, and orthopaedics is no exception. Locally, the field has taken a big leap forward at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, which is now the only hospital in Southwest Louisiana offering an orthopaedic robotic system.

Partial knee and total hip replacement procedures are now being performed at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital with the RIO (Robotic

Arm Interactive Orthopedic System) by orthopaedic surgeons from Center for Orthopaedics (CFO), an affiliate of Imperial Health. RIO is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system from Stryker Orthopaedics that enables accurate alignment and placement of implants.

“We want to offer our patients the highest level of orthopaedic care, and the best way to do that is to put the most advanced technology in the most experienced orthopaedic surgeons’ hands,” says Donald Lloyd II, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital CEO. “We are proud to bring this level of innovative orthopaedic care to Southwest Louisiana.”

The RIO System features a patient-specific, real-time visualization system and proprietary tactile robotic arm

technology that is integrated with intelligent surgical instruments.

“Accuracy is key in planning and performing any type of joint replacement procedure,” says Dr. John Noble, orthopaedic surgeon. “No two people have exactly the same anatomy. For the best outcome, we need to align and position the implants just right and RIO enables us to do that. The system ensures the greatest possible accuracy with a personalized, detailed surgical plan and robotic guidance. This precision allows for optimal placement of artificial joints and results in decreased friction on the new joint, and a more natural feeling joint for the patient.”

Over the years, incisions in orthopaedic surgery have become smaller, but Dr. Noble says the effort

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(Seriously, have you ever heard of someone mood bingeing on carrot and celery sticks?) Biologically, high-fat snacks and sweets are the foods that release endorphins and dopamine in our brains, helping us feel better. We can learn to overcome these natural urges. Harrison encourages people prone to emotional eating to watch for the warning signs and offers tips to prevent emotional eating.

Do you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself? If so, you may have a problem with emotional eating.

Guilty pleasures. Emotional eating becomes a problem when you feel out of control or a sense of remorse after eating a few too many Ho-Hos.

Friends and family become concerned. Your support system may see your problem before you do. Listen to them.

Eating in secret. Eating is a social behavior. If you hide or isolate yourself when eating, that’s a red flag.

How can you prevent emotional eating? Follow Harrison’s tips and adopt a healthier attitude toward food.

Lessen stress. Reduce stress levels to nix the need to nosh.

Aim for overall health. You may binge in response to untreated depression, anxiety, or physical disorders or diseases. See your physician to rule out underlying causes of emotional eating.

Can the ban. If you eliminate or severely limit foods you love, you are more susceptible to bingeing on them later. Rather than restrict these foods, schedule reasonable amounts of them into your diet. To help control portions, buy smaller container

sizes of your favorite snacks, for example a pint of Rocky Road ice cream instead of a gallon.

Exchange food for fun. Replace emotional eating with other behaviors that provide the same biological response in the brain. Enjoy a warm shower or bath. Take a walk on a bright sunny day or participate in other forms of exercise. Call a friend. Make a plan in advance for healthy activities you can do when you feel blue.

Harrison suggests we underestimate the biological drive that prompts people to emotionally eat.

“Rather than give in to those impulses and deal with consequences such as weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke and heart disease, we can intervene. Reduce stress. Address the reasons for overeating. And make a plan for healthier responses,” she says.

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to use smaller incisions and cause less soft tissue trauma, also decreases visibility. “RIO’s technology restores visibility of patient anatomy. What we’ve found is that we can actually be more precise using smaller incisions with this guided system than when using traditional, larger open incisions and surgical equipment. We can also make adjustments to within a fraction of a degree, both before and during surgery, ensuring the best possible fit for the replacement parts,” he explains.

Dr. Noble says total joint replacement procedures have been proven to be an extremely successful way to treat patients with severe hip and knee pain caused by arthritis. “As the population ages, the number of joint replacements will continue to increase, with active baby boomers demanding a return to their active lifestyles. RIO enhances our ability to restore

range of motion, overall function and return patients to normal activity.”

Whether used for total hip or partial knee replacement, RIO offers the additional benefits of smaller incisions and scars, less blood loss, quicker recovery time and shorter hospital stays for patients. In cases of partial knee replacement, patients may be able to return home the same day or the next morning following surgery. Dr. Noble says the technology was recently approved by the FDA for total knee replacement, and that will soon be an option available at CHRISTUS as well.

Robotic surgery may not be an option for every patient. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Center for Orthopaedics at (337) 721-7236.


Mark Your Calendar!

Chennault Airshow Takes to the Skies This Month

On a day like any other in late May, 1953, four officers in the newly established U.S. Air Force climbed aboard F-84G Thunderjets and shocked the world of aviation with death-defying aerial maneuvers. Named for the Native American supernatural beast and conjurer of storms, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Team became a legend in aviation that day. Sixty-three years later, that same spirit of adventure thunders toward Chennault International Airport for the Kia of Lake Charles Chennault International Airshow on Oct. 24-25. The Thunderbirds will be the Airshow’s headlining act and accompanied by many thrilling performances by numerous daring aviators. “The Chennault Airshow is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Mary Jo Bayles, Airshow Director. “Beyond its awe-inspiring performances and demonstrations, the Airshow is a celebration of Southwest Louisiana’s rich aviation and military history.” After a year-long hiatus, the Airshow is pulling out all the stops to make a truly memorable experience for the whole family. Pyrotechnics, jet trucks, fearless aerial acts, kids’ activities and vintage aircraft will take over Chennault International Airport for two full days of excitement.

The Thunderbirds’ LegacyThe Thunderbirds squadron is internationally recognized for their hard-charging demonstrations of precision formation flying and pushing

their F-16s to the limit. The team was activated in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona during the infancy of military aviation when the jet age was just beginning to boom. Seven officers and 22 enlisted servicemen sparked the beginnings of the Thunderbirds team, and they performed formation aerobatics in quick 15 minute intervals in F-84G Thunderjets. Over the years, the team’s increasingly advanced skills continued to redefine flight capabilities and required more agile aircraft. The team moved to the F-100C Super Sabre, which allowed for supersonic demonstrations. The Federal Aviation Administration eventually prohibited all supersonic flights during airshows, which is still in effect today. Throughout the decades, the team had flown the F-100, the McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom and the T-38A Talon. In 1982, the Thunderbirds embraced the latest advancement in fighter technology and adopted their signature red, white and blue F-16 Fighting Falcons. A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-jet diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the lead and opposing solo aircraft highlight some of the most impressive capabilities of the F-16. Since 1953, over 300 officers and 100 enlisted personnel have embodied the mission of the Thunderbirds team as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue.” The


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squadron is made up of 12 officers, eight of which are fighter pilots with extensive combat experience. During the Chennault Airshow, you’ll see Thunderbirds 1-6 performing jaw-dropping maneuvers during the demonstrations. Thunderbirds 7 and 8 will be on the ground serving as operations officer and advance pilot, respectively. Thunderbirds 9-12 act as the support crew, which provides public affairs, maintenance, administrative and medical needs. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the Thunderbirds this year,” said Airshow President Randy Robb. “Only 40 airshows have this honor annually, and we can’t wait to see them flying over Lake Charles.”

A Lineup of Thrills and ChillsIf the Thunderbirds team is any indication of the quality of this year’s Airshow, then audiences will be in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A dozen additional performers will take to the skies to shock and awe Southwest Louisiana. The U.S. Army Golden Knights have spent the last half-century as the Army’s only official demonstration team. The team was formed 1959 by 19 Airborne Soldiers from a range of military units who sought to compete in the new world of skydiving, which was dominated by the Soviet Union at the time. During skydiving competitions in the early 1960s, the parachute team earned the nickname “Golden

Knights”—“Golden” for the countless gold medals the team won and “Knights” for their bold performances that conquered the skies. But the excitement doesn’t end there. The AeroShell Aerobatic Team is made up of four men flying the World War II North American AT-6 Texan/Harvard/SNJ and the NA-16 aircraft, which first appeared in 1938. Pilots Bryan Regan, Mark Henley, Steve Gustafson and Gene McNeely combine skill and flair in their precision formation aerobatic maneuvers, including moves like the bomb burst, vertical rejoin, avalanche, graceful loops and rolls and the breath-taking “Switch Blade.” Other first-time performers and demonstrators include the pyrotechnic Tinstix team; Skip Stewart’s high-flying aerobatic symphony; Matt Younkin’s Beech 18 performance; and the Shockwave Jet Truck. Several fan-favorites from the 2013 Airshow will return, including Melissa and Rex Pemberton of Pemberton Aerosports and Kevin Coleman.

The Airshow will continue on the tarmac with various static displays of vintage aircraft, interactive exhibits and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Kids’ Zone. “At the end of the day, the Chennault Airshow and its proceeds invest in STEM education—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—which acts as the backbone of Southwest Louisiana’s next generation workforce,” Robb said. “We want to inspire, delight, encourage and educate area youth with all we have to offer at the Airshow.” General admission tickets give ticketholders access to one full day of aviation fun and are


Eye Health Seminars Planned for Fall

Eyelid Surgery & Facial Cosmetic Treatments, Dr. Mark CrawfordOn October 6 at 7am, Dr. Mark Crawford, facial cosmetic specialist and medical director of the Aesthetic Center inside The Eye Clinic, will discuss eyelid surgery benefits as well as advances in facial cosmetic treatments. Advances in Glaucoma & Cataract Treatment, Dr. A.J. O’ByrneOn October 7 at noon, Dr. A.J. O’Byrne will discuss the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for cataract and glaucoma, including the newest advances in surgical techniques. For more information or to pre-register, call (337) 478-3810 or visit www.theeyeclinic.net. Seating is limited. The Eye Clinic in Lake Charles is located at 1717 Oak Park Blvd., on the first floor. Parking is available in the attached parking garage.

ABC Pregnancy Resource Center - 2015 Life Matters BanquetSince 1991, the ministry of ABC Pregnancy Resource Center has been dedicated to offering life-affirming

support & compassion to women facing an unplanned and/or crisis pregnancy. Income for our ministry is raised through special events during the year, the biggest of which is our Fundraising Banquet. This year, the Annual “Life Matters” Banquet will be held on October 26 at Treasures of Marilyn’s in Lake Charles. Doors will open at 6:30pm, followed by dinner at 7:00pm. Tickets are $75. For tickets or more information, call (337) 433-2797.

Abraham’s Tent Benefit Set for October 18, 2015The Southwest Louisiana Sportsmen for the Hungry organization, in affiliation with Hunters for the Hungry, will host their annual food collection drive on October 18, from 1-4pm in the Gordon’s Drug Store parking lot, located at 2716 Lake Street in Lake Charles. Area residents are asked to clean out their freezers and pantries and donate items to Abraham’s Tent. Needed food items include: wrapped and labeled frozen meat and fish (wild and domestic), canned and boxed foods, rice, cooking oil, seasonings, vegetables and paper goods. A convenient drive-thru drop off service will be offered. Everyone is invited to participate. For more information, call (337) 433-7090. (700 block of Ryan between Broad and Division)

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available for presale online for $19 for adults. Tickets sold at the gate will be $22. Children ages 12 and under can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. Amateur and professional photographers can purchase Photo Tour tickets for $50, which include an escorted ramp tour of aircraft before gates open to the public on Saturday morning. A limited number of Photo Tour tickets will be sold and are exclusively available online prior to the event.

All ticket sales are final with no refunds and no rain checks. There will be free parking at the Airshow. All performances, demonstrations and/or flyovers are currently scheduled to appear but are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. To purchase tickets online or to learn more about the 2015 event lineup, visit the Airshow’s website at www.chennaultairshow.com.


McNeese Rodeo Awards

Six McNeese State University rodeo team members were honored at a Rodeo Awards Banquet for their accomplishments at the 67th College National Finals Rodeo. Kirsten Smith, St. Francisville, won the National All-around Cowgirl Championship and the National Reserve Championship in goat tying; Bobby Abernathy, Athens, Ala., won the National Reserve Championship in tie down roping; Trace Porter, Leesville, won the National Reserve Championship in team roper heeler; and the women’s team - which also included McKenzie Cooper, DeQuincy, Lauren Hansen, Sulphur, and Paige Plush Abernathy, Merryville - captured the National Women’s Reserve Championship. The rodeo coach is Justin Browning. William J. Doré Sr., one of the founding members of the Golden Saddle Club, sponsored the banquet and awards. The proud tradition of McNeese rodeo began in 1947 and McNeese is currently the only intercollegiate rodeo team in Louisiana.

McNeese Receives National Recognition For the fifth consecutive year, McNeese State University has received national recognition as one of the best regional universities and one of the top public universities by U.S. News and World Report, widely considered to be the foremost authority on college rankings. In the just released 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” McNeese is ranked in Tier One in the Best Regional Universities-South category and it is also ranked in the top 50 public schools in the southern region for a fifth consecutive year. The U.S. News ranking system considers information collected from several sources and measures indicators of academic quality including the strength of the faculty, freshman class rankings, retention and graduation rates, as well as cost, availability of financial aid and campus life opportunities. To see the full Best Colleges 2016 rankings by the U.S. News and World Report, visit www.usnews.com/education and follow the links.

McNeese Sponsors Geaux Blue Contest Employees of local businesses and organizations are encouraged to wear their blue and gold every Friday in support of McNeese State University for a chance to win a 3 foot by 5 foot McNeese flag to proudly display in their office. The Geaux Blue Contest runs on Fridays through November 21 and is sponsored by the McNeese Office of Marketing and Licensing. Participants can submit a photo by 11am each Friday to [email protected] for a chance to win a flag. The photo

must include at least three employees wearing their McNeese blue and gold. Winners will be notified by the end of that business day. For more information and additional contest rules, visit www.mcneese.edu/marketing/geaux_blue_contest_2015.

CB&I Scholarship Established at McNeeseCB&I of Lake Charles has presented a $15,000 donation to the McNeese State University Foundation to establish the endowed CB&I Engineering Scholarship in the McNeese College of Engineering.

L to R: Roxie Boxie, Foundation Board of Directors member, Chris Fordham, plant manager at CB&I, and Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, college dean.

L to R: Browning, Porter, Plush Abernathy, Smith, Hansen, Cooper, Doré Sr. and McNeese President Philip Williams.


Solutions for Life from Solutions Counseling & EAP ! by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP

When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.”

“Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.”

But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It’s just a different place. It’s slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around… and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills… and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy… And for the rest of your life, you will say “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.”

But… if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things…about Holland.

Ever since I read this, it has come back to me time and time again. As I researched, I found that the essay has been used for babies born with health issues, Down’s syndrome, and autism. And it fits all of those perfectly. I have friends who have beautiful children with those things, and some have made it psychologically to Holland while others are still struggling.

But I think this essay fits all of our lives along with those for whom it was specifically written. How many times have you made your plans, and bought your guidebooks, only to have it all derailed by something out of your control? How many times have we ended up in Holland with a big decision to make – bemoan the fact that we are not in Italy, or look around and begin to find the beauty in our current “Hollandish” situation?

We all know people who have chosen the former: they will never move forward from whatever tragedy has befallen them. They will choose to be in mourning for the rest of their lives. Or they will choose to be bitter and resentful that their lives did not turn out as they had planned, which is even worse.

I hope you fall into the latter category. Sure, you were stunned at first by the major, unplanned changes. You even were in denial about them, refusing to truly believe the changes were real. But at some point (more quickly as time goes on), you re-grouped, looked around and said, ”Hmm…Holland…never thought I’d be here. But here I am so, let’s see what this place has to offer!”

Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

I recently ran across this short essay that I think is just brilliant:


AT LAKE CHARLES MEMORIAL, YOUR BREAST HEALTH TEAM WORKS TOGETHER

to coordinate the diagnosis and treatment of breast problems and diseases. Our breast health

experts include radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, gynecologists, radiation oncologists, medical

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Minor and serious breast problems have similar symptoms. Although cancer is always our first

concern, many breast problems are not cancer. Memorial’s Breast Health Program has treated

thousands of women with:

HYPERPLASIA • CYSTS • FIBROADENOMAS • INTRADUCTAL PAPILLOMAS

SCLEROSING ADENOSIS • RADIAL SCARS • CANCER

Since 2007, Memorial has implemented over $117 million in expansion and improvement projects.

Included in those projects were enhanced breast treatment capabilities with more sophisticated

surgical suites, complex 4D cancer fighting technology such as intensity modulated radiation therapy

(IMRT) and accelerated partial breast radiotherapy (APBR), groundbreaking 3D stereotactic breast

biopsy technology, superior 3D magnetic resonance imaging, digital mammography and sonography.

Breast Health Starts Here

Memorial. Building a better patient experience for you.

TO FIND A MEMORIAL SPECIALIST, CALL 800-494-LCMH (5264).


Documents

Thrive October 2015 Issue