Thrive March 2012 Issue

March 2012 Thrive Magazine for Better Living www.thriveswla.com 11 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living March 2012

MARCH 2012

The Strength of Group Fitness How Annoying Are You?

Mother, Daughter Go American-Made

2 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living March 2012

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Editors and Publishers Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Creative Director/Layout Barbara VanGossen

Assistant Editor Erin Kelly

Business Manager Katie McDaniel

Assistant Designers Shonda Manuel Kris Roy

Advertising Sales 337.310.2099 [email protected] Emily Porche Britney Glaser

Submissions [email protected]

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

Contents

56726

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!

34

Cover Story 44 Man-Cession or Gender Equality?

Regular Features25 By the Numbers 31 Business Buzz 36 First Person: with Dr. Dale Archer40 Who’s News 68 Community Contributors 76 Ready to Wear 78 Best Impressions 82 Happenings 86 Solutions for Life 87 McNeese Corral87 The Last Word

In This Issue Home &Family 7 Tackling Tantrums 10 Home Poisoning Prevention

12 Why Kids Miss School

16 The Ellenders: Making Do with All-American Fashion

Money &Career 26 Why People Overspend 28 Annoying Co-workers - Are You One?

Places &Faces 34 Palm Sunday Tour of Homes 39 Fishing at Toledo Bend Lake

Mind &Body 48 How Dense Are You? 56 Prevention: Vericose and Spider Veins 62 Benefits of Group Fitness 66 A Closer Look at Eye Color

Style &Beauty70 The Beauty of Catching Some Zzzzzs

72 Eye Make-Up How-To

74 Runway Showcases Hot Trends for Spring

meet our

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We know print mediacover to cover.

Let us help your business Thrive!

Britney Glaser & Emily Porché l Sales RepresentativesKatie McDaniel, Business Manager

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Cover photo by Jessica Pledger


Saturday, March 31, 2012•

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Tickets are available online at www.lcmh.com/on-the-town or at The Foundation office by calling (337) 494-3226.

Payroll deduction is available for Memorial employees.

All tax deductible proceeds benefit The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, a 501(c)(3) entity.

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Tackling Terrible Tantrums

Home &Family


Tackling Terrible Tantrums

They’re called the “terrible twos,” but temper tantrums can erupt in young children of virtually any age. For parents, tantrums can grow into embarrassing, frustrating and exhausting experiences that put personal decorum and sanity to the test. Surviving a child’s temper tantrum is not for the faint of heart.Reacting to a tantrum with a tantrum of your own is certainly tempting, but might not be the most effective way to calm your child and your nerves, according to child health experts. According to Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, everyday frustrations often build to a boiling point -- and for even the most mindful of parents, a temper tantrum can be the tipping point from patience to fury.

Imagine what your child will hear. Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana says that one way to subvert potentially hurtful words is to take a moment to imagine that you are in your child’s shoes. Remember that you’re the adult. Your child may be acting unreasonably, but that’s often part of being a child. Take a deep breath. Count to ten or twenty.

Understand why. Tantrums often occur when children are tired, hungry, uncomfortable, ill or frustrated. They are an outlet for children who do not have emotional or social maturity to control their emotions. Tantrums also occur when children are rewarded for throwing them—i.e., if the parent gives them what they want as a means to end the episode.

Children are less likely to throw tantrums if they know what to expect. Provide rules and structure whenever possible. Have your child on a regular routine. If the routine is going to be changed, let them know in advance.

Remain calm. Easier said than done, of course, but it is counterproductive to act out in response to your child’s behavior.

Seek a quiet, private place to control the situation.

After the tantrum is over, calmly discuss it with your child. It’s important to talk children through their feelings. Discuss more productive ways your child could have responded to the situation and explain why their behavior was inappropriate.

When possible, allow your child to make small decisions. When children feel like they have more control over their environment, they feel more at ease.

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Bed Bug Myths Exposed5

Home &Family

by Christine Fisher


Bed Bug Myths Exposed

The return of bed bugs in recent years has caused an outbreak of worry, itching and also myths. People swear by certain treatments and methods to dissuade these tiny bugs from setting up housekeeping in homes, while others are adamant that their homes could not be infected. Before their resurgence, bed bugs were virtually eliminated due to DDT, a pesticide that proved effective against them. The Environmental Protection Agency outlawed the chemical in the 1980s, and bed bugs have been multiplying ever since. “International travel is one of the main reasons bed bugs are increasing,” said Robert Soileau, manager of J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles, “but traveling in general is helping to spread bed bugs. As we get closer to spring and summer travel, people should be aware of the signs of bed bugs and also the myths that are being circulated.”

Myth: Traveling is the only way to pick up bed bugs.Back when the railroad came into being, it was the main way bed bugs were transported across the country and travel is still the most common method of distribution, but it’s not the only way. Bed bugs are carried by purchasing infested furniture, used electronics, someone with bed bugs visiting your home and through connected vents and drains in apartment and townhomes.

Myth: Bed bugs live only in a bed.They can live virtually anywhere; in peeled wallpaper, floor molding, carpet edges, clothing, furniture and electronics. They live in cracks and crevices where they can hide.

Myth: Only dirty houses get bed bugs.Bed bugs do not discriminate among neighborhoods or levels of cleanliness. They can live in a mansion or in an apartment; they can live among filth or in a spotless home. They are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. These things are found in every zip code in America.

Myth: Bed bugs can’t be seen with the naked eye.Bed bugs are similar in shape and size to an apple seed and are generally reddish brown in color, easily seen if you know what to look for. The most common places for bed bugs are in the mattress, the seams of the mattress and the headboard.

Myth: Bright light makes them go away.While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the lights on won’t stop them from biting.

“Bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to commonly used pesticides, which is one reason why it’s hard for a homeowner to get rid of them using over the counter products. Licensed pest control experts have access to chemicals that are very effective at stopping bed bugs,” explained Soileau. Check the bed regularly for signs of bed bugs, which include:• Darkspotsaboutthesizeofaperiodonthispaper;it’sexcrementfrom

the bed bugs.• Rustyorreddishstainsonsheetsormattressescausedbybedbugs

being crushed.• Tinywhiteobjectsthatareeitherbedbugeggsortheskinshedby

newly hatched bugs. When traveling, check the bedding carefully; and before packing items to return home, inspect each one to be sure you don’t carry bed bugs home with you. Bed bugs themselves are very flat and about the thickness of a credit card. Any signs should be reported to a pest control expert. “If you do find them in your home, inspect that room and the other rooms thoroughly. Take the headboard off the bed, look all around baseboards and electrical outlets, empty night stands and drawers to look for any signs of them elsewhere,” Soileau said. “Because they are so small and they can get in virtually any space, we treat the entire structure, not just the room in which they were found. At the first sign, call a professional. Waiting gives them time to further infest your home. Sometimes it’s best to work with an expert and this is one of those times.”

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

by Christine Fisher


Home &Family

Home Poisoning Prevention

Poison control centers across the U.S. report about two million unintentional poisonings per year. A poison is any substance, including medications, that is harmful to your body if too much is eaten, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. “When the person taking or giving a substance did not mean to cause harm, this is what is referred to as ‘unintentional poisoning,’” explains Joni Fontenot, spokesperson for the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 82 people in the United States die each day as the result of unintentional poisoning and another 2000 are treated in emergency departments. Unintentional poisoning deaths have increased nearly 150 percent over the past decade. Fontenot says that children are at particularly high risk of this type of poisoning in the home. “Kids are smaller, have faster metabolic rates and their bodies are less able to tolerate toxic chemicals,” she says. “And while child-proofing helps, it is often not enough of a deterrent for a curious and resourceful child. Many products and substances that we don’t think of as poisonous may not be put safely away out of the reach of a child.”

Medication is one of these high-risk items. An estimated 71,000 children are seen in emergency departments each year because of medication poisonings (excluding recreational drug use). More than 80 percent of visits were because an unsupervised child found and consumed medications.

March 18-24 is Poison Prevention Week—an ideal time to focus on steps you can take to keep children in your home safe from unintentional poisoning. The Safety Council offers the following suggestions: • Afterusingthem,storemedicines – prescription

or non-prescription –out of sight in a childproof cabinet where a child cannot reach them.

• Securethechildsafetycapcompletelyevery time you use a medicine.

• Ifyoutakemedication,donotputyournextdoseonthecounterortablewhere children can reach them—it only takes seconds for a child to get them.

• Ifyouhavetodosomethingelsewhiletakingorpreparingamedicine,such as answer the door or phone, take any young children with you.

• Followdirectionsonthelabelwhenyougiveortakemedicines. Read all warning labels. Some medicines cannot be taken safely when you take other medicines.

• Neverprepareachild’smedicationinthedark. Turn on a light to make sure you have the correct amount of the right medicine.

• Beawareofanylegalorillegaldrugsthatguestsmaybringintoyourhome. Ask guests to store drugs where children cannot find them. Children can easily get into pillboxes, purses, backpacks, or coat pockets.

• Donotrefertomedicineas“candy”ortakemedicineinfrontofyoungchildren, who often mimic the behavior of adults.

• Keepmedicinesintheiroriginalbottlesorcontainers. Never use food containers such as jars, cups, mint tins, or plastic storage bags to store medication.

• Monitortheuseofmedicinesprescribedforchildrenandteenagers,such as medicines for Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD (SAMHSA 2006).

• Disposeofunused,unneeded,orexpiredprescriptiondrugsproperly. Pour liquid medications down the drain and rinse out the

bottles. Crush pills and mix with kitty litter, coffee grounds or another inedible substance and

place in a sealable plastic bag in the trash.

Parents of young children often feel like they need eyes on the back of their head. This is especially true when it comes to making sure that they don’t eat

or drink something that could be poisonous.

by Kristy Armand


Home Poisoning Prevention

Parents Be PreparedPut the poison control number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and save it on your cell phone. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If a poisoning or suspected poisoning occurs: 1. remain calm.2. Call 911 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial 1-800-222-1222. Try to have this information ready:• thevictim’sageandweight• thecontainerorbottleof thesubstanceingestedif

available• thetimeof thepoisonexposure• theaddresswherethepoisoningoccurred

3. Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center.

by Kristy Armand


Excused AbsencesTop Reasons Kids Miss School

“Basically, children in large groups provide a breeding ground for the organisms that cause illness. They are in close confines and touching the same surfaces on a daily basis – desks, keyboard, door knobs, sports equipment and more. It’s inevitable that those infected with contagious illness are going to transfer infectious particles from themselves to others,” Pediatrician Luis F. Apellaniz, MD, with Jennings Pediatric Center explains. “That’s why when we start seeing kids come in our office with flu symptoms, we know the flu has arrived in our community each year. Kids usually get these types of illnesses first.”

And while there is a correlation between academic success and being in school, medical experts agree that the best thing you can do for your child and for the other children and teachers they come in contact with at school is to keep them home when they are sick and still contagious.

“Your child won’t be at their best mentally if they are sick, and they could even get worse and end up missing more school if they don’t take the time to get well before returning,” says Dr. Apellaniz. “Parents can play a big role in preventing the spread of illness by not sending a sick child to school.”

Each school has its own rules, but most won’t let children attend if they have a fever of more than 100.4 F, are vomiting or have diarrhea. “In general,” says Dr. Apellaniz, “children can return to school when they have no fever, can eat and drink normally, are rested and alert, and have completed any medically

recommended periods of isolation.” Many parents feel like their child seems to come down with a wide variety of

illnesses every few weeks, but research has shown that most childhood illnesses that cause kids to miss school fall into one of the following top five categories:

ColdsThe most common childhood illnesses are upper respiratory infections,

including colds and other viral ailments that affect the throat, nose and sinuses. An estimated 22 million school days are lost annually because of colds alone. While adults average two to four colds a year, children typically have six to 10. Children also tend to have more severe and longer lasting symptoms than do adults.

Dr. Apellaniz says studies have shown no benefit from treating children’s colds with antihistamines, decongestants or cough suppressants. In fact, many of these over-the-counter medications have been

by Kristy Armand

Home &Family

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 43 percent of children ages 5 to17 years missed three or more days in the last school year because of illness or injury. Six percent missed 11 days or more.


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pulled from retail shelves due to risks associated with overmedicating young children. The only medications that might ease the discomfort of a bad cold are acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), which reduce fever.

Ear infection (otitis media)Ear infections most often occur in younger children, but can also be a big reason for missed school days in older children. These infections are often triggered by the respiratory illnesses picked up in school. It can be difficult to distinguish between ear infections caused by bacteria and those caused by viruses. Dr. Apellaniz says the distinction is important,

however, because antibiotics will cure bacterial, but not viral, infections. “And using antibiotics when they aren’t necessary has serious consequences, most notably fueling the emergence of bacteria strains with built-in resistance to many of the drugs that fight infection.”

Sore throatMost sore throats are caused by viruses and are usually associated with other respiratory signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough. But about 15 percent of children’s sore throats are caused by streptococci, bacteria that cause strep throat. Fevers above 101 F are common in strep throat, and swallowing can be so painful that your child may have difficulty eating. Antibiotics are required to combat strep throat.

Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)The second most common childhood illness is gastroenteritis, often called the “stomach flu.” This childhood illness causes vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to dehydration, particularly in very young children. Extra liquids, including oral rehydration solutions, can help replace lost fluids, minerals and salts. When food is reintroduced, start with easy-to-digest items such as broth, toast, bananas and rice, and avoid dairy products.

Pinkeye(conjunctivitis)Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. When caused by viruses or bacteria, conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It is typically treated with

prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Warm or cool compresses may ease your child’s discomfort.

Dr. Apellaniz says the single most important thing your child can do to prevent the spread of these and other illnesses is to wash his or her hands thoroughly and frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wash their hands with soap and warm water for 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also can keep hands clean. They come in disposable hand wipes or in gel form and require no water.

“Despite your best efforts, your child is going to get sick from time to time,” says Dr. Apellaniz. “Just keep in mind that this process of getting sick and recovering improves your child’s immunity over time. School-age children gradually become less prone to common illnesses and recover more quickly from those they do catch.”


“The jobs highlighted at Career Discovery Day are those requiring post high school training. These are jobs that are in high demand in our area, but are often overlooked when eighth-graders are selecting their high school learning paths,” said Bob Smith, Career Discovery Day Chairman. With economic trends indicating that 60 percent or more of available jobs are for skilled and semi-skilled workers, many teachers and parents alike are rethinking the once fashionable path which suggested that all high school graduates enroll in a four-year degree program. “A huge event, but if even one-tenth of the students learned about the importance of gaining a craft or a skill out of high school, the size of the event is dwarfed by the long-term benefits to our community.”

Career Discovery Day is a collaborative effort of the Chamber Southwest, Calcasieu Parish School System, industry representatives, Sowela Technical Community College, City of Lake Charles and School Systems from Allen, Beauregard, Cameron and Jeff Davis Parishes as well as other interested participants.

Charting a Career PathNearly 4,000 eighth-graders from the five-parish area recently attended Career Discovery Day to explore professional opportunities available for them as they begin to plan their career path. This is the second year for the event, which provides career information, instructional material for the classroom, an interactive website for parents, data on local job availability, an overview of benefits and pay levels, information about educational requirements and booths with hands-on activities and equipment to help students gain a better understanding of each career. More than 30 careers were highlighted and representatives from six training schools were available.


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WVictoria Ellender and her mother Cheryl Garner-Hartley

by Erica McCreedy

Mother and Daughter Go for Green & American-Made

In the past few years, the surge for demanding green local products and services has crested even higher with grocery stores featuring entire sections of organic produce, businesses promoting American-made goods, and a fever of social movements that push an awareness campaign for all things local, from clothing and tomatoes to dog toys and lipstick. We are adrift in a sea of information, and the ebb and flow of news coverage on the issue can be dizzying. Yet beyond the hipster trends and unflinching documentaries, there is a strong thesis that provides a foundation of educational awareness that intersects the lifestyle choices of “going local” with the economic impact of investing in American communities.


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ith this in mind, Southwest Louisiana locals are challenging the status quo and using their own re-vamped lifestyles to encourage others to see the long term benefits of investing in American- made, green, and ethical goods. Victoria Ellender

of Sulphur and her mother Cheryl Garner-Hartley are just two movers-and-shakers within this larger movement that is sweeping coast to coast. What started as a research project to learn about outsourced jobs quickly became America Make Do, a full-fledged awareness movement that acts as part-informational hub and part- vintage clothing line.

America Make Do, named after a World War II-era phrase used to teach families to make do with what resources they had, encourages consumers to not only purchase American-made products, but to also make the effort to re-use and re-purpose everyday items. Ellender and Hartley practice what they teach. Hartley, who owned Room With a View in Sulphur, said when she operated the shop, she “began to notice that most of the goods came from overseas. I saw fewer and fewer American-made items,” said Hartley, who has a background in professional interior design. “It made no sense. Textile mills are closing across the nation, and American products are losing value.”

Ellender and Hartley quickly began their own clothing line that focused on re-purposing fabric and re-using vintage items. Immediately the duo saw an enormous amount of support from the community, and orders for custom-made clothing began coming in constantly. By building on the growing number of consumers buying vintage and recycled clothing, America Make Do began educating the public on the benefits of American goods. “Many people feel that buying American-made items is more expensive, but many times the price tag doesn’t reflect cheap outsourced labor,” Ellender remarked. “Products made locally have a higher quality, and it’s worth it to know that what you’re using was produced ethically. Local products also are more environmentally friendly since the burden of overseas shipping is relieved.”

W

continued on p18

by Erica McCreedy

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Much of what America Make Do teaches attracts a multitude of diverse audiences from environmentalists and those that demand ethical production methods to local consumers that push for locally-driven economic development and more jobs. According to Huffington Post, when unemployment reached 9.8 percent in 2010, all but 4 percent of the top 500 United States corporations still saw increased profits. Factories shut down across the states each year – more than 42,000 from 2001 to 2012. But by cultivating an increase in the number of factories in the United States, the number of jobs can drastically increase and dollars invested in American-based production efforts are kept within their communities. Yet an overhaul of the system has its inherent difficulties unless the status quo is met with challenges across the board.

“There are challenges to buying only American products,” continued Hartley. “People don’t realize how many things come from overseas, but it helps to make little changes every day.” Something as simple as buying used clothing or local produce can have long term positive effects on an entire community.

In Southwest Louisiana, it’s become evident that residents are taking the initiative to invest locally. Lake Charles boasts two successful farmer’s markets – the Charlestown Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings behind 1911 City Hall Arts & Cultural Center and the Cash & Carry Farmer’s Market on Tuesday evenings at Cash & Carry Grocery – where Ellender and Hartley also sell their clothing. The city also has two cultural districts that promote tax-free sales on original local artwork.

This drive to buy local produce, eat at local restaurants, and support local art centers around the core human need to sustain a community identity, and America Make Do is leading the charge on spreading local awareness.

“Southwest Louisiana is a great place to promote American-made products,” Ellender remarked. “People here want to be engaged and support family businesses and local artisans.” There is a deep familiarity with purchasing American and local goods in that the consumer can experience the entire history of the clothing, produce, or homemade good by knowing where it came from and understanding its production from the ground up.

“We are not against other countries or their workers,” Hartley said. “We just want people to see that we have so many resources here that we should capitalize on.”

In the end, it’s about creating the sense of community and boosting our own local economy through an active engagement by area consumers. There are numerous websites with entire databases devoted to detailing where products come from and other groups and organizations that focus their efforts on supporting American made goods which demystifies the entire journey to making our lives greener and more economically conscious. Educational awareness is at the forefront of America Make Do, and Hartley will teach a class in March at the Care Help of Sulphur about “upcycling” used clothing. For more information on America Make Do, visit their Facebook or Etsy page or call 337-853-4404.

Part of the America Make Do line




Continued on p22

Those distinctive icons of Southwest Louisiana, the “crossed pistols” that line the handrails of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, are currently part of a bridge refurbishment project that will have some of the historic pistols, damaged over the years, replaced by brand-new exact likenesses.

It’s impossible not to notice the current construction on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD) began a $5.7 million maintenance project on the bridge in late June, and it is expected to be complete in spring of 2012. The project is focused on maintaining and repairing elements of the bridge, including removing rust, replacing damaged rivets—and recasting and replacing damaged pistols on the handrails.

“The pistols are original decorative pieces from when the bridge was opened in 1952,” says Steve Jiles, district administrator of DOTD. “Fifty to 60 pairs out of the 5,286 pairs of pistols on the bridge will be replaced during this project. The pistols being replaced have mostly been damaged by impact from motor vehicle accidents over the years. In keeping with the bridge’s history, the new pistols are being cast in the exact likeness of the original pistols.”

The cast-iron pistols line the bridge’s handrails in crossed pairs, paying homage to Lake Charles’s pirate history and local legends of Jean Lafitte. The pistols are unique to the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. (A similar style of handrail decoration was used on two other bridges built around the same time in Louisiana, one of which is the Columbia Street bridge in Bogalusa, whose iron railings feature pinecones—also indicative of that area’s history.)

During the early stages of planning the bridge in the 1940s and into 1950, N.E. Lant, the bridge designer, favored naming the bridge the “Lafitte Bridge.” Hand-drawn pictures of the pirate and images of crossed pistols can be found on early plans and drawings. Lant officially chose the crossed pistols design for the handrails in 1943 after he learned that a route from Lake Charles to New Iberia—then known as the Old Spanish Trail—was originally called the “Lafitte Cutoff.” In 1951 the Louisiana State legislature decided to name the bridge the “World War II Memorial Bridge,” but no official name was ever adopted and the bridge is now known as the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge.

The pistols originally adorned the handrails along walking lanes on either side of the bridge, but the bridge was closed to pedestrians once it was adopted as part of Interstate 10 in the early 1960s.

The replacement pistols are being recast in a foundry in Mobile, Alabama, and are being installed on new railing pieces in Reserve, Louisiana. The new handrails will be installed on the bridge during the current maintenance project.

Visit the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Maintenance Project’s Facebook page: facebook.com/pages/I-10-Calcasieu-River-Bridge-Maintenance-Project for updates on the maintenance project and to learn more about the installment of the new pistols.

Crossed Pistols of Historic Calcasieu River Bridge

Undergo Maintenance and Refurbishing Project


Continued on p22

Please make plans to join us for an elegant evening of entertainment:

Saturday, May 12, 2012L’Auberge Casino Resort

6:00 pm

Entertainment by The Dinner, Silent & Live Auction

Dancing to The KadillacsA Black Tie Affair is a fundraising project of the

Calcasieu Medical Society FoundationThis year’s proceeds bene�t the Calcasieu Community Clinic.

To reserve your tickets now, call 478-3780 or purchase online at ablacktiea�air.org

Save the Date

Big Easy Releases Seasoning LineBig Easy Foods has released “Louisiana Seasoning,” an 8 oz. blend of hallmark Louisiana spices, as part of its national product line. Louisiana Seasoning has bold flavor, enticing heat, and less salt than its competitors, according to Larry Avery, managing partner of Big Easy Foods. It can be used to season dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Big Easy Foods, based in Southwest Louisiana, began more than 10 years ago, selling sausage and boudin in stores throughout the region. Known then as French Market Foods, the company’s products grew quickly in popularity, leading co- founders Avery and Mark Abraham to build a 15,000 square-foot USDA plant on Ryan Street in Lake Charles and expanded their product line to include the famous tur-duc-hen and the first-ever completely boneless stuffed and seasoned chicken. The Big Easy product line is available in stores across the country as well as shipped nationally when ordered from this website. Louisiana Seasoning will be available on retail shelves in late February. For more information or to register for prizes celebrating its launch, visit the company’s website, www.bigeasyfoods.com, or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bigeasyfoods.

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The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Lake Charles, from local authors Janet Allured, Jessica Hutchings and Debbie Johnson-Houston. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images.

Isolated from the main transportation routes during the early 19th century, Lake Charles was a backwater of 500 people when incorporated in 1867. The arrival of the schooners and the railroad integrated it into the corridor between Galveston, Houston, and New Orleans, and Lake Charles grew rapidly after the Civil War. Streams of migrants from Europe, nearby communities in Texas and Louisiana, and northern states moved here and built a booming lumber industry.

Though beset by fires, storms, and floods, the city rebuilt many times, and in the 20th century, Lake Charles and its environs became an important petrochemical center.

Highlights of Lake Charles:•AportionoftheprofitsfromthesaleofthebookwillbedonatedtotheFrazarMemorialLibraryArchives,McNeeseStateUniversity.•Inadditiontoacirca1890photoofthebuildingthattodayhousesthePujoSt.Café,readerswillalsobeintroducedtothemanforwhomthestreetitselfisnamed,theArsenePujo,whoplayed a pivotal role in Congress in the Progressive Era.• IncludedarephotosoftheGreatFireof1910,andthehistoryof the many beautiful public buildings designed by the famed NewOrleansarchitecturalfirmofFavrotandLivaudaisthatarose from the ashes, many of which still stand, including the courthouse, city hall, and Central School Arts & Humanities Center.

Lake Charles is available at area bookstores, independentretailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888)-313-2665.

History of Lake Charles Told Through Photographs

Jessica Hutchings

Janet Allured

Debbie Johnson-Houston


Gregory C. Robertson,Southwest Louisiana President

Anne Miller,Assistant Vice President

Russell Pawlowski,Vice President

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Lisa Ward once believed that lung cancer was a disease limited to heavy smokers and other high-risk patients. Now she knows differently. In late October 2011, her sister Cindy was diagnosed.

“When one person is diagnosed, the whole family is diagnosed,” says Lisa. “When we heard the news, we didn’t know what to think. It was absolutely horrible and it’s certainly taken its toll, but that’s nothing compared to what Cindy has gone through, emotionally and mentally.”

Cindy, 42, has never smoked, but on October 29 she found herself facing a lung cancer diagnosis following what was believed to be a bout of severe pneumonia. The surprising diagnosis has inspired Cindy and her family to raise awareness about this disease, which takes more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. According to the National Lung Cancer Partnership, lung cancer accounts for 27 percent of all cancer deaths, yet has one of the lowest rates of research funding.

This year’s 4th annual Free to Breathe Lake Charles Lung Cancer 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk will be in honor of Cindy and in memory of Ben Mount. The walk will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The event provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support in the movement to defeat lung cancer. Last year’s donations helped fund a grant for Dr. Don Nguyen at Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, whose research aims to identify cells that will help determine the timing of cancer progression. His research could lead to cheaper, safer and more accurate ways to assess the effectiveness of cancer therapy and treatment.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m. Fees are $20 before the event and $25 on the day of the event. For more information, visit www.freetobreathe.com.

Join to Raise Awareness

Cindy Hornsby

Jessica Hutchings

Janet Allured

by Erin Kelly


The Better Business Bureau is warning senior citizens to be aware of a telephone scam that is preying on grandparents nationwide. BBB has recently received reports about grandparents who thought they were aiding their grandchildren by providing money for an emergency situation but were in fact giving thousands of dollars to con artists. One local senior citizen wired as much as $3,000 before she realized that it was a scam.

Generally, the scam works like this – the grandparent receives a distressed phone call from who they believe is their grandchild. The supposed grandchild typically explains that they are travelling in another country and have been arrested or involved in an auto accident and need the grandparent to wire money to post bail or pay for damages—usually amounting to a few thousand dollars. While many seniors have reported the scam without falling prey to it, unfortunately, many others have been victimized.

“This scam is appalling because it preys on the emotions of seniors who want nothing more than to ensure the safety of their grandchildren,” said Carmen Million, BBB SWLA President. “The key to avoiding this scam is to remain calm despite the ‘emergency’ nature of the call and to verify the identity of the caller. Too often people are allowing themselves to get caught up in the false sense of urgency and they end up making emotional, instead of logical, decisions.”

Known as the “grandparent scam” or “grandchild scam,” calls have been reported throughout the country for several years. The cons tend to target

elderly people who might have trouble recognizing voices over the phone. Because the cons usually claim to be embarrassed and ask to keep the incident a secret, victims neglect to verify the story before sending money.

BBB offers tips to help detect a scam:

1. Don’t fill in the blanks for the scammer. If they claim to be your grandchild, ask them for their name and other

identifying information. Don’t take their word for it.

2. Do whatever is necessary to confirm the real relative’s whereabouts.

Call your grandchild’s home, school or work.

3. Don’t send money unless you have verified that your relative is really in trouble. If a caller asks for your bank account number or urges you to send money via Western Union or MoneyGram for any reason, that’s a good indication of a scam. Cons prefer wire transfers because they are fast, there are transfer agents in most communities and funds can be picked up in multiple locations.

BBB Warns: Grandparent scam

Targeting Local seniors


Money &Career

The Psychology of an overspender The logistics of keeping a

healthy bank account seem easy enough. It makes logical sense that you should spend less than what you have to keep your account from going in the red. Yet every day an otherwise financially comfortable account-holder will find that the negatives have snuck into their bank accounts and they’ll scratch their heads, wondering what happened.

by Erin Kelly


There are times when we can’t help going in the red, especially in the current economy, but then there are those who are of a different variety altogether. These are the overspenders—people who find themselves in overdraft even though they theoretically have enough money to live comfortably.

Some statistics estimate that as many as 43 percent of American consumers spend more than they earn each year, according to Christa Comeaux, Assistant Vice President with Lakeside Bank.

“It’s certainly true that many people currently don’t earn enough to cover their bills. That’s a different issue entirely. The problem with overspenders isn’t that they don’t make enough money. It’s that they spend too much of the money they have and don’t have an adequate budget or spending strategy,” said Comeaux. “Overspenders often believe that their problems would be solved if they earned more money, but overspending is a financial habit. It’s not an issue of dollars. You can earn $200,000 a year and still go in the red on a consistent basis if you haven’t developed sound financial habits. Spending too much money is a habit just as ‘penny-pinching’ is considered a habit.”

According to Comeaux, there are several reasons why overspenders consistently send their bank accounts into overdraft:

Poor budgeting skills. Most modern consumers understand the validity of having a household budget, yet few maintain one, Comeaux said. “Some customers, in moments of stress and frustration, will sit down and write out a budget. Obviously, that’s a good approach. Unfortunately, the budget may only last a day or two before things go back to normal,” Comeaux said. “The key is to write out a budget and stick to it. Tell yourself that you’ll stick to the budget for a week and when that week is over, tell yourself you’ll do it for another week.” According to Comeaux, becoming a responsible spender is a lifestyle change and it will take time for the new habits to take hold.

Keeping up with the joneses.Luckily, things have changed with this phenomenon as the economy has taken big hits over the past several years, but some continue to have a belief that they need to have a new house, new car, new gadget, and so on. “What’s ironic is that while you’re keeping up with the Joneses, the Joneses are trying to keep up with someone else,” Comeaux said. “That’s how consumers in this country developed such an overburden of personal debt in the first place. You should only have to keep up with yourself and your budget. If you truly want to live comfortably, that’s how you do it.”

Poor knowledge of personal finances.This plays into the budgeting scenario. According to Comeaux, many consumers don’t have a solid concept of how much they earn versus how much they spend. “With so many people living paycheck to paycheck, it’s easier to see tomorrow rather than next month or next year,” Comeaux said. “This sometimes leads to impulsive spending. Sometimes it’s a wake-up call to sit down with your financial statements and take a good, hard look at what you’re spending your money on. The results may surprise you and jolt you into developing a better budget.”

Spending now for future windfalls.One of the biggest errors in judgments that overspenders make is spending money today for money they’ll have tomorrow. If you know you’ll get paid on Thursday, it doesn’t mean you should spend more money on Tuesday, Comeaux said. If you’re expecting a payout of some sort—bonus from work, financial settlement, tax refund, loan money—don’t include it in today’s budget if you don’t have it yet. “As the old saying goes, don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” Comeaux said. “Make a budget for money you have, not money that you think you’ll have. As we know all too well, things don’t always work out the way we plan. The tax refund check may get sent to the wrong address. The settlement money may get held up. The work bonus may not be the same as it was last year. If you have the money, incorporate it in your budget. If you don’t have the money, then—well, you don’t have the money.”

Focusing on getting more money, rather than spending less.It’s common for overspenders to focus on how to make more money to avoid going in the red, rather than focusing on how to curb spending. “If you don’t make enough money, that’s one thing. If you’re spending every penny you have every paycheck on things you don’t need, that’s another. The only way to know for sure is to pick through your statements with a fine-toothed comb. That way you’ll understand your personal habits and you’ll see where you can make vast improvements,” Comeaux said.

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Money &Career

You know who we’re talking about: the know-it-all, the loud talker, the cubicle invader, the slacker. There’s one or more in every office. The hit television show “The Office” brings together an entire cast of annoying co-workers, and while they may be entertaining to watch for a half-hour, it’s not so laughable when you spend several hours a day putting up with these types of irritating habits and personalities.

In the 2011 Work Stress Survey conducted by Harris Interactive, more than three quarters of Americans reported high stress levels about something related to their jobs, with annoying coworkers ranking in the middle. “More people are stressed by the behavior of their co-workers than they are about their boss,” says Chauntelle LeJeune, MA, LMFT, LPC, therapist with Solutions EAP. “This shows you what the impact co-workers can have on each other and ultimately their company’s productivity.”

It’s easy for a person to get comfortable in their surroundings over time and LeJeune says “some may get too comfortable, crossing that line between

camaraderie and annoying without even realizing it.” There are many surveys floating around the

internet taken by coworkers as well as supervisors ranking the top annoying workplace behaviors. Several appear on every list. We asked LeJeune to provide some suggestions for each of these:

Hovering when someone is on the phone.Come back another time, leave a note or go back to your space and email. Standing just outside the door to wait is still hovering.

Cell phone always being on.If you can’t turn it off, consider turning off all sounds and notifications off. Vibrate mode can still be heard and considered annoying if your phone is frequently vibrating.

Loud phone talkers.Some people have a naturally booming voice and they have to be particularly careful.

Annoying Co-Workers

by Haley ArmandAre you one?


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Annoying Co-Workers

by Haley Armand

Groupism (cliques).It’s normal to have people you most “connect with” at work, but include others to avoid hurtful grouping as this leads to morale problems.

Nottakingresponsibilityformistakes.Be willing to apologize. It not only makes you less annoying but commits you on some level to doing things different.

Notreadingorrespondingtoemailsorphonecalls.At least provide some acknowledgement that you read the email or received the call even if it’s just to say “I got it and I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”

Texting, checking phone or shuffling papers in a meeting.Even if you can do two things at once, it is still appropriate to give someone your undivided attention. Checking your phone and emailing or texting, although quiet, is still obvious.

Smelling bad (Yes, it really is a common complaint!)This complaint may apply not just to body odor, but also to breath, strong perfume, cologne, hairspray and other scents. Keep in mind that what appeals to you may not be appeal to others, and by all means, practice good hygiene.

Chronic lateness or leaving early.Don’t think this isn’t noticed. You expect others to be on time and regardless of what your personal situation is, you don’t get a “free pass.” Everyone has outside demands.

Beingtheoffice“KnowItAll.”You have seen them and you can feel yourself groan just thinking about them. Interestingly, this is often the top complaint noted by bosses. Being smart is great but quiet intelligence is just as obvious and nicer to be around.

You probably have first-hand experience with many of these, but LeJeune also suggests taking an honest assessment of your own behavior to make sure you aren’t unknowingly committing some of these commonly listed offenses. “Before you point the finger at someone else, it’s a good idea to evaluate your own workplace behavior.”

So what is the best way to handle an annoying co-worker? “At the end of the day, dealing with your coworkers – the good and the bad – is just a part of work life,” says LeJeune. “Hopefully, you are professional enough to ignore minor annoyances, but if you do decide to address something that has become a bigger issue, it’s best to be tactful so that you don’t hurt someone’s feelings. If the annoying behaviors are severely disrupting the office’s productivity, then it is something a supervisor should address privately, possibly in as part of an annual evaluation. Employee training programs can also help employees be more aware of how their behavior affects those around them.”

Solutions EAP offers a wide variety of workshops addressing dealing with workplace issues. For more information, call Solutions at (337) 310-2822 or visit www. solutions-eap.org.


Money &Career

New Generation ofAdvertising

As the Internet and multimedia have staked their claim in the daily lives of most Americans over the past ten or 15 years, everything from how we communicate to how we work has changed. Technology has evolved so quickly and significantly that it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint every area that has touched our lives. Just as we were getting accustomed to cordless phones, we had cell phones in our pockets. In the years after sending our first email, we were typing out text messages.

This shift in technology has had an equal effect on consumers and businesses. Companies who choose to not embrace modern innovations are quickly left behind.

“Over the last 10 or 15 years, advertising has experienced a sea of change. With the proliferation of Internet and multimedia, the most effective methods for advertising have shifted to technology-based mediums,” said Victor Wukovits of Digikast, a digital and print signage company. “Digital signage has become a reality, with advertising messages being displayed in major markets like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and others.”

With their place-based digital networks, Digikast provides advertising solutions to captive audiences in venues such as fitness centers, airports, hotel lobbies and medical waiting rooms. Digikast will soon shift to other interactive media, like Bluetooth, SMS, and mobile websites. In April, Digikast will launch a mobile advertiser directory that will allow promotions, coupons, and links to websites and social media be available to visitors of our mobile website, Wukovits said.

According to Wukovits, modern advertising through digital networks offers repetition, appeal and exposure that is vital for businesses to convey their message to targeted audiences.

Exposure to digital out-of-home advertising in the Lake Area has been limited to digital billboards, but Digikast has brought this technology indoors—first to the Lake Charles Regional Airport in 2008 and then to more than 25 hotels throughout Southwest Louisiana. Digikast now has a presence in locations ranging from clinics to gyms.

A


St.PatrickHospitalRecognizedbyAmericanCancerSocietyCHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital received the American Cancer Society’s Circle of Hope Award for sponsoring both the Relay for Life and the ACS Gala, the Lifesaver Award for being one of the top facilities in the area for referrals to the American Cancer Society and the Pacesetter Award for raising funds for the Relay for Life event. For contributions overall, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital was also awarded as one of American Cancer Society’s Top 5 Companies.

ArtsCouncilDistributesFundstoLocalOrganizationsFifteen organizations in Calcasieu Parish have been awarded funding through grants funded by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and allocated by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Organizations include the Lake Charles Civic Ballet, Art on Wheels, the Children’s Theatre Company, the Brimstone Museum, the SWLA Science Educational Foundation, the Calcasieu Historic Preservation Society, Louisiana Choral Foundation, Cajun French Music Association, Louisiana Film and Video Art, Bayou Writers’ Group, Black Heritage Gallery, Dr. F.G. Bulber Youth Orchestra, Whistle Stop, Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Awareness and Iowa Rabbit Festival. For more information on the Arts Council’s other grant programs, visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org or call 439-2787.

Lake Area Psychiatry Celebrates 10 YearsLake Area Psychiatry, founded by David Buttross III M.D. in 2002, recently celebrated 10 years of service. Lake Area Psychiatry staffs four psychiatrists and four licensed clinical social workers who provide a broad range of mental health assessments and treatment. In addition to treating patients at the clinic, the providers also provide services at other community facilities and agencies. The professionals at Lake Area Psychiatry represent more than 200 years of experience. Their treatment approach is to understand and treat the whole person—body, mind and spirit. Dr. Buttross, who founded Lake Area Psychiatry, had formerly been associated with Charter Hospital, an outpatient clinic of Lake Charles, the Institute for Neuropsychiatry, and with the medical staffs of Memorial and CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hosptial. Lake Area Psychiatry is located at 333 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. For more information, visit www.lakeareapsychiatry.com or call 478-9331.

First Federal Bank of Louisiana Earns Highest 5-Star RatingBAUERFINANCIAL, the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm, recognized First Federal Bank of Louisiana, Lake Charles, with a Superior 5-Star rating. A 5-Star rating denotes that First Federal Bank of Louisiana is one of the best in the nation in terms of its overall financial performance. First Federal Bank of Louisiana has earned this 5-Star Superior rating for the last 78 consecutive quarters, putting it in an even more elite group of Sustained Superiority Banks. Only 7 percent of the nation’s banks can claim this distinction.

Cardiovascular Specialists of SWLA Selected to Run StudyCardiovascular Specialists of Southwest Louisiana was selected as an investigative site for the PROMISE Trial, a study of the effectiveness of tests to detect coronary artery disease. Michael C. Turner, M.D., is principal investigator and Thomas J. Mulhearn IV, M.D., is co-investigator. The PROMISE Trial is funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and coordinated by Duke University. The study seeks to answer the question as to which noninvasive tests offer the best long-term results for detecting and treating coronary artery disease. The results of this study will determine to a large extent what test cardiologists choose in evaluating a patient for heart disease. It is the largest comparative effectiveness trial of its kind and will enroll

10,000 patients worldwide. Participation in the study requires the principal investigator to be trained to a level-three status for cardiac CT or to be board-certified in that specialty. For information on participation in this study, contact your primary care physician or Cardiovascular Specialists at (337) 436-3813.

Moss Regional Receives Lead AwardsDr. Walter O. Moss Regional Medical Center received the Clinical Lead Award for Heart Failure from the LSU Health Care Effectiveness Forum. Clinical Lead Awards are given for leadership efforts in providing exemplary healthcare in disease management programs and presented to those demonstrating superior outcomes on a bundle of disease-specific performance measures. WOM also received the Clinical Excellence Award in Asthma, HIV and Tobacco Cessation. Donna Stelly Jorden, RRT, AE-C, and Lana Credeur-Gammage, RRT, AE-C, received the Clinical Lead Award in Asthma. JoAnn Brooks, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator for WOM, received the Clinical Lead Award in Tobacco Cessation as part of the HCSD Tobacco Cessation Initiative team.

GardenClubRecognizesDowntown Historic City HallEach month the Lake Charles Garden Club recognizes a business that they feel has made an effort to enhance their landscape and therefore contribute to the beautification of Lake Charles. For the month of February they selected the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. The landscaping of the center is maintained by Lake Charles Public Works Beautification Grounds Department, under the supervision of Ronald Young. The award was presented to Denise Fasske, Director of Arts and

Cultural Affairs and Carol Anne Gayle, Exhibit Specialist.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Receives FundingBig Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana received $160,000 to strengthen its Tribal Community Initiative, a mentoring program developed to help Native American/Alaska native children achieve in school and promote life-long success. The funds are part of The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) $13.3 million FY2011 investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring programs to prevent juvenile delinquency. This $160,000 award is part of a $2 million dollar allocation of OJJDP’s total grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters for the Tribal Community Initiative, which will fund the pairings of a minimum of 600 American Indian/Alaska Native youths with positive adult mentors on reservations/pueblos across the country. Native American staff, with the help of advisors and elders, will carefully match youth with mentors and provide ongoing match support to the adult volunteers, mentees and children’s families in an effort to decrease gang activity, reduce alcohol and drug abuse, improve academic performance and parent/guardian relationships, and foster a renewed sense of tribal identification for participating youth.

All you need to know to stay in the know!


Money &Career

Healthy Image and Thrive Selected for Economic Development Program

“Economic gardening is a new program of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and we are excited to bring this pilot program to Southwest Louisiana in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development. As the name suggests, it is a program that was created to cultivate business growth at the local level and to support homegrown, hometown businesses like Healthy Image and Thrive. This new program is one of several programs that the Alliance brings to the business community in order to promote an entrepreneurial culture in the five parishes of Southwest Louisiana.”

David Conner, Vice President of Economic Development and International Services, SWLA Economoic Alliance.

Healthy Image Inc. and Thrive magazine, Lake Charles-based sister companies, are among 32 businesses statewide selected by Louisiana Economic Development to participate in the Louisiana Economic Gardening Initiative.

The Louisiana Economic Gardening Initiative is a statewide effort designed to provide small businesses with market research and growth strategies from national consultants. This approach to economic development is based on the concept that local economies are driven by hometown entrepreneurs—a concept backed by statistics from MIT, where researchers found that most new jobs in any local economy were produced by the community’s small, local businesses.

To be eligible for selection, companies must have maintained their business in Louisiana for at least the past two years and have annual revenue ranging between $600,000 and $50 million. Employment must be between five and 100 and the company must have demonstrated growth in annual revenue over the course of five years. The company must also deliver products or services to customers outside of the local market area.

“We were honored to be chosen as one of companies for this pilot program and are excited about the resources it is providing to us,” says Kristy Armand, one of the company owners. “We have always been focused on growth and improving the services we provide to our clients. There are many challenges that come with owning and running a small business and we find it very promising that the state is taking such an active interest in our future success.”

Healthy Image offers a full range of marketing services, including strategic planning, graphic design, writing, advertising, media relations, video production, public relations, Web site development, event planning and social media management. The company has over 90 clients including several regional and national firms, and has recieved numerous advertising awards. Thrive is a free monthly lifestyle magazine distributed from more than 200 locations in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. The magazine has been recognized by the Louisiana Press Association for excellence in writing, design and content.

Both businesses are owned by Kristy Armand, Christine Fisher and Barbara VanGossen. Healthy Image will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. Thrive

was first launched in 2003.

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Nine out of 10 car seats are not used correctly in Louisiana, according to Lexlee’s Kids, a non-profit organization designed to educate the public about child safety. Some of the most common errors found during community car seat events are: lack of any child restraints, expired/recalled car seats, loose installs, incorrect harnessing, incorrect recline angle of rear facing car seats, installing car seats using both the seat belt and lower anchors and the often-forgotten booster seat.

When it comes to booster seats, some say it adds comfort by allowing children to see out of the window, but the greater reason for utilizing them is because they’re safe. When a child isn’t tall enough, a seatbelt will sit inappropriately on the abdomen and neck causing severe injuries. The injuries could damage the internal organs and cause paralysis by making contact with the spinal cord instead of the strong bones of the hips, shoulders and chest. A seat belt should lie over the hips, shoulder and chest, not the neck and stomach.

Once your child outgrows his or her harness seat and it’s time to move your child into a booster seat, make sure they are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds.

A FEW TIPS:•Beltpositioningboosterseatsmustbe

usedwithbothlapANDshoulderbeltand head restraint provided by a high back booster or vehicle seat.

•Theseatbeltshouldneverbeplacedunder the arm or behind the back.

•Backseatisthebestseat!Ifpossible,keep your children in the back seat until they reach age 13.

Give Your Kid a BoostIndustryInsider

Straight Answers to Your Questions on Industry and the Environment

At local industries, keeping our products safely in the pipeline is not only environmentally friendly, it improves our bottom line. Being environmentally responsible is part of everything we do. In fact, local industry reduces, reuses, recycles

and treats nearly all of the waste it produces. The key to growth is increasing productivity. Industries promote growth and good business by implementing programs to significantly reduce waste. Yes, government regulations require us to invest in environmentally-friendly equipment and procedures, but we know these same investments help us increase our productivity. Going green isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business.

Q:A:

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

Being environmentally responsible makes good business sense.

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


Places &FacesPalm Sunday Annual Tour of Homes The 37th Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes will feature properties and lifestyles in Lake Charles’s original

streetcar subdivision, Margaret Place. After the Great Fire of 1910, new residential districts developed along the established streetcar lines including one that ran from downtown Lake Charles along Ryan Street and southwest along South Ryan. The Perkins family developed Margaret Place and the first home was completed there in 1912. The Palm Sunday Tour will feature nine distinctive homes built in the first half of the 20th century. All are in easy walking distance of each other. Streets will be closed to allow for easy access from home to home. Patrons can tour the homes at their leisure. Docents will be on hand to assist and direct visitors, however a full-color program will provide details about these fabulous properties.

100th Anniversary Brunch Patrons can enjoy a deliciously prepared brunch at 121 Artisans Bistro at the gates of Margaret Place. There are two seatings, at 9:30 and at 10:30. Patrons of the brunch will be able to preview the Reflections Exhibition and also have advanced entrance to the Sunday afternoon tour. This is an advanced sale/limited ticket event. Additional information and tickets are available online at calcasieupreservation.org.

reflections of Margaret Place and iCCS in PicturesAn exhibition of photographs and images from both the Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and Margaret Place residents, regional artists and archives. Free on Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday Tour of HomesView the exteriors and interiors of nine fabulous private residences in this historic area. Advance online ticket purchase encouraged. Tickets may be purchased at Margaret Place entrance gateways on the day of the tour. Additional information and ticketing online at calcasieupreservation.org.

The SouthThe South Ryan Streetcar Re-enactment. City of Lake Charles Transit will recreate the route of the historic South Ryan Streetcar line both for citizens and guests of the Tour and other events, using a specially commissioned trolley bus. The route will allow for easy-on-and-off transit, and shuttle service from the Civic Center-lakefront area to Margaret Place on Palm Sunday. An onboard docent will tell the story of the streetcar system. Free for all.

The Palm Sunday Weekend events are a function of a joint committee of the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society, the Margaret Place Historical District Association, the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and ICCS along with representatives from the City of Lake Charles. The 2012 Palm Sunday Tour of Homes and related events will be dedicated to the memory of the late Ben Mount, longtime preservationist and Margaret Place resident. For additional information, images, schedule and ticketing, visit calcasieupreservation.org or contact Adley Cormier, [email protected].

Additional events will enhance the visitor experience at the Palm Sunday Tour, including:


Margaret Place: The City’s Original Streetcar Sub-division

After the Great Fire of 1910 which destroyed the Courthouse, City Hall, and about a square mile of downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana, an ambitious building program literally reconstructed the lakeside city and featured major commissions from the South’s trophy architects of the day, Favrot and Livaudais. The palladian-domed Calcasieu Courthouse, the 1911 Italianate City Hall, and the Romanesque Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, all National Register properties, are part of that rebuilding legacy. Another rebuilding response was the expansion of the 16-year-old rail streetcar system. New lines were extended to provide access from newly developing subdivisions to the reconstructed downtown.

The new South Ryan Street Line ran along Ryan Street and turned southwest at Miller Avenue (now Seventh Street) serving Margaret Place, the first of these new streetcar subdivisions. Margaret Place was conceived and promoted by the Perkins family and named for the owner’s mother. Streets and lots were laid out to take advantage of lake views. The proximity to downtown via the new South Ryan streetcar made Margaret Place a premier location for housing.

A variety of house styles are evident in this compact, walkable and livable district. There are impressive brick villas, including one attributed to Favrot and Livaudais, inviting classic bungalows, Tudor-picturesque cottages and Hollywood-Moorish styled residences. Palms, magnolias, camellias, gingers and citrus trees thrive in manicured gardens.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Margaret Place, now a city-designated historic district, the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society (CHPS) will conduct its 37th Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes, featuring nine select properties in Margaret Place, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 1.

For additional information about Margaret Place, the 2012 Palm Sunday Tour of Homes and Palm Sunday Weekend Events, or about general preservation issues in Southwest Louisiana visit: calcasieupreservation.org.


Dr. Dale Archer founded the Institute for

Neuropsychiatry in 1988, he believed he was entering a new era of mental health—an era in which virtually every diagnosable disorder could be treated safely without the long-held negative stigma toward therapy and psychiatry. He was right, but not in the way that he first thought. The stigma of mental health was gone, but it was so far gone that the stigma had morphed into its own entity, one in which people turned to drugs, therapy and psychiatry every time they reached a mental or emotional roadblock. Whereas people once suffered in silence with their mental conditions, they now believed that they had diagnosable conditions that required medication. In this collective quest to be “normal,” the number of medicated patients in this country skyrocketed. From 1996 to 2006, the amount of Americans on antidepressants doubled. The Scientific American recently reported that antidepressants are among the most prescribed drugs in America. Dr. Archer developed concurrent philosophies toward the treatment of mental health. He knew from experience that devastating diagnosable conditions existed, but he further believed that there were too many people lost in the shades of gray—patients who may have some characteristics of a condition, but not at a diagnosable level, even though they may be taking medication for it. Meanwhile, his practice grew. The staff of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry now includes six psychiatrists and multiple psychologists, therapists and nurse practitioners. Dr. Archer remains a general psychiatrist on staff and has served as director at various times for regional adolescent, adult and geriatric inpatient units. He has worked as a prison psychiatrist, served as an expert witness in numerous criminal court

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

WhenPlaces &Faces


first personwith Dr. Dale Archer by Erin Kelly

Your book is called Better than Normal. The word “normal”issomethingpeoplesayoften,butwhatdoes it actually mean to be normal?

If you look up the word in the dictionary, you’ll see a couple of definitions, including a psychological one that describes normal as being ‘the absence of any mental disease.’ So, “normal,” by popular nomenclature, means not having a mental illness. I’ve thought a lot about what this word means when I think about how things have changed since I first opened my practice. Over the past 24 years or so we’ve taken this box of what we consider “normal” and we’ve made it smaller and smaller. Years ago you

could have had a poor attention span, quirky ways and a personality that some may have considered a little different and you still would have fit into that normal box. Well, today that box of what is considered “normal” has shrunk so much that the “abnormal” universe has expanded to include almost everyone. Now, you may be a little

restless, have a poor attention span and not finish what you start, and receive a mental illness diagnosis because you fall outside what is considered “normal.” I think people have continually tried to be “normal” or what they consider average without realizing that when you strive to be like everyone else—or how you perceive everyone else to be—you lose your uniqueness, and hence the traits that make you, you.

Whathascausedtheshrinkingofthis“normalbox,”inyouropinion?

There was once a huge negative stigma associated with medication, therapy and mental illness. Now, psychiatry has gone from being stigmatized to glamourized. People are being over-diagnosed, over-treated and over-medicated as a result. The only upside to all this is that people who have legitimate mental illnesses can get the treatment they need without being stigmatized. Don’t get me wrong, this is great, but there aren’t many benefits other than that.

I started my journey as a psychiatrist in 1987. The decade of the 80s was probably one of the most influential in the history of psychiatry because of the release of Xanax in 1981, and Prozac in 1987. At that time we felt that we were entering into a new era of mental health. We’d learned that chemical imbalance of the brain could cause mental illness, and we had medications to treat almost everything. Little did I know that the pendulum had already started swinging. We went from no one wanting to see a psychiatrist to everyone seeing a psychiatrist, even for the smallest bouts of anxiety and depression.

Knowing this, how do you approach psychiatry? And how does that approach translate into your book?

The message I want for people is: You are who you are. My book talks about eight traits that define who a person is. Some degree of these traits occur within all of us. And all happen to have a diagnosis associated with them: ADHD, OCD, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, histrionic, narcissism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We all fall on the continuum somewhere—some might rank a nine or ten on the shyness/social anxiety scale, for example, which means they may suffer from a legitimate condition that requires medication or treatment. For some, these traits may be from one to four (absent); others may fall in the middle (five to eight). The problem is that people who fall in the middle are receiving treatment as if they’re a nine or ten. This continuum theory of mental health has not been talked about before. I’m not saying that mental health isn’t real or that people don’t suffer from mental illness. These conditions are very real and can be devastating, and certainly there are people who need medication and treatment. And I’m not saying that people should settle and not seek to improve themselves. My message is that we need to change what psychiatrists are telling patients and what society is telling people in general. The traits associated with these diagnosable conditions aren’t all bad. There is a yin and a yang. Let’s say a patient walks in, for example, and says that he’s shy and wants to be more outgoing. He doesn’t like talking to people, gets anxious at parties, and hates speaking in public. A psychiatrist might

cases and was the corporate medical director for a 20-facility addiction treatment group. He was recently appointed by the governor to serve on the Louisiana Medical Advisory Board. With this success came more exposure. Dr. Archer became a frequent commentator in local media; soon, that commentary grew to the national level. He has appeared on most of the top national news shows, including FOX and CNN, to talk about various psychological issues related to current events. Two years ago, he began to develop his continuum theory of mental illness—a term he coined—into a book. The result is Better thanNormal:HowWhatMakesYou Different Can Make You Exceptional, in which he argues that labels like “ADHD,” “bipolar” or “OCD” are normal human qualities that are experienced by everyone to some extent, and although they are considered negative, they often have several significant advantages that people fail to recognize. In Better thanNormal, released by Random House on March 13, Dr. Archer describes eight traits of human behavior commonly identified as psychiatric diagnoses and offers that such a diagnosis is not black-and-white. Thrive recently sat down with Dr. Archer to find out more about his philosophies and his book.

continued on p38


determine that this person has the traits commonly associated with social anxiety disorder, so they prescribe medication to treat it. A therapist might determine the same thing and develop a treatment plan to help this person be more assertive. Meanwhile, this person may actually be somewhere around a six or a seven on the social anxiety scale—not a nine or ten that actually requires medication and/or treatment.

In lieu of medication or treatment, then, how would you approach such a person as a psychiatrist?

I would say, ‘Before we talk about how to make you more social, let’s talk about shyness and what’s good about this particular personality trait. We know that

people who describe themselves as shy tend to be internally motivated—they work well on their own and often don’t need a lot of reassurance to do a good job. People with shyness usually have a high degree of empathy and a couple of close friends. People with shyness tend to have a strong work ethic. And then let’s talk about why you want to take this trait—one that makes you who you are, in many ways—and turn it into something that you’re not.’ Believe it or not, most patients have never even considered this before. They only saw what they believed to be “normal” and believed that’s what they had to be.

What do you hope to be your take-away message?I don’t want to lose the gains that we’ve had in mental health. I just want to take people in the middle of the spectrum—the five-through-eights—and let them know that they don’t necessarily need medication. They need to embrace who they are, find out what’s working and what isn’t, and when they find what’s not working, they need to figure out what to do about it without going against the grain. When you go against the grain of who you are, you’re rarely happy. We are all on a journey of self-discovery. The message is to learn who you are and build your life around the strengths of your traits. We need to treat the nines and tens on the spectrum and change our approach to to everyone else.

Better than Normal will be available for pre-order purchase at Amazon.com before March 13, and everywhere else after that. To take Dr. Archer’s 8-trait survey, visit his website: www.drdalearcher.com.

Places &Faces | First Person

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Toledo Bend Lake: Clear Lanes, Rising Waters, Lots of Fish

A large-scale stump removal program and rising water levels are rapidly bringing Toledo Bend Lake back as one of the top fishing spots in the South.

“We’re open again, and the fishing is great,” said Linda Curtis-Sparks, Executive Director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission. “We have almost fifty miles of safe boat lanes, and they are pulling some big fish out of Toledo Bend.”

Key to the lake’s recovery is the access that fishermen now have, thanks to the Sabine River Authority’s recent program to clear boat lanes up and down the lake. All visible stumps in some 49 miles of boat lanes have been removed.

Cleared were the main north-south lanes from just below San Patricio, south to the southern end of the north-south lane, beyond Pleasure Point Park. Also cleared was an alternate loop of the north-south lane that runs down the Texas side of the lake under the Pendleton Bridge.

“We can now say that these 49 miles of lanes are safe at a 163 lake level, rather than the 168 we’ve used as a safe level in the past,” Sparks said. Even with the recent low water levels, fishing on the lake has still been very good, she said. “Even before the lanes were cleared, fishermen have been getting on the lake and catching big fish. With the lanes now clear and the recent rains bringing the water levels up, we’re expecting to see lots more activity.”

For a printable map of the cleared boat lanes, updates on available launching ramps, current lake levels, or information on the lake’s Lunker Bass Program, visit the website: toledobendlakecountry.com

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Comeaux Joins LakesideChrista Comeaux has joined the staff of Lakeside Bank as an assistant vice president and assistant manager of the bank’s Oak Park branch, which will open this spring. Comeaux is from Lake Charles and attended McNeese State

University. She completed numerous courses at the American Institute of Banking and is a licensed loan originator. Comeaux worked with Cameron State Bank/Iberia bank for more than 10 years, most recently in the position of branch manager.

HebertNamedAgentof the YearSam Hebert with Sam Hebert Financial Group was awarded Agent of the Year for 2011 from the Louisiana General office of New York Life. His business is located on East Bayou Pines Drive in Lake Charles.

Robideaux Joins MemorialChrystal Robideaux was recently named community liaison of psychiatric services at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. She will be responsible for generating referrals, as well as educating physicians, nursing home

facilities, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, apartment complexes and hospitals. Prior to joining Memorial, Robideaux served as community liaison at Bridgeway Psychiatric Center. She has also served as resident care supervisor at Villa Maria Assisted Living Facility and community liaison at Odyssey Hospice.

Girola Receives AwardBecky S. Girola has been awarded the 2011 William S. Hornsby III Community Service Award from Northwestern Mutual and is being recognized for her dedication of service to the Shoes for Water- Louisiana program, a program of EDGE

OUTREACH. Northwestern Mutual of Louisiana has also made a $2,000 donation to the charity on her behalf. The Shoes for Water Program provides EDGE Outreach with funds to carry out their work to develop, produce and donate water purification systems that can provide 10,000 people with safe drinking water each day.

Shoebox Float Winners Announced

The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau recently held a community-wide Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest. Those entering ranged from school groups, clubs and organizations, civic groups and residents of all ages. Claire and Marlee Musgrove took home first place in the Children’s Division. Emma Istre was awarded second place and Alex McMillan won third. First place winner in the Teen Division was Zaire Bernard Laroussi. Sarah G. Jacobsen took home second place and Claudia Mayo won third. Capturing first place in the Elementary School Division was Ms. Valentine’s Class from Dolby Elementary School. Ms. Pruitt’s Class from Vincent Settlement Elementary landed second place honors and Ms. Carlin’s Class from Lake Charles Charter Academy won third. St. Margaret’s Catholic School Art Club members Tara, Sarah, Blake and Aiden took home first place in the School Age Club/Organization Division. Girl Scout Troop 095 placed second and St. Margaret’s Catholic School Art Club members Bud, Bryce and J-Allen placed third. Kate Smith won first place in the Adult Division and Emeritus at Lake Charles won first place in the Adult Civic Club/Organization

Division. Best of Show was awarded to Ms. Valentine’s Class at Dolby Elementary.

Hebert, Seal Win Awards

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Regional Cancer Center associate Todd Hebert was honored as the American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year for the State of Louisiana. Karen Seal, another CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer Center Associate, received the DetermiNation Award for running with the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation team in 2011. She raised $1,300 and ran 13.1 miles in the Rock and Roll New Orleans Half Marathon. Both Seal and Hebert were awarded Community Volunteer Awards for their efforts of partnering with the American Cancer Society for the betterment of their patients and for their volunteer efforts with American Cancer Society Council Boards and Support Groups.

ArmerNamedDirectorof Care ManagementKay Armer, RN, BSN, has been named director of care management for West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. She will direct the hospital care management and discharge planning activities, and will work closely with staff,

physicians, administrators and others to assure that integrated and effective programs are in place to include prospective, concurrent and retrospective reviews, social service activities and discharge planning functions. Armer, a resident of Carlyss, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from McNeese State University. Prior to her current position, she served as a registered nurse in the care management department. She has been employed by WCCH for 20 years.

Todd HebertChrista Comeaux

Becky S. Girola

Sam Hebert

Chrystal Robideaux

Karen Seal

KayArmer,RN,BSN

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


Art Associates of Lake CharlesElectsNewExecutive CommitteeArt Associates of Lake Charles elected a new executive committee and appointed new members to its board of directors. Bobbi Yancey, arts educator at Lake Charles Boston

Academy of Learning, was elected board president for another year. Also serving on the executive committee include: Gayle Cline as Vice President, Kempa Pierce (IRS Retiree) as Treasurer, Kay Crosby as Corresponding Secretary, and Brigette Martin (Brigette Martin Piano Studio) as Recording Secretary. Four new members were appointed to the board: Chad Moreno, owner of Killer Websites and LakeCharles.com, Dr. Delma Porter, Director of McNeese’s Write to Excellence Center, Valerie Smith, owner of Stellar Beans Coffee House, and Kim Anderson, owner of Hope Therapy Center.

Memorial Announces 2012 Board of Trustees

The Southwest Louisiana Hospital Association, which operates as Lake Charles Memorial Health System, has announced its Board of Trustees for fiscal year 2012. Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux of the State Appellate Court will serve as chairman and Denise Rau, president of Rau Financial Group, will serve as chairman-elect. Also named to the board were Glenn Pumpelly of Pumpelly Oil Company; Charles Whitson, Senior Vice President-Finance, Memorial Hospital; Larry M. Graham, President/Chief Executive Officer, Memorial Hospital; Christopher S. Thompson, MD, Heart & Vascular Center; Brian Clements, MD, Internal Medicine Clinic; Bryan Barootes, MD, LSU Family Medicine Center; Joseph Miller Jr.,York Life; Thomas B. Shearman, Lake Charles American Press; David Wallace, MD, Children’s Clinic of Southwest Louisiana; Louis M. Todd Sr.,President, Todd & Associates, LLC; Gerald Mouton, MD, Family Medicine Specialists; S. Mark McMurry, McMurry Leadership and Management; Kevin Mocklin, MD; and John Bradford, Esq., Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock

Eason Promoted at Jeff Davis BankDan Eason, senior vice president and manager of the Kirby Street branch, has been promoted to Lake Charles market president for Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Co. He will remain at Kirby Street, where he specializes

in commercial lending. A lifelong Lake Charles resident, Eason joined the bank in 1995. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from McNeese State University.

ScheufensJoinsIBERIABANKSarita B. Scheufens has joined IBERIABANK as senior vice president and Retail and Business Banking Manager for Southwest Louisiana. Scheufens joins the Company with more than 18 years of banking experience, where she most recently served as retail distribution district manager for Capital One Bank, serving four parishes in the Acadiana Region of South Louisiana. Scheufens attended McNeese State University where she studied Marketing and Psychology.

SmithNamedtoBusiness First BoardKenneth Smith has been named to the board of directors for Business First Bank. Smith is President and CEO of T. Baker Smith, LLC, a Houma based engineering firm named one of the top 500 engineering

firms nationally by ENR magazine and providing environmental, on and off shore surveying, engineering services, marine positioning and construction management services.

Dees, Henson, Parish Appointed to CVB Board

The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has three new appointees joining the board of directors with Michael Dees representing the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Keith W. Henson nominated by the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association and Brant Parish appointed by

the City of Sulphur. Dees is the general counsel for the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District and has held that position since 1995. Dees has extensive public service experience having been appointed as the assistant city attorney for the City of Lake Charles, was the president of the Calcasieu Parish Board of Election Supervisors and has served on many local boards and committees. Henson is vice president and general manager of L’Auberge Casino Resort and his extensive gaming experience includes positions as corporate Vice President of Casino Operations and corporate Vice President of Relationship Marketing for Pinnacle. Parish has served as the general manager of Candlewood Suites in Sulphur since its opening in 2008. He also serves as the vice president of operations for Gap Management LLC.

CASA Volunteers Sworn In

Judge Guy Bradberry of the 14th Judicial District Family Court recently swore in Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information on each child’s situation. They also serve as the voice of the child, presenting their information, along with fact-based recommendations, to the Family and Juvenile Court Judge, ensuring that the child’s best interests are considered in every decision. Volunteers included Mary Pitre, from left, Marthaline Savoy, Fantacee Brown, Debbie Milner, Judge Guy Bradberry, Mary Augustus, Nancy Sylvester, Linda Bordelon, Pam Ogea, and Marilyn Carter.

Judge Robert Wyatt from the 14th Judicial District Family Court recently swore in Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information on each child’s situation.

Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Michael Dees

Dan Eason

Kenneth Smith

Denise Rau

Keith W. Henson

Bobbi Yancey

continued on p42


They also serve as the voice of the child, presenting their information, along with fact-based recommendations, to the Family and Juvenile Court Judge, ensuring that the child’s best interests are considered in every decision. Volunteers included Crystal Flowers, from left, Sheri Duplechin, Irene McGee, Marie Jones, Judge Robert Wyatt, Calvin Caesar, Renee Lanier, Erin Flavin, and Buddy Stickell.

KoernerJoinsIBERIABANKJohn Koerner III has joined the IBERIABANK Board of Directors. A New Orleans native and resident, Koerner is Managing Member of Koerner Capital, LLC, a private investment company. From 1976 to 1995, he was President and co-owner of Barq’s Inc. and its subsidiary, The Delaware Punch Company. These two companies marketed soft drinks bearing the corporate names both nationally and internationally. Barq’s was sold to The Coca-Cola Company in July 1995. In 1994, Beverage Industry Magazine honored Koerner with

the prestigious Executive of the Year Award.

VanDevender and Mitchell Win First-Place PrizesJulian VanDevender and Kinnedy Mitchell of Vidor High School placed first in declamation and interpretive reading at the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest recently held in Orange. Both received

$2,000 in scholarships and will go on to compete at a regional level. Gavin Powell and Nikole Evans placed second in declamation and interpretive reading. Each received $1,500 in scholarships. VanDevender took first place in declamation with address on the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster by Ronald Reagan. Mitchell won first place in interpretive reading with her reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart. NewOfficersElectedtoFoundation

The West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation recently elected new officers to serve until 2013. lra Fontenot, a resident of Sulphur, will serve as the Foundation’s new president and Terry Backhaus, also a resident of Sulphur, will serve as

vice-president. Serving as secretary will be Suzanne Peveto-Nelson, with George Clyde filling the position of treasurer. Peveto-Nelson and Clyde are also Sulphur residents. Fontenot and Clyde have served on the Foundation Board since 1997, and Backhaus and Peveto-Nelson have served since 2007.

DrezNamedDistinguishedPersonoftheYearDavid Drez, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with the Center for Orthopaedics, has been named Distinguished Person of the Year by the DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Drez, one of five founding members of the Center for Orthopaedics, earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University and completed his residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. He is considered an expert in his field, having published extensive research on the prevention and

treatment of athletic injuries and co-authoring Orthopedic Sports Medicine, a guidebook for sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers. Dr. Drez, who also co-edited Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, has served as a team physician at McNeese State University for 37 years. He was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame. In addition to his clinical contributions, Dr. Drez is well-recognized as an educator. He is currently a clinical professor of orthopaedics at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and a clinical assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In recognition of his contributions to the education of orthopedists, the “Dr. David Drez Chair in Orthopedic Sports Medicine” was dedicated at LSU in New Orleans in 2006.

Three Physicians Earn Medical Staff Privileges at WCCHAndrew Foret, MD, hand surgeon, Kalieb Pourciau, DPM, foot and ankle specialist, and Eugene Hong, MD, urologist, are the newest additions to West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s team of medical practitioners.

Dr. Foret is originally from Lake Charles and earned

his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, and his Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Foret practices with the Center for Orthopaedics and specializes in hand and wrist surgery and treatment. Dr. Pourciau is originally from Maringouin, Louisiana, and is a graduate of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He recently completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at John Peter Smith Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas. Dr. Pourciau practices with Center for

Orthopaedics and specializes in the foot, ankle and lower extremities. Dr. Hong is originally from California and received his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. He earned his Medical Degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency in urology at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Hong practices with the Urology Center of Southwest Louisiana and is board certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology.

Smith Receives Advertising AwardMalissa Smith, junior at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, recently received the Silver Medal award from the American Advertising Federation. The awards ceremony recognized and showcased Lafayette’s best advertising creative talent. Smith is majoring in visual arts with a concentration in Graphic Design and is currently completing an internship with eBell Design. She is a 2009 graduate of DeRidder High School.

Places &Faces | Who’s News

John Koemer III

DavidDrez,MD

Malissa Smith

Julian VanDevender Kinnedy Mitchell

Ira Fontenot

Andrew Foret, MD

SuzannePeveto-Nelson

Eugene Hong, MD

Terry Backhaus

Kalieb Pourciau, DPM


Rovelo Joins Center for Orthopedics Fabian Rovelo has joined the Center for Orthopedics as their new orthopaedic cast technician. Rovelo is originally from New Orleans. He served in the U. S. Army where he completed educational courses in general medical orientation, orthopedic specialist and medical specialist. After completing his medical training, Rovelo worked as an orthopaedic technician at several medical facilities and across the country. He was most recently with Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. In his new position at Center for

Orthopaedics, Rovelo works directly with the 11 doctors to provide fracture care. He is responsible for preparing and maintaining prosthetics, braces, casts and other medical appliances, as well as providing care to patients through the adjustment, application and removal of a variety of splints, casts and traction fittings.

DixonNamedEmployeeoftheYearGroundskeeper Wilfred “Red” Dixon was named Employee of the Year for West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Dixon has been with WCCH for three years. As groundskeeper, Dixon is responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of hospital grounds, in addition to the performing additional responsibilities associated with hospital plant operations. Dixon was among more than 71 employees recently honored for their years of service.

Officers Announced for Women’s CommissionThe Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana recently inducted new members and elected new officers. New members are Melonie Wallace, Pat Himel, Carol Ann Martin, Sandy Laurel, Brenda Gueringer, Erica Gibbs, Lynn

Tete, Mandy Scoggin, Kerri Courmier, Wendy Dutel, Dee Jackson, Bettye Tillman, Krystle Johnson, Deanie Holloman, and Beth Dawdy. Pictured are officers for 2012. They are as follows: President Debra Lastrapes, Vice President and Fall Conference Chair Debbie Boudreaux, Secretary Jenifer Cummings, and Treasurer Judy Brewton. Directors are: Membership—Melonie Himel, Finance Fran Clophus, Jr. Women’s Conference Chair Tammy Thibodeaux, Past President Carol Henry, Website Director Kerri Courmier, Parliamentarian Amy Veuleman and Advisory Members Brenda Wilkinson and Verda Anthony. The Women’s Commission is a nonprofit organization designed to serve as a resource for personal and professional growth of women in Southwest Louisiana.

Cascio Returns from Spring TrainingDr. Brett Cascio, a surgeon on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital served as an assistant team doctor for the Baltimore Orioles spring training camp in Sarasota, Florida, last month. Dr. Cascio worked at the training camp from February 22-26, performing physicals, treating injuries and evaluating players throughout the entire Orioles organization. This is not the first time Dr. Cascio has worked for the Orioles organization. He also treated players during his residency at John Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Cascio is

the medical director of Sports Medicine at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, specializing in sports medicine and the arthroscopic treatment of ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff tears, and hip, knee, & shoulder pain and injuries.

Rhodes Completes CertificationAaron Rhodes, PT, MPT, MCMT, a physical therapist from Beauregard Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department, recently achieved his Mastery Certification in Manual Therapy. The Mastery Certification in Manual Therapy is an intensive one to two-year Master-level program that offers expanded study and clinical practicum in the most important, effective and most widely used areas of Manual Therapy. Aaron completed this Master-level course to demonstrate clinical expertise and to ultimately

provide effective therapeutic interventions. Certification in Manual Therapy affords the clinician the ability to quickly and accurately evaluate and diagnose physical conditions. Advanced Manual Therapy techniques often lead to more effective therapeutic results and outcomes.

TouchetteNamedPresidentofCitySavingsBankRobert “Robie” Touchette has been named president of City Savings Bank. Touchette has worked at City Savings Bank for 18 years, most recently as chief operating officer. He also previously served as a lending officer and branch manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from McNeese State University and a degree from the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.

Fabian Rovelo

Aaron Rhodes, PT, MPT, MCMT

Robert“Robie”Touchette

Wilfred“Red”Dixon

Brett Cascio, MD

Who is 30-Something and Thriving? Look for the 13 local

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Women surpassed men in college enrollment in the early 1980s and surpassed them in bachelor’s degrees earned in the 1990s. Projections by the National Center for Education Statistics show a 22 percent increase in female college enrollment between 2005 and 2016, compared with 10 percent for men. The organization further estimates that 50 percent more women than men will earn bachelor’s degrees by 2017.

If education is an indicator of progress, then women have progressed steadily and heartily over the past thirty years, and the trend is having a far-reaching effect. With educational gains comes greater access to a wide range of jobs, which contributes to a shift of traditional gender roles, according to researchers like Mark Perry, a visiting scholar at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. As women have surpassed men in education (with the exception of some subsets, such as business, science and engineering), they have also surpassed them in employment rates, with 8.3 percent of women currently unemployed in America, versus 9.3 percent of men. These trends have compelled Perry and other researchers to refer to the current gender shift as a “man-cession,” while groups like the Center for American Progress refer to advancements as progress. According to the CAP, the battle of the sexes has been replaced by productive negotiations about work, family, household responsibilities, child care and elder care.

In the FamilyWhen Heather Strawser had her daughter Anna nine months ago, she struggled with the decision to stay home or go to work. She was a graduate of McNeese State University, where she studied mass communication and government, and had been in the workforce since college.

“It felt like I was choosing between staying home forever or working for the rest of Anna’s life,” Strawser said. Whereas staying home would have been the more obvious choice for a new mother in previous generations, Strawser wasn’t sure which was better for her family—to continue working and join what has become the majority, or become part of the 23 percent who choose to stay at

home.Strawser admits that women can’t seem to win one way or another.

“Whether you work or stay home, it seems women feel the need to defend their choices. I know moms who love their jobs and are fulfilled by their career. They are genuinely excited about their work. I didn’t get that kind of fulfillment out of my job. A happy mom makes a happy baby, whether she works or stays home. It seems to me that women should be trusted to make the best choices for their families and people should respect that.”

Contrary to popular belief, statistics indicate that the movement of women into the workforce did not come at the expense of their children. According to Suzanne Bianchi, a sociologist with the University of Maryland, statistics showed that modern working mothers spent an hour more per week with their children compared to stay-at-home mothers of 1975.

Ultimately, Strawser and her husband Phil decided that staying home was a viable option for them. “In the end it was a gut decision. I knew I could be happy either way. Since the scale was so balanced, I felt I had to put my thumb on the weight toward staying home with my daughter.”

Man-Cession or Gender equity?

A Look at Shifting Gender Roles The ongoing conversations about the changing roles of men and women in modern society are often beset with current research, new statistics, recent studies and other sociological earmarks that Americans use to measure progress. Among the newest set of statistics are those indicating that women, once limited to the professions of nurse, teacher or housewife, are getting more advanced degrees than men.

Heather and daughter,

Anna / photo by Jessica Pledger Photography

by Erin Kelly


There is nothing unusual about a stay-at-home mother, of course, but there was a time when stay-at-home fathers would have been considered an oddity. No longer. The advancement of women professionally and financially and the effects of the recession have generated an upswing in the number of dads who stay at home while the mother goes to work. The U.S. Census Bureau puts current estimates at more than 145,000. This isn’t much compared to the 5 million mothers who stay at home, but its steady increase is notable nonetheless.

On the surface, it appears that women are no longer pigeonholed by gender expectations to become stay-at-home mothers and can now be viewed on-par with men as providers and breadwinners—but not so fast, says Jennifer Fagen, PhD, of Lamar University in Beaumont.

“Even though women have had those advancements, they’re still doing 70 percent of the domestic work,” said Fagen, a doctoral graduate of Northeastern University with a master’s degree in women’s

studies from Harvard and an undergraduate degree from Hofstra.According to a recent study by Oxford University published in Sociology, women

will likely have to wait until at least 2050 before men are doing an equal share of the household chores and child care. Despite the rise of women in education and the workforce, the concept of what is “women’s work” versus “men’s work” continues to be a barrier to domestic equality. The international study discovered a persistent belief that although women may have proven themselves above educational and professional stereotypes, they have yet to break out of the domestic mold. Respondents still believe that women should do “feminine” house tasks, like cleaning, cooking and caring for the kids, while men should stick to “masculine” things like taking care of the car or mowing the lawn.

These beliefs are changing, however. The Oxford study notes that there has been a 70 to 80-year growing trend toward equality in housework and family caretaking; just so happens, we’re in the middle of it and it may not come to fruition for another 40 years.

“Hopefully fathers will increasingly participate equally with their children and show them that they can have more flexible gender roles,” said Fagen.

In the WorkforceWith better education and more options in the workforce, women’s median incomes have gradually improved over the past 25 years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women who worked year-round and full-time earned a median income of $33,256 in 2005, about 79 percent the median income of full-time men, but a significant jump from 1981, when the median income of women was about $25,552.

Women now comprise half of the workforce, own 50% greater stake in 48 percent of privately held companies and have more front offices—although only 12.5 percent of the corporate officers in the top 500 U.S. companies are women.

Men Women

6,000

0

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

11,000

12,000

20002010 20022008 20042006 20062004 20082002 20102000

Source:

Advanced Degree Holders by Gender, 2000 to 2010

continued on p46

Source: US Health News

Source: US Census Bureau

by Erin Kelly


“Despite the fact that women as a whole have more degrees than men, it still seems that men have the majority of powerful positions,” Strawser said. “I hope that as women continue to obtain more education, they begin to get more seats at the table. As the generations shift, hopefully that will take place.”

One shift that has taken place in recent years is a changing attitude about how women can (or should) succeed in the workplace. Management books of the 1980s and 90s coached women on how to act more “masculine” so they could get ahead, suggesting that they develop a divide-and-conquer attitude in order to dominate the workforce. As the climates of business, economy and society have changed, companies have gradually substituted the hierarchical approach with a more collaborative one—an approach that is considered more agreeable to “feminine” traits like team-building, communication, mentoring and balance.

While Fagen considers this progress, she also questions society’s continued push to assign certain character traits to a specific sex.

In SocietyMen have historically been viewed as strong-willed, independent aggressors, while women have been considered emotional, passive and nurturing. No matter what the statistics show about education and the workforce, these assigned character traits tend to prevail.

“We’re still wedded to this idea that women have certain skills that men lack, like nurturance, and vice versa. When we’re wedded to the idea that everything is rooted in biology, we’re less likely to challenge those beliefs,” she said. This

reliance on assigning specific gender roles according to biology is why women are still associated with cooking and cleaning while men are associated with yard work and cars, she said. “We’re socialized from an early age to believe that anything out of the ordinary isn’t natural because of biology. We need to disconnect from that idea.”

Strawser believes that individual concepts of gender roles are tailored at home—a concept that wasn’t lost on her when she had Anna—and in what a person observes around them. “I think that the home is just a part of what influences a child’s ideas of gender roles. Seeing gender equity modeled in the world around them is equally important,” she said. “Knowing that Anna’s godmother works in a male-dominated field and that Anna will be surrounded by women who balance family and work made me more confident that I could stay home with her without affecting her idea of what is expected of women. Hopefully she’ll grow up realizing that women have lots of options.”

Children benefit most when they are raised in a home where the father can be just as nurturing as the mother and the mother can be just as much of a disciplinarian, according to Fagen. “When we don’t embrace both gender roles that exist inside ourselves, we look for someone else to fill that void for us. When women believe that they need a man to provide for them and protect them, they look for a man to do it, rather than doing it for themselves. When men believe that they can’t meet their own emotional needs, they look for women to take care of it for them. When we do this, we prevent ourselves from looking for an ideal partner and a best friend; instead, we lower our expectations and look for someone to complete us when the truth is, we should be completing ourselves.”

In a Man’s WorldMost of the discussion about shifting gender roles focuses on the advancement of women—a phenomenon that benefits both genders, Fagen said. But where does that leave men in the discussion?

Strawser’s husband Phil understands why it’s important for certain gender shifts to evolve and says that he wants his daughter to define her own role in society, rather than have society define it for her.

“If that means Anna wants to be a great scientist, then I’ll teach her what I know about math and science. If she wants to be a stay-at-home mom, then I’m okay with that, too,” he said.

That being said, he admits that the continual evolution of gender roles can be confusing from a male perspective. “There is more emphasis on where women are in society and in what direction they need to be going than there is direction for men. As a man, I’m told that a woman is just as good, or even better than I am at roles that have been classically held by men. While I do understand and I agree with the promotion of female empowerment, it doesn’t really give me any indication of what my role should be. Does that mean I should treat women the same way I treat other men and completely ignore gender identity? I don’t think that it does, but I would also say there isn’t a very clear message,” he said. “I still feel compelled to open doors for ladies.”

Source: New York Times Graphic

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Gender equity continued from p45


Family Medicine.Your Family. Our Focus.

WOMEN’S HEALTH l OLDER ADULT CARE l DISEASE MANAGEMENT l PREVENTION

At West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, we’ve made family medicine a priority, partnering with

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How Dense Are You?Annual mammograms are recommended for women over age 40 based on guidelines from several major women’s health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, but not all breasts are created equal. Therefore, not all screening tools are best for all breasts.

Some breasts are more dense than others, meaning they have less fatty tissue and more fibrous tissue. Women with dense breasts have four times the risk of developing breast cancer as women of the same age with less dense breasts, according to leading experts. A recent article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports, “women with breasts that appear dense on mammograms are at a higher risk of breast cancer and their tumors are more likely to have certain aggressive characteristics than women with less dense breasts.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, the last three decades have shown that breast density is directly linked to breast cancer risk. ” In fact, it is one of the top risk factors for breast cancer. The only way to verify density is with a mammogram; it’s not based on how breasts feel.

The crux of the problem is that dense breasts appear white on a mammogram, just like cancerous tissue. “The denser the breast, the harder it may be to identify cancer or suspicious areas. This doesn’t mean that mammograms are not useful; they are and they have saved the lives of thousands of women. However, once a mammogram shows a high level of density, women should discuss that with their doctors for an individualized treatment plan,” said Keri Bertrand, mammography technician with Jennings American Legion Hospital.

Dense breasts come in all shapes and sizes. They are usually inherited, with young, Caucasian women having a high rate of density. As women age and menopause begins, density declines in most women. “Women who continue to have dense breasts after menopause are the ones we’re looking at the most. Once they are in their 50s and 60s, they may benefit from a different screening procedure, such as an ultrasound or MRI,” said Bertrand.

The link between dense breasts and higher risk of breast cancer isn’t fully understood. One theory is that dense breasts have more cells and therefore more chances for mutation. Another line of thinking is that cancer grows better in dense tissue cells than in other cells. Evidence shows that the increased risk associated with density isn’t related to the fact that it’s harder to find.

After having their first mammogram, women should ask the technician if the breasts appear dense, then follow up with their doctor once the images are reviewed to learn the degree of density. BI-RADS, or the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, has four classifications for breast density. In layman’s terms, very dense refers to type four, which is 75 – 100 percent dense. Somewhat dense most likely refers to category three, or 50 – 75 percent density. A type two breast density is usually described as moderate or 25 – 50 percent range; low density refers to type one or 0 – 25 percent category. Radiologists are not required to describe density in their reports, and so it is not usually mentioned unless enough density is present to interfere with the mammogram reading. “Women should ask about the density after mammogram images are available to their doctor,” Bertrand said.

For now, ultrasounds and MRI’s are the next level of screening tools available to women with dense breasts. These allow for a more clear view of any suspicious areas. New technology, such as molecular breast imaging, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is currently a research tool at the Mayo Clinic with plans to have it available to doctors and hospitals soon. MBI has been shown to be three times more accurate in diagnosing cancer in dense breasts than a traditional mammogram, according to Mayo Clinic research.

“The bottom line is mammography continues to be the first line of defense for all women,” said Bertrand. “It’s the only way to find out the density of your breasts. After that, work with your doctor on the screening system that works best for you.”

Breast density on mammography

More fatty tissuesLower breast density

More cells and collagenHigher breast density

by Christine Fisher

Join the Louisiana Seafood Fitness Challenge and Show Your Muscles Some Love!

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback “Cajun Cannon” Bobby Hebert and “Big Chief”

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Share your success story and photos and be entered to win dinner with “Bobby & Deke.” Snap the tag at right or visit www.seafoodfitness.com.

Demand It.

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A seafood dish worthy of a chef ’s signature touch demands the world’s finest seafood ingredients. That means

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Mind &Body


Join the Louisiana Seafood Fitness Challenge and Show Your Muscles Some Love!

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback “Cajun Cannon” Bobby Hebert and “Big Chief”

Deke Bellavia, hosts of SportsTalk on WWL radio, are competing to see who can lose

the most weight during the 40 days of Lent – by incorporating Louisiana seafood as an

important part of their overall diets!

Share your success story and photos and be entered to win dinner with “Bobby & Deke.” Snap the tag at right or visit www.seafoodfitness.com.

Demand It.

Most Chefs Search the World For the Best Ingredients.

Ours Look In Their Own Backyard.

CHEF HOLLy GOETTING

Charley G’s Restaurant - LafayetteFIsHErmaN JEssE VaNDENbOrrE

Slidell

A seafood dish worthy of a chef ’s signature touch demands the world’s finest seafood ingredients. That means

Louisiana seafood from a local harvester. Culinary experts choose Louisiana seafood for its superior taste and

quality. When dining out or cooking a delicious family meal, demand Louisiana seafood – served by the people

who know great food. Get fresh with us.

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Mind &Body

Access to health care is a basic human need. Whether it’s routine check ups or emergency care, being able to get medical needs met is vital for individuals and for a community’s growth. Community health clinics provide quality health care to rural areas, and in doing so, reduce the overall cost of health care for the country.

A study done by the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services estimates that having rural health centers saves the U.S. health system between $10 billion and $24 billion annually by eliminating unnecessary emergency room visits and other hospital-based care.

Several small communities in the southernmost part of Southwest Louisiana are miles away from hospitals and established medical systems. Because of this, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur has established three rural health clinics in rural and underserved areas. The clinics are located in Vinton, Johnson Bayou and Hackberry; areas that are tight-knit and between 20 to 60 miles away from West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital or any other hospital’s health care system.

“We established these health clinics to meet the needs of residents in these communities,” explained Bill Hankins, CEO of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “Health care is a fundamental need for any community. Growth will not occur without the availability of medical care.”

On average, people living in rural areas tend to have more health problems than those in more urban areas. Hypertension, alcohol abuse, deaths from vehicle accidents, and smoking rates are higher in remote areas. Experts agree that lack of health resources plays a part.

“When one person from a family visits our clinic, we usually end up treating the whole family,” said Tressie Brunson, director of physician management services with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “We pay attention to blood pressure numbers, wounds that aren’t healing as they should, heart troubles

or fluctuations in blood sugar. Otherwise, some of these individuals would continue to ‘wait and see’ and then it’s too late, or they end up driving many miles to get to an emergency room for something that could have been treated at a much lower cost if it was caught earlier.”

Rural health centers offer free services from time to time, such as flu shots, immunizations, or reduced costs for certain screenings. “We’re here because we care about the community and we want to give them access to care they wouldn’t otherwise receive,” said Brunson.

Residents in any community must have access to health care; it’s critical to a community’s longevity and a pillar for growth. “There are building blocks for communities. They include safety, education and medical care. One of the reasons these close-knit communities are able to be sustained is because they have these basic needs met,” said Brunson.

Same day appointments are available at the three rural clinics operated by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

Hackberry Rural Health Clinic1020 Main Street(337) 762-3762

Vinton Medical Clinic1611 Hampton Street(337) 589-5951

Johnson Bayou Rural Health Clinic6240 Gulf Beach Highway(337) 569-2245

StrengtheningRural Communities with Access

to Health Care


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Clean. Visual confusion can create stress and make us grouchy and uneasy. Clean your surroundings and you’ll feel better.

Listen to your favorite music. Music has a way of motivating, energizing or relaxing—depending on what you’re listening to.

Find a nice smell, like a fresh lemon, and take a big whiff.

Excite your tastebuds by eating something with bold flavors and spices or interesting textures, whether it’s sweet and sour chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant or toffee-buttered popcorn.

Smile. Even if it’s fake. You’ll find that it’s difficult to be grumpy when you’re smiling. Pretty soon the fake smile will become a real one. Source: Men’s Health

5Ways to Change Your Mood

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Mind &Body

Straight Talk About

Neck Painby Kristy Armand


“However, for some people, neck pain is a chronic problem that severely limits their daily activities,” says Craig Morton, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with the Center for Orthopaedics.

“Neck pain affects all of us, whether it’s the occasional ‘crick’ or something serious like a herniated disc,” says Dr. Morton. “In fact, neck pain is one of the most common reasons people see their physician. Research has shown that the majority of both men and women report having neck pain at some point in their life, and a recent study found that one in 20 sufferers said their neck pain had led to major disability.”

When you really think about the function of the neck, the commonness of pain is not surprising. “It’s simple really. Your neck has a hard job — holding up your head,” says Dr. Morton. He says leaning into your computer, hunching over your workbench, or bending your head to hold your phone against your shoulder just makes its job more difficult. “Poor posture certainly contributes to neck pain, but the design of the neck makes it vulnerable in the first place. All the interconnected structures that give your neck its incredible range of motion are subject to the wear-and-tear damage of arthritis and overextension injuries like whiplash. When your neck hurts, there are many possible causes.”

One new cause has emerged recently. Research released last month from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that users of the iPad, or any other tablet, are at high risk of developing neck discomfort. The problem comes from the way people position themselves when using the devices, especially when doing so for a long period of time. Dr. Morton says that while the research is still preliminary, you can minimize the strain when using these devices by holding them at an angle and by not remaining in the same position for an extended period of time.

Neck pain includes pain occurring anywhere from the bottom of your head to the top of your shoulders. It may spread to the upper back or arms and may cause limited neck and head movement. Most neck pain is caused by activities that result in repeated or prolonged movements of the neck’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones or joints. Dr. Morton says neck pain can also be caused by injury, such as in a car accident, a fall, during sports activities, or by another medical condition, such as infection in the neck area, a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck (cervical spinal stenosis), or rheumatoid arthritis.

Neck pain can range from a “kink” or stiffness to severe, debilitating pain. “If your neck pain is chronic, it may be difficult to continue doing all the things you need to do every day – both at home and at work,” says Dr. Morton. “This can lead to the common side effects of chronic pain including fatigue, depression and anxiety.”

Neck pain is usually diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. “We’ll ask about symptoms, injuries or illnesses, any previous treatment, and habits and activities that may be causing or contributing to the neck pain,” says Dr. Morton. “We check the neck’s range of motion and look for areas of tenderness and any nerve-related changes, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.”

If the pain starts after an injury, such as a severe fall or blow to the head, or if your pain does not improve with conservative care, Dr. Morton says further testing such as an X-ray, MRI, CT, or other diagnostic tests may be needed to check the neck bones, spinal discs, spinal nerve roots, and the spinal cord.

Dr. Morton says most minor neck pain caused by everyday activities usually goes away within four to six weeks. These steps can help:•ReducingthepainwithiceandNSAIDS(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory

drugs). • Improving neck movement and flexibility with exercises or physical

therapy. • Using a good pillow when sleeping, one that does not cause excessive

flexion.

•Avoidingfurtherneckinjurybychangingactivitiesandbodymechanics,suchashowyousitorsleep,adjustingtheheightofyourcomputer,etc.Chronic neck pain is first treated the same way as acute neck pain, says Dr.

Morton. In some cases, injections, stronger pain medications, or muscle relaxers may be prescribed. Stress management and relaxation techniques such as massage or yoga may also be recommended.

Dr. Morton says surgery is rarely required to treat neck pain. It may be considered if neck pain is caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots, a severe injury that has broken a vertebra in the spine, a tumor, or a condition such as cervical spinal stenosis.

For more information about neck pain diagnosis and treatment, call the Center for Orthopaedics at 721-7236 or visit www.centerforortho.com.

About

Neck Pain

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Why is important to care for baby teeth? Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are essential to the overall health and development of your baby. The teeth serve several vital functions, such as providing the baby with proper nutrition and allowing for correct speech development. They also help with building facial muscles, strengthening the surrounding bones and serve as placeholders for permanent adult teeth. “Along with maintaining a healthy appearance, this is the time to introduce positive attitudes and habits for the child to practice throughout their life” says Jonathon Rusnak, DDS, a dentist at Robinson Dental Group. “The baby teeth are as important if not more important than permanent teeth.”

How do I prevent tooth decay and exercise proper dental care?The first step in preventing infant tooth decay is to begin dental care before the baby’s primary teeth are even visible in the gums. The teeth are formed during the embryo phase or during the second trimester with the first twenty primary teeth being in the jaw at birth.

To clean the gums and primary teeth:1) Begin by placing your baby in your lap, with their head close to your

chest. This is the most effective position

2) Thenwrapyourindexfingerwithadampwashclothorgauzeandgently rub it over the gums and surrounding areas.

You should care for your child’s teeth at least two times per day. “An easy way to properly care for your child’s teeth is to clean them after every feeding,” says Dr. Rusnak. “If proper dental care is exercised daily, each cleaning should become more familiar and easier for both parent and baby. Everyday dental care will also pave the way for the transition to the toothbrush.”

What foods benefit baby teeth? There are certain foods that will naturally fight tooth decay. Specific vitamins such as vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, pediatric supplements, broccoli, strawberries), vitamin D (milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs), vitamin A (carrots and cantaloupe), and vitamin B (whole grains, and bananas) are some of the many dietary elements that are recommended for maintaining healthy teeth. On the other hand there are particular foods that can lead to cavities, such as soda, peanut butter, gummy candy, lollipops, and a variety of starches like bread. “Many parents allow their children to fall asleep with bottles in their mouths, allowing cavities a chance to form,” says Dr. Rusnak. “Thumb sucking is another bad habit and can cause the teeth to be pushed out of their natural alignment which can lead to an overbite or speech pronunciation problems.”

How does early dental care effect permanent adult teeth? Early dental care provides an individual with a variety of benefits that will continue to affect a child into adulthood. “You want your child to be proud of their appearance, which includes having a healthy smile,” says Dr. Rusnak. “It’s important to start healthy dental habits early, serious conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease can result from a history of poor dental care.”

Would you like to know more about the benefits of early dental care? Call Robinson Dental Group at 474-3636 or visit their website at www.robinsonsdentalgroup.net.

Baby Those Teeth to Prevent Future Problems

Many people have the misconception that caring for baby teeth is not essential, because they are temporary and may seem to serve no real purpose. However, making the choice to not maintain proper care for your children’s baby teeth can lead to a lifetime of dental health issues.


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Mind &Body

The summer season is right around the corner. For some, exposing

unsightly varicose and spider veins while wearing shorts, skirts or

swimsuits may be a little uncomfortable. In some cases, physical pain is

even associated.

Can Vericose

& Spider Veins

Be Prevented?


Geoffrey Collins, MDOrthopaedic Surgeon

Thursday, March 22, 5:30pmCenter for Orthopaedics • 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles(just off Nelson, 1/2 mile south of Country Club Rd.) Seating is limited and pre-registration is requested. Refreshments will be served.

Call 721-2903 or register online at www.centerforortho.com

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, and myths about it and treatment options are even more common,ranging from the pain being a normal part of aging to shoulder replacement being an unproven procedure.

Don’t let misinformation keep you from getting the treatment you need to reach past the pain. Join Dr. Geoffrey Collins, orthopaedic surgeon and shoulder specialist with the Center for Orthopaedics, at “The Truth about Shoulder Pain and Replacement,” a free community seminar.

Dr. Collins will provide the facts about the different causes of shoulder pain and the newesttreatment advances, including non-surgical options and innovative joint replacementprocedures that can help you regain pain-free range of motion.

DEBUNKINGSHOULDER PAIN MYTHS

SEMINAR: The Truth about Shoulder Pain and Replacement

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. Symptoms can include mild swelling in the ankle area, as well as fullness, heaviness, aching and sometimes pain in the legs.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and are usually not painful. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover a very small or very large area of skin.

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart.

According to local Cardiologist and Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana Specialist Carl Fastabend, M.D., the squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs.

“If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency,” says Dr. Fastabend. “Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.”

Unfortunately, not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things can reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. Dr. Fastabend suggests the following tips to help ease discomfort from the ones you already have.

•Wearsunscreentoprotectyourskinfromthesunandtolimit spider veins on the face. •Exerciseregularlytoimproveyourlegstrength,circulationand vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such

as walking or running. •Controlyourweighttoavoidplacingtoomuchpressureon

your legs.•Donotcrossyourlegswhensitting.•Elevateyourlegsasmuchaspossiblewhenresting.•Donotstandorsitforlongperiodsoftime.Ifyoumuststandfor a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other

every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.•Wearelasticsupportstockingsandavoidtightclothingthat constricts your waist, groin or legs. •Eatalow-saltdietrichinhigh-fiberfoods.Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and

vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Eating too much salt can cause you to retain water or swell.

The Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana offers state-of-the-art non-surgical outpatient treatment options for varicose

and spider vein patients.

Log on to www.veincenter-swla.com for more information or call (337) 312-VEIN to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Carl Fastabend and The Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana staff.

Can Vericose

& Spider Veins

Be Prevented?


Mind &Body

NutritioN MoNth

Cracking the Code of Nutrition Labels

March is national nutrition Month—an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices. National Nutrition Month has been celebrated since 1973, but as levels of obesity, diabetes and heart disease continue to skyrocket in America, the focus on overall nutrition has become one of the greatest concerns for the future of individual and societal health.

If you want to know the nutritional value of the items in your grocery cart, the nutrition label is a logical place to start, but understanding what it means can be difficult to figure out. We know we need low-calorie, low-fat foods, but how do we know how much cholesterol is too much or if our favorite pasta is too high in sodium? How do we know if the percentages are too high, too low or just right—and where do we need high percentages versus low ones?

ServingSizeAccording to the Food & Drug Administration, the first place you need to look is the serving size and the number of servings in the package. Serving sizes are designed to be comparable across the board and are presented in measurements that are easy to visualize, such as one cup, one tablespoon and so on. Be sure you know the size and number of servings in your food. If you buy a box of goodies that are only 100 calories it may seem like a good deal—until you discover that the serving size is smaller than your appetite.

The rest of the nutritional info on the label is based off that serving size, so knowing your serving size is essential to knowing your nutrients.

CaloriesCalories are important if you want to manage your weight, because calories provide a measure of how much energy you get from a single serving. If possible you want your calorie count to be low, especially calories from fat. Based on a diet of 2,000 daily calories,


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the FDA considers 40 calories to be low; 100 calories to be moderate; and 400 calories to be high. Eating too many calories is linked to obesity.

Total Fat, Cholesterol, SodiumEating too much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol or sodium can increase your risk of certain chronic diseases, like heart disease, some cancer and high blood pressure. According to the FDA, health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol as low as possible.

Dietary Fiber, Vitamins, Calcium, IronThis is the area where you’ll want to hike up those percentages. Eating enough of these nutrients can improve your health and reduce the risk of disease. Calcium helps offset osteoporosis, fiber helps with healthy digestive functions and vitamins are essential nutrients for well-balanced health.

FootnotesThis is all well and good, but how are shoppers supposed to know what is considered “high” versus “low” in the percentages and numbers? That’s where the footnotes come in—that area at the end marked “Percent Daily Values” based on a typical 2,000 or 2,500 calorie diet. Your needs and percentages may be tailored to your individual needs, but this footnote should give you an idea of how much you should (or shouldn’t) take in your diet. Use this guide to decipher the rest of the information. Signatures

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Mind &Body | Nutrition Month

Diet Can Impact Your Cancer RiskIn the south, some of the signature dishes—though down-right tasty—begin with a stick of butter. Outside of the house, American culture has turned into a culture of fast food and high- calorie, large-portion diets. These are recipes for disaster, says Dr. Frank Marrero, a gastroenterologist at the Digestive Health Center on the campus of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Digestive upsets are the mild side of problems that can be associated with an unhealthy diet. A more serious potential consequence is cancer. Louisiana has one of the lowest screening rates for colon cancer and one of the highest incident rates of colon cancer in the country. The disease is found just as often in women and men and usually starts with polyps, or small growths that can take a decade to turn cancerous. If found early, these polyps can be removed and cancer can be stopped before it starts.

Anyone with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, especially in a first of kin relative—mom, dad, brother, or sister—is in the highest risk group. Medical professionals urge most adults to start screening around age 50, while others may need to start in their twenties, depending on their family history.

“Colon cancer is often very advanced by the time you have a symptom,” Dr. Marrero says. “The symptoms are often things like bowel obstructions.”

The best way to screen for colon cancer is with a colonoscopy--a painless procedure that lasts about 30 minutes.

If you want to add power to your preventative fight against colon cancer, your diet is critical, according to Dr. Marrero. High fiber foods pack a big healthy punch and include corn, black beans, peas, avocado, broccoli, apples, almonds and whole wheat foods. “Everybody should strive to eat as healthy of a diet as possible,” Dr. Marrero says. “It’s often very difficult, depending upon where you live. But there is always home cooking that allows you to have control over what is in your food.”

The Digestive Health Center is located at 2770 3rd Avenue, Suite 345. Call (337) 494-4785 or go to www.lcmh.com/gi for more information.


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The importance of family is measured every day in a small community like ours. At Jennings American

Legion Hospital, the daily health of your family isn’t just your priority – it’s ours, too.

You may have to travel for some things, but quality healthcare isn’t one of them. With Jennings American

Legion Hospital, the healing touch for your family is right here at home. Make an appointment today

and meet our team of family physicians.

Pictured from L to R: Johnny Segura, MD • Christopher Achee, MD • Michael Benoit, MD • Mark Clawson, MDYoung Kang, MD • Amanda LaComb, MD • Richard McGregor, MD • James McNally, MD

Fast Food Smart ChoicesThe number of fast-food restaurants in America has soared since 1970 and obesity rates have skyrocketed right along with them, causing some to point the finger at the burger joint down the street instead of at their plates. Over the past few decades, fruits and vegetables have dwindled in the limelight of meat and onion rings, and the results have been astounding. According to the Yale University Prevention Research Center, nearly one-third of U.S. children between the ages of four and 19 eat fast food every day and gain about six extra pounds per year—a trend that follows them into adulthood and increases the risk of obesity. Kids certainly aren’t the only diners of the drive-thru, however. Ultimately, adults contribute billions of dollars to the fast-food industry every year.

The likelihood that Americans will forgo fast food at this point is slim; the good news is, they may not have

to. As awareness of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other obesity-related illnesses rise to the forefront, fast food

companies have taken heed and many have added healthy options to their menu as a result. They still have burgers and

fries, but they also have oatmeal and grilled chicken.“One of the most important things that we do is listen to

our customers,” says Dr. Cindy Goody, director of nutrition for McDonald’s USA. Goody, a registered dietitian, said that

McDonald’s—the world’s leading fast-food chain—has further developed their menu as customers have reconsidered their food

groups. “We encourage people to seek a balance (and) we want them to have variety. It’s very possible to eat a healthy meal at

McDonald’s.”

&

continued on p69

by Erin Kelly


Mind &Body

Group Fitness Offers Strength in Numbers

by Kristy Armand

photo credits: Dynamic Dimensions/Body Training Systems


Group Fitness Offers Strength in Numbers

Research shows that more than half of people who begin exercising drop their program within three to six months. According to Suzy Trahan, ACSM certified health and fitness instructor, ACE certified personal trainer and manager of Dynamic Dimensions fitness center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, the reasons are many, but the most common – not knowing what to do, boredom, lack of time, dissatisfaction with results – can often be successfully avoided with group fitness classes.

Group fitness classes have been around for decades but have recently experienced a surge in popularity, mainly due to the added variety and results-oriented focus of the new generation of classes.

“The classes we offer today incorporate a variety of training techniques and fitness components so that regardless of your fitness level, you get everything you need in one efficiently-packaged workout,” says Trahan. “That’s the key benefit of group fitness: you don’t have to figure out a workout routine on your own to get in the cardio, strength and flexibility training aspects you know you need because the class was designed to do that. And, classes like those we offer through Body Training Systems were designed and tested by the top professionals in the fitness industry to ensure that they provide a well-rounded, safe and effective workout.”

She says the high-energy music that provides the foundation for group fitness classes also gives a boost to your workout. This is supported by a multitude of studies, but the bottom line is that music increases the ability to exercise at higher levels. “Combine that with the camaraderie, encouragement, motivation and instructor-provided direction of a group fitness class and you’ve got the perfect environment for fitness success,” says Trahan.

Additional benefits of group fitness supported by national research include:

PowerinNumbersOne of the most overlooked benefits of group fitness is the socialization factor. The connections you make in class can be just the thing you need to get you into the gym on those days when you don’t have the motivation yourself. Working out regularly with friends you already have – or those you make in class – creates an expectation and a built-in accountability system to get you to class when you otherwise might skip a solo workout. Author and sports psychologist Dr. James Annesi’s research found that a lack of

if your new Year’s fitness goals have already hit the sofa, then you might want to consider finding a support group. no, not the kind of group where you say, “Hello, my name is Sue and i don’t get enough exercise.”We’retalkingaboutagroupfitness class.

We’ve Got All TheRight Connections

Now you can point and click your way to healthier bones, joints and muscles. Our new website and Facebook page make it easier than ever to access news about our services, doctors and upcoming events, as well great information on injury prevention and the latest advances in musculoskeletal treatment.

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continued on p64


Mind &Body | Group Fitness

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“We share a clear vision for our family’s

future.”Most couples have many things in common, but unfortunately

for Garrett and Lindsay Cutler, one of the things they shared was poor vision. That’s why they decided together to have LASIK

surgery at The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center. Garrett, who suffered from astigmatism in both eyes, wasn’t sure

he would qualify for LASIK, but when doctors confirmed that he was an ideal candidate for Custom LASIK—designed specifically for cases like his—he offered to undergo the procedure first so he could share his experience with Lindsay. When she saw how comfortable and convenient LASIK was for Garrett, she followed

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supervision while exercising leads to twice as much dropout when compared to exercising in groups.

MotivationHaving someone telling you to work harder and encouraging you to take your fitness to the next level will get you there faster. Studies have proven that working out with a group results in a bigger calorie burn. A class can also break up your workout routine and help you move past a plateau — if you want to push yourself a little bit and improve. Group dynamics also help you put forth a better effort.

Time Saver No more trying to schedule a set day or amount of time for using machines, running or lifting free weights. It’s all conveniently worked into one efficient class. The same goes for watching the clock. There’s a set time to start and stop and you know exactly when it is. The pace of group fitness classes makes the time fun and the energy level makes you forget how hard you’re working.

LearnSomethingNewA good class and a great instructor will show you how to work your body and muscles properly. Trying something different challenges both your mind and body, two things that have been proven to fight the effects of aging.

Cross Training OptionsBy mixing and matching the classes that you take, you cross train automatically. For participants who commit to a regular and varied class schedule, results will be seen quickly in cardio endurance, muscle toning, flexibility, balance and core strength.

Trahan says these are just a few of the many documented benefits of group fitness. “If you’re curious, frustrated or just looking for a fitness option that fits your lifestyle, do a little research and find a group class that sounds interesting and give it a try. I think you’ll like what you find.”

Dynamic Dimensions offers a wide range of group fitness classes at their locations in Sulphur and Moss Bluff. Call 527-5459 or visit www.wcch.com for more information.


Fast Food Smart Choices& continued from p61

She cited their 160-calorie yogurt parfait, fruit and maple oatmeal (290 calories), premium salads and revamped Happy Meals—complete with apple dippers and milk—as examples of healthier options diners can make at the drive-thru, but also points out that there are ways to tailor other menu items to fit nutritional goals. By holding the tartar sauce on the 380-calorie Filet-O-Fish, for example, you can get rid of 50 calories.

“You can order a burger and ask for no cheese, You can add lettuce and tomato. McDonald’s menu can be customized,” Goody said. According to McDonald’s nutritional info, a hamburger is 250 calories, while a cheeseburger is 300. Goody also noted that diners can opt for water, juice or milk instead of soda. A large Coke exceeds 300 calories.

Chick-fil-A recently introduced grilled chicken nuggets to its menu—six nuggets for 110 calories—as part of its initiative to offer healthy choices. The restaurant also offered these tips: • Planahead.Usenutritioninformationtoplanyourmealsinadvance.• Askforcondimentsonthesideandthenaddthemsparingly.• Controlyourportionsize.Share large entrees, desserts and other large-portion menu items with a

companion. • Chooseunsweeteneddrinks.• Chooseoptionswithmorefiber,suchaswholegrainbreads, pastas, rice, vegetables and fruits.


Mind &Body

Long ago, human eye color charts once were used to “predict” eye colors of children. Ophthalmologist A. J. O’Byrne, MD, with The Eye Clinic explains that in the most simplified versions of these charts, brown eyes are considered dominant over both blue and green eyes. And green eyes are thought to be dominant over blue eyes. “Previous studies on the genetics of human eye color used broadly-categorized trait information such as ‘blue’, ‘green’, and ‘brown.’” And while these concepts are true, the genetics of how eye colors are inherited have turned out to be far more complicated than once thought.”

Human eye color cannot be categorized as simply ‘blue’, ‘green’, and ‘brown’, new research from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, shows. Researchers found that eye color is under the control of many genes, and that the range of eye color variation exists in a continuous gradient from the lightest blue to the darkest brown.

“Contrary to what was once taught in biology classes, you can’t simply document the eye colors of grandparents and parents, and then use that to calculate the odds of what color a baby’s eyes will be,” says Dr. O’Byrne. “It turns out that you can even belong to a family with many generations of brown-eyed individuals and still end up with green or blue eyes. And contrary to popular

belief, it’s also possible for two blue-eyed parents to have a brown-eyed child, though this is not a common occurrence since brown is more dominant and blue is recessive.”

He explains that human eye color, which is actually determined by the extent and type of pigmentation on the eye’s iris, is what geneticists call a ‘complex, multi-gene trait’. This means that several genes control which color the eyes will ultimately have. Over the past decades a number of such eye-color genes have been identified, and people with different eye color will have a different DNA sequence at certain points in these genes. Small differenced in the genes produce the proteins that give eyes their color. Part of the complexity is due to the fact that eye color is in fact a continuum, and not just a trait with a few separate varieties.

“The color of human eyes comes from melanin, the pigment that also colors our hair and skin,” says Dr. O’Byrne. “Despite the many different colors that our eyes can have, the color of the actual pigment in all of them is exactly the same. Melanin only comes in one shade, yellow-brown. The variations in eye colors come not from the color of the pigment in the iris, but rather from the amount of the pigment the iris produces and how it is distributed. Blue or light gray

Take a Closer Look at eye Color

Did you know that no two people have the exact same eye color? Or that your eyes change color over time? Have you ever stopped to wonder why newborn babies have blue eyes? Eye color has fascinated man for centuries, but it has only been in recent

years that we have gained more accurate insight into the science behind it.

by Kristy Armand


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eyes contain much less pigment than extremely dark brown eyes. And there are many shades of eye color in between.”

He says this is why most babies born with blue eyes don’t remain blue-eyed. “At birth, a baby’s body isn’t finished producing melanin yet. During the first year of life, as the eyes develop and the body produces more melanin, the irises gradually change from ‘baby’ blue to their permanent color, which is determined by genetics.”

Melanin production also influences changing eye color of time. Since the eyes don’t constantly produce pigment, they can become lighter or darker as time goes on.

Eye color percentages vary according to which population is studied. For example, the percentage of dark brown eyes found in Asian and African populations will be much higher than in European populations. Scientists predict that in the future, blue eye color may be rare. This is because it has become more common for people to select mates outside their own cultural and ethnic groups. So when a brown-eyed person has a baby with someone who has blue eyes, their offspring are more likely to inherit the more dominant brown eyes.

Now that you know a little more about the science behind eye color, it may or may not change how you feel about your own, but you can at least appreciate the complexity of genomic activity that created it. And if you want to temporarily experience life with a different color iris, it’s as easy as choosing a new hue from the wide range of color contact lenses that have been developed to emulate the range of human eye colors.

Perceptions of eye Color All science aside, a research study by FreshLook found that Americans link certain personality traits to specific eye colors.

Brown EyesThe personality trait most associated with brown eyes is intelligence. Besides intelligence (34 percent), brown eyes also convey trustworthiness (16 percent) and kindness (13 percent), said respondents.

Blue EyesBlue-eyed people are perceived to exude sweetness (42 percent), sexiness (21 percent), and kindness (10 percent).

Green EyesAnd green eyes are associated with sexiness (29 percent), creativity (25 percent) and deviousness (20 percent).

Sixty percent of the respondents said they’d like to change their eye color, with 27 percent choosing green. Then came amethyst (26 percent) and blue (18 percent). Turquoise, gray, honey and brown were the next choices, in that order.

by Kristy Armand


Delta Downs to the American Heart AssociationDelta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel recently donated $5,000 to the American Heart Association in sponsorship of the 2012 Heartwalk in Lake Charles. Pictured from left to right are: Nora Popillion, Delta

Downs Entertainment & Public Relations Manager; Janice Ackley, American Heart Association Regional Director; Steve Kuypers, Delta Downs Vice President and General Manager; Carol Core, Delta Downs Director of Operations.

Delta Downs to the United Way of Southwest LouisianaDelta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel recently donated more than $75,000 to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana. Pictured from left to right are: Adrian King, Delta Downs Director of Marketing, Carol

Core, Delta Downs Director of Operations; Denise Durel, President/CEO, United Way of Southwest Louisiana; Steve Kuypers, Delta Downs Vice President and General Manager; and Nora Popillion, Delta Downs Entertainment & Public Relations Manager.

Associated Louisiana ArtiststoMcNeeseThe McNeese Department of Visual Arts has received a $1,000 donation from Associated Louisiana Artists Inc. Each year, the organization sponsors a fundraiser - Affaire D’Art – in support of the department, with the proceeds used to help fund student

scholarships. Larry Schuh, left, associate professor of art, accepts the donation from Anne Dentler of Associated Louisiana Artists. ALA operates Gallery by the Lake & the Creative Arts Center at 106 W. Pryce St.

L’Auberge to Family & YouthL’Auberge Casino Resort recently supported Family & Youth’s Connections Count! Professional Development Conference with a $5,000 donation. Pictured are Julio Galan, President & CEO of Family & Youth, Kerry

Andersen, Regional Director of Community and Public Affairs of L’Auberge Casino Resort, and Dr. Candis Carr, Conference Director.

Capital One to Volunteers of AmericaCapital One recently donated $5,000 to sponsor Volunteers of America’s Beats & Eats fundraiser. Pictured, from left, are: Greg Webb, Capital One Market President for Southwest Louisiana; Lawrence Italio, Volunteers of America

Advisory Board Member; Kay Vanchiere, Volunteers of America Community Engagement Coordinator; and Paul Lungaro, Capital One Vice President and Regional Vault Operations Manager for the Southwest Region.

Marriners to Family Foundation of SWLABen and Molly Marriner recently made a $5,000 endowment to the Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. Pictured are Ben Marriner; Kerry Andersen, L’ Auberge Casino Resort, Regional Director of

Community and Public Affairs and Family Foundation Trustee; Julio Galan, Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, President & CEO.

ALCOA to the Children’s Advocacy CenterALCOA recently donated $1,500 and manpower for the renovation of the Children’s Advocacy Center, a program of Family & Youth Counseling Agency. Pictured are Maria Alcantara Faul, Family & Youth Vice President Development &

Philanthropy; Steven Thompson, ALCOA Plant Manager; Erika Simon, Children’s Advocacy Center, Senior Coordinator.

JPMorgan Chase to Arts CouncilRodney “Poncho” Seaford, President of the Southwest Louisiana Market for JPMorgan Chase, presented a check for $5,000 to Matt Young, Executive Director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. The grant

was awarded to the Arts Council for arts and cultural programming which benefits the cultural economy in Southwest Louisiana.

Community Contributor$


Isle of Capri to DAREThe Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel recently donated funds to the Westlake Police Benefit Association for the purchase of the Daren the Lion mascot. This is the first D.A.R.E. mascot for Southwest Louisiana

and will be used to help promote the D.A.R.E. program. Daren the Lion has been introduced to over 1,500 children. Pictured are, from left, Chief Michael Dickerson, Detective Sgt. Thomas Richmond (President of Westlake Benefit Association), Daren the Lion (Officer Amanda Shields), Sgt. Randy Booth Jr. (Westlake D.A.R.E. Instructor), Captain Jack Bartlett and Paul Hutchens (General Manager, Isle of Capri).

2012 Consumer Health Trends

The Values Institute at DGWB, a social science research company based in Santa Ana, Calif., recently released its top five predicted consumer health trends for 2012. According to the Values Institute, health will be a primary focus for three out of four consumers this year.

Natural Energy Boosts. Energy drinks will maintain their popularity, but consumers will also be searching for ways to get a boost from natural sources.

Catching Some Zzzzzs. Seventy-six percent of Americans will seek to improve their sleep habits,

particularly as research continues to indicate that sleep deprivation, which affects two-thirds of women, can cause depression, weight gain and high blood pressure.

Flexing Diet Muscles. Although America won’t switch full-force to vegetarianism, consumers will shift slightly toward “flexitarianism”—a diet low on meat.

Digi-Tasks. Americans will turn to their wireless friends for help in losing weight, quitting smoking and achieving other health goals. They’ll look for apps that motivate, educate and inspire.

App for That. More apps will be developed that pave the way for easy exchanges of information between patients and doctors.


Style &Beauty

Beauty Sleep Get Your

If you find yourself constantly burning the midnight oil for work projects, staying up late watching television, or getting up extra early to squeeze in a workout, the evidence could be written all over your face. What you may not realize is that the best time to pamper your skin is while you are sleeping.

Skin care product manufacturers are aware of this and they also recognize that because our lifestyles are busier than ever, we are more likely to gain extra time during the day by reducing the time we sleep. The wide range of nighttime skin treatments provide evidence of this trend, and last year, consumers spent over $60 million on nighttime moisturizers alone.

Aesthetic consultant Tracy Wilburn, RN, with the Aesthetic Center says there has been an increased interest in nighttime skin products in recent years as

the result of numerous research reports that demonstrate the advantages of treating skin over night.

“For example, many anti-aging ingredients stay active longer when they’re not exposed to sunlight. Retinoids, which speed cell turnover, can break down chemically with light exposure and become ineffective,” explains Wilburn. Other “anti-agers”--such as topical vitamins, including C and E--don’t hold up well in sunlight or air. She says while these ingredients are found in many day and night products, you probably get more antioxidant bang for your buck when you apply them before you go to sleep.

Your mom really was right! You do need your beauty sleep.

by Kristy Armand


Beauty Sleep Wilburn says nighttime also gives you a long block of time – six to eight

hours if you are getting the recommended amount of sleep – to hydrate skin with formulations that don’t mix well with make-up or that might give you a sheen you’d rather not show in the light of day. These superhydrators not only attract moisture to the skin but also prevent it from evaporating from the skin’s surface. “There’s also some evidence that skin may be more receptive to active ingredients when you’re sleeping, because the products don’t have to compete with the sun, pollution, or makeup to do the job they were intended to do.”

Researchers are also learning that skin works harder to rejuvenate itself during the night. “Skin cell regeneration takes place at a slightly faster rate at night than during the day, and sleep hours are a potent time for your body to repair itself, and this includes your skin,” adds Wilburn.

She offers these additional tips for adding more beauty to your sleep:

Sleep flat on your back: Smashing your face into a pillow creates fold lines that eventually become permanent if they’re repeated every night. Spending time on your back also helps counter the effects of gravity that accumulate during the day.

Stay hydrated: Keeping skin moist from the inside out is a simple, relatively inexpensive, and quite effective moisturizer. Drink six to eight glasses of plain water throughout the day. To help avoid moisture loss from the skin while sleeping, you can also turn on a humidifier.

Useamoisturizerafterbathing: Seal in the moisture that the topmost layer of your skin has absorbed with a hydrating body lotion or cream. Because you’re going to bed, you can try a body cream that’s richer than you would feel comfortable wearing during the day.

Wilburn advises looking for specific products that stimulate skin repair and rejuvenation when choosing a night time moisturizer.

For more information, call the Aesthetic Center at 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net .

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Style &Beauty

Youeye Make-up How-To

by Erin Kelly

all eyes are

on

They say that the eyes are windows

to the soul. If that’s the case, you want to make sure they aren’t dripping

with poorly executed mascara, decorated with shabby eyeliner or sparkling with outdated eye shadow.

When it comes to make-up application, few features are more important than the eyes. One bad application of eye make-up and your eyes will be the

only thing people notice—and for all the wrong reasons.To keep your eyes on the right side of astonishing, Thrive has gathered a few tips from

Almay and Aisle Dash to ensure that a mess-up doesn’t fess-up your look.


Dry, cold winter air and indoor heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to chapping, flaking, and redness. The Aesthetic Center can help you bring your beautiful skin out of the dreary cold with refreshing facial treatments.

SayBye Bye To Winter

with the Peel and Polish Package

from the Aesthetic Center.This rejuvenating package includes the perfect treatment and product combination for one affordable price: • medical grade chemical peel

• post-treatment home care products

• DermaSweep, infused microdermabrasion treatment

• 10% savings on first-time purchase of

full-size products

Don’t hibernate, luxuriate! Call 310-1070 for more information or to schedule your appointment.

Treatments are provided under the medical direction of facial cosmetic specialist, Mark Crawford, MD.

facehealth.net310-1070 • 1717 Oak Park Blvd.

by Erin Kelly

EyeshadowUsing your shadow stick, apply the lightest shade in the brow bone and the deeper shade on your lids, then blend quickly before it sets. Blending is particularly important if you’re trying to achieve smoky eyes—in which case you’ll want to start with the deepest shade at the lash line and blend upward. Use the medium accent shade just

above the crease and the lightest shade at the brow bone and in the corners of the eyes.

Choose an eye shadow that complements your eye color. This typically means getting a contrasting color—brown eye shadow for blue eyes, violet eye shadow for green eyes, blue shadow for brown eyes, for example. Don’t match your eye color to your shadow unless you really know what you’re doing. Why? Because done wrong, the shadow will compete with—not complement—your eyes.

MascaraThe best way to apply mascara is to start at the roots and wiggle the brush to the tips. Use the tip of the brush to apply mascara to lower lashes and to accent corner lashes on the top. Curl your lashes before applying mascara to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. Don’t curl them after your mascara’s on. This risks damage to your lashes.

Don’t match mascara to your eye color. That trend has passed. Instead, find a mascara color that complements your skin tone. Darker colors usually work well for darker shades of skin.

EyelinerIf you’re planning a night on the town, you may want to consider a smoky eye. To achieve this look, blend liner out with a brush or smudger tip. If you want to soften the line, apply a similar shade of shadow over your liner.

Most of the time, however, your goal will be to make your eyes appear bright, shiny and natural. To achieve this, avoid lining the entire eye (upper and lower lids) in the same color. This can make eyes appear smaller.

To make eyes look larger, consider dabbing white eyeliner to the inside corners of your upper lids, but don’t apply white eyeliner to the insides of your lower lids. In fact, it’s best not to apply any color to the insides of your lower lids, as it can cause infection and often appears unnatural.


Style &Beauty

Runway Showcases

for SpringHot Trends

“ Last year’s show was amazing!”

by Erin Kelly


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Stripes, patterns, vivid colors, blues and comfy fabrics are expected to warm up the fashion heat as we approach spring and summer. According to the Pantone Color Institute, spring 2012 designers “are inspired by diverse influences, showcasing a range of styles and lifestyles, from free and playful and light breezy to contemporary classics.” Colors will reflect these different moods, ranging from soft muted tones and neutrals to vibrant and light pastels.

Local residents will have an opportunity to get a first-hand look at what’s hot this season at the second Fashion Fusion Spring 2012 Runway Show, according to Lauren Monroe of Mimosa Boutique, one of the show’s co-presenters. Other businesses being showcased include Teci’s Ladies Apparel, WM Wardrobe Consulting and Stella & Dot Jewelry.

The runway show will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Lake Charles Country Club. General admission tickets are $25, which includes one specialty drink. VIP tickets are $50 and include seating in the front two rows and two specialty drinks. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Last year’s show was amazing,” Monroe said. “We sold out in two weeks, so we’ve doubled the venue size and have increased the quality and experience.”

For more information, contact Monroe at 274-6151 or email [email protected]

for SpringHot Trendsby Erin Kelly


Jeans. We all wear them and we all complain about them—until you find that perfect fit. All of us think that we should just be able to go into the store, grab a pair of jeans and they should fit perfectly. This is what causes all of our frustrations. Everyone has different body types, as you know, and that doesn’t just mean short verses tall or plus-size verses size zero. It’s a mixture of all that. You should go into a store with the open mind that you can get items tailored! Yes, this is an extra cost over the cost of the jeans, but it is also the relief to your misery. I have some helpful guidelines below about body types and the styles that work well, but you still need to remember that adjustments might be needed to fit to your body. The overall best-fitting style of jeans for any body type is the trouser jean. They are a wider, straight-leg pant, with either a larger hem or cuffed hem. The wide straight leg should continue straight down from the sides of your hips, disguising the size of your hips and creating an elongated look to your legs. To keep this elongated look, wear pointed-toe shoes versus round toe shoes. This keeps the eye traveling straight down your leg. The straight-legged jean is best for hourglass figures, but still can be worn by many body types. Not to be confused with the skinny jeans, this style is straight from the knee to the ankle. Whereas it may be fitted at the hips and thighs, creating that hourglass look, it doesn’t add any more curves by being tapered in at the knee or ankle. Skinny jeans work best on skinnier body types; however, they help to create a womanly figure for those ladies with curves. Keep in mind that because this style of pant gets narrower from hips to ankle that the essence of the jeans draws the eye up to the largest part of your body. This effect can be minimized by wearing longer blouses/tops to cover up that booty area. Boot-cut is the hardest style to wear for any body type with curves. This style of pant narrows at the knees and flairs at the ankle which emphasizes the hip area. Pear shape bodies should avoid this style. Boot-cut jeans are better for straight body shapes because the jeans will create curves. now, go shopping, try on many pairs and remember—you can get them tailored for a perfect fit!

Find the Perfect Fitting jeans

to WearReady

Whitney Manns is the owner of WM Wardrobe Consulting. For more information, visit WMwardrobeconsulting.com

Style &Beauty


Wayne Warnders of Humble, Texas, recently became an instant multi-millionaire playing the

Wheel of Fortune quarter slots at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Warnders won more than $2.5 million.

His first celebratory call was to one of his two brothers.

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Q: An acquaintance, not a friend, posted a group photo on Facebook that I was in and I did not give him permission to do this. I don’t want it posted so what do I do?

A: I am sure this individual meant no harm and assumed that all in the photo would not object to having the photo posted on Facebook. Since you do object, contact him and tell him that you’d prefer the photo not be posted and, hopefully, he will be kind and remove it.

Q: Over the holidays, a neighbor brought over a plate of homemade cookies and we did not intend on exchanging gifts with this neighbor. What is the proper way to handle this situation?

A: Isn’t the true meaning of giving just that: giving? They obviously wanted to remember you during the holidays. All you needed to do was genuinely express appreciation and graciously say, “Thank you.” If you absolutely feel the need to reciprocate in these types of situations, then consider keeping a few ornaments or other small gifts wrapped and ready in case this should happen again. Or, you can say, “I am a little behind on my baking or wrapping, so ours to you will be soon.”

Q: We hosted a small gathering in our home and one of the invited guests brought along another couple – unannounced. What should our reaction have been?

A: After you wipe the stunned look off your face, you should be the gracious host. There is nothing you can do at that moment. In the future, you may wish to remove the “invited” guest off your invitation list! Or, depending upon how close you are to the “invited” you may find the proper time to mention how awkward that was for you.

Best ImpressionsModern Day Manners & Everyday Etiquette

by Rose Klein

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Lake Charles is one of ten locations nationwide to host a symposium for Leader in Me, a program coordinated by FranklinCovey. The Leader in Me Symposium will be held March 15 and 16 at Dolby and Oak Park elementary schools.

Leader in Me is a rapidly spreading transformational leadership program. The seven habits-based model enables schools to achieve results and equips students with life skills required to succeed in the 21st century, according to FranklinCovey. The network has grown to include more than 650 schools worldwide.

The local symposium was coordinated in junction with Chamber SWLA’s Workforce Development. Speakers include Kim Cummins, principal of Martin Petitjean Elementary; Lonnie Moore, FranklinCovey education senior consultant, author of The High Trust Classroom and co-author of The Inspirational Teacher; Dr. Matthew Ohlsen, director of CAMP Gator; and Muriel Summers, featured in Dr. Covey’s book The Leader in Me.

This year’s event will be attended by principals, teachers, school district administrators, superintendents and local business leaders.

Worldwide Symposium Seeks to Build leaders

The program is designed to help students become leaders

Last year’s symposium at Dolby Elementary

Let’s Get Physical, Physical!


sponsored by

It’s not a 1980s Olivia Newton-John hit that is inspiring communities in Beauregard Parish to get physical: it’s their own residents asking for and then tapping into revamped parks, trails and recreation centers.

In 2010, voters in southern Beauregard Parish approved a nearly $2 million proposition to build a new recreation center. After months of planning with architects and engineers, the project is expected to be shovel ready this summer on a large plot of land in the Ragley-Longville area.

Then in DeRidder, the city has clinched grant after grant to renovate Bryant Park, Veteran’s Park and West Park – hubs for families throughout the Beauregard Parish area. The most utilized and sprawling spot – West Park - now sports new bridges for easier access to walking/running trails and the popular sports complex has new restrooms, bleachers, concession stands and covers.

If you drive along Highway 171 in DeRidder just south of the historic downtown area, a revamped Veteran’s Park is buzzing with activity. New walking tracks have been added, along with a basketball pavilion.

When you look at quality of life indicators for communities across the United States, access to parks, outdoor activities and cultural events are major components of the score. Taking these Beauregard Parish projects into account, you can say that things are moving in the right direction. But statistics from the Childhood Obesity Action Network still paint a grim image of kids across the state. They’re active – actually more active on average than kids in many

states – however, they’re also more likely to spend two+ hours in front of a TV or computer each day.

So what’s the solution? City and parish leaders in this neck of the woods say *more. They’re working to get more kids involved in sports clubs and playing in community recreation facilities. Baseball complexes are offering more amenities to give families a better overall experience. Parks are boasting more walking/running trails. The plan for the future is even more.

Voters in DeRidder will decide in a special election on April 21 if they support a 1/4 percent sales tax increase for more. A potential community natatorium has been proposed, as well as a skate park, new playground and financial help for families that don’t have the extra money for their children to participate in sports. The City of DeRidder says it is an investment in the quality of life for its residents. It will soon be up to them to decide!

Let’s Get Physical, Physical! by Britney Glaser


Source: AFI

Mark Your Calendar!

Junior Women’s Conference 2012The Junior Women’s Conference will be held from 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at McNeese State University’s Parra Ballroom. The event is designed for young women in grades 8 to 12 to help them build on their potential and develop goals and leadership qualities. Keynote speaker is Nomica Guillory, former Mrs. Louisiana.

The conference will include breakout sessions on topics including cooking, self-defense, writing, dancing, scrapbooking, Zumba, leadership and

character-building. Vendors will be available with gifts, purses, make-up, snacks, clothes, cell phones and accessories. For more information or for a detailed schedule, visit www.womenscommissionswla.com. Cost for the conference is $10 and includes informative sessions, lunch, door prizes and a fashion show.

The Foundation at LCMH Presents On the TownThe Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will present an On the Town celebration from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank, 844 Ryan Street. On the Town will feature appetizers served by local restaurants and caterers, complimentary wine, liquor cash bars and premium raffle items. Guests’ attire is dressy casual. Musical entertainment will be provided by Leif Pedersen’s 1944 Big Band featuring Kathy DeRouen and Jacqueline Ellis, and Beatlemania Magic, who will perform the iconic pop hits of the Beatles. Tickets are $75 per person. All tax-deductible proceeds benefit The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.lcmh.com/on-the-town. For more information, please call the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital at 494-3226.

Peck and Lassiter to Co-Host Miss Kemah Teen PageantDaytime soap actor Eddie Peck and Nicole Lassiter, former Miss Texas USA, will co-host the Miss Kemah/Miss Kemah Teen Pageant on April 22. Peck is best-known for his 12-year stint as Cole Howard on “The Young and

the Restless” and as Dr. Jake Martin on ABC’s “All My Children.” Lassiter was a runner-up on the Amazing Race and has been a reporter for Fox 26 Traffic as well as co-host of the My Fox Houston Live Web Show. For information on how to become a contestant, visit misskemahpageant.com or email [email protected].

Seminar to Address Shoulder Pain and Replacement MythsDr. Geoffrey Collins, orthopaedic surgeon and shoulder specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, will present “The Truth about Shoulder Pain and Replacement,” a free community seminar at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles. Dr. Collins will discuss the different causes of shoulder pain and the newest treatment advances, including non-

surgical options and innovative joint replacement procedures that can help you regain pain-free range of motion. Seating is limited and pre-registration is requested. Call 721-2903 or register online at www.centerforortho.com. Refreshments will be served. Center for Orthopaedics is located at 1747 Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles, just off of Nelson, one-half mile south of Country Club Rd.

Sleeping Beauty Tickets AvailableThe Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB) will present the full length story ballet of The Sleeping Beauty at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2012 at the Rosa Hart Theatre. The Saturday evening performance will include the Lake Charles Symphony orchestra performing the Tchaikovsky score and is sponsored by L’Auberge Lake Charles. The Sunday matinee will be performed with recorded music.

The Sleeping Beauty is the classic tale of the Princess Aurora cursed by the evil Carabosse into a deep sleep, and awakened by the kiss of Prince Desire. Lake Charles Civic Ballet Artistic Director, Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough has choreographed the LCCB version after the Kirov Ballet in Russia. This performance is suitable for all ages. Tickets are available at the Civic Center box office, 491-1432, or via ticketmaster.com.

Dining Out for LifeThe Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council will host the Lake Area’s third annual Dining Out For Life fundraising event on Thursday, April 26. Local participating restaurants will donate a percentage of proceeds from that day to SLAC, helping to provide services to low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Dining Out for Life® was created in 1991 by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia, and has since become an international event that incorporates more than 60 cities across the US and Canada. In 2009 Dining Out for Life® raised over $3.5 million for more than 50 AIDS Service Organizations (ASO’s) across North America. For a list of Lake Area participating restaurants or to sign up to volunteer visit our Website at www.diningoutforlife.com/swla.

¡Carnaval!OnDisplaythroughMarchThe Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, Texas, will present

¡Carnaval!, an exhibit featuring 130 items of international folk art and Carnival memorabilia, through March 18. The Museum of the Gulf Coast is owned and operated by the Port Arthur Historical Society in partnership with Lamar State College - Port Arthur and the City of Port Arthur. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to schedule a tour please call (409) 982-7000 or visit www.museumofthegulfcoast.org.

NomicaGuillory

Eddie Peck NicoleLassiter


Stark Museum Presents ExhibitsStark Museum of Art will present From Russia: Fechin and Gaspard in the Southwest through June 2. This exhibition explores the artistic contributions of Nicolai Fechin (1881-1955) and Leon Gaspard (1882-1964). Both artists emigrated from Russia and settled in the American Southwest. Both brought academic training, knowledge of European art, and evocative memories of their homeland. From this basis each developed a strong individual style to create art in a new environment. The exhibition features over one hundred paintings, sculpture and drawings including works that have never been exhibited to the public such as Leon Gaspard’s painting Adieu, Cossack and his portrait of H.J. Lutcher Stark. From Russia includes an educational area with hands-on activities appropriate for children and families. The Stark Museum will also present Easter Décor from March 1-April 13; ArtQuest Classes from March 13-16; and Family Fun at the Park on March 24. Located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas, the Stark Museum of Art is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Group tours are available by appointment. For more information call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org.

Junior Women’s Conference 2012My GPS for Success!

(For Young Women Grades 8 thru 12)

Questions?Contact Tammy Thibodeaux at (337) 499-9197

or email [email protected]

Registration includes: • Fun and Informative Sessions • Door Prizes • T-Shirt (if you register by Feb. 27)

• Fashion Show • Lunch • Shopping Opportunities

Saturday, March 17, 20129:15 am to 3:30 pm

Parra BallroomMcNeese State University

www.womenscommissionswla.com or find us on FacebookCo-sponsored by McNeese State University

WOMEN’S COMMISSION OF SWLA, INC.The conference is an exciting day of fun and education designed to help young women, grades 8-12, recognize and build upon their own unique potential and to develop goals, self-esteem, and leadership qualities for the future!

Registration Form (the $10 registration fee is non-refundable)

NameMailing AddressCity State ZipEmailHome Phone Cell PhoneDate of Birth Age GradeHigh School

Circle your t-shirt size:Small Medium Large X-Large XX-Large

Payment of $10 Conference Registration Fee:Check or Money Order: Make payable to Women’s Comission of SWLA, Inc. or by credit card online at www.womenscommissionswla.comIf you are registering online, please fax a copy of this permission form to Melisa Nelson McMillian at (337) 474-4944 and note that you have registered online.A Parent or legal guardian MUST SIGN before your registration will be processed.

Signature ofParent/Guardian

Mail completed form and payment to:Women’s Commission of SWLA, Inc. - Registration

P.O. Box 6712 • Lake Charles, LA • 70606

continued on p84


More Upcoming Events

2012Shangri-La Presents Public Programs Shangri-La Gardens in Orange, Texas, will present “Special Birds of Shangri La” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, as part of its Third Thursdays program. The program will discuss the birds that reside at Shangri La year-round, as well as special migratory visitors, with the

aid of photographs.Two of the birds highlighted in this program will be the Prothonotary Warbler and Chestnut Sided Warbler, only two of the more than 200 bird species that migrate through Shangri La. Birdwatchers consider these species to be rare and a prize to see. This presentation is appropriate for adults and children over 12 years of age.

On April 19, during Earth Week, Shangri La will present Twilight Hike. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in a short hike through the forest and swamps of Shangri La. Participants will watch and listen for any active wildlife. Learn to distinguish between animals that are diurnal (active during the

day), nocturnal (active at night) and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Participants will also play games to understand how these different animals hunt and communicate. Because of limited seating, all Third Thursdays programs require a reservation. To make a reservation or for more information, call (409) 670-9799. Shangri-La is located at 2111 West Park Avenue.


Group discussions will be held March 14, March 28, April 11, April 25 and May 9 All programs will be held at the La Jeunesse Room in the Old Ranch at McNeese

For details or to register visit http://library.mcneese.edu/civilwar.html

Free copies of all three books are available to those who register while supplies last.

Shrimp & Crawfish Enchiladas • Shrimp Diablo QuesadillaCoyote Crab Cakes and Much More

3624 Ryan Street • Exit 6A off 210 • Lake Charles • 337-502-5131Mon - Thur 11am - 10pm • Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm • Sun 11am - 9pm

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how crazy-delicious, fun and fresh Lent can actually be.

Live at the Lakefront Premiers in MarchLive at the Lakefront, a new music festival presented by the Arts Council and the city of Lake Charles, will premiere at the Arcade Amphitheater with the Twangsters Union, a Southern rock band; acoustic soul singer Wendy Colonna; and the alternative Certain Satellites at 6 p.m. Friday, March 16. Subsequent performances will be staged on Friday, March 23 and Friday, 30. Shows last until 10 p.m. and include vendor booths. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to lounge on the amphitheater’s grassy hill. The Grammy-nominated Cajun band Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys and Bobcat, an indie rock group, will perform on March 23. Jazz band City Heat and Iberville High Life, a blues group, will perform on March 30. The festival is free to the public and acts as a fundraiser for the Arts Council with the proceeds from all Coke, Budweiser, and Miller sales going towards the Arts Council’s efforts to support the arts in Southwest Louisiana.


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

Solutions for Life

Are You a Runaway?I always know when I have a conflict avoider on my hands. They usually come in telling me how wrong they have always been treated in relationships, how they are always taking care of other people but no one seems to care about them, how they keep getting stomped on. When I begin to ask how they react to these unfair demands, that’s when the truth comes out. “Well, I didn’t say anything.” Or, “I just couldn’t take it anymore and I blew up.” Conflict avoiders are runaways. They run away from anything negative, and they perceive much to be negative. To them, standing up for oneself is being bossy. Acknowledging you are good at something is bragging. Telling someone your needs is picking a fight. And since being bossy, bragging or picking a fight is never a good thing, they must be avoided. And conflict avoiders tend to pick partners that will help them to continue to avoid conflict: sometimes bossy and demanding people, and sometimes people who are good at holding others emotionally hostage in different ways. Either way, the partner likes to get his way, and will enact a price for not going along with him. This only reinforces to the conflict avoider that the path of avoiding conflict is best: just don’t rock the boat. The problems begin when the conflict avoider dares to think his/her own opinion might have merit at times. And they usually begin to think this when someone else introduces them to the concept. I am often reminded of the client I once worked with who had never truly considered that she was intelligent until she got a job. First her parents, then her partner had convinced her that she was stupid and useless. In fact, she was lucky they put up with her! She spent all her time flying under the radar and avoiding conflict. Then she had to go to work (after all, it was the least she could do since she had been mooching off her partner all those years). As she had good days at work, she began to realize how bad being at home was. As she was given positive feedback at work, she realized how little of that she got at home. As people listened to her and valued her opinion at work… (you get the picture). It wasn’t long before she was in my office and we began to develop a plan for her future that did not revolve around keeping everyone else happy. The other situation I see so often has more to do with those people who are dragged into therapy. Usually some type of indiscretion has occurred. Conflict avoiders are very often unfaithful in some way. Because they are not getting their needs met in the relationship, and because they don’t think they should ask to get their needs met (nor do they know how), they will often go outside of the relationship to get those needs met. Secrets are also a big part of relationships for conflict avoiders. The do not want their partner unhappy with them, so they say whatever they need to so conflict can

be avoided. Convincing a conflict avoider that saying “no” is not only OK, but necessary at times, is difficult. As is “I don’t like it when you do that” or “this isn’t working for me.” Just as difficult is convincing the partner that the only way the relationship can be healthy is if honesty supersedes everything, and the partner must create the environment where honesty is safe. If punishment is doled out when anyone stands up for him/herself, either the conflict avoider will regress to old patterns (including secrets and/or infidelities) or will begin to outgrow the partner in healthiness and the relationship will no longer be viable. As a marriage and family therapist, there are certain relationship patterns that are very predictable. The way a couple handles conflict accurately predicts the viability of the relationship. I encourage you to take a look at yourself. It’s time to stop running away!

from Solutions Employee Assistance Program! McNeese Corral


A report recently released by Gallup-Healthways has uncovered a disconcerting (although not completely shocking) trend: Americans now feel worse about their jobs and work environments than ever before. No matter their age, income, or demographics, an increasing amount of Americans are apathetic and unmotivated and unfortunately, the trend appears to be headed toward the dark road of disgruntlement instead of the bright sunny path of cheery productivity.

According to research, working Americans do not feel engaged or positive about their work. Scarce resources, micro-managing bosses, lack of support and lack of positive feedback have all contributed to growing discontent. We spend more time at work than anywhere else, but rather than inspire or fulfill the human spirit, it’s eroding it.

Some of you are probably grumbling an oh-well and muttering something about work being work and leisure being leisure and that’s all well and good, except for one thing—we only get one chance at this lifetime and my goal in life is to do more of things I love and less of things I don’t. Call me lazy, call me selfish, call me naïve, but I don’t think any of us should settle for less, not when the traditional workday demands at least eight hours a day and five days a week.

I realize that we operate in reality and unhappy employees can’t exactly stage a walk-out, especially in this economy, but for those who sit at their

desks and sigh about the days ahead, there is a more feasible solution. You have to concoct a greater plan. A “dream,” if you will. Big dreams aren’t just for kids or bright-eyed romantics. They’re for everyone, whether you’re ten or a hundred, rich or poor, bright-eyed or cynical. I’m of the belief that everyone has a dream, even those who don’t realize it yet. Maybe you want to own your own business, go back to school, paint a masterpiece, write the next great American novel or climb Mt. Everest. If so, don’t let the dreary days of the grind get you down. Create a path that is greater than today and start walking it.

Nobody said work had to be fun.But it sure makes life difficult when it isn’t.

The Last Wordby Erin Kelly

Email Erin at [email protected].

Are You a Runaway?

McNeese CorralDr. Rathnam Indurthy, McNeese professor of government, has had an article, “Pakistan Confronts an Uncertain Future as It Fails to Address Its Core Problems,” published in the Canadian journal, Asian Profile.

Cathreine Brooke David, McNeese government major, Dr. Thomas R. Laehn, McNeese assistant professor of government, and Dr. Henry B. Sirgo, McNeese professor of political science, attended the 2012 meeting of the Southern Political Science Association in New Orleans. Laehn and David presented a paper, “The Effect of Television on Senate Deliberations,” to the “Congress and the Public” panel. Laehn also served as a discussant on the “People of God? The Role of Political Hebraism in America” panel. Sirgo presented his paper, “The ‘Young Turks’ and the Professionalization of the Louisiana

Legislature,” to the Louisiana Government at 200: Institutional Evolution panel, participated on the Louisiana Politics roundtable, served as chair/discussant on the “Education Policy Issues,” “Influence of Political Elites,” “Intergovernmental Cooperation,” “International Politics: Global Issues, IPE and Human Rights” and “State Policy Adoption” panels.

Dr. Wendy Whelan, McNeese assistant professor of American literature and women studies, has received her doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her dissertation is titled, “Transformational Theories: North American Women Writers and Their Revisions of Homeric Epic.”

NancyCorrero, a McNeese Master of Fine Arts graduate student, has had a poem, “Songbird,” accepted for

publication in the September issue of I-70 Review.

J.D. Hibbitts, a McNeese MFA graduate student, has had a poem, “Cane Fire,” accepted for publication in the April issue of Ellipsis.

BenjaminSutton, a McNeese MFA graduate student, has had a series, “Eternity, Ohio,” accepted for publication in the Washington Square Review. Sutton has had two more poems from the same series accepted for publication in the Quarterly West (University of Utah) and another in Barn Owl Review (University of Akron). Sutton has three more poems from a series, “Refutation by Memory,” accepted for publication in the inaugural issue of Burntdistrict.

Amy Fleury, McNeese associate professor of English and director of

the MFA creative writing program, has had a poem, “The Fort,” accepted for publication in the Minnesota Review.

Dr. Karen Cook, has been named head government information librarian/assistant professor at McNeese’s Frazar Memorial Library. Cook has experience in academic, public and special libraries and has held professional positions in technical services, public services and systems. She is an active member of the American Library Association, the Louisiana Library Association and the Southeastern Library Association and serves as editor of a peer-reviewed journal, Current Studies in Librarianship. Cook holds a doctorate from the University of Alabama, a juris doctorate from the University of Texas and a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University.

Campus News

Thrive March 2012 Issue

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Transcript of Thrive March 2012 Issue