HEALTH & YOU 2013 potx

2 Health and You, January 24, 2013
I
Contents

___
2
YMCA
3
Family Health
4
Denham Springs Urgent Care
6
Woman’s Hospital
8
North Oaks Health System
10
Dr. Jack Reid, Internal Medicine
11
Snap Fitness in Walker
12
James Drugs
13
C.J. Richard, General Dentistry
13
Lake After Hours Clinic
14
Total Care Injury & Pain Centers
15
Our Lady of the Lake Livingston

EDITOR:
Mike Dowty
WRITING:
Alice Dowty, Lisa Dowty, Mike Dowty, Carol
Stuart, Jamie Webb
COVER DESIGN:
Paul Hatton
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY:
David Normand
SALES:
Leesha Gleber
Health and You, January 24, 2013 3
Family Health of Louisiana has
always been known for providing
dependable, quality health care to
Livingston Parish, treating genera-
tions of families with personal care
geared to their individual needs. That
care is now being offered in a brand
new office located on the fifth floor of
the Our Lady of the Lake facility in
Walker, and will include new, safe,
affordable cosmetic procedures.
These new cosmetic procedures
include: The GentleMax Pro Laser
and Velashaping. The laser system
can remove hair, benign pigmented
lesions, sun-damaged skin, age
spots, freckles, vascular anomalies
(varicose veins), telangiectasia (spider

veins), telangiectatic matting and
beard bumps.
Velashaping is the only FDA-
cleared device that effectively and
safely contours, shapes and slims
the body by reducing cellulite and
firming problem areas in as little as
four treatments. Instead of remov-
ing the fat cells as liposuction does,
Velashaping shrinks their size. It
simultaneously smooths and tightens
the skin, resulting in a gradual and
noticable reduction in cellulite.
In keeping with Family Health’s
tradtition of individual care and per-
sonal attention, patients interested
in these procedures will first con-
sult with a physician about what is
needed and the costs involved. He will
then treat a small sample area.
Only if that treatment is satisfac-
tory will the patient return for a full
procedure.
As an introduction to these new
procedures by Family Health, a cou-
pon will provide a 50 percent reduc-
tion in costs, good until June 30.
The Family Health tradition of
quality and caring began with its
founder, Dr. Edwin Walker, who

established his practice in Denham
Springs in 1959. Even as a young
man, his skill and empathy drew
patients to him, and he soon built a
thriving practice.
Over the years, Dr. Walker offered
many services free of charge and
was also a force for progress in the
medical community and a reliable
contributor to other aspects of com-
munity life. Folks around town came
to know him not only as a caring and
skilled physician, but as “Dr. Ed,” a
constant friend.
For the past 50 years, as the prac-
tice expanded from a single doctor’s
office with a single nurse to four
well-staffed clinics led by four physi-
cians and five nurse-practitioners,
each patient who has come in to
Family Health has always been
welcomed like family and treated as
an individual. That attitude may be
old-fashioned, but the diagnosis and
treatment provided by Family Health
is kept up to date with new discover-
ies, new tools and the latest methods.
Family Health of Louisiana now
offers full family health care at four
locations. The Denham Springs-

Walker clinic at Dixon Medical
Center has moved to the fifth floor
of the Our Lady of the Lake facility
in Walker, the primary location at
which Dr. Edwin Walker, Dr. Patrick
Walker, and Dr. Gregory Garner
will see family practice patients.
Dr. Gregory Garner and Dr. Patrick
Walker will see cosmetic patients
there as well.
Dr. Durwin Walker, Dr. Ed’s neph-
ew, will continue to see family prac-
tice patients primarily at the Family
Health clinic in Watson, the practice’s
second location, established in 1998.
His son, Dr. Patrick Walker, will also
see patients at the Watson location.
Dr. Patrick Walker met Dr.
Gregory Garner when they served as
residents together at LSU. Dr. Garner
returned to Louisiana after receiving
his medical degree from the Indiana
School of Medicine and went into
practice with his friend.
Two additional family practice
locations are headed by nurse practi-
tioners, one just across the northern
parish line in St. Helena headed
by Erin LaGroue, and the other in
Livingston headed by Lisa Bishop.

Nurse practitioner Monique Calmes
alternates between those two; nurse
practitioner Mandy Ball sees patients
in Watson; and nurse practitioner
Dewanna Christian visits Flannery
Oaks Guest House, an associated
nursing home, with Dr. Durwin
Walker, and also practices at the
Livingtson clinic.
Family
Health at
Walker Lake
Family Health of La. recently relocated their Walker office to 5000
O'Donovan Blvd., Suite 507 inside OLOL Livingston. Pictured are
(from left, seated) Gregory Garner, M.D.; Edwin Walker, M.D.;
and Patrick Walker, M.D. Standing are Elaine Sciortino, MA; Amy
Hayman, front desk; Valene Mouton, LPN and office manager; Mike
Sampite, RN, HEDIS; Rebekah Craig, CMA; Christine Landry, front
desk; Katarina Mitchell, MA; and Leslie Myrick, front desk. Not
pictured is Terrilee Haley, HEDIS.
4 Health and You, January 24, 2013
Denham Springs Urgent Care has
been treating the members of our com-
munity for 15 years. They not only con-
tinue seeing patients that have already
been to the Clinic, they are inviting any
and all new-comers. The staff and own-
ers of the clinic are extremely grateful
for all of the loyalty and patronage that
the community has shown.

Denham Springs Urgent Care is
nestled in the heart of Denham Springs
next to the interstate. Dr. Paul Abide,
along with other local ER physicians,
took the opportunity in 1998 to open one
of the first urgent care facilities in the
state.
Dr. Paul Abide along with John
Marino FNP-C treat patients in the
Livingston Parish area as well as han-
dling occupational medicine patients
for local, regional and national busi-
nesses. They also work with other local
doctors by treating their overflow, after
hours, and acutely ill patients.
The clinic treats patients who are
twelve months old and up. Evaluation
and treatment of several medical ill-
nesses include sinusitis, sore throat,
tonsillitis, pink eye, ear infections,
bronchitis, asthma, walking pneumo-
nia, ear infections, pleurisy, vomiting
and diarrhea, heart burn and indiges-
tion, urinary tract and bladder infec-
tions, heat exhaustion and MRSA
infections, just to name a few. The
clinic is also equipped to treat non-life
threatening injuries such as fractures,
sprains, minor cuts and other soft tis-
sue injuries. Patients are normally seen

on a first-come first- serve basis unless
circumstances dictate otherwise.
D.S.U.C.’s laboratory department
is nationally certified by COLA and
is subject to the same standards and
regulations as labs located inside hos-
pitals and regional testing centers.
Approximately 95% of the lab tests
ordered by the D.S.U.C. providers are
run on the premises, and the results
are completed prior to the patient’s dis-
charge.
The clinic’s addition of digital imag-
ing equipment allows for patients to
receive less exposure to potentially
harmful X-rays and ensures the deliv-
ery of higher quality images to the pro-
vider treating the patient. The separate
X-ray department is staffed with nation-
ally registered Radiologic Technologists
whenever the clinic is open.
Office hours are Monday through
Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday
from 10 a.m until 4 p.m. Any questions
about the clinic or the services they pro-
vide should be directed to Lloyd Hall at
791-0002.
Denham Springs Urgent Care
Walk-In ClInIC
Dr. Paul Abide, Jr., (left) and John Marino, APRN, FNP-C, with Denham Springs Urgent Care, sit between a digital X-ray image

computer.
Prompt treatment for
patients of all ages

P
Health and You, January 24, 2013 5
6 Health and You, January 24, 2013
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8 Health and You, January 24, 2013
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10 Health and You, January 24, 2013
Dr. Jack Reid has been practicing
medicine in the area for two decades.
He opened his current internal medi-
cine practice in his hometown in 2003.
Reid, who became board certified in
Internal Medicine in 1988, is a member
of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Reid’s patients can choose any of
the area hospitals they prefer, includ-
ing Ochsner, Baton Rouge General
Health Center, Baton Rouge Medical
Center, and Our Lady of the Lake.
Dr. Reid attended Denham Springs
schools and graduated from Denham
Springs High School in 1977, from
LSU with a Baccalaureate in Zoology,
then from LSU School of Medicine
with a doctorate in medicine. He sub-
sequently completed three years of

Internship and Residency training in
Internal Medicine at the University of
Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
He returned to Denham Springs after
another year of graduate work at New
Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
and after working a year in medical
missions in Africa.
The practice of internal medicine
includes primary care illnesses such
as coughs and colds as well as treat-
ment of ongoing diseases such as high
blood pressure, diabetes and high cho-
lesterol. In particular, internists treat
complicated patients. It is not unusual
for an internist to treat patients who
have three or four active problems.
Sometimes one problem can be affected
by the treatment of another problem.
An internist watches for these kinds of
“interactions” and chooses treatments
carefully. Drug interactions especially
have to be avoided.
Internists often work closely with
other specialists such as a heart doc-
tor who may not be able to see a patient
except once every few months with the
internist filling in the gaps and treat-
ing for problems whether heart related
or some other illness. Internal medi-

cine doctors do not perform surgery or
treat children. They are “doctors for
adults.”
The office is located at 1585 S. Range
Ave. Suite 100 (next to Denham Springs
Urgent Care). Office hours are 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8
a.m. to noon Friday. For more informa-
tion call 225-791-3117.
Dr. Reid: two decades-plus in medical practice
The clinic staff includes (from left) Dee Dupree, receptionist, Sandra Tassin, medical
assistant, and Dr. Jack Reid Jr.
I was 29 years old and tired of
being overweight. Since child-
hood I have always struggled to
get my weight under control. Up
and down my entire life was the
constant cycle, although there
were many more ups than there
were downs.
I was on medicine for insulin
resistance, blood pressure and a
CPAP machine to sleep at night. I
was a mess. Tired and depressed,
I had a doctor visit in June of
this year, and we had the same
conversation about my weight
and what I was doing to reduce it.
This was the same talk that we
had every time I went in to see

her, except this time there was
something new.
She asked me to look into and
try the Ideal Protein Diet. I had
vaguely heard of it and didn’t
know a whole lot about it, so I
heard her out. When I left there
that day, I spoke to my wife about
it, and we decided to look into
it and see what it was all about.
That is where Jason and the rest
of the staff at the Snap Fitness in
Walker came in and turned my
life around.
Let me preface by saying IT’S
NOT EASY!!! And that is exactly
what Jason told us when we sat
down with him that day. He told
us about the difficulty of the diet
and all that was involved, but he
also told us about the results and
the reality of them.
When we left there that day,
we were overwhelmed but excited
and desperate for a change. We
gave it a shot.
Since July, I have lost 106
lbs. and my wife has lost 90 lbs.
We couldn’t be happier. I have
more energy now and I am off

the CPAP sleeping machine, my
medicine for insulin resistance,
and my blood pressure medicine
has been drastically reduced. I
can even run a mile without hav-
ing to stop.
Before, I could barely walk
100 yards without being out of
breath. My wife and I have gone
from shopping at the big and tall
stores to being able to walk into
any department store and pick
out what we want. We are both
wearing sizes we haven’t fit into
in years.
I can’t thank Jason and staff
enough for walking us through
this process and being there to
answer any and all questions.
Without them and the Ideal
Protein protocol, my wife and I
would still be in the same spot we
were six months ago. That is cer-
tainly not the case anymore. We
can now live a happy, healthy life.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but
it has been absolutely worth it.
The above is a testimonial from
happy customer Nick Terito of
Walker. Snap Fitness is located

at 28977 Walker South Road in
Walker. For more information on
how Snap Fitness can help you,
call 225-372-2003.
A success story from Snap Fitness in Walker
Health and You, January 24, 2013 11
Snap Fitness is located at
28977 Walker South Road
(Hwy. 447) Suite H in Walker.
Pictured are (from left)
Jason Leaphart, owner; Terry
Sandifer, club manager;
Margaret Leaphart, coach; and
Keith Leaphart, owner.
12 Health and You, January 24, 2013
DenHAM sPRInGs
— A strong
commitment to serving the com-
munity is also good business,
which James Drug Store has
proven for more than 80 years.
The most recent example from
this independent family pharma-
cy is a program begun last year to
offer free vitamins to any child,
no strings attached.
“We’ve been doing this since
September and we’ve had over
1,200 children come in,” phar-
macist Patrick Brian said. “We

anticipate doing it indefinitely.
The response we have gotten has
truly been great. I’ve had phone
calls from people I don’t even
know thanking us.”
The purpose of this program
is to make sure that children are
getting the recommended daily
allowance of vitamins, which is
not always the case. For example,
a new American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report,
“Prevention of Rickets and
Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants,
Children, and Adolescents,”
recommends that all children
receive 400 IU a
day of vitamin D,
beginning within
the first few
days of life. The
previous 2003
recommenda-
tion called for
200 IU per day,
but after review-
ing new clini-
cal trials on
vitamin D, and
the historical

precedence of
safely giving 400
IU per day to the pediatric popula-
tion, experts were convinced they
needed to double that level.
Humans attain vitamin D from
exposure to sunlight, diet and sup-
plements. Vitamin D deficiency is
common in children and adults.
In utero and childhood, vitamin
D deficiency may cause growth
retardation, skeletal deformities
and an increased risk of hip frac-
tures later in life.
Clinical data show that 400
IU of vitamin D a day will not
only prevent many of the
problems associated with
Vitamin D deficiency (like
Rickets), but treat it.
Rickets is preventable with
adequate vitamin D, but
dietary sources of vitamin
D are limited. It is difficult
to determine a safe amount
of sunlight exposure to
synthesize vitamin D in a
given individual. Rickets
continues to be reported in
the United States in infants

and adolescents. The great-
est risk for rickets is in exclu-
sively breastfed infants who are
not supplemented with vitamin D.
Based on these facts and desire
to promote the overall health of
children, James Drugs decided
to supply a chewable multivita-
min free of charge for any family
that asks. There are no income
requirements or complex forms
to fill out. A simple registration
filled out by a parent or guardian
is the only paperwork necessary
to obtain a 30-day supply for each
child in the house. No other pur-
chase is required.
“Right now many families
cannot afford health insurance,”
Brian explained. “These same
families may lack the necessary
resources to properly feed their
children, and if they are not get-
ting proper nourishment, their
ability to learn and excel is great-
ly diminished.”
Community service like this
is nothing new to James Drugs.
The pharmacy has been a source
of comfort and care since it was

founded on March 16, 1932, by D.P.
“Doc” James and Gay Cooper,
who opened the business on North
Range Avenue known originally
as Cooper-James Drug Store.
James earned a reputation
then of going the extra mile for its
customers, and that philosophy
has continued to this day under
current owner Herman Crotwell,
who went to work at James as a
pharmacist in 1957 and bought
the business in 1971.
James has also been ahead of
the curve on new technologies
and customer service, which is
one reason the hometown, locally
owned pharmacy continues to
run circles around its chain store
competition. With a complete
inventory and the assistance of
modern technology from robotic
prescription filling to workflow
bar codes that eliminate errors,
customers are assured their
orders are filled promptly, cut-
ting down on wait times. James
prides itself on filling prescrip-
tions quickly in a 10 to 15 minute
time frame with accuracy from a

friendly, honest, and knowledge-
able staff.
They accept Medicare,
Medicaid and most other insur-
ance programs. In addition to
operating a full service phar-
macy, James Drugs also offers
many other products such as gifts,
greeting cards, sickroom supplies,
walkers, wheelchairs, hospital
equipment and rental of respira-
tory therapy equipment.
Business hours are Monday
through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7
p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to
5 p.m.
Free vitamins from James help to assure healthy children
Health and You, January 24, 2013 13
The mouth is a window into the health
of the body. It can show signs of nutritional
deficiencies or general infection. Systemic dis-
eases those that affect the entire body, such
as diabetes, AIDS and Sjogren's syndrome
may first become apparent because of mouth
lesions or other oral problems. The mouth is
filled with countless bacteria, some linked to
tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Researchers have found that periodontis
(the advanced form of gum disease that can
cause tooth loss) is linked with health prob-

lems such as heart disease, artery blockage,
diabetes, stroke and bacterial pneumonia,
Pregnant women with peridontitis may be at
risk for delivering pre-term and/or low birth
weight babies.
People with diabetes often have periodon-
tal disease. And diabetics are more likely to
develop and have more severe periodontitis
than non-diabetics. Some studies suggest peri-
odontal disease can make it more difficult for
diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection
caused by bacteria. It begins when certain
bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film
that constantly forms on the teeth and tissues
in the mouth) produce toxins and enzymes
that irritate the gums. This causes inflamma-
tion if plaque is not removed daily.
Plaque that remains on teeth can irritate
the gums, making them red, tender and likely
to bleed. This condition, called gingivitis,
can lead to more serious types of periodontal
disease. Gingivitis can be reversed and gums
kept healthy by removing plaque every day
with a good oral hygiene routine and by hav-
ing your teeth professionally cleaned, but if
gingivitis is allowed to persist, it can progress
to periodontitis, a chronic infection in the
pockets around the teeth. Resulting inflam-
mation, which may be painless, can damage

the attachment of the gums and bone to the
teeth. At this stage, treatment by a dentist is
needed. Left untreated, teeth may become
loose, fall out or require removal by a dentist.
If you notice any of these signs, see your
dentist: Gums that bleed during brushing
and flossing; Red, swollen or tender gums;
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth;
Persistent bad breath; Pus between your
teeth and gums; Loose or separating teeth;
A change in the way your teeth fit together
when you bite; A change in the fit of partial
dentures.
For more information, contact C.J.
Richard, D.D.S., General Dentistry in Walker
at 664-0210.
Disease symptoms may appear 1st in mouth
About 44 percent of Americans make New
Years resolutions, but studies show that 15 per-
cent or less actually follow through, said Joseph
Halphen, Physician’s Assistant with Lake After
Hours Central.
Five of the top ten resolutions show that
Americans want to live healthier lives, and the
low percentage of success stories shows how diffi-
cult that is. The targeted lifestyle changes include
giving up smoking and drinking, losing weight,
and managing stress.
Changing health related habits is hard, just
like the other resolutions—being better orga-

nized, branching out into new areas, getting out
of debt, increasing savings, helping others, and
spending more time with the family.
“I even found one researcher claiming only
three percent of resolutions survive the first
month of the year,” Halphen said. Fortunately,
researchers found four success strategies used by
people who manage to keep their life-changing
New Years resolutions.
1. Start with realistic goals. Many
people are too ambitious with their resolutions.
Although the resolutions may be motivating and
inspirational, they are also overwhelming. People
know what they want, but they do not know the
steps required to get there. For example, people
struggling with obesity typically set goals of los-
ing three times more weight than they did during
previous attempts.
2. Supplement your annual “resolution”
with short-term goals. Losing 100 pounds is a
long-term goal, too long-term for a realistic resolu-
tion. Halphen suggests supplementing an annual
goal with monthly, or even weekly, goals.
“Although it’s good to a have a long-term
vision of what you ultimately want to accomplish,
research shows that short-term goals lead to bet-
ter outcomes, instill greater confidence, enhance
persistence, and result in more satisfaction than
longer-term goals,” he said.
3. Create plans for success. Setting and

meeting goals gets easier as a person’s plans meet
with success. As people become more confident,
they tend to work harder, especially when they
see a realistic deadline approaching. Planning for
success involves strategies for changing behavior.
“Most people who resolve to lose weight or
start exercising may buy a diet book or join the
gym, but that’s about it,” Halphen said. “If you are
resolving to lose weight, set some weekly goals
along with strategies for accomplishing them.”
4. Create a plan for slips and setbacks
A strategy for setbacks is just as important as
a strategy for success. People who follow through
on their resolutions for at least two years report
an average of 14 setbacks during that time. A
“setback plan” anticipates bumps in the road and
helps you get back on track, Halphen said.
After Hours tips for planning health
14 Health and You, January 24, 2013
Denham SpringS — The mission of the five Total
Care Injury and Pain Centers established across
southeast Louisiana is simple: to restore health
to all who seek it through gentle Chiropractic
Care and wellness counseling.
Dr. Peter Dickinson, D.C., Clinic Director of
the Denham Springs branch, said, “We hope to
change the world one spine at a time, restoring
the human body back to 100 percent health with-
out the use of drugs or surgery.”
Total Care Injury and Pain has been aid-

ing chiropractic patients since 1998 when
Dr. Jay Perniciaro, D.C., opened a location in
Donaldsonville.
Since then, Total Care has opened locations
in Denham Springs, Baton Rouge, Gonzales,
and Plaquemine in order to better serve their
patients.
The clinics are run by a group of four
Chiropractic Physicians: Perniciaro, Dickinson,
Dr. Christine Epper, D.C., and Dr Adam Reeves,
D.C.
The Denham Springs branch, which opened
in 2006, is located at 516 N. Range Ave. Patients
are primarily treated by Dickinson and his
Chiropractic Assistants Wanda Phillips and
Wendy McCroy.
“We offer a full array of chiropractic servic-
es,” Dickinson said. “I specialize in diversified
chiropractic technique, a manual adjustment
procedure to correct mobility and alignment
issues in the spine. For patients who want or
need a more gentle aligning, I will frequently use
an machine called Arthrostim. We have comput-
erized intermittent traction for those suffering
from disc issues, perhaps with numbness and
tingling in their arms, hands or legs. Extremity
adjusting is also done for those with elbows,
wrists, hips, and shoulders that might be out of
alig nment .”
All five locations also feature onsite X-rays,

and the Baton Rouge and Denham Springs loca-
tions each have a new active rehabilitation room
that will focus on the spine, he said.
Dickinson describes a good patient as some-
one who has been injured or is simply living in
pain, and who has tried other treatments, includ-
ing medication, without success.
“We have helped thousands of people with
pain/problems in their neck, back, hips, joints
or headaches. Work related injuries, sports
injuries, auto accidents or injuries around the
house respond very well to our care. The most
common issue that patients come in to see me
for is pain. This pain can either be acute from
injury or chronic like arthritis. Disc patients,
patients with numbness in the extremities, and
headache patients are all good candidates for my
care,” he said. “If you or someone you know has
headaches frequently, chiropractic care could be
an option for you.”
Dickinson said his staff is very loving and
caring with a high success rate returning
patients back to pre-injury status or maximum
medical improvement as quickly and efficiently
as possible. “To be able to help return someone
their life free from pain when other providers
are not as successful through Chiropractic Care
is my life’s mission,” he said.
Dickinson, a New Orleans native, gradu-
ated from Brother Martin High School. He

earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sci-
ences from LSU before obtaining a Doctorate
of Chiropractic at Texas Chiropractic College.
Afterward, he did an internship at Total Care
Injury and Pain, and he has been practicing
there since 2010.
Chiropractors are primary care providers
like MDs, but they do not provide medication,
and patients do not need a referral to see them.
Total Care accepts workman’s comp patients,
as well as personal injury patients. Dickinson
added that they are also covered by most major
insurances, and they accept Medicare and self-
pay patients.
“We are available to come to your work or
business to do a corporate wellness workshop
free of charge to help inform employees and pro-
mote productivity in the workplace,” he added.
Find Total Care online at imadjusted.com or
call 225-665-3969 to schedule an appointment.
Total Care Injury & Pain Centers
Dr. Peter Dickinson, B.S., D.C., does an
adjustment on a patient.
Health and You, January 24, 2013 15
16 Health and You, January 24, 2013