Want to know more about Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs? Check out the latest edition of our Guide to Veterans Benefits!
In our guidebook you will find a message from Secretary Strickland as well as an overview of the programs and services we offer Louisiana’s 283,000 veterans and their families.
If you would like a hard copy, please email veteran@la.gov.
Last month I launched the “Sunflowers for Ukraine” fundraiser with all proceeds supporting refugees from Ukraine. I chose the sunflower because of Louisiana and Ukraine’s shared connection to this flower. For Ukraine, it has become more than just their national flower; it has become a symbol of resistance, unity, and hope. For Louisiana, it serves as a call to action, and our ability and capacity to help.
We in Louisiana know the importance of giving and supporting others. Please join me in supporting the people of Ukraine. A portion of the proceeds donated will be used to build a home in Poland housing refugees through the Community “Betlehem” in Jaworzno. You can see the progress of the home here. Donate by clicking the link below.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated.
BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS
Here are some things I am doing during this busy time to keep my personal peace:
MIND: I have recently started a friendly competition with my husband and a dear friend. Each morning we challenge our minds by doing the Wordle puzzle. It also is a lot of fun! Did you know there is a “wordle” specifically for New Orleans words? It is also lots of fun. Cluedat at nola.com. https://www.nola.com/app/cluedat/
BODY: Taking time to focus on nutrition and exercise is so helpful in maintaining peace. Did you know that walking just 30 minutes daily can strengthen your bones, stimulate your immunity and help you live longer? Walking 10,000 steps a day can cut the risk of dementia in half, and for those who can’t walk so far, just 4,000 daily steps can reduce dementia risk by a quarter, a new study finds. It also gives me time to clear my mind.
SPIRIT: The start to my day with early morning prayer and contemplation remains the anchor to my peace. By focusing on what really matters before the day gets too busy, I can keep my work centered and meaningful.
I hope you each have a wonderful start to the holiday season. Remember to keep in mind that the most cherished things in life cannot be bought.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
A Partnership Built for Physical Success
National Adoption Month Celebration 11/3
Justice for Survivors
The newest volume of “A Place Worth Preserving” is now available for pre-order! Learn how the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion was restored and revitalized with before and after pictures from many of the rooms.
An estimated 30 million Americans have diabetes. Women are at a greater risk of being diagnosed. In Louisiana, 12.8% of women are diagnosed compared to 10.4% of men. However, there are things we can do to help prevent a diagnosis, or to manage diabetes better.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin, or the body is unable to use the insulin produced. This results in a condition called hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar levels. As food is digested, it breaks down into glucose (sugar) and enters the bloodstream. Simultaneously, the pancreas produces insulin that enters the bloodstream to move sugar throughout the body to provide energy. When this process fails, diabetes is the result.
Types of Diabetes:
Risk Factors:
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health, women that are 45 years old and older, with a family history of diabetes, overweight, not physically active, history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, delivered a nine-pound infant, and certain racial and ethnic groups are at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Direct Impact on Women:
Women are prone to increased risk of heart disease, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, changes in the menstrual cycle, and issues with menopause, intimacy, fertility, and pregnancy. It is essential to talk to your doctor about these issues.
Prevention is Key:
It’s imperative to be intentional about committing to lifestyle changes that will help decrease risks and prevent diabetes by making healthy choices, including maintaining a moderate weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and monitoring sugar levels, which is typically checked at your annual wellness visit.
Know the Symptoms:
Undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can be detrimental. It is imperative to call your doctor if you experience frequent urination, unusually thirsty, losing weight unintentionally, hungry often, blurred vision, numbing or tingling of hands or feet, extremely tired, dehydrated, dry skin, sores that heal slowly, nauseated, vomiting, abdominal pain, and increase in infections.
Avoid Complications:
Diabetes is the seventh most common cause of death in the United States, and women are 42% more likely to die from diabetes. Complications as a result of diabetes include coronary heart disease, nerve damage, vision or hearing loss, amputation, kidney failure, and depression, to name a few.
Care and Treatment:
Proper care and treatment can help manage diabetes and prevent complications through education, support, medication management, weight control, monitoring labs, blood sugar, meal planning, and exercise.
Diabetes may alter your lifestyle, but you can still enjoy living.
Last month I launched the “Sunflowers for Ukraine” fundraiser with all proceeds supporting refugees from Ukraine. I chose the sunflower because of Louisiana and Ukraine’s shared connection to this flower. For Ukraine, it has become more than just their national flower; it has become a symbol of resistance, unity, and hope. For Louisiana, it serves as a call to action, and our ability and capacity to help.
We in Louisiana know the importance of giving and supporting others. Please join me in supporting the people of Ukraine. A portion of the proceeds donated will be used to build a home in Poland housing refugees through the Community “Betlehem” in Jaworzno. You can see the progress of the home here. Donate by clicking the link below.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated.
November 2022
As the seasons change,
just taking some time to paws and reflect.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.
Delery earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. She completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 lb. andouille sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
Creole seasoning to taste
5 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup of leftover Thanksgiving turkey
Optional: Tabasco Sauce to taste
Step 1 – Make the Roux
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil gets hot, whisk in flour. Continue whisking until the roux has cooked to the color of dark chocolate, 10 to 12 minutes. You must stir constantly. Be careful not to burn the roux! You will have to start over if you see black specks in the mixture!
Step 2
Stir the onion, bell pepper, celery, and sausage into the roux and cook down for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetable are clear and soft. Stir in the garlic and cook another 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning; blend thoroughly. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chicken, and simmer 2-3 hours. Skim foam that floats to the top during the last hour.
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) dedicated the “Never Forget” Garden in the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to the State Capitol on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Gov. John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards joined LDVA Secretary Joey Strickland, COL (USA Retired) for the dedication.
“The dedication of the Never Forget Garden in our Veterans Park is important because it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” said LDVA Secretary Joey Strickland, COL (USA Retired). “These gardens are being put in around the country as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by our service men and women who died with their remains unidentified.”
The National Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier enlisted the American Rose Society to encourage the creation of Never Forget Gardens to ensure the millions of American service members are forever honored and remembered. The garden in the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park is a statewide volunteer project by Louisiana members of the American Rose Society, the Louisiana Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Louisiana Garden Club Federation.
You can see a recording of the day’s events on LDVA’s Facebook page and via this link: https://fb.watch/9d8yDRtP_u/.
For more information about the dedication or LDVA, visit www.vetaffairs.la.gov, email veteran@la.gov, call 225.219.5000 or follow on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Connect with LDVA:
Sometimes life presents us with challenging situations. In these instances, we often find ourselves searching for sunshine during the rain and calmness during the storm. In these times, it can be hard to move beyond the dark clouds in search of clarity. In Louisiana, the weather occasionally beats us down by the roar of thunder, the blowing of the wind, and the flooding of streets and homes. However, even in the lightning strike of adversity, Louisiana has proven to be a place of resilience where we remain believers, that all storms will pass. Over the last two years, Louisiana has endured multiple hurricanes and weather that affected daily operations. Still, we have and must continue to keep moving forward, onward, and upward through it all.
Like a pair of work boots, made to last, protect, and suited for the environment, our boot-shaped state- inclusive of our rich culture and deep heritage, is a perfect example and picture of resilience, strong.
Storms, natural disasters, or anxiety-causing terrors by the names of Laura, Delta, and Ida have become a part of our environmental landscape, leaving us feeling unsafe, unprotected, and unsure. These hurricanes, along with their counterpart, global storm/pandemic Covid-19, have changed our lives as we know them. They have affected our homes, jobs, health, mental well-being, and education systems.
The storms have come, but as leaders of schools and communities, we are protectors. People look up to us and depend on us even when we are in search of the same. As educators, we are expected to be strong; deal with the blows, and take it as it comes. Sometimes that is hard. As we deal with our own “stuff” and our family’s “stuff,” we must come to work and deal with what? Yes! Our children’s “stuff” and other people’s “stuff,” yet we propel as protectors. Our way of protection comes as a natural occurrence; it is what we do, and our strength is that we do not think about it other than in reflection. We turn it on. We make it happen for our students. There are no available survival kits that can prepare us for the unpredictability of the storms we deal with, so our mindset is everything. We must continue to wake up determined to make it and go to bed every night satisfied, knowing that we did our best. Whether it is the storms of life, storms of health, storms of being an educator, or natural storms, keep in mind that it is temporary “stuff,” and we can push through it all. Though challenging, we must stay the course because the storm is only passing over. It will not last forever.
In the heart of Calcasieu Parish lies a principal who, like many other principals in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and surrounding areas, is dealing with the woes of the pandemic and some of our toughest challenges, the challenges of others. With these challenges in mind, we help educators see that their undying efforts will improve the lives of the students we serve. Similarly, as leaders, we must help parents and students find new hope during and after the storm. The absence of homes now compounds the absence of hope due to hurricane damage, the absence of loved ones, and a new hopelessness in the environment in which they live. These storms have left many of the students we serve with that feeling of hopelessness that resonates tenfold with the additional challenges they face daily. How do we now sustain a quality life and quality education? We have had to have many collaborative “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” collective moments to help one another. Today, I grab your bootstraps, and tomorrow you grab mine. That is how we survive, sustain, grow, adjust, and balance.
Balance is a word that we all talk about, and it looks different from many lenses. As principals, we must plan for balance because the job comes with weighty responsibilities. Below are five tools that I have used when I have felt hopeless and overwhelmed by the storms in my life. These tools have helped me press the “reset” button and get that balance needed to move forward, onward, and upward. I hope these tools will be helpful to you too.
Five tools to keep in your “surviving the storm” kit:
Get back to the basics as soon as possible. When I feel the weight of too many problems and responsibilities, I get up, walk down the hall, find a classroom, and immediately begin to work with the teacher and students. Often sliding into a seat in a classroom taught by an inspired and inspiring teacher, immersing myself back into the world of students brings me immediate happiness. These visits remind me of my WHY and not the storm!
Have a hard conversation with yourself. Often, we focus on the “Mirror Me and not the Inner Me.” When I am frustrated, overwhelmed, or feel underappreciated, I stop and look in the mirror, then often look beyond. Mindset matters, and sometimes we focus on what everyone sees versus how we see it. In these times, I take a moment to gather perspective by reminding myself of the gift I possess as a person, not only as a principal. Every day I am blessed with the opportunity to walk into a building filled with people who expect me to lead in all capacities. I have a first-row seat in witnessing the making of our future. No other job on earth would make me feel this worthy, grateful, and proud! This job reminds me of my WHY and not the storm!
Out of sight, out of mind. Now and then, I will end a day feeling like I will never get ahead or dug out from under all the things I must get done. Ironically, the best thing I can do for myself at that moment is go home. I remind myself that the work will get done in due time. It always does. So, I will take a long walk, have a meal with my family, enjoy some extra time tucking the kids into bed, and refuse to worry about school. It is incredible how taking some time away from the to-do list can flip the switch from “impossible” to “completely do-able.” These breaks remind me of my WHY and not the storm!
Find an accountability partner. I have a group of colleagues on speed-dial. On difficult days, I pick up the phone and ask, “Can you just…listen for a moment?” They allow me to vent some of my anxiety or frustrations and respond in kind. Before I know it, we are making fun of ourselves for some aspect of our jobs, and then we are laughing, and I am back to feeling inspired. Just remembering that I am not alone can fix me right up. These friends remind me of my WHY and not the storm!
Adjust your mindset when needed. Remember that it does not matter with which type of storm you are dealing. You will survive! Keep in mind that with the right attitude, all things are possible, and you will move forward, onward, and upward!
Website: www.principalcoachharvey.com
Facebook: @Ronnie W Harvey, Jr.
Linkedin: Principal Coach Harvey
Instagram: @ principalcoachharvey
Twitter: @ princoachharvey
#ForwardOnwardUpward
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has compiled a list of volunteer opportunities available during the holidays through their United Way HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center. The list can be found on their website and below:
Here’s a list of our partner agencies that you may contact regarding holiday volunteer projects:
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4150 Earhart Blvd. NOLA |
70125 |
504-821-7135 |
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1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. NOLA |
70113 |
504-270-4967 |
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700 Edwards Ave. NOLA |
70123 |
504-734-1322 |
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Belle Chasse |
8101 Highway 23 Belle Chasse |
70037 |
504-392-9622 |
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East Jefferson |
6691 Riverside Dr. Metairie |
70003 |
504-888-9622 |
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West St. Tammany |
71256 Francis Road Covington |
70433 |
985-893 9622 |
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P.O. Box 4224 NOLA |
70178 |
504-458-3848 |
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1000 Howard Ave. NOLA |
70113 |
504-523-3755 |
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1542 Canal Street NOLA |
70119 |
504-482-2130 |
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4403 Canal Street NOLA |
70119 |
504-486-6668 |
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819 S Broad Street NOLA |
70119 |
504-822-8000 |
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910 Cross Gates Blvd. Slidell |
70461 |
985-641-6421 |
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Feed the Hungry |
1528 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. NOLA |
70113 |
504-524-2959 |
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1222 N. Dorgenois St. NOLA |
70119 |
504-821-0529 |
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2218 St.Thomas St. NOLA |
70130 |
504-525-1125 |
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843 Camp St. NOLA |
70130 |
504-523-1184 |
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Sixth Baptist Church |
928 Felicity St. NOLA |
70130 |
504-525-3408 |
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1802 Tulane Ave. NOLA |
70112 |
504-522-3186 |
For more volunteer opportunities, visit our United Way HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center or email Erica Ward, Local Volunteer Engagement Americorps Vista, at local@handsonneworleans.org.
With winter approaching, as an emergency physician and pediatrician, I am bracing for the onset of the 2021-2022 flu season. I am more concerned this year than other years. It turns out that masking and social distancing was effective against COVID 19, but surprisingly even more effective against influenza. Less than 0.2% of samples globally tested positive for influenza between September 2020 and January 2021 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Between 2017-2020, the rate was 17%. The near complete suppression of influenza worldwide from 2020-2021 likely worsens the outlook for the 2021-2022 flu season: we could face an outbreak that occurs earlier, is more widespread, or of longer duration for several reasons.
The first concern is that immunity from influenza only lasts a year or two. If far fewer people were exposed to the circulating influenza viruses in the past year, then the level of natural immunity in the population will be low. Will this be like forest fires where if you suppress all the little fires when you finally get a forest fire it’s a monster? We just don’t know. It is unclear how people’s immune systems will respond when re-exposed to influenza.
Secondly, the near absence of influenza is 2020-2021 impacted vaccine production for this season. The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) is a group of laboratories and public-health institutions in 123 countries that collect respiratory samples throughout the year. They do gene sequencing of the influenza viruses to determine which ones are most prevalent. In February, the WHO united experts to recommend which strains of flu should be targeted by the next influenza vaccine for the Northern hemisphere. In February of 2021, these experts selected four viruses for this year’s vaccines. Given that they had less information, it’s uncertain if they targeted the right viral strains.
The third area of concern is the possibility of managing both a bad influenza outbreak and a COVID resurgence this winter. This has produced a new term in medicine. Instead of a pandemic we would have a “twin-demic.” The Academy of Medical Sciences in Britain report that being infected with influenza A makes people more susceptible to COVID-19. There is increasing evidence that influenza and COVID-19 can coexist and that if you have both infections simultaneously COVID 19 is worse. Also, anyone with even mild influenza will seek medical attention to get a COVID 19 test and this will tax the medical system.
As a result of all these factors, this will be a unique winter of unknowns. The best strategy of protection and prevention is simply to get vaccinated for both infections if approved by your healthcare provider. Also, although social distancing rules are being loosened, you should continue to wash your hands, wear masks in public indoor spaces and socialize outdoors.
References:
Laura Elizabeth Mutter,M.D. is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. She has been employed by South Louisiana Medical Associates (SLMA) and has worked full time at Chabert Medical Center in Houma, LA for over 10 years. She loves running, downhill skiing, and sewing. Her favorite activities are exploring neighborhood/community parks with her 2 year old daughter Sarah and being involved with animal rescue.
Louisiana First Foundation’s (LFF) work on Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness has grown to a national scale. During the Spring of 2022, LFF will host the inaugural event for this heinous plague on our society. First Spouses from all fifty states and territories are invited to join First Lady Donna Edwards in hosting the first National Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign with the intent of eliminating the scourge of human sex trafficking in our states. Working in this area has allowed First Lady Edwards and LFF to collaborate with many outstanding individuals across our country who are working to combat this scourge against humanity.
LFF has hosted several national virtual summits to encourage First Spouses across the nation to engage in this challenging work. As a result of these summits, the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking was formed to create awareness on a unified, national scale. Since large-scale, national sporting events are a draw for traffickers, the kick-off for the awareness campaign will be held in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four Collegiate Basketball Championship.
It is more important than ever we recognize the scourge Human Sex Trafficking is to humanity. Victims of this heinous crime are experiencing worsened conditions every year – many of them are children. We must focus on ways to eradicate this awful crime and assist the victims with recovery, even amid this national crisis. Louisiana has been a leader and innovator on this issue, and LFF is excited to lead a collaboration on a national level.
LFF’s most profound belief is that the strides made, and the plans ahead to conquer this scourge, will have a lasting positive impact on the people in our state and across the U.S.
Louisiana First Foundation’s Teach MAM Ambassadors joined First Lady Donna Edwards to discuss Teach MAM plans for the upcoming year. Be on the lookout for some fun videos from our Ambassadors, and be sure to follow First Lady Edwards on TikTok to participate in the upcoming Christmas Caroling Challenge led by our Music Ambassador, Annelise Casaar Tedesco with surprise guest appearances by our Art Ambassador, Carolyn Scalfano and our Movement Ambassador Key’re Bradford.
