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November2022

LFF_Blog_Nov2022_Health

Women’s Health – What Women Need To Know About Diabetes

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG November 2022

What Women Need To Know
About Diabetes

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:

  • Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetics take insulin daily. This is known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile diabetes because it can affect children. It is unclear what causes it, but it is believed to be genetic or environmental.
  • Type 2 Diabetes is a result of the body not being able to make enough insulin or it’s unable to use it correctly. This is known as insulin-resistance. The blood sugar cannot enter the cells to be stored for energy and accumulates in the blood. These individuals may not require insulin and are known as non-insulin-dependent diabetics.  
  • Gestational Diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy for patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. Expectant mothers are screened between 24- and 28 weeks by taking a Glucose Tolerance Test. Women who test positive are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later on.

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.

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Cyntrel Janeau,
DNP, MN, RN, C-EFM, LNC

Cyntrel Janeau, a native of New Orleans, LA, has 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in diverse roles from bedside nursing to leadership. Her clinical background includes Maternal-Child, Surgical Services, and School-based Nursing. She has extensive experience in Quality, Patient Safety, Performance Improvement, Regulatory Compliance, and Grievance Management. She started her nursing career at the historic Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Currently, she works at Ochsner Baptist in the TeleStork Bunker, remotely monitoring fetal strips for multiple hospitals. She is a proud alumnus of Charity-Delgado School of Nursing, where she was an inaugural graduate of the Associate of Science in Nursing in 1993. She completed the inaugural Legal Nurse Consultant program in 2003 at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Nursing. Cyntrel obtained a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 2006 and a Master’s in 2009 from LSU. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing and became a Great 100 Nurse in 2010. She recently graduated with honors (4.0) earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Systems Leadership from Chamberlain University in August 2022. She is Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring and is a member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nursing.

 

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Louisiana Fosters – National Adoption Month

 

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National
Adoption
Month

 

National Adoption Month

Louisiana marked National Adoption Month on November 3 with a celebration at the Governor’s Mansion honoring 538 families who adopted 700 children and youth from foster care during the past year.

Among the state’s 700 adoptions from foster care in Federal Fiscal Year 2022 were three young-adult adoptions from the Extended Foster Care program, which serves young adults ages 18-21. Another 55 adoptions – or 8% of all adoptions this year – were of youth aged 13-17.

Altogether, 269 siblings were adopted together by 122 families, including 99 families who adopted two siblings, 21 families that adopted three siblings, and two families each adopted four siblings this year.

Fifteen of this year’s adoptions were completed with the help of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters, specialized adoption workers assigned to take on some of the most challenging and complex cases through a partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Louisiana has 9 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters, including one who works within the Extended Foster Care program.

Louisiana Fosters Luncheon Held October 11

First Lady Donna Edwards hosted the annual Louisiana Fosters luncheon on October 11 at the Governor’s Mansion. Louisiana Fosters is a statewide campaign linking government, faith, non-profit, business, and service communities in support of foster parents and children. 

Organizations in attendance included DCFS along with non-profits Crossroads NOLA, Northshore Enduring Hope, and One Heart NOLA. Representatives shared their experiences working with children and families in the child welfare system and highlighted the importance of community partnerships in serving foster caregivers, birth families, kinship families, and foster children. 

Faith leaders and pastors in attendance were invited to connect with Louisiana Fosters Partners to learn how churches can get involved in meeting the needs of their local foster care communities. 

If you are considering adoption or fostering a child, take that first step by attending a free virtual orientation session. Check out the current orientation schedule. For more information about becoming a foster/adoptive parent and the training available, visit dcfs.la.gov/foster

November Adoption Spotlight

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This month’s adoption spotlight features Jade (16) from the Orleans Region and Quentrell (15) from the Baton Rouge Region. 

Jade has been ready for her forever family since October 2016; that’s more than 2,100 days. She loves taking pictures, playing games, swimming, and playing on the computer and her tablet. She also loves the Disney Channel and cooking pasta. She is looking for a family who will give her the love and support needed to reach her full potential.

Quentrell has also been ready for his forever family since October 2016. He enjoys meeting new people and making new friends. He loves spending time with the elderly, acting, and pets! He also desires to maintain contact with some of his biological relatives. 

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Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

 

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Teach MAM – A Partnership for Physical Success

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

Teach MAM: An Exciting Partnership to Strengthen Arts Education Across Louisiana

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TEACH MAM

A Partnership Built for Physical Success

Teach MAM Initiative & Governor’s Council
on Physical Fitness and Sports 

In August of 2021, the First Lady’s Teach MAM Initiative partnered with D. Rudy Macklin, Executive Director with the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. As you may know, the Teach MAM Initiative focuses on teaching movement, art, and music to students, encouraging them to learn in many ways. Honing the aspects of movement and being physically active as objectives, the Teach MAM Initiative has assisted the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in accomplishing many events promoting movement in the past year.  

The mission of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports:

  • Develop, foster, and coordinate services and programs of physical fitness and sports for the people of Louisiana;  
  • Sponsor physical fitness and sports workshops, clinics, conferences, and other similar activities;  
  • Give recognition to outstanding developments and achievements in, and contributions to, physical fitness and sports;  
  • Collect and disseminate physical fitness and sports information and initiate advertising campaigns promoting physical fitness and sports;  
  • Assist the Department of Education in helping schools in developing health and health and physical fitness programs for students; 
  • Encourage local governments and communities to develop local physical fitness programs and amateur athletic competitions;  
  • Develop programs to promote personal health and physical fitness in cooperation with medical, dental, and other similar professional societies;  
  • Enlist the support of individuals, civic groups, amateur and professional sports associations, and other organizations to promote and improve physical fitness and sports programs. 

The two entities have combined forces throughout the state to produce many student, youth, and adult events that promote and advocate for a physically active lifestyle.  

Here are just a few highlights of this year’s events:

Louisiana Governor’s Games
Louisiana Governor’s Games (LGG) is the state’s premier amateur sporting event, where sports enthusiasts from around the state and country participate in various athletic competitions. With 20 sporting events statewide, LGG provides an opportunity for competition and fitness for all ages, skill levels, and economic demographics. LGG is held in cities across the state, and events include basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, boxing, tennis, track and field, girls’ softball, youth baseball, and much more. 

Several events fell under this category:

Governor’s Games Baseball Mother’s Day Classic 
Date Held: Saturday, April 23, 2022 – Sunday, April 24, 2022 
Location: Chalmette, Metairie 

Governor’s Games Baseball City of Lights XVI  
Date Held: Friday, May 13, 2022 – Sunday, May 15, 2022
Location: Natchitoches, Shreveport  

Governor’s Games Baseball XLIII Select Super NIT 
Date: Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22, 2022 
Location: Lake Charles, Sulphur

Governor’s Games Baseball Remember Our Heroes 
Date: Friday, May 27,2022-Sunday, May 29, 2022
Location: Baton Rouge

18th Annual 2022 New Orleans Girl’s Volleyball Blastoff
Date: January 15-16 2022
Location: New Orleans

Games Uniting Mind and Body (GUMBO) is an interscholastic track and field competition designed for children ages 5 to 18 who have physical or visual disabilities. The events are similar to any other track and field event: races, shot put, discus, etc. However, what makes GUMBO different is that all athletes have mobility or visual impairments, meaning that most compete with leg braces, wheelchairs, or assistance from sighted guides. The athletes competing in GUMBO do not have an intellectual disability. Eligibility for competition comes from having a physical disability or visual impairment, and athletes compete with athletes with similar impairments. GUMBO strives to support students with disabilities by developing active minds, self-confidence, dignity, discipline, competitive spirit, and comradeship. Like other competitive sporting events, GUMBO competitions challenge athletes to improve performance, strength, speed, endurance, and coordination. 

One of the largest student events that stretch across 20+ parishes is the Louisiana Schools Elementary Fitness Meet. This event is open to all elementary students who fall within the age requirements for the event. The competition consists of; 50-Yard Dash, Pull-Ups, Shuttle Run, Standing Long Jump, Curl-Ups, 600-Yard Run, Sit and Reach. 

Two boys and two girls from each parish will be able to advance to the Championships in May. 

Each student can score a maximum of 125 points in each event, depending on their personal performance. Each participant will be timed or measured in all seven (7) events. Once each parish holds its qualifying event, those students with the highest combined score can advance to the next level of the parish and then to the state level. 

One of the most successful Adult sponsored events is the Own Your Own Health Louisiana (OYOHLA) event. 

OYOHLA is a comprehensive health program designed to empower Louisianans to become active participants in their health and health care through healthy eating and activity and an overall healthy lifestyle. This program has been separated into three-month challenges such as weight loss and steps (physical activity). Each participant was asked to form teams of two to ten people or sign up as individual participants and begin achieving weight loss from a healthy, appropriate diet as well as accumulated activity in the form of a variety of tasks ranging from light exercise (e.g. gardening and walking) to heavy exercise such as running. 

OYOHLA starts in January and concludes in April in cities and towns of all sizes throughout Louisiana. While everyone was encouraged to participate, the program featured components specifically targeting minorities such as African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. These groups are our most vulnerable populations and are more susceptible to obesity and chronic diseases, as well as related conditions e.g. diabetes, heart disease, stroke, preventable cancers, and many others. 

The OYOHLA program featured the challenges: steps, weight loss, and nutrition. The program is 100% free and web-based. Throughout the program, participants were encouraged to set realistic goals and make informed decisions about their health.

As you can see, there are many opportunities for students, youth, and adults to Get Up, Get Out and Get Moving! Take every chance you can to be physically active. There are many more programs available throughout the state. 

Visit these websites for more information and resources on physical activity, sports, and overall lifelong fitness, health, and wellness. 

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Anti-Human Trafficking: Justice for Survivors

 

Justice
For
Survivors
Act

 



 

 

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Justice for Survivors Act

Louisiana has made significant progress in legislative efforts to fight against human trafficking and support survivors. In the last eight years, we have passed laws that:

  • Required the National Human Trafficking hotline information to be posted in certain establishments
  • Increased criminal penalties for trafficking
  • Required training for law enforcement and members of the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
  • Created the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention within the Office of the Governor

Most recently, a law was passed that created a process for providing criminal record expungements for survivors when they commit certain offenses directly resulting from trafficking victimization. This bill, known as the Michelle Johnson ACT, was the first meaningful step in addressing the criminalization of human trafficking survivors. The ACT, however, only considers a pathway for survivors to obtain relief regarding their criminal records for non-violent offenses. It did not expand the list of affirmative defenses to prosecution for most offenses a trafficking survivor may be forced to commit. 

As a result, Louisiana’s current laws still fall short of recognizing the extreme duress, coercion, and ongoing violence that human trafficking survivors are subjected to. We all want safety for ourselves and our loved ones. Still, too often, when human trafficking survivors turn to the community or legal systems for help, the services they need are unavailable, or they end up falling through the cracks. Survivors in these perilous situations should not have to choose between prison or death when they commit a crime under duress or kill a trafficker in self-defense. However, this is still their unfortunate reality: they can still be criminalized for protecting themselves or their children. That is why a coalition of advocates have come together to propose the Justice for Survivors Act. This bill will prevent the incarceration of survivors going forward and provide a relief process through the courts for survivors who have already been convicted. Prosecuting traffickers is not enough to end trafficking. 

For Louisiana to reduce trafficking, we must work together to change conditions that make people vulnerable to traffickers. By passing the Justice for Survivors Act, we can make remarkable progress in ending trafficking. Please be on the lookout for this critical legislation in the upcoming 2023 Regular Session.

 

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Feature: Find Your Joy

 

Find Your Joy

Written by Dr. Ashley Owen

 

 

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Find Your Joy

The holidays are upon us and while the season is often referred to as the “most wonderful time of the year”, many struggle to find joy. The reality can be that the holidays foster shorter times of sunlight, memories, and additional expectations. All of these factors can leave some individuals facing the challenge of coping while others are singing carols. It is important to note this can be the most difficult time of year for many of us. In a 2021 study, the American Psychological Association found that 38% of individuals surveyed noted increased stress during the holiday season leading to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The increase of stress can stem from the expectation to carry on traditions, to purchase the latest and greatest gift, or to be in many places all at once. The stress of work tends to heighten as many worry about getting enough time off work while meeting rigorous deadlines. In fact, a 2014 study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) participants revealed that 64% of people with mental illness report the holidays make their conditions worse.

Emotions run high during the holidays and stress likely takes on a different meaning. Individuals feel the pressure to give and maintain the best they can for their families. It is common to experience a wide range of emotions. I encourage you to practice acceptance of these emotions while acknowledging you’re trying your best. Acknowledge your feelings and validate even the unpleasant feelings while recognizing these emotions can be temporary. The act of repressing negative emotions can lead conditions to worsen overall.

This year, make the holidays a joyful time by prioritizing healthy habits, boundary setting and time for connection. Connection and meaning are integral contributors to your mental health. Make time for relationships by prioritizing time to reconnect to yourself and those around you. You can set realistic expectations of yourself while being mindful of comparing the current year to years past. Simply focus on what you can do to make the holiday season the best it can be. You may have to say no to great things and that is okay. Leave yourself time to decompress while focusing on what is most important to you.

This holiday season, I hope you will join me in making your mental health a priority. Start today by identifying the most stressful portions of the holidays and write a list of ways you can prepare in advance. With a bit of extra planning and an emphasis on personal care, this holiday season could be your most joyful one yet! I challenge you to begin thinking of ways you can simplify your holidays, prioritize self-care and connection, and regain the true meaning of the holiday season.

Dr. Ashley Owen is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a National Certified Counselor. She is a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association and currently serves as the Director of Counseling Services at Louisiana Tech University.

 

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People of Louisiana – Schools (November 2022)

 

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HEATHER BROOKS

2023 Louisiana Elementary School State Principal of the Year

Haynesville Elementary School, Principal/Claiborne Parish 

 
 
 
 
 

HEATHER BROOKS

2023 Louisiana Elementary School State Principal of the Year
Haynesville Elementary School, Principal/Claiborne Parish 

Holiday READing

As an elementary school principal, I am not sure I can think of a better gift we can give our students than the gift of teaching them how to read. Helping all students become fluent readers by the end of third grade is an issue that is so vital to our students, and I am incredibly passionate about it. According to The Literacy Project, one in six children who are not reading proficiently in the third grade does not graduate from high school on time. Statistics like this make it obvious why early literacy is the primary focus at my own school and has been the focus of my platform as the 2023 Louisiana Elementary School State Principal of the Year. I have spoken passionately about ensuring all children learn to read and have communicated this urgent need to my amazing teachers. I am incredibly blessed that the teachers I have the privilege to lead agree that we must take all steps possible to ensure that our students have a bright future. This bright future hinges heavily on reading. Not only does that mean incorporating activities based on the Science of Reading into our classrooms, but it also means including families in their child’s reading progress.

As the holiday breaks draw near, families will have more time at home with their children. This time together will provide many opportunities to read together. Therefore, I would like to offer reading ideas and activities to participate in together by using the word “READ.” This would allow families to incorporate some fun and easy suggestions that adults can do with children at home, in the car, at the store, or just about anywhere to help them develop the skills necessary to become fluent and successful readers. 

Based on our steady increase in early literacy scores, these activities are things that I have seen working first-hand in the classrooms of my school. Since these strategies work in my school, I know they can help your child too!

R- Rhyming:

The first step in learning to read is being able to hear sounds! Did you know that even when you are riding in your car, you can do things to help your child develop as a reader? You can do things, such as playing rhyming games. Start by asking your child, “What rhymes with (insert word)?.” Then, see how many rhyming words you can come up with; the sillier, the better! You can also practice changing the sounds of words. For example, sound out a word, like h-a-t, and then ask your child to change the /h/ sound to an /s/ sound. These simple games, like making silly rhymes and playing with sounds, can be played anywhere and are such an easy way to begin developing your child’s early literacy skills. 

E- Environmental Print:

Letters and Words are all around us! Road signs, food labels, names of places, and holiday recipes all display letters and words you can use to help your child notice and read. While shopping for or preparing the ingredients of your delicious holiday meals, point out different labels on food items. Ask your child questions like: What sound does this start with? What letters do you see? What other words do you know that start with that letter or that sound? You can play a sort-of BINGO game where you try to find products that start with all 26 letters. Your child can take a little notebook to the store and mark off each letter of the alphabet as they find words that begin with that letter; what a fun way to spend time in a store shopping and to enhance their reading skills at the same time.

A- Adults Reading With Children:

The most important thing you can do with your child at home to help them grow as a reader is to read with them! Visit your local library, check out books on your child’s reading level, and spend at least 15 minutes a day reading. To develop a love for reading, you can also check out some books that match your child’s interests and read those with your child. As you read with your child, ask them questions about what you are reading. Ask them about the characters, the setting, and what they like or dislike about the book. Reading for just 15 minutes a day gives your child an academic advantage! They will be exposed to more words and be more likely to score higher on standardized testing.

D- Decoding:

Decoding is one of the most important things your child will learn to do during their journey to becoming a fluent reader. Decoding means that your child can use what they know about letters and sounds to make words. Some fun activities to do to practice decoding are sounding out and writing words in shaving cream or sand, air-writing (students “write” the letters in the air with their fingers), or sliding pennies for each sound in a word and then pushing the pennies together quickly as they say the whole word. Once a child can decode, having them consistently read books or stories on their level becomes even more important in helping them become independent and fluent readers!

If you are reading this as a parent, I hope you will use the time spent with family during the upcoming holiday breaks to practice some of these easy suggestions that can significantly benefit your child as a reader and help you have fun learning together! If you would like more resources or activities, I encourage you to check out the Louisiana Department of Education’s Louisiana Family Literacy Library.

If you are reading this as an educator, please share these, or similar strategies, with your students’ families. Family engagement can impact a student’s success as a reader, and it is our job as leaders in education to ensure that families are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to support reading at home.  

“The more that you read, the more things that you will know. The more things that you learn, the more places you will go!” -Dr. Seuss

-Mrs. Heather Brooks
2023 Louisiana Elementary School State Principal of the Year
Haynesville Elementary School, Principal/Claiborne Parish
Facebook: Haynesville Elementary School

Twitter: @heatherbbrooks3

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People of Louisiana – Military (November 2022)

 

Guide to
Veterans Benefits

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Guide to Veterans Benefits

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.

 

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People of Louisiana – Community (November 2022)

 

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 COMMUNITY

SUNFLOWERS
FOR
UKRAINE



Sunflowers for Ukraine

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.

 

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Blog – November 2022

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BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS

On Being Thankful…

November 2022


November of 2022 marks the start of the sixth year of this blog. I remain thankful for each of you who take the time to read each month.  I read all of your responses and appreciate all of the encouragement and feedback. I am especially thankful for those that write the articles and share their stories and guidance with all of us. Lastly, I am thankful for those on my little office team, Kayla, Delery and Kaitryana. These ladies have a strong work ethic and work tirelessly to make it all happen.  

I am sure we are all grateful for the snippets of fall weather these last few weeks. The weather change always initiates a turn toward the end of the year and upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the season. I love the family-centered traditions that keep our clan together. Thanksgiving always focuses on thankfulness rather than gifts. It is one of the only family holidays that does not require gift-giving or receiving. It’s a time of reflection, a slower pace and in our house a time for watching football and taking naps. Sweet!

This Thanksgiving season has been especially busy for our family as we prepare for our youngest daughter’s wedding. John Bel and I are so thankful to be adding another son-in-law to our group! So as my focus remains family-centered this season, I continue my work across our state with vulnerable populations and our children. 

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On Being Thankful…

November 2022

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November of 2022 marks the start of the sixth year of this blog. I remain thankful for each of you who take the time to read each month.  I read all of your responses and appreciate all of the encouragement and feedback. I am especially thankful for those that write the articles and share their stories and guidance with all of us. Lastly, I am thankful for those on my little office team, Kayla, Delery and Kaitryana. These ladies have a strong work ethic and work tirelessly to make it all happen.  

I am sure we are all grateful for the snippets of fall weather these last few weeks. The weather change always initiates a turn toward the end of the year and upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the season. I love the family-centered traditions that keep our clan together. Thanksgiving always focuses on thankfulness rather than gifts. It is one of the only family holidays that does not require gift-giving or receiving. It’s a time of reflection, a slower pace and in our house a time for watching football and taking naps. Sweet!

This Thanksgiving season has been especially busy for our family as we prepare for our youngest daughter’s wedding. John Bel and I are so thankful to be adding another son-in-law to our group! So as my focus remains family-centered this season, I continue my work across our state with vulnerable populations and our children. 


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.

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FEATURE

FIND YOUR JOY

by Dr. Ashley Owen


The holidays are upon us, and while the season is often referred to as the “most wonderful time of the year,” many struggle to find joy. The reality can be that the holidays foster shorter times of sunlight, memories, and additional expectations. All of these factors can leave some individuals facing the challenge of coping while others are singing carols. It is important to note this can be the most difficult time of year for many of us. In a 2021 study, the American Psychological Association found that 38% of individuals surveyed noted increased stress during the holiday season leading to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The increase in stress can stem from the expectation to carry on traditions, to purchase the latest and greatest gift, or to be in many places all at once. In addition, the stress of work tends to heighten as many worry about getting enough time off work while meeting rigorous deadlines. In fact, a 2014 study by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) participants revealed that 64% of people with mental illness report that the holidays worsen their conditions.

Emotions run high during the holidays, and stress likely takes on a different meaning. Individuals feel the pressure to give and maintain the best they can for their families. It is common to experience a wide range of emotions. I encourage you to practice acceptance of these emotions while acknowledging you’re trying your best. Acknowledge your feelings and validate even the unpleasant feelings while recognizing these emotions can be temporary. The act of repressing negative emotions can lead conditions to worsen overall.

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FEATURE

FIND YOUR JOY

by Dr. Ashley Owen

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The holidays are upon us, and while the season is often referred to as the “most wonderful time of the year,” many struggle to find joy. The reality can be that the holidays foster shorter times of sunlight, memories, and additional expectations. All of these factors can leave some individuals facing the challenge of coping while others are singing carols. It is important to note this can be the most difficult time of year for many of us. In a 2021 study, the American Psychological Association found that 38% of individuals surveyed noted increased stress during the holiday season leading to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The increase in stress can stem from the expectation to carry on traditions, to purchase the latest and greatest gift, or to be in many places all at once. In addition, the stress of work tends to heighten as many worry about getting enough time off work while meeting rigorous deadlines. In fact, a 2014 study by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) participants revealed that 64% of people with mental illness report that the holidays worsen their conditions.

Emotions run high during the holidays, and stress likely takes on a different meaning. Individuals feel the pressure to give and maintain the best they can for their families. It is common to experience a wide range of emotions. I encourage you to practice acceptance of these emotions while acknowledging you’re trying your best. Acknowledge your feelings and validate even the unpleasant feelings while recognizing these emotions can be temporary. The act of repressing negative emotions can lead conditions to worsen overall.

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LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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A Partnership Built for Physical Success

Teach Mam
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National Adoption Month Celebration  11/3

Louisiana Foster's
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Justice for Survivors

Human Trafficking

GOVERNOR’S MANSION

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.

A Place Worth Preserving Volume II

A Place Worth Preserving Set – Volume I & II

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Visit the Governor's Mansion Store
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Women’s Health

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIABETES

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:

  • Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetics take insulin daily. This is known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile diabetes because it can affect children. It is unclear what causes it, but it is believed to be genetic or environmental.
  • Type 2 Diabetes is a result of the body not being able to make enough insulin or it’s unable to use it correctly. This is known as insulin-resistance. The blood sugar cannot enter the cells to be stored for energy and accumulates in the blood. These individuals may not require insulin and are known as non-insulin-dependent diabetics.  
  • Gestational Diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy for patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. Expectant mothers are screened between 24- and 28 weeks by taking a Glucose Tolerance Test. Women who test positive are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later on.

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.

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Sunflowers for Ukraine

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.

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People of
Louisiana

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Heather Brooks <br> SCHOOLS

Heather Brooks
SCHOOLS

Veterans Benefits - MILITARY

Veterans Benefits - MILITARY

Sunflowers for Ukraine - COMMUNITY

Sunflowers for Ukraine - COMMUNITY

SCHOOLS

Heather Brooks

SCHOOLS
MILITARY

LA Dept. of Veteran Affairs

MILITARY
COMMUNITY

Ukraine Fundraiser

COMMUNITY

RECIPE

from the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion

LAST MONTH WE ADDED A NEW RECIPE FEATURE!

Enjoy our new downloadable recipe cards. Bring a taste of the Governor’s Mansion into your kitchen and add this month’s recipe to your collection.

The struggle of having too much cranberry sauce is a universal one, right? Here’s a tasty tip! Click to download.

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Memorable Verse

November 2022

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THE FIRST DOGS

November 2022

As the seasons change,
just taking some time to paws and reflect.

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

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.