Health and You, February 19, 2015...

I CONTENTS ___

3 Lewy Physical Therapy

4 Advanced Dental Care

5 Stewart Family Medicine

6 Bencaz | Hammack Family Dentistry

7 PediaTrust

8 Walker Pharmacy

9 YMCA

10 Louisiana Dental Center

11 Elite Chiropractic

EDITOR:Mike DowtyWRITING:Alice Dowty, John DupontCOVER DESIGN:Paul HattonSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHY:David NormandSALES:Leesha Gleber

2 Health and You, February 19, 2015

Oksana Aston, Yoga teacher for Spiral Branch Yoga, 121 North Range, Denham Springs, dons the cover of this year’s Health and You section. The photographer is David Normand.

DENHAM SPRINGS — The physical problems associated with ac-cidents, surgery, and aging bring people to Lewy Physical Therapy, located north of Denham Springs on La. Hwy. 16.

Physicians often recommend physical therapy for people with arthritis, poor balance, and many other conditions that cause pain and threaten a person’s independence.

Damage to one part of the body can threaten safe movement over-all, and Lewy’s physical thera-pists are trained in prevention as well as treatment.

Lewy Physical Therapy offers a full range of services, including aquatic therapy. Movement that is difficult on land is often made possible by the warm water of the pool. The heated therapy pools offer solutions for people who have difficulty performing land-based exercises because of acute pain or other problems. The pools are designed to allow exercise with less pain and pressure on the joints.

Danny and Shannon Lewy, owners of Lewy Physical Therapy, started their business in 2001 with the mission to pro-vide the highest quality of care for those in need of physical ther-apy in Livingston Parish, Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.

The Lewys say their therapy is geared toward incorporating

function in all aspects of treat-ment for any pathology.

The Lewys’ goal was to accom-modate everyone who needs physical therapy in a supportive and encouraging environment.

In an effort to make it easier for those who work, an after-hours program was developed to meet their needs, as well as those

who had other time restraints.Each of the physical therapists

at Lewy is committed to develop-ing and implementing a plan of care utilizing the latest evidence-based tools and techniques that give doctors additional conserva-tive treatment options.

“We want all patients to be comfortable, yet challenged dur-

ing treatment in a refreshing and energetic environment that maximizes positive results,” said the Lewys.

To learn how the Lewy family of physical therapists can help with specific problems, visit the Denham Springs location at 31985 La. Hwy. 16, or call 791-7114. If in Baton Rouge, call 767-8182.

Health and You, February 19, 2015 3Aquatic therapy and more at Lewy PT

The heated therapy pools at Lewy Physical Therapy offer solutions for people who have difficulty performing land-based exercises because of acute pain or other problems.


DENHAM SPRINGS — The dentists at Advanced Dental Care not only take care of teeth and good-looking smiles, they also watch over their patients for the impact that bacteria in the mouth can have on other parts of the body.

The goal is to help patients achieve the smile they’ve always wanted while protecting the rest of the body from infec-tion.

Dr. Donald St. Angelo and Dr. Rick Beringer perform a wide variety of cosmetic and family dentistry procedures in their practice at 703 South Range Avenue.

Dr. St. Angelo, a life-long resident of Denham Springs, joined the practice in 2014 and is now the owner.

Dr. Beringer has been offer-ing dental care to the residents of Denham Springs since 1976.

Dental services offered by the doctors include invis-ible braces, dental implants,

composite fillings, porcelain crowns, fixed bridges, root canal therapy, TMJ treatment,

dentures, partials, oral surgery (extractions), conscious seda-tion, nitrous oxide, periodontal

procedures, teeth whitening, and botox/dermal fillers.

Whether a patient is seeking cosmetic or restorative dental work, the doctors and staff aim to create a warm, welcom-ing, and comfortable environ-ment. It is also a professional environment that looks out for threats to overall health.

Emerging research indicates a relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes. Data also shows that gum disease may contribute to the develop-ment of heart disease.

Diabetes is a particular con-cern, because studies show that the relationship between seri-ous gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glu-cose control, and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

Research also indicates that chronic gum disease may con-

tribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s lead-ing cause of death in both men and women.

One theory is that gum dis-ease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart’s blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may lead to heart attacks.

The dentists at Advanced Dental Care help patients estab-lish and maintain a healthy mouth, for the sake of a great smile and overall health.

Office hours are Monday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Should a dental emergency occur, the dentists make every effort to see and care for their patients as soon as possible.

For more information call 664-7175.

Advanced Dental Care protects teeth and more

Rick Beringer (left) and Donald St. Angelo are dentists at Advanced Dental Care.

Health and You, February 19, 2015 5

LIVINGSTON – Stewart Family Medi-cine has come back home.

The Stewart family in September reacquired the clinic they started in 2009.

In the process, they’ve resumed the after-hours urgent care it originally offered the community.

“When we took over the clinic, we went back to the after-hours care because it’s very much needed here,” office manager Kacie Stewart said. “We strive to provide convenient, high-quality and cost effective healthcare services to individuals and busi-nesses in the Livingston Parish area.”

The clinic offers fast, thor-ough, and cost-effective treat-ment of minor illnesses and injuries.

The friendly atmosphere and local staff sets Stewart Family Medicine & After Hours apart from other clinics.

“You can get far in life if you’re nice to people,” Stewart

said. “And what you’ll see when you come here is that all of our nurse practitioners are local and involved in the community.”

Services include primary care, in-house lab procedures, women’s health exams, evalua-tion and treatment of common

illnesses, DOT/CDL physicals and drug screens, and evalua-tion and treatment of workplace injuries.

The clinic accepts daytime patients by appointment, but allows walk-ins after hours, Stewart said.

The staff includes one full-time nurse practitioner and three part-timers that rotate evenings.

Stewart Family Medicine & After-Hours accepts major insur-ance plans, but does not charge urgent care co-payments other clinics request.

The office is at 29565 Frost Road. Hours are from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins begin at 5 p.m.

Call for an appointment at (225) 686-1114.

Visit the website at www.stew-artmedicine.com.

Stewart Family Medicine brings back after hoursStewart Fam-ily Medicine & After Hours re-cently moved to a new location at 29565 Frost Road, Suite C, in Livingston. Pictured are (from left) Jacob R. Neal, APRN-FNP, C; Thaddeus J. Lavigne, APRN-FNP, C; Court-ney M. Taylor, APRN-FNP, C; and Skip K. Stewart, APRN-FNP, C.


DENHAM SPRINGS — Professional, courteous, hardworking, friendly…all excellent descriptions of the staff that provides quality care for patients of Bencaz Family Dentist-ry, based at 130 Hummell Street in Denham Springs. In order to extend this exceptional care, Dr. Jarrad Bencaz, owner of Bencaz Family Dentistry, realized he would have to open a second practice to keep up with the rapid growth of the city of Denham Springs. From now on, the merging of Dr. Bencaz’s and Dr. Jimmie Hammock’s practice will double the quality services provided to patients at two locations.

While Dr. Hammack has admin-istered exceptional dental care to the community for over 40 years, he is proud to pass the torch along to Dr. Bencaz. Although under new management, a sense of familiarity will remain in the name, Hammack Family Dentistry, of this second practice located at 305 Veterans Boulevard. Not to mention, Dr. Hammack will still be there, caring for patients.

Both locations offer a first-class line-up of dentists who will be available and accepting new patients. There will be a total of five doctors between the two facili-

ties: Dr. Jarrad Bencaz, Dr. Jimmie Hammack, Dr. K.C. Wilkinson, Jr., Dr. David Brown, and recently recruited Dr. Russ Noles. As previously stated, Dr. Hammack will reside at Hammack Family Dentistry along with Dr. Noles, who will be there on Thursdays and Fridays. Dr. Bencaz, Dr. Wilkinson, and Dr. Brown will continue their practice at Bencaz Family Dentistry.

There will be a total of 35 staff members on-hand between both offices to assist in facilitating the needs of current and new patients.

The ultimate goal of the Bencaz

dentistry team is to provide extraor-dinary guest services to their patients. The team accomplishes that goal with a friendly and knowl-edgeable staff, as well as hosting a relaxing and comfortable atmo-sphere.

Taking additional steps to serve patients, at the Hummell Street location, the hours of operation have been extended: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. These extended hours allow a stress-free mindset for those patients that often experience a schedule conflict when attempting to make appoint-

ments. To top it off, the Hummell Street location welcomes walk-ins and boasts 12 exam rooms. The Veterans Boulevard location has a total of 7 exam rooms available, allowing ample opportunities for patients to get a visit in at their con-venience.

With nearly a decade of dental services provided, the staff at Bencaz Family Dentistry are confi-dent their patients will be satisfied with each visit. No matter what dental work is needed, from general cleaning to cosmetics, the Bencaz team can deliver. The doctors and staff are constantly discovering and implementing the use of the latest technology, procedures and resources in order to offer advanced and high-quality service to their patients. The staff encourages par-ents to bring children as young as 3 to ensure consistent and proper den-tal hygiene care and to promote a comfortable experience with future dental care visits. It is also recom-mended by the staff that patients make frequent dental visits espe-cially to the same dentist to build a history that will allow the doctor to better serve the patient.

Article by Jessica Nottingham

Bencaz and Hammack:

Unity of Family Dentistry

Dr. Jarrad Bencaz Dr. David Brown Dr. Jimmie Hammack Dr. Russ Noles Dr. K.C. Wilkinson


DENHAM SPRINGS — Parents of special needs children can now work a full-time job or do other activities with the help of PediaTrust, a Pedi-atric Day Health Care for children from birth to age 21 who require technology-based and/or skilled intervention.

PediaTrust offers physician-ordered multidisciplinary service and bundles comprehensive pediat-ric care in a non-hospital setting.

“We treat medically fragile children who don’t fit into regular daycare or school settings,” owner LeAnn Craig said. “Every child here has different needs.”

PediaTrust, located at 1175 B Del Este Avenue in Denham Springs, is licensed by the state, which sets the qualification criteria for children at the facility.

A skilled nursing staff of RNs, LPNs and CNAs are trained to care for special needs children.

Through treatment plans for-mulated by physicians, PediaTrust delivers high-quality care that focus-es on high-quality, cost-effective

pediatric care and promotes faster rehabilitation.

“For years, nothing like this was offered in the state of Louisiana,” said Michelle Gibson, Director of Nursing at PediaTrust. “For the first time, the state of Louisiana

is offering an alternative to home health.”

PediaTrust helps special-needs children to socialize and learn in a more caring, loving environment.

“This gets them out of the house and into the mainstream of the com-

munity,” Craig said. The staff-to-child ratio is one-to-

three, she said.“We’re able to give them warmth,

compassion and attention through-out the day,” Craig said.

The care program also includes a diverse list of activities, said Gibson, who has 30 years of experience in nursing.

“We have an education compo-nent that utilizes not only tradi-tional classroom instruction but also various methods including technology based learning, outdoor and community based activities, arts and crafts and sensory stimula-tion,” she said.

“One day you might have technol-ogy, the next day it may be outdoor activities and the following day arts and crafts,” Gibson said. “We provide them a well-rounded experi-ence of learning.”

The care and attention for chil-dren comes from the heart, Craig

said. “We love what we do and wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said.

Children who may qualify for PDHC service include, among other issues: cardiac disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal (enteral feedings) neuromuscular disorders, genetic disorders, end stage disor-ders, oncological and hematological disorders, congenital disorders, failure to thrive, born addicted to drugs, prematurity, metabolic and endocrine disorders, orthopedic con-ditions, post-op care, post-traumatic injury, feeding disorders, burns, complicated spina bifida and seizure disorders.

PediaTrust provides daily trans-portation to and from the facility.

PediaTrust accepts all payers, including Medicaid and private insurance. A doctor’s order for pediatric day healthcare services is required.

For more information, call (225) 665-7287 or visit the website at www.pediatrustla.com.

Hours are weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

PediaTrust for special needs childrenPictured is Michelle Bruce-Gibson (left), RN Director of Nursing, with Cayden and Merrit.


WALKER — Walker Pharmacy gives its customers personal service, and different options for refilling prescriptions.

Pharmacist Michael Leggett, owner and operator of Walker Pharmacy, said his com-mitment to customers also includes low prices, lower than most chain stores. Walker Pharmacy also accepts most insurance plans.

“We customize our service with high tech and low tech options,” Leggett said. “Some people like to handle their prescriptions face-to-face, allowing the pharmacist to get to know them and help with practical con-siderations, such as organizing medications to make the daily routine less complicated.

“Other customers prefer the convenience of a Smart Phone app and on-line service at all hours,” Leggett said.

This eliminates the need to call in refills. RefillRx Mobile sends your request to Walker Pharmacy.

“Our customers can order refills by scan-ning the bar code on their prescription bot-tle. This allows customers to view and refill prescriptions, using a secure system, and at their convenience,” Leggett said.

The pharmacy has a drive through win-dow for picking up prescriptions.

“We designed our service plan to be flex-ible and allow people to do their pharmacy business the way they like to do it,” Leggett said.

Increasing convenience does not mean

decreasing the pharmacists’ attention to each customer’s prescription profile.

“We use technology as another tool to ensure accuracy,” Leggett said, “but there is no substitute for well-trained and experi-

enced pharmacists. Customers get personal service whether they come in to talk to us, or do all their business on-line and in the drive-up window.”

Walker Pharmacy, located at 29811 Walker South Road, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The business is closed on Sundays.Walker Pharmacy supports the sur-

rounding community, and not only as a service provider. The pharmacy is a Walker High School Wildcat sponsor.

“Our customers are our friends, and they can come to us with their concerns and ques-tions,” Leggett said.

Walker Pharmacy also has a gift shop, allowing people to enjoy browsing whether or not they are picking up a prescription.

“We usually can fill a new prescription in 10 minutes,” Leggett said, “and the non-medical part of the store gives customers a chance to look over original gift ideas.”

Leggett encourages people to call 243-4852 and let the staff at Walker Pharmacy answer any questions about their service options.

“We are here for the community, and we are here for each of our customers,” Leggett said.

Personal service and options at Walker Pharmacy

Walker Pharmacy is located at 29811 Walker South Road.


BATON ROUGE — The C.B. Pennington YMCA on Old Hammond Highway offers programs, activities and services that promote a healthy lifestyle for the entire family.

The C.B. Pennington branch – less than 10 minutes from Denham Springs – is one of nine under the YMCA of the Capitol Area.

“I live in Denham Springs, and it takes me a short time to get here,” said Kristen Hogan, marketing director for the YMCA of the Capitol Area. “A lot of our membership comes from Livingston Parish.”

Pennington’s 8,000-square-foot work-out area includes free-weights and fit-ness machines for full-body workouts.

The Y also provides members access to personal trainers and the ActiveTrax program, a virtual personal trainer that formulates workout routines and tracts nutritional plans.

“It plans your workout, tells you what

you should eat and even what to buy from the grocery store,” Hogan said. “It’s your entire fitness routine.”

Members at the Pennington branch can also enjoy year-round use of the heated indoor swimming pool, a steam room and hot tub. The pool includes a wading area for small children.

Onsite childcare is also available for those with family memberships. Youth fitness programs are also available.

Other events include monthly Membership Appreciation Days, a “Three Steps to Wellness” program, fam-ily nights and luaus.

Limited-income families can also enjoy the Y.

Memberships, youth summer camp and swimming lessons are offered through scholarship programs for quali-fied applicants.

For more information on the Y, visit the Pennington branch for a free guided tour or contact them at (225) 923-0653.

Pennington YMCA promotes healthy family living


DENHAM SPRINGS — Louisiana Dental Center, located at 27949 Juban Road, is focused on the dental health of Livingston Parish. We are conveniently located right off I-12, next door to Juban Crossing. Our office is a full service dental facility. We offer cleanings, crowns, dentures, partials, implants, root canals and many other services.

In addition to four general dentists on staff, we also have a periodontist, who spe-cializes in gum health, and an orthodon-tist, who does braces.

Although Louisiana Dental Center is part of a large organization, we at the Denham Springs location are dedicated to the residents of Livingston Parish. A large portion of our staff is also from the Livingston Parish area.

Our dental hygienists are here to get patients started within our practice. Their goal is to make each and every patient aware of their overall dental health.

Practicing at the Juban Road location are Dr. Jared Harris, Dr. Keith Luminais, Dr. Sean Owens, Dr. Bobby Hastings, Dr. Luis Moncada, and Dr. Merrell Irby. Our dental hygienists are Emily Pourciau, Nina Drago, and Melanie Belgard.

At Louisiana Dental Center we want our patients to know their overall health is our top priority.

We are able to refer to doctors within our own practice for specialty services such as braces, gum surgery, dental implants, and sedation for those patients who are apprehensive about dental proce-dures.

Our office is in-network with most dental insurances, including Medicaid. In addition to insurance, our office accepts CareCredit, cash, checks, and credit cards.

We are open six days a week for the convenience of our patients. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We also have lunchtime appointments for our patients whose schedules require that convenience. We also have walk in appointments available for those who need to be seen right away. Our motto is “We’ll see you today!”

We have been at this location for almost two years and have had great local support from the parish and its residents and businesses. We look forward to con-tinuing to grow along with this up and coming area.

Louisiana Dental: Full service and convenience

Louisiana Dental Center, located at 27949 Juban Road, is conveniently located with a large staff of dentists for full service. Cleanings, crowns, dentures, partials, implants, root canals and many other services are available just down the road from Juban Crossing.


Two locations committed to helping and healing in natural ways

Dr. Ron McMorris offers a simple reason he became a doctor of chiropractic care.

“I love to help people,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to help and to do it in a way no one else could.”

His route to helping people began in April 2010 when he opened Elite Chiropractic & Physical Therapy in Walker at 27999 Old South Walker Road. The business grew in 2013 when he opened the Albany location at 24870 La. 16.

The Colyell native graduated from Doyle High School and then Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training. He followed with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in Houston.

“I then worked for the top chiropractors in Houston, who also specialize in sports medi-cine,” McMorris said. “I came back to provide care to my home community.”

Many misconceptions remain about chiropractic care, he said.

“Some think it’s all about cracking bones and making noise,” McMorris said. “It’s not just about cracking bones.”

Chiropractic care also involves proper force and direc-tion to provide proper care, he said.

McMorris wants to provide his patients more than just relief from back and neck pain.

“I’ve had great success in improving the quality of life with people who suffer from migraines, and pains in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees – pains they may have suffered with for years,” he said. “We look at different things and put them together differently.”

Chiropractors address treat-

ment different ways. McMorris calls it a “gumbo effect.”

“If ten people told us to cook chicken and sausage gumbo, all would use the same ingredients but it would taste differently,” he said. “We all use similar treatments but hope for differ-ent outcomes.

“It’s not just bones that need to be addressed, but also mus-cles and soft tissue,” McMorris said. “If muscle is not rehabbed, it pulls bones out of place, and you’ll be a chiropractic patient forever.”

Many patients initially fear chiropractic care and consider it dangerous – something that is untrue, he said.

“Many are scared of it, but the chances of being injured in chiropractic care are far less than someone who flies every day or drives to work every day,” McMorris said. “In fact, you’re probably more likely to win the lottery.”

A chiropractor’s mission is to help the patient keep the spine healthy, he said.

“It’s much like a dentist wanting to keep the teeth healthy,” McMorris said. “Nothing we do – from move-ment to breathing to a heart-beat – could happen if the nerve didn’t make it happen.

“When the spine gets stuck in a twisted motion, it puts pressure, and then the nerve can’t function as it should, which leads to joint pain,” he said.

McMorris also specializes in sports medicine and rehab.

“I get to see a lot of injuries people don’t come in for,” he said. “They come in for a back or neck pain and find out it’s probably a shoulder injury, but they don’t know we can treat for that due to a lack of educa-tion about chiropractic care.”

Elite Chiropractic Care is not affiliated with other hospitals

or clinics, but provides doctor’s references when needed.

“We try to stay as natural as possible through drugless heal-ing,” McMorris said. “However, we will refer patients to the appropriate doctor when neces-sary.”

Elite also staffs Livingston Parish’s only certified doctors of chiropractic certified to treat children and pregnant women.

Elite also offers a medically controlled, all-natural weight loss lifestyle modification pro-gram.

“Through the program, every patient tracts what they eat for a week, they return to the clinic and list what they eat and how they prepared it,” McMorris said. “You can con-tinue to eat what you want, but

we help find ways you can make it healthier.

“We educate patients on what carbohydrates are, what carbohydrates are out there and those you can eat and still lose weight,” he said. “You can have all your favorite foods – you just make them healthier.”

Elite Chiropractic accepts all major medical insurance, as well as Workers Comp and Personal Injury.

“I recommend everyone in auto accidents to make us their first call if an ER is not involved – and in that case, make us the second call,” he said.

Elite also offers massage therapy and digital X-rays.

“If a patient comes in with a suspected fracture, we can do

a digital X-ray, provide them a copy and let them take it to their orthopedic surgeon, and that saves them the cost of undergoing another X-ray,” he said.

McMorris offers his wide line of services to help a com-munity he loves.

“We’re very involved in our community, and I give back not only through donations, but I attend different commu-nity events, and my roots are in Livingston Parish,” he said. “I work in Livingston Parish, I grew up in Livingston Parish, I live in Livingston Parish and I support Livingston Parish businesses.”

For appointments, call the Walker clinic at (225) 271-4083 or the Albany location at (225) 567-6651.

Elite Chiropractic

The Elite Chiropractic staff includes (from left) Thalia Davis, Symphony Picou, Tradaisha Poole, Ashlynn Lavigne, Dr. Betsy Wilson, D.C., Dr. Ron McMorris, D.C., Dalton Tribou, Jennifer Landry and Amber Little.

Health and You, February 19, 2015...

Documents

Transcript of Health and You, February 19, 2015...