Healthy Brain - East Jefferson General Hospital

how to keep a
Healthy Brain
page 02
Science of
Metabolism
discover things you didn’t know
about your metabolism speed
page 06
Varicose Veins
more than a cosmetic problem
page 12
East Jefferson General Hospital
08
Spring
president
EJGH
A LETTER FROM OUR
East Jefferson General Hospital
For years, East Jefferson General Hospital has worked tirelessly to deliver on the promise to bring
the best available healthcare to our community. We have built a solid and respected reputation
in the medical community as a center of excellence in many specialties, and have become one of
the most technologically advanced facilities in the nation.
Year after year, the forward thinking initiatives of the hospital board and leadership team became
the foundation of success we enjoy today. As proud as we are of our history of accomplishments,
I can assure this community that we are more excited about 2008 than any year in recent memory.
This promises to be a landmark year for this institution, and we hope to leave no doubt that EJGH
can compare favorably to the best healthcare facilities in the United States.
The first major announcement of the year is introducing The Fitness Principle with Mackie
Shilstone at East Jefferson General Hospital. Mackie brings over three decades of expert fitness
experience to East Jefferson and is one of the nation’s leaders in this area. He has trained thousands
of professional, world-class athletes and everyday people through his clinically proven programs.
He offers sound, research-based fitness advice that maximizes health and performance. With a
full list of individualized programs, there is something for anyone wanting to positively change
their life.
The Fitness Principle has now launched its
programs with a new, stand-alone facility
located at 3601 Houma Boulevard. It
contains the latest fitness equipment
and is built to accommodate people
of any fitness level. What makes this
announcement even more exciting is that
The Fitness Principle becomes the perfect
complement to our Wellness Center, and
it furthers our mission to use preventive
care as a way to avoid the possible need
for acute care.
This program is more than a step forward
for our hospital. It is a major improvement
targeted at wellness for you and your
family. In most years, this announcement
alone would be enough to make it a great
year. Not this year, however. It is only
March, and this is only the start. I assure
you, the story of healthcare for our region
will be written right here at East Jefferson.
In the next few months, I look forward
to sharing with you exciting news in the
areas of cancer and heart care.
Mark J. Peters, M.D., CPE
President and C.E.O.
Mark J. Peters, M.D., CPE, President and C.E.O. with
Mackie Shilstone Director of The Fitness Principle.
Photo by Glade Bilby II
Board of Directors
W. Henry Shane, Jr., Chairman
Howard Brenner, M.D. 
Gustavo Colon, M.D.
James M. Hudson 
Newell Normand   
Emmitt Richardson, Sr. 
Gregory G. Rittiner 
Ashton J. Ryan, Jr. 
David Silvers, M.D.
Tiffany Scot Wilken
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Mark J. Peters, M.D., CPE
Vice President,
Marketing & Communications
Valerie Englade
Managing Editor/Writer
John Sartori
Writers
Cyd Casados
Keith Darcey
Graphic Design
Julie Chappuis
Kristin Steimle
Support Staff
Gerlaine Brewer
Duc Nguyen
PHOTOGRAPHY
Glade Bilby II
Healthy Lifestyles Magazine is a quarterly magazine published
to highlight the adjuvant organizations of East Jefferson General
Hospital. Its purpose is to inform community members about
organizational and hospital news and events.
Nondiscrimination Policy
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its
implementing regulation, East Jefferson General Hospital will,
directly or through contractual or other arrangements, admit and
treat all persons without regard to race, color or national origin in
its provisions of services and benefits, including assignments or
transfers within the facility and referrals to or from the facility. Staff
privileges are granted without regard to race, color or national origin.
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
its implementing regulation, East Jefferson General Hospital will not,
directly or through contractual or other arrangements, discriminate
on the basis of handicap in admissions, access, treatment or employment. In accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and its
implementing regulation, East Jefferson General Hospital will not,
directly or through contractual or other arrangements, discriminate
on the basis of age in the provision of services, unless age is a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any
statutory objective.
Spring 08
H
East Jefferson General Hospital
page 02
page 02: iT’s
page 06
NOT JUST A HAT RACK
learn steps you can take to slow down cognitive decline and
keep your brain healthy
page 06: Science
of metabolism
why understanding the metabolic process gives you the best
chance at healthy weight loss
page 10: EJGH welcomes
Mackie
Shilstone to the team
find a perfect program to help you reach your fitness goals
page 12: varicose veins:
more
than just a cosmetic
problem
page 10
varicose veins can be a sign of a more serious vein disease
and can lead to complications
page 14: COMMUNITY
OFFERINGS
classes, seminars, and programs to help you live a
healthier life
page 16: A
LOOK ON THE INSIDE
• Tax Aid Program Benefits Seniors
• A Lifetime Income - A Meaningful Gift
• Raising Funds and Raising Spirits, since 1971
page 12
page 2
01
HEALTHYlifestyles
It’s Not Just A hat Rack
It’s Not Just a H
by: Cyd Casados
Like the rest of our bodies, our brains age as we do, and many of us feel we aren’t
quite as sharp as we used to be. But there are steps you can take to slow down
cognitive decline and keep your brain healthy (and heart, too).
Work Out Your Brain…
Just like we work out our bodies, we should also work
out our brains. Our brains continue to grow as we learn
and challenge ourselves. When our brains are active new
connections between nerve cells are formed, allowing cells to
communicate with each other and making it easier to retrieve
information. Terence C. D’Souza, MD, FAAN and East Jefferson
General Hospital neurologist says, “Our brain continues to lay
down new cells. It doesn’t stop even in old age if we continue
to keep our mind and bodies active.”
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine,
people 75 years or older who participated in mentally
challenging leisure activities (i.e. crossword puzzles, reading,
playing a musical instrument or board games) were at lower
risk of developing dementia. “Aside from diet and exercise
02
East Jefferson General Hospital
the most important thing you can do for your brain is to be
mentally challenged,” says EJGH neurologist Patricia Cook,
MD, FAAN.
There are lots of ways to stay mentally active. Working
crossword or other puzzles is one way, but changing your
routine in any number of ways is beneficial to good brain
health. According to Dr. Cook, “When we repeat the same
activities every day, to the point they become almost
automatic, brain activity decreases. Making small changes,
even something like taking a new route to work, activates
new parts of your brain.” So read, start a new hobby, learn
how to play a musical instrument, enroll in a course at your
community college, attend a play or lecture—your brain will
thank you.
It’s Not Just A hat Rack continued
…And Your Body
Working out our bodies is essential to maintaining proper
blood flow, and therefore, oxygen to our brains, as well as
encouraging the growth of brain cells. Physical exercise also
reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, further
reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dr. Cook
says, “We shouldn’t think of brain health as separate from
cardiovascular health. Changes in the heart are going on
alongside of changes in the brain. Exercise and a good diet
benefit both.”
Exercise improves both concentration and attention. It also
promotes neurogenesis, or the production of new neurons.
Neuroscientists at Columbia University conducted a study
of men and women, 21 to 45, who worked out for one hour,
four times a week. Not only did the participants become more
physically fit, they found blood flowed at a much higher rate
to the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for
neurogenesis. The hippocampus plays a large part in learning
new facts and forming new memories. Our brains get smaller
as we get older, and the hippocampus is one of the areas
most prone to shrinkage, starting as early as our 30s.
The benefits of working out are not limited to adults.
University of Illinois scientists have found school-age children
with a higher level of aerobic fitness process information
brain. Try a long walk with a friend in a new neighborhood
for maximum brain boosting power. The physical and social
benefits are augmented by the addition of planning a new
route and the new sights you’ll experience.
Fish Really Is ‘Brain Food’
A great deal of research exists on the connection between
a healthy diet and a healthy brain. Diets high in fruit,
vegetables, cereals and fish, and low in saturated fat, help
protect against cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
Stop for sushi. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly
docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is important for optimal
brain function. Some of the best places to get DHA and other
omega-3 fatty acids is from fish such as salmon. These fatty
acids, especially DHA, make cell membranes more fluid,
aiding communication between the brain cells. Our brains
are actually 60 percent fat, and a high percentage of the
gray matter of the brain consists of DHA. For other sources
of omega-3s see “The ABCs of Omega-3s” accompanied by
a recipe for a salmon salad that
is high in both omega-3s and
antioxidants.
Eat your fruits and veggies. Many
of the foods that appear to reduce
a Hat Rack
more efficiently and score better on standardized test
scores. And you don’t have to run a marathon for your brain
to benefit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
suggests moderate exercise, 30 minutes a day, on most days
of the week can provide many of the same health benefits as
more vigorous exercise.
Just Add Others
People with strong relationships have less mental decline and
better overall health as they age. “Socialization is extremely
important. And it’s good to vary your age group; hang out
with younger people. You need to look outside of yourself,”
says Dr. Cook.
Dr. D’Souza also emphasizes the importance of socialization.
“A recent study in England found that nursing home residents
that interacted with children, versus those who had no
interaction outside the nursing home, were less likely to
develop cognitive problems.”
And studies show that activities that combine mental,
physical, and social aspects are the most beneficial to the
the risk of heart disease, stroke,
and cancer, also seem to protect
your brain from aging. Darkskinned fruits and vegetables
are some of these foods. This
is because they contain high
levels of antioxidants. When our
cells use oxygen they naturally
produce free radicals, which can
cause damage to our brains.
Antioxidants slow, prevent, and
repair the damage done by these free radicals. Other good
sources of antioxidants include nuts (almonds, pecans,
and walnuts) and green tea, as well as red wine and dark
chocolate—enjoyed in moderation, of course.
Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol consumption
has long been proven to cause harmful effects on the brain.
However, the National Institute of Health cites a number of
studies that suggest moderate alcohol consumption may
actually help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and
cognitive decline. There is some controversy though as many
of the studies define “moderate” differently. The United
States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, defines moderate
03
HEALTHYlifestyles
It’s Not Just A hat Rack continued
Count Your Zs
alcohol consumption as no more than one drink per day for
women and no more than one or two drinks per day for men.
That’s a 4 oz. glass of wine, a 12 oz. glass of beer, or a oneounce shot of distilled liquor.
A lack of sleep affects your planning, problem-solving,
learning, concentration, working memory and alertness.
Multiple studies have shown after as little as twenty hours
of being awake, your ability to function is equivalent to
someone who is legally drunk. Even a few nights in a row
of missing a couple hours sleep will negatively affect your
cognitive abilities. Luckily, the damage is reversible once you
get proper rest.
Eat breakfast. Not only will it help you from bingeing later,
often on less than healthy fare, it will help give your brain the
fuel it needs to get your day started. This doesn’t mean reach
for a donut. Whole grain toast and an egg-white omelet is a
much better option, combining carbohydrates and protein.
And eggs are rich in choline, which your body uses to produce
the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Yogurt is another good
breakfast choice as it contains the amino acid tyrosine,
which helps produce the neurotransmitters dopamine and
noradrenalin, improving alertness and memory.
Sleep is not only crucial to brain development, but is also
when your brain processes new memories into more
permanent forms. So get a proper night’s rest—at least 7 to
8 hours a night—and you’ll not only feel more alert, but also
be more likely to remember the things you learned the day
before.
Maintain a healthy weight. According to EJGH neurologist
Archie Melcher, MD, “Probably about 80 percent of those I
see who have strokes, or dementia due to strokes, haven’t
been living a healthy lifestyle.” A long-term study of almost
1,500 people found that those who were obese in middle
age were twice as likely to develop dementia later, and more
than six times as likely if they also had high cholesterol or
high blood pressure. Diets high in fat and cholesterol are
also associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
By maintaining a healthy weight you’ll lower cholesterol,
blood pressure, blood sugar, and improve your overall health.
Take a good multivitamin. In addition to a healthy diet, “Make
sure you take a good multivitamin that contains B vitamins,
vitamin C, and vitamin E for good brain health,” according to
Dr. Melcher.
Salmon, avocado
& mango salad
By Constance Snow
Serves 2 (as a main course)
Yes, the fat content is high, but it’s healthy monounsaturated
fat (from avocado) and omega-3 fatty acids (from salmon).
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
6 ounces cooked salmon, no salt added
WHISK the juices to blend. Add the avocado, mango, and
salmon; toss gently to combine.
Per serving: 362 calories, 20.9g protein, 24.1g carbohydrate, 6.5g dietary fiber, 21.5g total fat (3.7g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium
04
East Jefferson General Hospital
ed
ed
d
It’s Not Just A hat Rack continued
Stop Smoking
By now we all know how bad smoking is for our lungs, but
smoking also causes memory loss. According to a study of
more than 9,000 Europeans, the rate of brain decline is more
than five times higher in smokers than in people who have
never smoked. There is also evidence that smoking hinders
brain cell production. Staying sharp is just one more reason to
stop smoking.
products of cortisol act as sedatives that can lead to feelings of
depression, potentially leading to severe depression if stress is
chronic. These hormones when chronically activated are also
believed to impair memory formation and function.
“Stress affects the brain a lot more than most people realize.
Depression causes memory loss and has even been linked
to the earlier onset of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. D’Souza.
“Exercise is a great way not only to ward of excess weight, but
also to stop stress and to alleviate depression. Other stress
management such as meditation and even church activities
can also help to prevent depression.” Make sure to set aside
personal time each day to rest and rejuvenate to help manage
the stress in your life.
Negative thoughts are stressors on the brain and
can lead to depression and anxiety. So think
positive. Dr. Melcher adds, “If you think positively
you are more likely to exercise and eat healthy.
Positive thinking reinforces a healthy lifestyle.”
“Stress affects
the brain a lot
more than most
people realize.”
Dr. Terence C. D’Souza
Take a Deep Breath
Although short-term, acute stress is known to actually improve
memory, chronic stress can take its toll on your brain, including
brain changes that may lead to depression. When responding
to a stressful event, the brain releases a flood of stress
hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. This is fine for
short periods of time. The trouble occurs when stress becomes
constant and with it the influx of these stress hormones. By-
The ABCs of Omega-3s
Vegetarian Sources
THE OMEGA-3 fatty acids found in salmon give the fish
its reputation as a leader in the fight against heart
disease. Major studies show that omega-3s lower
bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels,
and may also combat high blood pressure
and inflammation. To ensure a high
concentration, buy “wild-caught” salmon.
Other good sources include halibut, lake
trout, herring, and sardines. Omega-3s
are also present in shrimp, clams, light
chunk tuna, catfish, and cod.
Include walnuts, flaxseed, soybeans, and canola oil. Toasted
walnuts are great in salads and walnut oil makes a luxurious
vinaigrette. Many breads and cereals now contain
flaxseed. Dry-roasted soybeans are a low-carb
snack similar to peanuts (but with half the fat,
twice the fiber, and 80 percent more protein).
Frozen soybeans (sometimes labeled with the
Japanese name “edamame”) taste like lima
beans. And mild-flavored canola oil is good
for cooking and baking.
Omega-3s
are also a leader
in the fight against
heart disease.
rate, ated 05
HEALTHYlifestyles
The Science of Metabolism
Photo: Glade Bilby II
The Science of
Metabolism
Why understanding the metabolic process
gives you the best chance at healthy weight loss
by: Keith Darcey
You’ve probably heard it dozens of times –
“I’ve just got a slow metabolism.”
There is a good chance that whoever said it may in fact be correct.
If so, there is good news and bad news.
06
East Jefferson General Hospital
6-11.indd 2
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Bilby II
The Science of Metabolism
The good news
Experts indicate that a slower metabolism may be evolutionarily
superior to a faster metabolism. In the days when food was in
short supply, a person with a slower metabolism needed less
food to maintain their basic bodily life-support systems such as
breathing, brain function, blood circulation and digestion. That
meant those with faster metabolisms processed food quicker
and needed more food to survive. Ultimately, the people with a
faster metabolism would die first.
The metabolic process begins in the
hypothalamus, an area of the brain that controls
much of the nervous system and regulates such
areas as hunger, thirst, temperature, sleep,
sexual activity and other mood sensors.
The bad news
When food is abundant and you overeat, weight gain occurs
more easily and quickly.
Despite the claims of companies pushing wonder pills and fad
diets, the true secret to weight loss has been with you the whole
time. That secret is your unique metabolic process. It is why,
despite the claims, there is no one-size-fits-all diet or weight
loss plan.
To understand the metabolic process, we need to go back
to biology class. In basic terms, the metabolic process is the
breaking down of food through chemical reactions in your
body to produce the energy needed to survive and function.
Everyone has a base metabolism or basal metabolic rate – the
specific amount of calories needed for their body to complete
the basic functions. Weight gain, therefore, happens when you
take in more calories than your body burns through either basic
life functions or through movement, such as walking, brushing
your teeth or even pressing the buttons on the remote control.
“For most people, seventy percent of the
energy burned supports your basic life
functions and about ten percent of the energy
is used is to actually digest your food, while the
remaining twenty percent is burned through
physical activity,” says EJGH Endocrinologist
Miguel Rivera, MD. “So really, eighty percent of
your calories are needed just for survival.”
me•tab•o•lism
The physical and chemical processes in the
body that create and use energy, such as:
• Breathing
• Circulating blood
• Controlling body temperature
• Contracting muscles
• Functioning of the brain and nerves
• Digesting food and nutrients
• Eliminating waste
The hypothalamus sends hormones to the pituitary gland,
sometimes known as the master gland because it controls many
other glands in the body. In particular, the pituitary gland signals
to the thyroid gland, which is key to the metabolic process.
The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, is responsible
for producing the thyroid hormone that helps determine
the metabolic rate. This hormone helps to stimulate tissue
development and regulate many of the physiological processes
in the body. A thyroid gland that produces too much or too little
of this hormone can affect the rate at which the breakdown
occurs. Both can lead to health problems beyond weight gain
or weight loss.
When you eat, the complex chemical reaction immediately
begins through two basic processes – catabolism and anabolism.
Catabolism refers to breaking down of the food into simple
components to create energy, while anabolism is the process of
storing the energy. By working together, these two continuous
processes convert the fats, carbohydrates and proteins into the
fuel that the tissue cells in the body require.
“I have people come in my office all the time saying they don’t
eat too much,” say Dr. Rivera. “I tell them that if they are gaining
weight, they are eating more then they need. Otherwise, they
would not be gaining weight.”
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HEALTHY lifestyles
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The Science of Metabolism
and carbon dioxide exhaled at rest. The
test usually takes approximately twenty
minutes, and at the end, your specific
caloric needs are automatically computed. In addition, the test will measure
the rate at which carbohydrates are
burned, a key indicator for the type and
amount of carbohydrates, simple or
complex, you should target daily.
“A metabolic test really becomes
your starting focal point as you move
forward with a nutrition plan,” says Don
Menard, Corporate Wellness Lead at the
EJGH Wellness Center. “As your body
changes, your metabolism rate may
also change, but if you don’t know the
initial number of calories per day you
need at present, you may be eating too
much or too little.”
Starvation or crash diets negatively affect your metabolism and can
actually cause weight gain. If you consume less than the amount of
calories you need to survive, your body will automatically begin to
go into survival mode. Your metabolism will slow down and your
body will begin to store up food.
Dr. Rivera went on to say that although there is much to learn
about the metabolic process, recent research may be giving
physicians greater insight into the relationship between
metabolism and weight loss. Regulating two specific chemicals
in the body – ghrelin and leptin – may control whether you
are hungry or full. In one study cited, the lab mice that were
injected with increased levels of leptin, the chemical that makes
you feel full, lost weight as a result of eating less. Higher levels of
ghrelin, the chemical that makes you feel hungry, may therefore
be partly responsible for making you eat more.
Knowing your metabolic rate is
key to weight loss
Understanding the metabolic process, and more specifically,
your particular metabolic rate, is crucial to long-term weight
loss and health. Your basal metabolic rate becomes the magic
number of calories you need per day. Find that number, and a
nutrition plan can be established for optimal weight loss.
A metabolic test measures Resting Energy Expirations and
signifies the number of calories needed for survival. The test is
performed with the individual laying flat on a table as relaxed as
possible. Fasting with no caffeine or nicotine is recommended
for about eight hours prior to the test. The test takes into account
factors such as age, weight, sex and muscle mass.
A mask over the nose and mouth is worn and hooked to a
breathing machine that records the amount of oxygen intake
08
Metabolic rate may change as muscle
mass is added or reduced. Increasing
your lean muscle mass will speed
up the metabolic process and will
burn calories faster. Keeping up lean
muscle is important because as you
age, metabolism naturally tends to
slow down as activity level slows. For
women, metabolism also tends to slow
down after menopause.
“Muscles are like the big engine in the car,”
says Menard. “They burn calories faster that fat
cells and make your metabolism speed up. It
is much better to be heavier with more muscle
mass than lighter with more fat.”
Losing weight with basal
metabolic rate
For Lisa Salvaggio-Cooper, losing weight has been a life-long
battle. She tried to lose weight through every diet plan she
could find. All had varying degrees of success, but none created
the long-term success needed to maintain a healthy weight.
“I am fifty-two years old, overweight, and feel as if I am in a
crisis,” Lisa says.
Past diets created unhealthy weight losses and gains for Lisa.
Sometimes she ate the wrong foods and sometimes she simply
did not eat enough. She also admits that part of her downfall in
dieting was late-night eating.
Lisa underwent a metabolic test and it was determined that her
basal metabolic rate was 1,812 calories per day. Julie Fortenberry,
Sports and Lifestyle Nutritionist with The Fitness Principle with
Mackie Shilstone at East Jefferson General Hospital, worked with
Lisa to develop an individualized nutrition plan that matched
caloric intake to her ideal 1,812-calorie limit.
East Jefferson General Hospital
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The Science of Metabolism
Julie Fortenberry, LDN,
RD is a Sports and
Lifestyle Nutritionist for
The Fitness Principle with
Mackie Shilstone. She
has counseled numerous
clients of all ages and
fitness levels, helping them
to meet their individual
health goals.
“Lisa needed a plan that stuck to her needed calorie levels, but
one that didn’t leave her hungry,” says Fortenberry. “We mixed
the right kind of calories she needed and broke up her meals
into smaller but more frequent meals. She feels full throughout
the day and is maximizing her calorie-burning process.”
Fortenberry went on to say that the basal metabolic rate is
important not only so that you don’t overeat, but so that you
don’t eat too little. Starvation or crash diets negatively affect
your metabolism and can actually cause weight gain. If you
consume less than the amount of calories you need to survive,
your body will automatically begin to go into survival mode.
Your metabolism will slow down and your body will begin to
store up food.
“When you don’t eat enough, you become like a
bear hibernating,” says Fortenberry. “Your body will
hold onto to everything it can, store it up as fat and
you lose lean muscle. What makes it worse is when
you return to eating more than necessary with a
slower metabolism and with less lean muscle.”
After the first month, Lisa lost thirteen pounds. By maintaining a
consistent plan adapted to her caloric needs, she notices fewer
ups and downs in blood sugar levels and has better sleeping
habits. She now believes that it’s more about getting to a healthy
state than a specific weight goal.
TEN TIPS FOR BOOSTING YOUR MEtabolism
1 Build lean body mass.
2 Eat Breakfast.
Lean muscle burns calories, and the more you have, the more calories you burn, even while resting.
Breakfast gives your metabolism a boost and provides a consistent energy supply throughout the day.
3 Consume less sugar.
Processed and refined sugar cause serious health issues including obesity and diabetes. Complex
carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are a better energy source because they supply an even level of blood sugar.
4 Spice up your diet.
Spicy foods that make you sweat can help boost your metabolism.
5 Get a good night’s sleep.
The body uses sleep to heal and regenerate itself, including its muscular system.
6 Drink more water.
Water flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency
allowing the liver more time to do what it does best, metabolize fat stores.
7 Eat small meals. Eat 5 to 6 small meals per day to give the body a steady supply of energy and prevent binge eating.
8 Don’t miss meals.
Skipping meals actually slows metabolism and can lead to overeating.
9 Plan your meals. If you have a daily or weekly menu you are much more likely to stick to your plan.
10 Drink green tea.
Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and unlike coffee does not stress the body with caffeine.
09
HEALTHY lifestyles
6-11.indd 5
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The Science of Metabolism
Photo: Glade Bilby II
Mackie Shilstone brin
experience to East J
proven program
everyone from w
Can This Man Ch
Anaerobic activities such as weight lifting create
a system overload and begin to breakdown
the muscle. The body responds by switching
the fuel source from burning fat to burning
carbohydrates to repair the muscles.
Combining nutrition
with exercise
The most effective way to lose weight is to combine proper
nutrition with exercise. By restricting the number of calories to
your basal metabolic rate and incorporating exercise routines,
you maintain what your body needs and converts stored up
calories into energy to burn.
Balancing the two forms of exercise – aerobic and anaerobic
– accomplishes the goal of speeding up the metabolism
and burning calories. There is a difference between the two
forms, however. In general, aerobic means to burn calories
with oxygen and tends to burn fat as the main source of
fuel. Aerobic exercises, commonly known as cardiovascular
workouts, use steady motion as oxygen is mixed in the system
to ideally burn the fat. Such exercises include walking, jogging,
dancing or bicycling.
Anaerobic means to burn calories without oxygen. Typically,
weightlifting, sprinting, boxing and other high intensity
activities are considered anaerobic. The reason it is considered
without oxygen is because the activity crosses the metabolic
threshold, or the point at which you cannot take in enough
oxygen to support the activity. The activity creates a system
overload and begins to break down the muscle. The body
responds by switching the fuel source from burning fat to
burning carbohydrates to repair the muscles.
“If you want to build the lean muscle, anaerobic exercise is
the most important,” says Dr. Rivera. “Ideally, you do need
both because although they impact the metabolic process
differently, they both contribute to burning calories faster. In
the end, that is what you want in order to lose weight.”
10
He has been described as an expert in fitness, nutrition, disease
prevention, disease management, lifestyle management, a coach,
guru, consultant, resource, an inspiration and more. Mackie
Shilstone has practically invented the fitness/life-coach model.
He has worked with some of the most successful and recognized
names in sports over the last 30 years. Olympic Gold Medalists,
Wimbeldon & Super Bowl Champs, Hall of Famers and Heavyweight
Champions of the World; they have all credited Mackie with helping
them reach their summit.
It was during a prize fight that the TV announcers gave him
the moniker that perhaps best suits the man who once was an
undersized wideout at Tulane, referring to Mackie’s unique way
of getting a fighter physically and mentally prepared to win. They
called him “The Strategist”.
This title appeals to Mackie because as an MBA, he has always taken
a “strategic” or “management” approach to his work. Focusing on
the end result or goal then developing a “strategic plan” to “manage”
his client to the end results has allowed Mackie to break the molds
on what constituted a training program. He was one of the first to
completely fold training, nutrition, supplements, clinical support
and psychology together into one comprehensive “strategy” of
performance management.
With online
registration for
our programs,
people are truly a
mouse click away
from positive
changes that
can transform
their lives.
Though his work has taken him literally
around the world, he has always maintained
his home, multiple business interests and
headquarters here in the New Orleans area. In
2008, that headquarters has moved into The
Fitness Principe with Mackie Shilstone at East
Jefferson General Hospital.
With this new state-of-the-art facility, Mackie
can finally deliver the type of one-stop
turnkey experience he has always sought. “At
East Jefferson, with online registration for our
programs, people are truly a mouse click away
from positive changes that can transform
their lives. Here, we can implement our entire
battery of non-invasive clinical diagnostic
East Jefferson General Hospital
6-11.indd 6
2/18/08 3:41:14 PM
Photo: Glade Bilby II
lstone brings over three decades of expert fitness
ce to East Jefferson General Hospital. His clinically
n programs offer sound, research-based advice to
one from world-class athletes to everyday people.
an Change Your Life?
By John Sartori
tests that give us the most in-depth understanding of our clients
that has ever been available. These are testing processes that equal
or surpass what you would find if you were to an elite athlete at the
United States Olympic Training Facilities.”
For Mackie, The Fitness Principle’s level of excellence is a subject he
takes very seriously. “With this, we have a facility and programs that
I know will be impacting people in a positive manner long after I
am gone. I now feel confident in my legacy and that is something
very few people get to enjoy.”
If you are considering changing your body and life, you don’t
have to be an elite athlete to enter the programs at Fitness
Principle. Offerings like “Comprehensive Weight Loss” are utilized
by professional and weekend athletes alike. While skill levels may
change, the constant elements are the quality of the programs and
the desire by the participant to improve their performance. Many
are surprised to learn about the high number of Fitness Principle
clients are aren’t athletes at all. They just want to maximize their
own performances in their chosen careers and they know that finetuning their own body will enhance their energy & performance
levels in every aspect of their lives.
One of the great aspects of being a client at The Fitness Principle
is the fact that you will get the same fitness and nutritional input
that has helped so many famous athletes reach their peak or
prolong their careers. It is also fun to know that on any day you
may be working out alongside Fitness Principle clients like Serena
Williams or Bernard Hopkins. Some of The Fitness Principle’s most
famous clients either don’t play anymore or never did. They just
want to maximize their fitness levels as in the cases of Hall of Fame
Shortstop Ozzie Smith, (who credits Mackie with prolonging his
baseball career by several years) or broadcaster Bob Costas. Not bad
for a facility that only began accepting applications in January and
won’t celebrate its official grand opening until March of this year.
Mackie is thrilled to finally have a facility and clinical support
that closes the circle in his quest to be the ultimate “Performance
Management Specialist” or as HBO put it, “The Strategist”. If you
would like more information on The Fitness Principle or to register
for a program, call 504- 457-3100 or go to www.ejgh.org.
11
HEALTHY lifestyles
6-11.indd 7
2/18/08 3:41:26 PM
Varicose Veins
Varicose
Veins:
More Than Just
a Cosmetic Problem
by: Cyd Casados
It’s important to start any discussion of varicose veins by
making the distinction between spider veins and varicose
veins. Spider veins are the small clusters of red, blue, or
purple veins that commonly appear on the thighs, calves,
and ankles. Although they are generally treated for cosmetic
reasons, spider veins can be a sign of a more serious
vein disease and can lead to complications
similar to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are the larger, bulging,
rope-like veins. Varicose veins are a
common medical problem, affecting
approximately 40% of women, and
25% of men. Varicose veins can lead
to substantial pain, as well as develop
into a more serious medical condition.
Non-treatment of varicose veins can result
in inflammation (phlebitis), blood clots
(thrombosis), ankle sores or skin ulcers, and
bleeding.
“Treatments
have become less
invasive and more
successful, up to 90%
effective.”
Tod C. Engelhardt, MD, FACS
“If not treated, the symptoms will only continue to
worsen. There is no reason to suffer with varicose veins, as
treatments have become less invasive and more successful,
up to 90% effective. And most insurance policies cover
these medically necessary procedures used to treat
varicose veins, such as endovenous laser treatment and
phlebectomy,” according to Tod C. Engelhardt, MD, FACS
and cardiovascular surgeon at East Jefferson General
12
East Jefferson General Hospital
Varicose Veins continued
Hospital.
Venous Reflux Disease
Arteries carry blood away from your heart, delivering
oxygen to all parts of your body. The veins then
return this blood, now blue as the oxygen has been
removed, back to your heart. Your leg veins have
to work against gravity to return the blood to your
heart. Small, one-way valves open, allowing blood
to flow upward towards the heart, and then close to
prevent it from flowing back down.
Varicose veins occur when these valves malfunction.
The blood essentially flows backward into the legs
when the valves become damaged. The blood then
pools in your veins and causes them to become
enlarged. This malfunction is referred to as venous
reflux disease.
In addition to varicose veins, venous reflux disease
can lead to painful, aching, swollen legs and leg
heaviness and fatigue. It can also cause skin changes,
muscle cramps, restless leg symptoms, and burning
or numbness.
Prevention
Factors that lead to venous reflux include age,
gender, pregnancy, obesity, physical trauma,
prolonged standing, and most important, heredity.
But with regular exercise and avoiding standing or
sitting for long periods of time, you can relieve the
discomfort of current varicose veins and help prevent
new varicose veins from forming.
Treatments
Many people don’t realize they no longer have
to resort to painful and invasive vein stripping
surgery to get help for varicose veins. According to
Dr. Engelhardt patients have more options for less
invasive treatment than ever before. “Vein stripping
used to take place in the hospital and patients were
on bed rest for days after the procedure. With these
new treatments we perform the procedure in the
office under a local anesthetic and the patients are
walking on a treadmill after the procedure.”
Treatment options for varicose
veins include:
Compression Hosiery
Compression hose are used to relieve the symptoms
of varicose veins by keeping the blood from pooling
in the veins, therefore improving circulation. They are
often used as the first line of treatment. Compression
hose are also used after treatment to improve the
long-term effectiveness of the following procedures.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy, an almost painless office procedure,
is most often used to treat visible spider veins and
small varicose veins near the surface. A sclerosant
solution is injected into the affected vein causing it to
shrink, close off, and slowly disappear. The procedure
generally takes from about 15 to 45 minutes, and
from two to five treatments to complete. The
ultrasound technology guides the precise placement
of the injections resulting in more effective results
than conventional sclerotherapy
treatment.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method
of removing large varicose veins on
the surface of the legs. The veins are
removed through tiny punctures or
incisions. These incisions are so small
no stitches are required, improving
cosmetic results. The procedure is
performed under a local anesthetic.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®)
A thin, laser fiber is guided by
ultrasound into the vein. The laser
gently heats and closes the vein,
stopping the venous reflux at its
source. Once the vein is closed, the
blood is simply rerouted to other
healthy veins and the varicose vein
essentially disappears. The procedure
is generally completed within an hour.
It is relatively pain-free and the patient
is able to return to normal activities
that day, and more strenuous activities
usually within one to two weeks.
Before - EVLT ®
AFTER - EVLT ®
A patient before and after EVLT ®
treatment by cardiovascular
surgeon, Tod C. Engelhardt, MD,
FACS.
Results
The results of the preceding treatments can be
remarkable. Dr. Tod Englehardt follows his patients
for six months after the procedure and has found
that “even five days post-procedure we see some
very nice results. Those who suffer with the pain or
embarrassment of varicose veins can now experience
results more quickly, and with less pain, bruising
and scarring.”
If you have questions regarding varicose veins,
or are looking for a treatment facility, please
contact the Louisiana Heart, Lung, & Vascular Institute
at East Jefferson General Hospital at 504-454-2222.
13
HEALTHYlifestyles
Calendar
CALENDAR
SCREENINGS
Blood Pressure Screening
Lakeside Mall: 4th Wed of each month, 7:30
– 10:30 a.m.
EJGH Canal Garage Groundlink: Tues and
Thurs, 10 a.m. – Noon
Wellness Center: 1st and 3rd Tues of each
month, 8 –11 a.m.
Clearview Mall: 2nd and 4th Tues of each
month, 8 –11 a.m.
Free, call 454-4066 for more information.
Cholesterol Screening
Know your risk factors for heart disease.
Screen provides total cholesterol, HDL, LDL,
TC/HDL ratio, triglycerides, and glucose.
Call 456-5000 to schedule an appointment
at the EJGH Wellness Center.
WOMAN & CHILD SERVICES
Lamaze
This course, for expectant mothers and
their companions, is designed to help
parents have a positive birth experience.
$95 per couple. Please call 456-5000 for
dates, times, and to register.
Prenatal Series
Expectant parents learn about delivery and
anesthesia options, baby care, and home
and auto safety. Free. Please call 456-5000
for dates, times, and to register.
Joint Wellness Program
DISEASE MANAGEMENT
EXERCISE PROGRAMS
Diabetes Dynamics
Becoming a big brother or sister is an
exciting event. This sibling preparation
class is designed for children ages 3-10 and
their parents. Class activities include how to
hold a baby properly, diapering, drawing,
doll play, videos and stories. Free. April 5,
9:30 –10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.— Noon. Please
call 456-5000 to register.
Core Stability Functional Training
Exercise training for people with
osteoporosis, back problems and a
low level of balance. Mondays and/or
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:15 p.m., call 456-5000
for fees and to register. A physician’s
release is required.
Fibromyalgia Aquatic Program
Slow, controlled movements along with
gentle stretches for the tender points,
designed to improve muscle tone,
endurance, and flexibility. Mondays and/or
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. or 5:30
– 6:15 p.m. Call 456-5000 for fees and to
register. A physician’s release is required.
Multiple Sclerosis Aquatic Program
Breastfeeding
Expectant mothers learn to make an
informed decision about breastfeeding.
Free. April 26, 1 –3 p.m. Please call
456-5000 to register.
Addresses the special needs of individuals
who have physical limitations as a result of
their disease. This program is conducted
in a temperature-controlled pool to
help promote flexibility, strength and
endurance, as well as to prevent fatigue.
Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 1 - 1:45 p.m.
Please call 456-5000 for fees and to register.
A physician’s release is required.
La Leche League
Parkinson’s Program
La Leche League holds monthly
educational meetings providing
breastfeeding education, information and
mother-to-mother support. Free. Third
Tuesday of every month, 10 – 11 a.m. Please
call 456-5451 for more information and
class location. No registration required.
Becoming a Woman
Girls aged 9 to 12, with their mother or a
guardian, learn about the changes that
come with adolescence. $20. April 16,
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Please call 456-5000
to register.
14
Sibling Preparation
East Jefferson General Hospital
Addresses the problems associated with
Parkinson’s disease such as shuffled gait,
stooped posture, bradykinesia, as well as
hesitance in movement, muscular rigidity,
and respiratory difficulties. Includes
exercises for strength, flexibility, balance,
stability, gait, and the cardiorespiratory
system. Fridays, 1:30 - 2:15 p.m., call
456-5000 for fees and to register. A
physician’s release is required.
Available to individuals who have recently
completed the physical rehabilitation
process following joint replacement
surgery and intended to ensure
independence and proper function of the
joint; both aquatic and land-based group
exercise classes are conducted. Aquatic,
Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Land-based,
Wednesdays, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. A physician’s
release is required.
This two-class course teaches the basics
of diabetes management, nutrition, foot
care, exercise, goal setting and motivation.
Classes are held in the Wound and Diabetes
Management Center on the 7th floor of EJ
North. Free. April 2 & 3. Please call 849-8600
for more information. A physician’s release
is required.
Successfully Managing Diabetes in
Today’s World
At this comprehensive seminar for people
with diabetes vendors will provide
information on resources available for
successful diabetes management. Experts
present topics such as exercise, Medicare
benefits, herbal supplements and nutrition
as related to diabetes. Free. March 18,
Noon – 4 p.m. Call 456-5000 to register.
Seminario Gratis de Diabetes
en Español
Temas incluyen cambio para mejorar su
vida; diabetes y su corazón; diabetes,
ejercisio y seguimiento con su doctor;
nutrición y diabetes. Mayo 31, 9:30 a.m. –
Noon. Centro de Conferencias Esplanade
3. Estacionamiento gratis en el Garaje
Hudson.
CLASSES, SEMINARS,
and ACTIVITIES
Look Good…Feel Better
EJGH’s Regional Cancer Center, along with
the American Cancer Society, offers this
program for women undergoing radiation
or chemotherapy treatment. Volunteer
cosmetologists will help patients enhance
their appearance. Please provide us with
your skin type (either light, medium or
dark). Free. March 24, 6 – 8 p.m. Please call
456-5000 to register.
Line Dancing
Boot, scoot and boogie your way to fitness.
Join us for fun and interactive instruction
in the latest dance steps choreographed
to music. Wednesdays, April 2 – May 21,
7:45 – 8:45 p.m., $40 (Wellness Center
members), $80 (nonmembers). To register
call 456-5000.
Swing, Salsa, Tango and more
Knock off inches from your waist and hips
while enjoying the rhythms and basic
moves of salsa, meringue, foxtrot, samba,
cha cha, and rumba. Partner not required.
Thursdays, April 3 – May 22, 7:30 – 8:15
p.m., $40 (Wellness Center members), $80
(nonmembers), to register call 456-5000.
Total Joint Replacement Program
Prepares patients for hospitalization
for joint replacement surgery, from
preoperative testing to discharge. This
program is for patients having hip or
knee replacement surgery at EJGH and is
provided to them at no cost. Please call
456-5000 for dates and times.
Five Wishes/Living Will Seminar
Protect your family members from having
to make difficult decisions without knowing
your wishes. This easy-to-use living will
addresses your spiritual, personal and
emotional wishes as well as your medical
needs. Panel consists of a physician,
attorney, social worker and a care manager.
Mar 27, 4 – 6 pm. Free. Call 456-5000 to
register.
Prevention on Par
Eighteen holes of golf at the Chateau Golf
and Country Club, a gourmet buffet lunch,
and question & answer session with Dr. Brad
Collins on men’s health. $75. March 17, 9
a.m. – 3 p.m. Call 456-5000 to register.
Medicare Insurance Counseling
Assistance is for Elder Advantage members
and by appointment only. For more
information please call 454-4066.
AARP Driver Safety Program
A certificate of completion is awarded
for this one day, 4-hour course. Call Larry
Lemoine at 454-4168 for more information.
Calendar continued
2008
SUPPORT GROUPS
AWAKE (Alert, Well and Keeping
Energetic)
Offers information and support for those
dealing with sleep apnea or other sleep
disorders. Call 849-8700 for dates, times and
locations.
Alzheimer’s Family Support Group
Provides support and education to
caregivers, family and friends of those
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This
group meets on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month, 4 pm at the EJGH
Adult Day Care Center at 3929 West Metairie
Ave. Call 837-2629 for more information.
Better Breathers Club
This support group is for people with
chronic conditions that affect breathing,
such as asthma and COPD. Call 456-5000 for
dates, times and locations.
Bosom Buddies
Education and support group for women
with a breast cancer diagnosis. Meetings
are the third Wednesday of each month
at the Breast Care Center, 6:30 - 8 pm. Call
883-8989 for more information.
Caregivers’ Group
Support and encouragement for those
caring for a loved one. The group meets
at the Counseling Center, 3601 Houma
Boulevard, Ste 206 on the third Tuesday
of each month from 6:30 - 7:30 pm; call
454-4066 or 885-3373 for more information.
Celiac Sprue Association
Offers education and support for people
with gluten intolerance. Call 454-4391 for
dates, times and locations.
Compassionate Friends
This group is for families who have
experienced the loss of a child. Meetings are
the second Monday of each month in the
EJGH auditorium. Call 887-4599 for more
information.
Defibrillator Support Group
This support group is for patients with
internal defibrillators. Meetings are
bimonthly. Call 456-5000 for dates, times
and locations.
Diabetes Support Group
Members share information and support
each other to promote successful
management of diabetes. Meetings are held
on the last Thursday of each month, Noon
– 1 pm in EJ North, 7th Floor. Call 849-8600
for more information.
Grief Support Group
Sponsored by the American Cancer
Society, this program is for those who have
experienced the death of a loved one.
Meetings are held every Wednesday from
6:30 – 8 pm in the Yenni Treatment Center.
Call 456-5000 for more information.
I Can Cope
Offers education and support to cancer
patients and their loved ones. Call 456-5000
for dates and times.
Ostomy Support Group
Education and support for those coping
with the challenges of living with an
ostomy. Meetings are held bimonthly on
the second Tuesday of even months from 7
– 9 pm; call 454-4941 for more information.
Pulmonary Hypertension Support
Group
This patient-led group provides support
and information for those living with
pulmonary hypertension. Please call
731-6113 for dates and times.
Sarcoidosis Support Group
Designed for those living with sarcoidosis,
a chronic condition that often involves the
lungs and causes difficulty breathing. Please
call 454-4882 for dates and times.
Self Help for Hard of Hearing
Provides information and support for the
hearing impaired. Group meets on the
third Saturday of each month at 10 am. Call
834-4339 for more information.
Stroke Support Group
Offers support to stroke survivors and
their families. Meetings are held on the last
Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in
the 8th Floor Gym. Call 456-5000 for more
information.
15
HEALTHYlifestyles
EJGH
Auxiliary
Raising Funds and Raising Spirits Since 1971
“Besides the many, many volunteers who give countless hours of
service to East Jefferson General Hospital, the Auxiliary continues
to be involved in endeavors to raise much needed funds,” says Jean
Rice, EJGH Auxiliary President. The Auxiliary’s biggest fundraiser,
the Great Lady/Great Gentleman Awards Luncheon, honors eight
members of the metropolitan community for their outstanding
volunteer work in the New Orleans area. According to Rice, “This
event is to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their
service to the community.”
The money raised from both the patron party and the luncheon
provides funds for nursing scholarships and continuing education
for the medical staff at EJGH. Since the Auxiliary started, more
than 200 nursing scholarships have been funded by the program,
and in excess of several million dollars have been donated to the
hospital, from funds raised by the Auxiliary.
The Auxiliary also operates the East Jefferson General Hospital
gift shop, the Sunshine Boutique, donating the profits at the end
of the year to the hospital. The boutique carries an extensive array
of gifts, collectibles, decorative items and greeting cards. There is
a florist on staff who designs floral arrangements and decorative
potted plants, and annual art and jewelry shows. The funds from
the gift shop go toward the check the Auxiliary gives the hospital
at the end of each year.
In addition to its fundraising endeavors, the Auxiliary reaches out
to members of the community who need it most with its Care-Ring
program. Volunteers make daily telephone calls to community
members who are homebound, live alone, or are recuperating
from surgery or illness.
WANT TO JOIN?
All you have to do is fill out the membership form, enclose your
check for dues, and mail to the address indicated. Then you’ll be
eligible for these upcoming Auxiliary events:
• D
octor’s Day – March 28. The Auxiliary honors EJGH
doctors on their own special day for the dedication they
show to the hospital and its patients all year long.
• G
reat Lady/Great Gentleman Awards Luncheon –
Patron Party, April 3; Luncheon, April 6, Audubon Tea Room
• G
eneral Meeting – April 23, 10:30 a.m., Conference
Center, lunch provided
• A
uxiliary Officer’s Installation – May 16, Conference
Center, lunch provided
The money raised from both the patron party and the luncheon provides funds for
nursing scholarships and continuing education for the medical staff at EJGH.
Since the Auxiliary started, more than 200 nursing scholarships have been
funded by the program, and in excess of several million dollars have been
donated to the hospital, from funds raised by the Auxiliary.
EJGH Auxiliary Membership Application
Name:
Address:
Phone number:
Type of membership desired:
Active Member ($20 yearly)
Life Member ($100 contributed within a 12-month period)
Make check payable to EJGHA.
Mail to: Phyllis Stacy, Membership Chair, 4505 Elmwood Parkway, Metairie, LA 70003
Committees/Activities in which I am interested:
Gift Shop
Care-Ring Program
Great Lady/Great Gentleman Committee
Call 504-887-3434 for more information.
16
East Jefferson General Hospital
16-17.indd 2
2/18/08 3:45:34 PM
Tax Aid Program Benefits Seniors
After John Burgbacher retired from Shell Oil after 36 years as a chemical engineer he “was looking
for something to do, so I took an H&R Block course to do my own taxes. Some friends of mine were
involved with the AARP Tax Aid Program and I decided to volunteer myself.” That was 15 years ago
and Burgbacher is still helping seniors with their taxes. As District Coordinator for the program in
Jefferson, St. Charles and St. John parishes, Burgbacher oversees approximately 40 volunteers at
eleven sites, one of those being East Jefferson General Hospital.
“It’s such a wonderful program for our seniors. Taxes can be so confusing,” says Nina Victory,
Supervisor of the Elder Advantage Program at East Jefferson General Hospital, a sponsor of the
AARP Tax Aid Program. Last year over 400 returns were filed through the program at EJGH.
No appointment is necessary and there are three or four volunteers available each day for assistance.
All returns are filed electronically and there is no charge for the service. Those interested in taking
advantage of the program should bring their 2006 tax return; any 1099s, W-2s, or brokerage
equivalent statements; and the declarations page for their homeowner’s policy, as residents of
Louisiana are eligible for a refund of their Citizen’s Fair Plan Assessment.
EJGH
Foundation
Elder
Advantage
AARP Tax Aid Program
Feb 4 – April 10, Monday – Thursday
9 am – 2 pm (no returns started after 1 pm)
FREE
Electronic Returns Only
EJ North, 1st floor
4320 Houma Blvd, Metairie
Call Elder Advantage at
504-454-4066 for more information.
Volunteers run the entire program, including training new volunteers. The volunteers must
complete a three-day training course and pass an IRS certification examination before they can
begin assisting others with their taxes. Burgbacher encourages those with a desire to help to get
involved and go through the training process. “We can always use more volunteers.”
A Lifetime Income – A Meaningful Gift
Charitable Gift Annuities
To create a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), a
donor gives cash, stock, or other assets to a
favorite charity. In return, the donor receives
a fixed payment, called an annuity, for the
remainder of their life, as well as a tax deduction.
With this type of annunity you can contribute to
a worthwhile non-profit organization while also
enjoying both income and tax benefits.
AGE RATE
55
5.5%
60
5.7%
65
6.0%
70
6.5%
75
7.1%
80
8.0%
85
9.5%
90
16.3%
For example, if you
donated
$10,000
to
East Jefferson General
Hospital’s
Foundation
you would receive a
percentage
of
your
donation back each year
in a fixed annuity, based
upon your age (see table).
You would also receive:
Tax Advantages. Part
of your gift can be used for
an income tax deduction
now, plus a portion of
your income payments may be tax-free. Your
gift can reduce or defer capital gains tax if you
choose to donate appreciated securities.
Fixed-Income. You win peace of mind with
a fixed-rate income for life, and the knowledge
that ultimately you will help your favorite charity
to continue its mission.
Simplicity. Charitable gift annuities are
relatively straightforward and often less
complicated than commercial annuities.
It is important to note that gift annuities are
not insured, and they are not transferable to a
donor’s heirs if the giver dies. And remember,
any prospective donor should always seek the
advice of qualified estate and/or tax professional
to make sure a gift annuity is right for them.
Ejgh
foundation
Please call EJGH’s Foundation at
504-780-5800 to find out more
about gift annuities, or to receive a
personalized illustration of a gift annuity.
You can also get additional information
on the Foundation/Giving website at
www.ejgh.org. Or complete the
form below and return it to:
EJGH Foundation, 4200 Houma Blvd,
Metairie, LA 70006
GIFT ANNUITY COUPON
Dear Friends at the EJGH Foundation,
Please send me complimentary information about charitable gift annuities.
Please send me a personalized illustration of a gift annuity.
Date of birth: ________/_________/_________ (First donor)
Date of birth: ________/_________/_________ (Second donor)
I am thinking about donating $_____________ to establish my gift annuity.
Name(s):_________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________ E-mail address:_______________________
17
HEALTHYlifestyles
16-17.indd 3
2/20/08 10:06:39 AM
Saving and Serving Lives.
Every day, this dedicated team of men and women serve
as the mobile first line of healthcare for our community.
East Jefferson General Hospital’s EMS Service –
It’s what they do.
9-1-1
24 hour Emergency Response:
EMS ad-Feb08 1
East Jefferson General Hospital
Emergency Medical Services
2/18/08 4:51:56 PM