Kellie Duhon, Corporate Giving Program Manager of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana shares her insightful story of how her family was able to overcome COVID-19.

Like many of us, Kellie prepped, prepared and stocked on all of the essentials needed during the mandatory stay-at-home order. However, when "the outside" slowly opened up, her family soon realized that there was a high chance COVID-19 was knocking on their door.

Resources mentioned in the episoide:

Where to find testing sites: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3934?clearCache=1

Checklist to prepare for COVID-19: https://www.goodrx.com/blog/coronavirus-home-checklist-how-to-prepare-stock-up-covid-19/

How to become a blood/plasma donor: https://lourdesrmc.com/ways-to-give/blood-donor-center

Additional:

Blue Cross has created interactive graphics for its social media that encourage people to wear masks now so we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and safely resume activities like tailgating, going to festivals and having crawfish boils. Anyone can share or post these graphics to their personal social media and are asked to use the hashtag #MaskUp when doing so. Find and download the graphics at www.bcbsla.com/covid19.

Social Emotional Learning, Goal Setting, and Core Values with Girls on the Run by WomansFoundation

Yvette Quantz with Eat Fit Acadiana joins us again to give our listeners a great and easy way to navigate emotional eating and distress. It's a simple acronym that can help you slow down, recognize your emotions, and know that it's completely normal during a time like this. Listen to our newest episode to hear how Yvette uses her passion to educate, spread positivity, and empower others to live their best, healthy life.

Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatfitacadiana

Instagram: eatfitacadiana

Website: www.ochsnereatfit.com

Michelle Mahne with the Lafayette Parish School System chats with us about how she serves our community and how she helps businesses redirect their business tax dollars to benefit early childhood education here in Lafayette Parish. If you are an essential worker in need of childcare assistance during this pandemic, Michelle is the one to contact! Her office can help you find a childcare center that is still open.

Resources:

www.ontrackby5.com or call 337-521-7282

For School Readiness Tax Credit information: 337-521-7209

Parents around the world have been faced with a new reality. The kids are no longer in school and working moms and dads have transitioned their home into a home office. We understand that this has probably been one of the most overwhelming challenges for parents. “How can I work 8 hours a day at home when the kids are home for an extra 8 hours than I am use to?” “Are they going to advance to the next grade?” But as parents, the greatest superpower you all have is the ability to find that balance to get it all done, no matter the circumstance. Listen to this week’s episode featuring Tiffany Major. She is a mother of 2 toddlers, under 5. She reminds us to live in the moment, make the best of these days, and take this time to focus on molding and shaping our children’s future.

Coping Skills: https://youtu.be/td4LQ2rxVa0

Coping Cards: https://youtu.be/QXvadKTSR8M

Follow Tiffany Major on Instagram @themommyplug to follow her parenting journey!

Is it almost that time to let your "baby" get a feel for what it's like behind the wheel? We know... we don't want them to grow up. It's tough to come to that realization, and most certainly scary. Casey Barfield, an instructor with Safety Premiere Training talks us through some tips to prepare you and your child for a BIG step in their teenage life. He also mentions some new steps you have to take required by the DMV that requires a visit before attending a driver's ed class. Safety Premiere Training will be offering classes this summer, so sign up early!

Check out their website: http://www.safetypremiere.com/

They are on Facebook & Instagram!

Ever heard of Pavlov's theory? The same notification you receive on your phone has the same effect on your brain just like other types of stimulants. This could be why kids in today's age are growing up attached to their devices. Marie Collins with The Family Tree talks to us about parenting in the digital age and tips on monitoring your child's activity on their devices. As she mentioned, technology is just like treats and snacks - it should be allowed in moderation.

The Healthy Acadiana Coalition is challenging organizations, businesses, schools, church groups, sports teams, and everyone in the community to participate in the Acadiana Community #DonateHealthy Food Drive. The goal of the food drive is not only to collect items for our local food banks and pantries, but to ultimately raise awareness on food insecurity and educate the community on best practices of donating healthier, more nutritious, and non-expired food to our neighbors in need. Because food drives are most common during the holiday season, Healthy Acadiana hopes to spread the education and encourage other organizations hosting food drives to focus on giving with intention. Families experiencing food insecurity are often limited on healthy options and more inclined to experience higher rates in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and overweight/obesity and other subsequent health outcomes.

“Our goal with this food drive is to help educate our community of donors that what we give can make a difference. If we can shift our mindset from just giving whatever food is in the back of our pantry to sharing nutrient-dense foods, we will see our community thrive with healthier and stronger citizens. Together we can help nourish and build a healthier Acadiana” says Yvette Quantz, Eat Fit Dietician and Co-Chair of Healthier Eating Task Force.

It is important as a community to understand that in order to reduce our significant rates of public health issues, we must work together and teach our children healthier ways to live, work, and play. Health touches all aspects of a community, attracts economic development, and creates a safer community for all. Together, we can make a difference in Acadiana by donating healthy items for the Acadiana Community #DonateHealthy Food Drive and for all other following food drives.

If your business or organization would like to participate as a collecting site, please contact Yvette Quantz, [email protected] or call (337) 739-3539. Boxes and signage are available for pick up.

We welcome Monica Rowand with UL Lafayette's Sustainability Office to our podcast, and WOW did she provide such valuable, insightful, and great information on how the university is helping feed the hungry. Learn about the wonderful and amazing things our local university is doing to one day become a Zero Waste campus, how they are utilizing the leftover food at football games and at the dining hall, and how they are turning food waste into compost. She also includes fun, simple, and easy small changes families can implement in their home to help the environment.

Dr. Jennifer Jackson with Keystone Nutrition was such a joy to have on our show! As you can tell, she is very passionate about helping families and kids find what works for them in order to stay happy and healthy. She recommends families to eat foods you enjoy and like, but in smaller portions; avoid sugary sodas, and avoid loading your kids' plate with too much food. Listen to our newest episode to hear what other tips she suggests for picky eaters and young children!