George Gershwin said it best in a song – “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” Those lyrics alone set the tone for the summer experience of the south. We long to slow the pace down and take it easy. Easier said than done. Often, we use the summer to catch up on family fun with trips to the beach, backyard pool parties and barbeques. Couples tend to use the summer months for their weddings and romantic getaways – even if those trips are within driving distance.

We also take the opportunity to schedule checkups for the kids, including those all-important dental appointments. In this issue, we tell you why good oral hygiene is so crucial to our overall health.

Another sight to see this summer is the new installation of art featured in ARTport’s Southern Dimension. If you have flight travel plans this summer, and you have time to spend before you take off – enjoy the art.

We are also celebrating minority and women owned businesses in this issue. Did you know that women account for 41% and minorities almost 37% of businesses in the United States? (According to Census.gov) Quite a few
are right here in Shreveport-Bossier. You can support these businesses by continuing to shop with them or use their services.