Although making the decision to blend two families can be a wonderful experience, it does come with its share of obstacles. It’s not to say that blended families can’t work, but it is a delicate situation that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Forbes reported that there is a 74% failure rate for second marriages due to the stressors that many blended families face. Though every family is different, there are some basic things that every blended family can take into consideration when figuring out what works best for them. Here are tips for approaching the blended family dynamic:

•  Control your words and actions. We can’t change how others act, but we can control how we react to their words and actions. If disagreements occur with an ex, refrain from fighting or arguing in front of the children. Try getting all the adults together to have a cordial one-on-one about any issues that may exist and how everyone can come together on one page for the children. At the end of the day, the happiness and health of the children involved is a top priority. You all should make the best decisions that positively impact your family dynamic.
• Help children become comfortable with the changes in their own time and way. When mom or dad begins to date again, that alone can be a huge change for children. So, imagine what a new marriage can feel like for them. Change is hard sometimes for adults to grasp and children are no different. Among other things, they may feel a sense of loyalty to their parents. As the stepparent/bonus parent, it’s important to build a rapport with the children, but remember to let them set the pace. Parents should encourage bonding with bonus moms and dads, but they should never force these changes on the children. Give them the time they need to adjust to their new dynamics.
• Set and respect boundaries. One key thing to remember when forming a blended family is that these two families had their own way of life before taking the leap to merge with one another. There was a code and culture already in place which should be respected. Though things will change to accommodate the new family unit, some things may remain the same.
• Check your own heart and mind before committing to a blended family. Forming a blended family can be beautiful, but it is important to remember that there are children and feelings all through the fabric of the blended family. Before you commit to anything, you should make sure that you are in a mature place mentally and emotionally for the children’s sake.

Patients are assigned to a group and a specific  clinic day based on their diagnosis. Every three  months, patients assigned to the diabetes clinic attend their visit as a group—all the patients arrive at the same time for their appointments so they can connect and socialize. Patients receive care from their assigned provider individually. Each patient has their labs and diagnostics done on site. Their care team, which includes a physician and a nurse practitioner (often advanced practice nursing students under the supervision of faculty), ensures that patients get all the recommended care for diabetics. If necessary, staff refer patients to on-site specialists such as an endocrinologists or nephrologists. The center has a well-stocked charitable pharmacy to ensure their patients have access to critical medications at no cost. Patients also join in health education and information sharing sessions. Staff are trained in motivational interviewing and work to set health goals with patients.
This group appointment approach has an impact. “We have shown that our approach produces enhanced patient understanding of their conditions and improves health related behaviors,”
claims Scroggs. “We have also shown statistically significant improvement in a critical measure of diabetes control. Other outcomes related research is underway.”
Beyond creating a community inside the center, the staff works to foster connections outside as well. They have a robust volunteer program that includes nursing students and faculty from their local medical and nursing schools. Volunteers organize and participate in community wellness events, health screenings, mobile health clinics, emergency response efforts, and make it a point to collaborate with other care providers and groups in the communities they serve.
This account of group visits in action highlights the impact this type of approach has on patients and their families. Simply providing an opportunity for patients to connect and share with others in similar situations can boost the feeling of humanity in medicine and improve the overall experience of care for those who would otherwise be underserved.

In managing chronic disease,  MLK Health believes food is medicine. In 2015, they  established the MLK Garden  Learning Center as a teaching  laboratory to educate patients  on ways to eat healthier.

The most significant improvement in RA treatment has been  the discovery of biologics. Biologics target certain chemicals  or cells in the immune system which are causing damage to  joints. These medications have made remission (full control of  disease) possible and have made a great impact on improving  quality of life in RA. Physical therapy, occupational therapy,  steroid injections in the joints and weight control can also have a beneficial effect on RA. There is significant interest  about changing diet in RA to see improvement, and studies  have shown improvement with fish oil capsules along with  continued medications.  

The Center of Excellence of Arthritis and Rheumatology  (CEAR) at LSU Health Shreveport has been actively involved  in many research projects involving use of biologics in RA. We  are participating in many ongoing drug trials to discover more  biologics for treatment of this chronic and disabling disease.  Because of a lack of availability of good biologic medications in  the past, RA patients have suffered from chronic deformities  and disabilities. With the advancement of biologics treatment,  the patient has full control of their disease with almost no  irreversible damage to their joints. These are fascinating and  encouraging times for patients and rheumatologists, as this  treatment has had excellent clinical response.  

If you or a loved one is experiencing these joint symptoms,  consult with your doctor as soon as possible, and you may  request a rheumatology referral. An early referral to a  specialist is key to prevent irreversible joint damage and control the disease with prompt management. 

Sarwat Umer, MD, is an Associate Program Director of the Rheumatology Fellowship with the Center of Excellence for Arthritis and Rheumatology and a Professor of medicine and pediatrics at LSU Health Shreveport.

Dress Shoes

For the same reason  you’ll want a good suit, no matter your  profession, a pair of dress shoes is an  essential investment—even if it’s just to  add a touch of flair to date night. If you’re  limiting yourself to just one pair of dress  shoes, something simple and traditional  like an Oxford or a Loafer is a great choice.

A Hoodie

A simple athletic hoodie is  excellent not only for workouts in the brisker months of the year but also as a  refined style item. While menswear tends  to obsess over “basics,” the hoodie is a  genuinely versatile and handsome garment  that deserves a spot in your wardrobe.

A Tie

You might not use it very much, but  a handsome tie — or bow tie if you can  pull it off — is a necessity. You can opt  for the more versatile and very popular  knit tie, or you can go with something  more traditional. Unless it fits into  your personal aesthetic, avoid anything  overtly preppy or Ivy League and go for  something simple: solid colors, stripes,  or patterns that aren’t too busy.

A Quality Pair of Jeans

The timeless  look of a good pair of jeans has meant  that denim is always in style. What started  as workwear has become an indelible  element of modern menswear. While you  can go down the denim rabbit hole and fill  your closet with the finest Japanese raw  denim jeans, at the very least you should  invest in a solid pair of Levi’s. 

Boots

A quality pair of leather boots can  tie together just about any cold weather  outfit. Particularly when paired with  the aforementioned denim jeans. When  well-maintained, a pair of boots can last  you years and, depending on your style  preferences, can handle both the city  lifestyle and frequent rugged trails.

“I love creating a collection  with special and one-of-a kind pieces from all over the  world and spanning various  time periods,” she said. “For  Carolyn, the aim was to create  a space full of dimension  without losing any details  along the way. The fun thing  about this design is there were  no rules, so to speak. When  it comes to proportion and  sizes, this is the perfect mix of  different elements of design.” 

The den perfectly exudes  this design pedigree.  There are books—which  illuminates Carolyn’s  love of literature—everywhere, literally from  the floor to the ceiling.  In addition to working  with existing furniture,  Peggy helped source art  to fill out her daughter’s  exquisite art collection,  which includes the likes  of Vanicka Terhune,  Lauren Ross Simmons,  Lisa Brandeburg, Henry  Goodrich, and James  Hunter. “The den serves  multiple functions,”  states Peggy. “It’s a place  to read, or watch TV from  the sofa, or even entertain  guests. It’s a favorite spot  for the entire family.”

When it comes to the home’s furnishings, many items  were found after scouring furniture sales, antique  stores, and consignment shops. “I enjoy the art of  consignment,” admits Peggy. “All the furniture has  been collected over time—salvaged and reused or  reupholstered. The rule is—if you like it, just buy it,  because it’s going to find a place somewhere.” Michelle  Booth, of Milling Around Interiors, was also tapped  for collaboration on fabrics for upholstery and drapery  design. 

And while the den may be Peggy’s favorite room,  she does admit there is something both striking and  sentimental about the addition of the new outdoor  room. Its large brick fireplace creates a focal point,  adds a heat source, and visually links the space with  the home. The sofa and chairs create the perfect  spot for lounging around the fireplace, making this  space usable year-round. It has a lighthearted and  celebratory feel.  

“The outdoor room—with its vaulted ceiling—is full of  distinctive pieces and was built to be an entertaining  area. The longer you look, the more detail you’ll see.  Layering design elements, unique accessories and  textures were key in creating dimension and depth and  is outfitted with a mix of furniture styles.” 

In the end, Peggy was able to seamlessly blend her  design style with her daughter’s goal of creating a  welcoming haven bespoke with style and intrigue. “My  desire for this house was for visitors to know who my  husband and I are as people: our values, our influences,  our passions, and our roots. From architecture and  design, we were blessed with a dynamic team who  executed that goal seamlessly,” says Carolyn.  

Inside and out, the result is a fresh and personal mix of  styles that works well with the historic home. “I don’t  think this house is going to date out,” admits Peggy.  “The remodel is harmonious with the style.”  

Editor’s note. When Carolyn Murphy Thompson  purchased and remodeled the home in 2016, she never  dreamed she would end up selling it. However, just  like the previous homeowners—her own seasons of life  changed. In late 2022, she put the home up for sale.  Now, seven years later, the ownership of the home  is returning to the Naus family. When a member of  the family saw it was listed, they decided they would  take a peek (even though they weren’t in the market).  That quickly piqued their interest when they saw the  amazing job Carolyn and Peggy did with the remodel.  So, they bought it. And for the Naus family, the  memories and sentimentality were priceless.