Mind + Body: November 2017
Sports Education: Teachers recently hit the football field to advance STEM teaching by experiencing the finer points of the game through science and math.
As part of their continuing education, teachers took to the Saints indoor practice facility to master the geometry of route running and the trajectory of passes. This program, offered through a partnership between Sun Belt Conference, Science of Sport and the College Football Playoff Foundation, includes three total Science of Sport sessions (each with 30 teachers) taking place throughout the 2017-18 academic year. The first session, which took place in September, featured 15 lessons — all of which were tailored to meet Louisiana’s state academic standards. A session on basketballI will be conducted in March, and a baseball session will be conducted in May. Science of Sport leads each session with the goal of promoting science, technology, engineering and math to teachers.
“The College Football Playoff Foundation is helping us to provide what will be a really cool experience for teachers,” says Karl Benson, Sun Belt Commissioner. “This is going to be a lot of fun for them, but ultimately it is the students who will get the most fun out of it. Integrating sports in the classroom will get students further engaged with STEM materials and the outcome will be beneficial to their learning experience.” Email [email protected] for more information. sunbeltsports.org
Addiction Treatment: Longbranch Recovery Center is scheduled to open next month in Abita Springs.
It’s no secret that there is a tremendous need for addiction treatment in Louisiana. A new venture by New Orleans native and healthcare entrepreneur Chris McMahon, who is the CEO of Passages Hospice, will mark the largest investment in addiction treatment ever made in the history of the state. The $10 million facility is set to open in Abita Springs in December, and McMahon is assembling a team of some of the most experienced, well-respected addiction treatment specialists in the region to run it.
The facility will employ a drug-free treatment model that focuses heavily on trauma counseling, dual diagnosis and community support. McMahon has first-hand experience battling a serious opioid addiction that almost ended his life nearly two decades ago. It’s that invaluable experience that has shaped his vision and passion for Longbranch. He has made it his life’s goal to ensure that other families can see their loved ones set free from addiction.
“There is a huge need for addiction treatment in Louisiana,” McMahon says. “Many people are forced to seek treatment out of state, but now they won’t have to. Longbranch is going to set a new bar for quality treatment and caliber of accommodations in the state of Louisiana, and it will still be accessible and affordable.”
Longbranch Recovery Center is located at the site of historic Longbranch Hotel, which burned down in 1865. The main building, which is almost an exact replica of the original hotel, will feature sprawling porches, 14-foot ceilings, 32 private bedrooms, therapists’ offices and group meeting rooms. There will also be a gourmet restaurant and a yoga room in the adjacent annex; and a Japanese meditation garden, activity center and pool are located just outside.
Longbranch Recovery Center will offer 30- to 90-day inpatient treatment programs at its main campus (21516 Hwy. 36, Abita Springs), and outpatient treatment will be available at a separate facility in Old Metairie at Longbranch Wellness. longbranchhealthcare.com
Maria’s Pick — Smart Sustenance: November is World Vegan Month!
In celebration of World Vegan Month, New Orleans Living introduces you to Veestro — a new plant-based meal delivery service. “Whether you embrace veganism whole heartedly, or even if you’re curious about trying it, this is a great way to have healthy meals that can be ready in a snap,” says Maria Muro, publisher of New Orleans Living. “Sometimes I get so busy that taking the time to make a healthy meal from scratch can be overwhelming. This service makes things really easy.”
Veestro delivers all-natural, preservative-free entrees directly to your door, so there’s no need to shop, chop, cook or clean. Some of the options include a breakfast burrito; soba noodles in peanut sauce; and a Tuscan calzone. You can choose from a la carte meals ($10 per meal), meal packs ($8 per meal), juice cleanses (starting at $6 per juice) and more. veestro.com