Mind + Body: January 2019
Treating Adolescent Substance Abuse: Longbranch Wellness offers the first and only outpatient program for adolescents in the Crescent City.
Longbranch Wellness, a substance abuse and addiction treatment center in Old Metairie, begins accepting adolescent patients as part of its newest initiative, the Pathways Program, this month. The outcome-focused, evidence-based program, which provides convenient, confidential and compassionate after-school care for adolescents and their families who are dealing with substance abuse, is the first and only outpatient program for adolescents in New Orleans. “This is particularly important for younger clients who not only require a specialized approach to recovery but also an uninterrupted school year,” says Chris McMahon, founder of Longbranch Healthcare.
The comprehensive, eight-week program educates adolescents to make smart choices about drinking and drugs. Licensed mental health professionals offer practices such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy/mindfulness, family involvement, adolescent brain development considerations and age-appropriate mutual aid groups.
Longbranch Wellness is part of Longbranch Healthcare, which represents a $10 million investment in addiction and substance abuse treatment in Louisiana (the largest in the state post Hurricane Katrina). Longbranch Recovery Center, also part of Longbranch Healthcare, offers 30- to 90-day inpatient treatment programs at its main campus in Abita Springs. 701 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 635-3535, longbranchhealthcare.com
Eating Well in the New Year: A local meal delivery service provides fresh, healthy and affordable meals.
Local business woman Ingrid Rinck, started the Sensible Meals program in 2014 out of Mandeville, and, within two years, was helming one of the fastest-growing and largest meal prep companies in the United States. By offering portion-controlled, tasty meals at an affordable cost (15 meals per week, starting at $80), Sensible Meals makes it easy to eat healthy. The chef-prepared meals range from chicken and sausage gumbo to chicken parmesan with veggies.
And with five meal options (sensible meal, double protein, sensible paleo, double protein paleo and lacto-ovo vegetarian), there’s an option to suit every need — whether you’re looking to lose or maintain weight. The meals are prepared weekly, and there are a number of local pickup sites (in Mandeville, Metairie, Slidell and the Westbank), or you can have the meals shipped directly to your door. While you can’t choose your meals (there is zero customization), you can try new foods that are perfectly portioned and that lead to proven weight-loss results. eatsensiblemeals.com
Maria’s Pick — App Happy: Try these smart apps for a healthy start to the New Year.
The first week of January is National Health Resolution Week, so it’s a great time to kick off the year on a positive step toward a healthier lifestyle. “These smart phone apps help by holding yourself accountable to goals, while tracking progress and getting reminders to stay on track,” says Maria Muro, publisher of New Orleans Living. “Here are a few apps that I can’t wait to try.”
Headspace
Meditation has been shown to lower stress, increase focus and improve sleep. This app offers guided meditations and is a simple way to incorporate life-changing mindfulness into your daily life. There are a number of collections from which to choose, with meditations on subjects ranging from life challenges and personal growth to physical health and falling asleep.
My Fitness Pal
If you’re like a lot of New Orleanians who are addicted to the amazing food and drink here, losing weight in the New Year may be one of your goals. This app allows you to set weight loss goals, log daily meals and nutrition, and track steps and workouts. My Fitness Pal also offers challenges to keep you moving and an online community for additional support.
ThinkUp:Positive Affirmations
This app helps you to develop a positive mindset through affirmations and gentle self-talk. Choose from the library of recommended affirmations, or create your own, and then record them in your own voice. Set a daily reminder to form a daily habit of positive thinking and self-love.