Flu season in New Orleans is in full effect at the moment, and many people are falling prey to it. As a precaution, it’s always a good idea to get a flu shot when flu season begins. However, you can still catch the flu after getting the shot (although your chances become much slimmer and the illness is generally reduced) and some people may forego getting vaccinated. The trick to navigating your way through the flu if unfortunate enough to catch it is minimizing your symptoms and making sure it passes as quickly as possible.
Again, the best way to avoid catching the flu in the first place is to get vaccinated early! Flu shots are fairly cheap and can be given in most drug stores. This will drastically reduce your chances of catching the flu and can help to guard against the more nasty strains of the virus that can change from year to year. Put it on your to-do list once flu season is in effect to help avoid a bout with the flu that can leave you feeling miserable!
If you have recently contracted the flu, a few rules of thumb that are old standbys can go a long way in making sure that you get over it quickly:
One of the big stresses of moving to New Orleans, and a priority of moving anywhere, is finding the right way to move your pet. There are many different options and ways you can go about helping your pet make the transition to your new place, depending on the type of animal you have.
One of the best ways to ensure a safe and easy move for your pet is to hire a pet transport service. While this may not be ideal if you’re moving on a shoe-string budget, the little bit of extra money can go a long way in offering you peace of mind. However, there are a few things you should look for and ask about when choosing the right transport for your pet.
If the transport service’s trip is scheduled to take more than one day, make sure that hotel rest stops are part of their agenda. While some pet transport services may choose to save money by simply pulling the vehicle over at night and having the driver and pet sleep in the vehicle, this is not ideal. A hotel rest stop ensures that the driver is well-rested and will be operating the vehicle safely, after a good night’s sleep! It should also be a priority for any hotel rest stops to include hotels that are pet-friendly so that your pet isn’t left in a vehicle over night. This way, your pet will be able to stretch and sleep comfortably, and won’t be left out in the heat or cold of a vehicle!
Many quality transport services can offer you the option of transporting your pets exclusively in their vehicle. Whether you have multiple pets or only one pet, this should be an option that is available to you when asking around. Making sure that your pet isn’t transported with other animals can help to decrease the stress levels of your pet during an experience that can already be a little frightening for them.
Also, while a quality transport service will require proof of vaccination, making sure that your pet is the only one being transported ensures that your furry friend won’t be exposed to other animals who could carry disease. You can also rest easy knowing that your pet won’t be exposed to any other potentially aggressive animals. Even if another animal hasn’t shown signs of aggression, moving can be a trying experience for pets and can change their behavior. Don’t risk exposing your dog or cat to any other stresses or dangers! Make sure that they can be transported by themselves!
Both dogs and cats need time to stretch and use the bathroom, with dogs needing the added attention of a walk. Find out what the pet transport service’s plan is for this and how often you can expect them to stop to let your pet stretch and use the bathroom. If you have an animal with special needs, it’s imperative that you let them know what these needs are to ensure they can be accommodated.
Make the move a safe and happy one for you and your pet! Do a little homework beforehand, and you’ll find that moving day can be much easier for both of you.
Jefferson Beautification Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary of Parkway Promenade early this fall and honored 1st Lake Properties for 20 years of service and sponsorship.
Jefferson Beautification, Inc. (JBI) is a non-profit organization formed in 1990 to provide funding for, and promote through education and public awareness, beautification projects on public green spaces in Jefferson Parish. JBI has completed community beautification projects totaling over $1,600,000. These projects are completed in cooperation with government entities, businesses, individuals, civic groups, garden clubs, schools and other non-profit organizations. There have been over 2000 volunteers involved in these projects.
1st Lake Properties Inc. has been a steady contributor to JBI projects especially in areas such as Kenner, Metairie, and River Ridge as these areas are also home to majority of the total 65 apartment locations they offer. 1st Lake Properties plans to continue to help make “Jefferson Parish more beautiful.”
For more information about this organization and projects, visit www.JeffersonBeautification.org.
1st Lake Properties was recently honored as one of New Orleans City Business’ Best Places to work!
To determine which companies would receive this award, City Business used a scoring system which was based on benefits provided by the nominated Employer including salary, health care, paid time off and average length of employment. Also, employees of the nominated companies were asked to be surveyed in order for City Business to gauge the “workplace culture” for the final cut.
Companies included in the top 50 Best Places to Work, 15 in the small company category and 35 in the large, also received accolades for “going above and beyond company benefits” to offer other “intangible perks, such as team-building and morale-boosting programs, receptive executives and fun office activities.”
1st Lake Properties was a newcomer to this honor, along with 13 other companies, with only one company, Zehnder, making the list every year since 2003. Upon making the New Orleans City Business Best Places to Work list, three interviews were scheduled with 1st Lake team members. All spoke about the opportunity for growth, education, and teamwork within the 1st Lake Properties corporate culture. Of the 330 employees, nearly 10% have been with the company over 15 years with the average length of employment at 12 years.
“1st Lake Properties take pride in landscaping the property and updating exteriors and interiors.” said one 1st Lake Properties General Manager. That is really reflective of the whole operation. People have come together at 1st Lake Properties to successfully run an apartment community…not just for the owners, but for the customers.”
The full list of winners will be released in the New Orleans City Business December 16, 2011 issue, along with photographs and company bios.
Fresh Start In The New Year
With the beginning of yet another new year, it’s a great time to get a fresh start. After the holiday hustle and bustle, the New Year is a fabulous time to organize your life and home so that you set yourself up for a year of happiness, health, and success! Once the new year hits, think about looking at these areas of your life that tend to collect clutter so that you can start the new year off right.
1. Get rid of clothes that you no longer like or wear.
Go through your closets and drawers, and pull out any items that you no longer wear or no longer like. Toss any clothes that are stained or damaged. Then pack what is left to donate to Goodwill in Kenner or drop off at one of the many consignment shops located in Metairie – who knows, you may even make a few bucks from your unwanted items! There are many Goodwill stores throughout Metairie and Kenner.
2. Clean out your car.
If you are one of the many people whose car tends to collect things, take some time to clean it out. Toss the garbage, take unnecessary items out and put them in their proper places, and give it a good vacuuming and a wash at several Car Washes located off Veterans Highway.
3. Switch up your workout routine.
If you do the same old workout day after day (or don’t workout at all), it’s time for a change. Try something new that sounds like fun – yoga class? aqua aerobics? kettle balls? Zumba? 1st Lake Properties offers many workout facilities on site at their apartment communities. Several properties have walking tracks around the apartment community. Almost all of the apartment communities have a pool so you could think about swimming. This will work new muscles and you might just find a new activity that you enjoy
4. Reevaluate the relationships in your life.
This is something that often takes a back-burner to life’s other to-dos. The New Year is a great time to think about the relationships in your life and if they support and uplift you, or if they deplete you. If things seem off-track with your significant other, your parent, or a friend, this is a great time to seek a solution. Or, if there is someone in your life that drains you, maybe it’s time to let that friendship go.
5. Clean out your cupboards and fridge.
Just like your closet and dresser, your kitchen needs some love and attention too. Go through your fridge, cupboards, and pantry. Toss any expired items, donate canned goods at Second Harvest Food Bank that you know you won’t use, and make room for loads of fresh, healthy items that will keep you satisfied and healthy.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
