Each November, National COPD Awareness Month provides the opportunity to spotlight a common preventable disease that makes it difficult for people to breathe because air cannot flow into the lungs. According to the World Health Organization, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.

Evidence of a flourishing writers’ community abounds in the literary entries for Critical Mass 9, a project of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) that fosters critical artistic dialogue. The variety and daring of this year’s submissions bespeak an arts council and a literary scene open to many genres, styles and forms.

The primary benefits of meditation are immediate relaxation and a better understanding of how your body, mind and spirit work together so that you can handle stressful situations. Over time, you will gain greater peace for yourself and those around you.