Some heroes wear capes. Others, like 13-year-old Aiden East, wear determination like armor and fight their way back from the unthinkable. Aiden’s story is one of resilience, faith and the unwavering love of family and friends — especially his younger brother, Connor, his best friend, Jackson, and his beloved dogs, Millie and Molly. A…
[et_pb_text content_tablet=”Imagine a scenario where you’ve just left the hospital after a procedure. You’re confused about the discharge instructions because the nurses didn’t check to make sure you understood everything. You weren’t able to see your usual primary care provider because there weren’t any appointments available soon enough. And you haven’t filled the necessary prescriptions…
Building good heart-healthy habits from a young age can set your kids up for a lifetime of wellness. From nutritious recipes to fun fitness activities, we’ve gathered simple and practical tips that your whole family can enjoy together. A Recipe for a Happy Heart Cooking at home is a great way to control what goes…
When the cold weather rolls in, so do a lot of germs! This year, Norovirus and RSV are on the rise, and while they can make kids (and parents!) feel crummy, don’t worry. With a little knowledge, you can keep your family safe and know when it’s time to give your pediatrician a call. Understanding…
When you think of Southern cooking, heart health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this lentil and collard green power bowl takes classic Southern ingredients and gives them a healthy twist. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and flavorful spices, it’s a dish that’s as good for your heart as…
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and what better way to do that than with a few simple crafts and a healthy snack the whole family can enjoy? Whether you’re looking for a quick activity for your kids or a nutritious snack to enjoy together, ParentingU has some ideas perfect for making…
When you’re the youngest of three competitive brothers, sports are more than a pastime — they’re a way of life. For 10-year-old Hudson Davis, sports like football and basketball are his passion, and he’s always eager to compete. But a football injury just two days before his first tackle game sidelined him unexpectedly and set…
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious but often misunderstood condition that affects the heart and lungs. Experts David Moll, MD, cardiologist, and Stephen Brierre, MD, pulmonologist and critical medicine physician, and Denzil Moraes, MD, interventional cardiologist, with Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute explore what pulmonary hypertension is, how it’s diagnosed and…
Amber Russell’s laughter and bubbly spirit light up every room she enters, but what truly defines her is her incredible resilience. Amber, 15, manages life with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD, which occurs in 1 in 7,500 people), a rare genetic condition that affects her respiratory system. Despite daily challenges, she faces each day with determination…
Concussions can be a difficult injury to diagnose on the football field. With no definitive test or scan, team physicians and trainers use a standardized assessment to evaluate a player’s memory, balance, overall neurological function and other traits while looking for concerning symptoms such as confusion, dizziness or nausea. While assessments and player safety protocols…
When it comes to heart health, prevention is key. Experts Tiffany Ardoin, MD, FACP, internal medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake and assistant professor of clinical medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center; Andrew Smith, MD, cardiologist, electrophysiologist and director of the cardio metabolic program at Louisiana Cardiology Associates; and Denzil Moraes, MD, interventional…
The fear that accompanies a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, casting a shadow over your life. The uncertainty and anxiety can be as challenging as the disease itself. Christy Haygood, MD, gynecologic oncology surgeon at St. Dominic Gynecologic Oncology Associates, understands this deeply. Her work is dedicated to transforming that fear into hope through the…
Taking care of your health — whether mental or physical — is essential to thriving in college. When you’re on your own for the first time, figuring out how to access care might feel overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think. Knowing how to navigate your school’s health resources is a key step to staying…
Avignon Dumas, LPN, has been part of the team at Our Lady of the Lake Health for more than 15 years, starting as a medical assistant and now working as a licensed practical nurse. Her career path has been a testament to the health system’s supportive culture, which values teamwork, growth and compassion. “Teamwork plays…
When Hannah Wofford, MS, joined St. Francis Health in 2022, she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching for a place that resonated with her values and passion for healthcare. As a physician practice manager overseeing five primary care clinics within St. Francis Medical Group, Hannah discovered her true purpose here, where serving…
Ryan McBride’s commitment to serving others is deeply rooted in his early life experiences and his professional journey. As the physician practice manager at St. Dominic Family Medicine – Dogwood, Ryan has always been driven by a profound desire to care for those around him. “As a child, I was always caring for the animals…
After spending years in various nursing roles, from bedside care to home health, Autumn “Sunshyne” Morris, RN, BSN, was ready for a change. In June 2022, Sunshyne joined the team at Our Lady of the Angels as an RN case manager. Her passion for nursing, combined with a deep sense of community, has helped her…
Over the past 10 years, Celeste Shelvin has grown from an entry-level position to being a key player on Our Lady of Lourdes Health patient access team. Celeste is driven by her passion for helping others and her love for connecting with people, making her current role a perfect fit. Her story exemplifies how our…