Three Ways to Manage Stress During the Holidays
Holiday stress? Here are 3 insights to manage it and curb your feelings of depression around the holidays
Keeping Kids Safe During the Holidays: Tips to Avoid Breaks, Sprains and Other Injuries
The holiday season is a time for fun, family and plenty of outdoor activities. But with all the excitement — whether kids riding four-wheelers, jumping on trampolines or racing down slides — comes the risk of injuries like sprains, breaks and bruises. In this ParentingU ExtraCredit, James Gutheil, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Our…
Facing Breast Cancer with Humor, Hope & Personalized Care
This year has been unlike any other for Sasha Fogle. Fogle, 43, had always taken her routine mammograms seriously, particularly since her mother had breast cancer. When she went for her annual screening this past February, doctors noticed something unusual. A repeat mammogram and a biopsy in March confirmed Fogle’s own breast cancer diagnosis. In…
Supporting Children Through Grief
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and it’s one many children must face. The impact of childhood grief in our region is staggering. In Mississippi, 1 in 8 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before turning 18. In Louisiana, the number is nearly as high, with 1 in 9 children facing…
This or That: Tailgate Edition — Hydration Tips for Game Day
Nothing beats the excitement of game day. Tailgating is a year-round way of life in the South, but with hours spent under the sun and a drink or two in hand, staying hydrated is key to keeping your energy up and avoiding game-day burnout. Here are some tips on how to balance your beverages, stay…
A Comprehensive Approach to Navigating Lung Cancer
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., making early detection crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates. The most effective strategy for combating lung cancer starts with prevention — primarily through avoiding smoking or quitting if you are a smoker. Our health system is at the forefront of diagnosing…
Honoring Heritage: Stories from Native American Team Members
This Native American Heritage Month, we’re proud to feature stories from three dedicated team members. Each shares their unique perspectives on the importance of heritage, the influence of family and traditions, and the ongoing challenges Native Americans face today.Kaitlan Louviere, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana Kaitlan Louviere is a member of the Chitimacha Tribe of…
Geaux Hero: Maverick’s Exceptionally Specialized Pediatric Care
When Amelia and Casey Green welcomed their son Maverick to the world in January 2022, they were ready to bring home a healthy baby boy. But his arrival marked the beginning of a complex health journey they never anticipated. During Amelia’s pregnancy, doctors had noticed an issue with Maverick’s kidney draining slowly, but it wasn’t…
Studying the Health of Student-Athletes to Improve the Health of All
How does the physical and mental health of LSU student-athletes evolve when their playing careers are over? And how could that information benefit the health of not only current and former student-athletes but the larger population as well? Those are the questions being asked by researchers from Our Lady of the Lake Health, LSU, LSU…
Families Treating Families: Mother-Daughter Duo Caring for Baton Rouge’s Children
For Michelle Flechas, MD, and her daughter, Meaghan Smith, MD, medicine is more than a profession – it’s a family tradition. Practicing medicine together at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatrics at Perkins, this mother-daughter duo is building relationships that span generations. Dr. Smith joined the practice in September 2024, and she is…
How a CT Scan Saved Henry Chase from Lung Cancer
Henry Chase was used to joining his wife, Judith, who has emphysema, for checkups with her pulmonologist, James L. Vermaelen, MD. As they were leaving one of those checkups in October 2023, Henry asked Dr. Vermaelen a question that had been weighing on his mind. “I told him I get an annual physical, and things…
Assessing Your Risk for Lung Cancer
Learn from the experts about how to understand your risk for lung cancer.
Advanced Lung Cancer Technology Saves Lives
Learn about how the latest technologies are improving how lung cancer is treated.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable: Why Pregnant Moms and High-Risk Groups Need the RSV Vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is more than just a common respiratory infection. For certain populations — infants, expecting moms, the elderly and others with compromised immune systems — RSV can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization or even death. Fortunately, recent advancements in RSV vaccination offer a powerful line of defense, particularly for pregnant mothers…
Edward Cole
St. Dominic’s Cancer Center courier Edward Cole is known affectionately as “Mr. Mighty Fine” among his family, friends and colleagues because his answer to the question “How are you?” is always, “Mighty fine.” His journey with St. Dominic’s began when he was a college student at Jackson State University. Edward admits he was only attending…
50 Years of Healing Hearts: Celebrating Lasting Impact on Mississippi
For five decades, the people of central Mississippi have entrusted their hearts to St. Dominic Hospital and the Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute (MHVI). This milestone is not only a celebration of 50 years of groundbreaking care but also a testament to the powerful partnership with Jackson Heart Clinic’s renowned cardiologists and surgeons. Together, they…
Ramona Parker, LPN
Licensed practical nurse Ramona Parker’s journey with Our Lady of Lourdes Health began when she was still in high school. Enrolled in a career center class, she worked at Our Lady of Lourdes part time, and it didn’t take long for her to know she had found her calling. “In my senior year of high…
Stella Lasalle
For 45 years, Stella Lasalle has been a cherished part of Our Lady of Lourdes. Across her career she has witnessed the evolution of the hospital and the lives of those she has touched. Starting her journey at just 17 years old, Stella’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her…