When you live in close quarters — often the case during college days — sharing spaces with friends, classmates and neighbors means sharing germs, too. A single sniffle can spread quickly. Luckily, with some proactive habits and quick reactions to early symptoms, you can stay ahead of illness and keep thriving. Stay Up to Date…
Father’s Day weekends at False River were always about making memories for Blaise and his dad, Rory. But last summer, a day of tubing and laughter turned to tragedy when a pontoon boat struck Blaise, then 14, leaving him with severe injuries to his feet. What followed was a journey of exceptional care, resilience and…
We often think of generosity as a way to help others, a selfless act to support someone in need or to bring joy to those around us. But did you know that giving actually benefits the giver, too? Generosity can reduce stress, boost your immune system and even make you feel happier. Even the smallest…
Holiday stress? Here are 3 insights to manage it and curb your feelings of depression around the holidays
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Learn from the experts about how to understand your risk for lung cancer.
Learn about how the latest technologies are improving how lung cancer is treated.
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…
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…