Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro. You’ve probably heard these words in the news a lot lately. They are the names of what many consider a “wonder drug” for weight loss. Developed to treat diabetes and obesity, these drugs have also become a not-so-secret remedy for everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbor to trim excess weight. Obesity…
A former collegiate and semi-professional soccer player, Nicholas (Nick) LeBlanc, MD, always had an appreciation for the impressive capabilities of the human body. “Early on, I knew I wanted to devote myself to learning about it and using that knowledge to help people,” he says. Dr. LeBlanc earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from…
From toddlerhood to teenagers, sleep is a constant worry for parents. Are they sleeping too little? Too much? In the quest for bedtime tranquility, melatonin may be seen as an easy fix. But what do parents really need to know about the increasingly prevalent sleep aid? You have questions, and we have answers. Jessica…
Sierra Daniel started her career on the LSU Softball team with a trip to the hospital to treat a rare heart condition. That’s not how any student athlete wants to begin their first season. But for Sierra, it was a quick fix that got her back in the infield in no time thanks to the…
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that affects the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, and may cause difficulty swallowing, chronic cough and other issues. While it may sound intimidating, understanding this condition is crucial for those who may be at risk. What is Barrett’s Esophagus? Barrett’s esophagus is…
For more than two years, Natalie Sims, RN, has been an essential part of the inpatient surgical services team at St. Francis Medical Center, where she provides compassionate care to patients during their recovery journey. discovering St. Francis Health From her days as a nursing student to her current role, Natalie reflects on her nursing…
For Darlene Lovas, RN, BSN, volunteering at the St. Bernadette Community Clinic is a calling and an extension of her professional nursing career. The clinic, an outreach ministry supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation, serves underinsured people and those experiencing homelessness by providing non-emergency medical and dental care services. Darlene’s dedication and commitment to…
Getting back to the basics of healthcare is all about focusing on the doctor-patient relationship — that precious time providers have to spend with their patients discussing what truly matters most to them. “As providers, we’re all concerned with how to make the time you have with your patients the most meaningful,” says Theron McCormick,…
Embarking on the journey of puberty with your daughter can be daunting, but armed with knowledge and support, you can guide her through this significant transition with confidence and compassion. In this podcast episode of ParentingU, Karli M. Boggs, MD, Board Certified gynecologist with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, joins us to explore…
Physical changes during puberty for boys may be less visible than for girls, but the developmental process from childhood to adolescence and on to adulthood is equally significant. Brett Hutchinson, MD, Board Certified pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, joins us in this episode of ParentingU to provide insight into how parents…
Learn about the signs of colorectal cancer to better understand how it can affect you.
Many of us often wonder how we might react in an emergency: Would we panic or freeze up, unable to make a move? Or would we rush in to help where needed? Cody Ford, MD, an intensivist in critical care at Our Lady of the Lake Health, falls into the latter group — but that’s…
Two of our ministries were recognized for their efforts creating a culture of belonging and investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. St. Dominic Hospital Recognized for DEI Efforts Mississippi Healthcare Executives, the state chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, honored St. Dominic Hospital with its Diversity Equity & Inclusion Organizational Award…
Since joining our ministry as director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in November 2022, Asha Johnson has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of inclusivity and access within our health system. Her dedication extends beyond her professional commitment and is deeply personal. Johnson’s commitment to workforce development and DEI is a fusion of her professional…
To ensure we always meet the needs of the communities we serve, each hospital in our health system conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Assessing community health needs and developing appropriate plans to address them is essential to improving and sustaining the health of our communities. These CHNAs allow us to understand each individual…
Our health system has added Health Equity as a strategic growth imperative. This foundational pillar is central as we work to ensure all our patients are treated the same and all in the communities we are privileged to serve have access to care.Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be…
At Our Lady of the Lake Health, efforts to promote efficient and inclusive care continue to be elevated through our nurse-led Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council. The council began in 1990 as a board committee and was reestablished in 2016.Creating a culture of belonging is not just a choice; it’s a priority for us and…
As part of our health system’s commitment to an inclusive and engaged workplace, our voluntary, team member-led CommUNITY groups foster diversity and unity. The first to be established is our Veterans CommUNITY group, dedicated to providing a supportive environment for team members who have served or are serving in the military. Christopher Trevino, MD, vice…