Picture this: A young boy just going about his days like any other kid growing up in Hammond, playing baseball, riding his four-wheeler and enjoying a healthy Minecraft obsession, when suddenly he’s hit with leg pain and limping. For 7-year-old Dominic, this was the beginning of a journey that would test his bravery and resilience…
In honor of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024, we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of several team members from across our health system. These team members come from diverse backgrounds and serve in various roles, and they are united in their passion to serve the communities we are privileged to…
Our Lady of the Lake Health is maintaining its status as Louisiana’s first healthcare institution with an official accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) in recognition of its high-quality care for rectal cancer. The hospital was first awarded the accreditation in 2019. The program was launched by the nationwide Commission on…
Remarkable stories of resilience and healing happen every day at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, but an extraordinary gift of love from an exceptional team member has changed one patient’s life forever. Earlier this year Lauren, 17, received a kidney from Lori Vaughn, RN, supervisor of sedation services at our children’s hospital.Lori’s Act…
Although Ms. Willie Mae Davis downplays her experience of having a stroke last November at her home in Bosco, her story is a testament to the importance of fast treatment and care for stroke. “When it happened, it just happened all at once,” Ms. Davis, 78, remembers. “I was coming in the house, made it…
Picture a typical Sunday morning in December. A dad is making breakfast for his daughters before his youngest’s final “Mississippi Ballet Nutcracker” performance. For Ryan McBride, 46, this normal morning routine ended with a medical emergency. Thanks to his daughters’ swift action Ryan was able to get immediate treatment and is recovering from a stroke.…
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…