March marks the celebration of Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This year’s national theme, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” resonates deeply within our organization. Women play an invaluable role in shaping our success and make up the majority of our workforce.…
When Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, and his surgical team perform an operation at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, there’s a high likelihood they will do so using the latest robotic technology. “The robot allows better visualization and maneuverability in tight spaces,” said Dr. LeBlanc, a thoracic surgeon. “As the chest…
When it comes to a doctor’s appointment, one of the biggest concerns is making sure we get all the important information from them and understand what they want us to do. But what about making sure your doctor understands and hears you? There are so many things we want to say, some things we’re unsure…
Headaches, fevers and allergies – oh my! Little kids’ symptoms can sometimes feel very big, but when is it appropriate for a child to start taking the grown-up version of common medicines? Jericho Bell, MD, St. Dominic’s pediatrician, provides answers to parents’ questions about managing over-the-counter medication to ensure their children receive safe and effective…
When most people think about the symptoms of a heart attack, they often picture sudden problems like chest pain and trouble breathing. However, in many cases, a gradual progression of symptoms like fatigue and a feeling of indigestion are signs that there may be a serious cardiac problem. “It’s actually quite unusual that you hear…
In 2014, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System embarked on a journey to extend its mission to Washington Parish. What followed has been a decade of growth and unwavering commitment to serving a rural community with high-quality healthcare at Our Lady of the Angels Health.Answering the Call After being asked to help manage…
In every definition of the word, Khanh T. Ho, MD, faithfully represents altruism. Her concern for the well-being of others is shown through the care of her patients as well as the ways in which she supports her community. Board Certified in rheumatology, Dr. Ho has a passion for science and problem-solving. She earned her…
With the joy and health benefits of youth sports comes the risk of injury, but there are steps parents can take to enhance their young athlete’s safety. In this episode of ParentingU, Kyle Pontiff, MD, sports medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares his expertise when it comes to tween and teen…
The flu season often aligns with the school year, with cases declining after winter break and then flu activity typically ending after spring break. In a recent Medical Monday segment on WJDX, Robert Besinger, MD, St. Dominic’s pediatrician, shared his recommendations to prevent flu and its spread, including getting an annual flu vaccine. Get the…
Learn about the signs of colorectal cancer to better understand how it can affect you.
The older you get, the more necessary screenings are for certain health conditions. In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered recommendations for colorectal cancer screenings from 50 years old to 45 — meaning the work of prevention starts a little earlier. The reason for the age change is that data was starting to show an…
Seeing Katie Lundy perform flips in her backyard or taking tumbling classes, you might not realize she almost lost her right arm after a severe dog bite last year. The 11-year-old was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in February 2023 after a dog bit her arm…
Losing one hour of sleep can be a pain. It can also take a toll on your health if you aren’t careful. Each spring, daylight saving time means we turn our clocks forward one hour (it falls on Sunday, March 10, in 2024). We lose an hour of sleep, but we also gain an hour…
Discover just how effective at-home screenings for colorectal cancer really are.
As parents, we’ve all been there — the nerve-wracking moment when our child twists an ankle during a soccer game or develops a sudden bout of mysterious stomach pains, and of course, it always seems to happen outside of regular office hours. Panic can set in, and suddenly we’re faced with the dilemma of where…
As a health system, we are translating the vision of the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) into impactful initiatives in the communities we are privileged to serve.Tina Schaffer, M.Ed., SHRM-SCP, vice president, chief talent strategy and diversity officer, sheds light on our efforts to implement HAN’s best practices, driving meaningful change in communities and lives. “We…
In the pursuit of equitable health outcomes for all communities in America, the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) has emerged as a powerful force for change. As a network member, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System joins more than 70 leading healthcare systems nationwide in this collaborative effort dedicated to addressing the root causes of health…
Resilience is your capacity to rise above tough circumstances, and helping our kids become more resilient is an important part of the parenting journey. While children are naturally resilient, they can still be deeply affected by tragedy in the news or witnessing others’ traumatic events. A friend’s serious injury or a death in a classmate’s…