Elishia Boutwell, like many longtime smokers, was struggling to quit. The now-retired Monroe teacher had been smoking for 46 years. A visit to her primary care provider at St. Francis Medical Center in 2020 changed everything — and led her down a path to helping others, as well. “He told me if I didn’t quit…
Whether you’re a young donor who’s newly eligible to give blood or a first-time donor at one of our ministry’s blood donation centers or bus, knowing what to expect can make the process easier. Donating blood is a simple process that makes a huge difference in the lives of others. What to Bring You’ll need…
Every year in the U.S., sepsis leads to more deaths than opioid overdoses, prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. It’s the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, and Louisiana health systems are struggling with the highest rates of sepsis-related deaths in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But not…
Energy drinks are everywhere these days. What was a niche drink a few decades ago has blossomed into a huge industry that rivals the soda industry on store shelves. While some parents may be OK with their child reaching for a soda now and then, it might be a good idea to think twice before…
No one likes a headache, but even kids can have them from time to time. When does a child’s headache require medical attention? Yash D. Shah, MD, a pediatric neurologist with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, offers some ParentingU Extra Credit, sharing some tips about headaches in kids. Types of Headaches Most headaches…
After an appointment with Danielle Cobb, MD FACS, you’re likely to leave with a recipe for a nutritious protein shake or recommendations for which multivitamins to try — not just an understanding of your treatment plan. She’s interested in caring for the whole patient along with the hernias or other surgery needs she specializes in.…
When a newborn needs round-the-clock specialized care to start life off on the right foot, being close to home—and mom—can make all the difference. Newborns who need it receive specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Neonatologists are pediatricians with advanced training in the care of sick and preterm newborns. When NICU Care Is…
Children with complex airway, breathing or swallowing problems can receive specialized diagnosis and treatment at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Lauren Buck, MD, returned to the Baton Rouge area after medical school in Shreveport, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) residency in Jackson, and a two-year pediatric ENT fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s. Dr.…
It can be difficult to jumpstart your healthy resolutions quickly in January. It’s still cold outside and the days continue to get dark early — making most of us uninterested in leaving the house for exercise or outdoor activities. Usually those bad eating habits from Thanksgiving and Christmas have rolled over into the new year,…
Pink may be perfect, but when it comes to our kids’ eyes, it’s a color parents would rather not see. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is common, especially among children. Hannah Chachere, MD, and Christie Duronslet, MD, pediatricians with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, share what parents need to know about this parenthood rite of…
Keeping little ones safe is a never-ending task, and it’s important to consider toy safety all year round. But with the onslaught of Christmas gifts, parents should take a look at the toys their little ones receive around the holiday. The biggest risk is choking, which can cause severe lack of oxygen, or asphyxia. We’ve…
Diapers and wipes are a no-brainer gift for new parents. But if you’re looking for pediatrician-approved presents, ParentingU’s got you covered. Grant Clinkingbeard, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health in Covington, shares his top picks for gifts for new parents. Diaper Cream Spatula Almost all new parents inevitably will have to manage…
Ota – otalaryng – otalaryng-what? When Lisa Morris, MD, and Laura Hetzler, MD, FACS, were guests on a recent ParentingU podcast episode, they helped us learn to say and know the meaning of a lot of important terms parents may hear and use when it comes to otolaryngology, or ear, nose & throat care. Dr. Morris and…
Christmas is almost here, but choosing the best, safest gifts for little ones can be a year-round challenge. Grant Clinkingbeard, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health in Covington, shares his top picks for presents to give young children. Ages 1-2: Books, Blocks and Mobility Toys Reading to children is one of the…
In November 2022, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Trauma Center was upgraded to a Level II pediatric trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, making it the first and only pediatric trauma center in the Capital Region to receive this prestigious distinction. The recognition from the ACS highlights the robust, multi-disciplinary care…
Seizures in children are scary, and parents understandably have questions and concerns. Kenneth Habetz, MD, pediatric neurologist with Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, shares what parents should know about seizures and epilepsy in this ParentingU podcast episode. Understanding Seizures A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain that correlates with some…
As a teenager, Robert Gauthier thought smoking cigarettes was the cool thing to do. A native and resident of Lafayette, Robert saw that many of his friends were smokers, so he decided to join the crowd. What he once thought harmless led to Robert smoking a pack of cigarettes per day, spending at least $40…
Years ago, the Juneau family welcomed triplets in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Francis Medical Center. “The appointment was at 11 a.m. and we walked across the street to the hospital and by 1:09 pm, Daniel was born,” says Mark Juneau. “I mean it was that quick.” Angela Juneau says she got…