You know that warm fuzzy feeling when you are grateful to others? It turns out the health benefits of gratitude go beyond just a feel-good moment. Being grateful for others and their gratitude for you can improve your emotional and physical health. From more satisfaction in your relationships to a reduced risk of stress-related illness,…
Your immune system is a powerful force—and it can defend you against cancer. The immune system can keep some cancers from forming or growing quickly by destroying cancer cells. The problem, however, is that these cells can use a variety of methods to evade or hinder your immune cells, allowing cancer to grow and spread.…
Pregnancy bring about changes to insulin sensitivity and therefore blood sugar, and for some moms that can lead to gestational diabetes. Carmen Alexis Miller, MS, RDN, LDN, outpatient dietitian at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Lafayette, shares her healthy eating during pregnancy tips, including specific details about managing gestational diabetes, in…
If you’re looking for an instant and lasting boost to your good health, better stock up on superfoods. Full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and more, superfoods supercharge your good health. They keep your heart healthy, lead to reduced risk of disease and provide the energy needed to get through the day. To…
Horace Benoit Jr. operating room case technician at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, never thought he would work for 55 years but is happy to be celebrating another milestone anniversary. In the Beginning Benoit’s first day of work was at the original Our Lady of Lourdes campus located on Saint Landry Street, where…
Some people look forward to the change of seasons, when the weather becomes crisp and cool, making for shorter days and cozy nights. Others may notice a change in their mood when the weather turns and there’s less daylight. In fact, for some people, these changes can trigger a type of mental health condition called…
When Kimberlee Corley, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Prairieville clinic manager, and her husband moved from Bossier City to south Louisiana, her plan was to stay for two years. That was 40 years ago, and she wouldn’t change a thing. Career Growth Corley started her career answering telephone calls and making patient appointments…
TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media apps, especially among young people. The app can be a great place to watch funny videos or find your next dance moves. Food and wellness influencers have also made a huge impact. Viral recipes like “TikTok pasta” created a temporary shortage of feta cheese…
Growing up with six brothers and three sisters, Pauline Breaux, RN, BSN, is no stranger to supporting and caring for others. It is no surprise that she has found joy working in healthcare for the past four decades. No Regrets Forty years ago, when her neighbor suggested she work at Our Lady of Lourdes, Breaux…
One of your first decisions as a parent—choosing your baby’s pediatrician—is also one of the most important. It’s key that you establish that relationship prior to being admitted to the hospital for your baby’s birth. Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital’s Evie Robison, RN, pregnancy nurse navigator, and Ashley Conner, RN, BSN, pediatric…
Phyllis Simmons, BSN, RN, began her journey with Our Lady of the Lake 50 years ago, but to her it feels like just yesterday. Simmons’ first day of work was at the Our Lady of the Lake downtown Baton Rouge campus, on the day after she graduated from nursing school. Her uniform included a cap…
When people ask Judy Goodwin, MLS, SBB (ASCP), how long she has worked at St. Francis Medical Center, she has to remind herself it has been 45 years. To her, it doesn’t feel like that long, but she says time flies when you love what you do. Goodwin is supervisor for the blood bank at…
When it comes to an annual mammogram, accuracy and peace of mind are key. New advanced mammogram technology is available from Our Lady of the Angels Health as part of our commitment to the fight against breast cancer. Compared to conventional mammography, the 3D mammography exams are better at finding early, treatable breast cancer and…
Mary Ann Smithhart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the director of nursing-geriatric services for St. Dominic’s Behavioral Health Services. She started her journey with St. Dominic’s in 1982, when the hospital was hiring 15 new graduates to help staff the upcoming critical care wing. Simple Beginnings Smithhart credits her parents with encouraging her to pursue…
Getting ready for the birth of a new baby can feel overwhelming, but there are things parents-to-be can do to prepare. Evie Robison, RN, pregnancy navigator at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Lafayette, shares her tips to help expecting parents plan for the big day in this ParentingU podcast episode. As…
Being there with women as they receive a breast cancer diagnosis is sacred work that Evelyn Goodrow, RN, BSN, OCN, feels called to do. At Our Lady of Lourdes Breast Center, Goodrow’s job is primarily education, helping patients make sense of and navigate their cancer treatment, connecting them to care across the continuum. She serves…
A childhood experience seeing her grandmother get hurt being pushed to the pavement led Claudia Nelson to want to pursue a career in healthcare. Nelson has been in the United States for more than 40 years and is originally from El Salvador in Central America. She is a Pipil Indian, who are descendants of Aztecs.…
Karla Espinoza has turned her passion for working with children into a fulfilling career with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. Espinoza is a nurse assistant for Health Centers in Schools in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System. She assists students and parents with an emphasis on providing care for students living…