Part of any pregnancy journey is the “orange drink test,” or a screening for gestational diabetes. This regular part of prenatal care usually happens sometime between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, but what happens if you fail and are diagnosed with gestational diabetes? Carmen Alexis Miller, MS, RDN, LDN, outpatient dietitian at…
Sharing your story, even when it’s painful or difficult, is an important step toward healing. Behavioral and mental health providers listen in ways to encourage that type of healing. Bonnie Moore, senior director of patient care for St. Dominic Hospital Behavioral Health Services, explains why listening matters within the context of her team’s work. Oftentimes…
Every Friday in Lent, Catholics follow the tradition of only eating seafood or otherwise eating meatless meals as a symbolic gesture of abstinence. But whether or not you adhere to this tradition, the practice of limiting your meat consumption—especially red meat—has many benefits. It’s good for your health to include more vegetables and other forms…
Across our health system, resident physicians are an important part of the care we provide. What is a Resident? A “resident” has graduated from medical school but is finishing their training in a graduate medical education (GME) program such as those at Our Lady of the Lake, Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, St. Francis…
After spending much of his childhood hanging around his father’s family medical practice in the small south Louisiana town of Franklin, Brent Allain Jr., MD, knew he was destined for a career in medicine. “Watching my father’s treatment of patients, as well as his community interactions, really strengthened my desire to follow a similar career…
Helping people has always come naturally for Kelly Finan, MD, MSPH, FACS, FASCRS, colon and rectal surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Colorectal Surgery, Baton Rouge Colon Rectal Associates, and Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Colorectal Surgery at Covington. Growing up in Ohio, Dr. Finan’s affinity for caring for others…
Board Certified colorectal surgeon Nathan Phillip Hite, MD, is a lifelong Louisiana resident. Well, almost. “I like to say that I was born and raised in south Louisiana,” Dr. Hite says. “Actually, I was adopted. I came to Louisiana at four months old and have been here ever since.” Becoming a Doctor Through the years,…
On paper, his credentials are impressive. Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Mo Al Efishat, MD, received his medical degree from the University of Jordan. Following that, he moved to the United States where he did his Internship, Residency and complex surgical oncology Fellowship at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He became…
In October 2023, The Advocate wrote about Rachel and Raedynn’s story, and the editorial board published this editorial about the Rise Up program. When Rachel Hernandez learned she was pregnant, she was struck by a strong combination of emotions. She was excited about becoming a mother and entering a better chapter of her life, but…
At St. Francis Primary Care Clinic in Calhoun, nurse practitioner Cynthia “Sam” Pippins has become like another member of Joy Dickey’s family. In recent years, Pippins has become a trusted medical provider for Dickey, her husband, children, other relatives and even friends. “She’s so sociable and good at what she does. She treats you like…
When Scott LeJeune started feeling fatigued, he thought he was just pushing himself too hard. The married father of five and owner of several Acadiana grocery and convenience stores had a busy schedule that always kept him on the go. When the tiredness worsened and he began experiencing shortness of breath, LeJeune knew something else…
As the days warm up, our social calendars see an increase in activity, too. And most of it is outside in the much-welcomed nicer weather. Think neighborhood barbecues, outdoor markets, music festivals, family trips and more. And while you’re planning those springtime outfits or what to pack in a day bag or picnic basket, sunscreen…
Parents play a critical role in supporting their children’s emotional and mental development, including helping them process and cope with big feelings. This school year marks the third disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and although we’re all finding new normal rhythms, our kids face unique mental health challenges. We’ve gathered some tips to help support…
It’s kind of perfect timing. National Nutrition Month falls in March, when we’re all likely starting to veer away from our New Year’s resolutions and need a good jolt of healthy to get us back in the game. It’s also a transition time in the garden, when hearty late winter vegetables like spinach, carrots, Brussels…
Our Sisters were unquestionably pioneers—women, founding a healthcare system in the deep South—proving beyond doubt that women can be exceptional leaders.Our health system’s story began more than 110 years ago when the traveled from Europe and established Louisiana as their new home. They immediately began caring for the sick and needy and, two years later,…
On February 22, 2022, 14-year-old Emily made history that had nothing to do with the repeating twos in the date. On that Tuesday, she became the first patient in Louisiana to receive a new spinal surgery treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Called the ApiFix procedure, the surgery is a less invasive, motion-preserving option for achieving spinal…
Regular exercise is great for kids of all ages, but the most important thing is to keep the experience full of joy. Kyle Pontiff, MD, sports medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, explains why and shares his advice for all parents, whether their children are serious athletes or are just getting started…
Your kidneys are two fist-sized organs that sit just underneath your ribcage on either side of your spine. They work to filter out waste and keep the water, salts and minerals in balance in your blood. Your kidneys also make hormones that regulate your blood pressure and make red blood cells. When your kidneys aren’t…