At only 9 years old, Vaundy Clarke has overcome a variety of health challenges—including a congenital heart defect, bacterial overgrowth syndrome and problems with her immune system—to lead a healthy and active life. Clarke’s family found out about her congenital heart defect when she was born. Such defects can often be discovered at a 20-week…
“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a favorite of Ranada Johnson, MD, who has been a hospital medicine physician in our health system for…
Never burn bridges and treat people the way you want to be treated. That advice has served Kimaka Jones, RN, well throughout her 19-year nursing career with our St. Francis ministry. A registered nurse, Kimaka is the nursing supervisor for the 3rd Medical Surgical unit. “I became a nurse because I have always wanted to…
For Linda Smith, CNA, her patients are her number one priority as she oversees the telemetry unit at St. Francis Medical Center. “I ensure floor coverage, speak to patients to ensure their care is satisfactory while helping CNAs on the floor when needed,” Linda says. “I also assist with the EKGs and assist nurses and…
The inspiration for a decades-long nursing career came from family. Alice Lorraine Broadway has been a licensed practical nurse for 36 years, sharing her skills throughout the St. Francis ministry, beginning at St. Francis Medical Center. Her career includes years of service at then-St. Francis Specialty Hospital (now a long-term acute care facility within the…
Black History Month is more than an annual commemoration. “Black History Month is a story of vibrance and perseverance. It’s about acknowledging and honoring those who paved the way for us. It’s a celebration of Black excellence,” says Helen Ajala, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC. Helen saw that vibrance, perseverance and excellence alive in her…
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” The quote from the late Winston S. Churchill, renown British Prime Minister through most of the Second World War, continues to be a source of inspiration for Gilbert Fontenette, pulmonology nurse practitioner with Lourdes Physician Group. It, too, he…
Nothing is given to you. Embrace the “I can” mentality. Work hard to earn it and let your work speak for yourself. This philosophy continues to guide Julian Briggs, RN, Cardiovascular Services vice president for Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, professionally and personally. It also underscores the importance, he said, of seeing Black History…
Black History Month not only serves as a reminder, but it also symbolizes the struggles and achievements of those African American ancestors who came before, says Sherelle James, RN, senior director/assistant chief nursing officer for Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. “It allows us to take time during the year to remember the past…
Butter makes food tastier, but is it healthier than olive oil? Find out in our infographic, below. Cooking oils are an important part of cooking. They help give our food the flavor and crispy textures we all crave. But which is generally the healthiest option to use. We break down the three main types of…
Childhood growth and development can be complicated, but specialized care helps families manage any issues that may arise. Manish Raisingani, MD, pediatric endocrinologist with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares more about how he helps Louisiana kids get and stay healthy by diagnosing, treating and managing any complications What Do Pediatric Endocrinologists Do?…
When you think about February 14, you probably think of Valentine’s Day. But the date also marks another occasion—National Donor Day. Do you know the facts about organ donation? The numbers are pretty staggering. Each day, 17 people die while waiting for an organ transplant of some type. Every nine minutes, someone new is added…
It can be hard to listen to your heart if your stomach is growling too loudly. Nourishing your body well is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. Jen Bay Avis, MEd, LDN, RD, CDE, outpatient dietitian at St. Francis Medical Center, shares some heart-healthy recipes; two that will make great dinner options and…
It’s been more than 100 years since the Sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady set sail from France, but God had different plans, and they made their way to Monroe, Louisiana, on a firm mission to provide medical care in a state so beset by poverty that many simply went without. The Sisters…
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health ensures critical patients get quality care when it matters most. A child’s earliest years should be a time of joy, exploration and growth. Laughter should fill the air. But there are times when life doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes children are born with difficult medical conditions. Other times,…
Building a trusted relationship with a pediatrician is a prescription for wellness. Whether you are the parent of a newborn baby or a growing adolescent, you know how unpredictable life with a child can be. If you are trying to figure out how to manage a case of the sniffles, a sprained ankle, or an…
Hollywood has conditioned us to look for signs of a heart attack in very specific ways—like an actress clutching her chest in pain as she falls to the ground after vigorous exercise or eating a particularly indulgent meal. While a heart attack may look like that for some people, the signs and symptoms vary, especially…
Take a few moments to learn about the different ways cancer can be detected throughout your body. Early detection is valuable in getting you the care you need as soon as possible. Next time you’re speaking with your primary care provider, discuss your cancer-related concerns and if a screening may be right for you. Because…