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…
As the weather warms and baseball families head back to the diamond, young athletes–especially pitchers–are at risk of injuring their throwing elbow. Physical therapist Stephanie Wilks, PT, DPT, OCS, catches us up on Little League Elbow, what coaches and parents of young athletes can do to prevent this type of injury, and what the treatment…
Take a few moments to find out how much you know about colon cancer and how it affect people.
The season of Lent is a journey within the Christian calendar, the 40 days plus six Sundays leading up to Easter. That liturgical season is primarily focused on the process of spiritual growth, movement from one state of being to another, movement from one point of view to another or, perhaps, from one interpretation of…
We designed the new Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital from the ground up with kids and families in mind so we can provide them exceptional care that caters to their unique needs. For Little Bodies and Minds The interior design of the hospital is kid-focused, connecting both Louisiana’s natural beauty and the proud…
The COVID-19 outbreak hasn’t been easy, but our teams across Louisiana have pressed on with resilience. No one expected a worldwide pandemic when 2020 began, but the past years have proven to be unique. “The rug was pulled out from under us,” says Carrie Templeton, vice president of women’s and children’s services at Our Lady…
A six-year-old ball of energy, Ali’s light shines wherever he goes. Ali gets a little extra support for his development at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Children’s Developmental Center at McMains. Ali and his twin, Jax, were born prematurely. Sadly, Jax passed away, and Ali has some developmental delays but is thriving with…
Thousands of children die annually from preventable causes. Learn what you can do to keep your child safe. Children are curious and full of energy—and love exploring the world around them. However, sometimes harmless exploration and play result in serious injury. Pediatric trauma and preventable injuries are the leading cause of death for children age…
We believe we can change the future of Louisiana through coordinated care among parents, providers and kids. The United States is facing a major public health crisis—an epidemic of obesity among children and teenagers. In Louisiana, the problem is especially serious, as the state is sixth in the country for childhood obesity. One in seven children…
Learn what’s normal and what’s not with your adolescent’s mood swings. From the preteen beginnings of puberty to high school acting out, most adolescents experience wild mood swings as their bodies grow and change. “Irritability is normal in teens, especially as they’re growing and maturing,” says Reuben Battley, MD, an adolescent medicine specialist at Our Lady…
Although a Pap smear is no one’s idea of a good time, women who make it part of their annual routine can keep themselves healthier longer, and cervical cancer can be detected before it spreads. After not having a well woman exam for 10 years, Anita Ewing made an appointment with May S. Thomassee, MD,…
Ear, nose and throat specialists can help your child with everything from ear infections to snoring. You’ve more than likely taken your child to the doctor at least once for an ear infection. In fact, ear infections are so common that they rank as the number one reason parents make pediatric appointments. Other ear, nose…
Antibiotics are a powerful tool for fighting infection in adults and children, but thinking you or your child needs an antibiotic to knock out every infection isn’t only unwise, it can be bad for your health. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, for example. So, they’re ineffective when it comes to the flu, the common cold,…