Your 40s and 50s aren’t just a time to “get through.” They’re a prime opportunity to set the stage for decades of healthy, active living. Small steps now can have a big impact on your future mobility, energy and quality of life. Move More, Stay Strong Regular physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging.…
Sometimes, how we healthcare is leading with empathy so everyone knows they have a place here. Infection prevention isn’t just about policies and protocols — it’s about people. Karen Estela, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Healthy Equity program manager for our health system, who was previously an infection prevention nurse at Our Lady of the…
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that tends to peak in the summer and early fall. This year, however, pediatricians across the country are noticing an unusual rise in cases — and parents are seeing it too. Meaghan Flechas Smith, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health,…
As the longer days of summer fade and Labor Day approaches, it’s easy to feel like the year is slipping away. But here’s the truth: time is passing anyway, so why not use this moment to take control of your health? Whether you’re circling back to resolutions made in January or realizing you’re ready for…
Back-to-school season comes with early alarms, packed lunches and busy afternoons. And in the South, those after-school hours are still plenty hot. That’s why in this ParentingU ExtraCredit, April Hamilton, RN, pediatric GI and healthy weight nutrition nurse with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares one of her favorite cool-down tricks: smoothie popsicles…
At St. Dominic Health, innovation meets compassion in a specialty that’s quietly changing lives every day: interventional radiology. “It’s more than advanced technology,” says Scott McPherson, MD, interventional radiologist and co-medical director of St. Dominic Comprehensive Stroke Center. “It’s a pathway to better outcomes.” What is Interventional Radiology? “Interventional Radiology has evolved into a specialty…
It might seem harmless — no smoke, no smell — but vaping can cause serious damage, especially to young lungs. Even more troubling, its addictive nature and sweet flavors are pulling in users who might never have touched a cigarette. Vaping devices, including e-cigarettes, deliver concentrated nicotine and chemicals directly to the lungs. Katherine Templeton,…
When school’s out and structure fades, screens have a sneaky way of taking over. What starts as one episode or a five-minute scroll can stretch into hours, especially in summer, when long days, hot weather and the need to just get something done make screens feel both helpful and inevitable. Sandy Reed, MD, pediatrician with…
When the school year approaches, some parents feel the clock ticking — especially if their child isn’t yet potty trained. But when it comes to potty training, health experts agree that readiness matters more than any deadline. Look for Signs of Readiness Most children show signs of readiness between 2 and 3 years old, though…
Sun’s out, wheels out! Whether your child is rolling on training wheels or racing around the neighborhood on a scooter, summer brings plenty of opportunities to play outside. But with all that movement comes a need for smart safety habits — and maybe a little parent modeling, too. “Getting kids outside is essential for both…
If your child deals with allergies, summer doesn’t always offer relief. In fact, for many kids, summer can bring its own set of triggers — and myths. On this episode of ParentingU, Theron McCormick, MD, pediatric allergy and immunology specialist with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, breaks down what parents really need to…
A vibrant wrap. A kid-friendly design. And powerful technology that’s changing how we deliver imaging for children. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital is now home to a newly installed Siemens MAGNETOM Vida 3T MRI machine, an exciting advancement that brings faster scans, more precise images, and a more comfortable experience for young patients…
If you’re expecting a baby — or recently brought one home — you’ve likely had a moment (or several) of wondering, “Am I doing this right?” You’re not alone. “Babies don’t come with an instruction manual,” says Meaghan Flechas Smith, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. “There are so many questions,…
From skinned knees on the driveway to mosquito bites at sunset, summer brings a special kind of childhood magic — and messiness. In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Kali Broussard, pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, shares practical advice on how to handle minor summer injuries and build a…
New backpack? Check. Fresh pencils and notebooks? Check. A wellness visit with your child’s doctor? It’s the most important box you can check this back-to-school season. Before kids head into the classroom or onto the field, a visit to the pediatrician helps ensure they’re ready — physically, mentally and developmentally — for the school year…
When temperatures rise, hydration becomes a top priority for families on the go. But if your child turns up their nose at plain water, ParentingU has you covered. April Hamilton, RN, a pediatric gastrointestinal and healthy weight and nutrition nurse with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares creative ways to make hydration fun,…
Hurricane season is part of life in the Gulf South, but each year still brings new storms — and new reminders of why it’s so important to be ready. We often think of water, flashlights and canned goods when we think of storm prep. But your health matters just as much. In fact, it’s often…
Summer is made for outdoor gatherings. Picnics in the park, poolside potlucks and long afternoons grilling in the backyard. But when the sun’s blazing and the forecast is sizzling, food safety can’t be an afterthought. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity create ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply fast. And that means that the same potato…