When 9-year-old Brayden Guillot’s eye began to swell and shift over the summer, his mom, Rejetta, knew something was wrong. One weekend in July, his right eye became noticeably swollen and shifted out of place, and he was experiencing double vision. “We took him to an eye doctor, and they found something pushing against his…
When a baby graduates from the NICU, the journey isn’t over. Life has just begun. That’s why the Neurodevelopmental Clinic, a collaboration between Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health and Woman’s Hospital, exists: to give NICU graduates the specialized care and support they need to thrive. For nearly 20 years, this clinic has been…
Once the air finally turns crisp and leaves paint our world in shades of gold and amber, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a bowl of nourishing soup. Fall produce isn’t just flavorful. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber to keep you and your family healthy. Why Seasonal Fall Produce Matters Fall…
Most women know mammograms are essential for catching breast cancer early. But fewer know these same images can also provide a surprising glimpse into your heart health. For some women, a mammogram may reveal hidden risk factors for cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death in women. What Is Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC)? A…
You can’t always control germs, stress or the weather, but you can control how well you sleep. And your immune system will thank you. Pairing good sleep habits with preventive steps, like a flu shot, gives your body the best defense this season. Why Sleep Matters for Your Health Sleep isn’t just downtime. During deep…
For many adults, weekends are prime time to get active. Whether it’s running, cycling, basketball or hiking, these short bursts of intense activity can energize your week. But they also come with a risk of injuries. Pain, strains or sprains don’t have to bench you. With the right prevention and care, you can stay active…
Halloween is all about fun, candy and costumes, but it can also be an opportunity to sneak in some healthier options and keep every child safe from food allergies. Here’s how to enjoy the spooky season without the sugar crash or allergy scares. Healthy-ish Treats That Are Still Fun Swap traditional candy for creative Halloween…
When school takes a pause for fall break, kids are ready to rest, recharge and maybe spend a little too much time on screens. But keeping your family active is easier than you think. Fall break is a golden opportunity to swap screens for movement, explore new activities and keep the whole family energized whether…
For Lyle Prejean, BSN, RN, director of emergency services for Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, nursing has always been more than a career. It’s a calling rooted in family, service and compassion. Lyle traces his journey back to his grandparents. When his grandfather had a stroke, Lyle stepped in to help. “For several…
When you meet 12-year-old Kinley Spencer of Youngsville, the first thing you notice isn’t her diagnosis. It’s her personality. “She is as funny as they come,” her mom, Megan, says. “She’s witty, artsy, outdoorsy and has a ton of personality. Volleyball, hunting, soccer — she loves it all. She’s just full of life.” That life…
What began as a mild fever and cough quickly spiraled into a life-or-death emergency for 3-year-old Landon. Within just 36 hours of being diagnosed with the flu, he was on life support. When Prairieville mom Crystal Sawyer took her son to the doctor on December 13, 2024, she expected what many parents do during flu…
When you think of a stroke, you probably picture an adult in their 60s or 70s. But for 11-year-old Cole Ditmore, it happened after an accident on a playground in Ascension Parish. Thanks to his mom’s quick instincts and the seamless response of multiple hospital teams, Cole not only survived; today, he’s thriving. The Accident…
Sometimes, how we healthcare is hospitals working together so one tiny fighter can make it home. When Magan Darby and Damion Celestine welcomed their son Zion at just 25 weeks, he weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces, small enough to fit in the palm of their hands. “That part was scary,” Magan recalls. “I…
When 16-year-old Maria Kovach from Indiana started having unexplained problems with swelling and discomfort in her mouth, her family never imagined it would lead them halfway across the country. “It ended up being salivary stones — two of them, one on each side,” her dad, Bill Kovach, explains. “One had already been removed, but we…
For most of us, a salivary gland is something we never think about — until it becomes a problem. For Rohan Walvekar, MD, it’s a passion, a specialty and a calling that has brought patients from across the country to Baton Rouge in search of relief. A fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon with Our Lady…
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,…