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…
As summer activities ramp up, it’s easy to overlook the risks of prolonged sun exposure. Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the U.S., and while the sun may feel great, its ultraviolet (UV) rays can pose serious health risks over time. Family medicine physician Danielle G. Raley, MD, with St. Francis Medical Group…
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is on the rise in Louisiana and Mississippi. This preventable illness is making a dangerous comeback. As of mid-May 2025, 170 cases have been reported in Louisiana, already more than all of 2024. Tragically, two infants have died, and many more have been hospitalized. Health officials warn that Louisiana…
When the school year winds down and summer stretches ahead, parents start looking for ways to keep their kids active and engaged. For Thiravat Choojitarom, MD, the answer is simple: bring them into the kitchen. “Summer is the perfect time to help kids build real-life skills,” Dr. Choo says. “And learning how to cook is…
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare in ways that continue to echo today—but within the walls of Our Lady of the Lake, it also revealed something more enduring: resilience. Catherine O’Neal, MD, chief academic officer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, reflects on a powerful new project, Under Pressure: A Louisiana Hospital’s COVID-19 Experience,…
When summer heats up, pools, lakes and splash pads offer families the perfect way to cool down. But they can also pose a serious risk. “Drowning is actually the number one cause of death for kids ages one to four,” says Kristen Sandoz, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health. “That’s huge. And…
At Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, the staff often feels like family – but for three dedicated nurses, that bond is truly in their blood. Ann Broussard, Labor and Delivery Nursing Director, has been with the hospital since 1981. Now, she shares her calling with her daughters: Stephanie King, a Pregnancy Navigator,…
From a high fever to a routine check-up, your child’s pediatrician is your first call. But did you know there’s a difference between a well visit and a sick visit — and how they’re billed? Here’s what to know before your next appointment, so you’re never caught off guard. What Is a Well Visit? A…
Road trip season is here, and while the memories are priceless, the meltdowns, messes and backseat battles can feel endless. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the ballpark or Grandma’s house, a little planning can go a long way. Kyle Pontiff, MD, sports medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares his…
Summer break offers teens a well-earned break from school, but with all that free time can come new challenges. Without the structure of a school day, teens may feel unmotivated, isolated or unsure of how to spend their time. Reuben Battley, MD, adolescent medicine specialist with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, encourages parents…
Summer brings cookouts, campfires and family fun, but it also brings an increased risk for burns and fire-related injuries. Knowing how to prevent burns and what to do if one happens can make all the difference. “An easy way to prevent burns is to create a kid-free zone around anything hot,” says Reuben Battley, MD,…
For children with sunken or protruding chests, the impact of chest wall deformities reaches far beyond their physical appearance. These conditions can deeply affect their confidence, making them hesitant to participate in everyday activities like swimming, sports or even wearing certain clothes. Thanks to the innovative surgical techniques at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s…
Esophageal cancer is a serious and often silent disease, but with awareness and early action, outcomes can improve. Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, a thoracic surgeon with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, recently shared his expertise on this complex and often silent disease during a recent episode of Medical Monday with Brian Haldane.What Is Esophageal Cancer? “Esophageal…
When it comes to business, most men wouldn’t dream of leaving things up to chance. You’d never coast through the year without a plan, avoid financial projections or skip your quarterly reviews. So why treat your health any differently? Rick Sanders, MD, family medicine specialist at St. Francis Medical Group, suggests men treat their health…
Measles is making a dangerous comeback — putting unvaccinated children most at risk. On a recent episode of Medical Monday with Brian Haldane, Annie Contreras, MD, pediatric infectious diseases specialist and pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares insights about the resurgence of measles — what to know, how to recognize it…