Raising the Standard for Moms and Babies Across Louisiana
Three FMOLHS hospitals have earned Birth Ready designations from LaPQC, recognizing their commitment to exceptional care for moms and babies in Louisiana.
From the Dugout to the ICU: Coach Lou St. Amant’s Comeback Story
At 86, Coach Lou St. Amant still throws out the first pitch, still shows up for daily Mass and still inspires everyone who knows him. But just a few months ago, he suffered a stroke following a cardiac procedure which could have benched him for good. Thanks to quick action, expert care at St. Francis…
Rest Is Not a Luxury: Why Women Need Sleep to Thrive
When your days are packed with meetings, carpool duty, errands, dinner prep and maybe just a moment to catch your breath, sleep can feel like the first thing to go. But here’s the truth: rest isn’t a reward for finishing your to-do list. It’s a requirement for your health. Sleep is often overlooked in conversations…
Coming Full Circle: The Launeys’ Life of Faith, Service and Love
For Sandra and Sonny Launey, volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center is more than a weekly commitment — it’s a shared mission rooted in faith. Sandra, 82, has volunteered at Our Lady of Lourdes since 2013. Sonny, 80, joined her in 2016. Even in their different roles — Sandra as a eucharistic…
Geaux Hero: Zachary’s Journey to a Confident Smile
Zachary Dugruise has been part of the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health family since he was a baby, after being diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate. What began as a referral for specialized care turned into a long-term relationship with a multidisciplinary team that’s supported Zachary through more than a decade of…
From Fragile Beginnings to Thriving Futures: Catching Up with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s First Patients
Five years later, we catch up with three of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s first patients — stories of resilience, growth and hope.
Common Stroke Myths Debunked
Every 3 minutes and 14 seconds an adult in the U.S. dies from stroke, which is about 900,000 lives lost each year. If you or someone you know experience stroke-like symptoms, call 911 immediately. Seconds count. Rapid treatment can limit the impact and reduce recovery time. Saad Karim, MD, vascular neurologist with Our Lady of…
Saving Lives with Innovation – Esophageal Cancer Care
When facing an esophageal cancer diagnosis, patients deserve more than hope — they deserve state-of-the-art care, innovative treatments and a dedicated team ready to tackle even the most complex cases. Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, a thoracic surgeon with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute dedicated to this complex field, shares how his team combines expertise…
Measles on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Kids
Measles is a disease many thought was gone for good, but cases are climbing. Highly contagious and potentially severe, measles can spread quickly through communities, especially where vaccination rates are low. In this ParentingU ExtraCredit, Kali Broussard, MD, pediatrician and pediatric infectious diseases specialist with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, breaks down what parents…
Gonzales woman overcomes rectal cancer with fighting spirit, family support and finding care close to home
In some ways, Alison Teal wasn’t shocked when she learned she had Stage 3 rectal cancer in the summer of 2022. Both of Teal’s parents, as well as two brothers, had gone through their own bouts with various forms of the disease. Teal always had a nagging feeling she may eventually develop breast cancer, which…
Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment
When battling cancer, the importance of proper nutrition can’t be overstated. As cancer treatments take a toll on the body, adequate nutrition can help patients maintain strength, manage side effects and support overall well-being. Allison Junca, RDN, CSO, LDN, clinical dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition at Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, shares…
Geaux Hero: Kendall’s Journey from Cancer Diagnosis to Advocacy
For Kendall Stephens, Spanish Town isn’t just a parade — it’s family. The pink flamingo-filled streets, the quirky, beloved Mardi Gras parade and the tight-knit community that rallies around one another became her lifeline when she needed it most. When Kendall was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her community didn’t just cheer her on. They showed…
Revolutionizing Sepsis Care and Saving More Lives
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can escalate rapidly, making early detection and swift treatment essential. Thanks to the groundbreaking IntelliSep diagnostic tool developed at Our Lady of the Lake Health and implemented across our health system, Sepsis care is being revolutionized- and saving lives. “Through our Learning Health Sepsis Initiative and the first-ever worldwide…
Comprehensive Cancer Care in Northeast Louisiana
St. Francis Medical Center has embarked on a journey to revolutionize cancer care in Northeast Louisiana. With an investment of nearly $4 million in 2022, the medical center has renovated its Cancer Center building at 411 Calypso St., establishing a comprehensive cancer care center that promises to deliver exceptional care. Expert Care, Close to Home…
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Measles
Learn why keeping your child up-to-date with their vaccines is crucial to their health.
Skillet Pasta Made Easy: A Healthy, Hearty Weeknight Win
When life gets busy — and let’s face it, when isn’t it? — dinner can feel like one more thing to juggle. But a quick, balanced and comforting meal is possible, thanks to this one-pot skillet pasta. Inspired by family favorites and packed with better-for-you ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe from April Hamilton, RN, BSN,…
Don’t Sneeze Through Spring: Allergy Advice
Learn the differences between Spring allergies and a common cold.
Healthy Easter Treats and Crafts to Celebrate Together
Easter is a time of joy and renewal, a celebration of hope, faith and togetherness. While chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks are part of the fun, Easter doesn’t have to mean a sugar overload. With a little creativity, you can whip up healthier treats and make a festive craft to enjoy as a family. Ready…