New NICU for Acadiana’s Smallest Patients

“We wanted a space where families can be here day and night, be comfortable, be next to their baby, and really feel like they are part of our care team. That is where this concept came from,” says Dr. Amy Zeringue, NICU Medical Director and neonatologist with FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s…

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A Small Taste, Big Impact: Earlier Exposure to Peanuts Reduces Allergy Risk

A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brings welcome news for parents: peanut allergies in young children are significantly declining, and it’s linked to introducing peanut products earlier in infancy. The research, published in Pediatrics, reviewed health records from nearly 125,000 children nationwide. After the AAP began recommending early peanut introduction, allergy…

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Hope for Families Facing Epilepsy

Epilepsy is far more common than many people realize, affecting one in 26 people during their lifetime.   In Louisiana, more than 55,000 children and adults live with epilepsy. For families, the challenges go beyond seizures. As pediatric neurologist Yash Shah, MD, explains, “Seizures are just the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface, children may…

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Saving Salivary Glands with Precision

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…

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What Parents Need to Know About Hand, Foot and Mouth

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,…

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Back-to-School Smoothie Hack: Freeze It, Snack It, Love It

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…

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