Ochsner Lafayette General Nephrology Center

Happy Halloween from our Ochsner Children's teams! 🎃

Ochsner Health is proud to be the Official Medical Provider of the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee!🎉 What better way to kick things off than hosting our first Super STEM Bowl at Lake Forest Charter School?!

With the help of volunteers, Ochsner Education Outreach hosted an incredible day of Super STEM Fun, engaging with 695 students and the Lake Forest School community! From high-energy relay races where students prepped for “surgery” to exciting five-on-five flag football games led by The 18th Ward, it was a day packed with learning and laughter.

Students also interacted with NorthShore Robotics, A Louisiana STEM 501c3, to build robots 🤖, and they learned about the many sports medicine careers with hands-on activities to learn more about injury prevention and recovery. New Orleans Saints mascot Sir Saint and the Saints Cheer Krewe even joined the fun recreating big play celebrations and competing in various STEM challenges!

We are so thankful to everyone who made our first STEM Bowl a success, and we cannot wait for our next one! Check out all of our Super STEM Tour resources at https://ow.ly/lkKB50TWFBK.

The Ochsner Blood Bank has added new blood drives to the November schedule! We invite you to join us at one of these life-saving events, including a drive at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans this Saturday, Nov. 2.

As a special thank-you, all donors at our November and December drives will receive a Saints-themed T-shirt while supplies last!

To find a blood drive near you and make your appointment, please visit https://ow.ly/8u6f50TWl3B.

Eleven students from Kenner Discovery High School’s special education program and their caregivers spent an incredible day touring Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans on Oct. 18 in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The day began with an inspiring tour led by Nicole Lasserre, PhD, a pediatric psychologist at the Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development and coordinator of the Vocational Social Skills Program. Dr. Lasserre showcased Ochsner’s Supported Employment Internship Program workspace, where four interns volunteer their time. Ochsner partnered with Magnolia Community Services this year to launch the first internship cohort for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with plans to expand this initiative in the future.

The high school students then explored the Rittenberg Family Food Pantry at the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center to see how the pantry supports our cancer patients. They also engaged in a hands-on pharmacy activity with Ochsner’s Education Outreach team. They wrapped up the day with a lunch-and-learn, connecting with local organizations like Families Helping Families and Ochsner’s workforce team, where students and their caregivers got to ask questions and learn more about career opportunities at Ochsner.

The celebration was made possible by a 2023 Valero Benefit for Children Grant. This grant has been awarded to The Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development for three consecutive years to support the Vocational Social Skills Program. We would like to thank Valero for their generous support of this program, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a desire to achieve and maintain gainful employment.

There’s a lot to know when enrolling in Medicare coverage, and we understand the process can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog, we answer six common questions about Medicare Advantage plan coverage and potential benefits to help you choose the right option for you.

https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/questions-to-ask-before-choosing-your-medicare-advantage-plan

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, raising awareness about noise-induced hearing loss. Dr. Abby Tribou, an audiologist at Ochsner Medical Complex - Clearview, shares essential tips on how to keep your ears safe while cheering on your favorite team. 🏈👂

Learn how to enjoy the game while protecting your ears:

Too Many Cheers for Your Ears? Protect Your Hearing on Game Day | Ochsner Health Don't let cheering cost you your hearing.

Happy Medical Assistants Recognition Week! This week, celebrated Oct. 21-25, recognizes medical assistants for their hard work, compassion, expertise and dedication to every patient. From helping with routine check-ups to managing patient flow, their commitment ensures seamless, top-quality care for our community.

Pictured are our primary care medical assistants at Ochsner Health Center – Belle Chasse. Thank you to all our medical assistants for all you do!

Don't forget drinking plenty of water as part of your health and wellness plan! 💦 Sounds simple, but drinking water can help you achieve your goals.
https://ow.ly/pb6K50TOGRS?

Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight? | Ochsner Health Drinking enough water reduces overeating, boosts your metabolism and improves satisfaction in your diet.

We’re excited to announce that Becky Robin, Clinic Manager for Ochsner Urgent Care in the Baton Rouge region, has been awarded the 2023 Jeff Donaldson Award for LEAN Project of the Year!

This award was created by the Ochsner Urgent Care Lean Council to honor the late Jeff Donaldson, who served as the Ochsner Urgent Care service line AVP until he passed away from cancer in July 2023. Jeff was a key figure at Ochsner, dedicating himself to his team and the Lean Program, earning one of the first Green Belt certifications. His unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement still inspires us today.

Becky’s project, "Emergency Box Medications," stood out this year for its impact and innovation. Thank you, Becky, for your dedication and leadership! 💙

Pictured: Hannah West, Josh Donaldson (Jeff’s brother), Cindy Donaldson (Jeff’s mother), Becky Robin, Gerald Donaldson (Jeff’s father), Dr. Ajsa Nikolic, and Lori Noel.

Learn more about Ochsner Urgent Care services here: https://ow.ly/KVRK50TSV0x

Happy ! 🎉Today, we're shining a light on Kayleigh Taylor, a medical assistant at Ochsner Health Center - Belle Chasse.

Kayleigh's journey began in 2019 after graduating from a medical assistant program. Since then, she's been working in podiatry, primary care and family medicine. Her passion for helping others started early, and after being inspired by her love for medicine (thanks to Grey's Anatomy!), she pursued her dream to make a difference.

Kayleigh said, "The most rewarding part of my role as a medical assistant has definitely been getting to make connections with our patients and getting to play a role in helping them to a better place, whether it's helping them feel better from a cold, with their mental health, or managing their chronic conditions."

Not only is Kayleigh a dedicated MA, but she's also in nursing school, with her sights set on becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner. During the pandemic, she worked as a patient care technician and realized her calling to do even more for her patients.

Kayleigh's advice to anyone considering this career? "Believe in yourself and let your desire to help others drive you forward." She lives by that motto, always asking questions, learning and building connections with patients to help them feel better.

Thank you, Kayleigh, for all you do and the compassionate care you provide our patients and community!

Your input matters! Join us in building healthier communities by taking the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment survey. Your feedback will help shape health services and ensure they meet the needs of everyone in our community, especially the underserved.

Take the survey today: https://ow.ly/mzLr50TRbmw

You may have never heard of the mammalian dive reflex, but Heather Kindschy, a licensed clinical social worker, explains how a few simple techniques can help you feel calmer and less anxious.

Mammalian Dive Reflex: A Cool Way to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Ochsner Health Learning how to trigger the mammalian dive reflex can help you slow down your heart rate and manage intense emotions.

Join us in welcoming John Gordon, MD, a general surgeon practicing at Ochsner Baptist! Dr. Gordon has been practicing medicine since 2002, after receiving his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completing his residency in general surgery at LSU New Orleans.

Dr. Gordon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and licensed through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. In addition to his standard general surgery procedures, Dr. Gordon is also trained in robotic surgery.

In his free time, Dr. Gordon enjoys cooking, playing tennis and fishing.

To learn more about Dr. John Gordon or to schedule an appointment with him, visit https://ow.ly/SshA50TQhgq.

Ochsner Fitness Center trainer Lisa Abramson offers great advice on how to recover after a workout. 🏋️‍♀️

Workout Recovery: 6 Top Tips From a Fitness Trainer | Ochsner Health Even the best athletes need a post-workout recovery regimen. As you age, recovery needs to be longer between workouts.

While maintaining a proper diet and increasing physical activity are the foundations of good health, healthy sleep habits are also important for your overall health and well-being. Michael Darin, MD, a sleep medicine physician with Ochsner Health, shares more on sleep hygiene and why it’s important to establish healthy sleep habits 💤🛌. https://www.nolanow.com/video/2024/10/15/sleep-hygiene-healthy-sleep-habits/

Join us in welcoming Jonas Miller, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing at Ochsner Medical Complex - Clearview and Ochsner Baptist.

Dr. Miller focuses on comprehensive facial paralysis care, complex facial skin cancer reconstruction, rhinoplasty, facial trauma, surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, including facelifts and eyelid surgery, ear reconstruction and otoplasty.

Dr. Miller has dedicated his career to facial surgery. He understands how vital the face is to one’s identity, function, self-esteem and quality of life. He is driven by a pursuit of excellence and helps his patients every day.

To learn more about Dr. Jonas Miller or to book an appointment with him, visit https://ow.ly/pbx250TJH9R.

What does it mean being No. 1? Providing kids in our community with the highest quality of care – close to home.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Ochsner Children's Hospital gathered to celebrate the recent U.S. News & World Report announcement that ranked Ochsner Children’s Hospital as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana.

Ochsner Children’s Hospital ranked in three specialties: Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, and Orthopedics.

“This is a testament to the great work of Dr. Ben Peeler, Dr. Sam Lucas, Dr. Thomas Young and their dedicated pediatric cardiology and heart surgery teams,” Pediatrics System Chair at Ochsner Health William Lennarz, MD, said. “Dr. Ryan Himes, the entire GI team, as well as the pediatric transplant and surgery teams. And our orthopedic teams led by Dr. Lawrence Haber.”

With more than 100,000 patients cared for every year across 30 specialties and more than 200 pediatric physicians on staff, Ochsner Children’s is proud to lead the way in kids’ care in Louisiana and across the Gulf South – and we’re just getting started.

“The continued recognition of Ochsner Children’s Hospital as Louisiana’s No. 1 hospital for kids by U.S. News & World Report is an incredible – and rare – honor and testament to the dedication of our physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and other clinicians who provide exceptional care every day,” said Dr. Robert Hart, chief physician executive for Ochsner Health. “What a joy it is to watch great healthcare professionals achieve such great results and recognition.”

We are proud to care for the children in our community and beyond now and for many years to come. 💙

Learn more about Ochsner Children’s here: https://www.ochsner.org/services/pediatrics.

Medicare open enrollment is now through Dec. 7. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you receive traditional Medicare coverage, plus potential benefits like prescription drug coverage and lower copays. Visit Ochsner.org/MAP and see if a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you or your loved ones.

Happy Case Management Week! Our dedicated case managers play a vital role in ensuring each patient receives the highest quality support, expertly guiding them through their health journey and coordinating treatment plans. Thank you to all our case management team members for your commitment to supporting patients every step of the way!

Pictured are a few of our case management team members at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans.

Join us in welcoming Adam Hauch, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing at Ochsner Medical Complex - Clearview and the Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center at Ochsner.

Dr. Hauch has advanced expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, offering compassionate and comprehensive care for various medical, surgical and cosmetic needs.

Dr. Hauch has a special interest in aesthetic surgery, performing a full range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Additionally, he performs complex reconstruction of defects resulting from cancer, trauma or infection, including breast reconstruction and limb salvage. Dr. Hauch is dedicated to addressing the medical needs of his patients while understanding individual concerns and goals. He strives to restore both form and function and give patients an aesthetic result that erases the scars left by illness, trauma and aging.

To learn more about Dr. Adam Hauch or to book an appointment with him, visit https://ow.ly/WKQl50TJH15.

Ochsner Health and the New Orleans Saints celebrated 100 incredible cancer patients and survivors during the opening ceremony of the 'Crucial Catch' title game, where Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center is the presenting sponsor. Participants helped with the pregame flag unfurling during the national anthem.

Crucial Catch is part of the NFL’s league-wide initiative to build awareness for cancer prevention and research during October.

Learn more about the importance of cancer screenings here: ochsner.org/services/cancer-care/cancer-screenings.

Meet An’gele Grant, a 57-year-old native New Orleanian, mother of two sons and grandmother to four grandkids.

In honor of in October, the New Orleans Saints selected Ochsner patient An’gele to ring the “Gameday Bell” on Sunday, Oct. 13, before kickoff at the Saints’ home game.

In April 2021, An’gele was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 0 breast cancer at Ochsner Health. For a year after diagnosis, An’gele continued life as normal, not thinking anything of a stage 0 diagnosis. In March 2023, she went back to the doctor for a follow-up and learned her breast cancer was Stage 3 and had spread to her lymph nodes.

“The news was overwhelming,” An’gele said. “But with a great team of doctors and nurses, they walked me through what my treatment journey would look like.”

An’gele began treatment immediately, undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and 23 sessions of radiation. In February 2024, she began receiving immunotherapy, and on Aug. 29, 2024, she rang the bell declaring she was cancer-free.

“An’gele exudes joy and lifts up those around her,” Caitlin Taylor, MD, said. “It has been an honor to care for her, and we’re thrilled that she can now add breast cancer survivor to her long list of amazing qualities.”

“This journey has made me stronger in my faith, but it’s also allowed me to share with others the importance of seeking care immediately,” An’gele said. “And also having a care team that will be with you every step of your journey.”

We’re proud of you, An’gele, and honored to share this milestone moment with you!

Learn more about cancer screenings at Ochsner Health here: https://www.ochsner.org/services/cancer-care/cancer-screenings.

It’s time to roll up your sleeves for an annual flu shot!

Get your flu shot at one of our convenient drive-thru/walk-in flu fairs on Saturday, Oct. 19, throughout our regions:

📍 Ochsner Medical Center Complex – Clearview, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 Ochsner Health Center - Tchoupitoulas, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 Ochsner Health Center - Kenner, from 8 a.m.-noon
📍 St. Charles Parish Hospital, from 8 a.m.-noon

See the complete list of locations here: www.ochsner.org/flu

Appointments are preferred. Schedule an appointment for the whole family by going to My.Ochsner.org or calling 1-866-OCHSNER.

Flu Shots | Ochsner Health At Ochsner, we're committed to the health of our patients. It’s our priority to ensure access to the flu vaccine to help prevent the spread of the seasonal flu.