Elizabeth Guarisco, MD

Congratulations to Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints safety and co-founder of our partner Team Gleason, who was honored with the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards on July 11! The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is given to people whose contributions transcend sports, reflecting the courage, resilience and spirit exemplified by Arthur Ashe. This accolade recognizes Steve's indomitable spirit, tireless advocacy for the ALS community and his impact on the world, extending far beyond the ALS community.

Steve's remarkable journey and contributions have inspired many. His and Team Gleason's dedication to raising awareness and advocating for those battling ALS has brought hope and strength to countless people. The Ochsner Neuroscience Institute is proud to be a partner of Team Gleason. Through our partnership, we are committed to enhancing healthcare, raising awareness and contributing to shaping a future in which ALS is confronted with resilience, cutting-edge research and a united community.

Steve Gleason accepts Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPYs 'The truth is, no human is immune from fear or adversity'

Happy National Blueberry Muffin Day from the Ochsner urgent care team! 💙 We're celebrating with delicious treats and reminding you that we're here for all your urgent care needs.

With easy walk-in access and providers ready to assist anyone aged 6 months and older, Ochsner's urgent care clinics have got you covered. 🩺 Learn more about Ochsner urgent care services here: https://www.ochsner.org/services/urgent-care-services

🎉 Ochsner celebrated the opening of Ochsner 65 Plus - Marrero, located at 1963A Barataria Blvd., Marrero, on Thursday, July 11! Ochsner 65 Plus is designed exclusively for older patients and offers personalized healthcare, social support and wellness resources to care for all aspects of a person's well-being.

"Ochsner Health takes great pride in offering a comprehensive healthcare solution tailored specifically for the older adults within our community," said Mary Deynoodt, CEO of Ochsner Health West Bank. "Ochsner is dedicated to accommodating the unique needs of our community members with innovative healthcare throughout all life stages."

Thank you to those who made this opening possible, including Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee, Ochsner's board and executive team, physician leaders who helped design the programs, Ochsner 65 Plus care teams and the facilities team. And, of course, a special thank you to our patients and community members for trusting us and giving us guidance to better meet your needs.

Ochsner 65 Plus - Marrero is the sixth clinic to open, joining others in Metairie, Covington and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Pensacola, Florida; and Ridgeland, South Carolina.

Appointments to the new Ochsner 65 Plus Clinic or any other of our healthcare facilities are available online and through the MyOchsner patient portal or by calling 504-703-7587.

Learn more about Ochsner 65 Plus: https://digital.ochsner.org/65plus/

We appreciate your patience during the phone disruptions caused by impacts from Hurricane Beryl. We are pleased to share that 1-866-OCHSNER, our regular toll-free number, is functioning and can be used to reach Ochsner via telephone to schedule an appointment or be transferred to other internal locations.

You may also continue to use the free and secure MyOchsner app, which allows you to schedule appointments, request refills and message your providers. Assistance is also available via live chat.

People who suffer from lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, lumbar radiculopathy (compressed nerves), sciatica, lumbar spinal stenosis and other common back ailments can be candidates for spinal epidural injections.

Steroid Injections for Back Pain: Top Things to Know | Ochsner Health Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common medical procedures to address back pain.

To kick off Essence Festival Weekend, Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health hosted a panel discussion on July 5 featuring national experts from throughout the United States, including Ochsner national experts. The panel, which took place at the future home of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine in Benson Tower, shed light on the vital impact and necessity of diversity in medicine and the inspiring journey to becoming a physician.

Thank you to Angela Rye and Dr. Courtney Washington for moderating the event, our national and local panelists, and everyone who joined us. Together, we're shaping the future of medical education and making a positive impact on our communities!

Learn more: https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/xocom-panels-2024-essence-fest/

Did you know that what you eat can affect how you feel? 🍎🧠 Most of the serotonin, a chemical that impacts your mood, is in your gut.

Eating healthy foods like proteins and whole grains can help improve your mental well-being.

Learn more about how your diet can boost your mood:

The Brain-Gut Connection: How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Well-Being | Ochsner Health Discover how your diet impacts mental well-being through the powerful mind-gut connection. Learn about gut-brain communication and get tips for a balanced diet to support emotional health.

Here are steps you can take now to prepare for any potential storms in the Gulf this hurricane season.

8 Steps You Must Take for 2024 Hurricane Preparedness | Ochsner Health Don't wait until a hurricane is in the Gulf to start making preparations.

🚁 Celebrating 40 years of Ochsner Flight Care 🚁

Ochsner has been a leader in healthcare for the Gulf South, both on the ground and in the air. In 1954, Ochsner announced plans to build a 70-by-70-foot heliport at the rear of Ochsner Foundation Hospital, partnering with Petroleum Bell-Helicopter. This made Ochsner one of the first hospitals with its own heliport, ensuring faster emergency medical care for offshore oil rig workers.

Fast-forward to 1984, and the Ochsner Flight Care team was born. For the past 40 years, this 24/7 emergency and critical care transport service has been a lifeline for critically ill neonatal, pediatric, high-risk obstetric and adult patients.

The Flight Care team has 21 members, including Flight Care nurse Michelle Kline, RN, who has been with the team for almost nine years. Michelle said the most rewarding part of her job is helping someone during the worst moment of their life and making a difference.

When asked if a moment in her career sticks out to her, Michelle said, “Walking in a room with my partner to transport a patient in critical condition and the family saying ‘We’re so glad you are here. We knew everything would be OK when we saw you two walk in the room.’”

On average, each Flight Care team member supports a minimum of 100 patients every year. To support these patients, Michelle said the Flight Care team undergoes extensive training, including quarterly airway training, aircraft safety, and training on safely escaping from submerged aircraft situations, along with training simulations at Ochsner’s training center. Because of this rigorous, high level of training, patients can expect the best quality of care when they are with the Ochsner Flight Care team.

Join us in celebrating four decades of dedication, innovation and compassionate care. Thank you to the Ochsner Flight Care team members for all that you do for our patients and community! 🩺💙

The photo gallery includes photos throughout the history of Ochsner Flight Care and Ochsner’s original heliport.

Meet Jessica Donald, NP, an amazing urgent care nurse practitioner supervisor in the greater New Orleans area. With seven years of dedication at Ochsner, Jessie has spent the last two years leading Advanced Practice Providers in the Southshore region. �

Jessie cherishes the opportunity to care for her community, finding immense reward in helping patients and inspiring her team to deliver exceptional care.

Inspired by her family, including a police officer aunt, physician grandfather and homemaker mom, Jessie always knew she wanted to help others. Her role at Ochsner lets her do just that, while balancing life as a mom.

To Jessie, her patients are like family – moms, dads, siblings – and she strives to provide fast, efficient care so they can quickly return to their lives. Outside of work, Jessie enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, cooking, baking, painting and crafting.

Learn more about Jessica Donald, NP, here: https://ow.ly/5t0f50SshMg.

Congratulations to our Ochsner Urgent Care team members for their outstanding patient experience achievements! ✨

Jessica Donald, NP, Keidra Reese, MA, and Ebony Jack, PAR/MA, were honored at Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health - Lakeview.

Maddie Mizell, PA, was awarded a patient experience pin at Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health - Kenner for ranking in the 99th percentile among providers.

Learn more about our Ochsner urgent care services here: https://www.ochsner.org/services/urgent-care-services.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is essential to get the care you need. Ochsner Health patient Byron Marinovich realized quickly that the symptoms he was experiencing the morning of June 6, 2022, needed immediate attention. Thanks to the care provided at Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank and Plaquemines Medical Center, a local urgent care Ochsner works closely with to care for the community, Byron quickly got the care he needed.

Upon waking up, Byron said he felt nauseous, with pains in his face, arm and chest. Realizing that it was beyond a simple aspirin fix, he had a family member drive him to Plaquemines Medical Center, where they quickly diagnosed him with a heart attack. Byron said, “The staff was extremely calm and professional, stabilizing me and transporting me via Plaquemines EMS to Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank.” Once he arrived at Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank, the team, led by interventional cardiologist Richard Pearl, MD, had Byron prepped for surgery, and a stent was placed in less than an hour after arrival, saving his life.

Byron said, “I am extremely thankful for the swift and seamless care given to me by Plaquemines Medical Center, Plaquemines EMS and Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank, which saved my life. With their professionalism and aftercare, I am now living a healthy life. My story stresses the importance of not taking your health for granted.”

Learn more about Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank: https://www.ochsner.org/locations/ochsner-medical-center-west-bank-campus

Learn more about the symptoms of a heart attack: https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/9-warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack-from-your-body-a-month-before

It's easy to get dehydrated in the Gulf South, but you can take steps to stay safe and healthy. 💦
Learn more from sports medicine physician Sean Bradley, MD.
https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/what-are-the-symptoms-of-dehydration?

What Are the Top Symptoms of Dehydration? | Ochsner Health A dry or sticky mouth, fatigue and mild dizziness are just three signs of dehydration. Learn how to recognize this condition and prevent it from happening.

These refreshing infused water recipes are just what we needed! Thank you to Lauren Berry from Eat Fit Ochsner!

How to Make 6 Refreshing Infused Water Recipes | Ochsner Health As summer heats up, we need ways to cool down. Infusing your water with herbs and fruit is the perfect way to not only add flavor but also vitamins and

Spreading community love and care at Zeus' Rescues with the Ochsner Health digital marketing team 🐶🐱.

The digital marketing team recently spent a day at Zeus’ Rescues helping out some furry friends. Zeus’ Rescues is an organization committed to ending pet homelessness and euthanasia in the New Orleans area. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to paint fences and give baths to these adorable animals awaiting their forever homes. Every wagging tail put a smile on the team’s faces. Thank you to the digital marketing team who volunteered and made a positive impact!

The teams at Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health in Kenner and Metairie had a special visit from Biro! 🐾

Biro, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, has been an Ochsner security dog for 2.5 years. Keep an eye out—you might spot Biro on duty at one of Ochsner's campuses!

Our Ochsner Urgent Care clinics provide convenient, quality care for various illnesses and injuries. 🏥 To learn more Ochsner Urgent Care services, please visit: https://ow.ly/2Wn750Sl7Nw.

Did you know that metabolic syndrome is as common as the common cold? It can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Dr. Chip Lavie explains the symptoms, causes and management tips for a healthier life here: https://ow.ly/Zz6750SiUIi.

Top 3 Things to Know About Metabolic Syndrome | Ochsner Health Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Discover the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Today is Juneteenth, a day on which we remember the emancipation of enslaved people in America over 150 years ago on June 19, 1865. In honor of this significant event, our employee resource group, African Americans Building and Leading Equity (ABLE), hosted celebrations at various campuses. Pictured are team members at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank, where employees engaged with informational displays, historical games and special treats.

The Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health - River Ridge team celebrated National Donut Day with some delicious treats! 🍩

Offering extended hours and convenient walk-in service, we deliver quality care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. 🏥

Learn more about Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health - ​River Ridge here: https://www.ochsner.org/locations/urgent-care-river-ridge.

Ever wondered how beta blockers work on your heart? ❤️ Discover the benefits and safety of these common heart medications from Dr. Thanh Nguyen, an international cardiologist at Ochsner Health Center - Baptist in New Orleans.

How Do Beta-Blockers Affect Your Heart, and Are They Safe? | Ochsner Health Discover how beta-blockers affect your heart, their safety, and what you need to know about this common medication for heart conditions.

World Blood Donor Day is June 14. Did you know that blood is needed every five seconds? The only source for this blood is you – the volunteer donor. Learn the requirements to donate blood and save a life today: https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/have-you-saved-a-life-today-volunteer-to-be-a-blood-donor?cache=no.

What are the Requirements to Donate Blood in 2024 | Ochsner Health Few acts are as simple and as generous as donating blood. The only source for safe and adequate blood for patients in your community is you - the donor!

Thanks to all who came out to the second annual Hospitality Health Fair hosted by New Orleans & Company on Wednesday, June 12! Bringing health directly to the community, various Ochsner Health teams provided health screenings, education and other needed services to hospitality workers in the New Orleans region, including:

🩺 Blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and prostate cancer screenings provided by the Ochsner Corporate Wellness team
🌬️ Lung capacity screenings provided by the Ochsner Baptist pulmonary team
🚭 Ochsner Health smoking cessation services
🧠 Substance abuse education provided by Xavier University of Louisiana Health and Wellness Center in partnership with Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER)
🤰👶 No-cost universal postpartum nurse home visit information (coming soon) from Family Connects New Orleans at Ochsner Baptist in partnership with The City Of NOLA

Thank you to our dedicated team members who supported this event. Together, we're making a healthier, happier community!

Yvens Laborde, MD, chief community medical officer at Ochsner Health, was invited to be the keynote speaker at the UNITY of Greater New Orleans 32nd Annual Meeting and Luncheon at Christian Unity Baptist Church in New Orleans on June 6. The luncheon recognized those who have been working to reduce the homelessness epidemic in the New Orleans area and those who were once homeless but are now off the streets due to UNITY’s programs.

The mission of UNITY is to coordinate community partnerships to prevent, reduce and end homelessness. In 2023, Ochsner was proud to pledge $1.5 million in healthcare services for people recently housed out of homelessness, helping cover 21 monthly primary care visits over the three-year grant, as well as transportation and digital medicine enrollment. This commitment will help improve the health of people who have had to live on the streets and keep vulnerable people from falling back into homelessness once they are housed.

The luncheon was attended by over 300 people, and during his speech, Dr. Laborde said, “Deconstructing and remedying the structural causes of homelessness is a matter of social justice. We can end homelessness on a massive scale.”

Pickle juice is popular among athletes. Is it right for you?

Is Pickle Juice Good for Cramps? What a Dietitian Says | Ochsner Health Pickle juice has 20 times more sodium and eight times more potassium than your average sports drink.

Ochsner’s PRIDE employee resource group had a great time at New Orleans PrideFest and the Northshore Pride Parade in honor of ! PRIDE fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ community members, patients and employees.

The Ochsner STAR Summer Scholars Program officially kicked off on Monday, June 3, with an exciting week filled with career exploration, hands-on scientific research, community service and team building 🌟! This year’s 16 STAR Summer Scholars are rising high school seniors from 14 high schools in the New Orleans region.

Students participated in a mass casualty simulation with Ochsner emergency medicine residents, toured the Ochsner Hospital for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Elmwood and began brainstorming their community service projects after visiting and learning from our partners at The 18th Ward 🚑🏥.

The Ochsner STAR Summer Scholars Program is a rigorous, hands-on summer internship focusing on science, technology, academics and research🔬🧬. Since 2007, STAR has been engaging and inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders. Throughout the four-week program, students engage in scientific research, professional development and community service to prepare them to pursue further education and careers in science and medicine. 🎓📈To date, 78% of all STAR Alumni have successfully earned a degree in a STEM-related field.

We are so excited to see all that our 2024 STAR Summer Scholars continue to accomplish this month!
✨ To learn more about the Ochsner STAR Program, visit https://www.ochsner.org/giving/community-outreach/education-outreach/ochsner-star-program

The early symptoms of stomach cancer are like those of other conditions that are far less serious.

Seemingly benign symptoms such as frequent indigestion, heartburn and burping can often be written off as nuisance health issues. As a result, stomach cancer can sometimes be advanced by the time it’s diagnosed.

Learn more about when those nuisance issues might warrant a trip to the doctor:

Is Excessive Burping a Sign of Stomach Cancer? | Ochsner Health Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms. Sometimes, they can be vague and easy to write off. Learn when it's time to seek medical help.

OPTIMUS is a program at Ochsner Health with the mission of helping to eliminate healthcare disparities by increasing diversity in medicine 🩺. OPTIMUS stands for Ochsner’s Program to Introduce Medicine to Underrepresented Students and was founded by Dr. Tamika Webb-Detiege, a senior rheumatologist and the deputy head of admissions and enrollment for The University of Queensland Medical School – Ochsner Health.

🧠 OPTIMUS provides education on various career paths in medicine, hands-on simulations and experiments, and tips for preparing for a future medical career. Over the 2023-2024 school year, OPTIMUS hosted seven events across five schools in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish and impacted 903 students, ranging from as early as kindergarten to undergraduate students.

🤝 Additionally, OPTIMUS is proud of expanding its impact through a partnership with Puentes New Orleans and Escalera to provide bilingual programming and opportunities for students at West Jefferson High School and Bonnabel High School.

OPTIMUS and Education Outreach look forward to continuing to expand programming for the 2024-2025 school year and working towards a future made up of diverse healthcare leaders who are reflective of the communities we serve. 💬 If you are interested in bringing OPTIMUS engagements to your school, email [email protected].