Ochsner Magazine Summer 2015

chsner summer 2 015

your guide to health and wellness

INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

International patients like Limor Eisner Rozenberg travel great distances to receive their care at Ochsner

Inside: The unsinkable Laura Claverie (page 10). An Ochsner heart surgeon’s amazing breakthrough (page 12).

“Miraculous” cancer survivor gives back (page 15). Walk (and run!) this way (page 16).

> complimentary issue <

Welcome

Donate Blood Today! ➜ It

DEAR FRIENDS, Last year, Limor Eisner Rozenberg traveled nearly 7,000 miles from her home in Israel to receive lifesaving medical treatment at Ochsner. With her husband as support, she left her children and extended family behind to focus on her treatment plan while our phy-

is estimated that every three seconds, someone needs blood for surgeries, transplants and much more. Ochsner Blood Bank, which has been serving Gulf South communities for nearly 40 years, needs your help in replacing this precious gift of life.

Volunteers’ donations help Ochsner maintain its blood supply for patients in need. Giving blood is quick, safe and easy—it only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to help save a life. Donors may come to convenient locations throughout the Ochsner Health System. There are also opportunities to sponsor blood drives for your community.

For more information, visit www.ochsner.org/bloodbank.

sicians and caregivers focused on getting her well. We are proud of the national and international recognition we receive that encourages patients like Limor to put their trust in us and come halfway around the world for their care. We are primarily grateful that Limor chose our expert team and that she will return to her family healthier, stronger and happier.

Limor is just one patient among many who cross international borders for treatment by our world-class physicians. Whether you need care for the common or the complex—and live across town, across the country or across the world—we want to make it easy for you to receive the very best care when and where you need it.

Should you need us today, a medical specialist will see you at one our clinics or hospitals, through our telemedicine program, or at one of our partner locations.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Ochsner and, as always, we welcome your feedback. Feel free to email us at magazine@ochsner.org.

www.ochsner.org

Warner L. Thomas President & Chief Executive Officer Ochsner Health System

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! please send comments to magazine@ochsner.org.

Copyright © 2015 by Ochsner Health System. Ochsner is published five times a year as a community service and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Produced by DCP.

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Cover: Daymon Gardner

The Scoop

A

s the weather warms up and you get active outdoors, perspi-

Refreshing Summertime Treats

tion, which is nothing to take lightly.

Dehydration can affect your mental function, your heart rate and blood pressure, and—if severe—can be life threatening.

To stay hydrated, women should drink about nine cups of fluids daily, and men should consume about 13 cups. You should drink more if the weather is hot or if you are exercising. Also, keep in mind that pregnant women, people who have diabetes, and those who have a health condition that causes vomiting or diarrhea need to make an extra effort to stay hydrated.

If you overdo it in the heat and develop a dry or sticky mouth, lethargy, or irritability, begin sipping water or sucking on ice cubes. Other fluids like orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, sports drinks with electrolytes, and decaffeinated tea or coffee can also help. If you or a loved one becomes dizzy, weak or

Hydration 101

ration can set the stage for dehydra-

confused—or develops a fever over 102 degrees or dark urine with little urination—seek medical attention.

Molly Kimball, a registered dietitian with Elmwood Fitness Center, recommends these healthy snacks and sips to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

1. DIY FREEZER POPS. Look for zip-top freezer pop–style baggies that you can fill with pureed fruit or your beverage of choice, freeze, and take on the go.

2. SQUEEZABLE FRUIT POUCHES. Brands such as GoGo squeeZ contain 100 percent real fruit with no added sugar in a convenient pouch for sipping, squeezing and enjoying.

3. ELECTROLYTE TABLETS AND PACKETS. Turn water into a sports drink by adding electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

4. ELECTROLYTE SMOOTHIE. Blend 12 ounces of coconut water with one cup of fresh or frozen berries and ice for an all-natural electrolyte drink.

5. FROZEN FRUIT KEBABS. Make your own fruit kebabs by threading your favorite fruits onto skewers and then freezing for a summertime treat that’s sure to please.

FREE Cookbook! ➜ Don’t

miss this special offer for a collection of recipes that not only taste great, they’re great for you! To learn more, visit www.ochsner.org/magazine. Quantities are limited. summer 2015

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The Scoop

SAFE IN THE SUN

➜ The era of the “healthy suntan” is certainly behind us. But with so many sunscreens on the market, which should you choose?

Experts advise using one with broadspectrum protection that shields against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Check the ingredient label for these power players:

UVA ABSORBERS

• padimate O

• avobenzone

• trolamine salicylate

• ecamsule (Mexoryl SX)

UVA AND UVB

• meradimate

ABSORBERS • dioxybenzone

UVB ABSORBERS

• oxybenzone

• para-aminobenzoic

• sulisobenzone

acid (PABA) • cinoxate

UVA AND UVB

• ensulizole

PHYSICAL

• homosalate

SUNSCREENS

• octocrylene

• titanium dioxide

• octinoxate

• zinc oxide

• octisalate

For best protection, choose a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.

Ochsner dermatologist Lauren Eckert Ploch, MD, especially likes EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47, Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby SPF 60, and Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin SPF 30.

People who have sensitive skin—including young children and those prone to acne, allergic reactions, and rosacea—should avoid products containing PABA or oxybenzone.

And people with decreased mobility, who might have a tough time applying sunscreen on hard-to-reach spots, may want to choose a spray-on sunscreen.

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Vanity Fare When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Are old medications and other products piling up? Take the time to dispose of them, and give yourself a fresh start.

Toss old cosmetics. Eye makeup is especially prone to microbes, which can cause eye infections, so discard mascara two to four months after purchase. If you get an eye infection, discard

Water Wise

all of your eye products. Also keep in mind that “all-natural” products that don’t contain preservatives have a short shelf life.

As the weather warms, families naturally head to the pool or beach. But it’s important

Ditch unused and expired prescription drugs.

to keep water safety in mind, especially for the younger set. A baby or toddler can

It’s best to take them to a medication drop-off

drown in less than an inch of water within just 30 seconds. In fact, drowning is the

location. Your pharmacy, city hall or state health

fifth-leading cause of death from unintentional injury.

department can advise you of the closest drop-off spot. If there isn’t one near you, follow the dispos-

TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE DURING WATER PLAY, FOLLOW THESE TIPS:

al instructions that came with the medicine. Or

• Take care with infants. Never put a baby less than 6 months old under the water.

mix the medicine with something like kitty litter or

• Talk to your doctor about whether your child might benefit from swimming

used coffee grounds, which will make it unappeal-

lessons. Parents who don’t know how to swim should take lessons, too.

• Keep an eye on children. Don’t let kids—even expert swimmers—swim without adult supervision. Preschool children need “touch supervision,” which means

ing to anyone who finds it, and place the mixture in a plastic bag before putting it in the trash. Do not crush tablets or capsules.

that the adult must be close enough to reach out and touch the child.

• If you have a pool, install a compliant anti-entrapment device in the drain.

A pool drain’s suction can be strong, pulling even an adult underwater.

• In natural water settings, keep an eye out for dangerous waves or currents.

• Learn CPR. The sooner CPR is performed, the better the outcome.

Leah Douglas, MD, a pediatrician with Ochsner Health System, cautions parents to be aware of secondary or “dry” drowning, which can occur hours after a child struggles in the water. If water enters the lungs, it can ultimately hinder breathing and even lead to brain damage and death. After a near drowning or roughhousing in the water, Dr. Douglas suggests that parents keep an eye out for breathing problems, chest pain or coughing. If you sense trouble, take your child to the emergency room.

summer 2015

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World-Class Care

Destination Ochsner Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder patients like Limor Eisner Rozenberg travel great distances to receive care at Ochsner.

With its many Centers of Excellence and world-class physicians, Ochsner is the facility of choice for patients from all 50 states and 90 countries.

E

ver since its founding in 1942, Ochsner has been the healthcare facility of choice for patients

throughout the United States and around the world.

They travel to Ochsner for the expertise of the health systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than 900 physicians who practice in some 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. Patients choose Ochsner because it offers the latest technology and treatments; conducts cutting-edge clinical research; and features an interdisciplinary, collaborative and patient-centric approach to healthcare.

Known worldwide for its outstanding Centers of Excellence, Ochsner offers patients the security of knowing they are in exceptional hands.

The approximately 1,500 interna-

tional patients who choose Ochsner

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Limor Eisner Rozenberg traveled to Ochsner from her native Israel for a lifesaving liver transplant.

Daymon Gardner

summer 2015

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World-Class Care

for care and treatment every year must often contend with complicated travel arrangements, linguistic challenges and insurance questions.

To help meet their needs, Ochsner established an International Health Services department nearly 50 years ago to assist with everything from accommodations, translation and interpretation, and travel arrangements to helping with financial, visa, and passport requirements. A coordinator is assigned to each patient to make sure that his or her experience is as comfortable and seamless as possible. This level of world-class service is just one of the many ways in which Ochsner Health System has distinguished itself as a go-to leader in the global healthcare industry.

A PATIENT’S JOURNEY When Limor Eisner Rozenberg, who lives outside of Tel Aviv, Israel, learned that she would need a second liver transplant at the age of 43, Ochsner was her first choice.

Born with cirrhosis from unknown causes, Eisner needed her first liver transplant at the age of 12. She was on a lifetime regimen of antirejection medications, but eventually her liver started to fail. Some 30 years after the first transplant, her medical team in Israel recommended she go to Ochsner for a second transplant. “They said that Ochsner had the experience needed to do a difficult second transplant,” says Eisner, a full-time mother of two teenage children, “because the number of transplants that Ochsner does in one

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Limor Eisner Rozenberg and her husband, Kobi.

month is what Israel does in one year.

gift of life. “I do not know the family

There are also many more organs avail-

and don’t have many details about the

able here because donor awareness is

donor,” she says, “but I hope someday

so much greater.”

I can tell the family in person how

Eisner traveled to Ochsner in the

profoundly grateful I am.”

spring of 2014 with her husband, Kobi.

She stayed at the Brent House, Ochs-

HOMEWARD BOUND

ner’s full-service hotel designed to

After three months, during which

maximize convenience and comfort

Ochsner monitored her postsurgical

for patients and their families. On

progress, Eisner was finally ready to go home to Israel and return to family life with Kobi and their children.

“I can’t recommend Ochsner highly enough. My care team is like family to me now.”

— LIMOR EISNER ROZENBERG

“I have built such a close relationship with Ochsner,” she says, “and I want to maintain it by staying in touch with my care team through MyOchsner.”

Before leaving, Eisner hosted a thank-you dinner for her care team and the many friends she had made during her stay. Among the 50 or so guests were her surgeons, nurse practitioner, social worker, and the hairstylist at the

November 17, 2014, she underwent a

Brent House who helped Eisner look and

10-hour surgery, in which Ochsner’s

feel her best. Eisner gave special thanks

top transplant surgeons collaborated

to surgeon Ari Cohen, MD, for giving

on the procedure. “I know it was a

her a “new life” and expressed gratitude

complicated operation,” she says, “but

to the local Jewish community for mak-

they did not give up on me. It is because

ing sure she and Kobi were never alone

of them that I am still alive today.”

for Sabbath or a holiday.

Eisner praises Ochsner’s atten-

“I can’t recommend Ochsner highly

tiveness and responsiveness to all her

enough,” Eisner adds. “My care team is

needs and concerns. “They attended

like family to me now.”

to everything,” she says, “whether I needed counseling, physical therapy or help from a social worker, Ochsner

SAVE LIVES

provided all that and more. I felt very safe and secure, and it was such a positive experience.”

She also expresses her deepest gratitude to the donor and the donor’s

To register to become an organ donor, visit www.ochsner.org/ magazine.

family, who made such a generous

summer 2015

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{ 10

In the Best of Hands Laura Claverie turned to Ochsner for treatment and follow-up care when diagnosed with breast cancer.

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}

Daymon Gardner

{ W

“With Ochsner at my side, I knew we’d conquer this beast inside me.”

— L AUR A CL AVERIE

}

Cancer Care

hen Ralph Corsetti, MD, Director

ever in your life you need to be aggres-

funding the center. “What they gave to

of Ochsner’s Lieselotte Tansey

sive, it’s now.”

New Orleans is lifesaving to so many

Breast Center, told Laura Claverie she

patients,” she says. “I can never fully

had breast cancer in June 2013, her first

TRUST IN TEAMWORK

words were, “Are you sure? Because I

Claverie believes that putting her trust

just swam 50 laps.” After all, she had

in her Ochsner team—oncologist John

physician assistant Jill Fitzpatrick at

no symptoms, family history of or risk

Cole, MD, and surgical oncologist Cor-

Ochsner’s Cancer Survivorship Clinic,

factors for breast cancer.

express my love and gratitude to them.”

After treatment, Claverie met with

setti—made all the difference. “I always

which provides each patient with a

As Claverie learned, about 85 per-

felt that I was in the best of hands,” says

long-term follow-up care plan. Ochs-

cent of the nearly 300,000 women who

the grandmother of two. “Ochsner gave

ner also offers cancer patients services

are diagnosed with breast cancer each

me aggressive care combined with com-

like nutrition, emotional support and

year come from families with no breast

passion, information and kindness.”

yoga classes as part of its philosophy of

cancer history. Claverie was lucky—

Claverie’s mastectomy revealed that

treating the whole patient.

thanks to yearly mammograms, she

the cancer had not spread to her lymph

and Ochsner caught her cancer early.

nodes. “But we did an Oncotype test to

CONFIDENCE IN CARE

look deeper at the biology of the tumor,”

Claverie’s advice for women facing

a mastectomy with reconstruction.

Dr. Cole says. “Laura’s score showed

breast cancer treatment? “Stay positive,

After that, they would know the stage

that the cancer was aggressive. That led

and assemble a medical team in whom

of her cancer and if any lymph nodes

us to recommend chemotherapy.”

you have total confidence, as I did,” she

Dr. Corsetti advised Claverie to have

were involved, which would help determine her postsurgery treatment.

Claverie’s late father, William Mc-

Claverie admits that her usually unsinkable spirit was on the wane when she and her husband, Philip, drove to

says. “With Ochsner at my side, I knew we’d conquer this beast inside me.”

During her treatment, Claverie and

Campbell, MD, an anesthesiologist who

the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Cen-

her husband celebrated their 40th

had trained at Ochsner, always advo-

ter for her first chemotherapy session.

anniversary in the city they had vowed

cated getting a second opinion before

Right away, the Ochsner team put her

to never leave. With Ochsner’s care,

surgery, so Claverie got one at another

at ease. “Everyone at the Cancer Center

they didn’t have to. “It’s a gift to have

leading cancer center. The oncologist

is upbeat, from the receptionists to the

world-class cancer care right here in

there agreed with Ochsner’s diagnosis

fantastic nurses,” she says. “They make

New Orleans,” Claverie says. “I will be

but suggested a much less aggressive

you think it won’t be so bad.”

able to dance at my grandchildren’s

therapy, she says.

Claverie—a freelance writer for local

In fact, she says it was far better than she had imagined. “The tender,

and national publications—is nothing

devoted treatment of the professionals

if not resourceful. She spent her days

and the enthusiasm of the staff made it

researching breast cancer and tradi-

as painless a chemo experience as hu-

tional and alternative medicine, and

manly possible. Plus, the Cancer Center

weighing her options. She peppered

is an elegant, spa-like environment—

her Ochsner medical team with ques-

and it’s just 15 minutes from my home!

tions. She recalls fondly how accessible

I could not have been more impressed.”

they were. “All of a sudden, it was very

Claverie is especially grateful to Gayle

clear,” she says. “I thought, Laura, if

wedding because Ochsner doctors saved my life.”

GET SCREENED To find out what screenings are appropriate for your age, visit www.ochsner.org/magazine.

and Tom Benson for their generosity in

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Critical Innovations

Ahead of the Curve Forty years ago, Terry King, MD, pioneered a groundbreaking form of minimally invasive heart surgery at Ochsner.

T

erry King, MD, calls himself “a

Ochsner Clinic, Dr. King was the first

simple country doctor,” a ref-

physician to successfully close an atrial

erence to his upbringing on a Texas

septal defect (ASD)—essentially, a hole

ranch and lifelong interest in raising

in the heart—using a transcatheter ap-

livestock. Yet for all his charm and

proach and a device of his own design.

down-to-earthiness, this country doc-

With Dr. King’s discovery, a defect that

tor also has made lifesaving discoveries

had previously called for open-heart

and has been featured in newspapers

surgery now could be repaired non-

and on television around the world.

invasively, as a relatively quick and

This year marks the 40th anniversa-

painless procedure.

Suzette Creppel Green today, the first patient to have a game-changing type of cardiac procedure.

JOURNEY TO DISCOVERY Dr. King studied medicine at the

ry of Dr. King’s greatest achievement, a

“Now, it has become the standard of

breakthrough that forever changed the

care,” says Dr. King. “But back then, in

University of Texas Medical Branch in

practice of modern cardiology. Work-

the 1970s, nobody thought it could be

Galveston and did his residency at Duke

ing closely with Noel Mills, MD, at

done. We were way ahead of our time.”

University. After serving in the Air Force for two years, he joined Ochsner Clinic. It was the early 1970s, and “heart surgery was coming into its own in those days,” he says. “I was interested in finding a way to fix holes in children’s hearts using a catheter, and when I learned that Dr. Noel Mills at Ochsner was interested in the same thing, I knew Ochsner was the place to go.”

Dr. King found one of his biggest

History was made in 1975 when (from left) Terry King, MD; Sandy Thompson, RN; and Noel Mills, MD, implanted the King-Mills Cardiac Umbrella (right) in patient Suzette Creppel.

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champions in John Ochsner, MD, a cardiac and thoracic surgeon and the

Lastly, imagine the relief, the tears of joy and the thrill of the moment when the umbrella locked in place.”

DAWN OF A NEW ERA Instantly, the practice of cardiology was revolutionized. Dr. King traveled the globe, tirelessly speaking about the procedure. He left Ochsner in 1978 to practice pediatric cardiology in West Monroe, where he lives today.

Over the decades, the technology used to close ASDs has evolved significantly. New materials have replaced Dacron, and the most commonly used devices—the Amplatzer and the Helex—have been implanted in hundreds of thousands of patients. Today, son of the health system’s founder,

ASD, received a Dacron and stainless

the procedure is done on an outpatient

Alton Ochsner, MD. With Dr. John

steel device—now called the King-Mills

basis, saving patients the time, money

Ochsner’s support, Dr. King and Dr.

Cardiac Umbrella—through a catheter

and potential complications that would

Mills researched transcatheter pro-

in her leg.

have come with open-heart surgery.

cedures to close holes in dogs’ hearts.

“Because of what Dr. King did 40

Looking back at his career, Dr.

The challenge was coming up with a

years ago, I am here today,” says the

King admits that it “took guts” to be

device small enough to reach the heart

patient, who now goes by Suzette Crep-

the first. “But when someone tells me

via catheter and big enough to close a

pel Green. “I am also grateful for how

something can’t be done,” he says,

heart defect. The eureka moment came

many people this procedure has helped

“I’m always quick to say, ‘yes, it can.’ ”

when Dr. King landed on an astonish-

over the years. To think I’m the patient

ingly streamlined solution: “I thought it

who started it all!”

should be like a little umbrella that can open and close,” he says. “And voilà.”

On April 8, 1975, Dr. King implanted the first “umbrella” in a human patient.

Dr. King wrote about that historic moment in an essay called “Reflections of a Country Doctor.”

“Imagine the courage of a 17-year-

In a two-hour procedure, 17-year-old

old willing to have a procedure that

Suzette Creppel, who was born with an

had never been done on a human.

Daymon Gardner

DISCOVER Visit ochsner.org/magazine to learn about other innovations at Ochsner.

summer 2015

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Glimpses

People and Places The Ochsner community is committed to giving back—and having fun in the process. From golfing for a good cause to enjoying charitable king cakes, people showed their support in spades.

On January 25, the second annual King Cake Festival benefiting babies and children at Ochsner took place in Champions Square. Top: Smiles at the festival’s Fun Run. Above: Members of the Ochsner family graciously volunteered their time at the festival.

On February 24, the Fore Ochsner Golf Tournament raised funds for Elmwood Fitness Center’s Mobile Fitness Unit and “I Can Do It” program. Above: Leon Hampton, Sidney Bennett, Lee Cantrelle and Mike Hulefeld.

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Above and below: On April 2, representatives from Ruby’s Kids made a special visit to patients at Ochsner Hospital for Children. The volunteers hosted an Easter egg hunt, created crafts and painted faces. In partnership with Ochsner Hospital for Children, Ruby’s Kids has purchased gifts for more than 30 pediatric patients and their families.​

Philanthropy

“Miracle” Man

James Wray Bush and his wife, Shirley, express their gratitude to Ochsner by establishing a fund to support education and research into pancreatic cancer.

J

ames Wray Bush and his wife, Shirley, call their regular trips

to Ochsner “mini-vacations.” They get into their motor coach and drive 150 miles from their home in Laurel, Mississippi, to New Orleans three or

Shirley and James Wray Bush with their beloved Maltese dogs.

four times a year, accompanied by their Maltese dogs, Bella and Gina. “We enjoy spending time in New Orleans while also receiving medical treatment at Ochsner,” says Shirley.

Their zest for life is inspirational, especially considering that James Wray is a four-time cancer survivor. Ochsner cared for him when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1987, again when he needed both knees replaced in 2000, and yet again in 2010 when he was di-

given a clean bill of health. “I have

ous donation and reached out to family

agnosed with prostate cancer. A shock

been so pleased with the care they gave

and friends to raise more money. The

came in 2012 when he was diagnosed

me,” he says. “We thank God every day

fund has continued to grow with the

with colon cancer again as well as pan-

for leading us to Ocshner.”

help of the Ian G. Thompson Founda-

creatic cancer.

D AY M O N G A R D N E R

One of the most difficult cancers to

Shirley adds, “I call James Wray a ‘walking miracle.’”

tion, which hosts annual fundraisers called Purple Pants Parties (purple is

diagnose and treat, pancreatic can-

To express their thanks to Ochsner

cer has a poor survival rate: Only 15

and to support Dr. Conway’s research

percent of patients live more than two

into pancreatic cancer treatments, the

years after their initial diagnosis. “We

couple established the Shirley P. and

support they have received over the

owe Dr. Patrick Breaux for his early and

James Wray Bush Pancreatic Cancer Re-

course of their cancer journey, they say

precise detection,” James Wray says.

search and Education Fund. “We want-

they have a hard time expressing their

the color for pancreatic cancer) and donates the proceeds to the Bush Fund.

When the couple speak about the

James Wray consulted with W.

ed to help fund Dr. Conway’s research

thankfulness. “There are not enough

Charles Conway II, MD, FACS, of the

and work in robotic surgeries,” James

words to describe how we feel about

Ochsner Cancer Institute, who per-

Wray says. “We also wanted to help

Ochsner,” Shirley says.

formed the Whipple surgery; and

raise awareness of the disease. Pancre-

To support the Shirley P. and James

oncologist Jyotsna Fuloria, MD, who

atic cancer research is underfunded, so

Wray Bush Pancreatic Cancer Research

coordinated James Wray’s chemother-

we wanted to make a difference.”

Fund, please email Ana Combes at

apy and radiation. Today, he has been

They started the fund with a gener-

acombes@ochsner.org.

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Body & Soul

Happy Feet

Active Duty Regular physical activity is essential to staying in peak health. But it’s easy to overexert yourself, and just as easy to exercise incorrectly. Experts recommend making sure you have the right gear, listening to your body and knowing when enough is enough.

What to look for when choosing sports shoes.

Wearing the right pair of athletic shoes can make a big difference in the health of one’s feet, ankles and knees. Follow these guidelines to find a pair that works for you.

• GET COMFY—Running and walking shoes should be comfortable from the start and shouldn’t need much breaking in. When trying on a pair, take them for a spin around the store to make sure they are comfortable and supportive.

• SIZE MATTERS—Feet change both in width and length as we get older, so it is important to measure them twice a year.

• THE RIGHT FIT—Shoe sizes vary among brands, so know your current size in the brand you prefer, especially before buying shoes online. Shoes should fit the heel so that there is no slipping, and leave roughly a thumbs-width space between the front of the big toe and the front of the shoe. The top of the shoe should be snug and supportive, but not too tight.

• KNOW THY FOOT—High arches or flat feet affect how shoes fit. An extra insole might help them fit and feel better.

KNEE PAIN? TRY “RICE” FOR RELIEF. Knee pain, minor knee injuries and pain that occurs after strenuous exercise can often be managed at home. To help sore knees heal, try the RICE method: REST: Avoid strenuous knee activities, but do keep moving.

ICE: Ice sore knees for 15 or 20 minutes a few times daily. This helps to reduce swelling and keep knees limber.

COMPRESSION: Use an elastic bandage to help control swelling and provide support.

Wrap snugly around the knee but not so tight that blood flow is constricted.

ELEVATION: Lie down with knees propped up on pillows, above the heart.

Schedule a doctor’s visit if your pain is significant and accompanied by redness, tenderness and warmth, or fever. Seek immediate medical attention if your injury is accompanied by a deformed joint, inability to bend the knee, intense pain or sudden swelling, or if you heard a pop at the time of injury. To find an Ochsner doctor near you, visit ochsner.org/magazine and click on Find a Doctor.

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How to Prevent Sports Injuries / Whether you’re a well-conditioned athlete or a weekend warrior, you are always at some risk of sports injuries. Both acute injuries (caused by a single trauma) and overuse injuries (caused by repetitive stress to the body) can be avoided with the right precautions. Here are some tips for preventing future injuries: ➜ WARM UP. Before a game, practice or work out, warm up relevant muscle groups for your activity. This not

only improves flexibility, but also increases blood flow to the muscles. Don’t forget to cool down after your workout also.

➜ EQUIP YOURSELF. Make sure to wear appropriate and properly fitted protective gear for your activity— whether it’s a helmet, pads, goggles, or the right shoes.

➜ USE PROPER TECHNIQUE. Whatever the activity, be it swinging a golf club or running sprints, it’s a good idea to get coaching on training and technique. Poor form can overload certain muscles and cause injury.

➜ KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Avoid exercise when you’re injured, and stop the activity if you’re experiencing pain.

Take breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.

/ “If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t

walk, crawl; but by all means keep moving.” —Martin Luther King Jr. Get Fit While Doing Good! ➜ Put on your walking, running or cycling shoes, and support worthy causes.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be good just for you—it can help others, too. Whether it’s participating in a walkathon or volunteering to be a Little League coach, there are many ways you can make a positive impact on your community while getting fit.

– Want to put those running shoes to good use? Consider joining one of the many benefit runs that take place throughout the Gulf South, such as Elmwood Fitness Center’s Twilight Walk/Run, which benefits its childhood obesity program “I Can Do It!” – Shift gears and cycle, run and swim in the Ochsner Ironman.

– Make your walks count by taking a stroll through New Orleans and other locations for events like the Walk to Defeat ALS and Great Strides, which supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

– Be an active member of your community! Help maintain Louisiana’s state parks, join a local youth sports league as a coach or build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

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Navigation Tips

Staying Connected ➜

Just call, click or tap!

From online appointment booking to a 24/7 nurse care line, we make it easy for patients to navigate Ochsner Health System. Here are helpful tools that make our services more accessible than ever.

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➜ Visit our appointment site to find phone numbers or set up a MyOchsner account to book online at www.ochsner.org/schedule. ➜ Like Ochsner Health System on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/ochsnerhealthsystem. ➜ Follow Ochsner on Twitter at

www.twitter.com/ochsnerhealth. ➜ Check ER wait times at

www.ochsner.org/chooseER. ➜ Bookmark www.ochsner.org on your tablet

Ochsner On Call / No matter what time of day or night it is, connecting with your Ochsner healthcare team has never been easier.

For non-life-threatening issues, you can call Ochsner’s free 24/7 nurse care line, Ochsner On Call, and speak with a registered nurse. Our specially trained nurses will help determine the best care options for you. Ochsner On Call provides nurse triage, appointment booking, health education and

or smartphone. Our newly updated mobile

advisory services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

version makes it easy to contact us on the go!

Call 800-231-5257 or 504-842-3155 to speak to one of our nurses.

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w w w.ochsner.org

At a Glance

Hello, Health!

Myth vs. Reality

Don’t miss Hello Health, Ochsner’s healthcare seminar series for the entire community. Ochsner physicians or local healthcare experts discuss relevant health topics and medical trends.

Visit www.ochsner.org/hellohealth to find seminars near you or for the television schedule. To register, call 1-855-312-4189 (toll free) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The truth about some common health misconceptions.

MYTH: Eating fat makes you fat.

REALITY: It depends on what kind of fats you consume and how much. The fats to eat in moderation are saturated fats, which come from animal food sources, and trans fats, which are made from oils through a process

Sudoku 2

3 9

5

called partial hydrogenation. Both these fats can raise unhealthy (LDL) cholesterol

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4 6

6 8

7

2

7

levels and contribute to cardiovascular dis-

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rated and polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3

ease. Healthier dietary fats are monounsatufatty acids.

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MYTH: You only need sunscreen when you can see the sun.

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7

6

7

5

1

1

9

4

sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

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7

MYTH: Cracking your knuckles can cause

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6

when it is overcast. Use minimum SPF 15

REALITY: There is no proof that knuckle-

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popping causes arthritis. However, over-stretching ligaments can cause other

1

6 2

REALITY: The sun’s rays can damage skin even

arthritis.

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3

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injuries, so avoid cracking your knuckles.

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MYTH: Frozen fruit is less healthy than fresh Answer 7

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6

1

3

8

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1

5

9

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1 9 8 5 7 2 6 4 3

6 3 5 4 2 8 7 1 9

2 7 1 9 5 6 3 8 4

4 8 9 3 1 7 2 6 5

8 6 7 2 9 5 4 3 1

9 2 3 7 4 1 8 5 6

5 1 4 8 6 3 9 2 7

contains only one of each number from 1 to 9.

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Fill out the grid so that each row, column, and box

fruit and should be avoided.

REALITY: Flash-freezing fruit after it’s been picked can slightly diminish nutrient content, but it still beats eating processed sugary snacks. And freezing fresh produce means having more healthy options when your favorite fruits are out of season.

Sources: www.cdc.gov, www.hhs.gov

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