A PUBLICATION OF LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH
NICView Arrives.
Never Leave Their Side.
Ashley Moody | NICView Mom
Be Careful Springing Into Summer. Running the Boston Marathon to Benefit Cancer Center. Tired of Allergies Controlling Your Life?
SPRING | 2016
F E AT U R E D C O N T E N T S P R I N G | 2 0 1 6
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Welcome New Physicians
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interim Administrator Named at Acadia General Hospital Lafayette General Health announced
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Hospital Spotlight | UHC
the appointment of Donald D. Trexler as Interim Administrator at Acadia
Dr. Hamilton | Kitchen Safety
General Hospital, effective March 1. Trexler brings years of experience in
Controlling Your Allergies
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Cover Story
NICView Arrives - Ashley Moody
the medical industry to Crowley.
Trexler’s experience working with physicians was key
to his appointment. His most recent position was CEO of Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital (CPSH) in Hammond, LA.
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Foundation Names Fund Recipient
Running the Boston Marathon to Benefit Cancer Center
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Stroke Surprises New Mother
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Be Careful Springing Into Summer
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3D Imaging Assists Plastic Surgery
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LGH Events
“I am dedicated to growing Acadia General and exceeding
its potential,” says Trexler. “In addition to working with our medical community, my main focus will be to bring financial stability to AGH.”
Cancer Center of Acadiana Earns Accreditation with Commendation The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to Cancer Center of Acadiana
Health In General
is produced by the Lafayette General Health Community Relations Department
201 Audubon Blvd. Ste.102 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337)289-8600
(CCA) at Lafayette General.
To earn accreditation, a program must meet or exceed 34 CoC
quality standards, be evaluated every three years and maintain excellence in patient-centered care. Three-Year Accreditation
LGH SVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PLANNING
LGH SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Allen Meadows
Daryl Cetnar
COMMUNITY RELATIONS STAFF
Meghan Connell Alexandra Donaldson Gus Fontenot Brent Pelloquin Leslie Primeaux
with Commendation is only awarded to a facility that exceeds standard requirements. CCA received all eligible commendations, earning a gold rating, the highest rating awarded to any oncology program.
Earning national accreditation also made CCA eligible for
the CoC’s Outstanding Achievement Award, which CCA won in March. CCA was among a group of 27 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S. to win this installment of the award. That recognition was followed by CCA being named a 2016 Women’s Choice Award winner, as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care. This designation is reserved for accredited centers that are committed to the highest standards in cancer care.
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Lafayette General Health (LGH) is pleased to welcome six new physicians. Serving patients in a variety of fields, these physicians help LGH provide for the health care needs of Acadiana.
NEW PHYSICIANS
Creighton E. Shute, D.O.
David “Ashton” Reed, M.D.
Family and Sports Medicine, LGMD
Internal Medicine
Lafayette General Southwest (337) 981-3368
600 E. Gloria Switch Rd. (337) 235-6211
Dr. Shute will run the Concussion
Dr. Reed’s concern for people
Clinic at Lafayette General
is evident through his volunteer
Southwest. With experience in
contributions at local health clinics
the military and in the emergency
and nursing homes. Dr. Reed has
room, Dr. Shute understands the
combined his practice with his
limits of the human physique,
father, Dr. Donald Reed, and is
especially when dealing with
eager to serve the people of the
concussions.
Upper Lafayette area with the same dedication and compassion.
Kelvin Blaine Raybon, M.D., FACP
Kevin R. Hargrave, M.D., MBA
Oncology/Hematology, LGMD
Neurology and Sleep Medicine, LGMD
Cancer Center of Acadiana at UHC (337) 261-6545
Neuroscience Center of Acadiana (337) 235-4554
Dr. Raybon’s experience ranges
Dr. Hargrave joins Neuroscience
from hospice care to clinical
Center of Acadiana as its new
administration. He offers genuine
medical director. He has 15 years
compassion and astute medical
of experience in private practice
care. His background includes
neurology and sleep medicine
training in Internal Medicine,
and will help to develop a new
Oncology/Hematology, medical
comprehensive sleep medicine
teaching and military service.
center at Lafayette General.
Kendra J. McAnally, D.O.
Steve Rees, M.D.
Pulmonologist
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, LGMD
Lafayette General Medical Center and Lafayette General Southwest
1211 Coolidge Blvd., Ste. 401 (337) 247-9715
Dr. McAnally joins the Critical
Dr. Rees is Director of
Care (Intensivists) team and Lung
Rehabilitation Services and
Mass Clinic at both the Lafayette
has been named Assistant Vice
General Medical Center and
President of Medical Affairs for
Lafayette General Southwest
Lafayette General Health.
campuses.
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U N I V E R S I T Y H O S P I TA L & C L I N I C S
University Hospital & Clinics (UHC) has seen steady, positive improvements after Lafayette General Health (LGH) assumed management from the State of Louisiana in 2013. Since then, the community has benefited from
some of the best medical oncologists/hematologists in Louisiana and a patientcentered approach to cancer care. The Infusion Clinic saw its monthly
and responded to this success in impressive numbers. Shorter
number of visits nearly
Emergency Room wait-times, new infection protocols and
2390 W. Congress St. (337) 261-6000
improved patient satisfaction scores highlight the transformation that has occurred at UHC.
Since 2013, UHC has enjoyed an impressive resurgence that
has brought it back from the brink. The hospital has reopened its Pediatric Clinic and its Medical Detox Unit. The Orthopedic Unit expanded its hours of operation. The Oncology Unit was renovated and a new Infusion Clinic opened. A new Electronic Medical Record system was implemented. UHC was able to utilize state funding to upgrade its elevators and replace air conditioning chillers throughout the building. LGH also invested in new equipment and facility upgrades in several areas of the hospital, such as new ultrasound, nuclear medicine and audiology equipment.
Medical staffing was also addressed. Cardiologists from
Cardiovascular Institute of the South were contracted to expand cardiology services. In fall 2015, UHC became the newest location of Cancer Center of Acadiana, providing access to
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triple from 129 in 2013 to 373 in 2015. On top of all that, UHC is currently undergoing a
multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of its Emergency Department. In addition, the exterior of the entire hospital is receiving a thick coat of sealant paint to improve infection control and energy efficiency.
The patient population UHC is now seeing reflects the
improvements made at UHC. The average daily census increased from an average of 16 patients in 2013 to 45 patients in 2015; outpatient encounters per month improved from 10,470 in 2013 to 19,358 in 2015; and the number of employees has increased from 505 in 2012 to 718 in 2015.
This level of success is directly tied to the hospital’s
commitment to goals and strategies put into place in 2013. Those goals are for UHC to be in the top percentiles for patient and employee satisfaction across the board.
the most common kitchen injury I see is kids burned when taking food out of the
Don’t Get Chopped in Your Own Kitchen My family loves the cooking show “Chopped.” Contestants make dishes using “mystery basket” ingredients, and famous chefs judge their creations. Though it’s interesting to see how creative the cooks can be, the really big moments come when someone cuts themselves, or starts a fire on the stove.
Kitchens can be dangerous, particularly
for kids. Ovens and stoves can burn little hands. Microwaves produce boiling liquids to spill. There’s glass, raw meat, sharp knives, poisonous powders and liquids under the sink, blenders and garbage disposals. As parents prepare meals and kids run around getting things from the refrigerator, it’s a high-traffic area where collisions happen. Watch Chopped and note how chefs warn each other when passing; they know it’s dangerous bumping each other with pans of hot oil. Yet kitchens are places for families to get together. We meet there for breakfast and dinner. Parents can monitor their kids’ homework at the counter. Also, kids want to help with food prep – if it wasn’t entertaining, they wouldn’t have cooking shows! Kids want to learn skills like chopping and baking. And, of course, they want to eat!
It’s important to teach food safety. First
microwave. Usually mom is in another room; the child heats soup or noodles, opens the microwave’s big clumsy door, and someone bumps into it. Screaming and blistering burns ensue. If the child gets splashed on the face or hands, it can be
is frequent hand washing. Most illnesses
disfiguring.
are contracted from hand-to-hand contact.
In the kitchen, hands touch raw meat, dirty
taught – kids aren’t born knowing ovens
vegetables and raw eggs, which carry
are hot, microwave doors are big targets
bacteria. And people touch their faces and
and dishwasher pods aren’t edible. Show
lick their fingers, putting those germs into
kids how not to get hurt. Teach about the
their bodies. Everyone should wash their
dangers of hot liquids, stoves and ovens,
hands immediately after handling raw
and those darn microwave doors. If you
Kitchen safety is something that is
foods.
have a gas stove, kids need to learn not to
turn them on unknowingly, and about fire
Kids should learn to wash dirty utensils
and cutting boards, too. Keeping clean
hazard. People often store poisons under
is like a kid’s game, where the bad guys
the sink – cleansers, dishwasher detergent,
(bacteria and viruses) are invisible, and
rat poison. Dishwasher pods look
you have to work a certain way to avoid
particularly appetizing. If you have babies
contamination. Change or wash knives
and toddlers, install toddler-proof locks on
after cutting raw meat or vegetables. Use
the cabinet doors or put those things high,
plastic cutting boards for meat – bacteria-
out of reach.
laden meat juice soaks into wooden
boards, and stays.
blenders, garbage disposals and snow-
cone makers. It’s a life-long disability when
Kids want to handle knives. They should
Finally, supervise kids when using
learn basic rules like always cutting away
kids lose fingers by reaching into these
from themselves, and not holding food
machines while they’re running.
being cut in their hand. Knives should be
Everyone needs to learn how to cook and
used slowly. Leave the high-speed dicing
to be safe in the kitchen. We all learned
to the cooking shows!
cooking from our parents. It’s a joy to be
together in the kitchen. But teach them not
I use my microwave a lot, but I hate
others having them. Sounds selfish, but
to get Chopped.
Scott Hamilton, M.D. , is a board-certified pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatricians and medical advisor in Lafayette General Medical Center’s dedicated pediatric treatment area within the Emergency Department. Dr. Hamilton is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support course instructor. His blog is available at ParentsDontFret.net and through a link at LafayetteGeneral.com, where it is accessible to parents anytime, anywhere there is an Internet connection. ParentsDontFret.net
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SNEEZE.COUGH.REPEAT.
Tired of Allergies Controlling Your Life? n South Louisiana, every season is
treatments, we offer that, too.”
allergy season depending on what
you are allergic to. We are at the top of
Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist is needed
the charts for high pollen count
if you experience three or more significant
according to the Asthma and Allergy
allergy occurrences in one year, or if your
Foundation of America. Therefore, people
symptoms continue for three or more
here tend to have terrible allergies.
months.
proactive in managing your allergies.
Symptoms tend to be a runny nose,
A higher level of care provided by an Ear,
“Finding out what your trigger is may
sneezing, itchy eyes and/or a scratchy
require allergy testing,” explained Dr. Ryan
Nichole Miller, M.D.
There are several ways to medically
treat your allergies. Trying to determine the
throat. There are several ways to be
Chastant, Ear, Nose and Throat physician
correct medication to help you manage your
proactive when it comes to reducing
with LGMD Physician Group. “We can do
allergies on your own can be overwhelming.
your allergy symptoms. However, our
intradermal skin testing, or a blood test.
It is best to consult your physician to
urgent care facilities are a great resource
We then test against certain allergens to
develop a specific treatment plan based on
for immediate relief.
see if you are indeed allergic to those.”
your allergy profile.
“We cater to patients for initial care if
After learning what you are allergic
Immunotherapy is recommended
they have flare ups,” said Dr. Nichole Miller,
to, you can start an appropriate treatment
when your symptoms persist and do
physician at Lafayette General Urgent Care.
plan outlined by your physician. You may
not get better after being treated with
not necessarily have to be on a medication
antihistamines, nasal sprays and/or steroids.
with your ENT immediately; if you are
treatment plan year-round, explains Dr.
It helps build your immunity to an allergen
busy at work and can only come in after
Chastant.
by transmitting very minute amounts of
five o’clock; if you are in need of breathing
the allergen through shots or a sublingual
“If you aren’t able to get an appointment
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“If you aren’t able to get an appointment with your ENT immediately; if you are busy at work and can only come in after five o’clock; if you are in need of breathing treatments, we offer that, too.”
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Environmental control is key to staying
spray weekly at your doctor’s office. This process can take six to 10 months to reach maintenance.
Don’t let your allergies continue to
control your life. There is no better time than now to be proactive and prevent your allergy symptoms before they arise. Consult an ENT or urgent care provider to learn more about the best allergy treatment plan for you.
Fight the Sniffles and Sneezes of the Season.
QUICK TIPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Watch the Weather Your allergies are likely to be worse on a dry, sunny and windy day. That is the ideal weather condition for trees to release pollen. Light rain can also stir up pollen.
Shower at Night Showering before bed instead of in the morning will wash away most of the allergens clinging to your skin and hair throughout the day.
Wash Your Clothes Often Dust and pollen cling to clothing, especially those made of rough fabrics such as wool.
Wear Glasses Instead of Contacts When the pollen count is high, the permeable texture of contacts can trap pollen and absorb airborne irritants.
To schedule and appointment with Dr. Chastant, call (337) 233-9850.
Don’t run to the ER for minor conditions. Lafayette General Urgent Care Centers offer board-certified physicians treating cuts, burns, broken bones, ear infections, flu symptoms and more. On-site breathing treatments, X-ray and labs! Open after work and on weekends. Most insurances accepted, including Medicare.
No appointment necessary, open 7 days a week.
Now Open at Three Convenient Locations
River Ranch
Sugar Mill Pond
Carencro
(337) 769-0069
(337) 857-5765
(337) 886-6455
1216 Camellia Blvd.
2810 Bonin Rd.
917 Gloria Switch Rd.
Hours Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LafayetteGeneral.com/UrgentCare
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NicView Arrives TM
NICU BABY MONITORING CAMERA SYSTEM
Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) continues to focus on family-centered care to better accommodate Acadiana’s growing health care needs.
The renovation added 11,000 Bond Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for Strengthening Thatover Special
LGMC has seen an increase in deliveries
square feet to the department, for a total
a total of 31 beds; and an entirely new
area of 53,639 square feet dedicated
Nursery. An additional elevator was added
completely to maternity and newborn
to the front lobby for quicker and easier
services.
access to the second-floor department.
delivered 2,875 babies. This was an
Suites, equaling 31 beds total; six beds
rooms featuring sleeping couches, rocking
were added to the Labor & Delivery area,
chairs and personal refrigerators in
for a total of 21 beds with three new
every room.
exam rooms; six beds were added to the
increase of 13.4 percent over the previous year and a 56 percent increase since 2012. In fact, from November 1, 2015, through February 29, 2016, LGMC delivered more babies than any other facility in Lafayette.
“You can ask our patients – it’s from
the minute they walk in the door to the minute they walk out; every single person here that they encounter just adds up to this really special experience,” says Dr. Jennifer Pugliese, OB/GYN, and Chair of LGMC’s Women’s Services Department.
LGMC recently expanded its Women’s
and Children’s Services Department. The increase in deliveries prompted the need to accommodate Lafayette General’s growing demand.
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All Mother-Baby Suites are designed
with a home-like setting with large open
over the last few years. In fiscal year 2015, which ended September 30, LGMC
The expansion allowed for seven
additional beds in the Mother-Baby
“What’s been nice on the pediatric end
of things is that we are coupling the mother and baby in the same room,” says Dr. Toni Leoni, Pediatrician and Chair of LGMC’s Pediatric Department. “The mothers are keeping their babies in their room most of the time.”
Another new feature of the NICU is
the NICView Camera system, donated by the Lafayette General Foundation. The NICView Camera became available to LGMC families in March. The only other hospitals currently utilizing this technology in Louisiana are located in the New Orleans area.
The NICView Camera System is an
innovative secure camera system in the NICU, allowing parents, family and friends to view the infant in real-time, 24/7. You can
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SPRING 2016
to not be able to come see her. A live video is much better than a still picture. They can see her move, they know she is real.”
Parents can rest assured their baby’s
privacy is being protected while the camera system is in use. The NICU provides parents a unique username and password to login to the private account online. Each account is linked to an individual camera associated with their child. The system is extremely safe, as One of the new Mother-Baby Suites at LGMC
only individuals who are authorized by the parents are able to access the video.
watch your baby for as long and as often
but even so, you want to see her more than
NICView is purely a live feed, no video
as you want from a distance utilizing any
that. It’s nice to logon even if it’s just for a
recordings are made, and no images are
device with Internet access. The camera
second, just to see her breathe. It makes
stored.
system is simple to use, there are no special
you feel like you are involved.”
plug-ins needed or apps to download, and
involved, which strengthens trust and
is compatible with every Internet browser.
newborn baby right after birth is always
Bonding time between parents and a
NICView allows parents to feel more
provides them with reassurance that
“It gives you peace of mind, and a little sense of calm. It makes me feel a little more satisfied if I can’t come to the hospital.” Lon Moody, NICView Dad
LGMC understands the arrival of a new
important, especially in the NICU. The
their child is being well cared for. When
child is both exciting and emotional, and
NICView Camera system is used to help
trust is formed between the parent and
when those first critical days are spent in
build that bond with families and their
their child’s health care providers during
the NICU, it can leave parents with varying
hospitalized baby when they cannot be
their time apart, it allows the health care
emotions.
at the bedside with them.
professionals to focus on their job of caring
“You feel like you need to be around
“Most dads have to go to work, even if
for the infants in the NICU.
your baby 24/7, and you can’t,” says
mom can be here all of the time,” says Lon
Ashley Moody, NICView user. “We don’t
Moody, NICView Dad. “Being that I can
become our own unique team approach
live in town. We try to get here every day,
check-in on her throughout the day while
to managing the babies requiring
“We have developed what has
I’m working is 100 percent beneficial.
intensive care,” says Dr. David De Iulio,
It gives you peace of mind, and a little
Neonatologist and Medical Director of
sense of calm. It makes me feel a little more
LGMC’s Neonatal ICU. “You should make
satisfied if I can’t come to the hospital.”
no mistake about it, the performance of
our staff and our outcomes rival that of any
It is not only beneficial for the parents,
but for siblings and extended family as
intensive care unit on the planet.”
well. Parents have the ability to share video access to introduce their newest addition to the family with extended Ashley Moody holds her newborn in the NICU at LGMC
family and friends.
“My children love watching her on the
Tours of the Mother-Baby Suites for any expecting mother can be arranged by calling (337) 289-7210.
camera,” says Lon. “It’s eating them alive
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Foundation Names Recipient of Innovation Fund
program. Compliance Partners aims to help healthcare organizations keep up with complex and rapidly changing regulations. The HIF investment will be used to help Compliance Partners accelerate expansion efforts and launch
Lafayette General Foundation
To qualify for the investment by HIF,
new service lines to improve compliance
announced in February that its subsidiary,
there is an investment review process
management across the Gulf South.
Healthcare Innovation Fund (HIF), has
to evaluate a company’s or a product’s
identified the first recipient of its seed-
potential in the marketplace. If the
team and trusted technology platform
money investment program. Compliance
evaluation process is satisfied, both
will keep healthcare facilities and systems
Partners, a New Orleans-based healthcare
the Foundation and LGH boards must
up-to-date with complex and shifting
and compliance service technology firm,
approve the investment before any
regulations,” states Cian Robinson,
is in position to receive $500,000 in funds
monies can be transferred.
Executive Director of Lafayette General
as part of HIF’s effort to fuel and finance
Foundation. “Investing in this company’s
new products and services that can help
commitment to improving health in our
growth allows us to give back through
improve the health care industry.
community,” says Clay Allen, Chairman
building more sound, secure
of the Lafayette General Health Board
and cost effective health systems, both
Innovation Fund was capitalized through
of Trustees. “But, this also helps foster a
here in our own community and across
a $1.5M investment from Lafayette
better environment for medical research
the region.”
General Health (LGH) and $1M from the
and economic opportunity locally, as well.
Louisiana Seed Capital Program under
This isn’t just investment into a business,
into other healthcare-related start-up
the Louisiana Economic Development
it’s an investment in our people.”
businesses for subsequent investments,
Corporation (LEDC). LEDC allows
investment funds such as HIF to leverage
professional services firm in the nation
the Federal Treasury Department State
authorized to deliver customized,
Small Business Credit Initiative funds with
comprehensive compliance services
private funds to invest in seed and/or early
utilizing ComplyTrack, an industry-
stage businesses located in Louisiana.
leading risk and compliance software
The Foundation’s Healthcare
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“Driving innovation reflects our
Compliance Partners is the only
“Compliance Partners’ certified service
The Foundation is currently looking
some of which are already in the evaluation process.
For more information about the HIF, call the Foundation office at (337) 289-8950.
Benefitting the Cancer Center of Acadiana Cancer Research Fund.
Kate Rountree, Lafayette General Bariatric Services Dietitian, has chose to dedicate her run in the 120th Boston Marathon on April 18 to the Cancer Research Fund benefitting Cancer Center of Acadiana (CCA).
Kate chose to raise both money and
“Being close to home is important,” says
Kate. “If the treatment you need is right
raised go toward conducting clinical trials as well as leveraging additional funding
here, how nice would it be for a child or an
resources such as grants.
adult to be home and comfortable? I think
that’s a big deal.”
big deal for me personally,” says Kate.
Kate approached Lafayette General
“Running the Boston Marathon is a
“Coupling my efforts for CCA with a big
Foundation with interest to raise money for
event, and bringing it a little more
CCA in February. While she was aware of
notoriety since it is Boston, is exciting!”
the care CCA provides, she was unaware
of the Cancer Research Fund. The Cancer
Cancer Program, providing elite care
Research Fund benefits CCA, as all monies
among nationally ranked centers. CCA
CCA is recognized as an Accredited
awareness for CCA during her monumental
is not your typical cancer center. The
achievement.
oncologists and nurses make sure each
patient knows they are at the center of a
“I figured, what better way to give back
than using my talent to help raise money
support team and are not going through
for a good cause,” says Kate.
their battle alone.
As an employee of LGH, Kate has seen
Please join Kate as she races, raising
firsthand the level of care CCA provides
money for CCA’s Cancer Research Fund,
to patients across Acadiana. Personally
and brings awareness to the outstanding
knowing others in the community
services that CCA provides. Lafayette
who have stayed here to receive their
General Foundation is accepting
cancer treatment, she knew this was
donations by calling (337) 289-8954.
the organization she wanted to raise awareness for. She felt it was important for people to know they can receive the same level of care here at home as they can from some of the larger cancer centers around the country.
“I figured, what better way to give back than using my talent to help raise money for a good cause.”
You can follow Kate’s journey on Instagram and Facebook @RountreeNutrition #KateRunsBoston.
Kate Rountree, RDN, LDN
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Love Will Build a Bridge.
Postpartum preeclampsia occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine soon after
bleed. She was intubated immediately
childbirth.
finally had the life she dreamed of. She
after her CT scan and was rushed into
lived in a harmonious house with her
surgery.
Cherie’s life. She stayed in the ICU for
loving husband, Chad Franks, two
an additional three weeks. The road to
At age 43, Cherie Cockerham Franks
“It was Dr. Jayme Trahan who said
Dr. Trahan and his team saved
step-children and a child on the way.
to me – sign this paper, I am going to
recovery has not been easy. “There were
On November 5, 2015, Alaina Cole Franks
attempt to save your wife’s life,” Chad
a lot of dark times, but those times were also the best bonding experience for us,”
was born, weighing in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces.
Postpartum preeclampsia can sometimes be unavoidable. Many factors can contribute to the condition, including a genetic predisposition and chronic high blood pressure.
During the delivery, the song “Love
Will Build a Bridge” by The Judds was playing over the sound system. She didn’t know it then, but this song would foreshadow her future.
Eight days later, Cherie was home with
Alaina when she suddenly slipped in her
Chad explains.
Alaina was in the care of family and
friends while Cherie was recovering. Alaina was able to come home for the first time at the beginning of April. Cherie still requires assistance with Alaina until she regains full use of the left side of her body. Though, just as any loving mother, she had to have her little miracle home
bedroom. “I couldn’t figure out what was
with her.
going on, I just knew that I couldn’t get up.” Cherie says. She managed to call her
says. “I was in complete shock.”
husband who rushed home from work
strong will, she is a force to be reckoned
and immediately called 911.
her scalp and evacuated the hematoma.
Dr. Trahan surgically removed part of
Through Cherie’s spirit, faith and
with. She already has plans to “re-
Surgery showed Cherie had experienced
invent” herself and help other women,
Medical Center’s (LGMC) Emergency
a stroke, which occurs when blood flow
especially those with children who have
Room, the nurses saw she had a left-sided
to an area of brain is cut off. The stroke
experienced a stroke. Cherie’s story does
facial droop, slurred speech and left side
caused Cherie to have an intracranial
not end here, it’s - To be continued…..
Once she arrived at Lafayette General
hemiparesis (muscle weakness). From
hemorrhage, a bleed inside the skull. The
there, she was taken for a CT scan and it
stroke and the intracranial hemorrhage
was determined she had an intracranial
were a result of postpartum preeclampsia.
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Be Careful Springing Into Summer School is out, the great outdoors are calling, and team tryouts are looming. Many people rev up their physical activity during summer. But, people should be careful about overdoing it if they haven’t kept themselves in good shape before getting too active.
“We see an uptick in injuries this
time of year,” says Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Paul Novakovich, M.D. “We tend to see more non-operative and soft-tissue injuries as kids are getting back into football practice. Kids spend the offseason not in football shape, start their practice regimen, and start getting groin strains and hamstring pulls.”
“We see an uptick in injuries this time of year” Paul Novakovich, M.D.
overuse, such as the end of baseball season. Pitching off of short rest, while fatigued, or while in pain causes a lot of elbow and shoulder problems. “But, in the Paul Novakovich, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery
summer, we see a lot of sprains, strains, pulls, all those sorts of things,” says Dr. Novakovich.
Dr. Novakovich encourages people
to maintain good fitness during any offseason and to begin any activity with
So, if you’re going to get active, try not
to go from the sofa into a full sprint, and summer can be a walk in the park.
active warm-ups (not just stretching). He does say that, sometimes, sports injuries are just a result of bad luck. “In terms of equipment, for instance, there’s no helmet that can prevent a concussion.”
Many injuries he sees occur from
Dr. Novakovich, who earned his Doctor of Medicine from LSU, trained with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Novakovich, call (337) 216-9018.
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Vectra XT: Taking the Guess Work Out of Plastic Surgery
Dreaming of a renewed appearance but not quite
sure if the results of plastic surgery will be what you envisioned?
Vectra XT is used for most procedures
including breast augmentation, breast lifts, body contouring, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, fillers
Dr. Joseph Lupo and Dr. Bennett Boustany
and more. It not only allows you to see what
Fontenot understand the decision to have
procedures you envisioned having done, but
plastic surgery can be both exciting and
allows the surgeon to show you what he
overwhelming. These surgeons
feels will give you optimal results. “Before
have the solution to your before-
this machine, I would talk to patients
and-after surgery concerns -
and ask them ‘What do you want to
Vectra XT.
look like?’” says Dr. Lupo. “Their vision
Advances in 3D photography and
and my interpretation of their vision, you
digital software allow these surgeons
always hope matches, but it can be off. This
to perform pre-procedure consultations from a
eliminates the question of what the results will look
new perspective. Vectra XT allows you to view
like. Having this 3D image allows me to analyze the
what the result of a breast augmentation, facial
patient and develop a more refined plan.”
procedure, liposuction and more will look like
Actual surgical results will be very similar to the
before leaving your consultation.
simulation. “It gives realistic expectations, I don’t think
the machine overdoes it. It is a simulation though, it
“The advanced Vectra XT 3D imaging system provides our
patients with the most complete education possible regarding
does not guarantee a result, but simulates it very well,” says
their plastic surgery procedures,” says Dr. Lupo.
Dr. Lupo.
Vectra XT utilizes six cameras to capture a three dimensional
Once you have decided on a final appearance, you will leave
image of the area you wish to enhance or refine. The cameras
with online access to your virtual model. Seeing your final results
take pictures simultaneously from different angles to build the
before the procedure gives you more confidence walking into
three dimensional virtual model. The entire process takes only
your surgery. Gone are the days of guessing what your new
a few minutes.
appearance could look like.
Your virtual model is displayed on a monitor in the
consultation room, allowing the surgeon to show you the results of different procedures from every angle. You and the surgeon can experiment with different looks until you find the one that matches your desired results.
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To book a free consultation with Dr. Lupo or Dr. Fontenot, call 504-3640. For more information, visit PlasticSurgeryLafayette.com.
EVENTS
Former patient MacKenzie Bourg performed for patients in the Pediatric Unit at LGMC on March 26. MacKenzie’s doctor and nursing staff were present to surprise him. MacKenzie made it to the Final 4 in this season’s American Idol TV Series.
A flag-raising ceremony was held April 1 at Lafayette General Medical Center to kick-off Donate Life Month. Organ recipient Paul Strong and Michelle DeVillier, sister of organ donor Renee Jagneaux, together raised the “Donate Life” flag to fly for the entire month of April at La Place de Vie courtyard.
Lafayette General Foundation held “In Skilled Hands,” an art exhibition and auction, on March 24. Monies raised during the event go to underwrite Foundation activities including the purchase of equipment for the neonatal ICU at LGMC, telemedicine in public schools, cancer screening for women, and much more. In total, just over $23,000 was raised.
Harlem Globetrotter’s #15, Buckets Blake visited patients in the pediatric and oncology units at LGMC. Buckets performed tricks, posed for photos and taught a few patients how to spin a basket ball on their finger.
Lafayette General Health (LGH) celebrated World Health Day April 7. This year the worldwide focus was diabetes. The two most basic things people can do to help control their blood sugar is eat healthy and exercise. To spread awareness, employees wore scrubs with World Health Day stickers to get the conversation started. All LGH Campuses hosted campus walks promoting exercise. Signage was placed throughout each hospital encouraging everyone to drink more water as a way to start eating healthy.
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Stroke: Know the Symptoms
Lafayette General’s Acadiana Stroke Support Group holds FREE meetings for survivors and families the second Tuesday of each month (except December). LGMC’s Owen Auditorium | 3-4 p.m. Call (337) 289-7740 LafayetteGeneral.com/Stroke
-PR OG WN H ENAOLN TH I NO FGIETN, ECROAML M |U NSI PTRY I- N 2 0E 1D6 H E A L T H S Y S T E M 16 A